The German Classics Of The Nineteenth And Twentieth Centuries V
Chapter 20
PRINCE (_alone_).
The future Queen of England! And I--the Hereditary Prince of Ansbach! That was a cruel blow of fate. And I am to mediate these matters of international importance! This angelic being, whom I love more madly with every breath I draw--this exquisite sister of my dear Frederick--is destined to become a victim of political intrigue? Oh no, she cannot possibly love the Prince of Wales; she has never seen him. But will they consult her inclination? Will cold considerations of politics heed the cry of her heart?--The parade is over, the suite is entering the castle; I dare not meet the king now in this excited mood.
[_He looks about as if seeking some means of escape_. EVERSMANN _comes in carrying a large book. He has a pen stuck in behind one ear. He crosses to the door through which the_ QUEEN _has gone out_.]
PRINCE (_aside_).
Who's this?
[EVERSMANN _looks the_ PRINCE _over from head to foot, moves forward a few paces, then halts again_.]
PRINCE (_aside_).
Can any one have seen me?
EVERSMANN (_goes to the door, halts again, looks at the_ PRINCE _impudently_).
PRINCE.
Why are you looking at me, sirrah? I am the Prince Hereditary of Baireuth.
EVERSMANN (_is quite indifferent, comes down a few steps, bows very slightly_).
His Majesty is coming in from the parade, but does not grant audiences in this room.
PRINCE.
I thank you for the information, my good man.
EVERSMANN.
Don't mention it, pray.
PRINCE.
And who are you?
EVERSMANN. I? [_There is along pause_.]
I am Eversmann. [_He goes out into the_ QUEEN's _room_.]
PRINCE.
Eversmann? The Minister of Finance or the Head Steward, I wonder? He betrays parsimony in every shred of his garments. [_Drums and the sound of presented arms is heard back_ _of the rear entrance_.] The King is coming. The King? Why should I feel so timid, so oppressed, all of a sudden? Does my courage fail me because I am about to confront this curiosity of his century? I'd rather observe him from the side at first.
[_He draws back and stands close by the door to the left_.]