Chapter 31

_The_ ELECTOR, _scantily clad, enters from the adjoining chamber, followed by_ COUNT TRUCHSZ, COUNT HOHENZOLLERN, _and_ CAPTAIN VON DER GOLZ. _Pages with lights_.

ELECTOR. Kottwitz? And with the Princess's dragoons? Here in the town?

TRUCHSZ (_opening the window_). Indeed, my sovereign! Drawn up before the Castle, here he is!

ELECTOR. Well? Will you read the riddle, gentlemen? Who called him hither?

HOHENZOLLERN. I know not, my liege.

ELECTOR. The place I set him at is known as Arnstein! Make haste, some one, and go and bring him in.

GOLZ. He will appear forthwith, my sovereign.

ELECTOR. Where is he?

GOLZ. At the City Hall, I hear, Where the entire generality, That bears obedience to your house, is met.

ELECTOR. But why? What is the object?

HOHENZOLLERN. I know not.

TRUCHSZ. My prince and lord, will you vouchsafe that we Likewise betake ourselves a moment thither?

ELECTOR. Whither? The City Hall?

HOHENZOLLERN. The lords' assemblage. We gave our word of honor to appear.

ELECTOR (_after a short pause_). You are dismissed!

GOLZ. Come, follow, gentlemen!

[_The officers go out_.]