Chapter 33

FIELD-MARSHAL DÖRFLING _enters. The others as before._

DÖRFLING. Rebellion, my Elector!

ELECTOR (_still occupied with his clothes_). Calm yourself! You know that I detest to have my room Without a warning word, invaded thus. What do you want?

MARSHAL. Forgive me! An affair Of special consequence has brought me hither. Unordered, Colonel Kottwitz moved his force Into the city; hundred officers Are gathered round him in the armor-hall. From hand to hand a paper passes round That purposes encroachment on your rights.

ELECTOR. I am informed of it. What can it be Except a ferment friendly to the Prince On whom the law has laid the sentence, death?

MARSHAL. 'Tis so, by God on high! You struck it right!

ELECTOR. Well, then, and good. My heart is in their midst.

MARSHAL. The rumor goes the maniacs intend This very night to hand you their petition Here in the Castle; and should you persist In carrying out, irreconcilably, The sentence--scarce I dare to bring you this!-- To liberate him from his bonds by force!

ELECTOR (_sombrely_). Come now, who told you that?

MARSHAL. Who told me that? The lady Retzow, cousin of my wife, Whom you may trust. She spent this evening In Bailiff Retzow's, in her uncle's house, And heard some officers who came from camp Brazenly utter this audacious plan.

ELECTOR. A man must tell me that ere I'll believe it. I'll set this boot of mine before his house To keep him safe from these young heroes' hands!

MARSHAL. My lord, I beg you, if it be your will, To grant the Prince his pardon after all: Fulfil it ere an odious deed be done. You know that every army loves its hero. Let not this spark which kindles in it now Spread out and wax a wild consuming fire. Nor Kottwitz nor the crowd he has convened Are yet aware my faithful word has warned you. Ere he appears, send back the Prince's sword, Send it, as, after all, he has deserved. One piece of chivalry the more you give To history, and one misdeed the less.

ELECTOR. Concerning that I'd have to ask the Prince, Who was not idly made a prisoner, As you may know, nor idly may be freed.-- I'll see the gentlemen when they arrive.

MARSHAL (_to himself_). Curse it! His armor's proof to every dart.