Poems
by
George P. Morris
Part 5 out of 6
Well, well, for that I pardon him--
BURGOMASTER.
And he has likewise sinned against the right worshipful the common council.
KING.
The reprobate!--
BURGOMASTER.
It is most veritable, Your Majesty!
KING.
Well, for that terrible and enormous offence, it becomes my solemn duty to make an
example of so abominable a culprit and to punish him in a must exemplary manner.
Therefore--
BURGOMASTER.
Yes, Your Majesty--
KING.
Send him to the Castle of Spandau, to be imprisoned--
BURGOMASTER.
Your Majesty--
KING.
For at least--
BURGOMASTER.
Sire--
KING.
Half an hour (PEASANTRY laugh;)--and afterward he is at liberty to go to the devil
his own way; and the right worshipful the common council may go with him, if they
like!
(Exit BURGOMASTER. As he goes out, shrugging his shoulders, all the PEASANTRY laugh,
until checked by a look from the KING, who crosses the stage to the Grenadiers, and
addresses the CORPORAL, who has his watch-riband suspended.)
KING.
Corporal! (He advances and recovers arms.)
CORPORAL.
Your Majesty!
KING.
I have often noticed you in the field. You are a brave soldier--and a prudent one,
too, to have saved enough from your pay to buy yourself a watch.
HAROLD (aside to CORPORAL.)
You remember what I told you about a hawk's eye.
CORPORAL.
Brave I flatter myself I am; but as to my watch, it is of little signification.
KING (Seizing and pulling out a bullet fastened to the CORPORAL's watch-riband.)
Why, this is not a watch!--It's a bullet!
CORPORAL.
It's the only watch I have, Your Majesty; but I have not worn it entirely out of
vanity--
KING.
What have you worn it for, then? It does not show you the time of day!
CORPORAL.
No; bit it clearly shows me the death I am to die in your Majesty's service.
KING.
Well said, my brave fellow! And, that you may likewise see the hour among the twelve
in which you ARE to die, I will give you my watch. Take it, and wear it for my sake
corporal. (The KING gives the CORPORAL his watch.)
CORPORAL (with emotion.)
It will also teach me that at any moment Your Majesty may command my life.
HAROLD (enthusiastically.)
And the lives of us all. Long live the King!
(Flourish of drums. The KING acknowledges the salute.)
KING (to Grenadiers.)
You, my brave fellows, are my own guards. I can rely upon YOU. There is no want of
discipline here--eh, General? Notwithstanding all my annoyances, I am the happiest
king in Christendom!
CHORUS
(Grenadiers and all the characters)
All hail the king!--Long live the king!
Our hope in peace and war!
With his renown let Prussia ring--
Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!
He is the pillar of the state!
Our sword and buckler he!
Heaven give to Frederick the Great
Eternal victory!
(The GRENADIERS cheer. The OFFICERS close about the KING. Flourish and tableau.
The act-drop descends on the picture.)
End of the First Act.
Act II.
Scene I.
Discovered. The stage represents a large apartment without the usual side-entrances.
On the left hand is a row of long, old-fashioned windows, with painting-screens
so arranged as to let the light fall obliquely on the tables beneath; at which
the FACTORY GIRLS are seated, employed in painting various articles of porcelain.
SOPHIA MANSFIELD is seated at the table nearest the audience. On the right are
separate tables, at which GIRLS are employed mixing and grinding colors. In the
center of the stage is a small platform, on which a number of painted vases, ready
for the oven, are placed. KARL is engaged in examining them. At the rear of the
stage is the entrance to the room--a large open door--on each side of which are
rows of shelves, filled with vases, bowls, plates, jars, mantel ornaments, and
the like, put there to dry. The whole representing the painting-room of the Royal
Porcelain Factory. Through the doors the furnaces are seen, on which the porcelain
is placed to set the colors, and which several WORKMEN are attending. The curtain
rises slowly to the music.
CHORUS.
(German air.)
Home, home, home--
Dear, lost home!
Though here we pine in slavery,
Our hearts are all in Saxony,
Our girlhood's happy home!
Land of the free and bold,
To hopeless bondage sold!
While abject toil and fear
Enchain thy daughters here,
We yearn for thee,
O Saxony!--
For freedom, love, and home!
(The GIRLS attempt to waltz to the music; but, overcome by their feelings, they resume
their tasks.)
SOLO--SOPHIA.
Home, home, home--
Dear, lost home!
Though cares oppress us fearfully,
We exiles carol cheerfully
Of girlhood's happy home!
Beneath our native sky,
The hours went swiftly by;
While on a foreign soil,
Our youth consumes in toil!
We yearn for thee,
O Saxony!--
For freedom, love, and home!
(The GIRLS attempt to waltz, as before, etc.)
CHORUS.
Home, home, home, etc.
(The WORKMEN and the GIRLS resume their tasks.)
(Enter Count LANISKA, ALBERT, and WEDGEWOOD.)
WEDGEWOOD (looking around, and speaking enthusiastically as he enters.)
Admirable, upon my word! Every department better than the last, and this the best
of all! Never saw anything like it. The colors brilliant--the designs exquisitely
classical--"a place for everything, and everything in its place!"
COUNT.
Whatever His Majesty constructs, whether a fortress or a factory, is perfect in all
its details.
WEDGEWOOD.
Yet look around, and read your monarch's history in the eyes of these prisoners of
war. Observe that picture of melancholy (pointing to SOPHIA, who, during the scene,
has been leaning dejectedly on her hand.--KARL standing by her side.) How reluctantly
she pursues her task! Our English manufacturers work in quite another manner, for
they are free!
KARL.
And are free men or free women never indisposed?--or do you Englishmen blame your
king whenever any of his subjects turn pale? The woman at whom you are looking is
evidently ill.
WEDGEWODD.
The fie upon your inhumanity for making a poor, sick girl work when she seems scarcely
able to hold up her head! (Aside.) I don't half like that fellow. Villainously odd.
ALBERT (to SOPHIA.)
My poor girl, what is the matter with you. The overseer says that, since you came
here, you have done nothing worthy of your pencil. Yet this charming piece (pointing
to an ornament on her painting)--which was brought from Saxony is of your design--is
it not?
SOPHIA.
Yes, sir, it was my misfortune to paint it. If the king had never seen or liked it,
I should now be--
ALBERT.
In Saxony; but forget that country, and you may be happy in this.
SOPHIA.
I can not forget it!--I can not forget everybody that I ever loved. Ask not a Saxon
woman to forget her country!
ALBERT.
Whom do you love in Saxony now?
SOPHIA.
Whom do I NOT love in Saxony? I have a brother there, whom I have not seen since
childhood. He was at college when I was carried off from the cottage in which we
both were born. He is ignorant of my fate. (She regards ALBERT with great attention,
and examines his features minutely.)
ALBERT.
Why do you gaze upon me so intently?
SOPHIA.
I know not why, sir; but you seemed even now a dear heart-cherished one, whom I have
wished for long and anxiously.
ALBERT.
Think me that one, and trust me.
SOPHIA.
I will--for there's a cherub nestling in my heart which whispers, "You are here to
save me!" (ALBERT leads her to her task, which she resumes in great dejection of
spirits.)
WEDGEWOOD (to KARL.)
Is that poor girl often thus?
KARL.
She sits as you see her, like one stupefied, half the day.
WEDGEWOOD.
The cause of this--if it is convenient?
KARL.
She has fallen to the lot of a soldier (glancing at SOPHIA)--who swears, if she delays
another day to MARRY HIM, that he will complain to the king.
COUNT (turning furiously upon KARL.)
Wretch! (seizes him.)
KARL (throwing him off.)
This insult will cost you dear! Your scorn for the king's commands--
COUNT (scornfully.)
I had forgotten. (Releases him.) You are a mere instrument in the hands of a tyrant!
KARL (aside.)
That word again!--
SOPHIA (running between them, and throwing herself at the feet of LANISKA.)
Save me! save me! You CAN save me! You are a powerful lord, and can speak to the
king! Save me from this detested marriage.
KARL (aside to SOPHIA.)
Are you mad?
COUNT (raising SOPHIA, who clings to him, and shrinks from KARL.)
I will do so, or perish in the attempt!
KARL (aside.)
Ah! say you so? Then the king shall know HIS enemy and MINE! [Exit.
WEDGEWOOD (noticing KARL go off.)
Whew! There's mischief brewing! If that black-muzzled rascal is not hatching trouble
for us all, I'll never trust my seven senses again! I wonder they permit such a
bear to go at large in a garden like this--he'll root up the flowers as well as
weeds.--Dangerously odd!
(Trumpet sounds without, and a buzz and hum as if of a distant crowd; the noise comes
near the Factory.)
WEDGEWOOD.
What's afoot now, I wonder?
ALBERT.
Some new freak, no doubt, of this eccentric monarch. (Noises.)
WEDGEWOOD (looking out.)
The town is all astir (noise louder)--humming and buzzing like a hive of bees! (Noise,
and distant shouts.) And yonder comes a fussy little burgomaster with a proclamation,
and a crowd of noisy citizens at his heels--odd! [Noise and shouts increase.
(Sophia and the other GIRLS and the WORKMEN leave their occupations, as if anxious
to learn the cause of the uproar. When the buzzing, huzzaing, and noise reach the
Factory, loud sound of the trumpet.)
BURGOMASTER (without.)
Make way there, good people--make way there for the royal herald! (The BURGOMASTER
bustles in with the HERALD--the crowd following and surrounding him--noises.) Stand
back (using his wand)--stand back, you idle, ragged tatterdemalions, and pay all
due reverence to the constituted authorities! (laughter)--for know all men by
these presents (very pompously,) that I represent the king! (laughter.)
WEDGEWOOD.
What a figure for the part! (laughter.)
BURGOMASTER (smartly striking with his wand one who laughs louder than the rest.)
Take that, and let it teach you better manners in future, you scarecrow!--Now draw
near, good people, and be dumb! Lend me all your ears!--
WEDGEWOOD.
You have ears enough already for any two-legged animal--
BURGOMASTER.
While I, by virtue of my office as a magistrate, publish this important document!
(SOPHIA comes forward.)
CITIZEN (eagerly.)
Now for it!
BURGOMASTER (hitting him smartly over the head.)
You will, will you?--Hish! This paper is big with information to the whole realm;
but more especially to the daughters of Saxony. (SOPHIA and the GIRLS of the Factory,
by looks and actions, evince great interest in the reading of the paper.)
BURGOMASTER.
Hish! (To HERALD.) Now proceed in regular order, and according to ancient form and
usage, to read the royal proclamation!--Hish! (Hands paper to HERALD.)
HERALD (reads.)
"By the grace of God, we, Frederick the Second, King of Prussia, hereby make known
that he will give freedom--"
SOPHIA (eagerly aside.)
Freedom? (Listens with anxiety.)
HERALD.
"And a reward of five hundred crowns to the ARTIST who shall produce the most
beautifully designed and highly-finished enameled porcelain vase of Berlin china;
and permit her to marry whomsoever she shall think proper."
SOPHIA (aside and joyfully.)
Her I aright? (The GIRLS of the Factory show great joy at this.)
HERALD.
"The ARTIST's name shall be inscribed upon the vase, which shall be called 'The Prussian
Vase.'"
SOPHIA (aside.)
Oh, happy, happy news!
HERALD.
"Signed at the Sans Souci--
"By the King."
OMNES.
HA-z-z-a-a-h-a-a-a-a! (Amid the shouts and general joy of the GIRLS, the BURGOMASTER
bustles out, using his wand frequently, and speaking all the while; the HERALD
following, and the CITIZENS buzzing and huzzaing as before.) Silence you nondescript
villains!--Silence, I say! You stun me with your uproar! (Loud shout.--Passionately.)
Oh, shut your ugly mugs! (Strikes them.)
WEDGEWOOD.
Mugs! I like that. He's in the crockery-trade, like myself.
SOPHIA (with joy.)
This proclamation has animated me with new life and energy. I feel like one inspired!
COUNT.
What mean you?
SOPHIA.
To become a competitor for the prize.
ALBERT.
You will have many opponents.
SOPHIA.
I heed them not.
WEDGEWOOD.
All will be zeal throughout the manufactory.
SOPHIA.
So much the greater need for my perseverance.
ALBERT.
Some will be excited with the hope of gaining their liberty.
SOPHIA.
Oh, blessed hope!
WEDGEWOOD.
Some stimulated by the crowns.--Not at all odd.--It would be odd if they were not!
SOPHIA.
But none have so strong a motive for exertion as I have.
COUNT (with enthusiasm.)
Nobly resolved! I will assist you with every faculty I possess.
ALBERT (with the same feeling.)
And I!
WEDGEWOOD (with the same.)
And all!--If it is convenient.
SOPHIA (joyfully.)
Then doubt not my success. (Exit LANISKA, ALBERT, and, WEDGEWOOD.) Oh, how my
heart bounds with the thoughts of once more seeing Saxony! Its mountains, torrents,
vineyards, are all before me now! And then our native songs!--They steal into my
heart and melt it.
SONG AND CHORUS.
(German air.)
SOPHIA and FACTORY GIRLS.
Sky, stream, moorland, and mountain,
Tree, cot, spire, and dome,
Breeze, bird, vineyard, and fountain,
Kindred, friends, country, and home!--
Home, home, home, home!--
These are the blessings of home!
(The FACTORY-GIRLS now waltz cheerfully to the music.)
Hope how fondly I cherish,
Dear land, to see thee once more!
O Fate! let me not perish
Far from my own native shore!
Home, home, home, home!--
Saxony, Liberty's home!
(The GIRLS waltz as before, etc.)
Those who freedom inherit,
Bow not to Tyranny's throne;
Then, friends, in a kind spirit,
Judge of my love by your own.
Home, home, home, home!--
The land of the heart is our home!
(They all waltz with great spirit until the scene closes.)
Scene II.
A Street in Berlin. Enter FREDERICK in a cloak--KARL following.
KING.
Those who have the command of motives, and know their power, have also the command
of all that the arts, or what is called a genius for the arts, can produce. The
human mind and human ingenuity are much the same in Italy, England, and Prussia.
Then why should not we have a Prussian as well as a Wedgewood or a Barbarini vase?
We shall see. I do not understand mon metier de roi, if I can not call forth talents
where I know them to exist. (To KARL.) And so the count denounced me for a tyrant,
did he, Karl?
KARL.
He did, Your Majesty.
KING.
He's a mere stripling; and I permit boys and fools to speak of me as they list. But
I am no tyrant, Karl! He might have spared me that. (Musingly.) Tyrant!--
KARL (aside.)
It rankles deeply.
KING (recovering from his meditation.)
Youth and inexperience--to say nothing of love--pshaw!--which is the root of all
folly--shall be his apology this time: but let him beware how he offends again--
KARL (aside.)
It moves him as I intended.
KING.
No, I am no tyrant. I should not be branded with such a title!
KARL (startled.)
Branded, Your Majesty?
KING.
What has happened, Karl? You are as pale as ashes! What mystery is here? I am to
be trusted.
KARL.
Your Majesty was ever kind; and if I might--
KING.
Might! You may. Speak freely to your sovereign--your friend--and tell me what it
is that weighs upon your mind.
SONG--KARL
Dared these lips my sad story impart,
What relief it would give to my heart!
Though the scenes of past years as they rise,
Bring the dews of remorse to my eyes,
Yet, oh hear me, and ever conceal
What in agony now I reveal!--
KING.
Speak freely, Karl--
KARL.
And behold, while I throw off the mask!
Ah, no, no, no, no, no--
I shrink in despair from the task!
In the page of my life there appears
A sad passage that's written in tears!
Could but that be erased, I would give
All the remnant of days I may live:
yet the cause of the cloud on my brow
I have never disclosed until now--
KING.
Say on, Karl--
KARL.
Here behold!--It is branded in flame!
Ah, no, no, no, no, no--
I shrink in despair from my shame! [KARL rushes out.
KING.
There's a mystery about that fellow that I can not understand.--Whom have we here?
Oh, the English traveller who is in such a good humor with my manufactory, and who
has such strange notions respecting me. Good--good!
[Draws his cloak about him and retires.
(Enter WEDGEWOOD.)
WEDGEWOOD.
I begin to perceive that I shall get into some confounded scrape if I stay here much
longer, and so will my young friend Mr. Worrendorf, who has made me his confidant:
but mum's the word! (Seeing the KING, who is in the act of taking snuff.) Ah, use
snuff, my old boy?--Odd!--Thank you for a pinch. (Takes a pinch sans ceremonie, and
without the King's consent. FREDERICK shuts the box angrily. WEDGEWOOD starts back
in astonishment.--Aside.) Wonder who the old-fashioned brown jug can be! I'll take
him by the handle and pour him out, and see what's in him.
KING.
Like the snuff?
WEDGEWOOD.
Yes (snuffs)--it's decent blackguard (snuffs)--quite decent.
KING.
Taste it again.
WEDGEWOOD.
Don't care if I do. (Helps himself.)
KING.
Perhaps you will also do me the favor to accept the box?
WEDGEWOOD (taking the box.)
If it is convenient. What am I to infer from this?
KING.
That you and I cannot take snuff out of the same box. MY box is not large enough
for two.
WEDGEWOOD (astonished.)
You don't say so! "Not large enough for two?" (Looks at the box.) Damn me if
I don't think it large enough for a dozen, unless they took snuff with a shovel!
(Aside.) Who in the name of all that's magnanimous can this old three-cornered
cocked-hatted cockolorum be?
KING.
You were overheard to say but now that you would like to see the king?
WEDGEWOOD.
Overheard? (Aside.) Ah, that's the way they do everything here. A man can't sneeze
without some one of the four winds of heaven reporting it to His Majesty! There is
no such thing as a secret in the whole kingdom! How do the women get along, I wonder?
(To FREDERICK.) "Like to see the king?" Certainly I should.
KING.
That box will procure you an audience. Present it at the palace.
WEDGEWOOD.
Look you here, my jolly old cock, none of your jokes--none of your tricks upon
travellers, if you please. What do you mean?
KING.
That I am appreciated at court.
WEDGEWOOD (aside.)
Oh, there's no standing on this! (To FREDERICK.) Do you intend to say that you
are personally acquainted with Frederick the Great?
KING.
I know him, I believe, better than any subject in his realm. He is my most intimate
friend.
WEDGEWOOD.
Well, then, if that be the case, all that I have to say is, that he is not over and
above nice in his choice of companions.--What an odd old file!
KING (angrily.)
Look you here, Mr. Wedgewood--
WEDGEWOOD.
W-e-d-g-e-w-o-o-d!--
KING.
Yes--I know you well enough. You are an Englishman by birth--a crockery-merchant
by trade--a gentleman from inclination--and an odd sort of character from habit.
Without knowing anything more about it than the man in the moon, you have condemned
the policy of the king, who is aware of all you have said and done since your arrival
in Prussia.
WEDGEWOOD (alarmed.)
Oh, I'll get out of this infernal country as fast as my legs can carry me! The king
is all ears, like a field of corn; and all eyes, like a potato-patch!
KING.
What alarms you?
WEDGEWOOD.
Everything. It's all over with me! I'm an earthen teapot with the spout knocked
off!--Suspiciously odd!
KING.
You, sir, like too many others, are entirely mistaken in the character of Frederick.
You will understand him better when we meet again (going.)
WEDGEWOOD.
But, before you go, pray receive your box again!--(the KING looks at him sternly--
WEDGEWOOD is greatly alarmed)--if--it--is--convenient!
KING.
Not now. When next we confer, remember me.--Farewell! [Exit.
WEDGEWOOD.
Remember you? I think I shall. Once seen, never forgotten. What a deep old screw!
(Enter HAROLD.)
HAROLD.
The king commands your presence at the chateau of the countess.
WEDGEWOOD.
The devil he does! (Looks at the box.) What's here? As I live, the royal arms!
(Conceals the box from HAROLD.) Oh, the thing's plain enough. That fellow has
stolen this box; and for fear of being found out, he has put it off on me! It's
all up!--I've been bamboozled by the nefarious old monster of iniquity! But I'll
after him straight, and have him JUGGED. If I don't, they'll make not bones of
JUGGING me!--If it is convenient. [Exit in a flurry.
HAROLD.
How he trembles! He's frightened out of his senses--Fear? What is it? A word not
to be found in the articles of war--a soldier's only vocabulary!
SONG--HAROLD.
Fiery Mars, thy votary hear!
Weave for me a wreath of glory!
When I rest upon my bier,
Let my memory live in story!
Aid my sword in time of war!
In my country's cause I wield it--
Only with the breath I draw,
Will I to the foeman yield it!
[Exit.
Scene III.
SOPHIA MANSFIELD's apartments in the Porcelain Factory. Enter SOPHIA.
SOPHIA.
'Tis done. My vase is finished, and in the possession of the overseer. How is it
with me? Although my fortunes are suspended by a single thread, an unaccustomed
buoyancy pervades my bosom. Are these emotions precursors of victory, or has the
love of Laniska given me a new existence, and tinged the world once more with hues
of paradise? How new and fresh and strange are all he things here about my heart!
This is his gift--a simple flower! He said it is an emblem of love. It is not so.
Love does not perish thus!--Love can not be a flower.
SONG-SOPHIA.
Ah! Love is not a garden-flower,
That shoots from out the cultured earth;
That needs the sunbeam and the shower,
Before it wakens into birth:
It owns a richer soil and seed,
And woman's heart supplies them both,
Where it will spring, without a weed,
Consummate in its growth.
These leaves will perish when away
From either genial sun or shower;
Not so will wither and decay
Celestial Love's perennial flower.
'Tis our companion countless miles,
Through weal or woe in after years;
And though it flourishes in smiles,
It blooms as fresh in tears!
(Enter FREDERICA.)
FREDERICA.
My dear Sophia, I am overjoyed to learn that you have completed your vase.
SOPHIA.
Thanks, dear madam. Is it true that the works of the different competitors are to
be exhibited at the fete of the countess, and that the decision is to be there made?
FREDERICA.
It is--and the countess insists upon your being present.
SOPHIA.
I am an unknown girl, madam; and if I decline the invitation, I beseech you take it
not amiss.
FREDERICA.
--But I will take it amiss, and so will the count and countess, whose messenger I
am, and who insisted upon my bringing you to the chateau at once.
SOPHIA.
Well, madam, since you will have it so--
FREDERICA.
Oh, you'll be delighted. Only think of the concentrated attractions of "the court,
the camp, the grove!" Oh, they're too much for any mortal woman to withstand!
DUET--SOPHIA and FREDERICA
The king, the princes of the court,
With lords and ladies bright,
Will in their dazzling state resort
To this grand fete to-night:
The merry-hearted and the proud
Will mingle in the glittering crowd,
Who glide with Fashion's sparkling stream
Where one I love will shine supreme!--
La ra la, la ra la, la la la, etc.
The cavaliers of Italy,
The gay gallants of France,
With Spain and England's chivalry,
Will join the merry dance.
The court of Love--the camp of Mars,
Fair Prussian dames, "earth-treading stars,"
To music's strain will float in light,
Where one I love will beam to-night!--
La ra la, la ra la, la la la, etc.
[Exit cheerfully.
Scene IV.
Discovered. Grand Saloon in the Chateau of the COUNTESS LANISKA, arranged for a
Fete. The scene opens with dancing and waltzing by the CHARACTERS, and discovers
the KING and retinue, LORDS and LADIES of the Court, foreign AMBASSADORS and ATTACHES,
the COUNTESS LANISKA, ALBERT, WEDGEWOOD, KARL, GIRLS of the Factory, etc., etc.
The CHARACTERS are variously grouped during the dance; and while all are observing
the KING, who, with KARL at his side, is attentively examining the Vases, which
are placed on stands on one side of the stage, the COUNT LANISKA enters, conducting,
in SOPHIA and FREDERICA. After the dance, the KING speaks.
KING.
The hour has arrived which is to decide the fate of the competitors. (All the
CHARACTERS express by their looks and actions the utmost anxiety as to the result,
and draw near to the KING.)
KARL (to KING.)
The inscription upon this vase is in the handwriting of the Count Laniska.
KING.
'Tis well.
KARL (aside.)
And it is a death-warrant!
KING.
Subjects and children: we have reason to be proud of an art that redounds to the
honor and glory of Prussia. Where all have deserved well, all shall be well remembered.
(The GIRLS of the Factory manifest great joy at these words, and turn to congratulate
each other. SOPHIA and LANISKA stand apart, and watch every action of the KING,
while the other CHARACTERS appear greatly interested in SOPHIA.) This vase, however,
I select from the rest, as the most beautiful of them all. (SOPHIA clasps her hands
in great agitation.) Let this be known to after ages as "THE PRUSSIAN VASE;" and
let the name here inscribed (looks at and points to the name on the vase) be chronicled
throughout these realms. (Takes SOPHIA by the hand.) Sophia Mansfield is the artist
and she is free! (SOPHIA, overcome by her feelings, falls on the bosom of FREDERICA.)
CHORUS.
Victoria! victoria!
The Saxon maid is free--
Victoria! victoria! etc.
SOPHIA.
My heart will break with gratitude!
COUNT.
And mine with joy!
KARL (aside.)
It will be of brief duration.
KING (who has regarded SOPHIA with great interest.)
Let the dance proceed.
(A merry dance and waltz by the CHARACTERS, at the termination of which a tableau
is formed. The utmost merriment and hilarity mark the action of the scene. At the
conclusion of the dance, the KING, who has been occupied in carefully examining the
Vase, wipes it with his handkerchief, which becomes stained with the paint. KARL
draws his attention to the inscription.)
KARL.
Behold, my liege!--
KING.
Ha! What words are these? (Reads.) "To Frederick the Great Tyrant"--Treachery!--
(KARL immediately seizes the Vase, and carries it off, without the inscription being
seen by any but the KING.) Break off the sports!
COUNTESS (greatly astonished.)
What means Your Gracious Majesty?
KING.
(Who has taken out his tablets, and written on them in great haste--does not regard
her, and speaks furiously.)--Let all the doors be closed! Such base ingratitude
shall not go unpunished!--Give over your mirth! Ho! My guards! (Drums immediately
sound.) My guards!
(Presto! Enter HAROLD, CORPORAL, and GRENADIERS, in great haste. The KING hands
HAROLD his orders, and rushes out in a towering passion. Enter WEDGEWOOD. All the
guests are thrown into great confusion. Re-enter KARL.)
HAROLD (promptly.)
Count Laniska, stand forth!
COUNT.
What is your business with me, Harold?
HAROLD.
You are our prisoner.
OMNES.
Prisoner?
KARL (aside.)
Now I triumph!
COUNT.
Under whose orders do you act?
HAROLD.
Those of the king.
OMNES.
The king!
HAROLD.
Sophia Mansfield!
ALBERT.
What of her?
HAROLD.
She must away with us to the castle of Spandau.
SOPHIA.
O Heaven, support me!
COUNT (drawing his sword.)
Touch her at your peril, Harold!
ALBERT.
This is madness! Give me your sword! (Wrests it from him, and give it to HAROLD.)
Of what are they accused?
HAROLD.
Of ingratitude and treason!
OMNES.
Treason!
FINALE.
COUNT.
Treason!
OMNES.
Treason!
COUNT.
It can not be!
Of treason who accuses me?
HAROLD.
The king himself!--These orders read! (Hands paper to COUNT.)
OMNES.
The king himself!
COUNT (looking at the papers.)
'Tis true indeed!
SOPHIA.
Oh, what a fearful change is here!
KARL (aside.)
I triumph now!--my vengeance fear!
(SOPHIA and LANISKA are made prisoners.)
OMNES.
The king's commands let all obey!
COUNT and SOPHIA.
We must obey!
SOPHIA.
Oh, how my trusting heart is grieved!--
COUNT.
Our royal master is deceived!
No traitor I!--My loyal heart
Spurns with disdain so base a part!
SOPHIA.
How vainly Fortune smiled on me!
SOPHIA and COUNT.
Oh, give me death or liberty!
KARL.
Tear them apart!
HAROLD and GRENADIERS.
No more delay!
KARL.
To prison, hence!--
OMNES.
To prison?
HAROLD and GRENADIERS.
Hence!
OMNES.
Away! away!
(As the GUARDS attempt to separate COUNT LANISKA and SOPHIA, great confusion ensues,
and the act-drop descends.)
End of the second act.
Act III.
Scene I.
The stage represents part of the Castle of Spandau, and is arranged as follows: On
the left, is a large rock; above which, in the distance, is the Tower. A large
grated door opens upon a platform, surrounded by iron railing.--COUNT LANISKA is
discovered leaning upon them. On the right, is an arched cell, with part of the
wall jutting from the side, behind which is a secret door. Above this is a fine
view of an open country, and a clear, blue, starlight sky. SOPHIA is seated in
the cell, at a table.--The whole scene is so managed that, while the AUDIENCE
have a full view of everything, the PRISONERS, although they hear, can not see
each other.--Time, near midnight.--The curtain rises slowly to music.
DUET--SOPHIA and COUNT.
SOPHIA.
This gloomy cell is my abode at last;
The sole reward for all my perils past.
'Tis strange that love within the breast should dwell,
When hope, dejected, bids the heart farewell!
COUNT.
What sounds are these? No human form is near,
And yet that well-known voice I faintly hear,
'Twas sure the fancied music of the mind,
Whose breathings mingled with the midnight wind.
BOTH.
Yes!--'Tis lost!--'Tis gone!--Hark! it comes again,
Like distant echoes of a melting strain:
In melody {her/his} spirit floats around!--
That voice!--These walls are vocal with the sound.
I hear its music near me still!--'Tis there!
Sure 'tis some gentle spirit of the air!
(During the duet, the moon has been gradually rising, and the light falls through
the grated windows of the Prison.)
(enter JAILOR, from the Tower, to COUNT LANISKA.)
JAILOR.
Count Laniska--a friend, with an order form the king.
COUNT.
I attend him. [Exit Count LANISKA.
(Jailor closes the iron door over the grated window, locks it, and retires.)
SOPHIA.
'Twas but a dream!--'Tis past, and all is still again!
[The bell in the tower strikes twelve
BRAVURA--SOPHIA
Hark! 'tis the deep-toned midnight bell,
That bids a sad and long farewell
To the departed hour;
How like a dirge its music falls
Within these cold and dreary walls,
Where stern misfortunes lower!
Ah! vainly through these prison-bars
Glide the pale beams of moon and stars,
To cheer this lonely tower;
From evening's close to dawn of day,
Hope's star sheds not a single ray
To light the solemn hour!
Alas! what pangs must guilt conceal,
When innocence like mine can feel
So crushed in such an hour!
I know not whether love be crime--
But if it is, in every clime
'Tis woman's fatal dower!
I can find no clew to this most cruel treachery.
What fiend in human shape has plotted my destruction? (Sound of chains--prison-door
is unlocked.) Ah! Karl here!
(Enter KARL, who secures the door through which he came in. He takes a position on
the opposite side of the stage, and regards SOPHIA attentively.)
KARL.
Well, Sophia, we meet at last where we can confer without the possibility of
interruption. I came to save you.
SOPHIA.
My life would not be worth preserving, owing anything to you.
KARL.
Subdue this unavailing anger, and listen to your friend.
SOPHIA.
Not to you. The enmity of such a man is a tribute paid to honesty. Friend!
(scornfully.)
KARL.
I came to give you liberty.
SOPHIA.
How?
KARL.
By flight.
SOPHIA.
Where?
KARL.
To Saxony.
SOPHIA.
With whom!
KARL.
The only one who loves you.
SOPHIA.
Name him.
KARL.
Behold him at your feet!
SOPHIA.
What mockery is this? Mark me, Karl: I am a weak, friendless, unprotected girl.
If your sex is strong, mine is resolute. Abandon your present designs--give up this
useless suit, and cease to persecute the innocent.
KARL.
I have heard you! Now listen to me. You are my destiny.
SOPHIA.
Wretch!
KARL.
I can not and I will not live without you. To secure, if not your love, at least
the possession of your person, I have periled everything. You are mine by right,
and I will have my own.
SOPHIA.
Yours by right!--
KARL.
Yes.
SOPHIA.
What right?
KARL.
The king gave you to me.
SOPHIA.
I was not his to give.
KARL.
You were his bondwoman.
SOPHIA.
And his bondwoman spurned you, as she ought!
KARL.
With scorn you did!--I have not forgotten it.
SOPHIA.
And does so now again.
KARL.
You love another!
SOPHIA.
I'll not deny it.
KARL.
Torture! (Draws his dagger.)
SOPHIA (greatly terrified.)
Karl, you would not stain this prison-floor with blood!
KARL.
I would, to strike my rival's heart through yours!--But words make the blow unnecessary.
(Puts up his dagger.) Hear me, Sophia. Till I saw you, I never felt the pangs of
love!--I never shed a tear! From manhood's early dawn, my savage nature could not
brook reproof; nor friend nor foe had power over me. Your smile alone subdued this
callous heart. Sophia, save me!--Save a repentant, wretched man!
SONG--KARL.
(German air.)
Once, mild and gentle was my heart!
My youth from guile was free!
But when love's bonds were torn apart,
What joy had life for me?
No words, no threats could daunt my soul,
My reckless spirit spurned control
Till swayed by smiles from thee!
A wanderer o'er the desert sand,
And outcast on the sea,
An exile from my native land--
What's all the world to me?
Each friend misfortune proved a foe:
I scorned the high--despised the low--
Till swayed by smiles from thee!
(At he conclusion of the song, enter, by the secret door, HAROLD, with a carbine,
conducting in ALBERT and WEDGEWOOD stealthily.)
HAROLD (aside.)
I knew that I was right.
ALBERT (aside.)
Silence--on your lives!
WEDGEWOOD (aside.)
If it is convenient! [They conceal themselves.
SOPHIA.
It is in vain!
KARL.
Then you must away with me this very night, this very hour, or perish here! (KARL
advances and takes her by the wrist. ALBERT keeps WEDGEWOOD and HAROLD off.)
SOPHIA.
Villain, forbear! Oh, help me, Heaven!
KARL (drawing his dagger.)
You call in vain! Your doom is sealed!--Die! (As he is about to stab SOPHIA, WEDGEWOOD
seizes his arm.)
WEDGEWOOD.
You lie, you infernal scoundrel!
KARL.
Ha! betrayed!--Have at you, then! (A struggle ensues between KARL and WEDGEWOOD, in
which the former is overcome, and thrown upon the ground. SOPHIA rushes into ALBERT's
arms in great agitation. HAROLD advances to the center of the stage, and aims his
carbine at KARL. At the same moment, WEDGEWOOD, who has had a desperate struggle
with KARL, exclaims--)
WEDGEWOOD
Your dagger! your dagger! (Wrests it from him.) Now yield, or die!--(Rises, places
his foot upon KARL, and holds the dagger up)--If it is convenient!
(Tableau.--Scene closes.)
[Exit.
Scene II.
Another cell in the Castle of Spandau.--Enter COUNT LANISKA and JAILOR.
JAILOR.
Count Laniska, you bear the king's commission, although a prisoner; therefore, while
I leave you to examine these papers (hands papers,) received from Mr. Worrendorf,
I rely upon your honor not to attempt to escape.
COUNT.
Your confidence is not misplaced, believe me. [Exit JAILOR.]--(Looks at papers.)
My friend is unwearied in my cause. But I am a soldier, and have ever held my life
at the disposal of the king. If Sophia were free and happy, I could look upon death
with an undaunted spirit. (Puts up papers.) How like an angel she appeared when
last I gazed upon her heavenly face--now glistening with the tear, now radiant with
the smile of beauty!
SONG--LANISKA.
The gentle bird on yonder spray,
That sings its little life away;
The rose-bud bursting into flower,
And glittering in the sun and shower;
The cherry-blossom on the tree--
Are emblematic all of thee.
Yon moon that sways the vassal streams,
Like thee in modest beauty beams;
So shines the diamond of the mine,
And the rock-crystal of the brine;
The gems of heaven, the earth and sea,
Are blended, all, dear maid, in thee!
[Exit
Scene III.
An Apartment in the Gallery of Paintings at Sans Souci. Enter ALBERT and WEDGEWOOD
in haste, meeting the COUNTESS LANISKA.
ALBERT.
Have you seen the king?
COUNTESS.
His Majesty has not yet appeared.
WEDGEWOOD.
A crate of mouldy straw for your warlike government! (Snaps his fingers.) That
for your soldier-like system of doing business! I wouldn't give a broken basin
for it! Why, the commanding officer has only to say, "Hang me up that tall fellow
like a scarecrow," and up he goes--tzck!--or, "Give me that short chap the
cat-o'-nine-tails," and, whack, he has it--or, "Shoot me yonder half-dozen specimens
of humanity," and bang, 'tis done!
(Enter FREDERICK, followed by HAROLD, unperceived, at the back of the stage.)
ALBERT.
If the king would but listen to reason--
WEDGEWOOD.
Ay, but he won't! I never saw such a resolute old curmudgeon; and then he's so proud,
too! He's like a hard-baked stone jar--he won't bend anyhow. I know why he gave
me his snuff-box: it was because I happened to help myself to a pinch out of the
dirty old trumpery! If he, or you, or all of you, by any chance happened to live
in England, or any other civilized country, this poor count, and the girl too, would
have an impartial hearing before they were condemned.
COUNTESS.
But under this government we have blessings unknown to yours--
WEDGEWOOD.
But me no buts, madam! Give me the blessings of living under a government where no
man can be condemned without a fair trail by jury, madam. To you Prussians, this
is a matter of favor; but to us Englishmen, it is a matter of right!
COUNTESS.
Would to Heaven that my son and this poor girl could have such a trial!--
ALBERT.
And would to Heaven I might plead their cause!
(The KING, who has paid great attention to their conversation, walks down the stage,
and suddenly stands in the midst of them. They all start, and fall back.)
KING.
On one condition you shall--
OMNES.
The king!
KING.
On one condition, young man, your prayer shall be granted.
ALBERT.
Name it, sire--
KING.
If you fail to convince the judges of their innocence, that you shall share their
punishment. Do you agree?
ALBERT.
I do, and set my life upon the issue.
KING.
Your life shall answer for it if you fail. (To HAROLD.) Give orders that the hall
of the castle be immediately prepared for the trial. Use dispatch, Harold! [Exit
HAROLD.] (To the COUNTESS.) You, madam, I believe to be wholly ignorant of your
son's treachery.
COUNTESS.
If he be guilty--
KING (sarcastically.)
IF he be guilty, madam?
COUNTESS.
Yes, sire; if he has forgotten what Your Majesty has done for Poland, he is no son
of mine!
KING.
I shall spare you all the reflections I have made on the subject, madam. Tyrant as
I am, I shall not punish the innocent mother for the guilty son. But perhaps this
gentleman [ALBERT] and you [WEDGEWOOD] recommended trial--
WEDGEWOOD.
Trial by jury! Your Majesty has said it! There's freedom in the very words!
KING.
How is it to be managed?
WEDGEWOOD.
Managed, Your Majesty? Why, according to law and justice.
KING.
Good!
WEDGEWOOD.
Twelve honest, upright, free, and independent men are empanelled to hear the case--
KING.
Good again!
WEDGEWOOD.
All the witnesses are examined, and all the testimony fairly summed up by learned
counsel!
KING.
Excellent!
WEDGEWOOD.
Then the grave expounders of the law--the judges--charge the jury, who, upon their
oaths, return a verdict--
KING.
A glorious institution!
WEDGEWOOD.
The shield and protection of the rights of man--the bulwark of civil and religious
liberty--and the admiration of the whole civilized world! Democratically odd!
KING.
Well--well--well--so justice be done, I care not for the means.
WEDGEWOOD.
By jingo, he genuine porcelain! It's all right--fair, square, and above board--a
clear field and no favor!
(Enter HAROLD.)
HAROLD.
Everything is in preparation. The judges are proceeding to their seats; the jury
will soon be sworn, and the prisoners arraigned at the bar--
WEDGEWOOD (to HAROLD.)
Who's the crier of the court?
HAROLD.
That office is not yet filled. [Exit.
WEDGEWOOD.
That won't do--Illegally odd!
KING.
Perhaps, Mr. Wedgewood, you would like the appointment yourself?
WEDGEWOOD.
If it is convenient.
KING.
I confer it upon you.
WEDGEWOOD.
Thank Your Majesty. By Jove, we're sailing with wind and tide--a smooth sea below
and a clear sky above us!
KING.
Well, gentlemen, I wish you a prosperous voyage; but take care that you do not run
your vessel upon the rocks of litigation, and founder among the quicksands of the
law.
WEDGEWOOD.
No danger, Your Majesty, with such a pilot! [ALBERT.]--(Sudden and loud shouts and
confused noise without. Drums beat to arms.) What is the meaning of all this
commotion?
(Enter HAROLD, in haste.)
KING.
Out with it, Harold!
HAROLD.
The rumor of the treachery and ingratitude of the prisoners has spread like wildfire
throughout the city--
KING.
Well!--
HAROLD.
The populace are in a ferment at the indignity offered to our beloved monarch, and
demand the instant execution of the prisoners.
KING.
Well, well; say on.
HAROLD.
The multitude crowd every avenue to the palace, and the chateau of the countess; and
the royal guards are under arms to preserve the public peace.
KING.
So, so, so, so--
COUNTESS.
O Heaven! what will become of us?
KING (proudly.)
Have you not the king's protection? I will appear among my children, who are so
apprehensive about my safety, that they sometimes forget themselves, and become a
little unruly. They will be satisfied when they hear and see their father. (Seeing
the COUNTESS look dejected.) Do not droop madam; your GUILTY SON shall have a fair
and impartial trial. (Taking her hand--To ALBERT sternly.) Look to it, sir; for
if you fail, you know what follows! (Exit FREDERICK and COUNTESS--Immense cheering
and beating of drums without.)
WEDGEWOOD.
Bravo! He's a trump.--Bless me! a popular commotion!--No matter--I am crier of the
court! Let me catch any of the little boys making a noise in the halls of
justice--that's all! I'll make the king himself mind his P's and Q's, if he dares
to interfere with OUR grave deliberations! I will act as becomes my station. His
Majesty has a jewel in me, and I'll convince him that authority in my hands is a
knock-down argument--so-fist-ically odd!
SONG--WEDGEWOOD.
That law's the perfection of reason,
No one in his senses denies;
Yet here is a trial for treason
Will puzzle the wigs of the wise.
The lawyers who bring on the action
On one single point will agree,
Though proved to their own satisfaction
That tweedle-dum's NOT tweedle-dee!
To settle disputes, in a fury
The sword from the scabbard we draw;
But reason appeals to a jury,
And settles--according to law.
Then hey for the woolsack!--for never
Without it can nations be free;
But trial by jury for ever!
And for tyranny--fiddle-de-dee!
[Exit.
Scene the last.
Discovered. The whole stage is thrown open, and represents the Hall of the Palace
at Potsdam, arranged as a court-room. On a carpeted platform is the royal seat
of state, occupied by three JUDGES. On the right and left of them are cushioned
seats for the KING and his retinue, and OFFICERS of state. In front of the
judgement-seat is a large center-table, on which are various law-books and the
Prussian Vase. Around the table are suitable places for the ADVOCATES in the
cause. On each side are elevated benches, occupied by the GIRLS of the Factory,
behind whom are stationed platoons of the ROYAL GUARDS. At the end of the benches
on the right is the jury-box, with twelve JURORS, and the desk of the CRIER, on
which is a small mallet. Around the whole stage is a large gallery, crowded
with the CITIZENS of Potsdam.--The entire scene is intended to represent an English
Criminal Court of Law of the olden time, in full costume, with scarlet robes,
ermine gowns, etc.--The following CHARACTERS are discovered in their respective
places: BARON ALTENBERG, the ATTORNEY-GENERAL and ADVOCATE for the crown; the
WORKMEN of the Factory, as WITNESSES; the JAILOR, HANS, GERTRUDE, HAROLD, and
CORPORAL; COUNT LANISKA, guarded, attended by the COUNTESS and FREDERICA; SOPHIA
MANSFIELD, guarded, and attended by Factory-GIRLS; ALBERT, as ADVOCATE for the
PRISONERS, and WEDGEWOOD, as CRIER of the Court; OFFICERS of state, LADIES of
the Court, PORTERS of the Hall, and the KING.--This scene is accompanied by the
ORCHESTRA.--Music as the scene opens--
CHORUS.
With mercy let justice
To mortals be given,
For Justice and Mercy
Are twin-born in heaven!
(As BARON ALTENBERG rises, WEDGEWOOD says, in a subdued tone of voice, and very
respectfully.)
WEDGEWOOD.
Silence in the court!
ALTENBERG.
May it please your lordships, these facts are not denied: the inscription in the
handwriting of the count; his free access to the factory; his frequent use of the
word TYRANT when speaking of the king; his earnest interest in the Saxon maid;
her love for the count, and her opposition to the will of our most gracious sovereign
for allotting her to the overseer as his bride: and they all unite in establishing
their crime, the punishment of which is DEATH. Had not His Majesty chanced to wipe
off, with his own handkerchief, the blue paint which concealed the word TYRANT, the
vase would have been sent to Paris, the king and people disgraced, and the criminals
safe in Saxony. Yes, gentlemen (to the JURY,) this splendid ornament, which is to
be known to all future ages as "The Prussian Vase," is defaced with the treasonable
inscription--"To Frederick the Great Tyrant."
KING (rising in excitement, and forgetting himself.)
Yes, soldiers and subjects, friends and children, this word is applied to ME--to
your FATHER--by these base ingrates here!--
CHORUS
Shame, shame, shame!
Long live the king! etc.
WEDGEWOOD (in a commanding tone, and striking the desk with his mallet.)
Silence in the court, or I'll put you in the stocks, juvenile delinquents and all!
What an odd people!
KING.
I beg the indulgence of your lordships for my infirmities of temper. Let the cause
proceed. (Takes his seat.)
JUDGE.
The case for the crown, gentlemen, is fully before you, and is submitted in the
confidence that you will discharge your duty faithfully.
KING (again forgetting himself.)
Ay, discharge your duty faithfully!
WEDGEWOOD (with great authority rapping on the desk.)
Silence in the court, Your Majesty!
JUDGE.
Let the counsel for the prisoners now proceed.
ALBERT.
Place Karl in the witness-box.
(Enter KARL and HAROLD.)
SOLO and CHORUS.
KARL.
What outrage more, at whose command
Am I thus shackled and restrained?--
What mockery's this? In this free land
The subject's rights should be maintained.
CHORUS.
The traitor braves the king's command!
KARL.
Those whom the lion would ensnare,
Should of his reckless fangs beware!
The forest-monarch, held at bay,
Will turn and spring upon his prey!
CHORUS.
Thus bold will guilt full oft appear!--
The sword of Justice let HIM fear!
WEDGEWOOD (as KARL is placed in the witness-box.)
Silence in the court!
CHORUS.
With mercy let justice
To mortals be given;
For Mercy and Justice
Are twin-borne of heaven.
KARL.
Why am I summoned here against my will?
ALBERT.
You are here to answer, not to question, sirrah!
KARL.
By what authority do YOU command my answers? In these realms the king alone commands.
KING (again forgetting himself.)
That's true--that's very true--the king alone commands--
WEDGEWOOD (shaking his mallet at the KING.)
What, Your Majesty--you will--will you?
KING.
Oh, I have forgotten myself again! (Takes his seat.) Confound the fellow!
KARL (aside.)
The king here? Then I have one friend at least on whom I may rely. (To KING.)
Shall I--may I speak freely?
KING.
The king has no authority now. (Pointing to the jury-box.) There are the sovereigns
of the people, and to them you must appeal. (Aside.) What a situation for a monarch!
ALBERT (to KARL.)
You know yon Saxon maid and the Count Laniska?
KARL.
I do, and HATE the count!
ALBERT.
Wherefore?
KARL.
He has thwarted my designs!--No, no, I mean not THAT! I mean that I hate him because
he plotted treason against the king, and wrote "Tyrant" upon the vase.
ALBERT.
Did he write it?
KARL.
He did--these eyes beheld him.
COUNT (aside.)
The perjured caitiff!
SOPHIA.
O Heaven, have mercy upon us!
COUNTESS.
They are lost!
(COUNTESS leans on FREDERICA. The KING beckons to HAROLD, who goes to him. They
engage in earnest conversation, occasionally pointing to KARL. HAROLD is supposed
to be informing him of the arrest of KARL in SOPHIA's cell. KARL leaves the
witness-box, and is about to retire, but is stopped by HAROLD.)
ALBERT.
Call the German inn-keeper to the stand. [HANS is placed in the box.
KARL (aside.)
I tremble with apprehension!
ALBERT (to HANS.)
You deal in colors--do you not?
HANS.
Yaw, mynherr.
ALBERT.
Have you sold any in Berlin lately?
HANS.
Yaw, mynheer; I sold some of der Prussian blue to der Hungarian overseer of der factory,
who gave me monish to say notting about it. He tried der quality upon dis little
scrap of baper, vich he forgot, and vich I kept, mit der intention of giving him
back ven I saw him again. It is scrawled all over mit der word "Tyrant."
KARL (forgetting himself.)
That paper's mine--give it me!
WEDGEWOOD (instantly snatching the paper and holding it up, exclaims in a loud tone)
It's not convenient! (Hands the paper to ALBERT, who reads it to the JUDGES.)
ALBERT.
An attempt to imitate the handwriting of the count. Compare it with the word upon
the vase.
JUDGE.
It is the same!
CHORUS.
Huzza! huzza! etc.
WEDGEWOOD (forgetting himself, after the chorus has finished, shouts at the top of
his voice,) Huzza!--(which the KING observing, rises to call him to order; when
WEDGEWOOD, noticing the KING, places his hand upon his own mouth; and looking round,
and holding his mallet in a threatening manner over KARL, who is silent by way of
excusing his mistake, says)--But silence in the court! (The KING, shaking his finger
at WEDGEWOOD, takes his seat; HANS leaves the box.)
ALBERT.
Place that workman on the stand. (It is done.) Did you ever see this vase before?
WORKMAN.
Yes, sir.
ALBERT.
Where?
WORKMAN.
I saw Karl receive it for the furnace, and I saw him marking upon it with a sharp
instrument, which he suddenly hid in his bosom. (KARL feels for his dagger, and
half draws it, looking at SOPHIA ferociously. SOPHIA observes him narrowly, and
with great apprehension.)
ALBERT.
Who took the vase from the furnace?
WORKMAN.
Karl.
ALBERT.
Who had possession of it afterward?
WORKMAN.
Karl.
ALBERT.
Who pointed out the word "Tyrant" to the king at the fete of the countess?
KING (rising with great emotion, and entirely forgetting himself.)
Karl!
ALBERT.
Who has misled, blinded, and deceived the king?
KING (with great emotion.)
Traitorous, fiendlike Karl!
KARL (aloud.)
I am stunned with horror!
KING (leaving his seat and coming down in great haste--WEDGEWOOD raises his hammer.)
By your leave, Mr. Wedgewood.
CHORUS (as the KING descends.)
Long live the king! etc.
(the KING takes his station in the center of the stage, and lifts his hat.)
KING.
If the court please--
WEDGEWOOD (aside.)
Bravo! His Majesty is becoming a principal witness! (In a subdued tone of voice.)
Silence in the court!--The king speaks!
KING (rapidly.)
I see it all! The case is clear. Karl had my permission to espouse Sophia. She
refused him. Laniska loved her. Karl hated him, and planned her destruction; visited
her in prison; tried to force her to fly the country with him; she refused, and he
would have slain her, had not Mr. Wedgewood, the Advocate, and Harold--who has just
told me all--struck him to the ground. Karl plotted this mischief--Karl bought the
paint--Karl wrote the word--and Karl shall DIE!
KARL (draws his dagger.)
But not unavenged! (He darts toward SOPHIA, and makes an attempt to stab her. SOPHIA
shrieks, and runs to LANISKA. All the CHARACTERS rise, greatly excited, and watch
the scene with deep interest. The GUARDS present their pikes to the breast of KARL,
who is seized by HAROLD and CORPORAL--in the brief struggle with whom, KARL's
shirt-sleeve is torn open, and the felon's brand is discovered on his arm. To this
ALBERT points in triumph--Tableau.--The whole action is instantaneous.)
HAROLD (with great eagerness.)
Behold, my liege, the felon's brand! (Presto!--all start with astonishment.)
CHORUS.
Now, who's the traitor?
[The JURYMEN rise.
QUITETTE and CHORUS.
KARL.
The javelin from an unseen hand
Was sent that laid me low!--
Behold exposed the felon's brand
Unto my mortal foe!
CHORUS.
Who's now the traitor? etc.
JUDGE (promptly.)
What say the jury?
FOREMAN (promptly.)
The prisoners are innocent! (Presto!--all start with joy.)
CHORUS.
The prisoners are innocent! etc.
(Some of the CHARACTERS clasp their hands--others embrace. SOPHIA and LANISKA
turn to ALBERT, and the COUNTESS and FREDERICA to the KING, in gratitude.)
KARL.
Oh, rage and fury! (KARL is secured by HAROLD and CORPORAL.)
CHORUS.
Rejoice! our loyal hearts we bring
As free-will offerings to the king!
SOLO--SOPHIA and KING.
Oh, let me to thy ermine cling.
In gratitude, (kneels,) God bless the king!
CHORUS.
God save the king!
Long live the king! etc.
(The WORKMEN and GIRLS of the Factory, ADVOCATES, OFFICERS, SOLDIERS, LADIES, and
GENTLEMEN, SPECTATORS, and all the CHARACTERS on the stage, indicate by appropriate
and spontaneous action the deep and intense interest they take in the verdict.--KARL
gasps and faints, and is supported by HAROLD and CORPORAL.--WEDGEWOOD notices the
tableau with great self-complacency--[The whole action is simultaneous]--KARL is
borne off by HAROLD and CORPORAL. All the CHARACTERS then turn, and by looks and
actions congratulate each other, and the scene instantly becomes one of general joy.)
KING.
This court is now dissolved. (The principal CHARACTERS leave their stations; and all
the PARTIES, except the JUDGES and those in the gallery, come upon the stage.--To
the JUDGES.) Your lordships must pardon all irregularities. This is the first
trial by jury that ever took place in Prussia. Hereafter, no human power shall
interrupt your grave deliberations. (To COUNT LANISKA.) Count Laniska, I took
your sword from you this morning: I here present you mine. (COUNT kneels, and
receives it.)
COUNT.
This, with my life, I dedicate to Your Majesty's service!
KING (to ALBERT.)
As for you, sir, the sword, is not your weapon. (HAROLD advances with a golden pen
upon a velvet cushion. ALBERT kneels.) Receive this emblem of far greater power
than all the implements of war, and wield it for the benefit of mankind. Rise, Baron--
ALBERT.
Mansfield, Your Majesty--
KING (with surprise.)
Mansfield?
SOPHIA.
My heart was not deceived! My long-lost brother!
ALBERT (ALBERT and SOPHIA rush into each other's arms.)
My dear, dear sister!
KING (looking at them.)
So, so, so! Oh, what an old fool I have been! (Looking around.) Come hither, Sophia.
(She advances; the KING takes her hand.) I owe you some amends for your long and
patient suffering on my account (taking the COUNT's hand)--and thus I make them.
(SOPHIA and LANISKA join hands joyfully.) How well the criminals understand each
other! (Rubbing his hands, and walking joyfully about the stage.) Ah, Mr. Wedgewood,
I don't care if I take a pinch of snuff out of that same box I gave you the other
day.
WEDGEWOOD (presenting box.)
Your Majesty has added to its value a diamond worth all the rest, in finding it is
large enough for two of us.
KING.
Good! (Notices FREDERICA.) What! Frederica, my fair namesake and little
god-daughter--in the dumps? (Looking at ALBERT.) Oh, I understand. (To COUNTESS.)
By your leave madam. (Hands FREDERICA to ALBERT.) You perceive, Mr. Wedgewood, that
I have a large family to look after and provide for; but I am a happy father, sir--mine
are good children, very good children! I wish I had more like these.
WEDGEWOOD (significantly.)
If Your Majesty goes on in this way, there'll be plenty more--IN TIME.
KING.
All are now satisfied--at least I hope all are so here. (To the audience.) If, as
a king, I may, on another occasion, command an audience--
WEDGEWOOD (forgetting himself, lifting his mallet and flourishing it like an
auctioneer.)
Going! (Recollecting himself.)--I mean--(slowly and with gravity)--s-i-l-e-n-c-e i-n
t-h-e c-o-u-r-t! (meaning the audience.)
KING.
These witnesses will, I am sure, attend the next trial of The Maid of Saxony--
WEDGEWOOD.
If it is convenient.
FINALE.
Our hearts are bounding with delight!
'Tis Freedom's jubilee!
For right has triumphed over might--
The bond again are free!
Hurrah!--hurrah!
Let the welkin ring
To Justice and Liberty
Paeans we sing!
(Tableau--Curtain falls.)
End of the Maid of Saxony.
Notes.
The Deserted Bride (page 51.)
This poem was written after seeing Miss Fanny Kemble, for the first time, in one
scene of "The Hunchback."
The Croton Ode (page 57.)
Written at the request of the Corporation of the city of New York, and sung near the
Park Fountain by the members of the New York Sacred Music Society, on the completion
of the Croton Aqueduct, October, 14, 1842.
Woodman, Spare That Tree! (page 64.)
Riding out of town a few days since, in company with a friend, who was once the
expectant heir of the largest estate in America, but over whose worldly prospects
a blight has recently come, he invited me to turn down a little romantic woodland
pass not far from Bloomingdale. "Your object?" inquired I. "Merely to look once
more at an old tree planted by my grandfather, near a cottage that was once my
father's."--"The place is yours, then?" said I. "No, my poor mother sold it;" and
I observed a slight quiver of the lip, at the recollection of that circumstance.
"Dear mother!" resumed my companion, "we passed many happy, HAPPY days, in that old
cottage; but it is nothing to me now--father, mother, sisters, cottage--all are
gone!"--and a paleness over-spread his fine countenance, and a moisture came to his
eyes, as he spoke. After a moment's pause, he added: "Don't think me foolish. I
don't know how it is, I never ride out but I turn down this lane to look at that
old tree. I have a thousand recollections about it, and I always greet it as a familiar
and well-remembered friend. In the by-gone summer-time it was a friend indeed.
Under its branches I often listened to the good counsel of my parents, and had
SUCH gambols with my sisters! Its leaves are all off now, so you won't see it to
advantage, for it is a glorious old fellow in summer; but I like it full as well in
winter-time." These words were scarcely uttered, when my companion cried out, "There
it is?" Near the tree stood an old man, with his coat off, sharpening an ax. He
was the occupant of the cottage. "What do you intend doing?" asked my friend with
Back to Full Books
|