PS 635 Vo Princes of Baden, .29 W319 Hi —OR,— Copy 1 . NEW YEAR'S EVE PS hZS ^Z 9 W 3 I 3 AND WHAT CAME OF IT. AN ORIGINAL DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS— WITH A PROLOGUE. NAPOLEON 'G. WASHINGTON, Es^. "The frigid and unfeeling thrive the best; And a warm heart in this cold world is like A beacon light, wasting its feeble flame Upon the wintry deep that feels it not." Entered according to Act of Congress in the year i88o, by T.W. Burd, in the office of Libra rian of Congress at Washington. New York : PHIL. COWEN, PRINTER, 498-500 Third Ave. 1880. The Two Princes of Baden, -OR A NEW year's eve. AND WHAT CAME OF IT AN ORIGINAL DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS— WITH A PROLOGUE. BY- HAPOLEOii ■(,. WASHINGTOH Es). ^^ *' The frigid and unfeeling thrive the best j Aud a warm heart in this cold world is like A beacon light, wasting its feeble flame Upon the wintry deep that feels it not." Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1880, by T. W. Burd, in the office of Libra rian of Congress at Washington. New York : PHIL. COWEN, PRINTER, +98-500 Third Ave., 1 To MY Dear Father — Sister and Brother; IN HeaVEI And my Darling Mother on Earth I Lovingly Dedicate This Work. PRINTER'S PREFACE. In preparing the work of Napoleon 'G. Washington for press, we have been struck with the manner in which he has woven the scheme and shaped the plot of the play- There is no common grouping together of characters and scenes. The work is begun boldly and grandly, and finished in the same lofty fashion. The effort IS filled wirh sparkling wit. It is equally balanced between the sombre and the merry. Besides, everything has been so precisely explained by the Author, that there's nothing left either for the stage manager or the actor to do but to go ahead and follow instruction?. A part of ihe plot of the play was taken from " The Watchman," a Ger- man tale; and so rigidly has the author held to it (when forming that part which embraces this section), that to a careless reader it might appear that some of the colloquial parts had been utilized; yet comparison would plainly shew that this s not the case. There might be such a thing as a similarity between some few verses (in the above-mentioned section) — mere connecting points. But we do not see it. Yet, if it be so,it matters not a trifle,as such as this is of no material consequence. We have said that part of the plot was founded on a GermBn tale, but upon further investigation we almost feel this an incorrect statement ; for to speak frankly, the author has handled so neatly the story, blended so elegantly the ori- ginal with the meagre old plot^ thatwe deem it our duty to say that the plot is almos: as original as the beautiful language this noble uork contains — language that would do honor to a Bulwer, a Macaulay, or a Gov. Henry. Great Britain boasts a Shakespeare, France a Moliere, And we hope America will rejoice In a Washington ? 'Tis true, she already rejoices in a Washington — a dear old President, whom Lafayette styled, a God-like chieftain, and who, strange to say, is an ancestor of our author. But we do not mean this type of Wa hington, we mean a literary gi nt — a genius of the pen. Gentle Public : — As we close our Preface, we imagine we hear your hearty voices echoing these, our latest thoughts. May honors fall upon the deserving head of our friend, the author; may he spared a long life: and may he spend that life in producing for our pleasure and edification many more such beautiful plays. N. B. The author has nut only shown himself master of his mother- tongue, but also master of the stage business; AUTHOR'S PREFACE. In placing this work before the public, I do so not with that feeling of pride usually accompanying a literary effort of any importance. I merely offer it to my friends, the good citizens of New York (and all other cities), as some- thing which I hope will contribute to their general amusement There isno one better aware than myself of the impossibility of suiring all. Yet, at the risk of being considered vain, I entertain the hope that my production will wind itself around the hearts not only of my countrymen, bu; also my bro- thers and sisters, who claim the sunny soil of distant lands as their home. Of course, I am desirous that my work shall triumph pecuniarily. But I am content if I obtain the good opinion of thoughtful men and women. 1 salute you, NAPOLEON 'G. WASHINGTON. New York, U. S. A., August 15th, 1880. i i CHARACTERS, ETC. PROLOGUE. Spirit of Drama A Histrionic Goddess. PLAY. Catherine Montagna, ) t- „ , ., ,, ° ' - leomen Gottleib Montagna, \ Philip Montagna Son ff Catherine and Gottlieb Rose Marbury A Peasant Girl Betrothed to Philip Widow Marbury Mother of Rose Prince Julien Son of the Margrd'ue Baron Von Dietz ...Minister of Finance Baroness Von Dietz fVife to the Minister of Finance Sir Abraham Levi .Kn^t and Money- Lender Paddy York ....An Irishman — A man that ivould die for Science Prof. Wiseman A Teacher of the Science of Fossilology First Citizen ^........ A Yeoman Second Citizen " Lieutenant Broadsword .An Officer — A Soldier — And a Gentleman Village Girl The Daughter of a Yeoman Third C itizen A Yeoman Count Wortenburgh Lord High Chamberlain A Servant To the Chamherlain Princess de Albeaux A French Lady Belo'ued by the Chamherlain General Harold de Baldwin A Saxon Field-Marshal Lady De Baldwin Wife of the Field-Officer Col, Bloomingdale An Artillery Officer of the Grand Army Baron Stamwitz Treasurer of Baden Henrique Moritz Confidential Page to Princejuliin Prince Herman Duke of Chemnitz — Father of Gen. De Baldivin Lieutenant Reber An Officer of Police Two Sentinels Belonging to the Police Department First Gen D'Arme , Police First Watchman " Capt. Wetzelbuigh ,De].uty ChieJ oj ^taf to the Chief of Police Col. Del Buchardo A Spanish Officer tra'veling in Baden Duke Von Brunswick Chief of Police Second Gen D'Arme Police Second Watch man '' A Corporal of Gen D'Armes " „, „ [ Florence. Mother to Ida, and tvife of Leopold ike Florist. Yeomen. Florence Stover \ ' •> j j r Miriam Isaacs A fcnvish Peasant Girl- — Friend to Florence Sergeant Seldner ..A Regular of the Reserves 6 Characters^ Costumes^ &c. Capt. Sir Emil Valdmeyer An Officer of the Grand Army, and the richest and the basest Nobleman in Baden, First lonjed and then hated hy Miriam Lieut, Sir Albert Josephthal An Officer serving under Valdmeyer Cadwallader Ahbot of Con-uent of Holy Cross Brother Andrew Secretary of Connjent Grand Judge An Exiled Spanish Prince, Stern in the Laiv Leopold Stover A Florist — Husband to Florence — ^Yeoman Wiseacre Jester to the Margranje, in lonje ivith P auUne • Pauline Maid to the Princess Louise, in Lo've ivith Wiseacre Lord High Coroner A Mild Old Gentleman Lord Youth ...AVealy Toung Man — A sort of Jack-a-dandy Grand Commissioner ,A Lordly Bully (that is, when backed by Poiver) Ethelbert, "The Just " Margranje of Baden Vallenstern . . Chancellor of Baden {Greatly Priced hy the Margra've.) — A Self- Made Man — Uncle to Miriam. Dr. Stern A Learned Chemist Princess Louisa .Niece to the Margra've — in Lonje ivith Prince Julien Courtiers — Citizens— Soldiers — Priests — Gens D'Armes — Police Proper — Watchmen and Masqueraders representing all sorts of personages. A Hint at Costumes, and Scenic Plot. COSTUMES. Count Wortenbergh dresses as a Brahmin. Prince Heiman as a Sultan. General De Baldwin as a Chinese Mandarin and the Princess De Albcaux as a Carmelite. Lady De Baldwin in the fashion of a gay widow of the period, Philip appears in court in court dress, minus a coronet and rapier. The Yeoman '^who are considered a grade above the pea antry) dress richer, the females wearing longer skirts than peasant maids. Military men and police of all branches. — Courtiers and nobles, of whatsoever rank, all dress in strict conformity with the style of the time. At court, the nobility appear with coronets, every male per- son wearing a rapier, holding the degree of gentleman. SCENIC PLOT, 1ST ACT, Scene ist in 4 — Closed in — Tormentcrs — Interior of Cottage. " 2d " I — Exterior — Street. << 3d '• 3 — Exterior (Semi-Suburban) — Street. " 4th Full Stage — Exterior of Palace — Street. " 5th in 2 — Interior of Cottage— Street. *' 6th— Full Stage— (Public Square)— Exterior, 2D ACT, Scene ist in i — (Facade and gable of Palace with high wall and trees) — Exterior — Street, " 2d — Full Stage — Closed in — Borders or Roof — Tormentors — Inte- rior of Palace. " 3d " I — Exterior — Street. Scenic Plot^ Directions^ &c, 7 3RD ACT. Scene ist in 2 — Closed in — Tormentors — Interior of (Citadel or) Town's Castle. •' 2d " I — Exterior — Street. " 3d — Full Stage — Exterior of Cathedral — Street. " 4th '' I — Exterior of Convent — Rear — Country. " 5th" I — Facade and gable of Convent — Country. " 6th " 4 — (Same as first in first Act.) 4TH ACT. Scene ist in i — Tormentors — Interior of Palace — Antechamber. " 2d " I— " " f —A Hall. " 3d — Full Stage — Closed in — Borders or Roof — Tormentors — Inte- rior of Audience Chamber of Palace. A SYNOPTICAL SCHEDULE OF STAGE DIRECTIONS, ETC. C. means Centre. C. D. means Centre Door, R. C. " Right '{ D. R, C. " Door Right Centre. L. C. " Left " D. L. C " " Left R. " Right C. A. " Centre Arch. L. " Left A. R. C. " Arch Right Centre. A. L. C. means Arch Left Centre. Tor. means Tormentors — F. means Flats — W. means Wings. P. S. means Prompt Side i^is always so spoken) and is the right side of stage. O. P. Side means Opposite Prompt Side, and is the left hand of stage. Scenarium " the entire ctage from top to bottom. Proscenium " all that part of the theatre wall each side and over the arch where the scenic curtain raises aud lowei'S. R. I. E. meanb Right first entrance. L. I. E. means Left first Entrance, etc., etc. The two last entrances are styled R. U. E. and L. U. E , meaning Right Upper and Left Upper Entrances. Vampires are mechanical contrivances so arranged in the flats or wings as to make it appear that the person or persons who are called upon to use them have the power to disappear into or through any substance. Traps are situated on the floor of the stage, and are identical with vampires. EXPLANATION OF THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE CAST. It will be observed that I have arranged the cast in this play in a manner never yet teen by the public. But, that the public will like it much better than the old and occult style, I am convinced. The following contains my rea- sons : If a Play contained a number of characters, and was written in any sort of lofty style, I noticed that the persons performing therein were not clearly made out 5 that is, they would have to do a deal of strutting and chaffing before the audience really discovered who they were, and what relation they bore to the play. Now, my method entirely obviates all this annoyance^ for I have arranged it so that, as the play progresses, the characters come forward as they are billed, which is strictly in rotation in the course of the story, thus beginning and end- ing the tale on the programme as it begins and ends in the book. This method is much clearer than the old manner, and enables even a chid to keep a run of the play in every oarticular. In fact, to be brief and honest, I can not see the sense in arranging the characters of a drama in the old clums_\ manner I have just described. The manner in which I have first introduced my characters in my book, is also an original plan, and helps an actor or an actress to immediately discover where their part begins, without looking the play through. The handiness of this feature will not only be readily detected by the profession, but by all who read this work. I will also mention, for the edification of the public, chat the date of this play is the early part of the 17th century^ AUTHOR. N. B. — All instructions, directions, elucidations, etc., embracing the stage, are from the pen of the author. PROLOGUE. Enter R. Spirit of Drama. Spirit. — [Bowing;.] Dear friends, with all my heart I give ye greeting, And as time is fleeting and we've much to do, My speech shall be a mere preamble, Enough to make our plot just plain to you. The opening scene is in a Cottage, Where dwells stern worth in all its sterling parts, An upright son — a father and mother noble ; In fact a trio of honest hearts. In another cottage a peasant maid resides. Pure as the angels that live above, The daughter of a soldier's widow. With her this son is deep— aye, mad in love. A Jewess, wronged by a miscrea.it knight, Who dies by the self same woman's hand ; An Abbot and Monks, whose deeds are bright As the noonday's sun when smiling on the land ; A Judge and Commissioner, stern and haughty ; A Coroner, mild and gentle as a child ; A wayward Prince, too fond of sparking, Who upturns the city, setting the authorities wild A husband and wife who've long been severed, A little girl belonging to the two. Unite again, forming a happy family, A sacred scene — a picture fair to view. A Margrave, Chamberlain, Ushers and Soldiers, A crowd of courtiers, some robbers of the state ; A lofty Chancellor of great experience, Who finds in the Jewess his niece — also his fate ; A bold Lieutenant with comely figure. A man in whom a nation should delight, Wins the esteem of his august Sovereign, And a place at Court of goodly trust and might ; A loyal Sergeant— a Chemist learned, A lass in love with a fool that's wise : A jester of perspicacity, A man much noted for his sharp replies. A host of other goodly characters. Correct and meet all in our effort wrought, Or, A New Year s -:Eve^ &c. 9 The base are punished, the true rewanied, A lesson to both old and young is taught. (Suddenly after looking R,) The chief of the IScenarium, now to me beckons, Which means come. Thou hast had too much to say, So now, my friends, with kisses I leave thee, That ye may feast thine eyes upon our proper play. Bows. Exits R. Music until Flats are thoroughiy opened and fully reveal the cottage of the Montagnas. ACT FIRST.— SCENE FIRST. Scene. — Interior if a cottage, a table L. C, on which is an open book and a lighted lamp, two high-backed easy-chairs of an ancient type, beside table oppositely placed ^ pictures on walls, several ordinary chairs of a suitable kind, a high-backed settee R. A., lofty antique fire-place and a mantel L., on which (the mantel) are sorr.e quaint ornaments. A bright fire is visible on the hearth. A tall clock C, against back-scene formed by flats, D. R. C. Win- dow with curtains and outside ihurters L. C. Catherine and Gottlieb discover- ed, Catherine looking out of window, Gottlieb seated beside ta'ble nearest fire, smoking a pipe and toying with his staff. Catharine Montagna [^Chsing Window']. — Gottlieb, my husb md, stay in the house to-night ; let Philip take thy place and watch for thee. It's snowing again, and extremely cold ; in fact the weather's too se vere for thee to go forth ; thou knowest too well it will effect thy wounds — ah, thy wounds! the mentioning of them causes my mind to revert to the period — the dreadful battle where thou didst receive them; oh, what a cruel thing is war; those who have not the slightest grudge 'gainst the other, are forced by it to meet in deadly encounter, to wres'le, as it were, for one other's lives — in fact to commit murder; to make orphans and create widows. Murder it may not be termed, yet it is the same crime under a more honor- able cognomen. If war was only undertaken as the dernier resort of outraged justice, or for liberty's sake, or as a lesson to tyrants, there would be then (bloody as it is) some purpose in it, and scars gained therein would be sacred as a Serapoli s raiment. But as it is, at the will, through the machinations and for the per- petuation of despots most generally, it is thus most cruel. For in this case the chief object is that a few men's names be engraved on stone, and sounded by the brazen trump of fame throughout the world. o The Two Princes of Bad^ en. Gottlieb Montagna— Well, thou art quite right in some respects, Catherine, but — though our country's a Monarchy and our Sovereign's therefore a hereditary ruler, he is a most worthy man, and means well. If he were but cognizant of the dishonest doings of some ot the officers of State, I'm sure he'd against them most rigidly wage war. His liege favors the people and good government, Catherine. When ye speak of my wounds thou dost cause mineself to recur to that eventful time when to me they were bequeathed; when my bold comrades died like Homeric heroes, and our valiant foe yielded up the ghost with equal bravery. Ensanguined as is ihe field of battle, yet doth my heart beat high, and a feeling of pride course through my veins as I think of my part of that memorable period. 'Twas I who did the rampart first mount, and our ban- ner unfurl on the staff where so proudly had floated the ensign of our enemy. I struck down the hand of that lion-hearted commander of the garrison as he was in the act of applying a burning brand to the magazine. He seemed to prefer death ratner than live to surrender up his sword — a soldier's sceptre. Yet it was I that made him prisoner, and who was the instrument of causing that victory to be worth its costly purchase ; for had the chief of our opponents succeeded, it would have been (from tlie position of things), a death-blow to our cause instead of it being, as it was, the nucleus around which gathered peace and a happy conclusion of our arms. Catherinf.. — A very happy conclusion for thee, I must confess. The officer who led — or rather the pop- injay who followed the charge gained promotion and the spurs of knighthood — gained, said I .^ I meant were gained for him (which, I supjjore, were no new thing), while Sergeant Montagna, the real hero who, being through his injuries no longer fit for the active duties of the camp, was pensioned off with the dignified station of city-watchman at a starving salary — a happy conclu- sion, truly ; never even spoken of in the dispatches of the puppy, who commanded the troops to which thou didst belong. Gottlieb. — Captain Nidig was a mean man, 'tis true, and never deseived the spurs, yet there's consol- ation in knowing that our country profited by the suc- cess of our armies, and a satisfaction in being aware Or, A Neiv Year s Eve. &c. 1 1 that the guards to which I belonged brave in action proved themselves. I am surprised at thy seeming want of patiiotism, Catherine ; thou who hast always been so loyal. How comes it that ye talk in this fashion — the daughter of a soldier, too — thy conversation hath generally been marked for deep thought, and though thou hast, (as I have already admitted), said some truths, yet thou art siuely not thyself; I am afraid the insu.fficiency of our purse to procure the luxuries of grandees annoys thee too much. Let us be thankful that we have never wanted for a meal, and that we still have our dear boy Philip to love, and that he cherishes us in return. Be less proud and thou'll be more con- tented ; if good fortune be in store for us, believe me it will overtake us just as sure as that the sun will ap- pear uoon the morn. The same with misfortune — the ways of Providence are inscrutable and unalterable. [Enter Philip doffing har, fro.ni D. in F. R. C.]. Philip Mcntagna — A busy night, this, a very busy night. Caiherine. — Thilip. thou hast arrived in proper time — right in season, lad ; I was just speaking about thee ; tliou'U, have to watch for thy father to-night, for surely it will never do for him to go on duty — it's too severely cold ; besides, there's every indicative that the present storm will be a bitter one ; yes, my son, I prog- nasticate a deep fall of snow. (Gottlieb. \^P utting aside pipe^^.—K\\,Y\^\\\^\ thy father's not what he once was, but, though my wound- ed leg troubles me more than usual, if it were not that I had at present an attack of rheumatism, I could get along, for I've stood manv a night as cold as this on guard; a fall of snow would not bother an old warrior, a veteran of five pitched battles ; no, no ; I'd laugh at the snow, my boy; but this rheumatism is a terror. I'm sorry my lad, but — Philip. \^Taking his fatJicr s }iand'\.—T)&diX Fa- ther, thou dost wrontj me is thou dost think that doing thee so slight a service can annoy me ; I have not for- gotten the many sacrifices thou hast made for myself. It was for the taking of thy place on the watch to-night that brought me here so early ; my employer, (kind heart that he is), sends thee this as a New Year's gift \puts a purse in Gottlieb's hand], as a token ; he says of 12 The Two Princes of Baden ^ his remembrance of the many kindnesses rendered by thyself to him when he needed assistance. Gottlieb. \Counting money\—V^\\y this, my son, is indeed a New Year's present — seventy-five rix- dollars. Why, this sum seems almost like a small for- tune. Catherine. — Philip, the time was when thy father was a well-to-do confectioner It wears the color of a dream now, more than a reality. I thank Leopold for his token of regard and kind remembrance Yet, it casts a melancholy shadow whose gloomy presence dis- sipates the pleasure lodged in the gift. When I think we once were dispensers instead of recipients of chari- ty; many besides Leopold hath partaken of our bounty. Gottlieb. — Hold, my good wife; Leopold remem- bers this, and, like a sincere friend, (being again quite comfortable), wishes to let us understand it, and to ren- der us in the mean time a little pleasure by showing that though money and success may take wings, a true friend always remains the same; would there \\'ere more cast in his mould. But of all our acquaintances he alone holds steadfast ; I shall drink his health md to the success of all his undertakings to-morrow in a bot- tle of Burgundy. Philip. Taking his mother's hand\. — Cheer up, mother, remember that I have always looked upon thee as philosopher ; discredit not thy title ; hath not thine own tongue proclaimed that poverty was no disgrace } Surely the sun of prosperity will again smile upon our house and gladden our hearts. Catharine. [Embracing Philip^.- I hope so, my son, I do, indeed. Yet certainly thou art aware that the most sanguine temperament or the most zealous person will at times despair; when fate seems con- stantly to wear a nebulous contour ; at this climax one quite loses patriotism, becoming warped, as it were, al- most feeling that all things are a mockery, appearing disloyal to heaven and militant with nature. Gottlieb. — My dear Catherine, I'm very much afraid that at our New Year's feast a bad companion thou art going to prove us ; if I could only persuade thee to follow my plan of taking a little wine now and. then, much of thy misery wouldst thou escape ; a mise- ry, it seems, thy fretful mind (for I fear, me, 'tis so Or^ A New Year s Eve. &c. 13 grown), is now heir to ; but, dear wife, let's change the subject to somethinm top to bottom. Enter Julien blowing horn vigorously. Palace windo-vs are thrown up and heads peep forth. Bafom what iVe seen of women, it's my opinion that you're only to flatter them, and make them presents, and then — well, the rest is only a matter of time. This Cottage Queen 26 The Two Princes of Baden ^ hath the handsomest face and the most enticing form of any female that ever led me into mischief, I won- der what her name can be ? Surely it must be a very, very euphonious one. By all the gods, at once, she shall be mine, even if I'm compelled to offer her mor- ganatic marriage. Louise to this cannot object, and if she does, why — well I'll have to exercise a little au- thority. Ah! footsteps, [Listens.] Coming this way, (Steps to R.) [Enter Paddy Yorick irom L. I.E., and Professor Wis; mann R. I. E., both in great haste, jostle each other with force, then stagger abcut and stare at each other for a second.] Paddy Yorick. (Seizing Prof. Wisemann's hand.) Be heavens but its yer self. Ther top ov the avenin' ter ye's. (Shakes Professor's hand vigorously.) But its meself that's powerfully glad ter mate ye's. I'm jist on the road ter yer house, sure, and it's mighty happy I'll be when I git there, for it's outrageously thirsty I am. Bedad, but its meself that knows who kapes ther genuine stuff, the rael owld crature, and whose not maine wid it ither, (Suddenly.) Begobs, but what have ye in yer bag. Whare the divil are ye's goin wid it ? Profhssor Wisemann. (Making a wiy face.) Pleased am I to meet thee Paddy. (Releasing his hand.) But as I have occupation for my fingers I'm of the opinion that they are safer out of thy reach. (Examines hand.) " Shamrock," thou hast too much feeling in thy friendship. Would'st know where I were going .-^ Well, I was going to the nocturnal meeting of the " Fossil Cranium Club," to which ye know I am the Professor of Fossilology. But as I have met thee, I shall defer it to another meeting. As to what I have in my bag, I'll answer thy interrogation by a question. What hast thou in thine } Paddy. — Ye's remember, I suppose, after I had obtained the skulls of Sazer, Olexander and Tamber- lain, ov promising me a goodly sum ov money if I pro- cured for ye's the skull of Shakespoke, or Shakespeare, as the thoroughbreds call 'em. Prof. W. — Most clearly do I remember, but — Paddy. (Waiving his shellalah ) Howld yer whist man, it's not his but I'm after fetchin, its ihe hid, yes sir, the skull ov Shakespeare. (Brings forth a skull.) Behowled for yer self. Its just five or six Or, A Neiv Year s Eve, &c. 27 years now since the longwinded ovvld spalpean's been under the turf. I dug up his hid wid me own hands, so I did. Prof. W. — This is impossible, Paddy. (Produces skull.) See, I already possess that great man's head It was — Paddy. — An unprincipled rogue ov whom ye's bought it thin. A dirty vagabond to palm off such a traud. 'Tis amazin tne cheek that some folks have. Sure I wouldn't have belaved it ov anyone. Faiks, but havn't ye's an idea who it was. Pkof. W —Yes, he sold it to me about four or five weeks ago. I fear me it was thyself that was cheated, for it was none other than thy father. Paddy. (Aside, looking confused and scratching his head.) Be heavens, but this takes the starch out ov me intirely. (Aloud, suddenly.) Begobs but I have it, ha-ha-ha, sure, en its as plain as me sherlalie. De yer mind ther small dimensions ov the skull in yer hand, remark ther narrer hoT:ciput, ther undervelloped sinsy- put, whare hintelligence is still mite. Forsooth, it's Shakespeare's, but Shakes as a kid, a kid about eight or tin years owld. Whareas, the wane thits in me own hand is Shakes as a man. What more proof do ye's want, now. Prof. W. — Strange, yet forced am I to confess that thou art certainly correct in what ye say. Paddy — Right, is it } ov course Pm right, I niver was wrong but once in the hull ov me life, and thin I was right. Be the powers its the truth I'm after tellin ye's. Prof. W.— Verrily, Pm in luck; two skulls of that mighty Builder of Plays, one when a boy and the other when a man. It seems as if Providence hath taken science under its especial care. Paddy, I'll crack an extra bottle of Green-seal to-night out of compliment to the manner in which thou hast labored in the cause of learning. (They now both put back their respective skulls, each into its bag, draw- ing strings.) Paddy. — Sure yer honor. Pd die for science. Prof. W. [Taking Paddy's arm.] I know thou would'st, " Shamrock," I know thou would'st. Com.e. Paddy. — Ter ther matein, is it, yer Honor.? Prof. W.— By no means. I'm too elated to dis- 2 8 The Two Princes of Baden ^ cuss business ; even though that business relates to . Fossieology. Come, it's to my dweUing we go. Paddy. — I'm wid ye ivery time, yer honor. Och, bloody nouns, but its meself thit waz weaned upon ther bottle, and ther bottle has stuck ter n^e iver since. rSings.] For it's I'm ther boy that's light of heart, And love ter drink good wine, Who belaves this life was set apart, For ter have a merry time. (Exit Professor and Paddy, arm-in-arm, R. I. £.) Prince Jul. (Coming forward.) Well, what next. (With emphasis.) It hath always been a mys- tery to me, how Shakespeare, who possessed but a limited education, wrote so wondrously fine, so gram- matical, etc., etc., whilst I, with more than common scholarship, find it quite a task to compose my own pieces, either in prose or verse, in verse especially. I'll admit that an ounce of genius is superior to a pound of mere book learning ; yet to have written such a work as did this British Bard, only through and by the assistance of genius, was certainly marvelous. But alas, 1 have the whole secret discovered. Solved the problem The mystery ceases to be a mystery. For who in thunder could'nt write, if they were a double- headed cuss like this Dramatic inkslinger. Ha-ha-ha, Oh, what the world owes to learned Professors, to — (Bell tolls the eleventh hour.) Ah, JSir Watchman, thou art forgetting thy duty Come, this will never do. (Blows horn.) Toot-tcot-tu, toot-toot-tu, toot- toot-tu. (Calls.) Eleven o'clock and all is well. (Sings.) Ye are warned of the hour by the loud throated bell, But its only the Watchman knoweth all is well. [Horn.] Toot-toot-tu, toot-toot-tu, toot-toot-tu. Now for some more fun. [Walks L.] No, I'll naught to do with this road. [Comes R.] I'll take this street. Aye, this is the very route for me. (Exit Prince Julien R.) SIXTFl SCENE. Scene. — A public square. House on either side. A statue of Ethelbert C. The river Rhine in the distance. Enter Prince Julien L., followed by a crowd of male citizens shouting. Windows are thrown up and females look out. On reaching the statue the Piince gives a blast on horn, some of the females come forth. First Citizen. [To people.] Make room good Or, A yViTc Yeaj's Eve, &c. 29 comrades, our friend the Watchman be going to sing 3. bit. (To Prince.) Come, my jolly lad, pipe us a verse. (Enter Lieutenant Broadsword R, with a village girl leaning on his arm.) StCOND CiT.— Now good Watchman do thy best. Let it come from the heart lad, let it be with a will. Prince Jul. (Singing.) The traffic in our town is at a standstill, And sweet cupid disgusted, the place hath fled, For our girls though they strive with eager good will, No beaux can they find, whose them willing to wed, Though they pencil they eyebrows, and hang out their charms, And by their vain arts look really quite fair. Yet still in the market, they stand with alarm. For no man it seems, wants such poor brittle ware. Lieutenant Broadsword. (Pompously.) Fel- low, darest thou to offer insult to the fair sex in the presence of a soldier, an officer and a gentleman. Second CiT. — Mr. Lieutenant, the Watchman hath sung the tiuth, aye. the truth to the letter, lliat jade by thy side is a most convincing proof of what I say. First Cit. — Yea, yea, thou sayest correctly neighbor. The devil fly away with all deceitful vv^omen say L (Throws down his hat and stamps upon it in a rage.) If I had my way, Ld treat them after the fashion of the Mahomedans. Vlllaoe Girl. (Aloud.) St. Nicholas. (Aside to Lieutenant as she hides her face. ) That old man' is my betrothed husband. 1 thought he was off for a month's sta>. What shall I do.? Oh, what shall I do .? ni surely lose him. Al! his money will now go to some institution. This is too bad ; why did'nt the old fool remain where he was. First Cit. (Shaking his finger at maid.) Aha, thou art caught at last my saucy minx. It seems my face is known to thee Why art thou so excited .-^ Aha, ye know full well. Is this the manner, is this the w^ay an affianced bride, aye a woman engaged to be married should act } wandering and gadding about town late at night with a stranger, a man totally un- known to thy betrothed husband. On the morrow thy good father and u. other shall hear of this ; henceforth I'll have nothing more to do vvith thee. From this hour we are two. JO The Two Princes of 13 1 I den Third Citizen.— My venerable friend I wouldn't give that brazen piece a moment's thought. '1 he trulls not worth making a fuss about. Remember, there's as good fish in the sea as ere was caught. For a wile I wouldn't have yonder Jezabel, not if she was as rich as Solomon. I'll admit she hath face and form beauti- ful enough to tempt a man to sin, but not to marriage ; she's too bold. She's not a woman, she's a thing ; a thing to be at once despised and pitied — despised for her baseness, pitied that she hath not a will strong enough to resist evil, especially as she knows (and of the fact we are fully proven), that " As ye sow so will ye reap." Lieut, R. [drawing sword.] — I'll strike down to the very dust the first poltroon that dares say aught wrong of this fair creature, It doth amaze me, that any of ye have had the temerity to speak in the man- ner ye have in the presence of a soldier, an ofificer, and a gentleman. Second Cit. — A right good time, my arrogant puppy, will ye have in fulfilling thy bragging words. T)1IRD CiT. — Both of these citizens, Mr. Lieuten- ant, are to me well known, the girl beside thee, and that old man yonder ; I can vouch for the man being a worthy person, but as for that female, all that I've ^aid I'll firmly adhere to, for know ye, sir, I never speak hastily, or without proof. Furthermore, 1 too endorse the Watchman's song. The reason ol its truth is this . "The women are getting stuffed up with ridiculous no- tions. They think of nothing but finery. Pla.n trades- men refrain from entering into marriage, for fear the venture may swamp them. Who wants a giddy-headed wife, whose only thought is parties, balls, and dress. I believe in luxuries, and pleasant entertainments, if one can afford them, as much as anybody, but 1 don't think it shows a wise head to make a god of such things. Besides, a wife should have some time to give to her husband. They were bad enough, but ever since you soldiers have encamped in this quarter of our city they've gone crazy. It disgusts me to see what fools they make of themselves over the wearer of an epau- let, no matter whether under his gaudy uniform beats the heart of a cur or a villain; they're entirely given up to show They can't seem to realize that ye " sons of Mars" are but toying with them. What's a soldier (9r, A New Year s Eve. &c, 3 1 want with a wife, when he can get one in every town. Until this nonsense be done away with there'll be a large addition to the sisterhood of spinsters. Second Cit. — Fve little faith in women. I'm in- clined to think that some of them are content with the groove in which affairs now run. In fact, I'm of the opinion that a goodly number of the spinsters of this t(jvvn are married old maids. Male citizens laugh ; female citizens rush into houses, and sally forth with brooms. The Lieutenant brandishes his sword, which is knocked out of his hand by the Staff of Prince Julien. The women beat the men with their brooms, everybody vociferates confesedly. The brooms are, affer a struggle, taken from the women, who are chased into their houses. Some of the men sieze the Lieutenant, and divest him of his outer garments and trappings, others procure a large blanket, in which they place him and toss him high in the air. Prince Julien siezes the Village Maid by the waist, with one arm, and exits with her hurriedly. R. SECOND ACT— riRST SCENE- ScEN . — Front view; high gaid^n walls of a mansion ; a gate C gable and rear of the Palace boldly visible, surrounded with trees ; enter Philip. R, Philip. — Have I done right in exchanging with this gay and frolicsome stranger, Pshaw ; have not I his word of honor, his promise, that no harm should befall my house, no matter what transpired. Surely he'll keep his honor unsullied, he will not insult his own word. He evidently is a gentleman, and a man of influence. Well, there's no withdrawing now. I think the best thing I can do Ente: Count Wortenburgh C. from garden gate, bows, then rushes up to Philip. Philip [aside]. — What fantastic devil is this. [Aloud-J Stand out of my way fellow, I would pass on. , Count Wortenburgh.- My gracious lord, in the deep meditation of thy royal mmd thou hast noticed not the locality, and were about unintentionally to offer me an affront by passing my house this New Year's eve without entering. I did not know thou hadst re- turned from the wolf hunt in the Black Forest, or I would have sent Your Highness an invitation to the masked ball. But fie, my lord, there needs be no cer- emony between us, for ye know full well ye are always an honored guest, come when ye will. Philip — Wherefore Royal Highness me ; 1 am no gracious lord. Stand aside, sir, and let me pass. Count W. [bowing ] — Thy pardon, Prince. Yet if thou hast a desire to remain incognito your Excel- 32 The Two Princes of Bade 71^ lence will remove that well-marked star, your High- ness ; its a very telltale, a spy upon thyself. (Philip takes off hat and attempts to remove star from it,) Count W. — Stay, Lord Julien, I only spoke of the star to show thee that I know thee, for, assume whatever garb ye may, I'll recognize thee in it. Thou canst not disguise thyself from me ; I'd know thee if only by thy noble presence. Yet if it were possible for me to have a doubt as to thy identity, the very at- tempt of thine to conceal the star upon thy hat would settle it. [Laughs.] You see, good Julien, there's no use of denying thyself to me. Philip [aside, replacing his hat]. — So, so ; its the wild young Julien with whom IVe exchanged. By St. Michael, he stated the truth when he said I'd nothing to fear. Ah, I grow bold, We shall now see who plays his part the best, Julien or Philip. From this time until I abdicate at " St. Gregorys,'' (unless I stumble o'er the Margrave), lam Crown Prince of Ba- den. (Aloud.) Sir, our Excellence awaits thy plea- sure, and admits all ye have said. Count W. — Let us enter hy the rear gate, heie, as I came. Does your Hi^^hness intend to participate in the dancing t Philip. — No. You see I have on my ri Jing boots, and, therefore, have no place in this worthy trifling. Count W. — Your noble Honor will play, then. Philip.— No, neither can I partake of that sport. I have not sufficient money with me. Count W. — By St. John. Why, my best of friends, does't thou suppose that Count Wortenburgh hast forgotten the many. services rendered him by Prince JuHen.? Here, my Lord, my royal brother, (puts a purse in Phihp's pocket), accept this and pay me when ye like. Now thou art armed for :he fray ; come (Count Wottenburg now leads Philip through garden gate C, and closes it after him. SECOND SCENE. Scene. — In;erior of Wortenburg Palace. A grand saloon, brilliantly lighted and superbly furnished, a harpsichord L. C., table, R. C. Music heard as if coming fiom the Ball Room. Sultan, Sultanesses, Gypsies, Knights in armor, nuns, goddessess satyrs, monks, Medes, Persians, Chaldeans, Sprites, Paries, Fairies, Soldiers, and ladies and gentlemen in Court costume Or. A New Year s Eve^ &c. i^i^ all masked. The assemblage flits in couples, etc., in Conservatory, which is arched and situated at the rear of saloon, appearing now and then to en-, ter and leave Ball Room. All discovered. (Enter Count Wori:enburgh and Philip. R.) Count VV. — Sir Prince, wilt thou go to the haz- ard table, or wilt thou first — Philip.— My Lord Count, let's first drink to the success of the masquerade ; then sir Pm thine to com- mand. Count W. — With all my heart, dear Julien, with all my heart (Pulls bell cord.) God knows, I wish it successful, more ways than one. [Enter Servant R.] Servant. (Bowing,) Thy pleasure, gentlemen. Count VV. — Bid the caterer prepare (if he has it not ready) a decanter of mulled x\ine, and bring it here thyself immediately. Si-:rvt. — Excuse me gentlemen, but if ye ];refer, Pll to'the banquet hall conduct ye both. Count W. — Go to. confound it man, I didn't call thee to consult with thee. Art thou the Grand Factotum of this house. If ye please, Pll direct things to m)' liking, not thine. Do as I have commanded thee, and let not grass grow under thy feet. (Exit Servant R., bjwing.) Philip. — Count, when e're it may please thee to engage in the joyous dance, let not my society at all hinder thee. (Enter Seivan: R. wi.h decanter and two wine glasses, on a salver j sets wine down on table R. C, bjws aad exits. Philip and the Count now each fill a glass. Count W. (Holding out his glass.) Here's to the success of the masquerade. Philip. (Striking the Count's glass w^ith his.) Aye, to the success of the masquerade, a happy ending of the old year, and a bright beginning of the new. (^Philip and the Count now • ach drain rheir glasses.) Count W. My good Lord Julien, L like thy- self, shall refrain from dancing No pleasure now doth this fine sport vouchsafe unto me, even sweet music (an art in which ye know I am no Tyro) ; music in which I once did revel, hath no more the power to stir my soul. Oh, Julien, Julien, my best of friends, surely thou must be acquainted with the why of " Terpsicho- j4 The Two Princes of Baden^ re's lost power to charm me. I have so far deceived my acquaintances into believing me happy and con- tent I gave this ball with sworn Intentions to convince those who may doubt. But, on, what a savage jest. To be sure I drink and play at cards more than ever, but though I seem to be satisfied with the turn of affairs, I lie — and the lie is choaking me. I am one moment gloomy and taciturn, and the next careless and flippant. As a chameleon doth change its color, so I change my moods. Oh, bear with my shiftings of spirit, for my heart is heavy and joy hath fled me, Philip. The language of Nobleman Worten- burgh, to me is an enigma, I am not apt in guessing, my good Lord Count. Count W. Is it possible, Sir Prince, that thou dost not know of my troubles } Dost not know that the Princess De Albeaux of France, she whom I idol- ized, and who I thought sincerely loved me in return, hath broken with me ; aye, most cruelly and suddenly .'' Philip. I must confess, gentle Sir, that what thou hath just now spoken is to me quite cloudy— in fact 'tis a mystery. Count W. Say ye so ; knowest thou naught whatever of what happened me at Mount Blanc } Philip. Nothing, my good Lord, noth"ng. Not even so much as an iota of one poor hint. Count W. Then list, your Highness. Youre- member that the Queen of Spain paid a visit to the Margrave (your father), last summer- somewhere in August — and that the Margrave (her consin^proposed a trip to Mount Blanc, which proposition was accepted and carried into effect } That, along with the rest, the Princess and myself were invited, as was also the Ba- roness of Walderstein. 1 was unable to go with the party, yet, as they travelled the distance in no hurry, I was enabled to overtake then\ just as they were about to do the mountain. I did not observe the Princess — in fact I dreamed not that she was alonp-, she havine told me she could not go. The Queen and the Baron- ess were the first to greet me Thy Royal relative (the Queen) instantly appointed me Cavalier to the Baroness. Not being aware of my preference for the Princess, just as we were about to start, I discovered my beloved Charlotte ; yet, what could I do but pro- ■ Or, A New Year s Eve. &c, 2S ceed. Which I did, leaving the Princess under the care of their Most Sovereign Excellencies, the Margrave and the Queen. For this Charlotte bears me hard. It is the cause of her breaking with me, for she hates the Baroness, and looks upon her as a rival. She hath re- turned my picture and all my letters, demanding a re- ciprocity of action. She will not believe that, though with the Baroness, my heart was with her. Oh, would that I had absent been, when my lady, the Queen, stepped foot in this fair city. Philip. Thy case is a sad one, Sir Count, thou art much to be pitied. Yet, if thou art wise, thou wilt take advantage of the present joyous season, and strive anew to prevent the budding of New Year's Day on thy severed friendship. Do this and thy masquerade will surely be a success, and our toast not drank in vain. Enter — Princess De Albeaux C, from the Conservarory : unobserved and unobserving. Takes off mask on striking ;aloon. Crosses to Harpsichord L. C. and seats herself, precends to be fixing mask as she enters and until ad- dressed by Philip. Count W. I shall endeavoi- to do so, for she is here ; but thinks I know it not. She comes to watch, imagining she may discover something between the Baroness and myself. She intends (so I have ascer- tained by the merest chance) to leave before the time for unmasking, so that I shall not be aware of her hav- ing been here. (Suddenly beholding Princess.) Ave Maria, but here she is — aye, in the very room with us. Look yonder, by the Harpsichord, she dc^es not see us. She thinks she is alone. Philip looks, then crosses to Harpsichord. Princess starts as he appr. ach- es. Then arises and fixes her eyes steadily upon him. Philip. Be not disturbed, for I come as a friend. Neither be ye angered with thyself cause thou art dis- covered, for thy lover and 1 knew that ye wert here, ere thou didst enter this saloon. Didst thou imagine that the loveliness of Princess Charlotte could be once beheld and e'er forgotten .'' That a simple mask could disguise such grace .^ Oh, no, thou hast deceived thy- self, sweet lady, (bows). Madam, I came not to flat- ter, but to serve thee. Princess de Albeaux. (Sternly) Prince Ju- lien (for I know thou art he), a few days ago thou wert entirely too bold. 'Tis unworthy of a man to spend his time as tljou dost. 1 pray you, if thou dost value ^6 The Two Princes of Baden ^ thy peace, never to attempt to make so familiar with me again. Philip. (Bowing.) Etherious and bewitching la- dy, if Julien hath offended thee, I am sorry. See, thou canst trust me, I am quiet — quiet as an innocent lamb — aye, more quiet than ever ye saw Julien. Princkss DE a. For that I'm thankful, as I shall not have to keep guard 'gainst thy attacks, Sir Prince. Philip. Take no offence, your Highness, at the question Tm going to propound : Hast thou encircled thy sweet form in this Carmelite mantle to do penance for thy sins ; tell me, fair lady .^ Princess DE A. (Haughtily.) Sir, this can be no business of thine ; furthermore, I've nothing to make atonement for. It is not well for people to be overwise. Philip. What, Madam, thy harsh and unfeeling treatment of that sorrowing "Brahmin" yonder, ye needs do penance for; 'tis cruel injustice. Princess DE A. I understand thee not, my lord. Philip. To make my meaning plain, then, my la- dy, permit me to inform thee that this Brahmin is none other than Count Wortenburgh, the Chamberlain. He is as innocent as is thyself in the affair of Mount Blanc. He swears upon his soul 'tis true. Thou hast been too hasty, my lady. Princess DE A. (Looking surprised.) Why didst thou not inform me long ere this, oh, cruel, cruel, Julien ? What was thy reason for acting in such a fashion } ■ Ah, I see. ye thought, through spite, tovvork thine amorous plottings on me, me 3 lady. Sir, thou hast yet to learn how a true Moman prizes virtue. Mx- Lord, thou dost m.uch displease thy noble Father in the color of thy actions. Philip. I fear me that }'e speak the truth about Prince Julien. Ethelbert is to good a father. But, come, the poor Count will die if thou dost not take him back to love. See, even under his mask, how easily thou canst discern agony working on his brow, and sadness sitting enthroned upon his heart strings. Princess DE A. Your grace is an eloquent in- tercessor, (with emphasis.) Ye plead Count Worten- burgh's cause almost as warmly as thou didst argue (some thirty days ago) for thine own vile purpose, Or, A A^eiu y^car s Eve^ &c. 37 with my lovely little maid, Henrietta. Thank Heaven I overheard thee, for now the child issafe, Julien, dost thoLi ever think of what a man thou art becomincr ? o Philip. A truce, fair lady ; let bygones be by- gones. Let's, like the Indians of that far distant land — America, "bury the hatchet." Princess DE A. Juh'en, here (extending her right hand) is my hand. Pll be friends with thee so long as thou art with me. But as for the count, I'll forgive — or rather renew our engagement, on one condition, and that is that he resigns the office of Chamberlain ; it brings him too much into the society of Court Ladies for my liking. That Baroness — Philip. The issue now^ at stake must be arranged and settled on by Lord VVortenburgh and Lady De Albeaux. Philip now leads the Princess to the Count, and places her hand in his; Count and Princess embrace. Count W. My Charlotte, my own swee^ Char- lotte, my darling once^ again. (To Philip.) Sir, thou hast made me supremely happy. (Grasps Philip's hand.) Julien, henceforth thou can'st not count on a truer friend than Wortenburgh. May ye live to be as honored as thy father. Pd die for thee, Julien. Philip. Stay, Sir Count, die not yet, the lovely Charlotte hath use for thee, thou dost owe her a honey- moon. I prithee live at least till that's fulfilled. Count W. ] 4 My Lord. Princess de A. ] ^^S^^^^^^- \ Your Highness. Philip. (Waiving his hand authoratatively.) Get thee gone, and on pain ot receiving my displeasure, speak not to me again until Hymen hath made ye 'twain as one flesh. Exit Count and Princess C. into Conservatory. Princess remasking be- fore making exit. They both throw kisses to Philip before leaving. Philip. I wonder how Julien will relish the dex- terous manner in which Pve manipulated and man- ouvered in this case of heart's disease. Enter in great haste L. General De Baldwin. General De Baldwin. My Lord, where is the Rose girl ? Philip. [Aloud.] Selling her flowers, I suppose [Aside.] Another Court mystery, Pll wager. [Aloud.] Wherefoje ask me? What is a Rose-girl to me, sir, 38 The Two Princes of Baden ^ I'd like to know ? Man, thou dost most strangely talk. Genl. De B. Your grace, she is everything to me, sir; she is my wife. My Lord. I'm nearly crazed. If thou would'st prolong thy days, think no more of her; aye, sir, think no more other. Philip. Smely, I can think no less about her than I do ; as I never thought of her seriously in my whole life. This, sir, I'm willing to svv ear to as a fact. Gen De B. Your Highness, I am resolved, my course is set ; 'twill be useless to attempt to deceive me any more. I have sworn to kill thee if ye pay court to my wife any more ; when my back is turned or at any other time. I shall find thee out, and I shall be sure to keep my word ; I care not for the consequences. Philip. Who art thou that talks in this fashion? Gen. de B. I have the honor to be General de Baldwin, a native and a Field Marshal of Saxony. I am Count of Leipsic. son of his Highness, the Duke of Chemnitz. You, Sir, are Julien, Crown Prinee of Ba- den. Attempt not to deny it. for it is useless. (Pro- ducing a paper.) Behold this 'tis, a missive my false wife intended for thee. (Holds it in front of Philip's face.) Read, Sir, read. Philip. (Aloud.) Dear Julien, be on thy guard, my husband hath suspicion that we have been carnally intimate. Phe Dutchess of Trent gives him to under- stand that she hath proof of all that transpired at die ball, which you remember took place at Sir Eric Wiertz's Castle. If I only had the envious weneh by the hair for about five minutes I'm of the opinion she'd repent of meddling with what concerns her not. Yours in haste, Juno. By St. Stephen, I swear that this was certainly never intended for me. 1 don't burden my thoughts or trouble myself in the least about thy wife, or the wife of any other man. My Lord General, I'm above sucli villainy. Jealousy hath surely obscured thy perspicaci- ty. If thou didst but know me, with such baseness ne'er wouldst thou couple me. Again I swear to thee that I never have, nor ever shall I trouble thy wife. Gen. de B. Art thou in earnest } Can it be pos- sible that ye speak the truth^.^ Philip. Most assuredly I'm in earnest, but re- member there are more Juliens than one — at least I'm Or, A A'ew Year s Eve^ &c. 39 not the person for whom this note was written. Be- sides the "Juno" who hath signed her name to this epistle may not, after all, be thy wife. Gen. DE B. But, Sir, I am too well acquainted with her style of hand- writing to be deceived in re- gards to the note. I am confident she wrote it, but whether it was intended for thyself, or some other per- son, I'm now not so satisfied. Philip. Well, since thou art so determined to have it that she hath sinned, I will speak candidly, I did wish to shield thy wife from a discover}^ The which cannot add to thy nappiness. 1 trusted that the dififir cullies that she hath had to pass through to keep her sin a secret to thee, might prove a lesson— a lesson so severe that she would never repeat her crime. I have strongly differed with thee. But now I do inform thee I believe she did commit the act cf whicii thou dost ac- cuse her, but by all the Gods at once, I swear 'twas not with me. 'Tis the fashion of too many wives to love somebody in the absence of their husbands. But, though it be true, yet am I loth to so acknowledge 'tis a high-toned thoroughbred, courtly fashion. That ye, like the general run of fast husbands, set up ior thy- self, and, as a true man, resent it most scornfully when it comes home unto thee. Dost think, my Lord, that the male portion of mankind alone have a privil- ege to carnal indulgences ^ In tact have as it were a patent right to be lascivious and immciral. If thou dost so conceive, thou art most woefully astray; sin is sin, and takes its color not from sex. Sir, for the last time, I swear I've had nothing to do with thy wife. Gen. DEB. Prince Juhen is bitter to-night, Sir; I-will believe thee what thou hast said — that is, I will be, lieve to be sincere if thou wilt assist me in getting her to leave this place immediately. Persuade her to visit her relatives in France. Anything, I care not what, so long as she leaves this state. For once out of it, I wa- ger my head she ne'er will enter it again. Do this and I will bless thee. Seek her out forthwith, your Grace, and do it to-night. Ah, I came near forgetting it, she has (from what I've discovered of her evening's plan) about changed her disguise — appearing now as a Span- ish widow. Philip. My Lord General, I shall do my be>t to serve your Highness. 40 The Two Princes of Baden ^ Gen. DK B. Thanks, Prince Julien, I leave it en- tirely in thy hands, (Bows.) Adieu for the present . Exit General De Baldwin C, into C^nservary. Returns in haste, and rushes off L. Philip. Well, I'm certainly doing a thriving busi- ness in settling family jungles. Talking is dry work, I'll take a little more wine. (Fills and drains glass.) This will loosen my tongue and give me the courage requisite to go through with my undertaking, for it bids fair I'm to have my hands full. Enter Lady de Baldwin C, from Conseivarory, approaches Philip stealth- ily. Then peers into his face. L.A.DY DE Baldwin. Ah, Lord Julien, you here, really I'm glad — in fact I'm delighted — fortune is with me to-night Philip. (Aside.) 'Tis the General's wife, as I live. (Aloud ) Ye say fortune is with thee to-night. That is not strange, fortune ought to travel in the com- pany of lovely women. Thou art happy. Well, that's as it should be, Beautiful widows find no lack of com- forters. Most men think it a bewitching occupation - that of conso]ing and solacing handsome widows Why hath the flowers of the rose girl withered so soon } Lady De B. What is there my L,ord, that does not wither } Is it the constancy of man's love for wo- man } While passing through the Conservatory with Captain Vosburgh a short time ago, I saw thee deeply engaged in conversation with a certain Carmelite, and whom I knew to be (from the fact that she was unmask- ed) the Princess De Albeau; Julien ye are not false, but ye are fickle — fickle as the wind that blows. Philip. Accuse and berate me if ye will, yet I think I can return the accusation, freighted with more truth. Lady de B. Will your Lordship be so good as to inform me in what respect } Philip. Why, for example, we'll take thy worthy spouse. He loves thee and is proud of thee — admitting him somewhat too fast. Yet a good husband hath he been to thee. Thou shouldst love him tenderly, and with more fidelity. A true mother would not tarnish her children's birth, her offsprings' honor. Lady De B. Prince, thou dost speak truly— a grievous wrong have I committed in listening to thy Or, A New Years Eve^ &c, 4 1 advances and yielding to thy embraces. I did at first repent, and even now, though wearing evil intent in my heart, I am sorry — sorry that Tve got in such a tangle. But the thing is done, remorse, therefore comes too late. Philip. No, never too late. Lets repair the mis- chief. Lets pour oil on the troubled waters. We'll bury the past, and henceforth our actions towards one- another shall be guided by the Ten Commandments. What say you, my sister, art thou with me } Lady Ue B. Aye, with all my heart, good brother. JuHen, Iwish ihy noble father could hear thee now% it would so please him to see his son rise above the lib- ertine and tempter. My lord, 'tis true I have commit- ted a base act, as has thvself. But ye shall not outdo me in making atonement. Right glad will I be when this stain upon my escutcheon is hidden in the night of time. Gay have I appeared, but my happiness was not real, 'twas not solid. A kind of pleasure may be extracted from sinfuhiess, but those who strive for it will most certainly be taught 'tis not worth the price which they'll be forced to pay. Surely will the can- ker worm of conscience gnaw, and make his gnawings most tangibly felt. Julien, why didst thou not take ©n this mood some nights ago. then, perhaps, I ne'er had sinned. God forgive me, for though I've erred, yet do I love my husband. Oh, that the past were again the luture, that my husband had never left my side. Would that I'd never seen a Court, or laid mine eyes upon thee. Then no insidious tongue could have misled me. Then 1 should never have fallen a victim to glut the sinful appetite of Prince Julien. Philip. Hold, madam, hold, I too cry out " Pec- cavi, Peccavi.' * Yet 'tis wri*:ten that those who see their error, acknowledge it, and strive sincerely to re- pent, are not hopelessly lost to proper life, nor all de- pravity. I believe with a certain poet, that though innocence may fall, and lose her white robe, yet by re- pentance may she again become possessed of the self- same garment. Mark me, thy husband has returned ; he is possessed in some manner of a knowledge of our intimacy ; that is, I should say, he hath a misgiving that things are not as they should be. I stung him somewhat severely, yet I'll wager the stinging will set * L. I have sinned, 1 ha\e sinned. 42 The Two Princes of Baden^ him thinking, and rede und to thy benefit. Further- more, I was successful in removing the suspicion from — from myself. You see its better he should think it anybody than Ethelbert's son. Yet, with a little tact we. or rather you (for it rests with thyself, n':>w,) may convince him, that he hath fallen into error, for love, though not exactly blind, is a trifle near-sighted. Go to him and be true. The fidelity of a wife, a mother, is the pride of a famil)', of greater value than the em- blazonry carved upon their shields. Exit Lady De Baldwin L, as her husband enters R. Gen. De B. Dear Julien, I saw my wife enter here from the conservatory as I left thee, a few minutes ago. I saw her coming just as I had entered the con- servatory myself. That's the reason I returned so has- tily and fled by this door, (points to the door through which he had made exit). I watched without until I saw her leave, and now I'm here to know the issue. Is all well— tell me. Philip. 'Tis more than well — 'tis most excellent, the manner in which things have shaped themselves. Friend, thy wife may have erred — and she may not have erred. To speak frankly, judging from all I've recently heard, I'm inclined to give her the benefit of a doubt. I feel it is but fair. Gen. De B. Thou hast a big heart after all, Ju- lien, my friend, and I am greatly indebted to thee for the service which thou hast rendered me this night. Oh, by the way, I came near forgetting a prior debt (hands a paper) Accept this order on my banker. 'Tis the sum I lost at cards to you some little time ago. E'er this thou should have had it, if I had met thee sooner. I leave thee now for my wife, and may Hea- ven bless thee. Shakes Philip warmly by the hand. Exits C, through Conservatory,' Philip [Inspecting paper]. Well, my royal Gen- eral, I'm very glad thou hast remembered to pay thine honest debt An order on thy banker f«:)r five thou- sand dollars is not bad to take, especially as this is New Year's Eve. This certainly is what might be termed a regular windfall. I begin to dread the hour when I must return my Coronet and vacate my throne. Enter Colonel Bloomingdale, R hastily. Col. Bloomingdale. Julien, Julien, my lord, Or, A New Year s Eve. &c. 43 we are both discovered. I shall lish me to one of my cannon and blow myself to atoms. Philip [aside]. Another noble courtier in the meshes of a closely woven trouble. [Aloud.] What wouldst thou with me } Who art thou } CoL. B. I am Col. Bloomingdale. Her worship Theodosia, Mayoress of Carlsruhe, hath this night, aye, ten minutes ago, told Gen. De Baldwin's father about the joke we played on him a few evenings ago. Prince Herman is as mad as a white elephant. He swears — Philip. And he is welcome to swear — to the end of the masquerade, for aught care I. What says your Honor.'' Col. B. That there's no use of attempting to make light of the affair. It's the worst scrape (or, rather, I fear will turn out the worst) that ever w^e had to do with. He declares he'll press us hard for making him appear so ridiculous as we did at Epstein's. This very night I ma\' be arrested and taken to the fortress jail, for he hath sworn to inform the Margrave. No. that shall never come to pass. Fll take my life first. Philip. :3!:a3^, comrade, there's no need of that. Ethelbert cannot be yet acquainted with this secret, for thou hast just said Prince Herman hath sworn to in- form the Margrave. Hath sworn is an act (we may say; wanting performance to give it shape. The act, therefore, (to my mind) is yet in the future tense. It has yet to germinate into the preterit before thou eanst consider with strict certitude thou art in real danger. But how comes it the Mayoress is possessed of all these tacts. Col. B. 'Tis that what bothers me. Confound the witch, I shall be disgraced — I'm lost, lost to my profession, if ever your father becomes cognizant of this affair, Julien. I don't blame the Duke of Chemnitz for being incensed, for his back must yet be sore, and well marked and corrugated, as I bestowed npon him no gentle cudgelling. I'm lost, and so is the confec- tioner's daughter, I'll throw me into the Rhine at once. Philip. Let not thy mind take much of grief on account of the confectioner's daughter, she, like thy- self, will come from this difficulty with flyinp- colors. Thou art entirely too tragicomic, my dear boy. 44 The Izvo Princes of Baden^ Col. B. Sir Prince, I prithee not to mock at my despair. I tell thee plainly I see no sense in the levity of thy last remark. Philip. Be more cool and collect my noble Col- onel. Don't froth and foam so. Thou would^t lead any one (by cutting up in this fashion) to imagine that ye had the hydrophobia. Col. B. Prince JulienJ'm astonished — I cannot comprehend how t'nou canst be so damned apathetic — so indifferent as to what IVe told thee. If the dutch- man who performed the part of Necromancer was only here he might extract us from our present difficulty, for he had a quick wit backed by a ready tongue. As it is he's escaped all the troubled of the scrape. I wish I were as safe as is that Hollauf'er. Philip. So much the better tor us that he's not to be found, for since he hath hidden himself so secure- ly, and as he dare not show his face, nor contradict that which we may sa3\ we can, in the easiest possible manner, make a sort of scapegoat of him — in fact, throw all the blame upon his shoulders. Col. B. Ah, that would be all very well it we could so arrange it, but it will not werk, even though the cursed necromancer dare not reveal himself. Lis- ten, the Mayoress dislikes both you and I, and, becom- ing possessed of our secret (for the present, it matters not how), has, on the first opportunity (which oppor- tunity was this very night) told everything to the Duke, so of course his Highness has the whole catalogue, which reads thus. "Prince Julien,being desirous to break off a match that had been agreed upon between Prince Herman-- Duke of Chemnitz and his lovely Aunt, the Princess Maria; and being informed that Prince Herman was a very superstitious man, devised a scheme to procure from him something by which he could prevent marriage ever taking place between said parties. That in all these plottings he (Julien) was assisted by his bosom friend, Col. Bloomingdale. That they inveigled him into this trap and procured the consummation of it, exactly to the spirit of Prince Julien's desire. That is, obtained certain damning evidence — which you (Julien) now hold against him. That not only Prince Julien and Colonel Bloomingdale were into the plot. But also Captain Hoffman's niece and the confectioner's Or^ A Neiv Year s Eve. &c, 4 5 daughter; that a certain conjurer was procured at a very considerable cost to manage the trick. That the said Professor Schneider (such being his name and ti- tle), instructed the confectioner's daughter (who acted the spirit, and with whom he was infatuated), how to ensnare him. That I was the person who knocked him down, cudgelled and belabored him 'til he bellowed and }elled like a wild bull. If I had only not carried the joke too far, but I was desirous of cooling his pas- sion a little for my sweetheart. 'Tvvas a miserable — an infernal business. By St. Paul but I'll throw me upon my sword." Philip. Tut, man, throw thyself into the arm's of thy lady, 'tis mucli more pleasant ; besides let me in- form thee its not in keeping with thy noble calling and exalted title to talk so of taking thy life — fie, and that too four or five different ways — simply because thou hast met with a difficulty in which ye fear ye may suf- fer a trifle, or, a little more than relishable. If you. act after this fashion a real soldier you never would become. Col. B. Julien, if thou art my friend make not of me, I prithee, a target for thy merriment. By all the furies, but this is the most complex affair I ever had the bad I'jck to become entangled with. Your Highness, I hope ye have the paper safe wherein the Duke did sign to take the confectioner's daughter to his house and keep her as his mistress, after he had married with thy relati\'e, etc. Philip. 'Tis safe. (Aside.) A most entertaining narrative, this (aloud.) Why, behavior of this color would be even a disgrace amongst the commonest peo- ple. The meanest and lowest citizens who calls good Ethelbert Sovereign, could scarcely conduct themselves in a worse fashion. Col. B. Indeed, my Lord, your Highness speaks the truth. 'Tis impossible to behave more meanly and vulgarly than the Mayoress, for we have both always treated her with the utmost politeness. As for myself, 1 could swear I never gave her any cause to take such a dislike as she seems to hold against me. Philip. Then, most noble Colonel, dost thou forsooth forget thyself? Thou hast given her caiise, and so has Prince Julien. Are not Julien and Bloom- ingdale a couple of reprobates ? And is that not suffi- 46 TJie 7 wo Princes of Baden^ cient to cause for themselves, the contemptand dis- hke of so exemplary a lady as her Honor, the Mayoress. Col. B. Well, Prince, be that as it may, ye must interpose thine influence with thy Roj'al father in my behalf. Come, thou shalt not leave me until ye prom- ise. Philip. — Where is the Duke, Sir ^Colonel, hast thou any idea .-^ CoL. B. I left Miss Hoffman's mother on his track. She will endeavor to keep him from the Mar- grave until we have Phit upon a plan of defense. We've no time to lose, Julien, Prince Herman, said the Mar- grave, should hear of this business ; should be notified of the manner visitors are treated while enjoying the hospitality of his court, and I tell thee, sir, the old man means to keep his word, yet I think he can be quieted by the document in your possession. I Philip. — Yes, yes, man, o'erleap all incident, an- swer me. Where is Prince Herman } Col. B. I suppose he's endeavoring to gain (quietly) the ear of the Margrave. Philip. Great Caesar, and is the Margrave really here } Col. B. Yes, he unexpectedly dropped in--I say unexpectedly, because he gave out he would not be here ; a fact I suppose thou art better aware of than myself. He arrived just before I came here — he's not in mask. P'rom what 1 saw before I lett, I presume he's now about engaging with the Minister ol Police in a game of cards. As your Grace is so good at schem- ing I'll leave everything to thee, my thoughts are too mixed to be of any assistance ; I'll see thee at about two A. M., as we might be watched. It will not do for us to be found together at present ; I hope we'll navigate safely througii the " Charybdis " of this busi- ness, I must leave thee now [Bows.] Adieu my Royal friend (Exit Col. Bloomingdale C, through Conservatory, hastily.) Philip. So so, a couple of merry lads are they — this Julien and his friend. By St. Luke — if our good Ethelbert hears ofthis, it will be hard to tell who'll be wrecked on " Scylla " first, the Civic or the MiHtary Prince For the Margrave will not favor evil doing any more in his son than any other citizen, ^y jove its high time I were again that high functionary, the Or, A New Year s Eve, &c, 47 " Cerberus " of the night. I fear me I'm getting my- self and my substitute into a position we'll find too dif- ficult from which to extract ourselves. What vulgar things are done in Palaces. What vile actions are committed by the rich — with impunity. They to whom the poor are taught to look for refinement and moral instruction ; they who are termed the upper class— the better. By my troth but as actions speak louder than words, I should say that they were the lowest class, if I'm to consider those with whom I've just been associa- ting — people of quality, well — (Enter Baron Stamwitz R.) Baron Stamwitz. [In subdued voice — laying hand on Philip's shoulder.] All alone my Lord. That's good, for I have something private to say to thee, something that will benefit both of us. May I have the pleasure of your Highness's attention for a moment, the business is of a most urgent nature. (Phili^j removes the Baron's hand, then seeps back a pace.) Baron S. Oh ft's all right my Lord — I'm Baron Stamwitz, cousin of Baron von Dietz.the Minister of Fi- nance, i am the State's Treasurer, I hope your Grace enjoyed the Wolf hunt, Philip. Well my Lord Treasurer; what com- mands hast thou. Baron S. I shall speak c>penly and to the point, Sir Prince ; I was about broaching this matter to thee before thy hunting expedition took place, but I thought I had better await thy return, imagining it would please thee more, and that thou v^ouldst in thy leasure be better able to contribute thy Royal assistance. Your Highness must be aware, that there's no one in ail the broad lands that compose this "Margraveate " wr.o take more pleasure in serving thee, than the Finance Minister, and his colleague the Treasurer of Baden. Philip. If thy words emanate sincerely from thy heart, then I say Julien is most truly grateful. But my mind falls shrewdly to the belief, that there's no de- pendence to be placed on the honeyed words of smooth tongued Courtiers. Make known thy business my Lord, with as much brevity as possible. Baron S. Well, your Highness is pleased to be severe, nevertheless — be it known to your Grace, the 48 The Tzvo Princes of^ Baden^ House of Sir Abrahan Levi has applied to us (the Fi- nance Minister and myself), about the fifty thousand dollars he advanced your Royal Highness. He says he must have the money immediately, or he will apply to the Margrave. Philip. Will he keep his threat — can't you my Lord, induce the old man to wait. Baron S. He \\\\\ Sir Prince ; he will wait about as much as will the Goldsmith Brothers, who demand that their seventy-five thousand dollars shall be put into their hands without another moments delay. Philip. Well, I suppose if the people will not wait for their money, why I must — Baron S. Stay your Highness — be not rash, the Minister and I are in a position to relieve — in fact to make everything comfortable, if — if — Philip. If what, my Lord Baron Baron S.. If thou wilt agree to the following, you see Sir Abraham Levi has bought up immense quanti- ties of grain ; a decree against importation, will increase the price considerably. By obtaining for Levi the con- trol of the market, thou wilt be the gainer, thus : He agreeing to pay for the monopoly, fifty thousand dol- lars down. To erase thy former debt of the same amount, and liquidate the seventy-five thousand dollars owing to the Goldsmith Brothers, but everything de- pends upon the present Finance Minister and Treasurer remaining at the head of the Fiscal Departmet. If Dr. Steinberg succeeds in ejecting us from office, we are incapacitated from rendering unto your Hisrhness the service mentioned. Now all that we ask my Lord, is that thou wilt use thine influence with thy noble father and have us retained in our present dignities. We don't seek the position for the position's sake, or be- cause we think there's plenty of money to be made, but only to serve your Grace ; for to be candid. Baron Von Dietz and myself are tired of office, and if it were not that we held your Excellence's comfort and pleasure above our ease, we would straightway proceed to take rest by tendering our resignation. Philip If I comprehend thee aright Sir Treasurer, thou wouldst starve the poor a little (I say the poor, for upon them would the burden reall}^ fall), in order to Or, A New Years Eve^ &c. 49 rid me of my debts ; consider, my Lord, the sufferings thou woLildst produce. Surely it would never do to let this come to the ears of EtheJbert. Baron S. We do not pi opose that it shall come to the ears of the Mar:^Tave, we are of the opinion of your Highness most emphatically, as to its being dangerous, yet in the f^ce of all risks and hazards I here state we will take all such burdens .on our shoul- ders, in fact my Lord, we guarantee to stand for everything, of course Philip. One moment, please. I cannot see how the Margrave's to be inveigled into issuing a decree against the importation of grain. Baron S. We will manage that quite cleverly — aye, by the very love he bears for the people, his coun- try. By this, his old hobby. 'Tis the duty of a Ruler to protect the industries of the state over which he pre- sides. You see we will make it appear to him that our trade in grain is being seriously interfered with by un- scrupulous foreign dealers, who are enabled to under- sell our countrymen, because they furnish to the millers a worthless article at a reduced value. We will request executive interposition on behalf of the grain raising interest of our land. We will shower him with forged petitions from our citizens, of course we are aware that after we have seduced the Margrave into signing the decree (which we shall take special care to draft- with our own pen and ink), he will in the course of a month (sooner or later) perceive that he has made a mistake. (For to speak the truth, my Lord, judging from our re- ports, grain of our own raising is more scarce than plenty.) Has miscalculated, as it were, that instead of an abunndance there is u dearth. That we must look elsewhere than to our planters for breadstuff. Philip, Well, whatthen— of course we're all dis- covered. Baron S. Not so, my lord. We will inform him that all was right at first. But, that a strange bug got into the cereal and before its ravages could be stopped it destroyed the better part of said grain, thus making flour scarce and greatly raised in price. Philip. When the Margrave sees this he will im- mediately annul his decree against importation. Baron S. Certainly my dear Prince. But we will parry that. W'e will convince him by false statements 50 The Two Princes of Baden^ that it will be better to try and conceal our condition as long as we can) from our Continental Brothers, lest avaricious men take advantage of our necessity. That the best thing to do will be to allow Levi the pri\ilege of alone importing before the repeal takes general effect, the length of said privilege to be left to the discretion of the Finance Minister. Now, you see Levi can well af- ford to be liberal, backed up in this fashion. The im- mense amount of grain which he now has on hand will bring him in a tremendous revenue. After he hath disposed of what he now has he can import in such a manner as to make a good percentage for all concerned. When we think we have burdened the people as long as we dare, we will abolish his privilege. The whole plan is now laid bare to thee, my Lord. Philip. A well-schemed plan. What 's about the length of time requisite for a Finance officer to be in his berth before he can get wealth for himself and gold for his Patron } Baron S. Well -if he's thoroughgoing and watch ful alter the first twelve months have become as things of the past, he may commence to feather his nest, and put by something handsome for his backer. You see, my Lord, he is first forced to pay strict attention to the duties of his office, in order to be able afterwards to reap a harvest. To cut a long story short, sir Prince, he must first make sure of his latitude before it's plain sailing. Philip. Then, if the Margrave wishes to have the State faithfully and honestly served, he should remove the presiding ofBcer of Finance from his station, and place a new one in his chair every twelfth moon. Baron S. My Lord, I can swear that ever since Baron Von Dietz and myself have held sway o'er the exchequer the Margrave's Purse hath been lull — al- ways full — aye, packed. Phhjp. I doubt thee not. Yet if Ethelbert knew the manner by which its bulk was increased, or kept plethoric, he'd strangle thee As thou hast said, Eth- elbert loves the people. He takes more pride in doing right than the wearing of the title of Margrave. Sir. thou art a plunderer. The Minister of Finance and thyself makeup a sum of knavish qualities that in two other monsters could not be found. (Raising his eyes, Or J A New Year s Eve, &c. 5 1 stretches forth his hands.) Oh, God ! What a scourge to humanity are such vermin as these Baron S. Now, m}- Lord, this is rude, most bit- ter language. Have not we done all that^s possible for thee. Philip. Sir Baron, thou shouldst have more len- ity^more justice for the people. Baron S. My Lord, your highness does not grapple properly with the subject, thou dost not under- stand thine own rights. The people we serve are the powers at court. Outside of the nobility, well, for mere mention we'll sa)^ the gentry, too, I hold the State but as the private property of its ruler. The peo- ple necessary only as they augment his pleasures. (Bowes.) Have we the honor to lift the weight of debt from off your Highness. Philip. -Thou wouldst know my answer.? Well, then hark 3/^e. No ! a thousand times, no I Not at the expense of the good citizens of Baden. Baron S. Wellrl shall not consider this thy final answer. I shall interview thy Lordship again about this subject, for I feel most certain that ye will change thy mind after ye have pondered a bit. Philip. Baron, thou art too kind. Thou art ex- ceedingly polite. 'Tis a shame to spoil thy little game, yet mark me, sir, I shall obey the law and do my duty, and woe unto thee if thou dost not the same. Leave me, and remember what Fve said. Baron S. But, sir— Philip. Leave, miscreant, do as I bid thee. I wish that all such plotting hounds as thou art were at the bottom of the ocean, along with their infernal schemes. Leave me, I say. and take this with thee to chew upon : — That if thou dost not act according to the legal sanctionings of thine ofhce, and also immediately lower the tax on grain, and cease while Treasurer to have ought to do with the usurer Levi, or any men of the same calibre, I shall whisper in the ear of Ethelbert such a tale that shall make a flaming furnace a cooler place for thee than Baden. Go, before I throttle thee. (Stamping foot.) Go ! Exit Baron Stamwitz, C. through conseivatory in haste Philip. So this is the way our national Finance is managed. This, I suppose, is political economy. 52 TJie Tzvo Princes of Baden ^ These are the kind of men who cast the shadow of doubt on many a good and well-intending ruler 'Tis strange so wise and observing a man as Ethelbert hath not measured yet these whelps, even though they've en- joyed their present dignities but six short months. Come, Philip, I think the best think foV thee to do, is to get out of this Palace as soon as possible lest that terrible Duke essays, to break thy back. Enter Henrique Moritz L. just as Philip is about to exit L. They both come in contact. Henrique. Moritz Prince Julien, at last. Well, I'm heartily glad of it for tired I am of hunting for thee. I saw your Grace enter here with a Brahmin. I saw you from one of the Palace windows. I was sur- prised at not having been warned of thy return. Oh, your Highness, but Pve good news — merry news for thee." Philip. I must know who thou art, sir Mask, be- fore I will hold converse with thee. Henrique. I am Henrique Moritz. (Bows.) Your Highness's confidential page, I've merry news for thine ears. (Leads Philip down stage.) Oh, Prince, that elegant set of jewelry you sent to the beautiful opera singer, Del Rinaldo, did the business — worked like a charm, the enchanting actress surrenders at such a summons. My Lord, she requested me to bring thee to her arms as soon as possible, that she might thasdc thee with the warmth of her love. Art thou ready, Prince } Philip. No, fellow, no. Henrique. What, dost thou not intend to go } Philip. Just so, my man. Not one step will I take that leads towards her residence. Henrique. But the Lady v/ill expect thee. My Lord, sir^ it cannot be possible that thou art'anxious to be rid of her. Come, let me conduct thee to her pres- ence. She will weary of waiting. 'Tis not genteel to treat a Lady's love so lightly, especially after acting so deeply enamoured. Philip. Let her wait. 'Twill do her a world of good. 'Twill teacli^ her to be patient. Patience is rated among the virtues of mankind. 'Tis therefore worth possessing. Or, A New Years Eve, &c. c^i^ HenriQUK- But, my Lord, you'll lose her. She will resent this coldness of thine most bitterly. Thou dost forget that Del Rinaldo is the most petted actress in Europe. Why, sir, people actually fawn about her. But, pshaw, all this is stale news to your Highness. Yet though she loves thee, beware, for remember she hath Spanish blood. Philip. Let her resent it if she chooses so to do, I care not. For the present she can enliven the mo- notony of her vigil by warbling with her sweet, melo- dious \'oice, some lovesick ditty, or have her tire- woman rehearse her in her coming part. I'll not go to the " Andalusian,'" but the " Andalusian " can go to the Devil. Henrique. Why, Prince, hast thou really altered thy mind .^ Well, I comprehend thee not. my Lord, sir, for the last three months hast thou been sighing con- stantly for this identical opportunity, and now that it's arrived, thou art translated suddenly into an ice-berg. Surely this is arrant nonsense. What can have moved thee to this course. Philip. Let this suffice : The change is my busi- ness, not thme. Henrique. Aha! perhaps thou hast other fish to fry; |:er— Philip. Presumebt thou so. Well, what then ? Henrique. Perhaps a " Petit Souper''- with the Honorable Miss Witherspoon, But, let me warn thee. Sir Prince, (though her beauty and extreme loveliness of manner may charm thee as it must all men who are fortunate enough to possess her acquaintance.) that it would be dangerous to attempt anything dishonorable with her, for her famil\''s one of the most wealthy, dow- ertul and illustrious in all the British Empire. Her father (the Ambassador) is very devout, and — Philip. I suppose the daughter is, too } Henrique. 'Tis so asserted, my Lord. Philip Well, be the lady what she may, I'm not seeking the Scotch beauty either with good or evil in- tentions. As for the Spaniard, she can do as thou hast said of me, sigh, sigh a little on her own account. Mark me, I break with her entirely, and so long as thou art * F. a little iupper. 54 Th£ Two Princes of Baden^ my page, and value the keeping of my friendship, nc\er presume to speak of that Iberian devil again. Henrique. Oh, my Lord, but she's a very " Lla- rem Queen," With one exception she's tlie most beau- tiful woman that ever these optics of mine has had the pleasure of beholding. Vet, sir, since ye wish it, I'll never mention her again to your Highness. Prince, now that I read thy mind a bit this much will I venlure to say : That, though the Spanish girl is a poet's dream in form and feature, yet she is to imperious. I 'm sure, to suit thee rightly. I'll wager a month's salary and all the perquisites of mine office for the same length of time, thatyour grace would have become disgusted with her ladyship inside of one short month of love. If she had her deserts she— Philip. (Aside.) I'm of the opinion that a se- vere castigation would greatly improve the quality of this royal page. Black at heart is he, callous and full of festering schemes — a sort of intellectual devil. For though base I do perceive much shrewdness beaming from his serpent eyes. Not a fit companion for the son of Ethelbert the just. Such a man is a stumbling block to any reformation in the character of so wayward a boy as Lord Julien. 'Tis a shame that the Prince (who I'm convinced is not really bad hearted,) is so plastic and malleable in the hands of knavish men. (Aloud.) Des- erts in this world, Henrique, are bestown by Fortune with a crooked hand, else many a worthy beggar would be a ruler, and many a ruler an unworthy beggar. Henrique. Aye, most veritably dost thou speak, my Lord, for I have discovered a girl — oh, such alo\e- ly maid ! (Smacks lips.) There's not another in Ba- den or anywhere else that'll compare with her, I'm cer- tain, she's the exception I mentioned a moment ago to the " Andalusian." I would be foolish, Prince, to at- tempt to describe her. All that I can say is she's a very " goddess " — such hair — such eyes — such charms-- uhm, why, Prince, thou'll go mad on beholding her. She's only a peasant girl, my Lord. It grieves me to see such an angel abiding in the obscurity of a cottage, to be mated and embraced some day by some unpol- ished and common man. A fate that it's your grace's duty to avert by capturing her for thyself. Such a mis- tress as she will make, your Highness has ne'er known. Or^ A New Years Eve. &c. 55 Philip. (Aside.) By St. Peter but the fellow's surely speaking of my Rose, for there's no other woman in Baden that reaches this description (Aloud.) So thou dost conceive (if I'm to judge from thy language) that Julien can easily possess himself of this seraph in the entirety. Damn me if I argue with thee ! Henrique. Saving your presence I say a fig for such talk. Julien of Baden needs no assurance from me. A grisette — a mere grisette — standing proof against the offers of a Prince — a Prince's love. Fie, my Lord, thou dost but jest. I've found out by watch- ing the place carefully that a certain young j-eoman (as splendid a specimen of manhood as she is of woman- hood) is her lover. Yet that amounts to nothing, sir, for a little money and a snug berth would soon cause him to relinquish all claim to this " Hebe." She's the essence of artlessness, innocence and native grace. Thou shouldst see her as soon as possible. Philip. And what method wouldst thou adopt to bring about such an issue safely and expeditiously. Henrique. Listen : Pretend that thou art a man of letters — a poet, aye, the bard's the very character — the very best one, thou, my Lord, can assume, because (grinning) because thou canst grind out a verse if thou ,art put to it. And if it's doggerel, as most of your High- ness's poems are, it will matter little, for I'm sure slie'll be but a poor judge. She'll think thou art the greatest of bards, and fall in love with thee for thy verse alone. Yet to make surety doubly sure, thou canst be a little lavish, you know, a sort of philanthro- pist. Of course, the first thing to be done is to obtain board at the cottage— a thing, I presume, very easy to do, as they are poor, and therefore want money — watch every opportunity to do them kindness without their sus- pecting that thou art studying so to do, and in a short space of time thou wilt be highly esteemed by them. When this juncture arrives thou canst consider thy plans have arranged themselves in proper shape, and — well I leave the rest to thine eloquence, rank and the magic which gold contains. Philip. But what if this lover of hers will not ac- cept a bribe. What if he should turn out one of those bold yeomen who knows the law, and understands his right, furthermore, is not afraid to defend then. What then } 5 6 The Tzvo Princes of Batten^ Henrique. My dear Prince, I'm of the opinion that the safest way to deal with the lout, is n©t to give him an oppor*".unity to prove rebelHous. In other words I'll have him kidnapped and placed in the army. If he's a proud spirit there's the place to have it tamed. This will afford him a chance to serve his country, as every hound like him should be made to do. I said he's good-looking (this yeoman), but who the devil cares about the looks of a Plebeian. My Lord, this lovely cottager .is beyond doubt the most bewitching creature that ever I ran down for your Highness. Philip. (With great excitement.) Where lives she 1 Her name } her name, man .^ Out w^th it ! Out with it ! Henrique. She resides in a lane that leads to ** St. Gregory's'' Cathedral. She's the daughter of an old ^soldier who was killed in battle. Her mother is Widow Marbury ; her name is Rose. Philip. (Seizing Henrique.) Of all the plagues that doth afflict poor human nature there's not one more to be dreaded than men like thee. (Hurls Hen- rique to the floor.) Fly, wretch, lest in my anger I do thee harm. Dost thou not observe I'm greatly moved. Henrique. (Arising and bowing.) Sir, I do perceive thou art displeased. Yet does the cause re- main so hidden that I cannot divine the wherefore. I always endeavored — Philip. Ye guardian-angels, I thank thee for the service rendered me. For surely what hath befal- len me this night must be thy handy work. Oh, Rose! Rose, my darling ! What a snare hath been hatched to entrap thine innocence. Henrique (Bowing,) Your pardon,' my Lord. But it seems that this pretty wench (I mean this lovely maid) is not a stranger to your Highness, and that ye love her too fondly for thy rank's good profit. Now, how was I to know this — ye held it such a secret. Wow was I to know, when I ceased to have your grace's con- fidence } It were better — Philip. For thee, if distance ye put between us, for I tell thee I'm in no mood to bear with thee. Away! thou crooked soul'd conscienceless miscreant, and take this with thee — yea, mark it w^ell, that if ever Or^ A Nezv Year s Eve^ &c. 57 within a mile's proximity to the home of this young girl — to the roof made sacred by the hallowed presence of this sweet innocence I find thy loathsome visage Fll throttle thee on the spot. By all that's holy I swear I '11 keep my word. Henrique. But, my Lord, I only- Philip. Leave me, I say, for though not splene- tic, yet wear I that within my breast that makes me dan- gerous when 1 am wronged. Go, before I kill thee ! Exit L. Henrique, moodily. Philip (Passionately.) Is honor dead, or fled to hearts ot savage beasts. Why does Heaven permit such reptiles as this Henrique to stand erect and wear the form of man — wear it but to disgrace it. Oh, ye gods, can such a creature ever have felt the pure and endearing influences of home } No- oh, no. If such had been the case the thought of that home woulds unnerve him when he aimed a blow (like which he pointed towards my Rose,) and which strikes, not at the character of woman singly, but offers insult to his own family ; his sisters who shared with him the hearth ; the mother wiio joyfully sufl"ered that he might live. He can be naught else than some ghoul — a nest of sin deputied by some evil power to prey upon society. .Tis nothing strange that Julien hath become tainted by contact with such a human — no, I mean inhuman monster, as this court-page. The Prince is too easily lead for his own benefit. How all this escapes the watchful eye of the Margrave, is more than I can un- derstand. Enter Col. Bloomingdale R. on a run. Rushes tj Philip and seizes him by the arm. Col. B, (Excitedly.) I'm here aeain, my Lord. I come to tell thee to fly. Prince Herman is now on thy track — he's coming this wa}' as fast as his legs will conve\'- him. It will not be well to cross his path just now ; he's in the worst of ill-humor. Exit Col. Bloomingdale L. pulling Philip af;er him, just as Prince He i man enters C. from conservatory. Prince Herman. (Drawing and brandishing a sword.) Dogs! Devils! Stop, I say! Think not to elude me, cowards ! Ye dare not face me ! Ye have hearts of hares ! By St. Paul but ye shall not escape me thus ; my blood is up ; I shall be avenged ! Exit Prince Herman L, in haste. 58 Tke Two Princes oj Bade^i^ THIRD SCENE. Scene. — A street front, perspectiveview. En;er Philip and Col. Blo„uiing- dale R. Both out of breath. Col. B. My dear Julien, I think vve have escap- ed the old hornet for the present. I'm surprised your Highness can run so well and appear so unwearied. I could never have imagined it possible, as ye take so little real exercise. I'll wager I m the most tired of the two. Philip. Leave me, Bloomingdale, leave me. I will run no further. See, here comes Herman at the top of his speed. Col. B. Aye, Prince, now do I myself beliold him. You ask me to leave thee. That I shall not do. No, not while Herman carries a drawn sword, and wears upon his face the look of a wild beast hunting for prey. Besides, old Herman is one of the best of swordsmen. Philip, Nevertheless, my friend, I say it will be better for both of us if I meet Herman alone. There- fore, I request thee to leave me. Furthermore, ye need have no fear as to my being seriously harmed, I'm quite familiar with the sword myself, I'd have ihee re- member. But if I were not, he would not dare to in- jure me too badly. Thou dost forget he's now in Ba- den, and not in Saxony. Col. B. Well, have thy way, my Lord, I'll leave thee. Yet shall I not be afar, so if thou shouldst re- quire me thou hast but to call. I go, your Highness, but much against my will. Exit, Col. Bloomingdale, L. just in time to avoid being seen by Prince Her- man, whorubhes in R. with sword still drawn. Prince H. Sir, I would speak a word or two with thee, if thou hast the courage to stay and give ear. Philip. Speak, Sir, a hundred words if ye like, but more than this I will not grant thee. My time is limited, so let despatch be thy motto. Prince H. Be not alarmed, I shall be most ex- ceedinglybrief. Thou hast wronged me, deny it not. See, (tears off mask) I am Prince Herman, Duke of Chemnitz. I demand satisfaction. We are alone and armed — come, defend thyself, (puts himeelf in the atti- tude of attack.) Surely this is brief enough, I hope. Or, A Ahw Year s Eve^ Cyc. 59 Philip now prepares for defense, yet retreats a step or two. Philip. 'Tis sir, brief enough in words — almost a philological famine. Prince H. [Coming forward.] Damn me, but it shall be brief enough in deed, as well. Philip. [Retreating 1 Sir: art thou aware with whom chou wouldst seek to quarrel. Prinxe H. Aye. Prince Julien (for thou art he), I am, )'ou see, tulh' aware to whom Fm indebted for the shameful treatment I received at the Confectioners. I know the whole scheme of ^which I was made the victim. Come — talk less and give me a chance foj- satisfaction. If thou dost not grant me this, thou shalt be exposed to thy Royal Father — I shall demand of his liege Philip. To carefully peruse the document to which thou didst attach thy Sign-manual, after taking oath to adhere strictly to the intent of said document — I mean the agreement between thyself and the Confec- fectioner's Daughter. By-the-way, Fm in luck — I have it now in the breas^'-pocket of my vest. PRI^XE H. Pshaw — the Margrave would but smile at such a puper. Thou canst not hope with that document to do me much harn:i. Surely a nobleman may do as he pleases with a plebeian girl. Show (if thou so wouidst like this paper, not onl\^ to his Liege, but all the Court, for aught I care. [Aside.] Damn me, but he has me on the hip. [Aloud.] 'Twas a mere art of foolery, done when elated with mine — a bit ot -}. lark' Fie, His Excellency will comprehend it all as readily, as I now read th\- treacherx'. Philip. Come then ; let's tarry here no longer; 'twold be a sin to wa.. A nght ensues, in wJiich Prince Herman is w^ounded slightly, and his sword knocked from his grabp. Philip. Sir grey-beard, I hope thou art satis- fied. As for myself,! am more than satisfied. 6o The Iwo Princes of Baden^ Prince H. [Bindincr lils left hand with hand- kerchief.] Sir — yet hope I to be avenged ^ on Prince JuHen. Think ye that because Philip. Behold tht-n [Unmasks. | no emnity \\\y heart for me contains. See ; I am not Prince Juiien. [Bows.] Sir: I bid thee adieu. [Exit Philip. L.] THIRD ACT, FIRST SCENK. Scene. — Office of Duke Von BrunsAick, Chief of Police (in the Citadel) Lieutenant. Rebel- seated at a desk. L. D )ois in flats R. and L. Sen::iies R. and L. passing to and fro. A Watchman guarded by a Gens D'Arme. Bo:h standing before Lieutenant's Desk. Lieutenant Reber. What, another Watchman } Have they all gone craz)-. Guardsman make thy charge. First Gens D'Arme. [Saluting.] Mr. Lieu- tenant This man was caught in the act of singing libellous songs, and creating disturbances. First Watchman. [Saluting.] Good Mr. Lieu- tenant ; may it please your Honor, I Lieut. R. Take him below. See tliat he's securely locked in his cell by the Turnkey. [Aside.] By St. Michael ; 'tis growing serious — actually serious. [Exit Gens D'Arme through R. D. in F. foUaved by Wa'-chman, w'^-h bowed head, just as Captain Wetzelburgh and Col. Del Buchardo, cn'cr R. arm-in arm, Lieut. R. [Saluting.] Ah Captain, thou hast arrived most opportunely. Capt. Wetzelburgh. Lieutenant ; inform the Chief I am the bearer of grave news. Tell l^'m I must see him immediately, one of our men hath acted most unbecomingly in the presence of this Nol^le Gentleman In fact an insult this night he has received from a mem- ber of our force. Lieut. R. Was he of the Civic, or Military Po- lice } Capt. W. Of the Third Division ; therefore of the Watch. Lieut. R. A Watchman. Well Captain, it's my opinion the Watchmen are all possessed to-night. Why I have consigned ten or twelve of them to the tender mercy of a cell-respectively. [Exit Lieutenant Reber through L. D. in F.] Capt. W. [Looking R.] Bring in the prisoner. Or, A New Years Eve^ &c. 6 i [Enter R. A Watchman guarded by a Gens D'Arme, just as the Chief of Police enters (followed bv Lieutenant Reber), Through L. D. in F. The Captain and Col. salute. Chief returns salutes.] Capt. W. a lively shape things now are taking, your Grace. Duke Von Brunswick. Gentlemen : Lieutenant Reber hath informed me of what has transpired, but I must confess that it's astounded I'm begining to be. The office of Chief of Police I have held full many a year ; yet in the whole course of my Superintendent- ship, never before the like of this night have Tbeheld. Surely the Watchmen have either gone mad, or con- cocted some base conspiracy. Thou canst depend upon it that I shall now begin to sift things to the bottom We have a number of Watchmen now in custody, one whose vile verses caused quite a difficulty between the Town's people and some of the National troops. Lieu- tenant Broadsword, of the Lancers, was very roughly handled, as were several other persons. Capt W. The devil fly away with all poets, says L Duke Von B. [To Col. Del Buchardo.] Sir Colonel, for such I perceive thou art. wilt thou be so kind as to particularize the complaint, and make thy charge in person. This Watchman (I suppose) is the very man who dared offer insult to your worship. Col. Del i UCHARDO. Insult— I should say so. [Excitedly.] The low born knave hath not only in- sulted me but all who wear the uniform of a soldier. Sir : if I had given way to the passion that then surged within my breast. I^ should have smote hirri with my sword.. [Shakes his riding whip and strides up and down a couple of times, exclaiming the while.] Wretch --his accursed verses rankles in my brain still. Why, gentlemen, it's an outrage. Capt. W. Though I ordered the man's arrest, I did not hear the notes to which he tuned his tonerue ; L was too far off to catch the words of his son^. Colonel I prithee repeat them if it be possible. Duke Von B. Yes Col, repeat them — repeat the verses. Col. Del B. I'm sorry to say. I could not cor- rectly do so. But stay ; this Gen d'Arme overheard the song ; he was but across the street. He ma)^ re- member them. 62 The Tivo Princes of Baden^ Duke Von B. [To Gen d'Arme.] Didst thou catch the song- my man. Second Gkn d'Arme. [Saluting ] Your Honor ; I can either sing it or speak it — ^just as it suits thee, I have it all here, [touches his forehead.] Every word sir. Duke Von B Sing it my man ; sing it, every particle. Sec. Gen. d'A. : Briglit featners and plumes that tower above, Embroidered hats and uniforms of gold. Waists strapped siim, and padded breasts, Such are our soldiers bold. Chorum: — Oft an ass's hand doth clasp, A General's baton within its grasp. A powdered wig and trailing queue, Occupation — cards, dancing and flirting too, Empty heads, if their blood be blue, Will here far outstrip the good and true. CJiorus : Oft an ass's hand doth clasp, A General's baton within its grasp. That's it to the letter, your grace. Col. Del B. The identical song, word for word, gentlemen. Second Watchman. (Saluting ) Good Sirs, in all the days of my life, never did I a poetical verse compose. ' Col. Del B. Rascal, darest thou deny the sing- ing of those infamous lines } Darest thou deny that as I was walking on thy beat, ye sang them in my hear- ing.^ Taking to thy heels as soon as ye perceived Cap- tain Wetzelburgh and his guard. Second Watch. Nothing do I know of all this, upon my word I swear, most noble gentleman. Capt. W. Why took thee to thy heels so swiftly then ? Second Watch I did not take to my heels, Sir Captain. A man passed me at great speed, as if pur- sued, but I never left my beat. I was about making up my mind to give chase also, when I was seized and informed that at the office of the Chief my presence was Or, A New Year s Eve^ &c, 6j required. I asked for what, I was told for unnecessary insolence to a gentleman of high standing, I was too far off either to hear or know the singing or when your hon- appeared upon the scene. This, gentlemen, is all I know of the affair. Col. Del B. I hope, Sir Chief, that your grace will lock the villain up, and severely punish him. I think i; will have a tendency to bring him to his senses, (aside) and may, perhaps, be the instrumentality of causing him to divulge who are his accomplices. By dealing sternly with this knave, we may arrive at a bet- ter understanding of the whole plot, for plot I believe it is, and a dangerous one too. Duke Von B. I agree with your worship. I shall do as thou hast advised. I shall forthwith set the en- tire force on the lookout, offering a large reward, with promotion; this bait, I think, will do the business. Ah, I said the entire force, but that I can not do, for it's only the first and second divisions it seem that can be trust- ed, at present. Our force is divided into three divisions — the first are the Gens d'Armes, the second are the Police proper, and the Watch constitute the third. It will require the first and second sections to keep the third (who are no doubt backed by disaffected citizens,) still and compel tliese dist^arbers of the peace to re?pect Idvv and order. Enter a Corporal of Gens d'Armes R. Salutes. Capt. W. What now.? Another Port I'll wager my epaulets. Corporal. [To Captain], Noble Sir, Sergeant Siglitz having arrested the Captive, whom I ha^'e Vv'ith- out, commanded me to bring him here immediately that they might be put under lock and key. I await your honor's orders. Capt. W. [To Chief.] Does your Grace wish to behold them, or shall I order them straight to confine- ment? Duke von B. I would see them first. Let them be brought before me. CAPT. W, Produce the prisoners. Corporal. Exit Corporal R. Re-entering R, followed by several watchmen, guarded by Gens d'Armes, with guns. Duke von B. These are the culprits. Hast thou any special charge to make Corporal. 64 J-f^^ J^^o Pi'inces of Bade?i^ Cor. Yes, your honor; for though they have all disturbed the peace of good citizens, there's a couple I thiuk need particular attention, two who've behaved most villainously. The first one sang a song under th.e windows of the Palace of the Minister of Foreign Af- fairs, in which he said that the affairs of the IVIinister's office were the afTairs to which he was the most toreign. Third Watchman. Your Grace. I cannot raise a note. In all my life of two score years I was ne\er known to sing a song. Why. my lord, it's impossible to fasten the singing of asong on nie. Ye might as well arrest a bull-frog as myself. Duke von B. Silence, thou miscreant. [To Cor- poral.] What said the other knave, good Corporal. Cor. He sang before the Palace of Bishop Tauls- dorf that the " Lights of the Church " were in tallow no ways wanting, though they yielded entirely more soot and smoke than brilliancy of illumination. Duke von B. This is worse still. [To prisoner.] Were I the Margrave, I'd have thy tongue torn out for daring to utter such blasphemy. [To Captain ] Wet- zelburgh, I shall hold thee responsible fcr the safel)' of the prisoners. Capt. W. Lieutenant Reber, see that the prison- ers are confined each in a strong^ccll. and heavilv iron- ed. Double the guard about the Castle. Exit all. Lieutenant Reber and Gens d'Aimcs with piisoneis thrwi.gli R. R door in F. Captain Wetzelburgh, Col. Dal buchardo and Duke wjn ui-.n;- wick L. The Captain, Colonel and the Duke talking in dumb sha.\L ac net, as tke Flats close in, etc. SECOND SCENE. Scene. — A front per.^pective view, (Srrcet). Ent^r Fl jrence St.ncr R leading a little (of some thaee summers) by the hand. The mother s./bs Ida Stover. Don't ky any more, mamma, tause it makes me feel so ossal bad to see ou eep so. Florence Stover- [Kneeling and embracing child C] O God. God, pity me, have mercy Heaven ! Yet, if it be Thy will that I must suffer, Oh pity, for virtue's sake, this, my precious one; for him crucified, be merciful to this helpless, this innocent child- Father Al- mighty, Thou fountain head of this great universe, to thee I pray! Oh, take my darling, take her to that hap- py land where all is peace and love. Take her, ere can- kered crime enfolds her in his pestilential embrace, and brands her with his damnate kiss. Or^ A Neiv Year s Eve^ &c. ^c^ Ida. 'Ill mamma be 'ere too, in ee sky, in heaven wiz her 'ittle Ida? Flor. I hope so, my darling. I hope such will be the will of Him before whom all hearts lie bare. Ida. 'Ell her ' ould do ite er way. Her 'ould'nt ' tay er monent. No. not wizout her mamma. Flor. (Musingly.) Shall I do it.? Shall I give heed to the tempter.? Shall I take upon myself the auth- ority of ridding me and mine from the gloomy channel in which our lives so roughly groove.? Yes! No! Yes! oh yes, it must be done But stay — is it a crime.? No, no, 'tis not a crime to fly from a living hell; to exterminate one's life when that life hath ceased to be aught save a burden, a weary burden, crushing thee, as it were, to the earth. I will do the deed. The Bible itself vindicates the act I'm about to perform, saying, " If thy hand of- fends thee, cut it off; if thine eye offends thee, pluck it out." My life offends me, therefore I take it. Aye. thus end all the trials of myself and daughter. [To Ida.] Darling, let thy speech follow mine in prayer, and ma) the Great Jehovah hearken unto our petition. [Draws dagger.] Enter Myriam Isaacs R. Seizes Florence's hand, and takes away the dagger forcibly. Florence rises, and draws her child towards her. Flor. [Excitedly] How darest thou interfere with me.? Who art thou? Give me back my weapon. Give it back, I say, lest, like some ravenous beast I do thee fearful injury. Myriam Isaacs. Thou would'st know me; well let it suffice thatafrien 1 am I to thee Madame, I would save thee, to live and bless thy home. Flor. Woman, I have no home, no home save where the angels dwell, that is ifonelikeme dare think of Heaven in such a fashion. Give me back my knife, and with i^s keen and trusty edge let me unloose my soul, that it may wing itself unto the awful presence of the Almighty. My cross is too heavy for me. and I can no longer stagger under its burden. I tell thee I must die, there's no escape. [Points to child.] We must die. — Large as is the earth, there's n > place where we can abide beyond the reach of pain, penury and despair. ' Tis said that the way of the transgressor is hard, and that those who sin must suffer, yet if this be the law of l*rovidence, why does society take the libertine smiling- 66 The Two Princes of Baden, \y by the hand, scorning and loathing the poor creature whose ruin he caused, whose greatest fault was that she loved too wildly —too confidingly. Oh! man where is thy constancy ! Oh, woman, on whom canst thou depend for sincere affection, for truth and love. Re- turn my knife, I say, I wish no further parley. Myriam. The latter part of thy speech I do ac- cord thee true, as all must who are observing. With no arrogance I use the personal pronoun I, for I have suf- fered, and those who have worn a sorrow in their breast, have known mise*-y, felt the touch of dark- browed vice, can better understand and I here make mention that when e're it's necessary that man should sit in judgement on his fellow man, that they alone who've suffered shouldst occupy the throne of justice — the judgment seat. Friend, though I acknowledge the force thy words contain, yet do they not appertain to thee, for thou art wedded ; thy child beside thee is legal as the law. Florence, ty the stars above us I swear my daughter is the fruit of holy wedlock. Yet what signi- fies her legitimacy if her father conceives her not — that is, thinks his wife unchaste, her offspring unlawful — what if some "human " Katie Dids" come forward with the cry of. 'tis false, 'tis true. Aye, and those proclaim- ing 'tis false, preponderating. What then } Is not the happiness of my home forever fled, does the difference between 'tis false, 'tis true, lessen the agony of the troubled heart, (especially when the possessor of that heart knows that though her child is lawful, yet hath she erred) will it narrow the breach — will it unite them again in that delightful bond of love which Heaven, through the church hath sanctified, and God himself or- dained as the proper state of man } No, it will not. What, then, am I to — Myriam. Thy pardon — but stop a moment, for I wouldst tell thee that which to my mind will germinate to more than a hope of reconciliation — a husband's love, a happy united household. Florence. That ye mean well, I am con\inced. Yet I pray thee leave us alone witii our sorrow. (Turns to Ida.) Oh, my child! — my dear, dear child, why must we die — die in the bloom of life ! Yet. 'tis writ- Or J A New Year s Eve^ &c. . 6"7 ten — our fates are sealed, I cannot endure this life long- er, and I dare not die and leave thee behind without a mother's guidance and protection. The thought of what ye might become maddens me. We are so poor, so friendless. (To Myriam.) Madam, I beseech thee to return my dagger. Myriam rushes L. and hurls the dagger away, returns hastily and throws aside her vail. Florence screams and falls into Myriam's arms. Myriam then kisses and caresses little Ida. Myriam. (Disengaging herself.) Ah, Florence, few are the numbers of our joys, and fewer still are they who can boast the possession of those joys unmixed with the aqueous fluid that dwells in sorrow's eye Lit- tle did I think of being as I am — a wretched woman, or of beholding thy sunny face bathed in tears. Florence. Dear Myriam, I thought thee dead. Myriam. And thou, my friend, I thought were happy, until recently. Yet, hark thee— for the hand of destiny is in our meeting, I have that to tell thee which I consider good nev^s. Thy husband stops to-night at the house of old Gottlieb Montagna ; haste ye and get there before him, as, in my mind, it will service thee to meet him under the roof of those worthy people. He holds them (Gottlieb and his wife) in the greatest es- teem. You was always a favorite of theirs. Go and meet him there, and I'll wager thee it will all be well. Florence. Oh, would to Heaven that a recon- ciliation might take place if only for my child — my little Ida. I shall follow thy advice, but not till thou hast told me something of thyself, and in what manner my t>oubles became known to thee. Myriam Well, then. When I arrived at my apartments last eve, I was surprised, on entering, by a flood of light that streamed in from a knot hole in the partition that divides our rooms. Now, as thy abode had remained unoccupied ever since I domiciled in this house, I thought I would see who was my companion in misery (for none but the miserable dwell in this vicin- ity.) Imagine my amazement when I beheld thee. Partly from thy conversation with little Ida, and partly from letters which thou, after reading, apostrophised. I gleaned thy tribulation, my first impulse was to make myself known, but after mature deliberation I conceived it better to remain incog. I rerobe, proceeded to thy 68 The Two Princes of Baden^ husband's intending to inform him of the wrong he was doing — an injustice to himself, his wife and child. But. I was foiled, for he was not at home. Yet this very- night I saw him — saw him enter the tavern of the " Red Dragon." I dared not follow, but through the aid of a thaler. I procured an urchin who delivered my mess- age. This was his answer : (Reads.) " Stranger — That thou meanest well I am con- vinced. Yet, that thou art deceived I am most certain. But if the person of whom ye speak needs money she hath but to send for it. I stop, to-night, at old Gott- lieb's. To-morrow night thou mayest bring her to my house : I will grant her audience. I will do anything that I can to prevent her and her child from starving, but nothing more. She and I are one flesh no longer. {Signed) Leopold Stover, Yeoman." You know all that I shall now reveal ; neither have I the time if I would, to tell thee more ; again I say, haste thee to the home of the Montagnas, and. if with their assistance, thy prayers and entreaties do not pre- vail, thy husband hath no heart, but in its place a lump of steel. Leave me now, Florence, 1 prithee. Thou hast no time to lose. (Leads mother and daughter L.) I hope when next we meet all dismal nebulae with the shadowy past shall buried lie. Florence and Myriam embrace. Myriam kisses little Ida. Florence and Ida then make exit L. Myriam. (Looking after them.) Yes, for thee and thine there may still be hapjjiness, bat for me there's nothing left but the grave. Well, Fll be content if be- fore I don my cerements, this (draws a knife) reaches the heart of Emil Valdmeyer. Exit Myriam Isaacs R. THIRD SCENE. Scene — Full stage, St. Gregory's Cathedral in the background brilliantly lighted. Clock strikes the hour of midnight (as the flats open) and the bell tolls slowly several times. Enter Philip R. removes mask. Philip. Thank Heaven, the hour at last has come when I may put aside my roya'ty, and once more be Philip Montagna. Enter Rose Marbury L, Ro^E. Philip will soon be here, and then — Philip. (Crossing to Ro^e.) Piiilip is here now. (Embraces her.) Yes, sweetest love, thy Philip is again (9r, A New Year s Eve, &c. 69 beside thee, and for the privilege a thousand thanks to the powers above be rendered. May the Furies fly away with all courts and courtiers say I. Oh, how few among them are aught else than knaves — powder- ed, wigged, ribbon'd scoundrels. Rose. (Inclines head.) Listen, Philip! (Places fingers to mouth.) Sh — I think I hear music; I. sh — As Rose begins speaking, the organ is very faintly heard. As she finishes it is distinctly heard, rising louder and louder, until it reaches full power, then gradually dies away. Rose. That was lovely, Philip. Philip. Yes, Rose, 'twas exceedingly sweet. Rut let us harken, there's more to come. The bell tolls thrice, then the organ bursts forth, accompanied by the priests chanting as follows : Priests. Great Jehovah, God of love. Who rules above — who rules above Look down with pity on us here. Thou God whom we^adore and fear. Oh, with a smile our pathway cheer — Our pathway cheer. Chorus : — Amen, we sing. In the name of the Father and the Son, The Holy Ghost and blessed Virgin. Amen — Amen. We thank thee for the year that's gone. We praise thee — we praise thee for the one now born. We kneel as sinners before Thy throne ; Help us. Father, our sins atone ; O'l, with a smile our pathway cheer — . Our pathway cheer. Chorus . — Amen, we sing, etc., etc. The priests having finished chanting, the organ slowly dies avvav. The bell tolls thrice, then the great dojrs swing open, the priess file out, the organ bursting forth again, plays until priists make exit R. I. F. Bell tolls thrice again, then the d-)ors are slowly closed, and all grows dark within. Philip. M)- sweet, my darling Little dream ye that this very night, on Transformation's fleet Hippogrifif I've ridden. Been carried, as it were, into the lap of of Luxury, stood face to face with Pomp, hobnobbed with Power, and have born upon mine own shoulders the m mtle of high authority. Oh, Ro^e, I have be- held — Bat, stay, some other and m )re propitious time I'll inform thee. Tell me, sweetest one — tell me that thy heart yearns for me, as mine does for thee. 70 The Two Princes of "' Baden ^ Rose. Philip, dear, that I do love thee, thou knowest full well. Methinks it more befitting, myself, to ask whether thou dost love me — love me with honest love. Now that thou hast grown to be so great aman-- I mean a rich man--for there's no analogy between money and true greatness. Philip, thou wert always great, a man possessed with a lofty o'ertopping mind is a genius, and a genius, whether he inherits poverty or wealth, whether hib name is carved on marble, or stamped upon the banner of fame, or dies unknown, yet is he great In the latter case he lacks notoriety, 'tis true (which Tm sotry to say is too oft mistaken for greatness), yet is he great. Such a man art thou, Philip — a genius. Mind is the gift and handiwork of God ; money is but the tinkering of men on which only sordid, narrow-visioned souls, alone set store. Philip. 'Tis true that greatness is not of money; 'tis (as ye say,) too oft mere notoriety, aye, mere noto- riety, strutting in false plumes and misnomered great- ness. Yet money in the hands of an ambitious person may be made the stepping stone to fame. But when ye call megreat, I am compelled, (though deeply sens ble of the compliment intended,) to say most emphatically that thou dost err, for I feel, darling, as yet to that dis- tinction I cannot lay just claim. Rose. *Tis thyself that dosterr, Philip, but for the present have thy way. To me, at least, thou art all that's great, and I prognosticate (in spite of the poor opinion thou hast of thy merits, )that the world will yet talk loud of thee, and justly too, placing thy name (and nicheing thee) with those who were born never to be forgotten. Philip. Well, Rose, for thy sake, I hope thou art a true prophet, that Fate will one day contrive it as thou hast predicted; yet know that all I ask of the Dispenser of blessings is health, strength, a sound mind, a chance to earnest an honestand comfortable living, and darling, that thou shalt share that living with me, and be the mo- ther of my children, my own, my paradise, my wife — But how came thee to know that I have about my per- son a considerable sum of money, or rather, I should say, its equivalent. Rose. Why, with thine own dear lips, Philip, didst thou inform me of my wealth. Ah, love, those whose Or, A New Year s Eve, &c. 71 coffers are filled with the yellow dust, and who have ne- ver been poor, know not hov; thankful they should be for the lucky associations of ^circumstances that placed them above want, above the many annoyances that pov- erty is heir to. Philip, how much is it altogether what thou hast with tnee, and what thou didst leave with me. Philip. If I was not aware that nothing but the purest German passed thy lips, I'd swear that thou hadst been addressing me in a foreign tongue, (understand me — I mean thy last utterance, )for not a word of what thou hast just said do I with clearness take unto my compre- hension. Tlie money that I have, 1 got from a noble high at court, but though in my possession, it belongs me. Surely thou art jesting when thou sayest I gave not to thee gold. Rose. Philip, Philip, hast thou been drinking.^ — Thou art confounding sense. [Produces a pursej. Be- hold, is not my proof most tangible. Thou saidst thy tick- et had carried off the prize. Oh, my heart is full — big with joy. I've half a mind to give thee a good hugging. [Replaces purse.] After this, I shall stand forth a cham- pion of lottery, since through it we are both made happy. Philip. Well, as to the hugging, if thou dost in- sist upon it, of course I'll not object, but as to my hav- ing won at lottery, most sorrowfully I must say 'tis not a fact, for my ticket (as it has ever been), was a blank. Rose, I'm of the opinion, that those only are successful who are interested in the concern. I'm no richer now than I was when last we met. But tell me, darling, how thou didst become possessed of the purse of gold which in thine own sweet hands I did but just behold. Rose. (Piquantly.) Philip is trying to be very funny, isn't he.^ Why this contradiction.^ With thine own mouth, again I assert, tliou didst so state as I have spoken, and the purse ot gold with thine own hands placed thou into mine. I pi-ithee, cease this nonser.se; 'tis cruel to toy with those who love thee. Philip. Rose, collect thvself, 1 do conjure. Call up thy recollection to thine aid. Last night I told thee if it were possible I would accompany thee to Matil- da's, and spend there the evening ; but if my father should be taken wich one of his attacks, I should be necessitated to take his place on the watch. On going 72 The Two Princes of Baden^ home, I found him ill. I immediately sent thee a mes- sage, informing thee that I could not enjoy the gather- ing given by Matilda, or even escort thee there, but that I had arranged it with the Sergeant of the Post, through Corporal Vollensdorf, so ttiat I would be relieved just before the clock of St. Gregory's struck the hour of twelve, and requested that thou wouldst meet me there exactly at the same time, which in the answer to my note (penned by thine own dear hand), the said request thou didst agree to comply with. Now, Rose, from the time T parted with thee at thy gate, up to the pres- ent moment, I have not beheld thy lovely face. Rose. (Suddenly.) Oh, Philip, how came I not to notice that thou art not dressed as a watchman. — What's that thou hast hanging to thine arm — a mask.^ Oh, Philip, Philip, where hast thou been. To some ball, I suppose — deceived me, deceived thine own trusting Rose. Oh, but this is too cruel. (Weeps). Who — who wouldst ever have— ever thought this of— of Philip— my Philip, Oh, my heart is breaking. Philip. Rose, dearest, if thou wilt but be patient, ril soon dispel thy sorrow. Rose. (Ceasing to weep.) Philip, if thou hast aught to say that will lift the weight from off my heart, I ask thee in heaven's name to speak it quickly. Philip. My own sweet one. it shall be so. Now, dry thine eyes, and listen. Just as I had finished the first call of my watch, and was about thinking how hap- py I'd be by thy side, and the watch-duty at an end. I was suddenly accosted by a masked man, wearing the apparel thou now seest on me. The wearer asked me to exchange with him for the remainder of my watch. And as it was so bitter cold Tat least, so it seemed to me), I consented, first exacting a promise from him that he would do nothing detrimental to tlie dignity of the office he briefly desired to be invested with I then took my departure, intending to .<=eek the protec- tion of some inviting tavern, and there, over a glass of old ale, in an enticing corner of the chimney, weave bright pictures of the future, in which vou. d u-ling, would have been the central figure. The stranger and I were to exchange a little before tiie time of th}- coming, so that thyself and the Corporal's ruard of relief should nothing know of our proceedings. The relief should be <9r, A New Year s Eve, &c, 73 here now, I wonder what can have detained them. The city is quiet, ?o there's no need for extra duty being en- tailed upon any one. I wonder, too, why the Prince doth not put in his appearance. The Prince I speak of, Rose, is none other than JuHen, the wayward son of our good Ethelbert. ROSK. Prince Juhen ; didst thou sav Prince Julien, Phihp ^ Philip Aye, that I did. The gentleman with whom I exhanged was none other than he. Rose. Art thou sure Philip 1 Art thou sure } Philip. As certain as that thou art the most charming of lovely girls, and the only woman (except- ing my dear old mother) that I passionately adore. Rose. Aha — so then it was Julien I kissed, and who returned my kiss so fervently, and who gave me the gold I — Philip. (Sli:;"htly aroused.) The sly dog, this is too much ; ye kissed Julien and he — Rose. Why Philip darling ; though Julien was the recipient of this voucher of sweet affection, it never- theless was meant only for thee — there now don't be jealous, for thou knowest if Julien occupied a Ruler's Throne — aye, sat President to all the many Govern- ments that comprise the dear land which we call Ger- many, instead of the Governor (son of a Sovereign over one exalted though that be) I would reject. his suit, and favor thine. Philip. (Kissing Rose.) Pardon sweetheart, par- don. I do believe thee, I do indeed, with all my heart I thank thee for the compliment — the honor thou dost confer on me. The dissatisfaction my language reveal- ed was not caused by any act of thine, 'twas the auda- city of the Prince, that vexed me. If Julien wishes to preserve a whole skin, and a sound body, he'd better not repeat this kissing business. Now Rose, to pay my- self for the delight the thievish Prince robbed me of, I'm going to take a baker's dozen of kisses (which ye know is thirteen), so prepare (Embraces Rose.) Pre- pare thy tempting lips. Rose. Philip, be careful ; what if some of the re- lief should catch thee thus engaged. Thou wouldst be fined. Pshaw, I wish the naughty Prince would come, and the Corporal dismiss thee. Oh, dear, I fear some- thing's wrong, Ph'lip, I-- 74 The Two Princes of Baden ^ Enter, hurriedly, Jnlien from L. I. E. Philip releases Rose, who appears confused. Prince Jul. (Excitedly.) In the name of all the gods at once, I prithee not to keep me waiting. There's no time, my lad to throw away : the officers of the law are out in full strength, the city's in great commotion. All this I suppose is news to the quiet siate. Philip. Let us re-exchange with all the haste we can. Then, I should not like to be found in thy estab- lishment. Yet, as this is so quiet a place, I imagine we've nothing to fear, at least for the present. Philip and Julien ^now exchange garments, each quickly redressing in his own. Music Prince Jul. I promised thee a recompense (feels for purse), hang it but I — Ah, (observes Rose--bows.) good evening, excuse me for not noticing thee before. (To Philip.) Thy sweetheart has it, for it was to her I gave it a short time ago. Keep the gold, my friends, and consider it thine. Now. get thee gone, lest harm befall thee. Rose. We wish not thy gold, sir — (hands purse to Philip)— we wish not a dollar of thy money. Philip. [Putting purse in Julien's hand.] Sir, we thank thee, yet we — that is I (from all I've seen and heard) advise thee to keep thy money, as I'm most con- vinced thou'U need all thy gold. (Produces a paper.) Take this also, it's an order drawn by the son of the Duke of Chemnitz — take it as it belongs to thee. Now, I think our business is at an end (Suddenly.) But stay, there's something more I'd say before we part, (turning towards Rose). Behold this innocent girl. She is my affianced bride — my souKs s-^eet comforter. I love her with a devotion unparalleled— I adore her. Now, mark me, if harm should befall her through thy machinations, I'd tear thy heart from out its socket. If thou shouldst even injure so much as one little hair of her dear head I'd trample thee in the dust, aye, and this I'd do if thou wert a thousand times Prince Julien. Prince Jul. (Looking astonished.) Prince Jul- ien--How comes it that thou dost know me, and by what strange chance obtained this order from Prince De Baldwin } Really, I am amazed. Philip. Let it suffice that thou hast been honest- ly dealt with, my Lord. Or^ A New Years Eve^ &c, j ^ Prince Jul. Be not angered with me, friend. Yet I must confess, so lovely a woman is enough to make any one jealous. Young man, I like thee — I liked thee at first sight, and now that thou hast shown thy- self mettlesome I like thee still the more. Now, come — tell me where and how thou didst obtain this paper, and how 5-e learned my name and title. (Places purse and paper in pocket.) Come, speak out, my lad. Philip. I was taken for thee as I was passing Count Wortenburgh's mansion. His Lordship came out through a rear gate and headed me off, insisting that I should^enter and make merry at the ball. I com- plied. General De Baldwin was there also. Mistaking me for thee, he gave me the order to pay, as he said, a gambling debt. He and her Ladyship his wife quit Carlsuhe this very night. They leave never to return to I'aden again. Prince Jul. Art thou a witch, or am I dream- ing. Philip- For the sake of thy good father I wish thou wert. The State Treasurer told me that if he and his cousin are kept in control ofthe national purse, they 11 so manage it that your Highness will be most bounti- fully provided for. Both gentlemen agree that if your Grace will but use thine influence with the Margrave to arrange it so that thy Lordship shall not only till thy pockets, but have the responsibility of the indebtedness to Sir Abraham Levi and the Goldsmith Brothers, lift- ed as it were from off thy noble shoulders. (Presents a purse.) Your Highness can give this to our friend the chamberlain with my compliments. He loaned it to me at the masquerade. I did not need it so there- fore it is intact. Prince Jul. (Accepting and stowing away purse.) Art thou a magician ? Surely, thou art not a watchman ! No. by St. Peter ! No ! Sir, what an- swer did ye render the Treasurer ? Philip. Well, your Honor, surrounding myself with proper dignity — I refused my consent, would'nt listen '^to the scoundrel. In fact I spurned, the offer. Prince Jul. (Wildly.) By the gods, what do I hear; refused thy consent, spurned the offer. Man — hath thy reason fled thee ! 76 The Two Princes of Baden ^ Philip. (Proudly.) No, but, such I fear, is the case with thee, my Lord, else wouldst thou have chosen more fitting companions. The actress whose luxurious form has been bewitching thee for this some time back. I have so fixed it that she'll henceforth hold thee in con- tempt. His Highness, Prince Herman, Duke ot Chem- nitz, swears vengeance 'gainst thee for the trick played him in the confectioner's cellar. 1 left him greatly ex- ercised. Prince Jul. Thou art Satan himself, thou canst be none other. Oh, would that I were out of this! Philip. Sir, thou art mistaken. I lay no claim to such a distinction. The only devil here is your High- ness. , Prince Jul. Oh, go to— and I am Philip. In danger.? Well, that remains for time to tell; yet, as for the Duke, I think he can be easily settled. That's if tho^i dost act with boldness, remem- ber. # * * * ^ * * Boldness hath power and magic in it 'Tis the mail which genius puts on To make his arm more strong. And be the cause whate'er it may. Boldness alone can win it. The Royal Duke was like a ship hit below her water- line, when I reminded him ot the document he signed in relation to the confectioner's daughter, and threaten- ed if he pressed too hard to place it where the Mar- grave's eye would fall upon it; so I presume he'll not trouble thy good father with thy misconduct But there is one thing that he will endeavor to do, and that is — pro^'oke thee to a fight — a duel. Prince Jul. In the name of all that's wonderful. I must confess that thou dost amaze me. How Philip. Waste no time in being amazed— but be on thy guard, for Herman is possessed of a terrible tem- per, and there's no telling what wild act he may per- form. Thou wouldst like to know how I obtained the knowledge of this paper about the confectioner's daugh- ter. Well — let this for the present suffice: through the same mysterious association of circumstances by which I learned all that I have told thee. (9r, A New Years Eve^ &c. 77 Princk Jul. Since it seems that nothing is to thee a secret, wilt thou be so good as to inform me of the means by which Prince Herman gained his information. Philip Yes, certainly. Through her Honor the Mayoress of Carlsruhe, w ho, by some strange chance, obtained thy secret, and holding thee in great disfavor, divulged it to Herman of Chemnitz. Prince Jul. My good friend (for such I now be- lieve thee). I thank thee tor this information. I also thank thee for the credit thou hast reflected upon me u'hilst acting in the capacity of Crown Prince of Baden. This latter expression of mine (to thee, no doubt, )must seem strange; yet, nevertheless, I mean sincerely what I've said. 'Tis true, at first I was vexed, for thou hast greatly interfered with my schemes. But as I watch thee and see how much m.ore lofty thy nature is than mine, how much better a Prince thou wouldst make than my- self, I grow ashamed, doubly so when I call to mind the last promise I made my noble father to reform. All of a sudden, my p-^.st lifelike an avalanche doth rush upon me, and I sicken at the shadow that it casts. Philip. My Lord, keep up thy spirits, for I be- lieve there's hope for and stamina in one who desires to be better. In spite of thy evil doings. I have not tiiought really ill of thee; 'tis thy ba^^e associates who are damning thee. Throw them aside, they do but clog thy path to promotion in the ranks of true nobi.ity. Prince Jul. Sir, thou art no petty observer, and are blessed with intelligence of more than the common Thou art calculated to lead, to walk, as it were, before thy fellow-men. The poet, whose pen gave birth to the followincr, Pm inclined to think was a close student. o A nation's pride is not the patrician Or a vast extent of soil, * Tis her bold and virtuous middle class And her honest sons of toil. But. friend, though acknowledging the wisdom of the bard, I cannot help conceiving thee something else than a watchman. [Smilingly.] Vet don't imagine that I longer suspicion thee as being consanguineous with his Satanic Majesty Philip. Prince, to speak in unison with fact, I'm not a watchman, but simply a substitute for the man whose name I bear. By rank, I am a yeoman; by oc- 78 The Two Princes of. Baden ^ cupation, a florist; by circumstances poor, I'm Philip, son of Gottlieb Montagna, the watchman. Prince Jul. Montagna— I've heard that name before. Let me see — pshaw — I cannot seem to place it, yet it strikes me that I've heard my father mention it as belonging to a brave old soldier Comrade, give me thy hand, and thou, sweet lass, also give me thine. Philip and Rose now each grasp one of Julien's hands — all come forward — C, Prince Jul. Fair Maiden, and thou good Philip, listen: 'Tis no secret that I have ignobly conducted my- self; that my father's loving heart I've greatly pained; that though my companions are — are, (well, as the phrase goes,) gentlemen, yet are they the mo:t disrepu- table men in Baden. But though all this be true, I ne- vertheless feel in my breast an honest influence tugging away, as it were, to make itself felt, to free me from the toils of my evil genius. And friends, I think it hath suc- ceeded. I seem now "alter-ego.'** Let's leave this place with despatch, I fear we've tarried here too long alrea- dy. I wish it strictly understood that, though we sep- arate to'night, yet are we to become better acquainted in the future. Prince Julien now shakes hands with Philip, and kisses the hand of Rose. All essay to leave, but are stopped by Sergeant Seldner and his guard of Regulars, who've stealthily entered C — from behind Cathedral — after Julien led Philip and Rose down stage — They all start back amazed, on discoveridg the soldiers. Rose. [Clinging to Philip.] Oh, Philip, what shall we do.^ I fear we are drifting into trouble. Philip. [Softly.] All will yet be well Julien hath given his promise that no harm should befall me or mine, and I'm confident he's too proud to break his word, even to shield himself. Of course, he wishes to escape recognition, if possible. Prince Jul. (Softly.) I'm very sorry that we're captured, yet have no fear, for I shall keep my promise. Carry a high head, and take no thought as to conse- quences. Sergeant Seldner. Well, comrades. I hold we've yielded this party ample time for consideration, and to become aware ot our presence. So now let some of you take into custody that handsome Watchman. - [Points to Philip.] Arrest that man. * Another self. (9r, A Neiv Year s Eve, &c, 79 Three soldiers rush forward ^ — One pushes Rose aside, and relieves Philip of his staff, while the others each seize an arm- Pmi-IP. Sergeant, why this violence? By whose authority dost thou commit this act. Sergeant S. By the authority of an order from my superior, Captain Von Desendorf, of the Margrave's staff. He commanded me to arrest every watchman of whom I ha4 any suspicion. Now, as I entertain some doubts about thee, I've arrested thee. Philip. My good Sergeant, I'll not proceed one step until I behold the warrant for my arrest. I have not broken the law. Furthermore, I am a watchman. Thou canst not arrest a private citizen without a warrant and a cause, much less a watchman. Sergeant S. Hark ye. Captain Von Diesendorf becoming aware of the disturbances going on here in the city, and ascertaining that the cause lay with the watch, commanded me to arrest every watchman who appeared at all suspicious. But the Margrave, hearing of the trouble tc»o, immediately issued orders that not only the suspicious ones, but every man wearing the uniform of a watchman should be arrested and put in the Castle. Be it known to thee, an officer, whether com- missioned or non-commissioned, in the immediate ser- vice of the Margrave, needs not a warrant to investhim with legal power to make arrests. The law vouchsafes this as a right due to those whose duty it is to guard the person of the sovereign. I was ordered to make arrests as quietly as possible, and with despatch. The Margrave also armed me with a warrant, so as to prevent any watchman (who might erroneously consider the stat- utes), rebelling against my authority. Now, as thou art not satisfied with my military prerogative [produces and unfolds a paper, with seals], and as I am desirous to take thee to jail in a peaceful manner, just cast thine eyes over this document [holds it before Pliilip, and no turtlier parley wilt thou make. Philip seizes paper, glances ar it a second, then returns it to the Sergeant, who replaces it in his brtast pocket. Philip. Well, as it appears that thou art priv- ileged to arrest without a warrant, yet hav^e one, why of course I must now consider myself abso- lutely thy prisoner. Sergeant, thou art most potently armed. Nevertheless, I've this to say in my defense, that no matter what crime hath been committed by any member of the watch, lam innocent 8o The Tzvo Princes of Baden^ Prince Jul. [Pompously. J Weary not thy brain with troublesome thoughts. There's been no crime committed. FU settle this business. [Aside]. I hope this bravado will dull the fierceness of this soldier. If so, Philip may be released and I escape detection. Sergeant. [Surveying the Prince.] Well, who art thou that's so cleverly trained in braergardism. My gay-leathered songster, I think I'll settle thee. Come, thou shalt keep company with the watchman. Secure him [pointing at Julien], secure this boaster, Two soldiers rush upon Julien, each seizing an arm. He struggles, and frees himself. The Sergeant confronts him with drawn sword. The guards form a semi-circle. He is again pinioned. He yields. Prince Jul Damn thee, and thy interfering hounds, I surrender. But Rose. Oh, Sergeant, Sergeant, thou knovvest not whom thou hast made prisoner. This gentleman is a great lord of the court. Thou hadst better set him at liberty. Philip. Yes, thou hadst better liberate him, or harm may come to thee. He is Prince Jul. Stop, sir, stop, good Philip, expose me not. Let's accompany the Sergeant at once. 1 pro- mise thee all will yet be well. [Aside.] If I must re- veal my part in this night's frolic, I'd rather do so to the Minister of Police. Lucifer, but I have no churl to deal with in this Sergeant. [Aloud. 1 Come, Sergeant, I, or rather we, are ready. Move on. Sergeant S Thy little game won't work with me, my lads. I'm used to this kind of chaffing. I've often had fellows try to intimidate me with wind, pretending to possess both rank and power, endeavoring to fright- en me with the idea that dire punishment awaited me if I lugged them in. But I always lugged them. I tell t heel don't scare rappid, not a bit. I'm here to execute the law,*and I am going to do my duty. Neither bribes nor fear shall deter me. Philip. The young girl may retire, may she not. Sergeant? Sergeant S. The pretty maid here — well — yes, she may go. But stay — I'll just mark her face and take her address first, then she can leave as soon as she likes. [Produces book.] Where dost thou live, my lass.^ — [Scrutinizes Rose.] In what quarter of the town dost thou dwell.-^ (9r, A New Year s Eve, &c. 8^1 Philip. She resides at No. 76, in /' Sergeant S. Cease! Thy tongue's too ready. [To Rose.JGo on, I do await thee. Rose. Sir, I dwell in a cottage on the east side of a small lane, called Place Von Bruen, adjoining a car- penter shop. The rumber is jG. The Street or Place (I suppose you are aware,) is but a continuation of the great highway or lane of St. Gregory's. It owes exist- ence to the park or playground that separates it from the lane proper. Its terminus is the lofty mill of Cap- tain Pfrote. Good Sergeant, if thou wert a blind man, methinks thou now couldst go straightway unto my home. Sergeant S. Aye, I do agree with thee. Thy name now, lass, and then thou art permitted to leave. Rose. My name is Rose. My mother is Widow Marbury. My father was killed in batJtle. Sergeant S. To what branch of the army did he belong.^ Rose. To the Lancers, sir. P Sergeant S. Well, I knew thy father. I knew )iim to be as brave a soldier as ever drew a sword, or bled in the cause of nations, Out of respect to his name and valor, I not only allow thee to retire, but furnish I thee with an escort to guard thee against accident. — Here, Steinmetz, see this young girl safely domiciled, and report to me at the castle. Hurry on, now, my child, yet remember this — that ye must hold thyself in readiness to instantly obey the summons of the Prime Minister to appear before the Margrave if such is con- sidered necessary. , Steinmetz, who has taken his station beside Rose, now leads her off C. be- hind Cathedral, she looking sorrowfully back at Philip and Julien as she ac- companies the soldiers reluctantly. P Sergeant S. Fall in ; look well to the prisoners, lads. Soldiers now arrange themselves in two ranks facing the audience, with Ju- lien and Philip in the centre — Julien in front rank and Philip in the rear rank. All promptly executing each command given by the Sergeant. Sergeants. Attention- Squad, left dress— front. (Straightens front line with sword.) About, face! right wheel --forward — march ! All proceed in the direction of the O. P. side. Sergeant S. Halt ! Left f-\ce— forward- Enter C. from behind Cathedral Prince Herman on horseback. 82 The Two Princes of Baden^ Prince 11. (Peering at Julieii) Aha! So thou art caught. By St. Michael, but this is glorious ! (To Sergeant.) Officer, bind the gentleman of the sword and cloak, and deliver him up to me, and thee and thy followers shall be richly rewarded. Sergeant S. Rewarded } Bribed, ye mean. No, sir, I cannot comply with thy request, and furthermore, if ye make it again Til consign thee to the loving care of the jailor of Carlsruhe. Man, thou dost forget thy- self; thou art in Baden. Our laws are most severe on bribery. The people of this State— above all the noble German race — are noted for their integrity, therefore, if there were no laws against so base an act, methinks thou'd rind few who'd so stain themselves as to accept a bribe. Stand aside ! Prince H. How darest thou address me in this manner ! Thou a common soldier ! Sergeant S. Sir Cavalier, I'm not a common soldier, 1 am a sergeant — a sergeant in the Margraves reserves. Yet were I a private I'd allow no man to prefix me with common. Oh, how I hate that word, common. Prince H. Well, if thou art not a common sol- dier—or as you phrase it^a private, thou art. at any rate, a common man, and a most insolent one. Sergeant S. Thou art an inflated bundle of airs and ribbons. Though belted and spurred, thou art of less consideration than the equine upon whose back thou now dost sit. Fool, bear this in mind, they alone are common whose acts are common — whose deeds are low. 'Tis such as thee, coroneted curs, who bark and snap at their betters, who stand in the way of progress, enterprise and worth. Thou art a hater and a hedger- in of freedom. The world owes thee nothing but tears, and human nature a grudge. 1 understand thee. Thou art an arrogant noble, conceited 'cause of thy title, im- agining it makes thee of superior clay ; vain courtier Mankind (a class which such as thee belong not to) may be likened unto diamonds ; some are rough, some are polished, some are more beautiful than others. But he who made them knows which is tlie mc»st precious gem ; gaudy tinsel and highsounding degrees may dazzle the surface thinker, may obtain mouth honor, yet in them- selves they are worthless, for they cannot live without Or, A New Year s Eve, &c, 83 merit, but merit can iive without them. Taken in the proper sense, a man is always a prince, yet 2. p'ince is not akuays a man. I\o\v. sir, if thou art anxious to keep thy bones in a sound condition thou'lt do as I ha\e ah-eadv ccn^manded thee ; stand aside. Prince H. (After wheehng horse R.^i For the present 1 yield to thee, my inferior. (Aside.) I be- lie\e this fehow would arrest the Margrave if he thought he was doing his duty by so performmg. Sergeants. Attention — squad, forward — march! Exit sergeant, soldiers, Philipand Julien C. behind Cathedral. Music. Prince H. (Anxiously.) It will never do for this stranger to escaj^e me. No, no ; not with those secrets of mine. I think the best thing to do is to get to the castle before the sergeant and his troops arrive. I will then have some chance of discovering him. May the devil and all his imps help me to succeed, say I. Exit Prince Herman C behind Cathedral. FOURTH SCENE. Scene — A front perspective view, a conven: in background vet boldlv visi- ble in the shadow of which nestles cottages, River Rhine, mountains cataracts, etc., in the distance. Enter Myriam Isaacs R vailed and with dagger drawn. Myriam. (Throwing aside vail.) Poor Florence, I hope she 's now enjoying that sweet peace which is the property of hearts united, and that little Ida, too, is perched upon her father's knee full to the lips of child- ish merriment. What a happy picture — what a scene for a poet's pen- for artist's brush. (Sighs.) Oh. liow my temples throb — throb with that quick pace which is born of a troubled brain- a mind sorel}^ afflicted. Heavens how I once loved that Christian knight Vald- meyer, adored him. Now, I loath him; strange that the strongest love when it changes alwa} s turns to the deep- est hate. He was beautiful, and — but what is beauty without a soul, without principle ; I marvel why so fair a tree should yield such vile — such bitter fruit. Wh}^ is it that man will perjure himself to afford a banquet to un- hallowed passions, knowing the misery with which he must afflict the heart of her who, trusting in the truth- fulness of his loving words, his affection, lays her heart — her honor, at his feet, and lives but foi- his pleasure. Why is it that the serpent hath influence to charm that it may but sting. Great God ! what am I, a human wreck } What to-night am I here for, is it a deed of mercy .^ No! 'tis to kill— to murder. (Shud- 84 The Tzvo Princes of Bade 71^ ders.) How that word drills me; murder. No.no, 'tis not to murder 'tis to avenge — to be avengc-d. That's why I here do lurk — that's why I come thus armed. I am an outcast. Who made me so but tliis pretender to manhood } If he had a right to destrcn' my life then I have a right to destroy his ! Nor break I with either law or equity in dealing back the blow he gave. (Examines dagger ^nd feels its edge.) ' lis keen aye, very keen Strange it seems now to be co\'crcd o'er with moths, and each moth hath a tongue, and each particular tongue informs me 'tis eager to slac]< its thirst \a blood. It must be nigh unto the time my informant said this way the knight would come Bell of convent strikes the first hour of morn. The watch of the convent invisibly chanc as the stroke dies away. Orchestra softly accompanving. My- riam listens attentively until quiet reigns again. Convent Watch. As another hour of life's been granted, We praise Jehovah, Omniscient — high, In the name of the Virgin and Holy Ghost We chant our praises to the sacred sky, We pray, Great Father, spare us all. Though we are ready wiien ere ye call, Through blessed jesus who dwells above ' Guide us aright thou God of L.ove, Myriam. Thank Heaven the monks have ceased. I am not in a mood to list unto, nor profit b}^ the an- thems of those holy gentiles. [Suddenly.] Whatiflha\e strayed, it behooves me to consult my diagram lest I tarry here for naught. (Examines a paper. ) Gramarcy ! 'Tis welll looked ; it's not this road which runs so far be- hind the Monastery, but the one that passes the main entrance. Would it were this one ; not that I fear ; no, no ; but this is less liable to interruption. 'Tis secluded, therefore the fitest place. (Replaces paper.) Well, I'll hie me to the spot, and to kill tlie enuni of waiting Til watch the silvery moon, and numerate the stars that stud the welkin. Exit Myriam R. re-vailing. FIFTH SCENE. Scene. — A front view, perspective, convent R. facade and gable standing boldly out. A large cross with projecting rock at base L. 5 turrets of a castle visible through a forest in the baclcground. Enter R. Captain vSir Emil Vald- meyer and Lieutenant Sir Albert Josephthal, arm-in-arm j Sir Emil limps and wears his left arm in a sling. Or, A New Years Eve, &c. 8 5 Sir Albert Josephthal. Captain, how didst thou injure so thyself? (Looks about.) Good, here is a seat (assisting Valdmeyer to cross and seats him). Sit thee on this stone a while. A little rest and the pain will have fled thee, Sir Emil Valdmeyer. Damn it, Lieutenant, let thy tongue speak sense! hast thou eyes! Why man, if Ld sit here "till old Cadvvallader the abbot who resides yonder, had counted each and every bead a score of times, these hurts instead of better would be worse. Sir Albert. (Shaking- finger.^ Ah, Captain, Captain, Fm afraid it's a horn too much thou hast been imbibing, got in a row, was unkindly treated. Come, now, speak I not the truth. Sir Emil. If lies be truths, then thou the truth hath spoken. It happened thus : I suppose thou art aware that I now visit clandestinely, Eloise Lockhart, the beautiful peasant girl who lives aboui a mile from here on the borders oi the Rhine. Her bewitching cot- tage, like herself, is a model of perfection. Lieuten- ant, a few more visits, backed by pretty jewels and fin-. ery, and this Juno's mine. Josephthal, women will sell their souls for gewgaws, I'll wager a hundred rix- dollars she'll yield to me on my next visit. Its singular that she resembles Myriam Isaacs so closely. Sir Albert. (Coldly.) Not half so singular — Sir Emil. — Ah, yes, I see. Not half so singular as m)' crooked way of telling a story. Well, the way I came to injure myself was — Sir Albert. I care not how the injury came up- on thee. Judging from the language that hath just passed thy lips, 'twould have been a blessing if thou hadst killed thyself instead of spraining thy ankle and bruising an arm. I always discredited the statement as to thy wronging Myriam, (the Jewess,) but by the heaven above me I believe it now. Sir Emil. I wi-onged her } hell and furies, man, she wronged herself. I was inclined to deal kindly with the wench. I offered to relieve her of her burden, our child, you understand ; I also offered her a goodly sum of money. All these kindnesses she refused, say- ing I must either wed her or die. Well, to keep her still I went through a sort of mock wedding, and when the fool found out the cheat she committed suicide. 86 The 7 wo Princes of Baden ^ This is all from Alpha to Omega. (Aside.) Ail that he shall know. (Aloud ) Thou canst see plainly I was quite tender with her, the saucy minx. SiK Albert. (Fiercely.) Tender! Sir, 'twas like the tenderness of the Vulture when he loosens his talons to take a firmer hold. Had I known thee as 1 do now I would have plucked out both mine eyes beiore i d joined the troops which thou, in being its commander doth but disgrace. I knew thee to be a cold and callous man, yet L little dreamed thou wert so bas^- — so hard- ened a scoundrel. Say what thou wilt 1 believe tkiou hast dealt foully with poor Myriam, and in the name of my dear departed mother (bares his head,, i swear I'll rest me not 'till I have unmasked thy villainy. From this hour I am the champion of little Eloise, and woe unto thee if harm befalls her through any act of thine. Furthermore, I'll instantly petition to be transferred to another command, and if my petition be not mimedi- ately granted I shall resign, for I should feel a stain up- upoTi my escutcheon — mine honor lost, if I longer con- sorted with one so contemptible. Oh, Heaven ! why dost thou let the evil prosper so ? There are men — xykt, and I am one of them — who've been all their lives sigh- ing — thirsting for the love — the affection of a true heart, and yet never possessed themselves of thi^ joy Like some " Ignus-fatuus," it has always eluded them whilst yon knave hath had it thrust upon him, and set not so much store by it as i would a simple rose that had once adorned the fragrant bosom ot a lovely wo- I man. Sir, I go, yet I shall remember to send a servant to thee with thy horse. Captain from this time forth we are enemies. Exit R. Sir Albert, Sir Emil, looking quizzically after him. Sir Emil. 1 see through this, yea, as clearly as through a crystal drop of water. My good Lieuten- ant's jealous, he loves Eloise — he takes this as a fitting opportunity to cut with me ; well, so be it, its nothing new ; the men were always jealous ot me. Why } be- cause I could take their sweethearts from them. 'Wo- men are light, giddy ; yet I love the fair creatures, that is, I desire them ; I suppose that's love. That fool of a Lieutenant was not astray as regards my taking here a little rest, for by the beard of Mohomet's goat I do feel better- I think unto my house I now could walk without assistance- Yet I suppose Ed better remain Or, A New Years Eve^ &c. 87 here until my servant comes. (^Yawns.) I wonder whether Myriam's really under the sod ? Pshaw ! she must be ; to have escaped the dogs 1 set upon her track was impossible. I held the villains firmly in my power, they dared not betray me, besides, the price I set upon her death was enough to have tempted better me than they to the execution of such a deed. Bah ! the worms have held their banquet o'er her this many a day. Yet I do believe that if spirits — At this juncture, Myriam, with face vailed, who has stealthily enteied L. and gain the bide of Sir Emil, prepares to strike. Her presence being detected she quickly conceals her weapon behind her. Sir Emil. (Starting.) In the name of all the godi at once, who art thou ? Myriam- Does not thy conscience tell thee ? Sir Emil. I have no conscience ; I have not room within my breast for such a fool. Myriam. The coward color which from thy face hath fled, belies what thou do^t say. Thou hast a con- science ; 'tis that which pricks thee now. Ye may sti- fle her for a time, but as sure as there's a future, she will raise up and put thee down. Aha ! ye tremble— her grip's upon thee. Sir Emil. [Recovering himself.] What mean ye here at this weird hour, so closely muffled in dismal black so thickh' vailed. If thou art the devil's mother, speak, for Emil Valdmeyer knows not even the mean- ing of fear. If all the Hydra-headed monsters that swim the deep, or crawl on land, were here to do me battle I would not blanch. Myriam, Bravado — the stale old trick that pol- troons summon to their aid to cloak the craven that dwells within their hearts. [Aside ] I must get hiai off his guard. [Aloud. J Ihou wouldst know me ? Well, answer me this riddle and thou'U half discover me. What is that which the Almighty hath not seen, nor ever can see. yet every human being may behold ! Sir Emil. [Mockingly.] Now, my Lady Hob- goblin, if thou hast armed thyself with conundrums freshly filched from forgotten dream-books, and mean- dered here with mtent base — aye, mind maae up lo spring, as it were, 'pon some unsuspecting traveller and propound a riddle, let me tell thee I'm the very worst man thou couldst have waylaid. For I'm thicker than 88 The Two Princes of Baden ^ a fog in catching a riddle's point. Besides, to be plain with thee, I ihink thy riddle's a sorry one. Why, ha ! ha, ha, — pshaw, Mrs. Ghost, I — Myriam. Stop thou dense vvitted. babbler, I will both repeat the question and render thee the answer. What is that which the Almighty hath not seen, nor ever can see, yet every human being m.ay beh.old ? His equal. Sir Emil. Mrs. Ghost, thou art a whole book of puzzles. Thy conundrum's a very deep one, still I'm disappointed. Myriam. Why so facetious, gentleman } Sir Emil. Because I find thee only an equal, af- ter thou hast worked my imagination up to believe thee something more. This is hardly fair, Mrs. Ghost. [Leans forward laughing immoderately. | Myriam. Knave, I am yet but half discovered. Know I'm also thy death [stabs Sir Emil tw;cethen un- vails], thou matchless tool of sin. Charon's boat doth now await thee. At last we are quits. As soon as Myriam stabs Sir Emil he starts up and places his hand t,; h's side, staggering C. Then he turns and stares wildlv at her. Sir Emil. By the Archangel Michael, the grave has either given up ita dead, tombs refused to perform the office of sepulchres, and spectres walk abroad, or else thou art Myriam Isaacs. Myriam. Yes. I am Myriam Isaacs — Myriam the Jewess, whose home ye destroyed, whose, happiness ye blasted, whose chastity, through, deceit, ye stole. I am here to keep my word. Sir Emil. Curse thee and thy riddle, for through it thou hast riddled me. Had I not taken tiiee latter- ly for a rustic, dwelling hard by, bent upon a lark at ghostly business, thou^ wouldst not thus have triumphed. Hadst thou been content with the terms I once offered thee — which, on the whole were very liber- al — accepted the money, gone about th}- business, and left me to myself, all would have run smoothly on. But ye forced me to marry thee. [Aside] What am I saying.^ [Aloud.] I mean thou didst so strive to do. This brought on thee the avalanche which hath wrecked thy life, and robbed it of its joys. Myriam. [Excitedly.] I wanted to force thee to marry me. Fiend, didst thou not promise nie so to do } Or, A New Year s Eve^ &c. 89 After winning my heart, after (through mine innocence and the love 1 bore thee,)thou had stmade me but a toy to thee. Why, man, we were scarce acquainted ere thou proffered marriage. Hast thou forgotten the nigh: — here, on the outskirts of Carlsruhe, in the shadowofthis very convent, when, with arm around m)' waist, ye said: " Myri.am, I want thee for a wife," swearing to be true by yonder cross, the emblem of thy faith — I mean the Christian faith — for thou art faithless in all respects. Sir Emil. 1 Aside.] By the rod of old King Mo- ses, but the tigress is aroused. She'll consummate her threat 'f help arrives not shortly. I must prolong the argument. These crippled limbs, and the ;4-ashes she hath made on my poor side, puts me ' hors de combat."-^ (Aloud). What couldst thou have expected were not I a nobleman, and thou but the child of peasants, — worse than all a Jewess — though I'll admit your family were respectable. But what of that.^ W'hat signifies the respectability of peasants. Foolishly conceited must thou have been to have imagined that a noble would stoop so low as to mate with a peasant's daughter. MVRIAM. Peace miscreant ; my father though a peasant was yet thy better, lie was good and true, and such are beyond thy comprehension. There ha\'e been those born of poverty, who've risen to princely dignities, whose hands have the rod of Empire swayed ; whose occupanc}^ of the Chair of State Avas attended with all the splendor and greatness that waits on Genius, and the glor}-' of w hose deeds are more imperishable than the monumentsraised to commemorate their acts; whose nobilit}^ was of nature's loftiest type, emanating from him whose potency to place, out-ranked all earthly station. But thy nobility — thy kind of nobilit}- I'if the word may be so slandered) consists but in a piece of parchment and the seal of Government, more oft pro- cured b}^ treachery, robbery, or sycophancy, than by honest merit. Such as ye are strangers to all sa\ e vice, and the humblest mortal that walks in rectitude towers o'er thee as does the sturdy oak above the toadstool's cankered stalk, as to the Jew ye fling at me. Remem- ber, that he of Nazareth who Israelites as v. ell as Chris- tians respect, was of Hebrew blood — a Jew. Not in a condition to fight. 90 The Iwo Princes of Badcn^ Man's raised not bove his fellow man By birth, or creed, or country ; 'Tis worth, heart, and loyalty to tru^h Wherein distinction lies. Sir Emil. Myriam, thou hast grown in elo- quence. MyriAM. Emil Valdmeyer ; thou hast grown in villainy, Sir: flattery will avail thee as little as sneers ! I have come to be avenged Nothing short of thy miserable existence will satisfy me. (Aside.) Would that Ihad finished him in the first stroke ; yet after the loss of so much blood he cannot hold oul against me — besides he's badly bruised. (Myriam rushes forward, Sir E:Tiil grapples with her, they vv.es:le abju'^ the stage.) Sir Emil. (Wildly.) What ho ! Cadwallader, come forth! Come out ye shaven crowns ! I'm being murdered ! Come forth I say ! What ho within ! What ho! What — [At this juncture, Mvriam again stabs Sir Emil, .\ho then falls, af:er which he rips open his coat at the breast and produces a paper which he essays to destroy, but dies before accomplishing it. Klyriam p.cks up paper and reads it excitedly. Myriam. Do I dream — no ; here is the proof, the veritable tangible proof — the evidence now in m\' hand, I see it all ! he was himself cheated, but on discovery hath either stolen or bribed the person who held this bond, this marriage contract ; to put him in possession of it. He must but recently have obtained the docu- ment, or else it long ere this had been in flames. Per- haps this arm in sling has something to do with this certificate, for he would hazard life or limb to carry out a scheme, for good or evil. (Drops dagger, and stretches both hands prayerfully up, yet clings firmly to paper.) I am not then a dishonest thing, thank Heaven, thank Heaven. Myriam now falls, fainting yet firmly clings to paper uith lef; hand. Enter at this junction L. Abbot Cadwallader and some monks. Abbot Cadwallader. Thou art right good Brother Andrew— thou^art right. Brother Andrew. Sir Abbot, before the will of Heaven clothed me in Priestly habilaments, 'Squire was I to the Margrave s brother; father of the Prin- cess Louisa ye know. Prince Cederick, Duke of Carls- ruhe was as valiant a Knight as ever couched a lance, or drew a blade. *Twas with this noble gentleman I gain- Or, A New Year s Eve^ &c. 91 cd my scars and the knowledge of the art of war. The braying trump the battle's din. the clash of arms are still within mine ears — groans, shouts the yell of the \-ictor, and the curse of the vanquished. Good Abbot I can smell out an encounter or battle, or anything that smacks of war at almost any distance ; so when I caught that yell which it appears none else of the Brotherhood seemed to hear. I urged the quickening of our pace, because I was convinced that blood was be- ing spilt in close proximity to us. An old soldier ne'er mistakes the sound of strife, whether the number en- gaged be tew or many. MVRIAM. (Raising on one knee.) Thou knowest full well a slave am I to kindness, yet wear I about me that which makes the brooking of an injury as impossi- ble as the changing of the earth its orbit. (Arises to her feet looks wildly about.) I have kept my word ; I said I would, I said I — [Myriam now staggers, and is about: to fall, but is prevented by Brother Andrew.] Bro. a. Daughter, cheer up, thou art with friends. (Looks into Myriam's face then turns to Abbot.) Most worthy Abbot, if I mistake not, this woman is of Hebrew extraction. Abbot. (After gazing at Myriam.) Yes, she is an Israelite. I fear the extravagance of her beauty hath brought about this bloody picture ; I'm almost certain it's the old tale, a deceived woman avenging herself on her treacherous lover. Well, it matters not to us what be her faith, she's at least one of God's crea- tures. The laws of our Holy Church are the laws of Heaven, and the laws of Heaven are merciful, ''Do ye unto others as ye have would others do unto thee." So said the Master. All. Aye. good Abbot, a)-e. Enter R. at this juncture a Grand Justice with attendants, all armed. Grand Judge. Wherefore all this chattering ; this polyglot confusion (if not of Babel) of shaven crowns. (Spying Sir Emil's body.) Aha ! a dead man ! Who did this work .^ Come — render quickh^ to me an answer. Abbot. As to this blood letting, I know no more than does thyself; but who art thou that puts questions wMth such a show of high authority ; if I did not know 9 2 The Two Princes of Baden ^ who was guardian of the throne, I should say ye held Vallenstein's place being therefore Chancellor. Grand Jud. Though not Prime Minister, my power is scarcelly less great. I am Alonzo Del Fer- nandez (the exile Prince), now Grand Judge of Baden. In other words, I am the law in corporal lorm. Now sir, who art thou that dares to question the law. Abbot. My Lord, we are as thy worship can plainly see ; Holy Monks, yon Sacred Convent is where we abide, we are members of the powerful order of the Holy Cross o'er this branch of the fraternity the digni- fied rank of Abbot do I hold. 1 am Cadwallader the Abbot. In Brother Andrew here thou dost behold our Honorable Secretary— in other words we are the Church in corporal form. Dare ye question the Church. Grand Jud. I dare when the Church grows in- solent and forgets its place. Abbot. When the law plays tyrant, and luns rot its proper groove, so dare I. Bro. a. So thou art the ex-Duke of Granada ; or as ye put it, Alonzo Del Fernandez, the Fxile Prince. I have heard much of thee, though never before did I set eyes upon thy substance. Would to God thy Span- ish brothers had strung thee up in gibbet, then thou hadst never disturbed our sacred faith in this quarter. P'or that ye hate our ancient religion thy decrees make it manifest, and though thou hast held office here but six short months, thou hast done us much harm. Curse on thy misleading speeches to the people — maledictions on thy interfering restrictions. Grand Jud. Go too, thou peculating son of psalms. Bro. a. The compliment we return thou legalized pilferer, ye of the law bear close resemblance to a pair of shears, which never cut themselves but that between. Some three and twenty days ago, I had audience with the Margrave. After leaving his royal presence, I strode down the lofty stoop of the Palace and stood meditating in the shadow of that splendid pile. I was aroused from my reverie by two sentinels. Saith the first, " See, there comes Abraham Levi." The second replied, " it was no strange sight to behold this percentage-moth roving 'bout the executive mansion; that he w^.s a vul- ture whose prey was cabinet ministers." " Right well Or, A New Vea7^'s Eve^ &c, 93 I know all this," saith the first, " yet as he is now, 'tis most unconrimon and wonderful; for dost thou not ob- serve he has his hands in his own pockets ? At this, both sentries laughed, and resumed their measured tread, whilst Le\ i passed from view into the spacious hall, I leaned me against the base of a massi\'e column, and mused. Sir Judge, can your highness divine what then I thought? Grand Jud. I cannot, neither do I care to know, Bro. a. (Bows.) Nevertheless, as breath is but the air, and air is free, I feel at liberty to tell thee unin- vited, 'tuas this — I thought what a loss it was to the laiights of law that Sir Abraham wasnot counted among its members. What a splendid judge would he not make. How readily would he stain the ermine black, as too often the wearers of it do. Grand Jud. Hold, churlish monk — 'twas ever thus — church with justice — militant. The reason her motto doth contain, which reads, rule or ruin. Ye may hurl invective s at the ermine, yet with far more certi- tude can I affirm that the ample folds of priesth^ vest- ments do as often conceal the depraved as the venera- ble. When first I entered this scene, I took ye for dis- guised robbers, and I was right, for who thicA-es m.ore secretly than the church. First it steals conscience, then liberty, and ends by taking the purse. I scorn it. It's a stupendous subterfuge Its bulwark is the fears of the ignorant and the credulous. It says be meek, thirst not for fame, yet is itself most ambitious and arrogant, de- lighting in mummery and foolish display. It says to its chanted followers, trust in God, while it alone trusts in the bloody sword and death-dealing cannon. It sa3\s. give up thy gold, — 'tis trash, mere stuff, the root of all evil, yet is always ready to take this root whene'er it comes within its reach. Gold is its God. I believe in Heaven and a pure religion. But this is not religion, 'tis a money-making business. Bro. A- I'll stand no more, thou accursed infidel. Brother Andrew now rushes forward, and raises his s::aff to strike. The Judge draws his sword. The Abbjt catches Myriam in his arms, and commands Brother Andrew to desist. Abbot. (Waving his staff). Hold, good Andrew. Brothers, stay him, hold him firmly. Monks sei7e the Secretary, and bring him back to his former place beside the Abbot. 94 'I he Izvo Princes of Baden ^ Bro. a. Most noble Cadwallader, why did your worship stop mine iiand? Has he not grown impious. Abbot. Yea, honored brother, but the church teaches not with blows. The ministry of God gives its lessons through love ; 'tis our province to return good for evil, thus shaming the base from their sinful ways, so taught the Master, and we will prove recreant to our high mission if otherwise we act. Vet I do foigive th}' haste for the soldier in the: e en I myself was sureiy tried by him, and did somewiiat stray in speech from our holy office, which should be as it ever has been - one of mildness and love. (Turning to the Judge.) My son, retrace thy misguided steps, ere it be too late, (With dignity.) The Church is sacred — the Church is truth ; to affront the Church is to offer insolence to Heaven, a sin, most deadly, and calls for punish- ment most bitter. Grand Jud. To my thinking ther's little analogy between Heaven and the Church. 1 leave thee, but in the name of the Margrave and the law I hv)ld thee all responsible for the cafety of this body, and that woman, too. For, in my mind, a party to this work 1 think she be. Abbot. With the laws of Baden have we good knowledge. T his fair creature shall be held in gentle custody. This body shall to our convent be conveyed, and treated there with all the respect due it as the tab- ernacle where once afcided an immortal soul When the noble coroner desires to hold his sitting his Lord- ship hath but his pleasure to acquaint us with, till then we claim authority. Grand J UD. If I were as stern and arrogant as ye say, I would arrest each and every person now with- in the sound of my voice that go to make up thy party instead of trusting to thy word for the reproduction of this woman and her victim, I am empow^ered by law so to do. Yet for the testing of thy priestly honor, I'll this time forego the privilege. But, Sir Abbot, if thou dost attempt any double dealing, woe betide thee. Exit R. Grand Judge and attendants j bell in the convent strikes the se- cond hour of morn \ The abbot and monks bow their heads \ The convent watch chant accompanied by the orchestra. Convent Watch, Another hour of Hies been granted, Or^ A New Year s Eve, &c. 95 We praise Jehovali, Omniscient — his^b, In the name of the Virgin and the Holy Ghost, We chant our praises to the sacred sky, We pray great Father spare us all, Though we are ready when ee'r ye call Tiirough blessed Jesus who dwells above, Guide us aright thou God of love. Abbot. Let one of you good brothers haste with- in the monastery and toll the funeral bell, that all may know that death is in our midst. Exit into convent a monk who immediately tolls bell j Brother Andrew se- cures Myriam's dagger as monk leaves. Abbot. Some of you look after the dead, then follow close upon our heels. Come, good Andrew ; come, poor maid. Some mo.mks now take hold of Sir Emil's body and follow the Abbot and Bro. Andrew, who together support Myriam. The rest follow the body. The entire party look sorrowful and downcast All exit into convent. Bell toUsun- til ever/ one has disappeared within monasrery. Solemn music. THIRD SCENE. Seene. — The ame as first scene in first act, Gottlieb and Catherine seated Gotdieb as before, and Catherine on his left. Lamp burning on table. Flor ence Stover with her little daughter Ida clinging closely to her stands C. Florence is weeping. Her husband Leopold (who half faces Gottlieb) leans moodily against mantle piece, all discovered. Catherine. [To Leopold ] Another year with all its hopes to life hath been born, show thy thanks therefore to the Creator by forgiveness of 3/our wife. Her heart beats but for thee — 'tis throbbing for thee now\ Ha\'e pity, if only for thy child. Leopold Stover. For the child's sake much will 1 do, as perhaps mine may she be, the doubts, ben- eht I'll give her to please thee and good friend Gottlieb. Even Florence for naught shall want under the circum- stances I cannot find it proper more to yield. Florence. Leopold — Leopold, tell me what to do, thy wrath to appease, gladly would 1 lay me in the grave if in the eternal sleep thy forgiving kiss with me wert buried Doubt not that thou art the father of this child, for in the name of all the saints I swear ye be, was not she three round months in age afore I fled thee. Did not her entry inro this world under thine own roof take place. Leopold. Yes. thou sayest truly as to her being born under my root. Yet for all that, how knowest I, 96 The Two Princes of Baden^ that I in fact her father be. Lydia Breiitzen said on oatli at stated periods, when my back was squarely turned, that Parson Von Beecherton was a welcome visitor. He never, (when I were at home) thought of paying his respects to me. In fact not on the best of terms were we, yet it be not strange for the husband to be distaste- full, when the wife is desired, and love the wife when encouragement we receive. Now, as it was with 'nim ye fled how can I help it doubt my being the father to thy child. For iii thy flight alone thou didst herald thy prostitution, and couple thy daughter's name with bastardy. Florence. I did not flee with Parson Von Beech- erton, as oft in my letters, ^notone of which ye deigned to answer,) I informed thee a thousand times and which thy language I'm convinced ye never even read. Leopold. Letters } In all thy absence not so much as one poor line did I receive. I Florknce ery. Leopold. this ? Florence Then ye knoxA- not of Lydia's treach- Lydia's treachery.^ What enigma is Is it possible thou hast not e'en so much as a suspicion. (Aside.) Ah. Myriam. perhaps spoke the truth. A reunion may be close at hand. Oh, how my soul swells within me — stirred up by this fond hope. [Aloud.] Husband, mark well what nc»w I say. The Parson adm.ired me, 'tis true yet I fled thy house through no design of his, Lydia loved thee — and finding in me a barrier to her bliss hated me, schem- ing night and day 'till our separation she produced. But the power of powers had his eye upon her, and his vengeance speedily followed. For as ye remember, she sickened and died — died whilst thou were attend- ing business in Radstadt. Being convinced thy face she'd never again behold, and not wishing to put her cruel act on paper, she made her sailor brother, then bound for sea, promise to tell thee, at the earliest op- portunity, all the mischief she had done unto our homes. At Milan her brother, in a duel was killed ; Brother Andrew, now secretary of the convent over which the Abbot Cadwallader presides, was the priest who attend- ed him, and to whom he told the story of my wrongs. Her brother said he left the records of his sisters crime Or, A New Year s Eve, &c. "97, in trusty hands, anH that thou must certainly, soon after he sailed, have discovered all. I'll warrant that liroth- er Andrew will gladly testify to all I now have said. I fled thee because I loved thee ; I thought I stood in the way of thy happiness ; I thought thou hadst transferred thy heart to Lydia, and wouldst re- joice to have me far away. But, oh ! my husband ! thou canst never know the pain it cost me in leaving thy dear side. Leopold. All this to me is news. But I believe thee. Wouldst that I had been clearer sighted and less credulous. FlorEiNTCE. Would we both had, my husband ! Leopold. I could now thy flight forgive if, in thine absence thou hadst remained true. For thou canst not deny, though we credit thee with not eloping with the Parson, that tliou didst not harken to his plead- ings, nor yield thyself to his wishes. Oh, Florence, there's the sting, for when I think of thee, passive in his arms, he feeding on thy young beauty, drinking up thy love, which Heaven had willed alone sacred unto me, I grow mad— mad ! Florence. No defense do I make of my unhal- lowed conduct with this man whose tongue in deceit was schooled, made insidious by the oil of hypocrisy. But this ril say — when I left thee I was in that state of flexibility which may be likened unto wax, readily shaping itself to the moulder's forms, and, as I thought thy love for me was buried, or rather bestowed upon another, I scarce knew or cared what I did. I had but one wish, and that was to render myself oblivious to the past' Leopold, tell me truly didst thou remain proof against fair Lydia's charms when ye presumed my heart had ceased to beat in unison with thine. Leopold. I should not, were this an ordinary af- fair, feel it my duty to respond to such a question. 'Twould be most ungallant to reveal a woman's sin, es- pecially when to the tattler she gave her honor's keep- ing. But as this wretched girl hath fo]feited her right, I will reply. 'Tis natural when the heart is full, ye turn to those who seem to pity thee — who bear about thy grief as though it were their own. So did this Lyoia-- I mean she did so appear to do. But to abridge an unhappy tale let this suffice ; I learned to admire her greatly ; she was my — my mistress. 98 The Two Princes of Baden^ Florence. Husband, when I discovered how things stood, how we both had been cheated, I nearly lost my reason. I drove the base gownsman from me as though he were some poisonous reptile whose touch was annihilation, (drawing herself up grandly; and from that hour I have been a mother and a wife. Florence now leads Ida to Leopold, both kneel before him. Leopold weeps and turns away his head. Gottlieb. Leopold, I am an old man. The book of time hath marked me on its debit side with nigh un- to eighty years. My good Catherine there hath turned three-score, whilst thou art but in the middle tide of life, thy lovely mate yet in her youth. Human joys like our existence is of short duration. Throw not the cup of happiness aside whilst ye may grasp it. Think me no meddler ; I only speak out of an honest friendship I hold for both. Leopold turns, stretches out his arms. Florence and Ida arise and rush for- ward, they embrace. Gottlieb and Catherine look at each other joyfully. Florence. Again, I have a husban 1, my own, my dear — dear Leopold. Ida. An her has a pappa, a dear — dear pappa. Leopold. Ebon-visaged night, now gives place to bright faced day. Again the sky is clear — serenely clear. (Kisses Florence and Ida fondly.) A new path — a broad road — a great highway, stretches out be- fore me, and once more my heart swells with all its pristine hopes. Gottlieb. (Placing cane on table.) With all my soul I sa)'. Amen ! (Stretching forth his hands.) Hallowed Father — dispenser of all good — ye before whom human wisdom is but as foolishness — I thank thee for the happy termination of this crushing sorrow which hath so long cast its blight upon a home, and kept asunder two living hearts. May it be thy will that so long as they do here abide, that they'll be visit- ed with all the joys that mankind's heir to. (Turns to Leopold, Florence and Ida, who stand with heads bowed respectfully throughout the thanksgiving.) Bless thee, my children — bless thee. This is one of the hap- piest moments of my life* Forsooth I fear too much pleasure to dwell long with old Gottlieb. Leopold and Florence with Ida, now cross to settee and seat themselves, Ida on Leopold's knee. Florence holds his hand. They talk in dumb show and fondle little Ida, At this juncture some one knocks at the door. Or, A New Years Eve, &c, 99 Gottlieb. — Wife, I think our Philip's returned. (Glances at clock.) By St* John, who'd believe it ; see for thyself, Catherine — three o'clock. Catherine. (Looking at clock.) I wonder not this night, at time's fleet pace. For the curtain hath but fallen on a drama most real, with scenes so vivid that one forgets all else in watching them. But why our Philip tarries out so long I cannot conjecture. I fear me something has happened the boy. Knocking is now heard buder. Gottlieb. Yes, wife, our Philips's at the door, dost thou not hear him } Ha-ha ! Rose hath caught it this night. Catherine opens door. Enter some of the Margrave's guard followed by Captain Sir Albert Josephthal. Catherine rushes to Gottlieb who seizes his cane and stands erect. Leopold, Florence and Ida start up from the settee in amaiement. Suddenly as if just recognizing Sir Albert, they all bow and change their defiant looks to smiles. Gottlieb. Thou art welcome to our house. Sir Al- bert, But why this armed visit .'' Sir Albert. Good Master Montagna, a painful duty have I to perform. Thou and thy worthy wife must I arrest, so reads the Royal order ; surely it^s some mistake, must be, and will speedily be set aright. Yet doth it hurt me all the same to offer so much as even the shadow of an insult to so valiant a soldier as old Sergeant Montagna. But be not alarmed. The Mar- grave's as noble as he's wise, Gottlieb, Thanks, Lieutenant Your honor, Pm not worth so much respect. 'Tis surely as thou sayest, a mistake. Yet will we go peaceably with thee. Catherine. (Aside.) My poor, dear son — my darling boy. This will sorely affiict thee. Thy mor- row's banquet will no doubt be a feast of sighs. Sir Albert. Brave Montagna, I am no longer a Lieutenant of Artillery. I'm now a Captain — not on- ly a captain, but a Captain commander over the per- sonal guards of His Liege the Margrave. I saved him from being, perhaps mortally. Wounded by an infuriated courtier whose arrest he had commanded ; cause rob* bing the Treasury, and for the act was created chief of the body-guard of His soverign Excellence. There be- ing a vacancy through the death ot Captain Lutzberg, The Margrave hath taken a strong fancy to me, as much on account of a petition I placed within his hands as lOO The Two Princes of Baden^ the saving of his life. He treats me so kindly, and speaks so highly about me. that I fear he will spoil me. Catherine. Captain, thou hast always stood well favored in our eyes. Thou art a gentleman, sir, and hath too much of sense to be easily set wrong. Leopold. A. true soldier always is a gentleman Captain Sir Albert Josephthal bows at this juncture, as one overcome with the weight of compliment. Gottlieb. (Turning to Leopold,) Do you and your family o'er this house keep guard and break to Philip the news of our misfortune as gently as possible. (To Captain.) Sir, as soon as we are dressed befitting- ly we will accompany thee. FOURTH ACT -FIRST SCENE. Scene.— An antechamber in the Margrave's palace, at Carlsruhe. Enter R- Gottlieb and Catherine Montagna, Gottlieb using a cane. Gottlieb. — Did I understand thee to say ye saw our Philip in the hall yonder. Catherine- Thou hast the words of my mouth repeated. Gottlieb. Let's seek him, then, for perhaps the poor boy is now there waiting, thinking to gain a word or too with us. Catherine. No, we will not seek him ; that were useless. We would not find him now, Gottlieb. When first we w^ere made prisoners my heart sank with- in me, for I imagined straight- way that Philip into harm had fallen, which by some strange circumstance both implicated thou and I. But now I belie^'e the ac- cident that may have befallen him will to our house a goodly blessing prove. Perhaps Philip hath committed a brave act — saved young Julien's life, done something noble — something, the which I know not, yet something that merits a high reward. Gottlieb. If this be so, what need was there in making captives of both his parents. Catherine. His Liege at first may have been mistakened, intending therefore to punish. But dis- covering now his mistake, transforms chastisement into a requital of service. As Philip and the Prince (for they were both together) passed by the hall door where then I stood, I heard Lord Julien say, " Philip hie with me to my room and don a better dress that ye may ap- (9r, A Neiv Year s Eve^ &c. loi pear before the Margrave as more becomes thee. Mark well that sentence, Gottlieb. As more becomes thee. Surely thy mind must see by this, that Philip hath fal- len heir to great profit, and we are now but gently held to witness vhe honors heaped upon our son. GoTTLiii^B- This the case may be, but heads of States do soon forget, and when they do not they sel- dom take this fashion in the bestowal of rewards. Cath- erine, we are poor and poverty gets but little breadth of notice. CatherIiNE. Tut, tut, man ! we are not beggars, thou art a soldier — an old soldier tried and found trusty, I and all the world with good Leopold do concur, that a true soldier is a gentleman. Besides the land is deb- tor to thee for much lost blood. Feel more thy worth and that recompense is but the due of merit. Gottlieb do not entirely lose sight of having once been well-to-do. Gottlieb. On this earth 'tis not what ye were but what ye be. A bold usurper firmly seated in our Margrave's throne wouldst be respect by all the Princes of Europe, and obeyed at home, fie might have sprung from mendicants and be stamped with illegitimacy, but what of that, so long as he be sovereign, Lord Para- mount o'er the land. What service would it render unto our good Ethelbert in having the right to say, I have been a reigning monarcn. Though I am dethroned and dare not set foot in Baden, yet am I a sovereign. Though I ami an outcast to my country — though 1 am poor and oft know want, still am I a Prince. The very knave who now durst not m.eet his gaze, wouldst mock at him in such a straight. Catherine, so long as thou canst force obedience — so long as it profits not to cross thee, thou wilt have respect No, it is not \yhat ye were , but what ye be. Catherine. (With dignity.) Churlish minds, I will admit, do so consider. But, sir, a hero stands in the foremost ranks of worth, a true man is nature's full- est joy. and he that scorns him 'cause of poverty or fail- ure affronts the Host above us. Gottlieb. I never felt that much of greatness won I about, unless it be the great pains that have been most zealous visitors to my wounded leg these three years. Now, as to Piiilip's turning out a great man, I should not be at all surprised. Yet patiently will I wait, for time makes havoc with mysteries. J02 The Two Princes of Baden ^ Enter R. Captain Sir Albert Josephthal. Sir Albert. My good old friends, ye must not leave the waiting chamber without permission. I shall be forced to place about thee a guard if ye both keep wandering so around the palace. This is now the third time that I have cautioned thee. Come, follow me, and remain, I prithee, where I place thee. When the Prime Minister summons thee to appear before the Margrave thou wilt be in readiness. Gottlieb. (To Sir Albert.) Thou shalt be obey- ed. (To Catherine.) Attention — attention, wife (stag- gers a trifle). Right dress, there, Gottlieb -right dress, eyes front, Catherine — heads up, breasts out — Catherine. (Taking Gottlieb's arm.) Come, sir come ; seest thou not the Captain waiting beyond for us } Gottlieb. Forward — march ! Exit Gottlieb and Catherine R., Catherine leading Gottlieb by the arm. Gottlieb endeavors to appear soldierly in his walk. SECOND SCENE. Scene. — Hall in the Margrave's palace. Enter R. Pauline Sinn (a maid to the Princess Louisa) followed by Wiseacre (the Court Jester) in full dress, car- rying in his hand the sceptre proper to his office. Wiseacre. I be a fool, my lass, 'tis true. Only a Prince's jester. Yet doth mine office require, Aye, take deeper thought Than half the noble of this court Have breadth of mind for. Pauline Sinn. Ho, ho, our jester grows tragic, gives now blank verse by wa}' of entertainment. Gram- ercy Wiseacre, be this all in thy play } If so I'll have thee read it from first to last. It's a dead hit I sup- pose. WiSEA'. Cease, malapert ! Prophets are unknown in the histrionic art. No dramatist can tell with certi- tude whether a play will succeed or not when placed upon the theatric boards. The public is fickle, giving more heed unto a trashy pantomime (a mere tinseled spectacle, devoid of sense or thought) a highly colored improbable, and glaringly wrought melodrama- a light and silly tragicomedy, or a nude and gaudy burlesque, which in blank verse I'll say — (9r, A New Year s Eve, &c, 103 Where the ladies' dresses are cut so low And cut so high — That a mere drapery (looped up in plaits about each charming waist) Is all that covers them, And for this kind of theatrical exposure Bald headed sin seems to have the strongest taste. Pauline- Poor gentlemen, to be pitied are they Yet on mature consideration, I think it may be said, there's not a man who'll refuse the taking in of a lega- cy. (Shakes herself playfully.) But, lad, I protest against the familiar manner in which ye handle the name of Sir — my name, sir, giving it as it were a black- end eye. Wisea'. The coloring is subservient to thy will, not mine, my lass. Pauline. I differ with thee, sir Jester. Surely^I am most unguarded and quite helpless. For doth not mine own cc»gnomen conspire against me, and endeavor to debase me. If ye doubt it look but in our family Bible, and there you'll see it continually says, Pauline Sinn. Both laugh heartily. Wisea'. If thou art going to fling about such wit as this, I'll resign thee my crown, my sceptre and my station. Pauline. [Pertly.] Well, whatever thou dost, there's one thing I pray thou'll yield me not, and that's a place within thy poem. Wisea'. (Vexatiously.) Suacy, lass — think ye that with mine own hand I would — Oh, hang it. Let this suffice. Thou art not there to mar its lofty spirit. Pauline. So then, thou hast another girl } Wisea'. My girls are many, yet there's only one I love. Pauline. [Putting up hands to face and feigning to weep,] Of course that one's not me. But ye shall repent of thy nice deception. What's to pay me for all the huggings and kisses I've let thee have. Ah, me alack o-day, was ever maid so treated. [Suddenly removing hand from face and clenching them.] Aha, but I have thee on the hip. I'll information give unto our beautious Princess how, while once she bathed ye peeped at her; 104- The Two Princes of Baden ^ WlSEA'. I care not if thou dost, our Royal Lady but a woman, and, like all her sisters, inclines to adu- lation, rii wager thee ten marks that if ye do inform, that in less than twice five minutes time I'll have so flattered her that mine offence will change its hue^ and myself stand more favored in her eye. My virgin this is but another proof of my name's correctness. Ye see I know where to look, how to look, and what be worth the looking at (smacking lips, places hands on stomach. ) She's the dream of a Turk, yet, Lena, thou hast beauty enough for me ; thy love is all I ask. Paultne. When a Prince's Fool doth talk of love it hath but the appearance of a jest. Yetif thou'U make me thy drama's heroine, Lll clasp hands v/ith thee, and ye may do with me as thou wilt. What says my Wise- acre ? Wisea'. a truce I say all tliy female tricks. Be but thine own sweet self and thou art heroine enough. I dare not place thee in my poem for fear the hero'd steal thee ; I am too jealous. The fittest place I know for thee is — Pauline. (Peering into Wiseacre's face as she draws near to him.) Where } WiSEA'. In these arms (embraces her) in these arms. Pauline. Unhand me, villain, else a guardsman will I call ! (Throws arms about Wiseacre's neck, and lays head on his shoulder.) Dost thou hear } Wisea'. Thy guardsman's here. (Kisses her eag- erly.) See how he defends thee ! Pauline. Nurse thy strength for vigorous is the foe. Wisea'. In o'er a hundred battles it's ne'er been known to flag. Both come forward C., Wiseacre R., Pauline L. Sing the following. Wisea'. When Hymen's knot is tied, And thou my bride's become On life's river will we glide, ** Two hearts that beat as one." f Oh the hours of Wedded life Chorus] Are rife with pleasure. Both j And a husband or a wife [Are each a treasure. Or^ A New Years Eve^ &c, 105 PaUjlTNE. When the moon is at her height, We'll wander to the dell, And with souls aglow with love, In fond embraces dwell. ^I^oTh I ^^^' ^^^^ ^^"^'^ ^^ wedded hfe, etc., etc. The blast of a bugle is now heard as if at no great distance. Then the roll of a drum at same point. WiSEA'. Come ! The guards assemble in force. His Liege soon mounts the throne, and I who s't in the royal shadow must mount mine [depreciatingly] which be at the footstool of royalty, but the rim of his dais — There I must chatter at every oppc;rtunity like a parrot for pleasure of the Court. Exit Wiseacre and Pauline L. hand-in-hand. THIRD SCENE. Scene. — Grand saloon and audience chamber in the Margrave's Palace, canopy and dais R. Three thrones upon dais. The Margrave's throne (or chair) in the middle upon a second dais. The Chamberlain, Grand Usher, Giand Judge, Lord High Coroner, Grand Commissioner, Lord Youth and a number of Courtiers, both male female, await the Margrave. They are spread about in groups, all talking in dumb show as the flats open. Two soldiers with spears, and in armor each side of arch, which is C, a pair of embroidered cur- tains concealing arch, before whom stand a couple of Ushers nearly elbow to el- bow. Enter Wiseacre C. through A. Shoves aside Ushers and walks down stage a few paces. The Ushers shake their wands at him, replace curtain and resumes places. The Lord High Coroner, Chamberlain, Grand Judge, Grand Commissioner, Lord Youth and some Courtiers of both sex now gather around Wiseacre. All look smilingly at him except the Grand Commissijner. Lord High Coroner. Gramercy, sir jester, right glad are we to see thee, since ye have given o'er to lit- erature we have missed thee from our sports. Lord Youth. [Shrugging shoulders and grimac- ing.] Aye, marry; how fares the traged}^ ? Is the poem completed. Wisea'. [Bowing-] No, my gosling Lord, 'tis partly in the embryo state, and therefore resembles thee. In other words 'tis but half finished. Wiseacre looks stolid. Lord Youth assumes the air of one displeased, and all the Courtiers smile and look merry except the Grand Commissioner who curls his lips scornfully. Lord High Cor. My friend, if I maybe so bold, what is the subject of thy poem ? The same old story I suppose — the same old tale that delights the poet and the painter. Wiska'. Tliou art right, it be a tale of love. Yet also art thou wrong. For though love hath ahvays io6 The Two Princes of Baden ^ been since our first parents, love ne'er grows old, else it be not love. Grand Jud. Thou hast a tongue fit for diplomat- ist's part Wisea'. Yet ne'er shall it be stained in [that vile art. Lord High Cor. Ever facetious in ryhming most 'tellingly. By my knowledge of thee, I do assume that thy composition must be like thy converse, which I pre- dicate hath lost none of its sparkling wit. Come, a truce with this raillery ; spout us a stanza or two of thy dramatic poem. Grand Commissioner. Sneeringly]. A FooVs Play — must be ajest.forsootJi. Wisea'. [Bowing.] Mark well, good friends, if this Lord speaks the truth. Lord Hioi Cor. Fall back, gentlemen, fall back your worships, give mouthing room unto our bord, you^r Honors. ah that have come forward retire a few paces, forming two circular groups, one R. and another L., the Jestor takes C. yet a trifle up stage facing orches- tra. Wisea'. Ladies and gentlemen, the part Til now narrate, is the opening passage in the ist scene of 3d act, where Captain Leon, a sort of philosopher and warrior knight settles down and partially retires from the world, holding it. somewhat in contempt* Though unacquainted with the tender passion, is taught to love on beholding the pure and regal Lady Ida. You see after beholding the noble maiden, he takes to read- ing tales of the heart; she perceives that he loves her unknown to himself, and being desirous to fix her name more securely in his mind, she gives him a book to read on the fly leaf of which she hath writen a poem, making the Captain and herself the hero and heroine, hoping by tins strategem to stir him more quickly to a proposal of marriage. He is seated in an easy chair in his study (which is enlivened by the rays of a curious lamp) with a book in his hand( Ida's book. He opens it to read; his eyes fall on the poem. He recognizes the handwriting. He eagerly peruses it, then leans for- ward meditatively, gazing out of the window of his cas- tle to the home of his enchantress on the opposite side of the river. Suddenly he arises and seizes his hat cloak and sword, mounts his horse and flies to the man Or, A Ahiv Year s Eve^ &c. 107 sion of his sweetheart, into whose wilh'ng ear he whis- pers his deep love. I'll but speak the poem she wrote and when I've finished the work I'll read it through and through. Lady Ida's lines will enable thee to judge of my play, as the fragment is a correct sample. Hark ye ! the Captain now reads : 'Twas a fragrant summer's night. And the stars in luminous splendor, Didst reflect a light supremely bright, The woodland seemed to render up Itself to love, And the sylvan elves in estacy were seen, Some in meri"y circles Sporting, dancing, singing on the turf of green, Whilst others of a more romantic heart Strolled off in loving couples To pligh.t again their throths, and tell The old, }'eL new, story, in the dell, Apart form listening ears, Such was the night, a glorious period, A time meet only for love, When Sir Leon (the celibate) who smiled at woman's charms. Walked forth to meditate. First bethought only of the buds and flowers, Then of mankind, the moon, world, and — The blue sky's vaulted dome, Hut finally, (with high and beating pulse), Dreamed how beautiful were Lady Ida's eyes. Tiie Lord High Coroner pats Wiseacre on the back. The rest: clap hands. Allcrv eojd, verv line, bravo, bravo, except the Grand Commissioner and Lora Youth Grand Co.M. [Shrugging shoulders.] Uur good jester heie hath always stood in high favor with the Ro)'al family of Baden. Advantage he may take of this now since he's so great a bard. I much misgive me for the Princess ; ha! ha! ha! I fear that in some sudden attack of lunacy he'll essay to storm the Lady Louisa's heart. WiSEA, Ye popinjay, a role in which t'iiou canst not play a part. All laugh except thejesrer, Lord Yonthand the Grand Commissioner. Lord High Ccr. (To Grand Commissioner.) Shame on thee, my Lord, for this displa}/ of spite. The To8 The Two PiHnces of Baden^ jester's office bath always been respected — being licens- ed with full liberty of speech. Lord Y. (Aside, to Wortenburgh.) My Lord Chamberlain, Lm of the opinion that our jester here is entirely too clever, too witty. Count W. (Aside.) I think thou sayest right. Lord Youth, yet I cannot find it in my heart to bear him malice. 'Tis said he is the wisest Fool of the pre- sent age. Good Ethelbert prizes him highly. (Aloud.) Ladies* and gentlemen, we may expect the Margrave now at any minute, by the right vested in me as Cham- berlain, I do command order, that the coming of his liege may be received with proper dignity. AH take their prearranged places. "Wiseacre sears himself in the Mar- grave's Throne. The Chamberlain signalizes with wand to the ushers to diaw back the curtains, which they quickly do. Music, a grand march, softly, until the Margrave is announced by the Chamberlain. Count W. His Most Sovereign Excellency, the Margrave. Enter through arch: The Margrave, en the right hand of whom ualks the Prime Minister. Next ccmes P-ince Julicn and the Princess Louise, v^ho walk together and attended by two jagcs. The fagcs bear the train of the Princess. Behind these follow two heralds with trumpets, who are in turn followed by some military officers (en the staff' of the Margrave), and some la- dies and gentlemen of honor belonging to the National Palace. Then come- Captain Sir Albert Josephrhal, leading the first half of the Margrave's Guards in fours, followed by his Lieutenant, leading the second half in fours. Boths enter with swords drawn. The first column of the guards march down stage far enough to admit all their number. Then the second column does likewise. The Captain ordered his section to right--face. The Lieuvenant commands his section to left-face. The Captain now ordeis his troop to forwaid-march. The Lieutenant does the same After they have crossed stage the Captain orders a left-face, and the Lieutenant a right-fac3, alter v\hich the entire troop icmjain motionless. The Captain and Lieutenant salute the throne, then sheathe swords. The Chamberlain takes his place en the right of the Captain of ihe Margiave Guards. The grand usher on the left of the Lieut enant. The Courtiersform ing the Margiave's suite take up their station just above the dais on promp side, all the other courties gather in a group on O. P. side, the Lord High Coroner, Grand Judge and Grand Commissioner stand a little cut from group. Prince Julien seats himself on the right hand of his father, the Princess seats herself on the left hand-the Heralds each take a place back — nearly at the chairs pf the Prince and Princess \ the pages seat themselves on either side of the dait. The curtains at each arch are drawn together, ushers resume places, Margrave and Prime Minister stand before dais. The Minister of State a little back. Both survey Wiseacre, who pompously returns their looks. The orchestra plavs 'til the Margrave steps back a step to speak. Margrave. I marvel. WiSEA. At what, sir } Mar. At, a fool. WiSEA. Then thou must marvel at thyself. The Or^ A New Year s Eve^ &c. 109 law doth plainly say that he who occupies the supreme chair of state is Margrave, and as I now fulfill its spirit so must I then be. Yet as thou art out of office. I'll pity take and grant thee our jester's place, he having promoted himself. Mar. Come, this be too huge a jest — make way, thou saucy buffoon. WiSEA. What — doth boldly, publicly spurn our Royal c»ffer ? Art not abashed by the presence of a ruler } Mar. (To Worten burgh.) My Lord Chamber- lain, remove this magpie. Chamberlain comes forward followed by Grand Ushers. Wiseacre arises w ith mock dignity waiving his sceptre. WiSEA. Stay, Sir Chamberlain, (to Margrave.) Sir, I abdicate. (Places hand on forehead.) Lost ! Lost ! High hopes, bright dreams — all fled me because I am a fool. (Seats himself heavily on the dais nearest the footlights, burying^ his face in his hands.) Gracious Heavings ! gracious Heavings ! chamberlain and grand Usher resume places. The Chancellor of State (Vallenstern) now steps upon first dais in front of the Princess. The Margiave seats himself in his throne. Mar. (After seating.) For this same reason hath many lost before. Yet it's strange, too, for 'tis writ- ten, " A fool for luck.' WiSEA. (Looking up with a grin.). Aye, thou dost correctly quote the adage. Yet the definition in full thou hast not elucidated, but I Vv'ill do it for thee: '1 is written, "A fool for luck," its true, yet it's well un- derstood that a lesser fool must yield to a greater. Now as thou art the biggest fool, thou art heir, ot course, to better luck than me. 'Gainst a lesser fool I, myself, wouldst be most fortunate. Now, my liege, more fully have I proven Than thee, the good old maxim, Of "a tool for luck. The Margrave smiles, and gently strikes Wiseacre with his sceptre. A tittering runs throughout the Court. Mar. (To Vallenstern.) My noble Lord Chan- cellor — occupying now our throne — being crowned, sceptred and c'othed in the robes of our great office, we make known to thee that it's our Royal will ye now proclaim our Court is open. iio The Two Princes of Baden^ Chancellor. (Raising his mace.) Ladies an gentlemen, his gracious hege being seated in the chai of state, gives all ye greeting. I now declare this Re gal Court open for justice, business and audience. Let all persons who have offended the laws, and who are legally ready for a hearing, be immediately produced and set before his liege. The Chancellor now steps down from dais. Every one bows. The Cap- tain of the Guards crosses to Lieutenant and pretends to give directions, then re- sumes his former station. The Lieutenant, after receiving the supposed orders of his superior, leaves the Court, quickly reappearing, accompanied by Gottlieb, Catherine, Philip, Rose, Myriam and Dr. Stern. The Lieutenant leads pris- oner before the Margrave, then salutes, and resumes his former place. Music from the time the Chancellor stops speaking until the Lieutenant resumes his station. The ushers attend properly to curtains. Mar. Though an hereditary Sovereign, Monarch over all the land of Baden, wearing about me the august dignity of Chief Magistrate, yet the Crown hath not turned my head, the purple inflated me with arrogance, nor the ermine inclined me to favor circumstance and pride. I find it, therefore, (no matter how complete hath been the trials by ministers of state, judges, com.- missioners, or those, who e'er they be, appointed to see the law fulfilled, not consistent with mine office as sire of a great and free people to attach my signmanual to sentences or rewards before a word Lve had with each and all. Chanc. As justice is first upon the list, those who wish for it stand forth. Also those who testify. Grand Com. (Steps out and bows.) My Lord Margrave, I crave first speech. Mar. 'Tis granted. Grand Com. My gracious, Sovereign, and thou my good Lord Chancellor, I do accuse (taps Dr. Stern upon the shoulder) this man as having broken the stat- utes. As Grand Commissioner of Baden , I find him guilty of chicanery, and by the right invested in my title, have ordered the laws full force upon him. My liege. I do but wait thy signiture to give unto my action at the legal sanction necessary to its proper fulfillment Chanc, Prisoner answer for thyself unto the Margrave. This is the last chance thou hast to plead for mercy; or to defend thy cause. Dr. Stern. (Steps out and bows.) Thanks, 1 Or, A New Year s Eve^ &c, 1 1 1 sire, thanks, my family name is Stern, tay title is most honorable, 'tis that of Doctor, Its just one year since from my native England I here migrated, and opened my pharmacy and chemical depot. I'm a graduated chemist and pharmaceutist, under thy wise rule all hath been sunshine. Chancing from my works and store to be when the Grand Commissioner's deputy came, he reported ill of me. Entertaining some spirit 'gainst my house for reasons to me unknown. My liege he did take oath I refused accounting. This brought my lord, (the Grand Commissioner) himself unto my place. He demanded that I should either pay the tax upon my grant or return my privilege unto the state and suffer fine or imprisonment, or both, at the discretion of His Honor. I proved his deputy false and proffered him payment, which he was about to accept, when his depu- ty called his attention to my sign, criticising it in a very rough manner to his Worship (here). My lord thought a moment and then refused to accept my payment, un- less I erased from my sign the title of Doctor, which, he said, on my part, was insolent arrogance, that the title belonged only to the learned professions. I re- plied that my profession was as learned as an^' and vast in its ramifications. That the proud rank of doctor was of Eastern origin, and literally meant a man of wisdom, a learned man, being alike the property of all profes- sions, and that as chemistry and pharmaceutics went hand-and-glove wdth the ' physician and surgeon (who both wore the lofty title of doctor, and who had to qualify themselves by no more Tabor and pains than it takes in my art), I would not yield me, holding that I had as clear a right unto the itle as any other profes- sional or scientist. I have .'•aid, sire, I ntS^v await thy pleasure. Mar. Thou hast nobly spoken in thy^ defence, and by the simplest, yet the wi.^^est, law — that of common- sense. I hold thee right. WiSEA. In other words, good knight of griping pills and strong emetics — he means 'that he holds thee a Stern truth. Mar. Good Doctor, thou art acquitted. I prithe now stand back. J 12 TJie Two Pri7ices of Baden ^ Dr. S. Sire, my heart is big with gratitude. Dr. Stern now resumes his station, first bowing to the Margrave. Mar. My Lord Commissioner, we think tho^ hast swayed with too high a liand, for when the doctor proffered thee the laws just due thou didst err in not ac- cepting it, committing thyself a misdemeanor- Tons it appears thou art too quick to domineer, therefore, not the proper person to be trus;ed with power, so we conceive it. Best to remove thee. To-morrow thou canst deliver up thy seal of office to our worthy jester, whom we install in thy station as thy successor, and from all we know of him, we deem he'll prove the proper man in the proper place. Grand Com. Dismissed, and to be succeeded by a fool. WiSEA. Correct. Who shouldst tollow an ass 'but a fool. The Margrave smiles, the jester grins, and every one else laughs, save Lord Youth, the prisoners and the Grand Commissioner. The latter bows to the Margrave, then exits through arch C. Wiseacre now bows to Margrave lays down his crown and his sceptre, then strides pompously to where the Ex- Grand Cmmissioner had stood, folds his arms and assumes a lofty air j then with a smile addresses Ethelbert. Wise a:— My liege, of tl;iy choice thou'll ne'er complain, I%or the of^cewill a Wiseacre contain, The proverb of "a fool for luck" is now unanswerably true, ^ since it fits so neatly me and you. Mar. Though thy poetic lines most cleverly comphment our noble selves, yet I'm sorry to say they are not in strict accord with good grammar. WiSEA. (Snapping fingers.) A fig for grammar, what's grammar to rhythm. 'Tis a poet's license to turn speech topsyturvey. Chanc. The next who claims a right to speak will now approach the Margrave's chair. The Lord High Coroner and the Grand Judge now both step before the Margrave. Lord High Cor. Most excellent Chancellor that right I claim. Grand Jud. Great guardian of the throne and 1 Or. A Ne7v Year s Eve. &c. 1^3 state, as judge, before the coroner do I demand a hear- ing. What says your grace ? Chaxc. This, my Lord Grrnd Judge, that as the Coroner his sittings holds ere thou as justice doth pass the sentence of the law. ue (by license from the throne) grant the privtlege of first speech to him, (to Coroner) proceed, therefore, most noble Lord. Lord High Cor. (Bows.) Prisoner^stand forth. (Myriam steps before the Margrave and curtesies.) Keep up thy heart, my child > (turns to Ethelbert bow- ing.) Most august Excellency, in mine inquest on the body of the Knight Sir Emil Valdmeyer I find he came to his death through the hand of this woman, though from what I glean I recommend her to thy Ro\'al mercy . Grand Jud. Your gracious liege, I differ with my lord, the Coroner, it having been proven the pris- oner killed the gentleman, she's therefore answerable to the law. If your noble Excellency will refer to the revised statutes thou wilt find in Vol. 4, 3d Book, 1st chapter, 5th section, 2d paragraph, these words : If any person, male or female, commit murder they shalt pay the penalty by death. Mode — the headman's axe, un- less the manner through discretionary power vested in the supreme Executive (or whoever represents him) be changed. [To Myriam.] Waste, therefore, no time in useless pleading, madame, for thou canst not escape the executioner's keen edged instrument of death. Yet if thou dost it will be but death in another form, which sig-nifies nothing. Thou art doomed, thy life is forfeit- ed to the law. [To Margrave.] I have discovered that this woman was wife unto the murdered man [Valdmeyer.] Yet this hath no bearing here. She has been proven guilty 01 his taking off; she hath a heinous crime committed, so, in the name of our dread law I demand her head. Mar. Didst thou examine well the witnesses.^ Grand Jud. There were none, unless the Abbot of Holy Cioss and his monks be accounted such. But — Chang. Mv Lord Judge, thou dost not presume to Grand Jud. Hold, your grace, ye at conclusions I jump. The A bbot and his brothers arrive^ barely before myself and followers. Not a monk beheld the deed committed. Nor did anv one else that I'm aware of 1 1 4 The Iwo Princes of Daden^ Yet as sht' herself hath confessed to the taking off of Sir Emil, there is nothing nnore wanting. Chanc. In the same volunne of which ye speak, same book, same chapter, and same section, thou wilt observe that the seventh paragraph reads thus: And be it further enacted that the Margrave or Regent (as the case may be), empowered are, according as they may- deem best to change not only the mode of death, but to annul even the same, or alter to a term of imprison- ment, or grant full pardon. I, for one, crave executive clemency for this defenceless woman. I believe her to be most foully wronged. Sir Judge think not to out- wit us by half quoting the law. Abbot now throws aside curtains at arch, walks hastily before the Mar- graved glancing at Myi'iam as he does so He is closely sollowed by brother Andrew. After the Abbot and Holy Secretary have entered the ushers aftdus curtains and resume places. Abbot. Right, your Grace — right, most noble Chancellor. [Looks haughtily at judge, who returns his gaze in the same manner.] Tis' not only the civic laws he misquotes, but also the sacred ones. Grand Jud. Wellj as regards my religious quo- tations, if they annoy that wart on the happiness of man, " The Church of State." they at least seem to please farseeing and thoughtful men. Therefore I am content. In defense of my stern legal front this will I say : (Though a Spaniard by birth, there's Roman blood I within my veins.) That I'd hang my own son if I found him guilty. Sir, I am a justice, and as such I advocate justice. If I were too ready to excuse criminals, or was any way lax in the dispensing of the statutes I would be unfit to occupy \\s.^ judge s bencJi. To me guilt clearly proven is a crime, and crime must be punished, else the law and mine of^ce are mockeries ; rulers and courts useless thiiigs. Abbot. The most useless of things are judges ; too severe in legal matters and too loose in sacred ones; too meddlesome in what concerns them not, too wise in what that they do not understand. (The Abbot and Brother Andrew now bow to the Margrave,) Illustri- ous and puisant Ethelbert, we come unushered, yet hope that to our sovereign and the Court we welcome are. Mar. Ye both have ever been, and ever shall be, yet, Holy Father, why hast thou come in such strange haste. Or, A Nezv Year s Eve^ &c. 1 1 5 Abbot. For mercy, sire. Grand Jud. What says the law ? The state'.s great chancellor hath wrongly expounded it. This privilege, my gracious Margrave, which he asserts thou art invested with falls not to thee only when or where a well founded doubt may be entertained, a mistake in judgment proven, etc. This is the law now as it stands. The part of which he speaks does not yet take effect. Therefore the prisoner who laid Sir Emil Vald- meyer in the dust belongs to me as judge. Sire, thoCigh thou art sovereign yet doth the law outrank thee. Thou art but its chief executive, and must respect it as well as the humblest citizen. My Liege, I demand the prisoner, and to my warrant thy signmanual. [Presents a paper to Margrave.] Sign, Sire I The Chancellor seizes the paper which the judge presents to the Margrave and turns to the sovereign in great agitation. Chanc. Most noble Ethelbert, the prisoner hath not made her defense yet. Besides, the Abbot hath come to speak for her, too ; I know he has by the look he gave her on entering. Hear the prisoner, Sire ! Hear the Abbot! Grand Jud. [To Vallenstern.] She hath none to make, aye, no defense at all. Did I not say she ac- knowledge the killing of Sir Emil 1 Therefore the priests cannot say aught in her favor. Stay no longer the hand of ..the Law by obtruding thyself before the pen of our gracious Sovereign [^o Margrave.] ISign, my Lord Paramount, (to Chancellor) and do you, sir Chanceller, attest. Why my Lord Prime Minister leans so towards this criminal, and seems so greatly moved about the law being satisfied upon her person I wonder beyond measure. Mar. Sir Judge, thou hast acknowledged that if there was a mistake in judgment proven, or if I enter- tained doubts, well founded, as to the executing of any person, certain privileges claimed for me by the Chan- cellor fell, then, to my right. Grand Jud. Thus have I stated it, sire, and again I say so stands the statutes. Mar. And I say so do they not stand. For the rights thou wouldst deny me takes effect to-day — aye, this very day, such is the will of the Grand Council, of State. Even if it were otherwise 'twould matter little, for I hold thy judgment wrong, and on the best of grounds. TIk^u art aware, (or so should be,) that no ii6 The Two Princes of Baden, person or persons can be punished on their own testimo- ny without there be sufficient evidence, and of such, my Lord, thou art most wofuUy wanting. Grand Jud. Sire, the woman swears she did the deed, and if thou wilt but lend me thine ear for just one inch of time I'll give thee evidence enough to satis- fy thee to the full. ChaNC. Bah ! she may be mad — she may have sworn falsely to shield some unworthy member of her house. Thank Heaven our states Grand Council is composed of men of sense — men who aim to elevate the throne not to debase it. [Aside.] Where have I seen this woman's face 1 What is it that makes ine in- cline so towards her.? She hath a gentle exterior, yet I do observe underneath it all that bold fixedness of purpose which proclaims her not of that material which submissively endures an injury. [Aloud to Judge.] My Lord ! thus do we treat thy warrant ! [Tears it to pieces.] Comest thou here to check and sit in judg- ment on the Chief Magistrate of our land ; he who is the judge of judges ; to teach his Liege how to render justice } Back, I say ! [Judge haughtily resumes form- er station.] Stand back till ye again are called ! [Turns to Myriam.] Fair prisoner, our good Margrave will hear thy defense. Myriam. (Courtesying to Margrave and Chan- cellor.) Sire, I thank thee for the boon thou hast vouchsafed me, — the right to speak in mine own behalf. Yet being guilty I have nothing much to say, unless it be, give unto the law the blood it (perhaps justly) thirsts for. The errors of a moment sometimes become the sorrows of a whole life. I once had a joyous home — a brother and fond parents, too. But a fiend in saints at- tire backed withetherious beauty and persuasive speech transmogrified this scene. My parents molder in their graves ; my brother's remains became food for the monsters of the deep lone sea — where they were hurled after vainly striving to avenge his sister's injuries. Oh, my Liege, how once I loved the author of all this misery. He was my life — my soul — my happiness com- plete. And when to me his manner was changed, his love grown cold, my heart stood still within me. I plead, and did but jeers receive; first at my birth, then at my religion, and, finely, atm)M-uin — ihe which he had I I Or, A New Year s Eve ^ &C. iiy himself produced. He grew so to detest me that once when somewhat filled with wine, he struck me, applying to me vile epithets not fit to air before your Worship- ful Liege. When I found we were not married I forced him to have another ceremony performed. He strove to make that one like the first, a mockery, but unbe- known to himself at the time, was foiled. Yet when he became aware of this he procured the proof, intending, of course, to destroy it, but late willed that into my hands it should fail. Finding that I could expect nothing from him but hatred, I left him, swearing to be avenged. At this period of our lives we were at Rome, and ivhilst here he planned and nearly brought about my death. And, sire, he never knew until a few nights ago, that he had failed in carrying out his base design against my hfe. As soon as I recovered from the fever brought on by my sufferings, I set about to consummate my oath. Our child (of which I have forgotten to mention) being dead — dying through receiving a blow meant for me. Oh, my dread Lord, when love turns to hate 'tis of bit- terness the very essence. Sire, I make confession that it was my hand that laid Sir Emil Valdmeyer low in the dust. Yet it was before 1 had discovered he was my legal husband, for I, too, believed the second mar- riage a failure also. But I wouuld have killed him all the same if acquainted with the fact Id been, for he made my life a wreck, ruined my happiness, stained his hands with my brother's blood, and destroyed my home. I have lived but for vengeance — (ed upon the thought. It has been my companion by night and by day, sleeping or waking, it has never left me. It gave me vigor ; it nerved my arm, yet now that my mission's performed my strength doth fail me. Oh, Sire, I pray that as I must answer for my bloody deed thcm'll not keep me long in waiting. Abbot. My Liege, she speaks the truth, yet hath she a point omitted, and that point is this : That if she had not taken his life he would, upon discovering her yet in the flesh, have killed her upon the birth of the first safe opportunity. Chanc. (Eagerly.) Thou sayest truly, holy father. (To Margrave.) Sire, 'tis plain as A B C she 1 1 8 The Two Princes of Baden ^ was compelled to execute the deed. I find no reason why your liege should withhold clemency. My gracious Lord, I do advise your Highness that she be pardoned, her wrongs outweigh her sins, if sins they may be called. Abbot* Exalted Ethelbert, in coming here my- self to plead before my throne, I have not come unarm- ed. [To Brother Andrew.] Show his liege our proofs — proofs on which we stake the propriety of our claim for mercy. Bro' a. Illustrious sir, ma}- it please your might- iness we — Mar. Enough, good Brother Andrew, the words of Cadwallader, the Abbot of Holy Cross, are all suffi- cient with Baden. [To Myriam.] My child, for 'all are children of the throne — or else sire — addressed to the States' first citizen, be but a strange anomaly, I do reprieve thee. Thou art free to go. But hearken. 'Tis here in this respect, as in other monarchies, that when a person dies without an heir, the property escheats to or falls to the Crown. This being the case with the dead SirEmil, his gold and bonds belong now to the Throne, and as I am the nation's steward, have power over all his goods and chattels, to do with as I may deem best. Ot .course, thy wifely claim must be liquidated to the fullest equity; yet, notwithstanding all these legal rights and profits, I divide the estate equally between thyself and the Convent of the Holy Cross. Abbot. (Bows.) My thanks are in my heart. My tongue cannot utter them- Sire, I'm overwhelm.ed. Bro' A. (Bows). Most bountiful sovereign, may Heaven be always with thee in all thy undertakings. Myriam. (Curtsies.) Thou last in thanks, thou canst count me first in loyalty. Sire, words are not arl- equate to express my gratitude. From the time of Sir Emil's death until this hour, I had no wish to prolong a life that had grown hateful; but now, thanks to thy mu- nificence and mercy, a new influence steal's o'er me, I sigh to live. To live, if only to do good. Henceforth "^I dedicate myself to all who sufTer. (Kneels.) Sire, thy hand I crave to kiss. Chang. My liege. Lady Valdmeyer hath done the State a service in ridding it of such a vagabond as this SirEmil was. Men of his stamp are not only the bane ot courts, but a curse to humanity. Or^ A Neiv Year s Eve^ &c. 119 Mar. I do agree with thee, my lord. (Arises and lifts M3Tiani to her feet ) Up, my daughter,this court permits not such servile homage to the chair as kneeHng and hand kissing. .This be only the demand of tyrants or minds whose reach art circumscribed, and have not the proper balance. ^Tis absurd that dust should kneel to dust. I did but justice, else were-I nc>t Ethelbert the Just. Pleased am I to view the gloom receding from thy brow, and I hope in less than a year's good time to see thy lovely face beam with the smile that so en- hances beauty. Furthermore, my Lady, there's men yet in Carlsruhe as comely as e'er thy base husband was, and, wearing hearts within their breasts, are worth the netting. I did a champion for thee observe here, (points with sceptre)in his Grace the Chancellor. (Seats him- self.) WiSEA. (Coming forward — seizes Myriam's hand.) The Margrave's court prohibits hand-kissing, but Wise- acre's court allows it; that is, when it's the claw of a pretty bird like thee. (Kisses Myriam's hand, then turns to Margrave.) Sire, thou'lt say Tm out of char- acter, yet this is my answer — that as I now have the right to grant licenses, I must certainly have the right to take then). Mar. My good Wiseacre is well aware that to ev- ery rule an exception exists. Out of the love we bear the ladies, we feel it an honor to kiss their hands — in fact, 'tis a lovely fashion — a proper way of paying hom- age to women. 'Tis meet for a knight to so conduct himself, and here at court gatherings is a sight not strange. But enough! thou knowest as well as we all of this matter in question, and how and where we construe it right or wrong. Wiseacre bows, and then resumes his station, receiving a contemptuous look from Lord Youth. Mar. Lady Valdmeyer, art thou not of Jewish blood .? Pray, what may have been thy ladyship's name.-* Hast thou any kindred living.^ Myriam. Yes, sire, I am of Hebrew blood. As to my relatives, all art dead but one, and that one consists of an uncle, a younger and cherished uncle of my dar- ling mother's. He was my youthful cavalier. Since my fourteenth year, I have never laid mine eyes upon his manly face. He was taken (the news we learnt by mer- I20 The Two Trinccs of Baclcn^ est chance) a captive by the Turks. Five years he re- mained in bondage, after which period his captor died, making him heir to his great opulence, and bestowing on him his freedom. He dwells in some one of our Ger- man States, holding a high place under tlie government. Being but seven years my senior, he must be now just thirty-seven. Thai* he sought Ffor us I know full well, for Fm confident he adored his sister. She had been a second mother to him; in fact, I know he loved us all. But when he came, what did he find } He found an empty cottage, new made graves, and one, an outcast — shame stamped upon the entrance porch, gaping de- struction for a welcome. I was too proud to have claimed his protection even if I had met with him. So for twelve years, twelve long years, Fve been a wan- derer. Mar. Cheer up, my child, for the sunshine of a happier life is about to dawn upon thee. We shall con- sider it our royal duty to find thy uncle* NWhen Myriam speaks of her uncle being a slave among the Turks, the Chancellor leans eagerly forward, remaining so until the MargrBve finishes his speech, then rushes to Myriam. Chanc. Thy maiden name, — quick — thy maiden name. Myriam. (Looking surprised.) 'Twas Myriam Isaacs. Chanc. The lamb is found. I knew Fd seen thy face before. Lady, I am Ernest Vallenstern, thy mo- ther's brother, I am thy uncle. (Embraces her.) Thou art found at last! Aside. ) Thou art again in the arms of him for whom thou vvert made. When a little girl I loved thee, and none but thee, sweet Myriam, shall ever call me husband. Myriam. Dear uncle, I mean dear Ernest, (for so I alway s addressed thee,) I am made more Ihan happy in beholding thee again. (Rests her head upon his breast until the Margrave finishes his speech.) Mar. The storm cloud may gather with all its strength, but it cannot- v/ithstand the power of bright flashes. See how at last in murky fragments it is dis- pelled. Pleased am I that that which began under the shadow of the prison bars and the jailer's shackles bids fair to end with no v^eightier chains than those of Cu- pid's manufacture. (To Chancellor.) As we have a matter of some peculiarity on hand, and wishing after our own fashion to shape its color, we relieve thy grace Or, A Nciu Year s Eve, (Jfc. 121 for awhile of thy good office next the throne. Ye may stand apart with thy fair niece, (To Court.) Ladies and gentlemen, we pronounce all business relating to the Valdmeyer affair forever settled. The Chancellor, Myri , The Lord High Coroner, the Abbot, Holy Sec- retary and Wiseacre, for ^ group together \ all speak kindly to Myriam in dumb show. Grand Jud. (A little apart from group.) Lady Myriam Valdmeyer, since I be cognizant of all the facts to thy case relating, I do sincerely join with the good friends which now surround thee, in giving thanks that it hath terminated thus. (Bows.) In honest truth I say these words. Myriam courtesies coldly to Grand Judge. Abbot. What a gentle shape the law assumes when it can do no harm. Grand Jud. Admitting this to be a fact,, the church and the law twin brothers then must be. WiSEA*. Good Ethelbert, I think our noble judge hath an evil eye to Lady Valdmeyer's shekels. (To ,Judge.) Old ermine collar, there's not a crumb for thee; they were gobbled long ago. Grand Jud. Thank Heaven, Sir Wiseacre, the clothing of this court terminates forever thy prerogative to insult under the name of jesting. WiSEA. Ye will not hold so thankfully this change, when for thy numerous grogeries the rate of charge I do increase for each and every license. The Judge scowls at Wiseacre. The Margrave smiles, the Courtiers nudge one another and smile also. Lord Youth looks glum. Mar. Gottlieb, Catherine, and Philip Montagna stand before me, and also Rose Marbur}^ They all come forward j the males bow to the Margrave j females courtesy. WiSEA (To prisoners.) Build high thy hopes — the Margrave's got his hand in. There's no telling what he may do, my captive friends. Lord Y. (Aside to Judge.) By St Mark but I fear that dragon-mouth'd clodhopper, Wiseacre, speaks discerningly. That other dregs than himself shall be thrushed upon our noble order. Grand Jud. Thou art more observing that I pre- sumed thee. Lord .Y. Tis a shame — a bitter, burning shame Mx\R. I will now explain why 1 have called thee all before me. On New Years Eve, now just ihree 122 TJie Iwo Princes of Badcn^ nights ago, disturbances were reported constantly. Many arrests were made ; my son here and Philip Mon- tagna and also Rose Marbury were of the number, (Rose being arrested on parole). The Chief of Police reported these facts to the Minister of Police who in turn reported unto me. At first the matter I could not un- derstand and so gave orders for arrests at random. But at lait my wayward boy made full confession, thus giving light unto darkness. In sifting the case I ascertained that Gottlieb the watchman who had my notice escaped these many years was no other than the old hero, (at this juncture Gottlieb looks abashed) Sergeant Montagna. That Philip on the night of his arrest was acting in the capacity of substi- tute for that father whose honorable wounds had pre- cluded the possibility of attention in person. That Rose's crime was nothing more than meeting her lover at " St Gregory's." [Rose hangs her head and looks shily at Philip at this juncture.] And that she was the daughter of brave Private Marbury, who, though he died in battle, will live in story ; that Philip who hav-^ ing changed places with the Crown Prince fat the Prince's instigation) had shown himself born the better to wear that station than my disobedient son Julien. Now, Philip Montagna, as ye did so well on "New Year's Hive ' in guarding the Treasury, we invest thee with the office of Minister of Finance, with the power to choose who shall assist thee in thy honorable duties. We also create thee Prince of Ileidelburg, Lord High Constable of Baden and Member of our Privy Councd. Philip, [Bows.] Sire, I am unworthy of honors such as these. My Liege thou hast o'erwhelmed me. Sir, consider me more than grateful. Mar. 'Tis for me to judge who is worthy, and how that worth shall be recompensed. Sir. Ethelbert hath rarely failed him in these particulars. Young friend, thy quick wit, boldness and honest heart, hath saved not only my good name from being inscribed as an artful abettor of evil doing, but hath placed the whole land deeply in my debt. Thou hast all the requisites for power — a free and ample mind, high intelligence, courage, a spotless character and a sympathetic soul. Thy talents belong to the state, and if I did allow thy merit to remain in obscurity I should to our country an injustice do. Thou wouldst not have me appear to the Or, A New Years Eve^ &c, 1 23 world as cither an ingrate or a jealous man. Lord Y. Sire, this is hardly fair to raise this peasant to a station so lofty. As a noble, I protest, all the blue blood witnin my veins rebels at the thought that I — I the better born — must not only associate with, but pay court to this beggarly-begotten member of thy Liege's cabinet. Well, after this I shall not be surprised at anything thy noble Excellency may choose to per- form. Mar. Insolent boy, know that ye err. He's not a peasant, but a yeoman. Yet it matters little, for it's the heart and head that constitutes a man. Surely thou hast not pondered much on sacred Writ, or profited by the teachings of our Sunday-schools. Ye speak as though blue blood thrived only with the aristocrats. Thou art wildl}^ astray. The fittest place to look for it is amongst the people. It lives only in health}', vigor- ous bodies, and those thou'U find a hundred to one among our sturdy, hard-working, honest citizens. As to better born, the only individuals who can lay claim to such a distinctiv)n are they who have genius stamped upon their brows. Their minds are beacon lamps of heavenly fashioning whose oil is thought and whose light is wisdom. Their titles spring from the hand of Deity and in the ranks of honor take place before mere seal and parchment dignities. [To Philip. J Sir Philip Mon- tagna, give no heed to the arrogant chattering of this silly courtier. And now, with all possible haste, make a Princess of th}- charming Rose. Rose. [Courtesies.] My Liege, I thank thee for thy kind suggestion [looks archly at PhiKp], and for the blessings thou hast showered upon us all. Catherine, [To Gottlieb.] Our Philip a Prince. Gottlieb. Aye, wite, and a Cabinet Minister — a Cabinet Minister, God bless our Margrave. Catherine and Rose now embrace Philip, who presses his lips to each of their brows. Gottlieb. Sire, pardon them [pointing to Rose and Catherine. They are but weak women — their affec- tions hath outrun their senses. ; Mar. Weak, sayest thou ? They are not weak, no, sir. 'Tis strength they reveal,- aye, the strength of a mother's love for her offspring — a woman's love for the man whom she hath chosen. 124 ^/^^ ^^'^ Princes of Baden ^ ^ WiSEA. Prince Philip, I fear thou art less modest than I have considered thee. Allow me to observe that the kissing of other than a lady's hand should be set apart as a sort of private festival. Poetically — thus : This kind of kissing shouldst be done subrosa Whene'er, it be my Lord, to Rosa done. Ahem ! But it suddenly strikes us that we are Grand Commissioner, and should therefore shun the perpe- trating of a pun or joke as readily we would the poison sold for liquor by our friend here, the Judge. [Draws himself up haughtily.] The Margrave and Count smile when Wiseacre finishes his pun on Rose's name, after he speaks of the bad liquors sold by the judge, they all take more license with their merriment. The Judge knits his brow. Lord Youth looks scornful. Lord Y. [Aside.] Judge, I hate that Wiseacre — I hate him for being an impudent upstart — I hate him for the many stings his saucy tongue hath given me. Grand Jud. I do not love him much myself. By the gods but he can twist words to the cutting quality of a knife. Mar. My Lord Chamberlain, for knightly honors wilt thou prepare. Count Wertenburgh then whispers something to Grand Usher, who exits C. through arch. The ushers then holding aside the curtain until he returns followed by a Page, The Page bears in his arms a large cushion heavily fringed and embroidered. The Page and Grand Usher walk before the Margrave and bov^. The Page places the cushion before the dais.'* the Page and Grand Usher bow again ; the Page taking the seat formerly occupied by Wiseacre, and the Grand Usher resumes his station. Music all through this business. Count W, [Bows!] My Lord, your Highness's pleasure is obeyed. Mar. Kneeling, it hath been said, is by this court prohibited, yet there's one style permitted, and that's when knighthood is conferred. Our worthy friend, Gottlieb, will kneel therefore and so receive it. Catherine looks delighted. Gottlieb appears amazed, then kneels slowly favoring his wounded leg. Ethelbert arises, puts aside his sceptre and draws his sword Mar. In taking knighthood all are permitted to choose whatsoever name is most fancied. Yet knowing thou art fully satisfied I parley not. [Lays sword on Gottlieb's shoulder.] Arise, Sir Gottlieb Montagna. and be a knight, and when ye draw thy sword, let it be (as it ever has been with thee) only for justice and thy country. Or^ A New Years Eve^ &c. 125 The Page who brought in the cushion assists Gottlieb to his feet, and then reseats himself. Gottlieb. [Bows.] Sire, thou hast been most extravagant in thy good will to my family. The Margrave now takes a decoration from his breast, conisting of a star and pendent cross, and pins it on the bosom of Catherine. Mar. Lady Montagna, accept this — 'tis the badge of the order of St. Mary, a fitting symbol to shine upon the bosom of a virtuous wife and noble mother ; Wear it, I give it thee in gratitude ; wear it as a token of the love I bear thy house, Catherine. [Courtesies.] My Liege, I am an old woman, and shall n*)t long survive to enjoy the hon- ors thou hast heaped upon me and mine. But the short lease of life that yet remains to me shall be spent in praying that God will spare thee to long make glad this happy land, and that my Philip shall always be worthy of the trust and confidence of your Highness. Mar. Having Sir Gottlieb and Lady Montagna as parents, I take no thought as to Prince Philip being ought else than what he is — the noble sonfof a m.ost worthy and excellent couple. Now, good^ friends I prithee all stand off. All bow, then mingle with the groups formed by Myriam and her party. The Margrave, at the same time, picks up his sceptre and resumes his seat. Count W. Sire, as the Princess De Albeaux and myself are reunited, and soan to join in wedlock. I request that ye accept my resignation, as we wish to spend our honeymoon abroad — in fact, to stay abroad for some considerable time, This, you see, would pre- vent my properly attending to my duties here. Fur- thermore, Lady De Albeaux is opposed to my longer being Chamberlain. Mar. The request is granted. So the Princess is jealous ? She fear too much court is not the proper thing for Count Wortenburgh ? Well, the Chamberlain's birth is fraught with danger, for though he sails in seas of beauty \i€'ty sure to meet v^\\.\\ stor7ns of sparkling eyes. Count W. [Bows.] Thanks, your Highness, Sire, thou art ever shrewd in sitting out a cause. Philip. Deem me not bold after thy gracious treatment if I petition thee to appoint as Chamberlain my excellent friend, Leopold Stover, and in advocating 126 The Tivo Princes of Baden ^ him as a man (through his refinement and learning) every way calculated to fill the post most pleasing to your Highness, and creditably to Baden. As deputy to our Grand Commissioner I nominate the trusty Ser- geant who made thy son, Rose Marbury and myself, prisoners at " St. Gregory's." Sire if it had not been that he was true to thee, things might have terminated not as they have. Mar. Thou dost forget that thou art Privy Councillor, and, as such are privileged to advise. But I have no knowledge of this Stover, yet, stay — 'tis enough, he is thy friend. I thank thee for preventing my o'er-looking of this Sergeanf.. But for him I might have goric down to my grave oblivious of thy genius. Thy remembrance of this man alone, Sir Philip, reveals thy fitness to command. Heaven be praised that fate hath watched and guarded so our interests. My Lord, the berths are theirs. Philip. [Bows.| Through thy bounty. Sire, my cup is full. Prince Jul. (Stepping before the Margrave.) Royal Father, a word have I to say. The trouble I have given thee I do lament, and in the name of my angel mother who now looks down with love upon her wayward son, struggling for that virtue which was her crowning wreath, I swear never to give thee cause again to complain, so long as I do live! (To Louisa.) Cous- in, come here. Louisa comes forward taking Julien's hand. Mar. Spoken like a man. Princess Louisa. (Aside.) Dear cousin, uncle knows all that thou wouldst say. I did acquaint him as quickly as from my side ye went. I did misgive me that the oath you made to reform might soon keep com- pany with thy legion of broken promises. LovinfTthee as I do I wished to capture thee for my life's companion Thinking if once I were thy wife it would a blessing prove to thee, so when I saw thou w^ert really inclined to settle down' I strove eagerly to bring about an im- mediate connection 'tween thou and L I knew that I was not distasteful to thee, and I thank the Almighty for giving me success. Excuse the arts I used to win thy declaration, for, oh, Julien ! I — I love thee— I love thee, Heaven only knows how much. Or. A Neiu Yt car s Eve^ &c. 127 Prince Jul. [Eagerly as'de.] Louisa, darling, thy confession delights me, for now Fm fully aware of the value of the prize the Allseeing hath blessed me with. (To Philip, aloud.) Prince Philip, I shall al- wa}'s refer with pleasure to the hajjpy night when Jul- ien of Baden first beheld the Lord of Heidelburgh. Mar. One week from this period we appoint a feast, and call upon our good friend the Abbot of Holy Cross to tie these Gordian knots. In the mean time we will consult with our friend Duke Vallenstern, the Chancelor, how much the state can spare the Almon- er, for we wish to make all hearts glad upon that day. The / bbjL and Chancellor both bow. Wiseacre rushes to C. of stage striking a tragic artitude. VVlSEAC. — Since all this blood and thunder now is ended, And no one to the headsman's block is sended, ni prove the fool I am and so have been, By marriage, and that with Pauline Sinn. CURTAIN. I LIBRPRY OF CONGRESS I 015 793 087 4