S 1739 
 G12 L6 
 opy 1 
 
 No. CLXVIII. 
 
 ICH'S STANDARD DRAMA, 
 
 THE 
 
 ,0VE OF A PRINCE; 
 
 OR, 
 
 THE COURT OF PRUSSIA. 
 
 A DRAMA, IN THREE ACTS. 
 
 AT. T E ni5D AND APAPTEO FROM THE FRENCH, 
 
 BY CHARLES GAYLOR. 
 
 WITH CAST OF CHARACTERS, STAGE BUSINESS, COSTUMES, 
 RELATIVE POSITIONS, &c, &c. 
 
 AS PERFORMED AT THE PRINCIPAL THEATRES. 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 
 SAMUEL FRENCH, 
 
 122 Nassau Street, (Up Stairs.) 
 PRICE,] * [12£ CENTS. 
 
FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAMA, 
 
 *. Price 12X Cents each.— Bound Volumes $1. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 t. Ion,* 
 
 2. Fazio, 
 
 3. The Lady of Lyons, 
 
 4. Richelieu, 
 
 5. The Wife, 
 
 6. The Honeymoon, 
 
 7. The School for Scandal 
 
 8. Money. 
 With a Portrait and Memoir 
 
 of Mrs. A. C. MOW ATT. 
 
 VOL. IV. 
 
 25. Virginius, 
 
 26. King of the Commons, 
 
 27. London Assurance, 
 
 28. The Rent Day, 
 
 29. Two Gentlemen of Ve- 
 
 rona, 
 
 30. The Jealous Wife, 
 
 31. The Rivals, 
 
 32. Perfection. 
 With a Portrait and Memoir 
 
 of Mr. J. H. HACKETT 
 
 VOL. VII. 
 
 49. Road to Ruin, 
 
 50. Macbeth, 
 
 51. Temper, 
 
 52. Evadne, 
 
 53. Bertram, 
 
 54. The Duenna, 
 
 55. Much Ado About No- 
 
 thing, 
 
 56. The Critic. 
 With a Portrait and Memoir 
 
 ofR. B. SHERIDAN. 
 
 VOL. X. 
 
 73. Henry VIII., 
 
 74. Married and Single, 
 
 75. Henry IV., 
 
 76. Paul Pry, 
 
 77. Guy Mannering, 
 
 78. Sweethearts and Wives, 
 
 79. Serious Family, 
 
 80. She Stoops to Conquer. 
 With a Portrait and Memoir 
 
 of Miss. C. CUSHMAN. 
 
 VOL. XIII. 
 
 97. Soldier's Daughter, 
 
 98. Douglas, 
 98. Marco Spada, 
 
 100. Nature's Nobleman, 
 
 101. S trdanapalus, 
 
 102. Civilization, 
 
 103. The Robbers, 
 
 104. Katharine & Petruchio. 
 With a Portnit and Memoir 
 
 of ED WIN FOREST. 
 
 VOL.11. 
 
 9. The Stranger, 
 
 10. Grand father Whitehead 
 
 11. Richard III., 
 
 12. Love's Sacrifice, 
 
 13. The Gamester, 
 
 14. A Cure for the Heartache 
 
 15. The Hunchback, 
 
 16. Don Ctesar de Bazan. 
 With aPortrait and Memoir 
 
 of Mr. CHAS. KEAN. 
 
 VOL. V. 
 
 33. A New Way to Pay Old 
 Debts, 
 
 34. Look Before You Leap, 
 
 35. King John, 
 
 36. Nervous Man, 
 
 37. Damon and Pythias, 
 
 38. Clandestine Marriage, 
 
 39. William Tell, 
 
 40. Day after the Wedding. 
 With a Portrait and Memoir 
 of G. COLMAN the Elder. 
 
 VOL. VIII. 
 
 57. The Apostate, 
 53. Twelfth Night, 
 59. Brutus, 
 I. Simpson &■ Co., 
 
 61. Merchant of Venice, 
 
 62. Old Heads and Young 
 Hearts, 
 
 63. Mountaineers, 
 
 64. Three Weeks after Mar- 
 riage. 
 
 With a Portrait and Memoir 
 of Mr. GEO. H. BARRETT. 
 
 VOL. XI. 
 
 81. Julius Caesar, 
 
 82. Vicar of Wakefield, 
 
 83. Leap Year, 
 
 84. The Calspaw. 
 
 85. The Passing Cloud, 
 
 86. Drunkard, 
 
 87. Rob Roy, 
 George Barnwell, 
 
 With a Portrait and Memoir 
 ofMrs.JOHNS^FTON. 
 
 VOL. XIV. 
 
 105. Game of Love, [Dream. 
 
 106. A Midsummer Night's 
 
 107. Ernestine, 
 
 108. Rag Picker of Paris, 
 
 109. Flying Dutchman, 
 
 1 10. Hypocrite, 
 
 111. Therese, 
 
 112. LaTourdeNesle. 
 With a Po' trait and Memoir 
 
 of JOHN BROUGHAM. 
 
 [Catalogue continued on third page 
 
 VOL. III. 
 
 17. The Poor Gentleman, 
 
 18. Hamlet, 
 
 19. Charles II., 
 
 20. Venice Preserved, 
 
 21. Pizarro, 
 
 22. The Love Chase, 
 
 23. Othello, 
 
 '24. Lend Me Five Shillings 
 
 With a Portrait and Memoir 
 
 of Mr. XV. E. BURTON. 
 
 VOL. VI. 
 
 41. Speed the Plough, 
 
 42. Romeo and Juliet, 
 
 43. Feudal Times, 
 
 44. Charles the Twelfth, 
 
 45. The Bridal, 
 
 46. The Follies of a Night, 
 
 47. The Iron Chest, 
 
 48. Faint Heart Never Won 
 
 Fair Lady. 
 With a Portrait and Memoir 
 of E. BULWER LYTTON. 
 
 VOL. IX. 
 
 65. Love, 
 
 66. As You Like It, 
 
 67. The Elder Brother, 
 
 68. Werner, 
 
 69. Gisippus, 
 
 70. Town and Country, 
 
 71. King Lear, 
 
 72. Blue Devils. 
 
 With aPortrait and Memoir 
 of Mrs. SHAW. 
 
 VOL. XII. 
 
 89. Ingomar, 
 
 90. Sketches in India. 
 
 91. Two Friends, 
 
 92. Jane Shore. 
 
 93. Corsican Brothers, 
 
 91. Mind your own Business 
 
 95. Writing on the Wall, 
 
 96. Heir at Law, 
 
 With a Portrait and Memoir 
 of THOMAS HAMBLIN. 
 
 VOL. XV. 
 
 113. Ireland as it Is, 
 
 114. Sea of Ice. 
 
 115. Seven Clerks, 
 
 116. Game of Life, 
 
 117. Forty Thieves 
 
 118. Bryan Boroihme, 
 
 1 19. Romance and Reality, 
 
 120. Ugolino. 
 
 With a Portrait and Memoir 
 of BARNEY WILLIAMS. 
 ■if cover] 
 
FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAMA. 
 
 No. CLXVIIL 
 
 THE 
 
 LOVE OP A PRINCE: 
 
 OR, 
 
 THE COURT OF PRUSSIA. 
 
 A 
 
 DRAMA, 
 
 IN 
 THREE ACTS. 
 
 ALTERED AND ADAPTED FROM THE FRENCH. 
 BY 
 
 CHARLES GAYLER, 
 
 h 
 Author of " The Gold Hunters?" " All a Mistake," " The Frightened 
 Friend" "A Leaf from the Black Book,'' " Taking the Chances," 
 " The Son of the Night," <frc. &c. 
 
 NEW-YORK : 
 SAMUEL FRENCH, 
 
 122 Nassau-St.— Up Stairs. 
 
Cast Of tj)C Characters.— (The Love of a Prince.) 
 
 King Frederick William, (of Prussia,) - - Mr. Burnett 
 Prince Charles Frederick, (his son,) - - Miss Laura Keene, 
 Baron Koppen Mcken, (King's Chamberlain.) Mr. T. B. Johnstone, 
 Count Saxendorf, (of Austria,) - - - F C. Wemyss, 
 
 Gen. Stumer, (of Frederick's army,) - - btouOart, 
 
 Count Gustave, (a Lieutenant of King's Guard,) Ux^m 
 Stolbach, (an old soldier,) - - - - McDougall, 
 
 Gen.Baumcr, Benson 
 
 Col.Brunner, ------- ^arcourt 
 
 Jean, (a miller,) F.M.Kent, 
 
 Fritz, (miller's boy,) - - - - .'" **eve, 
 
 Officer of Guard, - - - - ■ " Jackson - 
 
 Soldiers, Officers, Guards, Courtiers, Peasants, SfC. 
 
 /-> &^'j;i„ - Mrs. H. P. Grattan, 
 
 Queen bophia, - "". ** ,. ,, ' 
 
 Elizabeth, (Princess of Brunswick, - - Miss Julia Manners, 
 
 Louise, (wife of Gen. Sturner,) - - - Ada Chiton, 
 
 Christine, (Miller's wife,) . - Jefferson. 
 
 Pages, Ladies of Iloaor, Peasants, <J-c. 
 
 STAGE DIRECTIONS. 
 
 EXITS AND ENTRANCES. 
 
 L means First Entrance, Left. R. First Entrance, Right. S. E. L. 
 Second Entrance, Left. S. E. R. Second Entrance Right. U:E. L. 
 Upper Entrance, Left. U. E. R. Upper Entrance, Right. C Centre. 
 L Left of Centre. R. C. Right of Centre. T. E. L. Third Entrance, 
 Left T E. R. Third Entrance, Right. C. D. Centre Poor. D. R. 
 Poor Right. D. L. Door Left. U. D. L. tfpper Poor, Left. IT. D. R. 
 Upper Poor, Right. 
 
 *** 77w i^ader is supposed to be on the Stage, facing the Audience. 
 
 Entered, Recording to Act of Congress, in the Year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-Seven, by 
 Chas. GAYLEK,in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern Dtstnct 
 of New York. 
 
Costumes.— (The Love of A Prince.) 
 
 KING. — Blue uniform, turned up with buff, cane, three-cornered hat, 
 high boots and leather breeches. 
 
 PRINCE. — The uniform of a Sergeant in the King's Guard, pow- 
 dered wig. Second dress — Full court costume. Third dress — Undress 
 uniform. 
 
 GUSTAVE. — Lieutenant's uniform of the King's Guard, gaiters, 
 powdered wig. 
 
 GENERAL STURNER.— Blue uniform, turned up with red, pow- 
 dered wig, gaiters and black buttons, belt and brass gorget. 
 
 STOLBACH. — The dress of a corporal in the same regiment ; gray 
 wig.' 
 
 SAXENDORF. — Dark velvet court dress, powdered wig, cane, three- 
 cornered hat. 
 
 BARON KOPPEN NICKEN.— Full court dress, with powdered 
 
 wig. 
 
 JEAN. — Full trunks, blouse, hat with ribbon. Second dress — Brown 
 top jacket, trunks. 
 
 OFFICERS. — Dressed as officers ; the same as Stumer and Gus- 
 tave. 
 
 FRITZ. — Full trunks and short blouse, cap. 
 
 QUEEN. — Black velvet train, trimmed with point lace. 
 
 PRINCESS ELIZABETH.— First dress— Gray travelling pelisse. 
 Second dress — Full court dress train ; under-dress flounced with lace. 
 
 LOUISE. — First dress — Demi train of silk, plain color. Second 
 dress — Satin do., under dress, trimmed with lace. 
 
 CHRISTINE — Red merino petticoat, striped with black velvet, high 
 white chemisette, black velvet boddice, lined with blue ; small apron, 
 German cap, with long black velvet ribbons. 
 
 ' VILLAGERS.— Same as Christine. 
 
 MEN. — Same as Jean. 
 
 SOLDIERS OF THE KING'S GUARD— Blue and buff. 
 
 SOLDIERS OF GENERAL'S REGIMENT.— Blue and red, white 
 gaiters and black buttons, brass gorgets, black belts, powdered wig. 
 
THE LOYE OF A PRINCE. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 Scene I. — The Mill of Sans-Souci — on the right the house of Jean Fisck, 
 the miller — a flight of steps, under which is a trap-door — Back a 
 Landscape, with a rustic bridge — Tables, chairs, bags of flour, and 
 other things appertaining to a Mill. 
 
 Christine and the Miller's Boy discovered. 
 
 Chris. {On the steps.'] Are you sure that what you tell me is true? 
 
 Boy. [On the platform.'] Yes, ma'am. 
 
 Chris. Uncle William cannot come, eh 1 
 
 Boy. No, ma'am. 
 
 Chris. Nor Cousin Martha either I 
 
 Boy. Neither one nor the other. Aunt Flickman is so very sick that 
 she finds herself quite indisposed, and Father William and his daughter 
 have gone to see her. When I arrived there early this morning, to 
 bring them in the wagon, I found no one. 
 
 Chris. Well, that is nice — we shall have neither godfather nor god- 
 mother at the christening, and there is my husband now, down in the 
 cellar, actually tapping the beer to drink long life to the little Peter ! 
 
 Boy. [Filling a sack.] Oh, as for the beer, don't let that trouble you. 
 It shan't spoil while I am about. 
 
 Chris. [Calling down trap.] Jean! Jean! 
 
 Jean. [Appearing at trap.] Here I am ; don't get into a fidget. I 
 have only eleven kegs more to tap. Such beer as the king never 
 drank. 
 
 Chris. Ah, my poor Jean, you have tapped already more than we 
 shall want. 
 
 Jean. How's that, eh 1 
 
 Chris. Why 1 — why because the christening can't go on. 
 
 Jean. Chris — Christine — eh 1 what 1 Can't go on 1 What do you 
 mean 1 [Comes up trap. 
 
 Boy. Oh, it's so distressing ! 
 
 Chris. [ To Boy.-] Go about your business, you croaker. 
 
 Boy. All right ! [Goes about his work with the sacks. 
 
 Jean. [Agitated.] The christening can't go on 1 
 
 Chris. Alas.no! Our uncle and cousin are obliged to remain with 
 Aunt Flickman, who is sick. 
 
 Jean. A nice time to be sick. She ought to be ashamed of herself to 
 fall sick just as my magnificent christening is to come off, and I have 
 
THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 5 
 
 invited everybody at Sans-Souci— rwhen I have killed five buck rabbits 
 and my two pet roosters, and when I have tapped twenty kegs of 
 Hoekerland beer ! [Rubbing his hands. 
 
 Chris. It is shockingly provoking ! 
 
 Boy. Ma'am, ma'am ! here come your boarders. 
 
 Elizabeth and Count Saxendorf are seen approaching in a small boat 
 on the river — then enter in boat, l. u. e. Jean and Christine retire up. 
 
 Eliz. [Stepping on shore.'] Take care, dear uncle. [Assisting the 
 Count to step on shore.] Go slowly. You are not used to boating, you 
 know. 
 
 Count. That is very true, my child, and shows how good-natured I 
 am, to run the risk of breaking my neck to gratify all your little caprices 
 on land and water. 
 
 Eliz. Ah, you are so good ! 
 
 Count. Well, I hope you will recompense my goodness by making 
 our stay in this mill as short as possible. It may be very agreeable, 
 and all that, to you, but I must confess, that it does not exactly accord 
 with my ideas either of dignity or comfort. 
 
 Eliz. Don't you enjoy the picturesqueness of the view ? 
 
 Count. To be sure ; all very fine — the finest in all Prussia, but at my 
 age the most picturesque landscape in the world I find at a comfortable 
 fire-side. 
 
 Eliz. Come, come, don't be cross and ill-natured now, I only ask 
 you to stop two days longer. 
 
 Count. We have been here already four days, living in this uncom- 
 fortable mill. If it were a hotel, I would not mind. 
 
 Eliz. [Decidedly.'] Our carriage, perhaps, is not yet completely re- 
 paired, and then I have not yet seen all I wish to see at Sans-Souci. 
 [^tsw/e.] Or as yet accomplished all that I wish. 
 
 Count. [Smiling.] The uncle obeys the niece ! The world is topsy- 
 turvy. 
 
 Eliz. [Seeing Jean and Christine ] Ah, here are our good host and 
 hostess ; what is the matter with them 1 they seem quite disappointed. 
 
 Chris. [Sighing.] We are indeed, and with good reason, my lady. 
 
 Eliz. What is the matter 1 
 
 Jean. Imagine our disappointment. The christening was fixed for 
 this morning — such a splendid child ! The image of its father ! The 
 guests were invited, the beer tapped, five rabbits and two roosters 
 slaughtered, when, all of a sudden, our arrangements are upset, just on 
 account of old Aunt Flickman. ■ 
 
 Chris. Here we are without a godfather or godmother for the poor 
 baby. 
 
 Eliz. Is that all 1 Oh, if a godmother and godfather are all you want ' 
 to make you happy, and you will accept of me, stranger to you as I am, 
 I shall be happy to — — 
 
 Jean. W T hat ! you 1 you, madam? 
 
 Boy. What ! you 1 
 
 Chris. [Curtseying.] Oh, madam, you are too kind 
 
 Eliz. No thanks. When is the ceremony to take place ? 
 
b THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 
 
 Chris. Immediately. [Music at distance.'] Here come our friends 
 and neighbors now. [Aside to Jean.] Go and put on your best coat. 
 
 Jean. Here's a lucky chance ! The Queen of the Fairies must have 
 had a hand in bringing it about. 
 
 [Male and female Peasants come on from different entrances, some in 
 small boats on the river, and others over the bridge. Jean and 
 Christine receive them joyfully, shaking hands, (%-c. 
 
 Count. [Aside to Elizabeth.] Another freak added to the account 
 of your follies. 
 
 Eliz. If our journey here has not afforded us any enjoyment, think 
 how happy it will have made these good people. 
 
 Chris. [To Jean.] Go and put on your coat, do. 
 
 Jean. I'm going. [Shaking hands and talking to the Peasants. 
 
 Enter the Baron de Koppen Nicken, in undress uniform, r. u. e. 
 
 Baron. What are all these idlers, fools and jackasses doing here 1 
 She don't seem to be at all overcome when the great Baron Koppen. 
 Nicken honors them by deigning to come into such a hole. Do they 
 not know I am the king's chamberlain'? 
 
 [All the Peasants retire out of his way, and show signs of fear, 
 but not of respect. The Baron comes down, and confronts 
 Elizabeth. 
 
 Eliz. [Aside.] What a queer figure ! [To the Baron, ironically.] 
 Please excuse these poor peasants, Monsieur le Baron. They did not 
 expect^the honor of such a visit, and in their ignorance they took you 
 for a mere ordinary man, [Aside to Count.] Very ordinary, indeed! 
 
 Baron. Stupid fools! [To Peasants.] Stand back, rascals! Get 
 along with you ! I am here on business of the state, and your vulgar 
 ears must be shut. Out of the way ! Hem ! [Struts about. 
 
 Chris. [To Jean.] 1\ow, do go and put on your other coat ! 
 
 [Pushing Jean. 
 
 Jean. Well, well, I'll go. That wonderful baby will have a god- 
 mother, after all. [Exit in house. 
 
 Baron. [Taking Christine aside] Are you the mistress of this 
 anilH 
 
 Chris. Yes, if you please, Baron ! 
 
 Baron. [Confidentially.] W T ho are these strangers'? 
 
 Chris. Only two travellers. _ ^ 
 
 Baron. And who are these travellers 1 
 
 Chris. They seem to be strangers 
 
 Baron. Well 
 
 .Chris. Who come from Vienna. 
 
 Baron. Do you know anything else about them 1 
 
 Chris. Yes. Their carriage broke down near here, and they have 
 done us the honor to accept our hospitality, as there is no hotel in the 
 neighborhood. 
 
 Baron. And they have seen no one but you and your husband, during 
 their stay here '! 
 
 Chris. No one — not a soul ! 
 
 Eliz. [Aside to the Count.] He is making inquiries about us. [Goings 
 
THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 7 
 
 to the Baron.] We consider ourselves very fortunate, in this out of the 
 way place, in finding at least one person who is civilized. My uncle 
 and myself are travelling for pleasure and information, and we could not 
 find one better qualified to guide us, than so courtly and distinguished 
 a gentleman as yourself. [Aside.'] That will smooth the ruffled feathers 
 of this strutting poppinjay ! 
 
 Baron. [Bowing.] I am entirely at your service, madam. Excuse 
 • me, but you must know, that, by the august direction of the king, my 
 gracious master, it is necessary that I should be cognizant of everything 
 which transpires in Sans-Souci. 
 
 Eliz. {Gaily.] Your gracious master, did you say 1 You only — be- 
 tween ourselves — you speak of him as gracious master, from courtesy. 
 The old King, Frederick William, is not considered the best-natured or 
 most gracious personage in the world. 
 
 Baron. [Smiling.] You are right. His majesty is a little strict, espe- 
 cially in his military discipline — and sometimes he proceeds to extremi- 
 ties. [Motioning with his cane, as if going to strike some one. 
 
 Eliz. And does his young son, Frederick, inherit his father's sweet 
 disposition 1 
 
 Baron. K"ot exactly. He is a philosopher, poet, and very fine musi- 
 cian. 
 
 Chris. Oh, madam! although we do not, know him, they say he is 
 such a gay, lively, handsome young man ! Just the reverse of his cross 
 old of — of — the other ! 
 
 Baron. Holloa! my good woman! You had better keep your tongue 
 quiet. You must not make such high comparisons. 
 
 Eliz. I have been told that the young prince has a great predilection 
 for a small estate in the neighborhood of this mill, which his mother, 
 the Queen Sophia, lately gave him. 
 
 Baron. The young Prince retires to this estate, for the purpose of 
 devoting himself to the study of the fine arts and philosophy. 
 
 Count. [ With a side look at Elizabeth.] Such an existence must be 
 very seductive. 
 
 [Enter Jkan from the mill, dressed in his best clothes, and very much 
 agitated. 
 
 Jean. Oh, my ! Ob, Lord ! What have we all been about, not to 
 have thought of it before ? 
 
 Chris. Thought of what 1 
 
 Jean. We are a set of apes — no offence to these illustrious persons. 
 We are apes ! We have a godmother, but no godfather ! Oh my' — 
 oh Lord ! 
 
 Chris. [Surprised.] What shall we do 1 The christening cannot go 
 on without -a godfather ! 
 
 Eliz. I am sure that the distinguished Baron Koppen IsTicken will not 
 refuse to stand with me. as sponsor for the child! 
 
 Jean. Oh, Monsieur Le Baron ! A superb child — named Peter. Pie 
 is just seven months and a half old. and is the image of me ! 
 
 Baron, i am very sorry not to be able to comply with your request, 
 my lady — but /, the chamberlain of his majesty, cannot be godfather 
 
8 THE LOVE OP A PRINCE. 
 
 to a jpeasant's child. The king would be offended, and I might lose my 
 golden key. [Goes up. 
 
 Eliz. [To the Count.] Dear Uncle, you must gratify another little 
 whim of mine. 
 
 Count. Impossible ! [Turns away. 
 
 Chris. Only think, sir, of our situation 1 We cannot take Fritz, the 
 mill-boy, for godfather to the dear child ; and 
 
 Jean. [In despair.] Oh, Lord ! I don't believe there is a single god- 
 father in all the kingdom of Prussia ! Oh, for a godfather ! Anything 
 like a godfather ! A piece of a godfather, only ! — if he was not bigger 
 than my thumb ! 
 
 Prince Frederick, in the costume of a Sergeant of the King's guard, 
 appears upon the bridge. 
 
 Fred. What's the matter 1 Who wants a godfather 1 This way — 
 look here for one. Present ! [Making military salute. 
 
 Jean. [Excited.] Ha ! ha ! A godfather has fallen from heaven ! 
 
 Fred. [ Who has come down from the bridge.] Does not every good 
 thing come from there] , 
 
 Omnes Peasants. Oh ! what a handsome little fellow ! 
 
 Chris. What a perfect love of a sergeant ! 
 
 Fred. [To Jean.] Are you the proprietor of this mill 1 
 
 Jean. Yes, sir. 
 
 Fred. Give me your hand, I'll be a godfather for your child ! I have 
 heard of you ; you are an honest fellow, and that is enough for me. 
 
 Jean. Ah, sir, you do me great honor ! 
 
 Eliz. [Aside to the Count.] This little soldier has a frank and noble 
 look. 
 
 Count. Are you going to stand as godmother with a common ser- 
 geant 1 
 
 Eliz. And why not 1 
 
 Baron. [Aside to Frederick.] Mind what you are about 1 
 
 Fred. Hush ! I must not be recognized ! 
 
 Baron. I am dumb ! 
 
 Fred. And listen. Go and bring me twenty ducats' worth of Berlin 
 bon-bons. 
 
 Baron. I go with enthusiasm to serve you. If I am found out I shall 
 lose my golden key. [Exit Baf.on over bridge, 
 
 Fred. [Going to Elizabeth.] You are going to be mother and I 
 father, eh 1 I shall always thank my lucky stars for directing me to 
 this spot ! 
 
 Eliz. You quite confuse me. It really seems as if the gallantry of 
 the old times had found a home among the sub-officers of the Prussian 
 army. 
 
 Fred. Madam, you 
 
 Eliz. May I ask your name ? 
 
 Fred. 1 am called Frederick, madam ! 
 
 Eliz. Only Frederick ? [Jlsic?c.] I am sure he is more than he seems. 
 
 Fred. May I be as curious as you T May I know the name of the 
 
THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 9 
 
 ' amiable lady who deigns to accept for her companion, in the ceremony, 
 a simple sergeant of" the Guards 1 
 
 Eliz. My name is Elizabeth ! 
 
 Fred. Only Elizabeth 1 
 
 Eliz. Only Elizabeth, at present ; but allow me to introduce to you 
 my uncle, the Count of Saxendorf. 
 
 Fred. [Bowing.] The name of the Count is not unfamiliar to us. 
 [To the Peasants.] Well, come, is this christening going to take place 
 to-day 1 
 
 Jean. Everything is ready, Sergeant 1 
 
 Chris. And here comes our friend Carl, to tell us so ! 
 
 Fred. Forward — march ! ring the bells — fire the guns ; this christen- 
 ing must receive all the honors 1 
 
 Omnes Peasants. Long life to the godfather and godmother ! 
 
 Fred. [Going among the Peasant Girls, and patting their cheeks.] 
 The girls are pretty, here! [Goes to Christine.] ' Well, my floury 
 beauty ! Jean ! is this pretty-looking lady-bird your wife ? I con- 
 gratulate you. [Aside.'] Confound the strictness of my father's disci- 
 pline — I have been missing lots of fun ! 
 
 Enter Count Gustave, in the uniform of a Lieutenant, on the bridge. 
 
 Fred. [Offering Ins arm to Elizabeth.] Come — will you honor me 1 
 Let us go. 
 
 [Music behind. — The Peasants form in procession to go out. Enter 
 Gustave, from bridge, showing surprise at seeing Frederick in 
 such company. 
 Gus. What is this 1 — a wedding going on 1 
 
 Fred. Better than that, good Lieutenant. It is a christening — I am 
 the godfather, and I invite you ; so give your arm to the miller's pretty 
 wife, and — vive la joie ! 
 
 Giis. [Aside to Frederick.] I have something serious to say to you. 
 Fred. Pshaw ! I do not wish to hear anything serious to-day. 
 Gus. But it is of great importance, and very pressing. 
 Fred. I do not know of anything more important than a christening. 
 Gus. I assure you that I must speak with you privately this mo- 
 ment. Nay, if necessary, I must command you, as your officer, to 
 obey me ! 
 
 Fred. I will merely remark, Lieutenant, that I am just released from 
 eight days' arrest, and am, at present, not on duty. [Taking him aside.] 
 Now, don't bother me, there's a good fellow — I am very busy with the 
 part of godfather, and falling in love as fast as I can. 
 
 Gus. The more reason why I should interrupt you, for it is my duty 
 
 to tell you that 
 
 Fred. Go to the deuce ! I won't listen to anything. [Aloud .] Friend 
 
 Carl, head the procession, and make me a godfather as fast as possible. 
 
 [The procession foims, Carl at the head. Jean suddenly rushes 
 
 to mill, and brings out baby.] 
 
 Jean. What were we all about • Going to a christening without the 
 
 baby ! 
 
 [Christine and! Jean, next to Carl, followed by Fred, and Eliza- 
 . 1* 
 
10 THE LOVE OP A PRINCE. 
 
 Beth, the Peasants forming, two and two, singing as they 
 go off-'] 
 
 Happy day — let's away — 
 
 While the bells shall be ringing ; 
 
 Come away — haste away — 
 Joyously singing. 
 
 Count. Well, I suppose I shall have to follow them, to see that she 
 does not compromise herself and me. This it is to be a slave to the 
 caprices of a woman ! [Exit Count, with procession. 
 
 Gus. (l.) He calls himself a philosopher, and allows his folly to 
 carry him away thus. I came to warn him, and he tells me to go to 
 the deuce. 
 
 [Enter Baron, l. u. e., out of breath, and carrying a number of 
 bon-bon boxes."] 
 
 Baron. Oh, oh! What? Gone? What am I going to do with all 
 these boxes ] 
 
 Gus. [Laughing.'] Ah ! my dear Baron ! You carry about with you 
 all the sweetness of the kingdom ! Did you rob all the confectioners 
 of Berlin 1 
 
 Baron. Could I refuse to obey the orders of the Prince Royal 1 Do 
 you understand that] But I am tired, out of breath, and exhausted. 
 You have no idea, my dear Lieutenant, how extremely heavy bon-bons 
 are ! 
 
 Gus. Heavy on the stomach] 
 
 Baron. No, in the arms ; and besides, if the king knew that I had 
 taken ever so small a part in such a silly ceremony, I should lose my 
 •golden key ! 
 
 Gus. Oh, pshaw! Where the deuce, do you think, our well-beloved 
 sovereign can ever find another chamberlain so zealous and so efficient 
 as you are 1 You execute his most disagreeable orders, submit to his 
 ill humor and his whims. Oh, no, he can never replace the Baron 
 Koppen Nicken ! 
 
 Baron. [Seriously.] Nothing could interfere with my passive obedi- 
 ence to my master. 
 
 Gus. I suppose his Majesty has told you the great secret about the 
 Prince Frederick ] 
 
 Baron. [Astonished.] No! He has told me nothing ! 
 
 Gus. Well, as he has told you nothing, I must not be indiscreet. 
 
 Baron. Oh, for the Lord's sake, help me to get rid of this load of 
 sweets. 
 
 Gus. You are loaded like an artillery mule. 
 
 Baron. Exactly so. [Gustave helps him to put the boxes down. 
 
 Gus. This is enough to sweeten a whole village. 
 
 Baron. Now, my dear Lieutenant, I wish you a good morning. I do 
 not wish to compromise myself any further. [Brushing his arms, one 
 after the other.] I must take care not to have even the smell of those 
 
THE LOVE OP A PRINCE. 11 
 
 cursed candies about me, for if his Majesty should even suspect me, I 
 should be in danger of losing my golden key ! 
 
 [Exit, l. u. e., and then over bridge. 
 
 Gus. Excellent Baron ! He may lose his key, because he has it, but' 
 I defy him to lose his brains ! [Music. 
 
 [Shouts and noise of guns outside, and enter precession from over 
 bridge, singing chorus as before. 
 
 Omncs Peasants. Long life to the godfather and godmother ! 
 
 Fred, And the little baby, which you forget — a good fat, plump baby, 
 and the image of its father. Shout, long life to the little Peter ! 
 
 O nines Peasants. Hurrah for little Peter ! 
 
 Jean. Don't forget the cause of all this joy — the baby is only a con- 
 sequence — so, give a cheer for the father and mother ! 
 
 Chris. You ought to be ashamed of yourself ! 
 
 Fred. [Seeing the boxes of bon-bons. .] Ah, here are the bon-bons. 
 The baron has fulfilled my commission to the very letter. 
 
 [Opens box of bon-bons, and filling his hands scatters them among 
 the Peasants, icho scramble for them : then, selecting two boxes, 
 presents one to Christine and the other to Elizabeth. 
 [To Elizabeth.] Ah, my dear little god wife, I am afraid that at the 
 bottom of this box you will discover what I have lost — a heart. 
 
 Eliz. Why, Mr. Frederick, this looks like a declaration ! 
 
 Fred. And what if it is 1 You know, coming from a poor sergeant, 
 it is of no consequence. 
 
 Eliz. [Aside.] Sergeants are not all alike, though. 
 
 Chris. While the feast is preparing, let us have a dance in honor of 
 this auspicious day. 
 
 Jean. A glorious feast — five rabbits and two roosters, besides twenty 
 kegs of beer ! 
 
 Fred. A dance ! certainly — a good idea. [To Elizabeth,] My dear 
 godwife, you cannot refuse me the honor. [To Gustave, aside.] Come, 
 old fellow, don't look so glum, but go and dance, with the miller's 
 pretty wife. 
 
 Gus. [ Aside.] But, Prince, I must say that 
 
 Fred. Hush ! There fs no prince here ! You will spoil sport. . The 
 sergeant has already received half a dozen languishing looks, and such 
 a delicious squeeze of the hand. 
 
 Chris. Come, take your places. 
 
 [All form for a dance; the Miller's Boy mounts a barrel and 
 plays the fife. Frederick puts his fingers to his ears. 
 
 Fred. What horrible noise is this ? Come down there, you ear- 
 splitter. Thank fortune I happen to have my flute with me. 
 
 [Takes Jfule from pocket, and jumping on barrel commences to play. 
 
 Chris. W 7 hat ! do you play on the flute ? 
 
 Fred. Yes ; pretty well — for a sergeant, you know. 
 A Dance. — Frederick plays flute — Toward* the close of the dance, 
 
 the King, the Baron, a Guard, and some Officers enter — The King is 
 
 unobserved by the Peasants, and, as he walks among them, the dancers 
 
 form a circle and begi?i to dance round him ; suddenly they recognize 
 
 the King, and the dance ceases. 
 
12 THE LOVE OF. A PRINCE. 
 
 Omnes. The king! 
 
 King. What are you doing here, idlers ? Is this a holiday % Anil 
 you, sir. [To Fred.] Have you turned minstrel, or mountebank'? The 
 Prince Royal ! 
 
 Omnes. [hi astonishment.] The Prince Royal ! 
 
 Fred. Your Majesty, I am here, but as a sergeant of the Guards, 
 who amuses himself like a sergeant. 
 
 King. You forget your dignity. Playing the flute upon a barrel ! 
 For shame ! 
 
 Fred, It is only my way of raising myself above your other subjects ! 
 You would not have me on their level 1 
 
 [The King looks at Elizabeth suspiciously. 
 
 Eliz. [To the Count.] I think we had better retire. It would not 
 be exactly apropos to be presented to his Majesty just now. 
 
 [Goes to King, leaning on the Count's arm; both make a deep 
 reverence to the King, and exit into house, l. 
 
 King. Who is this lady 1 
 
 Chris. With your Majesty's permission, she is the godmother of our 
 child. 
 
 Fred. Yes, she is the godmother of the little miller that is to be — 
 the heir presumptive to this mill ! 
 
 King. Pish ! Some adventuress ! 
 
 [The Peasants retire, and the Officers and Guard approach 
 nearer the King. 
 
 Fred. [Aside.'] She is alarmed ! Alas ! I shall never see her again ! 
 
 King. [To Officers of Guard.] Gentlemen^ you may return to Berlin. 
 The guard is sufficient to accompany my carriage. Let everything be 
 prepared for the grand review, to-morrow ! The review will take place 
 at day-break. Let every one be present. Discipline is becoming too 
 slack ! Officers absent themselves at night, in spite of my positive 
 orders to the contrary. Absence from the ranks will be regarded and 
 punished as desertion. Even if he were an officer — a general — a 
 prince — my own son — he should not escape punishment. Go, gentle- 
 men ! [To the Baron. ~\ Remain in the vicinity. I may require your 
 services. 
 
 Baron. Yes, sire, I go with enthusiasm. [Boies, and exit. 
 
 [Officers go off, l. 2 e. 
 
 King. [To Peasants.] Well, what are you all doing here? You 
 lazy rascajs, to work, every one of you ! And you, women, to your pots, 
 pans, and kitchens ! Away with you ! Go at once! [Flourishes cane.] 
 Away with you, every one, about your business. 
 
 [All go off, except King and Freo. 
 King. [Sitting down.] Now sir, what do you mean 1 I have made 
 you a sergeant, and you behave yourself like a corporal ! 
 
 Fred. Enjoyment doesn't depend on the grade, sire. 
 
 King. And when I look for you, at your estate at Sans-Souci, to speak 
 with you on state affairs, I find you acting like a fool, with a lot of boor- 
 ish rustics in a mill. 
 
 Fred, Speak of state affairs to me, sire 1 
 
 King. Yes, sir, and it seems they must be discussed in a mill. Be 
 
THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 13 
 
 it so ! You are now twenty years old. Kings have reigned ere that 
 age. 
 
 Fred. [Bowing.] I would rather not be king yet, sire ! 
 
 King. Nor would I have you so, faith, just yet ! But to the point. I 
 have thought of an alliance for you, which will not only add to your 
 happiness, but conduce to the national prosperity. 
 
 Fred. What 1 my father ! Would you have me marry 1 
 
 King. [Rising.'] You are married to all intents and purposes, al- 
 ready, by proxy — my ambassador at Bremen having contracted an alli- 
 ance for you with a niece of the Emperor Charles the Sixth — a beauti- 
 ful girl ; young, thoroughly accomplished, and a member of one of the 
 noblest houses in Austria ! 
 
 Fred. [Surprised.'] What, sire ! — 1 1 Married, without ever having 
 seen my wife, even in paint 1 
 
 King. It is a splendid match ! — An opportunity not to be neglected. 
 
 Fred. Then you marry me for the good of the state 1 
 
 Kins- Of course. This marriage puts an end to the war with Poland, 
 and secures me half of Silesia. 
 
 Fred. [Aside.] Audi am the price of this bargain 1 
 
 King. Under these circumstances, I raise you to the rank of Lieuten- 
 ant, although you have not yet served out your time as sergeant. 
 
 Fred. [Bowing.] Thank you for the promotion. It is a very delicate 
 attention on your part — but as for the princess, my wife by proxy, she 
 may go to the devil ; for I refuse her, most decidedly and positively. 
 
 [ Crosses. 
 
 King. [In a rage.] What, sir — refuse ] Do you know what you are 
 saying? Would you dare to rebel against my wishes '? 
 
 Fred. My life, sire, as your soldier, belongs to you — command -it 
 when you please — but my heart is my own. You cannot dispose of 
 that. This marriage, based upon political ambition, is hateful to my 
 thoughts, and I will not sacrifice the best feelings of my nature, by 
 swearing to love and cherish one whom I should detest and abhor. The 
 poorest laborer in Prussia can marry where he loves, and be happy with 
 the object of his love, but I — I must prove traitor to my own heart, be 
 without soul, because I am a royal prince. Father, if you want Silesia, 
 fight for it. Do not purchase it with my happiness. No arm shall 
 strike for it harder or oftener than mine — and as for Austria, do not 
 marry her, but beat her like a general — like a king. 
 
 King. [Aside.] He has more energy than I thought. I am glad I 
 have touched this cord. Think, sir — reflect, Lieutenant Frederick, on 
 your duties. The Princess is expected here every moment. Remem- 
 ber, that within eight days, you will be married. „ 
 
 [Exit King and Guards, r. 1 e. 
 
 Fred. Married within eight days ! 
 
 [Jean, Christine and Boy peep from side. 
 
 Chris. He is gone ! 
 
 Enter Peasants from different entrances. Elizabeth and the Count 
 also come in. 
 Fred. [To Elizabeth.] Well, my pretty godwife, the storm is over ! 
 Eliz. Ay, but it may break out again. 
 
14 THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 
 
 Fred. Your lovely eyes will disperse it. 
 
 Jean. {Looks off after King.] Bon voyage to your majesty. Ha ! ha! 
 The carriage of his majesty looks like a watch-box ! 
 
 ^Military music outside. A detachment of soldiers, headed by Gus- 
 tave, ci'oss the bridge and come down — the Peasants rush to look 
 at them, and make way when they come on. 
 Fred. Well, here is my company from Potsdam. 
 
 [Goes to meet Soldiers — takes command of company, forms them 
 in line and drills them. 
 Fred. [To Gustave.] I usurp your place, dear Lieutenant ; but I am 
 now your equal in grade. 
 
 Gust. Really ! 
 " Fred. [To Soldiers ] Yes, brave fellows, by the royal commission, 
 dated not five minutes since. I am your lieutenant ! 
 
 Omnes. [Peasant and Soldiers.] Hurrah ! hurrah ! hurrah ! 
 
 [Frederick drills the company. 
 Fred. [After the drill.'] And now, my brave fellows, it is fit that we 
 should inaugurate this day. Come, friend Jean, let us have the best in 
 your cellar ! 
 
 Omnes. Hurrah for the Prince Royal ! 
 
 Fred. Never mind the Prince, that will spoil all. 
 
 [Soldiers mix ivith the Peasants — Jean and Christine bring on 
 wine and cups, and distribute them to the Soldiers. 
 Eliz. [To the Count.] Is he not charming? 
 
 Fred. [To Gustave.] Now, my dear fellow, I know all that you 
 would have told me, but I am already in love, and will brave all, even the 
 anger of the King, for her who has won my heart. 
 
 [Goes to Elizabeth — Gustave takes Count aside. 
 Jean. Here is wine and beer enough to float a ship. Drink to the 
 Prince Royal and the Little Peter ! 
 
 Fred. Pour out, Christine, and forget none. Drink, boys, drink ! 
 [T Elizabeth.] I dare not speak all that my heart prompts me to say ; 
 but I love you — the Prince Royal adores you more than the sergeant 
 Frederick. 
 
 Eliz. What can I say 1 — think of your rank ! 
 
 Fred. I renounce that rank ! I am in love and a philosopher — I 
 prefer happiness to a throne. 
 
 Enter the Baron, followed by a Soldier bearing a pair of gold epaulettes 
 on a cushion. 
 
 Baron. I am commanded by his Majesty to place this distinguishing 
 mark of your new grade upon your shoulders. [Places epaulettes on 
 shoulders of Frederick.] — [To Elizabeth.] But I have a more disagree- 
 able duty to perform. His Majesty bade me to request your ladyship 
 to leave this neighborhood instantly. 
 
 Eliz. I shall obey." [Bows ironically to Baron, and is going. 
 
 Fred. [Rushing to her.'] Go not from me. 
 
 Eliz It is the king's command. 
 
 Fred. And shall I never see you 1 May 1 not follow you 1 
 
 E,liz. Alas ! no. I return to Paris, where you cannot follow. 
 
THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 
 
 15 
 
 [Aside.] He must not know that I am going to Berlin. Come, uncle, 
 let us go at once. Farewell : perhaps we may meet again. 
 
 [Exit Elizabeth and Baron, l. 2 e. 
 
 Fred. This is too much. Chained to one I know not, while throne 
 I adore is driven away with insult. I will not bear it. [To Gustave ] 
 I will fly. 
 
 Gus. Where 1 : 
 
 Fred. Where 1 To Paris ! Wherever she may go. I am decided. 
 Gustave, will you follow me! 
 
 Gus. I will — but allow me to stop one moment at a place a few miles 
 from here. I must bid farewell to • 
 
 Fred. Whom* 
 
 Gus. [Embarrassed.] Some one. 
 
 Fred. I understand. Then it is decided ; — we go to-night. [2b 
 Soldiers, &c] And now, boys, drink ! 
 
 [Jean and Christine pour out wine for Soldiers. 
 
 CHORUS. 
 
 Drink ! drink ! drink boys, drink ! 
 
 Drink to our future king! 
 Clink, clink, the cup, boys, clink ! 
 
 And make the welkin ring. 
 
 Tableau — Frederick and Gustave on Bridge. 
 end of act i. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Scene I. — The summer residence of General Slurner, ten miles from 
 Berlin — A park, very thickly wooded — A wall at back — A small 
 pavilion, L. 
 
 General Sturner and Louise, (his- wife,) discovered. The General is 
 seated on a rustic bench, and is watching Louise, who stands upon the 
 steps of the pavilion. Time, sunset: During the scene, the moon rises. 
 
 Slurner. [Aside.] Always dreaming ! Always preoccupied ! I left 
 her thus, and thus I find her. [To Louise.] Countess ! 
 
 Louise. General ! 
 
 Sturner. What is the matter with you 1 
 
 Louise. The matter with me 1 
 
 Sturner. Come and sit by me. I would speak with you. Why are 
 you not as frank with me as I am with you ? Tell me plainly your 
 thoughts, as I tell you mine. There should be no secrets between us. 
 
 Louise. What secret have I from you 1 
 
 Slurner. None, I am sure, that you would not confide to me ; but, 
 upon what are you so continually brooding 1 Why do I find you thus, 
 
16 THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 
 
 as 1 left you three weeks ago, when I went to Vienna, to demand the 
 hand of the young princess for our future sovereign. To see you wear 
 a sorrowful face at my departure, was natural, but to see the same look 
 on my return-— this is what causes my anxiety. Come, repose in me ; 
 what is weighing upon your heart ? Is it the mystery with which I 
 have surrounded our marriage'? [Rising.]'Tha.t mystery is as necessary 
 now as ever — nay, more so. When I sought your hand, Louise, I 
 knew the world well enough to be aware, that the union of a man 
 sixty years' of age with a yoUng wife of but twenty-two summers, 
 would be a subject for the ridicule of my friends. Still I looked for- 
 ward to much happiness. But you are not happy. Does your melan- 
 choly spring from the solitude in which you live 1 Do you long to 
 visit Berlin 1 or regret its pleasures and its gaiety 1 
 
 Louise. Have I ever asked to visit it ? or 
 
 Sturner. [Excitedly .~\ Visit Berlin 1 — I will not disguise from you the 
 fact, that I am jealous of the admiration of others. 
 
 [Stolbach appears at back, but seeing the General and, Louise, 
 stops and watches them. 
 
 Louise. Then we will never go, — never go near that gay world — that 
 court. How can I regret its pleasures when I have never known them 1 
 No, rather I should regret, were I there, this lovely sky, this gorgeous 
 landscape, these old ancestral trees, beneath whose shadows I can sit 
 and dream away the hours. 
 
 Stumer. [Observing her.'] 'Tis to the past, then, that I must look to 
 solve the mystery. It may be that in your union with me, you severed 
 other ties that were more dear — more • 
 
 Louise. [Embarrassed.] Sir! sir! 
 
 Sturner. [Seizes her hand.] Ah ! you hesitate — you 
 
 [Stolbach takes a step for ward — the General hears the footstep. 
 Ah ! who is that ? [Seeing Stolbach. — Aside.] He here ! 
 What do you here ? 
 
 StoL I was merely passing, and 
 
 Stumer. Pass, and begone ! 
 
 StoL I am going, General. [Aside.] I have arrived in time. She 
 was on the verge of betraying herself. 
 
 Sturner. Stay ! on second thoughts, "remain. [^lsic?e.] I must 
 question him. [To Louise] I will detain you no longer. 
 
 Louise.- [Aside to General.] I hope, General, that a conversation so 
 painful — so exciting to both of us, will never be renewed. * 
 
 [General takes her to pavillion. — Exit Louise into pavillion. 
 
 Sturner. Approach ! What has happened here during my absence * 
 
 StoL Nothing, General. 
 
 Sturner. Have there been no visitors at the chateau 1 
 
 StoL None, sir. 
 
 Sturner. You do not deceive me 1 
 
 StoL I ] I deceive you ? Listen to me, General. Six years ago, a 
 soldier on guard saw his bride pass his post, leaning upon the arm of 
 one who he knew would . have betrayed her. Stung by jealousy and 
 rage, the soldier leveled his carbine and sprang towards him. To his 
 surprise and dismay he found himself face to face with an officer, whose 
 
THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 17 
 
 approach he had not observed. The soldier was arrested on the spot. 
 His offence, slight as it was, pronounced a capital one. He was con- 
 demned to die. The king signed his death-warrant. He had no friends 
 to plead for him — no one but his mother and his General. To him that 
 mother pleaded, and not in vain. The general interceded with the king, 
 and — he was pardoned ! You were that general — I was that soldier. 
 From that hour I have been your slave — your dog. Deceive you! The 
 friend might betray — the dog is faithful even until death. 
 
 Stumer . I believe you. Yes, Stolbach, you are devotion itself, — I 
 know it — I am assured of it. 
 
 [General, gives his hand to Stolbach, which he kisses. — Exit 
 General. — The stage grows gradually dark. 
 
 Stol. Yes, yes master, saviour — I know the secret which the countess 
 in her confusion nearly allowed to pass her lips. I know that Gustave 
 whom I once surprised here ; but I was unarmed and he escaped me. 
 Should he dare again approach, he shall die — not by the sword of the 
 General, but by the dagger of his slave. [Retires up. 
 
 Louise appears at pavilion. 
 
 Hah ! the countess ! and still more confused than before. What seeks 
 she here? I will not slacken my vigilance. The honor of the General 
 shall be protected even at the cost of my life. [Exit Stolbach, r. 
 
 Louise. [Coming down the steps cautiously.'] No one here, yet"? 
 Then he will not come. He will keep his word : he promised that he 
 would come no more. [Takes note from bosom.] Yet this note, which 
 I have received, and which I have read with fear and trembling, this 
 note announces to me [Gustave appears upon the wall. 
 
 Gus. [To Frederick, outside.] Yes, under the wall, by that group of 
 trees. 
 
 Louise. 'Tis he ! 
 
 Gus. [To Frederick.] The watch will likely pass soon again — be 
 cautious, or we shall be discovered. 
 
 [Springs from wall, and approaches Louise. 
 
 Louise. You here? 
 
 Gus. Louise ! [ Taking her hand. 
 
 Louise. [Endeavoring to break from him.] Is it thus you keep your 
 word 1 you promised never to see me more. 
 
 Gus. For one whole month, which seemed to me an age, have I not 
 kept my word ? but, could I leave you for years, perhaps for ever 
 
 Louise. Leave 
 
 Gus. Without coming to bid you farewell. 
 
 Louise. Go away, did you say 1 — where 1 - 
 
 Gus. I know not ; to France — anywhere, wherever he may go, 
 whom I have accompanied here. 
 
 Louise. [ With anxiety.] You are not alone, then 1 
 
 Gus. Do not fear — he knows nothing. I have not spoken one word 
 of my intentions, even to him, from whom I have no secrets. 
 
 Louise. But who is he ? 
 
 Gus. The Prince Frederick. 
 
 Louise. The Prince 1 
 
18 THE LOVE. OF A PRINCE. 
 
 Gus. He is there ; he waits for me ; and this night, if our horses do 
 not fail us, we shall cross the frontier. 
 
 Louise. -The Prince leave Berlin — Prussia ! 'tis not possible ! Why 
 this strange flight 1 
 
 Gus. A sudden impulse ; he would fly from a hateful marriage. 
 Gustave, said he to me, will you follow me 1 And as, after you, dear 
 Louise, I love the young Prince more than all the world beside, I did 
 not hesitate — I gave him my hand — we fled together! 
 
 Louise. You 
 
 Gus. And then, if I may tell you all, I could endure to live no longer 
 in Berlin. That love, which was so long my joy, is now my despair. 
 In the name of duty and of honor, you have blighted my happiness and 
 crushed that hope. You have exacted an oath not to appear in your 
 presence, but, living so near you — but a few miles between me and her, 
 who is my life — I felt I could not resist the temptation to see her — to 
 speak to her — to brave every peril-«-every danger — even the greatest of 
 all, the compromise of her honor I doubted my own strength to resist 
 all this ; and when the Prince asked me to go with him, it seemed as if 
 he knew my danger, and had come to rescue me. 
 
 Louise. But do you not fear the anger of the King 1 the terrible con- 
 sequences of such a step? It is 
 
 Gus. I know it ; Frederick knows it also. But it is not desertion 
 that throws away the sword and leaves the field of battle. In France, 
 I may yet win back all that I may lose here. * 
 
 Louise. Farewell, then — go. and forget me. 
 
 Gus. Forget thee — never ! 'tis impossible ! 
 
 [Louise sinks on seat — Gustave falls on his knees before her — 
 Frederick appears on wall, disguised in mantle, not seeing Gus- 
 tave and Louise, owing- to the intervention of a group of trees. 
 * Fred. The lieutenant keeps his ex-sergeant too long. He should re- 
 member I am a lieutenant, now, as well as he, and that I am a prince at 
 least, till we cross the frontier. What would my royal ancestors say 
 now, to see me playing the groom in this way '! They would not feel 
 flattered at the position of their descendant, I'm sure. But what the 
 deuce has become of him ? I neither see nor hear him. 
 
 Gus. [7b Louise.] Nay, I swear it. 
 
 Fred. Helloa ! I heard somebody swearing. 
 
 Louise. Gustave ! 
 
 Fred. Ah, a woman's voice ! oh, the rogue ! no wonder he" keeps 
 me dangling here so long. 
 
 Louue. And you will not forget me : 
 
 Gus. Never — oh, never ! 
 
 Fred. [Peeping about. .] But where the deuce are they concealed] 
 Have the turtle doves made a nest in the branches of the tree 1 Let us 
 see. No. they are not here— I'll reconnoitre.' [Comes down. 
 
 Gus. Yes, dear Louise, I swear never to love any other woman than 
 thee, by this hand. [Taking Iter hand.] I swear it ! [Kisses hand. 
 
 Fred. Ha ! what was that "? it sounded very like a kiss. Faith, it 
 makes me feel very queer, myself. This sweet echo of love produces a 
 kind of a sort of a — an allovemess. [Gustave kisses Louise's hand 
 
THE LOVE OF A PfclNCB. 19 
 
 again.] What, again.'! Am I to remain quietly here, to listen to 
 sounds like that 1 Where the devil can they be 1 [Seeing Gustave and 
 Louise.] Ah! there they are. [Retires cautiously.] Oh, you selfish 
 wretch ! 
 
 Louise. Leave me, Gustave — leave me ! — go ! 
 
 Fred. [Sitting down against a tree and folding his arms.] By my 
 father's cane, this is hardly fair. Three spoils company ! Ah ! if I 
 only had a pretty face, a white, soft hand, a nice yielding waist, what 
 a pretty little quartette we might make. But we are only three — 'tis 
 very incomplete ! Heigho ! 
 
 Gus. No, no, I will not go, Louise — I love you. 
 
 Fred. Oh, oh, oh ! Louise ! — I — no— not Louise — Christine — no — ah ! 
 Elizabeth — that's it — my charming god wife, how I love you ! But she 
 is not here — never mind, I'll imagine it. [Embracing an imaginary 
 form.] Oh ! my Elizabeth, I love you ! That's cold comfort. 
 
 Gus, [Kissing Louise's hand.] Again, again, for the last time. 
 
 Fred. [Imitating.] Once more — oh, how nice it must be ! [Louise 
 repels Gustave.] Ah ! you grow cold — you fly from me — I fall on my 
 knees. Where are you 1 — ah! there! — tell me that you love me — tell 
 me all that is in your dear little heart, it will be such happiness to 
 hear it from those sweet lips. [Imitating kissing. 
 
 Gus Louise! Louise! 
 
 Fred. Oh, Elizabeth ! Oh, Lizzie ! Oh ! [Embracing the air, and 
 getting up.] Imagination does something, after all. I feel better 
 already. 
 
 Louise. Hush ! Listen ! I hear footsteps approaching! 
 
 [Goes up stage, leading Gustave, passing by Fred. 
 
 Fred. [Jumping behind tree.] I was nearly discovered ! 
 
 Voice from the other side of wall. Hold ! Stand there ! 'Tis Stol- 
 bach's orders ! 
 
 Louise. There is some one on the other side of the wall ! Hush ! 
 
 Gus. I will know who they are. 
 
 Louise. For Heaven's sake, forbear, or we are lost : this'way I Come 
 to the pavilion ! 
 
 Gus. I shall see you, then, again I Say— shall I not ? 
 
 Louise. You shall. But go. 
 
 [Gustave goes into pavilion. Louise shuts the door, locks it, and 
 takes 'he key. Stolbach comes on, r. Louise stands motionless. 
 
 Stol. Madame, the Countess ! 
 
 Fred. {Behind tree.] The mystery thickens ! Who can this be 1 
 
 Louise. Well, sir, what is it ? 
 
 Stol. [A side.] -He is there — he is there ! [Aloud.] The General is 
 looking for you everywhere, and is now coming this way. 
 
 Louise. [Aside ] The General ! He must not come here ! He must 
 not suspect [StolbIch approaches pavilion.] What do you wish ? 
 
 Stol. 1 1 Nothing, madam. I only wished to assure myself that 
 the pavilion was safely locked, as it should be, every night* [.4side.] 
 She has taken the key 1 
 
 Louise. Well, sir 1 
 
 Stol. Does madam wish me to accompany her ! 
 
20 THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 
 
 Louise. [Perplexed.] II Oh, no. Why] I do not need you. 
 [Aside] If I send him hence, it will arouse his suspicions. 
 
 Stol. Shall J, then, announce to the General, that the Countess is 
 here, in the park 1 [ Going. 
 
 Louise. [Slopping him.] No, no, it is not necessary. I will retire. 
 [Aside.] When he goes, I can send my maid to open the door. Oh, 
 Heavens ! if he should have overheard ! [Stolbach retires up, with an 
 indifferent air, Louise ivatching him.] No, no ; thank Heaven ! he 
 suspects nothing. [Exit, r,. 
 
 Stol. [Looking after her.] He is there. I have him at last. He is 
 mine ! 
 
 Fred. [From tree.] There's going to be mischief here. What the 
 devil is he after 1 ? 
 
 Stol [To men outside.] Come hither to me, quick! [Enter two men, 
 armed-with muskets .] Hush! be silent! 
 
 Fred. There are three now. What does all this signify 1 
 
 Stol. [To men.] A man is concealed in that pavilion. He must not 
 come out alive. He is a villain ! — a coward, a dishonorable scoundrel ! 
 You understand me ! 
 
 Fred. Ha ! What do I hear ? 
 
 Stol. Burst open the door ! 
 
 Fred. [Rushing with drawn sword between the pavilion and the men.] 
 Not as long as I am here ! 
 
 Stol. What! Another] 
 
 Fred. Back, on your lives ! 
 
 Stol. Fire upon him ! 
 
 Frederick attacks Stolbach. — One of the men points a pistol at 
 Frederick — the other seizes him behind, and he is thrown down. 
 In the struggle Frederick's epaulette falls on the stage. 
 
 Stol. You are powerless, puny boy, to save him ! 
 
 Fred. He is lost ! he is lost ! No ! — that noise ! The tramp of 
 horses ! 
 
 Stol. 'Tis the guard passing! 
 
 [The men let go their hold of Fred., exclaiming, " The Watch !" 
 and run off, r. u. e. 
 
 Fred. [Calling.] Ho! Patrol! Hither, soldiers! In the name of 
 the King, to the rescue ! [Rises.] 
 
 Stol. What would you do ] 
 
 Fred. Save him ! 
 
 Stol. You will sacrifice him. 
 
 Fred. How] 
 
 Stol. You sacrifice your friend, and brmg dishonor upon a woman. 
 
 Fred. Ah ! The deuce ! What shall I do ] 
 
 Enter Soldiers, hastily. 
 
 Officer of the Guard. Who calls ] What is the matter ] 
 Fred. [Aside.] Ah, me ! I have only one way of releasing him, 
 without compromising her he loves. [Aloud.] Soldiers, I am a lieu- 
 tenant ! Within that pavilion is an officer of the army, who has de- 
 
THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 21 
 
 serted' his post ! Arrest him ! [Soldiers break open door."] [Aside] 
 Between two evils, I have chosen the least, come what may. 
 
 Gus. [Entering from pavilion.'] Deserter ! Who has dared to say it] 
 
 Fred. I ! Bring him away ! 
 
 Gus. He, my accuser] He, who should have defended me 1. 
 
 Fred. [To Soldiers.] Away, at once ! 
 
 Stol. [Aside.] He escapes me again ! By Heaven, he shall not ! 
 [Draws dagger, and is about to rush on Gustave, when General 
 Sturner enters, l. 
 
 Stol. The General ! 
 
 Fred. [lb Soldiers.] Away! 
 
 General. Hold ! What means this excitement 1 These soldiers ] 
 
 Stol. [Aside.] He must not know ! 
 
 Gen. Answer, me, sirrah ! 
 
 Stol. A deserter had taken refuge in your pavilion, and these sol- 
 diers have arrested him. 
 
 Gen. A deserter — here ! In the night ! [Finds the epaulette o/Gusr 
 tave. Starts — picks it up.] The epaulette of an officer ! [In an ex- 
 cited lone.] 'Tis false ! My mind misgives ! He is no deserter ! Oh, 
 Louise, Louise ! [General Sturner sinks upon seat. 
 
 Scene II. — [1st Groove.] — Ante-chamber in the Palace of the King, 
 at Berlin.-. — Chairs, Tables, SfC. — Enter King, followed by Baron, at 
 change. King sits at table, r. — Baron stands, with papers, <%c, in, 
 his hand. 
 
 King. [Examining paper, and throwing it on one side.] Is this all 1 
 Have you no more important information to give me 1 You hold in 
 your hand another report still ! 
 
 Baron. This is indeed of more importance, for it is a military report, 
 your Majesty ! . [Hands paper, which King reads. 
 
 King. [Rising, with energy.] Thunder ! What is this 1 A deserter 
 Lieutenant Gustave ! An officer of my guard arrested ten miles from 
 Berlin, by the cavalry patrol, on a charge of desertion, made by an 
 officer as yet unknown ! [ Walking about stage, with cane, in an ex- 
 cited manner .] A deserter ! • 
 
 Baron. [Aside.] He is in a terrible rage. Hem ! I'll get out of the 
 way. [Going.] 
 
 King. [Loudly.] Remain ! AhJ by the bones of my ancestors, this 
 
 time I will make a terrible example ! ,Yes ! I swear 
 
 [Strikes cane on table, heavily. 
 
 Baron. [Jumping.] Oh ! [Aside.] I'd much rather he'd vent his 
 rage on the table than 
 
 Enter Queen, followed by two ladies of honor, n. 1 e. 
 
 Queen. What is the matter, sire 1 The sound of your voice 
 
 King. Astonishes you, no doubt. But, do you know what is going 
 
 on, madam 1 
 
 Baron. [Aside.] His rage increases ! I think this would be a good 
 
 time to retire [Going 
 
22 THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 
 
 King. [Loudly.'] Stay! 
 
 Baron. [Starting^] I obey your Majesty with enthusiasm. 
 
 Ring. [To Queen.] Do you hear, madam 1 As the sovereign of this 
 kingdom, I have relied upon the strength of my army to support the 
 dignity of my flag. To give that army strength, I have instructed it 
 in discipline, until I believed it might set an example to any army in 
 the world ; and here, madam, within ten miles of my palace, under my 
 very nose, as it were, an officer, a lieutenant of the guards, sets an ex- 
 ample of desertion to my soldiers ! [Grossing and Re-crossing. 
 
 Queen. An officer ! — a lieutenant ! His name, sire 1 Pray, his 
 name 1 
 
 King. Name ! "What matter about his name 1 His name will be 
 public enough, when it is posted upon every wall in Berlin, on the day 
 on which he will be executed on the parade-ground, in the presence of 
 the troops ! Yes, yes — he need be in no doubt as to his fate. 
 
 Queen. But he may be able to explain before the court-martial 
 
 King. Ay, ay ! — the court-martial ! Baron ! 
 
 Baron. Sire ! 
 
 King. Summon the court-martial instantly. 
 
 Baron. Sire ! 
 
 Queen. Excuse me, sire ; but there is, I believe, at the present mo- 
 ment, a more important affair. 
 
 King. A more important affair 1 No, madam — no ! It is not pos- 
 sible that there should be a more important affair than the discipline of 
 my army. 
 
 Queen. To-day, you know, the Princess of Brunswick arrives in 
 Berlin. 
 
 King. Ah ! True — true ! This cursed business has driven every- 
 thing out of my head ! [Sits on sofa. - Tlie Queen takes her seat also. 
 "We must give the Princess a reception worthy of her and of ourselves. 
 [Rises.] I am going to command a jrrand review. 
 
 Queen. A grand review? — what a reception for a young princess ! 
 
 King. The King of Prussia, madame, receives his guests only at the 
 head of his army. The nonsense I leave to you. You may give your 
 balls and your fetes and all that sort of trash, in which my son takes so 
 much delight. 
 
 Queen. Frederick 
 
 King. A ballad-monger, who makes verses, blows his melancholy 
 into a flute, wears laces, but will never know how to use a sword. Ah ! 
 I shall leave Prussia in good hands. [To Baron.] Baron ! 
 
 Baron. Sire? 
 
 King. Apprise the minister of war of what has happened, and sum- 
 mon the court martial at once. Come, Baron. You, madame, may lay 
 out yourplans for dancing upon the carpets of the palace ; but I will 
 have instead, the manoeuvres of my grenadiers, and for my carpet the 
 dust of the parade ground. Baron ! — come ! 
 
 Baron, [following him. — Aside.] Thank goodness, he has not intro- 
 duced his cane to my shoulders. [Loolcing at table.] Alas, poor table ! 
 it is my safety valve. [Exeunt King and Baron, k. 1 E. 
 
 Queen. In what ironical and reproachful terms he speaks of my dear 
 
THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 23 
 
 son. If he knew that he passed last night out of the palace ! — I 
 know not why it makes me so uneasy — 'tis already ten o'clock, and each 
 moment increases my anxiety. [Exit Queen, 
 
 Scene III. — Grand Saloon in the Palace — sofas, chairs, table, i,., with 
 writing materials, &c. — Queen and Ladies of Honor discovered al 
 change. Queen on sofa. 
 
 Enter Prince, dressed in Court Costume, c. d. f. 
 
 Fred. Thank you, my dear baron. Give the king my thanks for his 
 kindness in excusing my appearance on parade this morning. [Aside.] 
 There's one bore the less at least. [Going to the Queen.] Ah ! my 
 mother ! 
 
 Queen. [Embracing Aim.] My dear child, you little know the uneasi- 
 ness you have caused me. 
 
 Fred. Uneasiness to you, dear mother 1 
 
 Queen. To me alone, my son — no one else knows of your absence. 
 Where have you been since 
 
 Fred. Since yesterday ? 
 
 Queen. Yes. 
 
 Fred. Dear mother, I have not arrived at years of discretion. [Aside.] 
 I fear it would, were he to answer for all his doings, place the heir ap- 
 parent to the throne of Prussia, in rather an embarrassing situation. 
 
 Queen. Well, well, you are safe at home now, and my anxiety is 
 
 Fred. [Aside.] If poor dear mother only knew that I have been on 
 the road to France. 
 
 Queen. So the king has excused you from appearing upon review this 
 morning 1 
 
 Fred. [Pointing to his clothes.] And the soldier is lost in the prince. 
 
 Queen. [Meaningly.] Rather say in the bridegroom, for the king has 
 doubtless told you 1 
 
 Fred. Oh ! yes, bother to it — the king has told me some disagreeable 
 things in regard to Austria, but this marriage has not taken place yet, 
 dear mother, so don't let's talk about it. This is a part and parcel of 
 state politics, and concerns only my father. My happiness, alone, con- 
 cerns you. 
 
 Queen. You have a secret in your breast which you would conceal 
 from me, but I will find it out. I will ask your friend Lieutenant Gus- 
 tave. 
 
 Fred. Gustave ! 
 
 Queen. He is the best of all. He is one of those true friends, which, 
 with princes, are so rare. Cherish his friendship, my dear son, and 
 never forget he is the best friend you have. [Exit, c. d. f. 
 
 Fred. I wonder what she means. She cannot possibly have found 
 out — oh ! no, no ! But I must be stirring, for there is no time to be 
 lost — I have, it is true, saved poor Gustave from the daggers of those 
 rascals, but only by removing his immediate danger. He is in prison, 
 and will die unless I can procure his release. The old gentleman, Fred- 
 
24 THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 
 
 erick William the First, is not the most merciful man in the world, and 
 my task — [Seeing the King coming] The august author of my exist- 
 ence ! [Bowing with much reverence to the King as he comes in. 
 
 King. You here 1 
 
 Fred. [Bowing-.] Yes, sire ! 
 
 King. It would have been too much trouble for you to go and see my 
 grenadiers drawn up in order of battle. Do you know, sir. I counted 
 one hundred and twenty three men who stand six feet two in their boots. 
 Ha ! — that was a sight ! 
 
 Fred. [Aside.] I shall never get so high in the world, I'm sure. 
 
 King. But you, sir, were afraid of soiling your laces, and your fea- 
 thers, and your gloves. [Examining him, turning him round.] What a 
 toilette ! I suppose you import all these kickshaws from Paris 1 
 
 Fred. On the contrary, sire, they are exclusively of home manufac- 
 ture. The worthy artisans of our country would suffer if we did not 
 set an example to the world of going well dressed. 
 
 King. Bosh and nonsense ! Do you see this coat 1 ? — as good as new, 
 and I have worn it fifteen years. 
 
 Fred [With much admiration.] Fifteen years ! [Aside.] It looks as 
 if he might have been born in it ! 
 
 King. And these buttons ! — look at them, sir ! They have outlasted - 
 three uniforms, and were part of the wardrobe of your grandfather, Fred- 
 erick the First. 
 
 Fred. [Aside.] Oh ! venerable buttons ! contemporaries of my sainted 
 ancestors ! [King takes seat, laying cane on table.] Let's see if I cannot 
 flatter him ; the old gentleman, rough as he is, has his little amiable 
 weaknesses, like the rest of us. [Aloud] But, sire, you forget that my 
 youth and obscurity need the extraneous aid of a fine exterior. If I 
 had founded a kingdom — were I the chief of a great army — then, only, 
 should [ be privileged to forego the attractions of dress, and don the 
 buttons of my ancestors — then, the lustre of glory would supply the 
 place of splendor of dress ! 
 
 King. [Mollified.] The young rogue does not lack sense, after all. 
 
 Fred. [Taking up cane from table.] And this cane — [Aside.] My old 
 acquaintance ! [Rubbing his back.] This cane — this great cane ! for 
 which a usurer would not give a single florin — but which, in your 
 hands is a sign of power, and (Aside.] I must flatter even his cane. 
 
 King. [ Considering.] You have a favor to ask of me 1 
 
 Fred. To confess, sire, I have — and this kind look of yours tells me 
 that it is already granted. , 
 
 King. [Rising.] Not so fast ! — one moment. My looks, sir, have not 
 the power of speech. But, come, let me hear — what would you ask"? 
 
 Fred. Sire — [Aside.] It almost chokes me — but, courage — courage. 
 [Aloud.] At the review of this morning 
 
 King. Which will take place in honor of the Princess of Brunswick, 
 your bride — =>— 
 
 Fred. Oh, excuse me, sir — do not let us talk politics. 
 
 King. Politics ! What do you mean 1 
 
 Fred. At the review of this morning— sire — one — one — of your offi- 
 cers—will be — will be wanting. 
 
THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 25 
 
 King. Ay ! Lieutenant Gustave ! 
 
 Fred. [Aside.] He knows all. 
 
 King. A mean-spirited coward ! [Rising. 
 
 Fred. No, sire, a brave officer — whom I shall be proud to defend be- 
 fore the court-martial. But I fear that the mere charge against him will 
 be too great a disgrace for him to survive. 
 
 King. Oh ! I see, now, the drift of all your flatteries ; but you will 
 gain nothing by them. 
 
 Fred. How, sire 1 
 
 King. Enough, enough, I tell you ! 
 
 Fred. You refuse me the favor I ask from you 1 
 
 King. Most positively. 
 
 Fred. [Decidedly.'] Well, then, I meet one refusal with another. 
 
 King. Sir '! What do you mean, sir? 
 
 Fred. I refuse to allow this marriage you have arranged, to take 
 place. I once thought I would consent to sacrifice my heart, to pur- 
 chase a territory for you — sacrifice my liberty for a piece of Silesia — but 
 not now. No, no. I have changed my mind. 
 
 King. Prince Frederick ! 
 
 Fred. King Frederick ! I'll have nothing to do with your Princess. 
 
 King. By Heaven, he braves me ! 
 
 Fred. So much the worse for Prussia — so much the worse for Bran- 
 denburgh — I'll not furnish heirs for either. 
 
 King. He insults me ! 
 
 Fred. Sire, I have spoken. Refusal for refusal. Keep your victim, 
 I keep my liberty ! 
 
 King. [In a rage.] You shall. You— -I tell you, sir, that you shall 
 marry the Princess — that you shall love her, adore her, and make her 
 perfectly happy. 
 
 Fred. If she enjoys no more happiness than she derives from me 
 
 [Rolling of drums heard outside. 
 
 King. The troops are assembling for my grand review. I must go; 
 but remember, sir, my orders. When I return, I shall expect to find 
 you at the feet of the Princess. [Shaking cane.] Remember, sir ! 
 
 [Exit King, c, d. f. — Roll of drum. 
 
 Fred. You want 'to drive me to desperation, eh 1 Well, I'll be 
 desperate enough for anything. 
 
 Enter Baron, c. i>. f. 
 The Baron, ah, hah ! he comes just in the nick of time. Baron ! 
 
 Baron. Prince ! 
 
 Fred. I wish to entrust an important commission to you. 
 
 Baron. Ah, Prince, such a mark of confidence. 
 
 Fred. I wish you to be presented to the Princess of Brunswick im- 
 mediately. 
 
 Baron. 1 1 What an honor ! I am overwhelmed. 
 
 Fred. You will tell her from me — 
 
 Baron. Ah, yes. Prince, I will. I will announce to her with in- 
 describable joy that — 
 
 Fred. That I detest, abhor, and will have nothing at all to do with her. 
 2 [Crosses. 
 
26 THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 
 
 Baron. Do I hear aright 1 What 1 
 
 Fred. Break it to her as you like, as gently as you please. I dare 
 say it will kill the poor thing — use as much circumlocution* as you de- 
 sire — but that is my ultimatum. 
 
 Baron. But, my Prince ! such a commission — 
 
 Fred. Don't stand there, but go ! go! 
 
 Baron. Rather than undertake such a dreadful, such an ungracious 
 task, I prefer to resign my office and give up my golden key to your 
 august father. Nay. I will give it up instantly. 
 
 Fred. Well, then, give up your key. I will myself go to the Princess. 
 
 Baron. Hush, for Heaven's sake, not so loud, my Prince. The queen, 
 accompanied by the young and beautiful Duchess — ■ 
 
 Fred. So much the better. I will tell her at once. 
 
 Baron. [Aside.'] I think this is the right moment for me to retire. 
 
 [Going up. 
 
 Fred. Baron ! 
 
 Baron. Prince ! 
 
 Fred. Remain ! 
 
 Baron. [Aside.] How much he resembles his august father — one can 
 never retire from the presence of either at the right moment, worse 
 luck ! 
 
 Enter Queen, Elizabeth, and Court, followed by ladies and gentlemen 
 of the court in full dress. 
 
 Fred. [Recognizing Elizabeth ] Heavens ! what do I see 1 Yes, it 
 is she herself ! My partner at the baptismal font. Ah, my mother, 
 my heart overflows with joy — 'tis for this lady that I refused the Prin- 
 cess. This is she whom I detested, she whom I love with all the ardor 
 of my soul. This is she whom I will not marry, and" I will die before 
 1 will marry any one else. This is not very clear, but the heart of a 
 mother can comprehend all. [Goes to Elizabeth, and greets her warmly I 
 
 Baron. [Aside.] Here's good news for the king. I fly with enthusi- 
 asm to be the first to announce to him the joyful tidings. I shall secure 
 my golden key for ever ! [Exit l., unobserved. 
 
 Eliz. And is it true, that in order that you might remain faithful to 
 an unknown love, to vows plighted to a stranger, one whose love could 
 promise you only happiness, you were about to reject a princely 
 marriage, which insures you the alliance of a great nation 1 What an 
 anomaly among men ! But we will try to obliterate your love for your 
 godwife of the mill. You shall love the Princess and forget the 
 stranger yet. 
 
 Fred. [Kissing her hand.] My beautiful godwife — Goodness! how 
 funny, to think that it was my real wife after all that helped me to 
 christen the famous little Peter, the son of the miller, and that we have 
 danced together like — 
 
 Eliz. Ah ! we shall never again dance so gaily. 
 
 Fred. And why not 1 one may dance merrily anywhere ; under the 
 frescoed roof of a palace and under the rude rafters of a mill. Gaiety 
 ought not to be banished from court. [Aside.] At least when the King's 
 cross face' is not present. [Roll of drum outside.] Ah, I had forgotten 
 
THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 27 
 
 everything in the joy of the moment. [Taking Qceen and Elizabeth 
 aside] Not a word, I pray you, remember, before the king — we are 
 strangers. Mum ! [Aside.] Gustave, my poor Gustave ! 
 
 [An Officer announces the King. 
 
 Enter King and Baron, c. p., accompanied by Gen. Sturner and 
 other Officers. 
 
 King. [To Baron.] And is it possible that the Princess and the 
 young woman of the mill — 
 
 Baron. [Bowing.'] Sire, they are identical. 
 
 King. Umph ! Well, well, I understand. 
 
 [King comes down, leaving Baron, Gen. and Officers tip the stage. 
 
 Eliz. [Kneeling to the King.] Sire ! 
 
 King. [Raising her.] My daughter. I give you a soldier's welcome ! 
 The strict court of Vienna would hardly recognize- their rules of eti-_ 
 quette in such an ovation, but it is my way, so let them say what they 
 like, provided such a warlike demonstration is not too much for your 
 nerves. [Looking alternately at Elizabeth and Frederick-] — Umph ! 
 Ha, hah ! [Aside.] I'll pay the rascal. [Going to Frederick.] Well, 
 sir, there's your bride. 
 
 Fred. I have seen her, sire. 
 
 King. [Astonished.] And, you scoundrel you ! are you not charmed, 
 fascinated \ 
 
 Fred. The Princess is charming, sire, but — 
 
 King. But, sir. But ! what do you mean by but 1 
 
 Fred. But another love — 
 
 King. What's that ? another love 1 
 
 Fred. A remembrance which will be eternal. 
 
 King. What the devil does all this romantic nonsense signify ? 
 [Looks towards the Baron, who nods and points expressively to the Prin- 
 cess. — To Frederic] So, you persist in refusing 1 ? 
 
 Fred. No, sire, oh, no. I comprehend my duty to your majesty, and 
 will submit to your orders, even though it break my heart. 
 
 King. [Aside.] Ah — oh, ho ! 
 
 Fred. It will cost me many a pang, sire. I know I shall be irre- 
 trievably wretched— that this alliance 1 contract to oblige you, will poi- 
 son my whole life. The one I love is perhaps less beautiful, certainly 
 less noble, than the Princess. I make no comparisons, but I love her, 
 my dear father, [Pretending to cry] — and it is very terrible, and very 
 cruel to smother thus the holiest emotions of my heart. But I will 
 obey my father, and oblige my King at any sacrifice — being well as- 
 sured, that in consideration of this yielding to the call of filial duty and 
 loyalty, the King will not refuse the first important favor I have ever 
 asked of his majesty. 
 
 King. And that favor is without doubt, pardon for a deserter 1 
 Fred. It is to sign the pardon of Gustave at the same time that your 
 son seals his- own eternal wretchedness. [Aside.] There, it is all over. 
 
 King. [After another look at Baron, who nods and points more mean- 
 ingly than before.] Bah ! this is too much, [yls/cfe.] The rascal ! I 
 could choke him — but I must keep calm, if I choke for it myself. 
 
28 THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 
 
 [Aloud-] No, I do not wish to make you so wretched. I have two other 
 sons, whose hearts are as yet untouched by any tender and romantic 
 affection, and without doubt, the court of Vienna will accept one of them 
 in your place, as a husband for the beautiful young duchess ! 
 
 Fred. [Aside.] I'm very much inclined to think I've put my foot 
 in it ! 
 
 King. So I will not trouble you any further on the subject of this 
 
 odious marriage, and in return you will allow me to manage the affairs 
 
 of state, and more especially the discipline of my army, in my own way. 
 
 [King goes up and exchanges looks with Baron. 
 
 Fred. [Observing them.] The Baron. Alas ! he knew all. 
 
 King. General Sturner ! 
 
 Stumer. Sire ! 
 
 King. You will preside to-day over tne court-martial which will be 
 convened to try Lieutenant Gustave for desertion! 
 
 Omnes. A deserter ! 
 
 Queen. Gustave a deserter ! Good Heavens ! 
 
 Fred. Well then, sire — the court must try me, too, for if Lieuten- 
 ant Gustave has deserted, the Sergeant Frederick has deserted also ! 
 
 Omnes. He ! 
 
 Queen. My son ! 
 
 King. "What do you dare to say 1 
 
 Eliz. Oh, heed him not — it is impossible ! 
 
 Fred. Lieutenant Gustave was arrested at a chateau ten miles from 
 Berlin. 
 
 Stumer. [Approaching,] What is this 1 
 
 Fred. Well then it was I, — I, his Prince, who ordered him to accom- 
 pany me to that chateau, whither I went for reasons of my own. and 
 which I do not choose to divulge. 
 
 Sturner. [Aside,] What does he say 1 
 
 Fred. Being surprised, I could not explain the reason of our presence 
 there, and so I accused him of desertion and ordered his arrest. 
 
 King. You lie, sir, you lie. If you had been guilty of so great a 
 crime — if you had deserted, the world should see that, though I am a 
 father, I am a King — and though you are the Crown Prince — but you 
 lie, sir, you lie ! 
 
 Hred. Examine the persons of the chateau, they will corroborate my 
 words, they will testify that they attacked me, that I defended myself, 
 that in the struggle I was thrown down, and, it is more than likely, 
 they will find, or have found, my lieutenant's epaulette, which was torn 
 off in the encounter, and which I have lost. 
 
 Stumer. [Taking epaulette from his coat.] This epaulette! Was it 
 yours 1 
 
 Fred. How came it in your hands - 
 
 Sturner. Answer me. Was it yours 1 
 
 Fred. You see, sire, that I have spoken truth. One pardon or two 
 punishments — it is for you to choose 
 
 Stumer. [Aside.] 'Twas he ! the lover of the Countess — the Prince 
 Royal ! 
 
 King. Prince Frederick, your sword ! 
 
THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 29 
 
 Queen. [Agitated.'] But. sire, 
 
 [Frederick gives his sword to King. 
 King. General, he is your prisoner ! 
 Fred. Gustave, you will at least die in good company ! 
 
 TABLEAU. END OF ACT II. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Scene I. — A room in the citadel of Berlin — Gustave enters, (c.) at- 
 tended by officer of the Guards, who shuts gate and exits. — Table, stools 
 — Door, l. u. e. — door 2d entrance, r. — A gate with gratings at back. 
 Sentinel, on guard at back, seen through the grati?igs. — Window, i» 
 
 . 2d Entrance. 
 
 Gus. [Throwing his cloak and cap on table.'] Frederick, to betray me 
 thus! Ah! base treachery ! I can scarcely credit the evidence of my 
 own senses — stiil the facts are there — the evidence is there — the court- 
 martial is in session but a few steps from this very spot, and he — he is 
 happy with his lovely bride. 
 
 Enter Officer at d. in f. 
 
 Officer. There is a man here, lieutenant, who says that ycu desire to 
 
 see him, and that he'is authorized to 
 
 Gus, Yes, yes, I know — let him come in. 
 Officer. Come in, my boy. 
 
 Enter Jean. 
 
 Jean. There, did I not tell you I was expected here! and besides, 
 haven't I got a permission 1 
 
 Gas. [Going up to meet him.] I thank you for the haste with which 
 you answered my summons. I have a little service to ask of you, and 
 I think I may reckon on your kindness. 
 
 Jean. In life and death, lieutenant. Are you not the intimate friend 
 of the prince, the august godfather of my little Peter 1 But how comes 
 it, lieutenant, that you are here, in prison, and accused of desertion 1 — 
 But never mind how you came here, you shall not stay here, for I am 
 ready to swear that you are not a deserter. You were only taking a 
 ride on horseback, that is all. Did not I myself lend you my two horses 
 to go as far as the Chateau Rhinesburgh ? That's the whole story. I 
 have only to tell it and you'll be out of this ugly place in a jiffy. 
 
 Gus. My friend, you must take good care not to mention that fact to 
 any one. The service which I would ask of you is, to carry a letter 
 from me to that same chateau. 
 
 Jean. It is a good long walk, but never mind, I'll go, lieutenant. 
 Oh ! but I have not told you ^et the funniest part of the affair. You 
 must know that when your messenger came for me, a servant all cov- 
 ered with gold and silver lace, came to tell my wife, Christine, that she 
 
80 THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 
 
 was wanted immediately at the court. Ain't it funny? What can they 
 want with my Christine at court ? 
 
 Gus. Oh ! they have grand balls at the -court. 
 
 Jean. Do you, think they want my Christine to dance, then? 
 
 Gus. The mission I am going to send you on requires discretion, 
 precaution, and perhaps courage — the chateau is well guarded. Can 
 you muster resolution enough to serve me ? 
 
 Jean. I have told you already that you may depend on me to death, 
 for you are the friend of the prince, the august godfather of my little — 
 
 Gus. Speak not to me of the prince, 'twas he who betrayed me and 
 ordered my arrest. 
 
 Jean. He ! — Look here, lieutenant, all I have to say is, that it is im- 
 possible. 
 
 Gus. I wish it were. 
 Enter Frederick, in a military frock coat; four Soldiers also come 
 in, c. d. f. 
 
 Fred. I say, comrade, is there accommodation here for two? 
 
 Gus. 'Tis he. 
 
 Fred. Yes, it is I, my dear Gustave. I have had such beautiful 
 dreams about you ; but. my royal father turns the most beautiful dreams 
 to ugly nightmares ! 
 
 Gus. Allow me to thank you, prince, for the visit you deign to pay 
 • me in the place of my detention. 
 
 Ftcd. A visit? Not at all. I am here on a footing of perfect equal- 
 ity. I am a deserter, like you — a prisoner, like you ! 
 
 Jean. Ah, bosh ! 
 
 Gus. What say you ? 
 
 Fred. It is perfectly simple and natural. You sacrifice yourself for 
 me — we are taken in a trap — I see you on the point of falling under 
 the blows of three assassins — I have no power to save you but in one 
 way — I have no alternative — desperate cases require desperate remedies, 
 so I have you arrested as a deserter. But when I saw that I could not 
 bend the severity of the king, whose military discipline is stricter than 
 ever, that he obstinately refused to pardon you, I declared myself guilty 
 also,' and I asked to share your fate. 
 
 Gus. Ah, my prince! and I thought you had treacherously betrayed 
 me. Forgive me. 
 
 Fred. Everything must be shared in common between us — the heart,- 
 the epaulette, and the court-martial. 
 
 Gus. And this is the way you revenge yourself on an ungrateful 
 
 Jean. This is grand, magnificent, sublime ! Won't somebody take 
 me prisoner too? I declare myself a deserter from my mill, and stand 
 ready to take the consequences. I have lent my two horses, I have 
 assisted my prince to climb over the wall — I am one of the party — won't 
 somebody arrest me ? 
 
 Fred. Do you then feel so much like being shot? 
 
 Jean. What? — shot ! — will it go so far as'that? 
 
 Fred. Well, a court-martial at which his majesty assists, is no joke. 
 
 Jean. Oh ! by the way, Christine has been commanded to court. Do 
 you know, your highness, what they want with her there ? 
 
THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 31 
 
 Fred. Who knows 1 Perhaps as nurse to my first. The princess, my 
 future wife, feels very kindly towards her, and she is making up her 
 
 household. 
 
 Gus. Your wifel 
 
 Fred, Yes — 'tis true. You have not heard anything about it, poor 
 prisoner that you are. Yes, my dear boy, my wife, the princess, my 
 godwife, of Sans-Souci — Austria, the mill, all, all, are resolved into on e 
 and the same person. Do you understand ! No] Well, it is all trutfi 
 nevertheless. [SUs at table and takes pipe from his pocket- 
 
 Gus. How! Is it possible 1 
 
 Fred. So you understand me at last — I congratulate you ! 
 
 [Gustave 'sits at table, and commences to smoke with Frederic^. 
 
 Jean. The godmother of my little Peter ! Tol-de-rol-rol ! I'm in. 
 luck ! [Dances.] Oh, I beg pardon, your Royal Highness ; but ;}<">£• 
 sets my legs going, in spite of me. [Noise outsit. 
 
 Jean. Hush ! I hear something ! , 
 
 Chris. [Speaking outside.] Ah, here they are ! — it is all right ! 
 
 Fnter Christine, d. f. 
 
 Jean. Good gracious ! My wife ! 
 
 Fred. Bravo! Here is the old party of the mill! We only want 
 my godson, the jolly little Peter, to make it compfete ; not forgetting tny 
 lovely partner at the font. 
 
 Jean. [Aside. To Christine.] I say, Christine, what have you 
 been about at court ? 
 
 Chris. Don't be curious, little man. I may tell you all about it, by. 
 and-bye. [7b Fred.] Ah, Prince ! A person of high rank, and who 
 is very dear to you 
 
 Fred. Ah, Elizabeth- — you mean her, do you not? You have seen 
 her. I must kiss you for that. [Kisses Christine. 
 
 Jean. He kisses my wife ! What condescension ! 
 
 Chris. She sends me here to tell you not to give way to despair. 
 She is always thinking of you, and will leave nothing undone to pro- 
 cure your speedy pardon. 
 
 Fred. Despair ! She does not know me ! I am a philosopher. 
 Come, my friend Jean, now is the time for you to win distinction. I 
 hereby appoint you commissary-general, with full power to ransack the 
 pantry, cellar, and larder of this establishment, and to bring hither any- 
 thing eatable or drinkable that you may be able to lay hands upon. The 
 king is kind enough to furnish us with lodgings, and, by the bones of 
 my ancestors, he must also furnish us with board ! 
 
 Chris. The queen, your highness, has not overlooked that, and has 
 provided against the chance of starvation. See! Here comes your 
 dinner, even now 1 
 
 [Turnkey opens grating at back, and enters, with servants, bearing 
 provisions, wine, <fyc. They place table, put the provisions, cj-c, 
 upon it, and exit n. in f. 
 
 Fred. Well, we can do ample justice to this, at any rate. Let us 
 throw melancholy to the dogs, dear Gustave ; s-he is a wretched, slow 
 
.32 THE LOVE OF A PRINCE, 
 
 companion ! Come, let us fall to. Vive le joie I And let us drink a 
 bumper to Liberty ! 
 
 [Frederick and Gustave sit at table, while Jean and Christine 
 wait upon them. 
 
 Gus. Liberty, like love, is but a dream 1 The court-martial is in 
 session, even now, in the next room. 
 
 Fred. So much the better. Let us upset their deliberations by the 
 clink of our glasses. Jean, fill my glass ! Here's to the health of the 
 Court-martial ! [Brinks. 
 
 Gus. Had it not been for my folly, we should not have been placed 
 in this situation. Knowing, as I did, the severity of the king, I should 
 have checked, and not encouraged, your mad impulse. 
 
 Fred. [Offering to Jill Gustave's glass.'] It is no use to deplore the 
 past. Come, man — Tokay ! My dear fellow, a true philosopher looks 
 Upon a prison as the home of rest and meditation. 
 
 Jean. [Aside J By Heavens, Christine, he swallows tokay as though 
 he were drinking small beer. 
 
 Fred. Come, let us drink ! [Drum heard outside. 
 
 Chris. The General ! 
 
 Officer appears at door. 
 
 Officer. The General is coming up stairs ! 
 
 Fred. Oh, ho ! Perhaps he comes to examine us ! 
 
 Gus. I had rather not appear in his presence. 
 
 Fred. Faith, I neither ! 
 
 Gus. Let us get out of the way. 
 
 Fred. Not till we have another bumper ! [Fills glass, and drinks.]' 
 To the health of the General! Come, Gustave, cheer up! We are not 
 shot yet! [Goes off] with Gustave Door, l. u. e. 
 
 Enter General Sturner, d. in f. 
 
 Stumer. Where are the prisoners 1 
 
 Jean. [Pointing to door.] They are there, General ! 
 
 Sturner. [Pushing Christine, who has placed herself before the table, 
 so as to hide it on the entrance of the General. Aside.'] It seems these 
 gentlemen have not forgotten how to enjoy themselves in their im- 
 prisonment ! 
 
 Chris. [Taking up a bottle.] Yes ! You see, there is not a drop left 
 in the bottles. 
 
 Enter Servants, who clear off table, place pens, ink, and paper upon 
 it, and exit, d. in f. 
 
 Sturner. [Aside.] What reckless folly! [To Jean and Christine,] 
 Leave me. [Exit Jean and Christine. 
 
 I was wrong, to leave the court-martial ! It was an act of weakness. 
 But my emotion was too great — it would have betrayed me ! I form a 
 thousand projects, which my reason rejects! Speak to him? The 
 moment is inopportune, and it is beneath my dignity ! My position is 
 a cruel one ! My sufferings are too great, and too long ! I would 
 prefer a bullet through my heart 
 
THE LOVE OP A PRINCE. 83 
 
 Enter Baron, with paper in his hand. 
 
 Baron The court has risen, General. I was anxious concerning 
 your indisposition, and I have taken the liberty of seeking you. 
 
 Stumer What is the verdict ? 
 
 Baron. Lieutenant Gustave has been found guilty of desertion by a 
 majority. . 
 
 Stumer. {Excited.] And Frederick'? < 
 
 fiaron. Knowing the great interest you have always felt for our 
 
 y °S Jr." Yes, yes, I feel much interested in him. [Sarcastically. 
 
 Baron. I thought you would be pleased to hear the decision oi the 
 court in his case. 
 
 Stumer. Well, well, what is it 1 . 
 
 [Snatfc/ies paper from. Baron, awrf s^^'s a< wow. 
 
 £arorc. Three are for acquittal, and three for a verdict of guilty. 
 
 Stumer. What do you say \ 
 
 Baron. His fate depends on you 1 . 
 
 fifofttfr. I hold, then, his life in my hands! By a single word 
 written upon this paper, I can condemn, or absolve {Reading paper] 
 "Is the Prince Charles Frederick of Prussia guilty of desertion \ 
 \ Aside ] A deserter ! No, he is no deserter ! I know better ! 
 
 Baron. You hesitate— your hand trembles ! ^ 
 
 Stumer. I hesitate no longer. [ Writing.] « iVo* gunty. _ 
 
 Jfartm. [Seizing paper, joyfully.1 Thank God, the Prince is saved. 
 
 Sterner 1 [Asidl, risin,.] No, he is not guilty of desertion. His crime 
 is not against the state, but against my heart. His punishment, then, 
 
 be 2W*! I must fly, to carry these joyful tidings to the Queen-ano- - 
 ther opportunity to insure the possession of my golden key ^ ot ng, 
 and seeing the agitation of Sturner, returns.] But what is the matter, 
 General ? you seem ill ; you can scarcely stand. 
 
 Stumer. [Sinking on a stool.] My sufferings are intense. 
 
 Baron. I understand your emotion. [Aside.] What an excellent man , 
 the mere thought that any harm could come to our young Prince quite 
 overwhelms him. 
 
 Stumer. Take me hence— anywhere— away -from here. 
 
 Baron. Lean on me ! 
 
 [Exit, supporting Sturner.— Frederick peeps out of door, l. u. e. 
 then comes on, followed by Gustave. 
 Gus. No one here 1 
 
 Fred. Not even a cat ! „, . . . 
 
 Gus. I am not superstitious ; but this apparition of the General, in 
 our orison, looks ominous. 
 
 i4*. I think just the contrary. Why should he have left the court- 
 martial and come here, if not to bring us hope A 
 
 Gus. Do not think it. For me, at least, there is no hope. [Goes to 
 table~\ With your permission, I would write a few lines here. 
 
 Fred. There you go again, giving way to those gloomy thou gats ; but 
 write away, my boy— write as much as you please. Go, and write a 
 2* 
 
84 • THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 
 
 sentimental sonnet to your ladylove ; as for me, I shall yield up my 
 thoughts to my dear Elizabeth ! 
 
 Gits. [At table.] I would, at least, do all I can to relieve her of anxiety 
 in regard to my fate. The events of that fatal night must have shocked 
 her beyond endurance. 
 
 Fred. {Sitting at table.] "Well, I shall not attempt to write sonnets, 
 but seek for consolation in this flute of mine. 
 
 [Takes flute from pocket, and plays a bar or tioo. The King enters, 
 unobserved, his guard remaining outside, and stands, observ- 
 ing. 
 
 Gus. If you play the flute, I shall not be able to write. 
 
 Fred. Well. [Rising and seeing the King.] The King. [Aside.'] I 
 must conceal my orchestra. [Puts flute behind him. 
 
 Gus. The King! [Going.] Sire I— 
 
 King. Stay, sir— stay ; do not incommode yourself. 
 
 Fred. Will you take a seat, sire 1 I hope you will excuse the modesty 
 of our furniture — we did not expect royal visitors 
 
 King. I come not as a visitor, but to see for myself, what is going on 
 here. 
 
 Fred. [Aside.'] The King is on his beat, eh 1 This is just his way. 
 
 King. [Looking round apartment.] Umph ! Have you any women 
 here? 
 
 Gus. Sire 
 
 Fred. We do not indulge in such luxuries, sire. They comprise no 
 part of our prison fare. 
 
 King. Still, sir, a woman has been here. T know it. I know, also, 
 that through the weakness of a person who has no regard for military 
 discipline, you have been enabled to hold an orgie here. 
 
 Fred. The penalty of desertion, I know. Your majesty may shoot 
 us, but you would not starve us'to death. While we live, let us live ! 
 
 King. [Aside.] Confound his wit ! This is a prison, sir, not a tavern ; 
 and by the rules of the prison, what business have you both in the same 
 apartment 1 But what were you doing 1 
 
 Fred. Well, we do as well as we can. Like true philosophers, we try 
 to make the best of our situation. 
 
 King. You were playing the flute. [Going to Frederick ] What are 
 you hiding so carefully '! [Seeing flute.] A flute — umph! bah! with a 
 sentence of death hanging over your head, you play the flute ! 
 
 Fred. That was the pastime of Apollo when he tended sheep. I do 
 not consider myself better than Apollo, though he was not of the house 
 of Bradenburgh. 
 
 King. [Going to Gustave.] And you, sir, what were you doing 1 
 
 Gus. Sire, I was writing to — to — my — my sister. 
 
 [Queen appears at back. 
 
 King. Well, sir, you can put in a postscript that you are to be shot 
 on the parade ground, at ten o'clock^ 
 
 Fred, and Gus. Shot ! 
 
 Gus. I obey, sire. [ Writes. 
 
 King. [To Frederick.] And you, sir — go and play the flute. 
 
 [King, going out, meets the Queen. 
 
THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 35 
 
 King. [Surprised.] You here, madam 1 
 
 Queen. You should not be surprised it" when severity departs indul- 
 gence takes its place. 
 
 King. I cannot blame the motive which brings you" here ; but, per- 
 haps, you may show too much solicitude, and you fail in proper respect 
 to me in acting thus without consulting me. 
 
 Queen. Why should I consult with you 1 can such a mission require 
 your consent I and if I had asked it, could you have refused me'! The 
 mother of a soldier comes to see her son in prison. Should I be deprived 
 of this painful privilege because I am the wife of the King of Prussia, 
 and the sister of the King of England 1 
 
 King. Kindness, clemency, weakness — these in your eyes are the 
 only royal virtues. If women reigned, things would come to a pretty 
 pass, and sceptres would soon become distaffs. Who the devil can 
 manage a country whose queen reasons like a lawyer, and whose princes 
 play upon the flute ^ Ah, bah ! [Exit d. in F. 
 
 Fred. Condemned — he ! and I the most guilty of the two ! 
 
 Queen. My poor children, my sympathies are for both alike. 
 
 Fred. [Going to Queen.] ,Oh, my mother, I thank you for those 
 words. 
 
 Queen. [Giving her hand to Gu stave, who hisses it with emotion. ] 
 Brave Gustave, we are already old friends. 
 
 Gus. Your majesty does me too much honor by remembering it. 
 
 Queen. The heart never forgets, my friend. 
 
 Gus. I suppose your majesty wishes to speak with the Prince, alone. 
 I beg leave to-retire. 
 
 Queen. Yes. my dear Gustave. Go — go ! 
 
 [Gustave bows, and exit, door, l. u. e. 
 
 Queen Frederick, my son, we must save him ! 
 
 Fred. Save him, dear mother! Wo must — we will ! When one has 
 a heart — but twenty years old — and a mother like you — he does not per- 
 mit his friend to die. Is it not so 1 Did not you, yourself, dear mother, 
 tell me, I should never have so loyal and devoted a friend as Gustave ? 
 
 Queen. Listen, my son, and judge for yourself. Some ten years 
 since, the voice of calumny attached itself to my name, and reached the 
 ears of the king. One day he stood before me, holding in his hand a let- 
 ter. He loaded me with reproaches — and, in his fury, he raised his 
 cane, as if to strike me — me, his queen ! — thy mother ! 
 
 Fred. [Throwing himself at her feet.'] My mother-^-my poor mother ! 
 
 Queen. One of my pages heard the cry the outrage wrung from my 
 lips, sprang forward, and arrested the arm of the king, whose wrath 
 blinding him, he struck the poor child a blow, inflicting a ghastly wound 
 — and then, ashamed of his violence, rushed away. The child fell, pale, 
 inanimate. I raised him on my knees, and, while I staunched his flow- 
 ing blood, I exclaimed, " My God, he is dying !" " Dying," answered a 
 weak voice — ;< dying, but for you — to save my queen from outrage." 
 That child — so noble — so devoted —was Count Gustave. 
 
 Fred. Oh, it was he ! It was he ! 
 
 Queen. It has cost me much pain to make this sad avowal to you, my 
 son — but I wished you to know" why I have so often told you to prize 
 
86 THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 
 
 his friendship and to love him well. To-day — there is no time to lose — 
 he must be saved to-day. I will throw myself at the feet of the king-. 
 I will call to his mind that terrible scene, upon which we have never 
 spoken since. 
 
 Fred. Oh, my mother !— -you raise my drooping heart. Save my 
 friend. Oh, save Gustave ! 
 
 Queen. Depend upon me. He must, he shall be saved. 
 
 [Exit Queex, c. d. in p. 
 
 Gustave entering, and sitting on scoot. 
 
 Fred. [Not seeing Gustave.] He has protected my mother — and 
 shall he die, because he has exposed his life for me'? No, no. it shall 
 not be. [Turning, and seeing Gustave.] Gustave — my good Gustave! 
 
 [Embracing him. 
 
 Gus. Why this emotion 1 What has happened. Prince '' 
 
 Fred. Happened '! The matter with me '! Nothing. 
 
 Gus. Nothing? — and these tears? 
 
 Fred. Tears'! Nonsense! What an idea! [Looking at. and point- 
 ing to scar in Gustave's forehead] You have a scar upon your fore- 
 head, dear Gustave ! A sabre cut ' 
 
 Gus. Yes — yes — precisely. 
 
 Fred. A duel, perhaps ! 
 
 Gus. With a friend. But, Prince, why 1 
 
 Fred. Gustave, let me kiss that scar ! [Kisses forehead of Gustave. 
 
 Gus. Why this emotion ? What do you do 1 
 
 Fred. I pay homage and reverence to a brave soldier's courage. 
 
 Gus. This scar is Pshaw ! 'tis nothing. It's cause long since 
 
 forgotten ! 
 
 Fred. Gustave — Gustave, 'tis false ! You would deceive my grate- 
 ful heart, which longs to pay with all its blood, the blood you shed to 
 save my mother's honor ! 
 
 Gus. How ] Then you know 1 The queen has told you ? 
 
 Fred. I know that I dearly love brave, noble, generous Gustave — and 
 that is all. 
 
 Enter Elizabeth, Christine, and Jean. Elizabeth gives paper to 
 Officer, who comes in with them. 
 
 Eliz. We come to restore the Prince to liberty. I bring the order 
 for his release, signed by General Stumer himself. 
 
 Fred. [Going to her.) You here 1 You, to bring me liberty, and the 
 light of your dear smile 'I A double happiness ! 
 
 Chris. What a dear little duck he is ! I am madly in love with 
 him ! 
 
 Gus. [Giving Jean a letter.'] You will keep your promise 1 ? 
 
 Jean. You may depend upon it, good lieutenant. 
 
 Gus. [Giving purse.] Take this. 
 
 Jean. Fie ! Do you think such services can be paid with money ? 
 
 Gus. My poor friend, I shall soon require none. 
 
 Eliz. Yes, Prince — yes, your liberty ■ 
 
 Fred. And Gustave's, too — is it not so 1 
 
THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 87 
 
 Eliz. I cannot answer that — but you must leave this place at once. 
 The Queen awaits you anxiously, to decide upon the surest way to save 
 him. 
 
 Fred. The surest way, do you say ? Nothing is so sure as the mili- 
 tary justice of the king. 
 
 Servant enters with Frederick's cloak, hat, and sword. 
 
 Fred. [Seeing- him.'] I have an idea. The most simple means are 
 always the most safe, because they excite no suspicion. Evening is 
 approaching, and we must profit by it. \_To Gustave.] Take you my 
 cloak, my hat, and sword. Lose not a moment. 
 
 [Puts cloak and hat on Gustave. 
 
 Eliz. Ha ! I see it all. 'Tis the only chance. But, haste, haste ! 
 or it will be too late. 
 
 Gus. What, would you have me 
 
 Fred. I would have you free. You must leave Berlin within the 
 hour. 
 
 Eliz. At the foot the steps of the citadel stands the private carriage 
 of the Queen. 
 
 Fred. Bravo, the very thing. [To Jean and Chris.] To you I con- 
 fide his safety. Fly with the speed of the wind towards Potsdam. 
 Go, lose no time in words, go — but stop — some signal — something that 
 will apprise me of his safety. 
 
 Jean. A pistol shot '? 
 
 Fred. No, 'twill make too much noise. 
 
 Chris. A song 1 
 
 Fred. That will do, a song, on the Parade ground. I can recognize 
 your voice. Now be off, away at once. 
 
 [ The stage has grown quite dark, by degrees. As Fred, is pushing 
 Gustave, 4-c. off, c. d. in p., the Baron, accompanied by a file of 
 soldiers, bearing torches, appears. 
 
 Fred. Confusion, the Baron! That man is always in the way ! 
 
 [Puts en Gu stave's cloak from off stool. 
 
 Chris. Silence ! 
 
 Eliz. Unlucky accident ! 
 
 Jean. I could break his stupid head ! 
 
 Baron. [To Officer.] Yes. Captain, it is the King's express order 
 touching Lieutenant Gustave. I do not know the contents of the 
 paper. [Officer takes paper from Baron. 
 
 Officer. I will read and learn the will of his majesty. 
 
 Baron. [Coming in through door, c] Prince, your servant. 
 
 [Elizabeth springs before Gustave, r., while Christine steps be- 
 fore Fred., l. 
 
 Baron. [Observing the action o/'Elizabeth and Christine.] There 
 is some mystery here. It is singular. [To Gustave.] Prince, your 
 august father has been kind enough to charge me with — 
 <* Fred. [Joyfully and aside.] Joy, joy, the old fox will fall into the 
 trap — 
 
 Baron. [Discovering his mistake.] Hah ! I've made a mistake — this is 
 not the Prince. 
 
OO THE LOVE OF A PRINCE* 
 
 Gus. 'Tis true, I am not the Prince ; denounce me if you will, per- 
 haps a reward is promised you — 
 
 Baron. '[Indignantly .] A reward ! 
 
 Eliz. In Austria the duties you perform, Monsieur le Baron, would 
 be left to the common thief-taker, not confided to the chamberlain, who 
 should be a gentleman. 
 
 Baron. Um — ha — I do not understand you, madame ! 
 
 Fred. Yes, it is a shame to Germany when a nobleman carries his 
 servility sa far as to degrade himself to a spy ! 
 
 Baron. Spy ! I a spy? Ah, Prince, after such a word — 
 
 Fred. One submits to its shame, or proudly justifies the act which 
 calls it forth. 
 
 Baron. [Proudly*] No, your highness, one revenges one's self! 
 
 Fred. How ! 
 
 Baron. Yes, revenge is the only recompense for such a word. 
 Come, sir! 
 
 Fred. What are you going to do? 
 
 Baron. To take him away. 
 
 Eliz. To die, perhaps ? 
 
 Baron. [To Frederick.] Sir, you must go with me. [Officer comes 
 in. Baron seeing him, raises his voice. To Gustave.] Come, my 
 Prince, the Queen, your mother expects you at the palace. 
 
 Fred. [Aside Jo Baron.] Ah, Baron, forgive me. It is you, you 
 who save my friend. 
 
 Baron. 'Tis not so bad for a spy, is it ! 
 
 Fred Thanks, thanks ! 
 
 Gus. [To Baron as they are going up.~\ But the Princel 
 
 Baron. [To Gustave.] Cover yourself well, your highness, it is a 
 bitter cold evening. 
 
 [Draws cloak round Gustave, so as to disguise him the more from 
 Officers and Guards. 
 
 Officer. [At back showing paper to soldiers.'] By the order of the King, 
 Lieutenant Gustave, prepare to die within an hour. 
 
 Fred. [Aside to Chris, as she comes up with others.] Do not forget 
 the signal ! 
 
 Tableau 
 
 Scene II. — Ante-room of the King's Council Chamber — Table, a., with 
 writing materials, lighted chandelier, couches, chairs, sofa, u.—Door, c. 
 — Doors, r. andh. 
 
 At change, enter Gustave, preceded by the Baron. 
 
 Baron. "Well, here we are, at last, in the very cabinet of the king — 
 in the very face of danger. You ought to be satisfied. As for me, I 
 should like to understand something of your reasons for coming : for 
 the fact of your insisting upon returning to the palace, instead of mak- 
 ing your escape, is very much like throwing one's self into the sea to 
 escape drowning. Excuse this aquatic comparison ; for I have no de- 
 sire to throw cold water upon your hopes, if you have any. 
 
THE LOVE OP A PRINCE. 39 
 
 Gus. I could not act otherwise than I have. [Aside.] He must • 
 know nothing of my secret. 
 . Baron. Wei], so long as it turns out well, it is a matter of the most 
 perfect indifference to me, provided I do not lose my— -—-[Listening,] 
 Some one comes ! — conceal yourself! — it is the Queen ! 
 
 Gus. Conceal myself? On the contrary, she must see me. Is she 
 not my truest friend? [Aside.] From li«r I shall learn all that I ought 
 and must know. 
 
 Enter Queen and Elizabeth, o. 
 Queen. What do I see 7 You, Gustavo? And here '! 
 Gus. Ay ! — here. Here, at your feet, quite overpowered with re- 
 spect and gratitude ! 
 
 Eliz. But you are in greater peril than ever. What madness has 
 brought you to the palace '! 
 
 Gus. No madness, madam ; but my stern, imperative duty. 
 Eliz. Your duty V 
 
 Baron. [Aside.] Here's a novel idea, indeed ! 
 
 Queen. And my son — what has become of him 1 Where did you 
 leave him 1 
 
 Gus. It is on his account that I am here, your Majesty. 'Tis true, 
 in the first moment of joy, caused by the removal of the threatened im- 
 minence of an ignominious death, I accepted the escape offered me by 
 the friendship of Frederick ; but scarcely had the last bar between me 
 and liberty been passed, when I was seized by remorse, and I asked 
 myself whether I had the right to save my own life, by exposing that of 
 the son of my king. 
 
 Queen. Expose his life 1 How expose? What mean you? 
 Gus. I say, madam, that the king, in one of those sudden fits of 
 anger, in which his wrath knows no reason, might have visited on the 
 unhappy Prince the punishment reserved for me. When I thought of 
 this, I ag«in became myself. What, to me, were life — liberty ? I only 
 thought of the danger which threatened the heir to the crown — your 
 son, my own dear friend. I came here at once, to place my fate again 
 in the hands of the king. 
 
 Eliz. You have acted nobly ! 
 
 Baron. [Aside.] Yes, it is all very fine ; but I am in a nice situation. 
 It is all up with my golden key now. 
 
 Eliz. But we will save you — shall we not, madam 1 Yes, yes ; we 
 will intercede in your favor. 
 
 Baron. Yes, yes ; we will intercede in our favor. 
 Eliz. And something tells me that we shall succeed. 
 Queen. I scarcely dare to hope — : nor, Gustave, would I have you 
 cherish hopes, that you may never realize. Alas ! I feel a strange 
 presentiment ! a vague uneasiness ! By chance, just now, I met 
 General Sturner, seeking an interview with the king. He appeared 
 stern and revengeful. He saluted me with constraint. His looks 
 frightened me. 
 
 Gus. [Aside.'] The General ? 
 
 King. [Speaking outside.] What, the Prince here I 
 
 Queen. The king comes. Away, at once ! 
 
40 THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 
 
 Gus. But, madam—-— 
 
 Queen. [ Going to him, and leading him to the door.] Nay, not a word. 
 At once, away ! [Exit Gustave. 
 
 Enter Kino and General Stubner. 
 
 Baron. [Aside.] I think this is an eligible opportunity for me to 
 retire. [Going. 
 
 King. [Stopping him.] Stay! 
 
 Baron. [Bowing.] I obey, sire, with enthusiasm ! 
 
 Stumer. [Aside.] I shall now learn whether the justice of the king 
 is the same for all. 
 
 King. [Sits at table. To the Queen.] What is this, madam, that I 
 hear ? Pretty news, indeed ! Scarcely free from one disgrace, your son, 
 again, incurs my just displeasure. He has been guilty of insulting our 
 friend and brother in arms 1 — him to whom he owes his life ! — yes, his 
 life ! But for the mercy of General Stumer, the verdict of the court- 
 martial would have been against him — he would have been condemned 
 to death — from which the king would not have saved him ! 
 
 Queen. Oh, sire, sire ! 
 
 King. Speak, General ! — speak, as it becomes a man whose honor 
 has been outraged — speak, as becomes a brave and faithful soldier ! — 
 speak, before her, his mother, and before his affianced wife ! Speak — 
 I command you ! ' 
 
 Stumer. By the permission of your Majesty, and with due re- 
 spect to my honored Queen, I will speak. A man has intruded upon 
 the eanctity of my home — covertly, secretly — in the night — like an 
 assassin. But, though he did no murder, he has done worse — he has 
 robbed me of my honor, and stolen from me the affections of my wife ! 
 Tell me not, that, as a soldier, I am his superior in rank ; and, as a pri- 
 vate citizen, I am his subject ! The outrage he has inflicted upon me, 
 breaks down all such barriers ; and the justice of the King will make 
 us equals. 
 
 Gus. [Coming on, suddenly, from door, r.] General, you are mis- 
 taken ! Learn to place the blame where it belongs. 'Tis not the 
 Prince, but I ! — I, Lieutenant Gustave — 'gainst whom your sword 
 should point ! 
 
 Stumer. How ? You ! 
 
 King. You 1 
 
 Stumer. {Contemptuously.] How long is it since the Prince Royal 
 imposed upon his friend the task of answering for his offences ] 
 
 King. [Sternly.] General Stumer ! 
 
 Gus. [ repeat it, sir, 'twas I. 
 
 King. Silence, sir ! I will soon know the truth of this, — thanks to 
 the orders 1 nave given. 
 
 Enter Officer, bringing in Jean. 
 
 Officer. Sire!^ 
 
 King. What is it ] Who have you here] 
 
 Officer. Here is the man you ordered me to arrest at the chateau of 
 General Sturner. This letter [Giving letter.] I found, your Majesty, 
 in his possession. 
 
THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 41 
 
 Jean. [Aside.] Good-bye, everybody — I am regularly in for it now. 
 What will become of my poor fat little Peter 1 
 
 King. Ha ! this letter is addressed to the Countess. [To Officer.] 
 Retire ! [Exit Officer, c. 
 
 Stumer. Your Majesty ! To my wife 1 
 
 [King gives Sturner the letter, which he opens and looks over. 
 'Tis signed, " Count -Gustave." He spoke the truth — then, it was not 
 the Prince. 
 
 Gus. Read, sir, — read. 
 
 King. [To Sturner.] Read it, sir. 
 
 Stumer. [Reading ] " Louise, — the King is inexorable. I shall be 
 shot within an hour !"' 
 
 King. [To Gustave.] But that is the letter which you informed me 
 you were writing to your sister. 
 
 Sturner. Rather to his accomplice — to his mistress ! 
 . Gus. General, I beseech you, read — read on. 
 
 Stumer. [Reading.'] '' At this solemn moment — I bless you, who 
 have frowned upon my guilty hopes, and have never given me more 
 than the friendship of a sister. [ With emotion.] Thanks to you, then, 
 Louise, I die without remorse, and you can live without shame in the 
 presence of the man upon whose name you shed so bright a lustre."— 
 Thank God ! thank God 1 Oh, Louise ! Louise ! how 1 have wronged 
 you ! Would that 3^011 were here to pardon me. 
 
 Enter Louise suddenly, from door l., followed by Christine. 
 
 Louise. I am here, dear General. 
 
 Sturner. How can I look you in the face, after the vile doubts I have 
 entertained 1 
 
 Louise. Let. all be forgotten, as it is forgiven. The fault was mine. 
 I have been to blame, and to my imprudence must be attributed your 
 wretchedness and my shame. Before we met, dear General, Lieutenant 
 Gustave and myself had known each other long. He loved me,' — and 
 my young heait responded to his hopes. Circumstances forbade our 
 union, and unto you my hand was given/ That all at once, we could 
 not pluck from our hearts the hopes and feelings that had there sprung 
 up, was not our fault, nor did it make, for you, dishonor. Perhaps 
 'twas wrong for me, my hand once given to another, to see him — listen 
 to him. It was, it was ; — but in the act there came no thought of dis- 
 respect to you — no wish to cast a shadow on the name which you had 
 given me. Upon that fatal night, Gustave had come to bid farewell to 
 me forever, and, but for the doubts which you displayed, the fear I 
 entertained of your displeasure — I should have told you all before. 
 Forgive me that I did not ; and believe your wife respects herself, her 
 honor and her husband too much to sacrifice the one, or bring disgrace 
 upon the other. 
 
 Sturner. Forgive me, dear Louise. I have been blind, but henceforth 
 no doubt of you shall cross my mind. [They embrace. 
 
 King. That's right. Umph ! Well, General, I suppose you are 
 equally Teady to make peace with the Lieutenant, too — but, by the 
 blood of my ancestors, sir, [To Gustave.] how is this! — what do you 
 
42 THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 
 
 here, in the palace, when by this time you ought to be shot, according 
 to my orders '! How the devil did you escape, sir ! 
 
 Gus. By the aid of the Prince's cloak. 
 
 King. [Shocked.] And the Prince 1 
 
 Gus, Remains in prison in my place. 
 
 King. In your place 1 Oh ! 
 
 Queen. What is the matter, sire] 
 
 King. The matter, madame ! the matter is that I have sent orders to 
 have the prisoner shot, and the prisoner is 
 
 Queen. My son ! [Sinks in the arms of Elizabeth. 
 
 KHz. The Prince. Alas, alas! 
 
 King. [To Elizabeth.] Attend to her. Assure her that no harm 
 can befall her son. Would I not be anxious if it were so 1 [Becoming 
 more and more uneasy.'] They will bo sure to recognize him. They will 
 
 discover the mistake They will never Ah, come ! — This is some 
 
 trick you are playing upon my heart. It is. -Come, own it, now. But 
 
 you must know that heart is inflexible, inexorable — and that But, 
 
 my God ! should it be true ! Such a thing might happen, in the obscu- 
 rity of the night — and my soldiers have been taught such blind obedi- 
 ence, they would not hesitate to shoot their king, were he to command 
 them. Go at once. Let the execution be suspended. Tell them I 
 pardon him. Away, at once — it will be too late ! 
 
 Baron rushes to the door, where lie is met by Frederick, Pages, 
 and Officers. The Queen perceives him, and is about to rvsh to 
 him, when Frederick makes a sign, which restrains her. Fred- 
 erick remains up the stage. 
 
 King. [Not having perceived Frederick and the others.] Why do you 
 not fly 1 He will be lost. Nay, stay. To prevent even the possibility 
 of a misunderstanding, I will write it. 'Tis true, I am a King, but am 
 I not a father, also 1 [ Writing rapidly.] "Pardon!" Signed, "The 
 King." 
 
 [King holds out paper behind him. Frederick rushes forward, 
 and seizes it. 
 
 Fred. Thank you, father. 
 
 King. [Seeing him — joyfully.] Ha, ha, ha ! [Embracing Frederick, 
 and then pushing him off.] What does this mean, sirrah 1 What do you, 
 here? Ah, my son ! There, he is again my son ! 
 
 Fred. [Falling on his knee.] My father ! 
 
 King. [Moved again ] You have caused your father much anxiety — 
 and the Queen — see to what a condition your folly has brought her. 
 She weeps ! [Frederick rises, and embraces the Queen. 
 
 Queen. Ah, my son ! my dear son ! Thank God, I see you safe ! 
 
 King. But, after all, I see my orders have not been executed. 
 
 Fred. On the contrary, sire — I assure you, they have been obeyed to 
 thevery letter. You shall judge. Closely enveloped in the cloak of 
 Gustave, there, and my cloak pulled down over my face, I passed 
 through the gate of that cursed prison. I expected to be put quietly 
 into a carriage, and conveyed to some out of the way place or other — 
 Spandau, Custrin, or some other silent retreat — where I should have an 
 opportunity of cultivating the arts, and studying philosophy, at my lei- 
 
THE LOVE OP A PRINCE. 43 
 
 sure. But, not at ali ! The carriage suddenly stops. Well, thought 
 I, the journey is a short one — where the deuce have they taken me 1 
 Raising my cap cautiously, so as not to be recognized, I discovered we 
 were on the parade ground. The night was black as pitch, when, sud- 
 denly, by the light of some torches, I perceived your majesty's grena- 
 diers drawn up in line, straight, motionless, like statues. What giants 
 they seemed. They never looked so tall before — ten feet, every man of 
 them, if they were an inch. The precautions which had been taken, 
 the crowd which had gathered, all seemed to portend an event of great 
 solemnity ; and I began to think that I had extricated my poor friend 
 Gustave out of a pretty bad scrape. Waiting for the signal, which 
 should have announced his deliverance, every second seemed to me to 
 be an hour. 
 
 Jean. The fog stuck in my throat, and choked me. 
 
 Fred. Philosopher, as I am, I did not relish the look of things at all 
 — when, all of a sudden, a battallion advances— tramp, tramp! — and 
 stopped within twelve paces of me. [Imitating roll of drum.'] The drums 
 began to roll ominously — it began to look serious, and the signal — the 
 signal did not come. The grenadiers make a movement — I hear the 
 click, click, of their ramrods, as they were loading their guns — and then, 
 if the truth must be told, I began to feel frightened. 
 
 Kino-. What ! Frightened, sir '' My son ? 
 
 Fred. [Coaxinghj.] And you, also, my father. 
 
 King. II 
 
 Fred. Yes, you, sire. Come, acknowledge the truth ! 
 
 King. Umph ! Well, well — go on ! 
 
 Fred. Then I hear, at a distance, a well known voice, singing — 
 [S^o-.s.] " When the King he goes a hunting.'''' Gustave is safe, cried 
 1 — and, throwing my cloak at the head of a corporal, I uncovered my- 
 self, politely saying, " Gentlemen, I salute you." The commandant, 
 recognizing me— astonished, confused — cried, in his turn, "'Soldiers, 
 recover arms! Carry arms! Present arms!" The soldiers became 
 excited — the crowd flock around me — shouts rend the air — caps are 
 waved, and the soldiers cry, "Long live the Prince!" Long live the 
 Prince — I ask nothing more, said I, just what I wish myself— long 
 live the Prince — and, to make the fun heartier, long live everybody! 
 Escorted by the whole population, to the very gate of the palace, I en- 
 tered it with a heart full of joy,: gratitude and hope — and here I am ! 
 But I must confess, I have had a pretty narrow escape. 
 
 Queen. My son was lost and. he is found. I forget all else, in the 
 joy of that one thought 
 
 King. But I do not forget all else, there is one here who must pay 
 for all. 
 
 Baron. [Aside.] That must be me. Oh, my — 
 
 Fred. Who, sire"? 
 
 King. [Pointing to Gustave.] He 
 
 Fred. Impossible, my father. 
 
 King. How, impossible. Why ? 
 
 Fred. Lieutenant Gustave has received the royal pardon. You cannot 
 
44 THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 
 
 gainsay that, for you have signed it, here it is. [To Gustave.] Come 
 and thank the King. [Gustave kneels at the King's feet. 
 
 King. [Raising him. ~\ Rise, sir. I confirm the pardon I have already 
 granted. I find that I have done you injustice, henceforth take the rank 
 of captain, and serve your King as you have served your friend. 
 
 Stumer. Gustave, give me your hand. From this time know me as 
 your friend. 
 
 Gus. The King's pardon, sir, would have been nothing without 
 yours. 
 
 [Sturner takes Gustave to Louise, and the three go up the stage 
 in conversation. 
 
 King. After all, the young dog has shown great energy and courage, 
 [To Fred.] I begin to hope, sir, you may make a soldier after all — 
 Hch! 
 
 Fred. Y'es, sir. 
 
 War is the greatness of a nation; at its birth 
 Maintains its rights, decides its moral worth, 
 When in the cause of right the sword's unsheathed, 
 Its blessing to posterity's bequeathed. 
 In peace prepare for war, that all may know, 
 We fear nor broils at home, nor foreign foe, 
 Be calm in battle and in victory great, 
 Perpetuate thus the glory of the state. 
 
 King, Bravo, superb ! And who is the poet, who has written such 
 fine things ! 
 
 Fred. It is I, sire. In my poem on " The art of War.''* 
 
 King. You, my son 1 You have written on the art of War 1 You 
 must print it. I subscribe beforehand for two copies. 
 
 Fred. The fortune of my publisher is made. 
 
 Baron. [Aside.} Two copies ! Who dares to say there is no profit 
 in working for the King of Prussia. 
 
 King. [Taking Elizabeth by the hand and leading her to Fred.] 
 My daughter, you came here to marry a sergeant, who knows but he 
 may turn out to be a great king. 
 
 Eliz. Let us hope so, sire. 
 
 Fred. Ah, dear one, I shall be content to reign sole sovereign of your 
 heart. But in my own happiness, I must not forget that of others. 
 Come here Jean and Christine. 
 
 [Jean and Christine approach Fred., bowing, $c. 
 You are an honest faithful pair, and I shall not forget that to the acci- 
 dental meeting at your mill, I am indebted for my present happiness. 
 Your welfare and that of the little Peter shall henceforth be my care-r- 
 and the pretty Christine here shall be nurse to our first — eh 1 
 
 Chris. You aie too good, my Prince — 
 
 Jean. A future King the godfather of my son, what a lucky infant 
 — but he always was so much like his father. 
 
 Baron. [Aside.] Now is the chance for me to secure forever the 
 possession of my golden key — [Approaching King.] Sire, may I hope 
 
THE LOVE OF A PRINCE. 45 
 
 that you will not overlook your faithful servant who wishes that from 
 your royal hand — the golden key, the symbol of my office — 
 
 King. Baron, you must wait ! 
 
 Baron. Sire, I shall wait with enthusiasm ! 
 
 Ki?ig. To morrow let the marriage ceremony take place, meanwhile, 
 let all be happy — not forgetting, that the rules of military discipline 
 must not be infringed upon. 
 
 Fred. [To audience.] Then while I wait for the dawning of that glory 
 of which my father dreams, let me limit the object of my present am- 
 bition to winning the smiles of the kind friends before me, so that I 
 may obtain your universal suffrage and receive at your hands my 
 crowning glory in your kind approval. 
 
 THE END. 
 
BROUGHAM'S 
 
 DRAMATIC 'WORKS; 
 
 CONSISTING OF A COLLECTION OF 
 
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 LOVE AND MURDER, POCAHONTAS, 
 
 DAVID COPPERFIELD, DOMBEY AND SON, 
 
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 PETITE COMEDIES, DRAMAS AND FARCES, 
 
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 No. 1 Contains, 
 Guy Fawkes, an " Historical Drama." 
 The Man With the Carpet Bag, " Farce. 
 White Horse of the Peppers, " Comic 
 
 Drama." 
 Mesmerism, "Petite Comedy," 
 And Twelve selected pieces. 
 
 No. 2 Contains, 
 Love and Jealousy, ''Tragedy." 
 ' The Irish Tutor, " Farce." 
 : Bombastes Furioso, '"Burlesque Opera." 
 Sylvester Daggerwocd, " Comic Inter- 
 lude." 
 School for Orators, "Original Comedy," 
 And Eighteen selected pieces. 
 Price per Number, Paper Covers, 25 Cents each. 
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 Publisher, 121 Nassau-street, New York. 
 IVE§€>W & PHIIIEf, 
 
 321 Broadway, New York. 
 
 Chicago, 111. 
 
[ Catalogue continued from second page of cover. ] 
 
 VOL. XVIII. 
 
 . Niffht and Morning, 
 . ^thinp, 
 
 . Three Guardsmen, 
 . Tom Crinple, 
 . HpnriettP,theForsak'n 
 . Eustarhe Bnuriin, 
 Ernest Maltravers, 
 . Bold Dragoons. 
 
 VOL. XVI. 
 
 121. The Tempest, 
 
 122. The Pilot, 
 
 123. Carpenter of Rouen, 
 
 124. King's Rival, 
 
 125. Little Treasure, 
 12f>. Pomby & Son, 
 
 127. Parents and Guardians, 
 
 128. Jewess. 
 
 VOL. XVII. 
 
 129. Camille 
 
 130. Married Life, 
 
 131. WenlorkofWenlock 
 
 132. Rose of Ettrickvale, 
 
 133. David Copperfirld, 
 
 134. Aline or the Rose of 
 
 135. Pauline, [Killarney, 
 
 136. Jane Eyre. 
 
 VOL. XIX. 
 
 145. Dred; ©r, the Dismal 
 
 Swamp. 
 
 146. Last I >ays of Pompeii. 
 147 Fsmeralda. 
 
 14*. Peter V\ ilkins. 
 149. Fen the Boatswain. 
 15D. Jonathan Bradford. 
 i51. Retribution. 
 152. Wineralli. 
 
 VOL. XX. 
 
 153. French Spy. 
 
 154. Wept of Wish-ton- 
 
 Wish. 
 
 155. Evil t.'enius. 
 
 156 Pen Holt. 
 
 157 Sailor of France. 
 
 158. Bed .Mask. 
 
 159. Life of an Actress. 
 ItiO. W edding Day. 
 
 VOL. XXI. 
 
 161 All's Fair in Love. 
 
 162. Rofer. 
 
 16:3. Self. 
 
 164. ( inderella. 
 
 115. Phantom. 
 
 166. Fran 1 - 1 in 
 
 167. The Gun Maker of 
 
 Moscow. 
 
 168. The Love of a Prince. 
 
 THE SPANISH WIFE; by Samuel M. Smuckkr, Esq., with a Portrait and Me- 
 moir of Lb WIN FORRLST. Price 12# cents. 
 
 THE OATH OF OFFICE by Charles James Cannon, Esq., with a Portrait of 
 the Author. Price 12>£ cents. 
 
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 TEN OF THE ABOVE PLAYS FOR $1 00. 
 
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 83^* All orders will receive prompt attention. 
 N. B. — A new play published every week. 
 
 S. FRENCH, 122 Nassau Street, up 
 
 , jst. r. 
 
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 money or stamps. 10 Plays sent by Express for $ 1 00. 
 
 1 
 
FRENCH'S Ml 
 
 Price 12^ Cents each- 
 
 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 VOL. 018 597 348 7 # 
 
 9. The Pride of theiaSrketT 
 
 10. Used Up, 
 
 11. The Irish Tutor, 
 J2. The Barrack Room, 
 
 13. Luke the Laborer, 
 
 14. Beautv and the Beast, 
 
 15. St. Patrick's Eve, 
 Captain of the Watch 
 
 With a Portrait and Memoi 
 of Miss C. WEMYSS. 
 
 VOL. V. 
 
 33. Cocknies in California, 
 
 34. Who Speaks First, ' 
 
 35. Bom hastes Furioso, 
 
 36. Macbeth Travestfe, 
 
 37. Irish Ambassador, 
 38- Delicate Ground, 
 
 K The Weathercock, 
 40 All that Glitters is not 
 
 Gold. 
 With a Portrait and Memoir 
 
 of W. A. GOODALL. 
 
 VOL. VIII. 
 
 57. Morning Call, 
 
 58. Popping the Question, 
 
 59. Deaf a« a Post, 
 ~~t. New Footman, 
 
 61. Pleasant Neighbor, 
 
 62. Paddy the Piper, 
 
 63. Bryan O'Lynn, 
 
 64. Irish Assurance. 
 
 177 Tne Secret, ■■■i 
 
 18. While Horse of the Pep- 
 
 19. The Jacobite, [pers, 
 
 20. The Bottle, 
 
 21. Box and Cox, 
 
 22. Bamboozling, 
 
 23. Widow's Victim, 
 
 24. Robert Macaire. 
 With a, Portrait, and Memoir 
 
 of Mr. F. S. CHANFRAU. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 1. The Irish Attorney, 
 
 2. Boots at the Swan, 
 
 3. How to pay the Rent, 
 
 4. The Loan of a Lover, 
 
 5. The Dead Shot, 
 
 6. His Last Legs, 
 
 7. The Invisible Prince, 
 
 8. The Golden Farmer. 
 With a Portrait and Memoir 
 
 of Mr. JOHN SEFTON. 
 
 VOL. IV. 
 
 25. Secret Service, 
 26 Omnibus, 
 
 27. Irish Lion, 
 
 28. MaidofCroissey/ 
 
 29. The Old Guard, 
 
 30. Raising the Wind, 
 
 31. Slasher and Crasher, 
 
 32. Naval Engagements. 
 With a Portrait and Memoir 
 
 of M.ssROSETELBLN. 
 
 VOL. VII. 
 
 49. Box and C<>x Married 
 50 St. Cupid, [and Settled, 
 
 51. Go to bed Tom, 
 
 52. The Lawyers, 
 
 53. J ick Pheppard, 
 
 54. The Toodles. 
 
 55. The Mobcap, 
 
 56. Ladies Beware. 
 With a Portrait and Memoir 
 
 of SOL SMITH. 
 
 VOL. X. 
 
 73. Ireland and America, 
 
 74. Pretty Piece of Business. 
 
 75. Irish Broom-maker, 
 
 76. To Parisand BackforjE5 
 
 77. That Blessed Baby, 
 
 78. Our Gal, 
 79.fSwi*s Cottage, 
 80. Young Widow. 
 
 VOL. XIII. 
 
 97. My Wife's Mirror. 
 
 98. Life in New York. 
 
 99. Middy Ashore. 
 
 100. Crown Prince. 
 
 101. Two Queens. 
 
 102. Thumping Legacy. 
 
 103. Unfinished Gentleman. 
 
 104. House Dog. 
 
 gj 3 American Plays 12% cents each. Sent by Mail on receipt of Price. 
 N. B.— A new Play "published every week. 
 
 S. FRENCH, 122 Nassau Street, New- York. 
 <HW See extract from new Postage Law, on preceeding page. 
 
 VOL. VI. 
 
 41. Grimshavv, Bagshaw, 
 and Bradshaw, 
 
 42. Bough Diamond, 
 
 43. Bloomer Costume, 
 
 44. Two Bon nyca sties, 
 
 45. Born to Good Luck, 
 
 46. Kiss in the Dark, 
 
 47. 'Twould Puzzle a Con- 
 
 48. Kill or Cure. [juror, 
 With a Portrait and Memoir 
 
 of F. M. KENT. 
 
 VOL. IX. 
 
 65. Temptation, 
 
 66. Paddy Carey, 
 
 67. Two Gregories, 
 
 68. King Charming, 
 
 69. Pocahontas, 
 
 70. Clockmaker's Hat, 
 71 Married Rake, 
 72. Love and Murder, t 
 
 VOL. XL 
 
 81. O'Flannigan and Fairies 
 
 82. Irish Post, 
 
 83. My Neighbor's Wife, 
 
 84. Irish Tiger. 
 
 85. P. P. or Man and Tiger, 
 
 86. To Oblice Benson, 
 State Secrets, 
 
 .88. Irish Yankee. 
 
 VOL. XIV. 
 
 105. The Demon Lover. 
 
 106. Matrimony. 
 
 107. In and Out of Place. 
 
 108. I Dine with my Mother. 
 Ki9. Hiawatha. 
 
 110. Andy Blake, 
 ill. Love in '76. 
 
 VOL. XII. 
 
 A Good Fellow, 
 Cherrv and Fair Star, 
 
 91. Gale Breezely, 
 
 92. Our Jemimv, 
 
 93. Miller's Maid, 
 
 94. Awkward Arrival, 
 
 95. Crossing the Line, 
 
 96. Conjugal Lesson.