Fritz.
I should think I did remember it.
Major(smiling).
And now, it seems to me, you have had some experience.
Fritz.
Oh, yes, there is no denying that.
Major(still smiling).
You have in the end had a so-called "passion," or are stuck in the middle of it; which of the two I don't know. Yet to judge from the discontinuance of your letters, the latter is the case.... Since we are here together as two men, I will not expostulate with you further.... You know perhaps the story of that abbé who, in society, once excused the absence of his bishop with the words: "Monseigneur est en retard à cause d'amour." To a certain extent, this holds good in every case.... But in spite of that, on your mother's account, don't do it again. That is my advice to you.... There! And now we'll enter at once upon the matter itself.... Just see, Frau von Lanski is, it will be admitted, a very charming woman, but----
Fritz(impetuously).
Father, how do you come to refer to Frau von Lanski?
Major.
There, there, there, only take it calmly, only take it calmly.... I know just what there is to know about such affairs, and I don't by any means wish to pry into your secrets ... But so far as the grand passion is concerned, be calm.... I can cure you again ... Be quite calm.
Fritz.
That I can well believe, father, if only you have the time necessary to do it.
Major(smiling).
Well, why haven't I?
Fritz.
Because, in twenty-four hours, I shall be a dead man.
Major.
(Springing up, and taking him by the shoulder.) Boy!
Fritz.
Father, I did not wish to tell anything. I came here only to take farewell of you in silence. But you have drawn it out of me, father.
Major(flying into a passion).
So, there's a scandal.... You had to carry it to the point of making a scandal--you damned fool! (More calmly.) Lanski has challenged you?
(Fritznods assent.)
Major.
Well, yes--and it is well known--Lanski is a dead shot. He is perhaps the best shot anywhere hereabouts.... But still your wrist is in good order. How can one throw the thing away like that? I have fought three duels, and two of them under difficult conditions--eh--and--there, see here! How can one say such a thing? How can one, man?
Fritz.
Father, the affair at this moment is in such a state that, after all, I don't know whether I shall be granted a duel!
Major(hoarsely).
I don't understand that, Fritz.
Fritz.
Then don't ask me!... I can't say it, father.... I had rather bite off my tongue. (Pauses.)
Major.
(Goes to the door on the left, opens it, looks out, and closes it again.) Now speak! (Wildly.) Speak or----
Fritz.
For me, father, there is no more any "or." ... Whether you turn me out or not, it is all the same.
Major(softly, grinding his teeth).
Do you wish to drive me mad, boy?
(Fritzcrying out).
He whipped me--across the courtyard--out into the street--whipped me like a beast!
Major(after a silence).
Where was your sabre? You could have run him through.
(Fritzsilent, with downcast eyes.)
Major.
Where was your sabre, I ask you?
Fritz.
It was--not--at hand, father.
Major.
It was not at hand.... Hm!... Now I understand it all. Surely there is nothing left to wish! And this catastrophe occurred when?
Fritz.
Yesterday evening, father!
Major.
At what time?
Fritz.
It was still--daylight!
Major.
Ha, ha!
Fritz.
Father, only don't laugh! Have pity on me!
Major.
Have you had pity on me?... Or on your mother? or on--on.... Just look, look about you ... All that was made for you!... All that was waiting for you.... For two centuries we Drosses have struggled and scraped together and fought with death and devil merely for you.... The house of Drosse was resting on your two shoulders, my son.... And you have let it fall into the mire, and now you would like to be pitied!
Fritz.
Dear father, listen.... Since you have known it, I am quite calm.... What you say is all very true, but I cannot bear the responsibility alone. Listen; when I came to you that time, on account of Agnes, my whole heart was attached to her. So far as I was concerned, other men's wives could go to the devil.
Major.
Did I drive you, then, after other men's wives?
Fritz.
Yes, father, otherwise what does that mean: "Get some experience, ripen, do as your father and grandfather did"?... In the regiment, they still call you the wild Drosse, and tales are still told of your former love adventures.... They tell some such stories even of a late date.... For my part, I had not the least taste for such diversions. I used to see in every woman who did not belong to me, a sort of holy thing.... That may have been a green way of looking at it, but you would have allowed it; and with Agnes, I should have quietly----
Major.
Stop! Have pity! Stop!
Fritz.
See, now you say to me all at once, "have pity"--Father, I am a dying man, I did not come here to make reproaches, but do you make none to me!
Major.
(Embracing him, and stroking his hair.) My son--my all--my boy--I don't permit--I will not----
Fritz.
Silence, silence, father! Mother should not hear that.
Major.
Yes, forgive me for giving way. It shall not happen again.... So how does the affair stand now?
Fritz.
I reported myself to the old man, that very night.
Major.
My God! Whatever did the old Frohn say?
Fritz.
Spare me that, father.... Of course, I obtained the usual furlough at once, until the discharge comes. Well, that doesn't matter now.... It does not last long, thus.... This morning, the court of honor had a sitting. After my hearing, I rode away at once, so as to lose no time. I gave Mohammed to Hallerpfort in order to have him follow me as soon as judgment was pronounced. He may be here at any moment.
Major.
Why did you summon a court of honor?
Fritz.
What was I to do, father, after Lanski declared to those who delivered my challenge that I was no longer--capable of having satisfaction?
Major.
Ah! I will shoot the dog dead for that.
Fritz.
Well, I hope they will decide favourably to me.
Major.
If not, the dev-- (Softly.) And then I will tell you a couple of measures to take so as to have a steady hand. Sleep properly, and don't eat a bite, and then tell the doctor----
Fritz.
Enough, enough, father, that is of no further use.
Major.
What does that mean? Is it possible that you will--to Lanski?----
Fritz.
Lanski will hit me. Depend upon it....
Major.
Man, are you--are you----?
Fritz.
Lanski will hit me. Depend upon it....
Major.
Man, yet have--yet consider----
Fritz.
I will not, father! And if you had seen the spectacle which the people of Wartenstein saw yesterday (shudders), you would demand nothing more of life for me than a half-respectable death....
Major(brokenly).
Perhaps--they will not--grant you--the duel.
Fritz.
Well, if we have got to that last hope, father, then we are indeed in bad straits.... Shall I perhaps open a dram-shop in Chicago, or a cattle business with my paternal capital? Yes? Would you have done it?
Major(perplexed).
I?
Fritz.
Say then say!
Major(drawing himself up).
No! (Sinks down in his chair.)
Fritz.
So you see, father--so or so--your Fritz is done for.
Major(sunk in gloomy reverie).
My fault!--my----
THE SAME.WILHELM.AfterwardLIEUTENANT VON HALLERPFORT.
Fritz.
What is it?
Wilhelm.
Lieutenant von Hallerpfort wishes to speak to the young master.
Fritz.
(Hurrying past him to the door.) Well?
(Hallerpfortshakes hands with him and theMajor,and casts a glance atWilhelm,who forthwith disappears.)
Fritz.
Well?
Hallerpfort.
Does your father know?
Major.
Yes, my dear Hallerpfort, I know.--Granted?
Hallerpfort.
To-morrow morning, half after four o'clock behind the large drill-ground.
Fritz.
Thank God!
Major.
Thank God! (They embrace.)
Fritz(disengaging himself).
Conditions?
Hallerpfort.
Fifteen paces--advance--five paces barrier--exchange of shots----
Fritz.
To a finish?
Hallerpfort.
To a finish.
Fritz.
Very well!
(Majorturns toward the door, and presses his hands to his face.)
Hallerpfort(approaching him).
Major, as your son's best friend----
Major(grasping his hands).
I thank you, my dear Hallerpfort, I thank you.... You will ride away at once, will you not?
Hallerpfort.
Unfortunately we must, Major.
Major.
Then just listen.... I will pass the hours until the duel, with my son.... That you can understand, can't you?... My carriage is hitched up but I cannot go away with you for fear of making my sick wife uneasy. Wait for me at the end of half an hour in Schrander's inn.... Don't fear. We shall be on time....
Hallerpfort.
It will be as you order, Major.
Major.
And now, courage, Fritz!
Fritz.
That is understood, father!
Major.
(Holding open the door on the left, in a different tone.) Now, boys, just come quickly in! Only think, darling----
THE SAME.FRAU VON DROSSE.
Frau von Drosse.
Ah--Herr von Hallerpfort! (He kisses her hand.) How does this happen? Two lieutenants in the house at the same time--if that doesn't bring luck!
Fritz(quickly).
We have orders together, mamma.
Hallerpfort.
And alas, madam, we have to be off this very minute.
Frau von Drosse.
How is that? Then I don't have my full hour? And now everything is so beautifully arranged.... Fritz, my dear Hallerpfort--just a bite, won't you?... Richard, dear, come to my aid.
Major.
But, dear child, service is service.
Fritz(with quick decision).
So, good-bye, mamma!
Frau von Drosse(embracing him).
My boy--you will soon have furlough, won't you?
Fritz.
Yes indeed, mamma! After the manœuvres. Then we are free. Then we will be merry!
Frau von Drosse.
And Hallerpfort is coming with you, isn't he?
Hallerpfort.
With your permission, madam.
Major(softly, toAgnes).
Take leave of him! You will never see him again!
Fritz.
(Stretching out his hand cheerfully to her.) Dear Ag-- (Looks into her face, and understands that she knows. Softly, earnestly.) Farewell, then.
Agnes.
Farewell, Fritz!
Fritz.
I love you.
Agnes.
I shall always love you, Fritz!
Fritz.
Away then, Hallerpfort! Au revoir, papa! Au revoir! Revoir! (Starts for the door on the right.)
Frau von Drosse.
Go by the park, boys--there I have you longer in sight.
Fritz.
Very well, mamma, we will do it! (Passes withHallerpfortthrough the door at the centre; on the terrace, he turns with a cheerful gesture, and calls once more.) Au revoir! (His voice is still audible.) Au revoir!
(Frau von Drossethrows kisses after him, and waves her handkerchief, then presses her hand wearily to her heart and sighs heavily.)
MAJOR.FRAU VON DROSSE.AGNES.
(Agneshurries to her, and leads her to a chair, then goes over to theMajor,who, with heaving breast is lost in thought.)
Frau von Drosse.
Thank you, my darling!--Already, I am quite well again!... God, the boy! How handsome he looked! And so brown and so healthy.... You see, I saw him exactly like that last night.... No, that is no illusion! And I told you how the Emperor led him in among all the generals! And the emperor said (More softly, looking far away with a beatific smile.) And the Emperor said----
The Queen.The Marshal.The Painter.The Valet de Chambre.The Marquis in Pink.The Marquis in Pale Blue.The Sleepy Maid of Honour.The Deaf Maid of Honor.A Child as Cupid.
The Queen.
The Marshal.
The Painter.
The Valet de Chambre.
The Marquis in Pink.
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
The Sleepy Maid of Honour.
The Deaf Maid of Honor.
A Child as Cupid.
Several other Marquises and Maids of Honour.
The scene represents a state apartment in a royal castle. On the left, a throne in baroque style. On the right, in the background a screen with a table and chairs beside it. In the centre, an easel.
THE QUEENin a plaited coronation robe, on the throne.THE PAINTERwith palette in hand, painting.A CHILDasCUPID,suspended by the waist, swings onTHE QUEEN'Sleft, holding a crown over her head. The background and the right of the stage are occupied by ladies and gentlemen of the court, among themTHE DEAF MAID OF HONOUR,THE SLEEPY MAID OF HONOUR,THE MARQUIS IN PINK, andMARQUIS IN PALE BLUE.
SONG OF THE MAIDS OF HONOUR.
(Led by The Marquis in Pale Blue.)
Zephyr rises at the dawnFrom the budding pillows of the roses.Lo, he will cool his hot desireIn the silvery dew,Since he must console himselfThat his dream still fans the flame,And that Luna's icy kissDoes but touch his parched mouth.And Aurora's violet passionLooks on him with floods of tears.Ah! What matters Luna's favour?--She knows not how to kiss.
Zephyr rises at the dawnFrom the budding pillows of the roses.Lo, he will cool his hot desireIn the silvery dew,Since he must console himselfThat his dream still fans the flame,And that Luna's icy kissDoes but touch his parched mouth.
And Aurora's violet passionLooks on him with floods of tears.Ah! What matters Luna's favour?--She knows not how to kiss.
The Queen (yawning).
The pretty verses which you have just sung to sweeten this long posing for me, grieve me slightly. Yet--aside from that--accept my thanks.
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
Oh, your Majesty!
The Queen.
Are you a poet, Marquis?
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
Oh, your Majesty, up to this time I have not been; but who should not speak in verse where this magic enthrals us, where our hearts are habitually broken, and Cupid himself bears the royal crown?
(Cupidbegins to cry).
First Maid of Honour.
What is the matter with him?
Second Maid of Honour.
Ah, the sweet child!
First Maid of Honour.
Be good! Nice and good! Here is a sweetmeat!
Cupid.
I want to get down! My legs are cold.
The Queen.
Oh, fie! The word offends my ears.
The Marquis in Pink.
Pardon him, your Majesty, the saucy child surely does not know that in your presence one can speak only of roses, lilies, and such delicate things.
The Queen.
It seems to me that the little fellow lacks education.
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
Hereafter, only children from superior families should be chosen for this purpose.
The Queen.
And you, respected artist, have no word to say?
The Painter.
It is not fitting that every one should speak. I am engaged to paint, not to make speeches. Still, may I ask you to send the boy away?
(The Queenlaughing, makes a sign. Two maids of honour set him free.)
The Marquis in Pink.
What a way of speaking!
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
What a plebeian!
The Marquis in Pink.
How self-conscious!
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
And she dotes on him!
The Queen.
Nay, dear master, speak! For rarely do I have the pleasure of finding my thought sympathetically stimulated by the thought of another. I do so like to think--I like tofeelperhaps even better--yet these gentlemen talk as if they were in a fever.
The Marquises.
Oh, your Majesty!
The Queen.
Yes, indeed! Look for the man who without hope of meretricious gain knows how to devote himself faithfully to noble service, and who without honeyed phrases gracefully pursues what is dear to his soul; as for you--you could borrow for yourselves a little of love's fire merely from the confectioner's kitchen.
The Marquis in Pink.
Oh, that is severe!
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
Oh, that is almost deadly!
The Queen.
Then resist, and do not drag along inoffensively the burden, new every day, of my old contempt which I bestow upon you, because it pleases me to, like the ordinance of God. But let him expect my reward who can say worthily and honourably: Behold, oh Queen, I am a man!
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
I am one!
The Marquis in Pink.
So am I!
The Queen.
I don't think ill of you! I like you. You don't disturb my repose--yet, dear master, what say you to that?
The Painter.
I pray, your Majesty, still a little farther to the right.
The Queen(smiling).
And is that all? Does nothing which may occur in this room interest you?
The Painter.
Pardon me, your Majesty, the daylight is scanty, and besides--I am painting.