SEVENTH SCENE.
Archibald Alexander translation
THE SAME. FRITZ VON DROSSE (in hussar uniform, his mother's son, slender, delicate, very youthful, blond to the roots of his closely cropped hair, small curled moustache, erratic person. Uneasiness is veiled beneath a noisy cheerfulness).
Frau von Drosse.
(Goes to meet him with outstretched arms.) My God! there he really is!
Fritz.
I should think he was! (Presses her to his heart and strokes her hair, closes his eyes a moment, as if overcome with faintness.) But be seated, mamma, be seated. Confound it, but I have ridden! And on the way, my horse lost another shoe.
Major.
Mohammed?
Fritz.
No, I am riding the Spy.
Major.
Where did it happen?
Fritz.
Thank God! just near Gehlsdorf.... I wasted twenty-five minutes at the blacksmith's.... But then--when--you should have seen!... Yes, Wilhelm, just see to it that the horse is well scraped and rubbed down. And don't let him stand just now--first lead him about properly.... An hour, feeding time--understand, old chap?... There, give me your paw--so!--don't be so agitated.... And now, go on, out with you!
(Exit Wilhelm.)
Frau von Drosse.
Come here, my Fritzchen, sit beside me!
Fritz.
Very well, mamma, let us, very well!
Frau von Drosse.
You see, Agnes she had a presentiment about you.
Fritz.
Ah! Good-day, Agnes!
Agnes.
Good-day, Fritz!
Fritz.
You are so formal!
Agnes.
I?... Ah, no, dear Fritz.... Would you not like to drink something?
(Fritz stares at her, without replying.)
Major.
Fritz!
Fritz (starting up).
Yes, father!
Major.
You are asked a question.
Fritz.
To be sure, pardon me!... Pardon me, dear Agnes!... It is the heat ... It makes one quite idiotic.... Please bring me anything you like.... No, bring me rather some Rhine wine.... Bring some of the '64.
Major (laughing).
You go eagerly at the stuff, my son....
Fritz.
Forgive me, father, if I was too bold. I don't know how I came to do it.
Major (to Agnes).
Just bring it, bring it.
(Agnes takes the keys from the shelf and goes out to the right.)
Frau von Drosse.
How long have you furlough, my boy?
Fritz.
Furlough? Ha, ha, furlough ... No furlough at all. Sixty precious minutes, I have spared for you (stretching himself) then it is over! (Throws himself into a chair standing near the place where his mother is sitting.)
Major.
It is "over," what does that mean? Are you then on duty?
Fritz.
On duty?... Well, yes indeed, I am on duty--to be sure--of course.
Major.
What duty can that be?
Fritz.
Well, a patrol ride, of course.
Major.
When did you set out?
Fritz.
At noon, father.
Major.
Remarkable. In my time, the cavalry rode in patrol service rather about midnight.
Fritz.
Yes, the old man[2] does such things.... It is all one to him. If he can give petty annoyance. Yes.
Major.
How do you have time to stop in here?
Fritz.
Well, I had to unsaddle, and anyhow have ridden four and a half miles. It was only the question whether I should feed the horse at Braun's at the entrance where one gets merely water or----
Major.
Of course you are right about that.
Frau von Drosse (stroking his hands).
See what brown hands the boy has got.... I wonder how they can be burned through the gloves ... Just look, Richard, he has the white mark on his forehead, there where it is shaded. The last time, it was not there. My boy, my boy! (Bends down her head and kisses him on the forehead.)
(Fritz closes his eyes and utters a low whimpering exclamation of pain.)
Frau von Drosse.
What was it? Did I hurt you, my boy?
Fritz (with embarrassed laughter).
Oh, no--no!
Major.
Control yourself, Fritz!
Fritz.
Yes, father!
Frau von Drosse.
Let him alone, Richard! Remember he has to leave directly.
Fritz (staring straight before him).
Yes, I must go directly.
Major (shaking his head, examines him).
Remarkable!
Agnes (who returns with a bottle and glasses).
There is the wine, dear Fritz.
Fritz.
Ah, if only the wine is there! (Hurries to the table and pours the wine.) Does no one touch glasses with me?
Major.
Just wait, I will touch glasses with you.
Fritz.
Then long life to us, friends! May we live happily.... Long may we live.... (Musing.) May we live as long as possible!
Major.
But you are not drinking.
Fritz.
Yes, yes. (Tosses down a glass.)
Major.
Well, I should like to take this occasion to ask you just why you don't write to us any more.
Frau von Drosse.
Please, Richard, please say nothing to him--he telegraphed.
Fritz (starting anxiously).
Telegraphed? What did I telegraph?
(Major makes signals to him behind his mother's back.)
Fritz.
Yes, of course. You see, father, I telegraphed.... And then, not long ago, I fell from the trapeze and sprained my arm a bit.
Frau von Drosse.
You see, Richard, that is what hurt him just now; and yet you scolded him.
Fritz.
Mamma, father is right.... A soldier is not allowed to show signs of pain--he has no pain. That is something which doesn't happen, it is something which doesn't happen at all, does it, Agnes?
Agnes.
Why do you ask me, Fritz?
Major.
Remarkable!... You know, darling, the boy would like something to eat. In such cases, you always see to it yourself--eh?
Fritz.
No, indeed, mother--stay here, mother. (He grasps her hands.)
Frau von Drosse (imploringly).
Richard, the time is just now so short.
Major.
Won't do, child! I have to speak to him about something.
Fritz.
What is it, father? There is indeed no question of ...
Frau von Drosse (standing up and sighing).
Don't be too long, Richard. Remember I wish to have something more of him. (Goes with Agnes to the door on the left, where she turns again.) My boy, don't you look at me any more?
Fritz.
(Who has been standing with averted face, biting his lips, turns suddenly.) At your service, mother!
Frau von Drosse.
Now he is on his "at your service" footing, even with me.
(Exit Frau von Drosse with Agnes.)