Volume 7 / Act 1 — SCENE VI
Reading edition
PRINCE (alone).
The future Queen of England! And I—the Hereditary Prince of Ansbach! That was a cruel blow of fate. And I am to mediate these matters of international importance! This angelic being, whom I love more madly with every breath I draw—this exquisite sister of my dear Frederick—is destined to become a victim of political intrigue? Oh no, she cannot possibly love the Prince of Wales; she has never seen him. But will they consult her inclination? Will cold considerations of politics heed the cry of her heart?—The parade is over, the suite is entering the castle; I dare not meet the king now in this excited mood.
[He looks about as if seeking some means of escape. EVERSMANN comes in carrying a large book. He has a pen stuck in behind one ear. He crosses to the door through which the QUEEN has gone out.]
PRINCE (aside).
Who's this?
[EVERSMANN looks the PRINCE over from head to foot, moves forward a few paces, then halts again.]
PRINCE (aside).
Can any one have seen me?
EVERSMANN (goes to the door, halts again, looks at the PRINCE impudently).
PRINCE.
Why are you looking at me, sirrah? I am the Prince Hereditary of Baireuth.
EVERSMANN (is quite indifferent, comes down a few steps, bows very slightly).
His Majesty is coming in from the parade, but does not grant audiences in this room.
PRINCE.
I thank you for the information, my good man.
EVERSMANN.
Don't mention it, pray.
PRINCE.
And who are you?
EVERSMANN. I? [There is along pause.]
I am Eversmann. [He goes out into the QUEEN's room.]
PRINCE.
Eversmann? The Minister of Finance or the Head Steward, I wonder? He betrays parsimony in every shred of his garments. [Drums and the sound of presented arms is heard back of the rear entrance.] The King is coming. The King? Why should I feel so timid, so oppressed, all of a sudden? Does my courage fail me because I am about to confront this curiosity of his century? I'd rather observe him from the side at first.
[He draws back and stands close by the door to the left.]