world of enemies
His fortune won for us, his high renown?

THE PRINCE (_taking her hand_).
I, lady, take upon myself your cause!
Before the desolate footsteps of your throne
I shall stand guard, an angel with a sword!
The Elector hoped, before the year turned tide,
To see the Marches free. So be it! I
Executor will be of that last will.

NATALIE. My cousin, dearest cousin!

[_She withdraws her hand._]

THE PRINCE. Natalie!

[_A moment's pause._]

What holds the future now in store for you?

NATALIE. After this thunderbolt which cleaves the ground
Beneath my very feet, what can I do?
My father and my precious mother rest
Entombed at Amsterdam; in dust and ashes
Dordrecht, my heritage ancestral lies.
Pressed hard by the tyrannic hosts of Spain
Maurice, my kin of Orange, scarcely knows
How he shall shelter his own flesh and blood.
And now the last support that held my fate's
Frail vine upright falls from me to the earth.
Oh, I am orphaned now a second time!

THE PRINCE (_throwing his arm about her waist_).
Oh, friend, sweet friend, were this dark hour not given
To grief, to be its own, thus would I speak
Oh, twine your branches here about this breast,
Which, blossoming long years in solitude,
Yearns for the wondrous fragrance of your bells.

NATALIE. My dear, good cousin!

THE PRINCE. Will you, will you?

NATALIE. Ah,
If I might grow into its very marrow!

[_She lays her head upon his breast._]

THE PRINCE. What did you say

NATALIE. Go now!

THE PRINCE (_holding her_). Into its kernel!
Into the heart's deep kernel, Natalie!

[_He kisses her. She tears herself away.]

Dear God, were he for whom we grieve but here
To look upon this union! Could we lift
To him our plea: Father, thy benison!

[_He hides his face in his hands;_ NATALIE _turns again to the_
ELECTRESS.]

SCENE VII

_A sergeant enters in haste. The others as before._

SERGEANT. By the Almighty God, my Prince, I scarce
Dare bring to you the rumor that's abroad!--
The Elector lives!

THE PRINCE. He lives!

SERGEANT. By heaven above!
Count Sparren brought the joyful news but now!

NATALIE. Lord of my days! Oh, mother, did you hear?

[_She falls down at the feet of the ELECTRESS and embraces her._]

THE PRINCE. But say! Who brings the news

SERGEANT. Count Ge