at are you saying?

HOHENZOLLERN. Are you? Are you?

THE PRINCE. Oh, friend, I am! And now all things are clear!
It is that wooing that destroys me quite.
I am accountable if she refuse,
Because the Princess is betrothed to me.

HOHENZOLL. You feather-headed fool, what have you done?
How often have I warned you, loyally!

THE PRINCE. Oh, friend! Then help me! Save me! I am lost!

HOHENZOLL. Ay, what expedient saves us in this gloom?
Come, would you like to see her aunt, the Electress?

THE PRINCE (_turning_).
Ho, watch!

TROOPER (_in the background_). Here!

THE PRINCE. Go, and call your officer!

[_He hastily takes a cloak from the wall and puts on a plumed hat
lying on the table._]

HOHENZOLLERN (_as he assists him_)
Adroitly used, this step may spell salvation.
For if the Elector can but make the peace,
By the determined forfeit, with King Charles,
His heart, you soon shall see, will turn to you,
And in brief time you will be free once more.

SCENE II

_The officer enters. The others as before._

THE PRINCE (_to the officer_).
Stranz, they have put me in your custody;
Grant me my freedom for an hour's time.
I have some urgent business on my mind.

OFFICER. Not in my custody are you, my lord.
The order given me declares that I
Shall leave you free to go where you desire.

THE PRINCE. Most odd! Then I am not a prisoner?

OFFICER. Your word of honor is a fetter, too.

HOHENZOLLERN (_preparing to go_).
'Twill do! No matter.

THE PRINCE. So. Then fare you well.

HOHENZOLL. The fetter follows hard upon the Prince.

THE PRINCE. I go but to the Castle, to my aunt,
And in two minutes I am back again.

[_Exeunt omnes._]

SCENE III

_Room of the_ ELECTRESS. _The_ ELECTRESS _and_ NATALIE _enter_.

ELECTRESS. Come, daughter mine, come now! This is your hour.
Count Gustaf Horn, the Swedes' ambassador,
And all the company have left the Castle;
There is a light in Uncle's study still.
Come, put your kerchief on and steal on him,
And see if you can rescue yet your friend.

[_They are about to go._]

SCENE IV

_A lady-in-waiting enters. Others as before._

LADY-IN-WAITING.
Madam, the Prince of Homburg's at the door.
But I am hardly sure that I saw right.

ELECTRESS. Dear God!

N