ootman with a torch precedes them. The_ PRINCE
OF HOMBURG.

FOOTMAN. Her Highness Princess Natalie of Orange!

THE PRINCE (_rising_).
Natalie!

FOOTMAN. Here she comes herself!

NATALIE (_with a bow to the COUNT_). I beg
Leave us a little moment to ourselves.

[COUNT REUSS _and the footman go._]

THE PRINCE. Beloved lady!

NATALIE. Dear good cousin mine!

THE PRINCE (_leading her up stage_).
What is your news? Speak! How stand things with me?

NATALIE. Well. All is well, just as I prophesied.
Pardoned are you, and free; here is a letter
Writ by his hand to verify my words.

THE PRINCE. It cannot be! No, no! It is a dream!

NATALIE. Read! Read the letter! See it for yourself!

THE PRINCE (_reading_).
"My Prince of Homburg, when I made you prisoner
Because of your too premature attack,
I thought that I was doing what was right--
No more; and reckoned on your acquiescence.
If you believe that I have been unjust,
Tell me, I beg you in a word or two,
And forthwith I will send you back your sword."

[NATALIE _turns pale. Pause. The_ PRINCE _regards her questioningly._]

NATALIE (_feigning sudden joy_).
Well, there it stands! It only needs two words,
My dear, sweet friend!

[_She presses his hand._]

THE PRINCE. Ah, precious lady mine!

NATALIE. Oh, blessed hour that dawns across my world!
Here, take it, take the pen, take it and write.

THE PRINCE. And here the signature?

NATALIE. The F--his mark!
Oh, Bork! Be glad with me. His clemency
Is limitless, I knew it, as the sea!
Do bring a chair, for he must write at once.

THE PRINCE. He says, if I believed--

NATALIE (_interrupting_). Why, yes, of course!
Quick now! Sit down. I'll tell you what to say.

[_She sets a chair in place for him._]

THE PRINCE. I wish to read the letter once again.

NATALIE (_tearing the letter from his hand_).
Why so? Did you not see the pit already
Yawning beneath you in the graveyard yonder?
The time is urgent. Come, sit down and write.

THE PRINCE (_smiling_).
Truly, you act as though it had the power
To plump down, panther-fashion, on my back.

[_He sits down and seizes a pen._]

NATALIE (_turning away with a sob_).
Write, if you do not want to make me cross.

[_The_ PRINCE _rings