Who had it from the Prince's bodyguard.

[_The_ ELECTOR _stands by the table, and reads; whereupon he turns and
calls to a page_.]

Prittwitz! Bring me the warrant, bring it here.
And let me have the passport for the Swede's
Ambassador, Gustaf, the Count of Horn.

[_Exit the page_.]

[_To the first lackey_.]
Now Kottwitz and his retinue may come.

SCENE V

COLONEL KOTTWITZ _and_ COLONEL HENNINGS, COUNT TRUCHSZ, COUNTS
HOHENZOLLERN _and_ SPARREN, COUNT REUSS, CAPTAIN VON DER GOLZ, STRANZ
_and other officers enter. The others as before_.

KOTTWITZ (_bearing the petition_).
Permit me, my exalted sovereign,
Here in the name of all your soldiery
Most humbly to submit this document.

ELECTOR. Kottwitz, before I take it, tell me now
Who was it called you to this city here?

KOTTWITZ (_regarding him_).
With the dragoons?

ELECTOR. Ay, with your regiment!
I nominated Arnstein as your station.

KOTTWITZ. Sir! It was your behest that brought me
hither.

ELECTOR. Eh? Let me see the order!

KOTTWITZ. Here, my liege.

ELECTOR (_reading_).
Signed: "Natalie." And dated: "Fehrbellin,
By order of my liege, my uncle Frederick."

KOTTWITZ. By God, my prince and lord, I will not hope
The order's news to you?

ELECTOR. No--understand--Who
was it who conveyed the order thither?

KOTTWITZ. Count Reuss!

ELECTOR (_after a momentary pause_).
What's more, you're welcome, very welcome!
You have been chosen with your squadrons twelve
To pay Prince Homburg, sentenced by the law,
The final honors of the morrow.

KOTTWITZ (_taken aback_). What, My sovereign?

ELECTOR (_handing back the order_).
The regiment stands yet,
Benighted and befogged, outside the Castle?

KOTTWITZ. Pardon, the night--

ELECTOR. Why don't they go to quarters?

KOTTWITZ. My sovereign, they have gone. As you directed
They have found quarters in the city here.

ELECTOR (_with a turn toward the window_).
What? But a moment since--Well, by the gods!
You've found them stables speedily enough.
So much the better! Welcome, then, once more!
Come, say, what brings you here? What is your news?

KOTTWITZ. Sir, this petition from your loyal men.

ELECTOR. Come.

KOTTWITZ. But the words your lips have spoken strike
All my anticipations down to earth.

ELECTOR. Well, then, a word can lift them up again!
[_He reads