ight that I am still
quite fatigued. These wretched politics! Have you seen Kamke?

SONNSFELD.

Your Majesty's lackey? No, Your Majesty.

QUEEN.

He's been gone so long. I sent him to the Prince of Baireuth.

PRINCE (_peeping out from the door, aside_).

To me?

QUEEN.

If I may judge by the letters the Prince brings me from my son, he
himself will one day be one of the best sovereigns of our century.

PRINCE (_aside_).

The field is all in my favor.

QUEEN.

My son, who judges men so keenly, assures me that I may trust this
Prince completely. And I need some one of force and character to aid
me; I need such a one now more than ever.

SONNSFELD (_alarmed_).

Is there--is there anything new in the air, Your Majesty?

QUEEN.

I shall need to display all my strength, all my will-power. I shall have
need of it to uphold the dignity of a monarchy whose natural head
appears to forget more and more that Prussia has recently joined the
ranks of the Great Powers of Europe.

SONNSFELD.

Your Majesty--is laying plots?

QUEEN.

I am consumed with curiosity to make the acquaintance of this Prince
whom my son considers worthy of his friendship. [SONNSFELD _motions to
the Prince_.] As soon as he arrives, dear Sonnsfeld--

SONNSFELD (_pointing to the PRINCE, who comes in_).

Kamke has just shown him in. Here he is, Your Majesty.

QUEEN (_rising_).

This is a surprise, Prince. I did not hear you enter.

PRINCE.

Your Majesty was so deeply absorbed in thought--

QUEEN (_aside_).

He has a pleasing exterior and intelligent eyes. [_Aloud_.] Did my
messenger--

PRINCE.

The good fellow met me just as I was about to leave my hotel. He gave me
Your Majesty's gracious command.

QUEEN. Prince--[_She sits down, motioning him to do the same_.]

My heartiest thanks for the letters from my worthy son. One sentence,
which I reread many times, permits me to assume that he has informed you
of a certain matter, a certain plan of mine--

PRINCE.

Certainly, Your Majesty. [_Aside_.] I haven't heard a word about it.

QUEEN.

It makes me very happy to know that in this matter, as indeed in most
things, my son and I are so completely in accord. Then you, also, think
as we do on this subject?

PRINCE.

Undoubtedly--undoubtedly, Your Majesty. [_Aside_.] If I only knew _what_
subject!

QUEEN.

My son writes me that I may rely entirely on your sympathy in this
affair.

PRINCE.

He did not exaggerat