d
consciousness of having aided you to escape a situation which passes all
bounds of filial obedience.

WILHELMINE.

Prince--this language--

PRINCE.

It is the language of a feeling I can no longer control, of an
indignation I can no longer suppress. Princess, do you know that you
are destined as a sacrifice to political and commercial intrigue? That
you are to be sent to England in exchange for the produce of English
factories?

WILHELMINE (_in indignation_).

Who says that?

PRINCE.

Far be it from me to pass judgment on your desires--far be it from me to
inquire if it may not surprise, perhaps even please your ambitions when
you hear that you might win even an Imperial crown--but, if you love the
Prince of Wales--

WILHELMINE.

The Prince of Wales? Who says that I love him?

PRINCE.

Your mother, who presupposes it--your father, who commands it.

WILHELMINE.

The Prince of Wales? My cousin, whom I have never seen? Who has never
betrayed the slightest interest in me? A Prince whose loose living has
made me despise him!

PRINCE.

Then you do not love the Prince?

WILHELMINE.

My heart is free. And no power on earth can force me to give it to any
man but to him whom I shall choose myself.

PRINCE.

Do I hear aright?

WILHELMINE.

I have been obedient and dutiful from the very first stirring of my
personal consciousness. I have never had a will of my own, or dared, if
I had that will, to give it expression. But when they would take the one
thing from me, the one thing that is still mine after all these years of
humiliation, my own inalienable possession, my heart's free choice--then
indeed the bottomless depths of my obedience will be found exhausted. I
feel that my brother was justified in throwing off such a yoke--and I
will show the world that I am indeed his sister.

PRINCE.

Princess! [_Aside._] What can I do--it is too much joy--too much bliss!
[_Aloud._] Princess! the green garlands on the little window down there,
the potted flowers offer a secret retreat--the little linnet in his cage
is impatient for the return of his beautiful and benign mistress.

WILHELMINE (_drawing her hand from his_).

You would--

PRINCE.

I would take the place of that misjudged and slandered scholar. And down
there, alone with you, not worried by threatening footfalls in the
corridors, undisturbed by [_noise of drums outside_] those cruel
guardians of your freedom, I would tell the most char