a chair behind the_ ELECTRESS _and the_
PRINCESS).
Ramin shall escort my beloved wife,
Convoyed by thirty sturdy cavalrymen.
To Kalkhuhn's, to the chancellor's manor-house.
At Havelberg beyond the Havel, go.
There's not a Swede dare show his face there now.

ELECTRESS. The ferry is restored?

ELECTOR. At Havelberg?
I have arranged for it. The day will break
In all events before you come to it.

[_Pause_.]

You are so quiet, Natalie, my girl?
What ails the child?

NATALIE. Uncle, I am afraid.

ELECTOR. And yet my little girl was not more safe
In her own mother's lap than she is now.

[_Pause_.]

ELECTRESS. When do you think that we shall meet again?

ELECTOR. If God grants me the victory, as I
Doubt not He will, in a few days, perhaps.

[_Pages enter and serve the ladies refreshments_. FIELD-MARSHAL
DOeRFLING _dictates. The_ PRINCE OF HOMBURG, _pen and tablet in hand,
stares at the ladies_.]

MARSHAL. The battle-plan his Highness has devised
Intends, my lords, in order that the Swedes'
Fugitive host be utterly dispersed,
The severing of their army from the bridges
That guard their rear along the river Rhyn.
Thus Colonel Hennings--

HENNINGS. Here!

[_He writes_.]

MARSHAL. Who by the will
Of his liege lord commands the army's right,
Shall seek by stealthy passage through the bush
To circumscribe the enemy's left wing,
Fearlessly hurl his force between the foe
And the three bridges; then, joined with Count Truchsz--
Count Truchsz!

TRUCHSZ (_writing_). Here!

MARSHAL. Thereupon, joined with Count Truchsz--

[_He pauses_.]

Who, meanwhile, facing Wrangel on the heights
Has gained firm footing with his cannonry--

TRUCHSZ (_writing_). Firm footing with his cannonry--

MARSHAL. You hear it?--

[_Proceeding_.]

Attempt to drive the Swedes into the swamp
Which lies behind their right.

[_A lackey enters_.]

LACKEY. Madam, the coach is at the door.

[_The ladies rise_.]

MARSHAL. The Prince of Homburg--

ELECTOR (_also rising_). Is Ramin at hand?

LACKEY. He's in the saddle, waiting at the gates.

[_The royalties take leave