The ELECTOR goes out with the ladies. Attendants, courtiers and pages
follow.]

THE PRINCE (stands an instant as though struck by a bolt
from heaven; then with triumphant step he
returns to the group of officers).
Then he shall let the trumpets sound the charge!

[He, pretends to write.]

MARSHAL (looking down at his paper).
Then he shall let the trumpets sound the charge.--
However, the Elector's Highness, lest
Through some mistake the blow should fall too soon--

[He pauses.]

GOLZ (writes). Through some mistake the blow should fall
too soon--

THE PRINCE (aside to COUNT HOHENZOLLERN in great
perturbation).
Oh, Harry!

HOHENZOLLERN (impatiently).
What's up now? What's in your head?

THE PRINCE. Did you not see?

HOHENZOLLERN. In Satan's name, shut up!

MARSHAL (continuing).
Shall send an officer of his staff to him;
Who, mark this well, shall finally transmit
The order for the charge against the foe.
Ere this the trumpets shall not sound the charge.

[The PRINCE gazes dreamily into space.]

Well, have you got it?

GOLZ (_writes_). Ere this the trumpets shall not sound the charge.

MARSHAL (_in raised tone_).
Your Highness has it down?

THE PRINCE. Marshal?

MARSHAL. I asked
If you had writ it down?

THE PRINCE. About the trumpets?

HOHENZOLLERN (_aside, with emphatic indignation_).
Trumpets be damned! Not till the order--

GOLZ (_in the same tone_). Not
Till he himself--

THE PRINCE (_interrupting_). Naturally not, before--
But then he'll let the trumpets sound the
charge.

[_He writes. Pause._]

MARSHAL. And I desire--pray note it, Baron Golz--
Before the action opens, to confer
With Colonel Kottwitz, if it can be done.

GOLZ (_significantly_). He shall receive your message. Rest assured.

[_Pause._]

ELECTOR (_returning_).
What now, my colonels and my generals!
The morning breaks. Have you the orders down?

MARSHAL. The thing is done, my liege. Your battle-plan
Is in all points made clear to your commanders.

ELECTOR (_picking up his hat and gloves_).
And you, I charge, Prince Homburg, learn control!
Recall, you forfeited two victories
Of late, upon the Rhine, so keep your head!
Make me not do without the third today.
My land and