Page:Poet Lore, volume 36, 1925.pdf/367

 Courtier (Points to the throne).—But there you must seat yourself, Your Grace, though it be the seventh time.

Princess.—No.

Courtier.—Your Grace, it must be so. There you must accept the oath of allegiance, and the laws from the justices of the peace, and return them, sanctioned officially.

Princess.—And listen to speeches again—O!

Trumpet from without.

Princess (Clasps her hands).—I have arrived! I am here, they are welcoming me, ha, ha—an empty coach! Now—

Courtier.—But they already know about you, too. They are looking in this direction. Be good enough to show yourself to them at the window. (Urgingly.) Please, Your Grace!

Princess.—To appear at the window? That is something new. Yes. (Stations herself at the open window.)

From without: Vivat! Vivat!

smiles.

Courtier.—Be good enough to wave to them.

Princess.—It is not necessary. That red turkeycock over there surely must be the magistrate; he is giving them the signal. You will soon hear, “Vivat.” Now!

From without: Vivat! Vivat!

Princess (To the Courtier).—Do you hear the enthusiasm and love? I must wave to them for that.

A trumpet from without, then: Vivat!

Princess.—And now the deluge!

Courtier (Looking out).—The masses are moving. Your Grace, be good enough to be seated. There is no way out of it.

Princess.—You will see that there is. (Seats herself on the throne beneath the canopy.)

stations himself at her side below the throne.

, foresters, revenue officers, tax collectors, coachmen, a priest,, justices of the peace, a maid of honor with a bouquet, flower girls.

(Downcast, sweating, handkerchief in hand, enters, giving orders to in a low voice, but with a disturbed manner).—Franc, arrange that—guard of honor., (To the officers.) Follow me. (Walks, bowing, to the throne.)