Page:Poet Lore, volume 36, 1925.pdf/382

 Courtier.—That is merely your imagination, Your Grace. Therefore, I should advise, and I must from regard—

Princess (Hurriedly).—Enough! “Regards” once more! You can have regard for me as well, since I have a heart.

Magistrate.—I have the honor to announce that the miller is not at home.

Princess (Ironically).—O, my only hope. I thought I might at least get a glimpse of him. And what of the girl?

Magistrate.—The miller’s old grandmother is guarding her and refuses to permit her to come here.

Princess.—Where did the miller go?

Courtier (Impatiently).—Always he—

Magistrate.—They say he has gone yonder down the hillside. (Points to the left.) With your permission, I will go see.

Courtier.—Your Grace, why wait for such a person; and it is getting late.

Princess (To the ).—Go and see.

leaves toward the left.

Courtier.—Your Grace, I beg to warn you, that miller—

Princess.—Why? He is merely a man who has always held his head high. Merely strength.

Courtier.—But coarse strength. I should not advise you to talk to him alone.

Princess.—Why?

Courtier.—First of all, he ought to talk to us, with me and with the magistrate.

Princess.—But I will be present at the interview. Ah, (suddenly gets an idea) you are right; he ought not to know in order that he may have no reserve. I will see how he will act when I myself step forward.

Magistrate.—Your Grace, the miller is already returning.

Princess.—I’m going.