(The GIRLS attempt to waltz to the music; but, overcome by their feelings, they resume their tasks.)
SOLO—SOPHIA.
Home, home, home—
Dear, lost home!
Though cares oppress us fearfully,
We exiles carol cheerfully
Of girlhood's happy home!
Beneath our native sky,
The hours went swiftly by;
While on a foreign soil,
Our youth consumes in toil!
We yearn for thee,
O Saxony!—
For freedom, love, and home!
(The GIRLS attempt to waltz, as before, etc.)
CHORUS.
Home, home, home, etc.
(The WORKMEN and the GIRLS resume their tasks.)
(Enter Count LANISKA, ALBERT, and WEDGEWOOD.)
WEDGEWOOD (looking around, and speaking enthusiastically as he enters.) Admirable, upon my word! Every department better than the last, and this the best of all! Never saw anything like it. The colors brilliant—the designs exquisitely classical—"a place for everything, and everything in its place!"
COUNT. Whatever His Majesty constructs, whether a fortress or a factory, is perfect in all its details.
WEDGEWOOD. Yet look around, and read your monarch's history in the eyes of these prisoners of war. Observe that picture of melancholy (pointing to SOPHIA, who, during the scene, has been leaning dejectedly on her hand.—KARL standing by her side.) How reluctantly she pursues her task! Our English manufacturers work in quite another manner, for they are free!