ALBERT.
Several pieces of her design and modelling were shown to the king, when he was at
Meissen, in Saxony; and he was so struck with their beauty, that he determined to
convey the artist with other prisoners, to his capital—
WEDGEWOOD. Where he issued his royal edict, compelling the girls of the factory to marry Prussian soldiers. Unfeelingly odd!
ALBERT. Sophia has yet escaped this tyranny. The OVERSEER, however, has demanded her hand; but I shall be in time to thwart his purposes.
WEDGEWOOD. But, to effect that, you must also thwart the purposes of Frederick himself, who, I understand, is as stubborn as he is bold.
ALBERT. Count Laniska has won Sophia's affections, and love is a power that can not be controlled.
WEDGEWOOD.
Veritably odd!
ALBERT.
You are on your way to the factory—have you free admission for yourself and friends?
WEDGEWOOD.
Indubitably.
ALBERT. Then we will, with your permission, visit it together. (Aside.) In this disguise, and under the name of Worrendorf, I may pass unnoticed.
(Re-enter HANS, with trunks, etc, and GERTRUDE.)