[Pause.]
ELECTRESS. When do you think that we shall meet again?
ELECTOR. If God grants me the victory, as I
Doubt not He will, in a few days, perhaps.
[Pages enter and serve the ladies refreshments. FIELD-MARSHAL DÖRFLING dictates. The PRINCE OF HOMBURG, pen and tablet in hand, stares at the ladies.]
MARSHAL. The battle-plan his Highness has devised
Intends, my lords, in order that the Swedes'
Fugitive host be utterly dispersed,
The severing of their army from the bridges
That guard their rear along the river Rhyn.
Thus Colonel Hennings—
HENNINGS. Here!
[He writes.]
MARSHAL. Who by the will
Of his liege lord commands the army's right,
Shall seek by stealthy passage through the bush
To circumscribe the enemy's left wing,
Fearlessly hurl his force between the foe
And the three bridges; then, joined with Count Truchsz—
Count Truchsz!
TRUCHSZ (writing). Here!
MARSHAL. Thereupon, joined with Count Truchsz—