GOLZ. He will be ill-content. He had, it seemed,
A matter of some import to confide.
OFFICER. His Highness comes, our commandant, the Prince!
SCENE II
The PRINCE OF HOMBURG with a black bandage on his left hand. The others as before.
KOTTWITZ. My young and very noble prince, God greet you!
Look, how I formed the squadrons down that road
While you were tarrying in the nest below.
I do believe you'll say I've done it well.
THE PRINCE. Good morning, Kottwitz! And good morning, friends!
You know that I praise everything you do.
HOHENZOLL. What were you up to in the village, Arthur?
You seem so grave.
THE PRINCE. I—I was in the chapel
That beckoned through the placid village trees;
The bells were ringing, calling men to prayers,
As we passed by, and something urged me on
To kneel before the altar, too, and pray.
KOTTWITZ. A pious gentleman for one so young!
A deed, believe me, that begins with prayer
Must end in glory, victory, and fame.
THE PRINCE. Oh, by the way, I wanted to inquire—