ELECTOR. Ah, indeed!
And from the time of Gustaf Adolf too.
How runs the inscription?
KOTTWITZ. I believe—
DÖRFLING. "Per aspera ad astra!"
ELECTOR. That was not verified at Fehrbellin.
[Pause.]
KOTTWITZ (hesitantly).
My liege, grant me a word.
ELECTOR. What is 't you wish?
Take all the things-flags, kettle-drums and standards,
And hang them in the church. I plan tomorrow
To use them when we celebrate our triumph!
[The ELECTOR turns to the couriers, takes their dispatches, opens and
reads them.]
KOTTWITZ (aside).
That, by the living God, that is too much!
[After some hesitation, the Colonel takes up his two flags; the other officers and troopers follow suit. Finally, as the three flags of the PRINCE remain untouched, he takes up these also, so that he is now bearing five.]