NATALIE. Sweetest friend!
I prize the impulse that upstirred your heart;
But this I swear to you: the regiment
Has been detailed, whose muskets are to sound
At dawn the reconciling burial rite
Above the grave where your dead body lies.
If you cannot resist the law's decree,
Nor, noble as you are, do what he asks
Here in this letter to repeal it, then
I do assure you he will loftily
Accept the situation, and fulfil
The sentence on the morrow ruthlessly.
THE PRINCE (writing).
No matter!
NATALIE. What? No matter?
THE PRINCE. Let him do
What his soul bids. I must do what I must.
NATALIE (approaching him frightened).
Oh, terrible! You are not writing there?
THE PRINCE (concluding).
"Homburg!" And dated, "Fehrbellin, the twelfth."
So, it's all ready. Frank!
[He closes and seals the letter.]
NATALIE. Dear God in heaven!
THE PRINCE (rising).
Here, take this to the Castle to my liege!
[The lackey goes out.]