KOTTWITZ.  By God, my prince and lord, I will not hope
  The order’s news to you?

ELECTOR.  No—­understand—­Who
  was it who conveyed the order thither?

KOTTWITZ.  Count Reuss!

ELECTOR (after a momentary pause). 
  What’s more, you’re welcome, very welcome! 
  You have been chosen with your squadrons twelve
  To pay Prince Homburg, sentenced by the law,
  The final honors of the morrow.

KOTTWITZ (taken aback).  What, My sovereign?

ELECTOR (handing back the order). 
  The regiment stands yet,
  Benighted and befogged, outside the Castle?

KOTTWITZ.  Pardon, the night—­

ELECTOR.  Why don’t they go to quarters?

KOTTWITZ.  My sovereign, they have gone.  As you directed
  They have found quarters in the city here.

ELECTOR (with a turn toward the window). 
  What?  But a moment since—­Well, by the gods! 
  You’ve found them stables speedily enough. 
  So much the better!  Welcome, then, once more! 
  Come, say, what brings you here?  What is your news?

KOTTWITZ.  Sir, this petition from your loyal men.

ELECTOR.  Come.

KOTTWITZ.  But the words your lips have spoken strike
  All my anticipations down to earth.

ELECTOR.  Well, then, a word can lift them up again!
  [He reads.]
  “Petition, begging royal clemency
  For our commandant, vitally accused,
  The General, Prince Frederick Hessen-Homburg.”

[To the officers.]

A noble name, my lords!  And not unworthy
Your coming in such numbers to its aid.

[He looks into the document again.]

By whom is the petition?

KOTTWITZ.  By myself.

ELECTOR.  The Prince has been apprized of what it holds?

KOTTWITZ.  Not in the very faintest.  In our midst
  The matter was conceived and given birth.

ELECTOR.  Grant me a moment’s patience, if you please.

[He steps to the table and glances over the paper.  Long pause.]

  Hm!  Curious!  You ancient war-horse, you,
  You plead the Prince’s cause?  You justify
  His charging Wrangel ere I gave command?

KOTTWITZ.  My sovereign, yes.  That’s what old Kottwitz does.

ELECTOR.  You did not hold that notion on the field!

KOTTWITZ.  I’d weighed the thing but ill, my sovereign. 
  I should have calmly yielded to the Prince
  Who is most wonderfully versed in war. 
  The Swedes’ left wing was wavering; on their right
  Came reinforcements; had he been content
  To bide your order, they’d have made a stand
  With new intrenchments in the gullies there,
  And never had you gained your victory.