HAROLD（sarcastically.）
　　AndI’veanotherthingwhichyoulack——COMRADE.
　　KARL.
　　Whatmaythatbe？
　　HAROLD.
　　Aclearconscience，myoldboy！
　　[ExitHAROLDintotentKARL.
　　Doeshesuspect？No——sleepingandwakingIhaveconcealedthis（hisarm）damningevidenceofmyguilt.ThemarkofCainIbearaboutmeisknowntonone，andthesecretdieswithme.——ForthatyoungPole，Sophiascornsme;butlethimbeware！——Myrevenge，thoughslow，issure！
　　（KARLturnstogo;butperceivingCountLaniskaadvancing，heretirestoatent.
　　EnterLANISKA，whonoticesKARLinthedistance.）
　　SONG——LANISKA.
　　WhenIbeholdthatloweringbrow，Whichindicatesthemindwithin，Imarvelmuchthatwoman’svowAmanlikethatcouldeverwin！
　　Yetitissaid，inrusticbower，（ThefableIhaveoftenheard）
　　AserpenthasmysteriouspowerTocaptivateatimidbird.
　　ThispreceptthenIsadlytrace——
　　Thatlove’saflutteringthingofair;
　　Andyonderlurkstheviperbase，Whowouldmygentlebirdensnare！
　　’TwasintheshadesofEden’sbowerThisfascinationhaditsbirth，AndeventherepossessedthepowerToluretheparagonofearth！
　　（Attheconclusionofthesong，KARL，isabouttoretire.LANISKAaddresseshim.）
　　COUNT.
　　Comehither，Karl.
　　KARL.
　　Iawaituponyourleisure，count.
　　COUNT.
　　Iwouldhavesomewordswithyou.
　　KARL.
　　Youmaynotrelishthefranknessofmymanner.
　　COUNT.
　　Indeed！
　　KARL.
　　Lookyou，CountLaniska;Iamaplain，blunt，straight—forward，rough—spokenfellow，andasoldierlikeyourself.Iknowmyrights;and，knowing，willmaintainthem.Itwasbytheking’spermissionandauthoritythatIchoseSophiaMansfieldformybride——
　　COUNT.
　　Shehasrejectedyou.
　　KARL.
　　Whathasthattodowiththematter？Womenareoftenperverse，andnotalwaysthebestjudgesoftheirownwelfare;andyouknowsheMUSTbemine——
　　COUNT.
　　Must？——
　　KARL.
　　Yes，MUST.Ihavetheking’spromise，andFrederickwasneverknowntobreakhisword.
　　COUNT.
　　Yousurelywillnotmarryheragainstherwill？
　　KARL.
　　Whynot？SophiaistheonlywomanIeverloved：andnowthatIhavehersure，thinkyouIwillresignher？
　　COUNT.
　　Andthinkyouthekingwillforceanangelintothearmsofamonster？Hecannotbesogreatatyrant——
　　KARL.
　　Tyrant！
　　COUNT.
　　Yes.Manwascreatedtocherishwoman，nottooppressher;andheistheworstoftyrantswhowouldinjurethatsexwhomheaveordainsithisdutytoprotect.
　　KARL.
　　Applyyouthistotheking？
　　COUNT.
　　Totheking，ortoanyHEinChristendom，whowouldusehispowertooppresstheunfortunate！Butcome，sir，wewillnotdisputeaboutahastyword——wehavehigherdutiestoperform.
　　KARL.
　　True，count;weopposeourweaponstotheenemiesofourcountry，notthebosomsofourfriends.IsayOURcountry;for，althoughyouwereborninPoland，andIinHungary，FrederickhasmadePrussiaalmostasdeartousasournativeland，TYRANT
　　thoughhemaybe.——Butwewillnotquarrelaboutasinglecaptive，whenthekinghasplacedsomanyatthedisposalofthosewhofighthisbattles.[Trumpetsoundswithout.
　　（EnterHAROLDwithdispatches.）
　　HAROLD（toCOUNT.）
　　Dispatchesfromtheking.（Aside.）AndaletterfromSophiaMansfield.[Exit.
　　（TheCOUNTreceivesandexaminesthedispatches;kissesSOPHIA’sletter，andputsitintohisbosom.KARLdoesnotnoticeit.）
　　DUET——COUNTANDKARL.
　　’Tisasoldier’srigiddutyOrdersstrictlytoobey;
　　Letnot，thenthesmileofbeautyLureusfromthecampaway.
　　Inourcountry’scauseunited，Gallantlywe’lltakethefield;
　　But，thevictorywon，delightedSinglytothefairweyield！
　　Soldierswhohavene’erretreated，Beauty’stearwillsurebeguile;
　　Heartsthatarmiesne’erdefeated，Lovecanconquerwithasmile.
　　Whowouldstrivetoliveinstory，Didnotwoman’shandprepareAmaranthinewreathsofgloryWhichthevaliantproudlywear？
　　[ExittheCOUNT.KARLfollows，menacinghim.
　　SceneIII.
　　AnapartmentintheChateauoftheCOUNTESS.EntertheCOUNTESSandFREDERICA.
　　COUNTESS.
　　Yourmorningride，Frederica，wasfullofromance——thehoseofyourgroom，yousay，tookfright——
　　FREDERICA.
　　Yes，dearmother，anddartedoffataracingpace;myownalsobecameunmanageable，andIlostmypresenceofmind.Ishouldhavebeenthrown，ifnotkilled，hadnotagentlemanrushedtomyassistance.
　　COUNTESS.
　　Whowashe？
　　FREDERICA.
　　Idonotknow.
　　COUNTESS.
　　Washealone？
　　FREDERICA.
　　Therewasanelderlypersonwithhim，whoseemedtobeaforeigner.
　　COUNTESS.
　　ButHEwasyoung，ofcourse？
　　FREDERICA.
　　Yes，mother，andhandsomeasanAdonis.
　　COUNTESS.
　　Youhavenotfalleninlovewiththisstranger，surely？Youarenotoldenough，andthisisonlyyourfirstseason，Frederica.
　　FREDERICA.
　　Lovehasallseasonsforhisown，dearmother.Listen！
　　SONG——FREDERICA.[Thissongwasnotwrittenfortheopera;butwasintroducedbythecomposer]
　　Thespring—timeofloveisbothhappyandgay，ForJoysprinklesblossomsandbalminourway;
　　thesky，earth，andocean，inbeautyrepose，Andallthebrightfutureiscouleurderose！
　　Thesummerofloveisthebloomoftheheart，Whenhill，grove，andvalleytheirmusicimpart;
　　Andthepureglowofheavenisseeninfondeyes，Aslakesshowtherainbowthat’shungintheskies！
　　Theautumnofloveistheseasonofcheer——
　　Life’smildIndiansummer，thesmileoftheyear——
　　Whichcomeswhenthegolden—ripeharvestisstored，Andyieldsitsownblessing，repose，andreward.
　　Thewinterofloveisthebeamthatwewin，Whilethestormhowlswithout，fromthesunshinewithin.
　　Love’sreigniseternal——theheartishisthrone，Andhehasallseasonoflifeforhisown.
　　COUNTESS.
　　Silly，thoughtlessgirl！——Whatstrangersarethesecominguptheavenue？
　　FREDERICA（lookingout.）
　　AsIlive，theelderlypersonItoldyouof，andtheyounggentlemanwhoriskedhislifetosavemine！
　　（EnterWEDGEWOODandALBERT.）
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　HaveIthehonorofaddressingtheCountessLaniska？（Aside.）Flounces，frills，filagrees，andfurbelows，butshe’ssuperlativelyodd！
　　COUNTESS.
　　Iamthecountess，sir.
　　WEDGEWOOD（presentingletters.）
　　Willyourladyshipbepleasedtoreceivetheselettersofintroduction——ifquiteconvenient？
　　COUNTESS（receivinglettersandlookingatthem.）
　　Mr.Wedgewood，fromEsturiaandLondon;and——
　　WEDGEWOOD（introducingALBERT.）
　　Mr.AlbertWorrendorf.
　　COUNTESS（introducingFREDERICA.）
　　MydaughterFrederica.
　　ALBERT（aside.）
　　Theangelwemetbyaccidentthismorning！
　　WEDGEWOOD（aside.）
　　Seraphicallyodd！
　　FREDERICA（toALBERT.）
　　Wehaveseeneachotherbefore，Mr.Worrendorf.
　　ALBERT.
　　Tomygreathappiness，madam.
　　（ALBERTandFREDERICAconverseapart.）
　　COUNTESS（toWEDGEWOOD.）
　　Itwasverykindinmycorrespondent，Mr.Wedgewood，tointroduceagentlemanofyourcelebritytomychateau.
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Youdomehonor，madam.WeEnglishmenareplain—spokenpeople.Wearenotunlikeourearthenware——delfandcommonclaymixedtogether.Ifouroutsidesaresometimesrough，allwithinissmoothandpolishedasthebestofwork.Itisthepurestspirit，which，likethefinestchina，letsthelightshinethroughit.（Aside.）
　　Notabadcomplimenttomyself，andmetaphoricallyodd！
　　COUNTESS.
　　Yourreplyremindsmeoftheobjectofyourvisit.ThePrussiansareveryproudofthemanufactorywhichhasclaimedtheattentionoftheking.
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Oh，howIlongtoseethegreatFrederick！
　　COUNTESS.
　　Youwilllikehim，Iamconfident.
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Idon’tknowthat.Idon’tatallfancyhisedict.——What！marryaparcelofhandsome，innocent，industriousgirlstohisgreatwhiskeredhorse—guards，whethertheywillorno？It’sapieceofmoralturpitude——aninsulttocommonsense——andinfamouslyodd——
　　FREDERICA（advancing.）
　　Haveacare，Mr.Wedgewood——haveacarehowyoutalkabouttheking.Hepossessesasortofmagicalubiquity——andishere，there，andeverywhereatthesamemoment.
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Howdoeshemanagethat？
　　FREDERICA.
　　Hewandersaboutinsecrecyanddisguise——entersallkindsofmansions——andoftenover—hearsconversationsthatwereneverintendedforthecourt.Bythismeans，itissaid，hegathersinformationfromeverynookandcornerofhiskingdom.
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Strangekindofhocus—pocusworkforamonarch！——Peripateticallyodd！
　　ALBERT.
　　Ihavebeentoldthatheknowsmoreofthecharacterandconditionofhissubjectsandsoldiersthantheydothemselves.
　　COUNTESS.
　　Andheneverknowsofawrongdoneamonghispeoplethathedoesnotinstantlyredress——thoughitoftenpuzzlesthemtolearnhowhearrivesathisknowledgeofthefacts.Manythinkhimawizard.
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Andnotwithoutreason，madam.NeverbeforehaveIheardofsuchacompoundofsagacity，courage，andeccentricity.Oh，Iamallinaglowtoseeandconversewiththejollyoldboy！
　　（EnterCountLANISKA.）
　　COUNTESS（introducinghim.）
　　Myson，theCountLaniska，willpresentyoutohismajesty.
　　WEDGEWOOD（bowingtoCOUNT.）
　　Ifitisconvenient.（Aside.）Mostmartiallyanduniformlyodd！（ToLANISKA.）
　　But，first，Ishouldliketohaveaglimpseatthefactory.
　　COUNT.
　　Ishallbehappytoshowittoyou.Thereisoneextraordinarysubjectconnectedwithit，thatwillsurpriseyouboth——ayounggirlofsingulartalentandbeauty——
　　FREDERICA.
　　Ah，brother！uponyourfavoritethemeagain.Thatyounggirloccupiesmoreofyourthoughtsthanallheporcelaininthesedominions.
　　ALBERT（aside.）
　　PoorSophia！
　　FREDERICA（observingtheCOUNTlooksthoughtful.）
　　Why，what’sthematterwithyou，brother？
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Heisnodoubtstudyingthemixtureofdifferentkindsofclay，andcontrivingafurnacethatwillnotdestroyitbytoomuchheat.Ingeniouslyodd！
　　COUNT.
　　Youaremistaken，sir.IwasthinkingatwhattimeIshouldhavethepleasureofwaitinguponyou.
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　IwillbeatyourserviceassoonasIhavehadtimetoadjustmyoutwardandrefreshmyinwardman.——Necessarilyodd！（SeeingtheCOUNTESSabouttoretire.）Madam，allowme（takesherhand）——Ifitisconvenient.
　　[ExitWEDGEWOODandCOUNTESS.
　　FREDERICA（toCOUNT.）
　　Now，brother，thatthecountesshasretired，prayfavoruswithyourconfidence.YouneednotmindMr.Worrendorf——IhavetoldhimallaboutSophiaMansfield——Ilovethatpoorgirlmyself，notlessforhermisfortunesthanhergenius.
　　ALBERT.
　　Ilovehertoo——
　　FREDERICA（aside.）
　　Oh，dear！what’sthematterwithme？Myheadturnsround——Iamreadytodrop！
　　COUNT（withemotion.）
　　Youloveher！Wherefore？
　　ALBERT.
　　Sheismycountrywoman，andforthatIloveher.
　　FREDERICA（recovering.）
　　Well，gentlemen，Imustsaythisisverygallantofyouboth，tobepraisingoneladysohighlywhenthereisanotherintheroom.（Aside.）Oh，dearme，hownearIcametobetrayingmyself！
　　ALBERT.
　　Yourpardon，mydearmadam.WhenIlookatyou，Ialmostforgetthereisanotherwomanintheworld.（KissesFREDERICA’shand，whoturnsawaywithevidentconfusion.）——ButforthepresentImustleaveyou，tojoinMr.Wedgewood.[Exit.
　　COUNT（noticingthem.）
　　（Aside.）So，so，Frederica——fairlycaught，Iperceive！（ToFrederica.）Ah，sister，sister！asinallthingselse，thereisadestinyinlove.
　　DUET——LANSIKAandFREDERICA.
　　Frommyfatethere’snoretreating——
　　Lovecommands，andIobey;
　　HowwithjoymyheartisbeatingAtthefortunesofto—day！
　　Lifeisfilledwithstrangeromances——
　　Loveisblind，thepoetssay;
　　Whenhecomesunsought，thechanceisOfhisownaccordhe’llstay.
　　Lovecanne’erbeforcedtotarry;
　　Chainhim——he’llthebondsremove：
　　Paired，notmatched，toomanymarry——
　　Allshouldwedaloneforlove.
　　Lethimonthebridal—evenTrimhislampwithconstantray;
　　Andtheflamewilllighttoheaven，Whentheworldshallfadeaway！
　　[ExeuntSceneIV.
　　Thewholedepthofthestageismadeuseofinthisscene，whichrepresentsanopencountry.ACampandSoldiersatadistance.Music.EnterHANS，GERTRUDE，andPeasantry：LadsandLassesdancing.
　　CHORUSofPEASANTS.
　　Ladsandlasses，tripawaytothecheerfulroundelay！
　　Atthesoundoftambourine，Careisbanishedfromthescene，Andahappytrainwebound，Tothepipeandtabour’ssound.
　　Merrily，merrilytripaway，’Tisanation’sholiday！
　　Merrily，merrily，merrilie，Boundwithspritslightandfree！
　　Let’sbejocundwhilewemay;
　　Anddance——dance——dance——
　　Anddancethehappyhoursaway！
　　Whenthegleaminglineshallcome，Tothesoundoftrumpanddrum;
　　Headedbyadvancingsteeds，Whomthekinginpersonleads——
　　Letushailhiminhisstate，Fortheking’sbothgoodandgreat！
　　Merrily，merrilytripaway，’Tisanation’sholiday！
　　Merrily，merrily，merrilie，Boundwithspritslightandfree！
　　Let’sbejocundwhilewemay;
　　Anddance——dance——dance——
　　Anddancethehappyhoursaway！
　　（Immediatelyafterchorus，agrandmarchiscommencedinhedistance，whichbecomesmoreandmoredistinctasthetroopsadvance.ThePEASANTSformingroups.HANS
　　speaksduringthefirstpartofthemarch.）
　　HANS.
　　Hereweare，Gertrude，manymilesfromourownvillage——andallforvat？Topleaseyou——（aside）andtoshellafewcolortoderartishes，vichIpringalongmitmeforderpurpose;butIneednottellherdat.——Here，standaside，anddon’tbelookingafterdesholders！
　　（GERTRUDEandHANSstandaside.Grandmarch.EnteracorpsofGrenadiersandothertroops，whoformontherightofthestage.Rollofdrums.Thetroopspresentarms.
　　EnterFREDERICK，inafuriouspassion，followedbygeneralandstaffOfficers，andCountLANISKA.TheKINGacknowledgesthesalute，liftshishat，andputsitonagainfuriously.HAROLDandCorporalareintheranksoftheGrenadiers.ThroughoutthescenetheKINGspeakshurriedly.）
　　KING.
　　General！
　　FIRSTGENERAL.
　　YourMajesty.
　　KING.
　　Howcomesitthereissuchalackofdisciplineinyourdivision？DisbandTHAT
　　regimentatonce，anddraftafewofthemenfromtherightwingintootherregimentsorderedforimmediateservice！ThesoonerTHEYareshotthebetter！
　　FIRSTGENERAL.
　　Yes，sire.[Exit.
　　KING.
　　Generals——mostofyouhaveservedthegreaterpartofyourliveswithme.Wehavegrowngray—headedintheserviceofourcountry，andwethereforeknowbestourselvesthedangers，difficulties，andgloryinwhichwehaveshared.Whilewemaintainthedisciplineofthearmy，wemaydefyanypowerthatEuropecanmarchagainstus——relaxthat，andwebecomeaneasypreytothespoiler.
　　SECONDGENERAL.
　　Yourmajestyshallhavenocauseofcomplaininthefuture.
　　KING.
　　Makesureofthat！——Soldiers，Irelyinmyoperationsentirelyuponyourwell—knownzealinmyservice，andIshallacknowledgeitwithgratitudeaslongasIlive;
　　butatthesametimeIrequireofyouthatyoulookuponitasyourmostsacreddutytoshowkindnessandmercytoallprisonersthatthefortunesofwarmaythrowinyourpower.
　　SECONDGENERAL.
　　Thatduty，sire，youhavetaughtusallourlives.
　　KING（takingsnuff.）
　　Good！——Haveanyofmygrenadiersanythingtosaytomebeforetheparadeisdismissed？
　　HAROLD（recoveringarms.）
　　YourMajesty！
　　KING.
　　Speakout，Harold！
　　HAROLD.
　　Thegrenadiershavenoticedwithdeepregretthatyoufatigueyourselfoflatetoomuchwiththecaresofthearmy.Weprotestagainstit——
　　KING.
　　Zoundsandfury！——Here’srebellion！YOUprotestagainstit？
　　HAROLD（bluntly.）
　　Wedo.Youaregettingtobeanoldman——averyoldman——andaretoomuchafoot.
　　KING.
　　IcandoasIlikeaboutit，Isuppose？
　　HAROLD.
　　Certainlynot;andyouwill，therefore，infuture，begoodenoughtouseyourcarriagemoreandyourlegsless.
　　KING.
　　WhatdothegrenadiersFEAR？
　　HAROLD.
　　Wefearnothingbutthelossofyourhealth，thelossofyourlife，orthelossofyourfavor，sire.
　　KING.
　　Don’tyoufearthelossofmytemperatyourbluntness——eh，oldcomrade？
　　HAROLD.
　　No，sire;weknowyoulikeit.
　　KING.
　　Idoindeed.Youareintheright，mybravecompatriots——formyadvancedageandincreasinginfirmitiesadmonishmethatIshallbeunderthenecessityoffollowingyouradvice.Butonthedayofbattle，youshallseemeonhorseback——ONHORSEBACK——andinthethickestofthefight！（Crossesthestage，asaBURGOMASTERenters，kneels，andpresentsapetition.）Whathavewehere？
　　BURGOMASTER.
　　Sire——thecommoncouncilhasimprisonedacitizen，uponanaccusationthathehassinnedagainstheaven，theking，andtherightworshipfulthecommoncouncil.WehumblybegtoknowwhatYourMajesty’spleasureiswithregardtothepunishmentofsounparalleledandatrociousanoffender？
　　KING.
　　Iftheprisonerhassinnedagainstheaven，andisnotafooloramadman，hewillmakehispeacewithitwithoutdelay.ThisisaPower（takingoffhishat——allthecharactersmaketheirobeisance）thatkingsthemselvesmustbowtoinreverentialawe.（Resumeshishat.）
　　BURGOMASTER.
　　Buthehasalsosinnedagainstyourhighandmightymajesty——
　　KING.
　　Tush，tush，man！
　　BURGOMASTER（profoundly.）
　　Onmyofficialveracity，sire.
　　KING.
　　Well，well，forthatIpardonhim——
　　BURGOMASTER.
　　Andhehaslikewisesinnedagainsttherightworshipfulthecommoncouncil.
　　KING.
　　Thereprobate！——
　　BURGOMASTER.
　　Itismostveritable，YourMajesty！
　　KING.
　　Well，forthatterribleandenormousoffence，itbecomesmysolemndutytomakeanexampleofsoabominableaculpritandtopunishhiminamustexemplarymanner.
　　Therefore——
　　BURGOMASTER.
　　Yes，YourMajesty——
　　KING.
　　SendhimtotheCastleofSpandau，tobeimprisoned——
　　BURGOMASTER.
　　YourMajesty——
　　KING.
　　Foratleast——
　　BURGOMASTER.
　　Sire——
　　KING.
　　Halfanhour（PEASANTRYlaugh;）——andafterwardheisatlibertytogotothedevilhisownway;andtherightworshipfulthecommoncouncilmaygowithhim，iftheylike！
　　（ExitBURGOMASTER.Ashegoesout，shrugginghisshoulders，allthePEASANTRYlaugh，untilcheckedbyalookfromtheKING，whocrossesthestagetotheGrenadiers，andaddressestheCORPORAL，whohashiswatch—ribandsuspended.）
　　KING.
　　Corporal！（Headvancesandrecoversarms.）
　　CORPORAL.
　　YourMajesty！
　　KING.
　　Ihaveoftennoticedyouinthefield.Youareabravesoldier——andaprudentone，too，tohavesavedenoughfromyourpaytobuyyourselfawatch.
　　HAROLD（asidetoCORPORAL.）
　　YourememberwhatItoldyouaboutahawk’seye.
　　CORPORAL.
　　BraveIflattermyselfIam;butastomywatch，itisoflittlesignification.
　　KING（SeizingandpullingoutabulletfastenedtotheCORPORAL’swatch—riband.）
　　Why，thisisnotawatch！——It’sabullet！
　　CORPORAL.
　　It’stheonlywatchIhave，YourMajesty;butIhavenotwornitentirelyoutofvanity——
　　KING.
　　Whathaveyouwornitfor，then？Itdoesnotshowyouthetimeofday！
　　CORPORAL.
　　No;bititclearlyshowsmethedeathIamtodieinyourMajesty’sservice.
　　KING.
　　Wellsaid，mybravefellow！And，thatyoumaylikewiseseethehouramongthetwelveinwhichyouAREtodie，Iwillgiveyoumywatch.Takeit，andwearitformysakecorporal.（TheKINGgivestheCORPORALhiswatch.）
　　CORPORAL（withemotion.）
　　ItwillalsoteachmethatatanymomentYourMajestymaycommandmylife.
　　HAROLD（enthusiastically.）
　　Andthelivesofusall.LonglivetheKing！
　　（Flourishofdrums.TheKINGacknowledgesthesalute.）
　　KING（toGrenadiers.）
　　You，mybravefellows，aremyownguards.IcanrelyuponYOU.Thereisnowantofdisciplinehere——eh，General？Notwithstandingallmyannoyances，IamthehappiestkinginChristendom！
　　CHORUS
　　（Grenadiersandallthecharacters）
　　Allhailtheking！——Longlivetheking！
　　Ourhopeinpeaceandwar！
　　WithhisrenownletPrussiaring——
　　Hurrah！hurrah！hurrah！
　　Heisthepillarofthestate！
　　Ourswordandbucklerhe！
　　HeavengivetoFredericktheGreatEternalvictory！
　　（TheGRENADIERScheer.TheOFFICERScloseabouttheKING.Flourishandtableau.
　　Theact—dropdescendsonthepicture.）
　　EndoftheFirstAct.
　　ActII.
　　SceneI.
　　Discovered.Thestagerepresentsalargeapartmentwithouttheusualside—entrances.
　　Onthelefthandisarowoflong，old—fashionedwindows，withpainting—screenssoarrangedastoletthelightfallobliquelyonthetablesbeneath;atwhichtheFACTORYGIRLSareseated，employedinpaintingvariousarticlesofporcelain.
　　SOPHIAMANSFIELDisseatedatthetablenearesttheaudience.Ontherightareseparatetables，atwhichGIRLSareemployedmixingandgrindingcolors.Inthecenterofthestageisasmallplatform，onwhichanumberofpaintedvases，readyfortheoven，areplaced.KARLisengagedinexaminingthem.Attherearofthestageistheentrancetotheroom——alargeopendoor——oneachsideofwhicharerowsofshelves，filledwithvases，bowls，plates，jars，mantelornaments，andthelike，puttheretodry.Thewholerepresentingthepainting—roomoftheRoyalPorcelainFactory.Throughthedoorsthefurnacesareseen，onwhichtheporcelainisplacedtosetthecolors，andwhichseveralWORKMENareattending.Thecurtainrisesslowlytothemusic.
　　CHORUS.
　　（Germanair.）
　　Home，home，home——
　　Dear，losthome！
　　Thoughherewepineinslavery，OurheartsareallinSaxony，Ourgirlhood’shappyhome！
　　Landofthefreeandbold，Tohopelessbondagesold！
　　WhileabjecttoilandfearEnchainthydaughtershere，Weyearnforthee，OSaxony！——
　　Forfreedom，love，andhome！
　　（TheGIRLSattempttowaltztothemusic;but，overcomebytheirfeelings，theyresumetheirtasks.）
　　SOLO——SOPHIA.
　　Home，home，home——
　　Dear，losthome！
　　Thoughcaresoppressusfearfully，WeexilescarolcheerfullyOfgirlhood’shappyhome！
　　Beneathournativesky，Thehourswentswiftlyby;
　　Whileonaforeignsoil，Ouryouthconsumesintoil！
　　Weyearnforthee，OSaxony！——
　　Forfreedom，love，andhome！
　　（TheGIRLSattempttowaltz，asbefore，etc.）
　　CHORUS.
　　Home，home，home，etc.
　　（TheWORKMENandtheGIRLSresumetheirtasks.）
　　（EnterCountLANISKA，ALBERT，andWEDGEWOOD.）
　　WEDGEWOOD（lookingaround，andspeakingenthusiasticallyasheenters.）
　　Admirable，uponmyword！Everydepartmentbetterthanthelast，andthisthebestofall！Neversawanythinglikeit.Thecolorsbrilliant——thedesignsexquisitelyclassical——"aplaceforeverything，andeverythinginitsplace！"
　　COUNT.
　　WhateverHisMajestyconstructs，whetherafortressorafactory，isperfectinallitsdetails.
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Yetlookaround，andreadyourmonarch’shistoryintheeyesoftheseprisonersofwar.Observethatpictureofmelancholy（pointingtoSOPHIA，who，duringthescene，hasbeenleaningdejectedlyonherhand.——KARLstandingbyherside.）Howreluctantlyshepursueshertask！OurEnglishmanufacturersworkinquiteanothermanner，fortheyarefree！
　　KARL.
　　Andarefreemenorfreewomenneverindisposed？——ordoyouEnglishmenblameyourkingwheneveranyofhissubjectsturnpale？Thewomanatwhomyouarelookingisevidentlyill.
　　WEDGEWODD.
　　Thefieuponyourinhumanityformakingapoor，sickgirlworkwhensheseemsscarcelyabletoholdupherhead！（Aside.）Idon’thalflikethatfellow.Villainouslyodd.
　　ALBERT（toSOPHIA.）
　　Mypoorgirl，whatisthematterwithyou.Theoverseersaysthat，sinceyoucamehere，youhavedonenothingworthyofyourpencil.Yetthischarmingpiece（pointingtoanornamentonherpainting）——whichwasbroughtfromSaxonyisofyourdesign——isitnot？
　　SOPHIA.
　　Yes，sir，itwasmymisfortunetopaintit.Ifthekinghadneverseenorlikedit，Ishouldnowbe——
　　ALBERT.
　　InSaxony;butforgetthatcountry，andyoumaybehappyinthis.
　　SOPHIA.
　　Icannotforgetit！——IcannotforgeteverybodythatIeverloved.AsknotaSaxonwomantoforgethercountry！
　　ALBERT.
　　WhomdoyouloveinSaxonynow？
　　SOPHIA.
　　WhomdoINOTloveinSaxony？Ihaveabrotherthere，whomIhavenotseensincechildhood.HewasatcollegewhenIwascarriedofffromthecottageinwhichwebothwereborn.Heisignorantofmyfate.（SheregardsALBERTwithgreatattention，andexamineshisfeaturesminutely.）
　　ALBERT.
　　Whydoyougazeuponmesointently？
　　SOPHIA.
　　Iknownotwhy，sir;butyouseemedevennowadearheart—cherishedone，whomIhavewishedforlongandanxiously.
　　ALBERT.
　　Thinkmethatone，andtrustme.
　　SOPHIA.
　　Iwill——forthere’sacherubnestlinginmyheartwhichwhispers，"Youareheretosaveme！"（ALBERTleadshertohertask，whichsheresumesingreatdejectionofspirits.）
　　WEDGEWOOD（toKARL.）
　　Isthatpoorgirloftenthus？
　　KARL.
　　Shesitsasyouseeher，likeonestupefied，halftheday.
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Thecauseofthis——ifitisconvenient？
　　KARL.
　　Shehasfallentothelotofasoldier（glancingatSOPHIA）——whoswears，ifshedelaysanotherdaytoMARRYHIM，thathewillcomplaintotheking.
　　COUNT（turningfuriouslyuponKARL.）
　　Wretch！（seizeshim.）
　　KARL（throwinghimoff.）
　　Thisinsultwillcostyoudear！Yourscornfortheking’scommands——
　　COUNT（scornfully.）
　　Ihadforgotten.（Releaseshim.）Youareamereinstrumentinthehandsofatyrant！
　　KARL（aside.）
　　Thatwordagain！——
　　SOPHIA（runningbetweenthem，andthrowingherselfatthefeetofLANISKA.）
　　Saveme！saveme！YouCANsaveme！Youareapowerfullord，andcanspeaktotheking！Savemefromthisdetestedmarriage.
　　KARL（asidetoSOPHIA.）
　　Areyoumad？
　　COUNT（raisingSOPHIA，whoclingstohim，andshrinksfromKARL.）
　　Iwilldoso，orperishintheattempt！
　　KARL（aside.）
　　Ah！sayyouso？ThenthekingshallknowHISenemyandMINE！[Exit.
　　WEDGEWOOD（noticingKARLgooff.）
　　Whew！There’smischiefbrewing！Ifthatblack—muzzledrascalisnothatchingtroubleforusall，I’llnevertrustmysevensensesagain！Iwondertheypermitsuchabeartogoatlargeinagardenlikethis——he’llrootuptheflowersaswellasweeds.——Dangerouslyodd！
　　（Trumpetsoundswithout，andabuzzandhumasifofadistantcrowd;thenoisecomesneartheFactory.）
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　What’safootnow，Iwonder？
　　ALBERT.
　　Somenewfreak，nodoubt，ofthiseccentricmonarch.（Noises.）
　　WEDGEWOOD（lookingout.）
　　Thetownisallastir（noiselouder）——hummingandbuzzinglikeahiveofbees！（Noise，anddistantshouts.）Andyondercomesafussylittleburgomasterwithaproclamation，andacrowdofnoisycitizensathisheels——odd！[Noiseandshoutsincrease.
　　（SophiaandtheotherGIRLSandtheWORKMENleavetheiroccupations，asifanxioustolearnthecauseoftheuproar.Whenthebuzzing，huzzaing，andnoisereachtheFactory，loudsoundofthetrumpet.）
　　BURGOMASTER（without.）
　　Makewaythere，goodpeople——makewaytherefortheroyalherald！（TheBURGOMASTER
　　bustlesinwiththeHERALD——thecrowdfollowingandsurroundinghim——noises.）Standback（usinghiswand）——standback，youidle，raggedtatterdemalions，andpayallduereverencetotheconstitutedauthorities！（laughter）——forknowallmenbythesepresents（verypompously，）thatIrepresenttheking！（laughter.）
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Whatafigureforthepart！（laughter.）
　　BURGOMASTER（smartlystrikingwithhiswandonewholaughslouderthantherest.）
　　Takethat，andletitteachyoubettermannersinfuture，youscarecrow！——Nowdrawnear，goodpeople，andbedumb！Lendmeallyourears！——
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Youhaveearsenoughalreadyforanytwo—leggedanimal——
　　BURGOMASTER.
　　WhileI，byvirtueofmyofficeasamagistrate，publishthisimportantdocument！
　　（SOPHIAcomesforward.）
　　CITIZEN（eagerly.）
　　Nowforit！
　　BURGOMASTER（hittinghimsmartlyoverthehead.）
　　Youwill，willyou？——Hish！Thispaperisbigwithinformationtothewholerealm;
　　butmoreespeciallytothedaughtersofSaxony.（SOPHIAandtheGIRLSoftheFactory，bylooksandactions，evincegreatinterestinthereadingofthepaper.）
　　BURGOMASTER.
　　Hish！（ToHERALD.）Nowproceedinregularorder，andaccordingtoancientformandusage，toreadtheroyalproclamation！——Hish！（HandspapertoHERALD.）
　　HERALD（reads.）
　　"BythegraceofGod，we，FredericktheSecond，KingofPrussia，herebymakeknownthathewillgivefreedom——"
　　SOPHIA（eagerlyaside.）
　　Freedom？（Listenswithanxiety.）
　　HERALD.
　　"AndarewardoffivehundredcrownstotheARTISTwhoshallproducethemostbeautifullydesignedandhighly—finishedenameledporcelainvaseofBerlinchina;
　　andpermithertomarrywhomsoeversheshallthinkproper."
　　SOPHIA（asideandjoyfully.）
　　HerIaright？（TheGIRLSoftheFactoryshowgreatjoyatthis.）
　　HERALD.
　　"TheARTIST’snameshallbeinscribeduponthevase，whichshallbecalled’ThePrussianVase.’"
　　SOPHIA（aside.）
　　Oh，happy，happynews！
　　HERALD.
　　"SignedattheSansSouci——
　　"BytheKing."
　　OMNES.
　　HA—z—z—a—a—h—a—a—a—a！（AmidtheshoutsandgeneraljoyoftheGIRLS，theBURGOMASTER
　　bustlesout，usinghiswandfrequently，andspeakingallthewhile;theHERALD
　　following，andtheCITIZENSbuzzingandhuzzaingasbefore.）Silenceyounondescriptvillains！——Silence，Isay！Youstunmewithyouruproar！（Loudshout.——Passionately.）
　　Oh，shutyouruglymugs！（Strikesthem.）
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Mugs！Ilikethat.He’sinthecrockery—trade，likemyself.
　　SOPHIA（withjoy.）
　　Thisproclamationhasanimatedmewithnewlifeandenergy.Ifeellikeoneinspired！
　　COUNT.
　　Whatmeanyou？
　　SOPHIA.
　　Tobecomeacompetitorfortheprize.
　　ALBERT.
　　Youwillhavemanyopponents.
　　SOPHIA.
　　Iheedthemnot.
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Allwillbezealthroughoutthemanufactory.
　　SOPHIA.
　　Somuchthegreaterneedformyperseverance.
　　ALBERT.
　　Somewillbeexcitedwiththehopeofgainingtheirliberty.
　　SOPHIA.
　　Oh，blessedhope！
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Somestimulatedbythecrowns.——Notatallodd.——Itwouldbeoddiftheywerenot！
　　SOPHIA.
　　ButnonehavesostrongamotiveforexertionasIhave.
　　COUNT（withenthusiasm.）
　　Noblyresolved！IwillassistyouwitheveryfacultyIpossess.
　　ALBERT（withthesamefeeling.）
　　AndI！
　　WEDGEWOOD（withthesame.）
　　Andall！——Ifitisconvenient.
　　SOPHIA（joyfully.）
　　Thendoubtnotmysuccess.（ExitLANISKA，ALBERT，and，WEDGEWOOD.）Oh，howmyheartboundswiththethoughtsofoncemoreseeingSaxony！Itsmountains，torrents，vineyards，areallbeforemenow！Andthenournativesongs！——Theystealintomyheartandmeltit.
　　SONGANDCHORUS.
　　（Germanair.）
　　SOPHIAandFACTORYGIRLS.
　　Sky，stream，moorland，andmountain，Tree，cot，spire，anddome，Breeze，bird，vineyard，andfountain，Kindred，friends，country，andhome！——
　　Home，home，home，home！——
　　Thesearetheblessingsofhome！
　　（TheFACTORY—GIRLSnowwaltzcheerfullytothemusic.）
　　HopehowfondlyIcherish，Dearland，toseetheeoncemore！
　　OFate！letmenotperishFarfrommyownnativeshore！
　　Home，home，home，home！——
　　Saxony，Liberty’shome！
　　（TheGIRLSwaltzasbefore，etc.）
　　Thosewhofreedominherit，BownottoTyranny’sthrone;
　　Then，friends，inakindspirit，Judgeofmylovebyyourown.
　　Home，home，home，home！——
　　Thelandoftheheartisourhome！
　　（Theyallwaltzwithgreatspirituntilthescenecloses.）
　　SceneII.
　　AStreetinBerlin.EnterFREDERICKinacloak——KARLfollowing.
　　KING.
　　Thosewhohavethecommandofmotives，andknowtheirpower，havealsothecommandofallthatthearts，orwhatiscalledageniusforthearts，canproduce.ThehumanmindandhumaningenuityaremuchthesameinItaly，England，andPrussia.
　　ThenwhyshouldnotwehaveaPrussianaswellasaWedgewoodoraBarbarinivase？
　　Weshallsee.Idonotunderstandmonmetierderoi，ifIcannotcallforthtalentswhereIknowthemtoexist.（ToKARL.）Andsothecountdenouncedmeforatyrant，didhe，Karl？
　　KARL.
　　Hedid，YourMajesty.
　　KING.
　　He’samerestripling;andIpermitboysandfoolstospeakofmeastheylist.ButIamnotyrant，Karl！Hemighthavesparedmethat.（Musingly.）Tyrant！——
　　KARL（aside.）
　　Itranklesdeeply.
　　KING（recoveringfromhismeditation.）
　　Youthandinexperience——tosaynothingoflove——pshaw！——whichistherootofallfolly——shallbehisapologythistime：butlethimbewarehowheoffendsagain——
　　KARL（aside.）
　　ItmoveshimasIintended.
　　KING.
　　No，Iamnotyrant.Ishouldnotbebrandedwithsuchatitle！
　　KARL（startled.）
　　Branded，YourMajesty？
　　KING.
　　Whathashappened，Karl？Youareaspaleasashes！Whatmysteryishere？Iamtobetrusted.
　　KARL.
　　YourMajestywaseverkind;andifImight——
　　KING.
　　Might！Youmay.Speakfreelytoyoursovereign——yourfriend——andtellmewhatitisthatweighsuponyourmind.
　　SONG——KARL
　　Daredtheselipsmysadstoryimpart，Whatreliefitwouldgivetomyheart！
　　Thoughthescenesofpastyearsastheyrise，Bringthedewsofremorsetomyeyes，Yet，ohhearme，andeverconcealWhatinagonynowIreveal！——
　　KING.
　　Speakfreely，Karl——
　　KARL.
　　Andbehold，whileIthrowoffthemask！
　　Ah，no，no，no，no，no——
　　Ishrinkindespairfromthetask！
　　InthepageofmylifethereappearsAsadpassagethat’swrittenintears！
　　Couldbutthatbeerased，IwouldgiveAlltheremnantofdaysImaylive：
　　yetthecauseofthecloudonmybrowIhaveneverdiscloseduntilnow——
　　KING.
　　Sayon，Karl——
　　KARL.
　　Herebehold！——Itisbrandedinflame！
　　Ah，no，no，no，no，no——
　　Ishrinkindespairfrommyshame！[KARLrushesout.
　　KING.
　　There’samysteryaboutthatfellowthatIcannotunderstand.——Whomhavewehere？
　　Oh，theEnglishtravellerwhoisinsuchagoodhumorwithmymanufactory，andwhohassuchstrangenotionsrespectingme.Good——good！
　　[Drawshiscloakabouthimandretires.
　　（EnterWEDGEWOOD.）
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　IbegintoperceivethatIshallgetintosomeconfoundedscrapeifIstayheremuchlonger，andsowillmyyoungfriendMr.Worrendorf，whohasmademehisconfidant：
　　butmum’stheword！（SeeingtheKING，whoisintheactoftakingsnuff.）Ah，usesnuff，myoldboy？——Odd！——Thankyouforapinch.（Takesapinchsansceremonie，andwithouttheKing’sconsent.FREDERICKshutstheboxangrily.WEDGEWOODstartsbackinastonishment.——Aside.）Wonderwhotheold—fashionedbrownjugcanbe！I’lltakehimbythehandleandpourhimout，andseewhat’sinhim.
　　KING.
　　Likethesnuff？
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Yes（snuffs）——it’sdecentblackguard（snuffs）——quitedecent.
　　KING.
　　Tasteitagain.
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Don’tcareifIdo.（Helpshimself.）
　　KING.
　　Perhapsyouwillalsodomethefavortoacceptthebox？
　　WEDGEWOOD（takingthebox.）
　　Ifitisconvenient.WhatamItoinferfromthis？
　　KING.
　　ThatyouandIcannottakesnuffoutofthesamebox.MYboxisnotlargeenoughfortwo.
　　WEDGEWOOD（astonished.）
　　Youdon’tsayso！"Notlargeenoughfortwo？"（Looksatthebox.）DamnmeifIdon’tthinkitlargeenoughforadozen，unlesstheytooksnuffwithashovel！
　　（Aside.）Whointhenameofallthat’smagnanimouscanthisoldthree—corneredcocked—hattedcockolorumbe？
　　KING.
　　Youwereoverheardtosaybutnowthatyouwouldliketoseetheking？
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Overheard？（Aside.）Ah，that’sthewaytheydoeverythinghere.Amancan’tsneezewithoutsomeoneofthefourwindsofheavenreportingittoHisMajesty！Thereisnosuchthingasasecretinthewholekingdom！Howdothewomengetalong，Iwonder？
　　（ToFREDERICK.）"Liketoseetheking？"CertainlyIshould.
　　KING.
　　Thatboxwillprocureyouanaudience.Presentitatthepalace.
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Lookyouhere，myjollyoldcock，noneofyourjokes——noneofyourtricksupontravellers，ifyouplease.Whatdoyoumean？
　　KING.
　　ThatIamappreciatedatcourt.
　　WEDGEWOOD（aside.）
　　Oh，there’snostandingonthis！（ToFREDERICK.）DoyouintendtosaythatyouarepersonallyacquaintedwithFredericktheGreat？
　　KING.
　　Iknowhim，Ibelieve，betterthananysubjectinhisrealm.Heismymostintimatefriend.
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Well，then，ifthatbethecase，allthatIhavetosayis，thatheisnotoverandaboveniceinhischoiceofcompanions.——Whatanoddoldfile！
　　KING（angrily.）
　　Lookyouhere，Mr.Wedgewood——
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　W—e—d—g—e—w—o—o—d！——
　　KING.
　　Yes——Iknowyouwellenough.YouareanEnglishmanbybirth——acrockery—merchantbytrade——agentlemanfrominclination——andanoddsortofcharacterfromhabit.
　　Withoutknowinganythingmoreaboutitthanthemaninthemoon，youhavecondemnedthepolicyoftheking，whoisawareofallyouhavesaidanddonesinceyourarrivalinPrussia.
　　WEDGEWOOD（alarmed.）
　　Oh，I’llgetoutofthisinfernalcountryasfastasmylegscancarryme！Thekingisallears，likeafieldofcorn;andalleyes，likeapotato—patch！
　　KING.
　　Whatalarmsyou？
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Everything.It’salloverwithme！I’manearthenteapotwiththespoutknockedoff！——Suspiciouslyodd！
　　KING.
　　You，sir，liketoomanyothers，areentirelymistakeninthecharacterofFrederick.
　　Youwillunderstandhimbetterwhenwemeetagain（going.）
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　But，beforeyougo，prayreceiveyourboxagain！——（theKINGlooksathimsternly——
　　WEDGEWOODisgreatlyalarmed）——if——it——is——convenient！
　　KING.
　　Notnow.Whennextweconfer，rememberme.——Farewell！[Exit.
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Rememberyou？IthinkIshall.Onceseen，neverforgotten.Whatadeepoldscrew！
　　（EnterHAROLD.）
　　HAROLD.
　　Thekingcommandsyourpresenceatthechateauofthecountess.
　　WEDGEWOOD.
　　Thedevilhedoes！（Looksatthebox.）What’shere？AsIlive，theroyalarms！
　　（ConcealstheboxfromHAROLD.）Oh，thething’splainenough.Thatfellowhasstolenthisbox;andforfearofbeingfoundout，hehasputitoffonme！It’sallup！——I’vebeenbamboozledbythenefariousoldmonsterofiniquity！ButI’llafterhimstraight，andhavehimJUGGED.IfIdon’t，they’llmakenotbonesofJUGGINGme！——Ifitisconvenient.[Exitinaflurry.
　　HAROLD.
　　Howhetrembles！He’sfrightenedoutofhissenses——Fear？Whatisit？Awordnottobefoundinthearticlesofwar——asoldier’sonlyvocabulary！
　　SONG——HAROLD.
　　FieryMars，thyvotaryhear！
　　Weaveformeawreathofglory！
　　WhenIrestuponmybier，Letmymemoryliveinstory！
　　Aidmyswordintimeofwar！
　　Inmycountry’scauseIwieldit——
　　OnlywiththebreathIdraw，WillItothefoemanyieldit！
　　[Exit.
　　SceneIII.
　　SOPHIAMANSFIELD’sapartmentsinthePorcelainFactory.EnterSOPHIA.
　　SOPHIA.
　　’Tisdone.Myvaseisfinished，andinthepossessionoftheoverseer.Howisitwithme？Althoughmyfortunesaresuspendedbyasinglethread，anunaccustomedbuoyancypervadesmybosom.Aretheseemotionsprecursorsofvictory，orhastheloveofLaniskagivenmeanewexistence，andtingedtheworldoncemorewithhuesofparadise？Hownewandfreshandstrangeareallhethingshereaboutmyheart！
　　Thisishisgift——asimpleflower！Hesaiditisanemblemoflove.Itisnotso.
　　Lovedoesnotperishthus！——Lovecannotbeaflower.
　　SONG—SOPHIA.
　　Ah！Loveisnotagarden—flower，Thatshootsfromouttheculturedearth;
　　Thatneedsthesunbeamandtheshower，Beforeitwakensintobirth：
　　Itownsarichersoilandseed，Andwoman’sheartsuppliesthemboth，Whereitwillspring，withoutaweed，Consummateinitsgrowth.
　　TheseleaveswillperishwhenawayFromeithergenialsunorshower;
　　NotsowillwitheranddecayCelestialLove’sperennialflower.
　　’Tisourcompanioncountlessmiles，Throughwealorwoeinafteryears;
　　Andthoughitflourishesinsmiles，Itbloomsasfreshintears！
　　（EnterFREDERICA.）
　　FREDERICA.
　　MydearSophia，Iamoverjoyedtolearnthatyouhavecompletedyourvase.
　　SOPHIA.
　　Thanks，dearmadam.Isittruethattheworksofthedifferentcompetitorsaretobeexhibitedatthefeteofthecountess，andthatthedecisionistobetheremade？
　　FREDERICA.
　　Itis——andthecountessinsistsuponyourbeingpresent.
　　SOPHIA.
　　Iamanunknowngirl，madam;andifIdeclinetheinvitation，Ibeseechyoutakeitnotamiss.
　　FREDERICA.
　　——ButIwilltakeitamiss，andsowillthecountandcountess，whosemessengerI
　　am，andwhoinsisteduponmybringingyoutothechateauatonce.
　　SOPHIA.
　　Well，madam，sinceyouwillhaveitso——
　　FREDERICA.
　　Oh，you’llbedelighted.Onlythinkoftheconcentratedattractionsof"thecourt，thecamp，thegrove！"Oh，they’retoomuchforanymortalwomantowithstand！
　　DUET——SOPHIAandFREDERICA
　　Theking，theprincesofthecourt，Withlordsandladiesbright，WillintheirdazzlingstateresortTothisgrandfeteto—night：
　　Themerry—heartedandtheproudWillmingleintheglitteringcrowd，WhoglidewithFashion’ssparklingstreamWhereoneIlovewillshinesupreme！——
　　Larala，larala，lalala，etc.
　　ThecavaliersofItaly，ThegaygallantsofFrance，WithSpainandEngland’schivalry，Willjointhemerrydance.
　　ThecourtofLove——thecampofMars，FairPrussiandames，"earth—treadingstars，"
　　Tomusic’sstrainwillfloatinlight，WhereoneIlovewillbeamto—night！——
　　Larala，larala，lalala，etc.
　　[Exitcheerfully.
　　SceneIV.
　　Discovered.GrandSaloonintheChateauoftheCOUNTESSLANISKA，arrangedforaFete.ThesceneopenswithdancingandwaltzingbytheCHARACTERS，anddiscoverstheKINGandretinue，LORDSandLADIESoftheCourt，foreignAMBASSADORSandATTACHES，theCOUNTESSLANISKA，ALBERT，WEDGEWOOD，KARL，GIRLSoftheFactory，etc.，etc.
　　TheCHARACTERSarevariouslygroupedduringthedance;andwhileallareobservingtheKING，who，withKARLathisside，isattentivelyexaminingtheVases，whichareplacedonstandsononesideofthestage，theCOUNTLANISKAenters，conducting，inSOPHIAandFREDERICA.Afterthedance，theKINGspeaks.
　　KING.
　　Thehourhasarrivedwhichistodecidethefateofthecompetitors.（AlltheCHARACTERSexpressbytheirlooksandactionstheutmostanxietyastotheresult，anddrawneartotheKING.）
　　KARL（toKING.）
　　TheinscriptionuponthisvaseisinthehandwritingoftheCountLaniska.
　　KING.
　　’Tiswell.
　　KARL（aside.）
　　Anditisadeath—warrant！
　　KING.
　　Subjectsandchildren：wehavereasontobeproudofanartthatredoundstothehonorandgloryofPrussia.Whereallhavedeservedwell，allshallbewellremembered.
　　（TheGIRLSoftheFactorymanifestgreatjoyatthesewords，andturntocongratulateeachother.SOPHIAandLANISKAstandapart，andwatcheveryactionoftheKING，whiletheotherCHARACTERSappeargreatlyinterestedinSOPHIA.）Thisvase，however，Iselectfromtherest，asthemostbeautifulofthemall.（SOPHIAclaspsherhandsingreatagitation.）Letthisbeknowntoafteragesas"THEPRUSSIANVASE;"andletthenamehereinscribed（looksatandpointstothenameonthevase）bechronicledthroughouttheserealms.（TakesSOPHIAbythehand.）SophiaMansfieldistheartistandsheisfree！（SOPHIA，overcomebyherfeelings，fallsonthebosomofFREDERICA.）
　　CHORUS.
　　Victoria！victoria！
　　TheSaxonmaidisfree——
　　Victoria！victoria！etc.
　　SOPHIA.
　　Myheartwillbreakwithgratitude！
　　COUNT.
　　Andminewithjoy！
　　KARL（aside.）
　　Itwillbeofbriefduration.
　　KING（whohasregardedSOPHIAwithgreatinterest.）
　　Letthedanceproceed.
　　（AmerrydanceandwaltzbytheCHARACTERS，attheterminationofwhichatableauisformed.Theutmostmerrimentandhilaritymarktheactionofthescene.Attheconclusionofthedance，theKING，whohasbeenoccupiedincarefullyexaminingtheVase，wipesitwithhishandkerchief，whichbecomesstainedwiththepaint.KARL
　　drawshisattentiontotheinscription.）
　　KARL.
　　Behold，myliege！——
　　KING.
　　Ha！Whatwordsarethese？（Reads.）"ToFredericktheGreatTyrant"——Treachery！——
　　（KARLimmediatelyseizestheVase，andcarriesitoff，withouttheinscriptionbeingseenbyanybuttheKING.）Breakoffthesports！
　　COUNTESS（greatlyastonished.）
　　WhatmeansYourGraciousMajesty？
　　KING.
　　（Whohastakenouthistablets，andwrittenonthemingreathaste——doesnotregardher，andspeaksfuriously.）——Letallthedoorsbeclosed！Suchbaseingratitudeshallnotgounpunished！——Giveoveryourmirth！Ho！Myguards！（Drumsimmediatelysound.）Myguards！
　　（Presto！EnterHAROLD，CORPORAL，andGRENADIERS，ingreathaste.TheKINGhandsHAROLDhisorders，andrushesoutinatoweringpassion.EnterWEDGEWOOD.Alltheguestsarethrownintogreatconfusion.Re—enterKARL.）
　　HAROLD（promptly.）
　　CountLaniska，standforth！
　　COUNT.
　　Whatisyourbusinesswithme，Harold？
　　HAROLD.
　　Youareourprisoner.
　　OMNES.
　　Prisoner？
　　KARL（aside.）
　　NowItriumph！
　　COUNT.
　　Underwhoseordersdoyouact？
　　HAROLD.
　　Thoseoftheking.
　　OMNES.
　　Theking！
　　HAROLD.
　　SophiaMansfield！
　　ALBERT.
　　Whatofher？
　　HAROLD.
　　ShemustawaywithustothecastleofSpandau.
　　SOPHIA.
　　OHeaven，supportme！
　　COUNT（drawinghissword.）
　　Touchheratyourperil，Harold！
　　ALBERT.
　　Thisismadness！Givemeyoursword！（Wrestsitfromhim，andgiveittoHAROLD.）
　　Ofwhataretheyaccused？
　　HAROLD.
　　Ofingratitudeandtreason！
　　OMNES.
　　Treason！
　　FINALE.
　　COUNT.
　　Treason！
　　OMNES.
　　Treason！
　　COUNT.
　　Itcannotbe！
　　Oftreasonwhoaccusesme？
　　HAROLD.
　　Thekinghimself！——Theseordersread！（HandspapertoCOUNT.）
　　OMNES.
　　Thekinghimself！
　　COUNT（lookingatthepapers.）
　　’Tistrueindeed！
　　SOPHIA.
　　Oh，whatafearfulchangeishere！
　　KARL（aside.）
　　Itriumphnow！——myvengeancefear！
　　（SOPHIAandLANISKAaremadeprisoners.）
　　OMNES.
　　Theking’scommandsletallobey！
　　COUNTandSOPHIA.
　　Wemustobey！
　　SOPHIA.
　　Oh，howmytrustingheartisgrieved！——
　　COUNT.
　　Ourroyalmasterisdeceived！
　　NotraitorI！——MyloyalheartSpurnswithdisdainsobaseapart！
　　SOPHIA.
　　HowvainlyFortunesmiledonme！
　　SOPHIAandCOUNT.
　　Oh，givemedeathorliberty！
　　KARL.
　　Tearthemapart！
　　HAROLDandGRENADIERS.
　　Nomoredelay！
　　KARL.
　　Toprison，hence！——
　　OMNES.
　　Toprison？
　　HAROLDandGRENADIERS.
　　Hence！
　　OMNES.