SCENE in PART SECOND
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That to arms only dares he now confide the safety and the honour of his crown !
SPIRIT OF THE YEARS
Draw down the curtain, then, and overscreen This too-protracted verbal fencing-scene. And let us turn to clanging foot and horse, Ordnance, and all the enginry of Force !
Clouds close over the perspective.
SCENE III
THE STREETS OF BERLIN
It is afternoon, and the thoroughfares are crowded with citizens in an excited and anxious mood. A central path is left open for some expected arrival.
There enters on horseback a fair woman, whose rich brown curls stream flutteringly in the breeze, and whose long blue habit flaps against the flank of her curvetting white mare. She is the renowned LOUISA, QUEEN OF PRUSSIA, riding at the head of a regiment of hussars and wearing their uniform. As she prances along the thronging citizens acclaim her enthusiastically.
SPIRIT OF THE PITIES Who is this fragile Fair, in fighting trim ?
SPIRIT OF THE YEARS
She is the pride of Prussia, whose resolve Gives ballast to the purpose of her spouse^ And holds him to what men call governing.
SPIRIT OF THE PITIES
Queens have engaged in war; but wars loud trade Rings with a roar unnatural, fitful, forced, Practised by woman s hands !
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