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 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 MAX HALBE 
 
 Richard G. Badger, Publisher, Boston
 
 UBRARY 
 
 of California 
 
 IRVINE
 
 VOLUME XXI JANUARY FEBRUARY, 1910 NUMBER 1 
 
 THE ROSENHAGENS* 
 
 (A Drama in Three Acts) 
 
 BY MAX HALBE 
 Translated by Permission of the /Author by Paul H. Grummann 
 
 CHARACTERS OF THE DRAMA 
 
 CHRISTIAN ROSENHAGEN, estate owner at Hohenau. 
 
 KARL EGON, his son. 
 
 MADAM ROSENHAGEN, his mother. 
 
 MARTHA REIMANN. 
 
 HERMINE DIESTERKAMP. 
 
 FRITZ DIESTERKAMP, senior in the gymnasium, brother of Hermine. 
 
 THOMAS Voss, land owner at Hohenau. 
 
 PASTOR SIEBERT. 
 
 DR. NOWACK, physician. 
 
 WEGNER, agent. 
 
 RATHKE, overseer on Rosenhagen's estate. 
 
 MINNIE, servant. 
 
 BUMKEWITSCH, farm hand. 
 
 Three other farm hands. 
 
 Scene of drama: Hohenau estate. 
 
 Time: the early nineties. The first act takes place in June, the last 
 two on a day in September, the former in the forenoon, the latter towards 
 evening. 
 
 * Copyright, 1910, by Paul H. Grummann. All rights reserved. 
 
 Copyright, 1910, by The Poet Lore Company. All rights reserved. 
 
 I
 
 2 A 3t i THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 ft3f 
 
 FIRST ACT 
 
 Large hall In the manor house. Two doors at the right and a door 
 at the left lead to the various rooms. In the middle of the rear wall, there 
 are two glass doors, through which one passes down into the flower 
 garden over large stone steps. The two windows to the right and left of 
 the glass doors also face the garden. High oak cases, brown with age, 
 crowned with Delft vases are ranged along the side walls. A table with 
 papers, newspapers and writing materials stands in the center of the hall 
 and is surrounded by chairs. A faded sofa against the front part of the 
 left wall, the room is plain and austere, but the white curtains and the 
 view upon the garden render it not uninviting. It is a clear spring day in 
 the middle of June. The two folding doors of the rear wall are opened 
 wide. One looks over flower beds and patches of turf which are bordered 
 farther back by a brook. A narrow foot-bridge connects the garden with 
 an adjacent meadow lying beyond, past which the eye wanders into the 
 distance up to the hazy, blue remote chain of hills. 
 
 Pastor (in suppressed tones}. So the doctor has been called? 
 
 Martha (likewise}. Why, of course, Mr. Siebert. The carriage 
 has been gone this good half hour ! 
 
 Pastor. If he has only found him at home! 
 
 Martha. You can't imagine, Mr. Siebert, how terribly we were 
 frightened, when uncle suddenly groped so strangely, fell upon a chair, was 
 white as chalk and unable to utter a word, and just panted. (Shuddering.) 
 I'll not forget that in all of my life ! 
 
 Rathke (approaching}. Yes, we were just standing together, I and 
 Mr. Rosenhagen and Miss Reimann, and were talking about something, 
 and of course got to talking again of that fellow on the other side of the 
 mill race. (He points in the direction beyond the brook.} You know, don't 
 you, who is meant by that? I don't have to take much time to explain that 
 to you. (He points again.} 
 
 Pastor (sighing and shaking his head}. God knows! This unfor- 
 tunate quarrel has poisoned my whole pastorate here. 
 
 Rathke. Never mind, Mr. Siebert, that is more than ordinary quar- 
 reling, the affair of the two, our master and the fellow over yonder, Voss. 
 That is war to the death, I say to you, in which each one grapples for the 
 throat of the other; and now they clutch each other, and it's up with one of 
 them. 
 
 Pastor (retreats a step}. God help me. Are these men Christians?
 
 MAX HALBE 3 
 
 Rathke (after a moment}. Have you ever experienced war, Mr. 
 Siebert, real war? Do you know what it means when a company of militia 
 is expected to storm a French village? 
 
 Pastor (somewhat impatient). In one's reading, one forms a con- 
 ception of that. But what is the purpose of all this? 
 
 Rathke. You will see that directly, Mr. Siebert. You know, I went 
 through that a dozen times. Then the command is: March, march! and 
 all men storm headlong! And now pinch up your eyes and throw the 
 enemy back and take one place after another and after it is all over 
 
 Pastor (impatiently). Well? After it is all over? 
 
 Rathke (chuckles). Yes, after it is all over .... I am not telling 
 you all that for nothing, Mr. Siebert. Now imagine, after it is all over, 
 at the very end of the village there is one place left; in it the enemy has 
 planted himself, from it they shoot, and as merrily as ever. Say for your- 
 self, Mr. Siebert, would you leave that house to the enemy, even if it were 
 built a little stronger than the rest of them, and were a little harder to 
 take? Would you just let the enemy keep on shooting from that house? 
 
 Pastor. For the life of me, I don't understand ! 
 
 Rathke (condescendingly). You see, Mr. Siebert, the enemy, with 
 whom we have been concerned, our master and I, has been represented by 
 the other land owners that have been here in the village, I don't know how 
 long. All of these, with the help of God and old Nick, we slowly froze out 
 and put out, the one this way, the other that way, as best suited the case, 
 but they all had to go ! (He pauses for a moment and strokes his beard.) 
 All ! But one ! You know well enough, but that one on the other side 
 of the mill race. 
 
 Pastor (excited). And Thomas Voss is now doomed also? The 
 rope has been knotted for his gallows also? 
 
 Rathke (quietly). Just so, Mr. Siebert. Just as you say. 
 
 Pastor (turns around on his heel). Shame on you, sir. Do be 
 ashamed of yourself! (He takes a few steps angrily.) 
 
 Rathke. Mr. Siebert, whosoever says A, must also say B, and who- 
 soever has taken a whole village by storm cannot leave the last place to 
 the enemy. It is then a matter of so or so , and if you can swallow the 
 rat, you will also be able to swallow its tail. 
 
 Martha (impatiently to RATHKE,). What stuff you are talking, 
 Rathke. Mr. Siebert must get a fine opinion of you. And of uncle also. 
 
 Rathke. Never mind, Miss. That is all settled beforehand. It's 
 all a matter of have to. 
 
 Martha (impetuously). Believe me, Mr. Siebert, I do not wish to
 
 4 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 defend my uncle at all. I am not pleased with all that he does myself. 
 But what is a poor girl to do, who is alone in the world, has no parents and 
 nothing at all? One depends upon his relatives, of course. It's bad 
 enough. 
 
 Pastor (steps to table where she is). Dear Miss Reimann, no one 
 under the sun is reproaching you. 
 
 Martha. Of course, I don't know anything about it, Mr. Siebert, 
 but I do know this much, old man Voss isn't an angel either. I imagine 
 the one is as much to blame as the other. 
 
 Pastor. No, no, Miss Reimann, the blame rests entirely with your 
 uncle. Why, I have had to witness that for years, and have been unable 
 to hinder it. The demon of greed has hunted your uncle through life. 
 That is the source of all the conflicts which he has had with his fellow men, 
 the innumerable law suits which have aroused so much vexation. Greed 
 for land, Miss Reimann, insatiable greed for land, that is the serious 
 reproach which I must level at your uncle. 
 
 Martha. Then indeed it must be something of a family trait, Mr. 
 Siebert. I am also pleased when I see all of the beautiful land that my 
 uncle has acquired in his life, the meadows and fields and all the rest. I 
 am pleased about that, even if I shall never have any benefit from it, and I 
 myself am poor as a church mouse. 
 
 Pastor (smiling). With you it is an entirely different matter, you 
 see, dear Miss Reimann. That is an innocent pleasure, nothing more. 
 
 Martha (strangely). Do not say that, Mr. Siebert. I can easily 
 imagine how that can take hold of a person. That must come like rav- 
 enous hunger like ravenous hunger. He who has always sat at the 
 
 the table of strangers and has always eaten the bread of strangers, can 
 easily imagine that. 
 
 Pastor (has become serious, looks at her penetratingly). Then I 
 advise you, Miss Reimann, curb the demon in your breast ! Curb it. 
 
 Martha (lightly). O dear me, Mr. Pastor, it will probably not be 
 so very serious. I'll not even get into the embarrassing position at all. 
 
 Pastor (zealously). Tell me yourself, Miss Reimann, and you, Mr. 
 Rathke, what has Christian Rosenhagen had of all this? 
 
 Rathke (in a matter of fact way). He has become a rich man, Mr. 
 Siebert. 
 
 Pastor (somewhat nervous). Good, yes! But what has he staked 
 for it? 
 
 Rathke. I do say, Mr. Siebert, the only thing that comes free of 
 charge is death. And even that is not true, one pays his life for it.
 
 
 
 MAX HALBE 5 
 
 Pastor (has taken several steps}. Didn't you yourself say a while 
 ago, that the paralytic stroke or whatever it may be, the misfortune, that 
 it happened in the midst of a conversation about your neighbor? 
 
 Rathke. That may be, all right enough, Mr. Siebert. 
 
 Pastor (quizzically). And the conversation, to judge by the dis- 
 position of Mr. Rosenhagen, was not calm. 
 
 Rathke. Nope, it wasn't calm. Not a bit calm. We were just 
 speaking of the meadow land that you see there on the other side of the 
 mill race (he points beyond the brook), where the foot bridge leads 
 across. As you know, the whole piece belongs to him over there, it is his 
 best meadow land, without it he cannot subsist, and if he is deprived of 
 that, then he can go and pack up. We were just speaking of that, and 
 Mr. Rosenhagen became terribly excited. 
 
 Pastor. Terribly excited! Just so. 
 
 Martha. Yes, because uncle said that the meadow land didn't belong 
 to Voss at all, that it rightfully belongs to the village. 
 
 Pastor. And since the village now belongs to your uncle, then the 
 meadow also Oh! (He turns away.) 
 
 Martha (shrugging her shoulders). Why, I am only telling what 
 uncle says. It doesn't concern me, of course. What is the meadow land 
 to me? 
 
 Rathke (disapprovingly). Do not say that, Miss Reimann; we 
 could make very good use of the meadow, and now it is only in our way 
 and only occasions us loss. The master is quite right there. 
 
 Pastor. So that idea is really spooking about in the heads of these 
 people? 
 
 Rathke. So it is, Mr. Siebert. And the idea is not half bad. For 
 this much is certain, the meadow land was seized by the Vosses in the days 
 of Olim under Napoleon, when the whole village had died out. It was 
 formerly a village common, and when afterwards the French were gone 
 again, and no one any longer paid attention to it, the Vosses simply kept 
 it as their own. That is sure as shooting, as certain as twice two are 
 four, only Mr. Rosenhagen cannot prove it yet, black on white, but it 
 probably will come out all -right. 
 
 Pastor (interrupting). And so you were talking about that? 
 
 Rathke. Yes, and Mr. Rosenhagen struck the table and pointed over 
 to the meadow and cried out : "Right forever is right, the meadow belongs 
 to the village and I'll kill off that fellow over there!" And at that 
 moment (He pauses and is silent.)
 
 6 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Pastor. At that moment a Higher One raised his hand and cut short 
 the days of Mr. Rosenhagen before his time. 
 
 Rathke. Well, he's not quite that far along, Mr. Siebert; you know 
 Mr. Rosenhagen is still alive. 
 
 Pastor (animated}. Yes, thank God. It is not too late even now. 
 But is it not food for thought that Christian Rosenhagen had to fall at 
 the time when he wanted to bring about the fall of another? Isn't that 
 food for thought? 
 
 Rathke. Well, Mr. Siebert, one may explain that as he pleases. 
 
 Pastor. You and Mr. Rosenhagen, my dear Mr. Rathke, have sown 
 hatred and have reaped revenge ! It is my task now to exterminate the 
 weeds and to establish peace ! You know, Miss Reimann, for years I have 
 avoided entering the house of your uncle. 
 
 Martha. And I was always very sorry about that, Mr. Siebert. 
 
 Pastor. Today I came here in response to the first call Yes, 
 
 I should have come even without your call, for I am pursuing a definite 
 plan. 
 
 Martha. So? Why, what is that, Mr. Siebert? May I take the 
 liberty of asking? 
 
 Pastor. I am pursuing the plan of reconciling your uncle with 
 Thomas Voss. 
 
 Rathke. I tell you that will be a stiff piece of work, Mr. Siebert. 
 
 Pastor. I am counting upon the help of the Highest. Is the son 
 with his sick father? 
 
 Martha. Yes, Karl is with him, and grandmother. 
 
 Pastor. Then, with God's help, take me in. 
 
 Martha (points forward to the right}. I beg pardon, Mr. Siebert, 
 will you come through the blue room here? 
 
 ( The front door at the right is opened.} 
 
 Karl Egon (appears in the door}. How do you do, Mr. Siebert? 
 (Extends his hand to him.} 
 
 Pastor (shaking his hand}. God's own greetings, my dear Mr. 
 Rosenhagen. God's own greetings ! 
 
 Karl Egon (seriously}. I thank you for coming, Mr. Siebert. 
 Father already has a great desire to see you. 
 
 Pastor. I am glad with all my heart. 
 
 Karl Egon. Much is running through his mind. You will scarcely 
 recognize him.
 
 MAX HALBE 7 
 
 Pastor (in joyous excitement}. Come, my dear friend. (He draws 
 him out through the half-opened door at the right.} 
 
 Karl Egon (following him}. Through the blue room here, Mr. 
 Siebert. Father is in his room. ( They go out.} 
 
 Rathke (approaching again}. Such a wiseacre, such a wiseacre 1 
 
 Martha. Why, how did the poor pastor harm you, Rathke ? 
 
 Rathke. I cannot bear this everlasting establishing of peace. 
 
 Martha (has stepped to the rear, looks through the doors into the 
 distance beyond the garden} . How blue the Liebschau heights look today. 
 Just see, very dark blue, the woods over there I 
 
 Rathke. Sign of rain. I've been feeling it for some time in my 
 bones. This fine haying weather will probably come to an end soon. 
 We'll hurry up and try to get some more in, or else it will all rot on a 
 fellow's hands again. 
 
 Martha (inhaling}. The pinks are also more fragrant than usual. 
 There is a sultriness in the air. 
 
 Rathke. Yes, a thunder storm or rain, something or other is coming. 
 
 Martha (looks out into the garden}. The lilacs, too, have already 
 finished blooming. 
 
 Rathke. Why, of course, we are fast approaching St. John's day. 
 What would you expect, Miss ! Why, the rye is almost beginning to head. 
 
 Martha. Another spring past! Another! (Sighs, takes a few 
 steps, then after a short pause, somewhat suppressed.} What is your 
 opinion, Rathke? (She points to the right.} Do you think uncle will 
 get on his feet once more? 
 
 Rathke. I should say, Miss, I don't think much of this peace busi- 
 ness. His sending for the pastor; that's a bad sign. A darned bad sign. 
 It will soon be up with him. 
 
 Martha (suppressed}. And then? 
 
 Rathke. Well, then the young man of course will get the estate. 
 
 Martha (mysteriously}. And then what? 
 
 Rathke. And what would you suppose then? Then probably the 
 young man will some day think of marrying. 
 
 Martha (as before}. Yes, I think so too. 
 
 Rathke (slyly}. Then we'll get a young woman into the household 
 again. 
 
 Martha. Yes, yes, a young woman ! 
 
 Rathke (continuing}. And she will look like you, Miss, and have 
 the same name. 
 
 Martha. Like me? Goodness! What you do imagine!
 
 8 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Rathke. Aha, one has his own notions of such matters. 
 
 Martha (becomes attention) . And I tell you, that will never happen 
 
 in the world. Never! Never! (Short silence.) Do you 
 
 still recall Hermine Diesterkamp, Rathke? 
 
 Rathke. From Danzig? Well, do I! I always lifted her 
 
 on her horse when she was here during vacation. But soon she did not 
 need me at all any more. She could ride like old Nick himself. 
 
 Martha (bitterly). Probably that is a strain of her mother's blood. 
 She is said to have been something like a circus rider. 
 
 Rathke. Yes, indeed, it caused a great hubbub at that time in Danzig, 
 when rich Diesterkamp got himself one of these von Salamonskies from 
 the circus. An infernal hubbub. (He chuckles.) 
 
 Martha. She had come from Russia, hadn't she? 
 
 Rathke. Yes, somewhere around there. She was a darned pretty 
 creature. I often saw her. Mrs. Rosenhagen and Mrs. Diesterkamp 
 came and went often. Mr. Rosenhagen didn't care a fig for what the 
 people had to say. As I look back at those times, there was quite a gay 
 life in this house, until the two Diesterkamps died, one soon after the other, 
 first she and then he. Well, and then Mrs. Rosenhagen, she soon followed 
 as you know. And then it became quiet in this house. 
 
 Martha (reflecting). Yes, a short time after that uncle took me 
 into his house to look after the household and such matters. 
 
 Rathke. How the time passes! They also have been lying under 
 the earth eight or ten years at least. 
 
 Martha (starting up from her meditation). A moment ago you 
 spoke of the young woman who will come into the household. If you want 
 to know how she will look, then think of Hermine Diesterkamp whom you 
 lifted upon her horse. 
 
 Rathke (with lips apart). It ain't possible! I say, you are joking! 
 
 Martha (bitterly). Do I look as if I felt like joking? 
 
 Rathke (blurting out). But what will become of you then, Miss? 
 You surely can't stay here then? 
 
 Martha (smiling). Do you think so? 
 
 Rathke. No, of course that won't do ? You and the young woman. 
 And the old woman is also here yet. No nope ! 
 
 Martha. Well, I will just go somewhere else then. The world is 
 large, isn't it? 
 
 Rathke. But you haven't a single person in all the world? 
 
 Martha. A person in my position will manage to get on some how. 
 I am accustomed to it, am I not?
 
 MAX HALBE 9 
 
 Karl Egon (opens the front door at the right, enters, and looks 
 about). And isn't the doctor here yet?l 
 
 Rathke. I'll go and look on the pike. May be the carriage can be 
 heard now! 
 
 Karl Egon. Anything doing on the place? Anything to report? 
 
 Rathke. Everything in order, sir. The laborers are raking up the 
 hay, tomorrow we can haul it in. 
 
 Karl Egon. Have you sent the mowers in the clover fields? 
 
 Rathke. Yes, some to the field near the dam and some to the Lieb- 
 schau Cut. 
 
 Karl Egon. Good. And what of the beet girls? 
 
 Rathke. Oh, the wenches. Why, they are as lazy as drones. They 
 beat the Lord himself out of his time. Regular Polish lubbers ! 
 
 Karl Egon (laughing, to MARTHA). He has it in for the girls. 
 Especially the Polish ones. You have probably had bad experiences, 
 Rathke, how? 
 
 Rathke. The devil take all of the darned women! (He goes in 
 through the door at the right, but turns around once more.) I had for- 
 gotten; Wegner was here a while ago and inquired about old Mr. Rosen- 
 hagen. 
 
 Karl Egon ( absent minded) . Wegner ? What Wegner ? 
 
 Rathke. Well, the one from Danzig. The one who formerly had 
 the property here, that Mr. Rosenhagen bought of him eighteen or twenty 
 years ago, or so. You know him, don't you? 
 
 Karl Egon. Slightly! Yes! The agent or whatever he may be. 
 What in the world does he want? 
 
 Rathke. He has something very important, he says. 
 
 Karl Egon. Then understand that you are to send him in when he 
 comes back. 
 
 Rathke (listening). Now I hear something rolling on the pike. 
 
 Karl Egon. It is to be hoped that it is the doctor. 
 
 Rathke (going out). I'll go quickly and open the gate. (Goes out 
 through the rear at the right.) 
 
 (MARTHA has stood in the background during the preceding conver- 
 sation and has looked dreamily into the garden.) 
 
 Karl Egon (steps up to her, lays his hand on her shoulder) . So quiet, 
 sister Martha? 
 
 Martha (slightly startled). It is you? 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, who else should it be? 
 
 Martha (smiling). Who else!
 
 io THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Karl Eg on. Somebody is dreaming? 
 
 Martha (preoccupied}. Somebody is dreaming! 
 
 Karl Eg on. Of happiness and love and great deeds, how? 
 
 Martha. Yes, of that which is never to be. 
 
 Karl Eg on (lively). What's that! 
 
 Martha. Possibly for you! 
 
 Karl Egon. I should hope so. Great Scott ! 
 
 Martha. But not for me ! 
 
 Karl Egon (absent minded). Well, just wait till the proper man 
 comes. 
 
 Martha (strangely). The proper man will not come, that is all. 
 
 Karl Egon (pensively). I tell you, Martha, I am in a strange frame 
 of mind. I see father is ill. I must be prepared for anything. 
 
 Martha. Do you really think so? 
 
 Karl Egon. I myself do not know. It is possible, after all, that all 
 will turn out well again. But he has never been so very strong. And 
 then he has had much to stew and worry about. Now he is fretting about 
 that. Do you know, he reminds me of one sitting before his ledger and 
 balancing accounts. Well, and on such occasions many an item turns up 
 that is not quite O. K., and he is sweating over that at present. 
 
 Martha. I suppose that is the reason why he called for the pastor? 
 
 Karl Egon. Certainly Certainly! I believe that it is a 
 
 relief for him to unburden his mind freely for once. To me he cannot do 
 that, as you know. We have always remained strangers to each other 
 after- all. 
 
 Martha. You two are so different. 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, and with all, I have cared much for him. In my 
 inmost soul. That is the strange thing about my condition. I cannot 
 grasp the thought, that some time he will be no more. And at the same 
 time at the same time ! (He breaks of as if frightened at himself.) 
 
 Martha. Do tell me, Karl. Come sit down with me. 
 
 Karl Egon. No, just let me walk to and fro. I feel as if a fever 
 infested me. I must walk. 
 
 Martha (resigned). As you please. 
 
 (Short pause.) 
 
 Karl Egon (walking to and fro). See here, Martha, I am twenty- 
 five years old now and yet, until at present, I have had neither goal nor 
 any purpose in the world whatsoever. 
 
 Martha. Why, Karl!
 
 MAX HALBE n 
 
 Karl Egon. Of course, I have done what they all do. I have 
 finished my school period, have prepared for agriculture, theoretically and 
 practically, have finished my semesters at the university; that is all well 
 and good. I have also looked around out in the world and have been 
 able to weigh values. That was even the best of it all. I am indebted for 
 all that to my father. He allowed me an absolutely free hand in all that. 
 I have been able to do whatsoever I have desired to do. But what do you 
 yourself say: Can that fill out one's life in the long run? Is one to 
 allow all that one has thus learned and hoarded up to lie fallow for half 
 of one's life? 
 
 Martha. But you do not need to do that at all. You certainly have 
 enough to do 1 
 
 Karl Egon. No, that is just the thing that I haven't. I am always 
 only the second man. I must subordinate myself to father, and that I can- 
 not do, nor will I. My ideas are too different from his to do that. I have 
 seen far too much of the world to do that. And so I prefer to do nothing 
 at all, and simply put my hands into my pockets. But when I think of it, 
 that all that may continue God knows how long, that this state of affairs 
 is to remain . Terrible! Terrible! Do you comprehend that? 
 
 Martha. Yes, I understand that well. I know what it means when 
 a person has just no hope at all! 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, and for that reason the fever is now getting into 
 my blood, as I think of the future. (Has turned on his heel.} When I 
 say to myself, possibly you will become master sooner than you have 
 expected, after all ! . . . . So ! Now you know how I feel ! 
 
 Martha. Possibly I know still more. 
 
 Karl Egon (surprised). Still more? 
 
 Martha (softly). I know of whom you are always thinking, when 
 you are dreaming of your future. 
 
 Karl Egon (smiling). Well, of whom do you suppose, you little 
 clairvoyant ? 
 
 Martha (calmly). Have you tidings from her? Of course, you are 
 corresponding with each other? 
 
 Karl Egon. Just see, how clever and wise you are. 
 
 'Martha. What else, pray, can I do? 
 
 Karl Egon (serious again). Yes, we have been courting since a year 
 ago, when we saw each other for the last time in Switzerland. 
 
 Martha. Where in the world is she now? Still abroad in the 
 world ?
 
 12 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, now here, now there. Her last letter I received 
 from Munich. 
 
 Martha (after a moment}. Doesn't she ever have a longing for the 
 old home? 
 
 Karl Egon (with animation) . Home! Home! That is just it. She 
 has found her home out there. I cannot even blame her for that. You 
 know well enough how the people around here cast stones at her parents. 
 
 Martha. But if she really likes you, she must surely yearn for you. 
 Why doesn't she at least pay a visit some time? 
 
 Karl Egon. Well, that will come about. At the very latest, next 
 fall. 
 
 Martha (mechanically). Aha. Next fall. 
 
 Karl Egon (steps up before her). Do you know, Martha, I am 
 going to confide something else to you. 
 
 Martha (anxiously). Well, what is it? Do not frighten a person! 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, you will be surprised. I was going to say, that I 
 have been intending to go away. 
 
 Martha (frightened). Go away? For good? 
 
 Karl Egon. As one looks at it. Possibly for good. At any rate 
 I wanted to go out into the world. 
 
 Martha. To her? To Hermine? 
 
 Karl Egon. Together with her, yes ! 
 
 Martha. And what would your father have said to that? 
 
 Karl Egon (excited). Goodness, don't you hear? I was not able 
 to stand this condition here any longer. This inactivity! This mere 
 having to look on ! I have longed to be out in life, as the fish longs to be, 
 in fresh water. 
 
 Martha (oppressed). And now? 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, now of course, the affair looks different. Now I 
 shall hardly be able to get away. 
 
 Martha (almost craftily). And probably you will bring Hermine 
 here then? Do you suppose that she will stand it here, spoiled as she is, 
 that she will really remain here? 
 
 Karl Egon. That really goes without saying. 
 
 (Short pause.) 
 
 Martha. Do me a favor, Karl, will you? 
 
 Karl Egon. Well, what is it? 
 
 Martha. Show me her picture. Of course you have it with you? 
 
 Karl Egon (smiling). How do you know?
 
 MAX HALBE 13 
 
 Martha. You have it with you. Don't fib to me. 
 
 Karl Egon. You two have been acquainted since the old days. 
 
 Martha. Yes, but how long that has been. At least five years. 
 
 Karl Eaon. Yes, when she went to boarding school at Geneva. She 
 was sixteen then. 
 
 Martha. Show me her picture. I beg you! 
 
 Karl Eaon. You stubborn creature! (He takes a photograph out 
 of his pocket.) 
 
 Martha. I should like to know whether her eyes still have that same 
 expression. 
 
 Karl Eaon (gives her the picture). If you absolutely wish to see 
 it Now say for youself, isn't she beautiful? 
 
 (MARTHA looks at it in silence.) 
 
 Karl Eaon. Isn't that marvelously beautiful? As if it were 
 
 taken from some fairy tale? 
 
 Martha. Yes, yes, why, certainly. 
 
 Karl Eaon. Well, now then? 
 
 Martha. She has really grown very pretty! And yet ! 
 
 Karl Eaon. Oh, the womanish jealousy! 
 
 Martha. I don't know, the expression in her eyes 
 
 Karl Eaon. Why, what fault can you find with those eyes? They 
 are indeed the most beautiful part of her face ! 
 
 Martha. There is something about them 
 
 Karl Eaon. Oh, come, you are petty. 
 
 Martha. There is something dangerous about them ! 
 
 Karl Egon. Who is afraid? Danger attracts me! 
 
 Martha. Karl! Karl! Be on your guard against those eyes! 
 
 Karl Egon ( out of humor) . Give it back to me ! In that matter, 
 
 after all, all women are alike ! 
 
 Martha. They are something like nixie's eyes, they are said to 
 indicate misfortune. (She gives him the picture.) 
 
 Karl Egon. Fortune or misfortune, we all do what we are compelled 
 to do. (He looks at the picture.) Dearest, dearest one! 
 
 (The rear door at the right is opened.) 
 
 (MADAM ROSENHAGEN hobbles through the door leaning on her 
 cane.) 
 
 Martha (quickly). Put the picture away, Karl! Grandma is 
 coming.
 
 i 4 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Karl Egon. Why, how so? Do I need to be ashamed of this 
 picture? 
 
 Martha (embarrassed}. I only thought! 
 
 Karl Egon (while he slowly puts the picture back into his pocket}. 
 Did you see Dr. Nowack, grandmother? Is he here? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (approaching} . Why shouldn't I see him, when 
 he was standing before me big as life? Do you suppose I am blind? Now 
 don't get any foolish notions ! I can still look through an oak plank. 
 
 Karl Egon. Then indeed I will at once 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Yes, I lost no time in getting out! I get sick 
 at the stomach when I see a doctor ! 
 
 Pastor (steps in through the door at the right which is still half open. 
 He is in a hurry and is beaming with happiness}. I am hastening, my 
 dearest Mrs. Rosenhagen. I am hastening. One must strike blocks of 
 iron and human hearts when they are warm. 
 
 Karl Egon. Why, where are you going in such a hurry, Mr. Siebert? 
 
 Pastor (already in the center of the hall}. Over to Thomas Voss! 
 In a few minutes, God being willing, I hope to bring him over here. Every 
 moment is precious now! 
 
 Karl Egon (with animation}. So you have succeeded? 
 
 Pastor. Yes, he consents. The hard shell has melted! Before it 
 is evening, the two old enemies shall have become reconciled. 
 
 Karl Egon. And do you believe that Voss will come along without 
 further difficulty? 
 
 Pastor. Why, certainly ! Quite certainly ! Don't you suppose that 
 I know my men? 
 
 Karl Egon. Well, I shall be glad of that. As you know, in this case, 
 I am also in favor of peace ! To be sure, in favor of honorable peace ! 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (has sat down on a chair at the table}. I 
 always have said, you are a bit off color ! As far as I can think back, the 
 Rosenhagens have been in favor of war, never in favor of peace ! You 
 are the first one that goes at it the other way. 
 
 Pastor (already on the top tread of the steps, turns around once 
 more}. Good-bye, my dear people, till my immediate return. 
 
 Karl Egon (calls after him}. Straight through the garden, Mr. 
 Siebert ! Over the foot-bridge and then to the right. 
 
 (PASTOR still beckons to him from the garden, then disappears over 
 the foot-bridge to the right.} 
 
 Karl Egon (approaches again from the rear, smiling}. Am I really 
 so much off color, grandmother?
 
 MAX HALBE 15 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Yes, you are. You are of the new fangled 
 kind on whom one never can count definitely. 
 
 Karl Eg on (smiles again}. Don't say that, grandmother! Do not 
 say that I I can go through thick and thin, if it ever becomes necessary. 
 
 Martha. Yes, I also believe that! 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. What does your opinion amount to? 
 
 Karl Egon. Moreover, you yourself encouraged father to become 
 reconciled with Voss. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. But I am an old woman and have all of these 
 matters behind me long ago ! I tell you, you ought to have seen me fifty 
 years ago. 
 
 Karl Egon (smiling}. Dear me! fifty years ago! 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Yes, then you were all still in the stork's pond. 
 Isn't that so, Martha? 
 
 Martha (smiling, preoccupied}. Why, of course; / don't know, 
 grandma I 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. She don't know! She don't know! You are 
 right, Miss. In the windup the worms will eat us any how? 
 
 Karl Egon. But I must look and see how matters stand over there 
 and what the doctor says. (He hastens out through the front door at the 
 right.} 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (to MARTHA, who still sits there dreaming}. 
 Well, what is the matter with you, Rosalind? You are making a face as 
 if all of your yarn had floated away. I suppose you have some fellow on 
 your brain? 
 
 Martha (startled}. How you do talk, grandma! 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. I know well enough whom ! You might as 
 well stop dissembling! (She beckons to the right significantly.} 
 
 Martha (blushing, gets up}. Nonsense, grandma! Nonsense! 
 (She hurries to the rear door at the right.} 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (calls after her}. Then see that you keep at 
 it ! Or the other one, Hermine, may come and get ahead of you ! 
 
 Martha (already in the door, she thrusts her head in once more}. 
 Nonsense! Nonsense! Nonsense! Nonsense! (Off quickly.) 
 
 (At the right in front KARL EGON re-enters with DR. NOWACK.) 
 
 Karl Egon. So quite frankly, doctor, immediate danger is not at 
 hand? 
 
 Dr. Nowack. N -, not exactly immediate danger! But you know 
 
 one isn't on the inside of such a thing, especially when the trouble is as
 
 1 6 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 deep seated as in this case! That is the old belief of the layman. A 
 physician is expected to be omniscient. Babble ! When all is said and 
 done, we also can only conjecture. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (brings her cane down with a thud}. That, for 
 once, is still a true statement. You deserve a cross of honor for that. In 
 other respects lying, after all, is your daily bread! 
 
 Dr. Nowack. Now you be nice and quiet, grandma ! I'll get you 
 under my thumb, too, some day, after all. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. God protect me ! I have never needed a 
 doctor and have become ninety-three years old. 
 
 Dr. Nowack (sarcastically}. Possibly just for that reason! 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (laughing}. Do you see, you are not at all as 
 stupid as you look! Do you know what you once prophesied to me? 
 
 Dr. Nowack. N , don't remember. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. I should yet survive my whole family, that is 
 what you prophesied to me. 
 
 Dr. Nowack (again sarcastically}. Well, then! My dear, what 
 more do you wish? 
 
 Karl Egon. Could that really have so much of a charm for you, 
 grandma ? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. You doubt it? I am going to wait until the 
 Day of Judgment, and when the trumpets blow I'll take a special post- 
 chaise with four horses and drive to the devil's grandmother ! And if 
 
 the doctor wishes to, he may keep me company. 
 
 Dr. Nowack. Thanks for the kind invitation. We should get on 
 quite well together. Do you remember the time, grandmother, when we 
 spoke of the worlds up there, of Jupiter and Mars and all the rest? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Yes, and that there are human beings in a 
 sense like ourselves, only doubly as clever, and that they can fly. I should 
 like well enough to take a hand at that some time. That would be a 
 change, you know! 
 
 Dr. Nowack. Well, then we can fly together over there for a while. 
 
 Karl Egon (who has listened somewhat impatiently}. I was going 
 to say, Doctor, let me revert once more to your directions in regard to 
 father. 
 
 Dr. Nowack. I have written out all that is necessary. The prescrip- 
 tion is in the patient's room. Whether or not it will do any good, is an- 
 other question. 
 
 Karl Egon. It is to be hoped I
 
 MAX HALBE 17 
 
 Dr. Nowack. N , I can't say that I have much hope. What 
 
 are you going to do with a clock that is completely worn out? 
 
 Karl Egon. Why, father isn't so old yet. 
 
 Dr. Nowack. Clocks vary, that is all. And then much depends 
 upon how one has put them to it. You repair what can still be repaired, 
 but you don't risk giving a guarantee. 
 
 Karl Egon (suppressed}. Are matters really that bad? 
 
 Dr. Nowack. Yes! Why should I deceive you? You see 
 
 (He points to the grandmother.} That is a different kind of a clock. That 
 is built for eternity. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Hm, I always say, that the large number of 
 deaths nowadays is simply due to the large number of doctors. 
 
 Martha (opens the rear door at the right and enters the door} . Will 
 you kindly come over into the dining room now, Doctor? I have prepared 
 a hasty luncheon for you. 
 
 Dr. Nowack. Yes, I will report for my customary feed. 
 
 Martha. The Elector's good wine is ready for you, Doctor! 
 
 Karl Egon. And a cigar to smoke on the way! 
 
 Dr. Nowack. Will be accepted thankfully. 
 
 Karl Egon. Wait a moment. I'll go along. Martha does not 
 know the brands yet. 
 
 Dr. Nowack. God be with you, grandmother! We shall often see 
 each other still in this life. (He waves his hand to her, then departs with 
 KARL EGON and MARTHA through the rear door at the right.} 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (calls after him}. You need not come on my 
 account. Just remain at home nicely. (She remains sitting in medita- 
 tion, then looks around, because she hears steps from behind in the garden. 
 Here in the meantime PASTOR SIEBERT and THOMAS Voss have crossed the 
 foot-bridge into the garden and are coming up the steps to the hall.} 
 
 Pastor. I wonder how long it has been, my dear Mr. Voss, since 
 you have planted your foot upon this spot? 
 
 ^055 (who seems to follow the pastor only with hesitation, gloomily}. 
 Surely I can't recollect that, Mr. Siebert. 
 
 Pastor. Yes, the ways of the Lord are strange. Would you so 
 much as have dreamed last night, that you would ever enter here again 
 at my side? 
 
 ^055. I don't like to do it either, Mr. Siebert. If it weren't for 
 your sake 
 
 Pastor. Happy is the man who triumphs over himself! 
 
 Voss. Why can't he come to me if he wants to make up? Why
 
 1 8 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 must I come to him? Because I have remained only a little fellow and 
 he has become a big gun? Is that why? 
 
 Pastor. I am telling you, am I not, it is because he is ill, seriously 
 ill ! Because I fear that his days are numbered. 
 
 Voss. Is that it? So he's really going to kick the bucket? Then 
 I got ahead of him at least in this thing! I'll stand it for a long while in 
 this old hide of mine! (During the last sentences they have remained 
 standing on the top step, at the entrance to the hall; now they proceed.} 
 
 Pastor (already in the center of the hall}. Here I am bringing you 
 an acquaintance, Mrs. Rosenhagen! 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (has risen slowly) . Did you come after all 
 then, Voss? 
 
 Voss (stands opposite her and strokes his clean-shaven face}. It's 
 the pastor's doing! Without the pastor you probably wouldn't have laid 
 eyes on me here ! 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. It has been some little time since the last occa- 
 sion when we two talked to each other ! 
 
 Voss. Yes, some little time I 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. But you have changed little. 
 
 Voss. A body is getting older. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Such a kid as you are ! I can still see you as a 
 boy. I can see you as plainly as I do today! Once you almost choked 
 my boy off for me ! 
 
 ^055. May be it would have been better if I'd done it! 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. I dare say you are still the same old slugger 
 that you were in the days of yore ? 
 
 Voss. Who can vouch for himself? 
 
 Pastor (who is observing the two in joyous excitement). And now, 
 my dear friends, will you two not shake hands? 
 
 Voss. I don't suppose that's necessary, Mr. Siebert! 
 
 Pastor. And if I beg you to with all my heart? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. So far as concerns me he can offer me his 
 hand or not ! I know I have nothing against him. 
 
 Voss. I have a better recollection of it. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Of what concern is it to me what squabbles 
 you have had with my husband and my son? 
 
 Voss. You helped along pretty well in those days, thirty or forty 
 years ago. It's not to your credit that I am still in the village, that I have 
 not become a roustabout like Wegner, or have gone to America, like 
 Stubenrauch, or hanged myself like Pohlmann when the little bit of money
 
 MAX HALBE 19 
 
 was gone which he got from your son for the fine farm! It is certainly 
 not to your credit. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Since those days a good bit of water has run 
 through the mill race. I hardly think of that as in a dream ! 
 
 Voss. After all, it will do no good for us to talk about it. The life 
 that one has had from this will not be changed or improved by that ! 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (murmuring partly to herself). Scarcely in my 
 dreams do I think of that. 
 
 Voss. How is it, Mr. Siebert? Shall we go now or not? If it must 
 be done, then I prefer that it should be done soon 1 
 
 Pastor (pulls him away). Come along, man! Come! ( The two 
 go out through the front door at the right.) 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (shakes her head, murmurs) . This is a peculiar 
 world! An awfully peculiar world! (She slowly hobbles away to the 
 left.) 
 
 (At the same time KARL EGON enters the hall with WEGNER, through 
 the rear door at the right.) 
 
 Karl Egon. Rathke tells me that you were here once before. 
 
 Wegner. Yes, I inquired for your father. 
 
 Karl Egon. Father is ill; you will have to put up with me. 
 
 Wegner (looks around curiously and inquisitively). Well, well 
 
 ill! Surely not seriously? 
 
 Karl Egon. I fear he is! 
 
 Wegner. Hm 1 am sorry ! 
 
 Karl Egon. Well, what can I do for you? 
 
 Wegner (again as before). Excuse me, kind sir, I am only looking 
 around a bit. You know, formerly I was here many a time. 
 
 Karl Egon. I know You formerly lived here at Hohenau. 
 
 Wegner. Yes, when I still had my property, the same that your 
 father afterwards bought from me. Your father made a fine slice out of 
 that. 
 
 Karl Egon. You did not have to agree to it, did you? 
 
 Wegner. I had to, well enough ! 
 
 Karl Egon. How so, did you have to ? 
 
 Wegner. What are you going to do when the water rises to your 
 throat? Your father knew quite well that I could not keep up any longer, 
 that I had to sell, whether I wanted to or not, or the creditors would have 
 
 come and locked up the shebang before my very nose Well, and so 
 
 we made our little deal. It was a good deal for your father.
 
 20 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Karl Egon (shrugging his shoulders}. May be! How does that 
 concern me? 
 
 Wegner. Why, I haven't the slightest notion of reproaching your 
 father for it. Business is business. And even if it is one's own father, 
 every one must see how he fares. I had to pay a large apprentice's fee 
 before I learned that. As a result, however, he is established more firmly 
 than ever. 
 
 Karl Egon. You are living at Danzig now? 
 
 Wegner. Yes, you know I am a kind of intermediary in all matters 
 that yield a profit; houses, mortgages, real estate, old furniture. They 
 are very fond of buying that in the city now. (He looks around inquisi- 
 tively again.} You see, these oak wardrobes, you would get a fine bit of 
 money for them if you cared to. I tell you I know a dunce who would 
 buy them right off. 
 
 Karl Egon. The wardrobes will not be sold. They are heirlooms. 
 
 Wegner. And those porcelain vases, do you see? What is that rub- 
 bish to you ? Rather buy something new, pretty, up-to-date. What differ- 
 ence does it make whether you have the old riffraff or not? I'll offer you 
 a decent price. 
 
 Karl Egon. Is it possible that you have come from Danzig on 
 account of the wardrobes and vases, Mr. Wegner? 
 
 Wegner. Nope. I came on account of something else. Just ask 
 your father about all the uses to which I can be put. Your father knows 
 all about me. 
 
 Karl Egon. Then out with it. 
 
 Wegner. I have done your father many a favor, I may say that truth- 
 fully. You know how that goes. One good turn deserves another. He 
 doesn't act small. That's no more than just. It has always been a clean 
 business deal with him. "What can you do?" "What do you have to 
 offer?" "What have you?" And when it gets that far along, spot cash! 
 No bargain, no cash! 
 
 Karl Egon (impatiently}. Well, and then? 
 
 Wegner. You see, excellent sir, for as good a customer as your 
 father, a fellow will do something special once in a while, even if it costs 
 a bit more time and work. After all a fellow knows it is not in vain. Of 
 course it will come in again on the other hand. Well, I tell you I have 
 brought your father something fine today. Something fine as a fiddle ! 
 Something exquisite! (He has pulled out his letter case, rummages about 
 in it and takes out a folded document.}
 
 MAX HALBE 21 
 
 Karl Egon (it begins to dawns on him) . Does that have any connec- 
 tion with the meadow land over there? 
 
 Wegner (hands him the document). Read for yourself, fine sir. 
 Read for yourself. Convince yourself with your own eyes. 
 
 Karl Egon. This is an attested copy, I see. 
 
 Wegner. Attested by a notary public! Why, of course! All gen- 
 uine. All tested. Not an iota wrong. Copied and recorded word for 
 word from the old Hohenau register. Do you see the notary's signature 
 here? 
 
 Karl Egon. Why, where did you raise that? 
 
 Wegner. Do you mean the register? Where do you suppose I 
 picked it up? At the court house, of course. Where else, do you think? 
 At the court house at Danzig. Up stairs in the attic where all the old 
 documents and mortgage registers, and all the stuff down from the days 
 of Methuselah lies around in confusion. 
 
 Karl Egon. How did the notion ever strike you at all ? 
 
 Wegner. That I will tell, my excellent gentleman. That is a very 
 simple affair. It has hardly been three months since your father came to 
 Danzig one fine day and met me on the market-place and said to me: "See 
 here, man alive," he said, "you can do me a great favor. You know how I 
 stand with Voss. You always have had it in for Voss a bit too, haven't 
 
 you?" Now your father is quite right on that point, I have it in for 
 
 Voss, and I will attend to him some day, well enough. 
 
 Karl Egon. Why, what harm did Voss do you? 
 
 Wegner. What harm he did me? None at all. But I do say, I 
 will not allow such a fellow to look down upon me. Why, he hardly 
 knows a fellow on the street. I know very well why. Because I have had 
 to give up, and he hasn't for the present. Just wait a bit, old boy, I'll show 
 you a thing or two. 
 
 Karl Egon. Well, yes, and what else? What else? 
 
 Wegner. So then I was speaking to your father; one word leads to 
 another. Your father tells me of the meadow land; that it by rights does 
 
 not belong to Voss at all, that it is supposed to be village property. 
 
 Now I had heard that again and again from my father. He was a magis- 
 trate in the village, as you probably know. We talked about that many a 
 time, how the Vosses put the land into their pocket by snatchgrab (he 
 makes a gesture), as it were, back in some old year. And so I said to your 
 father, "Old chap," said I, "only one thing will do the work. Evidence! 
 Evidence !" "Get me the evidence," said he. "I'll get you the evidence," 
 said I. "If it can be had at all, I'll land it." "Good," said he. Settled.
 
 22 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 And now I went straight to the court house, because I said to myself, at the 
 court house the books and documents are surely still to be found, and I got 
 next to one of those old court recorders with whom I am on good terms, 
 and I got permission to look around up in the attic, and I tell you, as luck 
 would have it 
 
 Karl Eg on (meanwhile has read the document through}. According 
 to that it is all correct, the meadow is really village property, as father has 
 always said. 
 
 Wegner. Do you see, my dear sir, now isn't that worth a little lump 
 of gold, that scrap of paper? A lump of gold even among relatives! 
 
 Karl Egon (calmly}. I am sorry, Mr. Wegner, I cannot make use 
 of your document in spite of all that. Just take it back. (He holds out 
 the paper to him.} 
 
 Wegner (bounds back). How so? What is the meaning of that? 
 Do you mean to say that something about it is wrong? Does something 
 fail to jibe? 
 
 Karl Egon. I don't mean to say that ; the document does seem to be 
 quite correct, else it would hardly have been attested by the notary. 
 
 Wegner. Now then! What else do you want, fine sir? I just tell 
 you seize your opportunity, seize it ! You may be glad to get some weapon 
 in your hand against Voss. Something in writing. In any other way you 
 will not catch up with him. 
 
 Karl Egon (smiling}. Possibly I shall, after all. Possibly you are 
 mistaken 1 
 
 Wegner (maliciously). You suppose, do you, my dear sir, Voss will 
 knuckle to you on account of your beautiful eyes, an independent rascal 
 like him? Nope, that's where you're off. We know him better ! If your 
 father were only here! He wouldn't beat about the bush in this way. 
 The devil take it, that he had to take sick ! Damned muddle ! 
 
 Karl Egon (calmly). Here, take your paper and go on. And in 
 order that you may see that father has the same opinion of it as I, I will 
 just tell you, Mr. Voss and Reverend Siebert are with father at this moment 
 and are having a heart to heart talk. 
 
 Wegner (nonplussed). What are they doing? Having a heart to 
 heart talk? 
 
 Karl Egon. A reconciliation is taking place. 
 
 Wegner. Your father and Voss are having a heart to heart talk? 
 You are surely a little off, sir! 
 
 Karl Egon. You see we no longer need your document.
 
 MAX HALBE 23 
 
 Wegner {eagerly reaches for the document}. Give it here! Give 
 it here I 
 
 Karl Egon. Here it is 1 And now good-bye 1 
 
 Wegner {angrily -puts the document into his -pocket}. You will come 
 to me some fine day yet ! You will come to me yet ! You and your father I 
 I will bet my neck! 
 
 Karl Egon. Now what if you are mistaken? 
 
 Wegner. Voss and your father get along! And the neighboring 
 here to proceed calmly, and Voss remain here at his very nose, as if the 
 whole quarrel had not sprung up because they are too close together, and 
 
 now all at once they are expected to embrace and sing hallelujah 1 
 
 Nope, fine sir, you can't make Wegner believe such a thing. I will just 
 simply laugh at that. I'll just laugh at it. {He goes to the door at the 
 left.) 
 
 Karl Egon. But, I say, you have had work and expense in connection 
 with the affair. If an indemnification 
 
 Wegner (remains standing in the door). I thank you, sir. I thank 
 you very much! Don't go to useless trouble! 
 
 Karl Egon. Well, you surely haven't done this for mere pleasure. 
 
 Wegner. You suppose, do you, that an ousted little property owner, 
 one that is compelled to eat the leavings of other men's tables, cannot 
 allow himself a pleasure on his own hook? 
 
 Karl Egon. A strange genius ! 
 
 Wegner (with malicious titter). You see, sir, your father sat here 
 in the village pond of Hohenau like a full grown pike, and the rest of us 
 land owners were the little smelt, which he swallowed one after another. 
 Then I say to myself after all, Why shouldn't he swallow the last smelt that 
 is still left ? Why should the one in any way be ahead of the rest and exalt 
 himself so much above the rest of us? Do you understand that? Then, 
 after all, I'll help the pike, and am glad that the other smelt fares no better 
 than I. 
 
 Karl Egon (turns away). Well, you will hardly come out even at 
 that. 
 
 Wegner. Deferring is not equal to quashing. I can wait, dear sir. 
 I can wait quite a while. And if, some day, you need my address, then just 
 inquire of your father or your overseer. You can get me on the spot. 
 Good-bye, dear sir, good-bye. (He departs with several bows.) 
 
 Karl Egon (looks after him, shrugging his shoulders, turns toward 
 the front at the right, where at that moment the door is opened and PASTOR
 
 24 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 SIEBERT comes out with Voss. Sees the PASTOR.) Well, Mr. Siebert, 
 how are matters? Everything settled nicely? 
 
 Pastor (approaches him). Give me your hand, my young friend! 
 Give me your hand! (He seizes his hand and shakes it.) 
 
 Karl Egon. One can tell by your face, all has gone well. 
 
 Pastor. Yes, I am very glad! Glad from the bottom of my heart. 
 
 Karl Egon (steps up to Voss, who has remained standing at the door 
 and stares ahead gloomily). I think we can also shake hands now, Mr. 
 Voss? (He extends his hand.) 
 
 Voss. I suppose that is a part of it. (He shakes the proffered hand 
 with some hesitation.) 
 
 Karl Egon. We have never had any difficulty, anyhow, you and I. 
 
 Voss (still reticent and on his guard). Are you so sure about that? 
 
 Karl Egon (with animation). It was certainly the most rational 
 thing that you could do, you and father, that you have made up. 
 
 Pastor (stepping up to them). It was the visible will of God. 
 Therefore it had to come about. 
 
 Karl Egon. This everlasting quarreling about nothing at all has 
 always gone against my grain. What is the upshot of it all? Nothing! 
 Useless waste of energy, and that I detest. Either peace or honorable war 
 to the knife. I believe, Mr. Voss, you can subscribe to that? 
 
 Voss (looks at him). Yes, I can subscribe to that. 
 
 Karl Egon. Well, I hope things can be settled amicably between us. 
 
 Voss. Of course you know the proverb: Our hopes and expecta- 
 tions - 
 
 Karl Egon. Oh, pshaw! I will not allow myself to be frightened 
 by proverbs. You see, Voss, once and for all, we are neighbors, and pre- 
 sumably will remain neighbors for some time - 
 . Yes, that's what I think too I 
 
 Karl Egon (continuing). And so we must depend upon each other! 
 You cannot deprive us of water - 
 
 Voss. That would depend upon a trial, I say to myself! 
 
 Karl Egon. No, no, dear Mr. Voss, you cannot do that, for we are 
 backed up too well. You cannot do that ! But, after all we cannot crowd 
 you out of the village by force - 
 
 Voss. No, that would hardly be possible! 
 
 Karl Egon (continuing). And even if we could, we do not want to. 
 
 Pastor. That is right, my dear young friend. These are good 
 steadfast words.
 
 MAX HALBE 25 
 
 Karl Egon. So I propose that we come to an amicable agreement 
 and try to get on together, as long as we are still neighbors. 
 
 ^055. I suppose you want to sell and move to the city? 
 
 Karl Egon. I ? No 1 That is not my intention 1 
 
 Voss. Well, neither is it mine ! Certainly not mine ! 
 
 Karl Egon. Why, that will all straighten out. We will talk about 
 that later some time ! At all events remember what I have told you, Voss 1 
 Either peace and rational agreement or war to the knife I An alternative 
 is impossible for us! Don't forget thatl 
 
 Voss. I'll plant that where it will keep 1 
 
 Pastor (stands with hands folded). Lord, how I thank Thee that 
 I have succeeded in the difficult task! How I thank Thee that Thou hast 
 helped me! (He follows Voss quickly down the steps into the garden, 
 beyond the foot-bridge and to the right where they disappear.) 
 
 Karl Egon (looks after them still for a moment, murmurs to himself, 
 half audibly). And I'll get you after all! I'll get you after all! (He 
 turns toward the front door at the right, just as it is suddenly opened 
 violently, starts back.} Father! 
 
 Rosenhagen (totters in, looking about with a feverish expression in 
 his eyes). Where is he? Is he gone? 
 
 Karl Egon (frightened}. Why, father! What is the matter? Is 
 no one with you? 
 
 Rosenhagen (feverishly} . Where is Voss? I am asking where 
 
 is Voss? 
 
 Karl Egon. Voss has just gone with the pastor. Why do you still 
 ask for him? 
 
 Rosenhagen. Fetch him back! Why, the whole thing is in vain, of 
 course! Absolutely in vain. 
 
 Karl Egon. But for what reason? Didn't the pastor say that 
 
 all passed off well? 
 
 Rosenhagen. The pastor is as stupid as a goose egg! Fetch back 
 Voss to me! 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, yes, it can all be done. But first of all do sit down I 
 Standing is a bad thing for a sick body. 
 
 Rosenhagen (angrily}. I am not sick. Don't rejoice prematurely! 
 I will still hold my own ! 
 
 Karl Egon (slowly leads him to a chair at the table} . Certainly 1 
 
 Certainly! First of all you need rest. 
 
 Rosenhagen (remains standing, clenches his fist). Now who did put
 
 26 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 it into my head that I should make up with Voss? Who has played me 
 that trick? 
 
 Karl Egon (again tries to lead him on}. Just come, father! Come 
 along I It will all turn out right 1 
 
 Rosenhagen. As if I did not know what he secretly thought, when he 
 shook hands with mel As if I did not know that it was all sham on his 
 part, because he could not help himself before the pastor I 
 
 Karl Egon. If you know that, father, why do you not do likewise? 
 Sham for sham! Get at the enemy with his own weapons! 
 
 Rosenhagen (looks at him nonplussed, then more calmly}. After all 
 you are not quite as much off color as I have always supposed! 
 
 Karl Egon. I am of another color! Must all of us be alike? 
 
 Rosenhagen. You are quite a bit like your mother. She also had 
 her own way on all occasions. That is why I just allowed you to go your 
 own way. 
 
 Karl Egon. You have done that, and I am thankful to you for it. 
 But now come and sit down. 
 
 Rosenhagen. No, no, let me stand! I feel better when I can stand. 
 I must have air! Air! 
 
 Karl Egon. Then support yourself, at least! 
 
 Rosenhagen (supports himself on his arm. The two stand in the 
 center of the hall, partly turning toward the garden} . One thing you must 
 now promise me, Karl, or I cannot die in peace ! 
 
 Karl Egon. Why, father! 
 
 Rosenhagen. Yes, yes, say nothing! I feel it clearly! Something 
 in my breast must be asunder. There is a kind of rattling and sawing. 
 
 Karl Egon. That will be restored again, father! 
 
 Rosenhagen. Nothing will be restored again. My time is up ! But 
 I do not want to depart this life before you have promised me something. 
 
 Karl Egon. If it is in my power. 
 
 Rosenhagen (points out}. Look, Karl, the land out there, almost 
 up to the black forests. I acquired all that, and what does not come from 
 me has come from my father. It hasn't been seventy years since your 
 grandfather moved in here. Very modestly, indeed, did we begin, and 
 
 today ! Well, you know our position today. It all would have been 
 
 fine enough, if we had not had that beggar on the other side, that scoundrel 
 on our nose! Isn't that a shame? Far and wide everything belongs to 
 one, and at one's very door one is not even master! I feel it strangle me 
 when I think of it. 
 
 Karl Egon. Calm yourself, father! What is to be done about it?
 
 MAX HALBE 27 
 
 Rosenhagen (straightens up}. Karl, promise me that you will kill 
 off that malicious beggar over there I 
 
 Karl Egon (excited). How can I promise that? 
 
 Rosenhagen (without listening to him). Promise me that you will 
 kill him off! I have not lived to carry it outl If I had acquired the 
 evidence in regard to the meadow land, I should have had him in the 
 snare. But now it is too late for me. Now it's your turn. You must 
 kill him off. That is the heritage that I bequeath to you I 
 
 Karl Egon. And if I handle him amicably? 
 
 Rosenhagen. Karl, you are young and you don't know the world. 
 I tell you, peace and friendship are impossible for you and him. One of 
 you must fall! See to it that he falls, not you! That much you owe to 
 me. 
 
 Karl Egon. Good, if you are right, if no alternative remains, I will 
 promise you that. 
 
 Rosenhagen. Will you shake hands on that? 
 
 Karl Egon (smiling). You may depend upon me! I will stand my 
 ground as well as I can. 
 
 Rosenhagen. And yield before no one and at nothing as long as you 
 live? 
 
 Karl Egon. As long as I live. Yes, I promise you that. 
 
 Rosenhagen (looks at him sharply). Not even if a certain woman 
 comes and says she does not like it here in the country, and that you are 
 to go away to the city with her? 
 
 Karl Egon (unsteady for a moment) . I don't quite understand you. 
 
 Rosenhagen. You suppose, do you, that I know nothing of your cor- 
 respondence with Hermine Diesterkamp? 
 
 Karl Egon. I am willing for you to know it. 
 
 Rosenhagen. Well, I am urging no objections. Take her if she 
 wants you ! But train her anew. She is like her mother. I know the 
 type. She will not be contented anywhere for a long time if you do not 
 train her properly. 
 
 Karl Egon. I believe I know Hermine better! 
 
 Rosenhagen. What are you going to do if she longs to be away and 
 wants to draw you with her? 
 
 Karl Egon. I have given you my word, father. I shall keep that. 
 
 Rosenhagen. Good! Then I am calm! Then I'm calm. And 
 then you are my good son! My good son! 
 
 Karl Egon. But now, do come. I'll take you to bed!
 
 28 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Rosenhagen. Yes, put me to bed. I can scarcely keep my feet. I 
 must have sleep. 
 
 Karl Eg on (leads him to the door}. So. Do calm yourself! 
 Slowly, slowly ! Now you will take a rest. 
 
 Rosenhagen. Now I want to rest. Haven't I earned it? (Remains 
 standing once more, raises his hand.) But if you break your word, Karl, 
 I will raise my hand from the grave and fetch you after me ! 
 
 Karl Egon. Never fear, father. On this ground I shall stand and 
 fall! (He slowly leads him out at the right.) 
 
 Curtain. 
 
 SECOND ACT 
 
 Hall in the manor house as in the first act. The table in the center 
 is cleared. On it stands a bouquet in a vase, beside which there are plates 
 and glasses. Before the sofa at the left near the front a table and several 
 easy chairs. The rest is not changed. 
 
 It is a sunny autumn day early in September. The folding doors 
 leading into the garden are open as before. As in the first act one looks 
 beyond flower beds and garden paths, beyond the brook and meadow into 
 the blue distance. 
 
 MINNIE is occupied setting the table at the right near the front. 
 MARTHA is directing the work. She is dressed in mourning. OVERSEER 
 RATHKE is leaning his back against the large table in the center. 
 
 Minnie (busily at work). And so the Miss is really not going to eat 
 with the rest? 
 
 Martha. No, four places. I have already had my breakfast. I 
 don't care for anything more. 
 
 Minnie (counting on her fingers). Our old lady's one, our young 
 man's two, the visitin' Miss is three, and the pretty young man's four. 
 
 Martha (smiling). The pretty young man? How clever you are! 
 
 Minnie (lively). That's a pretty young man, the visitin' lady's 
 brother. Don't ye think we have eyes too? 
 
 Rathke (who up to the present has looked on in silence). Well, I 
 will! Such a wretch! 
 
 Minnie (over her shoulder). Oh! What of you! 
 
 Rathke (half grumbling) . Such a darned wretch!
 
 MAX HALBE 29 
 
 Minnie (to MARTHA). And he is so obligin' to us. Just think of 
 it, Miss, what he said t' me yesterday, when I got his bed ready 
 
 Martha. Well, what did he say? 
 
 Minnie (beaming). He said, "Minnie, my sweet angel!" Ever 
 hear anything like that, Miss? My sweet angel! 
 
 Rathke (blurting out). Now she's gone plumb daft! 
 
 Minnie. Cross my heart, that's what he said t' me ! 
 
 Martha (laughs and motions to her to desist) . Well, well, hurry and 
 get through. The folks may be back soon. 
 
 Minnie. It was just strikin' eight when Mr. Rosenhagen rode away 
 with the young lady and the young man ! 
 
 Martha. And now it is after ten. So they must be back soon. Just 
 hurry up! 
 
 Minnie. But it is really wrong, Miss, that you ain't goin' to eat with 
 'em. 
 
 Martha. Attend to your own affairs! I will look out for myself. 
 
 Minnie (looking at the table which has been set). Is that right now, 
 Miss? 
 
 Martha (arranging a few more details at the table). Yes, and now 
 the plates and glasses. 
 
 Mninie (goes to the table in the center). Right off, Miss, right off! 
 
 Martha (also goes to table in the center). Not all at once! Wait, 
 I'll help you! 
 
 Minnie (has taken the plates in her left arm, and reaches for the wine 
 
 glasses with her right hand). N n, Miss, never mind! I can do the 
 
 whole thing myself. 
 
 Martha (interfering). Oh, Minnie! Minnie! 
 
 Minnie (surprised). Why, what's the matter, Miss? 
 
 Martha. How often have I preached to you not to put your dirty 
 fingers in the glasses ! And now you are doing so after all ! 
 
 Minnie (with self-reproach). I don't know, I'm always a thinkin' ! 
 
 Rathke. She thinks, and that gives it a better flavor! 
 
 Martha. Just carry your plates over first. I must wipe out the 
 glasses once more anyhow! 
 
 Minnie (steps to the sofa table with the plates. She distributes them 
 and looks over toward MARTHA). Is it true, Miss, the story that they 
 are tellin' in the village? 
 
 Martha (wiping out the glasses). Why, what are they telling? 
 
 Minnie (with an important air) . Well, that Mr. Rosenhagen 's goin' 
 t' marry the young lady that's visitin'? Is that true?
 
 30 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Martha (short). How do I know? Why don't you ask him your- 
 self? 
 
 Minnie (naively). Why, no, I can't do that. You surely don't mean 
 that, Miss! 
 
 Martha (with acerbity). Then don't indulge in such stupid talk! 
 
 Minnie. It just seemed t' me that they'll have t' get engaged before- 
 hand, if they want t' get married, and mebbe they'll get engaged today! 
 
 (She has come back to the table in the center, accidentally pushes a 
 
 glass from the table, which falls down and breaks.} Goodness, gracious! 
 and so forth and so on! 
 
 Martha. Now, that's a nice mess! 
 
 Rathke (at the same time). Heaven and earth! 
 
 Martha (calmly). Get a whisk broom and sweep it up! ( MINNIE 
 goes back to the door at the right.) While you are at it, bring another 
 glass along! (MARTHA takes the other wine glasses and carries them to 
 the sofa table.) No, no, never mind, there was one too many anyhow. 
 We need only four. I am not going to drink with them. 
 
 Minnie. I'll run and git the broom. (Exit.) 
 
 Martha (at the sofa table) . What do you say to that, Rathke? 
 
 Rathke (who has remained standing quietly at the table in the center) . 
 To what? 
 
 Martha. That the glass is broken! 
 
 Rathke. If the old women have their way, it probably means some- 
 thing or other. 
 
 Martha (smiling). Must the old women always be right after all? 
 
 Rathke (strokes his beard thoughtfully). I have to keep thinking 
 of that fellow over there all the time today. (He points out into the 
 garden.) 
 
 Martha. That is not so strange ! This is the day, isn't it, when his 
 time for deliberation expires? 
 
 Rathke. Yes, the two weeks are up today. Now we'll see. 
 
 Martha. What do you think, Rathke? Do you suppose he'll accept? 
 
 Rathke. How can a fellow size him up? (He points out again.) 
 I do not trust him this much. He reminds me of a martin after chickens ! 
 
 Martha (evasively). Karl imagines with the greatest assurance that 
 they will reach an agreement, that he will sell. 
 
 Rathke. Let's hope for the best. 
 
 Martha (as before). Well, really it can't come to Voss more favor- 
 ably ! Eighty thousand marks for that little farm ! He'll never get that 
 much in all his life again!
 
 MAX HALBE 31 
 
 Rathke (raging}. Over twelve thousand marks an acre! Why, 
 that's twice as much as it's worth! 
 
 Minnie (comes in again with a large brush broom and a coal shovel). 
 That's it, Miss, and now I'll sweep up the pieces. 
 
 Martha (looking at her casually) . I suppose that you were not able 
 to find any other broom, how? 
 
 Rathke. Why, that looks as if she was to clean up for Karo in the 
 dog house ! 
 
 Minnie (while she sweeps up the pieces'). Oh, the infernal whisk- 
 broom! I hunted and hunted! 
 
 Martha. Of course ! Who knows where that is flying around 
 again? 
 
 Minnie (has swept). Anything else t' do about the table? 
 
 Martha. No ! You may go ! Are all of the rooms clean? 
 
 Minnie. Everything in order. 
 
 Martha. Dusted ? 
 
 Minnie (frightened). Oh, merciful providence! 
 
 Martha. I do say, you forget the most important part. I should 
 like to know where your mind is. 
 
 Minnie. That's because I'm always havin' such thoughts, Miss. 
 
 Rathke. Yes, because you always have your fellows on your brain! 
 That is the whole thing. 
 
 Minnie (throwing back her head). I suppose Mr. Rathke thinks I 
 have no feelin's? And what if it is only a fellow? Mr. Rathke don't pay 
 any attention to me, does he? 
 
 Rathke (advances a step toward her). You darned huzzy! 
 
 Minnie (running away). You just dare to hit me! I'll scream. 
 
 Martha. Now go and dust and be quiet ! She's a bit off ! 
 
 Minnie. Why, don't you see me go? I am goin' as fast as I can! 
 (She goes out through rear door at the right with broom and shovel.) 
 
 Martha. Do you see, Rathke, that is what you get ! 
 
 Rathke. Such a thing! Hm! She deserves a lash with the horse- 
 whip. 
 
 Martha (steps to the sofa table, sighing) . Yes, yes, such a thing has 
 an easy time of it. 
 
 Rathke. Well, I say, are you down in the mouth again? 
 
 Martha. I am just imagining how it will be here soon! What will 
 become of everything here, when I am gone some day. Everything will 
 be turned up side down, you know. The old house is going to be taken
 
 32 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 down too. How do you like the new castle that Karl is wanting to build? 
 Hasn't he shown you the plan? 
 
 Rathke (shrugging his shoulders}. For my part, it might remain as 
 it is. I have always felt quite snug in my room that looks out on the barn- 
 yard. 
 
 Martha. Of course, he is doing all that merely for her sake. He 
 certainly would not have had such an idea of his own accord. 
 
 Rathke (walks to and fro impatiently} . I do say, these women folks ! 
 These women folks I 
 
 Martha (craftily and as taking a start}. I should just like to know 
 why he absolutely wants to build the castle on the other side of the mill 
 race. 
 
 Rathke. That is surely on account of the view, isn't it, Miss? 
 
 Martha. Oh, yes ! On account of the view ! 
 
 Rathke. Why, yes! Isn't the distillery to be built here, and that 
 would then be in the way of the view. That's the reason he's putting the 
 new building on the other side. Well, he has more room there. There 
 he has the meadow land and Voss's large garden. Those put together will 
 make a fine large park. And Voss's buildings, well, he'll simply have them 
 torn down. 
 
 Martha. Is that so? He is going to have them torn down? 
 
 Rathke. Yes, what can he do with them? They are only in his way! 
 
 Martha. I see, I see, this is going to be a regular seat of the aris- 
 tocracy. 
 
 Rathke. Yes, as if it was for a baron or a count. All that he needs 
 is the "von" ! 
 
 Martha (with a strange smile}. Won't our little Karl be delighted, 
 when he can enter there with her and spend his honeymoon in his beautiful 
 new castle ! Oh, that pride ! 
 
 Rathke. Oh, if it were only that far along! 
 
 Martha. Aha, what if Voss does not care to sell after all? If he 
 simply says no bargain for me, I am going to stay here, and that is all there 
 is to it. 
 
 Rathke. That's just the hitch, Miss. That's just what is up now! 
 
 Martha. Then all of the fine plan with the castle and the park and 
 the other pomp will come to naught, will it not ? Then they must continue 
 to live in this old box of a house and must be nice and contented with things 
 as they are, so narrow and inconvenient and so very unsuitable for distin- 
 guished people. Well, I do say I
 
 MAX HALBE 33 
 
 Rathke (as before). There will be some way out of that, Miss. 
 There will be some way out of that. 
 
 Martha (without paying attention to him). And the elegant furni- 
 ture which she of course will order in Paris or goodness knows where, that 
 will look fine here in these low rooms. How will she place it at all? 
 There is no room for it at all. Just see, Rathke, it will be just like her to 
 go back on the engagement ! 
 
 Rathke (surprised). Not until they are engaged. Why, they aren't 
 engaged yet ! 
 
 Martha (fervently). You will see, she will not let it come to the 
 point of an engagement at all! She will go away before it comes to that! 
 
 Rathke (shaking his head). Why, you talk exactly as if you was 
 tickled at the thought of it. 
 
 Martha (veiled). I have an idea you don't care much about the 
 new castle? You'd like it best if all remained as of old? 
 
 Rathke (incensed). What I'd like, or wouldn't like, Miss, that ain't 
 the question at all. I'll talk to you about that and to no other person. 
 
 Martha (smiling). Do you know how you look now, Rathke? 
 
 Rathke. I don't care a darn how I look! 
 
 Martha (unswervingly). Like our old crabbed Karo ! Just that 
 way! 
 
 Rathke. I don't care ! May be Karo will bark at his master once 
 in a while when he is out of sorts, but look out for the fellow who would 
 even frown at his master! 
 
 Martha. You see, Rathke, domestic animals are not all alike. May 
 be there is a little something of the genus cat about us women. 
 
 Rathke. That is quite possible. I can't bear the darned things. 
 
 Martha. Don't say that. Cats are sometimes very affectionate. 
 
 Rathke (enraged). That's all the same to me. I only say, if our 
 young man wants to build himself a castle, that's his business. And if he 
 wants to buy Voss's farm from him, that's his business too ! I'm not to 
 dip into that. 
 
 Martha. But two are necessary for a sale. Can't Voss say no? 
 
 Rathke. There will be ways of doing it all right. It's fixed so people 
 don't have their way about all things. Not even Voss. 
 
 Martha (suddenly remembering). You are surely not thinking of 
 the fellow who was here once before? What was his name? The fellow 
 with the document? The one whom Karl turned out? 
 
 Rathke. I don't mean to find fault with young Mr. Rosenhagen, but 
 that was the greatest nonsense that he didn't make a bargain with Wegner,
 
 34 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 when he was so willing ! If he'd only gone right ahead and taken the cer- 
 tificate ! It's a mighty good thing that it can be fixed up yet ! 
 
 Minnie (opens the door at the right, partially enters, and whispers 
 with an important air). Miss Riemann? 
 
 Martha (turns around). What is it? 
 
 Minnie. Old Mr. Voss is out there. He wants to speak to Mr. 
 Rosenhagen. 
 
 Rathke. Aha I Here she goes ! 
 
 Minnie. Is he to come in? 
 
 Rathke. Stupid thing! You know Mr. Rosenhagen is out riding. 
 Have him come back in an hour. 
 
 Martha (who has reflected for a moment, quickly interrupts). No, 
 no, just let him come in! Can't he wait until Mr. Rosenhagen returns? 
 
 Minnie. Very well, Miss! (Leaves quickly.) 
 
 Rathke (cross). Then I'd better go. 
 
 Martha. Are you going to edge off, Rathke? 
 
 Rathke. I don't edge off at any one and if it was old Nick himself! 
 All that's wrong is that I can't get myself twisted into these new friendships 
 right off. 
 
 Martha. But you must learn how to do that now, Rathke ! 
 
 Rathke (on the way to the door). It takes time for that. This dog 
 is so old that new tricks are getting hard for him. ( The rear door at the 
 right is opened.) 
 
 Voss (remains standing in the door which he has entered). I say 
 Good morning! 
 
 Rathke (likewise before the door so that they stand opposite each 
 other, with venomous growling). Thanks! 
 
 Voss (looks about). I suppose I am too early? 
 
 Rathke (as before). It's a great honor for us! 
 
 Voss. Of course, I am not coming on your account. I am coming 
 to see your employer 1 
 
 Rathke. And I am only an ordinary overseer, and one of these land- 
 owners like yourself 
 
 Voss. Just say farmer. I am still proud of that. 
 
 Rathke. And I am proud of being an overseer! 
 
 Voss. Well, you see everybody has his little vanity. 
 
 Rathke. It's only a question of whose vanity will last longest. 
 
 Voss (suspiciously). I suppose you mean something or other by 
 that? 
 
 Rathke. What of it?
 
 MAX HALBE 35 
 
 Voss. I want an answer! 
 
 Rathke. I will not keep on owing you the answer when the time 
 comes. You can bet your neck on that! (He goes out angrily through 
 the rear door at the right, and slams the door.) 
 
 (Short silence.) 
 
 Martha. Won't you sit down, Mr. Voss? 
 
 Voss (still near the door) . It will hardly pay. 
 
 Martha. Surely you are not going to remain standing until my 
 cousin returns? 
 
 Voss. May be I'd better drop in later once more. It will take too 
 long anyway. 
 
 Martha (remains near the table in the center). I suppose you have 
 something important to discuss with my cousin. 
 
 Voss (reticent). Yes, I suppose that's it. 
 
 Martha. Probably something in regard to the place? 
 
 Voss. Somewhat in that neighborhood. Yes. 
 
 Martha (unconstrained). Oh, yes, I do remember, Karl was telling 
 me something, something about buying. He wants to buy your place or 
 something to that effect? 
 
 Voss. Why, if you know, I don't need to go to the trouble of telling 
 you. 
 
 Martha. Yes, yes, now I remember. He says he has offered you a 
 fine price. 
 
 Voss. That depends ; it's the way that you look at it. 
 
 Martha. Why, eighty thousand marks is a fine bit of money, isn't it? 
 Goodness ! 
 
 Voss. Maybe it isn't a song, that's correct. It's worth talking about. 
 
 Martha. Oh, you will come to an agreement! I can tell by your 
 face. 
 
 Voss. Well, you know, quite a number of things will have to be 
 brought up yet. It hasn't been signed yet. 
 
 Martha. But it will be signed, I know that definitely ! 
 
 Voss. It's not a little matter for a man to tear himself loose from a 
 thing to which he has clung with his whole heart. And if it were your dead 
 uncle, I'd never do it in all my life! He could have gone and offered me 
 twice as much. 
 
 Martha. Yes, yes, Karl is quite different from uncle. He can just 
 wind a person around his little finger if he tries. 
 
 Voss. I am not one of those who allow themselves to be wound
 
 36 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 around one's little finger. But maybe I say to myself, You are not so 
 awfully young any more, for whom should you wear yourself out? Your 
 oldest son is dead, the one who might have taken charge of it; the rest have 
 their good living in the city, they will not move out here into the country 
 anyhow, it will have to be sold anyhow some day when you are dead. If 
 you get a decent price 
 
 Martha. Do you see how nicely my cousin has led you on? 
 
 Foss. It isn't easy for me. And it isn't at all certain yet, that that 
 is what will happen. 
 
 Martha. I thought you had to make up your mind today? 
 
 Foss. There is no have to about it. I fixed that up myself. 
 
 Martha. Then, I suppose, much is passing through your mind now? 
 
 Foss. A person does have his thoughts! 
 
 Martha. I have an idea that it is a hard thing to do, to have to get 
 out of the house of his fathers. 
 
 Foss ( turns away ) . We had better not talk of that at all ! 
 
 Martha (continuing unswervingly}. When one imagines it all, you 
 are hardly gone, and strange men come and tear everything down, that has 
 been dear to you, not one stone remaining on another 
 
 Foss (starting). Not a stone remaining! Who who says 
 
 that? 
 
 Martha (calmly). I imagine that to be terrible! 
 
 ^055 (angrily). I ask, who says that? 
 
 Martha. What, pray tell? 
 
 Foss (coming up closer to her). That the place is to be torn down 
 when I'm out of it? Who says that, I ask! 
 
 Martha. Why, isn't that the most natural thing in the world? You 
 surely need not be surprised at that. 
 
 Foss (has again become composed). Yes, yes, that is right. There 
 is nothing surprising about that. I guess that is the only thing to expect. 
 (He stands there battling with grave thoughts.) 
 
 Martha. Why, hadn't you heard that Karl that my cousin 
 
 intends to build a large castle over on the other side of the mill race? 
 
 Foss (suddenly). On my meadow land! 
 
 Martha. Yes, because the distillery is to be located here, and in 
 order that he may not block his view, he is going to build the castle on the 
 other side. It is at least planned in that way. 
 
 Foss. My place he is going to tear down, and on my meadow he is 
 going to build a castle I
 
 MAX HALBE 37 
 
 Martha. Why, what in the world is he to do with your old dilapi- 
 dated house? Why, that is only in his way. 
 
 Voss. He should let it stand. 
 
 Voss. He hasn't got it yet? It's not signed yet! 
 
 Martha. But why in the world is he buying your whole farm? 
 
 Martha (smiling). Your place he will tear down, and your garden 
 with the meadow he will utilize for a park to surround the castle and in it 
 he will live then with his beautiful young wife and will be glad that he is 
 alive 1 
 
 Voss (struggling with himself). He had better not be glad before 
 his time! 
 
 Martha. You are not conceited enough to believe that he cannot 
 down you ? 
 
 Voss. Well, I still have a word to say in that matter. 
 
 Martha. Well, what if he gets after you forcibly then! What if 
 he can bring up something against you? Something of which you do not 
 think at all? 
 
 Voss (starting up). What is the meaning of that? After all some- 
 thing is crooked there. Why, Rathke has also hinted something of the 
 kind before! 
 
 Martha (shrugging her shoulders). I haven't said a thing. 
 
 Voss (threatening) . He had better be careful! I will give him that 
 much advice! (The door at the left is opened.) 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (hobbles through the door). What important 
 conversation is this, pray tell? 
 
 Martha (goes to meet her in an unconstrained manner). Mr. Voss 
 is here, grandma. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. So you have had a rendezvous, you two? 
 
 Martha. You do insist on having your fun, grandma, don't you ? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (to Voss). Well, you old slugger? Come 
 along now, and confess. 
 
 Martha. Mr. Voss has come in regard to the sale, grandma. He 
 wants to give Karl his answer. 
 
 (Voss, who up to the present time has stood silent and brooding, turns 
 to go, without a word.) 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Why, where are you going all at once? I am 
 not going to scratch your eyes out. 
 
 Voss (turns on his way to rear at the right) . It is too long a wait for 
 me. I'll come back.
 
 3 8 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Have you made up your mind now what you 
 are going to do, or not? 
 
 Voss (significantly). Yes, I think I am all straightened out with 
 myself. 
 
 Madam Rosenhaaen. Why, you say that as if you wanted to 
 prophesy unpleasant weather. 
 
 Voss (already at the door). That must be a matter of the wind. 
 It's blowing in a strange direction. (He goes out slowly.} 
 
 Madam Rosenhaaen (looks after him shaking her head). What 
 in the world is the matter with him? 
 
 Martha (taciturnly). You don't expect me to know, grandma. 
 
 Madam Rosenhaaen. Didn't you talk to each other pretty long? 
 Didn't he say anything? How? 
 
 Martha. No, nothing. 
 
 Madam Rosenhaaen. Such a bull-headed old fellow! Wasn't he 
 already tamed entirely? And now he is as if he were mad again. 
 
 Martha (suddenly collapses before her, sobs in despair}. Grandma! 
 Grandma 1 
 
 Madam Rosenhaaen (puts her hands on Martha's head). Child! 
 Child! 
 
 Martha (beside herself). Oh, I am so unhappy ! So unspeak- 
 ably unhappy ! 
 
 Madam Rosenhaaen. Can't get him? Is the other girl going to 
 take him away from you? 
 
 Martha (with suppressed shriek). I cannot witness it! I simply 
 cannot witness it ! 
 
 Madam Rosenhaaen (caresses her). Now be calm! Now be quiet! 
 
 Martha (as before). Slink away! That's what I'd like to do! 
 Slink away ! 
 
 Madam Rosenhaaen. That will pass off. That will all adjust itself 
 again. 
 
 Martha (as before). That can never adjust itself again! Never! 
 
 Madam Rosenhaaen. Remember what I say! That is like a dream. 
 It amounts to nothing! 
 
 Martha (groaning). I am so awfully bad! So bad! You 
 
 haven't any idea The worst of it is, it can never be made good. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (quizzically). Child! Child! What have 
 
 you done? Tell me the truth! 
 
 Martha (quickly rises, with sudden composure). I have done 
 nothing! I have no reproaches for myself! I can answer for every-
 
 MAX HALBE 39 
 
 thing! (The door at the left is opened violently, KARL EGON enters and 
 draws HERMINE after him by the hand. The two are in riding costume.) 
 
 Karl Egon. So. Now here we are again! 
 
 H ermine (lively and beaming) . Well, that was a ride for you ! The 
 old women made wry faces as we dashed by. We fairly went storming 
 along! Oh, that was fine! 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Now, that's another one of those new fangled 
 institutions, that women get on horses. In my day one would have given 
 them a fine look. 
 
 Hermine. Oh, mercy! Let them open their noses and mouths! 
 What do we care ? You fly by. Tomorrow you are somewhere else, and 
 day after tomorrow somewhere else again. 
 
 Karl Egon. Tut ! Tut 1 I also have something to say when it 
 comes to that! 
 
 Hermine (laughing). You don't suppose that I care to die here, to 
 say nothing of living here? 
 
 Karl Egon (seriously) . A half hour ago you did not speak that way. 
 
 Hermine. Half an hour ago I Good heavens I Why don't you 
 say an eternity ago, while you are at it? Now I am talking this way! 
 Isn't that plausible to you? 
 
 Karl Egon (intensely). No, that isn't plausible to me at all. 
 
 Hermine. Don't be angry, my friend! Don't you be angry. 
 
 Karl Egon. Do you expect me to remain calm at that? 
 
 Hermine. Now will you remove that angry furrow? Come, I will 
 wipe it away. (Strokes his forehead.) 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (sitting at the table in the center). Now tell 
 me all the places where you have been rousting about. I suppose you 
 were pretty far away? 
 
 Hermine. Oh, yes, that depends upon how one looks at it. As far 
 as the woods over there. 
 
 Karl Egon.- I had to show Hermine my whole territory for once, 
 you see, don't you? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (striking her hands together). You got as far 
 as those woods? Is it among the possibilities? 
 
 Hermine. Yes, right up to them. So close that we could seize the 
 twigs. A few steps more and we should have been right in the pitch dark 
 forest. I almost felt like leading off your Egon for good. 
 
 Karl Egon. You would not have succeeded in doing that, sweet- 
 heart. Do not forget that I am planted here and have duties. 
 
 Hermine. Duties! A fine word! Shame on you!
 
 40 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Where you hail from, where you are at home, 
 I suppose there is nothing but pleasure? 
 
 Hermine. I am at home nowhere, Mrs. Rosenhagen. As for the 
 rest, you are quite right. I want to enjoy my life as thoroughly as I can. 
 Duties I will relinquish to other people. 
 
 Karl Egon. To you the word may be foreign and strange. To me, 
 it stands for my whole future. 
 
 Hermine (steps up to KARL EGON as if in jest). So you would not 
 have allowed me to lead you away? Not even if I had tried good and 
 hard? Just imagine if I had tried very, very hard? (She looks at him 
 alluringly.) 
 
 Karl Egon (moved). Of course, it would depend upon the course. 
 
 Hermine (as before). Deep into the forests, to the place where it 
 becomes light again, where the world begins again. My beautiful world! 
 
 Karl Egon. Just try, will you! 
 
 Hermine. Why, of course! This very afternoon! Or tomorrow 
 morning ! Or what I should prefer, at once ! On the spot ! 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Well, I do say, you are not going to get right 
 on horseback again, and off with a dash I Why, there is your breakfast. 
 
 Hermine (mysteriously). I should like to see whether I can assert 
 my will. 
 
 Karl Egon (seriously). You must consider that I also have a will! 
 
 Hermine. He says that with so much pride! As if we women did 
 not get the best of all of you, when we want to! (With a sudden turn 
 to MARTHA.) Why, you aren't saying a thing, my dear Miss. Don't 
 you think I am right? 
 
 Martha. Why, my opinion doesn't amount to anything! 
 
 Hermine. Oh, yes, you are one of those good, good lambs, that find 
 it ravishing to be devoured by the wolf. 
 
 Martha (ironically) . Do you see how well you know me ! 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. I say, we women have all had our little legacy 
 from Satan. That goes back to the days of paradise. 
 
 Hermine (to KARL EGON who has listened smiling). I might be 
 tempted to lock horns with you. 
 
 Karl Egon. Why don't you? Why don't you? I could not wish 
 for anything better. 
 
 Hermine. Now then, when are we going to ride to our forests again? 
 
 Karl Egon. Whenever you wish to. 
 
 Hermine. And then I'll simply lead you away. Then good-bye 
 home and everything!
 
 MAX HALBE 41 
 
 Karl Egon. How, do you suppose, you will go about that? 
 
 Hermine. Just wait until we are in the woods ! 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. I don't know what you mean by eternally talk- 
 ing of your forests 1 I never got that far away. It was always too far 
 for me. 
 
 Hermine. Too far? Why, it goes as if you were flying when you 
 are on horseback. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. I was saying, wasn't I, that in my day horse- 
 back was unknown around here for women. I did get to the city in the 
 carriage, but those forests of yours over there, I never saw except at a 
 distance. 
 
 Hermine. Why, then the most beautiful of all escaped you. Beyond 
 them the world really first sets in. 
 
 Karl Egon. Oh ! When a person knows how that world is, he can 
 get on without it quite easily. 
 
 Hermine. Possibly you. Not I. Formerly you spoke differently 
 too. 
 
 Karl Egon. Some time a person surely must find himself and know 
 for what he is cut out. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Well, may be, some day I'll get as far away 
 as you young goslings. It isn't all over yet. What do you say, Martha, 
 shall we start out and gad some time? 
 
 Martha. Possibly the time is soon at hand when I shall get to see 
 what lies back of the forest. 
 
 Hermine (quickly}. How's that? Are you thinking of leaving 
 Hohenau? 
 
 Martha. Possibly. 
 
 Hermine. Wouldn't it be better for you, if you remained here? 
 
 Martha. You suppose, do you, that you are the only person who 
 has courage? 
 
 Karl Egon. I think you are acting strangely today, Martha. 
 
 Martha. You think so, do you, Karl? (She turns to the rear to 
 go away.) 
 
 Karl Egon. Why, where are you going now? Aren't you going to 
 eat with us? 
 
 Martha. Just eat. I have no appetite! (Of quickly through 
 rear door at right.) 
 
 Karl Egon (looks after her for a moment, shakes his head, then 
 says) Well, what about breakfast? I am infernally hungry.
 
 ^42 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Hermine. And may be / am not. I'll just hurry and change my 
 dress first. 
 
 Karl Egon. Why? Just remain as you are. You look grand! 
 I'd like to kiss you right off ! 
 
 Hermine (throws him a kiss). Pst! You are not to be consulted. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. You needn't be embarrassed on my account. 
 For all I care you can all stand on your heads anyhow. Nothing surprises 
 me any more. 
 
 Hermine. Hurrah! That's just my predicament. When a person 
 rousts about daily with bold painters or crack-brained musicians, nothing 
 seems funny to him any more. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Where in the world is my good friend Fritz 
 all this blessed time? I don't see him at all. 
 
 Hermine (smiling}. My brother? Good heavens! He remained 
 far behind. I think the milksop is riding a nag for the first time today. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. If only nothing happens to him. 
 
 Hermine. He can't do more than fall off, can he? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. And break his neck! 
 
 Hermine. Oh, no, Freddie is too careful for that. 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, it's clear that you are not like him! Thunder and 
 lightning! You make the most dashing cavalryman look like a fool! 
 
 Hermine. That has been in my blood since my childhood. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. I suppose a matter of inheritance! 
 
 Hermine. Yes, I am proud of the fact that my dear mama be- 
 queathed that to me. 
 
 Karl Egon. For that very reason you will be excellently adapted to 
 the country. I can see you now playing the part of the bold mistress of the 
 castle. 
 
 Hermine. Me, with my Bohemian blood? Heavens, you are weak- 
 minded! Why, they will put me out the very first day! Why, I eat little 
 children! I'll cast a spell on your cattle! No, no, no. I am not fit to 
 be among peasants. 
 
 Karl Egon (sharply}. I take it that you are jesting. A person can 
 never tell about you in such matters ! 
 
 Hermine. Do you expect me to sit here with you and look like a 
 blockhead? 
 
 Karl Egon.' Moreover I look upon it as an honor to be called a 
 peasant, if that is what you mean to call me. 
 
 Hermine. Whew! What dignity! I humble myself!
 
 MAX HALBE 43 
 
 Madan Rosenhagen. And do you expect to gig through the world 
 by express in this fashion all of your life? 
 
 Hermine. Why not, pray tell? Wherever there is a jolly and free 
 and easy time, there I pitch my tent. Six months in Munich, then again 
 in Paris or in Rome, one has his circle everywhere, you know ! Painters, 
 actors, poets! They are the worst of all. They immediately fall in 
 love. Oh, it is a wonderfully crazy life. Some day or other one turns 
 up, is received in triumph. Some day or other one is gone and the poets 
 follow one up with the most fervent verses. But one remains the maiden 
 from afar, a kind of Persephone, whom no one can hold. ( To KARL 
 EGON with a coquettish gesture.) That's what I like, my friend! And 
 now let us eat breakfast. I'll take your arm, Mrs. Rosenhagen. (She 
 takes her arm.) 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (brings down her cane with a thud). Do you 
 mean to insist by all means upon making me old and rickety, you young 
 rascal? 
 
 Hermine (escorting her to the sofa). How does it feel, when a 
 person is old, Mrs. Rosenhagen? Isn't that awfully monotonous? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Nonsense! Every day means something new 
 to me. I rejoice at every day, when I awake and see the sunlight and can 
 say to myself, I am still on earth and I am going to stay on earth for a 
 while yet. 
 
 Hermine. Strange I 
 
 Karl Egon. Do you see, Hermine, that's what comes of living in 
 the country and close to nature. A person gets old doing that. 
 
 Hermine. But I don't want to get old. I want to stay young as 
 long as it is possible. Here a person rusts and sours. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Well, then I must just about be a regular vine- 
 gar barrel. 
 
 Hermine. That just depends upon who it is. It wouldn't do for 
 me. You haven't any idea how I crave pleasure. I want to drain my 
 youth to the dregs. No one is to say of me that I missed anything. 
 
 Karl Egon. And some day, when youth is gone? 
 
 Hermine. Then I'll climb the Finsteraarhorn and plunge down. 
 
 Karl Egon (ironically). Grand! 
 
 Hermine (looks at him smiling). I imagine that would be very fine. 
 A moment and one is gone. You can join me, of course, if you care to ! 
 
 Karl Egon (shaking his head). O Hermine! Hermine! Don't 
 feign being something that you are not. A person could really get in 
 doubt about you.
 
 44 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Hermine. Why, you don't know me at all. You men don't know 
 us any how. You all form a wrong conception of us. But we know you 
 
 so well (During the preceding sentences they have taken their places 
 
 at the table, the grandmother on the sofa, KARL EGON and HERMINE on 
 the chairs to the right and left of her, opposite each other. During the 
 following sentences, they are eating.} 
 
 Hermine (tries to give something to the old woman}. I am going 
 to give something to you, Mrs. Rosenhagen. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (makes an impatient gesture}. Now I have 
 enough of this everlasting mothering! If it doesn't stop, I'll get up and 
 leave you alone. That's what you would like. 
 
 Hermine (eating}. Oh, please, no. 
 
 Karl Egon (eating likewise}. Your aim seems to be to make me 
 angry today. 
 
 Hermine. Must I not make the parting as easy as possible for you? 
 
 Karl Egon (lays down his knife and fork}. What parting? What 
 does that mean? 
 
 Hermine (unconstrained}. Some time the parting must indeed come. 
 
 Karl Egon (excited}. I really do not understand you. 
 
 Hermine (to the old woman}. Really, won't you have a slice of 
 raw ham? Quite delicious. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. When I say no, I say no. But you may give 
 me a glass of wine. That keeps the spirits of life awake. 
 
 Karl Egon (smiles as he fills her glass}. Or sometimes it may put 
 them to sleep, grandmother. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (as she pensively touches her lips to her 
 glass}. It's with me as it is with our old pear tree in the garden. 
 
 Hermine. Oh, yes, is it still alive? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. It will still outlive many a one. But I was 
 going to say 
 
 Hermine. About the pear tree. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. It also is nourished by nothing but the dew 
 and rain, by what comes from above. That is due to the fact that it has 
 grown so high into the clouds. That it ever crawled out of the soil down 
 there, it can hardly remember that now. (She continues to sip pensively, 
 gradually sinks back and falls asleep.} 
 
 (Short pause during which they again eat.} 
 
 Karl Egon (leans back in his chair}. Wasn't that capital this morn- 
 ing, Hermine? The horseback ride through the misty morning?
 
 MAX HALBE 45 
 
 Hermine (likewise stops eating, nods}. Quite capital. Yes. I 
 love the morning, anyhow. I am an early riser. In the midst of my 
 Bohemians I have saved that much. 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes. Greatly to your credit. I have never known you 
 to do anything else. 
 
 Hermine. I am of the opinion that there is nothing finer than one 
 of these misty autumn mornings. Then out into the unknown on one's 
 horse 
 
 Karl Egon (joyously}. Yes, and then say to one's self, That is your 
 own soil over which you are riding along. No one has any right to inter- 
 fere with you here. You owe no one an accounting here but yourself, your 
 
 own free master, your own king and emperor Hermine, that is a 
 
 feeling with which you must come in touch. That can be compared with 
 nothing on earth, with nothing. 
 
 Hermine (smiling}. You are still something of a dreamer. That 
 you have kept. But it is becoming to you. 
 
 Karl Egon. Why, shouldn't one grow enthusiastic once in a while? 
 That is the privilege of youth. 
 
 Hermine (meeting his eye}. Yes, yes, speak right on. I like to see 
 you that way. It reminds one so much 
 
 Karl Egon. Of what, pray tell? 
 
 Hermine. Of wild little Egon, and the still smaller and cute Her- 
 mine. 
 
 Karl Egon. Wasn't that splendid, back in those days? 
 
 Hermine. And that is why it will never return. 
 
 Karl Egon. It is going to return now, more beautiful than ever. 
 
 Hermine. No, no, now we are grown up and each one of us has his 
 own peculiar hobby. I am a perverse Bohemian roaming through the 
 world and you are an honorable estate owner who breeds swine. How 
 could the two ever get together? 
 
 Karl Egon. Why, that is the sheerest nonsense. Heaven knows that 
 I have an intelligent interest in some things besides the breeding of swine. 
 Moreover the breeding of swine is a good thing 
 
 Hermine. Yes, that raw ham was delicious. Did you raise that 
 yourself? 
 
 Karl Egon (laughing in a way} . Now do be a bit serious. 
 
 Hermine. I am as serious as a tomb. 
 
 Karl Egon. I tell you, Hermine, you can't imagine what a strange 
 fascination attaches to a soil that one's father and grandfather have 
 already sown and harvested.
 
 46 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Hermine. And so, for that reason one sits down in his four walls 
 and vegetates right along like his father and grandfather! Greatest 
 respect I 
 
 Karl Egon. No I If you think that, you are entirely on the wrong 
 track! I certainly conceive of my life as being different from that of my 
 ancestors. I want to arrange it as large and free and above all things as 
 beautiful as possible. You see, the fathers could not do that. They had 
 to acquire and get all of it together first. They had the struggle. They 
 did not get to the point of rest and enjoyment. And therefore everything 
 had to remain as little, narrow and as limited as you see it now! That is 
 to change now. Now a new time is coming. 
 
 Hermine. And you want to bring that about? 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, I. For myself and those who depend upon me. 
 That also, you know, the fathers were not able to do. They had to think 
 of themselves. They had to get ahead first. That is my advantage now. 
 I can incidentally also think of others. 
 
 Hermine. I say, that's maddeningly thankless. 
 
 Karl Egon. You know it is my intention to make my people here at 
 Hohenau over into something like human beings. What do you say to 
 that? 
 
 Hermine (laughs aloud}. Oh, you poor fellow, you! 
 
 Karl Egon (as before}. Yes! Yes! But a beginning must be 
 made sometime. There is enormously much to do here still, anyhow. 
 
 Hermine (lightly}. What incredible plans you have! 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, I should like to show my countrymen for once, how 
 much you can get out of the soil and out of people, if you have a few ideas 
 and the proper spirit. Why, everything is so crude here still. All that 
 is necessary is to bring the forces together for once. For that reason, 
 in the first place, I shall build the distillery. 
 
 Hermine. And the crown of it all, I suppose, the castle is expected 
 to be. Isn't it? 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, that is the crown of it all. That is the sunlight 
 on the picture. 
 
 Hermine. Are you going to keep house there so entirely alone? I 
 imagine that would be awfully tedious. 
 
 Karl Egon (impatiently}. But I do say, Hermine, how can you ask 
 such a question? Why, for whom am I going to build my castle? 
 
 Hermine (shrugging her shoulders}. How can I know that? 
 
 Karl Egon Of course I am going to build it for you! For you! 
 Just imagine when our new castle will stand over there beyond the mill
 
 MAX HALBE 47 
 
 race! Can one not live proudly and freely even there? Freer than out 
 yonder? Can't one forget the world there? Doesn't that tempt you? 
 
 Hermine (dreaming}. So a real, actual castle Karl Egon is going 
 to build for himself? See! Seel 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, with everything that belongs to it. 
 
 Hermine (dreaming and swaying back and forth}. With sparkling 
 windows, in the morning sunshine 
 
 Karl Egon (bends over the table to her}. And with a beautiful mis- 
 tress in it. 
 
 Hermine (smiles at him}. Who in the world may that be? 
 
 Karl Egon (fervently}. You! You! You! 
 
 Hermine (swaying to and fro}. Beautiful Rothtraut through the 
 deep forest rode Do you know that, Egon? 
 
 Karl Egon. Hermine, now I shall no longer let you Give me 
 
 your hand! Tell me. Tell me finally (He extends his hand over 
 
 the table to her.} 
 
 Hermine. Pst! Don't you see? Grandmother has gone to sleep. 
 Don't disturb her. 
 
 Karl Egon. Oh, she does not wake up so quickly when she has had 
 her wine. That happens to her quite often now. 
 
 Hermine. Just wait until we are that far along. I don't believe 
 that any body will be able to awaken us any more then. I hope she is lying 
 comfortably? 
 
 Karl Egon (absent minded}. Yes, 'yes, never mind her. 
 
 Hermine (carried away at the sight of the old woman}. To live a 
 whole century as she has. Isn't that like a miracle, Egon? 
 
 Karl Egon. Hermine, you still owe me your answer. 
 
 Hermine (without paying attention}. A whole century. And here 
 at Hohenau besides. That requires a constitution. I believe I should 
 grow horns or some other horrible thing. Wouldn't you too, Egon? 
 
 Karl Egon (becoming angry}. I see you are making light of me! 
 
 Hermine (innocently}. I? How so? 
 
 Karl Egon (angrily}. Yes, you are playing with me! I feel that 
 more and more definitely. 
 
 Hermine (stubbornly}. Or you are playing with me. 
 
 Karl Egon (forced to laugh} . / with you? Heavens! Since when 
 have the mice been playing with the cat? 
 
 Hermine. Do you put so low a value upon yourself? 
 
 Karl Egon. Oh, in dealing with you women, all of us are powerless, 
 of course.
 
 48 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Hermine (smiling at him over the table}. O you foolish, foolish, 
 foolish Egon. You! 
 
 Karl Egon (carried away}. Hermine, how beautiful you are! 
 
 Hermine (as before}. And you are so foolish, so foolish, so foolish, 
 that you cannot even see your fortune. 
 
 Karl Egon (jumps up} . Hermine! Dearest! 
 
 Hermine (her finger on her mouth}. Pst! Be a good boy! Don't 
 awaken grandmother! It is a whole century that is sleeping there. 
 
 Karl Egon (with desperate gaiety} . Yes, the old century. We will 
 create a new one for ourselves. 
 
 Hermine. You are to remain quietly in your chair, or else I shall 
 go away at once. 
 
 Karl Egon (sits down again}. You are setting me crazy, Hermine. 
 
 Hermine, That's just what you deserve. Didn't you promise me, 
 by all that is holy, that you would go out into the world with me if I should 
 come and get you? Here I am now! 
 
 Karl Egon (lost in her presence}. Yes, just as the fairy queen in 
 the fairy tale 
 
 Hermine. Quite right. Who came to Tom the Rhymster. He 
 was also just such a big, foolish lubber who pledged his head for a kiss 
 from the fairy queen, and then would not recognize his good fortune when 
 she came to get him. But that was of no avail to him. She took him 
 along into her fairy kingdom, she took him along and fairly kissed him to 
 death, the foolish boy. 
 
 Karl Egon. Hermine! Hermine! (He starts from his chair 
 again.} 
 
 Hermine (with lifted finger}. Pst! Be a good boy! Keep your 
 seat ! Make good your promise first ! 
 
 Karl Egon. And what if I can not? 
 
 Hermine. But you must. You simply must. 
 
 Karl Egon. What in the world do you expect of me? What are 
 you planning to do with me? Do you know that I could hate you? 
 
 Hermine (flattering} . I will make you great and famous. I will 
 give you a task that is worth while. You shall play a part in the world. 
 
 And I with you Do you hear, I with you Or we will travel. 
 
 We'll travel. Or we will live somewhere quietly, all to ourselves, in Paris 
 or in Italy or somewhere. Only not here. Not here. Not in this world, 
 which I hate, which I hate! 
 
 Karl Egon (frightened} . Hermine !
 
 MAX HALBE 49 
 
 Hermine (with suppressed passion). Yes, which I hate as much as 
 one can at all hate a thing! 
 
 Karl Egon (jumps up). Stop! Stop! I can no longer follow you 
 in that. 
 
 Hermine (rises likewise). Well, why not? Is it so preposterous, 
 what you are expected to do? (She steps up close to him whispering im- 
 pressively.) Egon ! Dearest ! Why what has become of your courage? 
 Where is your pride? All stifled in fat! All choked in philistinism! 
 Look into my eyes, my darling! 
 
 Karl Eaon (struggling with himself}. Do not make me wild, 
 Hermine ! 
 
 Hermine (with ardent flattery). Look into my eyes, my darling! 
 Tell me that you are going with me ! 
 
 Karl Egon (stands struggling with himself violently, as if he wanted 
 to draw her to him, but controls himself with a sudden start) . I can not, 
 Hermine. 
 
 Hermine (whispering). You can not? 
 
 Karl Egon. No, I can not, and above all I do not want to. I do not 
 wish to be under obligations to anyone else for what I am and what I 
 represent. 
 
 Hermine. Not even to me? 
 
 Karl Egon. No, not even to you ! Least of all to you ! I want to 
 shape my life myself, great or small, just as it has been granted to me, but 
 at any rate on my own initiative and not as the creature of any one, least 
 of all of you. 
 
 Hermine (bitterly). Is that your great love? 
 
 Karl Egon (firmly}. Just because I love you so much, that is why 
 I do not want to be your creature. 
 
 Hermine. Since when have you been so proud? 
 
 Karl Egon. Since I have a goal and a mission ahead of me. Don't 
 you understand that, dearest? 
 
 Hermine ( turns away ) . Do not call me that ! 
 
 Karl Egon (tenderly). Hermine ? 
 
 Hermine (stamps her foot}. Don't call me that any more! I will 
 not have it! 
 
 (The door at the left is opened violently.) 
 
 Fritz Diesterkamp (storms in beaming, with hair dishevelled and torn 
 waistcoat, open all the way down}. What an experience! What an 
 experience !
 
 5 o THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Hermine (strikes her hands together}. Why, how you look! How 
 you look! 
 
 Fritz. Why of course, you have no idea what happened to me. It 
 was great. Just imagine 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (has awaked during the last sentence, rubs her 
 eyes, and grumbles to herself). Why, what does all of this racket mean? 
 I suppose there's a fire somewhere? 
 
 Hermine (to FRITZ). Do you see, that's what comes of your stupid 
 howling. Now you have awakened grandmother. Go right on and 
 excuse yourself for your awkwardness. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (has meanwhile become wide awake). You 
 suppose, do you, that I have been sleeping? 
 
 Hermine (roguishly). Just a bit, Mrs. Rosenhagen, just a little bit. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (draws FRITZ, who has been standing near her, 
 up to her by his sleeve). Just come here a bit, you young gosling, you. 
 Let me look you over. 
 
 Fritz (beaming). Don't I look fine? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Ravishing. In what gutter have you been 
 wallowing? 
 
 Hermine. Well, why don't you sail in? 
 
 Fritz. Well, then, to begin with, just imagine, just imagine, I fell 
 from my horse! 
 
 Hermine. Didn't I have an idea you would? 
 
 Fritz. Isn't that monumental, isn't it glacier like? To have fallen 
 from your horse the first time in your life ! 
 
 Hermine. Yes, because it is the first time in your life that you have 
 been on a horse. Because you have never had the courage before. 
 
 Fritz (of ended). I beg your pardon. You just go through with 
 what I have just gone through and then talk. When I tell my classmates 
 
 about that Well, I do say! Most of them can't tell a horse from a 
 
 cow. 
 
 Hermine. Well, why don't you tell how you went about it all ? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. He probably reined up the horse by the tail. 
 The confounded beasts won't have that. 
 
 Fritz (with animation). Oh, I beg your pardon! At first it went 
 fine. I leaned forward 
 
 Hermine (derisively). Leaned forward! Aha! 
 
 Fritz. Excuse me! That's the way all the aborigines ride, isn't it? 
 Just read Xenophon's Anabasis. Of course, you know nothing about that.
 
 MAX HALBE 51 
 
 But if you suddenly break into such an insane gallop, a fellow can't help 
 but fall off. 
 
 H ermine. I suppose you tried to catch up with us? 
 
 Fritz' Not I, but the bay. He wanted to follow by all means. He 
 tore along as if mad ! Then I got on my ear and said to myself, "See here, 
 my little nag ! Let's see who is master, I or you," and I drew up the reins ! 
 
 Hermine. Yes, and tore the mouth of the horse. 
 
 Fritz (meekly). What do I know! All at once I was lying at the 
 side of the road. My bay, of course, on and away, who knows where? 
 That is the worst of it. Now I'll catch it from Egon. 
 
 Karl Egon (still in the background, lost in thought, looks up, and 
 turns half way around) . He will find his way to the stable all right, when 
 he has had his fill. 
 
 Hermine. And my little brother had to walk, eh ? 
 
 Fritz. That is just what I wanted to tell. That is the main thing. 
 
 Hermine. Why, aren't you through yet? 
 
 Fritz. Not a bit of it! The main experience came to me just as I 
 was walking over. Why, was I attacked! 
 
 Hermine. What were you? 
 
 Fritz. Don't you understand English? I was attacked because I 
 tried to cross a meadow. I had to give up my hat. Isn't that phenome- 
 nal? What kind of a figure do I cut now? 
 
 Karl Egon (has turned around quickly, comes forward). You were 
 attacked? By whom, pray tell? 
 
 Fritz. By an old crosspatch of a farmer! I believe he lives next 
 to you. (He points out toward the right.) 
 
 Karl Egon (starting up). Surely not by Voss? What did he 
 
 look like? 
 
 Fritz. Well, without a beard, with bushy white eyebrows. A regu- 
 lar Isengrim ! That's the way I imagine Cato the Elder, or some one of 
 that type looked. 
 
 Karl Egon (excited). That is Voss! No question about it! That 
 
 is Voss! Another one of his fine tricks! (He goes to and fro 
 
 violently.) 
 
 Hermine (scornfully). Pleasant neighborhood, that you have here. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Oh, that has been going on for sixty years! 
 That's all that I am accustomed to any more. 
 
 Karl Egon (goes to and fro). But I am not in a temper to take that 
 any longer. That state of affairs must come to an end. (He controls
 
 52 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 himself, and approaches again.} Tell me, what meadow was that? 
 Surely not that one out there. 
 
 Fritz. That may be very well. But farther over that way I (Points 
 toward the right}. Not far from the next farmhouse. 
 
 Karl Egon (with suppressed anger}. Yes, yes, quite right. That 
 is Voss's meadow land! Voss's meadow land! (With sudden interrup- 
 tion.} That is, so he asserts. That's what he asserts. In reality the 
 case is quite different. In reality the strip does not belong to him at all, 
 of course. We know that much. 
 
 Hermine (surprised}. How can your lordly neighbor attack my 
 brother, if the meadow does not belong to him? 
 
 Karl Egon. That's just the funny thing about it. He is not as daft 
 about anything as he is about this very piece of land, and concerning this 
 piece of land I can prove to him, if I care to, that he has no claim to it at 
 all. 
 
 Hermine. Why in the world don't you do it, then? 
 
 Karl Egon (shrugging his shoulders}. Because, up to the present 
 I have not cared to. There is still time for that. 
 
 Hermine. You poor fellow ! Then you can not venture three steps 
 from your own house in the future. Is that your fine freedom and 
 splendor? 
 
 Karl Egon. Preposterous! And with all that a public highway 
 leads through the meadow. By the way, didn't you tell him who you were, 
 and whom you are visiting? 
 
 Fritz. Well, may be I didn't ! But then he became more rabid than 
 ever, just as if he wanted to slap me. Well, I tell you, I looked at him 
 from top to toe when he did that. He forgot all about slapping. All he 
 did then was to take my hat away. 
 
 Karl Egon (going to and fro}. So that's the way matters stand? 
 That opens up bright prospects for our agreement of sale! This is the 
 day, of course, when his time for deliberation is up. I wonder whether 
 that is intended for his answer? Do you know at all, grandmother, 
 whether he has been here? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Voss was here half an hour ago, a short time 
 before you came. Why, Martha spoke to him for a long while. 
 
 Karl Egon (shaking his head} . Strange ! Somebody must have put 
 something in his head. Why, I had him quite pliable already. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (gets up groaning}. Oh, this old frame of 
 bones ! After all an old person is good for nothing. 
 
 Fritz (runs up to her}. Shall I help you?
 
 MAX HALBE 53 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. I seem to myself like an old barn door. That, 
 too, is only partly on its hinges still. 
 
 Hermine. But why do you want to get up already, Mrs. Rosen- 
 hagen ? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Because I don't care to sit any longer I 
 
 Fritz (has taken her arm). I'll lead you a bit. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. For all I care. We are suited to each other 
 quite well, you and I. The beginning and the end are always suited to 
 each other. (She takes a few steps on FRITZ'S arm and stops.) I say I 
 Karl! 
 
 Karl Eg on (has been going up and down, approaches). What is it, 
 grandmother? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. If you want to take a bit of advice from an 
 old woman, look out for Voss. Don't have anything to do with him. 
 
 Karl Egon. Don't worry, grandmother. I'll settle him well enough. 
 This way or that! 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (already at the door). I hope you are not 
 
 reckoning without the host ! (To FRITZ.) Now. Never mind now. 
 
 Now I'll manage to creep on alone. (She lets go of his arm and goes out.) 
 
 Fritz. And / must go, too. 
 
 Hermine. Yes, don't forget to change your clothes. 
 
 Fritz (whipping and cracking his fingers) . Well, wasn't that a ripper 
 today! 
 
 Hermine (as if incidentally). You may pack your things, while you 
 are at it. We are going away today. 
 
 Fritz (in the door with mouth wide open). Pack my things? 
 
 Karl Egon (frightened). Hermine! 
 
 Hermine (smiling to FRITZ). Yes, yes, pack your things! We are 
 going away. 
 
 Fritz (pouting). Go away now, just when it's beginning to get fine! 
 
 Hermine. This is not the last time that that will happen to you in 
 life. 
 
 Fritz (in a rage). And I say, that's simply a vile trick! I have 
 something to say when it comes to that. 
 
 Hermine. You are to be quiet and pack your things. We are going 
 away this very day. 
 
 Fritz. And I am not going to allow myself to be treated like a mere 
 kid. I am a senior, remember that ! 
 
 Karl Egon. Just be quiet now and go to your room. Hermine will 
 not go away.
 
 54 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Fritz (surprised). Well, that makes me curious! 
 
 H ermine (defiantly). And me! 
 
 Fritz. I tell you, when she takes anything into her head ! 
 
 Karl Egon. We'll see about that. 
 
 Fritz. But you are quite right. We men must stick together. The 
 women are becoming bolder every day. 
 
 Karl Egon (has controlled his anger with difficulty during the pre- 
 ceding sentences, now steps up to HERMINE with decision). Hermine, are 
 you serious about that? 
 
 Hermine (sitting at the sofa table). Wait and see. 
 
 Karl Egon. You would inflict that upon me? 
 
 Hermine. It will have to come some time at any rate. 
 
 Karl Egon (tenderly). Hermine, look at me. 
 
 Hermine (without moving). Why, pray tell? Don't I know your 
 face by heart? 
 
 Karl Egon (angrily). You are to look at me, Hermine! 
 
 Hermine (surprised, looking at him only partially). What kind of 
 a manner is that? How are you talking to me? 
 
 Karl Egon (seizes her hand and draws her up from her chair vio- 
 lently) . You are to look into my eyes and answer! 
 
 Hermine (leaving her hand in his, she stands opposite him). Why, 
 you hurt me! 
 
 Karl Egon. Aren't you hurting me? Now listen to me. 
 
 Hermine (looking into his eyes while he holds her hands). So the 
 master commands, and the slave is to obey. 
 
 Karl Egon. Why did you come here, Hermine? 
 
 Hermine (lowers her eyes before his scrutiny). Why, I have c 
 
 (Stops involuntarily.) 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, I ask you why you have come here ? Answer 
 
 that question for me ! 
 
 Hermine (evasively). Wasn't that agreed upon? And then in 
 addition, the bereavement. 
 
 Karl Egon. So it was simply to condole with me on the death of my 
 father and then to go away post-haste. Do you really believe that your- 
 self? 
 
 Hermine. No, why should I lie? You know, of course. To take 
 you away. 
 
 Karl Egon (keeping his eyes fixed upon hers). And why do you want 
 to take me away?
 
 MAX HALBE 55 
 
 H ermine (restless) . Let go of me now. I must have black and blue 
 spots before now. 
 
 Karl Egon (as before). Why did you want to take me away? 
 
 Hermine (derisively, as if trying to control her rising emotion). 
 Because I am sorry for you, you poor fellow, you ! 
 
 Karl Egon (ardently). Because you love me, that is the reason you 
 came. Because you love me! 
 
 Hermine (as before). Do you feel so certain, my friend? 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, because you love me 1 Deny it ten times over, I 
 am certain of it. 
 
 Hermine (smiles at him). Oh, you big foolish boy I 
 
 Karl Egon. And what is more, because you love me, you will remain. 
 That is why you will remain! Do you hear? 
 
 Hermine. Heavens, how vain you men are? For your sake one is 
 expected to sacrifice his beautiful, golden freedom. Simply so you can 
 make one the honorable mistress of an estate ! How vain you are 1 
 
 Karl Egon (devouring her with his eyes, and still holding her hands). 
 Do not stir me up now, Hermine. You are in my power. I can punish 
 you. 
 
 Hermine (challenging). Why don't you try to? Why don't you 
 try to ? 
 
 Karl Egon (as before). Oh, Hermine! 
 
 Hermine (almost disappointed). Do you see? You do not 
 dare 1 
 
 Karl Egon (lets her hands go, stands struggling with himself). Do 
 not play with me, Hermine 1 
 
 Hermine. Haven't I told you long ago, you should not trust me? I 
 am quite base and cowardly and false. False as a cat. Why do you trust 
 me? 
 
 Karl Egon (looking at her). And with all that, these deep, deep 
 eyes 1 
 
 Hermine (enticing). They lie most of all. The best thing that I 
 can do is to put my hand over them. Then you will not see them. (She 
 puts her hands over her eyes, and darts glances at him between her fingers.) 
 
 Karl Egon (losing control). Now not even a god will help you! 
 (He presses her to himself and kisses her passionately.) 
 
 Hermine (in his arms). Don't kiss! Don't kiss! 
 
 Karl Egon. More than ever! More than ever! You are blind, 
 aren't you? 
 
 Hermine (as before). Do you love me?
 
 5 6 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Karl Egon (with a long kiss). So much! So much! 
 
 H ermine (coaxing). Then you will promise me, will you not, to go 
 with me ? 
 
 Karl Egon (shrinks back and lets go of her) . Are you beginning 
 again? 
 
 H ermine (leans up against him). You will promise me to go with 
 me. Do you hear, dearest? Please, please, please 1 
 
 Karl Egon (he draws her down on his chair, sits down beside her and 
 says firmly). Not another word about that, Hermine! You belong to 
 me now and you are going to stay with me 1 
 
 Hermine (leans against him and looks up to him). I suppose I am 
 expected to obey now? 
 
 Karl Egon. I do say you are expected to. 
 
 Hermine. And what if I don't want to ? 
 
 Karl Egon. You must! 
 
 Hermine (strangely). Do you see how cowardly I am? 
 
 Karl Egon (jumps up). Oh, I am so very happy! I would not 
 exchange places with any king or emperor. 
 
 Hermine (constantly as if on the watch). My big boy would like to 
 play king a bit himself, I suppose ? 1 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, and I have chosen you to be my queen. 
 
 Hermine. Kinglet and queenlet! 
 
 Karl Egon. Did it seem so narrow and small to you when we were 
 riding over my fields and meadows today? 
 
 Hermine. And when the doughty thane Fritz was captured by an 
 evil king of the border and had to pay a heavy ransom? 
 
 Karl Egon (excited). Is it necessary for you to remind me of it? 
 Do you suppose I have forgotten it ? 
 
 Hermine (scornfully). Why, one can talk about that. Aren't these 
 affairs of state here in your empire? 
 
 Karl Egon. Just scoff ! My empire is large enough and soon it will 
 be still larger! Voss shall not lie in ambush for us much longer! He 
 will have to make room ! 
 
 Hermine. Room for Egon I. 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, and then there will be no other master far and wide 
 but me and you ! The two of us ! I tell you that will be a life ! 
 
 Martha (opens the rear door at the right and enters a few steps). 
 Mr. Voss is here, Karl. Shall I send him in? 
 
 Karl Egon (turns around absent mindedly) . What's up? Who is 
 here?
 
 MAX HALBE 57 
 
 Martha (coldly). Excuse me, if I have disturbed you. I did not 
 know that you were alone. 
 
 H ermine (quickly). No, no, it's a good thing, that you have come. 
 
 Martha. Well, what am I to say to Mr. Voss? 
 
 Hermine. Just send in the hostile king. I will retreat. 
 
 Martha. Please, Mr. Voss, my cousin is already waiting anxiously. 
 
 ^055 (enters with a curt greeting). Bid you good morning! 
 
 Hermine (bows her head). Good morning, your majesty of the 
 neighboring kingdom! And at the same time Adieu! (She quickly 
 departs to the left.) 
 
 (MARTHA also withdraws after a long look at the group.) 
 
 (Pause.) 
 
 Voss (looks after HERMINE). That is the young lady that formerly 
 visited here frequently, is it not? 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, a friend of my childhood days. 
 
 Voss. I suppose something is in prospect in that connection? 
 
 Karl Egon. I don't understand you. 
 
 Voss. An engagement or something of that kind. 
 
 Karl Egon (shaking his head). They aren't gossiping in the village 
 about it, are they? 
 
 Voss (craftily). Because, you know, you are intending to dash up 
 one of these grand castles over on my side, on the other side of the mill 
 race ! A fellow doesn't do that kind of a thing without a purpose. 
 
 Karl Egon (surprised). How in the world do you manage to know 
 that already? 
 
 Voss ( eagerly ) . So it is true ? 
 
 Karl Egon. Strange, how all that is noised about ! 
 
 Voss (calmly with fixed purpose) . A person has his people for that, 
 you know! 
 
 Karl Egon. Won't you take a seat, Mr. Voss? 
 
 Voss. What I have to say can be settled standing. ( The two 
 stand opposite each other, Voss at the table in the center, KARL EGON at 
 the sofa table.) 
 
 Karl Egon. Well, have you made up your mind? Are you going 
 to accept my proposition? 
 
 Voss (quite calm externally) . No ! I have thought the matter over. 
 I am not going to sell. 
 
 Karl Egon (perplexed). Not going to sell?
 
 5 8 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Foss. No, I am going to stay where I am I I am not going to sell 
 my place 1 
 
 Karl Egon. And have you thought the matter over thoroughly, Mr. 
 Voss? 
 
 Foss. Am I a whipper-snapper? I guess I'm old enough! 
 
 Karl Egon (excited). But for heaven's sake, man! Do you really 
 know what is at stake ? Eighty thousand marks is a fortune ! That is 
 more by one half than the place is worth! 
 
 Foss. May be, may be not! It depends upon what is to be done 
 with the place. If, for instance, a fellow is going to put a great castle 
 there, or heaven knows what 
 
 Karl Egon. So the price is too low to suit you? 
 
 Foss. Not too low and not too high. I am going to remain in my 
 house, and that settles it ! What do I care for the money ! What I need 
 for a living, I have. And in case of death, it is even too much! 
 
 Karl Egon. Day before yesterday you said the reverse. 
 
 Foss. Can't a person change his mind? A fellow can surely allow 
 himself to be wheedled half way and come to himself again. 
 
 Karl Egon. Do you mean to say I have wheedled you? Haven't I 
 
 offered you the highest price conceivable? Who knows who has 
 
 wheedled you ? 
 
 Foss. I'm not in favor of quarreling. I simply say I have slept on 
 your proposition once more and here is my answer! 
 
 Karl Egon. And that is to settle it? 
 
 Foss. Yes, that will stand. I will not go back on that. 
 
 (Pause.) 
 
 Karl Egon (walks across the hall, struggling with his excitement). 
 Well, we can get ready for a fine state of siege, then. 
 
 Foss. It is all the same to me. I have been accustomed to that all 
 of my blessed life. 
 
 Karl Egon (sharply). Yes, of course, you cannot live without quar- 
 reling. Everybody knows that. But why I should suffer from that, why 
 I should have my beautiful life spoiled by your pig-headed obstinacy, I 
 don't quite understand! And I am not going to have itl 
 
 Foss. You may thank your dead father for that. And your relatives 
 all told, for that matter. It's to be charged to them that peace and con- 
 cord have not gained a foothold here at Hohenau. Now don't be sur- 
 prised if at last a time of retribution comes on.
 
 MAX HALBE 59 
 
 Karl Egon (has found himself}. Mr. Voss, I advise you for the last 
 time, heed a rational suggestion! You must see for yourself that an 
 amicable relation is impossible in the long run! 
 
 Voss (scornfully). That depends entirely upon you. 
 
 Karl Egon. No, it depends upon you. You are not the man to keep 
 peace. I can tell that by a thousand and one little things. Only today I 
 realized again. 
 
 ^055. Aha 1 Because of that young scamp that I ran across on my 
 meadow land ? 
 
 Karl Egon (interrupting). I don't want to talk about it now. I 
 want to remain calm. I beg you, do likewise. 
 
 Voss. I am as calm as I have ever been in all of my life. 
 
 Karl Egon. Good! If you are, you must admit, there can be no 
 idea of real peace between us. One of the two parties must yield. 
 
 Voss. Why don't you yield, if my presence is inconvenient to you? 
 
 Karl Egon. Since when must the stronger man yield? 
 
 Voss. It must first become clear who the stronger man is in this case ! 
 That has not been proved up to the present. 
 
 Karl Egon. I advise you, do not bring it to a test ! 
 
 Voss. Aha 1 Is force really going to be tried? 
 
 Karl Egon (with increasing emotion). Just because I do not wish 
 to do that, I am making the greatest advances to you that a man can at all 
 make. For that reason I am making you an offer that no one will ever 
 make you again! 
 
 Voss (mildly) . And if you offer me a million, I will not yield to you ! 
 You will find out who old man Voss is ! You and your city rabble I 
 
 Karl Egon (turns on his heel). So my father was right after all! 
 
 Voss (in violent anger) . You shall find out who I am. I shall sugar 
 coat your life for you until you have your fill ! 
 
 Karl Egon (beside himself). That is base meanness! Why, that 
 is ! (Goes to and fro, panting.) 
 
 Voss (a step toward him). I suppose I am not expected to notice 
 why you want me away from here by all means? Surely you did not offer 
 me that price without a reason. Because I and my place are in your way, 
 as I was in your father's way! Because you can't stir as long as I am 
 planted here at your door! Because you have hifalutin notions about 
 building a castle and such pranks in your head ! All I have to say, hands 
 off, my boysie ! There's no castle to be built here as long as I can stir a 
 finger! I'll plant a^ stack of straw on my meadow for you. Then you 
 can keep looking at that straw stack for a view 1
 
 60 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Karl Eg on (clenching his fist) . And with that man I thought of 
 peace I 
 
 Foss (calmer). Return your thanks to those who have it against 
 their record! 
 
 Karl Eg on (steps up before him) . So you want to take revenge upon 
 me because you no longer can upon my father? 
 
 Foss. You may interpret that as you please. 
 
 Karl Egon. You want to pay me up for what my ancestors have 
 done to you? 
 
 Foss. Every red penny, if it is possible ! 
 
 Karl Egon. And do you know, sir, that in doing so you are forcing 
 me to use the same means to which you forced my father? 
 
 Foss. If I disposed of your father, I shall very certainly be able to 
 dispose of you! 
 
 Karl Egon. You might be awfully mistaken about that! 
 
 Foss. I'll take my chances on that without a fear. 
 
 Karl Egon. Then we are through with each other. (He turns 
 away.) 
 
 Foss. Yes, we've talked enough now ! Now it's a matter of deeds ! 
 
 Karl Egon. Good! Let things take their course. 
 
 Foss (already in the door). You will hear from me. (Goes out 
 quickly.) 
 
 Karl Egon (stands for a moment as if still reflecting, then rushes to 
 
 the rear door at the right and calls). I say! Rathke ! 
 
 Rathke ! Where in the world are you? Rathke ! 
 
 Rathke (comes in hastily). Voss has gone! Well, what is it, 
 
 Mr. Rosenhagen? War or peace? I hope war! 
 
 Karl Egon (determined). Have them hitch up, Rathke! Have 
 them hitch up ! I am going to drive to Danzig at once ! Look up the 
 address of Wegner! We must have the documents. There is going to 
 be war! 
 
 Rathke (in wild joy). Praise Father, Son and all the rest of them! 
 
 Martha (rushes in). What has happened? Voss is gone! Have 
 you come to an agreement or not? 
 
 Rathke. As much so as God and old Nick! Be glad, Miss Rei- 
 mann. There is going to be war with Voss! 
 
 Karl Egon. He has desired it. Good! His will be done! 
 
 Rathke (runs to the door, calls out). Hitch up! Say, Mike! 
 
 Hitch up the dog cart ! The two roans ! Hurry up ! Hurry up 1 
 
 Hitch up I
 
 MAX HALBE 61 
 
 Martha (stands struggling with herself}. God have mercy! Do 
 not let it be visited upon me ! Do not let it be visited upon me 1 
 
 Curtain. 
 
 THIRD ACT 
 
 Hall as before. Nothing Is changed. Only the sofa table is cleared 
 and put In order. A large bouquet of asters is on the table in the center, 
 a second bouquet on the sofa table. It is the same day as before towards 
 evening. The sinking sun sheds a golden light upon the windows of the 
 hall and the flowers beds and grass plots in the garden. The evening light 
 rets upon the distant heights and forests. Gradually twilight comes on 
 and it begins to grow dark. Towards the end, the moon has risen and 
 sheds its mild light over garden and meadow, near and far. The folding 
 doors into the garden remain open until the end. 
 
 (On the top step at the entrance stand overseer RATHKE and FRITZ 
 DIESTERKAMP, before them in the garden BUMKEWITSCH and three other 
 farm hands with forks on their backs.} 
 
 Fritz. Well, won't Egon make a fine face when he gets back from 
 Danzig and hears about it! Hurrah! I am tickled about it already. 
 
 Rathke (in sharp anger to the farm hands standing below}. The 
 deuce get you on the spot ! To run away, like old women, because a fellow 
 like that, a fellow like Voss (he points towards the right} plants himself 
 down and undertakes to head you off. Such dish rags ! As if they had 
 not gone over that road a thousand times ! As if everybody in the village 
 did not know that that is a public road ! And now you allow yourself to 
 be put off by a blackguard like that! 
 
 Bumkewitsch (scratches his head}. Me be so much fool, me mix up 
 with old Voss ! Place is his'n, and kin do what he wants to with it. Kin 
 head off or any old thing. Aint it a fact, pard? (He turns toward the 
 rest. } 
 
 A Farmhand. Bumkewitsch am all right. We caint help it, ef Voss 
 wont let us cross his medder. That's the business of the boss. 
 
 Second Farmhand. All the same to we uns. We don't fight with 
 Voss. 
 
 Rathke. And so, the deuce take it, you went all the way around from 
 the Liebschau Cut along the highway instead of coming directly along 
 the meadow road to the estate? Why, that is almost half a mile farther!
 
 62 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Bumkewitsch (smirking] . It do take a good hour t' walk it the other 
 way. 
 
 Fritz (on one leg, then on the other}. What do you say now, Mr. 
 Rathke? Just this noon you gave me the laugh, because he attacked my 
 hat. What kind of a figure do I cut now? 
 
 Bumkewitsch. It's good two hours a day, to go around. One hour 
 there, and one back. 
 
 Rathke (snorting}. Aren't you drunk, fellows? Go walking two 
 hours a day! Beginning tomorrow morning you're to use the meadow 
 road again. And if it rains blue fire! (He shakes his fist toward the 
 right.} We'll get that dog to trotting! Just wait until Mr. Rosenhagen 
 is back from the city. He'll prove it to him all right. 
 
 Bumkewitsch (smirking}. Wall, an' wot ef ole man Voss comes an' 
 sez "No, siree boys no bizness on my place, hike and git off"? 
 
 Rathke. Then answer him : we've taken this road up to the present 
 and we'll continue to take it. This is a village road. 
 
 Bumkewitsch. Wall, an' ef old Voss gits huffy an' gits 'is pistol out? 
 
 Rathke (mildly} . What are your forks good for, you lubbers? You 
 handle them pretty well at other times ! 
 
 Bumkewitsch. Wall, wot d'ye say, ef Voss gits on 'is ear an' shoots 
 a hole in pore Bumkewitsch's belly? 
 
 Rathke. You say you are a soldier ! 
 
 Bumkewitsch. Ticklish 'round ma belly! Don't like a shootin' in 
 ma belly! 
 
 Fritz (enthusiastic}. That's going to be a capital lark! 
 
 Rathke (to the rest of them}. Are all of you cowardly curs like the 
 
 Pole? Mike , aren't you as husky as they make them? You're 
 
 not afraid to tackle Voss? 
 
 First Farmhand (doubtfully}. I'd tackle 'im all right in the saloon 
 or on the street or mebbie in front of the church, jest let 'm git after me 
 there. But on 'is place he's on the right side, I'm weak and Vs strong, 
 an' I know this much, he'll not monkey. 
 
 The Other Two. Nope, he'll not monkey. 
 
 First Farmhand. An' then it '11 go rip. A feller has 'is ole woman 
 an' kids. 
 
 Rathke (raging}. A nice mess! I smelled a mouse, didn't I? A 
 good thing that we can spoil his fun for him ! Mr. Rosenhagen didn't go 
 to the city for nothing. 
 
 Fritz (impatiently} . But when in the world is Egon coming? What 
 is keeping him so long?
 
 MAX HALBE 63 
 
 Rathke (to the farmhands}. Now here they stand like blockheads! 
 Even four of them afraid of a single one ! 
 
 First Farmhand. It jest seems t' me that the boss an' Mr. Voss '11 
 haf to fix that up. What's that to us hands? I'm not goin' over Voss's 
 medder, afore that's fix't up. I'm not goin' to scrap with Voss. Not me. 
 
 The Other Two. That's what ! 
 
 Bumkewitsch. Me be a dum fool? Git myself shot up? 
 
 Rathke (takes several steps) . It's just as I've said. There's no way 
 of stopping things now. It's a matter of bending or breaking! 
 
 (MARTHA comes in quickly through the rear door at the right. She 
 looks haggard. Steps up to the group eagerly.) 
 
 Fritz (who notices her first, rushes toward her). Do you know? 
 Have you heard about it already? The old farmer, next door, you know, 
 the fellow who took my hat, he's getting crazier and crazier ! Now he has 
 even ordered your hands from the road. Just think of it ! Just think 
 of it! 
 
 Martha (frightened). Ordered them from the road? What road? 
 Why don't you tell me, Rathke ? 
 
 Rathke. The meadow road, of course! From what other road 
 could he, eh? 
 
 Fritz (interrupting). And he closed the turnpike at the Liebschau 
 Cut, no one is allowed to go over the meadow from our place hereafter! 
 Everybody must make the long loop now! 
 
 Bumkewitsch (smirking). It's two good hours every day, there 'n 
 back. 
 
 Rathke (raging). Keep your mug closed, Pole, till you are asked! 
 
 Bumkewitsch. I'll just hustle up an' git out. If I don't, I'll git a 
 thrashin' from the overseer. 
 
 First Farmhand. Kin we uns go too? 
 
 Rathke. Go to the deuce, where you belong! 
 
 First Farmhand. Wall, that's wot we'll do then ! ( The four depart 
 through the garden toward the right.) 
 
 Rathke (to MARTHA). Now what do you say to that blackguard, 
 that Voss? Didn't I know it beforehand? It's high time to take things 
 seriously. 
 
 Martha (distressed). But how can he close the meadow road? 
 Hasn't that always been- open? 
 
 Rathke. During the life time of the old man he would not have 
 dared to do that ! He thinks he can make a pass at the young man !
 
 64 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Well, just wait, you rogue, this time you have made a bum calculation! 
 This time we got up a bit earlier! 
 
 Martha (oppressed). Do you think that something will come of it? 
 
 Rathke. Of what? 
 
 Martha. Hasn't Karl driven to the city to get the evidence in regard 
 to the meadow land? Do you think that is being done with a purpose? 
 
 Rathke. Well, do I think that's being done with a purpose ! That's 
 Voss's death warrant. If the young man had only been sharp long ago ! 
 We should have saved ourselves all of this vexation ! 
 
 Martha. I can't imagine that Voss will give in so easily. 
 
 Rathke. He must! The skinflint must! Through that evidence 
 we'll have him in our hands ! In one way I am glad enough that he played 
 us the trick in regard to the meadow road. Now Mr. Rosenhagen will 
 surely see for himself that there is no such a thing as getting on with him ! 
 That only force will do any good with him ! 
 
 Martha (excited, anxiously}. I do hope that will not result in a 
 misfortune ! 
 
 Fritz (enthusiastically} . Oh, that would be great! May be Bumke- 
 witsch will be fired upon after all. For my life, I'd just like to have a hand 
 in that kind of a thing for once ! 
 
 Bumkewitsch (comes back into the garden from the right, speaks 'very 
 quickly and with an important air}. Mr. Rosenhagen's comin' ! Mr. 
 Rosenhagen's comin' ! 
 
 Fritz. Hurrah ! The Prussians are here ! 
 
 Rathke. What is up? 
 
 Bumkewitsch. Was a goin' t' say, the cart of Mr. Rosenhagen is a 
 comin' along. It's right close. 
 
 Rathke. Open the gate! I'm coming out directly! 
 
 Bumkewitsch. Runnin' as hard as I can! (Of quickly toward the 
 right.} 
 
 Fritz (after him} .Don't tell ! Don't tell ! I'll tell him ! I'll tell 
 him! (Likewise of toward the right.} 
 
 Rathke (on the way to the rear door at the right, he remains stand- 
 ing}. Well, I am curious enough now to see what he is bringing with him. 
 
 Martha. And what if he brings nothing at all? What if he has 
 changed his mind on the way after all? 
 
 Rathke. Then my term as overseer is about over. With a master 
 who would take that kind of a thing, I'll have nothing more to do ! 
 
 Martha (heavily}. Do not fear. Whenever Karl makes up his 
 mind to anything, he adheres to it.
 
 MAX HALBE 65 
 
 Rathke. That's the proper thing for a Rosenhagen to do. Didn't 
 his father and his grandfather do that? (He goes out at the right with 
 resounding steps.} 
 
 Martha (remains standing at the table in the center struggling 
 seriously with herself and listens to what is going on outside. Then she 
 presses her hands to her face, sinks upon a chair and sobbing, presses her 
 
 face against the top of the table}. My God! My God! My 
 
 God! (After a little while she is startled since she hears voices in the 
 
 garden, jumps up as if she had to flee, runs to the door at the left, but 
 controls herself with some effort and remains standing.} 
 
 (KARL EGON appears at the right in the garden, accompanied by 
 FRITZ who has taken his arm and talks to him eagerly}. 
 
 Fritz. And he has let the turnpike down! And now nobody is al- 
 lowed to cross the meadow any more! And the fellow who crosses his 
 path, will get a lead pill ! 
 
 Karl Egon (about to ascend the garden steps, impatiently}. But, 
 Fritz, you are fairly pulling me down the steps ! Now do let loose of me ! 
 Why, one doesn't come to his senses at all! (He releases himself with a 
 violent gesture.} 
 
 Fritz (angered}. Well, can't a fellow tell you the news? If that 
 doesn't interest you, you're to be pitied. 
 
 Karl Egon (sharply}. Well, then, I'm to be pitied! In any case I 
 beg you not to crow in this fashion. Why, they can hear you all the way 
 over to Voss's place. 
 
 Fritz (scornfully}. Aha! You are probably afraid of him? 
 
 I can imagine as much. 
 
 Karl Egon (sarcastically}. You are getting on some, my son. 
 
 Fritz. Well, well, now don't act off that way. You quake in your 
 boots when it comes to Voss! Moreover, I am not your son, remember 
 that much! 
 
 Karl Egon. If you knew how cute you are ! You might have your- 
 self stuffed for a museum. You look like a turkey cock that has gone mad. 
 
 Fritz. Well, I do say ! I am going my own way ! I guess I'll not 
 take any vile flouts around here! (He disappears in the garden to the 
 right. } 
 
 Karl Egon (meanwhile has entered the hall, throws his hat on the 
 table}. Good evening, Martha. 
 
 Martha (has meanwhile stood motionless, is again calm and com- 
 posed} . Good evening, Karl. 
 
 Karl Egon (looks around}. Why, where is Hermine?
 
 66 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Martha. I don't know. 
 
 Karl Egon (steps up to her, wants to shake hands with her) . 
 
 Evening Well, aren't you going to shake hands with me ? 
 
 Martha (reserved). If you want me to. (Extends her hand 
 hesitatingly.) 
 
 Karl Egon (shaking his head). Sometimes one really is unable to 
 account for you. 
 
 Martha (with a weak smile). Is this the first time that you have 
 noticed that? 
 
 Karl Egon (looks at her for a moment, then changes the conversa- 
 tion} . Well, it's fine news with which a person is received here. 
 
 Martha. You mean the affair with Voss? 
 
 Karl Egon (walking up and down violently) . It's just as if he were 
 planning to force me to the utmost ! 
 
 Martha (slowly). Don't you think that some one has incited him? 
 Until yesterday everything was in the best of order. You had as much as 
 come to an agreement. Since today suddenly he is as if transformed. 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, yes, that of course seemed remarkable to me also. 
 
 Martha. There is surely some one back of that. 
 
 Karl Egon. Well, that is no longer of any consequence any how. 
 If some one really did that, it will come back to him some time. It is 
 certain that the fact is established that all is over between Voss and myself, 
 and that now it is simply a question of drawing the consequences. 
 
 Martha. Why, Voss has done that already ! 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, he has gone to work promptly, but I have not been 
 lazy myself. Now we shall wait and see who has the best arms. 
 
 Martha. Did you procure the document from Wegner? 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, that and several other things. Still more was 
 found in the files. I have already called on Metzler, our attorney. The 
 case is desperately bad for Voss. 
 
 Martha (tired). Well, then you may be glad. 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, just so. Not only in that matter. Also in other 
 respects! Also in other respects! 
 
 Martha (startled). Also in other respects? How so? 
 
 Karl Egon (smiling). Can't you guess, sister Martha? 
 
 Martha (as before). Oh, that's it? You have reached an under- 
 standing, you and Hermine? 
 
 Karl Egon (with beaming eyes). You see, sister? You've hit it. 
 You've hit it. 
 
 Martha. Then after all?
 
 MAX HALBE 67 
 
 Karl Egon (surprised] . Why, did you suppose anything else to 
 happen ? 
 
 Martha. One can never size up these people who are in love. 
 
 Karl Egon. Why, you talk like a hardened old sea-monster. 
 
 Martha. That's just what I am. 
 
 Karl Egon. Now say, in the first place, tell me where is Hermine? 
 Why, one doesn't hear or see anything of her. 
 
 Martha. I suppose she is out somewhere on horseback. I have 
 seen her nowhere. 
 
 Karl Egon (absorbed in his thoughts) . Oh, I tell you, Martha dear, 
 I am so tremendously happy! Tremendously happy! 
 
 Rathke (comes in at the rear door at the right, carrying a rather large 
 satchel and a portfolio}. And here I have the things from the cart. 
 
 Karl Egon. Very well, just put them here on the table. 
 
 Rathke (approaching and swinging the portfolio}. That's worth 
 something, Mr. Rosenhagen. That has weight. 
 
 Karl Egon. Did you take a look at the thing? Aren't the docu- 
 ments quite explicit? 
 
 Rathke. Well, are they? It's all clear as crystal. Didn't I say, 
 Miss, that this is the death warrant of Voss? Old Mr. Rosenhagen will 
 rejoice up there! (He has put the satchel on the table in the center, turns 
 the pages of the documents.} 
 
 Karl Egon. Isn't that true? It will be difficult to meet that evidence. 
 
 Rathke (turns the leaves). The best of it is the assessment roll and 
 especially the entry on the i3th of January (Eighteen) Twenty-six. There 
 the Hohenau meadow land is expressly mentioned. That can not refer to 
 anything else. He is certainly a deuced fellow, that man Wegner. Didn't 
 give up till he had collected everything ! Knew well enough that he'd find 
 his purchaser, even if it was not a matter of today or tomorrow! Some 
 time we'd have to come to him I The deuced fellow ! 
 
 Karl Egon. I should have liked it better if I had not needed him. I 
 might have saved myself that trip. But what is to be done? Circum- 
 stances are simply stronger than men. One is compelled to whether he 
 likes it or not. 
 
 Rathke. If only your father had lived just long enough to see that. 
 
 Karl Egon (in meditation). Yes, for father it would have been the 
 greatest thing in the world and he had to die in course of it. Now I have 
 it on my hands. I have to stick it out. That's the way it goes in life. 
 
 Rathke. Well, when are we going to begin to bring suit? Or how
 
 68 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 are you going to arrange that, sir? It's on account of the meadow road. 
 Of course something will have to be done in regard to that at once. 
 
 Karl Egon. Of course, he must take that back! 
 
 Rathke. How would it be if I just went over and laid down the law 
 to him? 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, one of us must go over and speak to him. 
 
 Rathke. That matter of the meadow road can surely not remain as 
 it is I Why, the people will give us the laugh ! A fellow will have to be 
 ashamed of himself I 
 
 Karl Egon. Very well, then! We'll bring the matter to an issue at 
 once! 
 
 Rathke. If the thing's to be done, what's the use of putting it off. 
 
 Karl Egon. Go over and demand that he open the meadow road at 
 once. I say at once. If he says no at first, then slowly lead out to him 
 what we have in our hand to trump him, all the evidence in regard to the 
 meadow land, and then we'll see what he has to say. 
 
 Rathke (diabolically}. Well, I'm curious to see that face! That 
 sight I will not sell for a good sum of money! 
 
 Karl Egon. Be careful. Do not anger him unnecessarily. One 
 must build golden bridges for the enemy. Let it be apparent, that I still 
 offer him what I have offered him. I don't want to ruin him. He should 
 listen to reason. No man can give him more. 
 
 Rathke. Now I wouldn't do that, sir. Sixty thousand will pay for 
 it, good and plenty. 
 
 Karl Egon. Makes no difference. I've offered it to him and I'll 
 not take it back. I am not an extorter. What I am doing, I am doing 
 under compulsion, because I can't help myself. 
 
 Rathke. Shall I take the documents along when I go over to him? 
 
 Karl Egon (reflecting] . Yes or Wait a minute ! No! 
 
 Better leave them here. 
 
 Rathke. I think so, too. 
 
 Karl Egon. If he has any doubts, he can come here and see for him- 
 self. 
 
 Rathke (diabolically). Well, then, here we go. It's been a long 
 time since I've gone into anything with so much pleasure. (He turns 
 toward the garden steps.) 
 
 Martha (has listened silently up to the present, struggling with her 
 disquietude and now intercepts RATHKE). Do not go, Rathke! Do not 
 
 go- 
 
 Rathke (stopping). Well, I will! The deuce you say! What's up!
 
 MAX HALBE 69 
 
 Martha. Do not let him go, Karl! I beg you! Have him stay 
 here! 
 
 Karl Eaon. But why! Some time it will have to be settled after all. 
 So, the sooner, the better! I am crowded for time as it is. 
 
 Martha (excited). Why is there such a hurry? Can't everything 
 continue in its old course? Must you by all means drive Voss to the 
 utmost ? 
 
 Rathke. Well, now isn't that bright? Isn't that bright? 
 
 Karl Eaon (shaking his head). I really don't understand you, child. 
 It seems to me that Voss is driving me to the utmost. I surely have made 
 him advances enough. All he needs to do is to accept. 
 
 Rathke. Oh, don't listen to it at all, sir ! Have me go, and let that 
 settle it I Else it will be evening. Why, the sun is just about down now. 
 
 Martha. Don't you know Voss, pray tell? I am so afraid some- 
 thing may happen. 
 
 Karl Eaon (laughing). Are you afraid, Rathke? 
 
 Rathke (raging). I'm not afraid of the devil! Expect me to be 
 afraid of Voss! 
 
 Martha. Why, it isn't a question of Rathke. It's a question of you ! 
 It will come back upon you 1 
 
 Karl Eaon (laughing). All this anxiety on my account Good 
 
 heavens ! Some time we'll all have to come to it. Moreover don't worry. 
 An incipient bridegroom like myself is invulnerable. He looks out for his 
 hide well enough. 
 
 Rathke (complacently). Now you hear, Miss, what it is to be one 
 of the Rosenhagens. Well, good-bye. And if I am not back in half an 
 hour we have devoured each other hair and hide, Voss and 1 1 Then the 
 devil has got both of us. (He goes down the steps into the garden laugh- 
 ing, then crosses the foot bridge and disappears toward the right. Outside 
 twilight gradually sets in during the following sentences.) 
 
 Karl Eaon (looks after Rathke). Isn't he a loyal soul though! A 
 loyal soul! 
 
 Martha. Oh, that fellow! He must also incite against Voss, in 
 addition to all the rest. 
 
 Karl Egon (steps up to MARTHA and lays his hand on her shoulder). 
 Tell me, Martha, what in the world is the matter with you? You take 
 sides with my worst enemy against me? Just come along and explain 
 now 
 
 Martha (without looking at him). Because I don't see why all that 
 must come about in this way! Why everything can not go its old way!
 
 7 o THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 It has gone well enough up to the present ! Why must Voss by all means 
 be put out of house and home? 
 
 Karl Egon. Because he is my enemy as he has been the enemy of my 
 father and my grandfather. Why, haven't you been in our house long 
 enough? You ought to know thatl 
 
 Martha. Yes, I know that it has gone up to the present and that it 
 might go on, if it were not for your foolish infatuation. 
 
 Karl Egon (angrily}. Restrain yourself, Martha! 
 
 Martha. I have restrained myself long enough. 
 
 Karl Egon. I tell you, there is no longer room at Hohenau for both 
 me and Voss. I must be rid of the man, amicably or the reverse I I 
 simply owe that to myself. I owe it to my happiness, to my future I 
 
 Martha. Oh, you are doing all that simply on her account! The 
 whole notion of the castle is simply on account of Hermine ! 
 
 Karl Egon. Of course, I am doing it for Hermine. Why, isn't Her- 
 mine a part of my future, a part of my happiness? Even the best part? 
 
 Martha. Your misfortune, that's what she is. You will live to see 
 that. She's the one who brought all this unrest into our house. She has 
 put everything on its head! How beautifully we could live, if she had not 
 come here I 
 
 Karl Egon. I beg you, Martha, once more, restrain yourself. Her- 
 mine has become my betrothed today. 
 
 Martha. After all then? Has she condescended, is she going to 
 stay here? 
 
 Karl Egon. Do stop that kind of talk. We came to an understand- 
 ing this morning and we intend to celebrate the occasion a bit this evening. 
 
 Martha (weak}. So you intend to celebrate your engagement this 
 evening ? 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, I think it will be all right with Hermine. If I can 
 ever get a glimpse of her. 
 
 Martha (has gained control of herself again, smiles faintly}. Then 
 I wish you great happiness great happiness ! 
 
 Karl Egon (cordially}. I thank you, Martha, I thank you. (He 
 takes her hand.} Now that's the way I like to see you. 
 
 Martha. Do you like me again? 
 
 Karl Egon. You will remain my good friend and sister, will you not? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (opens the front door at the right, hobbles In on 
 her cane, holds her hand over her eyes}. Anyone here? 
 
 Karl Egon (turns around}. We are, grandmother, Martha and I. 
 You are coming just at the right time. I have something to tell you.
 
 MAX HALBE 71 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (approaching). Well, well! It's you? All 
 alone here in the dark? 
 
 Martha. There is no danger in that, grandma. You need not fear 
 anything. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. And I was already thinking Too bad! 
 Too bad ! You would have made quite a fine couple, you and Karl. 
 
 Karl Eg on (in merriment). Why, Martha never gave me a bit of 
 encouragement. Why, she doesn't think of that kind of thing. And so 
 I went and picked out another. 
 
 Martha. Do you see how clever that was of you? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (stands close to MARTHA and looks into her 
 face) . Why, child, you look so pale ! 
 
 Martha (with an effort). I, pale? Not a trace! That's simply 
 on account of the twilight. 
 
 Karl Egon. Does anything ail you, Martha ? 
 
 Martha. No, nothing ails me. I'll just hurry and get a lamp. 
 Why, you can't see a thing any more! (She goes out quickly through the 
 rear door at right.) 
 
 (Temporary silence.) 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Well, now, what did you want to tell me that 
 I don't know already? 
 
 Karl Egon (joyously). Something very fine, grandmother! Some- 
 thing about Hermine and me ! 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Well then, come and give me your arm. Let's 
 go out into the garden a bit yet ! You know how I like to do that at night, 
 when the stars come out. 
 
 Karl Egon (offers her his arm and slowly leads her to the garden 
 steps). It's about time for the moon to rise too. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Yes, it's going to be a clear night. One can 
 look up again to all of the eternal lights, and follow his own thoughts. 
 
 Karl Egon. Be sure not to keep on sitting in the garden house until 
 midnight again. The nights are already cool. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Don't interfere with my pleasure ! Why, that 
 is all that I have left on earth. 
 
 Karl Egon. Well, well! You surely have us still! Aren't we any- 
 thing ? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. -Oh, it's always the old story with man. As 
 with you, so I formerly went down these steps with your father and long 
 before that with your grandfather, my husband
 
 72 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 KarlEgon. Yes, and now a new generation will soon take root again. 
 Now the great-grandchildren are coming. Aren't you glad to think of 
 that, grandmother? 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. I don't know! That is always the same 
 thing 1 I already know it by heart! Let's have something else now! 
 Something entirely new I (During the last sentences they have arrived at 
 the bottom of the garden. Deep twilight in the hall. Outside clear even- 
 ing sky. Here and there a star begins to shine.} 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Do you know what star that is, the one that 
 is quite low? 
 
 Karl Egon. Why, yes, that's the evening star. 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Yes, that is my star. That is pretty near 
 setting ! 
 
 Karl Egon. Who can say as to that, grandmother? Who knows 
 for how many their star is just about to set? (They slowly disappear 
 toward the right.} 
 
 Martha (comes in again from the right with the lighted lamp, looks 
 around). No one here? They are probably in the garden. (She puts 
 the lamp on the table in the center, and pensively looks at the bouquet of 
 asters.} The first asters already. Yes, yes, it's autumn! Autumn! 
 (She slowly sinks upon a chair, shaken by sudden sobs. The door at the 
 left is opened.} 
 
 H ermine (enters quickly, but noiselessly, dressed simply but elegantly, 
 looks around, notices MARTHA at the table sobbing, steps up and places her 
 hand on MARTHA'S shoulder}. But, dear Miss Reimann. What is the 
 matter with you? What is troubling you? 
 
 Martha (starts up with a sudden jerk}. Who is this? What 
 
 do Oh, it's you? 
 
 Hermine. To be sure! I suppose you did not hear a word? 
 
 Martha (tries to conceal her confusion}. Yes, I don't know 
 
 I didn't hear a thing. 
 
 Hermine (fixing her eyes upon her} . You were so engrossed in your 
 pain 
 
 Martha (still not quite composed}. I in my pain? 
 
 Hermine. Yes, you must certainly have some secret trouble. 
 
 Martha (calm again and erect}. At any rate I know nothing of it. 
 
 Hermine (quizzically}. Why, you sobbed quite audibly, dear Miss 
 Reimann. Moreover one can see the marks of tears on your face. Just 
 confess a bit.
 
 MAX HALBE 73 
 
 Martha (passes her handkerchief over her face lightly, entirely com- 
 posed). I have no confession to make to you. 
 
 Hermine (sits down on a chair before her, looks at her, lightly). I 
 suppose you think I have no heart for anything like that? 
 
 Martha (stands at the table before her). I don't know whether you 
 have a heart. And it's not my affair. 
 
 Hermine. After all, I am a woman, too, even a rather pretty one, 
 as trustworthy men have assured me. Why should I not also be acquainted 
 with the pangs of love? 
 
 Martha (shrugging her shoulders). You? 
 
 Hermine. I suppose you think you are the only one who has them? 
 
 Martha (from the depths of her soul). What do you know of 
 pangs ? What do you know of love ? 
 
 Hermine (quickly and with a superior air). Do you see? Now 
 you have betrayed yourself. Now I have fathomed you! Moreover I 
 had an idea of it long ago. 
 
 Martha (excited) . Why, what do you want of me? Why don't you 
 let me alone? Why don't you rejoice in what you have? 
 
 Hermine (with a kind of scornful respect). How wild you can be! 
 I like that. 
 
 Martha. What do I care whether you like me or not? In your 
 heart you are laughing at me! 
 
 Hermine. I have clearly underestimated you. But that, of course, 
 is a mutual affair. W r hy not become friends? 
 
 Martha. We, you and I? Never in this world! 
 
 Hermine. I suppose you think I am very shallow? 
 
 Martha. And you certainly are, aren't you? 
 
 Hermine. Goodness ! You are also shallow. We women are 
 
 all shallow, the men assert. I don't see why we should believe the men 
 when they say that. 
 
 Martha. Just believe it. It's correct in your case. 
 
 Hermine (laughing}. Oh, you little lamb! Because you can stir up 
 a pound-cake and I can't. For that reason, I suppose, you are deep and 
 
 I am supposed to be shallow? Silly! It's not simply a matter of 
 
 cooking and baking, is it? 
 
 Martha. Poor Karl ! I feel sorry for you ! 
 
 Hermine. I don't! I simply see something else in him, something 
 that you do not see. You want to hedge him in artificially. I want to 
 make him free. Who knows who has the better intentions for him? 
 
 Martha. If you love him, you surely know!
 
 74 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Hermine. I have loved him ever since youth. I have learned to 
 admire many a man, but Egon I love. 
 
 Martha (excited). Who knows for how long? 
 
 Hermine. Yes, I cannot vouch for myself. Whether it is going to 
 last forever, I do not know. Do you know it in regard to yourself? 
 
 Martha. I know that if I love some one, it is certainly forever and 
 ever! 
 
 Hermine (jumps up, a little nervous and restless). Oh, one tries to 
 make himself believe that. One only tries to make himself believe that. 
 You will have to prove that to me beforehand, if I am to believe you. 
 (They stand opposite each other, looking into each other's eyes.) 
 
 Martha (slowly and emphatically). And you would become his 
 wife? You would become his wife? 
 
 Hermine (quickly). Why, who is telling you that? 
 
 Martha (sadly). Well, who do you suppose has told me that? 
 
 Hermine. Has Egon told you that? How? 
 
 Martha (bitter) . Are you only feigning now, or what are you up to? 
 I cannot sound you. 
 
 Hermine (s ear chin gly ). Oh, that is probably the reason for the 
 fervent sobs, when I came into the room a bit ago. 
 
 Martha (hard) . I did not sob. I know nothing about it. 
 
 Hermine (as before). Does it really affect you so much? Do you 
 really love him so wildly that you cannot live without him ? 
 
 Martha (as if to defend herself against her). That is what I ask 
 you! 
 
 Hermine (more and more searchingly, almost as if hypnotizing). 
 Could you go to the end of the world for him? Could you die for him? 
 Could you commit murder for him ? 
 
 Martha (as if struggling against a spell) . Let me go away. There 
 is something in your eye 
 
 Hermine (continues to look at her fixedly ) . Why, what is in my eye? 
 
 Martha (struggling) . Something narcotic! 
 
 Hermine (as before, quite suppressed). Could you commit murder 
 for him, I ask? 
 
 Martha (blurts out). Possibly! 
 
 Hermine (stoops down to her, whispering all the while) . Why don't 
 you murder me? I am his enemy according to your opinion, am I not? 
 Why am I still alive ? 
 
 Martha (broken). Stop! Let me go away! 
 
 Hermine (whispering). Or why don't you go and murder this
 
 MAX HALBE 75 
 
 fellow, this Voss? He is certainly his mortal enemy. Why in the world 
 is he still alive? 
 
 Martha (collapsing, puts her hands before her face) . My God! 
 
 My God ! My God ! 
 
 H ermine (triumphing). Do you see, that would be proof. Such 
 a thing I could not do. My beautiful young life would be too dear to me 
 for that. But you claim to be so great and strong. Why do you fail to 
 give me the proof? All that even you can do is to utter fine words ! 
 
 Martha (stands bolt upright). Why, what have / said? You have 
 spoken. And now it is enough. I am not going to debase myself further ! 
 
 H ermine (as before) . Aha ! Are you grounding arms ? I am not ! 
 I am not ! For me the decisive struggle is just beginning. 
 
 Martha (has collected herself). Oh, why do you go to the trouble 
 of feigning? You ought to be glad that you are the victor. 
 
 H ermine. Who knows ! Who knows ! 
 
 Martha. You are coming in here now, and I must go away ! I have 
 lost my home, and you have found one ! 
 
 H ermine (with a strange smile). I a home? What notions you do 
 have! 
 
 Martha. Yes, we have exchanged places. You have won the grand 
 prize and I am poor as a beggar! 
 
 H ermine (almost gently). Little fool, you! 
 
 Martha. Then do be glad! Do be glad! But one thing I must 
 still know before I go ! 
 
 H ermine. Of course, you sentimental soul! 
 
 Martha (rising to her full stature). You have asked me whether 
 I could die for him. But can you live for him? Can you live for him? 
 Can you live for any other person at all but for yourself? 
 
 H ermine (disconcerted, evasively). What puzzling questions you 
 ask! 
 
 Martha. You need not answer me, the answer is in your eyes. 
 
 Hermine. I suppose that you are proud now because you have 
 wormed that out? (She takes a few steps toward the left to the sofa 
 table.) 
 
 Martha. Yes, I know enough. Make him as happy as you can ! 
 
 As you can! (She turns toward the rear at the right to go.) 
 
 Hermine. Oh, pshaw I I can do as much as you can any day. 
 
 Karl Egon (comes up the garden steps quickly, at first notices only 
 HERMINE, who stands in the light of the lamp, while MARTHA has already 
 stepped into the darker background at the right. He goes toward HER-
 
 7 6 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 MINE joyously and extends both hands to her.) Well, here you are at 
 last, beloved. Thank God! Grandmother and I have been hunting over 
 the whole place for you. 
 
 H ermine. Why, where did you leave her? 
 
 Karl Egon. Do you mean grandmother? She is sitting in the 
 garden house as usual and is racking her brains about Sirius and the other 
 aged gentleman up there. But am I not to get a proper welcome? (Is 
 about to draw her up to himself.) 
 
 H ermine (with a quick turn). Don't you see? Martha is over 
 there. 
 
 Karl Eaon (nonplussed). Where, pray tell? (He turns around.) 
 You here too, Martha? I am glad of that. Why are you at the door? 
 Come up closer, will you not? 
 
 Martha (at the door at the right, without stirring). I only wanted 
 to ask your betrothed another question. 
 
 Karl Eaon. Well, that is? 
 
 Martha. She failed to answer, but I read it in her eyes. I congratu- 
 late you! (She opens the door and goes out slowly.) 
 
 Karl Eaon (shakes his head in amazement.) Do you understand 
 that? 
 
 Hermine. I believe I do. 
 
 Karl Eaon (impatiently). Well, I don't. 
 
 Hermine (leans her back against the sofa table] . Did you hear what 
 Martha called me? 
 
 Karl Egon. No, what in the world did she call you? 
 
 Hermine. Your betrothed, that's what she called me. 
 
 Karl Egon (restlessly). Well, aren't you? Haven't you become 
 that today? Hermine! For heaven's sake ! Is the game to begin anew 
 again? 
 
 Hermine (calm and determined). Good, I will yield. I will be 
 yours. But I lay down one condition. 
 
 Karl Egon. Condition ! Condition ! Haven't you tormented me 
 enough already. Don't you see that I can hardly bear it any longer? 
 
 Hermine. I lay down one condition, Egon! 
 
 Karl Egon. Well, in heaven's name, that is? 
 
 Hermine. That you go out into the world with me. That we do 
 not sit down here in solitude with these peasants. 
 
 Karl Egon (starts up, controls himself). It's your pleasure to jest. 
 
 Hermine. No, no, Egon. Promise me that. Promise me that ! 
 Think of it, I am to give up my beautiful, blissful Bohemian life in order to
 
 MAX HALBE 77 
 
 bury myself here? I am to desert my entertaining, funny, crazy people in 
 order to hear your frogs croak here? No, no! I believe I should die of 
 ennui I 
 
 Karl Eg on (has gone up and down excitedly, stops). So you really 
 haven't enough yet? The whirl is to begin anew? 
 
 H ermine. Come along, Egon! Come along! You will not regret 
 it. It is a wonderful world. You do not know it. One person always 
 more perverse than the other! You will find out something! 
 
 Karl Egon (comes toward her] . Hermine, recall what you promised 
 me this morning. What we agreed upon. 
 
 Hermine. Oh, you child, nothing at all was agreed upon. You only 
 imagine that. 
 
 Karl Egon (excited}. Hermine, I surely still have my five senses! 
 (Stands immediately before her and embraces her.} Did I not hold you 
 in my arms as I do now? Didn't you kiss me as you do now? (He 
 presses her up to him and kisses her.} 
 
 Hermine (resisting}. Why, don't! Why, don't! 
 
 Karl Egon (speaking intently to her}. Didn't you promise me then, 
 you will stay with me and be mine? 
 
 Hermine (likewise excited}. Oh, yes! be yours! Be yours! But 
 not here! Out yonder! (Enticingly.} Back of the forests, you know! 
 
 Karl Egon (tries to kiss her again}. Did I only dream all of that? 
 Look at me, Hermine ! 
 
 Hermine (extricates herself from him quickly}. Don't come at me 
 with force again, darling! Or I shall have to say yes again to everything 
 that you demand and you will be angry then, if I cannot keep it later on. 
 
 Karl Egon. In other words then, I took you unawares this morning? 
 You have given me no promise? You nodded to everything simply to be 
 rid of me? 
 
 Hermine. Oh, you stupid thing, who wants to be rid of you? Am 
 I not trying rather to hold to you, oh, so firmly, and carry you with me? 
 See here, lover, this afternoon when you were gone, I took a long, long 
 walk 
 
 Karl Egon. Weren't you out on horseback? 
 
 Hermine (sits down}. No, it was my fixed intention to walk. On 
 horseback everything looks so very different, so festal, so in its holiday 
 aspect. But I just wanted to make a thorough test of how things look here 
 at your home in their everyday surroundings. For you in the country have 
 nothing but everyday life.
 
 7 8 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Karl Egon. Of course we don't have as many holidays as you and 
 your good fellows. 
 
 Hermine (with animation). You see, and holidays I need so impera- 
 tively! I am so afraid of everyday existence! Why, that is all the fear 
 I have. And so for that reason I walked through the village and beyond 
 out into the fields. 
 
 Karl Egon (in intense suspense). Well, and how did you feel out 
 there? Wasn't it fine to be alone in the wide expanse? 
 
 Hermine. Yes, I was glad, when I was finally out of the village. I 
 saw so many little children and such ugly old women. And the wretched 
 huts, and the filth everywhere ! Heavens ! 
 
 Karl Egon. Why, what in the world did I say to you? Is it not a 
 mission to bring about a change there at last? Make human beings of all 
 of these pack animals and breeding machines? A mission that is really 
 worth while? 
 
 Hermine. But not for me. I don't like to touch filth. You get 
 your gloves dirty. 
 
 Karl Egon. And how was it out in the fields? I trust that was 
 better, wasn't it? 
 
 Hermine. At first, yes. I walked and walked. But then I was 
 suddenly seized by a vague fear, such a fear of myself, and it became 
 stronger and stronger. 
 
 Karl Egon. But where did it come from? 
 
 Hermine. It came from the terrible solitude ! From the horrible 
 stillness! One can hear his blood pulsate. One can hear himself think. 
 Horrible ! I simply ran off, and was even glad when I was in the village 
 
 again and saw the little children and the old women What do you 
 
 say to that? 
 
 Karl Egon (in strong emotion, gives a short laugh) . Hm, of course 
 that is bad! Very bad! 
 
 Hermine (breathes with relief) . Isn't it true, I am not fashioned for 
 solitude? You see that for yourself, surely? 
 
 (KARL EGON goes to and fro silently struggling with himself.) 
 
 Hermine (jumps up and runs to him). And you aren't either, my 
 darling! You aren't either! It would be as much of a misfortune for 
 you as for me. 
 
 Karl Egon (pensively). Do you think so? Do you suppose so? 
 
 Hermine (leaning against him, looks up at him). Quite certainly. 
 As certainly as that I love you ! 
 
 Karl Egon. Do you really? Sometimes I have my doubts in a way.
 
 MAX HALBE 79 
 
 H ermine (nestles up to him}. Come along, Egon! Come along I 
 Don't you see how fortune and happiness are beckoning to you? (She 
 looks at him enticingly and points to the outside.} 
 
 Karl Egon (seizes her hand passionately}. Don't forsake me, Her- 
 mine! Don't forsake me. I need you here. Aren't you to help me? 
 Without you, possibly I cannot ever accomplish what I wish to. 
 
 Hermine. I want to help you, but not here. Out there ! Out there 
 beyond the forest. You certainly deserve a better fate than to train dirty 
 peasants to the use of soap. 
 
 Karl Egon. I have only one fear here, Hermine 
 
 Hermine (quickly} . Of what? Tell me. Now I know that I have 
 you and shall keep you. 
 
 Karl Egon. I am afraid of becoming like my fathers, like my neigh- 
 bors and all of these people. Of becoming common and commonplace. 
 That rises from the soil like the "mist of the meadow, it enfolds one as in 
 a shroud, so one loses his path and miserably perishes in the morass! I 
 am afraid of that. 
 
 Hermine. You see ! You see ! And you expect me not to be afraid 
 of it? 
 
 Karl Egon. Why, you bring in so much fresh and new blood. You 
 can never be infected by it. For that reason I need you, for that reason I 
 cling to you ! Don't abandon me to my fate, Hermine I Do not let me 
 become like the rest! 
 
 Hermine. I'll draw you out with me ; out of all the mists. I'll draw 
 you out with me. 
 
 Karl Egon (without listening to her}. I will offer you all that you 
 would have out there, and more. See, I have come from Danzig. 
 Everything is in order, everything is under way. You will have a home 
 such as you can never have in your present world, such a one as is not to 
 be found far and wide. I'll care for you to the point of pampering. And 
 we shall not be without people, if we desire them. 
 
 Hermine (passionately}. You offer me a home and a castle if I 
 remain. And I offer you myself if you will follow me. What is worth 
 more? I say to you, Accept me! Accept me! Make me your beloved! 
 Do with me whatever you please! I want nothing but you. I want to 
 make you happy as no human being ever has been happy. But go with 
 me ! Go with me ! (She embraces him wildly.} 
 
 Karl Egon (seizes his head, reeling} . Hermine Hermine ! 
 
 Hermine (compelling}. Say yes! Say yes!
 
 8o THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 (KARL EGON stands in a very violent struggle, tries to speak, but can- 
 not.) 
 
 Hermine (spreads out her arms}. Are you dizzy, dearest? Come! 
 Kiss me! You have said yes! 
 
 Karl Egon (one step backward, speaks in violent starts}. I cannot, 
 and I cannot, and I cannot I 
 
 Hermine (bounds of, almost screaming}. Then stay where you are, 
 you Philistine! Stay where you are! 
 
 Karl Egon (frightened}. Why, Hermine, do listen to reason! Do 
 hear what I have to say. 
 
 Hermine. Don't go to any further trouble, it is all over between us ! 
 
 Karl Egon. Hermine, hear a single word ! Why, I am chained 
 here ! Why, I am bound to the place with the strongest vows. I promised 
 my father in his last hour. I should stand or fall at my post ! 
 
 Hermine (coldly}. Have a carriage hitched up. I am going to 
 leave on this evening's train. 
 
 Karl Egon (agitated}. Hermine, consider! There is still time! 
 (About to seize her hand.} 
 
 Hermine (retreats in a determined manner}. Do not touch me! 
 You nauseate me ! 
 
 Karl Egon (beside himself}. And you claim to have loved me? 
 You have played with me ! 
 
 Hermine (steps up close to him, with suppressed hatred, almost 
 hoarse}. I have offered myself to you and you you nauseate me! 
 
 Karl Egon (turns away with a violent gesture}. Then go! Then 
 go! 
 
 Rathke (has already entered from the right during the last words, has 
 wavered a moment, now comes up, whispers half audibly}. Mr. Rosen- 
 hagen! Mr. Rosenhagen! 
 
 (KARL EGON stands there without answering.} 
 
 Rathke (coming up closer, makes a gesture toward the outside}. 
 Mr. Rosenhagen? Mr. Rosenhagen? 
 
 Karl Egon (turning around, restraining his pain with difficulty}. 
 Are you back, Rathke? What good news are you bringing? 
 
 Rathke. Well, I lighted into him! Lighted into him! Now he 
 would like to speak to you once more ! 
 
 Karl Egon (angrily}. Is he crawling to cross? Then all the better 
 for him! 
 
 Rathke. Pst! He's standing out there in the corridor! I brought 
 him right along!
 
 MAX HALBE 81 
 
 Karl Egon (in wild joy] . He's coming just at the right time for me I 
 Just right! 
 
 Rathke. Now, don't you give in, Mr. Rosenhagen! For heaven's 
 sake don't you give in I 
 
 Karl Egon (as before] . Just send him in ! 
 
 Hermine (has withdrawn up to the door at the left}. And have a 
 carriage hitched up, Rathke. I am going away this evening. 
 
 Rathke (quite perplexed). It isn't possible? 
 
 Karl Egon (curtly). Do as Miss Diesterkamp orders. 
 
 Hermine. In a quarter of an hour I shall be ready! Hurry a bit! 
 My time here has come to an end! (She goes out with a short bow.) 
 
 Rathke (looks after her, scratches his head). Well, am I really to 
 have them hitched up, Mr. Rosenhagen? 
 
 Karl Egon (gloomily). Are you deaf, Rathke? Can't you 
 
 hear what you are ordered to do? 
 
 Rathke. Why, Miss Diesterkamp isn't going away for good? 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, for good! And now see that you send Voss in to 
 me ! I am just in a humor to settle with him. 
 
 Rathke (shaking his head). Well, I do say! I do say! (He goes 
 out through the rear door at the right, and leaves the door open.) 
 
 (KARL EGON goes up and down in wild excitement, struggling for self- 
 control.) 
 
 (Voss enters through the open door, shy and sinister, remains stand- 
 ing, seems to be hunting for something to say.) 
 
 Karl Egon (turns around brusquely). Are you here? 
 
 Voss (getting out his words slowly) . Yes, your overseer told me that 
 you wanted to speak to me! 
 
 Karl Egon (gives a short laugh). I to you? No! If you have 
 nothing to say to me, you might have spared yourself the trouble ! Then 
 we are through before we have begun! 
 
 7^055 (closes the door behind him and comes up closer) . I have heard 
 from your overseer that you have documents in regard to my meadow land. 
 
 Karl Egon. That's correct. 
 
 ^055. All at once, that is supposed not to belong to me it is sup- 
 posed to belong to the community ? 
 
 Karl Egon. That too is correct, as the documents demonstrate ! 
 
 Voss. Now I suppose you are going into court to sue me and force 
 me to return the land to the community? 
 
 Karl Egon. I have made up my mind to that.
 
 82 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 Voss (craftily}. And if the community wins, then I suppose you 
 intend to buy the meadow land from it? 
 
 Karl Egon. I don't owe you any information on that point. 
 
 Voss. May I take a look at the documents? 
 
 Karl Egon. The portfolio is there on the table. 
 
 Voss (slowly goes to the table in the center}. If you will put it into 
 my hands at all ? 
 
 Karl Egon. Why not, pray tell? 
 
 Voss (with a short burst of laughter} . Why, I might take the whole 
 mess and tear it up from end to end. 
 
 Karl Egon (laughing}. That would help you desperately little. 
 All these are merely copies. The originals are safely deposited in the 
 court house. 
 
 Voss. Well, then I can safely take them. 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, and for all I care, tear them up. The facts will 
 remain none the less. 
 
 (Voss opens the portfolio, turns the leaves a bit, begins to read.} 
 
 (KARL EGON goes to and fro with quick steps, entirely engrossed in 
 his thoughts and pays no attention to Voss.) 
 
 (Voss becomes restless after reading a few moments, quickly turns 
 the leaves, reads again, closes the portfolio violently, throws it on the table 
 in excitement which he can scarcely control, without being able to utter a 
 word.} 
 
 Karl Egon (looks up, notices Voss's emotion, comes closer to him} . 
 Well, my dear fellow, what do you say now? Are you satisfied? 
 
 Voss (blurting out}. The whole thing is forgery! Nothing but 
 forgery ! 
 
 Karl Egon. Ah! Ah! My revered friend Go slowly. You are in 
 my house at present ! Remember that ! 
 
 Voss (trembling with rage}. And I say a hundred times over, that 
 must be forgery! Surely my grandfather was not able to steal a whole 
 tract of land from the community. That is a lie ! 
 
 Karl Egon. But he did nevertheless! He made use of the good 
 opportunity at the time of the French occupation. You see, people who 
 live in glass houses should not throw stones! Hereafter sweep before 
 your own door instead of maligning my family! 
 
 Voss (in a violent struggle, with constrained voice}. And so you are 
 going to make use of that now? 
 
 Karl Egon. Yes, if you don't yield in kindness, I will make use of it ! 
 
 Voss. And if you win, you probably think I am lost ?
 
 MAX HALBE 83 
 
 Karl Egon. You may answer that for yourself. 
 
 ^055. Do you know what your overseer said to me a bit ago ? 
 
 Karl Egon. How am I to know that? 
 
 Foss. You have my death warrant in your hands, that's what he said. 
 
 Karl Egon. Well then 1 
 
 Foss (threatening in a sinister manner}. Who knows whose death 
 warrant that is? 
 
 Karl Egon. Do you possibly think I am afraid of you? From now 
 on the issue is: You or I. I made friendly advances to you. You have 
 declined all of them. You have driven me to this point. So don't com- 
 plain! 
 
 Foss. Why, you are the real son of your father. You do not bear 
 your name in vain. 
 
 Karl Egon. I am proud of that ! 
 
 Foss (hoarsely}. How is it written 1 shall punish you down to 
 
 the seventh generation! 
 
 Karl Egon. For the last time, man, take counsel with yourself ! But 
 make it short! Make it short! I shall wait no longer. 
 
 Foss. I'll make it as short as I can! 
 
 Karl Egon. For, if you don't open the meadow road by to-morrow 
 morning, I shall have the turnpike opened by force. Force against force. 
 
 Foss. Force against force ? Hm, hm ! 
 
 Karl Egon Yes ! You or I ! The account is exhausted ! 
 
 Foss (scrutinizes him with a long look}. The account is exhausted! 
 All right! All right! (Goes out at the right with bowed head, meets 
 MARTHA in the door. The two stand face to face for a moment, look 
 into each other's eyes, and are silent. Then Voss goes out.} 
 
 Martha (runs to KARL EGON in feverish anxiety}. Be careful, 
 Karl ! Be careful ! There was something in his face 
 
 Karl Egon. Now it is coming to pass as my father predicted! It's 
 life or death ! Now I feel well again ! 
 
 Martha. You provoked him terribly. Look out for him ! Do not 
 trust him ! Do not trust him ! 
 
 Karl Egon. It's all the same, whatever happens! I can face the 
 worst! And if I must fall this minute ! All the better! All the better! 
 
 Martha. Now do not talk that way ! Do not talk that way ! When 
 
 I imagine that something is going to happen to you ! (Struggling 
 
 with herself.} And I ? And I ? 
 
 Karl Egon (to himself in wild pain} . Mad fool that you are ! Con- 
 ceited enough to believe that you can live your life according to your own
 
 84 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 plan! Can allow the past to remain buried! Fool! Fool! To this 
 place you are forged! To this place you are rooted! You are to crawl in 
 the dust like your fathers. You are doomed to be commonplace all of your 
 life ! That is the heritage that you have bequeathed to me ! 
 
 Martha (has struggled with herself intensely, collects herself}. 
 Karl, I must tell you something. Listen to me. 
 
 Karl Egon (without heeding her}. Good! You are to have your 
 way. I am not better than you ! I am a Rosenhagen and that I must 
 remain ! The devil take it ! Then I will be it through and through. 
 
 Martha (touches his arm}. Listen to me, Karl! I must tell you 
 something about myself. 
 
 Karl Egon (looks up} . What do you want? Let me alone ! 
 
 Martha. No, I shall not. You are to know what I have done. 
 Then do with me what you will ! 
 
 Karl Egon (to himself, as if far away} . I want to prove to you that 
 I am of your grain ! You are to be delighted with me ! 
 
 Martha. Listen to me, Karl. You don't know how bad and tricky 
 I am. Why, it was I who incited Voss this morning ! I incited him against 
 you ! I told him of your plan in regard to the castle and all the rest and 
 incited him to anger ! I am to blame, do you hear, I am to blame if any- 
 thing happens to you ! 
 
 Karl Egon (looks at her with wide open eyes}. Martha 
 
 Martha ? 
 
 Martha (with a sad smile}. Do you now believe what a despicable 
 creature I am? You probably never had an idea of that? 
 
 Karl Egon (as if confused}. Why did you do that, Martha? 
 
 Martha (forcing her words, spasmodically}. Because I was envious 
 
 of Hermine's good fortune ! Because I was fighting for happiness 
 
 and home and all ! Because I could not bear the thought that you 
 
 that you are choosing another, and that I must go away from you ! Now 
 you know it ! Now do with me what you will ! What you will ! 
 
 Karl Egon (as if stunned}. Is that the state of affairs? Of 
 course, I did not know that. 
 
 Martha. Now cast me out ! Now cast me out ! That is all I've 
 deserved. 
 
 Karl Egon (slowly takes several steps, deeply engrossed in thought}. 
 Of course I did not know that. That is different. 
 
 Martha. Do you see now, whom you have had near you?! That 
 is the Rosenhagens' reward for taking me into their house ! That is the 
 way I repay you I
 
 MAX HALBE 85 
 
 Karl Egon (stands erect, gloomy and calm}. Go now! Leave me 
 alone 1 
 
 Martha (in extreme anxiety}. Karl! Karl! 
 
 Karl Egon (rising to full stature}. Go! I tell you. I want to be 
 alone in my house and on my soil. 
 
 Martha (broken}. Then I wish you all all the good that fate 
 
 can bestow. 
 
 Karl Egon. My fate now grows out of this earth, upon which I was 
 planted by my fathers. It will be fulfilled, this way or that! 
 
 Martha (in a low voice}. Farewell! 
 
 Karl Egon ( turns away ) . Go ! 
 
 Martha (slowly goes through the hall, suddenly stumbles back, since 
 she 'vaguely sees a form appear near the garden fence out in the moonlight, 
 cries out half audibly } . Merciful God ! Merciful God ! 
 
 Karl Egon (who stands with his back toward her, looks around}. 
 What ails you? What else do you want? 
 
 Martha (tries to control herself}. It seemed to me as if I heard 
 something outside. 
 
 Karl Egon. That is probably the carriage that is driving up. 
 
 (MARTHA runs to the glass door in extreme haste and starts to close 
 it.} 
 
 Karl Egon (approaches in surprise}. What are you doing there? 
 Why, leave the door open! It is sultry. 
 
 Martha (tries to hide her anxiety}. I don't know why I am so 
 afraid. The moon is shining so brightly. Hadn't I better close the door? 
 
 Karl Egon. No, leave it open. My head burns like fire ! I must 
 have air! (He has also gone to the door, opens it wide, without looking 
 out as yet.) 
 
 Martha (with choking voice). Don't you see?! Some one is stand- 
 ing out in the garden near the foot-bridge! Don't you see? 
 
 Karl Egon (turns around suddenly, takes a step forward). I say! 
 Who is out there? Who is standing in the garden? Hello there! 
 Answer! (Short pause. All is quiet. One sees a figure standing in the 
 garden near the foot-bridge.} 
 
 Martha (screaming}. That is Voss ! That is Voss! 
 
 Karl Egon (again advances a step, close up to the steps, with a loud 
 voice} . I want to know who is standing out there in the garden? Answer ! 
 
 Martha (in extreme fear}. Save yourself, Karl! Save yourself! 
 
 Karl Egon (firmly and in a loud voice} . I am not going to run away
 
 86 THE ROSENHAGENS 
 
 from Voss! (He calls over.) Are you out there, Voss? What business 
 have you in the garden ? Go home 1 
 
 Martha. Merciful God! I see something flash in the moon- 
 light! Now he's taking aim Merciful God! (She tries to 
 
 embrace him in order to protect him, is thrust back by him and leans 
 against the door post.) 
 
 Karl Egon (has stepped close to the edge of the steps, calls over). 
 
 Shoot, Voss, if you have the courage ! Here stands the last Rosen- 
 
 hagen! Shoot 1 (He stands upright. At the next moment a shot is 
 heard. ) 
 
 Karl Egon (seizes his breast, staggers back). That hit the 
 
 mark! (He sinks down on the top step.) 
 
 Foss's Voice (from the garden). Force against force! The 
 account was exhausted! (He walks away slowly.) 
 
 Martha (stoops over KARL EGON). Dear Karl! My only! 
 
 Do not die ! Do not die I Am I to bear the blame for your death? 1 
 
 Rathke (rushes in with stifled shouts). Why, no one else but Voss 
 has done that! I'll strangle that dog! 
 
 Martha (beside herself). To the doctor, Rathke! To the 
 
 doctor! Have them dash along as fast as you can! 
 
 Rathke (grumbling). Such a dog! Such a dog! (He goes 
 
 out with bowed head.) 
 
 Martha (tries to stop the blood with her kerchief). Karl, are you 
 suffering? Why, the doctor will come soon! 
 
 Karl Egon (shakes his head, breathes heavily). No doctor! 
 
 It is over ! Where is Hermine ? 
 
 Martha (desperately). Look at me, my only I Why I am with 
 you! 
 
 Karl Egon. Where is Hermine? 
 
 Hermine (comes in quickly in her traveling gown). What has hap- 
 pened? What has happened? (She shrieks.) Egon! 
 
 Egon! (She totters over to him.) 
 
 Martha (with an effort). Hermine is here now! 
 
 Karl Egon. Where are you, Hermine? I do not see you! 
 
 Hermine (kneels down beside him). Why, I am here! Close beside 
 you! Don't you recognize me, my darling? 
 
 Karl Egon (weak). Lay your hand on my brow ! 
 
 Hermine (shaken with emotion). Dearest, forgive me! I was not 
 worth it! Forgive me! 
 
 Karl Egon (holds her hand firmly) . It is well I
 
 MAX HALBE 87 
 
 Martha (straightens up, steps aside}. I am nothing to him! 
 
 He does not care about me ! 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen (totters in, remains standing, without tears}. 
 Boy! Boy! 
 
 Karl Egon (rises up in a last struggle, looks at the old woman with 
 
 eyes wide open}. Grandmother, you here too? Do you see the 
 
 beautiful evening star that is setting there? Shall I take it your greet- 
 ing? (He sinks back and dies.} 
 
 Madam Rosenhagen. Now he has gone ahead to arrange for 
 quarters. 
 
 Curtain.
 
 THE FOUNTAIN OF THE SATYR 
 
 Translated from the Portuguese of Eugenio de Castro 
 by E. W. Olmsted and F. D. Burnet 
 
 PREFATORY NOTE 
 
 About forty years ago (March 4, 1869) in the old university town of 
 Coimbra, Portugal, Eugenio de Castro was born. His family was of 
 noble lineage, and for generations had been distinguished in the field of 
 letters. His home was one of wealth and refinement. As one of the 
 professors of the University of Coimbra (Manuel da Silva Gayo, to whom 
 I am indebted for many of the facts mentioned in this note), himself a 
 writer of charming verse and prose, says of Eugenio de Castro : "Brincou 
 entre estantes de livros, ouvindo vozes calmas," "He played amongst books, 
 hearing (only) the sound of gentle voices." The influence of both heredity 
 and early training can be seen in the classic flavor and in the graceful 
 elegance of his verse. 
 
 Like most poets he began to write early. At the age of fifteen he 
 published the following poems: Crystallisaqoes da Morte, and Canqoes 
 d'Abril, and the next year (1885), Jesus de Nazareth. Even these early 
 poems are not without spontaneity and charm. Shortly after this the 
 young poet left Coimbra to follow in Lisbon o Curso superior de Lettras, 
 and in 1888 was for a time on the staff of the Dia. In 1887 he wrote Per 
 Umbram, and in 1888, Horas tristes. In these compositions a note of 
 greater personal emotion is struck, which is enhanced by more vivid 
 picturesqueness of expression. Towards the close of 1888 the poet 
 returned to Coimbra, and soon after set out for Spain and France, remain- 
 ing in Paris for several months in 1889. Upon his return he was ap- 
 pointed professor in the Escola "Brotero." Oaristos (1890) and Horas 
 (1891) date from this epoch of his life. The influence of his travels can 
 be noted in these exquisite poems, and especially of his stay in France, 
 where he came in contact with the younger generation of French poets. 
 From them he introduced symbolism into Portugal and some brilliant 
 effects in verse technique. In 1891 he again went to Lisbon, where he 
 took an active part in the following publications, Antonio-Maria, Novid- 
 ades, and the Jornal do Commercio. One of his most beautiful collections 
 of verse, Sylva ( 1894), was written at this time. He returned to Coimbra 
 in 1894, which, after his marriage in 1898, he chose as the place of his
 
 EUGENIO DE CASTRO 89 
 
 definite residence. There, in his home of refinement and elegance, to 
 which no one could know better than he how to make the stranger welcome, 
 amongst his books and bibelots, he continues to divert himself and to charm 
 his readers with the verses that flow freely from his pen. Interlunio, with 
 its pessimistic motto "II faut pleurer les hommes a leur naissance et non 
 pas a leur mart," appeared in 1894, and the same year Belkiss (prose), 
 then Tiresias (1895), Sagramor (1895), Salome e Outros Poemas 
 (1896), A Nereide de Harlem (1896), O Rei Galaor (1897), Saudades 
 do Ceo (1899), Constanta (1900), Depots de Ceifa (1901), O Melhor 
 Retrato de Jodo de Dens (1906), A Sombra do Quadrante (1906), O 
 Annel de Poly crates (1907), and A Fonte do Satyro e Outros Poemas 
 (1908). Of these later works perhaps Constanta bears the mark of 
 greatest genius, and has been most favorably received abroad. 
 
 His muse has run the whole gamut of poetic tones. "It has risen in 
 rebellion against accepted customs, it has scandalized the worthy fathers, 
 it has been parnassian and has chiseled verses with polished skill. It has 
 been symbolistic and has felt the disturbing charm of voluptuous vagueness 
 and the tremulous restlessness that mystery infuses. It knows the proud 
 limits of the Ivory Tower. It has run through the ample course of free 
 meter. And it has come forth from these and other adventures, graceful 
 and elegant, leaving everywhere vestiges of the wealth of a prodigal genius, 
 and disclosing, under the most varied disguises, the delicacy and distinction 
 df a noble soul. And that nothing may be lacking to the personal expe- 
 rience of the poet, he has known how to submit himself for some years to 
 a purifying silence. And now now" the muse of Eugenio de Castro is 
 classic, unfeignedly classic." So speaks of the poet the foreigner who 
 knew him best and loved him most, a critic of rare literary insight and 
 versed in things Lusitanian as are few men outside the limits of Portugal. 
 I refer to the late professor of the University of Salamanca, J. Nombela 
 y Campos. 
 
 Eugenio de Castro has remained, in spite of foreign influences, a poet 
 thoroughly national in character, inheriting especially from Joao de Deus 
 that great lyric's wonderful gift of "expressing with sweet ingenuousness 
 the passion of love," a gift nowhere more admired or more cultivated than 
 in the land of Camoes, where all the poets tell of love with honeyed lips. 
 By far the most beautiful poem in the last published collection of Eugenio 
 de Castro's verse is upon this theme. It is entitled A Fonte do Satyro. 
 The tale of love embodied in the poem is partly based on fact, but the 
 elegant treatment of the subject is the poet's own. It is hoped that the 
 translation given here, which follows as closely as possible the meter and
 
 9 o THE FOUNTAIN OF THE SATYR 
 
 stanza division of the original, will give some idea of its exquisite grace 
 and delicacy. The English ten syllable, five stressed verse has been 
 chosen as the best equivalent of the Portuguese hendecasyllable, and the 
 rhyme scheme aabbcc, instead of the abcabc of the original stanzas, as the 
 couplet seemed to give the best poetic effect in the English translation. 
 
 E. W. O. 
 
 "And we may say that his prayer was continuous, not only because 
 he always went about with orisons upon his lips, but because of everything 
 he saw or heard he knew how to make a ladder by which to ascend in 
 thought to God, ever considering God's creatures as a means of knowing 
 God, and so he spoke of everything as of a thing of God, God's spar- 
 rows, God's grasses, God's garments, everything in short upon his lips was 
 of God, because he did not care for anything or understand anything with- 
 
 Fr. Antonio da Encarnagao : Vida de Fr. Luiz de Sousa. 
 
 "The spring wells up under an arch, which, formed of varied and 
 beautiful rustic stone-work, resembles a natural grotto. Within it is 
 seated a huge and well carved satyr, closely reproducing those that poetry 
 
 has imagined This water is received by the pool that we mentioned 
 
 above, which, on the side of the court, and separated from it only by a low 
 parapet, is on a level with the surface of the ground; and in its depth and 
 breadth thrive many fish, (that have become) so tame in process of time 1 
 that they rise to the hands of the monks for the crumbs that each one keeps 
 for them, as for their sure and rightful meal." 
 
 Fr. Luiz de Sousa: Historia de S. Domingos. 
 
 H 
 
 IS matin prayer with pious haste well told, 
 
 And young in heart, tho time had marked him old, 
 
 Good Frei Luiz de Sousa leaves the halls 
 
 Where sanctity's confined chill appals, 
 
 Content to seek the garden's welcome shade, 
 
 As lizards, at the dawn, some sun drench'd glade. 
 
 Fair gilly-flowers exhale the breath of Spring: 
 Afar, slow wheeling up on lazy wing, 
 A flock of snowy breasted doves a-high 
 Gleam dazzling white against a sea blue sky: 
 Vanilla trees, with mingled roses' scent, 
 Lure droning bees, on sugared plunder bent.
 
 EUGENIO DE CASTRO 91 
 
 Oh! blest be He, who grants such wealth of bloom, 
 The fields of golden wheat, the pale sweet broom, 
 Who gems the sea with coral and with pearl, 
 Whose waves cerulean silvery crests unfurl 
 To kiss the stars that cheer the somber nights, 
 And kindle faery watch fires from far heights. 
 
 He, idling, wanders on, then halts awhile 
 To dream, for there, full in the orchard aisle, 
 An orange tree with fruits in ripe accord 
 Flames like a thousand candles of the Lord, 
 While Time, an ancient beadsman in his art, 
 Unheeded, tells the winged hours apart. 
 
 And now at hand a hushed murmuring hears, 
 
 A faint and muffled plashing as of tears 
 
 That singly fall into the heedless seas; 
 
 A pool, nearby, whose ruffled breast the breeze 
 
 Has whipped to tiny wrath. He here breaks bread 
 
 And sees his finny wards rise to be fed. 
 
 O happy Friar, thou dost so live, 
 Content with gifts which Nature has to give, 
 Content as yonder bird or flowering rose, 
 Who, reft of earthly shackles, earthly woes, 
 May crown thy life with word and deed, as gems 
 That grace the gold of kingly diadems ! 
 
 Thou art no stranger to misfortune's ills, 
 
 But now God's peace thy waning life fulfills. 
 
 With book and prayer thy days flow smooth and sure, 
 
 No more disturbed lest earthly dreams allure, 
 
 For (may this knowledge comfort some mad breast!) 
 
 Rough paths of youth teach age to cherish rest. 
 
 Thy life, a prayer; thy labor, and thy play, 
 Thy comings and thy goings through the day. 
 Thou seest Godly likenesses unfold 
 In everything that's shaped in mortal mold, 
 In golden words that mark the inspired pen, 
 In joyous birds and earth and sky and men,
 
 9 2 THE FOUNTAIN OF THE SATYR 
 
 In fields and grasses, herbs and rose-strewn bowers, 
 Or yonder distant, mist-wrapped mountain towers: 
 The weeping flute, to thee, a holy dirge. 
 Oh, sweet thy life, that doth so purely merge 
 The God in man with Nature's wondrous leaven, 
 Thy falt'ring feet on earth, thy soul, in Heav'n. 
 
 But now the kindly feast is wellnigh done, 
 
 Yet, "Brother, leave us not awhile," cries one 
 
 (For him, who lived such simple things among, 
 
 Had Faith soon taught the "Lesser Children's" tongue) 
 
 They plead, and cleave the pool's clear sapphire breast, 
 
 Like sudden lightnings, darting in the West. 
 
 And thus the good man gently chides their greed, 
 
 "More patience, pray, my sparrows too have need, 
 
 For are we not all fruit of one same vine? 
 
 As I your brother am, so are they mine." 
 
 Then, at his words fly down a noisy band, 
 
 To, fearless, pluck the bread from out his hand. 
 
 Now westward wheels the weary sun to rest 
 
 While nightingales the twilight hours attest. 
 
 With lingering glance the Friar leaves his friends, 
 
 Regreets the old, then to the new descends. 
 
 Before him, by the lavender's tall hedge, 
 
 A copious fountain flows, 'midst rush and sedge: 
 
 The somber grotto, wrapped in eery gloom, 
 Green ivy decked, like death-wreaths on a tomb. 
 And 'neath its ancient arch, in solemn state, 
 Enthroned for ages, huge, a figure sate, 
 A Satyr, in whose hand a brimming cup 
 Dripp'd as of old, when Gods had paused to sup. 
 
 With twinkling eyes and pricked-up, pointed ears, 
 Again the sound of reveling he hears 
 Afar, and sees, with burning glances bright, 
 The sporting Naiads, naked, take affright. 
 Again the Satyr, warmed with memory, sips 
 Wild, breathless kisses from protesting lips.
 
 EUGENIC DE CASTRO 93 
 
 The good priest cries: "What strange and new-found thing 
 
 Is this that changes thee?" and answering 
 
 The Satyr laughs with mad, unholy glee : 
 
 "All things are fleeting! Time, a mockery! 
 
 The light of Spring hath closed grim Winter's sway, 
 
 And I am drunk, for Spring is born today!" 
 
 "Hark! At the dawn the winds, those vagrant thieves, 
 
 Stole, laughing, from their dewy couch of leaves: 
 
 The scent of crushed violets they bore, 
 
 As once, when on the silvered waters' shore 
 
 I hid, and watched the Naiads as they gave 
 
 Their tim'rous bodies to the sportive wave!" 
 
 "Now silence I" cries the priest. "Unclean thy thought ! 
 Forgettest thou that God Himself hath wrought 
 This roof that turns the ages from thy head? 
 Kneel fearfully to Him, and ne'er be led, 
 When, from the depths of Hell, with longings vast, 
 Well up those siren voices of the Past. 
 
 "See I have cast the erriftg world aside, 
 
 And ta'en meek Charity to be my bride, 
 
 My lover, ever wooing with a love 
 
 Whose ardor burns to light my soul above: 
 
 Oblivion bars my road to memory, 
 
 As pathless night falls o'er the restless sea." 
 
 A sudden keen emotion stirs to life 
 
 This thing of stone. "Ah, how couldst thou the strife 
 
 And fire of love forget?" the Satyr said. 
 
 The priest cried out : "The one I loved is dead, 
 
 And if, at times, my dreams her fair form take, 
 
 My prayers soon banish all when I awake." 
 
 "Thou call'st her dead! Thy prayers have buried deep 
 
 The memory of a maid who lives to weep 
 
 Alone in some dark convent's clammy cell, 
 
 Alone, and silent 'midst her living Hell, 
 
 Whilst recollection, sad, bedewed with tears, 
 
 This azure hour evokes of fairer years!"
 
 94 THE FOUNTAIN OF THE SATYR 
 
 "When on thy couch, all bare, the mocking might 
 
 Of sleepless lids hath cursed the noon of night, 
 
 When winter winds have, shrieking, wound their shroud 
 
 To swathe the shiv'ring trees with death cold bowed, 
 
 Do not, then, glorious visions daz*zling rise 
 
 Of her dear face, her laughing mouth, her eyes? 
 
 "Doth not her form oft set the nightly scene, 
 Who bore the witching name of Magdalene? 
 Her eyes, more witching, gem'd with love lights rare 
 Shone star-like in the twilight of her hair 
 She wore a woven rose-wreath for a gird, 
 Canst thou forget?" He answers now no word. 
 
 Intoxicating spices fill the breeze, 
 The lofty beech and sighing laurel trees 
 From root to summit tremble as with love; 
 Whilst from the sun-kissed tower a mating dove 
 Entones his song of Spring. Keen passion flowers 
 Adorn the dell like gladsome bridal bowers. 
 
 Then Frei de Sousa feels within him stir 
 The long-forgotten lure of things that were, 
 And, fearful that his soul might not endure, 
 He plucks a lily, white and chastely pure: 
 "Oh, Queen of flowers, all Solomon's array 
 Was but to thee as night is to the day!" 
 
 But now, upon the spotless lily's breast 
 
 A dark bee lights, in feverish, eager quest 
 
 To woo its love. Then, wild before his sight, 
 
 The mem'ry comes confused of one mad night 
 
 Spent out with her, when he, at dawn, stooped low 
 
 To kiss the mole upon her breast of snow. 
 
 Frei Luiz flees. The vespers call to prayer: 
 The low-voiced drone of evening fills the air: 
 The Satyr, hot, sees Nymphs in choral dance 
 Slow fade away. All things are giv'n to chance, 
 All things save love, the sweet, the fleet, the brave, 
 That conquers men from cradle to the grave !
 
 TEARS 
 
 "Hettf lacrymis infantia lumina turgent" 
 
 (FROM THE FRENCH OF CATULLE MENDES) 
 Translated by Roy Temple House 
 
 HEN roses blossomed, years ago, 
 My heart was filled with childish woe. 
 
 It swelled and ached, I knew not why, 
 When lilac-odors floated by. 
 
 The flower-cups were rich and bright 
 And breathed a bitter-sweet delight. 
 
 The pale stars stood above my head, 
 I wondered at the tears I shed. 
 
 And now, alas! I sorrow yet, 
 
 Though suns may rise and suns may set; 
 
 By winter, in the frozen showers, 
 In summer, over the bright flowers, 
 
 My salt tears fall and find no pause: 
 But now but now I know the cause I 
 
 95
 
 T 
 
 NIGHTFALL 
 
 BY WlLHELMINA K. BAILEY 
 
 OO soon the Day hath her departure ta'en, 
 Leaving o'erturned the sky's great urn of blue 
 Drained of its mystic draught of golden hue. 
 On her bright lips I see a ruddy stain 
 That from her Bacchic madness doth remain; 
 But she, intoxicate, doth never rue 
 Her raptures, and refreshed with dew 
 Speeds on, the joy of living to maintain. 
 
 Only her laughter hath she left behind, 
 
 A trail of glowing joy low in the west; 
 
 Warm golden bars hold it enshrined 
 
 Above a sea of molten red, caressed 
 
 By chastened greens and azure, shot and lined 
 
 With purple, veiling all the hills for rest. 
 
 96
 
 Date Due 
 
 PRINTED IN U.S.A. 
 
 CAT. NO. 24 161
 
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