_Gott._ My faith! I hardly know. ’Twas sheer good luck, We were at rest around a big camp fire, Dreaming, maybe, of loved ones far away, When came a sudden trumpet-call--To horse! Another moment saw us in the saddle, And tearing on--we knew not why nor whither. Then came a shock of strong men breast to breast-- A clash of swords--a hurricane of blows-- I on my back, half blind with blood and rage, A thousand devils dancing in my eyes, And friends and foes in wild entanglement, All tussling for my body--then, a wrench-- A mighty shout--another rush, and lo, A panting dozen of us on a hill, Besmirched with blood and dust, and all agog To grasp my hand and hail me as a hero! (_Rises._) That’s all I know of it, except that I Went in a trooper, and came out a captain! [_Several _Soldiers_ stroll off with _Girls_. A _Soldier_ remains with BESSIE, another with BARBARA, FRIEDRICH with AGATHA._ _Gott._ But there--enough of that! Come, tell me now. (_Anxiously._) How fares my cousin Gretchen--is she well? _Bess._ (_confused_). Yes, yes--that is---- (_Aside to_ Soldier.) How shall I answer him? _Gott._ Is aught amiss? _Bess._ How well thou carriest Thy new-born rank! _Gott._ (_impatiently_). The devil take my rank! Tell me of Gretchen! [_BESSIE, at fault, watches her opportunity, and exit with _Soldier_._ _Bar._ Prithee, ask us not, We would not say a word to give thee pain On such a day. [_Exit with _Soldier_._ _Gott._ (_amazed_). Pain! _Aga._ Nay--be not distressed, All may be well. _Gott._ (_with sudden eagerness_). She lives? _Aga._ Yes, yes! she lives! (_To FRIEDRICH._) Oh, come away--I dare not tell him more! _Gott._ Why, how is this? A curse upon the fools! Where are their tongues? Is aught amiss with her? At the bare thought of it my heart stands still! _Fried._ Nay, never heed them--girls are all alike-- Mere jealous jades! Thy first and foremost thoughts Were for another. There’s the mischief of it. Hadst thou but spoken lightly of thy cousin A shower of praise would have been poured upon her! _Gott._ A plague upon their scurril serpent-tongues! In the old days they knew no jealousy. My blood is all a-chill! I shake with fear! I’ll to her house at once, and ere an hour, I’ll learn the best and worst! [_Exit._ _Aga._ Alas, poor Gottfried!