Short stories, German -- Translations into English
But Philip did not like this arrangement. At last, however, at the
solicitations of the mask, he capitulated as they entered a dark lane.
Philip was half frozen; a warm drink would do him good, and so would a
warm fire. He agreed for one half-hour to give up his watchmanship,
which would be till twelve o'clock. Exactly at that time the stranger
was to come to the great door of St. Gregory's and give back the
great-coat, horn, and staff, taking back his own silk mantle, hat, and
domino. Philip also told him the four streets in which he was to call
the hour. The mask was in raptures: "Treasure of my heart, I could kiss
thee if thou wert not a dirty, miserable fellow! But thou shalt have
naught to regret, if thou art at the church at twelve, for I will give
thee money for a supper then. Joy! I am a watchman!" The mask looked a
watchman to the life, while Philip was completely disguised with the
half-mask tied over his face, the bonnet ornamented with a buckle of
brilliants on his head, and the red silk mantle thrown around him. When
he saw his companion commence his walk he began to fear that the young
gentleman might compromise the dignity of the watchman. He therefore
addressed him once more, and said:
"I hope you will not abuse my good nature and do any mischief or
misbehave in any way, as it may cost me the situation."
"Hallo!" answered the stranger. "What are you talking about? Do you
think I don't know my duty? Off with you this moment, or I'll let you
feel the weight of my staff. But come to St. Gregory's Church and give
me back my clothes at twelve o'clock. Good-bye. This is glorious fun!"
The new guardian of the streets walked onward with all the dignity
becoming his office, while Philip hurried to a neighboring tavern.
III.
As he was passing the door of the royal palace, he was laid hold of by
a person in a mask who had alighted from a carriage. Philip turned
round, and in a low whispering voice asked what the stranger wanted.
"My gracious lord," answered the mask, "in your reverie you have passed
the door. Will your Royal Highness--"
"What? Royal Highness?" said laughing. "I am no highness. What put that
in your head?"
The mask bowed respectfully, and pointed to the brilliant buckle in
Philip's hat. "I ask your pardon if I have betrayed your disguise. But,
in whatever character you asume, your noble bearing will betray you.
Will you condescend to lead the way? Does your Highness intend to
dance?"
"I? To dance?" replied Philip. "No--you see I have boots on."
"To play, then?" inquired the mask.
"Still less. I have brought no money with me," said the assistant
watchman.
"Good heaven!" exclaimed the mask. "Command my purse--all that I
possess is at your service!" Saying this, he forced a full purse into
Philip's hand.
"But do you know who I am?" inquired Philip, and rejected the purse.
The mask whispered with a bow of profound obeisance: "His Royal
Highness, Prince Julian."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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