Part 345 (1/2)

Lord Cardinal!

I've done my part. Go now, and do your own.

[Exit.

DEMETRIUS

By Frederich Schiller

ACT I.

SCENE I.

THE DIET AT CRACOW.

On the rising of the curtain the Polish Diet is discovered, seated in the great senate hall. On a raised platform, elevated by three steps, and surmounted by a canopy, is the imperial throne, the escutcheons of Poland and Lithuania suspended on each side. The KING seated upon the throne; on his right and left hand his ten royal officers standing on the platform. Below the platform the BISHOPS, PALATINES, and CASTELLANS seated on each side of the stage.

Opposite to these stand the Provincial DEPUTIES, in a double line, uncovered. All armed. The ARCHBISHOP OF GNESEN, as the primate of the kingdom, is seated next the proscenium; his chaplain behind him, bearing a golden cross.

ARCHBISHOP OF GNESEN.

Thus then hath this tempestuous Diet been Conducted safely to a prosperous close; And king and commons part as cordial friends.

The n.o.bles have consented to disarm, And straight disband the dangerous Rocoss [1]; Whilst our good king his sacred word has pledged, That every just complaint shall have redress.

And now that all is peace at home, we may Look to the things that claim our care abroad.

Is it the will of the most high Estates That Prince Demetrius, who hath advanced A claim to Russia's crown, as Ivan's son, Should at their bar appear, and in the face Of this august a.s.sembly prove his right?

[1] An insurrectionary muster of the n.o.bles.

CASTELLAN OF CRACOW.

Honor and justice both demand he should; It were unseemly to refuse his prayer.

BISHOP OF WERMELAND.

The doc.u.ments on which he rests have been Examined, and are found authentic. We May give him audience.

SEVERAL DEPUTIES.

Nay! We must, we must!

LEO SAPIEHA.

To hear is to admit his right.

ODOWALSKY.

And not To hear is to reject his claims unheard.

ARCHBISHOP OF GNESEN.

Is it your will that he have audience?

I ask it for the second time--and third.

IMPERIAL CHANCELLOR.

Let him stand forth before our throne!

SENATORS.

And speak!