Fridericus Page #4

---

On leave for one day. What is that?

Nothing, if I know

that you'll be back.

I want to see my mother.

She's not far.

You've said that many times before.

- Why don't you ask the captain?

- Nah.

Because you know

what he would say.

""No leave for crazy fly-by-nights.''

Fine.

I'll ask the captain, then.

Guards!

Attention!

My dear Baron.

- What are you bringing me?

- An invitation, Your Majesty.

Attention.

I know you mean well.

It's quite a tempting offer.

Good food, a clean bed...

but not tonight.

Thank you very much.

Let no one enter,

even if the world comes to an end.

- Mine.

- Fritz.

You've come here

to see me in wartime?

Is it all right? Are you happy?

My little Mine.

How are you?

- You look good.

- I'm doing fine.

- What about your condition?

- Long forgotten.

I don't even remember its name.

The doctors say it's tuberculosis.

I think she's come here to see him

one last time before she dies.

I'm doing well too.

All is well, I sleep like a baby,

and the gout is not bothering me.

I think he's ill.

He can't sleep from the pain.

He can barely move his left hand.

See? Nimble fingers.

So there was no need to come.

I was looking forward to consoling you.

A little late for that, Mine.

My situation is excellent.

People in Bayreuth are gossiping.

- I can't say it.

- Let them talk.

I feel strong as an ox.

I'll show them.

I'm happy for it.

I have so many ideas, you know.

If we could turn each of

my ideas into soldiers...

we'd have an army

to conquer the entire world.

Well, I expect a peace offering

from your enemies in the coming weeks.

Poor Fritz.

You have to suffer so much.

Mine, I can't lie to you.

We're two bodies,

but of one soul.

One thing's for sure,

I'll cost them dearly.

Your enemies

won't laugh at my death.

I won't let you go alone.

Send word when the time comes.

I have to leave now.

Don't go yet.

I have to.

In such a hurry to see your husband?

Please don't ruin this moment.

My husband is very good to me.

I just don't want to share you.

Farewell, Fritz.

Thank you for coming.

Good-bye.

Happy face, Mine.

Out there, we have to look happy.

Give my best to your husband.

I'll pay him a visit soon in Bayreuth.

I'm so happy I can report back

so much good news of you.

Good-bye, Mine.

Good-

Mr. Bonin, I feel like company.

Ride ahead to the baron

and announce my visit.

No need to apologize.

I should have known you would fail,

as you secretly hoped you would.

No matter.

We'll wait for another chance.

Cousin, it is my privilege

to inform you of His Majesty's visit.

- Captain von Bonin.

- Marquis DuVal.

Yes, the marquis is my friend.

He's just returned from Paris.

I was about to leave,

but when the King of Prussia comes-

I could tell him many

interesting things from Paris.

Certainly, Marquis.

Baron, may I avail myself

of your hospitality?

Of course.

- Where is she?

- She'll be in the park.

The king can't find out

that Louise is my wife.

He doesn't like his soldiers

meeting up with their wives.

Sure, go ahead.

Go to headquarters

and get the pandurs.

You can use my horse.

How much time do you need?

- Three hours.

- It's around 6:
00.

You can be back by midnight.

The troops can stay at the outworks.

You'll only bring an officer...

and wait there in the pavilion,

in the park.

Louise!

Louise!

Yes!

I could hardly believe it anymore.

- My son.

- Mother.

Where's my jacket?

Help me find it.

- What's wrong?

- Help me look.

- What's happened?

- They're after me.

I have to run.

I need different clothes.

Here it is.

- Have you done something?

- The coat. Hurry.

- Tell me.

- I need a bit of money.

They'll be here soon.

Farewell, Mother.

This is from happier times.

It doesn't really fit me anymore.

Do you know that General Daun

was at the castle this morning?

I know he'll be in Schweidnitz tonight.

Majesty was entirely right.

The passage to Berlin was clear.

Yes, Fredersdorf.

But if only the transport

would arrive.

It's useless, Mum.

Go home.

- Leave me be.

-Just go.

You brat. You want to stop me

from going after my son?

Gentlemen, I don't know

whom to appreciate more.

You, Baron,

for the exquisite dinner.

Or you, Marquis,

for your intelligent conversation.

The honor must go

to Viennese cooking, Majesty.

I'm afraid you're prejudiced

against anything from Vienna.

Marquis, one request.

Let's not talk politics tonight.

I need a holiday from the war.

- How about some peaches?

- With pleasure.

I grow them myself. Very good.

Don't give me those loving eyes.

You'll blow our cover.

Can I help it if you're

flirting with me like that.

How about some bitter orange, Miss?

- You like them so much.

- Thank you.

How do you know that, Captain?

You've known your charming

neighbor for only a few minutes.

We've been talking about

growing bitter oranges.

An interesting topic.

- I thought you were married, Bonin.

- Yes, you gave me your consent.

What? You have a wife?

Yes, and she's very pretty.

And you've kept this from me?

Prussian hussars don't like talking.

They'd rather fight,

like His Majesty.

You're quite amusing, Marquis.

I'd like to have you as my guest.

That would be a great honor.

I have to go to Schweidnitz.

Can I accompany you tomorrow?

Sorry, no, Marquis.

I'd love to, but Schweidnitz won't

be seeing me for a while.

But you're on your way to Schweidnitz.

Field Marshal Daun

has beaten me to it.

There isn't enough room for two

travelers with such a huge entourage.

I can't believe that Daun

could beat you, Majesty.

Really, Majesty.

Why are you so interested?

Majesty, I don't wish to pry.

Especially because I'll see Daun

in a few days.

You're a scoundrel, sir.

Don't worry. I like scoundrels.

Majesty, I have met

a political genius today.

Do you think I'd be interested

in teaching a duffer a lesson?

Besides, what information

could I reveal?

- I have set up the music room.

- No, I have to return to my troops.

Pity, I would've loved to improvise

a little trio with you.

The marquis is famous

for his lute playing.

The baron exaggerates.

I would have loved to boast in Paris

about accompanying His Majesty.

All right, gentlemen.

But not too long.

I'll get my instrument.

Thank God for concerts.

The Prussian king and I love music.

What do you think of the marquis?

- Forget him.

- He baffles me.

Why does he go by two names?

- Two names?

- Yes.

Why?

He was introduced to me

as a count, not a marquis.

Bellis or Ballis or something.

I don't know.

- There you are, Colonel.

- Good day, Count.

The French army

is at the Prussians back.

Charming.

The message says

that they're ready to strike...

and then the generals will retreat

to join forces with us.

Don't let me keep you, Colonel...

but I think the generals won't

have to get excited about the war anymore.

Count Ballis?

- Do you mean me?

- So you're Count Ballis?

That's women for you.

They can't remember names.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes