The devil of ambition possesses these young men.
He impels them as steam does a locomotive.
IDA.
No, father, _he_ never thought of himself in the matter.
COLONEL.
It does not stand out quite so nakedly as, "I must make a career for
myself," or "I wish to become a famous man." The procedure is more
delicate. The good friends come along and say: "Your duty to the good
cause requires you to--it is a crime against your country if you do
not--it is a sacrifice for you but we demand it." And so a pretty
mantle is thrown around vanity, and the candidate issues forth--from
pure patriotism of course! Don't teach an old soldier worldly wisdom.
We, dear Adelaide, sit calmly by and laugh at such weaknesses.
ADELAIDE.
And are indulgent toward them when we have so good a heart as you.
COLONEL.
Yes, one profits by experience.
_Enter_ CARL.
CARL.
Mr. von Senden and two other gentlemen.
COLONEL.
What do they want? Pleased to see them!
[_Exit_ CARL.]
Allow me to have them shown in here, children. Senden never stays
long. He is a roving spirit.
[_The ladies rise._]
IDA.
The hour is again spoiled for us.
ADELAIDE.
Don't mind it; we shall have all the more time to dress.
[_Exeunt_ IDA _and_ ADELAIDE _on the left._]
_Enter_ SENDEN, BLUMENBERG, _a third gentleman._
SENDEN.
Colonel, we come on behalf of the committee for the approaching
election to notify you that that committee has unanimously voted to
make you, Colonel, our party's candidate.
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