The Princess and the Man

The King of Morania, a petty monarchy, is very unpopular. The people are badly governed and send a petition to their ruler, beseeching him for reform. The petition is presented to the king by two leaders of the people, Markowitz and Brand, and he, angry, tears the petition in two and dismisses the two men. As they go Brand's eyes meet those of the Princess Margaret. The look strikes deep in both. The princess discovers that her maid, Lisette, has been summoned to a meeting of the revolutionary leaders of the people. She makes the maid take her to the meeting and there, hearing herself denounced, lifts her veil and confronts the men assembled. Brand comes to her defense; Markowitz is against her and the argument is heated when a squad of soldiers, who have been sent to arrest the leaders, pound at the door. Markowitz is for threatening the life of the princess to secure their own safety, but Brand urges the men to escape by the window and hasten to arouse the people. All escape over the roofs except Brand, the princess and Lisette, who remain to confront the soldiers. When the door is finally battered down the princess takes Brand's arm and walks out, the soldiers falling back dumbfounded. Brand comes into the presence of the king, whom they find alone in his study. He imploringly asks him to right the people's wrongs, but to no avail. Suddenly a servant rushes in and announces the palace has been entered by a great mob. The king goes to the throne, where they are assembled. The leader of the people begs him to consider their wrongs. He at first refuses. Then the speaker brings examples of his starving population and forgotten veterans before his majesty's gaze. He is dumbfounded and the princess, with an impulsive forward movement, snatches a pining baby from its mother, and holding it up in the presence of the multitude, swears to be a mother to her people and to use her influence with her father for their good. The king is overcome to such an extent that he nods his approval and the crowd cheer him to the echo.