The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Vii Part 52

KING.

Are they gathering already

EVERSMANN.

There's noise enough outside there.

KING.

My only recreation! While I may keep this little diversion, I am willing to bear the burdens and cares of government. Are the clay cannons loaded?

EVERSMANN.

Aye--and some are fuming already outside there.

KING.

Is the beer right fresh? And a little bitter, eh?

EVERSMANN.

It might be better.

KING.

Those Bernau brewers had best have a care--I may pay an unexpected visit to their brewery. How about the white smock I ordered?

EVERSMANN.

Ready, at hand.

KING.

When the meeting is over--you know what I have planned

EVERSMANN.

Everything is ready for Your Majesty.

KING.

You may go now. The door is to be opened at the stroke of ten.

EVERSMANN.

Yes, Your Majesty. [_He goes out_.]

[_The_ KING _walks to the window, remaining there for a few moments.

There is a pause_.]

KING.

Light in my wife's apartments again! Three rooms illuminated where one would have been enough--and tallow so expensive now. A dozen women have been invited there tonight, and a great conspiracy is going forward, with the Prince of Wales received incognito--all to defy me. But wait a bit--I'll be with you. This day has begun weightily and shall end weightily.

SCENE VI

_A small clock strikes ten. The door to the right is thrown open and the members of the Tobacco-Conference come in, led by_ GRUMBKOW _and_ SECKENDORF. _There are about ten of them besides the princ.i.p.al actors.

They come in solemnly, wearing their hats, carrying pipes in their mouths. Pa.s.sing the_ KING _they touch their hats and remove their pipes for a moment._ HOTHAM _and the_ PRINCE of BAIREUTH _come last of all.

The_ KING _stands to the left and lets the procession move past him toward the right of the room._

GRUMBKOW (_with the prescribed greeting_).

Good evening, Your Majesty.

KING.

Good evening, Grumbkow.

SECKENDORF.

Good evening, Your Majesty.

KING.

Good evening, Seckendorf.

COUNT SCHWERIN.

Good evening, Your Majesty.

KING.

Good evening, Schwerin. Does it taste good?

SCHWERIN.

Fine! Thanks, Your Majesty.

COUNT WARTENSLEBEN.

Good evening, Your Majesty.

KING.

Good evening, Wartensleben. Pipe draw well?