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The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 07
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Is there something so important on hand? Doesn't Your Majesty want the crown also?
KING
The crown! Idiot! [He comes out.] You can be glad that you don't have to wear it, sirrah! Off with you now. Eversmann, and see that everything is in order. [EVERSMANN goes out.] Good morning, Grumbkow and Seckendorf. No time for you now—my compliments to the State of Prussia and I beg to be left to myself today. Good morning—good morning.
[The two ministers prepare reluctantly to depart.]
GRUMBKOW (in the door).
Your Majesty is in such a merry mood—
SECKENDORF
Could it be the arrival of the courier—? KING (indifferently). Oh, yes. A courier came—
GRUMBKOW
From Hanover?
KING
From Hanover.
SECKENDORF
With news of importance, Your Majesty?
KING
News of importance!
GRUMBKOW
Concerning English affairs, doubtless?
KING
English affairs!
SECKENDORF
Doubtless the East Indian commercial treaties.
KING
No—no.
GRUMBKOW
The Dutch shipping agreement?
KING (enjoying their curiosity).
Something of that nature. Good morning, gentlemen.
GRUMBKOW (aside).
He is in a desperate mood again.
SECKENDORF (aside, going out).
Thirty-six thalers—twelve places—the orphans—we must find the combination! [They go out.]
SCENE III
KING
They've gone. At last I have a moment to myself. [EVERSMANN comes in.]
I am supremely happy.
EVERSMANN
My respectful congratulations.
KING
Thankee-now just imagine—oh, yes—no. [Aside.] No one must know of it.
EVERSMANN
Did Your Majesty intend to—
KING
Change my clothes? Yes—take this coat off; we'll spare no expense. They shall see that I possess wealth; they shall see that though I may be parsimonious ordinarily, still I can spend as well as any of them when an occasion offers. An occasion like this—[with an out-burst.] Eversmann, just imagine! [Remembering.] Oh, yes.
EVERSMANN (takes off the KING'S coat).
Will Your Majesty put on the embroidered uniform?
KING
The embroidered uniform, Eversmann. I am expecting guests to whom all honor must be shown. Great honor—for when it concerns the arrival of persons who—[He sits down.] Take off my boots. [EVERSMANN pulls off the boots with difficulty.] Has the Prince of Baireuth been here yet?
EVERSMANN
Is Your Majesty going to all this trouble on his account?
