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The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 07
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[The lackeys place the table in the centre of the room and then go off.]
PRINCE (aside).
Hotham—the commercial treaties—
[HOTHAM sits down at the centre of the table, opens the portfolio which he has brought with him, lays out sheets of paper, and examines his pen.]
KING (folding his hands).
In God's name—[After a pause] If I should ask you, my faithful spouse, companion of my life, what a happy marriage is—
QUEEN
Has that anything to do with our daughter's wedding-contract?
KING
Do not interrupt me. You may not be conscious of it—but I am fully aware of how much this solemn moment imports.
HOTHAM
Please Your Majesty—I have already written "In God's name."
KING (looks surprised and pleased).
Did you really write that?
HOTHAM
It is customary to print it at the head of these and similar contracts.
KING
Printing is not as good—the letter killeth, saith the Scriptures; but you may begin now.
HOTHAM
We are concerned here with an affiliation between two nations which, although differing in language, manners, and customs, still have so many points of contact that they should seize every opportunity to come closer to each other.
KING
Couldn't you weave in something there about the English being really descended from the Germans?
HOTHAM
That would lead us too far afield.
KING
Oh, very well, as you say. It was a good beginning.
HOTHAM
Such an opportunity now offers in the mutually expressed wish of the dynasties of England and Prussia, to unite in the bonds of holy matrimony two of their illustrious scions. The Prince of Wales sues for the hand of Princess Wilhelmine.
WILHELMINE
The Prince of Wales?
HOTHAM
His suit is accepted attendant upon the conditions here following.
WILHELMINE. Accepted?
KING
Hush! Do not disturb this solemn procedure by idle chatter.
WILHELMINE
But—but how is this possible—
PRINCE (to the PRINCESS).
Your Highness, the conditions are but just being drawn up.
QUEEN (aside to the PRINCESS).
Do not interrupt. What must the envoy of the elegant court of St. James think of the manners of our Prussian Princesses!
KING
These chattering women! Very good, Baronet Hotham; the beginning was excellent. Don't you think so, Prince?
PRINCE
Certainly, Your Majesty. [Aside] It was odious.
QUEEN
And the conditions? [Aside] I am eager to hear about the dowry.
HOTHAM
First paragraph—
KING
