2nd Sentry: 

Why shall we never leave it?

1st Sentry: 

Did you not hear how glad they were when they sang the hunting song?  They say a wild dog does not turn from the trail, they will go on hunting now.

2nd Sentry: 

But will the King stay here?

1st Sentry: 

He only does what Ichtharion and Ludibras persuade him.  He does not listen to the Queen.

2nd Sentry: 

The Queen is mad.

1st Sentry: 

She is not mad but she has a curious sickness, she is always frightened though there is nothing to fear.

2nd Sentry: 

That would be a dreadful sickness; one would fear that the roof might fall on one from above or the earth break in pieces beneath.  I would rather be mad than to fear things like that.

1st Sentry:  [looking straight before him]

Hush.

[Enter King and retinue.  He sits on the throne.  Enter from other side Ichtharion, Ludibras, and Harpagas, each with his wife beside him, hand in hand.  Each couple bows before the King, still hand in hand; then they seat themselves.  The King nods once to each couple.]

King:  [To Tharmia]

Well, your Sincerity, I trust that you are glad to have come to Thek.

Tharmia: 

Very glad, your Majesty.

King:  [To Arolind]

This is pleasanter, is it not, than Barbul-el-Sharnak?

Arolind: 

Far pleasanter, your Majesty.

King: 

And you, princely lady Carolyx, find all that you need in Thek?

Carolyx:  More than all, your Majesty.

King:  [To Harpagas]

Then we can stay here long, can we not?

Harpagas: 

There are reasons of State why that were dangerous.

King: 

Reasons of State?  Why should we not stay here?

Harpagas: 

Your Majesty, there is a legend in the World, that he who is greatest in the city of Barbul-el-Sharnak is the greatest in the world.

King: 

I had not heard that legend.

Harpagas: 

Your Majesty, little legends do not hive in the sacred ears of kings; nevertheless they hum among lesser men from generation to generation.

King: 

I will not go for a legend to Barbul-el-Sharnak.

Harpagas: 

Your Majesty, it is very dangerous....

King:  [To Ladies]

We will discuss things of State which little interest your Sincerities.

Tharmia:  [rising]

Your Majesty, we are ignorant of these things.

    [Exeunt.]

King:  [To Ichtharion and Ludibras]

We will rest from things of State for awhile, shall we not?  We will be happy, (shall we not?) in this ancient beautiful palace.

Ludibras: 

If your Majesty commands, we must obey.