KING.

That is right, my dear daughter.  Ah, indeed, indeed, have you spoken words of truth:  a hell on earth!  Alas, if only I were not qualified to discuss it!  Indeed I should have preferred to remain ignorant!  But as it is, dear treasure, I have my tale to tell, as they say.  Your mother, my consort of blessed memory—­ah, Princess, see, the tears rush to my eyes even in my old age—­she was a good queen, she wore the crown with an indescribable air of majesty—­but she gave me very little peace.  Well, may her ashes rest in peace among her royal relatives.

PRINCESS.

Your majesty excites yourself too much.

KING.

When the memory of it returns to me, O my child, on my knees I would entreat you—­do be careful in marrying!  It is a great truth that linen and a bridegroom must not be bought by candle-light, a truth which should be found in every book.  What did I suffer!  No day passed without a quarrel; I could not sleep peacefully, could not conduct my administrative business quietly, I could not think of anything, could not read a book—­I was always interrupted.  And still my spirit sometimes yearns for you, my blessed Klothilde!  My eyes smart—­I am a real old fool.

PRINCESS (tenderly).

My father!

KING.

I tremble to think of the dangers that face you, for, even if you do fall in love now, my daughter, ah! you should just see what thick books wise men have filled on this subject—­see, your very passion, then, can also make you miserable.  The happiest, the most blissful emotion can ruin us; moreover, love is, as it were, a magic cup; instead of nectar we often drink poison; then our pillow is wet with tears; all hope, all consolation are gone. (The sound of a trumpet is heard.) Why, it isn’t dinner-time yet, is it?  Probably another new prince who wants to fall in love with you.  Take care, my daughter; you are my only child, and you do not realize how near my heart your happiness lies. (He kisses her and leaves the hall.  Applause is heard in the pit.)

FISCHER.

That’s a scene for you, in which you can find sound common sense.

SCHLOSS.

I am also moved.

MUeLLER.

He’s an excellent sovereign.

FISCHER.

Now he didn’t exactly have to appear with a crown.

SCHLOSS.

It entirely spoils the sympathy one feels for him as an affectionate father.

THE PRINCESS (alone).

I do not understand at all; why, not one of the princes has yet touched my heart with love.  I always keep in mind my father’s warnings; he is a great sovereign and nevertheless a good father too, and is always thinking of my happiness; if only he did not have such a hasty temper!  But fortune and misfortune are always coupled thus.  My joy I find in the arts and sciences, for books constitute all my happiness.