I can scarce believe it myself.  Disconsolate, I was preparing for the journey, and stopped to cast one last look up to the windows behind which my beloved sits captive—­a lackey of the King’s suite approached me.  I anticipated some new humiliation.  But imagine my astonishment at the surprise in store for me.  You know the value the King sets on his nightly smoking-bouts.  He invites to these gatherings only persons for whom he has especial plans.  Now picture my amazement when I learned that His Majesty begs me, before my departure tonight, to do him the pleasure to attend his Smoker!

HOTHAM.

You have an invitation?

PRINCE.

You’re—­you’re laughing. [HOTHAM laughs heartily.] What are you laughing at?

HOTHAM.

It’s unspeakably comical.

PRINCE.

Comical?  I should consider it rather tragical, when a sovereign first humiliates us and then suddenly heaps amiabilities upon us.  What is the matter with you.

HOTHAM.

Stand up straight-breast thrown out—­head up—­hands at your side—­no, more to the back—­

PRINCE.

What do you mean?

HOTHAM (pulling his hair).

Fine growth—­fine strong growth.

PRINCE.

What are you doing to my hair?  And you’re still laughing!

HOTHAM.

As a consequence of a most droll diplomatic transaction, I also have been honored with an invitation to the Smoker.  And that I may enjoy the true savor of the customary and, methinks, sometimes strongly realistic entertainment of such occasions, those in charge have bestirred themselves to find royal game for the baiting.

PRINCE.

And I am to be—­the game?  This is too much!  I will be there, Hotham; I will take my place humbly at the foot of the great table, but I warn you that my patience is exhausted.  I will show them that I have weapons to parry the jibes of rough soldiers, weapons I have not yet brought into play.  I will be there, I will listen with apparent calm to what they are planning to do to me—­but then—­then I will draw from my quiver!  I will send arrow after arrow at this brutal despotism—­and should the shafts be too weak to penetrate their leathern harness, then, Hotham, then out with my sword and at them!

HOTHAM.

Bravo, Prince!  Excellent!  That’s the right mood!  That is the language one must use in this court.  The hour draws near.  It would take us too far a-field were I to detail my plans to you now.  I will first dispatch this letter to the Queen.  Then, as we set out for the Smoker—­but I see you are in no mood for explanations.  Cherish this noble anger, Prince!  Rage as much as you will—­snort like an angry tiger. [Takes him by the arm and leads him out.] More—­more—­heap it up—­there, now you are ready to aid my plan, which is none other than to have you win the King by forcing him to respect you. [They go out.]