SECKENDORF (aside).

Aha, you see, now we have caught him.

PRINCE.

It can’t be gunpowder, because Count Seckendorf has already discovered that. [All laugh.]

SECKENDORF (aside).

Never mind, Grumbkow, I’ll wait the fitting moment.

KING.

He invented iron ramrods.  Now, you see, my son in Rheinsberg, for all his Homers and Voltaires, and whatever their heathen names may be, that he gathers round him, couldn’t think of anything like that. [Aside.] Is he drinking, Eversmann?

HOTHAM (to PRINCE).

Don’t let slip your advantage.

PRINCE.

Who the devil could think of iron ramrods!

GRUMBKOW (rising).

We’ll drink a pleasant journey to His Highness, the Prince Hereditary of
Baireuth. [They all rise except the KING.]

ALL.

A pleasant journey.

HOTHAM (aside).

You’re done for—­you’ve lost everything.

PRINCE (aside).

It was shameful perfidy!

HOTHAM (aside).

Make him respect you—­be as brutal as he is—­pretend to be drunk. [They all sit down after having touched glasses amid laughter.]

PRINCE (rises, his tankard in his hand.  Speaks as if slightly intoxicated).

Gentlemen—­

KING (aside).

I believe he’s hipped.

PRINCE.

And—­and—­and—­I thank you. [He sits down.  They all laugh.]

KING.

Bravo, Prince, you are a most excellent speaker.

GRUMBKOW.

He’s done for, Your Majesty:  we must have him make a speech now.

KING.

Yes.  Give us a speech, Prince.

ALL.

A speech—­speech!

[The PRINCE rests his head in his hands and does not rise.]

HOTHAM.

The question is—­what shall he talk about?

KING.

About anything—­whatever he chooses.

HOTHAM.

I could suggest an interesting subject.

KING.

Out with it.

HOTHAM.

What if he were to discuss some member of this merry company?

KING.

’Tis done!  And that we need waste no time in choice—­let him discuss—­me.

ALL (startled).

Your Majesty?

KING.

It’s very warm here. [Opens his coat.] Let’s make ourselves comfortable, Eversmann.  Well, Prince—­begin.  Give us a speech about me.

HOTHAM.

Please—­

KING.

No hesitation—­let it be as if I had just died—­

HOTHAM.

Your Majesty—­

KING.

Quiet!  Silence all.  The Prince of Baireuth will give us a speech about me. [Aside.] In vino veritas.  I am curious to know whether such a French windbag is composed entirely of falsehoods.