Another round of applause.
‘Dear friends,’ she continued sweetly, ‘accept my warmest thanks for your generosity in believing in me while yet I remained unheard. My lords,’ and she turned to the presiding Judges, ‘it is true that this instrument,’ she pointed then to the phonograph—‘has been signally instrumental in rendering undeniable testimony of the value of the evidence placed before you. Nevertheless, I knew not when I came hither that I was to encounter my own words uttered without thought, or preparation, in a moment of excitement; for probably, had I been aware that such was my friend, Mr. Sadbag’s intention, my place at this justice bar would never have been filled.
‘Holding his Majesty’s “pardon” as I do, I was under no necessity to appear before you, and plead the justice of my cause. Nevertheless, I do not regret the exposure, for after all, it has given the opportunity, to you, dear people, of showing the good feeling you entertain for me.
‘I felt in my heart when I elected to go forward with my defence that the people of this great Empire would render me justice and see me safely through this trying ordeal.’
‘Good people,’ exclaimed Mr. Sadbag, smiling good-humouredly, ‘pray don’t applaud any more; I can’t get along with my talking-machine; and until I finish the Court is unable to arrive at a decision. ’Tis a pity to hinder the Emperor’s pretty speeches, just listen to this, and see how poetical he is: the tender passion makes even kings grow quite tragical.’
‘Mercia, Mercia, give me thy love! Take me, my beloved, spurn me no longer, for without thee I am as one dead. As a world without sun, without life, without warmth I shall go on my way darkened for ever.
‘Take me into the sunshine of thy love; give me new life, dearest; resuscitate and refresh me with the joy of thy beauty, and let us drink of the wine of Love’s pleasures for ever.
‘Then shall we two learn how good it is to love; how sweet it is to be together! How delightful the blending of two souls made satisfied with their own companionship!’
‘It is Geometrus who speaks,’ came the soft dreamy tones of Mercia, ‘Geometrus has opened his heart to me at last!’
‘Geometrus!’ shouted the machine in the angry tones of the Emperor, ‘it is not Geometrus; it is I—Felicitas—Felicitas thine Emperor, who abjectly offers thee his love; his crown, and sues thee, Mercia, his servant—his astronomer.’