‘The woman never breathed who could turn a deaf ear to the man who entreated her properly. Only kneel metaphorically, but talk to her prettily, and gaze into her eyes with tenderest pathos, and she will melt with pure pity for thy condition.’
‘I’ve done it all!’ blurted the Emperor unwittingly. ‘I mean it’s no use, she is quite too hard-hearted to help me.’
‘I was sure of it, Sire, thou hast done too much already,’ exclaimed Divesdale, with the audacity that is engendered of close intimacy. ‘I will myself entreat her to overlook thy naughty conduct, and thy charges against the two men must be withdrawn. By taking conciliatory measures the thing may blow over; but otherwise it may prove very unpleasant for thy Majesty.’
Thus with his raillery, for the Emperor and he were familiar friends, Divesdale had discovered the truth; and now knew for certain what the other minister only guessed at.
‘Conciliatory measures!’ repeated the Emperor, who had by this time recovered himself, and who knew that he had already gone too far to be able to retract with any show of respectability, ‘impossible! She threatened my life, and my prime minister has commanded that a warrant be issued for her detention.’
‘Surely thy Majesty cannot be in earnest?’
‘I never was more so,’ the Emperor answered with an assumption of haughtiness.
‘What about Sadbag and Geometrus?’
‘They too will get served with the same sauce,’ replied Felicitas, with true autocratic audacity.
‘Has the prime minister really advised this measure?’ inquired Divesdale gravely.