“The man that hath no music in himself,
Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds,
Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils;
Let no such man be trusted.”
The King could not restrain a smile; but he saw that the republican was annoyed, and hastened to change the subject.
“I want to lose no time, as you see, in acting on my promise,” he said, addressing Johann. “You convinced me yesterday that I was a bad king; now I want you to tell me how to become a better one.”
Johann had been rubbed the wrong way by Bernal’s ill-disguised sarcasm. He replied ungraciously—
“If you are in earnest, sir, and really wish me to explain my ideas, I shall be very glad to do so. But you must allow me to speak to you quite plainly.”
“That is exactly what I wish. I intend to send for the Count von Sigismark presently, to take him into consultation; but, before he comes, I thought it would be better for us to have a little discussion, so that we may see our way more clearly.”
“Certainly,” said Johann, brightening up.