KING. There you are mistaken again. I am still paying for old slips. However, if you are not willing to obey me as a son, you must obey me as a subordinate.
ERIC. The Heir Apparent is no subject!
KING. That's why I used the word "subordinate." And all are subordinate to the King.
ERIC. Must I obey blindly?
KING. As long as you are blind, you must obey blindly. When you get your sight, you will obey with open eyes. But obey you must!—Wait only till you have begun to command, and you will soon see how much more difficult that is, and how much more burdensome.
ERIC. [Pertly] Pooh!
KING. [Angrily] Idiot!—Go and wash the dirt off yourself, and see that your hair is combed. And rinse that filthy mouth of yours first of all, so that you don't stink up my rooms. Go now—or I'll give you a week in the tower to sober up. And if that should not be enough, I'll take off your ears, so that you can never wear a crown. Are those words plain enough?
ERIC. The law of succession....
KING. I make laws of that kind to suit myself! Do you understand now?—That's all!—Away!
PRINCE ERIC goes out.