The King. What would be your choice, then? Would you help the king to establish a democratic monarchy or—?
Flink (impetuously). I would ten thousand times rather have the bigoted prince, with all his own and his mother's follies!—the madder the better!
Gran. No, no, no, no!
The King (to GRAN and KOLL). We see his true colours now! (Moves away from them.)
Koll (to FLINK). That is the way you republicans always ride your principles to death.
Gran. Patriotism ought to come before—
Flink.—before truth? No; a short sharp pang of agony is better than endless doubt and falsehood, my friend! That is true patriotism.
Koll. Oh, these theories!—these phrases!
Gran. I am a republican as well as you, and, I think, as sincere a one. But I should have no hesitation—
Flink.—in playing the traitor?