Caroline. Oh, I know that it is not a popular one! We must all join in the cry of liberty and equality, and bless our stars that we have neither kings nor emperors to rule over us, and that our very first audible squeak was republicanism. If we don't join in the shout, and hang our caps on liberty-poles, we are considered monsters. For my part, I am tired of it, and am determined to say what I think. I hate republicanism; I hate liberty and equality; and I don't hesitate to declare that I am for monarchy. You may laugh, but I would say it at the stake.
Horace. Bravo, Caroline! You have almost run yourself out of breath. You deserve to be prime minister to the king.
Caroline. You mistake; I have no wish to mingle in political broils, not even if I could be as renowned as Pitt or Fox; but I must say, I think our equality is odious. What do you think! To-day, the new chamber-maid put her head into the door, and said, "Caroline, your marm wants you!"
Horace. Excellent! I suppose if ours were a monarchical government, she would have bent to the ground, or saluted your little foot, before she spoke.
Caroline. No, Horace; you know there are no such forms in this country.
Horace. May I ask your highness what you would like to be?
Caroline. I should like to be a countess.
Horace. Oh, you are moderate in your ambition! A countess, now-a-days, is the fag-end of nobility.
Caroline. Oh! but it sounds so delightfully,—"The young Countess Caroline!"
Horace. If sound is all, you shall have that pleasure; we will call you the young countess.