[King sits on his throne, wise men and soldiers around. Enter messenger.]
Messenger: O King, the Princess awaits without and would have speech with thee.
King: Bid her enter.
[Enter Princess and a few attendants.]
Princess: O gracious King and father, I have a request, and I beg that you grant it.
King: Speak, my Princess; do I not always grant what you ask?
Princess: Yes, father, and I know that you will grant me this. Several years ago I adopted a son and I ask that you allow him to be educated in your palace.
King: Adopted a son! What can be the meaning of this? I never heard of this! Where did you get the boy?
Princess: I found him, a little baby, hidden among the rushes by the river bank.