Courtier [with an impatient gesture]. Ssh—ssh—ssh! Out of the way there! Make way for his Royal Highness!
[Stands aside, bowing. Enter Prince, his
cloak held by two pages, followed by the
Court Lady, by whom the Courtier
takes his place. Villagers fall back, courtesying
and bowing. Prince stands with
folded arms and haughty air reading sign
and looking about him. Pause.
Prince. Well, I see no Monks. Am I to be kept waiting here all day?
Courtier [bowing low]. Your Highness, the hour set has not yet——
Prince [interrupting angrily]. I say I will not be kept waiting. What will my father the king say when he hears I have been kept standing in the highway with a rabble of common peasant children?
Court Lady. Oh, your Highness, condescend to have a little patience!
Prince [more angrily]. I will not have patience. Patience is not a virtue for Kings and Princes. [Taps his foot on the ground.]
Court Lady [nervously looking up the road]. Oh, but think of something else—think of—think what a pleasant day it is!
Prince [scowling prodigiously]. Pleasant day, indeed!
Courtier. Here they come, your Highness!