THE OLD WOMAN. (grimly) It shall be as you say.
She goes out.
THE QUEEN. And now I must finish my quaint task. It pleases me to be kissing fools. I think it is becoming a habit of mine. Come to this garden bench, where he and I sat together, and I will kiss you upon the mouth, as I kissed him. Does it hurt you for me to say that? Good. (They sit down.) You are the only one in the kingdom who understands me. Lift up your head. (She kisses him. He lifts his head proudly, and sits beside her like a king.) You are silent. Why do you not say something appropriate?
THE FOOL. What I have to say will be with my sword, and your enemies will be the ones to hear it.
THE QUEEN. Ah, I forgot, it is a hero I am making out of you, and all a hero can do is fight. That is a stupid thing. I am sorry now that I kissed you.
THE FOOL. You will not be sorry when I have destroyed your enemies.
THE QUEEN. Now you are beginning to talk like my old nurse. It is well enough to fight, but it should be for amusement, and not with such seriousness. I have only succeeded in making you dull. You were better as a fool.
The Prince enters, with his hands tied behind him, conducted by some soldiers.
THE PRINCE. (Indignantly) Why am I treated in this fashion?
THE QUEEN. So it is you?