THE GYPSY. It is the general feeling, moreover, that the King may be depended upon to govern the kingdom properly—
THE KING. Without interference from these aristocratic meddlers. Yes, yes! Those are my sentiments exactly. How well put that is—without interference! Ah, it shows that I am appreciated among the lower classes. They understand me. What did you say they were? Petty tradesmen and clerks and bricklayers?
THE GYPSY. And truck drivers, your majesty.
THE KING. And truck drivers. Splendid fellows, all of them. As you said—the backbone of my king-dom. I must appoint a royal commission to investigate the welfare of the truck drivers. The Council of Peers will object—but I shall ignore them. Broken-down aristocrats! what do they know about governing a kingdom? They are useful only in war-time. Fighting is their only talent. In times of peace they are a nuisance. I shall not let them come between me and my people. … (He rises, and with a dignified oratorical gesture addresses an imaginary audience)—Tradesmen! Clerks! Truck drivers! The time has come— (He pauses, frowns, and sits down again.) Never mind that now. Go on with the news.
THE GYSPY. The rest of the political news is uninteresting, your majesty.
THE KING. It usually is. This is the first time it has ever been otherwise. Turn to something else.
THE GYPSY. I will turn to the society items, your majesty.
THE KING. Good.
THE GYPSY. (reciting) All tongues are discussing the approaching nuptials of the King and the Princess of—
THE KING. Tut! tut! I fear this is not a proper topic for—