Shakespeare:
To please your Majesty!
The Queen:
[Slowly and with difficulty.] I did say something about it; I’ve forgotten what—I—Yes—Oh, I wanted to see the fat Knight in love, and you wrote this “Wives of Windsor” to show it: ’tis not ill done, but the Knight was better in the earlier piece, much better; the story better too. Still, I wished it, and now—They say you’re witty, and rhyme well, and would make a good Master of the Revels to save my Lord Chamberlain there—some labour——
Shakespeare:
[Bows low.] I thank your gracious Majesty with all my heart, and should be proud to serve in any place; but——
The Queen:
[Starting up.] But!—But! The fools are all mad to-night. But what?
Shakespeare:
I would prefer to private gain what our great Queen herself desires—