(Making himself ready.) Another wrinkle here, so! ——You, my treasure, indeed, appear to have found happiness in our present calling.
ALMA.
Yes, father! A thousand times, yes! My heart is full of the joy of living, since I see my acting received daily with crowded benches!
THE KING.
It astonishes me how little our environment affects you, although you allow all to believe that they are your equals by birth. You are a lamb among a pack of wolves, each of which has sworn to protect you, because each one grudges you to the others. But wolves remain wolves! And if the lamb does not want to be torn to pieces finally, it must, sooner or later, become a wolf itself.——But don't listen to me! I do not understand what evil spirit influences me today to call down misfortune upon our heads!
ALMA.
Do not believe me capable of such base ingratitude, Father, as to think that the pleasure I find in my work as a punchinello prevents me recollecting with joy the noble pomp in which I passed my childhood!
THE KING.
(Rising with forced composure.) At any rate, I am ready for the very worst!
(As he speaks these words the theatre servants place two golden seats in front of the first row of benches. Immediately after, the Theatre Manager rushes into the dressing room in the greatest excitement.)