Kingly words that I should like to have spoken myself! If only one could find a better chancellor so easily! (To Alma.) I am sorry, my young diplomat, that my advice served you so ill.
(Another outburst of applause from the spectators.)
ALMA.
(Turning to the public.)
Once more my well-laid plan has gone astray!——
Before, dear sirs, I yet proceed to show
How I can bring this hero to his knees,
So that he cries beneath my scornful lash,
And whining drags himself unto my feet,
A sorry object, broken to his soul,
Begging that I shall lift him up again
And dampening all the dust about with tears,——
Before I show my skill in this respect,
I ask you to unlace your purses' strings
And to bestow a little of your wealth
With open hands upon my humble self.
(She takes two white plates and comes down the steps.)
Merely a pause, respected auditors,
A little contribution's all I ask!
(She passes among the rows of spectators, collecting from them, but does not approach the royal entourage. The King wanders about the stage speaking a monologue.)
THE KING.
Conflict on conflict! Should my strength be spent,
Death, like a living flame, would rush unchecked
Throughout the confines of the realm!