(After he has laid aside the crown.) Will your Majesty believe it, our piece has been received everywhere as a harmless farce?
KING PIETRO.
I cannot believe that! Are my subjects so stupid? Otherwise, how can you explain it to me?
THE KING.
I cannot inform your Majesty as to that. Such is life!
KING PIETRO.
Very well, then, if such is life, my people shall not hear you again, until they understand you, for otherwise your play would only undermine the power of my throne. Lay aside your mantle and stand forth before me!
(The King lays aside mantle, beard and wig and descends the steps.)
KING PIETRO.
I cannot appoint a man who has made his living collecting pennies to any office of state. But my royalty shall never prevent me from making a companion of the man whose gifts have moved me to tears. There is a post vacant close to the throne, which I have left unfilled until now, because I did not wish to make a place for folly in a position where even the greatest amount of wisdom is too small. But you shall fill this position. You shall be powerless against the meanest citizen of my state. But your high mental power shall stand between me and my people, between me and the royal chancellors; it shall be allowed to expend itself unpunished upon me and my son. As there on the stage, your soul stood between the ruler and his dark desires, so shall it check my innermost self! I appoint you my court fool! ——Follow me! (He starts to go.)