THE THEATRE MANAGER.
(Wringing his hands and with tears in his eyes, throws himself on his knees before King Pietro.) Moriturus te salutat! Your gracious Majesty's unworthy theatre manager, who single-handed plucked this exceptional tragedian from the gallows, now has his life blighted by your Majesty's gracious choice!
KING PIETRO.
We bestow upon you the privilege of giving performances untaxed for twenty years!
THE KING.
May I inform your Majesty that I am the father of this young girl and that the father will appreciate your goodness even more than the actor if he may hope that his child will no longer need to conceal her true nature.
KING PIETRO.
Was I so deceived! (To Alma.) I do not want to hear your audacious speeches again from a woman's mouth. (To the King.) Let your child follow you! (He leaves the theatre in company with the Prince.)