KING. I do indeed. You are in the right, my brave compatriots—for my advanced age and increasing infirmities admonish me that I shall be under the necessity of following your advice. But on the day of battle, you shall see me on horseback—ON HORSEBACK—and in the thickest of the fight! (Crosses the stage, as a BURGOMASTER enters, kneels, and presents a petition.) What have we here?
BURGOMASTER. Sire—the common council has imprisoned a citizen, upon an accusation that he has sinned against heaven, the king, and the right worshipful the common council. We humbly beg to know what Your Majesty's pleasure is with regard to the punishment of so unparalleled and atrocious an offender?
KING. If the prisoner has sinned against heaven, and is not a fool or a madman, he will make his peace with it without delay. This is a Power (taking off his hat—all the characters make their obeisance) that kings themselves must bow to in reverential awe. (Resumes his hat.)
BURGOMASTER.
But he has also sinned against your high and mighty majesty—
KING.
Tush, tush, man!
BURGOMASTER (profoundly.)
On my official veracity, sire.
KING.
Well, well, for that I pardon him—
BURGOMASTER.
And he has likewise sinned against the right worshipful the common council.
KING.
The reprobate!—
BURGOMASTER.
It is most veritable, Your Majesty!