KING (who has regarded SOPHIA with great interest.)
Let the dance proceed.
(A merry dance and waltz by the CHARACTERS, at the termination of which a tableau is formed. The utmost merriment and hilarity mark the action of the scene. At the conclusion of the dance, the KING, who has been occupied in carefully examining the Vase, wipes it with his handkerchief, which becomes stained with the paint. KARL draws his attention to the inscription.)
KARL.
Behold, my liege!—
KING.
Ha! What words are these? (Reads.) "To Frederick the Great Tyrant"—Treachery!—
(KARL immediately seizes the Vase, and carries it off, without the inscription being
seen by any but the KING.) Break off the sports!
COUNTESS (greatly astonished.)
What means Your Gracious Majesty?
KING. (Who has taken out his tablets, and written on them in great haste—does not regard her, and speaks furiously.)—Let all the doors be closed! Such base ingratitude shall not go unpunished!—Give over your mirth! Ho! My guards! (Drums immediately sound.) My guards!
(Presto! Enter HAROLD, CORPORAL, and GRENADIERS, in great haste. The KING hands HAROLD his orders, and rushes out in a towering passion. Enter WEDGEWOOD. All the guests are thrown into great confusion. Re-enter KARL.)
HAROLD (promptly.)
Count Laniska, stand forth!
COUNT.
What is your business with me, Harold?
HAROLD.
You are our prisoner.