'A trifle!' the King repeated, and having risen, he walked to and fro, sighing, as was his custom when angry.
Guarini watched him attentively.
'It is bad,' he said, 'that your Majesty, working so hard, does not try to find some amusement. Distraction is necessary to a man. St John in Patmos had a tame partridge.'
'Partridge!' the King repeated thoughtfully. 'I prefer hunting for woodcock.'
He resumed his walk, sighing.
'We must have either an opera, or hunting, or pictures.'
Augustus III waved his hand.
'Where is Brühl?' asked the Padre.
'Ah! Brühl! Only Brühl! But he is busy, poor man, let him rest. Brühl is a good man.'
'Excellent!' affirmed Guarini. 'But it is not with him that your Majesty is angry?'