The King, alarmed, drew himself up.
'If it is so, then I must dismiss him: yes, yes, it will be better. You shall take his place with me.'
Brühl again kissed his lord's hand. Augustus was still sad, he sighed, his eyes filled with tears--it distressed him to part with his friend.
'Brühl,' said he, 'it is decided; the Queen wishes it to be so, Guarini advises it, you have nothing against it; but tell me, how can it be done? How?'
The minister drooped his head and assumed an embarrassed mien. The King looked at him awaiting his decision.
'Your Majesty,' said Brühl raising his head, 'there are good reasons for disgrace, but I would not advise you to be severe with him; it will suffice to dismiss him, and not to let him see his lord's face. Banishment from the court is the worst of punishments.'
'Yes,' the King muttered, 'but I shall leave him a small pension.'
He looked at Brühl who nodded in the affirmative.
'Then banishment,' Augustus added, 'and I leave the execution of it to you. Do what you please, but save me any annoyance. Let him go----'
Augustus having shunted his trouble on to somebody else's shoulders, was already serene again.