"Your Majesty," said Kyan, placing the empty bottle on the table, "this is nothing new. What I have done to-day with the wine is only what your officials do every day with the income of the state. In the first place, every small employé fills his own pockets, then the superiors, of course, do not forget themselves, and after that there remains nothing for the King."
The King clapped his hands, and looked round on those present.
"Kyan, your health! The parable is worthy of Æsop. But order another bottle for me."
The negro brought a second bottle of Ambrosia.
All laughed because the King laughed, but they looked askance at Kyan, who, having taken the smallest glass, was drinking to the health of the Hercules of Saxony.
Then they all fell on their knees, and, raising their glasses, shouted acclamation.
The King emptied his glass, and said,--
"Let us talk of something else."
Fürstenberg was the first to rise.
"Your Majesty," said he, "at this hour one should only speak of that which rules over both the night and the day; and that is Woman."