[Aloud.]
But what, let me ask, was the name of the prince whom she deigned to honour with her hand?
ATTENDANT.
How could I think of polluting my lips by the mention of a wretch who had the cruelty to desert his lawful wife?
KING. [Aside.
Ha! the description suits me exactly. Would I could bring myself to inquire the name of the child's mother!
[Reflecting.]
But it is against propriety to make too minute inquiries about the wife of another man[120].
FIRST ATTENDANT.
[Entering with the china peacock in her hand.