"You are right so far, my friend," replied Eckhof sadly. "But is it not also true that we are persecuted and driven forth? Has it not been proved that for an actor there is no law, no justice?"
"Who knows," said Fredersdorf, smiling, "that we may not still triumph over these miserable conspirators?"
"Are you aware that the theatre has been closed, and our representations forbidden until the decision of the General Assembly, with regard to the late disturbance in the theatre, shall be known?"
"The General Assembly will order the theatre to be opened, and our representations to recommence."
Eckhof heard this with a cutting, derisive laugh. "Dear friend, such an order would render justice to the scorned and oppressed on earth!"
"And they will receive justice; but it must be sought in the right place."
"Where is that place?"
"Where the king is."
"Ah! the king! That may be true in your case, because your brother is his private secretary, but it is not true for me—not true for the German actor."
"Eckhof, you are again unjust. The king is too noble, too free from prejudice, to be deceived by the dust with which these learned professors have sought to blind him. The king knows that they occasioned the late disturbance in the theatre."