"No, sire, that is not all. It was the King of Spain's request that your majesty should deliver the letter, and sustain it by every argument which your well-known enmity to the Jesuits might suggest."
"I am more than willing to undertake it; but to-day, as ever, my representations to the empress will be vain."
"Do your best, sire, and I will come to your relief with a reserved force, which will do good service. Only allow me to request that you will not quit the empress until the reserve comes up."
"Then the parts we are to play are distributed and learned by heart?"
"Just so; and Heaven be propitious, that the scenery may work well, and the actors may know their cue!"
"We have accomplices, then?"
"I shall be accompanied by the papal nuncio, and if your majesty permits me, I will go for him at once. In half an hour I shall come to the rescue."
"Go, then, and I fly to the empress," cried Joseph, with exultation.