QUEEN CAHAFRA (to the King's Overseer)
Then why are they not flogged? (To Queen Thragolind) It is so simple, they only have to flog them, but these people are so silly sometimes. I want to walk in the great garden, and then they tell me: "It is not ready, Majesty. It is not ready, Majesty," as though there were any reason why it should not be ready.
FOURTH QUEEN
Yes, they are a great trouble to us.
[Meanwhile the King hands back the plans. Exit the King's Overseer. Reënter Attendant with the Prophet, who is dressed in a long dark brown cloak; his face is solemn; he has a long dark beard and long hair. Having bowed before the idol, he bows before the King and stands silent. The attendant, having bowed to both, stands by the doorway.
THE KING (meanwhile to Queen Atharlia)
Perhaps we shall lure the ducks when the marshes are frozen to come and swim in your stream; it will be like your own country. (To the Prophet) Prophesy unto us.
THE PROPHET (speaks at once in a loud voice)
There was once a King that had slaves to hate him and to toil for him, and he had soldiers to guard him and to die for him. And the number of the slaves that he had to hate him and to toil for him was greater than the number of the soldiers that he had to guard him and to die for him. And the days of that King were few. And the number of thy slaves, O King, that thou hast to hate thee is greater than the number of thy soldiers.
QUEEN CAHAFRA (to Queen Thragolind)