The Chancellor.
[Recovering himself.] Imagination! Why, there isn’t one in existence in the kingdom!
[The Lords and Ladies enter, and take ceremonial positions, bowing and curtseying to their Majesties. The King and Queen sit, motioning all to do likewise. All obey. The King then begins.]
The King.
My Lords and Ladies.... This, as you know, is the sixteenth anniversary of the birth of our beloved daughter, the Princess Moss-Rose. For the benefit of such of you as were not here when Heaven sent her to us we will rehearse an incident that then took place. To her christening feast as godmothers were bidden all the Good Fairies and Wise Women in our kingdom—
The Frog.
—to co-operate with me as godfather! I held the child at the font!
The King.
There were twelve of these ladies.