The Chancellor.
So long as there’s no precedent to go by, suppose we ourselves adopt an original measure. Suppose we take the Princess into our confidence so that she can herself be on her guard! [This gives rise to murmurs, some approving, others dissenting.]
The King.
It’s rather radical, not to say subversive, to teach young people anything that isn’t perfectly pleasant, but—isn’t it best to let them find out for themselves that roses have thorns?
The Chancellor.
Hardly, Sire, considering the price of the prick!
The Frog.
That’s what I have always said!
The Queen.
Yes, but then you two haven’t the feelings of a mother! If you think there are no pricks, why, then there are none!... Ouch! What was that?