MATEROSA [assisted by Bagot as interpreter]
Sir, it has indeed been a trying experience for us. But here we
are, impressed by a deep sense of gratitude for the signal marks of
attachment your country has shown us.
PRINCE OF WALES
You represent, practically, the Spanish people?
MATEROSA
We are immediately deputed, sir,
By the Assembly of Asturias,
More sailing soon from other provinces.
We bring official writings, charging us
To clinch and solder Treaties with this realm
That may promote our cause against the foe.
Nextly a letter to your gracious King;
Also a Proclamation, soon to sound
And swell the pulse of the Peninsula,
Declaring that the act by which King Carlos
And his son Prince Fernando cede the throne
To whomsoever Napoléon may appoint,
Being an act of cheatery, not of choice,
Unfetters us from our allegiant oath.
MRS. FITZHERBERT
The usurpation began, I suppose, with the divisions in the Royal
Family?
MATEROSA
Yes, madam, and the protection they foolishly requested from the
Emperor; and their timid intent of flying secretly helped it on.
It was an opportunity he had been awaiting for years.
MRS. FITZHERBERT
All brought about by this man Godoy, Prince of Peace!
PRINCE OF WALES
Dash my wig, mighty much you know about it, Maria! Why, sure,
Boney thought to himself, “This Spain is a pretty place; ’twill
just suit me as an extra acre or two; so here goes.”
DON DIEGO [aside to Bagot]
This lady is the Princess of Wales?
BAGOT
Hsh! no, Senor. The Princess lives at large at Kensington and
other places, and has parties of her own, and doesn’t keep house
with her husband. This lady is—well, really his wife, you know,
in the opinion of many; but—-
DON DIEGO
Ah! Ladies a little mixed, as they were at our Court! She’s the
Pepa Tudo to THIS Prince of Peace?