The rather too inquisitive Smith wonders at all this, and complains that, to him, the sense of this is “not very plain.” “Plain!” exclaims Bayes, “why, did you ever hear any people in the clouds speak plain? They must be all for flight of fancy, at its full range, without the least check or control upon it. When once you tie up sprites and people in clouds to speak plain, you spoil all.” The two kings of Brentford now “light out of the clouds, and step into the throne,” continuing the same dignified conversation:—
1st King.—Come, now to serious council we’ll advance.
2nd King.—I do agree; but first, let’s have a dance.
This confidence of the two kings of Brentford is suddenly disturbed by the sound of war. Two heralds announce that the army, that of Knightsbridge, had come to protect them, and that it had come in disguise, an arrangement which puzzles the author’s two visitors:—
1st King.—What saucy groom molests our privacies?
1st Herald.— The army’s at the door, and, in disguise,
Desires a word with both your majesties.
2nd Herald.—Having from Knightsbridge hither march’d by stealth.
2nd King.—Bid ’em attend a while, and drink our health.
Smith.—How, Mr. Bayes? The army in disguise!