King Dodon.
Why, indeed, old dotard,
Dost thou stare like an owl?
Thou seest the damsel is put to shame—
Still fears us men.
Away with thee! Go!
Behind the tent.
(Polkan gets up hurriedly and goes behind the tent, from where his long beard is seen sticking out from time to time. The Queen moves her pillow close to Dodon.)
Queen of Shemakhan
(almost in Dodon’s ear).
My business is with thee.