Dearest father, would your majesty not most graciously permit the learned disputation to begin? My heart yearns for this mental activity.
KING.
Yes, it may begin now. Court scholar—court fool—you both know that to the one who gains the victory in this disputation is allotted that costly hat; for this very reason have I had it set up here, so that you may have it always before your eyes and never be in want of quick wit.
[LEANDER and JACKPUDDING bow.]
LEANDER.
The theme of my assertion is, that a recently published play by the name of Puss in Boots is a good play.
JACKPUD.
That is just what I deny.
LEANDER.
Prove that it is bad.