GARCERAN. Your majesty!
[The KING comes wrapped in a cloak. Exit PAGE.]
KING. Well, friend!
Still here?
GARCERAN. Why, did you not yourself command
That only with the evening's first approach—
KING. Yes, yes, but now on second thought it seems
Far better that you travel while 'tis day—
They say thou'rt brave.
GARCERAN. So you believe, O Sire—
KING. Methinks thou honorest the royal word
Which would unharmèd know what it protects.
But custom is the master of mankind;
Our wills will often only what they must.
And so, depart. But tell me, what doth she?
GARCERAN. At first, there was a weeping without end,
But time brings comfort, as the saying is;
And so 'twas here. Soon cheerfulness, yea jest,
Had banished all her former abject fear;
Then there was pleasure in the shining toys,
And wonder at the satin tapestries.
We measured every curtained stuff by yards,
Till now we've settled down and feel at home.
KING. And does she seem desirous to return?
GARCERAN. It sometimes seems she does, and then does not.
A shallow mind ne'er worries for the morrow.