I think—I may say—that I understand Your Majesty entirely. [Aside.]
What can she mean?
QUEEN.
No one can call me unduly proud. But if one belongs to a family which has recently had the honor of being chosen to fill the throne of England—if one is the daughter of a King, the wife of a King, the mother of a future King—you will understand that in this matter of my daughter's future—there are weighty considerations which force me to avoid any possible political mésalliance.
PRINCE.
Mésalliance? The Princess? Your daughter [Bewildered.] I must confess—I was but superficially informed of all these matters.
QUEEN.
What I am about to tell you, Prince, under the seal of your utmost discretion, is a secret and the result of the gravest negotiations and plans. You know what kind of a Court this is at which I live. I am denied the influence which should be my right as mother of my country. The King has surrounded himself with persons who have separated him from me. I dare not think how this company of corporals and sergeants will receive my deeply thought-out plans. How will the King be inclined in regard to a matter that is of such decisive importance for the happiness of his children and the fair fame of his house? In this, Prince, you see my need of a man of your intelligence, your insight, that I may know what to hope—or [firmly] if need be—what to dare!
PRINCE.
I shall be most eagerly anxious to justify Your Majesty's confidence. [Aside.] Good Heavens!