EVERSMANN.
Don't mention it, pray.
PRINCE.
And who are you?
EVERSMANN. I? [There is along pause.]
I am Eversmann. [He goes out into the QUEEN's room.]
PRINCE.
Eversmann? The Minister of Finance or the Head Steward, I wonder? He betrays parsimony in every shred of his garments. [Drums and the sound of presented arms is heard back of the rear entrance.] The King is coming. The King? Why should I feel so timid, so oppressed, all of a sudden? Does my courage fail me because I am about to confront this curiosity of his century? I'd rather observe him from the side at first.
[He draws back and stands close by the door to the left.]