KING.
Yes. And the Crown Prince can play the flute for it, since he has learned that art behind my back.
PRINCE (turns to go, but comes back).
And the ladies and gentlemen of the Court are to act in it?
KING.
Surely. Give every one of them something to say, only not me. But
Grumbkow must act in it. Yes, Grumbkow must be in it—and the ladies
Viereck and Sonnsfeld—and Seckendorf—and—
PRINCE (as above).
Must it be in English or in French?
KING.
Neither. In German, good, pure, fiery German—High German, you understand, not the Berlin flavor. [Confidentially.] And if you could bring in a little Dutch somewhere—certain considerations of commerce would render that very pleasing to me; it will be spoken of in the papers and the Ambassador of Holland will be there—you see, it's about the importation of tobacco. [Makes gestures as of smoking and whispers into the PRINCE'S ear.] But I suppose a fine young gentleman like yourself doesn't smoke.