Courtiers (in horror). Ah!
King Bilbonzo. My courtiers clung to me in terror. My head swam. Suddenly the monster dived, and the sea at once destroyed the palace and gardens. I myself, with a few faithful ones—you, my lords, among the number—remained bobbing up and down, holding to an empty cask. But the monster came once more to the surface, lifted a huge dripping mouth out of the water, and swallowed us all.
Courtiers. B-r-r-r!—most horrible!
King Bilbonzo. However, after a short interval of oppressive darkness, it cast us out again uninjured—and I found myself in my bed!
Courtiers (drawing a long breath of relief). Eh!
King Bilbonzo. What is your opinion, my lords? Is this a prophetic vision?
Palaemon. It is a fact that the prophet Jonah, some time since, had the honour of experiencing something very like what your Majesty has just dreamed.
King Bilbonzo. Does any of you think himself in a position to explain this dream to me? [All shake their heads.]
Palaemon. Sire, I have been told that there is, at this moment, a Spanish magician staying in our capital. Perhaps he might be able to comply with your wish. I have already given orders to have this person searched for—probably he has already reached the palace....
King Bilbonzo. Why! this is exceedingly interesting! Be so good as to bring the man into our presence at once.