Joker (rising from his stool and making a mock obeisance). My gratitude, gentle Knaves, for your varied courtesies. (The Knaves bow and exeunt, R., in single file. Joker puts his stool back in its place, beside the throne.) Of two misfortunes, rather let me suffer that of being a fool than a knave. The one knows nothing of the evil he does; the other knows nothing of the evil he does not do. And methinks whether of evil or of good those Knaves know but little of what they now perform. They bear those explosive bombs to the banquet hall? Surely they err. But of my affair it is none, and so I shall sagely hold my peace upon it, and—tap my wit! For here come the King and Queen.
[Music. Enter the King and Queen of Hearts, L., the Joker bowing and dancing before them as they come. They take their seats upon the thrones.]
King of Hearts. Well, Sir Joker, what was this riot that I lately heard? What this odor of powder and saltpetre?
Joker. The Knaves, my lord, the Knaves, the sorry Knaves. They did but even pass this way toward the banquet hall, bearing fireworks. (Sits down in one of the arm-chairs, and juggles with his rattle.) They did by mischance set off several of the pieces, and wellnigh scared me of the possession of my wits.
King of Hearts (laughing). Yet thou hast thy fool's cap still well on, I hope?
Joker. That I have, sire. So well on that even should you wish to borrow it, you could not get it off.
King of Hearts. Thou needst have no fear that I shall care to deprive thee of that honor.
Joker. Nay, but Kings have played the fool before.
King of Hearts. True. And thou mayst well add—many a fool has played the King.
Joker. But do not accuse me, sire. I never played you. I do but play upon you.