King of Hearts. Thou playest upon me?
Joker. Only to hear your sweet notes, my liege.
Queen of Hearts. Thou hast a well-turned speech to-day, Joker.
Joker. Well turned, my Queen? Yet not so well turned as those giant fire-crackers which you have fashioned for the feast. Those indeed are royal bombs!
Queen of Hearts. Bombs? They are indeed harmless. There is nothing in them, but I warned the Knaves to handle them carefully, saying they might unexpectedly explode. [Laughs.]
Joker. And so, if they exploded, 'twould in truth be unexpected!
[As the Joker finishes his speech, enter Knave of Diamonds, L. He holds the portières up and announces in loud and formal tones,]
ARRIVAL OF THE ROYAL GUESTS.
Knave of Diamonds. Their Majesties the King and Queen of Diamonds.