“You would like to conceal your real position, to re-people this palace, to have a court?”
“Yes.”
“Do you think the courtiers who have deserted you would return?”
“Never. Did I not tell you they are sold to my enemies?”
“Could you not select others from the higher class of your subjects?”
“Impossible! There are very few gentlemen amongst my subjects. Ah! if a court could be got up at a day’s notice! though it were to be composed of the humblest citizens of Karlstadt——”
“I have better than that to offer you.”
“You have? And whom do you offer?” cried Duke Leopold, greatly astonished.
“My actors.”