," were a shrewd device.
'Twere he who holds the money bags, must rule
And we the golden sword hold in our grasp.
_Francos:_ Ah noble Quezox, thou hast clearly solved
The riddle which hath cost me sleepless nights
It shall be done. But who approacheth me?
_Quezox:_ Sire, heed him not! Let's to our state rooms hie.
In truth methinks this man doth seek to spy,
And it were wise indeed to guard each port.
To pass an idle moment, it were well
In converse to enjoin; but this man speaks
Through eyes that warning give that he hath brains.
Hence it were best to pass him idly by,
And only mouth vain words with those who, dull,
Can work no harm by mouthing what were said.
_(Quezox takes Francos by the arm and moves off
muttering to himself)_
'Tis thus I guard this weakling from the throng.
And hold his foolish ear unto myself.

ACT IV

Dramatis Personae

_Francos:_ . . . . . . _Governor General of a Province._
_Quezox:_ . . . . . . _Resident Delegate of the Province._
_Seldonskip:_ . . . . _Secretary of the Governor General._
_Commissioners_
_Halstrom:_ . . . . . _Aide to the Governor General._

_Scene I. Garden of the Palace._

_Francos (Soliloquizes):_ Methinks the poet of the past who scrolled
"Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown"
Indeed were wise and kenned whereof he wrote.
His keen imagination doth amaze
And fill my mind with wonder at his full
Discernment of the most unhappy lot
Which great responsibility doth load
Upon the shoulders of betroubled men
Whom fate relentless hath before ordained
To, like the pack-horse, patiently, each day,
Upbear most galling burden, born of cares
Which do encompass the affairs of state.
When in the Nation's forum I did sit,
Like to a minnow in a mighty pool,
I did disport, and, nourishing no care,
Found naught to mar the pleasures born each day.
But now there looms before me mountain high
Questions of mighty import to the state
Which I must quickly and with wisdom solve
Without the bell mare's chime to charm mine ear.
On w