orning! Good morning! Hope you slept well, gentlemen. Well, you
rascal, where's that frippery? What's this--the English orders are
missing? Fasten it on well. I don't want the fol-dols knocking about my
knees.

EVERSMANN (_as if joking_).

Is there something so important on hand? Doesn't Your Majesty want the
crown also?

KING.

The crown! Idiot! [_He comes out_.] You can be glad that you don't have
to wear it, sirrah! Off with you now. Eversmann, and see that everything
is in order. [EVERSMANN _goes out_.] Good morning, Grumbkow and
Seckendorf. No time for you now--my compliments to the State of Prussia
and I beg to be left to myself today. Good morning--good morning.

[_The two ministers prepare reluctantly to depart_.]

GRUMBKOW (_in the door_).

Your Majesty is in such a merry mood--

SECKENDORF.

Could it be the arrival of the courier--? KING (_indifferently_). Oh,
yes. A courier came--

GRUMBKOW.

From Hanover?

KING.

From Hanover.

SECKENDORF.

With news of importance, Your Majesty?

KING.

News of importance!

GRUMBKOW.

Concerning English affairs, doubtless?

KING.

English affairs!

SECKENDORF.

Doubtless the East Indian commercial treaties.

KING.

No--no.

GRUMBKOW.

The Dutch shipping agreement?

KING (_enjoying their curiosity_).

Something of that nature. Good morning, gentlemen.

GRUMBKOW (_aside_).

He is in a desperate mood again.

SECKENDORF (_aside, going out_).

Thirty-six thalers--twelve places--the orphans--we must find the
combination! [_They go out_.]

SCENE III

KING.

They've gone. At last I have a moment to myself. [EVERSMANN _comes in_.]
I am supremely happy.

EVERSMANN.

My respectful congratulations.

KING.

Thankee-now just imagine--oh, yes--no. [_Aside_.] No one must know of
it.

EVERSMANN.

Did Your Majesty intend to--

KING.

Change my clothes? Yes--take this coat off; we'll spare no expense. They
shall see that I possess wealth; they shall see that though I may be
parsimonious ordinarily, still I can spend as well as any of them when
an occasion offers. An occasion like this--[_with an out-burst_.]
Eversmann, just imagine! [_Remembering_.] Oh, yes.

EVERSMANN (_takes off the_ KING'S _coat_).

Will Your Majesty put on the embroidered uniform?

KING.

The embroidered uniform, Eversmann. I am expecting guests to whom all
honor must be shown. Great honor--for when it concerns the arrival of
persons who--[_He