Fine growth--fine strong growth.

PRINCE.

What are you doing to my hair? And you're still laughing!

HOTHAM.

As a consequence of a most droll diplomatic transaction, I also have
been honored with an invitation to the Smoker. And that I may enjoy the
true savor of the customary and, methinks, sometimes strongly realistic
entertainment of such occasions, those in charge have bestirred
themselves to find royal game for the baiting.

PRINCE.

And I am to be--the game? This is too much! I will be there, Hotham; I
will take my place humbly at the foot of the great table, but I warn you
that my patience is exhausted. I will show them that I have weapons to
parry the jibes of rough soldiers, weapons I have not yet brought into
play. I will be there, I will listen with apparent calm to what they are
planning to do to me--but then--then I will draw from _my_ quiver! I
will send arrow after arrow at this brutal despotism--and should the
shafts be too weak to penetrate their leathern harness, then, Hotham,
then out with my sword and at them!

HOTHAM.

Bravo, Prince! Excellent! That's the right mood! That is the language
one must use in this court. The hour draws near. It would take us too
far a-field were I to detail my plans to you now. I will first dispatch
this letter to the Queen. Then, as we set out for the Smoker--but I see
you are in no mood for explanations. Cherish this noble anger, Prince!
Rage as much as you will--snort like an angry tiger. [_Takes him by the
arm and leads him out_.] More--more--heap it up--there, now you are
ready to aid my plan, which is none other than to have you win the King
by forcing him to respect you. [_They go out_.]

SCENE V

_A plain low-ceilinged room in the palace. The walls are gray. The main
entrance is in the centre. One door at the left, a small window at the
right.

Lackeys carry in an oaken table and place a number of wooden stools
around it. Then they bring tankards on wooden platters and set them in a
circle on the table. A brazier with live coals is also brought in. The
lackeys go out.

The_ KING _comes from the door on the left in easy, undress house
uniform. He has a short Dutch pipe in his mouth, he shuts the door
carefully behind him._

KING.

Are they gathering already

EVERSMANN.

There's noise enough outside there.

KING.

My only recreation! While I may keep this little diversion, I am willing
to bear the burdens and cares of government.