FullReads

THE KING.
What! What! What’s this?
Why, I never heard such impudence! Fellow, do you mean to tell me–

He becomes speechless, and sets down his Ka-Fe.

THE GYPSY.
Your majesty, I have especially softened the wording of this piece of news in order not to offend your majesty’s ears. But in substance that is the story which was told last night at every tavern in the city.

THE KING.
But, sirrah, I cannot permit–I simply cannot permit–why– why–!

THE GYPSY.
Suppose, your majesty, we skip the police news, and go on to gentler themes.

THE KING.
That would be better–much better.

THE GYPSY.
Shall we take up–politics?

THE KING.
( wearily )

Oh, yes.

THE GYPSY.
( reciting )

A debate between the rival factions who seek to influence the governing of our kingdom through the so-called Council of Peers was held last night outdoors in the public market. The rival orators exceeded one another in dullness and hoarseness. The attendance was very slight. The general public takes little interest in these proceedings, knowing as it does that they are merely a diversion for the scions of old families whose energies are unemployed except in time of war. It is the general feeling, moreover, that the King may be depended upon to govern the kingdom properly without the interference of these aristocratic meddlers.

THE KING.
Ah, splendid, splendid! Let us hear that again!

THE GYPSY.
A debate between the rival factions–

THE KING.
No, no–the last part. That about meddling.

THE GYPSY.
It is the general feeling, moreover, that the King may be depended upon to govern the kingdom properly–

THE KING.
Without interference from these aristocratic meddlers. Yes, yes! Those are my sentiments exactly. How well put that is–without interference! Ah, it shows that I am appreciated among the lower classes. They understand me. What did you say they were? Petty tradesmen and clerks and bricklayers?

THE GYPSY.
And truck drivers, your majesty.

THE KING.
And truck drivers. Splendid fellows, all of them. As you said–the backbone of my king-dom. I must appoint a royal commission to investigate the welfare of the truck drivers. The Council of Peers will object–but I shall ignore them. Broken-down aristocrats! what do they know about governing a kingdom? They are useful only in war-time. Fighting is their only talent. In times of peace they are a nuisance. I shall not let them come between me and my people. …

( He rises, and with a dignified oratorical

gesture addresses an imaginary audience )
–Tradesmen! Clerks! Truck drivers! The time has come–

( He pauses, frowns, and sits down again.)
Never mind that now. Go on with the news.

THE GYPSY.
The rest of the political news is uninteresting, your majesty.

THE KING.
It usually is. This is the first time it has ever been otherwise.
Turn to something else.

THE GYPSY.
I will turn to the society items, your majesty.

THE KING.
Good.

THE GYPSY.
( reciting )

All tongues are discussing the approaching nuptials
of the King and the Princess of–

THE KING.
Tut! tut! I fear this is not a proper topic for–

THE GYPSY.
It is a matter of interest to all your subjects, your majesty.

THE KING.
Well, well–go on. A public figure like myself must submit to having his private affairs discussed. It is unfortunate, but–go on.