Page:Carroll - Sylvie and Bruno Concluded.djvu/416

378 "The next thing to be done," the Professor cheerfully remarked to the Lord Chancellor, as soon as the applause, caused by the recital of the Pig-Tale, had come to an end, "is to drink the Emperor's health, is it not?" "Undoubtedly!" the Lord Chancellor replied with much solemnity, as he rose to his feet to give the necessary directions for the ceremony. "Fill your glasses!" he thundered. All did so, instantly. "Drink the Emperor's health!" A general gurgling resounded all through the Hall. "Three cheers for the Emperor!" The faintest possible sound followed this announcement: and the Chancellor, with admirable presence of mind, instantly proclaimed "A speech from the Emperor!" The Emperor had begun his speech almost before the words were uttered. "However unwilling to be Emperorsince you all wish me to be Emperoryou know how badly the late Warden managed thingswith such enthusiasm as you have shownhe persecuted youhe taxed you too heavilyyou know who is fittest man to be Emperormy brother had no sense."