Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/54

. With the Princes? Quick! There is no time to lose. Send her to me, I command it. Do you hear, I command it! Who attends Her Highness?

. The Baroness von Rosenberg.

. Ah! Has the Baroness the temerity to present herself in the Palace? Good! I have an account to settle with the Baroness. [The  retires] And yet you intrude yourself into my presence, you beg me to condone, to approve your behavior! To think that I have railed all these years against the inroads of socialism, of anarchy, the forces of revolution! No, their bombs are preferable a thousand times, they reinforce and buttress the principle of authority by a sort of natural reaction, but this anarchy from above, this dissolution of all decency and morality, is infinitely more dangerous. Better fall before a blow than decay gradually and disintegrate!

. Your Majesty is quite correct.

. The punishment shall fit the offense, I promise you.

. Your Majesty, may I retire? Argument is useless in your present state of mind. I am not eager to meet my cousin. Obviously, her offense is responsible for our suffering the same punishment for faults which are distinct. I have not been recreant to my duty; my love is noble, it is legitimate. Permit me to kiss Your Majesty's hand. My affection will never fail. My only request is that you do not pursue me with your displeasure now that I am banished from Suavia; I ask it as a favor. My fortune is not large, so that my task will be difficult. I cannot forecast my future means of support—I only know that whatever they may be, they will not be unworthy of a gentleman, although he may no longer be Prince. Good-by, Your Majesty. Some day you will judge me more justly.