Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Third series (IA playstranslatedf03benauoft).pdf/39

. What have you there?

. Books for our studies.

. I have plenty of good food to eat, which is what we shall need most.

. My son, I know it is the King's wish that you travel without pomp or show, as the royal treasury may not become the loot of spendthrifts. But your mother has hoarded these few pieces of money for your use; they were a present from the King to buy me an ermine robe. The one which I am now wearing is somewhat moth-eaten, alas, but until your return I shall have no heart for aught but friezes and coarse flannels.

. Aha! So that all the tailors and dressmakers in the kingdom will turn republican? You will buy the robe, my dear, and comport yourself as befits your royal station.

. You, my good servants, take good care of your Prince…

. He will return a sage.

. I shall bring him back well and fat.

. Which is more important. Be careful what you eat. Above all else, do not permit him to stuff himself with tunny fish, roast chestnuts, or gum-drops. The Prince has always had a hankering for such things. Remember that he is heir to the throne.

. The kingdom will acclaim in him a ruler wise and just.

. Has he plenty of clean underclothes?

. Of all kinds, your Majesty.

. Where are the three dozen pocket-handkerchiefs I embroidered for you?

. Here, mother… but I never heard that princes used more than one fine pocket-handkerchief on their travels, which must have a lace border, nor that they ever had need