Page:Poet Lore, volume 36, 1925.pdf/368

, and priest, bowing deeply, step to the right and left, in front of the throne.

also stations the Justices of the Peace, each of whom is holding a white handkerchief, in which a legal scroll is enfolded; at the same time, he stations the Maids of Honor to the right and left, so that they form ranks from the throne to the front of the stage.

Magistrate (Begins reciting. His voice displays his excitement). Most serene, most gracious lady of highest station, our Princess! Eagerly—eh—the long eagerly anticipated day—

, who is observing the gathering through a lorgnette, turns toward the.

Princess (Smiling).—Magistrate—

Magistrate.—So please you, yes, I was about to say—

Princess.—I am convinced of your devotion. I feel what you desire to express and I thank you and all the gentlemen for their manifestation of sympathy and for the royal welcome given me.

Magistrate (Confused).—So please you—we had no idea—be good enough to pardon me. I, I—this too—

Princess (Rapidly).—Do you wish to introduce the justices of the peace?

rushes out in front of the and bows.

Magistrate.—Wait, wait!

Krouzilka (Stuttering).—N-n-now-a-a-I—

Princess.—Let him alone.

Magistrate (To, aside).—Slowly!

Krouzilka (Aloud, looking around him).—I know. (To the . Begins slowly, with self-control, but soon falls back to stuttering.) M-m-most serene, m-m-most noble and honorable Pr-Pr-Princess.

tremble. glances furiously at struggles to appear serious., smiling, notices it.

Krouzilka.—We w-w-welcome Your G-G-Grace, n-noble and honorable—

Courtier.—Do you promise the loyalty of all the people? The laws!

Magistrate (Repeating to the Justices of the Peace).—The laws!

Krouzilka (Looking about).—Why, I h-h-haven’t as yet—

kneel before the Princess, pull the scrolls out of their white handkerchiefs and place them on the steps at the feet of the.

does the same.