But it must be possible to do away with it! It cannot be
necessary for a people, who are marching on the eternal path
towards truth, to have a lie marching at the head of them!
Koll. No, it is not necessary.
The King (eagerly). And that is what you will help me to show them.
Koll. I have no objection! There is life in the country yet!
The King (to Gran). And you, my friend? Are you afraid of being
shot by a mad republican if you help me?
Gran. I am not particularly afraid of death, any way. But the maid
is telling us that supper is served.
The King. Yes, let us have supper!
Koll. And then, to our task!
Curtain
ACT II
(SCENE.--A park with old lofty trees. In the foreground, to the
right, an arbour with a seat. The KING is sitting, talking to BANG,
who is a man of gross corpulence.)
Bang. And I felt so well in every way that, I assure your Majesty,
I used to feel it a pleasure to be alive.
The King (drawing patterns in the dust with his walking stick). I
can quite believe it.
Bang. And then I was attacked by this pain in my heart and this
difficulty in breathing. I run round and round this park, on an
empty stomach, till I am absolutely exhausted.
The King (absently). Couldn't you drive round, then?
Bang.
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