Did you really write that?

HOTHAM.

It is customary to print it at the head of these and similar contracts.

KING.

Printing is not as good—­the letter killeth, saith the Scriptures; but you may begin now.

HOTHAM.

We are concerned here with an affiliation between two nations which, although differing in language, manners, and customs, still have so many points of contact that they should seize every opportunity to come closer to each other.

KING.

Couldn’t you weave in something there about the English being really descended from the Germans?

HOTHAM.

That would lead us too far afield.

KING.

Oh, very well, as you say.  It was a good beginning.

HOTHAM.

Such an opportunity now offers in the mutually expressed wish of the dynasties of England and Prussia, to unite in the bonds of holy matrimony two of their illustrious scions.  The Prince of Wales sues for the hand of Princess Wilhelmine.

WILHELMINE.

The Prince of Wales?

HOTHAM.

His suit is accepted attendant upon the conditions here following.

WILHELMINE. Accepted?

KING.

Hush!  Do not disturb this solemn procedure by idle chatter.

WILHELMINE.

But—­but how is this possible—­

PRINCE (to the PRINCESS).

Your Highness, the conditions are but just being drawn up.

QUEEN (aside to the PRINCESS).

Do not interrupt.  What must the envoy of the elegant court of St. James think of the manners of our Prussian Princesses!

KING.

These chattering women!  Very good, Baronet Hotham; the beginning was excellent.  Don’t you think so, Prince?

PRINCE.

Certainly, Your Majesty. [Aside] It was odious.

QUEEN.

And the conditions? [Aside] I am eager to hear about the dowry.

HOTHAM.

First paragraph—­

KING.

Pardon me, I can tell you that in fewer words.  I give my daughter as dowry, forty thousand thalers, and a yearly pin-money of two thousand thalers.  I will bear the expense of the wedding.  But that is all.

QUEEN (rising).

I trust that this is not Your Majesty’s real intention.  Baronet Hotham,
I beg you will not include such a declaration in the protocol.

KING (seated).

Not include it in the protocol?  H’m—­h’m—­forty thousand thalers in cash—­too little?

HOTHAM.

The question of dowry will offer but little difficulty to a country as rich as England.  Far more important are the political matters which, in the case of so intimate an alliance, must come up for especial consideration.

KING.

Political matters?

HOTHAM.

I mean—­certain questions and points of discussion which, with your gracious permission, I would now like to present to you.