Koll. I think we had better change the subject, and go out for a little!
The King (aside, to him). Yes, get him away!
Flink (in the background, as if he were addressing an invisible audience). We must have discipline in the ranks!
Koll. Gran, ask your maid to hurry up with the supper.
Koll (to the KING). What do you say to a turn in the garden, meanwhile?
Flink (coming forward to GRAN). This friendship of yours with the King--to which I had attached no particular importance--I hope it has not altogether--(Stops short.)
Gran.--not altogether corrupted me, you mean?
Flink. Politics are not unconnected with morals, sir!
The King. But why get so heated, sir? We know that the present King is a--
Koll (breaking in hurriedly). Don't say any more!
The King (with a laugh). You said yourself that he doesn't care a brass farthing about the whole matter--he has something else to do! And so the whole thing ends in smoke!
Flink (more amiably). I dare say you are right.
The King. Of course I am. You are all agreed that, under his rule, republican sentiments are growing in real earnest.
Flink. You are right! He couldn't help things on better if he were a republican himself, I assure you!
Flink (animatedly). Perhaps he _is_! Splendid! And works against his own interests--!
The King. A sort of commercial traveller working for the downfall of his own firm!
Flink (excitedly). For the downfall of his own firm! Splendid! Props up his reactionary rule by means of royal pronouncements, confidential communications, public speeches--
Flink. Splendidly suicidal! Ah, that makes you laugh, does it?
Flink. I don't care who hears us! (The KING bursts out laughing.) But you ought, as one of the King's officials, to stop _his_ laughing! (Points to the KING.) It's shocking!--It's high treason!
Flink. You ought to arrest him for laughing like that! Suppose the King--
Gran. That _is_ the King! (The KING goes on laughing. FLINK looks from him to the others, and from the others to him.)
The King. This is too much for me! (Sits down. FLINK rushes out.)
The King. I know it was; but forgive me! I couldn't help it! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!
Koll. For all his queer ways, he is too good a fellow to be made a fool of.
The King. Yes, scold me; I deserve it. But, all the same--ha, ha, ha, ha!