The orphans in the asylum are to have new clothes.
Dispatch--Hanover--thirty-six thalers--two tears--beat them all--the meaning of that, Grumbkow?--we must put two and two together and find it.
_The_ KING _looks in from the side door_.
Good morning! Good morning! Hope you slept well, gentlemen. Well, you rascal, where's that frippery? What's this--the English orders are missing? Fasten it on well. I don't want the fol-dols knocking about my knees.
Is there something so important on hand? Doesn't Your Majesty want the crown also?
The crown! Idiot! [_He comes out_.] You can be glad that you don't have to wear it, sirrah! Off with you now. Eversmann, and see that everything is in order. [EVERSMANN _goes out_.] Good morning, Grumbkow and Seckendorf. No time for you now--my compliments to the State of Prussia and I beg to be left to myself today. Good morning--good morning.
[_The two ministers prepare reluctantly to depart_.]
Could it be the arrival of the courier--? KING (_indifferently_). Oh, yes. A courier came--
Doubtless the East Indian commercial treaties.
Something of that nature. Good morning, gentlemen.
Thirty-six thalers--twelve places--the orphans--we must find the combination! [_They go out_.]
They've gone. At last I have a moment to myself. [EVERSMANN _comes in_.] I am supremely happy.
Thankee-now just imagine--oh, yes--no. [_Aside_.] No one must know of it.
Change my clothes? Yes--take this coat off; we'll spare no expense. They shall see that I possess wealth; they shall see that though I may be parsimonious ordinarily, still I can spend as well as any of them when an occasion offers. An occasion like this--[_with an out-burst_.] Eversmann, just imagine! [_Remembering_.] Oh, yes.
EVERSMANN (_takes off the_ KING'S _coat_).
Will Your Majesty put on the embroidered uniform?
The embroidered uniform, Eversmann. I am expecting guests to whom all honor must be shown. Great honor--for when it concerns the arrival of persons who--[_He sits down_.] Take off my boots. [EVERSMANN _pulls off the boots with difficulty_.] Has the Prince of Baireuth been here yet?
Is Your Majesty going to all this trouble on his account?
On his account? Possibly. [_Aside_.] I'll lead them all a dance. [_Aloud_.] Zounds! Villain! Rascal! My corns! I believe the rogue is hurting me on purpose--because I won't tell him anything.