"
"And if he does?" said Pollnitz, in his laughing, shameless manner;
"if I persuade the prince to submit to your wishes, what recompense
shall I receive?"
"On the day of their betrothal, I will raise your income five
hundred crowns, and pay your debts."
"Ah, sire, in what a pitiable dilemma you are placing me! Your
majesty wishes Prince Henry to engage himself as soon as possible,
and I must now wish it to be as late as possible."
"And why?"
"Because I must hasten to make as many debts as possible, that your
majesty may pay them."
"You are and will remain an unmitigated fool; old age will not even
cure you," said the king, smiling. "But speak, do you think my
brother may be brought to reason?"
Pollnitz shrugged his shoulders, gave a sly smile, but was silent.
"You do not answer me. Is my brother in love? and has he confided in
you?"
"Sire, I believe the prince is in love from ennui alone, but he
swears it is his first love."
"That is an oath that is repeated to each lady-love; I am not afraid
of it," said the king, smiling "Who is the enchantress that has
heard his first loving vows? She is doubtless a fairy--a goddess of
beauty.
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