_Quezox:_ Most worthy sire, when guile hath strong intrenched, Guile of a firmer mould, should countermatch, And beat the bulwarks down; 'twere easy done. In sooth so easy that no glory crowns The working of a scheme so patent to An eagle eye, which hath discernment keen. To unmake offices, were quickly done. To lower stipends till the hungry mouth Shall to the belly say: "We must go hence Or else we perish," were a shrewd device. 'Twere he who holds the money bags, must rule And we the golden sword hold in our grasp. _Francos:_ Ah noble Quezox, thou hast clearly solved The riddle which hath cost me sleepless nights It shall be done. But who approacheth me? _Quezox:_ Sire, heed him not! Let's to our state rooms hie. In truth methinks this man doth seek to spy, And it were wise indeed to guard each port. To pass an idle moment, it were well In converse to enjoin; but this man speaks Through eyes that warning give that he hath brains. Hence it were best to pass him idly by, And only mouth vain words with those who, dull, Can work no harm by mouthing what were said. _(Quezox takes Francos by the arm and moves off muttering to himself)_ 'Tis thus I guard this weakling from the throng. And hold his foolish ear unto myself. ACT IV Dramatis Personae _Francos:_ . . . . . . _Governor General of a Province._ _Quezox:_ . . . . . . _Resident Delegate of the Province._ _Seldonskip:_ . . . . _Secretary of the Governor General._ _Commissioners_ _Halstrom:_ . . . . . _Aide to the Governor General._ _Scene I. Garden of the Palace._