_Bonset:_ Good Gentlemen, a business of import Doth now engross His Highness, but forsooth When it is properly dispatched, he word Will by the mouth of Quezox speedy send. _An English gentleman (brusquely)._ But sir, no business enterprise hath brought Us here, and if His Highness careth not To give us audience, why we'll depart! _Bonset:_ Tut, tut, Good friend Quezox will soon appear. _(The Gentlemen uneasily pace the room and whisper)_ _Enter Quezox:_ Sweet Gentlemen, His Highness bid me hail You to his presence, there to converse join. _(All look at Quezox, disgusted)_ _Bonset:_ Fall in! Fall in! and form a proper line _(abruptly)_ While Quezox doth precede us as we go! _1st Gentleman (indignant)_ Fall in! What doth such words portend? Are we but jail birds who at keeper's call Move into line, and then with lockstep march To face a judge who may us sentence give? _(Puts up his hands)_ I say, my friends, put up your "dukes" and I will show How Englishmen resent an insult gross. _(Friends interefere to prevent blows.)_ _Quezox:_ Hold! Hold! my friends, sweet Bonset means no ill, 'Twere only lack of polish in his speech. We Spaniards sweetly phrase our ev'ry word E'en when we prick one sharply in the ribs. _1st Gentleman (excitedly)_ Well, who is this, with dignity enrobed Who like a fighting cock doth bravely strut? _2nd Gentleman (whispers)_ Whist, little friend, this is the mighty Quezox, Who doth within his hand hold destiny. Twere best for business purposes to yield Apparent homage, though we him disdain. _1st Gentleman (turns to Quezox)_ Ho! Ho! I did a mistake serious make In expectation that a mind so great Would find its home within a form most grand, But like mine own it chose a cottage small. _Bonset:_ Well, Gentlemen, so you like not the line, Proceed to scramble in at your sweet will. _All speak:_ A trifling discord doth like sauce in soup Make betterment. Hence we my now declaim, In happy vein: "All's well that endeth well." [Illustration] ACT VI Dramatis Personae _Francos_ . . . . . . _Governor General of a Province._ _Quezox_ . . . . . . _Resident Delegate from the Province._ _Halstrom_ . . . . . _Aide to the Governor._ _Carpen_ . . . . . . _Executive Secretary._ _Filipino Gentlemen._ _Muchacho._ _Scene I: A garden._ _Quezox sits in an arbor with lute in hand; sings._ I.