KING. How is it to be managed? WEDGEWOOD. Managed, Your Majesty? Why, according to law and justice. KING. Good! WEDGEWOOD. Twelve honest, upright, free, and independent men are empanelled to hear the case-- KING. Good again! WEDGEWOOD. All the witnesses are examined, and all the testimony fairly summed up by learned counsel! KING. Excellent! WEDGEWOOD. Then the grave expounders of the law--the judges--charge the jury, who, upon their oaths, return a verdict-- KING. A glorious institution! WEDGEWOOD. The shield and protection of the rights of man--the bulwark of civil and religious liberty--and the admiration of the whole civilized world! Democratically odd! KING. Well--well--well--so justice be done, I care not for the means. WEDGEWOOD. By jingo, he genuine porcelain! It's all right--fair, square, and above board--a clear field and no favor! (Enter HAROLD.) HAROLD. Everything is in preparation. The judges are proceeding to their seats; the jury will soon be sworn, and the prisoners arraigned at the bar-- WEDGEWOOD (to HAROLD.) Who's the crier of the court? HAROLD. That office is not yet filled. [Exit. WEDGEWOOD. That won't do--Illegally odd! KING. Perhaps, Mr. Wedgewood, you would like the appointment yourself? WEDGEWOOD. If it is convenient. KING. I confer it upon you. WEDGEWOOD. Thank Your Majesty. By Jove, we're sailing with wind and tide--a smooth sea below and a clear sky above us! KING. Well, gentlemen, I wish you a prosperous voyage; but take care that you do not run your vessel upon the rocks of litigation, and founder among the quicksands of the law. WEDGEWOOD. No danger, Your Majesty, with such a pilot! [ALBERT.]--(Sudden and loud shouts and confused noise without. Drums beat to arms.) What is the meaning of all this commotion? (Enter HAROLD, in haste.) KING. Out with it, Harold! HAROLD. The rumor of the treachery and ingratitude of the prisoners has spread like wildfire throughout the city-- KING. Well!-- HAROLD. The populace are in a ferment at the indignity offered to our beloved monarch, and demand the instant execution of the prisoners. KING. Well, well; say on. HAROLD. The multitude crowd every avenue to the palace, and the chateau of the countess; and the royal guards are under arms to preserve the public peace. KING. So, so, so, so-- COUNTESS. O Heaven! what will become of us? KING (proudly.) Have you not the king's protection? I will appear among my children, who are so apprehensive about my safety, that they sometimes forget themselves, and become a little unruly. They will be satisfied when they hear and see their father. (Seeing the COUNTESS look dejected.) Do not droop madam; your GUILTY SON shall have a fair and impartial trial. (Taking her hand--To ALBERT sternly.) Look to it, sir; for if you fail, you know what follows! (Exit FREDERICK and COUNTESS--Immense cheering and beating of drums without.)