ALTENBERG. May it please your lordships, these facts are not denied: the inscription in the handwriting of the count; his free access to the factory; his frequent use of the word TYRANT when speaking of the king; his earnest interest in the Saxon maid; her love for the count, and her opposition to the will of our most gracious sovereign for allotting her to the overseer as his bride: and they all unite in establishing their crime, the punishment of which is DEATH. Had not His Majesty chanced to wipe off, with his own handkerchief, the blue paint which concealed the word TYRANT, the vase would have been sent to Paris, the king and people disgraced, and the criminals safe in Saxony. Yes, gentlemen (to the JURY,) this splendid ornament, which is to be known to all future ages as "The Prussian Vase," is defaced with the treasonable inscription--"To Frederick the Great Tyrant." KING (rising in excitement, and forgetting himself.) Yes, soldiers and subjects, friends and children, this word is applied to ME--to your FATHER--by these base ingrates here!-- CHORUS Shame, shame, shame! Long live the king! etc. WEDGEWOOD (in a commanding tone, and striking the desk with his mallet.) Silence in the court, or I'll put you in the stocks, juvenile delinquents and all! What an odd people! KING. I beg the indulgence of your lordships for my infirmities of temper. Let the cause proceed. (Takes his seat.) JUDGE. The case for the crown, gentlemen, is fully before you, and is submitted in the confidence that you will discharge your duty faithfully. KING (again forgetting himself.) Ay, discharge your duty faithfully! WEDGEWOOD (with great authority rapping on the desk.) Silence in the court, Your Majesty! JUDGE. Let the counsel for the prisoners now proceed. ALBERT. Place Karl in the witness-box. (Enter KARL and HAROLD.) SOLO and CHORUS. KARL. What outrage more, at whose command Am I thus shackled and restrained?-- What mockery's this? In this free land The subject's rights should be maintained. CHORUS. The traitor braves the king's command! KARL. Those whom the lion would ensnare, Should of his reckless fangs beware! The forest-monarch, held at bay, Will turn and spring upon his prey! CHORUS. Thus bold will guilt full oft appear!-- The sword of Justice let HIM fear! WEDGEWOOD (as KARL is placed in the witness-box.) Silence in the court! CHORUS. With mercy let justice To mortals be given; For Mercy and Justice Are twin-borne of heaven. KARL. Why am I summoned here against my will? ALBERT. You are here to answer, not to question, sirrah! KARL. By what authority do YOU command my answers? In these realms the king alone commands. KING (again forgetting himself.) That's true--that's very true--the king alone commands-- WEDGEWOOD (shaking his mallet at the KING.) What, Your Majesty--you will--will you? KING. Oh, I have forgotten myself again! (Takes his seat.) Confound the fellow!