[Soon the babbling and glittering company rise from supper, and begin promenading through the rooms and tents, the REGENT setting the example, and mixing up and talking unceremoniously with his guests of every degree. He and the group round him disappear into the remoter chambers; but may concentrate in the Grecian Hall, which forms the foreground of the scene, whence a glance can be obtained into the ball-room, now filled with dancers. The band is playing the tune of the season, “The Regency Hornpipe,” which is danced as a country-dance by some thirty couples; so that by the time the top couple have danced down the figure they are quite breathless. Two young lords talk desultorily as they survey the scene.] FIRST LORD Are the rumours of the King of Rome's death confirmed? SECOND LORD No. But they are probably true. He was a feeble brat from the first. I believe they had to baptize him on the day he was born. What can one expect after such presumption--calling him the New Messiah, and God knows what all. Ours is the only country which did not write fulsome poems about him. “Wise English!” the Tsar Alexander said drily when he heard it. FIRST LORD Ay! The affection between that Pompey and Caesar has begun to cool. Alexander's soreness at having his sister thrown over so cavalierly is not salved yet. SECOND LORD There is much beside. I'd lay a guinea there will be war between Russia and France before another year has flown. FIRST LORD Prinny looks a little worried to-night. SECOND LORD Yes. The Queen don't like the fete being held, considering the King's condition. She and her friends say it should have been put off altogether. But the Princess of Wales is not troubled that way. Though she was not asked herself she went wildly off and bought her people new gowns to come in. Poor maladroit woman!.... [Another new dance of the year is started, and another long line of couples begin to foot it.] That's a pretty thing they are doing now. What d'ye call it? FIRST LORD “Speed the Plough.” It is just out. They are having it everywhere. The next is to be one of those foreign things in three-eight time they call Waltzes. I question if anybody is up to dancing 'em here yet. [“Speed the Plough” is danced to its conclusion, and the band strikes up “The Copenhagen Waltz.”] SPIRIT IRONIC Now for the wives. They both were tearing hither, Unless reflection sped them back again; But dignity that nothing else may bend Succumbs to woman's curiosity, So deem them here. Messengers, call them nigh!