Stop with those roguish words, betake yourself to the kitchen and show by your action that you love your king. (_Exit cook._) Now I turn to you, my prince, and to you my daughter. I have been informed, worthy prince, that my daughter does not love you; she is a thoughtless, silly girl, but I still give her credit for so much common sense as probably to have several reasons. She causes me care and sadness, grief and worry, and my old eyes are flooded with tears when I think of how she will get along after my death. "You will be left an old maid," I have told her a thousand times; "take your chance while it is offered you;" but she will not hear; well, then she'll have to be made to feel. PRINCESS. My father-- KING (_weeping and sobbing_). Go, ungrateful, disobedient girl--by your refusal you are drawing me into--alas, only too early a grave! (_He supports himself on the throne, covers his face with his cloak and weeps bitterly._) FISCHER. Why, the king does not remain true to his character for a moment. [_Groom of the Chamber comes in._] GROOM. Your majesty, a strange man is outside and begs to be admitted before your majesty. KING (_sobbing_). Who is it? GROOM. I beg pardon, my king, for not being able to answer this question. Judging by his long white beard, one should say he is an old man, and his face completely covered with hair should almost confirm one in this opinion, but then again he has such bright, youthful eyes, such a smooth, flexible back, that one cannot understand him. He appears to be a wealthy man; for he is wearing a pair of fine boots and as far as I can infer from his exterior he seems to be a hunter. KING. Bring him in; I am curious to see him. [_Groom goes and returns directly with_ HINZE.] HINZE. With your majesty's most gracious permission the Count of Carabas makes bold to present you with a rabbit. KING (_delighted_). A rabbit? Do you hear it, really, people? Ah, fate has become reconciled with me again! A rabbit? HINZE (_takes it out of his knapsack_). Here, great monarch! KING. Here--just hold the sceptre a moment, prince. (_He feels the rabbit._) Fat! nice and fat! From the Count of ---- HINZE. Carabas. KING. Indeed, he must be an excellent man. I must become better acquainted with him. Who is the man? Which of you knows him? Why does he keep himself concealed? If such heads as that are allowed to remain idle, what will become of our throne! I would cry for joy. _Sends me a rabbit!_ Groom, give it to the cook directly. [_Groom takes it. Exit._] NATHAN. My king, I beg most humbly to make my departure. KING. Why, indeed! I had almost forgotten that in my joy! Farewell, prince, yes, you must make room for other suitors; it cannot be otherwise. Adieu! I wish you had a highroad all the way home. [_Prince kisses his hand. Exit._] KING (_shouting_). People! Let my historian come!