The King (with a laugh). You said yourself that he doesn't care a brass farthing about the whole matter--he has something else to do! And so the whole thing ends in smoke! Flink (more amiably). I dare say you are right. The King. Of course I am. You are all agreed that, under his rule, republican sentiments are growing in real earnest. Flink. You are right! He couldn't help things on better if he were a republican himself, I assure you! The King. Perhaps he _is_ a republican? Flink (animatedly). Perhaps he _is_! Splendid! And works against his own interests--! The King. A sort of commercial traveller working for the downfall of his own firm! Flink (excitedly). For the downfall of his own firm! Splendid! Props up his reactionary rule by means of royal pronouncements, confidential communications, public speeches-- The King.--in a suicidal manner! Flink. Splendidly suicidal! Ah, that makes you laugh, does it? Koll. Hush, some one might hear us! Flink. I don't care who hears us! (The KING bursts out laughing.) But you ought, as one of the King's officials, to stop _his_ laughing! (Points to the KING.) It's shocking!--It's high treason! Koll. Listen to me! Flink. You ought to arrest him for laughing like that! Suppose the King-- Gran. That _is_ the King! (The KING goes on laughing. FLINK looks from him to the others, and from the others to him.) The King. This is too much for me! (Sits down. FLINK rushes out.) Koll. That was very bad of you. The King. I know it was; but forgive me! I couldn't help it! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Koll. For all his queer ways, he is too good a fellow to be made a fool of. The King. Yes, scold me; I deserve it. But, all the same--ha, ha, ha, ha! Gran. Hush!--he is coming back. (The KING gets up as FLINK comes in again.) Flink. Your Majesty may be assured that I would never have expressed myself as I did in your Majesty's presence if I had been fairly treated and told whom I was addressing. The King. I know. The fault is mine alone. Flink. The fault is that of others--my so-called friends. The King (earnestly). By no means! It is mine--mine alone. I have had a scolding for it!--And in your presence I ask my friends' pardon; I have put them in a false position. And, in the next place, I ask for your forgiveness. My sense of humour got the better of me. (Laughs again.) Flink. Yes, it was extremely amusing. The King. It really was! And, after all, what have you to complain of? You had an opportunity of speaking your mind, any way! Flink. I certainly did! The King. Very well, then!--And when you wanted to show any respect, _I_ prevented you. So I think we are quits. Flink. No, we are not. The King (impatiently). Indeed?--What do you want from me, then? Flink (proudly). Nothing! The King. I beg your pardon! I did not mean to offend you. Flink. You have done so to a degree that you are naturally incapable of appreciating. (Goes out.)