HENRY IV. That was also a joke, probably! DONNA MATILDA. But who did it? Who was behind us, then? HENRY IV. It doesn't matter who it was. All those that went on feasting and were ready to leave me their scrapings, Marchioness, of miserable pity, or some dirty remnant of remorse in the filthy plate! Thanks! (_Turning quickly to the doctor_): Now doctor, the case must be absolutely new in the history of madness; I preferred to remain mad--since I found everything ready and at my disposal for this new exquisite fantasy. I would live it--this madness of mine--with the most lucid consciousness; and thus revenge myself on the brutality of a stone which had dinted my head. The solitude--this solitude--squalid and empty as it appeared to me when I opened my eyes again--I determined to deck it out with all the colours and splendors of that far off day of carnival, when you (_looks at Donna Matilda and points Frida out to her_) when you, Marchioness, triumphed. So I would oblige all those who were around me to follow, by God, at my orders that famous pageant which had been--for you and not for me--the jest of a day. I would make it become--for ever--no more a joke but a reality, the reality of a real madness: here, all in masquerade, with throne room, and these my four secret counsellors: secret and, of course, traitors. (_He turns quickly towards them_). I should like to know what you have gained by revealing the fact that I was cured! If I am cured, there's no longer any need of_you_, and you will be discharged! To give anyone one's confidence ... that is really the act of a madman. But now I accuse you in my turn (_turning to the others_)! Do you know? They thought (_alludes to the valets_) they could make fun of me too with you (_bursts out laughing. The others laugh, but shamefacedly, except Donna Matilda_). BELCREDI (_to Di Nolli_). Well, imagine that.... That's not bad.... DI NOLLI (_to the four young men_). You?