]

_Hall in the Palace_

_The_ KING _on his throne with the_ PRINCESS; LEANDER _in a lecturer's
chair; opposite him_ JACKPUDDING _in another lecturer's chair; in the
centre of the hall a costly hat, decorated with gold and precious
stones, is fastened on a high pole. The entire court is present._

KING.

Never yet has a person rendered such services to his country as
this amiable Count of Carabas. Our historian has already almost filled
a thick volume, so often has the Count presented me with pretty and
delicious gifts, sometimes even twice a day, through his hunter. My
appreciation of his kindness is boundless and I desire nothing more
earnestly than to find at some time the opportunity of discharging to
some extent the great debt I owe him.

PRINCESS.

Dearest father, would your majesty not most graciously
permit the learned disputation to begin? My heart yearns for this
mental activity.

KING.

Yes, it may begin now. Court scholar--court fool--you both know
that to the one who gains the victory in this disputation is allotted
that costly hat; for this very reason have I had it set up here, so
that you may have it always before your eyes and never be in want of
quick wit.

[LEANDER _and_ JACKPUDDING _bow_.]

LEANDER.

The theme of my assertion is, that a recently published play
by the name of _Puss in Boots_ is a good play.

JACKPUD.

That is just what I deny.

LEANDER.

Prove that it is bad.

JACKPUD.

Prove that it is good.

LEUTNER.

What's this again? Why that's the very play they are giving
here, if I am not mistaken.

MUeLLER.

No other.

SCHLOSS.

Do tell me whether I am awake and have my eyes open.

LEANDER.

The play, if not perfectly excellent, is still to be praised
in several respects.

JACKPUD.

Not one respect.

LEANDER.

I assert that it displays wit.

JACKPUD.

I assert that it displays none.

LEANDER.

You are a fool; how can you pretend to judge concerning wit?

JACKPUD.

And you are a scholar; what can you pretend to understand
about wit?

LEANDER.

Several characters are well-sustained.

JACKPUD.

Not a single one.

LEANDER.

Then, even if I concede else, the audience is well drawn in
it.

JACKPUD.

An audience never has a character.

LEANDER.

I am almost amazed at this boldness.

JACKPUD (_to the pit_).

Isn't he a foolish fellow? Here we are, hand
and glove with each other and sympathize in our views on