l."

KNAVE OF CLUBS. In truth he was; yet no name was necessary. 'Tis plain
writ upon his face.

[_The KNAVES laugh loudly._]

JOKER. Marry, for a pack of rowdy varlets ye four do verily hold first
claim, although you rotund Knave of Spades doth possibly deserve
exemption. I prithee, Spades, whyfore all this preparation? Why these
fireworks? And why so many large red fire-crackers?

KNAVE OF SPADES. Have you not heard of the King's banquet?

KNAVE OF HEARTS (_sitting down on the bench and shaking his head
wearily_). Nay, Spades, ask him not. He has the ass's ears, but hears
naught.

KNAVE OF DIAMONDS. Or hearing, understands naught.

JOKER. By my halidame an ye ruffians bridle not your tongues, I will
even on this torrid night fall to and smite ye till ye whine like hounds
for mercy!

[_Threatens them with his rattle._]

THE FOUR KNAVES. Oh, but that is a fierce threat!

[_They nod their heads to one another in mock seriousness, and
point at the JOKER with the big fire-crackers._]

JOKER. And now, Spades--?

KNAVE OF SPADES. Ay, Sir Joker, to-night the King and Queen of Hearts do
hold a sumptuous feast, and afterward there are to be fireworks galore.
To the banquet have been invited the King and Queen of Spades, the King
and Queen of Diamonds, and the King and Queen of Clubs.

JOKER. A right royal company, Spades.

KNAVE OF SPADES. Indeed right royal. And the feast too shall be right
royal. My liege the King of Spades brings with him his fiddlers three.

JOKER. So, so! Ha, ha! [_Sings._]

"Old King Kole
Was a merry old soul.
A merry old soul was he;
He called for his pipe,
He called for his bowl,
And he called for his fiddlers three."

KNAVE OF HEARTS. Nay, but methinks the Joker hath his rhyming mood
to-day. Sit thee down, Diamonds, and be a comfortable listener.

[_The Knave of Diamonds sits down on the bench beside the Knave of
Hearts._]

JOKER. It is meet that I should have my rhyming mood to-day; for at the
feast will there not be mirth and rhyme and wit?

KNAVE OF HEARTS. Ay, mirth and doggerel, Joker; but what wit there may
be thou'lt not answer for 't.

JOKER (_rising and shaking his fist_). I can answer for thee, though,
thou churl!

KNAVE OF HEARTS [_bowing_]. Gramercy, but I can answer for myself.

JOKER. And 'twill not be the first time. Methinks, as a thief thou hast
already been called upon to answer once. (_Sits down again._)