in the presence of two of his own
subjects.

Phantis: Yes--bizarre, is it not?

King: Most quaint. But then it's a quaint world.

Phantis: Teems with quiet fun. I often think what a lucky thing
it
is that you are blessed with such a keen sense of humor!

King: Do you know, I find it invaluable. Do what I will, I
cannot
help looking at the humorous side of things--for,
properly
considered, everything has its humorous side--even the
Palace Peeper (producing it). See here--"Another Royal
Scandal," by Junius Junior. "How long is this to last?"
by
Senex Senior. "Ribald Royalty," by Mercury Major.
"Where
is the Public Exploder?" by Mephistopheles Minor. When
I
reflect that all these outrageous attacks on my morality
are
written by me, at your command--well, it's one of the
funni-
est things that have come within the scope of my
experience.

Scaphio: Besides, apart from that, they have a quiet humor of
their
own which is simply irresistible.

King: (gratified) Not bad, I think. Biting, trenchant
sarcasm--the rapier, not the bludgeon--that's my line.
But
then it's so easy--I'm such a good subject--a bad King
but a
good Subject--ha! ha!--a capital heading for next week's
leading article! (makes a note) And then the stinging
little paragraphs about our Royal goings-on with our
Royal
Second Housemaid--delicately sub-acid, are they not?

Scaphio: My dear King, in that kind of thing no one can hold a
candle
to you.

Phantis: But the crowning joke is the Comic Opera you've written
for
us--"King Tuppence, or A Good Deal Less than Half a
Sover-
eign"--in which the celebrated English tenor, Mr.
Wilkinson,
burlesques your personal appearance and gives grotesque
imitations of your Royal peculiarities. It's immense!

King: Ye--es--That's what I wanted to speak to you about. Now
I've not the least doubt but that even that has its
humorous
side too--if one could only see it. As a rule I'm pretty
quick at detecting latent humor--but I confess I do not
quite see where it comes in, in this particular instance.