SCENE 1

Corridor in the Palace.

PANTALONE and TARTAGLIA.

Tartaglia (fussed). Now, now, don't worry me any more. I did everything I possibly could.

Pantalone (much worried). But it's just unthinkable! I'm sure, if I could have been there, I should have been able to persuade him to run away and save his life. That would have been something at least. The King is as obstinate as a pig. We shall certainly have a revolution. Call yourself a Minister! You're no use whatever!

Tar. I can only tell you, Captain Brighella and I between us kept him in the guard-room up to this very moment, and I talked to him like Scipio Africanus to induce him to make his escape. More than that, I pressed two half-crowns into his hand, which I was most reluctant to part with, so that he might go away well provided for. It wasn't a bit of good; he's a most obstinate young fool; he positively insisted on going to the Monster's prison, and Brighella has just escorted him there.

Pant. Brighella knows his job anyway. Well, since that's the case, we must get out of it as best we can. His Majesty has given orders that the execution is to be carried out, and that he intends to be present himself; it's to take place towards sunset behind locked doors, because I think the King himself sees the danger of the situation. There'll be the devil to pay for all this, I'm certain of it. You and I, Tartaglia, will see Achmed put on the throne this very evening, and the old King turned out to cry rags and bones in the gutter. I'm certain of it, certain of it.

Tar. I always keep on the winning side. I have a right and proper reverence for authority—whatever it happens to be.

Pant. Well, well, we must go and wait upon that tiresome old gentleman. But it's really too much of a good thing, too much much of a good thing. To have the chance of saving his life, and run away with two half-crowns in his pocket, and then not want to! Too much of a good thing, too much of a good thing altogether.