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Bernard Christian Steiner - "The History Of University Education In Maryland"

Various - "Atlantic Monthly, Vol. 8, No. 50, December, 1861"

Various - "The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 10,"

Various - "The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction"

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The German Classics of The Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Vol. VII. by Various

V >> Various >> The German Classics of The Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Vol. VII.




PRINCE.

I can scarce believe it myself. Disconsolate, I was preparing for the
journey, and stopped to cast one last look up to the windows behind
which my beloved sits captive--a lackey of the King's suite approached
me. I anticipated some new humiliation. But imagine my astonishment at
the surprise in store for me. You know the value the King sets on his
nightly smoking-bouts. He invites to these gatherings only persons for
whom he has especial plans. Now picture my amazement when I learned that
His Majesty begs me, before my departure tonight, to do him the pleasure
to attend his Smoker!

HOTHAM.

You have an invitation?

PRINCE.

You're--you're laughing. [_HOTHAM laughs heartily_.] What are you
laughing at?

HOTHAM.

It's unspeakably comical.

PRINCE.

Comical? I should consider it rather tragical, when a sovereign first
humiliates us and then suddenly heaps amiabilities upon us. What is the
matter with you.

HOTHAM.

Stand up straight-breast thrown out--head up--hands at your side--no,
more to the back--

PRINCE.

What do you mean?

HOTHAM (_pulling his hair_).

Fine growth--fine strong growth.

PRINCE.

What are you doing to my hair? And you're still laughing!

HOTHAM.

As a consequence of a most droll diplomatic transaction, I also have
been honored with an invitation to the Smoker. And that I may enjoy the
true savor of the customary and, methinks, sometimes strongly realistic
entertainment of such occasions, those in charge have bestirred
themselves to find royal game for the baiting.

PRINCE.

And I am to be--the game? This is too much! I will be there, Hotham; I
will take my place humbly at the foot of the great table, but I warn you
that my patience is exhausted. I will show them that I have weapons to
parry the jibes of rough soldiers, weapons I have not yet brought into
play. I will be there, I will listen with apparent calm to what they are
planning to do to me--but then--then I will draw from _my_ quiver! I
will send arrow after arrow at this brutal despotism--and should the
shafts be too weak to penetrate their leathern harness, then, Hotham,
then out with my sword and at them!

HOTHAM.

Bravo, Prince! Excellent! That's the right mood! That is the language
one must use in this court. The hour draws near. It would take us too
far a-field were I to detail my plans to you now. I will first dispatch
this letter to the Queen. Then, as we set out for the Smoker--but I see
you are in no mood for explanations. Cherish this noble anger, Prince!
Rage as much as you will--snort like an angry tiger. [_Takes him by the
arm and leads him out_.] More--more--heap it up--there, now you are
ready to aid my plan, which is none other than to have you win the King
by forcing him to respect you. [_They go out_.]


SCENE V


_A plain low-ceilinged room in the palace. The walls are gray. The main
entrance is in the centre. One door at the left, a small window at the
right.

Lackeys carry in an oaken table and place a number of wooden stools
around it. Then they bring tankards on wooden platters and set them in a
circle on the table. A brazier with live coals is also brought in. The
lackeys go out.

The_ KING _comes from the door on the left in easy, undress house
uniform. He has a short Dutch pipe in his mouth, he shuts the door
carefully behind him._

KING.

Are they gathering already

EVERSMANN.

There's noise enough outside there.

KING.

My only recreation! While I may keep this little diversion, I am willing
to bear the burdens and cares of government. Are the clay cannons
loaded?

EVERSMANN.

Aye--and some are fuming already outside there.

KING.

Is the beer right fresh? And a little bitter, eh?

EVERSMANN.

It might be better.

KING.

Those Bernau brewers had best have a care--I may pay an unexpected visit
to their brewery. How about the white smock I ordered?

EVERSMANN.

Ready, at hand.

KING.

When the meeting is over--you know what I have planned

EVERSMANN.

Everything is ready for Your Majesty.

KING.

You may go now. The door is to be opened at the stroke of ten.

EVERSMANN.

Yes, Your Majesty. [_He goes out_.]

[_The_ KING _walks to the window, remaining there for a few moments.
There is a pause_.]

KING.

Light in my wife's apartments again! Three rooms illuminated where one
would have been enough--and tallow so expensive now. A dozen women have
been invited there tonight, and a great conspiracy is going forward,
with the Prince of Wales received incognito--all to defy me. But wait a
bit--I'll be with you. This day has begun weightily and shall end
weightily.


SCENE VI


_A small clock strikes ten. The door to the right is thrown open and the
members of the Tobacco-Conference come in, led by_ GRUMBKOW _and_
SECKENDORF. _There are about ten of them besides the principal actors.
They come in solemnly, wearing their hats, carrying pipes in their
mouths. Passing the_ KING _they touch their hats and remove their pipes
for a moment._ HOTHAM _and the_ PRINCE of BAIREUTH _come last of all.
The_ KING _stands to the left and lets the procession move past him
toward the right of the room._

GRUMBKOW (_with the prescribed greeting_).

Good evening, Your Majesty.

KING.

Good evening, Grumbkow.

SECKENDORF.

Good evening, Your Majesty.

KING.

Good evening, Seckendorf.

COUNT SCHWERIN.

Good evening, Your Majesty.

KING.

Good evening, Schwerin. Does it taste good?

SCHWERIN.

Fine! Thanks, Your Majesty.

COUNT WARTENSLEBEN.

Good evening, Your Majesty.

KING.

Good evening, Wartensleben. Pipe draw well?

WARTENSLEBEN.

Yes. Thanks, Your Majesty. [_He moves past the_ KING _. The others pass
one after the other, or sometimes several at once, with similar
greetings_.]

KING.

Take your seats, gentlemen--no formalities--free choice--the smoke of
war levels all rank.

GRUMBKOW.

But the subject, Your Majesty, the subject promised for this evening?

KING.

Ha, ha! The target? There it comes.

[HOTHAM _and the_ PRINCE OF BAIREUTH _come in_.]

ALL.

The Prince of Baireuth?

PRINCE.

Good evening.

KING.

Right, oh! Prince, that you are come. Now, at least, you will have
something good about my family to tell them in Rheinsberg. [_Aside_.]
Spy! [_Aloud_.] But your pipe is cold.

PRINCE (_with suppressed anger_).

I am hoping that I may find fire enough here.

[_The company sit down, the_ KING _and_ GRUMBKOW _at one end of the
table,_ HOTHAM _and the_ PRINCE _at the other_.]

KING.

Lay on, gentlemen--there stand the care-chasers.

SECKENDORF.

To His Majesty's health!

KING.

No, let us rather drink, after such a day of annoyance and sorrow--let
us rather drink to cheer, jollity, and a happy turn of wit!

[_They touch glasses with one another._ EVERMANN _moves about, serving
the guests, passing coal for the pipes, and so forth_.]

KING (_aside_).

Grumbkow, I wager it will be right jolly tonight.

GRUMBKOW (_aside_).

We'll soon begin to tap the Prince.

KING (_aside_).

Be merciful. His brow is already bedewed with the sweat of anxiety.
[_Aloud_.] Tell me. Prince, since you have windbagged yourself about so
much of the world--do they smoke tobacco in Versailles also?

[Illustration: KING FREDERICK WILLIAM I AND HIS "TOBACCO COLLEGIUM"
ADOLPH VON MENZEL]

PRINCE.

No. Your Majesty, but I've seen sailors in London who chew it.

KING.

Brr! Grumbkow, we'll not introduce that fashion here. It's not because
of the taste, but such meals would be right costly.

HOTHAM.

Our sailors use tobacco as a remedy for scurvy.

SECKENDORF.

What is scurvy?

PRINCE.

The scurvy, Count, is a disease which begins with an evil tongue.

KING (_aside_).

Take notice, Grumbkow, he's pricked. On with the attack.

GRUMBKOW.

Eversmann, have the newest Dutch journals arrived?

EVERSMANN.

Yes, Your Excellency; full of lies, as usual.

KING.

Lies? Then, according to the proverb, that explains why our beer is so
sour.

GRUMBKOW.

Tell me, Eversmann, is there no news from Ansbach in the journals?

HOTHAM (_aside to_ PRINCE).

Arm yourself.

EVERSMANN (_impertinently_).

Why should there be news from such a little country?

KING.

Be quiet! Prussia also was once a little country. Tell me rather, what
do the Dutch write about Prussia?

EVERSMANN.

Outrageous things. They say that many deserters have again fled from
Potsdam.

KING.

That's not a lie, unfortunately.

PRINCE.

But they express themselves with more politeness in Holland.

KING.

How then, Prince?

PRINCE.

They say that Your Majesty's Guards consist mostly of men who suffer
from an abnormal growth. These giants, so they say, have periods where
they shoot up to such an extent that they grow and grow beyond the
tree-tops and disappear altogether from human ken.

KING.

Ha, ha! Wittily expressed. But drink, Prince, drink.

GRUMBKOW.

I imagined that Your Highness read only French journals.

PRINCE.

I would rather read Prussian newspapers. But, thanks to General von
Grumbkow's policies, no newspaper dare appear in Prussia.

KING.

Ha, ha! There you have it! [_Aside_.] See, see, he's not afraid to speak
his mind. 'Twill be a merry night.

HOTHAM (_aside to_ PRINCE).

Not too sharp--be milder at first.

GRUMBKOW (_aside_).

Seckendorf, it's time to exercise your wit.

SECKENDORF (_aside_).

Hush--I'm getting something ready. I will choose my own time.

KING.

But you're not drinking, Prince. You're expected to drink here.
[_Aside_.] Eversmann, keep his glass well filled--

HOTHAM (_aside_).

They want to make you drunk. Push your tankard nearer my place.

KING.

You know the old Dessauer, Prince?

PRINCE (surprised).

Why, Your Majesty--

KING.

But do you know for what great invention mankind is indebted to the old
Dessauer?

PRINCE (_aside_).

Do you know that, Hotham?

HOTHAM.

Damn their cross questioning--say it was gaiters.

PRINCE.

Your Majesty wishes to know what--what the old Dessauer invented?

KING.

Yes, what did the old Dessauer invent?

SECKENDORF (_aside_).

Aha, you see, now we have caught him.

PRINCE.

It can't be gunpowder, because Count Seckendorf has already discovered
that. [_All laugh_.]

SECKENDORF (_aside_).

Never mind, Grumbkow, I'll wait the fitting moment.

KING.

He invented _iron ramrods_. Now, you see, my son in Rheinsberg, for all
his Homers and Voltaires, and whatever their heathen names may be, that
he gathers round him, couldn't think of anything like that. [_Aside_.]
Is he drinking, Eversmann?

HOTHAM (_to_ PRINCE).

Don't let slip your advantage.

PRINCE.

Who the devil could think of iron ramrods!

GRUMBKOW (_rising_).

We'll drink a pleasant journey to His Highness, the Prince Hereditary of
Baireuth. [_They all rise except the_ KING.]

ALL.

A pleasant journey.

HOTHAM (_aside_).

You're done for--you've lost everything.

PRINCE (_aside_).

It was shameful perfidy!

HOTHAM (_aside_).

Make him respect you--be as brutal as he is--pretend to be drunk. [_They
all sit down after having touched glasses amid laughter_.]

PRINCE (_rises, his tankard in his hand. Speaks as if slightly
intoxicated_).

Gentlemen--

KING (_aside_).

I believe he's hipped.

PRINCE.

And--and--and--I thank you. [_He sits down. They all laugh_.]

KING.

Bravo, Prince, you are a most excellent speaker.

GRUMBKOW.

He's done for, Your Majesty: we must have him make a speech now.

KING.

Yes. Give us a speech, Prince.

ALL.

A speech--speech!

[The PRINCE _rests his head in his hands and does not rise_.]

HOTHAM.

The question is--what shall he talk about?

KING.

About anything--whatever he chooses.

HOTHAM.

I could suggest an interesting subject.

KING.

Out with it.

HOTHAM.

What if he were to discuss some member of this merry company?

KING.

'Tis done! And that we need waste no time in choice--let him
discuss--me.

ALL (_startled_).

Your Majesty?

KING.

It's very warm here. [_Opens his coat_.] Let's make ourselves
comfortable, Eversmann. Well, Prince--begin. Give us a speech about me.

HOTHAM.

Please--

KING.

No hesitation--let it be as if I had just died--

HOTHAM.

Your Majesty--

KING.

Quiet! Silence all. The Prince of Baireuth will give us a speech about
me. [_Aside_.] _In vino veritas_. I am curious to know whether such a
French windbag is composed entirely of falsehoods.

HOTHAM (_aside_).

This is the decisive moment.

PRINCE (_steps forward, he staggers slightly then controls himself_).

Merry company!

KING.

Merry? I'm dead.

PRINCE.

No matter, they're merry just the same.

KING.

Gad! is that true?

PRINCE.

Merry company--cheerful mourners--permit me to interrupt your enjoyment
by a few painful remarks on the qualities of the deceased.

KING.

Painful remarks? That's a good beginning.

PRINCE.

Friedrich Wilhelm I., King of Prussia, was a great man, in whose
character were united the strangest contradictions.

KING.

Contradictions!

PRINCE.

As with all those who owe their education to their own efforts, so his
mind, noble in itself, fell under the influence of disturbing emotions,
the saddest of which was distrust.

KING.

These are nice things I hear.

PRINCE.

He brought his country to a high degree of prosperity, he simplified
administration, he improved judicial procedure. But the enjoyment of all
these blessings was spoiled for him by his own fault.

KING.

Well--well--by his own fault!

SECKENDORF (_aside_).

The young man must indeed have been drinking heavily.

PRINCE.

His vivacity of spirit kept him in a continual unrest which was as
painful to others as to himself. When fatigued he could not conceal his
desire for pleasant recreation, but his tastes were sufficiently simple
to let him prefer satisfying this desire in the bosom of his own family.

EVERSMANN.

There'll be a misfortune, surely!

PRINCE.

But even here, where he might have reposed on a couch of roses, this
unfortunate sovereign made for himself a bed of thorns. His son's
unhappy history is so well known that I can pass over it in silence....

KING.

In silence--?

PRINCE.

Friedrich Wilhelm could not understand the freedom of the human will. He
would have grafted stem to stem, son on father, youth on age. In
planning to bestow the hand of his charming daughter, now here, now
there, it never came to his mind that her heart might have a right to
choose--it never occurred to him to ask: "Does my choice make you happy,
child?"

KING.

Eversmann, take this pipe.

PRINCE.

Now he is departed. Those minions who during his lifetime came between
the heart of the mother and the heart of the husband and father, those
minions tremble now. It remains to be seen how the misunderstood son
will dispose of them. The father's deeds will remain the foundation of
this state. But a milder spirit will reign in the land; the arts and
sciences will outdistance the fame of cannon and bullet. And the soaring
eagle of Prussia will now truly fulfil his device, _Nec Soli
Cedis_--or, to put it in German, "Even the sun's glance shall not
dazzle thee! Even the sun shall stand aside from out thy path!" [_He
recollects himself, and after a pause returns to the table, again
pretending drunkenness_.] Hotham, give me something to drink.

KING (_after a pause_).

What hour is it?

EVERSMANN.

Eleven past, Your Majesty. (_Aside_.) If we should meet the Prince of
Wales now, woe unto him.

KING (_taking a tankard from the table_).

Prince, when you have come to your senses tomorrow, let them tell you
that the King touched glasses with you.

PRINCE.

At Your Majesty's service.

KING.

He doesn't understand, Hotham. Translate it into sober language for him.
Good night, gentlemen. [_He turns again and looks at the_ PRINCE
_thoughtfully, repeating the words_.] "Does my choice make you happy,
child?" [_Looking at the_ PRINCE.] Pity he's only a bookish man.

[EVERSMANN _takes up a candlestick with officious haste, brushes angrily
past the triumphant_ HOTHAM _and throws a glance of suppressed rage at
the_ PRINCE.]

EVERSMANN.

May I light Your Majesty--on your visit to--

KING (_interrupts him with the_ PRINCE'S _words_).

"These minions tremble--" [_After a pause, during which he glances over
them all_] I would be alone. [_He goes out_.]



ACT V



_A drawing-room in the_ QUEEN's _apartments. A window to the right.
Three doors, centre, right, and left. Tables and chairs. Candles on the
tables, playing-cards, and tea service_.


SCENE I


KAMKE _stands on a step-ladder fastening a large curtain over the
window. Two lackeys are assisting him_.

KAMKE (_on the ladder_).

There! And now be ready to receive the ladies at the little side
stairway. They will arrive in sedan chairs. No noise, do you
hear--softly--softly. [_The lackeys go out_.]

SONNSFELD (_comes in from the left_).

Ah, at last a festival of which the Prussian Court need not be ashamed.
Kamke, why are you draping that window?

KAMKE.

So that our festival may not be observed. [_Coming down off the
ladder_.] Then you too are concerned in this conspiracy?

SONNSFELD.

The Queen has taken all responsibility. She risks her own freedom for
that of her daughter, and will receive the Prince of Wales tonight in
strictest incognito. Is everything in readiness?

KAMKE.

You're planning to free the Princess from her imprisonment? That is high
treason, remember.

SONNSFELD.

It must succeed, at whatever cost. The Queen wishes to see the Princess
amid the circle of friends whom she has invited this evening for a
secret purpose. The Princess has been instructed. She knows that I will
come to her room and remain there in her place to deceive the sentry.
She will meet you in the Blue Room.

KAMKE.

The Blue Room--where--for the last few nights the White Lady has been
seen?

SONNSFELD.

She will meet you there--

KAMKE (_horrified_).

Me?

SONNSFELD.

She will speak to you--

KAMKE.

Me?

SONNSFELD (_pulling him to the door at the right_).

Yes, me--I mean you--and you will lead her from the Blue Room--you will
take her hand and bring her safely hither by the surest and quickest
route.

KAMKE.

My lady--whom--whom? The Princess Wilhelmine?

SONNSFELD (_going out_).

No, no, Kamke, the White Lady--but come quickly now, quickly.

[_They both go out_.]


SCENE II


FRAU VON VIERECK, FRAU VON HOLZENDORF, _and about six more ladies enter
cautiously, one by one, through the centre door_.

VIERECK.

Hush! Step cautiously!

HOLZENDORF (_whispering_).

It's all quiet here--if only these wretched shoes of mine didn't creak
so.

VIERECK (_whispering_).

What can Her Majesty the Queen be planning for tonight?

HOLZENDORF.

Has His Majesty the King gone from home?

VIERECK.

I heard it said, at the French Embassy, that His Highness, the Crown
Prince, had come from Rheinsberg--

HOLZENDORF.

Doubtless at the same time with His Highness, the Prince of Wales

VIERECK (_low_).

At the moment both are at the King's Smoker.--They say the Crown Prince
has again disagreed with his father on questions concerning the future
administration of the state.

HOLZENDORF.

Is it possible?

VIERECK.

And they say that the Prince of Baireuth tried to bring about a
reconciliation, but that the Prince of Wales took the part of the Crown
Prince.

HOLZENDORF.

The Prince of Wales? Then he has been received?

VIERECK.

And the King, so they say, in the heat of the argument, commanded that
Princess Wilhelmine, the cause of the quarrel, be sent to Kuestrin at
once.

HOLZENDORF.

Good Heavens, ladies! There are cards on the table. Hush! I hear a
noise.

VIERECK.

It is the Queen.

[_The_ QUEEN _comes in in full toilet. She is excited and yet timorous.
The ladies bow_.]

QUEEN.

Welcome, ladies. I am happy to have about me once again the circle of
those who, I know, are devoted to me. Pray sit down. I have decided to
be more sociable in future and to have you with me oftener than I have
done of late. Will you have a game of cards, Frau von Viereck?

VIERECK.

Cards, Your Majesty? For eighteen years now I cannot recall having seen
a card in the palace.

QUEEN.

We will change all that. Ladies, you have not yet heard my plans, you do
not yet know what surprises this evening has in store for you--

HOLZENDORF.

Surprises, Your Majesty?

QUEEN (_indicating a card-table near the window_).

Sit down there, my dear Holzendorf. Try your luck with Frau von Viereck.

VIERECK (_aside_).

Heavens--play cards there? When every outline of my shadow can plainly
be seen through that curtain?

QUEEN (_sitting_).

Why do you hesitate?

VIERECK.

Have we Your Majesty's permission to draw the tables nearer together?
There--there is so much air at this window.

[_The lackeys place the table farther from the window_.]

QUEEN.

Yes, ladies, this evening a new era begins for our monarchy. I will
break at last with the established etiquette. [_Lackeys come in with
trays_.] Order what pleases you. The beverages of China and the Levant
shall from now on no longer be strangers to our court.

HOLZENDORF.

What is this? Tea?

VIERECK.

And coffee? These forbidden beverages?

HOLZENDORF.

If His Majesty the King--

QUEEN.

Have no fear. Give your feelings full sway--express yourself without
fear, in assurance of perfect safety--[_There is a knock at the door,
right_.] Was not that a knock?

VIERECK (_aside, trembling_).

What does this mean?

[_The knock is repeated. The ladies all rise as if frightened_.]

QUEEN.

Be calm, ladies. There is no danger. The evening will offer one surprise
after another. Who, do you imagine, is at that door now?

[_The knock is repeated. The ladies all rise as if frightened_.]

HOLZENDORF.

The hand seems none of the most delicate.

QUEEN.

And yet it is. That knock expresses the impetuous longing of a being
whom my courage has freed from a humiliating situation. You may resume
your seats, ladies. Do not allow yourselves to be disturbed by anything
that may occur, not even by any surprise. This is but the beginning of
many things that will come to pass this evening. And so I cry--in
overflowing emotion--[_There is another knock_.] "Moderate your
impatience, beloved being; you shall find here what you seek--your
mother!" [_She opens the door_.]


SCENE III


_The_ KING _steps in. He is wrapped in a white cloak, his hat pulled
down over his face_.

KING.

Yes, your mother.

[_The ladies all rise with exclamations of horror. The_ KING _removes
his hat_.]

QUEEN (_aside, crushed_).

The King!

KING (_angry, but forcing himself to be affable_).

On my word, how fine we are here, very fine indeed! And how nice it does
look with so many lights burning. [_He blows out several_.] Why are you
hiding yourselves, ladies? Did you expect such a visitor?

QUEEN.

Your Majesty

[_The ladies place themselves so that they screen the table. They hide
the cards quickly_.]

KING.

Do not let me disturb you, ladies. What is your particular entertainment
this evening? Enjoying a cup of soup, Frau von Holzendorf? [_Comes
nearer_.] Oho--the silver service? [_He looks into cups_.] What's that?
Tea? Chocolate? Coffee?

QUEEN.

Your Majesty will surely--permit us--to keep pace with our age.

KING.

Frau von Viereck, you, I imagine, have been keeping pace with your age
long enough. About thirty years ago you'd give an old boy like myself a
handshake occasionally.

[_Slyly he holds out his hand to her_.]

VIERECK (_tries to hide the cards behind her back_).

Your Majesty--such graciousness--

[_She holds out one hand_.]

KING.

Both, Fran von Viereck--let me have both.

[VIERECK _lets the cards fall behind her back_.]

KING.

What's that? Did you not drop something? My God! Cards! [_He stands as
if speechless_.] Playing-cards! [_To the_ QUEEN.] Cards, madam--a
Christian court--and cards! I am sure, Frau von Viereck, you were merely
prophesying from those cards. I know, ladies, that you were only telling
your fortunes from the cards. I am quite sure, Frau von Viereck, that
you were merely endeavoring to ascertain whether you would bury your
fifth husband also. Surely--or--is it possible? Money on the tables!
[_He clasps his hands in horror_.] You--have-been-playing?--at my
court?--playing-cards? [_There is a knock at the door to the left_.] Who
knocks there?

QUEEN (_aside_).

It is Wilhelmine or the Prince of Wales! I am lost!

[_Another gentle knock is heard_.]

KING.

You are awaiting more visitors? Come in!

[_He goes to the door himself and opens it_.]


SCENE IV


WILHELMINE, _wearing a white veil and domino, comes in cautiously_.

KING.

A veiled lady! And such mysterious visitors are received here? [_He
lifts the veil_.] What do I see! Wilhelmine!

WILHELMINE (_throwing herself at his feet_).

Father! Forgive me!

KING.

Forgive you! This invasion of the State Prison--this attack on my
sovereign will?

WILHELMINE (_rising, aside_).

This is a nice reception.

[_There is a knock from the left_.]

KING.

Was that not another knock? [_A stronger knock_.] This castle is
haunted, I do believe. And I have indeed been fortunate enough to
prevent the outbreak of a conspiracy! [_A louder knock_.] Who is there
at that door? You will not answer? Then I must open it myself.

QUEEN (_steps before him_).

No, you will not.

KING.

You would hinder me from discovering who are enemies of the Crown? I
will open that door.