Egmont
         Jetter. You have no one to thank but yourself. Ruysum. Let me tell you—       

         Soest. How now, grey-beard?       

         Ruysum. Let me tell you!—He shoots like his master, he shoots like Egmont.       

         Buyck. Compared with him I am only a bungler. He aims with the rifle as no one else does. Not only when he's lucky or in the vein; no! he levels, and the bull's-eye is pierced. I have learned from him. He were indeed a blockhead, who could serve under him and learn nothing!—But,         sirs, let us not forget! A king maintains his followers; and so, wine here, at the king's charge!       

         Jetter. We have agreed among ourselves that each—       

         Buyck. I am a foreigner, and a king, and care not a jot for your laws and customs.       

         Jetter. Why, you are worse than the Spaniard, who has not yet ventured to meddle with them.       

         Ruysum. What does he say?       

         Soest (loud to Ruysum). He wants to treat us; he will not hear of our clubbing together, the king paying only a double share.       

         Ruysum. Let him! under protest, however! 'Tis his master's fashion, too, to be munificent, and to let the money flow in a good cause. (Wine is brought.)       

         All. Here's to his Majesty! Hurrah!       

         Jetter (to Buyck). That means your Majesty, of course, Buyck. My hearty thanks, if it be so.       

         Soest. Assuredly! A Netherlander does not find it easy to drink the health of his Spanish majesty from his heart.       

         Ruysum. Who?       

         Soest (aloud). Philip the Second, King of Spain.       

         Ruysum. Our most gracious king and master! Long life to him.       

         Soest. Did you not like his father, Charles the Fifth, better?       


 Prev. P 4/88 next 
Back Top
Privacy Statement Terms of Service Contact