THE INCA. Why should he not, madam? Providence has entrusted to
his family the care of a mighty empire. He is in a position of
half divine, half paternal, responsibility towards sixty millions
of people, whose duty it is to die for him at the word of
command. To take himself otherwise than seriously would be
blasphemous. It is a punishable offence--severely punishable--in
Perusalem. It is called Incadisparagement.

ERMYNTRUDE. How cheerful! Can he laugh?

THE INCA. Certainly, madam. [He laughs, harshly and mirthlessly.]
Ha ha! Ha ha ha!

ERMYNTRUDE [frigidly]. I asked could the Inca laugh. I did not
ask could you laugh.

THE INCA. That is true, madam. [Chuckling.] Devilish amusing,
that! [He laughs, genially and sincerely, and becomes a much more
agreeable person.] Pardon me: I am now laughing because I cannot
help it. I am amused. The other was merely an imitation: a
failure, I admit.

ERMYNTRUDE. You intimated that you had some business?

THE INCA [producing a very large jewel case, and relapsing into
solemnity. I am instructed by the Allerhochst to take a careful
note of your features and figure, and, if I consider them
satisfactory, to present you with this trifling token of His
Imperial Majesty's regard. I do consider them satisfactory. Allow
me [he opens the jewel case and presents it.]