PEHR. Must I read through two baskets full of papers between now
and day after to-morrow? No, no!

PETITIONER. Perhaps Your Grace would like to give your vote to our
candidate--

PEHR. Without having to read--is that permissible? Thank you, my
good friend! Pen and ink!

PETITIONER. [Hands Pehr pen, ink and paper for signature.]
Admirable! I thank Your Grace.

PEHR. [Embracing him.] Ah, it is I that must thank you!

BUTLER. [Raps on table three times with staff; servants enter with
dishes.] Dinner is served. [All go except Pehr and butler.]

PEHR. [Sits down at table.] At last! [Soft music.] See, now they go
when he commands; but when I beg, it's useless!

BUTLER. It is not my command they obey, Your Grace, but the rules
of etiquette.

PEHR. And they transcend my will?

BUTLER. Laws are the agreements of many, and must of course come
before the individual's will.

PEHR. I declare, he can answer all things! Now I shall enjoy myself
at all events. Wine warms the heart, food warms the body--but