KNAVE.

The Queen of Hearts

She made some tarts

All on a summer's day.

The Knave of Hearts

He stole those tarts

And took them quite away.

The King of Hearts

Called for those tarts

And beat the Knave full sore.

The Knave of Hearts

Brought back the tarts

And vowed he'd sin no more.

VIOLETTA (_earnestly_). My dear Knave, how wonderful of you! You

shall be Poet Laureate. A Poet Laureate has no social position,

has he?

KNAVE. It depends, Your Majesty, upon whether or not he chooses

to be more laureate than poet.

VIOLETTA (_rising, her eyes closed in ecstasy_). _Your

Majesty!_ Those words go to my head--like wine!

KNAVE. Long live Pompdebile the Eighth, and Queen Violetta!

(_The trumpets sound._)

HERALDS. Make way for Pompdebile the Eighth, and Queen Violetta!

VIOLETTA (_excitedly_). _Vee_-oletta, please!

HERALDS. Make way for Pompdebile the Eighth, and Queen

_Vee_-oletta--

(_The_ KING _and_ QUEEN _show themselves at the door--and the people

can be heard clamoring outside._)

[CURTAIN]

The Atlantic Book of Modern Plays · 第 84 / 152 题