[From a MS. drama called the "COURT OF VICTORIA."
_Scene in Windsor Castle._
[_Her Majesty discovered sitting thoughtfully at an escrutoire._--
_Enter the_ LORD CHAMBERLAIN.]
LORD CHAMBERLAIN.--May it please your Majesty, a letter from the Duke of
Wellington.
THE QUEEN (_opens the letter_.)--Oh! a person for the vacant place of
Premier--show the bearer in, my lord. [_Exit_ LORD CHAMBERLAIN.
THE QUEEN (_muses_).--Sir Robert Peel--I have heard that name before, as
connected with my family. If I remember rightly, he held the situation of
adviser to the crown in the reign of Uncle William, and was discharged for
exacting a large discount on all the state receipts; yet Wellington is
very much interested in his favour.
_Enter the_ LORD CHAMBERLAIN, _who ushers in_ SIR ROBERT, _and then
retires. As he is going_--]
LORD CHAMBERLAIN (_aside_).--If you do get the berth, Sir Robert, I hope
you'll not give me warning. [_Exit_.
SIR ROBERT (_looking demurely_).--Hem!
[_The Queen regards him very attentively._]
THE QUEEN (_aside_).--I don't much like the looks of the fellow--that
affectation of simplicity is evidently intended to conceal the real
cunning of his character. (_Aloud_). You are of course aware of the nature
and the duties of the situation which you solicit?
SIR ROBERT.--Oh, yes, your Majesty; I have filled it before, and liked it
very much.
THE QUEEN.--It's a most responsible post, for upon your conduct much of
the happiness of my other servants depends.
SIR ROBERT.--I am aware of that, your Majesty; but as no one can hope to
please everybody, I will only answer that _one half_ shall be perfectly
satisfied.
THE QUEEN.--You have recently returned from Tamworth?
SIR ROBERT.--Yes, your Majesty.
THE QUEEN.--We will dispense with forms. At Tamworth, you have been
practising as a quack doctor?
SIR ROBERT.--Yes, madam; I was brought up to doctoring, and am a professor
of sleight-of-hand.
THE QUEEN.--What have you done in the latter art to entitle you to such a
distinction?
SIR ROBERT.--I have performed some very wonderful changes. When I was out
of place, I had opinions strongly opposed to Catholic emancipation; but
when I got into service I changed them in the course of a few days.
THE QUEEN.--I have heard that you boast of possessing a nostrum for the
restoration of the public good. What is it?