Part 17 (1/2)
”Only a little? willingly.”
”I came to the Court by a mere chance. I am sure you must have heard of me. Unfortunately for me, I can break horseshoes and cups as well as the King does. For that I have been ordered to remain at the Court.”
”I remember now,” laughed the fool, ”and I do not envy you in the least. Who was so simple as to advise you to rival the King?”
”Since I have been at the Court the life there has disgusted me; every one avoids me; I haven't a friend, a protector; I have no one!”
”But to wish to choose me as a friend and protector, is as good an idea as the breaking the horseshoes was. Man, if I could break anvils, I would not break a straw, for fear of exciting the jealousy of others; I should not like to be in your place.”
”That is why I thought that at least Frolich would pity me.”
The old fool's eyes dilated, then suddenly his face grew stern and sad, and he folded his arms across his breast: then, advancing towards Zaklika, he took hold of his hand, and began to feel his pulse, as though he had been a doctor.
”I am afraid you have lost your common sense,” said he quietly.
”I shouldn't be surprised,” said the youth, smiling.
The fool's face brightened again, as though from habit.
”What is the matter in question?” he inquired.
”I wish to get discharged from the King's service.”
”That's very easily done,” said the fool. ”Do some stupid thing, then they will build a scaffold in the new market, and you will be hanged.”
”There's plenty of time for that,” replied Zaklika.
”What do you propose doing, should they discharge you? Are you going to return to your own country, and wrestle with the bear?”
”No, I shall remain at Dresden.”
”Are you in love with a pretty girl?”
The youth blushed.
”No,” replied he, ”I shall give fencing and riding lessons, or I might enter the military service.”
”Do they not give you enough to eat at the Court?”
”We have plenty.”
”Do they not pay you?”
”They do.”
”Then why don't you like your position?”
The youth looked confused.
”I have nothing to do,” said he, ”and it worries me.