human
Your Majesty, said he,
gpt
I come to you on an affair of much importance. A great part of our city is falling down, and it is very necessary that we should rebuild it at once. If you will command it, therefore, I will see that it is done.
human
I have no doubt you are right, said the King;
gpt
Your Majesty, said he,
human
I wish to lay before you the state of our army. Our soldiers have had a great deal of fighting to do lately, and are beginning to be discontented, but the late King, your uncle, would never attend to their wants.
gpt
Pray do what you like,
human
To satisfy them, said the Commander-in-Chief,
gpt
I think that we should double their pay. This would keep them in a good humour, and all will go well.
human
By all means, that will certainly be the best way, said Aldebert.
gpt
Let it be given to them at once;
human
Your Majesty, he said,
gpt
I have this morning been to the treasury, and I find that there is scarcely any money left. The late King, your uncle, spent so much in spite of all I could say, that now it is almost all gone. Your Majesty must now save all you can for the next year or two, and you ought also to lower the soldiers' pay, and stop all public works.
human
I have no doubt you are quite right, cried the King.
gpt
You know best, let it be done as you wish.
human
How is this, your Majesty? cried he.
gpt
Just as we are beginning our buildings, the Chancellor comes and tells us that we are not to have any money to build with.
human
Yesterday your Majesty told me that all the soldiers should have double pay, and this morning I hear, that instead of that, their wages are to be lowered!
gpt
Your Majesty, he cried,
human
I am sure you are each of you quite right; but I think I am scarcely fit to be a King. Indeed I think you had better find my cousin Alderete, and let him be crowned, and I will seek my fortune elsewhere.