human
You are Garrick's last pupil, I believe, she said,
gpt
Eh? what? Garrick? gasped his Majesty.
human
Oh, certainly, certainly! She plays remarkably well. I'm a judge myself: I too have played in comedy--comedy and tragedy. I used to do Addison's 'Cato,' and not half badly, they said. But of course one always says that to a prince. Have you seen 'Cato,' Miss Woodville?
gpt
Never, sire.
human
Ah, but it is a fine play! And the tirade, the famous tirade, you know!
gpt
Does not your Majesty find that Miss Woodville speaks her Shakespeare marvellously well?
human
Eh? what? Shakespeare? Of course!--You love Shakespeare, do you not?
gpt
Oh, yes, sire, with all my heart!
human
That's right; so do I. Nevertheless he has his stupid absurdities. Sad rubbish, some of it. Persons generally would not venture to admit that they thought so, but I say it because I say whatever comes into my mind. I don't care particularly for the French, but I am forced to acknowledge that their plays are the noblest, most decorous and normal extant. We also have good authors, such as Coleman, for instance, or Mr. Home, who wrote 'Douglass.' The whole action of the play passes in twenty-four hours and in one and the same place. Certain scenes take place in the castle, others before the castle, and still others behind the castle; but, in a word, the castle is always there to preserve the unity. That makes you laugh, young woman!
gpt
All the same, he concluded in a paternal tone,
human
said the queen;
gpt
I take it your Majesty wishes to be going.