A pattern to professors of monarchical autonomy,
I don't indulge in levity or compromising bonhomie,
But dignified formality, consistent with economy,
Above all other virtues I particularly prize.
I never join in merriment--I don't see joke or jape any--
I never tolerate familiarity in shape any--
This, joined with an extravagant respect for tuppence-ha'penny,
A keynote to my character sufficiently supplies.
(Speaking.) Observe. (To Chamberlains.) My snuff-box!
(The snuff-box is passed with much ceremony from the Junior
Chamberlain, through all the others, until it is presented
by the Senior Chamberlain to RUDOLPH, who uses it.)
That incident a keynote to my character supplies.
RUD:
I weigh out tea and sugar with precision mathematical--
Instead of beer, a penny each--my orders are emphatical--
(Extravagance unpardonable, any more than that I call),
But, on the other hand, my Ducal dignity to keep--
All Courtly ceremonial--to put it comprehensively--
I rigidly insist upon (but not, I hope, offensively)
Whenever ceremonial can be practised inexpensively--
And, when you come to think of it, it's really very cheap!
(Speaking.) Observe. (To Chamberlains.) My handkerchief!
(Handkerchief is handed by Junior Chamberlain to the next in
order, and so on until it reaches RUDOLPH, who is much
inconvenienced by the delay.)
It's sometimes inconvenient, but it's always very cheap
