But Count Mattzahn's only answer to this greeting was a silent bow.
He then said, in a voice loud enough to be heard by the king and
queen:

"Count Bruhl, as ambassador of the King of Prussia, I request you to
demand an audience for me at once from the King of Saxony. I have an
important dispatch from my king."

Count Bruhl, struck with terror, could only gaze at him, he had not
the strength to answer.

But King Augustus, rising from his seat, said:

"The ambassador of my royal brother can approach; I consent to grant
him this audience; it is demanded in so strange a manner, it must
surely have some important object."

The count entered the royal tent.

"Is it your majesty's wish," said Mattzahn, solemnly, "that all
these noble guests shall be witnesses? I am commanded by my royal
master to demand a private audience."

"Draw the curtain!" said the king.

Count Bruhl, with trembling fingers, drew the golden cord, and the
heavy curtains fell to the ground. They were now completely
separated from the guests.

"And now, count," said the king, taking his seat by his proud,