The Drunken Feathers

Scene xxxiv

Windsor Castle is shown. The sky is a desolate gray, the grass is yellow, and the trees are bare. The dark interior is then shown. QUEEN CHARLOTTE stands in the entrance hall, wearing a gray gown and looking very frail. She is accompanied by the six PRINCESSES, who look equally mournful.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE: Never before in my life have I been subjected to such loneliness and misery.

PRINCESS ROYAL: It will pass, Mother. Surely, it will pass. His Majesty's recovery is imminent.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE: Dr. Warren disagrees. He says that the King's senses are irreparably lost.

PRINCESS ELIZABETH: Pay no attention to that gentleman. He is the Prince of Wales' physician, after all.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE: And that is the worst of it. Your brother has not displayed the mildest concern about the King's health. He instead occupies himself by singing and drinking with his companions. But does he ever make an inquiry regarding his father's well-being? No. He frequently travels to London and engages in political conversation with the Whigs, who endeavor to replace the King's cabinet! I daresay the Prince will do the same tonight.

THE PRINCE OF WALES appears at the top of the staircase wearing a long black cloak, and a black tricorn hat. He glares coldly at QUEEN CHARLOTTE and the PRINCESSES.

PRINCE OF WALES: Your Majesty's omniscience astounds me.

He slowly descends the stairs as QUEEN CHARLOTTE and the PRINCESSES all watch with fear and resentment.

PRINCE OF WALES: I am going to Burlington House. Do not expect to see me back until later tonight.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE: How dare you!

PRINCE OF WALES: I beg your pardon?

QUEEN CHARLOTTE: You act as though you are about to be crowned King, while your poor father is left at the mercy of his clueless physicians far from the comfort of his own home.

PRINCE OF WALES: The King is being well taken care of, I assure you. You have no reason to doubt my intentions. The title Prince Regent is practically a synonym for King. I am only exercising my rights as such.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE: You are not even that. The topic of your possible regency has yet to be discussed in the House of Commons.

PRINCE OF WALES: It will be, in the coming weeks, and since I will undoubtedly be granted full powers of the monarch, it is only sensible that I should organize my new ministry. Now, if Your Majesty will excuse me- Oh! I nearly forgot: Do try to be in higher spirits when I return. You cannot possibly imagine how tiring your sullen attitude is.

The door is opened for the PRINCE OF WALES, and he steps through it.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE: [Harshly] George Augustus Frederick!

The PRINCE OF WALES turns around to face QUEEN CHARLOTTE with a glare. She holds out her hand.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE: You would not dare to leave without kissing my hand.

The PRINCE OF WALES glances at her hand, and then her eyes. He then turns around and continues walking outside toward his carriage. QUEEN CHARLOTTE is evidently insulted and livid. The door is closed behind him, and with it, the scene ends. Cut to ACT II, SCENE XXXV.