Page:Carroll - Sylvie and Bruno Concluded.djvu/416

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
378
SYLVIE AND BRUNO CONCLUDED.

"The next thing to be done," the Professor cheerfully remarked to the Lord Chancellor, as soon as the applause, caused by the recital of the Pig-Tale, had come to an end, "is to drink the Emperor's health, is it not?"

"Undoubtedly!" the Lord Chancellor replied with much solemnity, as he rose to his feet to give the necessary directions for the ceremony. "Fill your glasses!" he thundered. All did so, instantly. "Drink the Emperor's health!" A general gurgling resounded all through the Hall. "Three cheers for the Emperor!" The faintest possible sound followed this announcement: and the Chancellor, with admirable presence of mind, instantly proclaimed "A speech from the Emperor!"

The Emperor had begun his speech almost before the words were uttered. "However unwilling to be Emperor——since you all wish me to be Emperor——you know how badly the late Warden managed things——with such enthusiasm as you have shown——he persecuted you——he taxed you too heavily——you know who is fittest man to be Emperor——my brother had no sense——."