I burst into a laugh of grim amusement.

These great folk find it hard to understand how sometimes their greatness is nothing, and the thing is man to man; but now and then fortune takes a whim and teaches them the lesson for her sport.
"But since you are a King," said I, "you shall have your privilege.

You shall pass out before the lady.

See, the ship is very plain now.

Soon we shall be plain to the ship.