this opens with doorbells and alarm clocks, written into the score like the car horns earlier. these seem to represent the rousing of breughelland as death approaches. the curtain opens to the throne room, where two politicians dance a lopsided waltz and exchange insults in alphabetical order. "blackmailer; bloodsucker!" "charlatan; clodhopper!" "driveller; dodderer!" "exorcist; egoist!" "fraudulent flatterer!" the prince arrives and begs them to put "the interests of the nation" over selfishness. they do so, but force go-go to mount a giant rocking horse for his "riding lesson." the snare drum leads variations of military march-like music as the politicians contradict one another's advice, finally telling the prince "cavalry charge!" "as in war!" go-go, who alternatingly refers to himself in the royal first-person plural, says, "we surrender!" and falls off his horse, to which the black minister says, over-significantly, "thus do dynasties fall." the prince recalls that war is barred in their constitution, but the politicians proclaim the constitution to be mere paper. their manic laughter is accompanied by burping noises from the low brass. they move on to "posture exercises: how to wear a crown, with dignity." the politicians give him more conflicting advice as go-go hesitates, accompanied by his characteristic instrument, the harpsichord. when go-go puts on the crown, the politicians order him to memorize a speech and sign a decree (which raises taxes 100%), arguing over every insignificant issue the whole time. each time the prince objects, they harmoniously threaten "i shall resign," a possibility of which go-go seems to be terrified. the prince grows hungry, so the politicians tempt him with a gluttonous feast (to which the fat but boyish monarch sings an impassioned ode). with food in mind, go-go finally asserts himself and says "we will accept your resignations" after dinner.