Fanfare near the dais gives you a moment's respite.
Everyone in the room rushes to stand when they see King Saul on his feet, his dark robes shimmering about him. He holds up the scroll in a perfunctory gesture to the assembled company as he descends the four carpeted steps.
"Urgent post doth merit quick reply," he explains. "Stay, and sup; good eventide to all."
With that, he takes his leave, having had nothing but soup. Hopefully someone will bring him a roll and a sausage, you find yourself thinking with sympathy.
Onward