Morituri: Three One-Act Plays - novelonlinefull.com
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The Marquis in Pale Blue.
May it please your Majesty, a gentleman of the court met him to-day. He was standing in a pouring rain, and trying a new sword.
The Painter (_to himself_).
The Marshal.
The Marquis In Pink.
(_Half aloud to_ The Painter.) Admit, sir, that his coming is inconvenient to you?
The Queen.
Do you know him, master?
The Painter.
Your Majesty, I have never seen him.
The Queen.
Yet you would like to make his acquaintance?
The Painter.
That I don't know.
The Marquis In Pink.
(_Softly to_ The Marquis in Pale Blue.) How the coward betrays himself!
The Painter.
Too often I have heard his name spoken in wonder, here with disfavour, there with enthusiasm, yet always as if a miracle was happening to me, too often for me not to view with apprehension the nearness of this powerful man.
The Marquis In Pink.
What did I say? He is afraid.
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
That is splendid!
The Marquis In Pink.
We must see to that and profit by it. (_Aloud_.) Yet I advise you, dear master, hold your own. He has a habit sometimes of running people through. Yet----
The Painter.
As one impales flies--of an afternoon--on the wall? My felicitations, Marquis! Happily for you, it is plain that he has never been bored.
The Marquis In Pink.
How do you intend that?
The Queen.
Gentlemen, I must beg you! At court, the master has good company. It amuses me when he meets your insolence with wit and spirit, and gives you a return thrust. Only try the experiment! I am waiting.... Please, Jean, my handkerchief!
The Marquis In Pink.
I have a right to be angry!
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
Yes, indeed, you have been insulted!
The Marquis In Pink.
Ha! Fearful is a man in anger! What do you think--can the dauber defend himself?
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
Attack him first from behind, then to his face.
The Queen.
I thank you, Jean.... Well, now, you dear men, you whisper, sulk, and mutter to each other. What is the use of my kindling your wit? I don't strike even a little spark from the stone. So you are dismissed....
Take a holiday. And do you, my children, go home. But in a little while, master, let us talk together, after our hearts' desire! The ladies of the suite--they will not disturb you.
The Marquis In Pink.
I believe it. One of them is asleep.
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
The other can't hear.
The Queen.
Good-bye! I wish you to go home to do penance for your sins of love.
(_Goes to the door on the right_.) One thing more. When you see the good Marshal, give him my greetings. (_Exit, followed by the ladies.
Only the sleepy lady remains, sitting_.)
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
(_Softly to the deaf lady_.) Pst! Wake her! (_She nods to him pleasantly and goes out_.) Ah, yes, she is deaf!
The Marquis In Pink.
