The Follies of Love Part 8

Albert (beside himself) Her wit's gone, without hope of return.

Scratch Everything's ready. In my opinion, her illness is nothing more than a repressed humor, an irritated spirit, which is trying to free itself.

Some demon of love has seized her mind.

Albert What--the poor girl is possessed?

Scratch This violent demon from which we must save her is very strong and could take her from us. If I only had a subject in whom I could make this spirit of madness enter, I could quite answer for it.

Albert Jenny is a perfect subject. No need to search further. She'll serve our turn.

Jenny I kiss your hands--and give you my word, I'll do not such thing. I am already crazy enough.

Worthy Hurry up. Her illness augments every minute.

Scratch Curses. This isn't a child's game. One cannot proceed too carefully.

When a demon gets in a man's body, I can get it out easily enough.

But, in the body of a female, it's quite another matter.

Worthy To learn today the extent of his skill, I intend to deliver myself to his care. I begin to doubt the effect. I think he's planning to mock you and me. I intend to embarra.s.s him.

Scratch Me? I'll show you, and put you in a state where you cannot talk. Put yourself beside her. A knee on the ground, and stay put there. Always keep your gaze fixed on her beautiful eyes--your hand joined straight to hers. (to Albert) Do you permit him to give her his hand, so the force of attraction will be very strong?

Albert Yes, I consent to everything.

Scratch So much the better. You'll see a surprising effect shortly. (Scratch makes several pa.s.ses over the lovers with a wand) Microc--Salaam-- Hippocrata.

Arabella Heaven--what heavy cloud is lifting from my eyes?

Worthy What somber vapor is obscuring things around here?

Arabella What a calm replacing trouble has come over my spirit.

Worthy What confused tumult redoubles in my feelings? What profound abyss opens under my feet? What dragon pursues me? Ah, traitor, you will die--I intend to purge the world of a monster like you.

(Worthy chases Albert about, sword in hand.)

Scratch (coming between them) Ah, sir, avoid his furious rage. Save yourself, save yourself. Let me draw some blood and poison from his side. (holding Worthy) From the violent access with which he's transported, I can see I've given him too strong a dose.

Worthy I intend to sacrifice him to my just fury.

Scratch Don't you have some strong liquor or spirits to calm this fury? He's going to escape me.

Albert (drawing his key) Yes, I have what he needs. Jenny, take my key, go, run upstairs, take the viol--

Jenny I'm afraid I'm too upset to do it properly. You'd better go instead.

Scratch Run--quickly. Would you let a man who has offered to die for you perish?

Jenny (pushing Albert) Go, quick--go now!

Albert I'LL BE RIGHT BACK!

(Exit Albert. As soon as Albert leaves, everybody stops and there is a moment of absolute quiet.)

Worthy Don't lose any time--let's get out of here. Head for the woods. Albert won't know which way love has headed us.

Arabella I put my life and my fate in your hands.

Scratch Live, live, Scratch--and long live Folly. Let's run cross-country to meet our fate--and leave Albert all alone here to pour out his rage.

(Exit Worthy, Arabella, Scratch, and Jenny in a wild burst of speed.

After a moment, enter Albert with a phial in his hand.)

Albert I bring an elixir of astonishing strength.-- But, I don't see anybody.

What suspicion overwhelms me. Jenny! Arabella! Oh, heaven! All is deaf to my cries. What's become of them? What road have they taken? Where to run? Thief-- Police! Help! I stagger, I faint, I fall--for this feigned folly has seduced me, and I alone have lost my wits today.

Here's the ridiculous end of my love. Ah, cursed bottle (throws the phial) and credulous old man. Come, follow their steps, we won't give up. Traitorous ravishers--you will be hanged! And you, deceitful s.e.x-- more to be feared than fire, plague, famine, and war--you ought to be cursed by all men. I consign you forever to the devil. Let him take you!

CURTAIN