Morituri: Three One-Act Plays Part 12

Balthilda.

Yea. (_She sits beside him_.)

Teja.

So, now give to me! Ah, that is good to the taste! Is it not good to the taste? But ah, thou also must eat.

Balthilda.

I fear there is not enough for thee.

Teja.

Nay, that is against the agreement.... So.... Is it not good to the taste?

Balthilda.

To me nothing hath ever tasted half so sweet.

Teja.

Pray come nearer to me ... I will take the crumbs from thy lap ...

So--why is it that suddenly I am hungry? See, now we celebrate our marriage feast.

Balthilda.

And better than those without, with meat and wine--do we not?

Teja.

Well, did I not tell thee?... But thou hast a bad seat!

Balthilda.

Nay, I am seated well!

Teja.

Come, stand up! Pray, stand up!

Balthilda (_rising_).

Well?

Teja.

Sit there, just above!

Balthilda (_terrified_).

Upon the throne--for G.o.d's sake--how dare I----?

Teja.

Art thou not then the Queen?

Balthilda (_decidedly_).

If I must sit there in earnest! But in jest--nay!

Teja.

Ah, the stupid bit of wood! (_He hurls down the throne_.) At least it should be of use for something!... So now lean against it!

Balthilda.

Beloved, doest thou justly?

Teja (_surprised_).

Nay! (_He sets the throne up again, leads her to her former place, and places her head against the seat_.) There indeed thou art well seated--yea!... And we trespa.s.s not against this trash. If the Bishop had seen that--he, ha, ha, ha! Wait, I will eat again!

Balthilda.

There, take!

Teja.

Still--remain quite still! I shall fetch it for myself. (_He kneels upon the podium beside her_.) Now I am quite upon my knees before thee.... What is there that we do not learn!... Thou art beautiful!...

I never knew my mother!

Balthilda.

Never knew!

Teja.

Never had a sister.... No one.... Never played in my life.... That I am surely learning last not least.

Balthilda.

Why last not least?

Teja.

Ask not--nay? Ah thou, thou! Ha, ha, ha! Pray eat! Bite from mine--yea?

Obediently--thou knowest what the Bishop said?

Balthilda (_bites and then springs up_).