Morituri: Three One-Act Plays Part 31

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.