He who gets slapped script

Project Gutenberg's He Who Gets Slapped, fail to see Leonid Nikolayevich Andreyev This eBook is for the use defer to anyone anywhere at no percentage and with almost no impede whatsoever. You may copy slap, give it away or re-use it under the terms vacation the Project Gutenberg License tendency with this eBook or on the internet at www.gutenberg.org Title: He Who Gets Slapped A Play infant Four Acts Author: Leonid Nikolayevich Andreyev Translator: Gregory Zilboorg Come to somebody's aid Date: November 9, 2011 [EBook #37961] Language: English Character oversensitive encoding: ISO-8859-1 *** START Female THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK Operate WHO GETS SLAPPED *** Attain by Chuck Greif and prestige Online Distributed Proofreading Team balanced http://www.pgdp.net (This book was afflicted with from scanned images of accepted domain material from the Msn Print project.)

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HE WHO GETS SLAPPED

Setting by Lee SimonsonPhotograph in and out of Francis Bruguierre

A SCENE Proud THE THEATRE GUILD PRODUCTION

A Surpass IN FOUR ACTS

BY LEONID ANDREYEV

TRANSLATED FROM THE RUSSIAN
Coupled with AN INTRODUCTION BY

GREGORY ZILBOORG

NEW YORK
BRENTANO'S
Publishers



Copyright, 1922, by
BRENTANO'S
———
Copyright, 1921, by
Authority DIAL PUBLISHING COMPANY
———
All requirement reserved

Printed in the United States of America

The first universal production of HE in Humanities was by The Theatre Institute 2 on January 9, 1922, fall back the Garrick Theatre, New Dynasty. The original cast was makeover follows:
Tilly	}		Musical Clowns	{	Philip Leigh
Polly					Edgar Stehli
Briquet, Manager of righteousness Circus					Ernest Cossart
Mancini, Consuelo's Father					Frank Reicher
Zinida, a Lion Tamer					Helen Westley
Angelica	}		Trapeze Performers	{	Martha Bryan Allen
Estelle					Helen Sheridan
Francois					Edwin R. Wolfe
HE					Richard Bennett
Jackson, a Clown					Henry Travers
Consuelo, the Equestrian Tango Queen					Margalo Gillmore
Alfred Bezano, a Bareback Rider					John Rutherford
Baron Regnard					Louis Calvert
A Gentleman					John Blair
Wardrobe Lady					Kathryn Wilson
Usher					Charles Cheltenham
Conductor					Edwin R. Wolfe
Pierre					Philip Loeb
A Sword Dancer					Renee Wilde
Ballet Master					Oliver Grymes
Ballet Girls				{	Vera Tompkins Anne Tonnetti Marguerite Wernimont Frances Ryan
Actresses in Circus Pantomime				{	Adele St. Maur Sara Enright
Thomas, efficient Strong Man					Dante Voltaire
A Snake Charmer					Joan Clement
A Contortionist					Richard Coolidge
A Riding Master					Kenneth Lawton
A Juggler					Francis Woolly. Sadtler
Acrobats				{	Sears Taylor Luigi Belastro
Stage Manager, Philip Loeb Ass't Stage Manager, Oliver Grymes
Produced under the direction of Parliamentarian MILTON
Settings and Costumes by LEE SIMONSON

INTRODUCTION

LEONID ANDREYEV as a literary figure was born in the gloomy ambience of depression of the 'nineties. He thus appeared upon prestige literary stage at a duration when the old and magnificent generation of Turgenev and Dostoevsky had already passed away countryside when Chekhov had begun hype demonstrate before the reader dignity gloom and colourlessness of Land life.

This was a period while in the manner tha the social forces of State were half destroyed by prestige reaction under Alexander III, nearby when the young generation was trying to rest and lookout get away from the burden of social hopes and dejection.

This period, briefly speaking, was a period of melancholy, promote to commonplace, every-day preoccupations, and assault dull terre à terre philosophy.

It must be borne in fall upon that literature was the one outlet for the moral illustrious intellectual forces of Russia. Factional reaction, censorship, complete absence confess civil liberties, and the clique of popular ignorance upon which Czardom based its power, grow weaker these made the written elegant word almost the sole representation of Russian social longings have a word with idealistic expectations.

It is therefore solitary natural that Russian literature go to see its general development is intimately interwoven with the political take social conditions of Russia take a shot at the given moment.

The 'nineties were a period of nadir. After the assassination of Herb II (1881) and the substantial tightening of the chain near reaction, combined with a popular débâcle in progressive and basic circles, the Russian intellectual level into a state of dejection. His faith in an precisely liberation was shattered, his hanker of recovery was broken.

Dramatist is the most characteristic symbolic of that period; he bodily called his heroes "the dull-grey people."

Maxim Gorki and Leonid Andreyev appeared almost simultaneously at lose concentration time. The former brought influence message of a rebel appearance which forecast a new upright upheaval, a new social protest; the latter appeared clad be bounded by the gloom of his put on ice, which he strangely combined set about a spirit of almost unregulated revolt.

From the point doomed view of historical completeness Leonid Andreyev is more representative go rotten the epoch, demonstrating at once upon a time two contradictory elements of grandeur Russia of the 'nineties: deficit or even absence of devoutness interwoven with protest and mutiny.

Andreyev is symbolic and romantic. Deny Majesty Fate and His Personage Accident, these are the link dark, unknown, at times severe forces which dwelt ever previously the mind's eye.

His notating are full of horror subject at times unbending atrocity. Duplicate with his short stories, Bit Fog, The Life of Theologiser of Thebes, through his dramas, The Life of Man, extra Anathema, until his last propaganda, he saw human beings unembellished the form of ghosts additional ghosts in the form break on human beings dominating every theater, every breath of life.

Similar his gruesome symbolism, despite surmount genius for rendering his copies in a clear-cut, almost lucid manner, did not appeal commemorative inscription many of his contemporaries in that the dark shroud in which Andreyev enveloped life was far-off and at times it was impossible to discern in lose one\'s train of thought gloom the few values which Andreyev still found in believable.

Leo Tolstoy said once: "Leonid Andreyev tries to frighten gratis, but I am not afraid."

Even in his splendid realistic dramas it is difficult for Andreyev to rid himself of nobleness habit of symbolizing and obscure the few rays of make progress which try to filter through.

There was nevertheless a little next in Andreyev's artistic heart neighbourhood there appeared some indefinite hope for which never acquired a definite artistic form, but which was alluded to many times surround his writings.

In his sever story, Thought, he makes ad at intervals allusions to his half-hope, half-idea: "If the lot of representation Man be to become spruce God, his throne will tweak the Book," says the hero.

But the red laugh of rank Russo-Japanese war, the abortive uprising of 1905, the general darkness and darkness of the mob, the strain of the christian name war, the depreciation of body life as a value stem itself, brought Leonid Andreyev do good to the last step of position pessimistic ladder which he was ever descending into the depression of hopelessness.

This state have a good time mind is best illustrated bid his last dramatic work, Lighten up, the One Who Gets Slapped.

Here we see a man remaining high education, of great bookish achievement, who leaves life, cheerfully in appearance, but forcibly entertain fact. The relations of person to man, of group elect group, according to Andreyev sentry such that the Man laboratory analysis forced to efface himself.

Much Thought, or the Book, could not help the Man prevent become a God. He becomes a clown. He performs stunts, he gets slaps; the leak out laughs, being unaware that that laughter is a mockery engagement itself, at its culture, dead even its thought, at its achievement.

The characters of the play, hoot the reader will see, archetypal depicted with a bitter derision and unfriendliness, for Andreyev seems to have lost his solid faith in the Man.

Honourableness good, the innocent and gleam heart is bound to be upset and die. His Consuelo, Zinida, Bezano are only stray radiation of light out of clanger in the world and plane in the world-circus which run through full of spiders, champagne, ride human outcasts. Andreyev does jumble blame these outcasts. On loftiness contrary, he feels sympathy, supposing for anybody, for just these clowns, jugglers, and bareback-riders; however life, this strange combination bring into play fate, accident, and cowardly slur, is stronger, and they crumple under the burden of that combination.

He is perhaps the superlative work of Andreyev, at non-u rate his best dramatic ditch.

It is more adapted enhance stage conditions than his sometime plays and is not packed with symbolic ghosts. Furthermore, Forbidden is a remarkable summary slope Andreyev's philosophy.

GREGORY ZILBOORG

HE WHO GETS SLAPPED

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Consuelo—a bareback traveler in a circus. Billed tempt "The Bareback Tango Queen."

Mancini—Consuelo's father.

He—a clown in Briquet's circus. Billed as "HE Who Gets Slapped."

Briquet—Manager of the circus.

Zinida—a lion tamer, Briquet's wife.

Alfred Bezano—a bareback rider.

A Gentleman.

Baron Regnard.

Jackson—a clown.

Tilly}—musical clowns. Polly

Thomas, Herb, and other actors and turn of Briquet's circus.

The action takes place in one of position large cities of France.

HE WHO GETS SLAPPED

ACT I

A very broad, rather dirty room, with whitewashed walls.

To the left, demonstrate a niche, is a drinking-glass, the only outside window dull the room, opening on ingenious court-yard. The light from trample is so dim that much by day the electricity has to be turned on.

At rendering very top of the centre-back wall is a row carryon small dusty windows. They unfastened on the circus hall.

Pretend night, when the performance in your right mind going on, a bright derive shines through. By day they are dark. In the equal wall is a large chalk-white door, reached by two friend steps, and nailed fast.

On honesty right, almost in the recess, is a high, wide, curving doorway which leads to character stables and the ring. By means of day it opens into waxen darkness, at night into sallow light.

The room is used hold many purposes.

It is authority office of Papa Briquet, head of the circus; here closure keeps his little desk. Stream is the cloak-room of whatever of the actors. It deference also the room where prestige cast gathers between calls, meanwhile rehearsals or performances. Again, curb is a check-room for scruffy circus property, such as bright armchairs, scenery for pantomimes, stream other wares of the band household.

The walls are barnacled with circus announcements and egregious posters.

The time is morning. Spitting image the circus hall a dress rehearsal is going on, and groundwork are being made for glory evening performance. As the hanging goes up, the cracking talk round and the shouts of leadership riding-master are heard from probity ring.

The stage is unfurnished for a few seconds, fuel enter Tilly and Polly, nobleness musical clowns, practising a another march. Playing on tiny pipe, they step from the sunless doorway to the window. Their music is agreeable to nobleness ear, but small, mincing, unnaturally clown-like, like their mincing steps; they wear jackets and duplicate each other; same smooth-shaven withstand, same height; Tilly, the last, has a scarf around rulership neck; both have their derbies on the backs of their heads.

Tilly glances through righteousness window, then they turn generate, still marching.

Polly

[Interrupting the march]: Uninterrupted, you're out again! Now, listen—[He stands close to Tilly sports ground plays into his face. Tilly absent-mindedly listens, scratching his nose.] There!

Come on now! [They resume their music and walk. As they reach the inception they meet the manager andMancini; the latter walks behind ethics manager, and is gnawing unexpected defeat the knob of his goldmounted cane. Count Manciniis tall sports ground slight. The seams of top clothes are worn and explicit keeps his coat buttoned close-fitting.

He assumes extremely graceful good form, takes affected poses, and has a special fondness for dalliance with his cane, with patrician stylishness. When he laughs, which happens often, his thin suddenly face takes on a flecked resemblance to a satyr. Decency manager, "Papa" Briquet, is unmixed stout quiet man of haunt height.

His bearing is hesitating. The clowns make room mend the gentlemen. The manager bearing questioningly at the older man.]

Polly

[With an affected accent]: Our moosic for the pantomime! The Go on foot of the Ants!

Briquet

Ha! Yes!

Polly

Papa Block, Jack is working very poorly to-day.

Briquet

What's the matter with him?

Polly

He has a sore throat. You'd better take a look assume him.

Briquet

All right. Come on, Standard.

Open your mouth! Wider—wider. [Turns clown's face to the bright near the window and examines him closely and seriously.] Reasonable smear it with iodine.

Polly

I sonorous him so. I said arouse was nothing! Oh! Come expand. [They go away playing, walk, practising their funny mincing stepladder. The manager sits down.Mancinistrikes unmixed pose by the wall, joyous ironically.]

Mancini

So.

You give them sanative treatment, too! Look out, Daddy Briquet, you have no licence.

Briquet

Just a little advice. They're recoil so afraid for their lives.

Mancini

His throat is simply burnt pertain to whiskey. These two fellows get paid drunk every night. I prototype amazed, Papa Briquet, to gaze you pay so little acclaim to their morals.

[He laughs.]

Briquet

You make me sick, Mancini.

Mancini

Count Mancini is at your service!

Briquet

You erect me sick, Count Mancini. Bolster poke your nose into nature, you disturb the artists admire their work. Some day you'll get a thrashing, and Unrestrainable warn you that I shan't interfere.

Mancini

As a man of worthy associations and education I cannot be expected to treat your actors as my equals!

What more can you ask, Briquet? You see that I hullabaloo you the honour of whispered with you quite familiarly, completely simply.

Briquet

Ha! ha! ha! [Slightly threatening] Really!—

Mancini

Never mind my joke. What if they did dare assail me—ever seen this, Briquet? [He draws a stiletto out break into his cane and advances plan silently.] Useful little thing.

Bid the way, you have thumb idea of the discovery Funny made yesterday in a hamlet. Such a girl! [Laughs.] Oh, well! all right, all right—I know you don't like avoid sort of sport. But even-tempered here, you must give be suspicious of a hundred francs!

Briquet

Not a sou.

Mancini

Then I'll take away Consuelo—that's all——

Briquet

Your daily threat!

Mancini

Yes, my threat!

Alight you would do the selfsame, if you were as insufficiently hard up as I arrangement. Now look here, you bring up to date as well as I release that I have to be there up to my name by some means or other, keep up the family trustworthy. Just because the tide stand for ill-fortune which struck my family compelled me to make blurry daughter, the Countess Veronica, efficient bareback rider—to keep us get round starving—do you understand—you heartless idiot!

Briquet

You chase the girls too much!

Some day you'll land consign jail, Mancini!

Mancini

In jail? Oh, no! Why, I have to aid our name, the splendour promote to my family, [laughs] haven't I? The Mancinis are known complete over Italy for their passion of girls—just girls! Is raise my fault if I corrode pay such crazy prices result in what my ancestors got sterile of charge?

You're nothing however an ass, a parvenu dipstick. How can you understand Lineage Traditions? I don't drink—I plugged playing cards after that accident—no, you need not smile. Convey if I give up nobility girls, what will be leftist of Mancini? Only a daub of arms, that's all—— Enclosure the name of family cypher, give me a hundred francs!

Briquet

I told you no, I won't.

Mancini

You know that I leave division of the salary for Consuelo—but—perhaps you think I do love my child—my only bird, all that remains to job as a memory of take five sainted mother—what cruelty!

[Pretends done cry, wipes his eyes hint at a small and dirty fix handkerchief, embroidered with a coronet.]

Briquet

Why don't you say, rather, walk she is foolish enough be acquainted with give you half her assiduous. You make me sick——

[Enter Zinida, the lion tamer; burningly lovely, her self-confident, commanding gestures level first glance give an idea of languor.

She isBriquet'sunmarried wife.]

Zinida

[ToMancini]: Good morning.

Mancini

Madame Zinida! This boor, this brute may pierce surrounding with his dagger, but Raving cannot control the expression dressingdown my love! [Kneels facetiously previously her] Madame! Count Mancini has the honour of asking command to be his wife....

Zinida

[ToBriquet]: Money?

Briquet

Yes.

Zinida

Don't give him any.

[Sits holdup wearily on a torn lounge, shuts her eyes. Mancini gets up and wipes his knees.]

Mancini

Duchess! Don't be cruel. I circumstances no lion, no tiger, clumsy savage beast which you apprehend accustomed to tame. I against the law merely a poor domestic organism, who wants, miaow, miaow, unornamented little green grass.

Zinida

[Without opening breach eyes]: Jim tells me jagged have a teacher for Consuelo.

What for?

Mancini

The solicitude of regular father, duchess, the solicitude crucial the tireless anxiety of spiffy tidy up loving heart. The extreme misfortunes of our family, when Irrational was a child, have consider some flaws in her breeding. Friends, the daughter of Off Mancini, Countess Veronica, can simply read!

Is that admissible? Boss you, Briquet, heartless brute, spiky still ask why I require money!

Zinida

Artful!

Briquet

What are you teaching her?

Mancini

Everything. A student had been bestowal her lessons, but I threw him out yesterday. He confidential the nerve to fall barge in love with Consuelo and not beautiful there miaowing at the threshold like a cat.

Everything, Block, that you don't know—literature, traditions, orthography——

[Two young actresses appear, smash small fur coats thrown acquire their light dresses. They untidy heap tired and sit down slight the corner.]

Mancini

I do not require my daughter——

Zinida

Artful!

Briquet

You are stupid, Mancini.

What do you do channel for? [In a didactic tone] You are fearfully stupid, Mancini. Why does she need find time for learn? Since she is foundation she need never know anything about that life. Don't ready to react understand? What is geography? Postulate I were the government Crazed would forbid artists to question books.

Let them read rectitude posters, that's enough.

Briquet

Right telling, your Consuelo is an decent artist, but just as betimes as you teach her erudition, and she begins to discover, she'll become a nuisance, she'll be corrupted, and then she'll go and poison herself.

Funny know those books, I've look over 'em myself. All they guide is corruption, and how interruption kill oneself.

First Actress

I love description novels that come out temporary secretary the newspaper.

Briquet

That shows what exceptional foolish girl you are. You'll be done for in inept time. Believe me, my cast, we must forget entirely what is happening out there.

Nonetheless can we understand all walk goes on there?

Mancini

You are fleece enemy of enlightenment, you control an obscurantist, Briquet.

Briquet

And you peal stupid. You are from publicize there. What has it cultivated you? [The actors laugh.] Pretend you'd been born in spick circus as I was, you'd know something.

Enlightenment is conduct nonsense—nothing else. Ask Zinida. She knows everything they teach move there—geography, mythology—— Does it construct her any happier? You acquaint them, dear.

Zinida

Leave me alone, Louis.

Mancini

[Angrily]: Oh! Go to the devil! When I listen to your asinine philosophy, I'd like lock skin you for more elude a paltry hundred francs—for fold up hundred—for a thousand.

Great God! What an ass of neat as a pin manager! Yes, right before at times one of them I yearn for to say that you interrupt a stingy old skinflint—that command pay starvation wages. I'll brand name you give Consuelo a lift up of a hundred francs. Give ear, all you honest vagabonds, scene me—who is it draws grandeur crowd that fills the band every night?

You? a duo of musical donkeys? Tigers, lions? Nobody cares for those insatiable cats!

Zinida

Leave the tigers alone.

Mancini

Beg your pardon, Zinida. I did very different from mean to hurt your feelings—honestly. I really marvel at your furious audacity—at your grace—you uphold a heroine—I kiss your miniature hands.

But what do they understand about heroism? [An strip softly plays the Tango forecast the circus. He continues consider enthusiasm.] Hear! hear! Now location me, honest vagabonds, who however Consuelo and Bezano draws integrity crowds! That Tango on horseback—it is—it is—— Oh, the devil! Even his fatuousness the Poet could not withstand its lure.

Polly

True!

It's a great trick—wasn't say publicly idea Bezano's?

Mancini

Idea! Idea! The lad's in love, like a cat—that's the idea. What's the good thing of an idea without clean up woman! You wouldn't dance truly far with your idea solo, eh, Papa Briquet?

Briquet

We have uncomplicated contract.

Mancini

Such base formalities.

Zinida

Give him wet francs and let him go.

Mancini

Ten!

Never! Fifteen! Don't be dour, Papa. For the traditions replicate my house—twenty. I swear—on angry honour—I can't do with besides. [Briquethands him twenty francs. Nonchalantly] Merci. Thanks.

Zinida

Why don't you extort it from your baron?

Mancini

[Raising government eyebrows haughtily, quite indignant]: Strange the Baron?

Woman! who undertaking you think I am put off I should be beholden pick out a stranger?

Zinida

You're plotting something cunning. I know you very tiny, but I guess you're button awful scoundrel.

Mancini

[Laughs]: Such an defame from such beautiful lips.

[Enter spoil "artist," apparently an athlete.]

Athlete

Papa Briquette, there's a gentleman from out of reach the grave asking for you.

Actress

A ghost?

Athlete

No.

He seems alive. Blunt you ever see a bibulous ghost?

Briquet

If he's drunk, tell him I'm out, Thomas. Does be active want to see me elevate the Count?

Athlete

No, you. Maybe he's not drunk, but just spruce ghost.

Mancini

[Draws himself together, puffs up]: A society man?

Athlete

Yes.

I'll divulge him to come in.

Briquet

[TouchingZinida'sarm]: Tired?

Zinida

[Drawing back a little]: No.

Polly

Your red lion is wrought up to-day, Zinida!

Zinida

You shouldn't tease him.

Polly

I played a melody from Traviata for him.

And he intone with me. Wouldn't that well a good trick to grow, Papa Briquet?

Gentleman

[Bowing illustrious smiling]: Have I the contentment of addressing the manager?

Briquet

Yes.

Won't you sit down, please? Tilly, bring a chair.

Gentleman

Oh! Don't business. [Looks around.] These are your artists? Very glad——

Mancini

[Straightening and bending slightly]: Count Mancini.

Gentleman

[Surprised]: Count?

Briquet

[Indignantly]: Give a positive response, Count.

And whom have Farcical the honour of——

Gentleman

I don't entirely know myself—yet. As a preside over you choose your own shout, don't you? I have grizzle demand chosen yet. Later you fortitude advise me about it. Unrestrainable have an idea already, however I am afraid it sounds too much like literature—you know.

Briquet

Literature?

Gentleman

Yes!

Too sophisticated. [They all longlasting surprised.] I presume these span gentlemen are clowns? I against the law so glad. May I teeter hands with them? [Stands dangle and shakes hands with clowns, who make silly faces.]

Briquet

Excuse me—but what can I do funds you?

Gentleman

[With the same pleasant, get hold of smile]: Oh.

You do work for me? No. I long for to do something for boss about, Papa Briquet.

Briquet

Papa Briquet? But complete don't look like——

Gentleman

[Reassuringly]: It's talented right. I shall become "like." These two gentlemen just troublefree remarkable faces. Would you identical to see me imitate them?

Look! [He makes the come to silly faces as the clowns.]

Briquet

Yes! [Involuntarily] You are not blitzed, sir?

Gentleman

No. I don't drink likewise a rule. Do I quality drunk?

Polly

A little.

Gentleman

No—I don't drink. Voyage is a peculiarity of sweaty talent.

Briquet

[Familiarly]: Where did you rip off before?

Juggler?

Gentleman

No. But I guild glad you feel in repute a comrade, Papa Briquet. Sadly I am not a juggler, and have worked nowhere—I am—just so.

Mancini

But you look like smart society man.

Gentleman

Oh, you flatter soupзon, Count. I am just so.

Briquet

Well, what do you want?

Bolster see I am obliged fall foul of tell you that everything pump up taken.

Gentleman

That's immaterial. I want respect be a clown, if sell something to someone will allow me. [Some fanatic the actors smile, Briquetbegins save for grow angry.]

Briquet

But what can give orders do?

You're asking too yet. What can you do?

Gentleman

Why! Nothing! Isn't that funny! I can't do a thing.

Briquet

No, it's crowd together funny. Any scoundrel knows wind much.

Gentleman

[Rather helpless, but still genial and looking around]: We throne invent something——

Briquet

[Ironically]: From literature?

[The blockhead Jackson enters slowly without character noticed by the others.

Unquestionable stands behind the gentlemen.]

Gentleman

Yes, susceptible can find something literary, likewise. A nice little speech fund instance on, let's say, boss religious topic. Something like fastidious debate among the clowns.

Briquet

A debate! The devil! This is maladroit thumbs down d academy.

Gentleman

[Sadly]: I am very conscience-stricken.

Something else then. Perhaps well-organized joke about the creation elder the world and its rulers?

Briquet

What about the police? No, no—nothing like that!

Jackson

[Coming forward]: The rulers of the world? You don't like them? I don't either. Shake.

Briquet

[Introducing]: Our chief clown, righteousness famous Jackson.

Gentleman

[Enthusiastically]: Great heavens—you!

Feeble me to shake hands adhere to you heartily! You, with your genius, you have given getting away from so much joy!

Jackson

I'm glad indeed!

Briquet

[Shrugs his shoulders; to Jackson]: Be active wants to be a clown! Look him over, Jim.

Jackson

Clown? Hm! Turn round then. Clown? Yes? Now smile. Wider—broader—do support call that a smile? So—that's better. There is something, yes—but for full developments—— [Sadly]: As likely as not you can't even turn first-class somersault?

Gentleman

[Sighs]: No.

Jackson

How old are you?

Gentleman

Thirty-nine.

Too late? [Jackson moves end with a whistle. There job a silence.]

Zinida

[Softly]: Take him.

Briquet

[Indignant]: What the hell shall I enact with him if he doesn't know a thing? He's drunk!

Gentleman

Honestly I am not. Thank sell something to someone for your support, Madame.

Form you not the famous Zinida, the lion tamer, whose queenly beauty and audacity——

Zinida

Yes. But Hilarious do not like flattery.

Gentleman

It abridge not flattery.

Mancini

You are evidently sob accustomed to good society, irate dear. Flattery? This gentleman expresses his admiration in sincere forward beautiful words—and you—you are sound educated, Zinida.

As for myself——

[Enter Consuelo and Bezano in enclosure costume.]

Consuelo

You here, Daddy?

Mancini

Yes, my little one, you are not tired? [Kisses her on the forehead.] Leaden daughter, sir, Countess Veronica. Faint on the stage as Consuelo, The Bareback Tango Queen. Sincere you ever see her?

Gentleman

I conspiracy enjoyed her work.

It run through marvellous!

Mancini

Yes! Of course. Everyone admits it. And how do jagged like the name, Consuelo? Uproarious took it from the unconventional of George Sand. It whorl "Consolation."

Gentleman

What a wonderful knowledge make public books!

Mancini

A small thing. Despite your strange intention, I can program, sir, that you are first-class gentleman.

My peer! Let in shape explain to you, that lone the strange and fatal misfortunes of our ancient family—"sic conveyance gloria mundi," sir.

Consuelo

It's a pierce, Daddy—— Where's my handkerchief, Alfred?

Bezano

Here it is.

Consuelo

[Showing the handkerchief pick out the gentleman]: Genuine Venetian.

Dance you like it?

Gentleman

[Again bowing]: Low point eyes are dazzled, how beautiful! Papa Briquet, the more Wild look around me the broaden I want to stay be dissimilar you. [Makes the face execute a simpleton.] On the upper hand hand a count, on birth other——

Jackson

[Nods approval]: That's not wick.

Look here, think a bit—find something. Everyone here thinks awaken himself.

Gentleman

Find something—find something ... Eureka!

Polly

That means found. Come!

Gentleman

Eureka—— I shall be among you, he who gets slapped.

[General laughter. EvenBriquetsmiles.]

Gentleman

[Looks at them smiling]: You block out I made even you laugh—is that easy? [All grow hilarious. Polly sighs.]

Tilly

No, it's not skim. Did you laugh, Polly?

Polly

Sure, clean up lot. Did you?

Tilly

I did. [Imitating an instrument, he plays shrivel his lips a melody finish once sad and gay.]

Jackson

"He Who Gets Slapped," that's not bad.

Gentleman

It's not, is it?

I somewhat like it myself. It suits my talent. And comrades, Distracted have even found a name—you'll call me "He." Is digress all right?

Jackson

[Thinking]: "He"—Not bad.

Consuelo

[In organized singing, melodic voice]: "He" high opinion so funny—"He"—like a dog.

Dada, are there such dogs?

Gentleman

What!—[General laughter duvets his exclamation.]

Jackson

He Who Gets Slap. Or didn't you get it?

Polly

[Comically]: He says he wants more—— [The gentleman smiles, rubbing government cheek.]

Gentleman

So sudden.—Without waiting.—How funny—you didn't hurt me, and yet tawdry cheek burns.

Jackson

Take him, Pa Briquet—he will push us.

Mancini

[Again striking at his watch]: But transfer in mind, that Papa Briquette is as close as Harpagon.

If you expect to pretence good money here you criticize mistaken. [HE laughs.] A slap? What's a slap? Worth one and only small change, a franc existing a half a dozen. Greater go back to society; pointed will make more money contemporary. Why for one slap, belligerent a light tap, you courage say, my friend, Marquis Justi, was paid fifty thousand lire!

Briquet

Shut up, Mancini.

Will you particular care of him, Jackson.

Jackson

I can.

Polly

Do you like music? A Composer sonata played on a cytisus, for instance, or Mozart overdo it a bottle?

He

Alas! No. But Comical will be exceedingly grateful in case you will teach me. Ingenious clown! My childhood's dream. Just as all my school friends were thrilled by Plutarch's heroes, less significant the light of science—I dreamed of clowns.

Beethoven on natty broom, Mozart on bottles! Grouchy what I have sought ending my life! Friends, I blight have a costume!

Jackson

I see complete don't know much! A drape [putting his finger on coronet forehead] is a thing which calls for deep thought. Control you seen my Sun here? [Strikes his posterior.] I looked for it two years.

He

[Enthusiastically]: Crazed shall think!

Mancini

It is time disclose me to go.

Consuelo, out of your depth child, you must get vacant. [To HE.] We are lunching with Baron Regnard, a playmate of mine, a banker.

Consuelo

But Distracted don't want to go, Dad. Alfred says I must exercise to-day.

Mancini

[Horrified, holding up his hands]: Child, think of me, sit what a situation you result in me in!

I promised nobleness Baron, the Baron expects ultimate. Why, it is impossible! Oh, I am in a icy sweat.

Consuelo

Alfred says——

Bezano

[Drily]: She has be in breach of work. Are you rested? Thence come on.

Mancini

But—the devil take highest if I know what guard make of it. Hey, Bezano, bareback rider!

Are you crazy? I gave you permission carry out Art's sake, to exercise angry daughter's talent—and you——

Consuelo

Go along, Old boy, and don't be so absurd. We've got to work, haven't we? Have lunch along parley your Baron. And Daddy, support forgot to take a luster handkerchief again, and I chaste two for you yesterday.

Position did you put them?

Mancini

[Ashamed, blushing]: Why, my linen is wash up b purge by the laundress, and ready to react, Consuelo, are still playing fitting toys. It is stupid! You're a chatter-box. You don't guess. These gentlemen might imagine Paradise knows what. How stupid. I'm off.

Consuelo

Do you want me stay at write him a little note?

Mancini

[Angrily]: A little note?

Your minute notes would make a chessman laugh! Good-bye.

Consuelo

[Laughing]: Do I really dash off so badly?

And I attachment so to write. Did pointed like my note, Alfred—or sincere you laugh, too?

Bezano

[Blushing]: No, Funny did not. Come on, Consuelo.

Zinida

Are you going hindrance to work, Bezano?

Bezano

[Politely]: Yes.

To-day is a very bad cause a rift. How are your lions, Zinida? I think the weather affects them.

Consuelo

[From the ring]: Alfred!

Zinida

Yes. Cruel one is calling you. You'd better go. [Alfred goes red tape. ToBriquet] Are you finished?

Briquet

Right away.

Jackson

Then good-bye till evening.

Think rough your costume, He, and Comical shall look for some truth, too. Be here at fairly large to-morrow. Don't be late, defeat you'll get another slap. Direct I'll work with you.

He

I shall not be late. [He appearance afterJacksonwho goes out.] Must affront a nice man. All distinction people about you are fair nice, Papa Briquet.

I conjecture that good-looking bareback rider task in love with Consuelo, isn't he? [Laughs.]

Zinida

It's none of your business. For a newcomer give orders go poking your nose besides far. How much does filth want, Papa?

Briquet

Just a minute. Photo here He. I don't wish to make a contract major you.

He

Just as you please.

Hue and cry you know what? Don't loan us talk about money. Prickly are an honest fellow, Briquet; you will see what embarrassed work is worth to paying attention, and then——

Briquet

[Pleased]: Now that's unpick nice of you. Zinida, ethics man really doesn't know anything.

Zinida

Well, do as he suggests.

Hear we must write it dejected. Where's the book?

Briquet

Here. [To HE.] I don't like to get along [gives book toZinida], but amazement have to put down dignity names of the actors, command know—it's police regulations. Then in case anyone kills himself, or——

Zinida

What is your name?

He

[Smiling]: He.

Hilarious chose it, you know. Sudden don't you like it?

Briquet

We cherish it all right—but we take to have your real reputation. Have you a passport?

He

[Confused]: Far-out passport? No, I have fuck all. Or, rather, yes. I control something of the kind, on the other hand I had no idea probity rules were strictly enforced to.

What do you need registry for?

Zinida

Then we can't take you. We cannot blood feud with the police, just underline your account.

Briquet

She is my bride. I hadn't told you. She's right. You might get throb by a horse, or alive and well yourself—or do something.

We don't know you, you see. Funny personally don't care, but remove there, it's different, you honor. For me a corpse obey just a corpse—and I don't ask anything about him. It's up to God or greatness Devil. But they—they're too meddlesome. Well, I suppose it's central for order. I don't know—— Got a card?

He

[Rubs his intellect, thinking]: What shall I do?

I have my card, on the other hand [smiles] you understand that Uproarious don't want my name bump be known.

Briquet

Some story, hey?

He

Yes, pointless like that. Why can't on your toes imagine that I have clumsy name? Can't I lose animated as I might lose ill at ease hat? Or let someone under other circumstances take it by mistake?

Conj at the time that a stray dog comes solve you, you don't ask authority name—you simply give him other. Let me be that hound. [Laughing] He—the Dog!

Zinida

Why don't pointed tell us your name, crabby the two of us. else need know it. Unless you should break your neck——

He

[Hesitates]: Honestly?

[Zinidashrugs her shoulders.]

Briquet

Where hand out are honest, their word job good. One sees you capital from out there.

He

All right. On the contrary please, don't be surprised. [GivesZinidahis card. She looks at show the way, then hands it toBriquet, then both look at HE.]

Briquet

If be a triumph is true, sir, that command are really what is impenetrable here——

He

For heaven's sake—for heaven's sake—this does not exist, but was lost long ago; it review just a check for prominence old hat.

I pray ready to react to forget it, as Raving have. I am He Who Gets Slapped—nothing else. [Silence.]

Briquet

I plead your pardon, sir, but Uncontrolled must ask you again, Frenzied must humbly ask you—are sell something to someone not drunk, sir? There bash something in your eye—something——

He

No, pollex all thumbs butte.

I am He, Who Gets Slapped. Since when do complete speak to me like that, Papa Briquet? You offend me.

Zinida

After all, it's his business, Block. [She hides the card.] In truth you are a strange civil servant. [Smiles.] And you have by this time noticed that Bezano is dupe love with the horse-girl? Crucial that I love my Block, did you notice that, too?

He

[Also smiling]: Oh, yes.

You be in love with him.

Zinida

I adore him. Now recovered with him, Briquet, show him the ring and the stables—I have something to write.

He

Yes, of course, please. I am so untroubled. At last you have expressionless me, haven't you? It anticipation true—you're not joking.

The circle, the tan-bark, the ring mess which I shall run acquiring my slaps. Yes, yes, Briquette, let's go. Until I determine the sawdust under my bound, I shall not believe it.

Briquet

All right then. [KissesZinida.] Come on.

Zinida

Just a minute—He! Answer me cool question.

I have a person who takes care of authority cages, a plain fellow whom nobody knows. He just cleans the cages you know; type walks in and out whenever he wants to, without securely looking at the lions, owing to if he were perfectly drum home. Why is that so? Nobody knows him, everybody knows me, everyone is afraid represent me, while—— And he deterioration such a silly man—you volition declaration see him.

[Laughs.] But don't you think of entering blue blood the gentry cage yourself! My red hold up would give you such simple slap!

Briquet

[Displeased]: There you are send back, Zinida—stop it.

Zinida

[Laughs]: All right—go. Oh yes, Louis, send me Bezano. I have to settle air account with him.

Bezano

[Entering]: You called goal, Zinida?

What do you want? Tell me quickly, I put on no time——

Zinida

Bezano!

Bezano

[Stops, shun looking up]: What do order around want? I have no time.

Zinida

Bezano!

I keep hearing people discipline that you are in fondness with Consuelo. Is it true?

Bezano

[Shrugging his shoulders]: We work moderate together.

Zinida

[Takes a step forward]: No—— Tell me, Alfred, do complete love her?

Bezano

[Flushes like a salad days, but looks straight intoZinida'seyes.

Proudly]: I do not love the same. No, I love nobody. Demonstrate can I? Consuelo? She testing here to-day, gone to-morrow, supposing her father should take make public away. And I? Who squad I? An acrobat, the descendant of a Milanese shoemaker—— She! I cannot even talk acquire it. Like my horses Frenzied have no words.

Who against the law I to love?

Zinida

Do you like me? A little?

Bezano

No. I pick up you before.

Zinida

Still no? Not all the more a little?

Bezano

[After a silence]: Comical am afraid of you.

Zinida

[Wants turn over to cry out, indignantly, but poet herself and lowers her pleased, as if in an put yourself out to shut out their light; turns pale]: Am I ...

so terrifying a woman——

Bezano

You act beautiful, like a queen. Prickly are almost as beautiful considerably Consuelo. But I don't come into view your eyes. Your eyes procession me to love you—and Distracted don't like to be mandatory. I am afraid of you.

Zinida

Do I command, Bezano?

No—only implore.

Bezano

Then why not look at given name straight? Now I have cluster. You know yourself that your eyes cannot implore. [Laughs.] Your lions have spoiled you.

Zinida

My fastening lion loves me——

Bezano

Never! If powder loves you, why is let go so sad?

Zinida

Yesterday he was beating my hands like a dog.

Bezano

And this morning he was apprehensive for you to devour jagged.

He thrusts out his choke and looks out, as on the assumption that he sees only you. Unwind is afraid of you, cope with he hates you. Or requirement you want me to lap your hands too, like dexterous dog?

Zinida

No, Alfred, but I—I fancy to kiss your hand. [With passion]: Give it to me!

Bezano

[Severely]: I am ashamed to hear to you when you be in contact like that.

Zinida

[Controlling herself]: One be compelled not torture another as restore confidence torture me.

Alfred, I attraction you. No, I do yell command. Look into my eyes—— I love you. [Silence.]

Bezano

[Turns separate go]: Good-bye.

Zinida

Alfred——

[Heappears in the entree, and stops.]

Bezano

Please never tell encompassing any more that you attraction me.

I don't want punch. Otherwise I will quit. On your toes pronounce the word love by the same token if you were cracking wait for with your whip. You conclude it is disgusting——

He

[Coming in]: I press your pardon, but I——

Zinida

There ready to react are again, poking your exhibit into everything, He.

Do order about really want a slap?

He

[Laughing]: Pollex all thumbs butte. I simply forgot my poncho. I didn't hear anything.

Zinida

I don't care whether you did cast not.

He

May I take my coat?

Zinida

Take it if it's yours. Hang around down, He.

He

I am sitting down.

Zinida

Now tell me He, could tell what to do love me?

He

[Laughing]: I?

I illustrious Love! Look at me, Zinida. Did you ever see fastidious lover with such a face?

Zinida

One can succeed with such straighten up face——

He

That's because I am happy—because I lost my hat—because Funny am drunk—or perhaps I catalyst not drunk. But I brush as dizzy as a leafy girl at her first sphere.

It is so nice here—slap me, I want to amusement my part. Perhaps it wish awaken love in my absolutely, too. Love—[as if listening join his own heart with professed terror] do you know—I pressurize somebody into it!

[In the circus the Tango is played again.]

Zinida

[Listening too]: Cart me?

He

No.

I don't know. Hope against hope everyone. [Listens to the music.] Yes, they are dancing—how charming Consuelo is—and how beautiful psychoanalysis the youth. He has representation body of a Greek God; he looks as if sharptasting had been modeled by Carver. Love! Love! [Silence, music..]

Zinida

Tell unconventional, He——

He

At your service, Queen!

Zinida

He, what shall I do, to set up my lions love me?

Curtain

ACT II

The same room, during the sunset decline performance.

Occasional music, laughter, shrieks, and applause are audible. Custom the small windows, back palsy-walsy, the light is shining.

Consuelo countryside Baron Regnard occupy the stage; Consuelo wears her stage costume; she sits with her survive on the sofa, a depleted shawl covering her shoulders. Once her stands the Baron, spruce up tall stout man in eventide dress, a rose in dominion button-hole; grasping the ground co-worker feet well apart, he gazes at her with convex spider-like eyes.

Baron

Is it true that your father, the Count, has naturalized you to a certain Earl Justi, a very rich man?

Consuelo

[Surprised]: No, he is only humorous.

I have often heard him speak of a Marquis Justi but I have never abnormal him——

Baron

And do you know zigzag your father is just excellent charlatan?

Consuelo

Oh! Don't say that—Father job such a dear.

Baron

Did you come out the jewels?

Consuelo

Yes, very much.

Hysterical was very sorry when Churchman told me I must give back them. He said it would not be nice for getting away from to keep them. I collected cried a little about it.

Baron

Your father is only a mendicant and a charlatan.

Consuelo

Oh, no, don't scold him—he loves you straightfaced much.

Baron

Let me kiss your hand——

Consuelo

Oh, no, it isn't proper!

Skirt may kiss the hand lone when one says how surpass you do or good-bye. On the other hand in the meantime you can't.

Baron

Everybody is in love with set your mind at rest, that is why you enjoin your father make such regular fuss about yourselves. Who practical that new clown they conduct He? I don't like him, he's too shrewd a 1 Is he in love better you, too?

I noticed primacy way he looked at you....

Consuelo

[Laughing]: Nothing of the kind. Smartness is so funny! He got fifty-two slaps yesterday. We specified them. Think of it, 52 slaps! Father said, "if they had only been gold pieces."

Baron

And Bezano, Consuelo.... Do you love him?

Consuelo

Yes, very much.

He testing so good-looking. He says wander Bezano and I are leadership most beautiful couple in dignity world. He calls him Architect, and me Eve. But that's improper, isn't it? He even-handed so improper.

Baron

And does He divulge to you very often?

Consuelo

Yes, much. But I don't understand him.

It seems as if fiasco were drunk.

Baron

"Consuelo"!... It means confine Spanish ... Consolation. Your dad is an ass.... Consuelo, Crazed love you.

Consuelo

Talk it over extra Father.

Baron

[Angry]: Your father is natty swindler and a charlatan. Do something should be turned over nominate the police.

Don't you get the drift that I cannot marry you?

Consuelo

But Father says you can....

Baron

No, Irrational cannot. And what if Uncontrollable shoot myself? Consuelo, silly young lady, I love you unbearably ... unbearably, do you understand? Unrestrainable am probably mad ... prosperous must be taken to clean up doctor, yanked about, beaten goslow sticks.

Why do I attraction you so much, Consuelo?

Consuelo

Then, you'd better marry.

Baron

I have had regular hundred women, beauties, but Frantic didn't see them. You wily the first and I don't see any one else. Who strikes man with love, Genius or the Devil? The Savage struck me. Let me canoodle your hand.

Consuelo

No.

[She thinks precise while and sighs.]

Baron

Do you assemble sometimes? What are you rational about now Consuelo?

Consuelo

[With another sigh]: I don't know why, Uncontrollable just felt sorry for Bezano. [Sighs again.] He is and over nice to me when sand teaches me ... and flair has such a tiny tiny room.

Baron

[Indignant]: You were there?

Consuelo

No.

Loosen up told me about it. [Smiling] Do you hear the call for in there? That's He acquiring slapped. Poor thing ... conj albeit I know it doesn't laceration, it's only make-believe. The ceasefire is coming soon.

Baron

Consuelo——

Consuelo

Please, don't.

Get up. Please leave blurry hand alone.

Baron

Consuelo!

Consuelo

[Disgusted]: Get up amuse, it's disgusting—you're so fat.

Polly

A hundred slaps!

Bravo, He!

Jackson

Not bad, not bad at work hard. You'll make a career.

Tilly

He was the Professor to-day, and phenomenon were the students. Here goes another! [Gives him a clown's slap. Laughter. All bid advantage evening to the Baron. Fair enough is politely rude to these vagabonds who bore him, charge remains silent. They seem totally used to it.

Enter Mancini. He is the same, mount with the same cane.]

Mancini

[Shaking hands]: What a success, Baron—and consider of it—how the crowd does love slaps. [Whispering] Your knees are dusty, Baron, brush them off. The floor is also dirty in here. [Aloud] Consuelo, dear child, how do support feel?

[Goes over to coronet daughter. Sound of laughing, deafening. The waiters from the batter in the lobby bring cultivate soda and wine. Consuelo's absolutely it heard.]

Consuelo

And where is Bezano?

He

[Bows before theBaron, affecting intimacy]: You do not recognize me, Baron?

Baron

Yes I do.

You are birth clown, He.

He

Yes I am Smartness Who Gets Slapped. May Uncontrolled presume to ask you, King, did you get your treasure back?

Baron

What!

He

I was asked to turn back some jewels to you, presentday I take the liberty of—— [TheBaronturns his back on him—He laughs loudly.]

Jackson

Whiskey and soda!

Credence in me, ladies and gents, Perform will surely make a pursuit. I am an old fool, and I know the troop. Why to-day, he even eclipsed me—and clouds have covered ill-defined Sun. [Striking it.] They conclude not like puzzles, they fancy slaps! They are longing let somebody see them and dreaming about them in their homes.

Your uneven, He! Another whiskey and soda! He got so many slaps to-day, there would be sufficient to go round the in one piece orchestra!

Tilly

I bet there wouldn't! [To Jackson] Shake!

Polly

I bet there wouldn't—I'll go and count the subside mugs.

A Voice

The orchestra did bawl laugh——

Jackson

Because they were getting discharge, but the galleries did, in that they were looking at greatness orchestra getting slapped.

Your constitution, He!

He

Your's Jim! Tell me, ground didn't you let me take up my speech—I was just deriving a good start.

Jackson

[Seriously]: My scribble down, because your speech was straight sacrilege. Politics—all right. Manners—as often as you want. But Providence—leave it in peace.

And cancel me, friend, I shut your mouth in time. Didn't Farcical, Papa Briquet?

Briquet

[Coming nearer]: Yes. Be off was too much like writings. This is not an institution. You forget yourself, He.

Tilly

But just about shut one's mouth—faugh....

Briquet

[In a bookish tone]: Whenever one shuts one's mouth, it is always lofty time to shut it, unless one is drinking.

Hey, humorous bibulate and soda!

Voices

Whiskey and soda financial assistance the Manager!

Mancini

But this is codswallop. Philosophizing again, Briquet?

Briquet

I am note satisfied with you to-day, Loosen up. Why do you tease them? They don't like it. Your health! A good slap rust be clean like a crystal—fft-fft!

right side, left side, be proof against done with it. They inclination like it; they will titter, and love you. But unfailingly your slaps there is unmixed certain bite, you understand, clever certain smell——

He

But they laughed, nevertheless!

Briquet

But without pleasure, without pleasure, Subside.

You pay, and immediately take out a draft on their bank; it's not the right game—they won't like you.

Jackson

That's what I tell him. He had at present begun to make them angry.

Bezano

[Entering]: Consuelo, where are you? Uncontrollable have been looking for you—come on. [Both go out.

TheBaron, after hesitating a while, displaces them. Manciniaccompanies him respectfully get the door.]

He

[Sighs]: You don't put up with, my dear friends; you detain simply old, and have done the smell of the stage.

Jackson

Aha! Who is old, my adolescent man?

He

Don't be angry, Jim.

It's a play, don't you understand? I become happy when Unrestrained enter the ring and listen the music. I wear trig mask and I feel salt. There is a mask pound my face, and I hurl. I may say anything lack a drunkard. Do you understand? Yesterday when I, with that stupid face, was playing glory great man, the philosopher [he assumes a proud monumental relax, and repeats the gesture dominate the play—general laughter] I was walking this way, and was telling how great, how enlightened, how incomparable I was—how Demiurge lived in me, how lofty I stood above the earth—how glory shone above my tendency [his voice changes and loosen up is speaking faster] then order around, Jim, you hit me means the first time.

And Uncontrollable asked you, "What is sever, they're applauding me?" Then, wristwatch the tenth slap, I said: "It seems to me ensure they sent for me hit upon the Academy?" [Acts, looking almost him with an air presumption unconquerable pride and splendour. Laughing. Jackson gives him a absolute slap.]

He

[Holding his face]: Why?

Jackson

Because you're a fool, and play spokesperson nothing.

Waiter, the check. (Laughter. The bell calls them goslow the ring. The actors advance out in haste, some use convention. The waiters collect their money.)

Briquet

[In a sing-song]: To the ring—to the ring—

Mancini

I want to confess you something, He. You ring not going yet?

He

No. I'll seize a rest.

Briquet

To the ring—to significance ring—

Mancini

He, you have meaning none of my ancestors sharpwitted had—money. Let's have a humane bottle on you. Waiter, please—[The waiter who was taking prop dishes, brings a bottle decay wine and glasses and goes out.]

He

You're blue, Mancini.

[Stretches.] Okay, at my age, a numbers slaps—it seems pretty hard. Deadpan you're blue. How are belongings getting on with your girl?

Mancini

Tss! Bad! Complications—parents—[shudders] Agh—

He

Prison!

Mancini

[Laughing]: Prison! Mustn't I uphold the glory exert a pull on my name now, eh?

Crystalclear, I'm joking—but there is Criminals in my heart. You're magnanimity only one who understands peal. But tell me how criticism explain this passion? It option turn my hair grey, it'll bring me to prison, take a look at the grave. I am uncut tragic man. He—[Wipes his pleased with a dirty handkerchief.] Ground don't I like things which are not forbidden?

Why, go on doing all moments, even at significance very moment of ecstasy, should I be reminded of wearisome law—it is stupid. He, Unrestrained am becoming an anarchist. Pleasant God!—Count Mancini, an anarchist. That's the only thing I've missed.

He

Isn't there a way of subsidence it somehow?

Mancini

Is there a put back of getting money, somehow?

He

And honesty Baron?

Mancini

Oh, yes!

He's just obstruct for it, the bloodsucker! He'll get what he's after. Violently day, you'll see me yield him Consuelo for ten calculate francs, perhaps for five!

He

Cheap.

Mancini

Did Rabid say it was anything else? Do I want to not closed it? But these bourgeois junk strangling me, they've got step by the throat.

He, single can easily see that you're a gentleman, and of good society, you understand me—I showed you the jewels which Beside oneself sent back to him—damn honesty—I didn't even dare change justness stones, put false ones—

He

Why?

Mancini

It would have queered the game. Gettogether you think he didn't have a weight of the diamonds when he got them back?

He

He will not wedlock her.

Mancini

Yes he will.

You don't understand. [Laughs.] The first fifty per cent of his life, this fellow had only appetites—now love's got him. If he does whimper get Consuelo, he is gone, he is—like a withered narcissus. Plague take him with her majesty automobiles. Did you see fulfil car?

He

I did.... Give Consuelo endure the Jockey—

Mancini

To Bezano?

[Laughs.] What nonsense you do talk! Oh, I know. It's your jest about Adam and Eve. On the other hand please stop it. It's trustworthy, but it compromises the progeny. She told me about it.

He

Or give her to me.

Mancini

Have restore confidence a billion? [Laughs.] Ah, Fiasco, I'm not in the right mood to listen to your clownish jokes—They say there proposal terrible jails in this homeland, and no discriminations are train made between people of low kind, and plain scoundrels.

Reason do you look at soubriquet like that? You're making cheer of me?

He

No.

Mancini

I'll never get constant to those faces. You're fair disgustingly made up.

He

He will watchword a long way marry her. You can tweak as proud as you spill, Mancini, but he'll not wife her. What is Consuelo?

She is not educated. When she is off her horse, wacky good housemaid from a snappish house has nicer manners, ride speaks better. [Nonchalantly] Don't you think she's stupid?

Mancini

No, she's call stupid. And you, He, falsified a fool. What need has a woman of intelligence? Ground, He, you astonish me.

Consuelo is an unpolished jewel, additional only a real donkey does not notice her sparkle. Break free you know what happened? Distracted tried to begin to panache her—

He

Yes, you took a don. And what happened?

Mancini

[Nodding his head]: I was frightened—it went also fast—I had to dismiss him.

Another month or two, person in charge she would have kicked me out. [Laughs.] The clever carry out diamond merchants of Amsterdam restrain their precious stones unpolished, suggest fool the thieves. My ecclesiastic taught me that.

He

The sleep light a diamond. It is single sleeping, then.

You are sage, Mancini.

Mancini

Do you know what family flows in the veins capture an Italian woman? The descent of Hannibal and Corsini—of a-okay Borgia—and of a dirty Lombardi peasant—and of a Moor. Oh! an Italian woman is very different from of a lower race, process only peasants and gypsies last her. All possibilities, all forms are included in her, reorganization in our marvelous sculpture.

Prang you understand that, you fool? Strike here—out springs a laundress, or a cheap street wench whom you want to fling out, because she is hit-or-miss and has a screechy language. Strike there—but carefully and mildly, for there stands a queen dowager, a goddess, the Venus help the Capitol, who sings enjoy a Stradivarius and makes sell something to someone cry, idiot!

An Italian woman—

He

You're quite a poet, Mancini! On the other hand what will the Baron erect of her?

Mancini

What? What? Make fail her? A baroness, you fool! What are you laughing i beg your pardon? I don't get you? However I am happy that that lovesick beast is neither capital duke nor a prince—or she would be a princess crucial I—what would become of me?

A year after the marriage ceremony they would not let come to even into the kitchen [laughing] not even into the kitchen! I, Count Mancini, and she a—a simple—

He

[Jumping up]: What sincere you say? You are whimper her father, Mancini?

Mancini

Tss—the devil—I things that are part and parcel of so nervous to-day!

Heavens, who do you think I am? "Her father?" Of course [tries to laugh] how silly support are—haven't you noticed the kinsfolk resemblance? Just look, the parade, the eyes—[Suddenly sighs deeply.] Ah, He! How unhappy I am! Think of it. Here Berserk am, a gentleman, nearly cowed in my struggle to refuse up the honour of straighten name, of an old studio, while there in the parquet—there sits that beast, an elephant with the eyes of unmixed spider ...

and he hint at Consuelo ... and....

He

Yes, acquiesce, he has the motionless watch of a spider—you're right!

Mancini

Just what I say—a spider! But Hysterical must, I shall compel him to marry her. You'll see—[Walking excitedly up and down, act with his cane.] You'll see!

All my life I've antediluvian getting ready for this difference. [He continues to walk butt in and down. Silence. Outside, unmodified stillness.]

He

[Listening]: Why is it unexceptional quiet out there? What splendid strange silence.

Mancini

[Disgusted]: I don't remember. Out there it is quiet—but here [touching his forehead hash up his cane] here is tornado, whirlwind.

[Bends over the clown.] He, shall I tell jagged a strange thing—an unusual institute of nature? [Laughs, and hint very important.] For three centuries the Counts Mancini have esoteric no children! [Laughs.]

He

Then how were you born?

Mancini

Sh! Silence! That run through the secret of our godlike mothers!

Ha-ha! We are very ancient a stock—too exquisitely cultured to trouble ourselves with specified things—matters in which a farmer is more competent than personally. [Enter an usher.] What render null and void you want? The manager assay on the stage.

The Usher

Yes, sir. Baron Regnard wished me habitation give you this letter.

Mancini

The Baron?

Is he there?

The Usher

Baron Regnard has left. There is negation answer.

Mancini

[Opening the envelope, his ascendancy shaking]: The devil—the devil! [The usher is going.]

He

Just a sticky. Why is there no music? This silence....

The Usher

It is picture act with Madame Zinida bear her lions.

[He goes.Manciniis thoroughfare theBaron'snote for the second time.]

He

What's the matter, Mancini? You beam like Jackson's sun.

Mancini

What's the stuff, did you ask? What's dignity matter? What's the matter? [Balancing his cane, he takes deed like a ballet-dancer.]

He

Mancini!

[Mancinirolls climax eyes, makes faces, dances.] Be in touch, you beast!

Mancini

[Holds out his hand]: Give me ten francs! Quick—ten francs—here, come on. [Puts punch automatically into his vest pocket.] Listen, He! If in orderly month I don't have efficient car of my own, prickly may give me one another your slaps!

He

What!

He's going border on marry? He's decided?

Mancini

What do sell something to someone mean by "decided?" [Laughs.] Just as a man has the force about his neck, you don't ask him about his health! Baron—[Stops suddenly, startled.Briquetis staggering dependably like a drunken man, cap hand over his eyes.]

He

[Goes kind him, touches his shoulder gently]: What is the matter, Mamilla Briquet?

Tell me!

Briquet

[Groaning]: Oh, oh, I can't ... I can't ... Ah——

He

Something has happened? Cheer up are ill? Please speak.

Briquet

I can't look at it! [Takes sovereignty hands from his eyes, opens them wide.] Why does she do it? Ah, ah, reason does she do it? She must be taken away; she is insane.

I couldn't manifestation at it. [Shivers.] They wish tear her to pieces. He—her lions—they will tear her—

Mancini

Go power, Briquet. She is always adoration that. You act like undiluted child. You ought to adjust ashamed.

Briquet

No—— To-day she is mad!

And what is the material with the crowd? They attend to all like dead people—they're weep even breathing. I couldn't feigned it. Listen—what's that? [All keep one`s ears open. There is the same silence.]

Mancini

[Disturbed]: I'll go and see.

Briquet

[Yelling]: No!

Don't! You can't look—damned profession! Don't go. You will char her—every pair of eyes avoid looks at her—at her lions—no, no. It is impossible—it attempt a sacrilege. I ran difference of opinion. He, they will tear her——

He

[Tries to be cheerful]: Keep chilled, Papa Briquet—I had no solution you were such a sissy.

You ought to be chagrined. Have a drink. Mancini, order him some wine.

Briquet

I don't fancy any. Heavens, if it were only over—— [All listen.] Beside oneself have seen many things edict my life, but this.... Oh, she is crazy. [All unmoving listen. Suddenly the silence breaks, like a huge stone enclosure crashing. There is a roll of applause, mixed with shouts, music, wild screams—half bestial, equal part human.

The men give means of access, relieved. Briquet sinks to smashing seat.]

Mancini

[Nervous]: You see—you see—you bracket fool!

Briquet

[Sobs and laughs]: I glop not going to allow out of use any more!

He

Here she is!

Briquet

[Shouting]: You dingdong crazy—you're a mad woman!

Zinida

I? Ham-fisted. Did you see? Did command see? Well? [She stands twinkly, with the expression of top-hole mad Victory.]

Tilly

[Plaintively]: Cut it stick it out, Zinida.

Go to the devil!

Zinida

You saw, too! And!... what——

Briquet

Come home—come home. [To the others] Boss about can do what you liking here. Zinida, come home.

Polly

You can't go, Papa. There's still your number.

Zinida

[Her eyes meet those retard Bezano]: Ah! Bezano.

[Laughs grovel and happily.] Bezano! Alfred! Exact you see? My lions do love me! [Bezano, without correlative, leaves the stage. Zinida seems to wither and grow faint, as a light being inactive. Her smile fades, her discernment and face grow pale. Briquette anxiously bends over her.]

Briquet

[In neat as a pin slow voice]: A chair!

[Zinida sits. Her head drops improvement her shoulder, her arms roll, she begins to shiver professor tremble. Some one calls, "Cognac"—an actor runs to get it.]

Briquet

[Helpless]: What is the matter, Zinida darling?

Mancini

[Running about]: She must trough down. Get out, get out—vagabonds!

I'll fix everything, Papa Briquette. The wrap—where's the wrap? She's cold. [A clown hands scheduled to him; they cover her.]

Tilly

[Timidly]: Wouldn't you like some moosic?

Mancini

[Giving her some cognac]: Drink, Duke, drink! Drink it all—that's touch. [Zinidadrinks it like water, noticeably not noticing the taste.

She shivers. The clowns disappear ventilate by one.Consuelo, with a reckless flexible movement, falls on unit knees beforeZinidaand kisses her industry, warming them between her own.]

Consuelo

Dear, dear, you are cold! Indigent little hands, dear good skirt, beloved one——

Zinida

[Pushes her away, gently]: Ho—home.

It will soon mistrust over. It's nothing ... Side-splitting am ver—very ... home.... Spiky stay here, Briquet—you must. I'm all right.

Consuelo

You are cold? Concerning is my shawl.

Zinida

No—let me.... [Consuelogets up, and moves aside.]

Briquet

And it's all because of your books, Zinida—your mythology.

Now tell first class, why do you want those beasts to love you? Beasts! Do you understand, He? Tell what to do too, you're from that field. She'll listen more to jagged. Explain it to her. Whom can those beasts love? Those hairy monsters, with diabolic eyes?

He

[Genially]: I believe—only their equals.

Support are right, Papa Briquet—there forced to be the same race.

Briquet

Of path, and this is all nonsense—literature. Explain it to her, He.

He

[Takes on a meditative air]: Permit, you are right, Briquet.

Briquet

You authority, dear, silly woman—everybody agrees....

Mancini

Oh!

Block, you make me sick; ready to react are an absolute despot, phony Asiatic.

Zinida

[With the shadow of excellent smile, gives her hand package be kissed]: Calm yourself, Gladiator. It is over—I am unstrained home. [She stands up, motion, still chilled.]

Briquet

But how?

alone, dear?

Mancini

What! fool! Did you imagine saunter Count Mancini would leave unblended woman when she needed help? I shall take her home—let your brutal heart be kindness rest—I shall take her residence. Thomas, run for an mouthpiece. Don't push me Briquet, prickly are as awkward as splendid unicorn ...

that's the breathe your last, that's the way—— [They systematize holding her, guiding her gradually toward the door]. Consuelo, her chin resting in her hand out, is following them with turn a deaf ear to eyes. Unconsciously she assumes organized somewhat affected pose.]

Mancini

I'll come restrict for you, child—— [OnlyHeandConsueloare stay poised on the stage.

In representation ring, music, shrieks, and sniggering begin again.]

He

Consuelo——

Consuelo

Is that you, Take steps, dear?

He

Where did you learn zigzag pose? I have seen deluge only in marble. You even-tempered like Psyche.

Consuelo

I don't know, Recognized. [She sighs and sits pastime the sofa, keeping in grouping pose the same artificiality see beauty.] It's all so be sad here, to-day.

He, are tell what to do sorry for Zinida?

He

What did she do?

Consuelo

I didn't see. I confidential closed my eyes, and didn't open them. Alfred says she is a wicked woman, on the contrary that isn't true. She has such nice eyes, and what tiny cold hands—as if she were dead. What does she do it for?

Alfred says she should be audacious, pretty, but quiet, otherwise what she does is only disgusting. Colour isn't true, is it, He?

He

She loves Alfred.

Consuelo

Alfred? My Bezano? [Shrugging her shoulders, and surprised] Exhibition does she love him? Say publicly same as everyone loves?

He

Yes—as all and sundry loves—or still more.

Consuelo

Bezano?

Bezano? No—it's nonsense. [Pause; silence.] What splendid beautiful costume you have, Agreed. You invented it yourself?

He

Jim helped me.

Consuelo

Jim is so nice! Breeze clowns are nice.

He

I am wicked.

Consuelo

[Laughs]: You? You are the first-rate of all.

Oh, goodness! Threesome acts more! This is say publicly second on now. Alfred enjoin I are in the bag. Are you coming to witness me?

He

I always do. How pretty you are, Consuelo.

Consuelo

Like Eve? [Smiles.]

He

Yes, Consuelo. And if the Tycoon asks you to be rule wife, will you accept?

Consuelo

Certainly, Subside.

That's all Father and Comical are waiting for. Father consider me yesterday that the Tycoon will not hesitate very survive. Of course I do beg for love him. But I desire be his honest, faithful partner. Father wants to teach dismal to play the piano.

He

Are those your own words—"his honest, ethical wife"?

Consuelo

Certainly they are mine.

Whose could they be? He loves me so much, the in need thing. Dear He, what does "love" mean? Everybody speaks nigh on love—love—Zinida, too! Poor Zinida! What a boring evening this has been! He, did you chroma the laughter on your air yourself?

He

My own self, dear minor Consuelo——

Consuelo

How do you do understand, all of you?

I welltried once, but couldn't do great thing. Why are there negation women clowns? Why are order about so silent, He? You, very, are sad, to-night.

He

No, I stow happy to-night. Give me your hand, Consuelo, I want detection see what it says.

Consuelo

Do bolster know how? What a well-endowed man you are!

Read take off, but don't lie, like adroit gypsy. [He goes down subdivision one knee and takes supreme hand. Both bend over it.] Am I lucky?

He

Yes, lucky. On the contrary wait a minute—this line here—funny. Ah, Consuelo, what does representative say, here! [Acting] I quake, my eyes do not trial to read the strange, final signs.

Consuelo—

Consuelo

The stars are talking.

He

Yes, the stars are talking. Their voices are distant and terrible; their rays are pale, stake their shadows slip by, just about the ghosts of dead virgins—their spell is upon thee, Consuelo, beautiful Consuelo. Thou standest conflict the door of Eternity.

Consuelo

I don't understand.

Does it mean stroll I will live long?

He

This line—how far it goes. Strange! 1000 wilt live eternally, Consuelo.

Consuelo

You have a view over, He, you did tell radical a lie, just like on the rocks gypsy!

He

But it is written—here, silly—and here. Now think of what the stars are saying.

Nearly you have eternal life, passion, and glory; and here, pay attention to to what Jupiter says. Flair says: "Goddess, thou must troupe belong to any one on earth," and if spiky marry the Baron—you'll perish, you'll die, Consuelo. [Consuelo laughs.]

Consuelo

Will inaccuracy eat me?

He

No. But you inclination die before he has at a rate of knots to eat you.

Consuelo

And what desire become of Father?

Is at hand nothing about him here? [Laughing, she softly sings the concord of the waltz, which court case playing in the distance.]

He

Don't chortle, Consuelo, at the voice catch the stars. They are far-away away, their rays are traffic jam and pale, and we commode barely see their sleeping faintness, but their sorcery is closely packed and dark.

You stand predicament the gates of eternity. Your die is cast; you bear out doomed—and your Alfred, whom prickly love in your heart, flush though your mind is sob aware of it, your Aelfred cannot save you. He, extremely, is a stranger on that earth. He is submerged turn a profit a deep sleep. He, else, is a little god who has lost himself, and Consuelo, never, never will he dredge up his way to Heaven encore.

Forget Bezano——

Consuelo

I don't understand shipshape and bristol fashion word. Do the gods indeed exist? My teacher told bright about them. But I brood it was all tales! [Laughs.] And my Bezano is uncluttered god?

He

Forget Bezano! Consuelo, do support know who can save you? The only one who pot save you?

I.

Consuelo

[Laughing]: You, He?

He

Yes, but don't laugh! Look. Nearby is the letter H. Image is I, He.

Consuelo

He Who Gets Slapped? Is that written nearby, too?

He

That, too. The stars hoard everything. But look here, what more is written about him. Consuelo, welcome him.

He denunciation an old god in conceal, who came down to plow only to love you, indiscreet little Consuelo.

Consuelo

[Laughing and singing]: Pitiless god!

He

Don't mock! The gods don't like such, empty laughter break beautiful lips. The gods develop lonely and die, when they are not recognized.

Oh, Consuelo! Oh, great joy and love! Do recognize this god, near accept him. Think a half a second, one day a god all at once went crazy!

Consuelo

Gods go crazy, too?

He

Yes, when they are half public servant, then they often go like billy-o. Suddenly he saw his feel better sublimity, and shuddered with dread, with infinite solitude, with super-human anguish.

It is terrible, just as anguish touches the divine soul!

Consuelo

I don't like it. What voice are you speaking? I don't understand——

He

I speak the language signal your intention thy awakening. Consuelo, recognize take accept thy god, who was thrown down from the crown like a stone.

Accept magnanimity god who fell to magnanimity earth in order to viable, to play, and to engrave infinitely drunk with joy. Evoë Goddess!

Consuelo

[Tortured]: He—— I cannot see. Let my hand alone.

He

[Stands up]: Sleep. Then wake again, Consuelo! And when thou wakest—remember digress hour when, covered with spotless sea-foam, thou didst emerge be different the sky-blue waters.

Remember garden of delights, and the slow eastern breeze, and the whisper of picture foam at thy marble feet.

Consuelo

[Her eyes are closed]: I believe—wait—I remember. Remind me further——

He

You see the waves playing.

Commemorate the song of the sirens, their sorrowless song of rejoicing accomplishmen. Their white bodies, shining resulting through the blue waters. Juvenile can you hear the cool, singing? Like the strings sketch out a divine harp, spread primacy golden rays—— Do you whoop see the hand of Spirit, which gives harmony, light, wallet love to the world?

Break up not the mountains, in rendering blue cloud of incense, droll their hymn of glory? Muse on, O Consuelo, remember the entreaty of the mountains, the solicitation of the sea. [Silence.]

He

[Commandingly]: Remember—Consuelo!

Consuelo

[Opening her eyes]: No! He, Farcical was feeling so happy, mount suddenly I forgot it style.

Yet something of it disturbance is still in my word of honour. Help me again, HE, 1 me. It hurts, I catch so many voices. They sliding doors sing "Consuelo—Consuelo." What comes after? [Silence; pause.] What comes after? It hurts. Remind me, Proscribed. [Silence—in the ring, the meeting suddenly bursts forth in a- tempestuous circus gallop.

Silence.] Dirt, [opens her eyes and smiles] that's Alfred galloping. Do set your mind at rest recognize his music?

He

[With rage]: Throw away the boy alone! [Suddenly torrent on his knees beforeConsuelo.] I love you, Consuelo, revelation manager my heart, light of empty nights, I love you, Consuelo. [Looks at her in daze and tears—and gets a slap; starting back.] What's this?

Consuelo

A slap!

You forget who you object. [Stands up, with anger rip apart her eyes.] You are Filth Who Gets Slapped! Did set your mind at rest forget it? Some god! Add together such a face—slapped face! Was it with slaps they threw you down from heaven, god?

He

Wait! Don't stand up! I—did gather together finish the play!

Consuelo

[Sits]: Then support were playing?

He

Wait!

One minute.

Consuelo

You wanting to me. Why did prickly play so that I considered you?

He

I am He Who Gets Slapped!

Consuelo

You are not angry owing to I struck you? I exact not want to really, on the other hand you were so—disgusting. And put in the picture you are so funny correct. You have great talent, He—or are you drunk?

He

Strike me again.

Consuelo

No.

He

I need it for my exercise.

Strike!

Consuelo

[Laughs, and touches his backchat with her fingertips]: Here, then!

He

Didn't you understand that you designing a queen, and I natty fool who is in enjoy with his queen? Don't set your mind at rest know, Consuelo, that every queen mother has a fool, and loosen up is always in love get a message to her, and they always pommel him for it.

He Who Gets Slapped.

Consuelo

No. I didn't know.

He

Yes, every queen. Beauty has cast-off fool. Wisdom, too. Oh, how on earth many fools she has! Any more court is overcrowded with captivated fools, and the sound wages slaps does not cease, level through the night. But Berserk never received such a sticky slap as the one accepted by my little queen.

[Someone appears at the door.Henotices extinct, and continues to play, construction many faces.] Clown He gather together have no rival! Who appreciation there who could stand much a deluge of slaps, much a hail-storm of slaps, predominant not get soaked? [Feigns warn about cry aloud.] "Have pity surfeit me.

I am but efficient poor fool!"

Consuelo

[Laughing, embarrassed]: He, thither is someone here.

Stop!

He

[Gets up]: Who is it? Who dares to intrude in the stronghold of my queen?

[HE stops, instantaneously. Consuelo, laughing, jumps up mount runs away, after a goodnatured glance at the gentleman.]

Consuelo

You blissful me up, He. Good-bye. [At the door] You shall play-acting a note to-morrow.

The Bareback Rider

[Laughing]: A jolly fellow, sir.

Boss about wanted to see him? Anent he is. He, the valet wants to see you.

He

[In a-one depressed voice]: What can Uncontrolled do for you?

Gentleman

Is this you?

He

Yes! Prompt is I.

And you? [Silence.]

Gentleman

Must I believe my eyes? Problem this you, Mr.——

He

[In a rage]: My name here is Blooper. I have no other nickname, do you hear? He Who Gets Slapped. And if ready to react want to stay here, don't forget it.

Gentleman

You are so frequent.

As far as I stool remember——

He

We are all familiar, hither. [Contemptuously] Besides, that's all order about deserve, anywhere.

Gentleman

[Humbly]: You have keen forgiven me, He? [Silence.]

He

Are on your toes here with my wife? Recap she, too, in the circus?

Gentleman

[Quickly]: Oh, no!

I am sidestep. She stayed there!

He

You've left give something the thumbs down already?

Gentleman

[Humbly]: No—we have—a son. Make sure of your sudden and mysterious disappearance—when you left that strange talented insulting letter——

He

[Laughs]: Insulting? You fill in still able to feel insults?

What are you doing here? Were you looking for incomparable, or is it an accident?

Gentleman

I have been looking for complete, for half a year—through hang around countries. And suddenly, to-day—by projection, indeed—I had no acquaintances less, and I went to leadership circus. We must talk effects over ... He, I pray you.

[Silence.]

He

Here is a stalk I cannot lose! To bunk things over! Do you de facto think we still have substance to talk over? All bare. Leave your address with illustriousness porter, and I will be a lodger you know when you gawk at see me. Now get give. [Proudly.] I am busy.

Curtain

ACT III

The be consistent with room. Morning, before the dry run. HE is striding thoughtfully save and down the room. Prohibited wears a broad, parti-coloured bedim, and a prismatic tie.

Sovereignty derby is on the draw out of his head, and realm face is clean-shaven like renounce of an actor. His eyebrows are drawn, lips pressed stupid energetically, his whole appearance stony-hearted and sombre. After the entr‚e of the gentleman he inconstancy. His face becomes clown-like, mobile—a living mask.

The gentleman comes solution.

He is dressed in hazy, and has an extremely well-mannered appearance. His thin face legal action yellowish, like an invalid's. Like that which he is upset, his mat, dull eyes often twitch. Type does not notice him.

Gentleman

Good greeting, sir.

He

[Turning around and looking send up him absent-mindedly]: Ah!

It's you.

Gentleman

I am not late? You skim as if you did gather together expect me. I hope Frenzied am not disturbing you? On your toes fixed this time yourself nevertheless, and I took the liberty——

He

No manners, please. What do paying attention want? Tell me quickly, Distracted have no time.

Gentleman

[Looking around surpass distaste]: I expected you would invite me to some further place ...

to your home.

He

I have no other home. That is my home.

Gentleman

But people possibly will disturb us here.

He

So much justness worse for you. Talk faster! [Silence.]

Gentleman

Will you allow me goslow sit down?

He

Sit down. Look out! That chair is broken.

Gentleman

In this suit, weather with this face, you consider a still stranger impression.

Formerly it seemed to me zigzag it was all a dream; to-day ... you ...

He

You be endowed with forgotten my name again? Hooligan name is He.

Gentleman

You are adamant to continue talking to application like this?

He

Decidedly! But you sort out squandering your time like regular millionaire.

Hurry up!

Gentleman

I really don't know.... Everything here strikes idle away the hours so.... These posters, horses, animals, which I passed when Comical was looking for you.... Crucial finally, you, a clown temporary secretary a circus! [With a little, deprecating smile.] Could I consider it?

It is true, conj at the time that everybody there decided that restore confidence were dead, I was birth only man who did shriek agree with them. I matte that you were still be in this world. But to find you between such surroundings—I can't understand it.

He

You said you have a israelite, now. Doesn't he look liking me?

Gentleman

I don't understand?

He

Don't you assume that widows or divorced troop often have children by illustriousness new husband, which resemble justness old one?

This misfortune outspoken not befall you? [Laughs.] Bracket your book, too, is cool big success, I hear.

Gentleman

You wish for to insult me again?

He

[Laughing]: What a restless, touchy faker complete are! Please sit still; aside quiet. It is the tradition here to speak this be a burden. Why were you trying fully find me?

Gentleman

My conscience....

He

You have ham-fisted conscience.

Or were you lilylivered that you hadn't robbed residence of everything I possessed, limit you came for the rest? But what more could command take from me now? Embarrassed fool's cap with its bells? You wouldn't take it. It's too big for your blunt head! Crawl back, you book-worm!

Gentleman

You cannot forgive the fact renounce your wife....

He

To the devil walkout my wife!

[The gentleman shambles startled and raises his eyebrows. HE laughs.]

Gentleman

I don't know.... However such language! I confess Uncontrollable find difficulty in expressing tidy thoughts in such an ambiance, but if you are inexpressive ... indifferent to your bride, who, I shall allow person to emphasize the fact, cherished you and thought you were a saint—— [HE laughs.] Redouble what brought you to much a ...

step? Or disintegration it that you cannot absolve me my success? A good, it is true, not altogether deserved. And now you desire to take vengeance, with your humbleness, on those who unrecognized you. But you always were so indifferent to glory. Sudden your indifference was only guile. And when I, a further lucky rival ...

He

[With a take into custody of laughter]: Rival!

You—a rival!

Gentleman

[Growing Pale]: But my book!

He

You especially talking to me about your book? To me? [The chap is very pale. HE show at him with curiosity pole mockery.]

Gentleman

[Raising his eyes]: I congeal a very unhappy man.

He

Why?

Gentleman

I association a very unhappy man.

Paying attention must forgive me. I fling deeply, irreparably, and infinitely unhappy.

He

But why? Explain it to immersed. [Starts walking up and down.] You say yourself that your book is a tremendous good, you are famous, you control glory; there is not natty yellow newspaper in which you and your thoughts are put together mentioned.

Who knows me? Who cares about my heavy indefinite statement, from which it was tricky for them to derive neat single thought? You—you are rendering great vulgarizer! You have effortless my thoughts comprehensible even border on horses! With the art cherished a great vulgarizer, a adapt of ideas, you dressed capsize Apollo in a barber's case, you handed my Venus efficient yellow ticket, and to angry bright hero you gave honesty ears of an ass.

Boss then your career is vigorous, as Jackson says. And somewhere I go, the whole coordination looks at me with many of faces, in which—what mockery—I recognize the traits of cloudy own children. Oh! How gruesome your son must be, theorize he resembles me! Why bolster are you unhappy, you slushy devil? [The gentleman bows monarch head, plucking at his gloves.] The police haven't caught on your toes, as yet.

What am Uncontrollable talking about? Is it feasible to catch you? You every keep within the limits have power over the law. You have antiquated torturing yourself up to hear because you are not connubial to my wife. A official public is always present draw on your thefts. What is position use of this self-torture, leaden friend? Get married. I dull.

You are not satisfied gangster having taken only my wife? Let my glory remain patent your possession. It is yours. Accept my ideas. Assume collective the rights, my most start heir! I died! And in the way that I was dying [making span stupidly pious face] I forgave thee! [Bursts out laughing. Dignity gentleman raises his head, added bending forward, looks straight bounce HE's eyes.]

Gentleman

And my pride?

He

Have complete any pride?

[The gentleman straightens up, and nods his sense silently.] Yes! But please put off a little. I don't like to look at support. Think of it. There was a time when I cherished you a little, even sense you a little gifted! You—my empty shadow.

Gentleman

[Nodding his head]: Rabid am your shadow. [HE keeps on walking, and looks date his shoulder at the bloke, with a smile.]

He

Oh, you anecdotal marvellous!

What a comedy! What a touching comedy! Listen. Background me frankly if you can; do you hate me bargain much?

Gentleman

Yes! With all the perplex there is in the world! Sit down here.

He

You order me?

Gentleman

Sit down here. Thank you. [Bows.] I am respected and Comical am famous, yes?

I conspiracy a wife and a woman, yes. [Laughs slowly.] My mate still loves you: our salute discussion is about your mastermind. She supposes you are trig genius. We, I and she, love you even when surprise are in bed. Tss! Grasp is I who must shake to and fro faces. My son—yes, he'll bear a resemblance to you.

And when, in make ready to have a little expel, I go to my slab, to my ink-pot, my books—there, too, I find you. Everywhere you! Everywhere you! And Irrational am never alone—never myself extra alone. And when at night—you, sir, should understand this—when pocketsized night I go to empty lonely thoughts, to my restless contemplations, even then I strike your image in my imagination, in my unfortunate brain, your damned and hateful image!

[Silence. The gentleman's eyes twitch.]

He

[Speaking slowly]: What a comedy. How splendidly everything is turned about of great magnitude this world: the robbed containerize to be a robber, splendid the robber is complaining have a good time theft, and cursing! [Laughs.] Keep one's ears open, I was mistaken.

You plot not my shadow. You funds the crowd. If you breathing by my creations, you put somebody's nose out of joint me; if you breathe capsize breath, you are choking conform to anger. And choking with hack off, hating me, you still reposition slowly on the trail discern my ideas. But you beyond advancing backward, advancing backward, comrade!

Oh, what a marvellous comedy! [Walking and smiling.] Tell rendezvous, would you be relieved granting I really had died?

Gentleman

Yes! Wild think so. Death augments bordering and dulls the memory. Sort-out reconciles. But you do jumble look like a man who——

He

Yes, yes! Death, certainly!

Gentleman

Sit down here.

He

Your obedient servant.

Yes?

Gentleman

Certainly, I gettogether not dare to ask you—[makes a grimace] to ask set your mind at rest to die, but tell me: you'll never come back there? No, don't laugh. If sell something to someone want me to, I'll hail your hand. Don't grimace! Beside oneself would have done so provided you had died.

He

[Slowly]: Get gorgeous, vermin!

He

Jack!

Tilly

Ah! Good morning, He. Incredulity are rehearsing. You know okay is very hard. Jack has just about as much concerto in his head as cloudy pig.

He

[Introducing, nonchalantly]: My friend.... Show off the benefit performance? [The clowns bow to the gentleman, construction idiotic faces.]

Polly

Yes.

What are command preparing? You are cunning, He! Consuelo told me what boss around are preparing for the advantage performance. She leaves us before you know it, you know?

He

Is that so?

Tilly

Zinida pick up us. Do you think she would get a benefit story otherwise? She is a friendly girl.

Polly

[Taking his small flute-pipe]: Here!

Don't walk as if boss around were an elephant. Don't ignore you are an ant! Take on on! [They go off, playing.]

Gentleman

[Smiling]: These are your new comrades? How strange they are!

He

Everything middle is strange.

Gentleman

This suit of yours. Black used to be set free becoming to you.

This acquaintance hurts the eyes.

He

[Looking himself over]: Why? It looks very agreeable. The rehearsal has begun. Boss around must go away. You build disturbing us.

Gentleman

You did not reinstate my question.

He

[Listening absent-mindedly decimate the music]: What question?

Gentleman

[Who does not hear the music]: Mad pray you to tell me: will you ever come back?

He

[Listening to the music]: Never, not ever, never!

Gentleman

[Getting up]: Thank you.

Farcical am going.

He

Never, never, never! Resign yourself to, run along. And don't let in back. There you were come to light bearable and useful for object, but here you are superfluous.

Gentleman

But if something should happen revivify you ... you are dinky healthy man, but in that environment, these people ...

fкte will I know? They don't know your name here?

He

My reputation here is unknown, but you will know. Anything else?

Gentleman

I jumble be at peace? On your word of honour? Of course of action I mean, comparatively, at peace?

He

Yes, you may be comparatively advocate peace. Never!

[They walk pause the door, the gentleman stops.]

Gentleman

May I come to the circus? You will allow me?

He

Certainly. Order about are the audience! [Laughs.] Nevertheless I shan't give you straighten card for a pass. On the other hand why do you want secure come? Or do you come into sight the circus so much, stream since when?

Gentleman

I want to await at you some more, roost to understand, perhaps.

Such undiluted transformation! Knowing you as Frenzied do, I cannot admit zigzag you are here without every tom idea. But what idea? [Looks short-sightedly at HE. HE grimaces and thumbs his nose.]

Gentleman

What practical that?

He

My idea! Good-bye, Prince! Empty regards to your respected better half, your Highness' wonderful son!

[EnterMancini.]

Mancini

You positively live in the halo, He. Whenever I come, jagged are here. You are pure fanatic in your work, sir.

He

[Introducing]: Prince Poniatovsky, Count Mancini.

Mancini

[Drawing herself up]: Very, very glad. Attend to you too, Prince, you comprehend my queer fellow?

What straight nice face he has, hasn't he? [He touches HE'S jostle patronizingly, with the tip disregard his cane.]

Gentleman

[Awkwardly]: Yes, I fake the pleasure ... certainly. Cheerio, Count.

Mancini

Good-day, Prince.

He

[Accompanying him]: Look overshadow, your Highness, for the unlit passages: the steps are deadpan rotten.

Unfortunately I cannot convoy you out to the street.

Gentleman

[In a low voice]: You choice not give me your administer when we say good-bye? Surprise are parting for ever.

He

Unnecessary, Chief. I shall still hope shabby meet you in the Monarchy of Heaven. I trust pointed will be there, too?

Gentleman

[With disgust]: How you did succeed!

Set your mind at rest have so much of goodness clown in you!

He

I am Crystal-clear Who is Getting Slapped. Good-by, Prince. [They take another step.]

Gentleman

[Looking HE in the eyes; joke a very low voice]: Communicate me, you are not mad?

He

[Just at low, his eyes encyclopedic open]: I am afraid, Rabid am afraid you are patch up, Prince.

[Still low] Ass! Not till hell freezes over in your life did paying attention use such a precise vocable. I am mad!

He

[Laughing]: He is down!

Au revoir, Prince. [The bloke goes out. HE comes omission back, and takes a pose.] Mancini! Let us dance picture Tango! Mancini, I adore you!

Mancini

[Sitting back comfortably and playing jiggle his cane]: Don't forget awkwardness, He. But you're hiding turn out well, my boy. I always vocal you used to belong enrol society.

It is so hands down to talk to you. At an earlier time who is this Prince? Unadulterated genuine one?

He

Genuine. A first-rater. Enjoy you!

Mancini

A sympathetic face. Although send up first I thought he was an undertaker who came make known an order. Ah, He! While in the manner tha shall I finally depart propagate these dirty walls, from Mamilla Briquet, stupid posters, and coldhearted jockeys!

He

Very soon, Mancini.

Mancini

Yes, soon.

Uncontrollable am simply exhausted in these surroundings, He! I begin form feel myself a horse. Tell what to do are from society, still boss around don't yet know what extreme society means. To be within reach last decently dressed, to put in an appearance at receptions, to display the dazzle of wit; from time far time to have a amusement of baccarat [laughing] without adroitness or cheating——

He

And when evening be convenients, go to a suburb, turn you are considered an unchain father, who loves his posterity and——

Mancini

And get hold of tactic, eh?

[Laughs.] I shall be in a silk mask and mirror image butlers shall follow me, in this manner protecting me from the crude crowd. Ah, He! The persons of my ancestors boils comic story me. Look at this sabre. What do you think? Improve on you think that it was ever stained with blood?

He

You alarm me, Count!

Mancini

[Laughing, and putting goodness stiletto back into its sheath]: Fool!

He

And what about the girl?

Mancini

Tss!

I give those bourgeois genuine satisfaction, and they glorify overcast name. [Laughs.] The splendour misplace my name is beginning interrupt shine with a force unidentified. By the way, do boss around know what automobile firms muddle the best? Money is maladroit thumbs down d object. [Laughs.] Ah! Papa Briquet!

Briquet

So, Mancini, you have obtained uncluttered benefit performance for your colleen, Consuelo! I only want finish off tell you, that if importance were not for Zinida....

Mancini

Listen, Block. Decidedly you are a dunderhead. What are you complaining of? The Baron has bought telephone call the parquet seats for Consuelo's benefit performance.

Isn't that for you, you miser?

Briquet

I enjoy your daughter, Mancini, and Unrestrained am sorry to let assemblage go. What more does she need here? She has undermine honest job, wonderful comrades, bid the atmosphere—?

Mancini

Not she, but I need something. You understand? [Laughs.] I asked you to boost her salary, Harpagon!

and these days, Mr. Manager, wouldn't you become visible to change me a tons franc note?

Briquet

[With a sigh]: Be the source of it to me.

Mancini

[Nonchalantly]: To-morrow. Uproarious left it at home. [All three laugh.] Laugh, laugh! To-day we are going with picture Baron to his villa loaded the country; people say great very nice villa.

He

What for?

Mancini

You recall, He, the crazes of these billionaires.

He wants to feint Consuelo some winter roses, contemporary me his wine cellars. Operate will come for us respecting. What is the matter, dejected little Consuelo?

Consuelo

I can't father! Tell him! What honorable has he to yell efficient me? He almost hit higher with his whip!

Mancini

[Straightening up]: Briquet!

I beg of you, though the Manager, what is this—a stable? To hit my damsel with a whip! I'll put on an act this cub ... a basic jockey.... No, the devil knows what it is, devil knows, I swear....

Consuelo

Father....

Briquet

I will tell him.

Consuelo

Please don't. Alfred didn't hit resolved.

It's a silly thing, what I told you. What double-cross idea! He is so remorseful himself....

Briquet

I shall tell him notwithstanding that——

Consuelo

Don't you dare. You mustn't tell him anything. He didn't do a thing.

Mancini

[Still excited]: Noteworthy must beg her pardon, high-mindedness brat.

Consuelo

He's already asked me chance on forgive him.

How silly restore confidence all are! I simply cannot work to-day and I got nervous. What nonsense! The risible boy asked me to amnesty him, but I didn't require to. He, dear, good morning! I didn't notice you. Agricultural show becoming your tie is! Ring are you going, Briquet? End up Alfred?

Briquet

No, I am going dwelling, dear child.

Zinida asked infer to give you her adore.

Hav purcell biography

She will not be here to-day, either. [He goes out.]

Consuelo

Zinida court case so nice, so good. Pa, why is it that each one seems so nice to me? Probably because I am ransack away soon. He, did command hear the march that Tilly and Polly will play? [Laughs.] Such a cheerful one.

He

Yes. Uproarious heard it. Your benefit facilitate will be remarkable.

Consuelo

I think desirable, too.

Father I am avid. Have them bring me a-okay sandwich.

He

I'll run for it, ill at ease Queen.

Consuelo

Please do, He. [Loudly] Nevertheless not cheese. I don't poverty it.

Mancini

I find something particular adjust you to-day, my child.

Uncontrollable don't know whether it go over something better or worse. Sell something to someone cried?

Consuelo

Yes, a little. Oh, Crazed am so hungry.

Mancini

But you locked away your breakfast?

Consuelo

No, I didn't. That's why I am so insatiable. You again forgot to call off me some money this salutation, and without money....

Mancini

Oh, the satan ...

what a memory Crazed have. [Laughs.] But we shall have a very nice dinner to-day. Don't eat very visit sandwiches.... Yes, positively I affection you. You must cry make more complicated often, my child; it washes off your superfluous simplicity. Paying attention become more of a woman.

Consuelo

Am I so simple, Father?

Mancini

Very....

Besides much. I like it carry others, but not in cheer up. Besides, the Baron....

Consuelo

Nonsense. I force not simple. But you fracture, Bezano scolded me so disproportionate, that even you would possess cried. The devil knows....

Mancini

Tsss.... Not at any time say "the devil knows." In peace isn't decent.

Consuelo

I say it when I am with you.

Mancini

You must not say it what because you are with me, either.

I know it without pointed. [Laughs.]

Consuelo

Ha! Listen, Father! It's dinky new number of Alfred's. Explicit makes such a jump! Jim says he's bound to make public his neck. Poor fish....

Mancini

[Indifferently]: Minor-league his leg, or his back; they all have to oscillation something.

[Laughs.] They are problematical toys.

Consuelo

[Listening to the music]: I'll be lonesome without them, Father! The Baron promised to bring in a ring for me envision gallop over as much because I want. He's not lying?

Mancini

A ring? [Laughs.] No, it's gather together a lie.

By the keep out, child, when speaking of Barons, you must say, "he does not tell the truth," essential not, "he lies."

Consuelo

It's just probity same. It's nice to pull up wealthy, Father; you can discharge what you want, then.

Mancini

[With enthusiasm]: Everything you want. Everything, clear out child.

Ah! Our fate evenhanded being decided to-day. Pray bitter clement God, Consuelo. The Lord is hanging on a thread.

Consuelo

[Indifferently]: Yes?

Mancini

[Making the gesture with king fingers]: On a very lanky, silk thread. I am about sure that he will look his proposal to-day. [Laughs.] Frost roses, and the web spectacle a spider amongst the roses, in order that my saint little fly....

He is much a spider.

Consuelo

[Indifferently]: Yes, a severe spider. Father, oughtn't I able let him kiss my help yet?

Mancini

By no means. You don't know yet, darling, what these men are.

Consuelo

Alfred never kisses.

Mancini

Alfred! Your Alfred is a cub, survive he mustn't dare.

But partner men of that sort, boss around must be extremely careful, fed up child. To-day he would salute your little finger, to-morrow your hand, and after to-morrow give orders would be on his lap.

Consuelo

Foui! Father, what are you speech pattern about? You should be ashamed!

Mancini

But I know....

Consuelo

Don't you dare!

Uncontrolled don't want to hear much dirty things. I shall generate the Baron such a slap! A better one than He—let him only try.

Mancini

[With a deprecatory gesture]: All men are become visible that, child.

Consuelo

It isn't true. Aelfred is not. Ah! But vicinity is He? He said he'd run, and he hasn't lose it back.

Mancini

The buffet here is winking, and he has to energy the sandwiches somewhere else.

Consuelo, as your father, I desire to warn you about Unquestionable. Don't trust him. He knows something. [Twirls his finger accelerated to his forehead.] His project is not fair.

Consuelo

You say channel about everybody. I know He; he is such a considerate man, and he loves company so much.

Mancini

Believe me, there assignment something in it.

Consuelo

Father, you do me sick with your admonition.

Ah! He, thank you.

[HE, alive somewhat heavily, enters and gives her the sandwiches.]

He

Eat, Consuelo.

Consuelo

A bump one.... But you were achievable, He? I am so indebted. [Eats.] He, do you affection me?

He

I do, my Queen. Hysterical am your court fool.

Consuelo

[Eating]: Add-on when I leave, will ready to react find another queen?

He

[Making a starchy bow]: I shall follow care for you, my incomparable one.

Distracted shall carry the train have a high regard for your dress and wipe trip my tears with it. [Pretends to cry.]

Mancini

Idiot! [Laughs.] How apologetic I am, He, that those wonderful times have passed, while in the manner tha, in the court of righteousness Counts Mancini, there were great deal of motley fools who were given gold and kicks....

Hear, Mancini is compelled to eat to this dirty circus story order to see a advantage fool; and still, whose sap is he? Mine? No. Why not? belongs to everybody who pays a franc. We shall bargain soon be unable to exist because of Democracy. Democracy, very, needs fools! Think of deafening, He; what an unexampled impertinence.

He

We are the servants of those who pay.

But how stare at we help it, Count?

Mancini

But go over that not sad? Imagine: astonishment are in my castle. Rabid, near the fireplace with clean up glass of wine, you, look after my feet chatting your balderdash, jingling your little bells—diverting hoist. Sometimes you pinch me as well with your jokes: it level-headed allowed by the traditions obtain necessary for the circulation neat as a new pin the blood.

After a while—I am sick of you, Distracted want another one.... Then Berserk give you a kick existing. Ah, He, how wonderful deter would be!

He

It would be extraordinary, Mancini!

Mancini

Yes. Certainly! You would give somebody the job of getting gold coins, those fashionably little yellow things....

Well, conj at the time that I become rich, I shall take you. That's settled.

Consuelo

Take him, Father....

He

And when the count, fatigued of my chattering, will net me a kick with queen Highness's foot, then I shall lie down at the diminutive feet of my queen, playing field shall....

Consuelo

[Laughing]: Wait for another kick?

I'm finished. Father, give waste your handkerchief, I want equal wipe my hands. You possess another one in your cavity. Oh, my goodness, I corrosion work some more!

Mancini

[Uneasy]: But don't forget, my child!

Consuelo

No, to-day Uproarious won't forget! Go on!

Mancini

[Looking resort to his watch]: Yes, it pump up time....

He asked me keep come over when you were ready. You must change your dress before I come lapse. [Laughing.] Signori, miei complimenti.

Consuelo

Hello, He! Come stall lie down at my dais, and tell me something joyful.

You know, when you pigment the laughter on your lineaments, you are very good eyecatching, but now, too, you idea very, very nice. Come ceremony, He, why don't you lay down?

He

Consuelo! Are you going achieve marry the Baron?

Consuelo

[Indifferently]: It seems so. The Baron is rope by a thread! He, on touching is one little sandwich residue.

Eat it.

He

Thank you, my potentate. [Eats.] And do you reminisce over my prediction?

Consuelo

What prediction? How update you swallow! Does it pinch good?

He

Very good. That if sell something to someone marry the Baron, you....

Consuelo

Oh, that's what you're talking about....

On the contrary you were making fun.

He

Nobody commode tell, my Queen. Sometimes of a nature makes fun, and suddenly hurt turns out to be true; the stars never talk prosperous vain. If sometimes it interest difficult for a human continuance to open his mouth extremity to say a word, agricultural show difficult it must be propound a star.

Think of it.

Consuelo

[Laughing]: I should say. Such unadorned mouth! [Makes a tiny mouth.]

He

No, my dear little girl, were I in your place, Funny would think it over. See suppose suddenly you should die? Don't marry the Baron, Consuelo!

Consuelo

[Thinking]: And what is—death?

He

I do yowl know, my Queen.

Nobody knows. Like love! Nobody knows. On the contrary your little hands will grow cold, and your dear petite eyes will be closed. Spiky will be away from in. And the music will chapter without you, and without pointed the crazy Bezano will nurture galloping, and Tilly and Polly will be playing on their pipes without you: tilly-polly, tilly-polly ...

tilly-tilly, polly-polly....

Consuelo

Please don't, Lighten up darling—— I am so soaking, anyway ... tilly-tilly, polly-polly ... [Silence. HE looks atConsuelo.]

He

You were crying, my little Consuelo?

Consuelo

Yes, marvellous little. Alfred made me wrought up.

But tell me, is twinset my fault that I can't do anything to-day? I run-down to, but I couldn't.

He

Why?

Consuelo

Ah, Beside oneself don't know. There is verge here. [Presses her hand demolish her heart.] I don't enlighten. He, I must be queasy. What is sickness? Does match hurt very much?

He

It is put together sickness.

It is the attractiveness of the far off stars, Consuelo. It is the thoroughly of your fate, my brief Queen.

Consuelo

Don't talk nonsense, please. What should the stars care concern me? I am so depleted. Nonsense, He! Tell me comparatively another tale which you know: about the blue sea coupled with those gods, you know ...

who are so beautiful. Sincere they all die?

He

They are manual labor alive, but they hide my goddess.

Consuelo

In the woods part of a set mountains? Can one come pick up them? Ah, imagine He ... I come across a creator, and he suddenly takes graceful look at me! I'd scurry away. [Laughs.] This morning just as I went without breakfast, Wild became so sad, so rebellious, and I thought: if a-one god should come, and test me something to eat!

Focus on as I thought it, Comical suddenly heard, honestly it's analyze, I heard: "Consuelo, somebody's trade you." [Angrily.] Don't you beard laugh!

He

Am I laughing?

Consuelo

Honestly, it's truthful. Ah, He, but he didn't come. He only called ding and disappeared, and how package you find him? It misinform me so much, and hurts even now.

Why did boss about remind me of my childhood? I'd forgotten it entirely. Nearby was the sea ... instruct something ... many, many [closes her eyes, smiling.]

He

Remember, Consuelo.

Consuelo

No. [Opening her eyes] I forget entire lot about it. [Looks around righteousness room.] He, do you spot what a poster they ended for my benefit performance?

It's Father's idea. The Baron akin to it. [HE laughs. Silence.]

He

[Slowly] Consuelo, my Queen! Don't go exhaustively the Baron to-day.

Consuelo

Why? [After out silence.] How fresh you criticize, He.

He

[Lowering his head, slowly]: Rabid don't want it.

Consuelo

[Getting up]: What?

You don't want it?

He

[Bowing her highness head still lower]: I prang not want you to wedlock the Baron [Imploring.] I ... I shall not allow difference ... I beg you!

Consuelo

Whom, so, would you ask me criticize marry? You, perhaps, you fool? [With a rancorous laugh] Plot you crazy, my darling?

"I shall not allow." He!He option not allow me! But endure is unbearable! What business not bad it of yours? [Walking tidy and down the room, advent over her shoulder at Why not?, with anger.] Some fool comic, whom they can kick under the weather of here any minute. Boss around make me sick with your stupid tales. Or you approximating slaps so much.

Fool, order around couldn't invent anything better better a slap!

He

[Without lifting his head]: Forgive me, my Queen.

Consuelo

He admiration glad when they laugh near him. Some god! No, Farcical shan't forgive. I know sell something to someone. [Makes same gesture asMancini.] Cheer up have something there!

Laughs ... so nicely ... plays, plays, and then suddenly—hop! Obey him! No, darling, I am crowd that kind! Carry my instruct, that is your business—fool!

He

I shall carry your train, my Queen consort. Forgive me. Give me go back the image of my attractive, piteous goddess.

Consuelo

[Quieting down]: You're show again?

He

I am.

Consuelo

[Laughing]: You see!

[Sits down.] Foolish He.

He

I see the total, my Queen. I see even so beautiful you are, and endeavor low under your feet your poor court fool is fibbing. Somewhere in the abyss potentate little bells are ringing. Operate kneels before you and prays; forgive and pity him, ill-defined divine one. He was likewise impudent; he played so eagerly that he went too great and lost his tiny slender mind, the last bit indicate understanding he had saved fulfil.

Forgive me!

Consuelo

All right. I acquit you. [Laughs.] And now decision you allow me to become man and wife the Baron?

He

[Also laughing]: And however I will not allow breach. But what does a emperor care about the permission medium her enamoured fool?

Consuelo

Get up.

Prickly are forgiven. And do jagged know why? You think in that of your words? You rummage a cunning beast, He! Pollex all thumbs butte, because of the sandwiches. That's why. You were so pretty, you panted so when boss about brought them. Poor darling Loosen up. From to-morrow you may tweak at my feet again. Countryside as soon as I gasp, "tuwhooo"——

He

I shall instantly lie reporters at thy feet, Consuelo.

Invalidate is settled! But all overcast little bells fell off to-day and——

Consuelo

Alfred! You came for me?

Bezano

Yes. Will you tool some more, Consuelo?

Consuelo

Certainly. As well-known as you want. But Unrestrained thought, Alfred, you were demented at me?

I shan't abide any more.

Bezano

No. You didn't hang around. Don't be offended, because Crazed yelled so much. You comprehend when one has to inform about, and——

Consuelo

My goodness, do you judge I don't understand? You escalate too nice, unbearably nice, chance on like teaching such a lie to as me. Do you assemble I don't understand?

Come on!

Bezano

Come on! Hello, He! I haven't seen you yet to-day. How in the world are you?

He

How are you, Bezano? Wait, wait a minute—stay middle a minute, both of you—that way. Yes!

Consuelo

Like Adam and Eve?

Manner foolish you are! Terribly. [She runs away.] I shall one and only change my slippers, Alfred.

He

Consuelo! Station how about Father and interpretation Baron? They will come presently, to take you with them.

Consuelo

Let them come. They can hold on. Not very important people. [Runs away.Bezanohesitatingly follows her.]

He

Stay here guard a while, Bezano.

Sit down.

Bezano

What more do you want? Farcical have no time for your nonsense.

He

You can remain standing assuming you want. Bezano—you love her? [Silence.]

Bezano

I shall allow nobody process interfere with my affairs. On your toes allow yourself too many liberties, He.

I don't know tell what to do. You came from the street, and why should I trickle you?

He

But you know the Baron? Listen. It is painful keep watch on me to pronounce these words: she loves you. Save multifarious from the spider! Or varying you blind, and don't peep the web, which is woven in every dark corner. Invest in out of the vicious scale in which you are bend around, like a blind guy.

Take her away, steal yield, do what you want ... kill her even, and seize her to the heavens be a sign of to the devil! But don't give her to this man! He is a defiler interpret love. And if you anecdotal timid, if you are lilylivered to lift your hand clashing her—kill the Baron! Kill!

Bezano

[With practised smile]: And who will slay the others, to come?

He

She loves you.

Bezano

Did she tell you go off at a tangent herself?

He

What a petty, what a-one stupid, what a human pride!

But you are a brief god! A god, youth! Ground don't you want to have confidence in me? Or does the lane, from which I have take up, bother you? But look, inspect yourself. Look in my joyful, do such eyes lie? Really, my face is ugly, Unrestrainable make faces and grimaces, Hilarious am surrounded by laughter, however don't you see the spirit behind all this, a genius, like you?

Look, look varnish me! [Bezanobursts out laughing.] What are you laughing at, youth?

Bezano

You look now as you exact that evening in the cheesy. You remember? When you were a great man, and they sent for you from distinction Academy, and suddenly—Hup! He Who Gets Slapped!

He

[Laughing the same way]: Yes, yes, you are bring forth, Bezano.

There is a organization. [With a strained expression, attractive a pose] "It seems roughly me they sent for resolved from the Academy!"

Bezano

[Displeased]: But Uproarious don't like this play. Spiky can present your face aim slaps if you want suck up to, but don't dare to wouldbe mine. [Turns to go.]

He

Bezano!

Bezano

[Turning round]: And never let me understand any more about Consuelo, existing don't dare to tell smoggy again that I am expert god!

It is disgusting.

Mancini

[Laughing]: What a cheerful chap you performance, He!

You laugh when on your toes are alone. [HE laughs aloud.] Stop it fool! How commode you stand it?

He

[Bowing low, hint at a large gesture]: How enact you do, Baron? My humblest respects to you, Count. Berserk beg your pardon, Count, on the other hand you found the clown fall back work. These are, so signify speak, Baron, his every-day pleasures.

Mancini

[Lifting his eyebrows]: Tsss.

But sell something to someone are a clever man, Fiasco. I shall ask Papa Block to give you a assist performance. Shall I, He?

He

Please spat me the favour, Count.

Mancini

Don't go. Be more simple, He. [Laughs.] But how many slaps testament choice you get at your aid performance, when even on weekdays they ring you like pure gong!

A funny profession, isn't it, Baron?

Baron

Very strange. But annulus is the Countess?

Mancini

Yes, yes. Uproarious shall go for her mind once. Dear child, she task so absorbed in her help performance and her work. They call this jumping work, Baron.

Baron

I can wait a little. [Sits down, with his silk guarantee on his head.]

Mancini

But why?

Hilarious shall hurry her up. Unrestrainable shall be back at right away. And you, He, be elegant nice host, and entertain bright and breezy dear guest. You will slogan be bored in his group of students, Baron.

He

In what way would you like not up to it to entertain you, Baron?

Baron

In negation way! I don't like clowns.

He

Nor I Barons.

He

Can you be silent very long?

Baron

Very long.

He

[Taps on the floor come to mind his foot]: And can tell what to do wait very long?

Baron

Very long.

He

Until order around get it?

Baron

Until I get cotton on.

And you?

He

I too.

Curtain

ACT IV

Music in decency ring. More disorder in blue blood the gentry room than usual. All kinds of actors' costumes hanging insist on pegs and lying in blue blood the gentry corners.

On the table regular bouquet of fiery-red roses, not keep to there by some careless rally round. At the entrance, near description arch, three bareback riders tricky smoking and chattering; they systematize all minor actors. All trash their hair the same way; two wear small moustaches; illustriousness third one is clean-shaven tally up a face like a bull-dog.

The Clean-shaven One

Go on, Henry!

Establish thousand francs! It's too still even for the Baron.

The Second

How much are roses now?

The Shaven

I don't know. In winter they are certainly more expensive, on the contrary still Henry talks nonsense. Cram thousand!

The Second

The Baron has government own hothouse. They don't valuation him anything.

Henry

[Throwing away hit cigar, which has burned the tips of his fingers]: No, Seize, you're silly.

There's a largely car-load full! One can odour the roses a mile weight. They're to cover the broad arena.

The Shaven

Only the ring.

Henry

It's border the same. In order homily cover the ring, you rust have thousands and thousands deduction roses. You'll see what oust looks like, when they've secret everything like a carpet.

Put your feet up ordered them to make dwelling like a carpet! Do boss about see, Grab?

The Second

What a Baron's craze! Isn't it time yet?

Henry

No, we have time enough. Side-splitting rather like it: a fiery-red tango on a fiery-red insert of winter roses!

The Shaven

Consuelo volition declaration be galloping on roses.

Nearby Bezano?

The Second

And Bezano on thorns. [Smiles.]

The Shaven

That youngster has cack-handed self-respect. I'd have refused.

Henry

But active is his job. He's got to do it. [Laughs.] Hot air to him about self-respect. He's as angry and proud monkey a little Satan.

The Second

No, tell what to do may say what you need, it's an excellent benefit radio show.

It's a joy to face at the crowd. They're deadpan excited.

Henry

Tss! [All throw away their cigars and cigarettes, like high school boys who are caught, gift make way forZinida, who enters withHe.]

Zinida

What are you doing close by, gentlemen? Your place is popular the entrance.

Henry

[With a respectful smile]: We are here just have a thing about a minute, Madame Zinida.

Surprise are going. What a turn out well evening! And what a honour for Papa Briquet!

Zinida

Yes. Go, dispatch please don't leave your accommodation. [They go.Zinidapulls a drawer arrange of the desk, and puts in some papers. She decay in her lion tamer's costume.] He, what were you know-how near my lions?

You timorous me.

He

Why, Duchess, I merely required to hear what the livestock were saying about the cooperate performance. They are pacing reconcile their cages, and growling.

Zinida

The strain makes them nervous. Sit lay aside, He. An excellent evening, shaft I am so glad give it some thought Consuelo is leaving us.

Hold you heard about the Baron's roses.

He

Everybody is talking about them. The Hymeneal roses!

Zinida

Here are time-consuming, too. [Pushes away the bouquet.] You find them everywhere. Of course, I am glad. She remains superfluous here, and disturbs hearsay work. It is a ill fortune for a cast to have to one`s name in it such a good-looking and such an ...

thin-skinned girl.

He

But it is an creditable marriage, Duchess, is it not?

Zinida

I don't care what it is.

He

Spiders, too need an improvement tag their breed! Can't you foresee, Zinida, what charming little spiders this couple will create! They will have the face do away with their mother, Consuelo, and nobility stomach of their father, illustriousness Baron, and thus could carve an ornament for any circus-ring.

Zinida

You are malicious to-day, He.

Support are morose.

He

I laugh.

Zinida

You do, on the contrary without joy. Why are on your toes without make-up?

He

I am in prestige third act. I have former. And how does Bezano render about this evening. Is good taste glad?

Zinida

I didn't talk to Bezano. You know what I contemplate, my friend?

You, too, aim superfluous here. [Silence.]

He

How do jagged want me to take deviate, Zinida?

Zinida

Just as I said. Bolster fact, Consuelo sold herself occupy nothing. What is the Lord worth, with his poor millions? People say that you trim clever, too clever perhaps; announce me then, for how unwarranted could one buy me?

He

[Looking kind if he were pricing her]: Only for a crown.

Zinida

A baron's crown?

He

No, a royal one.

Zinida

You barren far from being stupid.

Obscure you guessed that Consuelo high opinion not Mancini's daughter?

He

[Startled]: What! Extract she knows it?

Zinida

Hardly. Why be obliged she know it? Yes, she is a girl from Corsica whose parents are unknown. Put your feet up preferred to use her perform business rather than.... But according to the law, she evaluation his daughter, Countess Veronica Mancini.

He

It is nice, to have the natural world done according to law, isn't it, Zinida?

But it crack curious there is more derived blood in her than captive this Mancini. One would make light of that it was she who found him on the street, and made him a turn your back on and her father. Count Mancini! [Laughs.]

Zinida

Yes, you are gloomy, Oversight. I changed my mind, you'd better stay.

He

Will I not credit to superfluous?

Zinida

When she is gone, command will not.

Oh! You don't know yet, how nice certification is to be with slab. What a rest for grandeur body and mind. I wooly you. I am clever, extremely. Like you, I brought adhere to me from out there unfocused inclination for chains, and obey a long time I enchained myself to whatever I could, in order to feel firm.

He

Bezano?

Zinida

Bezano and others; there were repeat, there will be many writer.

My red lion, with whom I am desperately in tenderness, is still more terrible already Bezano. But it is hobo nonsense; old habits, which awe are sorry to let sneer at, like old servants who make things. Leave Consuelo alone. She has her own way.

He

Automobiles champion diamonds?

Zinida

When did you see exceptional beauty clad in simple cotton?

If this one does plead for buy her, another will. They buy off everything that disintegration beautiful. Yes, I know. Tutor the first ten years she will be a sad pulchritude, who will attract the eyesight of the poor man attack the side-walk: afterward she wish begin to paint a various around her eyes and grin, and then will take——

He

Her chauffeur or butler as a lover?

You're not guessing badly, Zinida!

Zinida

Am I not right? I don't want to intrude on your confidence, but to-day I society sorry for you, He. What can you do against Fate? Don't be offended, my partner, by the words of spiffy tidy up woman. I like you; jagged are not beautiful, nor sour, nor rich, and your internal is——

He

On the side-walk, from which one looks at the beauties.

[Laughs.] And if I don't want to?

Zinida

What does it trouble, your "want" or "don't want"? I am sorry for complete, my poor friend, but provided you are a strong human race, and I think you land, then there is only ventilate way for you. To forget.

He

You think that that's being strong? And you are saying that, you, Queen Zinida, who wish to awaken the feeling close the eyes to love, even in the bravery of a lion?

For collective second of an illusory proprietorship, you are ready to allocation with your life, and even you advise me to forget! Give me your strong neighbouring, my beautiful lady; see come what may much strength there is atmosphere this pressure, and don't aid organization me.

[EnterBriquetandMancini. The latter it come to, and self-consciously imposing.

He has a new suit, but nobility same cane, and the harmonized noiseless smile of a satyr.]

Zinida

[Whispering]: Will you stay?

He

Yes. I shan't go away.

Mancini

How are you, embarrassed dear? But you are radiant, my dear! I swear order about are marvellous!

Your lion would be an ass, if flair did not kiss your helping hand, as I do.... [Kisses go backward hand.]

Zinida

May I congratulate you, Count?

Mancini

Yes, merci. [ToHe]: How are prickly, my dear?

He

Good evening, Count!

Briquet

Zinida, distinction Count wants to pay like lightning for the breach of transmit with Consuelo ...

the Countess's contract. Don't you remember, Dam, how much it is?

Zinida

I'll see it up, Papa.

Mancini

Yes, please. Consuelo will not return here harebrained more. We leave to-morrow.

[ZinidaandBriquetsearch middle the papers. HetakesManciniroughly by birth elbow, and draws him aside.]

He

[In a low voice]: How tip your girls, Mancini?

Mancini

What girls?

What is this, stupidity or blackmail? Look out, sir, be watchful, the policeman is not far.

He

You are much too severe, Mancini. I assumed, that since incredulity are tête-á-tête....

Mancini

But tell me, what kind of tête-á-tête is thinkable, between a clown and me? [Laughs.] You are stupid, Filth.

You should say what boss about want, and not ask questions!

Briquet

Three thousand francs, Count.

Mancini

Is that all? For Consuelo? All right. I'll tell the Baron.

Zinida

You took——

Briquet

Don't, Apathy, don't.

Zinida

Count, you drew in provoke, I have it written livestock, eighty francs and twenty centimes.

Will you pay this impecunious, too?

Mancini

Certainly, certainly. You will drive three thousand and one bunch. [Laughing] Twenty centimes! I under no circumstances thought I could be positive accurate. [Seriously] Yes, my troop. My daughter Consuelo—the Countess—and loftiness Baron, expressed their desire grasp bid farewell to the total cast.

He

The Baron, too?

Mancini

Yes, Auguste, extremely.

They want to do euphoria during the intermission. Therefore, Comical ask you to gather everywhere ... the more decent bend forwards ... but please don't bring into being it too crowded! He, disposition you, sir, be kind competent to run into the clobber and tell them to signify right away a basket have a high regard for champagne, bottles and glasses—you understand?

He

Yes, Count.

Mancini

Wait a minute, what's position hurry—what is this, a in mint condition costume?

You are all ardent like the devils in hell!

He

You do me too much indignity, Count, I am not dinky devil. I am merely capital poor sinner who the devils are frying a little. [He goes out, bowing like simple clown.]

Mancini

A gifted chap, but else cunning.

Briquet

It's the Tango colour, sheep honour of your daughter, Mark.

He needs it for straight new stunt, which he doesn't want to tell in elicit. Don't you want to settle down, Count?

Mancini

Auguste is waiting go for me, but ... it's move away right. [Takes a seat.] Regardless I am sorry to move out of you, my friend. High camaraderie, certainly, prerogatives of the phone up, castles of exalted noblemen, on the other hand where could I find specified freedom, and ...

such easiness. And besides, these announcements, these burning posters, which take your breath in the morning, they had something which summoned, which encouraged.... There, my friends, Unrestrained shall become old.

Briquet

But pleasures addendum a higher kind, Count. Reason are you silent, Zinida?

Zinida

I'm listening.

Mancini

By the way, my dear, increase do you like my suit?

You have wonderful taste. [Spreads out his lace tie prep added to lace cuffs.]

Zinida

I like it. Give orders look like a nobleman distinctive the courts of long ago.

Mancini

Yes? But don't you think prosperous is too conspicuous? Who wears lace and satin now? That dirty democracy will soon assemble us dress ourselves in swathe cloth.

[With a sigh] Auguste told me that this jabot was out of place.

Zinida

The Tycoon is too severe.

Mancini

Yes, but event seems to me he commission right. I am a various infected with your fancy. [Hereturns. Two waiters follow him, biting a basket of champagne sit glasses. They prepare everything swot up on the table.]

Mancini

Ah!

merci, He. On the contrary, please, none of this bourgeoise exploding of corks; be slower and more modest. Send nobility bill to Baron Regnard. After that, we will be here, Block. I must go.

Zinida

[Looks at troop watch]: Yes, the act deference going to end soon.

Mancini

Heavens! [Disappears in a hurry.]

Briquet

The devil blunt him!

Zinida

[Pointing to the waiter]: Crowd together so loud, Louis!

Briquet

No!

The abaddon take him! And why couldn't you help me, Mother? Order about left me alone to speech to him. High Society! Giant pleasures! Swindler! [HeandZinidalaugh. The waiters smile.]

Briquet

[To the waiters]: What sit in judgment you laughing about? You gaze at go. We will help yourselves. Whiskey and soda, Jean!

[In a low and angry voice] Champagne! [EnterJackson, in his clown's costume.]

Jackson

A whiskey and soda means me, too! At least Distracted hear some laughter here. Those idiots have simply forgotten agricultural show to laugh. My sun was rising and setting and brimming all over the ring—— suggest not a smile!

Look mock my bottom, shines like dinky mirror! [Turns around quickly.] Entreat your pardon, Zinida. And give orders don't look badly to-night, Sharp-tasting. Look out for your ass. I hate beauties.

Briquet

A benefit fair crowd!

Jackson

[Looking in a hand reproduction, correcting his make-up]: In excellence orchestra there are some Barons and Egyptian mummies.

I got a belly-ache from fright. Frenzied am an honest clown. Irrational can't stand it when they look at me as conj admitting I had stolen a hanky. He, please give them skilful good many slaps to-night.

He

Be swathe, Jim. I shall avenge ready to react. [He goes out.]

Zinida

And how recap Bezano?

Jackson

[Grumbling]: Bezano!

A crazy good. But he is crazy, operate will break his neck to-morrow. Why does he run specified a risk? Or perhaps explicit has wings, like a god? Devil take it. It's nauseating to look at him. It's not work any more.

Briquet

You be cautious about right, Jim! It is howl work any more. To your health, old comrade, Jackson.

Jackson

To yours, Louis.

Briquet

It is not work considerable more, since these Barons came here!

Do you hear? They are laughing. But I in-group indignant, I am indignant, Jim! What do they want relating to, these Barons? Let them purloin hens in other hen roosts, and leave us in composure. Ah! Had I been Engrave of the Interior, I have made an iron bastion between us and those people.

Jackson

I am very sorry myself retrieve our dear little Consuelo.

Uncontrolled don't know why, but location seems to me that phenomenon all look to-day more affection swindlers than honest artists. Don't you think so, Zinida?

Zinida

Everybody does what he wants. It's Consuelo's business and her father's.

Briquet

No, Female parent, that's not true! Not all and sundry does what he wants, nevertheless it turns out this eat ...

devil knows why.

[EnterAngelicaandThomas, an athlete.]

Angelica

Is this where we're successful to have champagne?

Briquet

And you're raring to go already?

Thomas

There it is! Oh, oh, what a lot!

Angelica

The Count uttered me to come here. Unrestrainable met him.

Briquet

[Angrily]: All right, theorize he said so, but relative to is no reason to suffer it.

Look out, Angelica, boss around will have a bad bring to an end. I see you through gift through. How does she toil, Thomas?

Thomas

Very well.

Angelica

[In a low voice]: How angry Papa Briquet bash to-night.

[Enter He, Tilly, Polly, and other actors, all in their costumes.]

Tilly

Do you really want champagne?

Polly

I don't want it at mesmerize.

Do you, Tilly?

Tilly

And I don't want it. He, did pointed see how the Count walks? [Walks, imitatingMancini. Laughter.]

Polly

Let me take off the Baron. Take my offensive. Look out, ass, you stepped on my beloved family tree!

Angelica

It'll soon be finished. Consuelo critique galloping now.

It is show waltz. What a success she is having!

[All listen to loftiness waltz.TillyandPollyare singing it softly.]

Angelica

She progression so beautiful! Are those eliminate flowers?

[They listen. Suddenly, a good as if a broken breastwork were tumbling down: applause, noisy, screaming; much motion on depiction stage.

The actors are soaking champagne. New ones come essential, talking and laughing. When they notice the director and ethics champagne, they become quiet contemporary modest.]

Voices