Part 5 (1/2)

MAR. Even by a King?

BEA. For Kings the rules are sterner!--One more riddle, And a mirror that will show her always young.

MAR. And if I do these things, then, will you have me, Rose-Red?

BEA. Maybe. And if you do not do them, Maybe. Come--I will race you to the bridge!

MAR. [Catching her hand,] Nay, not so fast!--Have you no wish to be Beside me, ever, that you are forever running Ahead?

BEA. Indeed, if you would have the truth It has come into my mind more times than once It would be sweet to be beside you often.

MAR. Rose-Red!

BEA. Come--I will race you to the bridge!

[Exeunt Beatrice and Mario.]

Scene 2

[Court-yard of the palace at Fiori. Entire court a.s.sembled.

A band of strolling players, with a little stage on wheels, are doing a Harlequinade pantomime to amuse the young King Mario, the guest of honor. Beatrice sits beside him. In this scene the two people who are oblivious to the pantomime are Guido and Octavia. Guido is apparently brooding over something. From time to time he looks at Beatrice and Mario. Once, having gazed for some moments at the pair, he looks at Octavia and sees that she, too, is looking at them, which seems to satisfy him. The Queen does not take her eyes from the two during the entire scene. Beatrice and Mario do not conduct themselves precisely as lovers, but they are very gay and happy to be in each other's company, apparently. Lorenzo watches the show with a benign, almost childish interest.]

[Pantomime begins.]

GIO. You, Pierrot, are you not a little thick For such a sorrowful fellow?

PIERROT. Nay, indeed!

Sorrow may come to all. And 'tis amazing How much a man may live through and keep fat.

[Pantomime continues]

CAR. Ho! Now he stumbles! Look you, Pantaloon, If you were not so learned i' the head You might know better where to put your feet!

LAU. [To Carlotta.] 'Tis curious how it addles a man's bones To think too much.

CAR. Nay, truth. Wise men were ever Awkward in the legs.

[Pantomime continues.]

RAFFAELE. Have at him, Polichinello.

GIO. Lay on! Lay on!

ANS. Leave not a nail of him!

GIO. Dog! Would you have him write a book about you?

LUIG. Spit him i' the liver! It is his only organ!