James Cabell - The Jewel Merchants. A Comedy in One Act

• Название: The Jewel Merchants. A Comedy in One Act
• Автор: James Cabell
• Жанр: Фэнтези

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GRACIOSA But come! There is a path—(They are gathering up the pack and its contents, as GUIDO pauses by the DUKE.) Is he—?

GUIDO He will not enter Hell to-day. (The DUKE stirs.) Already he revives, you see. So let us begone before his attendants come.

GUIDO lifts her to the top of the wall. He lifts up the pack.

GRACIOSA My lute!

GUIDO (Giving it to her.) So we may pass for minstrels on the road to Venice.

GRACIOSA Yes, singing the Duke's songs to pay our way. (GUIDO climbs over the wall, and stands on the far side, examining the landscape beneath.)

Horsemen!

GUIDO The Duke's attendants fetching him new women—two more of those numerous damsels that his song demands. They will revive this ruinous songmaker to rule over Tuscany more foolishly than Eglamore governed when Eglamore was a great lord. (He speaks pensively, still looking down.) It is a very rich and lovely country, this kingdom which a half-hour since lay in the hollow of my hand. Now I am empty-handed.

GRACIOSA (With mocking reproach.) Empty-handed!

She extends to him both her hands. GUIDO takes them, and laughs joyously, saying, "Come!" as he lifts her down.

There is a moment's silence, then is heard the song and lute-playing with which the play began, growing ever more distant:…

     "Knights as my serfs be given;
    And as I will, let music go and come."

… The DUKE moves. The DUKE half raises himself at the foot of the crucifix.

THE DUKE Eglamore! I am hurt. Help me, Eglamore!

(THE CURTAIN FALLS)