Etext by Dagny
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Translated and Adapted by
Frank J. Morlock
1987
CHARACTERS:
Iphicratis
Harlequin
Euphrosyne
Cleanthis
Trivilin
Inhabitants of the Isle
The scene is the Isle of Slaves. The stage represents a beach with rocks on one side and on the other trees and houses.
Iphicratis enters sadly with Harlequin. Iphicratis (after sighing) Harlequin!
Harlequin (with a bottle he is holding by the neck)
Boss!
Iphicratis
What will become of us on this island?
Harlequin
We will become weak, emaciated, and die of hunger. That's my
opinion and our epitaph.
Iphicratis
We alone escaped from the shipwreck. All our comrades perished and
I envy their fate.
Harlequin (waving the bottle)
Alas, they drowned in the sea—and we have something to drown in,
too.
Iphicratis
Tell me, when our vessel broke against the rocks, some had time to
make it to the sloop. True, the waves enveloped them—I know it
happened, but perhaps they were lucky enough to beach on some part of
the island and it's my opinion we should search for them.
Harlequin
Let's search. There's nothing wrong in that—but let's rest awhile
and drink a bit of this elixir of life first. I saved my poor bottle
and here it is. I will drink two-thirds, as is reasonable, and then,
I'll drink the rest.
Iphicratis
Ah! Let's not lose any time. Follow me. Let's not neglect anything
to get ourselves out of here. If I don't escape, I'm lost. I will never
see Athens again—for this is the Isle of Slaves.
Harlequin
Oh! Oh! what is that?
Iphicratis
They are Greek slaves who revolted against their masters and who
have, for more than one hundred years been established on this island
which I believe they hold without a doubt. Here is one of their cabins.
And their custom, my dear Harlequin, is to kill all masters that they
meet or to throw them into slavery.
Harlequin
Ah! Each country has its custom. Here they kill masters. ALL RIGHT!
I have heard it, too, but they don't do anything to slaves like me.
Iphicratis
That's true.
Harlequin
Well, nothing to worry about, then.
Iphicratis
But, I am in danger of losing my liberty, and perhaps, my life.
Harlequin, isn't that cause enough for me to complain?
Harlequin (taking a drink)
Ah, I pity you with all my heart. I'll drink to that.
Iphicratis
Follow me, then.
Harlequin (whistling a tune)
Hie, hoo, hoo.
Iphicratis
What do you mean? What are you trying to say?
Harlequin (distracted, singing)
Ta, la, ta, la.
Iphicratis
Speak, then. Have you lost your wits? What are you thinking about?
Harlequin
Ah, ah, ah, Mr. Iphicratis, what a funny adventure! I pity you,
word of honor, but I can't help but laugh.
Iphicratis (aside)
The rogue abuses my situation. I was stupid to tell him where we
are. (aloud) Harlequin, your frivolity is misplaced. Let's walk the
coast.
Harlequin
My legs are so numb.
Iphicratis
Let's get going. I beg you.
Harlequin
I beg you, I beg you—how civil and polite you are—it's the
country air which makes you this way.
Iphicratis
Come, hurry—let's make but half a league up the coast to search
for our sloop, where we will find, hopefully, a party of our people.
And, if we do, we'll re-embark with them.
Harlequin (joking)
Frolic! How things revolve. (singing) The voyage is divine When one
sails, sails, sails, The voyage is divine When one sails with Fate.
Iphicratis (holding in his rage)
But, I don't understand you, my dear Harlequin.
Harlequin
My dear boss, your compliments charm me. You have a custom of
hitting me with a cudgel which isn't half nice and the cudgel is in the
sloop.
Iphicratis
Ah, don't you know that I love you?
Harlequin
Yes, but the marks of your affection always fall on my shoulders
and that's misplaced. So, wait, may heaven bless our people, for
they'll be a long while. If they are alive, everything's o.k. and I'll
swill a drink.
Iphicratis (a little moved)
But, I have need of them.
Harlequin (indifferently)
Oh, quite so, to each his own business. I don't prevent you!
Iphicratis
Insolent slave.
Harlequin (laughing)
Ah, ah. You speak the language of Athens—a bad dialect which I no
longer understand.
Iphicratis
Don't you know your master, and aren't you my slave?
Harlequin (with a serious air)
I was, I confess it, to your shame. But go, I forgive you—men are
worthless. In the country of Athens, I was your slave. You treated me
like a miserable animal and you say that was just because you were the
stronger. Very well! Iphicratis, here you are going to find something
stronger than you. You are going to be a slave in your turn. They will
also tell you that is just and we will see what you think of this kind
of justice. You can give me your views on it and I'll wait for you.
When you have suffered, you will be reasonable. You will better
understand what it means to make others suffer. All things will be
better in this world if those like you learned the same lesson.
Goodbye, my friend. I am going to find my comrades and your masters.
(Harlequin starts off. Iphicratis, in despair, runs after him sword in hand.)
Iphicratis
Just heaven, can one be more unfortunate and outraged than I am?
Miserable! You don't deserve to live.
Harlequin
Easy, you'll weaken yourself, for I no longer obey you. Take care.
(Enter Trivilin with five or six islanders who are escorting a lady and her servant. They run after Iphicratis when they see the sword in his hand.)
Trivilin (causing Iphicratis to be seized and disarmed by his
people)
Stop! What do you intend to do?
Iphicratis
Punish the insolence of my slave.
Trivilin
Your slave? You deceive yourself and you'll be taught to correct
your words. (he takes Iphicratis' sword and gives it to Harlequin) Take
this sword, comrade, it's yours!
Harlequin
May heaven protect you, brave comrade that you are.
Trivilin
What's your name?
Harlequin
You ask my name?
Trivilin
That's right.
Harlequin
I don't have one, comrade.
Trivilin
What? You don't have any name?
Harlequin
No, comrade, I have only such names as they have given me.
Sometimes they call me Harlequin, or sometimes they call me Hey-boy.
Trivilin
Hey-boy. The term lacks style. I realize that gentlemen take such
freedoms. And him, what's his name?
Harlequin
Oh, the devil. They call him by a real name. He's the Lord
Iphicratis.
Trivilin
Well, then! Let's change names. You be Lord Iphicratis in your
turn, and you, Iphicratis, call yourself Harlequin. Or better yet
Hey-boy.
Harlequin (jumping for joy, to Iphicratis)
Oh! Oh! They're going to make us laugh, Lord Hey-boy.
Trivilin (to Harlequin)
Remember that in taking his name, my dear friend, that it is given
to you less to rejoice your vanity than to correct his pride.
Harlequin
Yes, yes. Let us correct, let us correct.
Iphicratis (looking at Harlequin)
Scoundrel! Tell me, my good friend, that was another freedom that
he took. Is it part of the play?
Trivilin (to Harlequin)
For the moment, he can say to you whatever he wants to say. (to
Iphicratis) Harlequin, your adventure afflicts you and you are outraged
against Iphicratis and against us. Don't get upset. Comfort yourself
with the most lively outburst of passion; treat him miserably—and us,
too—all is permitted to you at present. But, when this moment passes,
don't forget that you are Harlequin, and this here's Iphicratis—and
that you are under him as he was under you. These are our laws and my
duty in the republic is to see that they are observed.
Harlequin
Ah, pretty nice duty.
Iphicratis
Me! Slave of this wretch!
Trivilin
He was, indeed, yours.
Iphicratis
Alas, if he will only be obedient, I'll have a thousand boons for
him. You give me freedom to say what I please to him, that's not
enough, you must give me a cane.
Harlequin
Comrade, he asks to speak to my back. I put it under the protection
of the republic.
Trivilin
Fear not.
Cleanthis
Sir, I am a slave, too, from the same vessel. Please don't forget
me.
Trivilin
No, pretty child, I knew your condition from your dress and I was
going to speak to you about your concerns when I saw him with drawn
sword. Let me finish what I have to say. Harlequin!
Harlequin (believing he's called)
Eh? But, my name's Iphicratis.
Trivilin (continuing)
Try to calm yourself. You know who we are, without doubt?
Harlequin
Oh, by God, lovely people.
Cleanthis
And reasonable.
Trivilin
Don't interrupt me, children. I think you know who we are. When our
fathers, irritated by the cruelty of their masters fled Greece and
established themselves here, in resentment of outrages which they had
received from their patrons, the first law they made was to put to
death all those masters whom chance or shipwreck brought to their
island—and consequently to free all the slaves. Vengeance dictated
this law. Twenty years later, reason abolished it and dictated a softer
one. We no longer avenge ourselves on you, we correct you. It's not
your life we pursue, but the barbarism in your hearts we wish to
destroy. We throw you into slavery to render you sensible to the evils
that try you. We humiliate you so that, finding us proud, you will
reproach yourselves for having been such. Your slavery, or rather your
training in humanity, lasts for three years, after which you will be
freed if your masters are content with your progress—and if you have
not improved, we keep you, for charity's sake, for the new misfortunes
you were going to make for others and, to do you some good, we will
marry you to one of our citizens. These are our laws on that matter.
Profit from their healthy rigor, thank the fate which brought you here.
You were placed in our hands, proud and unjust. You were in a sad
state. We undertake to cure you. You are less our slaves than our
patients—and it will take us three years to make you healthy again.
That is to say, humane human beings—reasonable and generous—for the
rest of your lives.
Harlequin
And all gratis without a purge or a bleeding. Who can get healthier
at less cost?
Trivilin
As for the rest, don't bother trying to flee this place—you will
try without success—and you will make your fortune much worse. Begin
your new regime of life with patience.
Harlequin
Since it's for his good, what can he say?
Trivilin (to slaves)
As for you, children, you will become free and citizens. Iphicratis
will live in this cabin with the new Harlequin and this pretty girl
will live in the other. You will take care to change clothes with each
other. It's an order. (to Harlequin) Go now to the house on that side
where you'll have food if you need it. I warn you, you have eight days
to rejoice in your change of status. After that we'll give you a
suitable job like everybody else. Go, I am awaiting you here. (to
islanders) Conduct them! (to ladies) And you others, remain here.
(As Harlequin leaves he bows deeply to Cleanthis.)
Trivilin Ah, now, my countrywoman, from now on regard our island as
your country. Tell me your name.
Cleanthis (bowing)
I call myself Cleanthis. And she Euphrosyne.
Trivilin
Cleanthis? Is that all?
Cleanthis
I also have some surnames. Would you like to know them?
Trivilin
Yes, indeed. And, what are they?
Cleanthis
I have a list: Stupid, Fool, Beast, Brute, Imbecile, etc.
Euphrosyne (sighing)
Impertinent thing you are!
Cleanthis
Hold, hold. There's still one thing I forgot.
Trivilin
Effectively she holds you to it. In your country, Euphrosyne, one
soon says hurtful things to those one can speak to with impunity.
Euphrosyne
Alas, what do you expect me to say to her in the strange
circumstances in which I find myself?
Cleanthis
Oh, lady, it isn't so easy to reply to me. Once nothing would have
been easier. One had no business with poor people, so why stand on
ceremony? Do it, I wish it, shut up, stupid wench. Everything finished.
But now, you must speak reasonably. That's a strange language for
milady. She will learn it with time; she must be patient. I will do my
best to help her.
Trivilin (to Cleanthis)
Restrain yourself, Euphrosyne. (to Euphrosyne) And you, Cleanthis,
don't abandon yourself to misery. I cannot change our laws, nor can I
free you. I have shown you how praiseworthy and healthy they are for
you.
Cleanthis
Hum! She'll surprise me, indeed, if she adjusts.
Trivilin
But, as you are of a sex naturally very weak, and because of this
you must cede more easily than a man to examples of haughtiness, scorn
and hardness that were given to you in your homeland against their
equals, all that I can do for you is to pray Euphrosyne to weigh with
goodness the wrongs you have done her rather than to weigh them with
justice.
Cleanthis
Hold on, all that is too philosophical for me. I don't understand
at all. I am going by the main road. I will weigh things the way she
did. Whatever comes, we will take it.
Trivilin
Softly. Don't be vengeful.
Cleanthis
But, our good friend, at bottom you speak of her sex. She has an
excuse to be weak. I have an excuse for her, too. I lack the virtue to
be strong. If I must excuse all her bad manners towards me, then she
must excuse my rancor against her. I am a woman, too, as much as she
is. Let's see, who will decide? Am I not the mistress now? Well then,
she can begin by always excusing my spite and then I will pardon her
when I'm able for what she did to me. Let her wait!
Euphrosyne
What a speech! Must you force me to listen to it?
Cleanthis
Suffer it, madame, it's the fruit of your work.
Trivilin
Come on, Euphrosyne, restrain yourself.
Cleanthis
What do you want me to say? When one is in a rage there's no remedy
but to let it pass, to satisfy it a bit, you see! When I've quarreled
with her a dozen times at my leisure she'll be quits. But I have to do
it!
Trivilin (aside to Euphrosyne)
It will have to run its course. But, console yourself. It will be
over sooner than you think. (to Cleanthis) I hope, Euphrosyne, that you
will lose your resentment, and I exhort you, from friendship, to do so.
Come now to the analysis of her character. You must give me a portrait
so that the person described can recognize it and blush at its follies
and be converted. As you see, we have good intentions. Come, let's
begin.
Cleanthis
Oh, what a well thought of idea. Come, you'll find me ready. Ask
me, I am in my element.
Euphrosyne (sweetly)
I beg you, sir, to let me withdraw so that I don't hear what she is
going to say.
Trivilin
Alas, my dear lady, this is only for you. You must be present.
Cleanthis
Stay, stay. A little shame is soon past.
Trivilin
Vain, affected and coquettish. Now that's a bit close to the way I
am going to question you at random.
Euphrosyne
Isn't that enough, sir?
Trivilin
Oh! I congratulate you on the slight embarrassment it gives you.
you have feelings. A good sign and augers well for the future. But
these are but the proud traits. Let's fill in a few details. In what
particular do you find the weakness of which we speak?
Cleanthis
In what? In all, all the time, in all places. I told you to ask me,
but where to begin? I don't know, I'm lost. There are so many things,
I've seen so much, so often noticed all the indications that they
confuse me. Madame is quiet. Madame speaks, she is sad, she is gay,
speech, looks, sadness and joy—it's all one. There's only a color of
difference. Mute vanity, happy or mad, it's babbling coquetry, jealous
or curious, it's madame—vain or coquette—one after the other or both
at the same time. That's it. That's where I come out. Nothing more.
Euphrosyne
I don't know how to contain myself.
Trivilin
Wait then! This is only a beginning.
Cleanthis
Madame arises, has she slept well? Has sleep made her pretty? Does
she feel lively? Is there a spark in her yes? Quick, on with all her
finery, the day will be glorious! “Let me be dressed!” Madame will see
the world today; she will go to spectacles, to promenades, to
assemblies, her face can be shown, can last the whole day, it will be a
pleasure to see, it has only to boldly appear, it is in state, it has
nothing to fear.
Trivilin (to Euphrosyne)
She's developing this nicely.
Cleanthis
On the contrary, has madame slept ill? “Oh, bring me a mirror! How
I look! Just like I've been in a fight.” Now she examines her face,
tries it every way—nothing succeeds. Wrong eyes, a haggard complexion!
Everything is over. We must hide that face. We will only wear our
negligee. Madame will see no one today if she can avoid it. At least
we'll make it dark in the room. Now comes company—they enter. What
will they think of madame's face? They believe she's grown ugly. Will
she condescend to please her dear friends in this way? No, there's a
cure for everything, you will see. “How are you today, madame?” “Very
ill,” says madame. “I've lost sleep, it's eight days since I closed one
eye. I dare not show myself. I'm afraid.” What she really means is,
“Gentlemen, understand it's not me. At least, don't look at me. Don't
judge me today. Wait until I have slept.” I understand everything, for
we slaves are gifted with insight into our masters. Oh, they are
pitiful people to us!
Trivilin (to Euphrosyne)
Courage, madame. Profit from this portrait, for it seems a faithful
one to me.
Euphrosyne
I don't know, I am—
Cleanthis
You are at the second stage. I will finish up so as not to bore
you.
Trivilin
Finish, finish. Madame will be able to bear the rest.
Cleanthis
Do you remember an evening when you were with that handsome knight?
I was in the room. You spoke low, but I have a keen ear. You wanted to
please him without seeming to do anything; you spoke of a woman that he
often saw. “That woman is likeable,” you said. “She has small eyes, but
is very sweet,” and then you opened your eyes, you made gestures,
little contortions, gaieties and tones. I laughed silently. You
succeeded. The knight was taken. He offered you his heart. “To me?” you
said to him. Yes, madame, to you yourself, he offered all he had, to
the most adorable in the world. “Continue, trifles, continue,” you
said, in taking off your gloves under the pretence of asking me for
others. But you have a pretty hand, he saw it, he took it, he kissed
it. That enlivened his declaration and that was the gloves you asked
for. Well, am I with you?
Trivilin (to Euphrosyne)
Truly, she's right.
Cleanthis
Listen, listen, here's the funniest thing. One day, so she could
hear me, but she believed that I didn't know it, I spoke of her and I
said, “Oh, as to that, one must admit that madame is one of the most
beautiful women in the world.” How many gifts for eight hours this
little word was worth to me! I tried, on a similar occasion, to say
madame was a very reasonable woman. Oh, I got nothing. It didn't work
and that was quite right for I flattered her.
Euphrosyne
Sir, I won't stay any longer. You'll have to keep me here by force;
I cannot suffer it any more.
Trivilin
Well, that's enough for the moment.
Cleanthis
I was going to speak of the vapors of delicacy to which Madame is
subject at the least odor. She doesn't know that one day I put, on the
sly, some flowers behind her bed to see what would happen. I waited for
a vapor—it's yet to come. The next day, in company, a rose appeared.
Crack! The vapor came.
Trivilin
That's enough, Euphrosyne. Walk away a bit because I have something
to say to her. She'll be back in a minute.
Cleanthis (in going)
At least tell her to be docile. Goodbye, my friend. I've divested
you and I'm quite easy about it. Another time, I will tell you how
madame abstains from dressing well, preferring to wear a negligee which
outlines her figure ver nicely. There's still a tuck in that dress.
They say only a woman who doesn't care how she looks dresses like that,
but others squeeze into an appetizing corset, one shows to all her
natural good manner—then says to people, “Look at my charms— they're
all mine,” and on the other hand, “See how I dress myself. What
simplicity. There's no coquetry in that.”
Trivilin
But, I asked you to leave us!
Cleanthis
I will leave, and soon we'll resume the discourse which will be so
much fun; for you will also see how madame enters her box at a show—
and with what style, with what an imposing air, although a bit careless
and thoughtless—for it's a fine education that produces pride like
that! You will see, how in her box she throws an indifferent and
disdainful look at women near her whom she doesn't know. Goodbye, good
friend. I am going to an inn.
(Exit Cleanthis.)
Trivilin
This little scene has tired you a bit, but hasn't injured you.
Euphrosyne
You are barbarians.
Trivilin
We are honest people who are instructing, that's all. You have to
satisfy another formality.
Euphrosyne
Always more formalities!
Trivilin
This is less than nothing. I have to report all that I've just
heard and of all you are going to reply to me. Do you admit all the
coquettish sentiments and amorous monkey business that she has just
attributed to you?
Euphrosyne
Me, agree to it! What, are such falsehoods believable?
Trivilin
Oh, very believable. Be careful. If you agree to them, that renders
your condition better. I say no more. We hope that, having recognized
them, you will one day foreswear these follies that make you love only
yourself and that distract your good soul from an infinity of more
praiseworthy objects. If, on the contrary, you don't agree to what
she's said, we will look at you as an incorrigible and that will delay
your deliverance. So, you see, think about it.
Euphrosyne
My deliverance! Ah! Can I hope for it?
Trivilin
Oh, yes. I guarantee it, on the conditions I told you.
Euphrosyne
Soon?
Trivilin
Without doubt.
Euphrosyne
Sir, say that I agree to everything?
Trivilin
What, you advise me to lie!
Euphrosyne
Truly, these are strange conditions. Revolting!
Trivilin
They humiliate a little, but that is all very well. Choose: prompt
freedom is the reward of truth. Come on, don't you resemble the
portrait painted of you?
Euphrosyne
But—
Trivilin
What?
Euphrosyne
Some truth, here and there.
Trivilin
Here and there! That's not enough. Do you admit all the facts? Has
she said too much? Has she said only what was true? Hurry, I have other
things to do.
Euphrosyne
You require such a precise response?
Trivilin
Well, yes, madame. And all for your good.
Euphrosyne
Well—
Trivilin
Well?
Euphrosyne
I am young.
Trivilin
I didn't ask your age.
Euphrosyne
Being of a certain rank, one loves to please.
Trivilin
Does the portrait resemble you?
Euphrosyne
I think that—yes.
Trivilin
Well, that's what we were waiting for. Also, you find the picture a
bit funny, right?
Euphrosyne
I have to admit that.
Trivilin
Marvelous. I am content, my dear lady. Go rejoin Cleanthis I
already gave her her true name. Still to give you the pledge of my
words, don't be impatient. Show a little docility and the moment of
hope will arrive.
Euphrosyne
I have faith in you.
(Exit Euphrsoyne.)
Harlequin
Yahoo! Gay comrade, the republic's wine is marvelous. I have barely
drunk my pint, for I am so altered after becoming a master that soon I
will be thirsty for another pint. May heaven conserve the wine, the
wine grower, the grape harvest and the cellars of our admirable
republic!
Trivilin
Good. Rejoice, comrade. Are you content with Harlequin?
Harlequin
Yes, he's a fine boy. I will make something of him. He sighs
sometimes, and I've warned him about that, under pain of disobedience.
I've ordered him to be happy. (taking his master by the hand and
dancing) Yahoo!
Trivilin
You rejoice me.
Harlequin
Oh, when I'm gay, I'm in a good humor.
Trivilin
Fine. I am delighted to see you satisfied with Harlequin. You
hadn't much to complain of him in his country apparently?
Harlequin
Oh, down there? I often wished him to the devil, for he was
sometimes insupportable. But right now, I'm happy. The score's even.
I've given him his discharge.
Trivilin
I love you for that character and you touch me. That means that you
rejoice modestly in your good fortune and that you don't desire to do
him any harm?
Harlequin
Harm! Ah, the poor man! Maybe I'll be a little bit insolent because
I'm the master. That's all.
Trivilin
“Because I'm the master.” You're right.
Harlequin
Yes, for when one is the master, everything goes promptly without
ceremony and so little ceremony makes even an honest man impertinent
sometimes.
Trivilin
Oh, never mind. I quite see you are not a bad sort.
Harlequin
Alas, I am only a rebel.
Trivilin (to Iphicratis)
Don't be frightened by what I am going to say. (to Harlequin) Tell
me something. What was he like down there? Did he have some fault of
humor or character?
Harlequin (laughing)
Oh, comrade, you're malicious. You're asking for a comedy.
Trivilin
His character was humorous?
Harlequin
It was a farce, on my oath.
Trivilin
Never mind. We'll laugh over it.
Harlequin (to Iphicratis)
Harlequin, promise me you'll laugh, too.
Iphicratis (low)
Do you intend to accomplish my complete despair? What are you going
to tell him?
Harlequin
Let me alone. After I've offended you, I'll ask your pardon.
Trivilin
It's not a question of a mere bagatelle. I've asked as much of the
young girl you saw on the character of her mistress.
Harlequin
Well, we'll wager that all she told you was of follies which caused
pity and misery.
Trivilin
Right again.
Harlequin
Well, I offer you something else. This poor young man doesn't show
to advantage. Extravagance and misery, that's his story. Pretty rags to
expose? Heedless by nature, heedless by mimicry—because women love men
like that. A dissipater—stingy when he should be liberal, liberal when
he should be stingy. Good borrower, poor payer. Ashamed to be wise,
glorying in being a fool a little bit to mock good people. A little bit
boastful with all. Full of mistresses he doesn't know. There's my man.
Is the portrait painful? (to Iphicratis) No, I'll do no more of it, my
friend, fear not.
Trivilin
That suffices for me. (to Iphicratis) You have nothing to do now
except agree to the truth of what he says.
Iphicratis
Moi?
Trivilin
You, yourself. The lady has done as much. She will tell you what
determined her. Believe me, there will be a greater benefit than you
might think.
Iphicratis
Some great benefit? If there is, then there might be something
which would make me agree—after a fashion.
Harlequin
Risk all. That's a habit that suits you.
Trivilin
I must have all or nothing.
Iphicratis
You want me to confess to something ridiculous?
Harlequin
Why not, when one has been?
Trivilin
Haven't you something to tell me?
Iphicratis
I'll go for half to get out of this business.
Trivilin
Go for all.
Iphicratis
So be it.
(Harlequin laughs with all his might.)
Trivilin
You've done well, you will lose nothing. Goodbye, you'll soon have
news from me.
(Exit Trivilin. Enter Cleanthis and Euphrosyne.)
Cleanthis
Lord Iphicratis, may one ask why you laugh?
Harlequin
I laughed about my Harlequin who has confessed he was a fool.
Cleanthis
That surprises me, for he has the face of a reasonable man. If you
want to see a coquette in her proper light, look at my servant.
Harlequin (looking)
Drat! When her face plays tricks, indeed, that's her metier. But,
let's talk of something else, my pretty lady. What shall we do now that
we are free?
Cleanthis
Ah, but—pretty conversation—
Harlequin
I'm afraid that will make you yawn. I've yawned already. If I were
to fall in love with you, it would be more amusing.
Cleanthis
Oh, well, do it! Sigh for me, pursue my heart, catch it if you can.
I don't prevent you. It's up to you to do your best. As for me, I'm
waiting, but we treat love in the grand manner. Now that we've become
masters, do it politely, in high fashion.
Harlequin
To be sure. We will do it better.
Cleanthis
I am of the opinion that we should have stools brought out so we
can enjoy the air seated and also listen to the gallant remarks you are
going to make to me. We have to know how to play our stately roles and
taste the pleasure.
Harlequin
Your will is my command. (to Iphicratis) Harlequin, bring a seat
for me and an armchair for madame.
Iphicratis
Dare you employ me like that?
Harlequin
The republic demands it.
Cleanthis
Wait, wait, rather, let's walk about in this manner, and in our
conversation, you will adroitly drop some remarks on the penchant my
eyes have given you for me. For, as we are straightforward people now,
we must think of it. It's not a question of domestic familiarity. Come,
proceed nobly. Spare neither compliments nor bows.
Harlequin
And don't you spare mine. Courage! If only this were to mock us
before our masters. Heaven protect us from our masters!
Cleanthis
Without difficulty—can we be without them? It's our guard. They've
only moved off a bit.
Harlequin (to Iphicratis)
Retire about ten paces.
(Iphicratis and Euphrosyne retire, making sad and astonished gestures. Cleanthis looks after Iphicratis and Harlequin after Euphrosyne.)
Harlequin (walking about with Cleanthis)
Have you noticed what a nice day it is, madame?
Cleanthis
It's the best weather in the world. They call this a tender day.
Harlequin
A tender day? Then, I resemble the day, madame.
Cleanthis
What! You resemble the day?
Harlequin
Ah, by God, how can one not be tender when he finds himself tete-a-tete with your gracious self? (at this word he jumps with joy) Oh! Oh!
Oh! Oh!
Cleanthis
What's the matter with you? You are mocking our conversation.
Harlequin
Oh, it's nothing. I was just applauding myself.
Cleanthis
Leave the applause, it's upsetting. (continuing) I know, indeed,
that my graces count for something here. Sir, you are gallant. You walk
with me, you tell me sweet things, but let's be done with it. It's
enough, I tell you to dispense with compliments.
Harlequin
And I, I thank you for your dispensation.
Cleanthis
You are going to say that you love me. I quite see it. Speak, sir,
speak. Happily, I don't believe a word of it. You are agreeable, but
coquettish and you don't convince anybody.
Harlequin (stopping her by the arm and falling to his knees)
Must I kneel, madame, to convince you of my flames and the
sincerity of my passion?
Cleanthis
But, this is becoming serious. Leave me. I have no desire for an
affair. Get up. What veracity. Must I tell you I love you? Won't you
leave with less— That's strange!
Harlequin (laughing, on his knees)
Ah, ah, ah, how well it goes! We are as clownish as our masters,
but wiser.
Cleanthis
Oh, you laugh, you—
Harlequin
Ah, by my word, you are adorable. And me, too. Do you know what I
think?
Cleanthis
What?
Harlequin
First, that you won't love me from coquetry like in the grand
world.
Cleanthis
Not yet, but it only needed another word when you interrupted me.
And, will you love me?
Harlequin
I was about to when I had a thought. How do you like my Harlequin?
Cleanthis
Much to my liking. But, what do you say to my servant?
Harlequin
She's a little bitch.
Cleanthis
I foresaw your thought!
Harlequin
So, there it is. You fall in love with Harlequin and I with your
servant. We are silly enough to remain that way.
Cleanthis
The idea makes me laugh. They couldn't do better, in the end, than
to love us.
Harlequin
They've never been loved so rationally. We are excellent partners
for them.
Cleanthis
So be it! Inspire Harlequin to attach himself to me. Make him
realize the advantage he would achieve in his present situation. Let
him marry me and suddenly quit being a slave. It's very easy when you
consider I wasn't always a slave, but lady, and mistress, too, in
better times. Then, by chance, I became a slave. Isn't chance
everything? What can he say to that? I even have a noble face. Everyone
has told me so.
Harlequin
By God, I understand you. And I love your maid no less than you
love my servant. Counsel her also about Yours Truly, which, as you see,
is not disagreeable.
Cleanthis
You'll be satisfied. I am going to call Cleanthis and I have but a
word to say to her. Go away for a moment and then return. You will
speak to Harlequin for me, for he must begin—my sex, propriety and
dignity require it.
Harlequin
Oh, they want it if you do. For in the great world nothing is
easier. You can toss him some little word of encouragement to give him
courage and clarify things because you are more powerful than he is.
Cleanthis
Well reasoned. Effectively, in the situation in which I find
myself, he might have the pettiness to submit to certain formalities
which don't matter to me. I understand that perfectly. But, speak to
him now. I am going to say a word to Cleanthis. Step aside for a
moment.
Harlequin
Praise my merits, loan me a few. One good turn deserves another.
Cleanthis
Let me alone.
(Cleanthis calls Euphrosyne.)
Cleanthis
Cleanthis!
(Exit Harlequin.)
Cleanthis
Approach. Learn to come more quickly, for I don't like to wait.
Euphrosyne
What is it?
Cleanthis
Come here. Listen to me. An honest man just told me that he loves
you. It's Iphicratis.
Euphrosyne
Which one?
Cleanthis
Which one? Are there two here? The one that just left me.
Euphrosyne
And what does he expect me to do with his love?
Cleanthis
Ah, what have you done to the love of those who used to love you?
You were quite thoughtless. Is it the word love which alarms you? You
know so much of love! You've had only to look at men to ensnare them.
Your beautiful eyes did that. Do you disdain the conquest of Lord
Iphicratis? He won't be stingy of making bows to you. You will find
nothing ridiculous about him. No vaporous air, he's no airhead—a
little bit of a joker, a little false, a pretty inconstancy, a loveable
indiscretion—and that's not all. Truly these are the graces he lacks.
He's only a frank man, simple in his manners, who lacks the wit to give
himself airs and who will tell you he loves you alone because it will
be the truth. Yet, he's got a good heart—and that's all—and that's
irritating, it lacks spice and flavor. But, you have a calculating
mind. I destine you for him. He will make your fortune here and you
will have the goodness to esteem his love and you will be sensible. Do
you understand? You will abide by my intentions. Consider it as my
will!
Euphrosyne
Oh, whose am I? When will this ever end?
(Harlequin arrives and salutes Cleanthis who leaves. Harlequin tries to take Euphrosyne by the sleeve.)
Euphrosyne
What do you want with me?
Harlequin (laughing)
Ah! Ah! Ah! Haven't you been spoken to about me?
Euphrosyne
Let me go, I beg you.
Harlequin
Ah, there, there. Look in my eye to understand my thoughts.
Euphrosyne
Ah! Go think what you please.
Harlequin
Will you listen to me a little?
Euphrosyne
No.
Harlequin
I haven't said anything yet.
Euphrosyne (impatiently)
Ah!
Harlequin
Don't lie. You've been told my feelings for you. Nothing could be
better for you.
Euphrosyne
What a situation!
Harlequin
You find me a little silly, right? But, that will pass. It's
because I love you—and I know how to tell you.
Euphrosyne
You?
Harlequin
Ah, by God! Yes. Who could do better? You are so pretty. Someone
must give you his heart and you must take his yourself.
Euphrosyne
Here's the completion of my misfortune.
Harlequin (regarding his hands)
What ravishing hands! Pretty little fingers. I'd be happy with
that, my little heart, and take its profit. Queen, I am very tender,
but you see nothing. If you are kind enough to be tender, too, oh! I
will become crazy straight away.
Euphrosyne
You are already too crazy.
Harlequin
I am not ever so mad as you are worthy of being mad about.
Euphrosyne
I am worthy only of pity, my child.
Harlequin
Alas, I throw myself on my knees before you.
Euphrosyne
Don't persecute an unfortunate, because you cannot do it with
impunity. You see the extremity to which I am reduced and if you have
no respect for the rank I held in the world, my birth, my education, as
much as my disgrace and slavery, then, let my sadness soften you. you
can outrage me here as much as you wish. I am without refuge or
defense. I have only my despair for aid. I need compassion from
everyone, even yours, Harlequin. That's the state I'm in. Don't you
find it miserable enough? You have become free and happy. Should that
make you evil? I haven't the strength to say any more. I have never
done you wrong. Don't add to my sufferings.
(Exit Euphrosyne. Harlequin stands beaten and immobile.)
Harlequin
I'm speechless.
(Enter Iphicratis.)
Iphicratis
Cleanthis told me you wish to speak to me. What do you want? Have
you some new insults for me?
Harlequin
Somebody else who wants my compassion! I have nothing to say to
you, my friend, except that I order you to love the new Euphrosyne.
That's all. What the devil's wrong with you?
Iphicratis
Can you ask me, Harlequin?
Harlequin
Oh, by God, I can and I do.
Iphicratis
They promised me that my slavery would end soon. But they deceived
me and it's all over. I give up. I am dying, Harlequin. You will lose
this bad master who never believed himself capable of suffering the
indignities he received at your hands.
Harlequin
Ah, that's all it lacked. Your loves will be in a pretty shape.
Listen, I forbid you to die from spite. From sickness, I will permit
that.
Iphicratis
The gods will punish you, Harlequin.
Harlequin
And for what do you expect them to punish me? For having received
evil all my life?
Iphicratis
From your audacious tone, for scorn towards you master—nothing has
caused me more suffering, I admit it. You were born and bred in my
father's house and it's still yours. He told you your duty when we left
and I myself chose you, from friendly feeling, to accompany me on my
trip. I believed that you loved me and I was attached to you.
Harlequin (crying)
Who told you that I don't love you?
Iphicratis
You love me and do me all these injuries?
Harlequin
Because I mock you a little bit, does that prevent me from loving
you? You always said you loved me when you beat me. Are whippings more
honest than mockery?
Iphicratis
I admit that I have sometimes mistreated you without much cause.
Harlequin
That's for sure.
Iphicratis
But, with how many bounties have I atoned for it!
Harlequin
I don't really know.
Iphicratis
Besides, someone has to correct your mistakes, right?
Harlequin
I have suffered from yours more than from mine. My worst faults—it
was your bad temper, your authority and the little value you had for
your poor slave.
Iphicratis
Go on, you're only an ingrate who, instead of helping me here,
showing to your comrades by example an attachment for me that would
have touched them, that would have persuaded them, perhaps, to renounce
their custom and to free me—and which would have pierced me with the
most lively feelings.
Harlequin
You're right, my friend. You properly remonstrate my duty here for
you. But you have never shown yours for me when we were in Athens You
want me to partake in your affliction and have never partaken in mine.
Well, go, I must have a better heart than yours, for I've suffered a
long while and I know the pain. You beat me from friendship, as you
say, I pardon you for it. I have joked from good humor—take it in good
part and profit from it. I will speak to my comrades in your favor. If
they don't like it, I will protect you as my friend. I am not like you.
I don't have the heart to be happy at your expense.
Iphicratis (approaching Harlequin)
My dear Harlequin, may heaven one day show you the feelings I have
for you. Go, my dear child, forget you were my slave. I will always
remember that I had not the merit to be your master.
Harlequin
Don't talk like that, my dear patron. If I'd been like you, I
probably wouldn't have been any better. It's for me to beg your pardon
for the bad service I've always rendered. If you weren't reasonable, it
was my fault.
Iphicratis (embracing him)
Your generosity covers me with confusion.
Harlequin
My poor patron. What a pleasure to do right.
(Harlequin undresses his master.)
Iphicratis
What are you doing, my dear friend?
Harlequin
Give me back my clothes and take yours. I am not worthy to wear
them.
Iphicratis
I don't know how to restrain my tears. Do what you wish.
(Enter Cleanthis and Euphrosyne who is crying.)
Cleanthis (to Euphrosyne)
Leave me. I don't know how to listen to you whine. (to Harlequin)
What's this mean, Lord Iphicratis? Why have you taken back your
clothes?
Harlequin (tenderly)
It's too much for my poor friend and his are too fine for me.
(Harlequin embraces his master's knees.)
Cleanthis
Explain to me then, what I see. It seems that you beg his
forgiveness.
Harlequin
It's for me to chasten my insolences.
Cleanthis
But, what about our plan now?
Harlequin
Now, I intend to be a man of wealth. Isn't that a good plan? I
repent my stupidities and he repents his. Repent yours, too. Madame
Euphrosyne will repent, too. And live honorably ever after. That will
make four handsome repentances which we can cry over whenever we want
to.
Euphrosyne
Ah, my dear Cleanthis, what an example for you.
Iphicratis
Say, rather, what an example for us! Madame, you see me touched.
Cleanthis
Ah, truly we have nice examples from you! Here are our people who
will scorn us in the world, who were overbearing to us, who mistreated
us, who looked on us as worms of the earth, and who are now happy in
this plight to find us a hundred times more honest than they are. Fie!
This is shameful—to have nothing more to merit than gold, money and
titles! It takes a lot to make them glorious. Where would we be today
if we had no greater merit than they? Let's see, wouldn't you be in a
fine kettle of fish? If it's a question of pardoning you and you had
this fortune, what would it be, if you please? Rich? no; noble? no;
great lord? not at all. If you were all that, would you be worth any
more? So what is it, then? Ah, here we are. We have to have a good
heart, virtue, reason. That's what it is. That's what is worthy, what
ennobles, what makes one man better than another. Do you hear, honest
men of the world? That's what it takes to give a good example that you
ask for and that eludes you. And who asks it of you? The poor people
that you have always offended, maltreated, overwhelmed, rich as you
are, and who have, today, taken pity on you, poor as you are. Preen
yourselves, be proud, you will have a nice air. Go, you ought to blush
with shame.
Harlequin
Go, my friend, be a good person without reproaching others. Do well
without speaking injuries. They are contrite about having done ill—
which makes them value us more. When one repents, one is good—and when
one is good, one is ahead of us. Approach, Madame Euphrosyne, she
pardons you—here she cries, the rancor is gone and your business is
over.
Cleanthis
It's true that I cry. I don't lack a good heart.
Euphrosyne (sadly)
My dear Cleanthis, I have abused the authority that I had over you.
I admit it.
Cleanthis
Alas, how did you have the courage? But, what is done is done. I
want to forget everything. Do as you like. If you made me suffer, so
much the worse for you. I give you your freedom—and if there is a
ship, I will go with you. That's all the evil I intend you. If you do
me evil again, it won't be my fault.
Harlequin (crying)
Ah, the brave girl. Oh, charitable nature.
Iphicratis
Are you content, madame?
Euphrosyne (with tenderness)
Come, let me embrace you, my dear Cleanthis.
Harlequin (to Cleanthis)
Put yourself on your knees to be still better than her.
Euphrosyne
The awareness hardly leaves me strength to respond to you. Don't
speak any more of your slavery and, henceforth, expect to share in all
the wealth the gods have given me—if we return to Athens.
(Enter Trivilin.)
Trivilin
What do I see? You cry, children, and you embrace.
Harlequin
Oh, you don't see a thing. We are wonderful. We are kings and
queens. In the end, peace is concluded. Virtue has managed everything.
All that remains now is to get a boat and a pilot. If you will give
them to us, you will be almost as fine fellows as we are.
Trivilin
And you, Cleanthis? Are you of the same sentiment?
Cleanthis (kissing the hand of her mistress)
I have nothing more to say. You see how it is.
Harlequin (also taking his master's hand to kiss it)
This is also my last word—which is worth many oaths.
Trivilin
You charm me. Embrace me, too, my dear children. It's what I've
been waiting for. If this had not happened, we would have punished your
vengeances as we had punished their cruelty. And you, Iphicratis, and
you, Euphrosyne, I see you've been softened. I have nothing to add to
the lessons this adventure gave you. You were their masters and you
behaved badly. If they become yours—and they pardon you—reflect on
that! The difference in conditions is only a test that the gods
contrive for us. I say no more about it. You will leave in two days and
you will see Athens again. May the joy of the present moment and
pleasure succeed to the sorrows you have experienced. Celebrate each
day of your life most profitably.
CURTAIN