Scene V
The Comedians, Marion, Didier
A LACKEY (conducting the Comedians to the barn).
This is your lodging. You’re on the estate
Of the Marquis de Nangis. Behave well,
Try to be quiet, for some one is dead.
The burial is to-morrow. Above all,
Don’t mix your songs with the funereal chants
Which will be sung for him throughout the night.
GRACIEUX (small and hump-backed).
We’ll make less noise than do your hunting-dogs
Who bark around the legs of all who pass!
LACKEY.
Dogs are not actors, my good friend.
TAILLEBRAS (to Gracieux).
Be still!
You’ll cause us to sleep in the open air!
[Lackey exits.
SCARAMOUCHE (to Marion and Didier, who until now have remained quietly apart).
Come! let us talk. Now you belong to us.
Why Monsieur fled with Madame on behind,
If you are man and wife or lovers only,
Escaping justice, or black sorcerers
Who held Madame a prisoner, perhaps—
Is not my business. What I want to know
Is what you’ll act. Chimènes are best for you,
Black eyes.
[Marion makes a courtesy.
DIDIER (aside, indignant).
To hear that mountebank speak thus!
SCARAMOUCHE (to Didier).
For you: if you should want a splendid part,
We need a bully—a long-leggèd man,
Tremendous strides, a thundering voice; and when
Orgon is robbed of wife or niece, you kill
The Moor and terminate the piece. Great part!
High tragedy! ’Twill suit you splendidly.
Didier.
Just as you please!
SCARAMOUCHE.
Good! Don’t say “you” to me!
I like “thou”! [With a profound obeisance.
Blusterer, hail!
DIDIER (aside).
What fools!
SCARAMOUCHE (to the other actors).
Now eat;
Then we’ll rehearse our parts.
[All enter the barn except Marion and Didier.