Act I Scene 2

Act I scene 11

The same night, a minute later. The stage is a stable in which stands Pidgin-brow the white pony. There is a closed window. Wistful walks on-stage.2

WISTFUL3

(Absently.)4

Good evening, Pidgin-Brow; I see your coat is full of thistles again. You look as sad as I feel. And I am having tea with my trap-pony because I'm so lonely. I have been walking around my towers and parapets because I couldn't sleep. What wealthiness I wouldn't give up to have my dear lady to love! 5

(He is silent.)6

And here comes a little of the sun.7

(He opens the window.)8

Look! Who could that be, so far away, walking in the pasture? Who is out there? Why, it's the Violet man! It's Mr Violet walking up and down hills. That's him. He has a mustache like a mattress-spring and eyes like wound-up clocks; they are very sharp but I don't know if they see anything. I'd like to talk to him and find out how he likes his loneliness. Do you think he would like to join us for tea tomorrow, Pidgin-Brow? Ha ha. You know, tomorrow night is...9

(He stops suddenly.)10

Tomorrow night is the full moon. Do you think Jonquil would like to come over? In the afternoon, I will go through Ville Noir, through Billy Street, and straight to my love's house Lanternon. I will ask her to come out for a bright summer night. And there is a pretty lad and damysel living together in a thin house on Billy Street; they are good, and I will invite them. Oh, now my heart is happy and unchoked! 11

(Decisively.)12

Let's play an old game, Pidgin-Brow. I will discuss some more everything in my head, and you will listen mutely.13

(He pauses.)14

And I will wonder the whole time if you are laughing at me for your own secret reasons.15