SEVENTH SCENE.
Archibald Alexander translation
THE SAME. THE MARQUIS IN PINK. THE MARQUIS IN PALE BLUE. THE OTHER MARQUISES.
The Painter.
Listen to me, gentlemen! What are you about in there? Stay and bear witness to what you saw.
The Marquis In Pink (approaching timidly).
We stand benumbed at such a glorious deed.
The Marquis In Pale Blue (likewise).
And we are almost beside ourself with admiration.
The Marquis in Pink.
What? Really dead?
The Painter (tauntingly).
Sir, you seem to be in doubt?
The Marquis in Pink.
Oh, dear man, how could you think it? I wished only to afford myself the rapture of seeing whether you had altogether freed us.
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
Yes, indeed, freed! For even although you hated him, you can never imagine how, in the chambers of this castle, he has trodden on our dignity.
The Marquis in Pink.
He stalked about, puffed up with self-conceit, and when we were rising in the esteem of his or her majesty----
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
Then came this man with a couple of new triumphs.
The Painter.
How odious!
The Marquis in Pink.
If you please, sir, how we have laughed when his dear name rang through all the streets after some brand-new fight! As the clever man is aware, fools advertise fools. And without going too near him, I will----
The Marshal.
There, wait!
(All The Marquises starting With fear.)
The Marquis In Pink (trembling).
You said?
The Painter.
I said nothing at all.
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
Yet plainly----