FullReads

THE GYPSY.
No–the thought cheers me.
So long as there are women, men will be fools. Their Ka-Fe will not help them.

THE MAID.
Do you approve of folly, then?

THE GYPSY.
It is the thing that makes life worth living. I have committed every kind of folly I know, and the world would be dull and empty if I did not think that some new and greater folly lay ahead.

THE MAID.
You think, then, that one should surrender oneself to folly?

THE GYPSY.
I think so truly. What have you on the tip of your tongue?
What folly have you given yourself to, my child?

THE MAID.
I am afraid you will laugh at me. …

THE GYPSY.
Not I. Tell me, my dear, are you in love?

THE MAID.
Yes….

THE GYPSY.
With some one who will never give you love in return?

THE MAID.
Yes. …

THE GYPSY.
And is it–?

THE MAID.
The King–yes. Oh, I am a fool to tell you!

She hides her face in her hands.

THE GYPSY.
Listen, my child. You are not more a fool than I. The other day I rode out on a swift horse to be by myself under the sky, and think my thoughts. And there, a two days’ journey from this city, I saw the slow-moving caravan of the Princess of Basque, on her way to wed this King whom she has never seen. Curiosity drew me near, for I wanted to see the face of the Princess. I tied my horse to a tree, and hid among the bushes by the road-side as they passed. I saw her among the cushions of the royal wagon. She had a strange, wild beauty. I saw her, and loved her, and grew sick with loneliness. I rode back to the city, and tried to wash out the memory of that face with wine. But it was no use, so I left the tavern and climbed the wall and entered the palace, that I might look also at the man whom she is to wed. When I have seen him, then I shall–I don’t know what. But–we are two foolish ones, you and I!

THE MAID.
Thank you for telling me that.
But you must go now. It is almost time for the King to come.

THE GYPSY.
What if he found me here–what would he do?
Have me beheaded, or merely thrown into prison?

THE MAID.
No–he is a kind king. He would only tell you how wrong
it is to break into people’s houses and show disrespect for the law.

THE GYPSY.
I had almost rather be put in prison than lectured at.
Well, I must invent something to explain my presence.

( There is a knock.)
Who is that?

THE MAID.
Hide yourself. I will see.

THE GYPSY.
( from behind the curtains of the window )

I am hidden.

The maid goes to the door, and comes back with a paper in her hand.

THE GYPSY
.

Well?

THE MAID.
( looking at the paper )

The Gazetteer is ill, and cannot come.

THE GYPSY.
( emerging from the curtains )

The Gazetteer is ill….

THE MAID.
The King will be annoyed.