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Order that these bonds be taken from my wrists.

THE QUEEN
. We do not like strangers in this country. You were tied by my command, and brought here that I might decide what punishment to mete out to you. Look, this was one of your men. ( Pointing to the dead body ) Carry it away.

The soldiers carry off the body.

THE PRINCE.
Are you mad?

THE QUEEN.
So it would seem.

( To the fool )
Now cut his bonds.

THE FOOL.
He is a brave man, and does not deserve to be treated in this manner.

THE PRINCE.
Who are you that you should plead for me?
Have I not seen you with a fool’s cap?

THE FOOL.
And now you see me with a sword.

He cuts the Prince’s bonds.

THE PRINCE.
Leave us. I wish to speak with the Queen.

THE QUEEN.
( to the fool )

No, stay.

( To the Prince )

It is not necessary for you to speak. You wish to tell me that the kisses you had from me were so sweet that you would like to buy some more, and are willing to put off your journey for a while.

THE PRINCE.
I have given up my journey for ever. I know that the only thing that is real in all the world is love. You are scornful. But I have neither pride nor shame. I kneel at your feet, and beg you to forgive me for my folly.

He kneels.

THE QUEEN.
It is a pretty speech. But you are too late. I have forgotten you. While they were tying your hands, I was kissing this man upon the mouth.

THE PRINCE.
( springing up )

It is a lie!

THE FOOL.
Did you say that the Queen lies?

He draws his sword.

THE PRINCE.
I do not fight with fools.

( To the Queen )

Send him away, and have him beaten.

THE QUEEN.
Are you not willing to fight with him for me?

THE PRINCE.
What do you mean?

THE QUEEN.
I mean that I have a new appetite, the appetite for death. I have held myself too lightly, I have gone too willingly to the arms of a chance lover. Now there must be blood to sweeten the kisses.

THE PRINCE.
Do you wish this fellow killed?

THE QUEEN.
Or you. It makes no difference–not the least.
What are my kisses, that I should be careful to whom they go?

THE PRINCE.
You speak strangely, and I hardly know you.
I have come back as a lover and not as a butcher.

THE QUEEN.
My whim has changed–I am in the mood for butchers, now.

THE PRINCE.
Say but one word to show that you still love me!

THE QUEEN.
I have no word to say.

THE PRINCE.
Doubt makes my sword heavy. . . .

THE FOOL.
And have you nothing to say to me?

THE QUEEN.
You remind me. Come. I must finish what I have begun.

She kisses him on the mouth–the third kiss.

THE PRINCE.
( covering his eyes )