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You are here: > > > The Emerald Isle > Web Opera > Dialogue following Nos. 7 & 8 Dialogue following Nos. 7 & 8 Lord Lieutenant.
I may suppose, I think, that any one Who saw me standing thus would be deceived, And think I am a King! Countess.
No, not deceived. You are a King and I'm a Queen, my lord. The only difference that lies between Us and all other Kings and Queens is this - We are more dignified! Lord Lieutenant. Much more. I am The only King, or representative Of Royalty (outside the characters Of Shakespeare's plays) who makes a special point Of talking in blank verse, and who insists That every member of his family And household shall converse in blank verse too! Sir - Doctor Fiddle - Dr. Fiddle.
Yes, your Excellency! Lord Lieutenant.
Go and enquire if one Professor Bunn Has yet arrived: I am expecting him. (To Countess) Professor he of elocution: And with his elocutionary art He mingles parlour magic. In a word, He'll make a pudding in your hat - not mine - Extract a rabbit from your pocket, or An egg from your back hair. Countess. 'Tis false! Lord Lieutenant. I mean He could - not necessarily he will. I have engaged him for our Infant Schools: He'll interest the children. Send him here At once. Dr. Fiddle. I'll put my best foot forward. Lord Lieutenant. No, Not forward - go out backwards, if you please. (Exit Fiddle.) I think it rather odd the peasantry Do not assemble when we come and go To cheer us. Countess.
Yes. But let us cheer ourselves! Can we not form a Royal group of two - A family group in studied attitudes Of dignity combined with perfect grace, Such as a Royal Portrait Painter loves? You standing there, the left leg well advanced To show the calf: your elbow resting on A marble pillar (we'll imagine that, Also a curtain and a thunder-cloud Behind.) That's exquisite! (Stands contemplating him.) Terence and Rosie enter at back. Rosie.
(aside) Go! Fly to your hiding place - to Carrig-Cleena! Terence. To-morrow - you will meet me to-morrow? Rosie. Yes! (They kiss. Exit Terence.) Countess.
(to Lord Lieutenant) I by your side, Holding your hand and gazing at you thus - (kneeling) Rosie.
(coming down) What are you doing? Countess.
Showing all the world That Kings need not depend upon their crowns For dignity. Some monarchs have, I know, In English history - who when dethroned Forgot their pride; but we should not! Lord Lieutenant. Not we!
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