Page:Five Russian plays and one Ukrainian.pdf/41

 (laying the third place): No phrases, please! You’ve been cold with Columbine for a long time, and you’re only jealous because it’s good manners. But, shh!

voice:

Columbine has donned her mask

And is clad in motley gear, O,

Wants to see her Harlequin

But’s afraid of meeting Pierrot.

Ah, her heart is trembling,

Fainting, beating slow—

If her spouse should see her,

Should hearken, and should know.


 * I’m going to meet Columbine; you look after the lamp. (Exit.)


 * H’m. Look after the lamp! (Suddenly strikes his forehead.) Wouldn’t it be better to look after the clock? Well, if Harlequin’s death ought to be the work of my hands, very well! Ladies and gentlemen, you are my witnesses! I don’t leave that sort of things unpunished—I’ll put the hands on two hours. (Does so.) Ah! Harlequin, evidently no one can escape his fate. Now I’m quite calm: I’m revenged. Interesting