Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/189

 enters] Send me Don Trino. Tell him to drop whatever he is doing and come immediately. [The goes out] If there is a riot, if the people rise against me, let him who is without a wife cast the first stone.

. What is the use of talking about riots? The people are like women. They need a man of character to dominate them, by force if necessary.

. Why didn't you begin with that proposition?

. You'll be saying next that you never do anything but what I tell you; that I am the real Governor.

. No, no! What have I to say anyway? Let us not begin another discussion.

. What does the señora wish?

. It is not the señora, this time it is I. Sometimes it has to be I. Sit down.

. If it is nothing very urgent, sir, I should like to finish the shield and the towers

. What shield and what towers?

. The coat of arms of the province, sir, which I am constructing entirely of flowers—to be placed in the middle of the table at the supper this evening, Your Excellency's initials on one side and those of your worthy spouse on the other. Very beautiful, sir, very beautiful!

. Did you do all that yourself, Don Trino? It is a pity to put you to so much trouble.

. If one possesses talent, señora, it is his duty to display It when occasion requires. You have guests to-night from Madrid, and I am anxious that they should see that here, too, we are lovers of art.

. Sit down, Don Trino. I shall be ready to dictate in a moment. Then you can finish the towers.

. It won't detain you long.