Page:Zora Neale Hurston - Meet the Mamma.pdf/37

 EDNA: (Eagerly) Why?

KING: (Song) "Over the Bridge"

(They do second chorus as a duet, standing up on the center of the bridge. At the end the others enter, all dressed as they came. King turns to them happily)

KING: Well, folks, Edna has consented to be the queen. Being now her boss, I command her to go and cover the royal shape. From now on, that diamond suit can be worn only before royal eyes. (They laugh. She exits quickly. He comes down from the bridge and joins the others center stage.) Say folks, who's gointer run my kingdom when I'm back in America?

BILL: So you're going?

KING: I aint gointer stay.

PETE: Say, turn it over to Walla Walla. He's a noble lion-tamer. But say, tell him to let up on the mother-in-laws. They aint so bad after all. I've got a peachy one since I know her better. (Re-enter Edna dressed for travel. She puts the King's pith-hat on his head and takes his arm)

KING: The bearers will take our baggage to the coast for us -- and Back to God's Country -- the U.S.A! (He takes Edna's hands and gazes lovingly at her) I know we wont be sorry, will we? (Hand in hand they start over the bridge slowly. They sing in duet the chorus of "Over the Bridge" and the others fall in line. First Pete and Carrie, then Bill and Zido. They sing to curtain. It goes up again for a minute and natives are dancing farewell to them boisterously.