Читать книгу The Resources of Quinola: A Comedy in a Prologue and Five Acts - Оноре де'Бальзак, Honoré de Balzac, Balzac - Страница 18

SCENE FIRST

(The scene is Barcelona. The stage represents a public place. On the left of the spectator appear houses, among which that of Lothundiaz stands at the corner of the street. To the right is the palace of Senora Brancadori. The time is night, but the day begins to dawn.)

Monipodio (wrapped in a mantle, seated under the balcony of the Brancadori palace), Quinola (who glides forth cautiously like a thief, and brushes against Monipodio).

Monipodio

Who is it dares to tread on my shoes?

Quinola (in ragged array)

A gentleman, who does not wear any.

Monipodio

That sounds like Lavradi.

Quinola

Monipodio! – I thought that you had been – hanged!

Monipodio

I thought that you had been beaten to death in Africa.

Quinola

Alas, we have been beaten enough without going to Africa!

Monipodio

And do you dare to show yourself here?

Quinola You seem comfortable enough here. As for me, I have the king's pardon in my pocket, and while I am waiting for my patent of nobility I call myself Quinola.

Monipodio

I suppose you stole your pardon?

Quinola

Yes, from the king.

Monipodio

And have you seen the king? (He sniffs at him.) You smell of poverty —

Quinola

Like a poet's garret. And what are you doing?

Monipodio

Nothing.

Quinola That is soon done; if it gives you any income, I would like to embrace your profession.

Monipodio

I have been misunderstood, my friend! Hunted by our political enemies.

Quinola

The judges, magistrates and police.

Monipodio

It is necessary for a man to have a political party.

Quinola

I understand you; from being the game you have become the hunter.

Monipodio What nonsense! I am always myself. I have merely come to an understanding with the viceroy. When one of my fellows has reached the end of his tether, I say to him: "Get off," and if he doesn't go, ah! I hale him to justice – you understand! – That is not treachery is it?