Читать книгу Jurgen: A Play in Three Acts - James Branch Cabell - Страница 6

PROLOGUE

A roadway in a medieval setting. A monk with a sack enters and falls over a rock. Jurgen, a merchant in his early forties, enters from the opposite direction.

Monk

Owww!

Jurgen

Are you all right, brother?

Monk

May the devil who placed this cursed stone in my way kiss my arse!

Jurgen

Fie, brother! Has not the devil enough to bear as it is?

Monk

It hurt my big toe confoundedly. Damn the devil to Hell, I say.

Jurgen

It does not behoove God-fearing persons to speak so ill, and with such disrespect of the divinely appointed Prince of Darkness. Consider this monarch’s industry! Day and night he toils at the task Heaven set for him—placing temptations in our way, so that by avoiding them, we may reach our salvation. And with such consummate skill and professionalism. Why, but for him, you, a monk, and I, a pawnbroker—would be penniless. And think of all the other professionals that would starve—lawyers, pimps, prostitutes. Why our whole economy would be disrupted.

Monk

Stuff and nonsense. Fuck the devil and all his works.

(Exit monk with his sack.)

Jurgen

No doubt your notions are pious—but mine are more practical.

(Enter an old monk of very kindly mien.)

Old Monk

Thank you, Jurgen, for your good words.

Jurgen

Who are you? And why do you thank me?

Old Monk

My name is no great matter. But you have a pure heart, Jurgen. May your life be free from care.

Jurgen

I am already married.

Old Monk

What? How dreadful. Such a fine clever poet like you.

Jurgen

Haven’t written a line—not one—since the honeymoon.

Old Monk

Ah, I suppose your wife’s opinion about poetry does—

Jurgen

—Does not bear repetition, at least in polite company. I am sure you are unaccustomed to such language.

Old Monk

I fear Dame Lisa does not understand you, Jurgen.

Jurgen (astounded)

Sir, how is it you read a man’s most private thoughts?

Old Monk

It’s a knack I have. Tsk, tsk. This is most deplorable. Most deplorable. The first person to speak well of me in centuries—well, well, say no more—such a person deserves a reward. Good day, Jurgen. You will have your wish. And not just one.

(Exit Old Monk.)

Jurgen

Good day to you, sir. Nice, well-behaved gentleman, that.

(Enter a neighbor.)

Jurgen

Good day, neighbor.

Neighbor

Jurgen, Jurgen. Your wife has been carried off by a devil and disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

Jurgen

Really? When?

Neighbor

Just now. This very moment.

Jurgen

Well, well. A wise man always speaks well of everyone. In a cloud of smoke, you say?

Neighbor

The devil himself carried her off. Better come at once.

Jurgen

I suppose I should go to make sure. But I have confidence in Lisa. She can take care of herself in any company. In a cloud of smoke. Fancy that! Well, it will be quiet at home for a change. Though I may have to cook my own supper, I fancy I shall digest it better.

Neighbor

Come along.

CURTAIN