Читать книгу The Red and the Black - Стендаль - Страница 6

ACT I

SCENE 1

The apartment of the Bishop.

A young man in priestly attire is practicing benedictions before a mirror.

The Young Julien enters, trembling, carrying a miter.

Julien (to himself)

It is my duty to speak. (he advances, the Bishop turns)

Bishop

Well, Monsieur, is it ready yet?

Julien

Yes, Excellency.

Bishop

I need it immediately. (he places it on) There, it will stay. (he adjusts it, steps aside a little, practices several more benedictions) What do you think, Monsieur Julien? Does it look right?

Julien

Perfect, Excellency.

Bishop

Too far back, perhaps? That would look silly. But, it mustn’t fall over the eyes like a visor either.

Julien

I think it’s very good.

Bishop

The King is used to venerable clergymen. I mustn’t look frivolous because of my age.

Julien

To be a Bishop, and so young. How clever you must be.

Bishop

It isn’t age that makes a servant of God. (pause) The King is here to pay his respects to a relic. But make no mistake, he is here to pay his respects to us...the clergy. Never forget, Julien, that you are about to see one of the greatest kings on earth on his knees before the servants of God. These servants are weak, persecuted, martyred in this world, but triumphant in Heaven—and, if we are careful, here on Earth as well.

Julien

On Earth as it is in Heaven.

(Julien crosses himself, awestruck, as the curtain descends.)

CURTAIN