The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde: 150+ Titles in One Edition. Oscar Wilde

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ

      SECOND SOLDIER

      And so he should not have touched him; if one meddles with wicked people, one is like to be tainted with their wickedness.

      THIRD SOLDIER

      Ay, that is true. How old is the prisoner?

      SECOND SOLDIER

      Old enough to do wrong, and not old enough to be wise.

      FIRST SOLDIER

      Why, then, he might be any age.

      SECOND SOLDIER

      They say the Duchess wanted to pardon him.

      FIRST SOLDIER

      Is that so?

      SECOND SOLDIER

      Ay, and did much entreat the Lord Justice, but he would not.

      FIRST SOLDIER

      I had thought, Pietro, that the Duchess was omnipotent.

      SECOND SOLDIER

      True, she is well-favoured; I know none so comely.

      THE SOLDIERS

      Ha! ha! ha!

      FIRST SOLDIER

      I meant I had thought our Duchess could do anything.

      SECOND SOLDIER

      Nay, for he is now given over to the Justices, and they will see that justice be done; they and stout Hugh the headsman; but when his head is off, why then the Duchess can pardon him if she likes; there is no law against that.

      FIRST SOLDIER

      I do not think that stout Hugh, as you call him, will do the business for him after all. This Guido is of gentle birth, and so by the law can drink poison first, if it so be his pleasure.

      THIRD SOLDIER

      And if he does not drink it?

      FIRST SOLDIER

      Why, then, they will kill him.

       [Knocking comes at the door.]

      FIRST SOLDIER

      See who that is.

       [Third Soldier goes over and looks through the wicket.]

      THIRD SOLDIER

      It is a woman, sir.

      FIRST SOLDIER

      Is she pretty?

      THIRD SOLDIER

      I can’t tell. She is masked, lieutenant.

      FIRST SOLDIER

      It is only very ugly or very beautiful women who ever hide their faces. Let her in.

       [Soldier opens the door, and the DUCHESS masked and cloaked enters.]

      DUCHESS

      [to Third Soldier]

       Are you the officer on guard?

      FIRST SOLDIER

      [coming forward]

       I am, madam.

      DUCHESS

      I must see the prisoner alone.

      FIRST SOLDIER

      I am afraid that is impossible. [The DUCHESS hands him a ring, he looks at and returns it to her with a bow and makes a sign to the Soldiers.] Stand without there. [Exeunt the Soldiers.]

      DUCHESS

      Officer, your men are somewhat rough.

      FIRST SOLDIER

      They mean no harm.

      DUCHESS

      I shall be going back in a few minutes. As I pass through the corridor do not let them try and lift my mask.

      FIRST SOLDIER

      You need not be afraid, madam.

      DUCHESS

      I have a particular reason for wishing my face not to be seen.

      FIRST SOLDIER

      Madam, with this ring you can go in and out as you please; it is the Duchess’s own ring.

      DUCHESS

      Leave us. [The Soldier turns to go out.] A moment, sir. For what hour is …

      FIRST SOLDIER

      At twelve o’clock, madam, we have orders to lead him out; but I dare say he won’t wait for us; he’s more like to take a drink out of that poison yonder. Men are afraid of the headsman.

      DUCHESS

      Is that poison?

      FIRST SOLDIER

      Ay, madam, and very sure poison too.

      DUCHESS

      You may go, sir.

      FIRST SOLDIER

      By Saint James, a pretty hand! I wonder who she is. Some woman who loved him, perhaps. [Exit.]

      DUCHESS

      [taking her mark off] At last!

       He can escape now in this cloak and vizard,

       We are of a height almost: they will not know him;

       As for myself what matter?

       So that he does not curse me as he goes,

       I care but little: I wonder will he curse me.

       He has the right. It is eleven now;

       They will not come till twelve.

       СКАЧАТЬ