le door you
touch upon your left. Wait there for me. When I come I shall imitate
the call of a cuckoo in order that the attendants may open to us
immediately.

[_DEA goes out hurriedly. GWYMPLANE saunters in with his strange,
twisted walk._]

PHEDRO

You roam late in solitude among the damp grasses. Does that not make
you too melancholy for jests?

GWYMPLANE

My ability to jest was affixed upon me by the gods in one of their
humorous moments; however, anything may be written in the parchment
under the seal.

[_He attempts to pass on._]

PHEDRO [_intently regarding him_]

You are a curious fellow.

GWYMPLANE

I think it is you who are curious, sir.

PHEDRO

Ah, that was spoken after the manner of your class.

GWYMPLANE

My class, of mountebanks, you mean?

PHEDRO

No, my meaning is gathering slowly. After all, rain does not pour
from the clouds until there has been sufficient mist.

[_GWYMPLANE looks at him intently, then once more attempts
departure._]

PHEDRO

One moment.

GWYMPLANE

I beg you, sir, to let me pass. I am a prey tonight to reveries that
make of me a dull companion.

PHEDRO [_experimentally_]

A lady of the court was enraptured by your performance, a lady who for
many years has been aware of nothing but herself.

GWYMPLANE [_starting almost imperceptibly_]

I am glad if my performance pleased.

PHEDRO

It did much more.

GWYMPLANE

In the measure of amusement I may have caused I am not interested.

PHEDRO

Nevertheless, it seemed to me that you were a little burned by the
flame you cast out.

GWYMPLANE

Ah, I see that you enjoy pursuing other people's business;
consequently you free me from the necessity of listening to you.

PHEDRO [_assuming anger_]

Come now, don't offend me. After all I am the steward of the Queen's
court. It was I who obtained your licence to act in the palace
grounds, and so apparently gratify a long-felt ambition of your lovely
fellow artiste.

GWYMPLANE [_softened_]

Ah--Dea, yes. She has always dreamed of playing in the palace park.
No, I do not wish to be rude to you, but I beg of you to cease your
gossip. My task was harder tonight than usual. I am perhaps overtired.

[_He puts a hand to his head._]

PHEDRO

Come, are you not a man? Is not the admiration of----

GWYMPLANE

Do not talk to me of these things. Do not talk of these things, I beg
of you. [_with a suggestion of sob in his