Friend: Bravo, bravo!
Master: There are left to us only phrases and poses! Well! Let's love them as dear toys are loved. (Maid brings him a pipe.) You smile, but (Smokes.) Jokes aside, without metaphors, what is there left credible to us beyond self-perception? (To Maid.) Stop! (To Friend.) “Do I think it’s dull?” “Well, ” “Should I like to see a lovely body dance among sharp swords?” “I should.” There’s an example of credibility! Let my desires be absurd, I like them because they are credible for me. Begad, just something there’s no doubt about! (To Maid) I want to see the “Dance on the Wrathful Road.” Go away, undress and exhibit your art!
Maid (looking at Friend) : But (Master turns to her.) Very well, sir. (Exit.)
Friend: By Jove, I seem to be asleep again, but this time—I don’t want to wake up. Your mead is incredibly strong. And it seemed to me that portrait smiled. Who is it?
Master: My grandfather.
Friend: I thought it was you. (Companion puts poker and cards on the table.)
Master: I am such as he was—I’m made of the
