The Last Days of a Reluctant Tyrant by Tom Murphy

Author:Tom Murphy
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781408145869
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Published: 2019-11-23T00:00:00+00:00

Scene Ten

The ghosts have returned: Steven and Victor, revelling in a Heine poem — revelling in their coughing and laughter — as if in mockery of Arina’s state.

Steven and Victor (recite, sing, swap and deliver lines simultaneously)

Nach Frankreich zogen zwei Grenadier’,

Die waren in Russland gefangen.

Und als sie kamen ins deutsche Quartier,

Sie liessen die Köpfe hangen.

Da hörten sie beide die traurige Mähr:

Dass Frankreich verloren gegangen,

Besiegt und zerschlagen das grosse Heer,

Und der Kaiser, der Kaiser gefangen.

During which, activity builds in the house as in an emergency. Ulita carrying a basin and towels as from a sick room; other servants (as available) actively engaged. Arina, worried, hanging her head, has to keep out of it. A Doctor, as from a sick room, taking a break. Kiry bringing a drink to Doctor; Vera bringing a shawl to Arina. Ulita off to sick room again, and Arina takes the opportunity of approaching Doctor.

Arina How is he? He’s getting better, isn’t he?

Doctor God is merciful.

Arina What does that mean?

Doctor He’s dying.

Arina But you’ve been treating him for so long — the other doctors — poultices, medication!

Doctor I wasn’t called in time. Had he been drained sooner.

Arina (is desperate) I gave him this place! — Did you mention me to him?

Doctor I did, as you asked.

Arina Did you mention his nieces? Did you raise the matter of a —

Doctor Put the idea out of your mind of his making a will. It wouldn’t stand up. I don’t know if he can even sign his name. Believe me, you would be in trouble with the law. Believe me, your other son would see to that.

Ulita (returns) Doctor, he’s calling for you. (She continues near them.)

Doctor (to Arina) Go and see him.

Arina (laughs) He doesn’t want to see me.

Doctor Go and see him. And send for his nieces. I’m sure it won’t be necessary to inform his brother. I’m sure his brother is kept advised of the situation. (The last is knowing — to do with Ulita. He goes off, followed by Ulita.)

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