"Dunsany, Lord - Plays of Gods and Men" - читать интересную книгу автора (Dunsany Lord)

Act II


{Same scene. Same day.}

King Karnos: {Pointing off L.}
Look at them now, are they not beautiful? They catch
the last rays of the lingering sun. Can you say that
the orchids are not beautiful now?

Ichtharion:
Your majesty, we were wrong, they are most beautiful.
They tower up from the jungle to take the sun. They
are like the diadem of some jubilant king.

King Karnos:
Ah. Now you have come to love the beauty of Thek.

Ichtharion:
Yes, yes, your Majesty, I see it now. I would live in
this city always.

King Karnos:
Yes, we will live here always. There is no city
lovelier than Thek. Am I not right?

Ludibras:
Your Majesty, no city is like it.

King Karnos:
Ah. I am always right.

Tharmia:
How beautiful is Thek.

Arolind:
Yes, it is like a god.

{Three notes are stricken on a sonorous gong.}

Whispers: {On}
There has been a prophecy. There has been a prophecy.

King Karnos:
Ah! there has been a prophecy. Bring in the prophet.

{Exit attendant.}

{Enter mournfully with dejected head and walking very
slowly Voice-of-the-Gods.}