 | Graciosa & Percinet |  |
Scene Seventh.
—Ramparts of the Crystal Palace.Enter Graciosa and Percinet.
Per.
Wilt thou begone? It is not yet near day.
Gra.
You really must not press me in this way,
Nor follow me about, it's not correct.
Per.
Do I not treat you with profound respect?
Gra.
I grant, but folks will talk; besides, I'd rather
Go home now, if you please, and see my father.
Per.
If but to see your father you'd go home,
You from this palace need no farther roam.
Gra.
Indeed!
Per.
By Claudet's process, in a minute,
I'll shew you home and everything that's in it.
Gra.
Ah, the daguerreotype, but you've no sun.
Per.
My art makes light of everything—'tis done.
Behold the King to whom you have alluded.
(the wall has become transparent, and through it the King is seen on his couch—Grognon stands beside him, shewing him a handkershief spotted with blood)
Portraits in this style gratis, case included.
Gra.
Oh, 'tis my father in his morning dress,
And he appears to be in great distress.
There's Grognon, too—what means that kerchief gory?
323
I dead and buried? What a wicked story!
(the King faints and the transparency fades)
Pa's poorly! Oh, I knew my loss would grieve him.
I must go home at once, and undeceive him.
Per.
Pattern of daughters, won't a note suffice?
A line from you? I'll post it in a trice;
'Tis but a penny, thanks to Rowland Hill.
Gra.
No, I must post myself.
Per.
Grognon will kill,
Or worse than kill you, she is such a Tartar!
Gra.
In such a cause as this I'll die a martyr.
Per.
Cruel, to leave a Prince who loves you so.
Gra.
If you so loved me, you would let me go.
Per.
Enough; I am your slave, relentless fair,
Thus I destroy love's castle in the air.
Strikes the wall—it breaks to pieces and sinks, shewing
| Graciosa & Percinet | |