SCENE SIX
THE THRONE ROOM. AS
LIGHT FOCUS TWO COMES UP, WE FIND KING FREDERICK AND QUEEN FREDERICA
ON THEIR THRONES.
FREDERICK
Well now, my dear,
the truth shall be
Revealed in all its
clarity-
My messenger returns
to me.
Now, once and for
all, we shall see
Which one of our
once-happy pair
Has flown forever
from earthly care.
DODDERPUSS ENTERS
Come Dodderpuss, now
did you find
Which one has left
this life behind?
DODDERPUSS
Indeed I did, your
Majesty.
It is. . .the wife,
undoubtedly.
FREDERICK
(SMUGLY)
Well, there you are,
my dear, you see
It is the wife-
undoubtedly!
FREDERICA
(CROSSLY)
There's only one
thing that's quite clear:
You're just told
what you want to hear.
I won't rely on that
old stick!
POINTING TO
DODDERPUSS
He won't trip me
with his weak trick!
You know he's only
pleasing you-
You see, I know it
can't be true.
LADY SMALLTALK
ENTERS
Ah, Lady Smalltalk,
I'm glad you're back;
On strictest oath,
just give the facts.
So tell us all, now
you've been round,
Just what is it that
you have found.
LADY SMALLTALK
(BOWING)
Your Majesty, just
let me say,
The husband's dead,
it's clear as day.
FREDERICK
As clear as day you
say to me-
As dark as night it
seems to be.
But those who hold
the power of state
Must keep a clear
head in debate.
And in all things
clear wisdom sees
That true
impossibilities
Just cannot be; and
so must test
Alternatives to find
what's best.
This foolish matter
bothers me
With challenge of
absurdity.
WITH SUDDEN DECISION
Thus I'll not let
this matter be,
But lift the veil of
mystery!
And so it is I'll
find who's right
Or I'll not rest in
bed tonight.
TO DODDERPUSS
Go; ready the
fastest coach for me;
My queen and I shall
go and see
If we can trace the
golden thread
That leads to
truth's clear fountainhead
Through all the
muddy maze of doubt.
When we're both
there we shall find out
This riddle's reason
which unlocks
The single truth in
paradox.
FREDERICK AND
FREDERICA EXIT, LEAVING LADY SMALLTALK STARING AFTER THEM. LIGHTS
FADE.
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