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568
ROBERT LOWELL
(The pillared mansion lights up.
ROBIN
and the
Boy
approach it.
The Lion and Unicorn of England are gone. Instead, a large Rattle–
snake flag is showing.)
Boy
ROBIN
Boy
Brother, we've reached our destination.
This is our kinsman's house.
I
know it
from the steel engraving that
he gave us when he came to Deerfield.
Our journey's over. Here's our mansion.
Robin, it has a Rattlesnake.
That means the Major's not at home.
Look at that ugly rattlesnake.
The inscription says, "Don't tread on me!"
That's silly, Robin, who would think
of walking on a rattlesnake?
These city people must be spoonft:d;
When the rain rains here, it says, "I'm raining!"
(The
MAN WITH THE MASK
comes out of the mansion. Half his face
is now fiery red, the other half is still mottled.)
MAN WITH MASK
ROBIN
I
am the man on horseback.
No,
you're walking, Sir.
MAN WITH MASK
ROBIN
I
am a king.
The King's in England. You must be sick.
Have you seen your face? Half's red,
the other half is pocked and mottled.
MAN WITH MASK
ROBIN
Oh I'm as healthy as the times.
I
am an image of this city.
Do you see .this colored handkerchief?
(The
MAN WITH MASK
draws out a small British flag.)
Our British flag,
Sir.