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MAJOR MOLINEUX
(The
MAJOR
lurches a few steps from the cart, grinds the Rattle–
snake underfoot, then turns and addresses the crowd.)
MAJOR MOLINEUX
CROWD
Long live King George! Long live King George!
I'll sing until you cut my tongue out!
Throw the Major in the river,
in the river, in the river!
( With a grating sound, the
FERRYMAN
appears at the side of the
stage, pushing the prow of his dory. The
MAJOR
staggers towards the
FERRYMAN.)
MAJOR MOLINEUX
(To
FERRYMAN)
Help me in my trouble. Let
me cross the river to my King!
( The
FERRYMAN
stiffens. The
MAN WITH THE MASK
throws him a
silver crown.)
MAN WITH MASK
Ferryman, here's a silver crown
take him or leave him, we don't care.
FERRYMAN
(Still more threatening)
The crown's no longer currency.
( The
FERRYMAN
kicks the crown into the water.)
MAJOR MOLINEUX
Boatman, you rowed me here in state;
save me, now that I'm fallen!
FERRYMAN
There's no returning on my boat.
MAJOR MOLINEUX
(Stretching out his hands and grappling with the
FERRYMAN)
Save me in the name of God!
( The
FERRYMAN
pushes the
MAJOR
off and hits him on the head with
his oar. The
MAJOR
screams, and lies still.)
FERRYMAN
He's crossed the river into his kingdom;
all tyrants must die as this man died.
( One by one, the principal characters come up and look at the
MAJOR.)
CLERGYMAN
He's dead. He had no time to pray.