560
sojourned in Russia, playing the fiddle at
an opulent barbarian's abode....
In Turkey and in Greece I wandered then,
and in enchanting Italy I starved.
The sights I saw were many; I became
a deckhand, then a chef, a barber, a tailor,
then just a simple tramp. Yet, to this day
I thank the Lord with every passing hour
for all the hardships that I came to know–
and for the rustle of the roadside corn,
the rustle and the warming breath of all
the human souls that have passed close to me .
Husband
Of all, sir, all of them? But you forget
the soul belonging to that flashy craftsman
whom you encountered that day on the scaffold.
Passerby
Oh, no- through him the world revealed itself
to me. He was, unwittingly, the key.
Husband
No, I don't get it. ...
(rising)
Before supper, I
PARTISAN REVIEW
have chores to do.. .. Our meal is unpretentious .
but maybe you'll-
Passerby
Why not, why not. . ..
Husband
Passerby
Forgive my talkativeness.
my tale was boring.
Wife
Passerby
Agreed, then !
(going out)
I'm afraid
Goodness, not at all.
Is that a baby's bonnet you are sewing?
Wife
(laughs)
That's right. I think I'll need it around Christmas.. ..
