Part 28 (1/2)

WATER What an idiot!...

BREAD What a vulgarian!...

FIRE There, look; I will put my hands in my pockets.... But don't forget me....

I am the friend of Man.... I shall always be there, in the hearth and in the oven; and I will come sometimes and put out my tongue for you when you are cold or sad.... I shall be warm in winter and roast chestnuts for you....

WATER (_approaching the_ CHILDREN) I shall kiss you without hurting you, tenderly, my children....

FIRE Take care, you'll get wet!...

WATER I am loving and gentle; I am kind to human beings....

FIRE What about those you drown?...

WATER Love the wells, listen to the brooks.... I shall always be there....

FIRE She has flooded the whole place....

WATER When you sit down, in the evening, beside the springs--there is more than one here in the forest--try to understand what they are trying to say....

FIRE Enough! Enough!... I can't swim!...

WATER I shall no longer be able to tell you as clearly as I do to-day that I love you; but you will not forget that that is what I am saying to you when you hear my voice.... Alas!... I can say no more.... My tears choke me and prevent my speaking....

FIRE It doesn't sound like it!...

WATER Think of me when you see the water-bottle.... Alas! I have to be silent there; but my thoughts will always be of you.... You will find me also in the ewer, the watering-can, the cistern and the tap....

MILK (_approaching timidly_) And me in the milk-jug....

TYLTYL What, you too, my dear Milk, so shy and so good?... Is everybody going?...

SUGAR (_naturally mawkish and sanctimonious_) If you have a little corner left in your memory, remember sometimes that my presence was sweet to you.... That is all I have to say.... Tears are not in harmony with my temperament and they hurt me terribly when they fall on my feet....

BREAD Jesuit!...

FIRE (_yelping_) Sugar-plum! Lollipop! Caramel!...

TYLTYL But where are Tylette and Tylo gone to?... What are they doing?...

(_The_ CAT _is heard to utter shrill cries_.)

MYTYL (_alarmed_) It's Tylette crying!... He is being hurt!...

(_Enter the_ CAT, _running, his hair on end and dishevelled, his clothes torn, holding his handkerchief to his cheek, as though he had the toothache. He utters angry groans and is closely pursued by the_ DOG, _who overwhelms him with bites, blows and kicks_.)

THE DOG (_beating the_ CAT) There!... Have you had enough?... Do you want any more?... There! There!

There!...