Part 16 (1/2)

HE

[_Goes to him, touches his shoulder gently_]: What is the matter, Papa Briquet? Tell me!

BRIQUET

[_Groaning_]: Oh, oh, I can't ... I can't ... Ah----

HE

Something has happened? You are ill? Please speak.

BRIQUET

I can't look at it! [_Takes his hands from his eyes, opens them wide._]

Why does she do it? Ah, ah, why does she do it? She must be taken away; she is insane. I couldn't look at it. [_s.h.i.+vers._] They will tear her to pieces. HE--her lions--they will tear her--

MANCINI

Go on, Briquet. She is always like that. You act like a child. You ought to be ashamed.

BRIQUET

No---- To-day she is mad! And what is the matter with the crowd?

They are all like dead people--they're not even breathing. I couldn't stand it. Listen--what's that? [_All listen. There is the same silence._]

MANCINI

[_Disturbed_]: I'll go and see.

BRIQUET

[_Yelling_]: No! Don't! You can't look--d.a.m.ned profession! Don't go. You will scorch her--every pair of eyes that looks at her--at her lions--no, no. It is impossible--it is a sacrilege. I ran away.... HE, they will tear her----

HE

[_Tries to be cheerful_]: Keep cool, Papa Briquet--I had no idea you were such a coward. You ought to be ashamed. Have a drink. Mancini, give him some wine.

BRIQUET

I don't want any. Heavens, if it were only over---- [_All listen._] I have seen many things in my life, but this.... Oh, she is crazy. [_All still listen. Suddenly the silence breaks, like a huge stone wall cras.h.i.+ng. There is a thunder of applause, mixed with shouts, music, wild screams--half b.e.s.t.i.a.l, half human. The men give way, relieved. Briquet sinks to a seat._]

MANCINI

[_Nervous_]: You see--you see--you old fool!

BRIQUET

[_Sobs and laughs_]: I am not going to allow it any more!

HE