Such is Life: A Play in Five Acts

CHARACTERS Nicola, King of Umbria. Princess Alma, his daughter. Pietro Folchi, Master Butcher. } Filipo Folchi, his soil. } Andrea Valori } Citizens of Perugia. Benedetto Nardi } Pandolfo, Master Tailor. } A Soldier. A Farmer. A Vagabond. Michele } Battista } Journeymen Tailors. Noe } The Presiding Judge. The King's Attorney General. The Advocate. The Clerk of the Court. The Jailer. A Circus Rider. An Actor. A Procuress. First Theatre Manager. Second Theatre Manager. A Page. First Servant. Second Servant. Artisans, judges, townspeople, strollers, theatre audience, theatre servants, soldiers and halberdiers.
FIRST SERVANT.
( Leaning out of the window. ) They are coming! It will overtake us like the day of judgment!
SECOND SERVANT.
(Rushing in through the opposite door.) Do you know that the King is taken?
FIRST SERVANT.
Our King a captive?
SECOND SERVANT.
Since early yesterday! The dogs have thrown him into prison!
FIRST SERVANT.
Then we had better scamper away, or they will treat us as if we were the beds upon which he has debauched their children!
( The servants rush out. The room becomes filled with armed workmen of various trades, heated and blood-splashed from combat. )