Child [frowning]. At my dreadful face. [But he begins to laugh in spite of himself.]
Anne [her face hidden]. Oh, child! Oh, child!
Child. That’s right! That’s the way she cries in the play. You see the man goes down to hell to find his wife, and the Fates show her what’s going to happen while she’s waiting for him. She’s in hell already, waiting and waiting. It takes years to travel through hell. That’s her talking to the old man in rags and a crown.
Anne. Who’s he?
Child. Oh, he’s a poor old king whose daughters beat him. He isn’t in this play. Well, when Orpheus gets to hell—I lead him there, you know—
Anne. A babe in hell—a babe in hell—
Child. I’m the little god of love. I wear a crown of roses and wings. They do tickle. Soon I’ll be too big. So he and I go to the three Fates to get back his wife. She isn’t pretty in that act. She’s all white and dead round her eyes—like you.
Anne. Does he find her?
Child. After he sings his beautiful song he does. Everybody has to listen when he sings. Even the big dog lies down. Your husband made us a nice catch about it yesterday. I like your husband. I’m glad he’s coming with us. Are you coming with us?
Anne. No.