Guardian: (Relenting.) Maybe now the fright
would be enough to keep them from crimes from
this out. They are but young.
Jester: (To Princes.) Don't be keeping me
waiting! Put out now your hands. (They shake
their heads.)
Servant: They cannot do that, being bound.
Jester: If you will not stretch out your hands
when I ask you, I will strike off your heads without
asking! (Flourishes sword.)
Guardian: (Standing up.) I did not empower
you to go so far as that! It is without my
authority!
Jester: You have given over the power of the
law to the power of the sword. It must take its way!
Guardian: I will not give in to that! I have
all authority here!
Jester: If you grow wicked with the Judge's
wig on your head, so do I with this sword in my
hand! You called me in to do a certain business
and I am going to do it! I am not going to get a
bad name put on me for breach of contract! If
a labourer is given piece work cutting thistles with
a hook he is given leave to do it, or a rat catcher
doing away with vermin in the same way! He
is not bid after his trouble to let them go loose out
of his bag! And why would an Executioner that
is higher again in the profession be checked. Isn't
my pride in my work the same as theirs? And
along with that, let me tell you I belong to a
Trades Union!
(Guardian moans and covers his face.)
(To the Princes.) Kneel down now! Where you
kept me so long waiting and that the Judge attempted
to interfere with me, I have my mind
made up to make an end of you! (Holds up sword.)