ZARB I wish I were you, because you have been a King. Because men have prostrated themselves before your feet. Because you have ridden a horse and worn a crown and have been called Majesty.
KING ARGIMENES When I remember that I have been a king it is very terrible.
ZARB But you are lucky to have such things in your memory as you have. I have nothing in my memory—Once I went for a year without being flogged, and I remember my cleverness in contriving it—I have nothing else to remember.
KING ARGIMENES It is very terrible to have been a king.
ZARB But we have nothing who have no good memories in the past. It is not easy for us to hope for the future here.
KING ARGIMENES Have you any god?
ZARB We may not have a god because he might make us brave and we might kill our guards. He might make a miracle and give us swords.
KING ARGIMENES Ah, you have no hope then.
ZARB I have a little hope. Hush, and I will tell you a secret—The King's great dog is ill and like to die. They will throw him to us. We shall have beautiful bones then.
KING ARGIMENES Ah! Bones.