Scene I.—A masquerade. Musicians playing. Maskers moving about.

Enter Whetstone and Bluegrass in masquerade costume.

Whetstone.

Major, have we any parallels for this?

Bluegrass.

Millions of parallels. Nature loves a masquerade as much as she abhors a vacuum.

Whetstone.

See if my character is loose. It feels like slipping down over my boots.

Bluegrass.

Hold on to your character; never let it slip, or all is lost. Remember, you are a Teuton knight-errant of the Horn of Plenty, and I am Rainbow, your squire. The ancient warrior Achilles carried a shield with amazing scenes beaten thereon.