Host. When you have been on the boards a bit longer, you will understand.
Enter Scaevola and Jules.
Scaevola. Good evening, Chief.
Host. How many times have I got to tell you that the whole joke falls flat if you call me Chief?
Scaevola. Well, whatever you are, I don't think we shall play tonight.
Host. And why?
Scaevola. The people won't be in the mood. There's a hellish uproar in the streets, and in front of the Bastille especially they are yelling like men possessed.
Host. What matters that to us? The shouting has been going on for months, and our audience hasn't stayed away from us. It goes on diverting itself just as it did before.
Scaevola. Ay, it has the gaiety of people who are shortly going to be hanged.
Host. If only I live to see it!