(So they go out into the corridor, and after a pause Beppo enters, washed and combed, smartly dressed in one of Monseigneur’s discarded suits, out of which he seems indeed to swell, it being somewhat too small for him, with pride and satisfaction. For it is the first time in all his life that he has worn anything but rags; and for the first time, also, he looks like what in fact he is, Monseigneur’s brother.)
Beppo (as he swaggers gaily in). Monseigneur enters! Monseigneur salutes with condescension the gay and gallant company assembled to welcome him! Monseigneur turns to the Court Physician, and in haughty tones⸺Tiens! Where is the Court Physician? Doctor Mabrise? Where the plague have they put my birds’-nest? (Screams.) Mabrise!—You old fool! (Then he sees the nest on the ledge of the couvre-feu.) Ah! So near the fire? (He jumps up on the footstool and takes the nest, while Monseigneur gradually recovers, and, raising himself on the pillows, watches him.) Dead! Every one of them dead! (As he jumps off the footstool.) The wretch has killed my thrushes! My sweet, beautiful, living thrushes! Ah, ça! (As he draws his dagger) Mabrise! Mabrise! (and runs towards the corridor.)
Monseigneur. Beppo!
Beppo. But he has killed my thrushes; the thrushes I brought thee! Look!
Monseigneur (as he takes the nest). So much the better. They will be all ready for me to play with—in heaven.
Beppo (crying with rage). I did not bring them for thee to play with in heaven; but here, with me.
Monseigneur. Perhaps they have only swooned, as I did just now. Take them, Beppo, place them in the sunshine, by the window. It is very likely they will recover.
Beppo (whimpering). Nay, I know they are dead. But, by Heaven, they shall be revenged!
Monseigneur. Beppo!