OT: A Twin Brother's Night's Dream (Act I)

A Twin Brother's Night's Dream

CAST OF CHARACTERS
Don Tomaso--- a gentleman of good repute
Bradicchio--- his untrustworthy twin
Lady Kirstina--- Don Tomaso's betrothed
Lady Julia-Louis--- a maiden of considerable wealth and good humor
Nicholas the Gaunt--- an apparition
Lady Marilyn --- his widow, and a dyke
Traci--- a guard, and a ribald wench
Brady--- her cohort; a knave with soft hands
Carlton, Dakius, Morehitsius, and Donzini--- prisoners

Act I
Scene 1: Don Tomaso's Villa (inside)

It is nearly spring, and the fair Lady Kirstina waits for her
betrothed, Don Tomaso, to return from a long journey

Lady Kirstina
Woe is me! I am starting to lose hope!
Lady Marilyn
Fret not, maiden--- men cannot be trusted
Perhaps comfort lies right before thine eyes
Lady Kirstina
My Lady, forgive me if I may say
But though I would often swing as a child
I do not swing in the manner to which
you are accustomed. Please, take no offense
Lady Marilyn
Woe is you? Woe is me! For I am fair-haired
and thus unable to comprehend
the simplest gestures and meanings. Why I...
Lady Kirstina
Wait! What's that? A voice, in the darkness...

Scene 2: Don Tomaso's Villa (outside)

Brady
So I cautioned the maiden fair
I hadn't seen such mangoes in my lifetime
Kumquats, certainly, and juicy ripe pears
but...
Traci
Silence! A rider approacheth from the wood
Ready thine spear, and hand me mine bottle!
Brady
The flask marked "courage," no doubt. Scotland's own
Traci
What ho, rider. Identify thineself!
Bradicchio
It is I, Don Tomaso, returned at last
Traci
Forgive me, my lord--- something is amiss
Thy visage is familiar, thine voice not
Are you weakened? You sound not hale and hearty
But soft and high-pitched, like a young lass
Bradicchio
You are not mistaken. It is I
Enfeebled from the strain of my journey
But eager to be reunited
With my one true love. The maiden, Kirstina
Traci
Enter, then. I shall continue to guard
While this pallid wretch, this simpering lad
Admires my cantaloupes

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