AMO, AMAS, AMAT Act 2 Scene 11

Scene Eleven

Early afternoon some weeks later. We are on a bank near the Tiber. On the backdrop we can see the lovely Pons Mulvius, one of the many bridges in ancient Rome. A moment's pause, then CATALUNI wanders on with his machine in his hands. HE is utterly dejected and defeated. CATALUNI

                    I know how men in exile
                    Feed on dreams.
                    Or so it seems,
                    Or so it seems.
                    I had such great inventions---
                    Or so my memory recalls.
                    I had such good intentions
                    But then I also had my balls.
                    I know how men in exile
                    Feed on hope---
                    It's how we cope,
                    It's how we cope.
                    Of dreams and hope
                    I'm now bereft,
                    The future's gone,
                    I've nothing left. (Suddenly from upstage HELVIDIUS appears. HE is much older now and walks with a cane. Next to him is a BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN, whose bicep he clutches as they stroll. CATALUNI looks up, sees him and a glimmer of hope reappears.)

CATALUNI Helvidius!
(HELVIDIUS stares at him blankly.)
It's me, Cataluni!
(Not the slightest recognition.)
Don't you remember? Surely you couldn't forget.

HELVIDIUS

In my position, I meet so many people. (THEY walk off with HELVIDIUS still feeling the young man's arm. CATALUNI stares after them in shock. At last, HE turns, walks toward the edge of the bank and drops his invention in the water.)

LIGHTS SLOWLY DIM