Scene Seven
A completely darkened
stage illuminated by two spots---one on Julinka downstage right and one
on Cataluni, now dressed again in a toga, downstage left. They are pleading
their cases before the court and addressing the audience face front.
CATALUNI
I never killed this woman's
husband! I met them both in the Forum. They invited me to their home where
they proceeded to ravish me in every way, shape and form.
JULINKA
Lies, lies, lies!
But he's from Gaul
So it's not a surprise.
He's a cad and a skunk---
What he says is all bunk---
And they're lies, lies,
lies!
CATALUNI
I showed them my newest invention.
My suit to collect the sweat from gladiators. And, before I knew it, they
had sold it to the Coliseum and blamed it on their slaves. Then I invented
this breath machine so that people won't ever be buried alive again.
JULINKA
Lies, lies, lies!
Every fact
He will try to revise---
He is vile and uncouth
And can never speak truth---
For they're lies, lies,
lies!
CATALUNI
And I showed it to them,
and this woman here got the idea that since her husband was always complaining
about nobody loving him, they could put it to the test and place the tube
in his coffin and then he'd see that everybody adored him.
JULINKA
Have you ever
heard anything so absurd?
You cannot believe one
single word.
There's nothing worse
than a plebe with ambition---
And who would trust a
plebe above a patrician?
CATALUNI
Well, nobody adored him---most
of all his wife. And while he was down below the earth she went and tore
the tube out so she could collect his fortune and get rid of him and blame
it on me.
JULINKA
Lies, lies, lies!
You have only to look
In his eyes---
He's a swine and a snake
And an absolute rake---
And they're lies, lies,
lies!
CATALUNI
They're not lies! Everything
I am telling you is the truth!
JULINKA
Can you believe
a creature so hideous
Who tries to rape a Vestal
Virgin
And then knocks out cold
the great Helvidius?
CATALUNI
That's not true! I mean,
I did knock out Helvidius, but I didn't try to rape Cristelle! And I never
killed this woman's husband. Believe me! Please believe me!
LIGHTS DIM
