Versailles

Duettino

(after Mozart)

MERCY (entering the Bull's Eye Chamber through a door, stage right)

All is not lost yet;

We can still hope.

(Antoinette enters stage left, humming to herself, the red velvet bag containing her missal over one arm.)

But here is the Queen; a golden opportunity.

I'll pretend not to see her.

(Aside, loudly)

If only she would come, that pearl of virtue,

Whose charms the King cannot resist.

ANTOINETTE (aside, holding back)

He's talking about me.

MERCY (aside, to himself)

After all, in this strange land

She's the best one can hope for.

Style means everything.

ANTOINETTE (aside)

A spiteful tongue! Lucky for him

He has my mother's blessing.

MERCY

Bravo! Such discretion!

And those modest eyes,

That demure expression,

Those…

ANTOINETTE (aside)

Enough is enough.

(Both spring into motion, meeting at the door to the King's Bedchamber)

MERCY (executing a deep, satiric bow)

After you,

Your Royal Highness.

ANTOINETTE (executing a low, satiric curtsy)

No, I insist,

Most worthy sir.

MERCY

No, you go first, pray.

ANTOINETTE

No, no, after you.

MERCY AND ANTOINETTE (together)

Your words can sway the King;

Mine are like millet seed.

MERCY

Expectant mother, first.

ANTOINETTE

First, brilliant statesman.

MERCY

Austria's pride and joy.

ANTOINETTE

The toast of France.

MERCY

Your comeliness.

ANTOINETTE

Your wine cellars.

MERCY

Your dramatic gifts.

ANTOINETTE

Your lies.

MERCY (aside)

I'll die of apoplexy

If I stay here one minute longer.

ANTOINETTE

Duplicitous old sodomite.

If only my mother knew…

(Exit Mercy in a fury.)