MS-HRC-SB-6-4-1

[1398] just when we least expect it. [1399] (Silence. [1400] Gloomily.) [1401] That's how it is on this bitch of an earth.

[1403] So long as one knows.

[1404] One can bide one's time.

[1405] One knows what to expect.

[1406] No further need to worry.

[1407] Simply wait.

[1408] We're used to it.

[1410] How did you find me? [1411] (Vladimir and Estragon look at him blankly.) [1412] Good? [1414] Fair? [1413] Middling? [1415] Poor? [1416] Positively bad?

[1417] (first to understand). [1418] Oh very good, very very good.

[1419] (to Estragon) [1420] And you, Sir?

[1422] Oh tray bong, tray tray bong.

[1423] (fervently) [1424] Bless you, Gentlemen, bless you! [1425] (Pause) [1426] I have such need

[1426] of encouragement. [1427] (Pause.) [1428] I weakened a little towards the end, [1429] you didn't notice?

[1430] Oh perhaps just a teeny weeny little bit.

[1431] I thought it was intentional.

[1432] You see my memory is defective.

[1434] In the meantime nothing happens.

[1436] You find it tedious?

[1437] Somewhat.

[1438] (to Vladimir) [1439] And you, Sir?

[1440] I've been better entertained.

[1443] Gentlemen, you have been... civil to me.

[1444] Not at all!

[1445] What an idea!

[1446] Yes yes, you have been correct. [1447] So that I ask myself [1448] is there anything I can do in my turn for these honest fellows who are having such a dull, dull time.

[1449] Even ten francs would be a help.

[1450] We are not beggars!

[1451] Is there anything I can do that's what I ask myself, to cheer them up? [1452] I have given them bones, I have talked to them about this and that, I have explained the twilight, admittedly. [1454] But is it enough, that's what tortures me, is it enough?

[1455] Even five.

[1455|001] (to Estragon, indignantly). [1456] That's enough!

[1457] I couldn't accept less.

[1458] Is it enough? [1459] No doubt. [1460] But I am liberal. [1461] It's my nature. [1462] This evening. [1463] So much the worse for me. [1464] (He jerks the rope. [1465] Lucky looks at him.) [1466] For I shall suffer, no doubt about that. [1467] (He picks up the whip.) [1468] What do you prefer? [1469] Shall we have him dance, or sing, or recite, or think, or -

[1470] Who?

[1471] Who! [1472] You know how to think, you two?

[1473] He thinks?

[1474] Certainly. [1475] Aloud. [1476] He even used to think very prettily once. I could listen to him

[1476] for hours. [1477] Now... [1478] (he shudders). [1479] So much the worse for me. [1480] Well, would you like him to think something for us?

[1481] I'd rather he'd dance, it'd be more fun.

[1482] Not necessarily.

[1483] Wouldn't it, Didi, be more fun?

[1484] I'd like well to hear him think.

[1485] Perhaps he could think first and dance afterwards, [1486] if it isn't too much to ask him.

[1487] (to Pozzo) [1488] Would that be possible?

[1489] By all means, nothing simpler. [1490] It's the natural order.

[1492] Then let him dance.

[1495] Do you hear, hog?

[1496] He never refuses?

[1497] He refused once. [1498] (Silence.) [1499] Dance, misery!

[1504] Is that all?

[1505] Encore!

[1507] Pooh! [1509] I'd do as well myself. [1510] (He imitates Lucky, almost falls.) [1511] With a little practice.

[1513] He used to dance the farandole, the fling, the brawl, the jig, the fandango and even the hornpipe. [1514] He capered. [1514|001] For joy. [1515] Now that's the best he can do. [1516] Do you know what he calls it?

[1517] The Scapegoat's Agony.

[1518] The Hard Stool.

[1519] The Net. [1520] He thinks he's entangled in a net.

[1521] (squirming like an aesthete). [1522] There's something about it...

[1525] Wooa!

[1527] Tell us about the time he refused.