DIGNITY.

 

Dignity, you heartless wizard, you minstrel!

You cannot hide from me!

I once danced and kicked heels to your call,

But never will I ride that wild horse again.

Come out from the curtains you coward!

Stand out there on stage and bow to me!

Dignity! pronounce your final case, your last word.

 

(There is a shuffle in the wings.)

 

"Let me sing for you-let me raise your spirits,

Let me show you your greatness, your eternity!"

You false flatterer, you will not win tonight!

"You are the greatest of all men, you are immortal!"

 

I have my weaknesses, like all men.

You cannot deny my mortality.

"You are a man-the wondrous being-the universe's jewel!"

Dignity, you will win tonight.