The Beauty Of Lines

Back to work, everyone, says Vello.

What next? asks Gaius.

You remonstrate with the sailor, says Vello.

As he is going off with Hedley? asks Gaius.

Yes, do you remember your lines? says Vello.

I tell him he has misjudged the occasion, by not obeying the universal rule of Reason, says Gaius.

What are my lines? asks Hedley.

You have no lines, says Vello. 

Hedley needs to have lines, says Hedley's mother.

All right, says Vello. Now then Hedley, you know the situation. Arthur is a villainous sailor. He has looted the ruins of Lisbon for money. He has got drunk and then looked for someone like you to go off with.

Okay, says Hedley. So what do I say?

Help! suggests Terence.

It depends on what Arthur comes up with, says Vello.

I'll come up with something, says Arthur.

Right! Action! says Vello.

Hello, lovely, says Arthur.

Hedley looks at his mother.

Hedley's mother looks encouraging.

Hello, sailor, says Hedley.

Thats good! says Terence.

Quiet! says Vello.

Do you like poetry? asks Arthur.

No, yes, maybe, says Hedley. I like SOME poetry.

You'd like mine, says Arthur. Let's go somewhere private.

Okay, says Hedley.

Cue Dr Pangloss! says Vello.

Gaius steps forward and grasps Arthur by the shoulder.

This will never do, my friend, says Gaius. You are not obeying the universal law of Reason.

Bloody hell! says Arthur. I'm a sailor! I'm not the man for your universal Reason.

I thought you were a poet, says Hedley.

My poetry has no rhyme or reason, says Arthur.

That's the sort of poetry I like, says Hedley.

His mother looks pleased.

Cue Candide! says Vello.

Me? says Denis.

Yes, put your beanie on, says Vello.

Denis takes the finger-knitted beanie out of his pocket and puts it back on.

He lies down.

Fetch me some wine and oil! I am dying, cries Denis.

Gaius turns away from the sailor and Hedley.

This earthquake is nothing new, says Gaius. The same thing happened in Lima. There must be a vein of sulphur running between them.

Nothing is more likely, says Denis. But oil and wine for pity's sake!

Gaius mimes going to look for a fountain..

That's a wrap! says Vello. Good work everyone.

Great. 

And the best thing is, now Hedley has lines.