Rafael monologue — The Ghetto: A Drama in Four Acts

I know what they said. You--I--[_He takes hold of them both._] Two people can't help putting their heads together! If you will meet me in some seclusion, my two good friends, I'll show you how two heads can be so put together that two people shall see stars enough to read their horoscopes. You shall read in those stars the name of Rosa--Rosa who, God search my soul, is purer than the snows on the crest of the Jungfrau. Quite properly--[_as he causes them to bend low_]--quite properly, they bend in homage, Rosa! And Daniel here, Daniel whom the starving lions would not taste--the story never seemed to me so true as now--he says that what he said he did not say, and can't remember what it was, and is most sorry that he said it--and see--[_forces them_]--bends low. I thank you for your courtesy. And Samson, he that slew the thousands with the jawbone of an ass--which is his jawbone to this day--he's swallowing those words he spoke, so eagerly that he chokes! Ha, ha! my ardent friends! [_He turns them about ironically._] And must you go? Ah, well! [_He pushes them towards the door._] If you insist--if you insist--Good-bye! Good-bye! [_He throws them violently out._] [_Then to ROSA._] I have seen Hanakoff; he is going to play my music to-night; and if--Rosa--[_ROSA bursts into tears._] Rosa!