Cleo monologue (Act 2) — Within the Gates

(_past control, raves_) Oh, I had watched my chance for years. I knew _you_--your mad moods, your black temper.... Yourself slew yourself, Esmerald Thorne. Your own weakness gave me my opportunity. I waited for my moment. I sat in the buggy beside you.... I sometimes did that when your evil had you. (I couldn’t get there when you were good, you know.) I tried to take the reins. _I tried to get the whip_--I could not do it. _I meant to hit the horse_--my arm was held. (There are always so many of these holy busybodies about--angels and messengers of sanctity--to interfere with one!) Oh, then I sprang out--over the wheel into the street. You didn’t see me, _but Donna did_. When she shied I clung to her bit. And then she bolted.... It was a very simple thing.