Monologue

Master Pandolfo Monologue from Such is Life: A Play in Five Acts

From Such is Life: A Play in Five Acts by Frank Wedekind

male · sarcastic · 2:06 min

Now shake me the other fellows awake. One can work better in company than alone, Gigi! ((Takes the dress out of his hands.)) See here, Gigi! ((He tears the dress.)) Rip! What's the use of early to bed and early to rise if the stitches don't hold? And the button-holes, Gigi! Did the rats help you with them? I worked for Her Majesty Queen Amelia when her husband was still making mortadella and salmi. Am I to lose her custom now because of your botching? Hey, Gigi? (THE KING: If my work shames you, turn me out!) How rude, Gigi! Do you think you are still tending pigs at Baschi? Forty years on your back and nothing learned! Go packing out of my house and see where you will find your food, then, you vagabond! (THE KING: I'll take you at your word, Master!) What the devil, madcap; can't you take a joke? Can I show more love toward my 'prentice than I do when I give him the work which usually the master does? Since you have been with me haven't I allowed you to cut all the garments? The devil take me that I cannot catch the knack of your cutting! But the ladies of Perugia say, "Master Pandolfo, since the old apprentice has been working for you, your work has a genteel cut." But what's the use of a genteel cut if the young ladies tear the stitches out as they dance? You'll never be a journeyman, Gigi, unless you learn to sew. My dear, sweet Gigi, don't you see that I only want what's best for you?

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