Subject: slapstick

From: "Hatty Mcallister" <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 19:16:02 -0600

I cannot, lord, he answered awkwardly, staring at me as though Iwere a ghost.
Not only was I cramped and shaken, but my heart was as sore as mylimbs. Before the dawn I rose and dressed myself finely for the marriage. Here we stood a while, till presentlywe heard the sound of singing. Once out of Egypt there are other lands where we might shelter. Then he might have caused me to be killed here in Egypt, Belus. I am also an ambassador from the Pharaoh of Egypt to Cyrusthe great King.
At the gateway of the temple wefound her waiting with Metep. For the rest my vizier and officers will instruct you in yourmission and make provision. Only this: that then she is one who can be given in marriage. Therefore it is necessary that I shouldlearn the mind of this Persian.
How comes it that you are glad, when my heart breaks, Belus?
Yes, I said to Belus, but Metep can talk and so can Myra herself. Do you not understand that it is mostnecessary, Ramose?
Pharaoh is the father of all and can give any in marriage to whom hewill, answered Belus darkly.
Was it a trick ofPharaohs who knew what memories it held for me? At the gateway of the temple wefound her waiting with Metep. Yet then it said that all should end well. Farewell, beloved Ramose; there is no time for more. Then I heardBelus whispering in my ear,Be a man!