Scene 2

N: Mestra leaves the befuddled merchant behind her and, in the guise of an old fisherman, crosses the marina, moves through the town, and takes the narrow path up to her father’s now- dilapidated house. As she crosses the threshold, to undo the charm she cries out:

M: Oh Lord Poseidon!

E: quickly lowers his mask and addresses his daughter.

E: My daughter’s here? Oh eyes, do not deceive me!

What joy to have you back again, believe me!

The moment you left I was racked with grief,

For having sold you to that thief.

My hunger robbed me of my sense,

And so I committed the offense.

Can you ever even start

To forgive me in your heart?

M: Oh father! There’s nothing to forgive.

For caring for you is the reason I live.

Oh papa, don’t fear, and besides, I’ve plan:

When the money is gone, you can sell me again!

E: However mad with hunger I become

I’ll not repeat the evil I’ve done.

M: But papa, believe me, you can do as I say.

E: But Mestra, I don’t want to send you away!

There is an angry knock on the door. It is the Merchant. E. calls to him:

E: Who’s there?

ST: It’s me!

E: (to mestra) Quick! Disappear!

That goddamned merchant’s back, I fear.

M: I promise you, I’m not afraid,

I’m sure the gods will come to our aid.

Sell me again, I’m sure he’ll pay.

E: But I can’t let him take you away

A second time!

M: But yes, you can!

You needn’t fear that nasty man.

We might as well give it a try

If he is fool enough to buy.

E: You’re very sure?

M: I am.

E: All right.

( to the merchant ) Come in. What brings you here tonight?

ST: (lowering his mask. ) I really don’t mean to be rude,

I’d no intension to intrude,

Upon this touching family scene

But I wondered where your daughter’s been,

And, despite the love I’m sure you feel,

I must remind you, we’ve a deal.

E: What deal is that? I don’t recall

Having made a deal with you at all.

ST: I’m sure, good sir, you must be joking.

E: I’m sure that you should not be poking

Into my family’s private life.

ST: Just tell me this- is that your wife?

Or is that the girl I bought before?

E: This is my daughter, I’ll say no more.

ST: But I paid money for that child!

I thought she was subdued and mild,

But when I brought her to the shore

She ran away. All gone! No more!

E: Have you a witness to his deed?

ST: I know the truth, that’s all I need!

E: Well truth won’t buy her by itself.

For truth is best backed up by wealth!

ST: (shocked ) I can’t believe you’d be so cold,

As to swindle a poor merchant for his gold.

E: Do you want to buy or just stand and stare,

I don’t care to hear you blow hot air

ST: All right! I’ll pay again! You’ll see!

One piece of gold?

E: looks at M who shakes her head.

Then two? Well, three?

E: If you want her, you must pay-

ST: (interrupting angrily ) All right! The same as yesterday!

M: ( whispering to her father ) Accept the deal!

E: The deal is made

As soon as I am fully paid.

ST: throws a bag of gold on the floor in front of E.

ST: I’m glad to see you’re so compliant.

( To the audience) I hate it when they get defiant.

(pause) Well, well, well.

I have you here at last

I think we both can tell

Your running days are past.

So don’t try to escape again,

Just wait here while I fetch my men.