The Orchard Crown
by Anonymous

ACT I

SCENE I. A garden before dawn.

DUKE
The morning climbs before my courage wakes.

LUCIA
Then borrow courage from the waking birds.

DUKE
They sing because they do not know the court.

LUCIA
Or because they know it and prefer the sky.

[Enter MARIN.]

MARIN
My lord, the council waits.

DUKE
The council always waits, and then complains of waiting.

LUCIA
A talent shared by geese.

MARIN
Shall I say you come?

DUKE
Say I approach with ceremonial reluctance.

[Exeunt.]
