Act II, Scene 8

[Apron.  Enter Eris]

Eris:       Well, I think we should all congratulate each other.  We made it through this play without anyone being seriously injured.  I trust you found it entertaining and, hopefully, educational.  You can all go get soused if you want.  I should point out that it is considered mandatory if you see one of the actors from a play you just attended in a bar afterwards that you purchase them at least one glass of wine or other libation.  My choice. 

[Eris starts to exit but stops just before leaving]

Eris:       I almost forgot. You were expecting this, weren't you?  Just one more thing.

 [Enter Louis and Bush, who walk across the stage.]

George:     I still don't understand.  You say my punishment fits the crime.  But I don't understand the crime.  It's not going to war.  It's not lying.  It doesn't seem to have to do with what was said by the witnesses.  What is it?

Louis:      This was a trial by history.  You can get away with the most unspeakable things in history.  There will always be someone who thinks you were right.  Genghis Khan is considered to be the greatest hero of the Mongolian people.  They spend thousands of dollars having their DNA checked in the hope of discovering that they are descended from him.  Even Hitler has apologists who think the holocaust did not happen.  If you are a ruler you can do anything you want and history will eventually turn you into an icon.  There is only one thing that history will not tolerate.

George:     What is that?

Louis:      A fool!  You can destroy nations, lay waste to civilizations, scorch and salt the earth, torture your own people, and history will raise you up as a great leader.  But it does not tolerate a fool!  Are you a fool?

[George stands mute  Exit Louis]

Eris:       We know what it means when someone stands mute, don't we?

[Exit Eris.  Enter Michelle.  She runs to Bush.]

Michelle:   Daddy!

George:     Hey, sweetheart. Is your daddy a fool?

Michelle:   No, daddy.

Carol:      (off stage)  Hurry up you two!  Lunch is getting cold.

George:     Coming!  I'm hungry.  I wonder what's for lunch?

Michelle:   Carol made hotdogs!

George:     My favorite.

Michelle:   And Eris made sugar cookies with icing and little sprinkles on top.

George:     Your favorite.

Michelle:   Daddy?

George:     Yes, sweetheart.

Michelle:   Do you think it would be okay if I call Carol, mommy?

George:     Sure, sweetheart.  She would like that.  She would like that very much.

[Exit George and Michelle]