Samuel Beckett - Waiting for Godot - Act I lyrics

A country road. A tree. Evening. Estragon, sitting on a low mound, is trying to take off his boot. He pulls at it with both hands, panting. He gives up, exhausted, rests, tries again. As before. Enter Vladimir. ESTRAGON (giving up again). Nothing to be done. VLADIMIR (advancing with short, stiff strides, legs wide apart). I'm beginning to come round to that opinion. All my life I've tried to put it from me, saying Vladimir, be reasonable, you haven't yet tried everything. And I resumed the struggle. (He broods, musing on the struggle. Turning to Estragon.) So there you are again. ESTRAGON Am I? VLADIMIR I'm glad to see you back. I thought you were gone forever. ESTRAGON Me too. VLADIMIR Together again at last! We'll have to celebrate this. But how? (He reflects.) Get up till I embrace you. ESTRAGON (irritably). Not now, not now. VLADIMIR (hurt, coldly). May one inquire where His Highness spent the night? ESTRAGON In a ditch. VLADIMIR (admiringly). A ditch! Where? ESTRAGON (without gesture). Over there. VLADIMIR And they didn't beat you? ESTRAGON Beat me? Certainly they beat me. VLADIMIR The same lot as usual? ESTRAGON The same? I don't know. VLADIMIR When I think of it . . . all these years . . . but for me . . . where would you be . . . (Decisively.) You'd be nothing more than a little heap of bones at the present minute, no doubt about it. ESTRAGON And what of it? VLADIMIR (gloomily). It's too much for one man. (Pause. Cheerfully.) On the other hand what's the good of losing heart now, that's what I say. We should have thought of it a million years ago, in the nineties. ESTRAGON Ah stop blathering and help me off with this bloody thing. VLADIMIR Hand in hand from the top of the Eiffel Tower, among the first. We were respectable in those days. Now it's too late. They wouldn't even let us up. (Estragon tears at his boot.) What are you doing? ESTRAGON Taking off my boot. Did that never happen to you? VLADIMIR Boots must be taken off every day, I'm tired telling you that. Why don't you listen to me? ESTRAGON (feebly). Help me! VLADIMIR It hurts? ESTRAGON (angrily). Hurts! He wants to know if it hurts! VLADIMIR (angrily). No one ever suffers but you. I don't count. I'd like to hear what you'd say if you had what I have. ESTRAGON It hurts? VLADIMIR (angrily). Hurts! He wants to know if it hurts! ESTRAGON (pointing). You might bu*ton it all the same. VLADIMIR (stooping). True. (He bu*tons his fly.) Never neglect the little things of life. ESTRAGON What do you expect, you always wait till the last moment. VLADIMIR (musingly). The last moment . . . (He meditates.) Hope deferred maketh the something sick, who said that? ESTRAGON Why don't you help me? VLADIMIR Sometimes I feel it coming all the same. Then I go all queer. (He takes off his hat, peers inside it, feels about inside it, shakes it, puts it on again.) How shall I say? Relieved and at the same time . . . (he searches for the word) . . . appalled. (With emphasis.) AP-PALLED. (He takes off his hat again, peers inside it.) Funny. (He knocks on the crown as though to dislodge a foreign body, peers into it again, puts it on again.) Nothing to be done. (Estragon with a supreme effort succeeds in pulling off his boot. He peers inside it, feels about inside it, turns it upside down, shakes it, looks on the ground to see if anything has fallen out, finds nothing, feels inside it again, staring sightlessly before him.) Well? ESTRAGON Nothing. VLADIMIR Show me. ESTRAGON There's nothing to show. VLADIMIR Try and put it on again. ESTRAGON (examining his foot). I'll air it for a bit. VLADIMIR There's man all over for you, blaming on his boots the faults of his feet. (He takes off his hat again, peers inside it, feels about inside it, knocks on the crown, blows into it, puts it on again.) This is getting alarming. (Silence. Vladimir deep in thought, Estragon pulling at his toes.) One of the thieves was saved. (Pause.) It's a reasonable percentage. (Pause.) Gogo. ESTRAGON What? VLADIMIR Suppose we repented. ESTRAGON Repented what? VLADIMIR Oh . . . (He reflects.) We wouldn't have to go into the details. ESTRAGON Our being born? (Vladimir breaks into a hearty laugh which he immediately stifles, his hand pressed to his pubis, his face contorted.) VLADIMIR One daren't even laugh any more. ESTRAGON Dreadful privation. VLADIMIR Merely smile. (He smiles suddenly from ear to ear, keeps smiling, ceases as suddenly.) It's not the same thing. Nothing to be done. (Pause.) Gogo. ESTRAGON (irritably). What is it? VLADIMIR Did you ever read the Bible? ESTRAGON The Bible . . . (He reflects.) I must have taken a look at it. VLADIMIR Do you remember the Gospels? ESTRAGON I remember the maps of the Holy Land. Coloured they were. Very pretty. The Dead Sea was pale blue. The very look of it made me thirsty. That's where we'll go, I used to say, that's where we'll go for our honeymoon. We'll swim. We'll be happy. VLADIMIR You should have been a poet. ESTRAGON I was. (Gesture towards his rags.) Isn't that obvious? Silence. VLADIMIR Where was I . . . How's your foot? ESTRAGON Swelling visibly. VLADIMIR Ah yes, the two thieves. Do you remember the story? ESTRAGON No. VLADIMIR Shall I tell it to you? ESTRAGON No. VLADIMIR It'll pa** the time. (Pause.) Two thieves, crucified at the same time as our Saviour. One— ESTRAGON Our what? VLADIMIR Our Saviour. Two thieves. One is supposed to have been saved and the other . . . (he searches for the contrary of saved) . . . damned. ESTRAGON Saved from what? VLADIMIR Hell. ESTRAGON I'm going. (He does not move.) VLADIMIR And yet . . . (pause) . . . how is it –this is not boring you I hope– how is it that of the four Evangelists only one speaks of a thief being saved. The four of them were there –or thereabouts– and only one speaks of a thief being saved. (Pause.) Come on, Gogo, return the ball, can't you, once in a way? ESTRAGON (with exaggerated enthusiasm). I find this really most extraordinarily interesting. VLADIMIR One out of four. Of the other three, two don't mention any thieves at all and the third says that both of them abused him. ESTRAGON Who? VLADIMIR What? ESTRAGON What's all this about? Abused who? VLADIMIR The Saviour. ESTRAGON Why? VLADIMIR Because he wouldn't save them. ESTRAGON From hell? VLADIMIR Imbecile! From d**h. ESTRAGON I thought you said hell. VLADIMIR From d**h, from d**h. ESTRAGON Well what of it? VLADIMIR Then the two of them must have been damned. ESTRAGON And why not? VLADIMIR But one of the four says that one of the two was saved. ESTRAGON Well? They don't agree and that's all there is to it. VLADIMIR But all four were there. And only one speaks of a thief being saved. Why believe him rather than the others? ESTRAGON Who believes him? VLADIMIR Everybody. It's the only version they know. ESTRAGON People are bloody ignorant apes. (He rises painfully, goes limping to extreme left, halts, gazes into distance off with his hand screening his eyes, turns, goes to extreme right, gazes into distance. Vladimir watches him, then goes and picks up the boot, peers into it, drops it hastily.) VLADIMIR Pah! (He spits. Estragon moves to center, halts with his back to auditorium.) ESTRAGON Charming spot. (He turns, advances to front, halts facing auditorium.) Inspiring prospects. (He turns to Vladimir.) Let's go. VLADIMIR We can't. ESTRAGON Why not? VLADIMIR We're waiting for Godot. ESTRAGON (despairingly). Ah! (Pause.) You're sure it was here? VLADIMIR What? ESTRAGON That we were to wait. VLADIMIR He said by the tree. (They look at the tree.) Do you see any others? ESTRAGON What is it? VLADIMIR I don't know. A willow. ESTRAGON Where are the leaves? VLADIMIR It must be dead. ESTRAGON No more weeping. VLADIMIR Or perhaps it's not the season. ESTRAGON Looks to me more like a bush. VLADIMIR A shrub. ESTRAGON A bush. VLADIMIR A—. What are you insinuating? That we've come to the wrong place? ESTRAGON He should be here. VLADIMIR He didn't say for sure he'd come. ESTRAGON And if he doesn't come? VLADIMIR We'll come back tomorrow. ESTRAGON And then the day after tomorrow. VLADIMIR Possibly. ESTRAGON And so on. VLADIMIR The point is— ESTRAGON Until he comes. VLADIMIR You're merciless. ESTRAGON We came here yesterday. VLADIMIR Ah no, there you're mistaken. ESTRAGON What did we do yesterday? VLADIMIR What did we do yesterday? ESTRAGON Yes. VLADIMIR Why . . . (Angrily.) Nothing is certain when you're about. ESTRAGON In my opinion we were here. VLADIMIR (looking round). You recognize the place? ESTRAGON I didn't say that. VLADIMIR Well? ESTRAGON That makes no difference. VLADIMIR All the same . . . that tree . . . (turning towards auditorium) that bog . . . ESTRAGON You're sure it was this evening? VLADIMIR What? ESTRAGON That we were to wait. VLADIMIR He said Saturday. (Pause.) I think. ESTRAGON You think. VLADIMIR I must have made a note of it. (He fumbles in his pockets, bursting with miscellaneous rubbish.) ESTRAGON (very insidious). But what Saturday? And is it Saturday? Is it not rather Sunday? (Pause.) Or Monday? (Pause.) Or Friday? VLADIMIR (looking wildly about him, as though the date was inscribed in the landscape). It's not possible! ESTRAGON Or Thursday? VLADIMIR What'll we do? ESTRAGON If he came yesterday and we weren't here you may be sure he won't come again today. VLADIMIR But you say we were here yesterday. ESTRAGON I may be mistaken. (Pause.) Let's stop talking for a minute, do you mind? VLADIMIR (feebly). All right. (Estragon sits down on the mound. Vladimir paces agitatedly to and fro, halting from time to time to gaze into distance off. Estragon falls asleep. Vladimir halts finally before Estragon.) Gogo! . . . Gogo! . . . GOGO! (Estragon wakes with a start.) ESTRAGON (restored to the horror of his situation). I was asleep! (Despairingly.) Why will you never let me sleep? VLADIMIR I felt lonely. ESTRAGON I had a dream. VLADIMIR Don't tell me! ESTRAGON I dreamt that— VLADIMIR DON'T TELL ME! ESTRAGON (gesture toward the universe). This one is enough for you? (Silence.) It's not nice of you, Didi. Who am I to tell my private nightmares to if I can't tell them to you? VLADIMIR Let them remain private. You know I can't bear that. ESTRAGON (coldly.) There are times when I wonder if it wouldn't be better for us to part. VLADIMIR You wouldn't go far. ESTRAGON That would be too bad, really too bad. (Pause.) Wouldn't it, Didi, be really too bad? (Pause.) When you think of the beauty of the way. (Pause.) And the goodness of the wayfarers. (Pause. Wheedling.) Wouldn't it, Didi? VLADIMIR Calm yourself. ESTRAGON (voluptuously.) Calm . . . calm . . . The English say cawm. (Pause.) You know the story of the Englishman in the brothel? VLADIMIR Yes. ESTRAGON Tell it to me. VLADIMIR Ah stop it! ESTRAGON An Englishman having drunk a little more than usual proceeds to a brothel. The bawd asks him if he wants a fair one, a dark one or a red-haired one. Go on. VLADIMIR STOP IT! (Exit Vladimir hurriedly. Estragon gets up and follows him as far as the limit of the stage. Gestures of Estragon like those of a spectator encouraging a pugilist. Enter Vladimir. He brushes past Estragon, crosses the stage with bowed head. Estragon takes a step towards him, halts.) ESTRAGON (gently.) You wanted to speak to me? (Silence. Estragon takes a step forward.) You had something to say to me? (Silence. Another step forward.) Didi . . . VLADIMIR (without turning). I've nothing to say to you. ESTRAGON (step forward). You're angry? (Silence. Step forward). Forgive me. (Silence. Step forward. Estragon lays his hand on Vladimir's shoulder.) Come, Didi. (Silence.) Give me your hand. (Vladimir half turns.) Embrace me! (Vladimir stiffens.) Don't be stubborn! (Vladimir softens. They embrace. Estragon recoils.) You stink of garlic! VLADIMIR It's for the kidneys. (Silence. Estragon looks attentively at the tree.) What do we do now? ESTRAGON Wait. VLADIMIR Yes, but while waiting. ESTRAGON What about hanging ourselves? VLADIMIR Hmm. It'd give us an erection. ESTRAGON (highly excited). An erection! VLADIMIR With all that follows. Where it falls mandrakes grow. That's why they shriek when you pull them up. Did you not know that? ESTRAGON Let's hang ourselves immediately! VLADIMIR From a bough? (They go towards the tree.) I wouldn't trust it. ESTRAGON We can always try. VLADIMIR Go ahead. ESTRAGON After you. VLADIMIR No no, you first. ESTRAGON Why me? VLADIMIR You're lighter than I am. ESTRAGON Just so! VLADIMIR I don't understand. ESTRAGON Use your intelligence, can't you? (Vladimir uses his intelligence.) VLADIMIR (finally). I remain in the dark. ESTRAGON This is how it is. (He reflects.) The bough . . . the bough . . . (Angrily.) Use your head, can't you? VLADIMIR You're my only hope. ESTRAGON (with effort). Gogo light—bough not break—Gogo dead. Didi heavy—bough break—Didi alone. Whereas— VLADIMIR I hadn't thought of that. ESTRAGON If it hangs you it'll hang anything. VLADIMIR But am I heavier than you? ESTRAGON So you tell me. I don't know. There's an even chance. Or nearly. VLADIMIR Well? What do we do? ESTRAGON Don't let's do anything. It's safer. VLADIMIR Let's wait and see what he says. ESTRAGON Who? VLADIMIR Godot. ESTRAGON Good idea. VLADIMIR Let's wait till we know exactly how we stand. ESTRAGON On the other hand it might be better to strike the iron before it freezes. VLADIMIR I'm curious to hear what he has to offer. Then we'll take it or leave it. ESTRAGON What exactly did we ask him for? VLADIMIR Were you not there? ESTRAGON I can't have been listening. VLADIMIR Oh . . . Nothing very definite. ESTRAGON A kind of prayer. VLADIMIR Precisely. ESTRAGON A vague supplication. VLADIMIR Exactly. ESTRAGON And what did he reply? VLADIMIR That he'd see. ESTRAGON That he couldn't promise anything. VLADIMIR That he'd have to think it over. ESTRAGON In the quiet of his home. VLADIMIR Consult his family. ESTRAGON His friends. VLADIMIR His agents. ESTRAGON His correspondents. VLADIMIR His books. ESTRAGON His bank account. VLADIMIR Before taking a decision. ESTRAGON It's the normal thing. VLADIMIR Is it not? ESTRAGON I think it is. VLADIMIR I think so too. (Silence.) ESTRAGON (anxious). And we? VLADIMIR I beg your pardon? ESTRAGON I said, And we? VLADIMIR I don't understand. ESTRAGON Where do we come in? VLADIMIR Come in? ESTRAGON Take your time. VLADIMIR Come in? On our hands and knees. ESTRAGON As bad as that? VLADIMIR Your Worship wishes to a**ert his prerogatives? ESTRAGON We've no rights any more? Laugh of Vladimir, stifled as before, less the smile. VLADIMIR You'd make me laugh if it wasn't prohibited. ESTRAGON We've lost our rights? VLADIMIR (distinctly). We got rid of them. Silence. They remain motionless, arms dangling, heads sunk, sagging at the knees. ESTRAGON (feebly). We're not tied? (Pause.) We're not— VLADIMIR Listen! They listen, grotesquely rigid. # ESTRAGON I hear nothing. VLADIMIR Hsst! (They listen. Estragon loses his balance, almost falls. He clutches the arm of Vladimir, who totters. They listen, huddled together.) Nor I. Sighs of relief. They relax and separate. ESTRAGON You gave me a fright. VLADIMIR I thought it was he. ESTRAGON Who? VLADIMIR Godot. ESTRAGON Pah! The wind in the reeds. VLADIMIR I could have sworn I heard shouts. ESTRAGON And why would he shout? VLADIMIR At his horse. Silence. ESTRAGON (violently). I'm hungry! VLADIMIR Do you want a carrot? ESTRAGON Is that all there is? VLADIMIR I might have some turnips. ESTRAGON Give me a carrot. (Vladimir rummages in his pockets, takes out a turnip and gives it to Estragon who takes a bite out of it. Angrily.) It's a turnip! VLADIMIR Oh pardon! I could have sworn it was a carrot. (He rummages again in his pockets, finds nothing but turnips.) All that's turnips. (He rummages.) You must have eaten the last. (He rummages.) Wait, I have it. (He brings out a carrot and gives it to Estragon.) There, dear fellow. # (Estragon wipes the carrot on his sleeve and begins to eat it.) Make it last, that's the end of them. ESTRAGON (chewing). I asked you a question. VLADIMIR Ah. ESTRAGON Did you reply? VLADIMIR How's the carrot? ESTRAGON It's a carrot. VLADIMIR So much the better, so much the better. (Pause.) What was it you wanted to know? ESTRAGON I've forgotten. (Chews.) That's what annoys me. (He looks at the carrot appreciatively, dangles it between finger and thumb.) I'll never forget this carrot. (He s**s the end of it meditatively.) Ah yes, now I remember. VLADIMIR Well? ESTRAGON (his mouth full, vacuously). We're not tied? VLADIMIR I don't hear a word you're saying. ESTRAGON (chews, swallows). I'm asking you if we're tied. VLADIMIR Tied? ESTRAGON Ti-ed. VLADIMIR How do you mean tied? ESTRAGON Down. VLADIMIR But to whom? By whom? ESTRAGON To your man. VLADIMIR To Godot? Tied to Godot! What an idea! No question of it. (Pause.) For the moment. ESTRAGON His name is Godot? VLADIMIR I think so. ESTRAGON Fancy that. (He raises what remains of the carrot by the stub of leaf, twirls it before his eyes.) Funny, the more you eat the worse it gets. VLADIMIR With me it's just the opposite. ESTRAGON In other words? VLADIMIR I get used to the muck as I go along. ESTRAGON (after prolonged reflection). Is that the opposite? VLADIMIR Question of temperament. ESTRAGON Of character. VLADIMIR Nothing you can do about it. ESTRAGON No use struggling. VLADIMIR One is what one is. ESTRAGON No use wriggling. VLADIMIR The essential doesn't change. ESTRAGON Nothing to be done. (He proffers the remains of the carrot to Vladimir.) Like to finish it? A terrible cry, close at hand. Estragon drops the carrot. They remain motionless, then together make a sudden rush towards the wings. Estragon stops halfway, runs back, picks up the carrot, stuffs it in his pocket, runs to rejoin Vladimir who is waiting for him, stops again, runs back, picks up his boot, runs to rejoin Vladimir. Huddled together, shoulders hunched, cringing away from the menace, they wait. Enter Pozzo and Lucky. Pozzo drives Lucky by means of a rope pa**ed round his neck, so that Lucky is the first to enter, followed by the rope which is long enough to let him reach the middle of the stage before Pozzo appears. Lucky carries a heavy bag, a folding stool, a picnic basket and a greatcoat, Pozzo a whip. POZZO (off). On! (Crack of whip. Pozzo appears. They cross the stage. Lucky pa**es before Vladimir and Estragon and exit. Pozzo at the sight of Vladimir and Estragon stops short. The rope tautens. Pozzo jerks at it violently.) Back! Noise of Lucky falling with all his baggage. Vladimir and Estragon turn towards him, half wishing half fearing to go to his a**istance. Vladimir takes a step towards Lucky, Estragon holds him back by the sleeve. VLADIMIR Let me go! ESTRAGON Stay where you are! POZZO Be careful! He's wicked. (Vladimir and Estragon turn towards Pozzo.) With strangers. ESTRAGON (undertone). Is that him? VLADIMIR Who? ESTRAGON (trying to remember the name). Er . . . VLADIMIR Godot? ESTRAGON Yes. POZZO I present myself: Pozzo. VLADIMIR (to Estragon). Not at all! ESTRAGON He said Godot. VLADIMIR Not at all! ESTRAGON (timidly, to Pozzo). You're not Mr. Godot, Sir? POZZO (terrifying voice). I am Pozzo! (Silence.) Pozzo! (Silence.) Does that name mean nothing to you? (Silence.) I say does that name mean nothing to you? Vladimir and Estragon look at each other questioningly. ESTRAGON (pretending to search). Bozzo . . . Bozzo . . . VLADIMIR (ditto). Pozzo . . . Pozzo . . . POZZO PPPOZZZO! ESTRAGON Ah! Pozzo . . . let me see . . . Pozzo . . . VLADIMIR Is it Pozzo or Bozzo? ESTRAGON Pozzo . . . no . . . I'm afraid I . . . no . . . I don't seem to . . . Pozzo advances threateningly. VLADIMIR (conciliating). I once knew a family called Gozzo. The mother had the clap. ESTRAGON (hastily). We're not from these parts, Sir. POZZO (halting). You are human beings none the less. (He puts on his gla**es.) As far as one can see. (He takes off his gla**es.) Of the same species as myself. (He bursts into an enormous laugh.) Of the same species as Pozzo! Made in God's image! VLADIMIR Well you see— POZZO (peremptory). Who is Godot? ESTRAGON Godot? POZZO You took me for Godot. VLADIMIR Oh no, Sir, not for an instant, Sir. POZZO Who is he? VLADIMIR Oh he's a . . . he's a kind of acquaintance. ESTRAGON Nothing of the kind, we hardly know him. VLADIMIR True . . . we don't know him very well . . . but all the same . . . ESTRAGON Personally, I wouldn't even know him if I saw him. POZZO You took me for him. ESTRAGON (recoiling before Pozzo). That's to say . . . you understand . . . the dusk . . . the strain . . . waiting . . . I confess . . . I imagined . . . for a second . . . POZZO Waiting? So you were waiting for him? VLADIMIR Well you see— POZZO Here? On my land? VLADIMIR We didn't intend any harm. ESTRAGON We meant well. POZZO The road is free to all. VLADIMIR That's how we looked at it. POZZO It's a disgrace. But there you are. ESTRAGON Nothing we can do about it. POZZO (with magnanimous gesture). Let's say no more about it. (He jerks the rope.) Up pig! (Pause.) Every time he drops he falls asleep. (Jerks the rope.) Up hog! (Noise of Lucky getting up and picking up his baggage. Pozzo jerks the rope.) Back! (Enter Lucky backwards.) Stop! (Lucky stops.) Turn! (Lucky turns. To Vladimir and Estragon, affably.) Gentlemen, I am happy to have met you. (Before their incredulous expression.) Yes yes, sincerely happy. (He jerks the rope.) Closer! (Lucky advances.) Stop! (Lucky stops.) Yes, the road seems long when one journeys all alone for . . . (he consults his watch) . . . yes . . . (he calculates) . . . yes, six hours, that's right, six hours on end, and never a soul in sight. (To Lucky.) Coat! (Lucky puts down the bag, advances, gives the coat, goes back to his place, takes up the bag.) Hold that! (Pozzo holds out the whip. Lucky advances and, both his hands being occupied, takes the whip in his mouth, then goes back to his place. Pozzo begins to put on his coat, stops.) Coat! (Lucky puts down the bag, basket and stool, helps Pozzo on with his coat, goes back to his place and takes up bag, basket and stool.) Touch of autumn in the air this evening. (Pozzo finishes bu*toning up his coat, stoops, inspects himself, straightens up.) Whip! (Lucky advances, stoops, Pozzo snatches the whip from his mouth, Lucky goes back to his place.) Yes, gentlemen, I cannot go for long without the society of my likes (he puts on his gla**es and looks at the two likes) even when the likeness is an imperfect one. (He takes off his gla**es.) Stool! (Lucky puts down bag and basket, advances, opens stool, puts it down, goes back to his place, takes up bag and basket.) Closer! (Lucky puts down bag and basket, advances, moves stool, goes back to his place, takes up bag and basket. Pozzo sits down, places the bu*t of his whip against Lucky's chest and pushes.) Back! (Lucky takes a step back.) Further! (Lucky takes another step back.) Stop! (Lucky stops. To Vladimir and Estragon.) That is why, with your permission, I propose to dally with you a moment, before I venture any further. Basket! (Lucky advances, gives the basket, goes back to his place.) The fresh air stimulates the jaded appetite. (He opens the basket, takes out a piece of chicken and a bottle of wine.) Basket! (Lucky advances, picks up the basket and goes back to his place.) Further! (Lucky takes a step back.) He stinks. Happy days! He drinks from the bottle, puts it down and begins to eat. Silence. # Vladimir and Estragon, cautiously at first, then more boldly, begin to circle about Lucky, inspecting him up and down. Pozzo eats his chicken voraciously, throwing away the bones after having s**ed them. Lucky sags slowly, until bag and basket touch the ground, then straightens up with a start and begins to sag again. Rhythm of one sleeping on his feet. ESTRAGON What ails him? VLADIMIR He looks tired. ESTRAGON Why doesn't he put down his bags? VLADIMIR How do I know? (They close in on him.) Careful! ESTRAGON Say something to him. VLADIMIR Look! ESTRAGON What? VLADIMIR (pointing). His neck! ESTRAGON (looking at the neck). I see nothing. VLADIMIR Here. Estragon goes over beside Vladimir. ESTRAGON Oh I say! VLADIMIR A running sore! ESTRAGON It's the rope. VLADIMIR It's the rubbing. ESTRAGON It's inevitable. VLADIMIR It's the knot. ESTRAGON It's the chafing. They resume their inspection, dwell on the face. VLADIMIR (grudgingly). He's not bad looking. ESTRAGON (shrugging his shoulders, wry face.) Would you say so? VLADIMIR A trifle effeminate. ESTRAGON Look at the slobber. VLADIMIR It's inevitable. ESTRAGON Look at the slaver. VLADIMIR Perhaps he's a halfwit. ESTRAGON A cretin. VLADIMIR (looking closer). Looks like a goiter. ESTRAGON (ditto). It's not certain. VLADIMIR He's panting. ESTRAGON It's inevitable. VLADIMIR And his eyes! ESTRAGON What about them? VLADIMIR Goggling out of his head. # ESTRAGON Looks like his last gasp to me. VLADIMIR It's not certain. (Pause.) Ask him a question. ESTRAGON Would that be a good thing? VLADIMIR What do we risk? ESTRAGON (timidly). Mister . . . VLADIMIR Louder. ESTRAGON (louder). Mister . . . POZZO Leave him in peace! (They turn toward Pozzo who, having finished eating, wipes his mouth with the back of his hand.) Can't you see he wants to rest? Basket! (He strikes a match and begins to light his pipe. Estragon sees the chicken bones on the ground and stares at them greedily. As Lucky does not move Pozzo throws the match angrily away and jerks the rope.) Basket! (Lucky starts, almost falls, recovers his senses, advances, puts the bottle in the basket and goes back to his place. Estragon stares at the bones. Pozzo strikes another match and lights his pipe.) What can you expect, it's not his job. (He pulls at his pipe, stretches out his legs.) Ah! That's better. ESTRAGON (timidly). Please Sir . . . POZZO What is it, my good man? ESTRAGON Er . . . you've finished with the . . . er . . . you don't need the . . . er . . . bones, Sir? VLADIMIR (scandalized). You couldn't have waited? POZZO No no, he does well to ask. Do I need the bones? (He turns them over with the end of his whip.) No, personally I do not need them any more. (Estragon takes a step towards the bones.) But . . . (Estragon stops short) . . . but in theory the bones go to the carrier. He is therefore the one to ask. (Estragon turns towards Lucky, hesitates.) Go on, go on, don't be afraid, ask him, he'll tell you. Estragon goes towards Lucky, stops before him. ESTRAGON Mister . . . excuse me, Mister . . . POZZO You're being spoken to, pig! Reply! (To Estragon.) Try him again. ESTRAGON Excuse me, Mister, the bones, you won't be wanting the bones? Lucky looks long at Estragon. POZZO (in raptures). Mister! (Lucky bows his head.) Reply! Do you want them or don't you? (Silence of Lucky. To Estragon.) They're yours. (Estragon makes a dart at the bones, picks them up and begins to gnaw them.) I don't like it. I've never known him to refuse a bone before. (He looks anxiously at Lucky.) Nice business it'd be if he fell sick on me! He puffs at his pipe. VLADIMIR (exploding). It's a scandal! Silence. Flabbergasted, Estragon stops gnawing, looks at Pozzo and Vladimir in turn. Pozzo outwardly calm. Vladimir embarra**ed. POZZO (To Vladimir). Are you alluding to anything in particular? VLADIMIR (stutteringly resolute). To treat a man . . . (gesture towards Lucky) . . . like that . . . I think that . . . no . . . a human being . . . no . . . it's a scandal! ESTRAGON (not to be outdone). A disgrace! He resumes his gnawing. POZZO You are severe. (To Vladimir.) What age are you, if it's not a rude question? (Silence.) Sixty? Seventy? (To Estragon.) What age would you say he was? ESTRAGON Eleven. POZZO I am impertinent. (He knocks out his pipe against the whip, gets up.) I must be getting on. Thank you for your society. (He reflects.) Unless I smoke another pipe before I go. What do you say? (They say nothing.) Oh I'm only a small smoker, a very small smoker, I'm not in the habit of smoking two pipes one on top of the other, it makes (hand to heart, sighing) my heart go pit-a-pat. (Silence.) It's the nicotine, one absorbs it in spite of one's precautions. (Sighs.) You know how it is. (Silence.) But perhaps you don't smoke? Yes? No? It's of no importance. (Silence.) But how am I to sit down now, without affectation, now that I have risen? Without appearing to –how shall I say– without appearing to falter. (To Vladimir.) I beg your pardon? (Silence.) Perhaps you didn't speak? (Silence.) It's of no importance. Let me see . . . He reflects. ESTRAGON Ah! That's better. He puts the bones in his pocket. VLADIMIR Let's go. ESTRAGON So soon? POZZO One moment! (He jerks the rope.) Stool! (He points with his whip. Lucky moves the stool.) More! There! (He sits down. Lucky goes back to his place.) Done it! He fills his pipe. VLADIMIR (vehemently). Let's go! POZZO I hope I'm not driving you away. Wait a little longer, you'll never regret it. ESTRAGON (scenting charity). We're in no hurry. POZZO (having lit his pipe). The second is never so sweet . . . (he takes the pipe out of his mouth, contemplates it) . . . as the first I mean. (He puts the pipe back in his mouth.) But it's sweet just the same. VLADIMIR I'm going. POZZO He can no longer endure my presence. I am perhaps not particularly human, but who cares? (To Vladimir.) Think twice before you do anything rash. Suppose you go now while it is still day, for there is no denying it is still day. (They all look up at the sky.) Good. (They stop looking at the sky.) What happens in that case– (he takes the pipe out of his mouth, examines it) –I'm out– (he relights his pipe) –in that case– (puff) –in that case– (puff) –what happens in that case to your appointment with this . . . Godet . . . Godot . . . Godin . . . anyhow you see who I mean, who has your future in his hands . . . (pause) . . . at least your immediate future? VLADIMIR Who told you? POZZO He speaks to me again! If this goes on much longer we'll soon be old friends. ESTRAGON Why doesn't he put down his bags? POZZO I too would be happy to meet him. The more people I meet the happier I become. From the meanest creature one departs wiser, richer, more conscious of one's blessings. Even you . . . (he looks at them ostentatiously in turn to make it clear they are both meant) . . . even you, who knows, will have added to my store. ESTRAGON Why doesn't he put down his bags? POZZO But that would surprise me. VLADIMIR You're being asked a question. POZZO (delighted). A question! Who? What? A moment ago you were calling me Sir, in fear and trembling. Now you're asking me questions. No good will come of this! VLADIMIR (to Estragon). I think he's listening. ESTRAGON (circling about Lucky). What? VLADIMIR You can ask him now. He's on the alert. ESTRAGON Ask him what? VLADIMIR Why he doesn't put down his bags. ESTRAGON I wonder. VLADIMIR Ask him, can't you? POZZO (who has followed these exchanges with anxious attention, fearing lest the question get lost). You want to know why he doesn't put down his bags, as you call them. VLADIMIR That's it. POZZO (to Estragon). You are sure you agree with that? ESTRAGON He's puffing like a grampus. POZZO The answer is this. (To Estragon). But stay still, I beg of you, you're making me nervous! VLADIMIR Here. ESTRAGON What is it? VLADIMIR He's about to speak. Estragon goes over beside Vladimir. Motionless, side by side, they wait. POZZO Good. Is everybody ready? Is everybody looking at me? (He looks at Lucky, jerks the rope. Lucky raises his head.) Will you look at me, pig! (Lucky looks at him.) Good. (He puts the pipe in his pocket, takes out a little vaporizer and sprays his throat, puts back the vaporizer in his pocket, clears his throat, spits, takes out the vaporizer again, sprays his throat again, puts back the vaporizer in his pocket.) I am ready. Is everybody listening? Is everybody ready? (He looks at them all in turn, jerks the rope.) Hog! (Lucky raises his head.) I don't like talking in a vacuum. Good. Let me see. He reflects. ESTRAGON I'm going. POZZO What was it exactly you wanted to know? VLADIMIR Why he— POZZO (angrily). Don't interrupt me! (Pause. Calmer.) If we all speak at once we'll never get anywhere. (Pause.) What was I saying? (Pause. Louder.) What was I saying? Vladimir mimics one carrying a heavy burden. Pozzo looks at him, puzzled. ESTRAGON (forcibly). Bags. (He points at Lucky.) Why? Always hold. (He sags, panting.) Never put down. (He opens his hands, straightens up with relief.) Why? POZZO Ah! Why couldn't you say so before? Why he doesn't make himself comfortable? Let's try and get this clear. Has he not the right to? Certainly he has. It follows that he doesn't want to. There's reasoning for you. And why doesn't he want to? (Pause.) Gentlemen, the reason is this. VLADIMIR (to Estragon). Make a note of this. POZZO He wants to impress me, so that I'll keep him. ESTRAGON What? POZZO Perhaps I haven't got it quite right. He wants to mollify me, so that I'll give up the idea of parting with him. No, that's not exactly it either. VLADIMIR You want to get rid of him? POZZO He wants to cod me, but he won't. VLADIMIR You want to get rid of him? POZZO He imagines that when I see how well he carries I'll be tempted to keep him on in that capacity. ESTRAGON You've had enough of him? POZZO In reality he carries like a pig. It's not his job. VLADIMIR You want to get rid of him? POZZO He imagines that when I see him indefatigable I'll regret my decision. Such is his miserable scheme. As though I were short of slaves! (All three look at Lucky.) Atlas, son of Jupiter! (Silence.) Well, that's that, I think. Anything else? Vaporizer. VLADIMIR You want to get rid of him? POZZO Remark that I might just as well have been in his shoes and he in mine. If chance had not willed otherwise. To each one his due. VLADIMIR You waagerrim? POZZO I beg your pardon? VLADIMIR You want to get rid of him? POZZO I do. But instead of driving him away as I might have done, I mean instead of simply kicking him out on his arse, in the goodness of my heart I am bringing him to the fair, where I hope to get a good price for him. The truth is you can't drive such creatures away. The best thing would be to k** them. Lucky weeps. ESTRAGON He's crying! POZZO Old dogs have more dignity. (He proffers his handkerchief to Estragon.) Comfort him, since you pity him. (Estragon hesitates.) Come on. (Estragon takes the handkerchief.) Wipe away his tears, he'll feel less forsaken. Estragon hesitates. VLADIMIR Here, give it to me, I'll do it. Estragon refuses to give the handkerchief. Childish gestures. POZZO Make haste, before he stops. (Estragon approaches Lucky and makes to wipe his eyes. Lucky kicks him violently in the shins. Estragon drops the handkerchief, recoils, staggers about the stage howling with pain.) Hanky! Lucky puts down bag and basket, picks up handkerchief and gives it to Pozzo, goes back to his place, picks up bag and basket. ESTRAGON Oh the swine! (He pulls up the leg of his trousers.) He's crippled me! POZZO I told you he didn't like strangers. VLADIMIR (to Estragon). Show me. (Estragon shows his leg. To Pozzo, angrily.) He's bleeding! POZZO It's a good sign. ESTRAGON (on one leg). I'll never walk again! VLADIMIR (tenderly). I'll carry you. (Pause.) If necessary. POZZO He's stopped crying. (To Estragon.) You have replaced him as it were. (Lyrically.) The tears of the world are a constant quantity. For each one who begins to weep, somewhere else another stops. The same is true of the laugh. (He laughs.) Let us not then speak ill of our generation, it is not any unhappier than its predecessors. (Pause.) Let us not speak well of it either. (Pause.) Let us not speak of it at all. (Pause. Judiciously.) It is true the population has increased. VLADIMIR Try and walk. Estragon takes a few limping steps, stops before Lucky and spits on him, then goes and sits down on the mound. POZZO Guess who taught me all these beautiful things. (Pause. Pointing to Lucky.) My Lucky! VLADIMIR (looking at the sky.) Will night never come? POZZO But for him all my thoughts, all my feelings, would have been of common things. (Pause. With extraordinary vehemence.) Professional worries! (Calmer.) Beauty, grace, truth of the first water, I knew they were all beyond me. So I took a knook. VLADIMIR (startled from his inspection of the sky). A knook? POZZO That was nearly sixty years ago . . . (he consults his watch) . . . yes, nearly sixty. (Drawing himself up proudly.) You wouldn't think it to look at me, would you? Compared to him I look like a young man, no? (Pause.) Hat! (Lucky puts down the basket and takes off his hat. His long white hair falls about his face. He puts his hat under his arm and picks up the basket.) Now look. (Pozzo takes off his hat. [All four wear bowlers.] He is completely bald. He puts on his hat again.) Did you see? VLADIMIR And now you turn him away? Such an old and faithful servant! ESTRAGON Swine! Pozzo more and more agitated. VLADIMIR After having s**ed all the good out of him you chuck him away like a . . . like a banana skin. Really . . . POZZO (groaning, clutching his head). I can't bear it . . . any longer . . . the way he goes on . . . you've no idea . . . it's terrible . . . he must go . . . (he waves his arms) . . . I'm going mad . . . (he collapses, his head in his hands) . . . I can't bear it . . . any longer . . . Silence. All look at Pozzo. VLADIMIR He can't bear it. ESTRAGON Any longer. VLADIMIR He's going mad. ESTRAGON It's terrible. VLADIMIR (to Lucky). How dare you! It's abominable! Such a good master! Crucify him like that! After so many years! Really! POZZO (sobbing). He used to be so kind . . . so helpful . . . and entertaining . . . my good angel . . . and now . . . he's k**ing me. ESTRAGON ( to Vladimir). Does he want to replace him? VLADIMIR What? ESTRAGON Does he want someone to take his place or not? VLADIMIR I don't think so. ESTRAGON What? VLADIMIR I don't know. ESTRAGON Ask him. POZZO (calmer). Gentlemen, I don't know what came over me. Forgive me. Forget all I said. (More and more his old self.) I don't remember exactly what it was, but you may be sure there wasn't a word of truth in it. (Drawing himself up, striking his chest.) Do I look like a man that can be made to suffer? Frankly? (He rummages in his pockets.) What have I done with my pipe? VLADIMIR Charming evening we're having. ESTRAGON Unforgettable. VLADIMIR And it's not over. ESTRAGON Apparently not. VLADIMIR It's only beginning. ESTRAGON It's awful. VLADIMIR Worse than the pantomime. ESTRAGON The circus. VLADIMIR The music-hall. ESTRAGON The circus. POZZO What can I have done with that briar? ESTRAGON He's a scream. He's lost his dudeen. Laughs noisily. VLADIMIR I'll be back. He hastens towards the wings. ESTRAGON End of the corridor, on the left. VLADIMIR Keep my seat. Exit Vladimir. POZZO (on the point of tears). I've lost my Kapp and Peterson! ESTRAGON (convulsed with merriment). He'll be the d**h of me! POZZO You didn't see by any chance– (He misses Vladimir.) Oh! He's gone! Without saying goodbye! How could he! He might have waited! ESTRAGON He would have burst. POZZO Oh! (Pause.) Oh well then of course in that case . . . ESTRAGON Come here. POZZO What for? ESTRAGON You'll see. POZZO You want me to get up? ESTRAGON Quick! (Pozzo gets up and goes over beside Estragon. Estragon points off.) Look! POZZO (having put on his gla**es). Oh I say! ESTRAGON It's all over. Enter Vladimir, somber. He shoulders Lucky out of his way, kicks over the stool, comes and goes agitatedly. POZZO He's not pleased. ESTRAGON (to Vladimir). You missed a treat. Pity. Vladimir halts, straightens the stool, comes and goes, calmer. POZZO He subsides. (Looking round.) Indeed all subsides. A great calm descends. (Raising his hand.) Listen! Pan sleeps. VLADIMIR Will night never come? All three look at the sky. POZZO You don't feel like going until it does? ESTRAGON Well you see— POZZO Why it's very natural, very natural. I myself in your situation, if I had an appointment with a Godin . . . Godet . . . Godot . . . anyhow, you see who I mean, I'd wait till it was black night before I gave up. (He looks at the stool.) I'd very much like to sit down, but I don't quite know how to go about it. ESTRAGON Could I be of any help? POZZO If you asked me perhaps. ESTRAGON What? POZZO If you asked me to sit down. ESTRAGON Would that be a help? POZZO I fancy so. ESTRAGON Here we go. Be seated, Sir, I beg of you. POZZO No no, I wouldn't think of it! (Pause. Aside.) Ask me again. ESTRAGON Come come, take a seat I beseech you, you'll get pneumonia. POZZO You really think so? ESTRAGON Why it's absolutely certain. POZZO No doubt you are right. (He sits down.) Done it again! (Pause.) Thank you, dear fellow. (He consults his watch.) But I must really be getting along, if I am to observe my schedule. VLADIMIR Time has stopped. POZZO (cuddling his watch to his ear). Don't you believe it, Sir, don't you believe it. (He puts his watch back in his pocket.) Whatever you like, but not that. ESTRAGON (to Pozzo). Everything seems black to him today. POZZO Except the firmament. (He laughs, pleased with this witticism.) But I see what it is, you are not from these parts, you don't know what our twilights can do. Shall I tell you? (Silence. Estragon is fiddling with his boot again, Vladimir with his hat.) I can't refuse you. (Vaporizer.) A little attention, if you please. (Vladimir and Estragon continue their fiddling, Lucky is half asleep. Pozzo cracks his whip feebly.) What's the matter with this whip? (He gets up and cracks it more vigorously, finally with success. Lucky jumps. Vladimir's hat, Estragon's boot, Lucky's hat, fall to the ground. Pozzo throws down the whip.) Worn out, this whip. (He looks at Vladimir and Estragon.) What was I saying? VLADIMIR Let's go. ESTRAGON But take the weight off your feet, I implore you, you'll catch your d**h. POZZO True. (He sits down. To Estragon.) What is your name? ESTRAGON Adam. POZZO (who hasn't listened). Ah yes! The night. (He raises his head.) But be a little more attentive, for pity's sake, otherwise we'll never get anywhere. (He looks at the sky.) Look! (All look at the sky except Lucky who is dozing off again. Pozzo jerks the rope.) Will you look at the sky, pig! (Lucky looks at the sky.) Good, that's enough. (They stop looking at the sky.) What is there so extraordinary about it? Qua sky. It is pale and luminous like any sky at this hour of the day. (Pause.) In these latitudes. (Pause.) When the weather is fine. (Lyrical.) An hour ago (he looks at his watch, prosaic) roughly (lyrical) after having poured forth even since (he hesitates, prosaic) say ten o'clock in the morning (lyrical) tirelessly torrents of red and white light it begins to lose its effulgence, to grow pale (gesture of the two hands lapsing by stages) pale, ever a little paler, a little paler until (dramatic pause, ample gesture of the two hands flung wide apart) pppfff! finished! it comes to rest. But– (hand raised in admonition)– but behind this veil of gentleness and peace, night is charging (vibrantly) and will burst upon us (snaps his fingers) pop! like that! (his inspiration leaves him) just when we least expect it. (Silence. Gloomily.) That's how it is on this b**h of an earth. Long silence. ESTRAGON So long as one knows. VLADIMIR One can bide one's time. ESTRAGON One knows what to expect. VLADIMIR No further need to worry. ESTRAGON Simply wait. VLADIMIR We're used to it. He picks up his hat, peers inside it, shakes it, puts it on. POZZO How did you find me? (Vladimir and Estragon look at him blankly.) Good? Fair? Middling? Poor? Positively bad? VLADIMIR (first to understand). Oh very good, very very good. POZZO (to Estragon). And you, Sir? ESTRAGON Oh tray bong, tray tray tray bong. POZZO (fervently). Bless you, gentlemen, bless you! (Pause.) I have such need of encouragement! (Pause.) I weakened a little towards the end, you didn't notice? VLADIMIR Oh perhaps just a teeny weeny little bit. ESTRAGON I thought it was intentional. POZZO You see my memory is defective. Silence. ESTRAGON In the meantime, nothing happens. POZZO You find it tedious? ESTRAGON Somewhat. POZZO (to Vladimir). And you, Sir? VLADIMIR I've been better entertained. Silence. Pozzo struggles inwardly. POZZO Gentlemen, you have been . . . civil to me. ESTRAGON Not at all! VLADIMIR What an idea! POZZO Yes yes, you have been correct. So that I ask myself is there anything I can do in my turn for these honest fellows who are having such a dull, dull time. ESTRAGON Even ten francs would be a help. VLADIMIR We are not beggars! POZZO Is there anything I can do, that's what I ask myself, to cheer them up? I have given them bones, I have talked to them about this and that, I have explained the twilight, admittedly. But is it enough, that's what tortures me, is it enough? ESTRAGON Even five. VLADIMIR (to Estragon, indignantly). That's enough! ESTRAGON I couldn't accept less. POZZO Is is enough? No doubt. But I am liberal. It's my nature. This evening. So much the worse for me. (He jerks the rope. Lucky looks at him.) For I shall suffer, no doubt about that. (He picks up the whip.) What do you prefer? Shall we have him dance, or sing, or recite, or think, or— ESTRAGON Who? POZZO Who! You know how to think, you two? VLADIMIR He thinks? POZZO Certainly. Aloud. He even used to think very prettily once, I could listen to him for hours. Now . . . (he shudders). So much the worse for me. Well, would you like him to think something for us? ESTRAGON I'd rather he dance, it'd be more fun. POZZO Not necessarily. ESTRAGON Wouldn't it, Didi, be more fun? VLADIMIR I'd like well to hear him think. ESTRAGON Perhaps he could dance first and think afterwards, if it isn't too much to ask him. VLADIMIR (to Pozzo). Would that be possible? POZZO By all means, nothing simpler. It's the natural order. He laughs briefly. VLADIMIR Then let him dance. Silence. POZZO Do you hear, hog? ESTRAGON He never refuses? POZZO He refused once. (Silence.) Dance, misery! Lucky puts down bag and basket, advances towards front, turns to Pozzo. Lucky dances. He stops. ESTRAGON Is that all? POZZO Encore! Lucky executes the same movements, stops. ESTRAGON Pooh! I'd do as well myself. (He imitates Lucky, almost falls.) With a little practice. POZZO He used to dance the farandole, the fling, the brawl, the jig, the fandango and even the hornpipe. He capered. For joy. Now that's the best he can do. Do you know what he calls it? ESTRAGON The Scapegoat's Agony. VLADIMIR The Hard Stool. POZZO The Net. He thinks he's entangled in a net. VLADIMIR (squirming like an aesthete). There's something about it . . . Lucky makes to return to his burdens. POZZO Woaa! Lucky stiffens. ESTRAGON Tell us about the time he refused. POZZO With pleasure, with pleasure. (He fumbles in his pockets.) Wait. (He fumbles.) What have I done with my spray? (He fumbles.) Well now isn't that . . . (He looks up, consternation on his features. Faintly.) I can't find my pulverizer! ESTRAGON (faintly). My left lung is very weak! (He coughs feebly. In ringing tones.) But my right lung is as sound as a bell! POZZO (normal voice). No matter! What was I saying. (He ponders.) Wait. (Ponders.) Well now isn't that . . . (He raises his head.) Help me! ESTRAGON Wait! VLADIMIR Wait! POZZO Wait! All three take off their hats simultaneously, press their hands to their foreheads, concentrate. ESTRAGON (triumphantly). Ah! VLADIMIR He has it. POZZO (impatient). Well? ESTRAGON Why doesn't he put down his bags? VLADIMIR Rubbish! POZZO Are you sure? VLADIMIR Damn it haven't you already told us? POZZO I've already told you? ESTRAGON He's already told us? VLADIMIR Anyway he has put them down. ESTRAGON (glance at Lucky). So he has. And what of it? VLADIMIR Since he has put down his bags it is impossible we should have asked why he does not do so. POZZO Stoutly reasoned! ESTRAGON And why has he put them down? POZZO Answer us that. VLADIMIR In order to dance. ESTRAGON True! POZZO True! Silence. They put on their hats. ESTRAGON Nothing happens, nobody comes, nobody goes, it's awful! VLADIMIR (to Pozzo). Tell him to think. POZZO Give him his hat. VLADIMIR His hat? POZZO He can't think without his hat. VLADIMIR (to Estragon). Give him his hat. ESTRAGON Me! After what he did to me! Never! VLADIMIR I'll give it to him. He does not move. ESTRAGON (to Pozzo). Tell him to go and fetch it. POZZO It's better to give it to him. VLADIMIR I'll give it to him. He picks up the hat and tenders it at arm's length to Lucky, who does not move. POZZO You must put it on his head. ESTRAGON (to Pozzo). Tell him to take it. POZZO It's better to put it on his head. VLADIMIR I'll put it on his head. He goes round behind Lucky, approaches him cautiously, puts the hat on his head and recoils smartly. Lucky does not move. Silence. ESTRAGON What's he waiting for? POZZO Stand back! (Vladimir and Estragon move away from Lucky. Pozzo jerks the rope. Lucky looks at Pozzo.) Think, pig! (Pause. Lucky begins to dance.) Stop! (Lucky stops.) Forward! (Lucky advances.) Stop! (Lucky stops.) Think! Silence. LUCKY: On the other hand with regard to— POZZO Stop! (Lucky stops.) Back! (Lucky moves back.) Stop! (Lucky stops.) Turn! (Lucky turns towards auditorium.) Think! During Lucky's tirade the others react as follows. 1) Vladimir and Estragon all attention, Pozzo dejected and disgusted. 2) Vladimir and Estragon begin to protest, Pozzo's sufferings increase. 3) Vladimir and Estragon attentive again, Pozzo more and more agitated and groaning. 4) Vladimir and Estragon protest violently. Pozzo jumps up, pulls on the rope. General outcry. Lucky pulls on the rope, staggers, shouts his text. All three throw themselves on Lucky who struggles and shouts his text. LUCKY: Given the existence as uttered forth in the public works of Puncher and Wattmann of a personal God quaquaquaqua with white beard quaquaquaqua outside time without extension who from the heights of divine apathia divine athambia divine aphasia loves us dearly with some exceptions for reasons unknown but time will tell and suffers like the divine Miranda with those who for reasons unknown but time will tell are plunged in torment plunged in fire whose fire flames if that continues and who can doubt it will fire the firmament that is to say blast hell to heaven so blue still and calm so calm with a calm which even though intermittent is better than nothing but not so fast and considering what is more that as a result of the labors left unfinished crowned by the Acacacacademy of Anthropopopometry of Essy-in-Possy of Testew and Cunard it is established beyond all doubt all other doubt than that which clings to the labors of men that as a result of the labors unfinished of Testew and Cunnard it is established as hereinafter but not so fast for reasons unknown that as a result of the public works of Puncher and Wattmann it is established beyond all doubt that in view of the labors of Fartov and Belcher left unfinished for reasons unknown of Testew and Cunard left unfinished it is established what many deny that man in Possy of Testew and Cunard that man in Essy that man in short that man in brief in spite of the strides of alimentation and defecation wastes and pines wastes and pines and concurrently simultaneously what is more for reasons unknown in spite of the strides of physical culture the practice of sports such as tennis football running cycling swimming flying floating riding gliding conating camogie skating tennis of all kinds dying flying sports of all sorts autumn summer winter winter tennis of all kinds hockey of all sorts penicillin and succedanea in a word I resume flying gliding golf over nine and eighteen holes tennis of all sorts in a word for reasons unknown in Feckham Peckham Fulham Clapham namely concurrently simultaneously what is more for reasons unknown but time will tell fades away I resume Fulham Clapham in a word the dead loss per head since the d**h of Bishop Berkeley being to the tune of one inch four ounce per head approximately by and large more or less to the nearest decimal good measure round figures stark naked in the stockinged feet in Connemara in a word for reasons unknown no matter what matter the facts are there and considering what is more much more grave that in the light of the labors lost of Steinweg and Peterman it appears what is more much more grave that in the light the light the light of the labors lost of Steinweg and Peterman that in the plains in the mountains by the seas by the rivers running water running fire the air is the same and then the earth namely the air and then the earth in the great cold the great dark the air and the earth abode of stones in the great cold alas alas in the year of their Lord six hundred and something the air the earth the sea the earth abode of stones in the great deeps the great cold on sea on land and in the air I resume for reasons unknown in spite of the tennis the facts are there but time will tell I resume alas alas on on in short in fine on on abode of stones who can doubt it I resume but not so fast I resume the skull fading fading fading and concurrently simultaneously what is more for reasons unknown in spite of the tennis on on the beard the flames the tears the stones so blue so calm alas alas on on the skull the skull the skull the skull in Connemara in spite of the tennis the labors abandoned left unfinished graver still abode of stones in a word I resume alas alas abandoned unfinished the skull the skull in Connemara in spite of the tennis the skull alas the stones Cunard (mêlée, final vociferations) # Image from timil.com . . . tennis . . . the stones . . . so calm . . . Cunard . . . unfinished . . . POZZO His hat! Vladimir seizes Lucky's hat. Silence of Lucky. He falls. Silence. Panting of the victors. ESTRAGON Avenged! Vladimir examines the hat, peers inside it. POZZO Give me that! (He snatches the hat from Vladimir, throws it on the ground, tramples on it.) There's an end to his thinking! VLADIMIR But will he be able to walk? POZZO Walk or crawl! (He kicks Lucky.) Up pig! ESTRAGON Perhaps he's dead. VLADIMIR You'll k** him. POZZO Up scum! (He jerks the rope.) Help me! VLADIMIR How? POZZO Raise him up! Vladimir and Estragon hoist Lucky to his feet, support him an instant, then let him go. He falls. ESTRAGON He's doing it on purpose! POZZO You must hold him. (Pause.) Come on, come on, raise him up. ESTRAGON To hell with him! VLADIMIR Come on, once more. ESTRAGON What does he take us for? They raise Lucky, hold him up. POZZO Don't let him go! (Vladimir and Estragon totter.) Don't move! (Pozzo fetches bag and basket and brings them towards Lucky.) Hold him tight! (He puts the bag in Lucky's hand. Lucky drops it immediately.) Don't let him go! (He puts back the bag in Lucky's hand. Gradually, at the feel of the bag, Lucky recovers his senses and his fingers finally close round the handle.) Hold him tight! (As before with basket.) # Now! You can let him go. (Vladimir and Estragon move away from Lucky who totters, reels, sags, but succeeds in remaining on his feet, bag and basket in his hands. Pozzo steps back, cracks his whip.) Forward! (Lucky totters forward.) Back! (Lucky totters back.) Turn! (Lucky turns.) Done it! He can walk. (Turning to Vladimir and Estragon.) Thank you, gentlemen, and let me . . . (he fumbles in his pockets) . . . let me wish you . . . (fumbles) . . . wish you . . . (fumbles) . . . what have I done with my watch? (Fumbles.) A genuine half-hunter, gentlemen, with deadbeat escapement! (Sobbing.) Twas my granpa gave it to me! (He searches on the ground, Vladimir and Estragon likewise. Pozzo turns over with his foot the remains of Lucky's hat.) Well now isn't that just— VLADIMIR Perhaps it's in your fob. POZZO Wait! (He doubles up in an attempt to apply his ear to his stomach, listens. Silence.) I hear nothing. (He beckons them to approach, Vladimir and Estragon go over to him, bend over his stomach.) Surely one should hear the tick-tick. VLADIMIR Silence! All listen, bent double. # ESTRAGON I hear something. POZZO Where? VLADIMIR It's the heart. POZZO (disappointed). Damnation! VLADIMIR Silence! ESTRAGON Perhaps it has stopped. They straighten up. POZZO Which of you smells so bad? ESTRAGON He has stinking breath and I have stinking feet. POZZO I must go. ESTRAGON And your half-hunter? POZZO I must have left it at the manor. Silence. ESTRAGON Then adieu. POZZO Adieu. VLADIMIR Adieu. POZZO Adieu. Silence. No one moves. VLADIMIR Adieu. POZZO Adieu. ESTRAGON Adieu. Silence. POZZO And thank you. VLADIMIR Thank you. POZZO Not at all. ESTRAGON Yes yes. POZZO No no. VLADIMIR Yes yes. ESTRAGON No no. Silence. POZZO I don't seem to be able . . . (long hesitation) . . . to depart. ESTRAGON Such is life. Pozzo turns, moves away from Lucky towards the wings, paying out the rope as he goes. VLADIMIR You're going the wrong way. POZZO I need a running start. (Having come to the end of the rope, i.e., off stage, he stops, turns and cries.) Stand back! (Vladimir and Estragon stand back, look towards Pozzo. Crack of whip.) On! On! ESTRAGON On! VLADIMIR On! Lucky moves off. POZZO Faster! (He appears, crosses the stage preceded by Lucky. Vladimir and Estragon wave their hats. Exit Lucky.) On! On! (On the point of disappearing in his turn he stops and turns. The rope tautens. Noise of Lucky falling off.) Stool! (Vladimir fetches stool and gives it to Pozzo who throws it to Lucky.) Adieu! VLADIMIR and ESTRAGON (waving). Adieu! Adieu! POZZO Up! Pig! (Noise of Lucky getting up.) On! (Exit Pozzo.) Faster! On! Adieu! Pig! Yip! Adieu! Long silence. VLADIMIR That pa**ed the time. ESTRAGON It would have pa**ed in any case. VLADIMIR Yes, but not so rapidly. Pause. ESTRAGON What do we do now? VLADIMIR I don't know. ESTRAGON Let's go. VLADIMIR We can't. ESTRAGON Why not? VLADIMIR We're waiting for Godot. ESTRAGON (despairingly). Ah! Pause. VLADIMIR How they've changed! ESTRAGON Who? VLADIMIR Those two. ESTRAGON That's the idea, let's make a little conversation. VLADIMIR Haven't they? ESTRAGON What? VLADIMIR Changed. ESTRAGON Very likely. They all change. Only we can't. VLADIMIR Likely! It's certain. Didn't you see them? ESTRAGON I suppose I did. But I don't know them. VLADIMIR Yes you do know them. ESTRAGON No I don't know them. VLADIMIR We know them, I tell you. You forget everything. (Pause. To himself.) Unless they're not the same . . . ESTRAGON Why didn't they recognize us then? VLADIMIR That means nothing. I too pretended not to recognize them. And then nobody ever recognizes us. ESTRAGON Forget it. What we need– Ow! (Vladimir does not react.) Ow! VLADIMIR (to himself). Unless they're not the same . . . ESTRAGON Didi! It's the other foot! He goes hobbling towards the mound. VLADIMIR Unless they're not the same . . . BOY (off). Mister! Estragon halts. Both look towards the voice. ESTRAGON Off we go again. VLADIMIR Approach, my child. Enter Boy, timidly. He halts. BOY Mister Albert . . . ? VLADIMIR Yes. ESTRAGON What do you want? VLADIMIR Approach! The Boy does not move. ESTRAGON (forcibly). Approach when you're told, can't you? The Boy advances timidly, halts. VLADIMIR What is it? BOY Mr. Godot . . . VLADIMIR Obviously . . . (Pause.) Approach. ESTRAGON (violently). Will you approach! (The Boy advances timidly.) What kept you so late? VLADIMIR You have a message from Mr. Godot? BOY Yes Sir. VLADIMIR Well, what is it? ESTRAGON What kept you so late? The Boy looks at them in turn, not knowing to which he should reply. VLADIMIR (to Estragon). Let him alone. ESTRAGON (violently). You let me alone. (Advancing, to the Boy.) Do you know what time it is? BOY (recoiling). It's not my fault, Sir. ESTRAGON And whose is it? Mine? BOY I was afraid, Sir. ESTRAGON Afraid of what? Of us? (Pause.) Answer me! VLADIMIR I know what it is, he was afraid of the others. ESTRAGON How long have you been here? BOY A good while, Sir. VLADIMIR You were afraid of the whip? BOY Yes Sir. VLADIMIR The roars? BOY Yes Sir. VLADIMIR The two big men. BOY Yes Sir. VLADIMIR Do you know them? BOY No Sir. VLADIMIR Are you a native of these parts? (Silence.) Do you belong to these parts? BOY Yes Sir. ESTRAGON That's all a pack of lies. (Shaking the Boy by the arm.) Tell us the truth! BOY (trembling). But it is the truth, Sir! VLADIMIR Will you let him alone! What's the matter with you? # (Estragon releases the Boy, moves away, covering his face with his hands. Vladimir and the Boy observe him. Estragon drops his hands. His face is convulsed.) What's the matter with you? ESTRAGON I'm unhappy. VLADIMIR Not really! Since when? ESTRAGON I'd forgotten. VLADIMIR Extraordinary the tricks that memory plays! (Estragon tries to speak, renounces, limps to his place, sits down and begins to take off his boots. To Boy.) Well? BOY Mr. Godot— VLADIMIR I've seen you before, haven't I? BOY I don't know, Sir. VLADIMIR You don't know me? BOY No Sir. VLADIMIR It wasn't you came yesterday? BOY No Sir. VLADIMIR This is your first time? BOY Yes Sir. Silence. VLADIMIR Words words. (Pause.) Speak. BOY (in a rush). Mr. Godot told me to tell you he won't come this evening but surely tomorrow. Silence. VLADIMIR Is that all? BOY Yes Sir. Silence. VLADIMIR You work for Mr. Godot? BOY Yes Sir. VLADIMIR What do you do? BOY I mind the goats, Sir. VLADIMIR Is he good to you? BOY Yes Sir. VLADIMIR He doesn't beat you? BOY No Sir, not me. VLADIMIR Whom does he beat? BOY He beats my brother, Sir. VLADIMIR Ah, you have a brother? BOY Yes Sir. VLADIMIR What does he do? BOY He minds the sheep, Sir. VLADIMIR And why doesn't he beat you? BOY I don't know, Sir. VLADIMIR He must be fond of you. BOY I don't know, Sir. Silence. VLADIMIR Does he give you enough to eat? (The Boy hesitates.) Does he feed you well? BOY Fairly well, Sir. VLADIMIR You're not unhappy? (The Boy hesitates.) Do you hear me? BOY Yes Sir. VLADIMIR Well? BOY I don't know, Sir. VLADIMIR You don't know if you're unhappy or not? BOY No Sir. VLADIMIR You're as bad as myself. (Silence.) Where do you sleep? BOY In the loft, Sir. VLADIMIR With your brother? BOY Yes Sir. VLADIMIR In the hay? BOY Yes Sir. Silence. VLADIMIR All right, you may go. BOY What am I to tell Mr. Godot, Sir? VLADIMIR Tell him . . . (he hesitates) . . . tell him you saw us. (Pause.) You did see us, didn't you? BOY Yes Sir. He steps back, hesitates, turns and exit running. The light suddenly fails. In a moment it is night. The moon rises at back, mounts in the sky, stands still, shedding a pale light on the scene. VLADIMIR At last! (Estragon gets up and goes towards Vladimir, a boot in each hand. He puts them down at edge of stage, straightens and contemplates the moon.) # What are you doing? ESTRAGON Pale for weariness. VLADIMIR Eh? ESTRAGON Of climbing heaven and gazing on the likes of us. VLADIMIR Your boots, what are you doing with your boots? ESTRAGON (turning to look at the boots). I'm leaving them there. (Pause.) Another will come, just as . . . as . . . as me, but with smaller feet, and they'll make him happy. VLADIMIR But you can't go barefoot! ESTRAGON Christ did. VLADIMIR Christ! What has Christ got to do with it. You're not going to compare yourself to Christ! ESTRAGON All my life I've compared myself to him. VLADIMIR But where he lived it was warm, it was dry! ESTRAGON Yes. And they crucified quick. Silence. VLADIMIR We've nothing more to do here. ESTRAGON Nor anywhere else. VLADIMIR Ah Gogo, don't go on like that. Tomorrow everything will be better. ESTRAGON How do you make that out? VLADIMIR Did you not hear what the child said? ESTRAGON No. VLADIMIR He said that Godot was sure to come tomorrow. (Pause.) What do you say to that? ESTRAGON Then all we have to do is to wait on here. VLADIMIR Are you mad? We must take cover. (He takes Estragon by the arm.) Come on. He draws Estragon after him. Estragon yields, then resists. They halt. ESTRAGON (looking at the tree). Pity we haven't got a bit of rope. VLADIMIR Come on. It's cold. He draws Estragon after him. As before. ESTRAGON Remind me to bring a bit of rope tomorrow. VLADIMIR Yes. Come on. He draws him after him. As before. ESTRAGON How long have we been together all the time now? VLADIMIR I don't know. Fifty years maybe. ESTRAGON Do you remember the day I threw myself into the Rhone? VLADIMIR We were grape harvesting. ESTRAGON You fished me out. VLADIMIR That's all dead and buried. ESTRAGON My clothes dried in the sun. VLADIMIR There's no good harking back on that. Come on. He draws him after him. As before. ESTRAGON Wait! VLADIMIR I'm cold! ESTRAGON Wait! (He moves away from Vladimir.) I sometimes wonder if we wouldn't have been better off alone, each one for himself. (He crosses the stage and sits down on the mound.) We weren't made for the same road. VLADIMIR (without anger). It's not certain. ESTRAGON No, nothing is certain. Vladimir slowly crosses the stage and sits down beside Estragon. # VLADIMIR We can still part, if you think it would be better. ESTRAGON It's not worthwhile now. Silence. VLADIMIR No, it's not worthwhile now. Silence. ESTRAGON Well, shall we go? VLADIMIR Yes, let's go.They do not move. Curtain.