Roger Waters - The Letter | Текст песни

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• Roger Waters
• The Letter

Scene 2:

The Letter

Although he has accepted the Declaration of the Rights of Man, made provision for the free circulation of grain, and outwardly advertises heartfelt support for revolutionary reform by wearing a red revolutionary cap, Louis, along with the Queen, is a virtual prisoner in the Tuileries Palace. He spends his time fiddling at his hobby as a locksmith. He is seen occasionally pausing over his locks to sip coffee from a cup on his desk. Eventually, he breaks off entirely to write a letter. Reciting its contents out loud, he reveals his true feelings and appeals to his cousin, Bourbon of Spain, to help him whip the revolutionary dogs back into their kennels. The concessions he has had to make, the lies he has had to tell, and the red cap he has to wear in order to retain some semblance of power and authority, are repugnant to him. When he finishes the letter, the King seals the envelope then rings for it to be collected. The Ringmaster enters, takes the letter, and the King’s empty coffee cup. He walks away fro the King’s presence, and addresses the audience, commenting almost in wonder at the King’
s rapid fall from grace. The pace of change is by no means slowing, however, nor is the stunning sequence of events at an end. Reminded by the empty coffee cup in his hand that trade of all kinds has been stifled under the present conditions, the Ringmaster hints at disturbances overseas.

RINGMASTER
Imprisoned in the Tuileries
The King makes locks
To the sound of the ticking of clocks
And the rain falling on his window pane
Makes him think of this cousin Bourbon
Safe in his castle in Spain