NICOLAS (cont.) There is only one obligation. To be honest. You have no other obligation. Weigh that. In your mind. Do you know the man who runs this country? No? Well, he’s a very nice chap. He took me aside the other day—last Wednesday, I think it was—he took me aside at a reception, visiting dignitaries, he took me aside, me, and he said to me, he said, in what I can only describe as a hoarse whisper, Nic, he said, Nic (that’s my name), Nic, if you ever come across anyone whom you have good reason to believe is getting on my tits, tell them one thing, tell them honesty is the best policy. The cheese was superb. Goat. One for the road.

He pours.

NICOLAS (cont.) Your wife and I had a very nice chat, but I couldn’t help noticing she didn’t look her best. She’s probably menstruating. Women do that.

Pause.

NICOLAS (cont.) You know, old chap, I do love other things, apart from death. So many things. Nature. Trees, things like that. A nice blue sky. Blossoms.

Pause.

NICOLAS (cont.) Tell me . . . truly . . . are you beginning to love me?

Pause.

NICOLAS (cont.) I think your wife is. Beginning. She is beginning to fall in love with me. On the brink . . . of doing so. The trouble is, I have rivals. Because everyone here has fallen in love with your wife. It’s her eyes have beguiled them. What’s her name? Gila . . . or something?

Pause.

NICOLAS (cont.) Who would you prefer to be? You or me?

Pause.

NICOLAS (cont.) I’d go for me if I were you. The trouble about you, although I grant your merits, is that you’re on a losing wicket, while I can’t put a foot wrong. Do you take my point? Ah, God, let me confess, let me make a confession to you. I have never been more moved, in the whole of my life, as when—only the other day, last Friday, I believe—the man who runs this country announced to the country: We are all patriots, we are as one, we all share a common heritage. Except you, apparently.

Pause.

NICOLAS (cont.) I feel a link, you see, a bond. I share a commonwealth of interest. I am not alone. I am not alone!

Silence.

VICTOR Kill me.

NICOLAS What?

VICTOR Kill me.

Nicolas goes to him, puts his arm around him.

NICOLAS What’s the matter?

Pause.

NICOLAS (cont.) What in heaven’s name is the matter?

Pause.

NICOLAS (cont.) Mmmnnn?

Pause.