And that's how it all begins. When the three of them
get to earth Mercury's called Harlequin, and Momus, Clown; and ... But I
tell you all that later.
UNCLE EDWARD. You missed out again about how Harlequin got his mask.
ALICE. Sorry! So I did. The Greek philosopher always wore a mask, so that
people shouldn't see whether he was talking sense or not. For you can tell
that by looking at people. And he wore a cloak all patches to pretend he
was poor, because you aren't a philosopher at all unless you're poor ...
there's no need. But Columbine's the nicest. You'll see.
UNCLE EDWARD. You're not to take sides.
ALICE. I wasn't. They will see.
UNCLE EDWARD. Ask George if they are ready.
ALICE. They are always quite ready when I begin.
UNCLE EDWARD. All right.
[So he takes up the large wooden mallet that lies beside his chair and
says solemnly to the audience,
As in Paris.
[Then he bangs the stage with it three times. He loves this classic
touch. Then he calls out to George (we must suppose), whom we guess to
be the presiding genius at the "back," "Music!"
The Music begins.
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