Scene 22

HOPE
Wow. Sir Richard was protected on the path. How did he get stronger?

WISDOM
He had the Great King’s strength.

HOPE
I could use this Great King’s strength.

WISDOM
It is the greatest strength there is.

HOPE
Will it make me strong enough to go on without Ronnie?

WISDOM
(frowns)

HOPE
I still don’t know what love is. I guess to me, love is never ending. Did I ever love Ronnie? If I did, I would not feel the way I feel about him now. I hate him!

WISDOM
You were betrayed by him. It is not hate you are feeling. You are feeling grief. And you are angry.

HOPE
I’m angry that the world has so much influence over me… and Ronnie. I’m angry that Ronnie was not strong enough to resist that trap. I’m angry that Puck interfered with the course of love. I’m angry that Isabel left the Prince of Light, for jewelry, for material things, for a fleeting moment of pleasure! How could Isabel do that? How could she hurt the Prince of Light like that? She was engaged to him! He picked her up, when she was bruised and torn by the world. He comforted her. He brought her joy! How could she deny him! Oh, I’m so angry!! You are right about that. I’m angry at that hussy of a secretary for sleeping with a married man! I’m angry at myself, for not seeing it coming. I’m angry at how it’s affected our children. I’m angry that I still love Ronnie. I hate it that I still love him! How could Ronnie give himself to another woman! After all we’ve had, all we’ve gone through!

(At this point, HOPE breaks down, crying. WISDOM comforts her)