Monologues from Pippin

CHARLES:
It's easy from where you stand to judge the things that I have done. But when I marched the dust of the road was in my nose and when I fought the blood of the enemy was in my eyes. I sank in the mud on the shores of the Volga. I drowned two legions in the Vistula. Why eagles, ospreys, even vultures had a better view. From the heights all things are very clear. Birds float on the wind. But, by God, I blew my breath across a continent and shaped an empire with it. Now if you have no further business with me, go and leave me to my prayers.

CATHERINE:
(Coming downstage, to audience) You may think that what I did next was scheming:devious:
(Turns back to PIPPIN) Pippin, let me tell you something about despair. (SHE points to the conductor and the organ begins to play as if this were the beginning of a soap opera. PIPPIN is surprised by the music and begins to search for its source. CATHERINE sits on the end of the bed and begins speaking) I loved my husband very much. The years we spent together were the happiest years of my life. And then one day he was struck by fever: and when his hand went cold in mine, I felt my life, too, was over. I was overcome by the deepest despair. I took to my bed for five days. On the sixth day I got up. There were things to be done. An estate to be run. A boy to raise. (The organ plays a grand finish. CATHERINE looks to the audience and smiles. PIPPIN is staring at her. To audience) Well, look at that. I think he's really moved. (PIPPIN reaches out and touches CATHERINE's hand. SHE looks at the hand for a long moment. Then softly, to PIPPIN) Pippin, this is such a large estate. I'm all alone here and I can't do all this work by myself. Couldn't you please help me?

LEADING PLAYER: (To audience) Ladies and Gentlemen, we apologize for our inability to bring you the finale that we promised. It seems our extraordinary young man has elected to compromise his aspirations. But I know there are many of you out there: extraordinary people: exceptional people: who would gladly trade your ordinary lives for the opportunity to do one perfect act - our grand finale. Now, if you should decide to do so, we'll be there for you: waiting: anytime you want us. Why we're right inside your heads, and we promise you sets, costumes, lights, magic: and a short - but - spectacular career! (THEY ALL look out to the audience, singling out people and asking them to come with them) All right. Let's go! Out. Everybody out:out! (The PLAYERS go) Take out the rest of the lights. (Lights go out. A STAGE MANAGER brings a work light out) Orchestra, pack up your fiddles. Get your horns. Let's go. (Then to the pianist) Take your damn hands off that keyboard! (Piano stops. It is silent. Then, to PIPPIN)
You try singing without music, sweetheart!