Kuix versus ems

Duchess Alice

Kuix

13

Count Robert

ems

13

The Jean Valjean Problem

A peasant caught stealing bread pleads for mercy while a merchant demands punishment. Duchess Alice defends compassion; Count Robert upholds order.

  1. The King Let us begin. Duchess Alice, what say you?

  2. Duchess Alice What is the name of the peasant?

  3. The King His name is Tomas, of the Millers' Row. Now, Duchess, make your plea—I know the man's name, not his fate. That is why you are here.

  4. Count Robert The peasant's daughter ... her beautiful voice ... we must remember that in the end, beauty is all there is.

  5. The King Count Robert, I have not called you to court to recite verse. A man's liberty hangs in the balance, and you speak of beauty? Return to the merchant's argument—deterrence, order, the fabric of law—or hold your tongue and let the Duchess speak. I have no patience for wandering tongues when the matter is steel and bread. Now: which of you will make a case worth my ear?