2,
Sound and motion cease as the door at the head of the stairway opens and light streams down into the vault. The stairs are lowered and a little procession descends: first a uniformed CAPTAIN OF THE INQUISITION; then a SOLDIER or two assisting a clubby MANSERVANT with a sizable but shabby straw trunk; then CERVANTES himself.
MIGUEL DE CERVANTES is tall and thin, a man of gentle courtliness leavened by humor. He is in his late forties but his dominant qualities are childlike—ingenuousness, a grave and endless curiosity about human behavior, candor which is very nearly self-destructive. He has, too, the child’s delight in play-acting, but since he is an actuality a trained actor, when called upon to perform he translates this delight into stylish verve and gusto. On his entrance he is carrying a wrapped oblong package under one arm. It is heavy.
CERVANTES’ MANSERVANT is as old or older than his master, short, rotund, suspicious and pragmatic. The relationship between the two is obviously of long standing; indeed, they are rather like husband and wife who bicker yet are deeply devoted.
Now the SOLDIERS go back up the stairs. CERVANTES peers about, uncertainly.
CAPTAIN (Watching CERVANTES; sardonically) Anything wrong? The accommodations?
CERVANTES No, no they appear quite… interesting.
CAPTAIN The cells are below. This is the common room, for those who wait.
CERVANTES How long do they wait?
CAPTAIN Some an hour … some a lifetime…
CERVANTES Do they all await the Inquisition?
CAPTAIN Ah, no, these are merely thieves and murderers. (Starting to leave) If you need anything, just shout. ( An afterthought) If you’re able.
(He goes and the stairway is withdrawn)
MANSERVANT (Apprehensively) What did he mean by that?
CERVANTES Calm yourself. There is a remedy for everything but death.
MANSERVANT That could be the very one we need! (The PRISONERS are moving, circling, approaching like animals who scent prey)
CERVANTES (With great courtliness) Good morning, gentlemen…ladies. I regret being thrust upon you in this manner, and hope you will not find my company objectionable. In any case I shall not be among you very long. The Inquisition—
(With a yell, the PRISONERS attack. CERVANTES and the MANSERVANT are seized, tripped up, pinned to the floor. The PRISONERS are busily rifling their pockets as THE GOVERNOR, a big man of obvious authority, awakens from sleep)
THE GOVERNOR (In a roar) Enough! Noise, trouble, fights… kill each other if you must but for God’s sake, do it quietly! (To CERVANTAES) Who are you? Eh? Speak up!
CERVANTES ( Grasping as his throat is freed) Cervantes. Don Miguel de Cervantes.
THE GOVERNOR (With mock respect) A gentleman!
CERVANTES (Painfully getting to his feet) It has never saved me from going to bed hungry.
THE GOVERNOR (Indicating the MANSERVANT) And that?
CERVANTES My servant. May I have the honor--?
THE GOVERNOR They call me The Governor. What’s your game?