9. The Doodle-Doo Song
MAXIMILIAN, thrilled.
A magician? How exciting! We must have a trick!
[PORKEO re-emerges from the crowd with lute in hand, steps to LEOPOLD’s side and, smiling, lays a hand on his shoulder—winks, as if to say “I got this.” A look of understanding passes between them.]
PORKEO.
My lord, if I may . . .
[PORKEO crosses to MAXIMILIAN, tuning the lute.]
MAXIMILIAN.
Oh-ho-ho! You shall like this, Doctor Vysarius! Tee-hee!
PORKEO, strumming the lute stupidly.
A-ho! A-hee!
A-come away with me!
Come listen to my song!
A-ho! A-hee!
Come hark to me!
We’ll sing it all day long!
I knew a shrewish lady who did the doodle-doo!
I knew a tubby fellow who tipped the tipsy-woo!
[VYSARIUS waves the clown away. PORKEO is suddenly struck dumb, pawing fearfully at his unnaturally sealed lips, and then reels backwards, as if yoked offstage by an invisible crook.]