Page 57 - Big Idea

The Big Idea – Act 3

RIVAL 1: Ahem! Yes, quite amusing, but it didn’t do the trick, did
it? I mean, a lot of very serious labor will have to be done here to
make our dream a reality, won’t it? And nobody will have time to
appreciate your humor; isn’t that a shame?

CLOWN 1: But the deal is that everyone can do whatever they like
in the new settlement. We like to be silly, and sometimes other
people like us to be silly, too.

RIVAL 1: Ah, but you just heard what you wanted to hear. There’s a
lot more you don’t seem to remember.

CLOWN 2: Like what?

RIVAL 1:
The essence of your humor
Is its unexpectedness
(Insofar as my good sense
Apperceives your wickedness).

Thus you must have freedom
In social situations,
To unleash without warning
Your comical creations.

Now, although you insult us
With your comments rude and snide,
Opportunities to joke
Almost never are denied.

Why? Because you are yourselves
Not the rulers of this group;
So your jesting is harmless,
A good tonic for the troop.

Thus the fire with which you play
Can only give you a burn
If your victim gets angry,
And attacks you in return.

CLOWN 1: So what?

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