(A group of young ARISTOCRATs- a woman and her two male companions- are gathered, discussing current events.)

ARISTOCRAT #1: I mean to point out that it's something of a mystery and the police should keep an open mind.

(One of the men turns to William/Spike as he passes by.)

ARISTOCRAT #2: Ah, William! Favor us with your opinion. What do you make of this rash of disappearances sweeping through our town? Animals or thieves?

WILLIAM: (haughty) I prefer not to think of such dark, ugly business at all. That's what the police are for. (looks at Cecily) I prefer placing my energies into creating things of beauty.

(The third aristocrat snatches the poem from Spike's hands.)

ARISTOCRAT #3: I see. Well, don't withhold, William.

ARISTOCRAT #1: Rescue us from a dreary topic.

WILLIAM: (to Aristocrat #3) Careful. The inks are still wet. Please, it's not finished.

ARISTOCRAT #3: Don't be shy. (reads) "My heart expands/'tis grown a bulge in it/inspired by your beauty, effulgent." (laughs) Effulgent?

(Everyone laughs, mocking William. Uncomfortable, Cecily glances at William and walks off. William shoots Aristocrat #3 a sour look, snatches back his poem, and follows her.)

ARISTOCRAT #2: And that's actually one of his better compositions.

ARISTOCRAT #1: Have you heard? They call him William the Bloody because of his bloody awful poetry!

ARISTOCRAT #3: It suits him. I'd rather have a railroad spike through my head than listen to that awful stuff!

• historical flash backs

written by: Douglas Petrie; Transcribed by Joan the English Chick (pisces@englishchick.com).. Full transcript at:
http://www.studiesinwords.de/85foolforlove.html