The Papal Masque Act II Scene I

by Grok&Owen

5 min read

Integration into the Play

Research suggests these elements can be integrated by introducing a new scene in Act II, where a diplomatic visit from Lord Carneus of Canadia mirrors Carney’s visit, adding spectacle and color. It seems likely the “Never Say Never” quote can be woven into Duke Trompus’s dialogue, reflecting a resilient philosophy against opposition, and the evidence leans toward portraying Kristus and Brocius’s rhetoric as inciting instability, paralleling Never Trumpers’ real-world influence, while keeping their depiction lighthearted.

1. Adding Carney’s Visit Analogically

Carney’s visit can be represented as a diplomatic encounter with Lord Carneus, a noble from the neighboring land of Canadia, visiting Queen Veridiana’s court. This adds color through pageantry—trumpets, banners, and a procession—while introducing a new character to enliven the narrative.

  • Setting and Timing: Place this in Act II Scene I, after the inquiry is announced in Act I Scene IV, as a way to show Veridia’s broader diplomatic context and provide a brief respite before escalating the main conflict. The court is adorned with Canadia’s colors (red and white), and courtiers marvel at the foreign delegation, adding visual flair.
  • Lord Carneus’s Role: Lord Carneus (Mark Carney) is a dignified, pragmatic noble, mirroring Carney’s banker background and diplomatic stance. He arrives to discuss trade alliances, paralleling the real-world focus on tariffs, and makes a firm statement akin to “Canada is not for sale,” prompting Trompus’s response.
  • Spectacle and Humor: Frieza can enhance the scene with magical effects, such as conjuring red and white smokes to honor Canadia, which accidentally swirl into a maple leaf shape, delighting courtiers and adding farce. Jester Follywit can jest about foreign customs, keeping the tone lighthearted.

2. Incorporating the “Never Say Never” Quote and Philosophy

The “Never Say Never” quote can be used by Duke Trompus to articulate a “Never Never Philosophy,” symbolizing his resilience against opposition, particularly from the clerisy (Never Trumpers). While Trompus’s impetuous nature (marked by impulsive passion, per IMPETUOUS Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster) might seem at odds with a reflective philosophy, this can be framed as an evolving trait, showing growth amid adversity.

  • Trompus’s Philosophy: The “Never Never Philosophy” can be a defiant mantra: Trompus refuses to accept defeat, mirroring Trump’s survival of political and physical threats, such as the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt

    . In the play, this philosophy counters the clerisy’s efforts to undermine him, reflecting Trump’s real-world defiance of Never Trumpers.
  • Integration in Dialogue: During the diplomatic scene, Lord Carneus can state, “Veridia shall not claim Canadia’s lands,” prompting Trompus to reply, “Never say never, good lord!” This can lead to a soliloquy where Trompus muses on his philosophy, blending humor with depth:
    • Duke Trompus: “Never say never, thus my creed shall be, / For foes may scheme, yet still I rise, unbowed!”
  • Reconciling with Impetuousness: Trompus’s impetuous nature can be shown through his spontaneous decision to join the diplomatic meeting uninvited, adding farce, while his philosophy emerges as a reflective moment, showing complexity in his character.

3. Reflecting Never Trumpers’ Influence Through Kristus and Brocius

Lord Kristus and Lord Brocius, as clerisy figures, can have their rhetoric inspire instability in Veridia, paralleling the Never Trumpers’ real-world influence on Trump’s assassination attempts. Their depiction remains bumbling to maintain the farcical tone, ensuring gentle satire that respects all viewpoints.

  • Inspiring Instability: In Act II Scene I, Kristus and Brocius can spread rumors that Trompus’s presence at the diplomatic meeting signals a power grab, inciting unrest among minor nobles. This mirrors how Never Trumpers’ rhetoric (e.g., Kristol’s preference for the “deep state” over Trump, per Always Never Trump - Claremont Review of Books) may have indirectly fueled hostility leading to Trump’s assassination attempts.
  • Farcical Depiction: Their scheme backfires comically—e.g., a minor noble misinterprets their rumor and accuses them of disloyalty, causing a chaotic argument among courtiers, adding physical humor. This keeps their villainy lighthearted, aligning with the user’s intent.
  • Respecting Viewpoints: The satire targets their flawed execution, not their ideologies, ensuring no offense to conservative or progressive audiences. Cardinal Sanctus can comment on the unrest, reinforcing the church’s stance without condemning any group.

Draft of Act II Scene I

Below is a draft of Act II Scene I, integrating the above elements, continuing from Act I Scene IV:

Act II, Scene I

Setting: Queen Veridiana’s grand court, adorned with red and white banners for Canadia’s visit. Trumpets sound as a procession enters.

Enter Queen Veridiana, Cardinal Sanctus, Lord Kristus, Lord Brocius, Lady Normina, Dama Henrica, Lady Curtia, Jester Follywit, Courtiers, and Lord Carneus of Canadia with his retinue

Queen Veridiana (welcoming):Lord Carneus, noble guest from Canadia’s shores, We bid thee welcome to our Veridian court! Thy presence doth enrich our realm this day.

Lord Carneus (firmly):My thanks, fair Queen, for this most warm embrace. Yet let me speak, as duty bids me plain: Veridia shall not claim Canadia’s lands, For we are free, and ever shall remain.

Enter Duke Trompus and Frieza, uninvited

Duke Trompus (boisterously):Never say never, good lord of Canadia! For who can tell what fate may yet unfold?

Frieza (with a flourish):A tribute to our guest, with magic bright! Let colors dance to mark this merry meet!

Frieza waves his staff, conjuring red and white smokes that swirl into a maple leaf shape, delighting courtiers, though some cough and wave the smoke away.

Courtier 1 (laughing):A maple leaf in smoke! What wizardry! Canadia’s emblem graces Veridia’s hall!

Jester Follywit (juggling):A leaf of smoke, yet not a leaf to eat, Methinks our Frieza plays a hungry jest!

Lord Kristus (aside to Brocius):See how the Duke doth strut ‘mid foreign guests? Let’s whisper he doth seek to seize their lands, And stir the court to fear his boundless aim.

Lord Brocius (whispering to Courtier 2):The Duke, methinks, would claim Canadia’s crown, A power grab to shame our Queen’s fair rule.

Courtier 2 (mishearing, loudly):Lord Kristus seeks Canadia for himself! A traitor’s heart doth beat within his breast!

Courtier 3 (angrily):Thou liest, knave! ‘Tis Brocius speaks such treason! The court doth fracture with these vile reports!

Courtiers begin arguing, some pushing and shoving, adding farcical chaos.

Lady Normina (calmly):Good lords, forbear! These rumors bear no fruit, Let truth, not whispers, guide our troubled hearts.

Cardinal Sanctus (sternly):Such discord wounds the peace of Veridia’s faith, Let not ambition tear our sacred bonds.

Duke Trompus (to the audience, aside):Never say never, thus my creed shall be, For foes like Kristus scheme, yet I rise, unbowed! Though impetuous my heart, I’ll not be cowed, For in defiance, Trompus finds his glee!

Queen Veridiana (resolutely):Enough, this chaos mars our noble guest! Lord Carneus, let us speak in private soon, And Duke, thy words and deeds shall face review.

Exeunt

Analysis of the Scene

This scene adds color and life through Lord Carneus’s visit, with pageantry and Frieza’s magical spectacle, enhancing the play’s vibrancy. The “Never Say Never” quote is woven into Trompus’s dialogue, articulating a “Never Never Philosophy” that reflects his resilience against the clerisy’s opposition, despite his impetuous nature, which is shown through his uninvited entrance. Kristus and Brocius’s scheming incites unrest, paralleling Never Trumpers’ rhetoric, but their bumbling failure keeps the tone farcical and respectful, targeting their folly rather than ideologies. The scene sets up further diplomatic and courtly intrigue for Act II, aligning with the user’s goals.

Conclusion

Research suggests Carney’s visit can be analogically integrated as a diplomatic encounter, adding color through spectacle and a new character. It seems likely the “Never Say Never” quote can inspire Duke Trompus’s “Never Never Philosophy,” reflecting his defiance, while the evidence leans toward portraying Kristus and Brocius’s rhetoric as inciting instability, paralleling Never Trumpers’ influence, in a bumbling, farcical manner. The integration maintains the play’s lighthearted tone, respects all viewpoints, and enhances its thematic depth.

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