— a a Diidele Balance pak A PLAY IN THREE ACTS By Edvard Albee ‘THE PULITZER PRIZE PLAY = & SAMUEL FRENCH, INC, 53 Somer Bainaie HOLLYWOOD Se tONDON ToRONTOCova ©, 19 37 Rowan Aa ALL RIGHTS RESERIED ———————— Gone Sud, Poets Oct, fornia” ae Foyatty quoted on application to Prench, th at ‘meres Nat York 4 18. i Soper fs et nf ey a ce Te petal Sees Dag etre mab gen om al from, rh id dori fr he ig [Nort Following instructlone from the ahi, this Pay ‘may be released only for stock prdcton at Which the {dienes ae noo sepregaied In the event any changes are mde inthe Play fea (he stipts made avalable, the podiction cease shal ‘come nul acd val, and’ any pesettaton of te Pay bythe lcense cotaalng any” variation fat the scp IGeaised forthe presentation ofthe Pay hereunder all ccnsttte an Infagenent ofthe copyright of ta Pye[FIRST PERFORMANCE September 12, 1966, New York City, Martin Beck Tome. JOHN STEINBECK AFFECTION AND ADMIRATION‘THE PLAYERS ‘res: A handsome woman in hr late 50's, ‘Toms: Her burbond, afew years older. (Ceara: Apne’ sce, several gears younger Jou: Agnes ond Tobia’ douphtr, 3, agar Towa and Haze: Very much lhe Agvet and Tot ‘Ta Seow “The iing rom of log rum of re and weap obrbak A Delicate Balance ACT ONE ‘In the rarytsing room. Aces iso brary tae with emit cx Tons Ch Dy Bobing nto ‘ori Dots. ‘Ass. (Speaks aswally efi, wilh « tiny it of anion bar face: not sardonic, not ad = - wit, 7 What find most seaming fom that ret of mine, (Cronies sof.) Wich never ceases {supine ms by the very fact of fs surprising Ick of Aiplekatee, the bela? dat T might very casly—a5 Ssh my id oe ta ot at set "Taos. (lle speaks somewhat the rome wy.) There so set roman on earth, Agnes. (Palle of the Bote) "hea... «for Tim nat that sot: merely that i ot bryan | happen: some pene lweaog ofthe the balloon adit (Tous ores 1 ‘mowinge sending ar) and T thik that i the only outweghing thing? Shiks the, becoming «stranger Sa the worl, ah cmos ieee eet Ha Aeeacrerens ig/gretag bar use Ce As wn ky Te a = otic tn, eas ie SST aad trom that specltin—and cuties {1 am the oly one of you to adit oi ‘ou tne ay go min but dat each of you wonders Beat jou fait ony earth do You want 78 ADBLICATE BALANCE = scr (Camu, (Gms) 1 gh gh be ake ‘Aves. (Wrinbes hey nose.) Such. 1 will do cope, (Tomas rouse to bar.) Ts suposed to be healthy {he spcalton, or the sasamption I auppa, that if Sceur to you that you might be ten You are not; but Te never been tau comforted by TI falls, to my ‘gy that ine Tspcslate I nigh, some day, (Tomas pent new cognac Bie) ov early evening T thnk more ‘kely—some autumn dask—go quite mad, then T very well might (Bright Dough.) Some autumn dusk: Tobias Ui dak, looks up fun all those afl land sees Bis Agus mad s.a hatter, chewing the ibs on er res (Croues fo 1. chai) “Toning. Pouring) Comac? Anwas. Yes: Ages Siythesre her mouth fll of ribbon, hr malt aif; non to do with the oor old thing but put her fa in srmewbere, sll he Howse, move to Tucson, sy, and ploe In the good sun, tnd ive to be a hundred tnd four (He gies her het ogra) Thank you, daring. "Toois. Cognat ie sticky, ton, (Kises her forehead.) “oma stents) Sit by “roma. (Pate cushion for ear Berend sts ot. ‘Raters gla) To my mad indy, ribbons dangling. “Aces. (Smil.) And, of course, T haven't worm the sition dre shoce Jains remarriage Sead? No, Est ‘Tom: Not Chari. Are you eunforable? "Tomas. Fora ihe owes What atenithes me most—asde from my thenetcaly heathy fern, not fea, bow aly of me Benlthy speciation that T'might some day become. ‘embarrctment to yo» wht I Sed ot stoning {n't word, and With ail my years « «Is Cle ‘Tons. (Curious) Cavey Why? ‘onto, That anyone be they one's ss, ot—can sett A DELICATE, BALANCE, ° be towel Tot want ty ean mind wr Mae wie ea Bre ae we? “Poa. (Saied warning) Maybe, ‘Ae saying ns oe ng sarper than ampli font Wa ours aged ‘Filan (Cats"sp. pacing caahion 0 otoman) ‘To any des be tat wry hows Ga Why ee you mova? ‘onus ts aise uxoeforabe ove, (Seucsooa raring) Things tbo, move tink Yer eae tt oni fr) Yn nt anya tow ome we ‘ctas,(Fasng Hen) Tm an young asthe day T ail you tung Puerta dv ok bese Jrovee ery gud hasand mas of tie tne, Bat Tig ekg stout hy owas beng "owas {nnoig sata of he ead) Ys you we. [eves I Tweet etna of wy de ie Rs pd nd month ogre ending try sls na he pose tcp of Jal Tle wiring, mail be yout must te ir ‘Shelve ty ofan, dats more He four ‘es Ses of venga Cae “etn (Vary nic, bad tre fe sted andermath) ‘it Ages “Resa (lite laugh) Are you ging to throw s0me- tung ate? Your gis? My goods, 1 ope not {Gat ewfol anit al ver everyting. “Tons. (Potent; pus les ow 1 fle) No, ‘owas: (Onley daring him) What ten? ‘Fons, (Looting af Bs bond.) Xaball st very "Tomas. «yey and sall wil yo to apolgie to your ster for what Ems in trah Ga you T ought 8 ‘Anis Apollo To er? To Cae? 1 have spent0 A DELICATE BALANCE cr 1 my alt Ue apologing fr ber; (Crose of soa) Fil nt doable my buna by apologising ber Ton. (slacing on eprom) Ooo toss 20 p10 =e to tan fat orm te mat? ‘Aces. (Winking slowly.) Neat Bom Ste, eof tin els of a ho “Acs. An epgram,T thought imi Be mi) iam sey mi and T am gximlyseious, Ys? . siete. 2, tupac of hr) Te oe ‘spelaly fom Cate to's» ber llet, what would Faedo wee to c+ ell my masts? "Tons. (Shuge) Put you faa bin somewhere, sl sae te and move Tana. Pn ni hc 8 "hore, (Ponds i) mmm, Tet you wold ‘Toows. (Prendiy) Torey, though ‘Rows: Ob, 1 ry. (Croses to) Te won't be imple paracin, though, (Toss tates cgerjrom humid.) F ow that Pe red so hardy to «= wal you Know how tle T vary: goednss, (AE vom) 1 ca' even alee my voce esto in the most calamitous of eve, SDT T Bal Oat both joy and sore work ther ‘rondes an toe more = evenly, slowly, within, han (Dont suntan rather an sang, ‘There are no ‘Bountang in my Hie. nor chasms I & a raling, east Ined wean my darting, thnk you "Tomas. (Casi cigar) We do what we ca ‘Row (Lite ough) Out motto It we sould ever gp ows havea rest ade, Jon thing, we mest have ‘Eat putin Latin We do what we an—~ (Tonia cones oui 1 of sofa) on your Blase, over the mantel; ‘aybe we eld do ln the lines, as wel "Poms. (Gets matcher from fble) Do you think T sould go to Car's oom? dort ADELICATE BALANCE n “vam (Sic: thn, tomy, frm) No. (Tomas ner eit ke he wil be Sv, 2 "Wallet tt we cn? oR Or came, Glee, Tomas cts» ele city) Si lb sgl pers, Share, er Sa naar erp gre a Testes tele ten be coeicly ng eee oats fe 2 enor) ial ex sd {Si aly, oh mf sea Scare 1 mech Feeney veo ie wold be. Fay ee eae ell wn peak us. (Bay dry) Yous ake us, my es “Ronee Abe hes are temporary, ven alton a tea temporary 5 lig a ereered Wi 9 ee rei, And Tam ata compare Ries ins, tit our ear Ce, sty “tsi Be kin. Phase? ens, {thik should want t bave i fly eae cane {cam 0 me ack Wout Bare treble, though? To bays dane & tadoeed, I thay anked untly andthe bope mes See? (Wen Se" noe) Not fe al tee ck? Wy Soe pt my cornet tiny ais? den (ig, rir 0 her) Ob. Pm sory. Tenia lcs ovo him he ake fom seta Soa sper tui, Tm a brett: my ose Peu'm ie Saal the wonder Dare, od wry alt fos (AF at geting Her ¢ ew cova) ough aureus noch eter fori Tait oe ey ed {ahyeu to poe br such a gv "ue Geary) Chae was ao beter tight. Hoo aly, Tobit "Noy {ings to is comsicton thot she ws. (Rowe (alin ond to) Welly se mas woh Meee (CCves ve Acs wth oso} brand) Si ae Ctabig er now drink.) Thank you, T havedf 2 ADELICATE BALANCE ATT ected, a things considered, (Tekes Toss! Aad ond Sasi dov sof) that stall not induce, ha’ all ‘ho yeas we have poe up with eachother’ wiles end CGotchets bave earned us each others company. And I eenne you as well that 1sall think good. thoughts REGiiy ds puie-to ward off madoes, shold i came by = = unite. ‘owas. Neve ‘Bonin. (tock sadmas.) Has «» ‘evan You tne oe, o of owing en oer ‘nan you are inthe company of your steady wile, your Alshdle suterielaw apd. eccadonal vi = tom ‘Sor malnchnly Juin (Ale gdh) ‘That io what yoo ery dear Tobias. WM it do? "Towns. (fle sad, to, bud warmth) Xt wil do, ‘Aswrs. (Happy) ve never doubted that it woul (dort something) sayt vowly.) Hask, (Coase has Stleed 0.) Did T bear someone? "Toots (Seat CLAIRE standing, ancomortbly, oy tram tim), re ewe a Age J 8 feoment a0. « a EiRtne Che Aces’ back, o rehared speech, gone through Bu hated) T mst apcogn, Aanes; 1 very so. Rone {Wat looking at her; mock surprise) But what re you sory for, Cle? “Clann, Costing to of sot) 1 apolgie that my ate ssc to bring ot fa You fhe fll fe of your rata Hons. (To pacte, coving 91 fs) Lok, wow, ahi we ean So witht any ofthis sot of | sort A DELICATE BALANCE 1s the breaths (Ceara ernest 2. cir.) if you are cx reg i you ae sadly and weary expecting it it er thus condiens exe» fers ~ «then the fenclon of ove who is barocnd by her iove B not Frualip thought wosld be ecistd, beliwe mel — fot belly at all, ut the sowing sie of love. 1f 1 eld eis because {wish ned, 16 Tam bar, i is ‘emer I am eter fn mor more than human, and if ote be accused ace agua ef making too mich of ‘Bags, lot me rend yo Et sy manne and not Ae Eater apologies for beng avtlate Tobias, Tn pg to call Jol, 1 thnk. Te one of two ours ci- rena? cu Tecan never real "Fons, (Dry) Thee ‘ows. Ab, yes, Well be ind to Chir, ear. She infeed Brian) Gann Be Kind to Cle dear. She is... Sjord ‘Tonte, Ab, wel Carne. (Chose vx 2 sofa.) fave never known whether to appa ey. Or eather, Tnerer know which ‘osld be the more apyreatet—expecid "Toni, (Rethor tly) ou are great dun fol haan (Sadly) Yeu Why i be calingJulls? ‘Touas: Bo you man «quick brandy Defoe sbe comes ack? ‘Cases, (Laughs some.) Not at ally » pulic oe (ome raver to bor, pours. randy i site) Fil ‘Ge balloon aif op, aud shal ap fd, a when he gldes bok fa, 1 tall Tie ob the for and Dalene the lat on ty foreead, That wil give er berason for another paragraph (TOMAS cover % 40 (Citar with brandy.) snd your inellectual stop now's. "Toots. Vou area grat darn fol (Coane Yolla having dooter dive? ‘Tons Hel T dot tow. (Goutas, (Pekes the glaze, Towus rsss v.60 30/6.) tes way your daughter, Thank you. T souldue Sx peucare parance scr from all hat 1 riche, that iti come home tie. (09 ont you lil Agnes? "Tons (a efhend) Ob ny I colt do tha, Geum. Stier ey why. Jone you wall ll Julia segrats and coms back her, all sea and confi, find ake gun and Bow all oor hens ot frot—trough respec, of enue, then poor Julia, and Bnaliy—it you have the kindoes for ime? “ots, (ind ite) Do you ray want me shot “Goan, 1 want you to shoot Ages Gist. ‘he 11 cad boat "Toots, Bet it would have tobe an act of passon—oat of ny hea ad al tats Tdosbe 1 stand ound with ‘he fun skng, Jus Tocked tn her room scresming, trait for you to dee if you wasted tau “Ceata” Bae ules you KAD Agoes - how ball Y vee Lao wheee maa to veh (Uneredws) A ct ot pasion! -Fowas, (Rather hart) Well. ys. Gums. (Laughs) Ob, my; thats Tony. ‘Fonts, (Same) I'm sory Chains, Prendy lewgh) Ob, my dling Tobias, Pt sony, but fast dont see you inthe role tha all ‘utraged, dened into action, proceeding by telex (Gan you sex yom, though Tn font of the judge? Preitable sid Tobias? (Toms cases 1 of so) ‘Tall wend bank, your hone. One omen, er Twas, ‘eap in ty eal inking tay = What that? “Toms, Arie Cunt. “Aneta” Realy? Anette? "Tomas. (Spy edgy) 1 lie i. (Atv, chair) Cetin, (Wrinkles her mora) Sieky. There wa, yar honr, ose moment in cy eit, sloping at wy Wrlce "aod the meat thing Tre == they Were {Il ping sat, dieront seam, beads lon of, the Sad ay bands UL have no reallectin of it gett ADELICATE BALANCE 1s ve to YO “hing ‘Gun (Ha serine) Bocase don ket poo pons. Watt ale? vi. Why doa’ you go ak? Goats, (Sudden rather py. Cress 10 x, co see Wy dt you ad Su oe hntng tales "Tons. (Ofended) Tm sory, Cite. (Giams, (Rises hi) Bese, ‘Fomaa. 1 was beter, (Gras ifs hor ie ou; he states) Be wrod poder, tony the Sst Tim not supposed to Rive Faun, (Takes got, roses 10 bor) I thought it weet ak ym io fo) Yo te ‘ses gh ws beet. Fr teas) No, thought 5 to, That * ote ‘wold you: not our type; nothing in common ith Jou age fo got businesr—before you Khe fre nd we np le Sac (Chasing to Cuan with brandy, Huet Ye septa says ing Tes plata a «(Tons const er16 ADELICATE BALANCE scr t She smile, chucle:) myst Tobias. . when you wood ioPspend il jour tite I ton wii your bushes feces, your indstagushable if aot ‘cesar sia {lends 2” what did yon ve i comacn with ther? “Tonos, Wall ah. well evrything. (Maybe ‘ime) Ot us. “Grave. Usbrhuh, But what did you have in common swith thea? Even Hay: your vey best fiend Mi the wold-es far at you Enow; I mean, you havent Se ad "Touas (Pearing Himself Brandy.) Does go for & leag tine, At it ‘Cunms, Das mater to me. Your very best fiend Tl mr Ta; wt de you ne coon, "Rancas”(Sufy, lope into 2) Pleas, Clare» « ‘Couns. What do yo realy Bove in eaamon wil your very tet fend ss (Tous crsts up to plasorm) 1a the coleldeace of having cheated ob oar wives in {Se same summer with tbe seve woman. gl « ‘women? Wt except tat? And Davy ditneon. alee se wae opened that wicle July. "Tons. (Rashyfght-moxthed) 1 youl forgive me, Cire, smmnon pretice & hardly eicidence. (Cress Son bn pation) Conte: Poor el, por whatever e-was that bot nd srry we! July, (ford) Th distin would ave been havea fohae te eg oret testy sad oh, Gol, iar who didnot upend the pose tua titty anda 0 et Sly "jou. Pou! Agnes! Gusne (Guster) OF comme, you bad the wanton nly ‘onc whe arty! Gand fend Harry, Tae i frm the ee” mouths was on ap for good and keeps twice, aor A:DELICATE BALANCE a (Temas crosses Den tow char.) with tid ty pot Griese gardeners abd, win Ye mle, or Wt foe. ut) Se ea minh (Gain. (Creston et ses Toman am fread) ig (Dw sen) coe el) Wt ase “Pons, (4 Ul ad) don remeber. Gitone (Shrugs) No water; she's gone. (ricer) Bel ee ad yt si Sur they "Toma, (Reliesed to Beam something ev) X support ppl: He sy est rend. "Genz (Wien) Hw sad docs that make You? ‘Tome, Leoks her ora moment, ten:) Not much; seme; no mac. risus No oe to Btn to Brcknes with you noone to tl you've sk of golf o one to amit wo ato ‘uke youre suldeny frightened and you dea sew vat ‘ i rise) Bae No, mtb ieee} ai Ws on te 1 ‘oow what happend Lt time 1 climbed tbe sts to ‘Tata aie Cahy and why Tve ot gone bac? What = : ie ac ei a a a oe Saati Rene8 A DELICATE BALANCE act t ‘mas drinking ike dhe famous Soh? Was source of great Cnbsrrastnat? So Cat you and Agnes set me &D 1 ‘he apartment ocar the ten, and Agnes was ro gpa ‘Boa? coming to yee me? (Tons sighs Heol.) Soy, "Towns (Plesdng iti) Whe wi all» = «jet a the past» eee ell? ‘Ceaunt Whe al he defeats ae done, atid. When Takes over and crvocts fact» makes I {alerale, When Ages leon ber deathbed. “fon. De yon sy that Apes Bs « uch wow eral conte havent seen her cy ia fr the Anges ime. «0 matter what? ‘Cenint Wa‘a me when sles coming; 1M act dra. ‘etd yu very Sy Tota, Kk yu meet ‘Stomach badass, but pretend you fel your insides te {dT een and stink, and med op, and your eye Dut ‘ind youve lf deaf and your bain keepe taming of, {tnd Jou'e got peers! brute and you can baal ‘walcand you bate, Yow ne withthe sme geen ain Te siknets you fel your bores tawe tere ito sand everybody. Hate, and, ob, Godt you was rtgare, bdy--comfer aid snuggling is what ou’ rally tan, of coure—but_you Ist 408" yOu Rotcen wits sort of detachment dat amuses yo, YOU ‘nica you're tore Mike sala every ay Sou sar and grab for hing, and ide ting and forge Where you id thea tke not wey bright dogs, and you ‘Tah 12 prefer to Be waded, and once or twice youve Soul fll your bea und lad ff because pou can ian, bound all hat Ne, you dn Hl at, "Fonts, I don't know why you want fo ‘Cease. You want to know what is ke io be an alk, oat ou, boy? "Tons: (Sad. Sore. io a0 of fa Pree a it, Soe uy goute spending yout otis with starts you ging Gara AK Aad you st tere tte i cb and ser A'DELICATE BALANCE: wth he Date nent rece me TES irae, and yous baer remember i, of you ma Te you pase 4 salon—yos wath the et ones get up ah tll hls Storie oo aus, tite.) Once you dro « Youcen come bak ppt gy «ate => Tn a ‘an. Aay , ran, Me ly, oo chi) Wel, tit’ He, baby. ‘Fons: You area great dasa foo ‘Goutr, (Crowes 0) But, Tim not an aleboie. 7 sa ao now ae never a ee a Shubin bis heed.) ll the promise - «alt ‘the chan Bec ie uci ys and eg te 1 PH ny el am al Ce, ot gt ey ln Cae ant Tam = ile” tee Toman) Yeo ty He rey ‘(Rather vague, but wot babytelt.) My name 1 is tame Cie, oad a cme Nakai ‘Fons (Vqwr) A let Fe Ete, nd Tam a ser sso tf soa) Nom 1 ws expired 06 aa ny fa Sad Ts, ad a wa LENT pendant WT Wanted To ap» A DELICATE BALANCE = Acrt eee ee cure pops a me rt tt ees arm aa testator eg ‘Toss. (After @ pense; embarrassedly.) Did they Inter and aid "ou've taken the frst te, dea.” ‘Tomes lnc) ato so Cit. (dome et say the fst sep to smart oh, f coume, Sanity, ialty, relation, sall- ‘Tecpion ma: (at mach ap) Chang wins "Coat. (Chet ough) Count you, Tobias sxapoy phrase every tine, (Crones to coer faite) But ‘Tt ooked mete aplase the sage presence - that Trgimings no seheel tt had more god srs foe ‘ever ‘Biking dams I woot; ob, Godh Tai “Tons. But spp. ae Pa «(he aut tbr the ernest maf cope ible and foo, ots. ener, unabsrted by vier ina}, and ting slow steamy smidaloage, siowiy'-- - that I was not ner ad ou 1 8 Ay z scr A-DELICATE BALANCE a “Tomas. Now, Ares Se eee hevey-tnded) Well cat be i 7 yes ba roa, and Know far beter Tete aout Dit woe serve you righ. ‘Geta (Grout mocking) But im not an alebali ty! “Powns: She... se can drink ‘Konus, (Ther i irae fsion re Nor HAVE baie mind for accent f 90 Bled fob wth ley foweed. your n'y DROWNED! tah sian 'you would It would give me the peace of ake Gtk you cold 40 something wel, thoroughly. Testa ent to Kl (Cres fom chav.) yoursel—then (Crome 19 2 of sa) lines) Tse ot io want to de. ad take your whole ives dong It 78 Chany, bat ith lothing der, eosin oars, eae Your wie i «pertectioist they are "nese pepe wey aes Aci, ¢ le peeing i it) Sb st an deoekc ae ays he ca rie ODS, ema ed atone, Hab mot babytlh.) T am coe aeobale! mse tk that very ice. We shall ll res aber to Mow that I ir wilt; at the vomit and the‘tears, the muddy mind, (Tostas cvaszes to 1. 20/6) oe ED and theaters, e cues out en or ale {op te cl rm abt cae el you le 12% fav they ae al. wily at om be eed (Seating, bos why) you are wot an Sesbale, 908 Ie beyond forgiven, ‘Cuan (042) Well, Te been that for a long. ne, avert seta? “Kor (He! lolng ot iter of thom) If we change {otto wore with ak, we fre slab, Te 8 Sil Cent Ad whois to sy! ‘ows tt or eet ities (A ten.) If we are tive be, on Tablas? cary tes wea lek to the wl of ewe we ‘fre she fo fathers dag» "Ronns: (Pinal) ‘Tove are sound re (Toms sts on wie.) Cuan, (Asad smile) Tobies? (Pause) Nothing? (Geeesee ar o fe Lam eee round rea? Nothing? Too .. «eta? Too ‘Wied wp? Gone? (ice) AN eight. Bech to Aci, ‘oning ») Very wel, thea, Agnes, you win, Tsball be {tals (heme tose.) What are you ging fogoaboue 10 oR ee tea ate he Cram ie nt te he oom wih tem, ACES wi re Guat coming commonts oil there ie red. Towns, sl do th, to, but sacomforibly, brady) Tey yo way a Yer ‘Trp af 0 med eens, coming home “Ceatm. (d Brie laugh) Naturally. (Up to. char.) ‘Toms. Yes? aha Seeing Dod, wh no mai ‘Toots. But, anything abo "hens. fla'were hap, be woud aot be cong ote’ dnd want ber het, Ged Knows. T mean ses welcont, ofcourse “Cras Right on schidle ence every ho eas « ‘Nenus, (Cloves er eer fore moma, to bee inir- ing Crstsh) = It er bone, we are ber parent SSE fae of ty and we have ow obligations to Ber, and have sached an age, Tobia, when [wis we were ‘image Gove, you and, witout = anger‘ Glan (Chart but frm) Wal Tm ot ig ‘tun, (Grnct to jo)>_ but oe od Bog tae ot ageing he ta eh Mee popry a or some ee! Ope nate, fou, dow ey 8. Socks a Te Dg soo ‘Rina (isthe oppae nner are exetel 1c yea woah Tt you bal tied fo Tom, Seas yet feo Chain, ofa Gaeta wasn't Julie Rappy! *08 eee p. Tomas 1. YU talk to Dove, Cette, Why don't you tavte hin Ace? And while yous at iy tag the athe lone “Accs (Some reproach) And you might talk to Js, too: You dont, vey chsa A DELICATE BALANCE Aor act) A DELICATE BALANCE, s™ A DELICATE BALANCE act ‘Tom went after wanes, be Dowas “hases, (Turning ow Cxaize.) WA you stop tat? (Cc 0 10) ° “Cesc. Ook, Xam be, afterall T exist ‘Kets, Why dont you goof ona vacation, lsc now saat Jala’ coming bomen? Why dont, yoo ge 0 ohuacky, or Teoneme, and visit the distil? Or Thy soot you Tock yours in your room, c ind your. tal cba pith am apartment inthe back «=» (Crowser Beso) Guan O21 Aga; why don't you de? (dens end Cuam lck ees, say stil) ‘Tomas (Not rising jrom sof, tals mare or ls to ise) HLL saw sre pole 10, T might Tae Mite fwon, chance Uf thought T might «break ‘ough to bey and any, “Joie” bot thee what ‘Soul T ay? “Join 2" hen, not "hans, (Breoling” pe contact ih Coane, crsing su yes no looking oh ether) It we do no ove same foe heer ave lowed them "funni (Sof eoretion) No} Wee can be fence, ven ving Tae tre curious then ening.) Do you realy vant me dead, Cie? “Chats. Wik, yes, Want? 1 don't know; probably. ‘hog Tight reet i iT bad TRemenber dhe serpents toth, Tobias Fs. (Recollection) ‘The eat that had ‘owes. Hin? Ae The cat that 1 bad , «when T as—vell 8 yeaa sa before T met you. She was very ol 1 bad SET Sar wus dae moot have ben een, or more. Reding ca She did’ ike people very much hi Sioa esta cents to, char) people came «shed kup nd wale away. She liked me; ce, rather, jet) A DELICATE BALANCE. a she'd ston my lap. doo Koow if she was appy, at ‘he wa ctrl, “aonas, Ys. ‘Tost. And bow he thing Inppened 1 dont really tipow, She no ane day the =» we oe day Tread TESo linge: ited me No, thal’ not ght one dy ‘Saale most be stopped king me some dt be [ite Ons eveng Ls aloe, home, and Twas sade Sire of her sent, not fast that she wast fhe ‘orn wth me, bat tht se hat een, i rooms with ime, watching ah shave «= fst doa. 1 Poulin’ place hr Tong She hada’ gone ey, yor Cesta well, she dad, but sb had't on fT ‘Sw sae was orn I nemenbered I had caught sieht St ker om ie to ine under chat, mong out oF a room, Bat fe wes only when realized someting SP iSipebel that Tena le ay pate to thing at “het TH noon Se aida Hike me any Wore, (Ceaue:Well she wat ol ‘Fonus, No," wasnt Wat, She dda" Hike me any moe led force myo oh et “Rowen, Whatever do you men? ‘Toor. cos fer fm oom with mes 1d pick Ber py ant Toa bert im my apy 1 make her stay ‘Bice en se didnt want to. But fe didat work, abe [Bie he bu set gt own when she cul, aa ‘Cuatin Maybe se was il ‘Fons, Noy she most T had her to the vet She dit lke me any more One might was fred it Sw had ber inte oom ith me, and 8 my Tap for Be Sat, the 8th me the same evening, 20d SS ing‘ with her te to may and she wosld't ure dal feco: T koew she was fast wating she eae get down, and Tad, "Damo you, yO Hike mt ‘Go cme you atop til hve’ done anything 0 You" Aod shook hers Tad my ands ound her ‘Soctaee and T shook er = and she bit me; bard;Fn ADELICATE BALANCE ACT tod oad atm, Andan NM OY ‘Bands T Bt er smack, right crass t Total bert ‘Aowa. Did you burt ex badly? ‘Fonua, Yess well ot bay be «1 ‘hoa seas ol, Wou bad her pat to ale, "rows, (Carectng.) T bad ber st aot aud be to Bor - het bet into ea eer) be gave er an njction and elled ber! ‘ha ber Bled? tad bes “jer a pase) Well, what, eae cmd yOu ite es ‘Tre was nothing tobe done; there was me between you. conan aight hve ed Songer. Tmt have gone oor acts, the ane wey, Imig hve re 2 OE See ll Inthe Roane with et, dome nor A DELICATE BALANCE n "acs (otcing the window.) Was that aca in th ? We oI we do not love someone... never ave loved sae 1 es avapt,biflh, crosses v1 f 10) ee (A eet toot the problem. You lve Anes oe ones Ja and lia foes te and {ove YOU a oe eck hry pus we do. We Tove eck tbe. ‘onus. Ye? Fame Smcthing of ener.) Yess tothe dept of ‘xy abe piy an our eed, Wat ee but Tove? “roms. (Crses 10 bor) Foro? Fett mph.) Quite pal: ove and eee (there is @ KNOCK ot the doors Aas answers “Gas ones fo 8 che) Re. daa? Harry? What» surprise Tobie Ip ee Sina Come ns Why don't you take of (dinees cad Bene, hey sem somecht Mirae jor uch close frends) Apes tir, (Somcnlat dant) Eng «5 Ca. Ba Hw ae yu, Banat (Ue stays at arch) ome Taming ist oso tiy ce COMMER ne eS end i) Sit dawn. We wee fst Grae ora (Carol ld) Have you Deze Sat Uh, wo he eb?8 A DELICATE BALANCE et (Bona crocs» 2 to sa.) daze. (se ignoring hows question? Cross 03 "To the cb? Cis cgi, bt mtn) How's eld ary! Tinea. (Self entrng. A sep v..) Pretty wll Cate, ot sad as Pl, but ‘Eons Harry's been having his shortness of breath seala "in, (Gory) Tc tate satis or fst “rhe. oning them Aus. Cross 0% of 16) ‘Waly toate tenn, you Kaw. ‘Da (as i} she cot rememer something.) What have you sone to fhe rou, Agnes? see Cons around wits litle ep}rchnson, then let) Oh ser thing ae of. tneving wr Sook dane Ya Teather; bound. (Cree £0 sha) "Tons, (Crosses tot. cha.) Ob? Yes? (Brie sence.) Conn. ‘Toe question ese Yim ging deat from all to the cb Aces. (Wervus, eoloetic covering.) 1 wondered! laure (estan) Why «20, DO. own (iid) Whe, why, no, Agnes.» hows Tweed, eT owt poms yore aot DELICATE BALANCE » Tama Some codons) Aes Bask ior ay fing Nome gig Chet ai iar 9) is. (Cross 2 chi) Gad youre Bere! Pasty "flasuy. (Relioued.) Good to 0 you, Tobias! Fae EE ety tm Eri (Choe 2) Lave a Tat Sh hod ome hr is nd Bs mje Tons craves Bor) er CA senate lak fo Cate Back 10 Bots) sien canis rn’, Th ald Fs si epeiicat) Ob = ot aga ‘Foams tompid fviey) Josten ep atom srs Tk. Of ie, ato sae! ‘Hasmy, (Wore embarrassed thaw sorry.) Gos, that's ‘hy dy come? -Acxes. Please! ‘Cail (Back, reassuring.) We're glad sone bow wee gad you ane tortie eta gueliy) Ya (Cro fo Can, her drab hex Soo chr) (iazey ond Basa chore ent) ame (Quite sod ond carious boat 3.) We were fed Some Jat ato Some = Ket. ii reproving Were dad you. ova. i toe Mere ee? tute, sng sof sf) Wt ‘Ton. (Wanting ole shaking his head) Cate Bona (itoring hie Tes al righty Tobias. ‘Rena T dnt ace wy’ people have to be questioned wing ey came for 8 tally». "Shans (Small lrg) Harry wnt tell you, Si.Py ADELICATE BALANCE fer ‘Boma, Harry? Homa, We» wel, we were iting home ‘Tons. Can'T get you 8 dink, Bary? Hamre, (Shaker Ay heed)" Ts «we thought, abot ging tothe ub bat. Wi, fe so eroded 08 Peay mht Eowca, (Small sole, Alpe, quiet)... with the 1 dott know guite what Bappeced then;we oe wee vt a all inn See to nett ——-A:DELICATE BALANCE 3 at lows ig more pel a) otig ‘at all happened, but > we (per pine) WE GOT AED" (Opn sling no oe moves) Tain (Sl mde confor) We cae ice” (hvuth "ha sobhag)) WE WERE acest, lay, Ther was nothing. cared. ‘Hows, We... were... teed, (Aowas crawes 40 sos, comforts Bows) ‘Haury. We were scared. (Silmcr; Aces comforting ‘eowa, Hany sch sll Quite Iamocont, mont ch Tike) Te was lke being lt very young agai, with te ‘rk and let. There was no "= hing’ = t0be «== ‘ghtened of but ‘Bown. (Teor; guid Iyeteria) WE WERE FRIGHT. ENED" ("AND THERE WAS NOTHING. (Since tn the room Hina. (Matto of act Duta Bint of daring under it.) ‘We cal’ say there abd so we came here. Youre our very bet end “Bows (Cryin softy now.) Ta the whole wel. phon Comfort ean her) "Nom, som, ie, (épergie some) We conta eo ayers hn dep bet, cnrl) Wal, we... 8 id the rig hing ofcourse. “Tomas, Sere. Bova, Can T go to bed now? Place? Anas. (Pause; then, not quite wnderstonding) Bel? Hisay, We eat go back tee Eb Peas? ‘Acres. (Ditont) Bal? ava. (Croner 2-0) tfa) Tin a0 «ed: ‘Hamre, Youve our best frend ith wnt Tobias? but we were verya ADELICATE BALANCE att ‘Tomas. (A lite Bewlderment; rote.) Of course we are, ary, Boma (On fer fet, moving.) Peas? (Cries @ Me suai) Aes, (A milion hing fing trough hr Bea, er dng tol avagonen) ‘OC. couse ou ch, hace heres fl oun, aid rm nd {in} Cae with, dear Heme Sis rch ‘Aowd vearhes dara tr Yo Tony quien te cane) Toast aa (is, pas folie an, ete tome cio ane Fount (Corfucd) Hany? ‘nce, (Sing hod) Thee as a0 on de we cutie (Ute ests ater Aas end Bana, Coasts up, watcher ‘Tonuas e be stands Jor @ oman, looking the oor: sence’) (Coat. (4 smal sod chuctle) T was wondeting when ft would beg «wea It would start ‘Toms. (desig her only eler'« moment) Start? (Loader) START (Pease) WHAT? ‘Cua, (Reltes Aor gis 40 him.) Dost you know ol? (Smal chuck) You wil. curtain act Two Some 1 Sema st; rove dr, ns nnn, Jor ed hoes ‘ln, Ab fe oes ov he et Cpe mee Jou, (Anger end sly; to lod.) Do you ink ‘like it? Do you? a Jee 00 YO0T D6 bh ay ot thi Tey 8 ‘Aowes, Julia! ve boy Sota, Yes (Cotes toc arch) What aout at come bomen rom i lof Hay aod Bann, The pt i sp een TO mom “Joa, Wot) Tha be diferent. jem Wat i yu, oa dingo ome SS TSA, TAT Wa om on i of oy yh hg Yow or. (rots om caw} hat are tny dong i Dan thy hae thts anymore? Has he sage ban lit my knowing Rt iay have een eat of ton bat ‘ena it te rin (Betccn he eth; contr byt: sso they ere? emma s ees A DELICATE BALANCE = act ‘cers. (Weary; head Beck; calm) They're « feghtened Haven't you beard of i? "fou (Increduous) Theyre = whal!? ‘Aen. (Resping hr voice down) ‘They'e lightened. [Now wl You fet et Sciam, (Opendad) What are they fighteed of? Harry. soi Bina? Prigheatd? “hows, 1 dart. T dont know yet Joune Waly haven't you ald to ten about i? 1 sy fr Ca ee hava "Ach, (Tying to say calm) No. ¥hven' ‘Fort Wht have they done: stayed up in Ur room symp room!~aot come dowa? Locked in? ‘sow Yen oun, Yer what? ‘ese. "Yes they have stayed up in thee room all day. Your zn, Now, et it be (1 FREES Con gor om the ome tone; dou; sory téenow) Nok = ‘homo Poe? choi (Sst cae) Yu sy, ett, sy ‘Aonen. Lam top old—ae 1 renenber—to remember what Is Ike to bea daughter f my poor parents Ubet spare bene wl forge my Dut Tm sure it [Sdopler tan beng & mother oun. (Sight edge.) T sid T was sory. ‘Aces. (lof thi more Jr Her rm Gemsement ond aniomend then anything tas) T Gone real WT ever ‘Shed my. pooe wolber Hat. To wid sometimes Sat ‘Thad been bern «man. Jou (Shabu her hood; very mater fct.) Not 20 ake “Kawes. ‘Their concems ate 20 simple: money and aang ent tl hy et et Sah-mockery tnd ezogertion) I they fnew what ‘mo ke tobe e aie; w moder; lve a home ors A DELICATE BALANCE s aor snes hte, aia pai, «re ‘teller, a deceiver... a Las Tis (So yo on ie ln sings) De 3 sine) as ‘Acs. (Leng softy) Thee i a bok ou, I belies, ‘-rew one by one of te shirt milion péyhiatist ratio intl and fur, 8 Book we pins thst ‘Be snes te reversing or coming to resemble each other foo much, at any rate It bode tobe reed and diy Dale, for it disturbs oor Sese of well-being Tf the Brak eit end I eapet iti, thon T would be mo Sea ae al foun. (Seber, dhol tongue decheck agreement; abing of head) No. Not at al (6 eae (Eecrered Cones tn. chi) Ot Tenover tho wary he's ae “Toms. (Scratches le head) Just let it be. act DELICATE BALANCE. a Jens. (Cras. of soja.) Did't you try to tak totem today? I ee Town (Wot enbarased, but nt comfortable ether) Wall oo; they were’ down when {went att hw lb, = oa! Good old gl . ‘Fomua. (Sarpy ay.) Dont tide me, Joa, X van yoo, (Crome C1) * ta ty asf ce oe got pi ‘yan at good “Tore (PAnEng of something ce.) thet that ot sow, iu (Ending a ng mt hye Crass to ay Gee ata bi se me ‘tp bak ef ya? Sanya Cronig lr) LOOK tc: ote, a ve pnt) Ty om = sen ok our Sngerals now? ‘ou (Wor pom dx.) Tt brake of. Fonts (Crotc Yo) There are se mes when tga Stoo uch, Y don't know what the ell ary fod Has ve dling siting up in that edroom! (Creses "ou (Heed Mp ef!) And pe Yet Mea (Cet 00) an tat tin, you age his te fe ine you come back wi oe pear goed manage fo eres Fowl Count ar38 A DELICATE BALANCE ace ‘Jous, (Regs) Chow how many marriages ve gotten aja! at, you "Foo Four! You expect to came tack Bere, nese fa to beng Hcen and mirindestood each tine? You ie thniyain yeas Ol, for Cds se! “oun And you are one hundred Baslyi Toons Tryst Hach mel Dragging our « yout was alge to say pride-sour mv. with 70, Be sone Ragoty Ane dl by fot, (Crass of le) We, yor fs ose wth your whining, "foun. (Rare. Cres to €- #0) 1 DONT 3 ‘70, COME BACK HERE “roman (Steps fo Jottn) YOU BELONG HERE! (dTeany breathing from bark 0 them, fall itl rc Teles oota spooks rather sonthaanty now, TORS on) Wal Sow ate ab i fe the digit of my detning, yar, ‘ey good aid very trong marl. Jin me (Groves to bor, mses ert) “Toran, (iether wif.) When Twas avery ie it~ sec whey T'was hile gr afer Td gotten ver tay Trobjear bare ot suddely buving « brother, may Bs Soest when {was a de get though you were PUTS hae, wage daddy, eveyibng. And then, 2 ‘solescence, thom At edo: cme) eo net “Jou, And then asthe year turme-pooe ald man— youn to cipher, and yotve stayed here, Ti afeaid ey noe but econ, eet, but noeseally thought ‘Shy geay . aon-eminace, "Fonte. ing, hardy stoning) Unbre « - ous And sow youve clanged aga, set inate, ait Nasty, violent, sbealuely man mal Ye, 28 you Take it, five to goe, or better. "Toss I made shout sven, think oun Your tansloatons amaze te, How can T germ ADELICATE BALANCE, » tae lage so mach? Or 1 aly you? (Coe fo Se a wie Ts) (Sis 1x, om sofa. As they Borst settle.) 1 told ‘ages Ga Td gpa to Doug «if you Sk ha SR any gon By ly Dad at 8 ond mari ee raly ano ao Do? You wot sel pots ie cmpubvs Jou ean pt somewie SHE nln of getting ambien te, The eters Sons. of his wold Jeu an ave the ison ‘case yes, you thayre after something, te jackpot, somehow: break the EEK" ha he boy, elit the tabe = = someting. “Toes, You ds pick'em feat tne Deir oun Dol pick en? C thought i wa een handed and Be ors, whce daughter went Wid whatever a Er parents thought woud hold he et together best, tr someting, “Lave come ale.” Tens: Gradgieg) Wel, you may have been posed on Chale "Yom Poot Charl ‘Fema (Penper isn eft) Wel, fr Christ's sake, it you mis him Se ruc Fount do nt ens Asal Wel, yes, 1 do, bu not that sway Because be seamed so Ube wt Teddy would have ben “Ts (it age andr) Yon ber wad ot hare grown up tobe Mn, (otte sme) Who 6 wo say? ‘Fonins (Hard Took) 10 (Ponse Cham the arch =D Do Iba ga? (Juntos hey rie, me tober apm out Dor of thm yen cack othr) Bang oth. Ob, my sweet Cire!