For Robert Browning
He might be saying something like this:
[Editor: "Very rough prose draft!"]
"Poor child, another headache tonight? Doesn't she
look poorly, Thomas? There, there, don't fret,girl! You're
still one of my favorites. There, there. Go back to
your chamber, dear. I'll send the young Prince Thomas
along with medicine shortly. Just like last time.
"[Aside, whispering to the prince]. Hurry, go inform the
girl in the second room on the right from the end of
the west wing that she should prepare herself.
"There, there, my lovely. Sorry I can't bring the
medicine myself. [WINK WINK] Duty calls. Duty calls.
How you must miss your
king's favors. Don't fret. Take your medicine. You will
have pleasure again soon. Run along now. You, too, Thomas."
[To Himself] Even from a Renaissance perspective, the boy's
got the big head. Maybe, someday, he'll be a lady's man
like his father. I just don't know. Must get ready...keep
these ladies happy. . .
"I'll have his very scene done by my court painter
Maximillian. . .damned little Frenchman. He's good at
reconstructing scenes [editorial insert: NOT so good
at deconstructing!] Should show her face. . .
not her best side, however. Seldom is. Thomas will
treasure the painting in memory of his old father, the
connoisseur of women par excellence.
Well, later for that. . .just a little cologne on the
earlobes and under the eyes. . . drives 'em wild!"
OR [sorry for the indulgence] SOMETHING LIKE THAT!