Peter: And then, while no one was looking, Jupiter’s belts disappeared.
Scampi: You said that before.
Peter: Perhaps.
Scampi: How do you know no one was looking?
Peter: I am a busy man.
Scampi: Oh yes. We are all well aware.
PAUSE.
Scampi: Do you know what a skipjack is?
Peter: Yes.
Scampi: Oh, really?
Peter: Yees.
Scampi: It’s a boat on the Chesapeake.
Peter: Ah, yes.
Scampi: Used for oystering. Because no one uses sailboats any more for work.
Peter: I beg to differ.
Scampi: Beggars can’t be choosers. An oyster boat’s a sailboat. That’s what I’m saying. A skipjack.
Peter: There is no denying the facts, ma’am.
Scampi: Just the facts, Pete. Pewter.
Peter: Ah, the world of alloys.
Scampi: Yes. It’s a jungle out there.
PAUSE.
Scampi: Peder Oxe.
Peter: Hm?
Scampi: Imagine if you were Peder Oxe.
PETER LOWS.
Scampi: Not Peter-the-Ox.
Peter: Of course not.
Scampi: What do you think of the future? Of humanism?
Peter: As opposed to the oxen-based economy?
Scampi: No, really.
Peter: I consider myself a humanist.
Scampi: What? Is that true?
Peter: No.
Scampi: Oh.
PAUSE.
Scampi: The ceiling is too low.
Peter: I am unconcerned.
Scampi: For a change.
Peter: Mm.
Scampi: There isn’t enough room.
Peter: For the future of humanism?
Scampi: For the present.
Peter: Well, don’t let me hinder your progress.
Scampi: Oh, of course. Progress.
Peter: Yes.
Scampi: You know a synonym for present?
Peter: Uh. Here?
Scampi: Gift.
PAUSE.
Scampi: You are squandering it.
Peter: And what are you doing?
Scampi: Waiting.