:52:01
I have in hand an edict.
:52:03
I wish it passed, put down in law,
:52:06
and circulated throughout
the affected areas posthaste.
:52:09
A Royal licensing law,
:52:12
which states, in binding language,
as does follow:
:52:16
Whereas the women's parts in plays
:52:19
have hitherto been acted by men
in the habits of women,
:52:23
at which some have taken offence,
:52:27
we do permit and give leave,
for the time to come,
:52:32
that all women's parts
be acted by women.
:52:38
No He shall e'er again...
:52:41
...upon an English stage
:52:44
play she
:53:23
Mrs Hughes, though it be true
that talent is as talent does,
:53:27
whilst beauty fades
like starlight at the break of day,
:53:30
surely you recognise the fact
that you are, without doubt,
:53:34
the most beautiful woman
on the English stage.
:53:37
I am an actress, not a beauty.
:53:39
Be that as it may,
:53:40
if I am to paint your beauty, Mrs Hughes,
I must paint it with tit exposed.
:53:46
How else prove to the theatregoers
of London that you are a real woman?