copyright 2000  
 
GEORGE

I've been threatened and harrassed too many times.  I may be a coward.  I admit it.  But I won't change my mind.

JOHNNY

There's so much work to do.  It's hardly begun.

GEORGE

Johnny, it'll never begin.  Don't you see?  Instead of dreaming of a future that won't happen, let's be realistic.  Instead of confusing promises with actions, let's try to bear in mind that friendship is more permanent than political opinions.  Tough times lie ahead.  Get away while you can.

JOHNNY

I'm not ready.  George, during your obscenity trial the Judge argued that since an artist lives and works in society he must abide by the limits necessary for that society to continue.  You argued, "Work in the name of a higher morality.  Shock people into seeing the need to change things."

GEORGE

Thing are changing, Johnny, just not the way we want them to.

JOHNNY

We can fight that.

GEORGE

I admit I once made the mistake of believing that an artist should be involved in politics.

(JOHNNY stares at him.)

JOHNNY

Well, then.  So long.

(Turns back to his work.)

GEORGE

(Shaking the pile of luggage)
Johnny, get out while you can.

JOHNNY

(Not looking down)
I understand what you're saying.  Happy sailing, George.

GEORGE

(To WIELAND)
Wiz, get him out.  Talk to him.  You know what's coming.

WIELAND

We all know what's coming, but Johnny'll stay until there isn't any doubt.

GEORGE

And I wonder what he'll be saying of me.

WIELAND

I know what I'll be saying.

GEORGE

What.

WIELAND

I'll be saying:   George is a good friend and a bourgeois traitor.

GEORGE

(Laughs and embraces WIELAND vigorously)

Well, better a liver bourgeois than a dead Bolshevik.

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