The Pagliacci (2)

I step out into the ring. Words that once stuck in my throat now spill out. Truth can be a miserable lie to perform. “Why do I mourn?” The audience holds its breath. “E perche, signore, my wife is unfaithful to me.” The audience chuckles.
 I reply with gusto, “How is this my fault?” Simon – that is, Propizio – steps out of the shadows. “You forgot to buy her nice things.” “For want of coin, I sold her my heart.” “You failed to satisfy her desires.” “For want of romance, I gave her my mind.” “You forgot to tell her, Pagliacci. How was she to know?” Laughter. End Scene. Come back tomorrow for finale.