BUQUET
Like yellow parchment
is his skin...
a great black hole served
as the nose that never grew...
(Demonstrating his method of self-defence against the Punjab
lasso, he inserts his hand between his neck and the noose, and
then pulls the rope taut.
With a mixture of horror and delight, the BALLET GIRLS
applaud this demonstration)
(Explaining to them)
You must be always
on your guard,
or he will catch you with his
magical lasso!
(A trap opens up centre-stage, casting a shadow of the
PHANTOM as he emerges. The GIRLS, linking hands, run off
terrified. The PHANTOM, leading CHRISTINE, fixes his stare
on BUQUET. Sweeping his cape around CHRISTINE, he exits
with her. But before they go, GIRY has entered, observing. She
turns on BUQUET)
GIRY
Those who speak
of what they know
find, too late, that prudent
silence is wise.
Joseph Buquet,
hold your tongue -
he will burn you with the
heat of his eyes...