In late 17th-century England：
Court jester Barkilphedro informs King James II of the capture of Lord Clancharlie,
an exiled nobleman, who has returned for his young son, Gwynplaine.
The King tells Lord Clancharlie ：
a grin was carved upon the boy’s face by Hardquanonne, a Comprachico surgeon.
Lord Clancharlie is executed in an iron maiden.
Barkilphedro — Jester
to the King.
Court jester Barkilphedro informs King James II of the capture of Lord Clancharlie,
but all his jests were.
cruel and all his smiles were false.
Your Majesty —
Lord Clancharlie is captured!’
“So, the proud rebel who
refused to kiss our hand,
returns from exile to kiss
the ‘Iron Lady”
‘I came back to find my little son.
What have you done with him?”
‘A Comprachico surgeon carved a grin upon his face
so he might laugh forever at his fool of a father.’
*My poor little son —
God help him!’
‘My name is Gwynplaine, and I’m cold and hungry.’
“Comprachícos!’
a grin was carved upon the boy’s face by Hardquanonne, a Comprachico surgeon.
In the sightless eyes of Dea,
the image of Gwynplaine stood alwas pa shaft of light.
“You would marry me then,
my Dea – without seeing me?”