"My dear Russell ... "

Muy senor mio.

Please believe me, Sir, you are the greatest sailor on the planet, by a league, you are a genius. You are la Copa America.

(Coutts rises abruptly and looks for something heavy and clublike)

All we need to create the greatest sailing event on the planet, carino mio, is you.

(Coutts looks helplessly around the room)

Just think, you and the Prince himself, sailing together. Perhaps we join you. Alinghi himself, he told me he wants you there. Without you, he said we are just barges in a canal.

(Coutts looks for his cell, but realizes they haven't been invented yet)

Perhaps you are a barge, Russo. I am a canal. But I digress.

(Coutts tears down a tapestry from the wall)

Your honor and character, Russell, that is what we must consider. The world is looking to see that you are a gentleman. The dear Prince said you were an iluminador, and told me to tell you so. He said you do not belong in the world of darkness. You belong here with us, with Alinghi and the alpine people! Sail with us, mi tesoro! Compete! Challenge us!

(He tears the fabric into a long thin strip)

I will sail with you. I will find a vessel, and command its crew, and we will run with you, my spinnaker billowing. Think of it!

(Slowly, he wraps the strip around each hand, left and right)

As the sun sets, I see vessels approaching the line. The angels are singing! The sun's red gold rays illuminate the sky! Heroes are throwing themselves into oblivion!

(She closes her eyes in rapture. Coutts steps forward)

As I dream, I see you there, mi cielo, standing proudly. I see the Prince. He is proud. I see you both. I love you both. I cannot tell ...

(He throws two loops around her neck)

Ahh! So you embrace me, Russo . . . ?

Key words: Menial, slavish, subserviant, attentive, compliant, deferential, groveling, obedient, servile, sick, submissive, abject, sycophantic, flattering, cringing, submissive.

References: The cringing servant, a character by Niccolo Machiavelli.

Comment: Everything you ever thought about the Prince and the House of Alinghi is true.

Notes: Beware fetid Ayre.