The libertine by Grant Harbison

“I’m mad, I’m bad, and I’m the Marquis de Sade.”

“Oui, monsieur aristocrat. Sick and twisted, batty as a bat.”

“But can’t you see it, peasant? ‘

“I see a mad fool, no one pleasant.”

“But this is the way, this is the solution.”

“If I were you, I would seek absolution.”

“The church? Feckless idiots who only besmirch.”

“Dreams of torture, dreams of pain; alone in a cell, you have nothing to gain.”

“But I am the Libertine!”

“Really quite pathetic and utterly obscene.’

“When I get out, I’ll have your head!”

“Hush, silly man and go to bed. Relax a little and suck your thumb. Your tales are so boring, so humdrum.”