(The lawn before Longwood House on St Helena. Napoleon is resting on a sun lounger. The First Student is sitting on a stool next to him, holding a yellow rose in one of his hands. The Gravedigger is shovelling.)

Napoleon

Who is he?

The First Student

He’s my grandfather.

Napoleon

I can see where you get your good looks from.

The First Student

I’m not so sure.

Napoleon

I am.

(A beat.)

Napoleon

What is he doing?

The First Student

He is digging your grave.

Napoleon

Is my cough so bad? Is it finally time —

The First Student

To die?

Napoleon

To die …

The First Student

It looks like it.

Napoleon

I’m glad you are by my side then.

The First Student

I don’t want you to die.

Napoleon

Others will be delighted.

The First Student

Don’t say that.

Napoleon

The garden is still adorable.

(A beat.)

Napoleon

Apart from that growing hole.

The First Student

Look what I brought you.

(The First Student hands the rose to Napoleon.)

Napoleon

A primrose.

(A beat.)

Napoleon

Thank you.

The First Student

Not for that.

Napoleon

Is Betsy around?

The First Student

She is.

(A pause. Betsy steps out of the house carrying a plate with pasta and chicken.)

Betsy

I had promised you.

Napoleon

To see you twice after such a long time of separation.

Betsy

I know. It’s extraordinary.

Napoleon

It is. As is your chicken.

Betsy

Enjoy it.

(Napoleon takes a drumstick and bites into it.)

Napoleon

So juicy.

(He takes another bite.)

Napoleon

So spicy.

The Gravedigger

Almost ready!

Napoleon

Let me have some of the pasta first.

(Lights out.)

(A pause.)

(A spotlight fades in, focusing on the First Student. He is asleep on Napoleon’s sun lounger. All others are gone. When the light becomes glaring, he wakes with a start.)