Mercedes & Ignatz A

Mercedes
Are you praying, Ignatz? Are you concerned about something?

Ignatz
A little. I'm coming to accept that I will never be an artist.

Ignatz
I'm self-taught, so my style and technique are probably all wrong. I don't know what I'm doing.

Ignatz
Besides, how could I persuade my father? I can't even imagine his reaction. He'd disown me.

Mercedes
It takes courage to stray from the path that has been set out before you. It's never easy.

Mercedes
I'm in a similar position. I have been carrying out my adoptive father's wishes up until this point.

Mercedes
But...

Ignatz
But?

Mercedes
It's never a bad thing to have dreams. That's how I feel, at least.

Mercedes
I can't imagine a life in which I've given up on my dreams. How could anyone find happiness in that?

Mercedes
Even with your father's demands, you can still work toward one small dream at a time.

Ignatz
You know, I suppose you're right! My dream of being an artist gives me the energy to go on.

Ignatz
You're really wise, Mercedes.

Mercedes
Oh, goodness. That's not how most people would describe me.

Mercedes
I just don't want you to give up on your art.

Mercedes
Besides, I genuinely do want to see your painting of the goddess.

Ignatz
Really?! I'm pleased to hear you say so!

Ignatz
You said you're in the same position as I am. What did you mean by that?

Mercedes
My future has been decided for me as well. I'm to be married off to a nobleman.

Ignatz
What?!

Mercedes
Is it really that surprising? I think many young women face the same fate.

Ignatz
So, um... Will you get married?

Mercedes
Hmm... I suppose I haven't given it much thought.

Mercedes
Whatever may happen, I'm sure everything will work out in the end if I don't give up on my dreams.

Ignatz
"Everything will work out in the end." Mercedes, you're amazing.

Ignatz
I think that, whatever you do, wherever you go, you'll help a lot of people.

Ignatz
You're so kind, I know you can— Oh!

Mercedes
What's wrong, Ignatz? You have a strange look on your face.

Ignatz
For my whole life, I've wanted to paint the goddess. But I never could.

Ignatz
Whatever shape I gave her, she never seemed quite right. But it's just come to me.

Mercedes
It's wonderful how inspiration can strike so suddenly! Quick! Paint before you lose it!

Ignatz
I will! Will you help me?

Mercedes
I'd be happy to help, but I'm not sure what I can do.

Ignatz
Don't you see? The goddess I imagined and tried to paint so many times—she's you!

Ignatz
I have to get my supplies. Stay right there.

Mercedes
Well! To say such a thing directly before the altar! That must be some kind of sin...

Mercedes
I'll say an extra prayer for him.