Estragon

Vladimir
Lucky
Pozzo
a boy

ACT I

A country road. A tree.

Waiting for Godot

Evening.

tragicomedy in 2 acts
Estragon, sitting on a low mound, is trying to take off his boot.
He pulls at it with both hands, panting. He gives up,
exhausted, rests, tries again.
As before.
Enter Vladimir.
By ESTRAGON:
(giving up again). Nothing to be done.

Samuel Beckett VLADIMIR:

(advancing with short, stiff strides, legs wide apart). I'm
beginning to come round to that opinion. All my life I've tried
to put it from me, saying Vladimir, be reasonable, you haven't
yet tried everything. And I resumed the struggle. (He broods,
musing on the struggle. Turning to Estragon.) So there you are
again.
ESTRAGON: The same? I don't know.
Am I? VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: When I think of it . . . all these years . . . but for me . . . where
would you be . . . (Decisively.) You'd be nothing more than a
I'm glad to see you back. I thought you were gone forever.
little heap of bones at the present minute, no doubt about it.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
Me too.
And what of it?
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Together again at last! We'll have to celebrate this. But how?
(He reflects.) Get up till I embrace you. (gloomily). It's too much for one man. (Pause. Cheerfully.) On
the other hand what's the good of losing heart now, that's
ESTRAGON: what I say. We should have thought of it a million years ago, in
(irritably). Not now, not now. the nineties.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:

(hurt, coldly). May one inquire where His Highness spent the Ah stop blathering and help me off with this bloody thing.
night? VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: Hand in hand from the top of the Eiffel Tower, among the first.
In a ditch. We were respectable in those days. Now it's too late. They
wouldn't even let us up. (Estragon tears at his boot.) What are
VLADIMIR:
you doing?
(admiringly). A ditch! Where?
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
Taking off my boot. Did that never happen to you?
(without gesture). Over there.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Boots must be taken off every day, I'm tired telling you that.
And they didn't beat you? Why don't you listen to me?
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
Beat me? Certainly they beat me. (feebly). Help me!
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
The same lot as usual? It hurts?
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
(angrily). Hurts! He wants to know if it hurts! down, shakes it, looks on the ground to see if anything has
VLADIMIR: fallen out, finds nothing, feels inside it again, staring
sightlessly before him.) Well?
(angrily). No one ever suffers but you. I don't count. I'd like to
hear what you'd say if you had what I have. ESTRAGON:
Nothing.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
It hurts?
Show me.
VLADIMIR:
(angrily). Hurts! He wants to know if it hurts! ESTRAGON:

ESTRAGON: There's nothing to show.

(pointing). You might button it all the same. VLADIMIR:

Try and put it on again.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
(stooping). True. (He buttons his fly.) Never neglect the little
things of life. (examining his foot). I'll air it for a bit.
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
What do you expect, you always wait till the last moment. There's man all over for you, blaming on his boots the faults of
VLADIMIR: his feet. (He takes off his hat again, peers inside it, feels about
inside it, knocks on the crown, blows into it, puts it on again.)
(musingly). The last moment . . . (He meditates.) Hope deferred This is getting alarming. (Silence. Vladimir deep in thought,
maketh the something sick, who said that? Estragon pulling at his toes.) One of the thieves was saved.
ESTRAGON: (Pause.) It's a reasonable percentage. (Pause.) Gogo.

Why don't you help me? ESTRAGON:

VLADIMIR: What?

Sometimes I feel it coming all the same. Then I go all queer. (He VLADIMIR:
takes off his hat, peers inside it, feels about inside it, shakes it, Suppose we repented.
puts it on again.) How shall I say? Relieved and at the same
time . . . (he searches for the word) . . . appalled. (With ESTRAGON:
emphasis.) AP-PALLED. (He takes off his hat again, peers inside Repented what?
it.) Funny. (He knocks on the crown as though to dislodge a
VLADIMIR:
foreign body, peers into it again, puts it on again.) Nothing to
be done. (Estragon with a supreme effort succeeds in pulling off Oh . . . (He reflects.) We wouldn't have to go into the details.
his boot. He peers inside it, feels about inside it, turns it upside ESTRAGON:
Our being born? Silence.
Vladimir breaks into a hearty laugh which he immediately VLADIMIR:
stifles, his hand pressed to his pubis, his face contorted. Where was I . . . How's your foot?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
One daren't even laugh any more.
Swelling visibly.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Dreadful privation. Ah yes, the two thieves. Do you remember the story?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Merely smile. (He smiles suddenly from ear to ear, keeps No.
smiling, ceases as suddenly.) It's not the same thing. Nothing
to be done. (Pause.) Gogo. VLADIMIR:

ESTRAGON: Shall I tell it to you?

(irritably). What is it? ESTRAGON:

VLADIMIR: No.

Did you ever read the Bible? VLADIMIR:

ESTRAGON: It'll pass the time. (Pause.) Two thieves, crucified at the same
time as our Saviour. One—
The Bible . . . (He reflects.) I must have taken a look at it.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Our what?
Do you remember the Gospels?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Our Saviour. Two thieves. One is supposed to have been saved
I remember the maps of the Holy Land. Coloured they were.
and the other . . . (he searches for the contrary of saved) . . .
Very pretty. The Dead Sea was pale blue. The very look of it damned.
made me thirsty. That's where we'll go, I used to say, that's
where we'll go for our honeymoon. We'll swim. We'll be ESTRAGON:
happy. Saved from what?
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
You should have been a poet. Hell.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
I was. (Gesture towards his rags.) Isn't that obvious?
I'm going. VLADIMIR:
He does not move. Imbecile! From death.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
And yet . . . (pause) . . . how is it –this is not boring you I hope– I thought you said hell.
how is it that of the four Evangelists only one speaks of a thief
VLADIMIR:
being saved. The four of them were there –or thereabouts– and
only one speaks of a thief being saved. (Pause.) Come on, Gogo, From death, from death.
return the ball, can't you, once in a while? ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: Well what of it?
(with exaggerated enthusiasm). I find this really most VLADIMIR:
extraordinarily interesting.
Then the two of them must have been damned.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
One out of four. Of the other three, two don't mention any
And why not?
thieves at all and the third says that both of them abused him.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
But one of the four says that one of the two was saved.
Who?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Well? They don't agree and that's all there is to it.
What?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
But all four were there. And only one speaks of a thief being
What's all this about? Abused who?
saved. Why believe him rather than the others?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
The Saviour.
Who believes him?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Why?
Everybody. It's the only version they know.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Because he wouldn't save them.
People are bloody ignorant apes.
ESTRAGON:
He rises painfully, goes limping to extreme left, halts, gazes
From hell? into distance off with his hand screening his eyes, turns, goes
to extreme right, gazes into distance. Vladimir watches him, I don't know. A willow.
then goes and picks up the boot, peers into it, drops it hastily. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Where are the leaves?
Pah!
VLADIMIR:
He spits. Estragon moves to center, halts with his back to
It must be dead.
auditorium.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
No more weeping.
Charming spot. (He turns, advances to front, halts facing
auditorium.) Inspiring prospects. (He turns to Vladimir.) Let's VLADIMIR:
go. Or perhaps it's not the season.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
We can't. Looks to me more like a bush.
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
Why not? A shrub.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
We're waiting for Godot. A bush.
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
(despairingly). Ah! (Pause.) You're sure it was here? A—. What are you insinuating? That we've come to the wrong
VLADIMIR: place?

What? ESTRAGON:

ESTRAGON: He should be here.

That we were to wait. VLADIMIR:

VLADIMIR: He didn't say for sure he'd come.

He said by the tree. (They look at the tree.) Do you see any ESTRAGON:
others? And if he doesn't come?
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
What is it? We'll come back tomorrow.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
And then the day after tomorrow. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: I didn't say that.
Possibly. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: Well?
And so on. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: That makes no difference.
The point is— VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: All the same . . . that tree . . . (turning towards auditorium) that
Until he comes. bog . . .
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
You're merciless. You're sure it was this evening?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
We came here yesterday. What?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Ah no, there you're mistaken. That we were to wait.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
He said Saturday. (Pause.) I think.
What did we do yesterday?
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
You think.
What did we do yesterday?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
I must have made a note of it. (He fumbles in his pockets,
Yes.
bursting with miscellaneous rubbish.)
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Why . . . (Angrily.) Nothing is certain when you're about.
(very insidious). But what Saturday? And is it Saturday? Is it
ESTRAGON: not rather Sunday? (Pause.) Or Monday? (Pause.) Or Friday?
In my opinion we were here. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: (looking wildly about him, as though the date was inscribed in
(looking round). You recognize the place? the landscape). It's not possible!
ESTRAGON: I dreamt that—
Or Thursday? VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: DON'T TELL ME!
What'll we do? ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: (gesture toward the universe). This one is enough for you?
(Silence.) It's not nice of you, Didi. Who am I to tell my private
If he came yesterday and we weren't here you may be sure he
nightmares to if I can't tell them to you?
won't come again today.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:

But you say we were here yesterday. Let them remain private. You know I can't bear that.

ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
(coldly.) There are times when I wonder if it wouldn't be better
I may be mistaken. (Pause.) Let's stop talking for a minute, do
you mind? for us to part.

VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:

(feebly). All right. (Estragon sits down on the mound. Vladimir You wouldn't go far.
paces agitatedly to and fro, halting from time to time to gaze ESTRAGON:
into distance off. Estragon falls asleep. Vladimir halts finally That would be too bad, really too bad. (Pause.) Wouldn't it,
before Estragon.) Gogo! . . . Gogo! . . . GOGO!
Didi, be really too bad? (Pause.) When you think of the beauty
Estragon wakes with a start. of the way. (Pause.) And the goodness of the wayfarers. (Pause.
Wheedling.) Wouldn't it, Didi?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
(restored to the horror of his situation). I was asleep!
(Despairingly.) Why will you never let me sleep? Calm yourself.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
I felt lonely. (voluptuously.) Calm . . . calm . . . The English say cawm.
(Pause.) You know the story of the Englishman in the brothel?
ESTRAGON:
I had a dream. VLADIMIR:

VLADIMIR: Yes.

Don't tell me! ESTRAGON:

ESTRAGON: Tell it to me.

VLADIMIR:
Ah stop it! VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: Yes, but while waiting.
An Englishman having drunk a little more than usual proceeds ESTRAGON:
to a brothel. The bawd asks him if he wants a fair one, a dark
What about hanging ourselves?
one or a red-haired one. Go on.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Hmm. It'd give us an erection.
STOP IT!
ESTRAGON:
Exit Vladimir hurriedly. Estragon gets up and follows him as
far as the limit of the stage. Gestures of Estragon like those of a (highly excited). An erection!
spectator encouraging a pugilist. Enter Vladimir. He brushes VLADIMIR:
past Estragon, crosses the stage with bowed head. Estragon
With all that follows. Where it falls mandrakes grow. That's
takes a step towards him, halts.
why they shriek when you pull them up. Did you not know
ESTRAGON: that?
(gently.) You wanted to speak to me? (Silence. Estragon takes a ESTRAGON:
step forward.) You had something to say to me? (Silence.
Let's hang ourselves immediately!
Another step forward.) Didi . . .
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
From a bough? (They go towards the tree.) I wouldn't trust it.
(without turning). I've nothing to say to you.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
We can always try.
(step forward). You're angry? (Silence. Step forward). Forgive
me. (Silence. Step forward. Estragon lays his hand on VLADIMIR:
Vladimir's shoulder.) Come, Didi. (Silence.) Give me your hand. Go ahead.
(Vladimir half turns.) Embrace me! (Vladimir stiffens.) Don't be
ESTRAGON:
stubborn! (Vladimir softens. They embrace. #
After you.
Estragon recoils.) You stink of garlic!
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
No no, you first.
It's for the kidneys. (Silence. Estragon looks attentively at the
tree.) What do we do now? ESTRAGON:

ESTRAGON: Why me?

Wait. VLADIMIR:
You're lighter than I am. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: Well? What do we do?
Just so! ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Don't let's do anything. It's safer.
I don't understand. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: Let's wait and see what he says.
Use your intelligence, can't you? ESTRAGON:
Vladimir uses his intelligence. Who?
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
(finally). I remain in the dark. Godot.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
This is how it is. (He reflects.) The bough . . . the bough . . . Good idea.
(Angrily.) Use your head, can't you? VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Let's wait till we know exactly how we stand.
You're my only hope. ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
On the other hand it might be better to strike the iron before it
(with effort). Gogo light—bough not break—Gogo dead. Didi freezes.
heavy—bough break—Didi alone. Whereas—
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: I'm curious to hear what he has to offer. Then we'll take it or
I hadn't thought of that. leave it.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
If it hangs you it'll hang anything. What exactly did we ask him for?
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
But am I heavier than you? Were you not there?
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
So you tell me. I don't know. There's an even chance. Or I can't have been listening.
nearly.
VLADIMIR:
Oh . . . Nothing very definite. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: His books.
A kind of prayer. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: His bank account.
Precisely. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: Before taking a decision.
A vague supplication. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: It's the normal thing.
Exactly. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: Is it not?
And what did he reply? ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: I think it is.
That he'd see. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: I think so too.
That he couldn't promise anything. Silence.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
That he'd have to think it over. (anxious). And we?
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
In the quiet of his home. I beg your pardon?
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
Consult his family. I said, And we?
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
His friends. I don't understand.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
His agents. Where do we come in?
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
His correspondents. Come in?
ESTRAGON: Hsst! (They listen. Estragon loses his balance, almost falls. He
Take your time. clutches the arm of Vladimir, who totters. They listen, huddled
together.) Nor I.
VLADIMIR:
Sighs of relief. They relax and separate.
Come in? On our hands and knees.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
You gave me a fright.
As bad as that?
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
I thought it was he.
Your Worship wishes to assert his prerogatives?
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
Who?
We've no rights any more?
VLADIMIR:
Laugh of Vladimir, stifled as before, less the smile.
Godot.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
You'd make me laugh if it wasn't prohibited.
Pah! The wind in the reeds.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
We've lost our rights?
I could have sworn I heard shouts.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
(distinctly). We got rid of them.
And why would he shout?
Silence. They remain motionless, arms dangling, heads sunk,
sagging at the knees. VLADIMIR:

ESTRAGON: At his horse.

Silence.
(feebly). We're not tied? (Pause.) We're not—
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Listen! (violently). I'm hungry!
VLADIMIR:
They listen, grotesquely rigid. #
ESTRAGON: Do you want a carrot?

I hear nothing. ESTRAGON:

VLADIMIR: Is that all there is?

VLADIMIR: I've forgotten. (Chews.) That's what annoys me. (He looks at
I might have some turnips. the carrot appreciatively, dangles it between finger and
thumb.) I'll never forget this carrot. (He sucks the end of it
ESTRAGON: meditatively.) Ah yes, now I remember.
Give me a carrot. (Vladimir rummages in his pockets, takes out VLADIMIR:
a turnip and gives it to Estragon who takes a bite out of it.
Angrily.) It's a turnip! Well?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
(his mouth full, vacuously). We're not tied?
Oh pardon! I could have sworn it was a carrot. (He rummages
again in his pockets, finds nothing but turnips.) All that's VLADIMIR:
turnips. (He rummages.) You must have eaten the last. (He I don't hear a word you're saying.
rummages.) Wait, I have it. (He brings out a carrot and gives it
to Estragon.) There, dear fellow. (Estragon wipes the carrot on ESTRAGON:
his sleeve and begins to eat it.) Make it last, that's the end of (chews, swallows). I'm asking you if we're tied.
them.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Tied?
(chewing). I asked you a question.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Ti-ed.
Ah.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
How do you mean tied?
Did you reply?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Down.
How's the carrot?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
But to whom? By whom?
It's a carrot.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
To your man.
So much the better, so much the better. (Pause.) What was it
VLADIMIR:
you wanted to know?
To Godot? Tied to Godot! What an idea! No question of it.
ESTRAGON:
(Pause.) For the moment.
ESTRAGON:
His name is Godot? VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: The essential doesn't change.
I think so. ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: Nothing to be done. (He proffers the remains of the carrot to
Vladimir.) Like to finish it?
Fancy that. (He raises what remains of the carrot by the stub of
leaf, twirls it before his eyes.) Funny, the more you eat the A terrible cry, close at hand. Estragon drops the carrot. They
worse it gets. remain motionless, then together make a sudden rush towards
the wings. Estragon stops halfway, runs back, picks up the
VLADIMIR:
carrot, stuffs it in his pocket, runs to rejoin Vladimir who is
With me it's just the opposite. waiting for him, stops again, runs back, picks up his boot, runs
ESTRAGON: to rejoin Vladimir. Huddled together, shoulders hunched,
cringing away from the menace, they wait. #
In other words?
Enter Pozzo and Lucky. Pozzo drives Lucky by means of a rope
VLADIMIR:
passed round his neck, so that Lucky is the first to enter,
I get used to the muck as I go along. followed by the rope which is long enough to let him reach the
ESTRAGON: middle of the stage before Pozzo appears. Lucky carries a
heavy bag, a folding stool, a picnic basket and a greatcoat,
(after prolonged reflection). Is that the opposite?
Pozzo a whip.
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
Question of temperament.
(off). On! (Crack of whip. Pozzo appears. They cross the stage.
ESTRAGON: Lucky passes before Vladimir and Estragon and exit. Pozzo at
Of character. the sight of Vladimir and Estragon stops short. The rope
tautens. Pozzo jerks at it violently.) Back!
VLADIMIR:
Noise of Lucky falling with all his baggage. Vladimir and
Nothing you can do about it.
Estragon turn towards him, half wishing half fearing to go to
ESTRAGON: his assistance. Vlamdimir takes a step towards Lucky,
No use struggling. Estragon holds him back by the sleeve.

VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:

One is what one is. Let me go!

ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:

No use wriggling. Stay where you are!

POZZO: Vladimir and Estragon look at each other questioningly.
Be careful! He's wicked. (Vladimir and Estragon turn towards ESTRAGON:
Pozzo.) With strangers. (pretending to search). Bozzo . . . Bozzo . . .
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
(undertone). Is that him?
(ditto). Pozzo . . . Pozzo . . .
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
Who? PPPOZZZO!
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
(trying to remember the name). Er . . . Ah! Pozzo . . . let me see . . . Pozzo . . .
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Godot? Is it Pozzo or Bozzo?
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
Yes. Pozzo . . . no . . . I'm afraid I . . . no . . . I don't seem to . . .
POZZO:
Pozzo advances threateningly.
I present myself: Pozzo. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
(conciliating). I once knew a family called Gozzo. The mother
(to Estragon). Not at all! had the clap.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
He said Godot. (hastily). We're not from these parts, Sir.
VLADIMIR: POZZO:
Not at all! (halting). You are human beings none the less. (He puts on his
glasses.) As far as one can see. (He takes off his glasses.) Of the
ESTRAGON:
same species as myself. (He bursts into an enormous laugh.) Of
(timidly, to Pozzo). You're not Mr. Godot, Sir? the same species as Pozzo! Made in God's image!
POZZO: VLADIMIR:
(terrifying voice). I am Pozzo! (Silence.) Pozzo! (Silence.) Does Well you see—
that name mean nothing to you? (Silence.) I say does that
name mean nothing to you? POZZO:
(peremptory). Who is Godot?
ESTRAGON: Here? On my land?
Godot? VLADIMIR:
POZZO: We didn't intend any harm.
You took me for Godot. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: We meant well.
Oh no, Sir, not for an instant, Sir. POZZO:
POZZO: The road is free to all.
Who is he? VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: That's how we looked at it.
Oh he's a . . . he's a kind of acquaintance. POZZO:
ESTRAGON: It's a disgrace. But there you are.
Nothing of the kind, we hardly know him. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Nothing we can do about it.
True . . . we don't know him very well . . . but all the same . . . POZZO:
ESTRAGON: (with magnanimous gesture). Let's say no more about it. (He
jerks the rope.) Up pig! (Pause.) Every time he drops he falls
Personally, I wouldn't even know him if I saw him.
asleep. (Jerks the rope.) Up hog! (Noise of Lucky getting up and
POZZO: picking up his baggage. Pozzo jerks the rope.) Back! (Enter
You took me for him. Lucky backwards.) Stop! (Lucky stops.) Turn! (Lucky turns. To
Vladimir and Estragon, affably.) Gentlemen, I am happy to
ESTRAGON:
have met you. (Before their incredulous expression.) Yes yes,
(recoiling before Pozzo). That's to say . . . you understand . . . sincerely happy. (He jerks the rope.) Closer! (Lucky advances.)
the dusk . . . the strain . . . waiting . . . I confess . . . I imagined . . Stop! (Lucky stops.) Yes, the road seems long when one
. for a second . . . journeys all alone for . . . (he consults his watch) . . . yes . . . (he
POZZO: calculates) . . . yes, six hours, that's right, six hours on end, and
never a soul in sight. (To Lucky.) Coat! (Lucky puts down the
Waiting? So you were waiting for him?
bag, advances, gives the coat, goes back to his place, takes up
VLADIMIR: the bag.) Hold that! (Pozzo holds out the whip. Lucky advances
Well you see— and, both his hands being occupied, takes the whip in his
mouth, then goes back to his place. Pozzo begins to put on his
POZZO:
coat, stops.) Coat! (Lucky puts down the bag, basket and stool,
helps Pozzo on with his coat, goes back to his place and takes He looks tired.
up bag, basket and stool.) Touch of autumn in the air this ESTRAGON:
evening. (Pozzo finishes buttoning up his coat, stoops, inspects
himself, straightens up.) Whip! (Lucky advances, stoops, Pozzo Why doesn't he put down his bags?
snatches the whip from his mouth, Lucky goes back to his VLADIMIR:
place.) Yes, gentlemen, I cannot go for long without the society
How do I know? (They close in on him.) Careful!
of my likes (he puts on his glasses and looks at the two likes)
even when the likeness is an imperfect one. (He takes off his ESTRAGON:
glasses.) Stool! (Lucky puts down bag and basket, advances, Say something to him.
opens stool, puts it down, goes back to his place, takes up bag
VLADIMIR:
and basket.) Closer! (Lucky puts down bag and basket,
advances, moves stool, goes back to his place, takes up bag Look!
and basket. Pozzo sits down, places the butt of his whip ESTRAGON:
against Lucky's chest and pushes.) Back! (Lucky takes a step
What?
back.) Further! (Lucky takes another step back.) Stop! (Lucky
stops. To Vladimir and Estragon.) That is why, with your VLADIMIR:
permission, I propose to dally with you a moment, before I (pointing). His neck!
venture any further. Basket! (Lucky advances, gives the basket,
ESTRAGON:
goes back to his place.) The fresh air stimulates the jaded
appetite. (He opens the basket, takes out a piece of chicken and (looking at the neck). I see nothing.
a bottle of wine.) Basket! (Lucky advances, picks up the basket VLADIMIR:
and goes back to his place.) Further! (Lucky takes a step back.)
Here.
He stinks. Happy days!
Estragon goes over beside Vladimir.
He drinks from the bottle, puts it down and begins to eat.
Silence. # ESTRAGON:
Vladimir and Estragon, cautiously at first, then more boldly, Oh I say!
begin to circle about Lucky, inspecting him up and down.
VLADIMIR:
Pozzo eats his chicken voraciously, throwing away the bones
after having sucked them. Lucky sags slowly, until bag and A running sore!
basket touch the ground, then straightens up with a start and ESTRAGON:
begins to sag again. Rhythm of one sleeping on his feet.
It's the rope.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
What ails him?
It's the rubbing.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
It's inevitable. He's panting.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
It's the knot. It's inevitable.
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
It's the chafing. And his eyes!
They resume their inspection, dwell on the face. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: What about them?
(grudgingly). He's not bad looking. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: Goggling out of his head.
(shrugging his shoulders, wry face.) Would you say so? ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Looks like his last gasp to me.
A trifle effeminate. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: It's not certain. (Pause.) Ask him a question.
Look at the slobber. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Would that be a good thing?
It's inevitable. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: What do we risk?
Look at the slaver. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: (timidly). Mister . . .
Perhaps he's a halfwit. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: Louder.
A cretin. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: (louder). Mister . . .
(looking closer). Looks like a goiter. POZZO:
ESTRAGON: Leave him in peace! (They turn toward Pozzo who, having
finished eating, wipes his mouth with the back of his hand.)
(ditto). It's not certain.
Can't you see he wants to rest? Basket! (He strikes a match
VLADIMIR:
and begins to light his pipe. Estragon sees the chicken bones You're being spoken to, pig! Reply! (To Estragon.) Try him
on the ground and stares at them greedily. As Lucky does not again.
move Pozzo throws the match angrily away and jerks the
ESTRAGON:
rope.) Basket! (Lucky starts, almost falls, recovers his senses,
advances, puts the bottle in the basket and goes back to his Excuse me, Mister, the bones, you won't be wanting the
place. Estragon stares at the bones. Pozzo strikes another bones?
match and lights his pipe.) What can you expect, it's not his Lucky looks long at Estragon.
job. (He pulls at his pipe, stretches out his legs.) Ah! That's
POZZO:
better.
(in raptures). Mister! (Lucky bows his head.) Reply! Do you
ESTRAGON:
want them or don't you? (Silence of Lucky. To Estragon.)
(timidly). Please Sir . . . They're yours. (Estragon makes a dart at the bones, picks
POZZO: them up and begins to gnaw them.) I don't like it. I've never
known him to refuse a bone before. (He looks anxiously at
What is it, my good man? Lucky.) Nice business it'd be if he fell sick on me!
ESTRAGON: He puffs at his pipe.
Er . . . you've finished with the . . . er . . . you don't need the . . .
VLADIMIR:
er . . . bones, Sir?
(exploding). It's a scandal!
VLADIMIR:
Silence. Flabbergasted, Estragon stops gnawing, looks at Pozzo
(scandalized). You couldn't have waited? and Vladimir in turn. Pozzo outwardly calm. Vladimir
POZZO: embarrassed.
No no, he does well to ask. Do I need the bones? (He turns them POZZO:
over with the end of his whip.) No, personally I do not need (To Vladimir). Are you alluding to anything in particular?
them any more. (Estragon takes a step towards the bones.) But
. . . (Estragon stops short) . . . but in theory the bones go to the VLADIMIR:
carrier. He is therefore the one to ask. (Estragon turns towards (stutteringly resolute). To treat a man . . . (gesture towards
Lucky, hesitates.) Go on, go on, don't be afraid, ask him, he'll Lucky) . . . like that . . . I think that . . . no . . . a human being . . .
tell you. no . . . it's a scandal!
Estragon goes towards Lucky, stops before him. ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: (not to be outdone). A disgrace!
Mister . . . excuse me, Mister . . . He resumes his gnawing.
POZZO: POZZO:
You are severe. (To Vladimir.) What age are you, if it's not a One moment! (He jerks the rope.) Stool! (He points with his
rude question? (Silence.) Sixty? Seventy? (To Estragon.) What whip. Lucky moves the stool.) More! There! (He sits down.
age would you say he was? Lucky goes back to his place.) Done it!
ESTRAGON: He fills his pipe.
Eleven. VLADIMIR:
POZZO: (vehemently). Let's go!
I am impertinent. (He knocks out his pipe against the whip, POZZO:
gets up.) I must be getting on. Thank you for your society. (He
I hope I'm not driving you away. Wait a little longer, you'll
reflects.) Unless I smoke another pipe before I go. What do you never regret it.
say? (They say nothing.) Oh I'm only a small smoker, a very
small smoker, I'm not in the habit of smoking two pipes one ESTRAGON:
on top of the other, it makes (hand to heart, sighing) my heart (scenting charity). We're in no hurry.
go pit-a-pat. (Silence.) It's the nicotine, one absorbs it in spite
POZZO:
of one's precautions. (Sighs.) You know how it is. (Silence.) But
perhaps you don't smoke? Yes? No? It's of no importance. (having lit his pipe). The second is never so sweet . . . (he takes
(Silence.) But how am I to sit down now, without affectation, the pipe out of his mouth, contemplates it) . . . as the first I
now that I have risen? Without appearing to –how shall I say– mean. (He puts the pipe back in his mouth.) But it's sweet just
without appearing to falter. (To Vladimir.) I beg your pardon? the same.
(Silence.) Perhaps you didn't speak? (Silence.) It's of no VLADIMIR:
importance. Let me see . . .
I'm going.
He reflects.
POZZO:
ESTRAGON:
He can no longer endure my presence. I am perhaps not
Ah! That's better. particularly human, but who cares? (To Vladimir.) Think twice
He puts the bones in his pocket. before you do anything rash. Suppose you go now while it is
still day, for there is no denying it is still day. (They all look up
VLADIMIR:
at the sky.) Good. (They stop looking at the sky.) What happens
Let's go. in that case– (he takes the pipe out of his mouth, examines it) –
ESTRAGON: I'm out– (he relights his pipe) –in that case– (puff) –in that
case– (puff) –what happens in that case to your appointment
So soon?
with this . . . Godet . . . Godot . . . Godin . . . anyhow you see
POZZO: who I mean, who has your future in his hands . . . (pause) . . . at
least your immediate future?
VLADIMIR:
Who told you? ESTRAGON:
POZZO: Ask him what?
He speaks to me again! If this goes on much longer we'll soon VLADIMIR:
be old friends.
Why he doesn't put down his bags.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
Why doesn't he put down his bags?
I wonder.
POZZO: VLADIMIR:
I too would be happy to meet him. The more people I meet the
Ask him, can't you?
happier I become. From the meanest creature one departs
wiser, richer, more conscious of one's blessings. Even you . . . POZZO:
(he looks at them ostentatiously in turn to make it clear they (who has followed these exchanges with anxious attention,
are both meant) . . . even you, who knows, will have added to fearing lest the question get lost). You want to know why he
my store. doesn't put down his bags, as you call them.
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
Why doesn't he put down his bags? That's it.
POZZO: POZZO:
But that would surprise me. (to Estragon). You are sure you agree with that?
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
You're being asked a question. He's puffing like a grampus.
POZZO: POZZO:
(delighted). A question! Who? What? A moment ago you were The answer is this. (To Estragon). But stay still, I beg of you,
calling me Sir, in fear and trembling. Now you're asking me you're making me nervous!
questions. No good will come of this!
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Here.
(to Estragon). I think he's listening.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
What is it?
(circling about Lucky). What?
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
He's about to speak.
You can ask him now. He's on the alert.
Estragon goes over beside Vladimir. Motionless, side by side, Ah! Why couldn't you say so before? Why he doesn't make
they wait. himself comfortable? Let's try and get this clear. Has he not
the right to? Certainly he has. It follows that he doesn't want
POZZO:
to. There's reasoning for you. And why doesn't he want to?
Good. Is everybody ready? Is everybody looking at me? (He (Pause.) Gentlemen, the reason is this.
looks at Lucky, jerks the rope. Lucky raises his head.) Will you
VLADIMIR:
look at me, pig! (Lucky looks at him.) Good. (He puts the pipe in
his pocket, takes out a little vaporizer and sprays his throat, (to Estragon). Make a note of this.
puts back the vaporizer in his pocket, clears his throat, spits,
POZZO:
takes out the vaporizer again, sprays his throat again, puts
back the vaporizer in his pocket.) I am ready. Is everybody He wants to impress me, so that I'll keep him.
listening? Is everybody ready? (He looks at them all in turn, ESTRAGON:
jerks the rope.) Hog! (Lucky raises his head.) I don't like talking
What?
in a vacuum. Good. Let me see.
POZZO:
He reflects.
Perhaps I haven't got it quite right. He wants to mollify me, so
ESTRAGON:
that I'll give up the idea of parting with him. No, that's not
I'm going. exactly it either.
POZZO: VLADIMIR:
What was it exactly you wanted to know? You want to get rid of him?
VLADIMIR: POZZO:
Why he— He wants to con me, but he won't.
POZZO: VLADIMIR:
(angrily). Don't interrupt me! (Pause. Calmer.) If we all speak You want to get rid of him?
at once we'll never get anywhere. (Pause.) What was I saying?
POZZO:
(Pause. Louder.) What was I saying?
He imagines that when I see how well he carries I'll be
Vladimir mimics one carrying a heavy burden. Pozzo looks at
tempted to keep him on in that capacity.
him, puzzled.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
You've had enough of him?
(forcibly). Bags. (He points at Lucky.) Why? Always hold. (He
sags, panting.) Never put down. (He opens his hands, POZZO:
straightens up with relief.) Why? In reality he carries like a pig. It's not his job.
POZZO: VLADIMIR:
You want to get rid of him? Old dogs have more dignity. (He proffers his handkerchief to
POZZO: Estragon.) Comfort him, since you pity him. (Estragon
hesitates.) Come on. (Estragon takes the handkerchief.) Wipe
He imagines that when I see him indefatigable I'll regret my away his tears, he'll feel less forsaken.
decision. Such is his miserable scheme. As though I were short
of slaves! (All three look at Lucky.) Atlas, son of Jupiter! Estragon hesitates.
(Silence.) Well, that's that, I think. Anything else? VLADIMIR:
Vaporizer. Here, give it to me, I'll do it.
VLADIMIR: Estragon refuses to give the handkerchief.
You want to get rid of him? Childish gestures.
POZZO: POZZO:
Remark that I might just as well have been in his shoes and he Make haste, before he stops. (Estragon approaches Lucky and
in mine. If chance had not willed otherwise. To each one his makes to wipe his eyes. Lucky kicks him violently in the shins.
due. Estragon drops the handkerchief, recoils, staggers about the
stage howling with pain.) Hanky!
VLADIMIR:
You waagerrim? Lucky puts down bag and basket, picks up handkerchief and
gives it to Pozzo, goes back to his place, picks up bag and
POZZO: basket.
I beg your pardon? ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Oh the swine! (He pulls up the leg of his trousers.) He's
You want to get rid of him? crippled me!
POZZO: POZZO:

I do. But instead of driving him away as I might have done, I I told you he didn't like strangers.
mean instead of simply kicking him out on his arse, in the VLADIMIR:
goodness of my heart I am bringing him to the fair, where I
(to Estragon). Show me. (Estragon shows his leg. To Pozzo,
hope to get a good price for him. The truth is you can't drive
angrily.) He's bleeding!
such creatures away. The best thing would be to kill them.
Lucky weeps. POZZO:
It's a good sign.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
He's crying!
(on one leg). I'll never walk again!
POZZO:
VLADIMIR: think it to look at me, would you? Compared to him I look like
(tenderly). I'll carry you. (Pause.) If necessary. a young man, no? (Pause.) Hat! (Lucky puts down the basket
and takes off his hat. His long white hair falls about his face.
POZZO: He puts his hat under his arm and picks up the basket.) Now
He's stopped crying. (To Estragon.) You have replaced him as look. (Pozzo takes off his hat. [All four wear bowlers.] He is
it were. (Lyrically.) The tears of the world are a constant completely bald. He puts on his hat again.) Did you see?
quantity. For each one who begins to weep, somewhere else VLADIMIR:
another stops. The same is true of the laugh. (He laughs.) Let us
And now you turn him away? Such an old and faithful servant!
not then speak ill of our generation, it is not any unhappier
than its predecessors. (Pause.) Let us not speak well of it either. ESTRAGON:
(Pause.) Let us not speak of it at all. (Pause. Judiciously.) It is Swine!
true the population has increased.
Pozzo more and more agitated.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Try and walk.
After having sucked all the good out of him you chuck him
Estragon takes a few limping steps, stops before Lucky and
away like a . . . like a banana skin. Really . . .
spits on him, then goes and sits down on the mound.
POZZO:
POZZO:
(groaning, clutching his head). I can't bear it . . . any longer . . .
Guess who taught me all these beautiful things. (Pause.
the way he goes on . . . you've no idea . . . it's terrible . . . he
Pointing to Lucky.) My Lucky! must go . . . (he waves his arms) . . . I'm going mad . . . (he
VLADIMIR: collapses, his head in his hands) . . . I can't bear it . . . any
longer . . .
(looking at the sky.) Will night never come?
POZZO: Silence. All look at Pozzo.
VLADIMIR:
But for him all my thoughts, all my feelings, would have been
of common things. (Pause. With extraordinary vehemence.) He can't bear it.
Professional worries! (Calmer.) Beauty, grace, truth of the first
ESTRAGON:
water, I knew they were all beyond me. So I took a knook.
Any longer.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
(startled from his inspection of the sky). A knook?
He's going mad.
POZZO:
ESTRAGON:
That was nearly sixty years ago . . . (he consults his watch) . . .
yes, nearly sixty. (Drawing himself up proudly.) You wouldn't It's terrible.
VLADIMIR: Charming evening we're having.
(to Lucky). How dare you! It's abominable! Such a good ESTRAGON:
master! Crucify him like that! After so many years! Really! Unforgettable.
POZZO:
VLADIMIR:
(sobbing). He used to be so kind . . . so helpful . . . and
And it's not over.
entertaining . . . my good angel . . . and now . . . he's killing me.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
Apparently not.
( to Vladimir). Does he want to replace him?
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
It's only beginning.
What?
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
It's awful.
Does he want someone to take his place or not?
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Worse than the pantomime.
I don't think so.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
The circus.
What?
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
The music-hall.
I don't know.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
The circus.
Ask him.
POZZO:
POZZO:
What can I have done with that briar?
(calmer). Gentlemen, I don't know what came over me. Forgive
me. Forget all I said. (More and more his old self.) I don't ESTRAGON:
remember exactly what it was, but you may be sure there He's a scream. He's lost his dudeen.
wasn't a word of truth in it. (Drawing himself up, striking his
Laughs noisily.
chest.) Do I look like a man that can be made to suffer?
Frankly? (He rummages in his pockets.) What have I done with VLADIMIR:
my pipe? I'll be back.
VLADIMIR: He hastens towards the wings.
ESTRAGON: Quick! (Pozzo gets up and goes over beside Estragon. Estragon
End of the corridor, on the left. points off.) Look!

VLADIMIR: POZZO:
(having put on his glasses). Oh I say!
Keep my seat.
ESTRAGON:
Exit Vladimir.
It's all over.
POZZO:
(on the point of tears). I've lost my Kapp and Peterson! Enter Vladimir, somber. He shoulders Lucky out of his way,
kicks over the stool, comes and goes agitatedly.
ESTRAGON:
POZZO:
(convulsed with merriment). He'll be the death of me!
He's not pleased.
POZZO:
ESTRAGON:
You didn't see by any chance– (He misses Vladimir.) Oh! He's
(to Vladimir). You missed a treat. Pity.
gone! Without saying goodbye! How could he! He might have
waited! Vladimir halts, straightens the stool, comes and goes, calmer.
ESTRAGON: POZZO:
He would have burst. He subsides. (Looking round.) Indeed all subsides. A great calm
POZZO: descends. (Raising his hand.) Listen! Pan sleeps.
VLADIMIR:
Oh! (Pause.) Oh well then of course in that case . . .
Will night never come?
ESTRAGON:
Come here. All three look at the sky.

POZZO: POZZO:
You don't feel like going until it does?
What for?
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
Well you see—
You'll see.
POZZO: POZZO:
Why it's very natural, very natural. I myself in your situation,
You want me to get up?
if I had an appointment with a Godin . . . Godet . . . Godot . . .
ESTRAGON: anyhow, you see who I mean, I'd wait till it was black night
before I gave up. (He looks at the stool.) I'd very much like to
sit down, but I don't quite know how to go about it.
ESTRAGON: Time has stopped.
Could I be of any help? POZZO:
POZZO: (cuddling his watch to his ear). Don't you believe it, Sir, don't
you believe it. (He puts his watch back in his pocket.) Whatever
If you asked me perhaps.
you like, but not that.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
What?
(to Pozzo). Everything seems black to him today.
POZZO:
POZZO:
If you asked me to sit down.
Except the firmament. (He laughs, pleased with this witticism.)
ESTRAGON: But I see what it is, you are not from these parts, you don't
Would that be a help? know what our twilights can do. Shall I tell you? (Silence.
Estragon is fiddling with his boot again, Vladimir with his hat.)
POZZO:
I can't refuse you. (Vaporizer.) A little attention, if you please.
I fancy so. (Vladimir and Estragon continue their fiddling, Lucky is half
ESTRAGON: asleep. Pozzo cracks his whip feebly.) What's the matter with
this whip? (He gets up and cracks it more vigorously, finally
Here we go. Be seated, Sir, I beg of you.
with success. Lucky jumps. Vladimir's hat, Estragon's boot,
POZZO: Lucky's hat, fall to the ground. Pozzo throws down the whip.)
No no, I wouldn't think of it! (Pause. Aside.) Ask me again. Worn out, this whip. (He looks at Vladimir and Estragon.)
What was I saying?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Come come, take a seat I beseech you, you'll get pneumonia.
Let's go.
POZZO:
ESTRAGON:
You really think so?
But take the weight off your feet, I implore you, you'll catch
ESTRAGON:
your death.
Why it's absolutely certain.
POZZO:
POZZO:
True. (He sits down. To Estragon.) What is your name?
No doubt you are right. (He sits down.) Done it again! (Pause.)
ESTRAGON:
Thank you, dear fellow. (He consults his watch.) But I must
really be getting along, if I am to observe my schedule. Adam.

VLADIMIR: POZZO:
(who hasn't listened). Ah yes! The night. (He raises his head.) VLADIMIR:
But be a little more attentive, for pity's sake, otherwise we'll We're used to it.
never get anywhere. (He looks at the sky.) Look! (All look at the
sky except Lucky who is dozing off again. Pozzo jerks the rope.) He picks up his hat, peers inside it, shakes it, puts it on.
Will you look at the sky, pig! (Lucky looks at the sky.) Good, POZZO:
that's enough. (They stop looking at the sky.) What is there so
How did you find me? (Vladimir and Estragon look at him
extraordinary about it? Qua sky. It is pale and luminous like
blankly.) Good? Fair? Middling? Poor? Positively bad?
any sky at this hour of the day. (Pause.) In these latitudes.
(Pause.) When the weather is fine. (Lyrical.) An hour ago (he VLADIMIR:
looks at his watch, prosaic) roughly (lyrical) after having (first to understand). Oh very good, very very good.
poured forth even since (he hesitates, prosaic) say ten o'clock
POZZO:
in the morning (lyrical) tirelessly torrents of red and white light
it begins to lose its effulgence, to grow pale (gesture of the two (to Estragon). And you, Sir?
hands lapsing by stages) pale, ever a little paler, a little paler ESTRAGON:
until (dramatic pause, ample gesture of the two hands flung
Oh tray bong, tray tray tray bong.
wide apart) pppfff! finished! it comes to rest. But– (hand raised
in admonition)– but behind this veil of gentleness and peace, POZZO:
night is charging (vibrantly) and will burst upon us (snaps his (fervently). Bless you, gentlemen, bless you! (Pause.) I have such
fingers) pop! like that! (his inspiration leaves him) just when we need of encouragement! (Pause.) I weakened a little towards
least expect it. (Silence. Gloomily.) That's how it is on this bitch the end, you didn't notice?
of an earth.
VLADIMIR:
Long silence.
Oh perhaps just a teeny weeny little bit.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
So long as one knows.
I thought it was intentional.
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
One can bide one's time.
You see my memory is defective.
ESTRAGON:
Silence.
One knows what to expect.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
In the meantime, nothing happens.
No further need to worry.
POZZO:
ESTRAGON:
You find it tedious?
Simply wait.
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
Somewhat. (to Estragon, indignantly). That's enough!
POZZO: ESTRAGON:
(to Vladimir). And you, Sir? I couldn't accept less.
VLADIMIR: POZZO:
I've been better entertained. Is is enough? No doubt. But I am liberal. It's my nature. This
Silence. Pozzo struggles inwardly. evening. So much the worse for me. (He jerks the rope. Lucky
looks at him.) For I shall suffer, no doubt about that. (He picks
POZZO: up the whip.) What do you prefer? Shall we have him dance, or
Gentlemen, you have been . . . civil to me. sing, or recite, or think, or—
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
Not at all! Who?

VLADIMIR: POZZO:
What an idea! Who! You know how to think, you two?

POZZO: VLADIMIR:

Yes yes, you have been correct. So that I ask myself is there He thinks?
anything I can do in my turn for these honest fellows who are POZZO:
having such a dull, dull time.
Certainly. Aloud. He even used to think very prettily once, I
ESTRAGON: could listen to him for hours. Now . . . (he shudders). So much
Even ten francs would be a help. the worse for me. Well, would you like him to think something
for us?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
We are not beggars!
I'd rather he dance, it'd be more fun.
POZZO:
POZZO:
Is there anything I can do, that's what I ask myself, to cheer
them up? I have given them bones, I have talked to them about Not necessarily.
this and that, I have explained the twilight, admittedly. But is it ESTRAGON:
enough, that's what tortures me, is it enough?
Wouldn't it, Didi, be more fun?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Even five.
I'd like well to hear him think.
ESTRAGON: POZZO:
Perhaps he could dance first and think afterwards, if it isn't He used to dance the farandole, the fling, the brawl, the jig, the
too much to ask him. fandango and even the hornpipe. He capered. For joy. Now
VLADIMIR: that's the best he can do. Do you know what he calls it?
ESTRAGON:
(to Pozzo). Would that be possible?
The Scapegoat's Agony.
POZZO:
VLADIMIR:
By all means, nothing simpler. It's the natural order.
He laughs briefly. The Hard Stool.

VLADIMIR: POZZO:

Then let him dance. The Net. He thinks he's entangled in a net.
VLADIMIR:
Silence.
(squirming like an aesthete). There's something about it . . .
POZZO:
Lucky makes to return to his burdens.
Do you hear, hog?
POZZO:
ESTRAGON:
Woaa!
He never refuses?
Lucky stiffens.
POZZO:
He refused once. (Silence.) Dance, misery! ESTRAGON:
Tell us about the time he refused.
Lucky puts down bag and basket, advances towards front,
turns to Pozzo. Lucky dances. He stops. POZZO:
ESTRAGON: With pleasure, with pleasure. (He fumbles in his pockets.)
Wait. (He fumbles.) What have I done with my spray? (He
Is that all?
fumbles.) Well now isn't that . . . (He looks up, consternation
POZZO: on his features. Faintly.) I can't find my pulverizer!
Encore! ESTRAGON:
Lucky executes the same movements, stops. (faintly). My left lung is very weak! (He coughs feebly. In
ESTRAGON: ringing tones.) But my right lung is as sound as a bell!

Pooh! I'd do as well myself. (He imitates Lucky, almost falls.) POZZO:
With a little practice.
(normal voice). No matter! What was I saying. (He ponders.) ESTRAGON:
Wait. (Ponders.) Well now isn't that . . . (He raises his head.) He's already told us?
Help me!
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Anyway he has put them down.
Wait!
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
(glance at Lucky). So he has. And what of it?
Wait!
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
Since he has put down his bags it is impossible we should have
Wait! asked why he does not do so.
All three take off their hats simultaneously, press their hands POZZO:
to their foreheads, concentrate.
Stoutly reasoned!
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
(triumphantly). Ah!
And why has he put them down?
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
He has it.
Answer us that.
POZZO:
VLADIMIR:
(impatient). Well?
In order to dance.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
Why doesn't he put down his bags?
True!
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
Rubbish!
True!
POZZO:
Silence. They put on their hats.
Are you sure?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Nothing happens, nobody comes, nobody goes, it's awful!
Damn it haven't you already told us?
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
(to Pozzo). Tell him to think.
I've already told you?
POZZO:
Give him his hat. I'll put it on his head.
VLADIMIR: He goes round behind Lucky, approaches him cautiously, puts
His hat? the hat on his head and recoils smartly. Lucky does not move.
Silence.
POZZO:
ESTRAGON:
He can't think without his hat.
What's he waiting for?
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
(to Estragon). Give him his hat.
Stand back! (Vladimir and Estragon move away from Lucky.
ESTRAGON: Pozzo jerks the rope. Lucky looks at Pozzo.) Think, pig! (Pause.
Me! After what he did to me! Never! Lucky begins to dance.) Stop! (Lucky stops.) Forward! (Lucky
advances.) Stop! (Lucky stops.) Think!
VLADIMIR:
Silence.
I'll give it to him.
LUCKY:
He does not move.
On the other hand with regard to—
ESTRAGON:
POZZO:
(to Pozzo). Tell him to go and fetch it.
Stop! (Lucky stops.) Back! (Lucky moves back.) Stop! (Lucky
POZZO:
stops.) Turn! (Lucky turns towards auditorium.) Think!
It's better to give it to him.
During Lucky's tirade the others react as follows.
VLADIMIR:
1) Vladimir and Estragon all attention, Pozzo dejected and
I'll give it to him. disgusted.
He picks up the hat and tenders it at arm's length to Lucky, 2) Vladimir and Estragon begin to protest, Pozzo's sufferings
who does not move. increase.
POZZO: 3) Vladimir and Estragon attentive again, Pozzo more and
You must put it on his head. more agitated and groaning.

ESTRAGON: 4) Vladimir and Estragon protest violently. Pozzo jumps up,

pulls on the rope. General outcry. Lucky pulls on the rope,
(to Pozzo). Tell him to take it.
staggers, shouts his text. All three throw themselves on Lucky
POZZO: who struggles and shouts his text.
It's better to put it on his head. LUCKY:
VLADIMIR:
Given the existence as uttered forth in the public works of Fulham Clapham in a word the dead loss per head since the
Puncher and Wattmann of a personal God quaquaquaqua death of Bishop Berkeley being to the tune of one inch four
with white beard quaquaquaqua outside time without ounce per head approximately by and large more or less to the
extension who from the heights of divine apathia divine nearest decimal good measure round figures stark naked in the
athambia divine aphasia loves us dearly with some exceptions stockinged feet in Connemara in a word for reasons unknown
for reasons unknown but time will tell and suffers like the no matter what matter the facts are there and considering
divine Miranda with those who for reasons unknown but time what is more much more grave that in the light of the labors
will tell are plunged in torment plunged in fire whose fire lost of Steinweg and Peterman it appears what is more much
flames if that continues and who can doubt it will fire the more grave that in the light the light the light of the labors lost
firmament that is to say blast hell to heaven so blue still and of Steinweg and Peterman that in the plains in the mountains
calm so calm with a calm which even though intermittent is by the seas by the rivers running water running fire the air is
better than nothing but not so fast and considering what is the same and then the earth namely the air and then the earth
more that as a result of the labors left unfinished crowned by in the great cold the great dark the air and the earth abode of
the Acacacacademy of Anthropopopometry of Essy-in-Possy of stones in the great cold alas alas in the year of their Lord six
Testew and Cunard it is established beyond all doubt all other hundred and something the air the earth the sea the earth
doubt than that which clings to the labors of men that as a abode of stones in the great deeps the great cold on sea on land
result of the labors unfinished of Testew and Cunnard it is and in the air I resume for reasons unknown in spite of the
established as hereinafter but not so fast for reasons unknown tennis the facts are there but time will tell I resume alas alas on
that as a result of the public works of Puncher and Wattmann on in short in fine on on abode of stones who can doubt it I
it is established beyond all doubt that in view of the labors of resume but not so fast I resume the skull fading fading fading
Fartov and Belcher left unfinished for reasons unknown of and concurrently simultaneously what is more for reasons
Testew and Cunard left unfinished it is established what many unknown in spite of the tennis on on the beard the flames the
deny that man in Possy of Testew and Cunard that man in tears the stones so blue so calm alas alas on on the skull the
Essy that man in short that man in brief in spite of the strides skull the skull the skull in Connemara in spite of the tennis the
of alimentation and defecation wastes and pines wastes and labors abandoned left unfinished graver still abode of stones in
pines and concurrently simultaneously what is more for a word I resume alas alas abandoned unfinished the skull the
reasons unknown in spite of the strides of physical culture the skull in Connemara in spite of the tennis the skull alas the
practice of sports such as tennis football running cycling stones Cunard (mêlée, final vociferations) tennis . . . the stones .
swimming flying floating riding gliding conating camogie . . so calm . . . Cunard . . . unfinished . . .
skating tennis of all kinds dying flying sports of all sorts
POZZO:
autumn summer winter winter tennis of all kinds hockey of all
sorts penicillin and succedanea in a word I resume flying His hat!
gliding golf over nine and eighteen holes tennis of all sorts in a Vladimir seizes Lucky's hat. Silence of Lucky. He falls. Silence.
word for reasons unknown in Feckham Peckham Fulham Panting of the victors.
Clapham namely concurrently simultaneously what is more
ESTRAGON:
for reasons unknown but time will tell fades away I resume
Avenged! VLADIMIR:
Vladimir examines the hat, peers inside it. Come on, once more.
POZZO: ESTRAGON:
Give me that! (He snatches the hat from Vladimir, throws it on What does he take us for?
the ground, tramples on it.) There's an end to his thinking!
They raise Lucky, hold him up.
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
But will he be able to walk? Don't let him go! (Vladimir and Estragon totter.) Don't move!
POZZO: (Pozzo fetches bag and basket and brings them towards
Walk or crawl! (He kicks Lucky.) Up pig! Lucky.) Hold him tight! (He puts the bag in Lucky's hand.
Lucky drops it immediately.) Don't let him go! (He puts back
ESTRAGON: the bag in Lucky's hand. Gradually, at the feel of the bag,
Perhaps he's dead. Lucky recovers his senses and his fingers finally close round
the handle.) Hold him tight! (As before with basket.) #
VLADIMIR:
Now! You can let him go. (Vladimir and Estragon move away
You'll kill him.
from Lucky who totters, reels, sags, but succeeds in remaining
POZZO: on his feet, bag and basket in his hands. Pozzo steps back,
Up scum! (He jerks the rope.) Help me! cracks his whip.) Forward! (Lucky totters forward.) Back!
(Lucky totters back.) Turn! (Lucky turns.) Done it! He can walk.
VLADIMIR:
(Turning to Vladimir and Estragon.) Thank you, gentlemen,
How? and let me . . . (he fumbles in his pockets) . . . let me wish you . .
POZZO: . (fumbles) . . . wish you . . . (fumbles) . . . what have I done with
my watch? (Fumbles.) A genuine half-hunter, gentlemen, with
Raise him up!
deadbeat escapement! (Sobbing.) Twas my granpa gave it to
Vladimir and Estragon hoist Lucky to his feet, support him an me! (He searches on the ground, Vladimir and Estragon
instant, then let him go. He falls. likewise. Pozzo turns over with his foot the remains of Lucky's
ESTRAGON: hat.) Well now isn't that just—

He's doing it on purpose! VLADIMIR:

POZZO: Perhaps it's in your fob.

You must hold him. (Pause.) Come on, come on, raise him up. POZZO:

ESTRAGON: Wait! (He doubles up in an attempt to apply his ear to his

stomach, listens. Silence.) I hear nothing. (He beckons them to
To hell with him!
approach, Vladimir and Estragon go over to him, bend over his I must have left it at the manor.
stomach.) Surely one should hear the tick-tick. Silence.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
Silence!
Then adieu.
All listen, bent double. #
POZZO:
ESTRAGON:
Adieu.
I hear something. VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
Adieu.
Where? POZZO:
VLADIMIR:
Adieu.
It's the heart. Silence. No one moves.
POZZO:
VLADIMIR:
(disappointed). Damnation! Adieu.
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
Silence! Adieu.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
Perhaps it has stopped.
Adieu.
They straighten up. Silence.
POZZO:
POZZO:
Which of you smells so bad?
And thank you.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
He has stinking breath and I have stinking feet.
Thank you.
POZZO: POZZO:
I must go.
Not at all.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
And your half-hunter?
Yes yes.
POZZO:
POZZO:
No no. fetches stool and gives it to Pozzo who throws it to Lucky.)
VLADIMIR: Adieu!

Yes yes. VLADIMIR and ESTRAGON:

(waving). Adieu! Adieu!
ESTRAGON:
POZZO:
No no.
Up! Pig! (Noise of Lucky getting up.) On! (Exit Pozzo.) Faster!
Silence.
On! Adieu! Pig! Yip! Adieu!
POZZO:
Long silence.
I don't seem to be able . . . (long hesitation) . . . to depart.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
That passed the time.
Such is life.
ESTRAGON:
Pozzo turns, moves away from Lucky towards the wings,
It would have passed in any case.
paying out the rope as he goes.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Yes, but not so rapidly.
You're going the wrong way.
Pause.
POZZO:
ESTRAGON:
I need a running start. (Having come to the end of the rope, i.e.,
off stage, he stops, turns and cries.) Stand back! (Vladimir and What do we do now?
Estragon stand back, look towards Pozzo. Crack of whip.) On!
VLADIMIR:
On!
I don't know.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
On!
Let's go.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
On!
We can't.
Lucky moves off.
ESTRAGON:
POZZO:
Why not?
Faster! (He appears, crosses the stage preceded by Lucky.
Vladimir and Estragon wave their hats. Exit Lucky.) On! On! VLADIMIR:
(On the point of disappearing in his turn he stops and turns. We're waiting for Godot.
The rope tautens. Noise of Lucky falling off.) Stool! (Vladimir
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
(despairingly). Ah! We know them, I tell you. You forget everything. (Pause. To
Pause. himself.) Unless they're not the same . . .
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Why didn't they recognize us then?
How they've changed!
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Who? That means nothing. I too pretended not to recognize them.
And then nobody ever recognizes us.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Those two.
Forget it. What we need– Ow! (Vladimir does not react.) Ow!
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
That's the idea, let's make a little conversation.
(to himself). Unless they're not the same . . .
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Haven't they?
Didi! It's the other foot!
ESTRAGON:
He goes hobbling towards the mound.
What?
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Unless they're not the same . . .
Changed.
BOY:
ESTRAGON:
(off). Mister!
Very likely. They all change. Only we can't.
Estragon halts. Both look towards the voice.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Likely! It's certain. Didn't you see them?
Off we go again.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
I suppose I did. But I don't know them.
Approach, my child.
VLADIMIR:
Enter Boy, timidly. He halts.
Yes you do know them.
BOY:
ESTRAGON:
Mister Albert . . . ?
No I don't know them.
VLADIMIR: The Boy looks at them in turn, not knowing to which he should
Yes. reply.

ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
(to Estragon). Let him alone.
What do you want?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
(violently). You let me alone. (Advancing, to the Boy.) Do you
Approach!
know what time it is?
The Boy does not move.
BOY:
ESTRAGON:
(recoiling). It's not my fault, Sir.
(forcibly). Approach when you're told, can't you?
ESTRAGON:
The Boy advances timidly, halts.
And whose is it? Mine?
VLADIMIR:
BOY:
What is it?
I was afraid, Sir.
BOY:
ESTRAGON:
Mr. Godot . . .
Afraid of what? Of us? (Pause.) Answer me!
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Obviously . . . (Pause.) Approach.
I know what it is, he was afraid of the others.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
(violently). Will you approach! (The Boy advances timidly.)
What kept you so late? How long have you been here?

VLADIMIR: BOY:
A good while, Sir.
You have a message from Mr. Godot?
VLADIMIR:
BOY:
Yes Sir. You were afraid of the whip?
BOY:
VLADIMIR:
Well, what is it? Yes Sir.

ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:

What kept you so late? The roars?

BOY: Not really! Since when?
Yes Sir. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: I'd forgotten.
The two big men. VLADIMIR:
BOY: Extraordinary the tricks that memory plays! (Estragon tries to
speak, renounces, limps to his place, sits down and begins to
Yes Sir.
take off his boots. To Boy.) Well?
VLADIMIR:
BOY:
Do you know them?
Mr. Godot—
BOY:
VLADIMIR:
No Sir.
I've seen you before, haven't I?
VLADIMIR:
BOY:
Are you a native of these parts? (Silence.) Do you belong to
I don't know, Sir.
these parts?
VLADIMIR:
BOY:
You don't know me?
Yes Sir.
BOY:
ESTRAGON:
That's all a pack of lies. (Shaking the Boy by the arm.) Tell us No Sir.
the truth! VLADIMIR:
BOY: It wasn't you came yesterday?
(trembling). But it is the truth, Sir! BOY:
VLADIMIR: No Sir.
Will you let him alone! What's the matter with you? # VLADIMIR:
(Estragon releases the Boy, moves away, covering his face with This is your first time?
his hands. Vladimir and the Boy observe him. Estragon drops
BOY:
his hands. His face is convulsed.) What's the matter with you?
Yes Sir.
ESTRAGON:
Silence.
I'm unhappy.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Words words. (Pause.) Speak. Whom does he beat?
BOY: BOY:
(in a rush). Mr. Godot told me to tell you he won't come this He beats my brother, Sir.
evening but surely tomorrow.
VLADIMIR:
Silence.
Ah, you have a brother?
VLADIMIR:
BOY:
Is that all? Yes Sir.
BOY:
VLADIMIR:
Yes Sir. What does he do?
Silence.
BOY:
VLADIMIR: He minds the sheep, Sir.
You work for Mr. Godot?
VLADIMIR:
BOY: And why doesn't he beat you?
Yes Sir.
BOY:
VLADIMIR: I don't know, Sir.
What do you do?
VLADIMIR:
BOY:
He must be fond of you.
I mind the goats, Sir. BOY:
VLADIMIR:
I don't know, Sir.
Is he good to you?
Silence.
BOY:
VLADIMIR:
Yes Sir.
Does he give you enough to eat? (The Boy hesitates.) Does he
VLADIMIR: feed you well?
He doesn't beat you? BOY:
BOY: Fairly well, Sir.
No Sir, not me. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: You're not unhappy? (The Boy hesitates.) Do you hear me?
BOY: VLADIMIR:
Yes Sir. Tell him . . . (he hesitates) . . . tell him you saw us. (Pause.) You
VLADIMIR: did see us, didn't you?
BOY:
Well?
Yes Sir.
BOY:
He steps back, hesitates, turns and exit running. The light
I don't know, Sir.
suddenly fails. In a moment it is night. The moon rises at back,
VLADIMIR: mounts in the sky, stands still, shedding a pale light on the
You don't know if you're unhappy or not? scene.
BOY: VLADIMIR:
No Sir. At last! (Estragon gets up and goes towards Vladimir, a boot in
each hand. He puts them down at edge of stage, straightens
VLADIMIR:
and contemplates the moon.) #
You're as bad as myself. (Silence.) Where do you sleep?
What are you doing?
BOY:
ESTRAGON:
In the loft, Sir.
Pale for weariness.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
With your brother?
Eh?
BOY:
ESTRAGON:
Yes Sir.
Of climbing heaven and gazing on the likes of us.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
In the hay?
Your boots, what are you doing with your boots?
BOY:
ESTRAGON:
Yes Sir.
(turning to look at the boots). I'm leaving them there. (Pause.)
Silence. Another will come, just as . . . as . . . as me, but with smaller
VLADIMIR: feet, and they'll make him happy.

All right, you may go. VLADIMIR:

BOY: But you can't go barefoot!

What am I to tell Mr. Godot, Sir? ESTRAGON:

Christ did. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Then all we have to do is to wait on here.
Christ! What has Christ got to do with it. You're not going to VLADIMIR:
compare yourself to Christ!
Are you mad? We must take cover. (He takes Estragon by the
ESTRAGON: arm.) Come on.
All my life I've compared myself to him. He draws Estragon after him. Estragon yields, then resists.
They halt.
VLADIMIR:
But where he lived it was warm, it was dry! ESTRAGON:

ESTRAGON: (looking at the tree). Pity we haven't got a bit of rope.

Yes. And they crucified quick. VLADIMIR:

Come on. It's cold.
Silence.
He draws Estragon after him. As before.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
We've nothing more to do here.
Remind me to bring a bit of rope tomorrow.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Nor anywhere else.
Yes. Come on.
VLADIMIR:
Ah Gogo, don't go on like that. Tomorrow everything will be He draws him after him. As before.
better. ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: How long have we been together all the time now?
How do you make that out? VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: I don't know. Fifty years maybe.
Did you not hear what the child said? ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: Do you remember the day I threw myself into the Rhone?
No. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: We were grape harvesting.
He said that Godot was sure to come tomorrow. (Pause.) What ESTRAGON:
do you say to that?
You fished me out.
VLADIMIR: No, it's not worthwhile now.
That's all dead and buried. Silence.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
My clothes dried in the sun. Well, shall we go?
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
There's no good harking back on that. Come on. Yes, let's go.
He draws him after him. As before. They do not move.
ESTRAGON: Curtain.
Wait!
VLADIMIR: Next day. Same time.
I'm cold!
ESTRAGON: Same place.
Wait! (He moves away from Vladimir.) I sometimes wonder if
we wouldn't have been better off alone, each one for himself.
(He crosses the stage and sits down on the mound.) We
weren't made for the same road. Estragon's boots front center, heels together, toes splayed.
Lucky's hat at same place.
VLADIMIR:
The tree has four or five leaves.
(without anger). It's not certain.
Enter Vladimir agitatedly. He halts and looks long at the tree,
ESTRAGON: then suddenly begins to move feverishly about the stage. He
No, nothing is certain. halts before the boots, picks one up, examines it, sniffs it,
manifests disgust, puts it back carefully. Comes and goes.
Vladimir slowly crosses the stage and sits down beside
Halts extreme right and gazes into distance off, shading his
Estragon. #
eyes with his hand. Comes and goes. Halts extreme left, as
VLADIMIR: before. Comes and goes. Halts suddenly and begins to sing
We can still part, if you think it would be better. loudly.

ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:

It's not worthwhile now. A dog came in–

Silence. Having begun too high he stops, clears his throat, resumes:

VLADIMIR:
A dog came in the kitchen You again! (Estragon halts but does not raise his head.
And stole a crust of bread. Vladimir goes towards him.) Come here till I embrace you.
Then cook up with a ladle
ESTRAGON:
And beat him till he was dead.
Don't touch me!
Then all the dogs came running Vladimir holds back, pained.
And dug the dog a tomb–
VLADIMIR:
He stops, broods, resumes:
Do you want me to go away? (Pause.) Gogo! (Pause. Vladimir
Then all the dogs came running observes him attentively.) Did they beat you? (Pause.) Gogo!
And dug the dog a tomb (Estragon remains silent, head bowed.) Where did you spend
And wrote upon the tombstone the night?
For the eyes of dogs to come:
ESTRAGON:

A dog came in the kitchen Don't touch me! Don't question me! Don't speak to me! Stay
And stole a crust of bread. with me!
Then cook up with a ladle VLADIMIR:
And beat him till he was dead.
Did I ever leave you?

Then all the dogs came running ESTRAGON:

And dug the dog a tomb– You let me go.
He stops, broods, resumes: VLADIMIR:
Then all the dogs came running Look at me. (Estragon does not raise his head. Violently.) Will
And dug the dog a tomb– you look at me!
He stops, broods. Softly. Estragon raises his head. They look long at each other, then
And dug the dog a tomb . . . suddenly embrace, clapping each other on the back. End of the
embrace. Estragon, no longer supported, almost falls.
He remains a moment silent and motionless, then begins to
move feverishly about the stage. He halts before the tree, ESTRAGON:
comes and goes, before the boots, comes and goes, halts What a day!
extreme right, gazes into distance, extreme left, gazes into
VLADIMIR:
distance. Enter Estragon right, barefoot, head bowed. He
slowly crosses the stage. Vladimir turns and sees him. Who beat you? Tell me.

VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
Another day done with.
VLADIMIR: You see, you feel worse when I'm with you. I feel better alone
Not yet. too.

ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
(vexed). Then why do you always come crawling back?
For me it's over and done with, no matter what happens.
(Silence.) I heard you singing. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: I don't know.
That's right, I remember. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: No, but I do. It's because you don't know how to defend
That finished me. I said to myself, He's all alone, he thinks I'm yourself. I wouldn't have let them beat you.
gone for ever, and he sings. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: You couldn't have stopped them.
One is not master of one's moods. All day I've felt in great VLADIMIR:
form. (Pause.) I didn't get up in the night, not once! Why not?
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
(sadly). You see, you piss better when I'm not there.
There was ten of them.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
I missed you . . . and at the same time I was happy. Isn't that a
No, I mean before they beat you. I would have stopped you
strange thing? from doing whatever it was you were doing.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
(shocked). Happy?
I wasn't doing anything.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
Perhaps it's not quite the right word. Then why did they beat you?
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
And now?
I don't know.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
Now? . . . (Joyous.) There you are again . . . (Indifferent.) There
Ah no, Gogo, the truth is there are things that escape you that
we are again. . . (Gloomy.) There I am again.
don't escape me, you must feel it yourself.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
I tell you I wasn't doing anything. We are happy.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
Perhaps you weren't. But it's the way of doing it that counts, We are happy. (Silence.) What do we do now, now that we are
the way of doing it, if you want to go on living. happy?
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
I wasn't doing anything. Wait for Godot. (Estragon groans. Silence.) Things have
changed here since yesterday.
VLADIMIR:
You must be happy too, deep down, if you only knew it. ESTRAGON:

ESTRAGON: And if he doesn't come?

Happy about what? VLADIMIR:

(after a moment of bewilderment). We'll see when the time
VLADIMIR:
comes. (Pause.) I was saying that things have changed here
To be back with me again. since yesterday.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
Would you say so? Everything oozes.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
Say you are, even if it's not true. Look at the tree.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
What am I to say? It's never the same pus from one second to the next.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
Say, I am happy. The tree, look at the tree.
ESTRAGON: Estragon looks at the tree.
I am happy. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Was is not there yesterday?
So am I. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: Yes of course it was there. Do you not remember? We nearly
So am I. hanged ourselves from it. But you wouldn't. Do you not
remember?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: And all that was yesterday, you say?
You dreamt it. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: Yes of course it was yesterday.
Is it possible you've forgotten already? ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: And here where we are now?
That's the way I am. Either I forget immediately or I never VLADIMIR:
forget. Where else do you think? Do you not recognize the place?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
And Pozzo and Lucky, have you forgotten them too? (suddenly furious). Recognize! What is there to recognize? All
ESTRAGON: my lousy life I've crawled about in the mud! And you talk to
me about scenery! (Looking wildly about him.) Look at this
Pozzo and Lucky?
muckheap! I've never stirred from it!
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
He's forgotten everything!
Calm yourself, calm yourself.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
I remember a lunatic who kicked the shins off me. Then he
played the fool. You and your landscapes! Tell me about the worms!
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
All the same, you can't tell me that this (gesture) bears any
That was Lucky.
resemblance to . . . (he hesitates) . . . to the Macon country for
ESTRAGON: example. You can't deny there's a big difference.
I remember that. But when was it? ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: The Macon country! Who's talking to you about the Macon
And his keeper, do you not remember him? country?

ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
He gave me a bone. But you were there yourself, in the Macon country.

VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:

That was Pozzo. No I was never in the Macon country! I've puked my puke of a
life away here, I tell you! Here! In the Cackon country!
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
But we were there together, I could swear to it! Picking grapes In the meantime let us try and converse calmly, since we are
for a man called . . . (he snaps his fingers) . . . can't think of the incapable of keeping silent.
name of the man, at a place called . . . (snaps his fingers) . . .
VLADIMIR:
can't think of the name of the place, do you not remember?
You're right, we're inexhaustible.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
(a little calmer). It's possible. I didn't notice anything.
It's so we won't think.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
But down there everything is red!
We have that excuse.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
(exasperated). I didn't notice anything, I tell you!
It's so we won't hear.
Silence. Vladimir sighs deeply.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
We have our reasons.
You're a hard man to get on with, Gogo.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
All the dead voices.
It'd be better if we parted.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
They make a noise like wings.
You always say that and you always come crawling back.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
Like leaves.
The best thing would be to kill me, like the other.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Like sand.
What other? (Pause.) What other?
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
Like leaves.
Like billions of others.
Silence.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
(sententious). To every man his little cross. (He sighs.) Till he
dies. (Afterthought.) And is forgotten. They all speak at once.

ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
Each one to itself.
Silence. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: Likes ashes.
Rather they whisper. ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: Like leaves.
They rustle. Long silence.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
They murmur. Say something!
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
They rustle. I'm trying.
Silence. Long silence.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
What do they say? (in anguish). Say anything at all!
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
They talk about their lives. What do we do now?
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
To have lived is not enough for them. Wait for Godot.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
They have to talk about it. Ah!
VLADIMIR: Silence.
To be dead is not enough for them. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: This is awful!
It is not sufficient. ESTRAGON:
Silence. Sing something.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
They make a noise like feathers. No no! (He reflects.) We could start all over again perhaps.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
Like leaves. That should be easy.
VLADIMIR: No no, it's impossible.
It's the start that's difficult. ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: That's the idea, let's contradict each another.
You can start from anything. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: Impossible.
Yes, but you have to decide. ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: You think so?
True. VLADIMIR:
Silence. We're in no danger of ever thinking any more.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
Help me! Then what are we complaining about?
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
I'm trying. Thinking is not the worst.
Silence. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Perhaps not. But at least there's that.
When you seek you hear. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: That what?
You do. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: That's the idea, let's ask each other questions.
That prevents you from finding. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: What do you mean, at least there's that?
It does. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: That much less misery.
That prevents you from thinking. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: True.
You think all the same. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Well? If we gave thanks for our mercies?
VLADIMIR: I beg your pardon?
What is terrible is to have thought. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: Try as one may.
But did that ever happen to us? ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: We should turn resolutely towards Nature.
Where are all these corpses from? VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: We've tried that.
These skeletons. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: True.
Tell me that. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: On it's not the worst, I know.
True. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: What?
We must have thought a little. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: To have thought.
At the very beginning. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Obviously.
A charnel-house! A charnel-house! VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: But we could have done without it.
You don't have to look. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Que voulez-vous?
You can't help looking. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: I beg your pardon?
True. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Que voulez-vouz.
Try as one may. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: Ah! que voulez-vous. Exactly.
Silence. Wait . . . we embraced . . . we were happy . . . happy . . . what
ESTRAGON: do we do now that we're happy . . . go on waiting . . . waiting .
. . let me think . . . it's coming . . . go on waiting . . . now that
That wasn't such a bad little canter. we're happy . . . let me see . . . ah! The tree!
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
Yes, but now we'll have to find something else. The tree?
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
Let me see. Do you not remember?
He takes off his hat, concentrates. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: I'm tired.
Let me see. (He takes off his hat, concentrates. Long silence.) VLADIMIR:
Ah!
Look at it.
They put on their hats, relax.
They look at the tree.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
Well?
I see nothing.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
What was I saying, we could go on from there.
But yesterday evening it was all black and bare. And now it's
ESTRAGON: covered with leaves.
What were you saying when? ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Leaves?
At the very beginning. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: In a single night.
The very beginning of WHAT? ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: It must be the Spring.
This evening . . . I was saying . . . I was saying . . . VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: But in a single night!
I'm not a historian. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
I tell you we weren't here yesterday. Another of your The sun. The moon. Do you not remember?
nightmares. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: They must have been there, as usual.
And where were we yesterday evening according to you?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
You didn't notice anything out of the ordinary?
How would I know? In another compartment. There's no lack
ESTRAGON:
of void.
Alas!
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
(sure of himself). Good. We weren't here yesterday evening.
Now what did we do yesterday evening? And Pozzo? And Lucky?

ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:

Do? Pozzo?

VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:

Try and remember. The bones.

ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:

Do . . . I suppose we blathered. They were like fishbones.

VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:

(controlling himself). About what? It was Pozzo gave them to you.

ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:

Oh . . . this and that I suppose, nothing in particular. (With I don't know.

assurance.) Yes, now I remember, yesterday evening we spent VLADIMIR:
blathering about nothing in particular. That's been going on
And the kick.
now for half a century.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
That's right, someone gave me a kick.
You don't remember any fact, any circumstance?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
It was Lucky gave it to you.
(weary). Don't torment me, Didi.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
And all that was yesterday?
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
Show me your leg. (exasperated). I don't know why I don't know!
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
Which? No, I mean why did you throw them away?
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
Both. Pull up your trousers. (Estragon gives a leg to Vladimir, (exasperated). Because they were hurting me!
staggers. Vladimir takes the leg. They stagger.) Pull up your VLADIMIR:
trousers.
(triumphantly, pointing to the boots). There they are! (Estragon
ESTRAGON: looks at the boots.) At the very spot where you left them
I can't. yesterday!
Vladimir pulls up the trousers, looks at the leg, lets it go. Estragon goes towards the boots, inspects them closely.
Estragon almost falls. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: They're not mine.
The other. (Estragon gives the same leg.) The other, pig! VLADIMIR:
(Estragon gives the other leg. Triumphantly.) There's the
wound! Beginning to fester! (stupefied). Not yours!

ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:

And what about it? Mine were black. These are brown.

VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:

(letting go the leg). Where are your boots? You're sure yours were black?

ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:

I must have thrown them away. Well they were a kind of gray.

VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:

When? And these are brown. Show me.

ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:

I don't know. (picking up a boot). Well they're a kind of green.

VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:

Why?
Show me. (Estragon hands him the boot. Vladimir inspects it, ESTRAGON:
throws it down angrily.) Well of all the— Ah! (Pause. Despairing.) What'll we do, what'll we do!
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
You see, all that's a lot of bloody—
There's nothing we can do.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Ah! I see what it is. Yes, I see what's happened.
But I can't go on like this!
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
All that's a lot of bloody—
Would you like a radish?
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
It's elementary. Someone came and took yours and left you
Is that all there is?
his.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
There are radishes and turnips.
Why?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Are there no carrots?
His were too tight for him, so he took yours.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
No. Anyway you overdo it with your carrots.
But mine were too tight.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Then give me a radish. (Vladimir fumbles in his pockets, finds
For you. Not for him. nothing but turnips, finally brings out a radish and hands it to
ESTRAGON: Estragon who examines it, sniffs it.) It's black!
(having tried in vain to work it out). I'm tired! (Pause.) Let's go. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: It's a radish.
We can't. ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: I only like the pink ones, you know that!
Why not? VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: Then you don't want it?
We're waiting for Godot. ESTRAGON:
I only like the pink ones! ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: A relaxation.
Then give it back to me. VLADIMIR:
Estragon gives it back. Try.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
I'll go and get a carrot. You'll help me?
He does not move. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: I will of course.
This is becoming really insignificant. ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: We don't manage too badly, eh Didi, between the two of us?
Not enough. VLADIMIR:
Silence. Yes yes. Come on, we'll try the left first.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
What about trying them. We always find something, eh Didi, to give us the impression
ESTRAGON: we exist?
VLADIMIR:
I've tried everything.
(impatiently). Yes yes, we're magicians. But let us persevere in
VLADIMIR:
what we have resolved, before we forget. (He picks up a boot.)
No, I mean the boots. Come on, give me your foot. (Estragon raises his foot.) The
ESTRAGON: other, hog! (Estragon raises the other foot.) Higher! #
Would that be a good thing? (Wreathed together they stagger about the stage. Vladimir
succeeds finally in getting on the boot.) Try and walk.
VLADIMIR:
(Estragon walks.) Well?
It'd pass the time. (Estragon hesitates.) I assure you, it'd be an
ESTRAGON:
occupation.
It fits.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
A relaxation.
(taking string from his pocket). We'll try and lace it.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
A recreation.
(vehemently). No no, no laces, no laces! He looks for a place to sit down, then goes and sits down on the
VLADIMIR: mound.

You'll be sorry. Let's try the other. (As before.) Well? VLADIMIR:
That's where you were sitting yesterday evening.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
(grudgingly). It fits too.
If I could only sleep.
VLADIMIR:
They don't hurt you? VLADIMIR:
Yesterday you slept.
ESTRAGON:
Not yet. ESTRAGON:
I'll try.
VLADIMIR:
Then you can keep them. He resumes his foetal posture, his head between his knees.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
They're too big. Wait. (He goes over and sits down beside Estragon and begins
to sing in a loud voice.)
VLADIMIR:
Bye bye bye bye
Perhaps you'll have socks some day. Bye bye– #
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
True. (looking up angrily). Not so loud!
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
Then you'll keep them? (softly).
ESTRAGON: Bye bye bye bye
That's enough about these boots. Bye bye bye bye
Bye bye bye bye
VLADIMIR:
Bye bye . . .
Yes, but—
Estragon sleeps. Vladimir gets up softly, takes off his coat and
ESTRAGON: lays it across Estragon's shoulders, then starts walking up and
(violently). Enough! (Silence.) I suppose I might as well sit down, swinging his arms to keep himself warm. Estragon
down. wakes with a start, jumps up, casts about wildly. Vladimir
runs to him, puts his arms around him.) There . . . there . . .
Didi is here . . . don't be afraid . . .
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
Ah! Why not?
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
There . . . there . . . it's all over. We're waiting for Godot.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
I was falling— Ah! (Vladimir walks up and down.) Can you not stay still?
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
It's all over, it's all over. I'm cold.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
I was on top of a— We came too soon.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
Don't tell me! Come, we'll walk it off. It's always at nightfall.
He takes Estragon by the arm and walks him up and down ESTRAGON:
until Estragon refuses to go any further.
But night doesn't fall.
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
That's enough. I'm tired.
It'll fall all of a sudden, like yesterday.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
You'd rather be stuck there doing nothing? Then it'll be night.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Yes.
And we can go.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Please yourself.
Then it'll be day again. (Pause. Despairing.) What'll we do,
He releases Estragon, picks up his coat and puts it on. what'll we do!
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
Let's go. (halting, violently). Will you stop whining! I've had about my
VLADIMIR: bellyful of your lamentations!

We can't. ESTRAGON:
I'm going. which he hands to Vladimir. Vladimir takes Lucky's hat.
VLADIMIR: Estragon adjusts his hat on his head. Vladimir puts on Lucky's
hat in place of his own which he hands to Estragon. Estragon
(seeing Lucky's hat). Well! takes Vladimir's hat. Vladimir adjusts Lucky's hat on his
ESTRAGON: head. Estragon hands Vladimir's hat back to Vladimir who
takes it and hands it back to Estragon who takes it and hands
Farewell.
it back to Vladimir who takes it and throws it down.
VLADIMIR:
How does it fit me?
Lucky's hat. (He goes towards it.) I've been here an hour and
ESTRAGON:
never saw it. (Very pleased.) Fine!
How would I know?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
You'll never see me again.
No, but how do I look in it?
VLADIMIR:
He turns his head coquettishly to and fro, minces like a
I knew it was the right place. Now our troubles are over. (He
mannequin.
picks up the hat, contemplates it, straightens it.) Must have
been a very fine hat. (He puts it on in place of his own which he ESTRAGON:
hands to Estragon.) Here. Hideous.
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
What? Yes, but not more so than usual?
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
Hold that. Neither more nor less.
Estragon takes Vladimir's hat. Vladimir adjusts Lucky's hat VLADIMIR:
on his head. Estragon puts on Vladimir's hat in place of his
Then I can keep it. Mine irked me. (Pause.) How shall I say?
own which he hands to Vladimir. Vladimir takes Estragon's
(Pause.) It itched me.
hat. Estragon adjusts Vladimir's hat on his head. Vladimir
puts on Estragon's hat in place of Lucky's which he hands to He takes off Lucky's hat, peers into it, shakes it, knocks on the
Estragon. Estragon takes Lucky's hat. Vladimir adjusts crown, puts it on again.
Estragon's hat on his head. Estragon puts on Lucky's hat in ESTRAGON:
place of Vladimir's which he hands to Vladimir. Vladimir
takes his hat, Estragon adjusts Lucky's hat on his head. I'm going.
Vladimir puts on his hat in place of Estragon's which he Silence.
hands to Estragon. Estragon takes his hat. Vladimir adjusts his
VLADIMIR:
hat on his head. Estragon puts on his hat in place of Lucky's
Will you not play? Say, Think, pig!
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
Play at what? Think, pig!
VLADIMIR: Silence.
We could play at Pozzo and Lucky. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: I can't.
Never heard of it. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: That's enough of that.
I'll do Lucky, you do Pozzo. (He imitates Lucky sagging under VLADIMIR:
the weight of his baggage. Estragon looks at him with
Tell me to dance.
stupefaction.) Go on.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
I'm going.
What am I to do?
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Dance, hog! (He writhes. Exit Estragon left, precipitately.) I
Curse me!
can't! (He looks up, misses Estragon.) Gogo! (He moves wildly
ESTRAGON: about the stage. Enter Estragon left, panting. He hastens
towards Vladimir, falls into his arms.) There you are again at
(after reflection). Naughty!
last!
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Stronger!
I'm accursed!
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Gonococcus! Spirochete!
Where were you? I thought you were gone for ever.
Vladimir sways back and forth, doubled in two.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
They're coming!
Tell me to think.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Who?
What?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
I don't know.
VLADIMIR: Behind the tree. (Estragon hesitates.) Quick! Behind the tree.
How many? (Estragon goes and crouches behind the tree, realizes he is not
hidden, comes out from behind the tree.) Decidedly this tree
ESTRAGON: will not have been the slightest use to us.
I don't know. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: (calmer). I lost my head. Forgive me. It won't happen again.
(triumphantly). It's Godot! At last! Gogo! It's Godot! We're Tell me what to do.
saved! Let's go and meet him! (He drags Estragon towards the VLADIMIR:
wings. Estragon resists, pulls himself free, exit right.) Gogo!
Come back! (Vladimir runs to extreme left, scans the horizon. There's nothing to do.
Enter Estragon right, he hastens towards Vladimir, falls into ESTRAGON:
his arms.) There you are again again!
You go and stand there. (He draws Vladimir to extreme right
ESTRAGON: and places him with his back to the stage.) There, don't move,
I'm in hell! and watch out. (Vladimir scans horizon, screening his eyes
with his hand. Estragon runs and takes up same position
VLADIMIR: extreme left. They turn their heads and look at each other.)
Where were you? Back to back like in the good old days. (They continue to look
at each other for a moment, then resume their watch. Long
ESTRAGON:
silence.) Do you see anything coming?
They're coming there too!
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
(turning his head). What?
We're surrounded! (Estragon makes a rush towards back.)
ESTRAGON:
Imbecile! There's no way out there. (He takes Estragon by the
arm and drags him towards front. Gesture towards front.) (louder). Do you see anything coming?
There! Not a soul in sight! Off you go! Quick! (He pushes VLADIMIR:
Estragon towards auditorium. Estragon recoils in horror.) You
No.
won't? (He contemplates auditorium.) Well I can understand
that. Wait till I see. (He reflects.) Your only hope left is to ESTRAGON:
disappear.
Nor I.
ESTRAGON: They resume their watch. Silence.
Where?
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
You must have had a vision.
ESTRAGON:
(turning his head). What? ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Finish your own!
(louder). You must have had a vision. Silence. They draw closer, halt.
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
No need to shout! Moron!
They resume their watch. Silence. ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR and ESTRAGON: That's the idea, let's abuse each other.
(turning simultaneously). Do you— They turn, move apart, turn again and face each other.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
Oh pardon! Moron!
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
Carry on. Vermin!
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
No no, after you. Abortion!
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
No no, you first. Morpion!
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
I interrupted you. Sewer-rat!
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
On the contrary. Curate!
They glare at each other angrily. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: Cretin!
Ceremonious ape! ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: (with finality). Crritic!
Punctilious pig! VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: Oh!
Finish your phrase, I tell you! He wilts, vanquished, and turns away.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
Now let's make it up. While waiting.
VLADIMIR: Silence.
Gogo! VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: We could do our exercises.
Didi! ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Our movements.
Your hand! VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: Our elevations.
Take it! ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Our relaxations.
Come to my arms! VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: Our elongations.
Yours arms? ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Our relaxations.
My breast! VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: To warm us up.
Off we go! ESTRAGON:
They embrace. # To calm us down.
They separate. Silence. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: Off we go.
How time flies when one has fun! Vladimir hops from one foot to the other. Estragon imitates
Silence. him.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
(stopping). That's enough. I'm tired.
What do we do now?
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
While waiting.
(stopping). We're not in shape. What about a little deep of Vladimir and Estragon he stops short. Pozzo, continuing on
breathing? his way, bumps into him.
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
I'm tired breathing. Gogo!
VLADIMIR: POZZO:
You're right. (Pause.) Let's just do the tree, for the balance. (clutching onto Lucky who staggers). What is it? Who is it?
ESTRAGON: Lucky falls, drops everything and brings down Pozzo with him.
The tree? They lie helpless among the scattered baggage.

Vladimir does the tree, staggering about on one leg. ESTRAGON:

VLADIMIR: Is it Godot?
VLADIMIR:
(stopping). Your turn.
At last! (He goes towards the heap.) Reinforcements at last!
Estragon does the tree, staggers.
POZZO:
ESTRAGON:
Help!
Do you think God sees me?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Is it Godot?
You must close your eyes.
Estragon closes his eyes, staggers worse. VLADIMIR:
We were beginning to weaken. Now we're sure to see the
ESTRAGON:
evening out.
(stopping, brandishing his fists, at the top of his voice.) God
have pity on me! POZZO:
Help!
VLADIMIR:
(vexed). And me? ESTRAGON:
Do you hear him?
ESTRAGON:
On me! On me! Pity! On me! VLADIMIR:
We are no longer alone, waiting for the night, waiting for
Enter Pozzo and Lucky. Pozzo is blind. Lucky burdened as
Godot, waiting for . . . waiting. All evening we have struggled,
before. Rope as before, but much shorter, so that Pozzo may
unassisted. Now it's over. It's already tomorrow.
follow more easily. Lucky wearing a different hat. At the sight
POZZO:
Help! He can't get up.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
Time flows again already. The sun will set, the moon rise, and Let's go.
we away . . . from here.
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
We can't.
Pity!
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Why not?
Poor Pozzo!
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: We're waiting for Godot.
I knew it was him.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Ah!
Who?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: Perhaps he has another bone for you.
Godot.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Bone?
But it's not Godot.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Chicken. Do you not remember?
It's not Godot? ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
It was him?
It's not Godot.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Yes.
Then who is it?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: Ask him.
It's Pozzo.
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
Perhaps we should help him first.
Here! Here! Help me up!
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
To do what?
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
To get up. That seems intelligent all right. But there's one thing I'm
ESTRAGON: afraid of.
POZZO:
He can't get up?
Help!
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
He wants to get up.
ESTRAGON: What?
VLADIMIR:
Then let him get up.
VLADIMIR: That Lucky might get going all of a sudden. Then we'd be
ballocksed.
He can't.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
Lucky?
Why not?
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
The one that went for you yesterday.
I don't know.
ESTRAGON:
Pozzo writhes, groans, beats the ground with his fists.
I tell you there was ten of them.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
We should ask him for the bone first. Then if he refuses we'll
No, before that, the one that kicked you.
leave him there.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:

You mean we have him at our mercy? Is he there?

VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
As large as life. (Gesture towards Lucky.) For the moment he is
Yes.
inert. But he might run amuck any minute.
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
And that we should subordinate our good offices to certain
Help!
conditions?
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
And suppose we gave him a good beating, the two of us.
What?
VLADIMIR: less a credit to our species. The tiger bounds to the help of his
You mean if we fell on him in his sleep? congeners without the least reflection, or else he slinks away
into the depths of the thickets. But that is not the question.
ESTRAGON: What are we doing here, that is the question. And we are
Yes. blessed in this, that we happen to know the answer. Yes, in this
immense confusion one thing alone is clear. We are waiting for
VLADIMIR:
Godot to come—
That seems a good idea all right. But could we do it? Is he
ESTRAGON:
really asleep? (Pause.) No, the best would be to take advantage
of Pozzo's calling for help— Ah!

POZZO: POZZO:

Help! Help!
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
To help him— Or for night to fall. (Pause.) We have kept our appointment and
that's an end to that. We are not saints, but we have kept our
ESTRAGON:
appointment. How many people can boast as much?
We help him?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Billions.
In anticipation of some tangible return.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
You think so?
And suppose he—
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
I don't know.
Let us not waste our time in idle discourse! (Pause.
VLADIMIR:
Vehemently.) Let us do something, while we have the chance! It
is not every day that we are needed. Not indeed that we You may be right.
personally are needed. Others would meet the case equally POZZO:
well, if not better. To all mankind they were addressed, those
Help! #
cries for help still ringing in our ears! But at this place, at this
moment of time, all mankind is us, whether we like it or not. VLADIMIR:
Let us make the most of it, before it is too late! Let us represent All I know is that the hours are long, under these conditions,
worthily for once the foul brood to which a cruel fate consigned and constrain us to beguile them with proceedings which –how
us! What do you say? (Estragon says nothing.) It is true that shall I say– which may at first sight seem reasonable, until
when with folded arms we weigh the pros and cons we are no they become a habit. You may say it is to prevent our reason
from foundering. No doubt. But has it not long been straying in He broods.
the night without end of the abyssal depths? That's what I POZZO:
sometimes wonder. You follow my reasoning?
Two hundred!
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
(aphoristic for once). We are all born mad. Some remain so.
We're coming!
POZZO:
He tries to pull Pozzo to his feet, fails, tries again, stumbles,
Help! I'll pay you!
falls, tries to get up, fails.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
How much? What's the matter with you all?
POZZO: VLADIMIR:
One hundred francs!
Help!
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
It's not enough.
I'm going.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
I wouldn't go so far as that.
Don't leave me! They'll kill me!
ESTRAGON:
POZZO:
You think it's enough? Where am I?
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
No, I mean so far as to assert that I was weak in the head Gogo!
when I came into the world. But that is not the question.
POZZO:
POZZO:
Help!
Two hundred!
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Help!
We wait. We are bored. (He throws up his hand.) No, don't
protest, we are bored to death, there's no denying it. Good. A ESTRAGON:
diversion comes along and what do we do? We let it go to I'm going.
waste. Come, let's get to work! (He advances towards the
VLADIMIR:
heap, stops in his stride.) In an instant all will vanish and we'll
be alone once more, in the midst of nothingness! Help me up first, then we'll go together.
ESTRAGON: I'm going. (Pause. Louder.) I'm going.
You promise? VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: Well I suppose in the end I'll get up by myself. (He tries, fails.)
In the fullness of time.
I swear it!
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
What's the matter with you?
And we'll never come back?
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
Go to hell.
Never!
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
Are you staying there?
We'll go to the Pyrenees.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
For the time being.
Wherever you like.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
Come on, get up, you'll catch a chill.
I've always wanted to wander in the Pyrenees.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
Don't worry about me.
You'll wander in them.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
(recoiling). Who farted? Come on, Didi, don't be pig-headed!
He stretches out his hand which Vladimir makes haste to seize.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Pozzo.
Pull!
POZZO:
Estragon pulls, stumbles, falls. Long silence.
Here! Here! Pity!
ESTRAGON: POZZO:
Help!
It's revolting!
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
We've arrived.
Quick! Give me your hand!
POZZO:
ESTRAGON:
Who are you? POZZO:
VLADIMIR: Pity! Pity!
We are men. ESTRAGON:
Silence. (with a start). What is it?
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
Sweet mother earth! Were you asleep?
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
Can you get up? I must have been.
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
I don't know. It's this bastard Pozzo at it again.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
Try. Make him stop it. Kick him in the crotch.
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
Not now, not now. (striking Pozzo). Will you stop it! Crablouse! (Pozzo extricates
Silence. himself with cries of pain and crawls away. He stops, saws the
air blindly, calling for help. Vladimir, propped on his elbow,
POZZO: observes his retreat.) He's off! (Pozzo collapses.) He's down! #
What happened? ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: What do we do now?
(violently). Will you stop it, you! Pest! He can think of nothing VLADIMIR:
but himself!
Perhaps I could crawl to him.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
What about a little snooze?
Don't leave me!
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Did you hear him? He wants to know what happened!
Or I could call to him.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
Don't mind him. Sleep.
Yes, call to him.
Silence.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
Pozzo! (Silence.) Pozzo! (Silence.) No reply. We'll soon see. (He reflects.) Abel! Abel!
ESTRAGON: POZZO:
Together. Help!
VLADIMIR and ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
Pozzo! Pozzo! Got it in one!
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
He moved. I begin to weary of this motif.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
Are you sure his name is Pozzo? Perhaps the other is called Cain. Cain! Cain!
VLADIMIR: POZZO:
(alarmed). Mr. Pozzo! Come back! We won't hurt you! Help!
Silence. ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: He's all humanity. (Silence.) Look at the little cloud.
We might try him with other names. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: (raising his eyes). Where?
I'm afraid he's dying. ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: There. In the zenith.
It'd be amusing. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: Well? (Pause.) What is there so wonderful about it?
What'd be amusing? Silence.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
To try him with other names, one after the other. It'd pass the Let's pass on now to something else, do you mind?
time. And we'd be bound to hit on the right one sooner or
VLADIMIR:
later.
I was just going to suggest it.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
I tell you his name is Pozzo.
But to what?
VLADIMIR: Help!
Ah! VLADIMIR:
Silence. What about helping him?
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
Suppose we got up to begin with? What does he want?
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
No harm trying. He wants to get up.
They get up. ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: Then why doesn't he?
Child's play. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: He wants us to help him get up.
Simple question of will-power. ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: Then why don't we? What are we waiting for?
And now? They help Pozzo to his feet, let him go. He falls.
POZZO: VLADIMIR:
Help! We must hold him. (They get him up again. Pozzo sags
between them, his arms round their necks.) #
ESTRAGON:
Let's go. Feeling better?
POZZO:
VLADIMIR:
Who are you?
We can't.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Do you not recognize us?
Why not?
VLADIMIR: POZZO:
I am blind.
We're waiting for Godot.
Silence.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
Ah! (Despairing.) What'll we do, what'll we do!
Perhaps he can see into the future.
POZZO:
VLADIMIR: Damn it so he is. (Pause.) So he says.
Since when? POZZO:
POZZO: Don't leave me!
I used to have wonderful sight— but are you friends? VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: No question of it.
(laughing noisily). He wants to know if we are friends! ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR: For the moment.
No, he means friends of his. POZZO:
ESTRAGON: What time is it?
Well? VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: (inspecting the sky). Seven o'clock . . . eight o'clock . . .
We've proved we are, by helping him. ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: That depends what time of year it is.
Exactly. Would we have helped him if we weren't his friends? POZZO:
VLADIMIR: Is it evening?
Possibly. Silence. Vladimir and Estragon scrutinize the sunset.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
True. It's rising.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
Don't let's quibble about that now. Impossible.
POZZO: ESTRAGON:
You are not highwaymen? Perhaps it's the dawn.
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
Highwaymen! Do we look like highwaymen? Don't be a fool. It's the west over there.
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
Damn it can't you see the man is blind! How do you know?
ESTRAGON: POZZO:
(anguished). Is it evening? Let him alone. Can't you see he's thinking of the days when
VLADIMIR: he was happy. (Pause.) Memoria praeteritorum bonorum—
that must be unpleasant.
Anyway, it hasn't moved.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
We wouldn't know.
I tell you it's rising.
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
And it came on you all of a sudden?
Why don't you answer me?
POZZO:
ESTRAGON:
Quite wonderful!
Give us a chance.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
I'm asking you if it came on you all of a sudden.
(reassuring). It's evening, Sir, it's evening, night is drawing
POZZO:
nigh. My friend here would have me doubt it and I must
confess he shook me for a moment. But it is not for nothing I I woke up one fine day as blind as Fortune. (Pause.) Sometimes
have lived through this long day and I can assure you it is very I wonder if I'm not still asleep.
near the end of its repertory. (Pause.) How do you feel now?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: And when was that?
How much longer are we to cart him around? (They half POZZO:
release him, catch him again as he falls.) We are not caryatids!
I don't know.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
You were saying your sight used to be good, if I heard you
right. But no later than yesterday—

POZZO: POZZO:

Wonderful! Wonderful, wonderful sight! (violently). Don't question me! The blind have no notion of
time. The things of time are hidden from them too.
Silence.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Well just fancy that! I could have sworn it was just the
(irritably). Expand! Expand!
opposite.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
I'm going.
POZZO: ESTRAGON:
Where are we? Exactly!
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
I couldn't tell you. The two of you slipped. (Pause.) And fell.
POZZO: POZZO:
It isn't by any chance the place known as the Board? Go and see is he hurt.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
Never heard of it. We can't leave you.
POZZO: POZZO:
What is it like? You needn't both go.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
(looking round). It's indescribable. It's like nothing. There's (to Estragon). You go.
nothing. There's a tree. ESTRAGON:
POZZO:
After what he did to me? Never!
Then it's not the Board. POZZO:
ESTRAGON:
Yes yes, let your friend go, he stinks so. (Silence.) What is he
(sagging). Some diversion! waiting for?
POZZO: VLADIMIR:
Where is my menial? What are you waiting for?
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
He's about somewhere. I'm waiting for Godot.
POZZO: Silence.
Why doesn't he answer when I call? VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: What exactly should he do?
I don't know. He seems to be sleeping. Perhaps he's dead. POZZO:
POZZO: Well to begin with he should pull on the rope, as hard as he
What happened exactly? likes so long as he doesn't strangle him. He usually responds
to that. If not he should give him a taste of his boot, in the face POZZO:
and the privates as far as possible. What's gone wrong now?
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
(to Estragon). You see, you've nothing to be afraid of. It's even
My friend has hurt himself.
an opportunity to revenge yourself.
POZZO:
ESTRAGON:
And Lucky?
And if he defends himself?
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
So it is he?
No no, he never defends himself.
POZZO:
VLADIMIR:
What?
I'll come flying to the rescue.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
It is Lucky?
Don't take your eyes off me.
POZZO:
He goes towards Lucky.
I don't understand.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Make sure he's alive before you start. No point in exerting
yourself if he's dead. And you are Pozzo?

ESTRAGON: POZZO:

(bending over Lucky). He's breathing. Certainly I am Pozzo.

VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:

Then let him have it. The same as yesterday?

With sudden fury Estragon starts kicking Lucky, hurling abuse POZZO:
at him as he does so. But he hurts his foot and moves away, Yesterday?
limping and groaning. Lucky stirs.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
We met yesterday. (Silence.) Do you not remember?
Oh the brute!
POZZO:
He sits down on the mound and tries to take off his boot. But
he soon desists and disposes himself for sleep, his arms on his
knees and his head on his arms.
I don't remember having met anyone yesterday. But tomorrow I'm going.
I won't remember having met anyone today. So don't count VLADIMIR:
on me to enlighten you.
What do you do when you fall far from help?
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
But—
We wait till we can get up. Then we go on. On!
POZZO:
VLADIMIR:
Enough! Up pig!
Before you go tell him to sing.
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
You were bringing him to the fair to sell him. You spoke to us.
He danced. He thought. You had your sight. Who?

POZZO: VLADIMIR:

As you please. Let me go! (Vladimir moves away.) Up! Lucky.

Lucky gets up, gathers up his burdens. POZZO:

VLADIMIR: To sing?

Where do you go from here? VLADIMIR:

POZZO: Yes. Or to think. Or to recite.

On. (Lucky, laden down, takes his place before Pozzo.) Whip! POZZO:
(Lucky puts everything down, looks for whip, finds it, puts it But he is dumb.
into Pozzo's hand, takes up everything again.) Rope!
VLADIMIR:
Lucky puts everything down, puts end of rope into Pozzo's
Dumb!
hand, takes up everything again.
POZZO:
VLADIMIR:
Dumb. He can't even groan.
What is there in the bag?
VLADIMIR:
POZZO:
Dumb! Since when?
Sand. (He jerks the rope.) On!
POZZO:
VLADIMIR:
(suddenly furious.) Have you not done tormenting me with
Don't go yet.
your accursed time! It's abominable! When! When! One day, is
POZZO: that not enough for you, one day he went dumb, one day I
went blind, one day we'll go deaf, one day we were born, one VLADIMIR:
day we shall die, the same day, the same second, is that not He told us he was blind.
enough for you? (Calmer.) They give birth astride of a grave, the
light gleams an instant, then it's night once more. (He jerks the ESTRAGON:
rope.) On! Well what about it?
Exeunt Pozzo and Lucky. Vladimir follows them to the edge of VLADIMIR:
the stage, looks after them. The noise of falling, reinforced by
It seemed to me he saw us.
mimic of Vladimir, announces that they are down again.
Silence. Vladimir goes towards Estragon, contemplates him a ESTRAGON:
moment, then shakes him awake. You dreamt it. (Pause.) Let's go. We can't. Ah! (Pause.) Are you
ESTRAGON: sure it wasn't him?

(wild gestures, incoherent words. Finally.) Why will you never VLADIMIR:
let me sleep? Who?
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
I felt lonely. Godot.
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
I was dreaming I was happy. But who?
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
That passed the time. Pozzo.
ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:
I was dreaming that— Not at all! (Less sure.) Not at all! (Still less sure.) Not at all!
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
(violently). Don't tell me! (Silence.) I wonder is he really blind. I suppose I might as well get up. (He gets up painfully.) Ow!
ESTRAGON: Didi!

Blind? Who? VLADIMIR:

VLADIMIR: I don't know what to think any more.

Pozzo. ESTRAGON:

ESTRAGON: My feet! (He sits down again and tries to take off his boots.)
Help me!
Blind?
VLADIMIR: BOY:
Was I sleeping, while the others suffered? Am I sleeping now? Yes Sir.
Tomorrow, when I wake, or think I do, what shall I say of Silence.
today? That with Estragon my friend, at this place, until the
fall of night, I waited for Godot? That Pozzo passed, with his VLADIMIR:
carrier, and that he spoke to us? Probably. But in all that what You have a message from Mr. Godot.
truth will there be?
BOY:
(Estragon, having struggled with his boots in vain, is dozing off
again. Vladimir looks at him.) He'll know nothing. He'll tell Yes Sir.
me about the blows he received and I'll give him a carrot. VLADIMIR:
(Pause.) Astride of a grave and a difficult birth. Down in the
He won't come this evening.
hole, lingeringly, the grave digger puts on the forceps. We have
time to grow old. The air is full of our cries. (He listens.) But BOY:
habit is a great deadener. (He looks again at Estragon.) At me No Sir.
too someone is looking, of me too someone is saying, He is
VLADIMIR:
sleeping, he knows nothing, let him sleep on. (Pause.) I can't go
on! (Pause.) What have I said? But he'll come tomorrow.

He goes feverishly to and fro, halts finally at extreme left, BOY:

broods. Enter Boy right. He halts. Silence. Yes Sir.
BOY: VLADIMIR:
Mister . . . (Vladimir turns.) Mister Albert . . . Without fail.
VLADIMIR: BOY:
Off we go again. (Pause.) Do you not recognize me? Yes Sir.
BOY: Silence.
No Sir. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: Did you meet anyone?
It wasn't you came yesterday. BOY:
BOY: No Sir.
No Sir. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: Two other . . . (he hesitates) . . . men?
This is your first time. BOY:
I didn't see anyone, Sir. I think it's white, Sir.
Silence. Silence.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
What does he do, Mr. Godot? (Silence.) Do you hear me? Christ have mercy on us!
BOY: Silence.
Yes Sir. BOY:
VLADIMIR: What am I to tell Mr. Godot, Sir?
Well? VLADIMIR:
BOY: Tell him . . . (he hesitates) . . . tell him you saw me and that . . .
(he hesitates) . . . that you saw me. (Pause. Vladimir advances,
He does nothing, Sir.
the Boy recoils. Vladimir halts, the Boy halts. With sudden
Silence. violence.) You're sure you saw me, you won't come and tell
VLADIMIR: me tomorrow that you never saw me!
How is your brother? Silence. Vladimir makes a sudden spring forward, the Boy
avoids him and exits running. Silence. The sun sets, the moon
BOY:
rises. As in Act 1. Vladimir stands motionless and bowed.
He's sick, Sir. Estragon wakes, takes off his boots, gets up with one in each
VLADIMIR: hand and goes and puts them down center front, then goes
towards Vladimir.
Perhaps it was he came yesterday.
ESTRAGON:
BOY:
What's wrong with you?
I don't know, Sir.
VLADIMIR:
Silence.
Nothing.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
(softly). Has he a beard, Mr. Godot?
I'm going.
BOY:
VLADIMIR:
Yes Sir.
So am I.
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Fair or . . . (he hesitates) . . . or black?
Was I long asleep?
BOY:
VLADIMIR: ESTRAGON:
I don't know. And if we dropped him? (Pause.) If we dropped him?
Silence. VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON: He'd punish us. (Silence. He looks at the tree.) Everything's
dead but the tree.
Where shall we go?
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
Not far. (looking at the tree). What is it?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Oh yes, let's go far away from here. It's the tree.
ESTRAGON:
VLADIMIR:
We can't. Yes, but what kind?
VLADIMIR:
ESTRAGON:
Why not? I don't know. A willow.
Estragon draws Vladimir towards the tree. They stand
VLADIMIR:
motionless before it. Silence.
We have to come back tomorrow.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
Why don't we hang ourselves?
What for?
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
With what?
To wait for Godot.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
You haven't got a bit of rope?
Ah! (Silence.) He didn't come?
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
No.
No.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
Then we can't.
And now it's too late.
Silence.
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Yes, now it's night.
Let's go. ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON: Then we can bring a good bit of rope.
Wait, there's my belt. VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR: Yes.
It's too short. Silence.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
You could hang onto my legs. Didi?
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
And who'd hang onto mine? Yes.
ESTRAGON: ESTRAGON:
True. I can't go on like this.
VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:
Show me all the same. (Estragon loosens the cord that holds up That's what you think.
his trousers which, much too big for him, fall about his ankles.
ESTRAGON:
They look at the cord.) It might do in a pinch. But is it strong
enough? If we parted? That might be better for us.

ESTRAGON: VLADIMIR:

We'll soon see. Here. We'll hang ourselves tomorrow. (Pause.) Unless Godot comes.

They each take an end of the cord and pull. # ESTRAGON:

It breaks. They almost fall. And if he comes?

VLADIMIR: VLADIMIR:

Not worth a curse. We'll be saved.

Silence. Vladimir takes off his hat (Lucky's), peers inside it, feels about
inside it, shakes it, knocks on the crown, puts it on again.
ESTRAGON:
ESTRAGON:
You say we have to come back tomorrow?
Well? Shall we go?
VLADIMIR:
VLADIMIR:
Yes.
Pull on your trousers.
ESTRAGON:
What?
VLADIMIR:
Pull on your trousers.
ESTRAGON:
You want me to pull off my trousers?
VLADIMIR:
Pull ON your trousers.
ESTRAGON:
(realizing his trousers are down). True.
He pulls up his trousers.
VLADIMIR:
Well? Shall we go?
ESTRAGON:
Yes, let's go.
They do not move.

Curtain