VLADIMIR:
It'll pass the time. (Pause.) Two thieves, crucified at the same time as our Saviour. One—

ESTRAGON:
No.

VLADIMIR:
Shall I tell it to you?

ESTRAGON:
No.

VLADIMIR:
Ah yes, the two thieves. Do you remember the story?

ESTRAGON:
Swelling visibly.

VLADIMIR:
Where was I . . . How's your foot?

ESTRAGON:
I was. (Gesture towards his rags.) Isn't that obvious?
Silence.

VLADIMIR:
You should have been a poet.

ESTRAGON:
I remember the maps of the Holy Land. Coloured they were. Very pretty. The Dead Sea was pale blue. The very look of it 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 happy.

VLADIMIR:
Do you remember the Gospels?

ESTRAGON:
The Bible . . . (He reflects.) I must have taken a look at it.

VLADIMIR:
Did you ever read the Bible?

ESTRAGON:
(irritably). What is it?

VLADIMIR:
Merely smile. (He smiles suddenly from ear to ear, keeps smiling, ceases as suddenly.) It's not the same thing. Nothing to be done. (Pause.) Gogo.

ESTRAGON:
Dreadful privation.

VLADIMIR:
One daren't even laugh any more.

ESTRAGON:
Our being born?
Vladimir breaks into a hearty laugh which he immediately stifles, his hand pressed to his pubis, his face contorted.

VLADIMIR:
Oh . . . (He reflects.) We wouldn't have to go into the details.

ESTRAGON:
Repented what?