Trascrizione in inglese dei dialoghi dell'episodio:

A solstice carol

Episodio: n. 9

seconda serie

(si ringrazia Xenamedia e Cristina Creek)

King Silvas: "I find you both guilty! And I sentence you to ten years hard labor. If you won't pay what you owe, then by Hades, you'll work it off. As to the charge of celebrating the Winter Solstice, I find you guilty of singing carols and decorating a tree. Twelve more months! Take them away."
Guard #1: "Yes, Sire ... you heard King Silvas, remove the prisoners."
Guard #2: "To the poor house with you. Move it!"
Old Man: "We're too old to live in a poor house."
Guard #2: "Then you'll die there."
King Silvas: "Senticles."
Senticles: "Yes, King Silvas."
King Silvas: "Have you prepared the eviction list for today?"
Senticles: "Today? But, Sire, today is Sol--"
King Silvas: "Yes?"
Senticles: "Today is so ... late -- so late. Look, it's nearly dark."
King Silvas: "Then I suggest you better hurry, unless you want to add your name to that parchment. Court adjourned!"

Gabrielle: "Now, no spying. If one of us sees the other shopping at a stall then she turns around and walks the other way. Agreed?"
Xena: "Yeah."
Gabrielle: "No peaking into other people's bags too. I mean, being surprised is half the fun, right?"
Xena: "Right."
Gabrielle: "Now nothing can cost more than five dinars."
Xena: "Then why don't I just give you five dinars and you can buy something that you really like?"
Gabrielle: "Hey! ... what was that about?"
Xena: "He stole my chakram. I'll meet you out back."
Young Girl: "Now all we need is Solstice pudding."
Young Boy: "And a goose, don't forget the goose."
Young Girl: "Lynel, can you get us a goose, too? The round thing looks like the King's crest."
Lynel: "In honor of his cold heart."
Xena: "Nice tree."
Melana: "May I help you?"
Xena: "Yes, that's mine (one ribbon clad chakram)."
Melana: "Lynel ..."
Lynel: "I just borrowed it for the tree. I was going to give it back."
Gabrielle: "Funny how the ribbons bring out its shine."
Xena: "It's not an ornament."
Lynel: "Flashy thing like that, what else could it be?"
Senticles: "Hear ye! Hear ye! By order of King Silvas -- ‘Be it known you have until midnight tonight to pay taxes in the amount of 1,000 dinars or face eviction'."
Guard: "Why wait? Look around, they're violating the prohibition. I say arrest them now!"
Gabrielle: "I didn't know you did gift wrapping." Xena: "What did he mean ‘violating the prohibition'? The children were just enjoying Solstice."
Melana: "Yes, but here celebrating the Winter Solstice is a crime, and anyone who gets caught can expect to pay a price."
Gabrielle: "How can you work for a man who would put orphans out on the street on Solstice Eve?"
Senticles: "I like to eat. When King Silvas outlawed toy making, I had to take whatever job I could."
Gabrielle: "You were a toymaker?"
Xena: "Nice try. Let's throw him in the cellar with the guards."
Gabrielle: "No, wait. Wait ... Senticles ... Senticles, of course! When I was a little girl, I had a toy you made. It was this wooden lamb whose mouth would open when you pulled its tail. Oh, I loved that toy."
Senticles: "I remember that one. You know, it took me two days to figure out that mouth joint, and weeks to carve his fleece. Oh yes, he was a real challenge."
Xena: "So, now you work for the man who put you out of business. King Silvas sounds like quite a guy."
Senticles: "He's always been a hard man, but the Queen used to temper him. Then one Solstice Eve, about thirty years ago, Queen Analia suddenly died. He hasn't been the same since."
Xena: "I understand loss, but that's no excuse for banning the Winter Solstice."
Melana: "That's true, but as hard as his laws are on others, I imagine the loneliness must cause the King to be even worse."
Gabrielle: "That reminds me of a story I heard once."
Gabrielle: "Once in a land far away, there was this rich, but miserly, king named Kreesus and his heart was so hard that his servants begged the gods to intervene. They sent the Fates to separate the strands of his life so that he might see himself more clearly. Unfortunately, Kreesus didn't mend his ways. So, the gods turned him into a spirit doomed to walk the earth forever as invisible to others as they were to him in life ... actually, I didn't like to ending of that story anyway. But, I bet we could change it ... (to Xena) if we tried?"
Gabrielle: "Look, if we can change the King's mind without changing any of his anatomy, think of the example it could be to the children

Xena: "Gabrielle, the eviction notice is set at midnight. If we don't stop it these kids are out on the street."
Gabrielle: "I know, but it will work."
Xena: "And what if it doesn't?"
Gabrielle: "We'll clobber him. Please, just try it my way. Just this once. In honor of the Solstice?"
Xena: "Alright. If it means that much to you. But we're going to need disguises and access to the castle."
Gabrielle: "33 -- 34 -- 35 -- that's it."
Xena: "Stretch it as far as you can. We need everything on the list to make this work."
Gabrielle: "Trust me, Xena, if there's one thing I know, it's how to bargain. You just worry about getting to King Silvas without cracking heads."
Xena: "A deal's a deal."
Senticles: "I'll take you to him, alright. It's just that, well, how do I know you're not an assassin?"
Xena: "Because, if I were, he'd be dead already."
Senticles: "Works for me."

Man: "You stubborn ass! You've been nothing but trouble the entire time that we've been together. Now, move!"
Gabrielle: "Excuse me, sir? That's quite an animal you've got there."
Man: "You want him? He's yours for fifty dinars."
Gabrielle: "Fifty?!"
Man: "That's what the tannery will give me for his hide."
Gabrielle: "You're taking him to be skinned? How about I do you a favor? I'll take him off your hands for, say, twenty-five dinars"
Man: "Twenty-five? That's half of what he's worth at the tannery."
Gabrielle: "Yeah, well, you have to get him there first, right?"
Man: "Forty-five."
Gabrielle: "Thirty, not a dinar more. Let's face it, I've seen healthier hides on a used couch ... nothing personal ... What do you say?"
Man: "Thirty-five and you've got yourself a deal."

Xena: "You're a lucky man, Silvas. Now surprise me and be smart too"
Xena: "Wake up!"
King Silvas: "Who are you? How did you get in here? What do you want?"
Xena: "My name's Xena. We need to talk."
King Silvas: "Listen, anything you want, take it! Jewels ... money ... anything ... take it! Take it! Just have mercy on an old man."
Xena: "The same kind of mercy you're showing that orphanage you're closing?"
King Silvas: "Orphanage?"
Xena: "You signed the order yourself."
King Silvas: "Maybe so. I issue so many, times being what they are."
Xena: "And who's fault is that?"
Xena: "Did you ever stop to think that maybe if you eased up on your people a little, let them celebrate Solstice, perhaps, the times might ease up, too."
King Silvas: "Wait a minute. You're one of those Solstice lovers, aren't you? One of those rebels who think that everyone and everything should stop once a year just to raise a glass, eat a goose, unwrap gifts! Well, you know what I say to that?"
Xena: "Bet I can guess."
King Silvas: "Guards! Guards, quick!"
Xena: "You petty tyrants ... so predictable. But, heed my warning, Silvas, change your ways or suffer the consequences."
King Silvas: "Analia's gone for good, and so is the Solstice."
Xena: "This isn't over, Silvas. Truth is, it's just begun."

Gabrielle: "I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do. I'm afraid you'll have to leave. Look, I know it's not fair, especially on Solstice Eve. But, what can I do ... I know, but Melana said you can't stay inside, and the place is hers ... until midnight. Look, I guess it's bunking under the stars for you, my friend. Now, let's go."
Tobias: "HeeHaw"
Gabrielle: "Come on, I'll stay with you so you don't get lonely."
Tobias: "HeeHaw"
Gabrielle: "Tobias! Come on! You know, I'm beginning to understand your former owner."
Tobias: (hears a shrill whistle and proceeds to do Gabrielle's bidding)
Gabrielle: "Well, I'll be ... just like Argo. I wonder what Xena will say to this."

Xena: "Nice work. You just saved someone years in prison changing a sentence like that."
Senticles: "It's nothing. I change a letter here, a number there hoping to it may do a little good, but believe me, it's nothing."
Xena: "So is your part in my plan. It's nothing. All you have to do is --"
Senticles: "No. I won't risk being arrested. I can't. I'd die locked up in a cell, closed in like that. I couldn't face going to prison."
Xena: "What do you think would happen if the King found out about these changes you've made to his orders?"
Senticles: "Found out? But, surely you wouldn't ... you couldn't ..."
Xena: "Of course not. But the point is you'd be thrown in prison anyway. You're braver than you give yourself credit for, so don't deny your courage ... or the children."

Gabrielle: "And, from that day on, we've honored and celebrated it as a time of rebirth for our wishes and our dreams, a time of coming together and enjoying peace. It's the shortest day of the year with the longest night. But, on this special night a new light, a new chance is born to us all. So, it's a time for miracles and good will towards all living creatures. That's why the Winter Solstice means so much and touches us all so deeply."
Girl #1: "I have a Solstice wish."
Gabrielle: "Let's hear it."
Girl #1: "I wish we could have a big Solstice dinner with all the trimmings."
Girl #2: "I wish we could each have a Solstice present of our very own."
Boy: "I wish everyone in the world could be as happy as we are right now."
Melana: "Those are all fine wishes. Now, why don't we all gather our stockings and put them by the fireplace."
Xena: "Who's your friend?"
Gabrielle: "Xena, meet Tobias. Now, isn't he sweet? And, he's trained just like Argo. You just whistle. He cost me all of our money, but I couldn't let him go to a tannery, not on Solstice Eve."
Xena: "It's alright. I got everything we need at the castle. Now, all we have to do is figure out the details -- and then hope I can restrain myself long enough to pull it off."
Xena: "You better hope this plan works, otherwise I'll do whatever it takes to keep these kids from getting hurt."
Gabrielle: (to Senticles) "She's a very physical person. (back to Xena) I completely agree with you. If the plan fails, we punch faces. Until then, we do it peacefully ... in the spirit of Solstice."

Xena (as Clotho): "Silvas, wake up ... Silvas, arise, open your eyes ... Silvas, wake up!"
King Silvas: "Oh, what is this, the town square? Who are you? What do you want?"
Xena: "Mankind calls me Clotho, first of the Fates whose province is the past."
King Silvas: "Nonsense. You're nothing but a dream, probably brought on by indigestion. A fatty piece of meat. A bit of gristle. Get out and let me sleep."
Xena: "Your commands have no sway over me. Rather, I command you to arise and walk by my side."
King Silvas: "How do I know you're really a Fate? For all I can tell, you could be a thief, or another of those Solstice cranks."
Xena: "Perhaps this will convince you that time is mine to rule as I will ... (an hourglass lifts off of a table and slowly turns -- with a bit of help from Senticles, of course) ... I am the Fate of the Past."
King Silvas: "Long past?"
Xena: "Your past, which I will show you. Then you will turn to the present with my sister and as for your future ... (Senticles uses a pea shooter to shatter the hourglass) ..."
King Silvas: "Alright, I believe you!"
Xena: "Come."
King Silvas: "Where are we going?"
Xena: "To a place you have forgotten, though it haunts your every thought."
Gabrielle (as Silvas' past wife): (suspended from the ceiling with a bit of help from Tobias) "Silvas ... Silvas ... Dear husband."
King Silvas: "Analia?"
Gabrielle: "Stop. Come no closer. I am but a shadow from your past sent to beg you turn from your narrow, greedy ways before it's too late."
King Silvas: "Too late? Great Zeus."
Xena: "Here, drink this."
*** Tobias hears a shrill whistle and promptly drops Gabrielle on her pretty, little arse.

Xena: (whistles) "A warning that our time is nearly up."
King Silvas: "No, not yet. Don't leave me, Analia. Please, not again!"
Gabrielle: "I'm sorry, Silvas. You've grieved long enough. You must forgive my death on the Solstice Eve so long ago."
King Silvas: "Death? What do you mean? You didn't die, you walked out on me. I don't understand."
Gabrielle: "I was speaking metaphorically, we shadows from the past tend to do that."
Xena: "Yeah."
King Silvas: "Metaphor? Wait. What's going on here? What's happening? Who are ..."
Gabrielle: "Is he alright?"
Xena: "Fine, but that sleeping herb I put in his wine won't last long. We better get moving."
Gabrielle: "I thought Senticles said his wife was dead?"
Xena: "He also said he'd handle Tobias. We start phase two. You get changed and see what happened. I'll meet you back at the orphanage."

Gabrielle: "Senticles ... Senticles ... where are you? ... Senticles ... Tobias, good job, boy, now where's Senticles?"
Tobias: "HeeHaw"
Gabrielle: "What? Are you trying to tell me something?"
Tobias: "HeeHaw"
Gabrielle: "Do you know where Senticles is?"
Tobias: "HeeHaw"
Gabrielle: "Okay, let's find him ... Smart donkey."
Xena (as Lachesis): "Silvas, wake up."
King Silvas: "Am I supposed to understand that you are ..."
Xena: "Lachesis, second of the Fates, here to show you your present. Now, arise and dress."
King Silvas: "Put on these? But, I'm the king, why would I wear something common as this?"
Xena: "Tonight we go among your subjects as anonymous to them as they are to you. The better to show you how your cruel laws and harsh judgements affect them."
King Silvas: "To what point? In hopes that I'll change my life?"
Xena: "In the hopes that you might change their's. Unless you'd like me to find a more ... forceful way to persuade you ... (King Silvas reaches for his crown) ... Uhn-uh, you won't be needing that."

Gabrielle: "Hello? Senticles, are you there? Hello? It's me, Gabrielle. Senticles? What happened? You were supposed to stay with Tobias. Xena and I were nearly caught."
Senticles: "So was I. Two guards came by, if I hadn't run, I don't know what would have happened."
Gabrielle: "You ran away?"
Senticles: "What else could I do? You didn't expect me to stay and get caught, did you?"
Gabrielle: "No. No, but what about us? What about Tobias?"
Senticles: "You forget, I've seen your warrior friend in action. I knew you'd be okay. As for the donkey, what are they going to do to a donkey? Whereas, me they could lock in prison for the rest of my life. It's like I told your friend -- I can't do that. I can't. Shut up in a small space, I'd die. Look, I'm sorry if I let you down. But, I warned you. I'm no hero. So why don't you just go, alright? Just leave me alone. Go!"
Gabrielle: (in awe) "What is all this?"
Senticles: "It's nothing. I shouldn't have left them (toys) out."
Gabrielle: "Are you crazy? It's amazing. Look at all these toys. They're eyes open and close."
Senticles: "Yes, well, that's because I use this little hinge ..."
Gabrielle: "Oh, look at this. This is exactly like the toy I had growing up. Remember? I told you how much it meant to me. All these toys ... they would mean so much to the orphans, too, don't you think? Every child could have a toy of his very own."
Senticles: "That would be true, if they were legal, which they aren't."
Gabrielle: "Don't worry about that. By the time we're done with King Silvas he'll be handing them out himself."
Gabrielle: "We could use this (sack). We could take the toys to the orphanage and hide them. I'll have to disguise you so the guards don't recognize you."
Senticles: "No. I won't risk going to prison."
Gabrielle: "Look, you say you're afraid of small spaces. Well, that's exactly how you live your whole life, in a small space afraid to stand up for yourself or anyone else. Don't you see? What you're most afraid will happen has happened. The question is, what are you going to do about it?"

Guard: "Remember the King's command -- any resistance and we storm at full force."
Senticles: "Look, they're headed straight for the orphanage."
Gabrielle: "We have to warn Melana."
Senticles: "How? They'll be guarding the door."
Gabrielle: "Well, then we'll have to find another way inside."

King Silvas: "I know it's late, so slam the door on me, it wouldn't surprise me a bit."
Lynel: "Slam the door? On Solstice Eve? That's a good one. Come in."
Lynel: "How can I help you?"
King Silvas: "Well, we -- we -- we're ..."
Xena: "... strangers ..."
King Silvas: "Right, we're strangers. We've been traveling all day and we -- we -- well ..."
Lynel: "... need a bit of food and drink? Well, we don't have much, but you're welcome to share what we've got."
Xena: "The charity of your King and Country is legendary."
Lynel: "Our king? Charitable? You really are strangers here."
King Silvas: "What's that supposed to mean?"
Lynel: "Just that King Silvas is the meanest, most tight-fisted ruler this side of the Aegean."
King Silvas: "Is that so?"
Lynel: "Absolutely. You've heard of Midas, right? Greediest man in the world until Hercules helped him. Our king makes him look like Lady Bountiful."
Xena: "Surely you exaggerate."
Lynel: "I wish. This is an orphanage, and because we can't pay our taxes King Silvas is kicking us out at midnight. What kind of king does that to kids on Solstice Eve?"
Xena: "Good question."
The Orphan Tabernacle Choir:
"Stars tonight, the sky's in sight on Solstice Night, on Solstice Night.
Chestnuts spark, the hearth is bright, Solstice Night is here.
Snow's so white, cast winter's night on Solstice Night, this quiet night.
This love so light sends love aflight, this longest night of the year.
Time for wonder, time for cheer, the greatest time of all.
Can't help it when the love we share shines bright in everyone."
King Silvas: "Take me home. I've seen and heard enough."
Xena: "Enough to stop the eviction? Enough to bring back Winter Solstice?"
King Silvas: "I won't be lectured! Especially when it's all your fault."
Xena: "My fault?"
King Silvas: "If you Fates hadn't separated Analia and me, I might have been a different man. You let her leave, just as I'm walking out on you ... Happy Solstice."
Guard: "Halt! You are under arrest by order of the King."
King Silvas: "Don't be absurd. I am the King."
Guard: "Right, and I'm the Queen of the Amazons. Seize them!"
Xena: "Hold it boys ... Where's your holiday spirit?!"
King Silvas: "Did you see that? They attacked me! Me! Their King!"
Lynel: "You and your friend better go."
Xena: (removing her disguise) "I'm not going anywhere."
Lynel: "Xena! Thank the gods it's you! The guards in the basement have escaped."
Xena: "Believe me, Lynel, that's the last of our worries."
Guard: "Attention! Everyone in the building! Either you come out voluntarily or we're coming in to get you. But either way, you're gone."

Melana: "Are you sure he'll (a passed out King) be alright?"
Xena: "His pulse is strong. Once the shock wears off he should be fine."
Melana: "Dear gods, I hope so."
Xena: "On second thought, maybe you should stay here with him just in case anything develops."
Melana: "But, I can't ... I mean ... what about the children?"
Xena: "Lynel will look after them, right?"
Lynel: "Well, sure, but who's going to help you?" .... CRASH!!!!
Xena: "Go and see to the kids ... the reenforcements have arrived."
Senticles: "I did it! The gods be praised! I did it! That chimney is as dark and cold as a grave, but I just grabbed my sack of toys and, ho ho ho, down I came. And you know what? I liked it, it was fun! By Zeus, I'm going to do that every Solstice Eve. Just see if I don't!"
Gabrielle: "That's great, Senticles. But, we have a problem here. Xena, there are a troop of guards outside."
Xena: "I know."
Gabrielle: "Guess my plan didn't work after all, so I guess we have to slash and crash. But thanks for trying. Back to business as usual, right?"
Xena: (looks around at all the presents and .... DING!)"
Xena: "Let the games begin."
Gabrielle: "Boys, come and get your Solstice present. You want to help me play with it?"

King Silvas: (wakes up to a darkly hooded Melana) "Gods defend me! You're the third one, the Fate of the Future. Am I right? Atropos, come to show me ... what is this place? Tell me. Why am I here? It's dark and cold as the grave. Is that it? Is this my tomb? And that, that noise, like souls crying out in pain. Is this my future? No! No. Don't leave me. Just tell me, does it have to be? This place, my dream -- can it change if I can change my life? Please, I don't want to die alone. I've lived that way for thirty years, and I can change. I know I can. No! I won't go with you. Not yet. I'll show you! I'll prove to you I'm not the man I was."
Xena: "Great stocking stuffers."
Senticles: "Go ahead ... make my day."
Guard: "You call yourselves soldiers?! Getting beaten by women and children? You're pathetic!" ... (huge pillow fight ensues ... need I say who won?)
King Silvas: "Did you see them run? Like rabbits! Ha ha! They'll be no evictions here, not tonight, not ever."
Gabrielle: "Your Majesty, this is the woman who runs the orphanage. Her name is ..."
King Silvas: "... Analia!"
Melana: "Yes."
King Silvas: "My dearest wife, can you ever forgive me for closing my heart to you and to our people? For wasting thirty precious years in bitterness and greed? I know I don't deserve it, but please say you'll try."
Melana: "I heard what you said, and I forgive you with all my heart."

Xena: "Guess you got that happy ending you wanted."
Gabrielle: "And then some."
Man: "Excuse me, please ... could you tell us which is the road going west?"
Xena: "You're on it. There's a town on the way if you're looking for food and shelter."
Gabrielle: "We'd be happy to help you get there."
Man: "You're very kind, but we're in a hurry. (to wife) Come, dear, the caravan won't wait."
Gabrielle: "Wait a minute. If you're in a hurry, then wouldn't it be faster if your wife and child rode the distance?"
Man: "Of course, but we don't have the means to --"
Gabrielle: "You do now."
Man: "For us? But it's too much. We can't accept it."
Gabrielle: "Sure you can -- if you can whistle. Call it a Solstice gift -- for the baby."
Woman: "May God smile on you always for your kindness."
Gabrielle: "Tobias, now take care of these people, okay? Don't be stubborn."
Tobias: "HeeHaw"
Gabrielle: "I'll miss you, too."
Xena: "That was a nice thing you did back there."
Gabrielle: "What would I do with a silly, old donkey anyway?"
Xena: "Uh-huh."
Gabrielle: "They needed him more than me. Besides, they seemed pretty nice. After all, it is Solstice."
Xena: "That's right ... happy Solstice."
Gabrielle: "I don't have a gift for you."
Xena: "Gabrielle, you are a gift to me."