scold + /me/, + hold + /me/ i'll + /be/ + yours + /to/ + keep the + /on/ ly + /thing/ + i + /beg/ of + /you/

don't + /make/ + me + /go/ + to + /sleep/

> Many of your songs are PARABLES. > Most of THEM don't notice, but a few of your fellows do.

> They know better than to give you SYMPATHY, though. > Sympathy will make you soft. You can't be soft, here.

>SONGBIRD: Enjoy your NIGHT OFF. Sometimes the slaves you protect are good to you.

> That doesn't mean it's safe to leave the holds, though. Other slaves might honor your agreement, but the HIGHBLOODS certainly won't.

> Mostly you just get to SLEEP, and BATHE, and give your VOICE a rest.

> And now you're back to ENTERTAINING. How unfortunate.

> Find yourself singing something old and slow, something from when you were young. Hope it doesn't draw HER to you.

> You'd like to stay out of her scrutiny wherever possible. > None of these CLOWNS can scare you anymore, except for her.

>SONGBIRD: Be terrified. You have LOST YOUR VOICE.

> Busy yourself with CHORES and hope no one notices your absence on-stage.

it + /ne/ ver + /gets/ + ea /si/ er.

most + /don't/ + know + /they/ + go + /to/ + their + /deaths/.

> You are SO TIRED. Be glad one of your FELLOWS offered to take your work for an hour so you could rest. You are not so YOUNG, any more.

> Just hope no one notices sunk down against a secluded wall, eyes fluttering. You don't think you could handle an INTRUSION right now.

>SONGBIRD: Perform. > Like many days, you spend this one singing for the amusement of the people who OWN YOU.

> What makes this one different is the fact that, every day prior for a week, you've FAINTED at least once.

> You LIEUTENANT is even around to watch over you, though he does also have to scurry around and attend to the highbloods' whims.

> Mostly you're just hoping you'll be able to finish the show before it happens. The stress on you lungs is PROBABLY NOT HELPING, though.