Pierette, female, masked as the male Commedia character Pierrot, addresses the audience as she packs everything back up into the picnic basket.
(Warning: Using this monologue without permission is illegal, as is reproducing it on a website or in print in any way.)
PIERETTE
Typical. Well, here I am, alone once again. You can't trust the military! Come to think of it, you can't trust too many people...especially handsome young men with an eye for the ladies! Of course, it's difficult to trust yourself much, either. Emotions make such a wreck of you—especially love. It's not easy to be in love. In fact...it's quite painful. You know what else? It's not very easy to be a clown, either. What with staying in good physical condition, being considered a member of the lower class, given menial tasks on a daily basis...like this one...not to mention the impossible pressure of having to make people laugh. Even when you don't feel like laughing yourself. In my case, perhaps, it's even a bigger problem, having to wear two masks in one.
(She pauses, looks out at the audience, removes her mask and cap, and shakes out her hair. In her own voice at last)
Surprised? Well, so was I when I first put it on! But it's not so bad, you know, pretending to be what you're not. It's better than when the mask is off and you still have to pretend you're not who you are. At least I don't have to wear my heart on my sleeve any more. I suppose you could say my troubles are over. When you have no one to love, you can get on with the rest of your life; you can do your work without distractions. When you're a person in my position...
(She picks up the picnic basket.)
...there is really only one thing worth depending on: The grateful applause of an appreciative audience...and enough money so you can eat. No matter who or what you are. Thank you for your gracious attention.