[They go, laughing aside. Each Countryman ties a gourd around his ankle, wraps his blanket round him, and lies down. They sleep. Pause.
Enter the WAGS softly, each carrying a small flag. They remove the gourds from Countrymen's ankles and hide them under their blankets. They then tie the flags around Countrymen's ankles and go, greatly pleased with their joke.]
SCENE II
TIME: the next morning.
PLACE: same as Scene I.
| FIRST COUNTRYMAN. |
| SECOND COUNTRYMAN. |
| FIRST CITY WAG. |
| SECOND CITY WAG. |
[The WAGS are seen peeping around the corner.]
FIRST WAG (softly). They are sound asleep.
SECOND WAG (softly). Then come.
[They enter and throw the two baskets of gourds over the wall. They then retire around the corner, peeping as before.]
FIRST COUNTRYMAN (waking; shaking Second Countryman). Wake up! Wake up!
[Each yawns; stretches; throws off his blanket; arises.]
FIRST COUNTRYMAN (remembering). Ah, the gourds!
[Each looks at his ankle, then at the other's ankle.]
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. How's this!
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. Did we not tie gourds around our ankles?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN (nodding). Why, surely we did.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN (looking about). Did we not have two baskets of gourds with us?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN (nodding). Surely; there in the corner.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN (holding up foot to which flag is tied). Is this a gourd or is it not a gourd?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. Of a surety it is a flag.
(Holding up his foot with flag.)
And if this be not a gourd, keep thy silence.
[The First Countryman stares at the flag, placing his finger on his closed lips.]
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. Then it hath indeed happened!
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. What hath happened?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. The dreadful thing foretold by the citizens. I am not I! Thou art not thou!
FIRST COUNTRYMAN (trembling with fear). How can that be?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. I know not. I only know that it is.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN (weeping). I cannot think I am not myself!
SECOND COUNTRYMAN (weeping). Thou needst must think it, whether thou wouldst or no.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. Dost thou indeed think thou art some other person?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. If I were myself, would not the gourd still be around my ankle?
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. Then who art thou? And who am I?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. Alas! I know not.
[Enter the WAGS.]
FIRST COUNTRYMAN (joyfully). Here come those who will know whether we are ourselves!
[The Wags pretend not to know the Countrymen who are bowing before them. They pass on.]
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. Stop, good sirs!
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. A word with thee!
[The Wags stop.]
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. Dost thou not know us?
FIRST WAG. I have not that pleasure.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. Thou didst talk with us but yester-eve!
SECOND WAG. Some mistake, I fear, my good man.
[The Wags start off.]
SECOND COUNTRYMAN (weeping). Wait! I pray thee, wait!
(The Wags stop.)
Canst thou not tell us who we are?
FIRST WAG. Do you not know yourselves?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. Alas! we are not ourselves.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. Thou wouldst know us were we as we were once.
SECOND WAG. Perhaps those flags will solve the riddle.
FIRST WAG. True enough; let us look at them.
[The Countrymen remove flags and hand them to Wags, who look at them intently.]
SECOND WAG (mysteriously). Can it be?
FIRST WAG. It is! It is!
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. Eh?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. Eh?
SECOND WAG (to Countrymen). Your pardon! I do crave your pardon!
FIRST WAG (taking a ring from his finger; turning to Second Countryman). Please to accept this ring. I shall then know I am forgiven for not recognizing you at first.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN (accepting ring; putting it on the first finger of his right hand). Why, yes, I forgive thee.
SECOND WAG (to First Countryman, taking off his gold chain). Please to accept this chain. By that I shall know I too am forgiven.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN (accepting chain; putting it on). Thou art forgiven. Now tell me what great person I have become.
SECOND WAG (gravely). Jest with us no more!
FIRST WAG. We go now to announce your arrival to the Lord Mayor.
SECOND WAG. Presently, we will return. Await us here.
[They go, laughing aside.]
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. Dost thou know, I have always felt that I was really a great person. Hast thou not always noticed something unusual about me?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. I cannot say that I have. There is, however, certainly something wonderful about me. I have noticed it for a long time. Hast thou not felt it when in my company?
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. I have not.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN (indignantly). Thou hast not?
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. Never! thou silly goose!
[The Second Countryman snatches First Countryman's chain and throws it over the wall.]
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. Mind how thou callest me names, thou booby!
FIRST COUNTRYMAN (tearing off Second Countryman's ring and throwing it over the wall). Silly goose!
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. I will now depart for my home. I do not desire thy company.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. I likewise will return, and likewise I wish to journey alone.
[They take up their blankets and discover the gourds.]
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. Eh?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. Eh?
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. Let us tie them around our ankles. We may then discover whether we are ourselves.
[They tie the gourds around their ankles.]
SECOND COUNTRYMAN (joyfully). I am myself!
FIRST COUNTRYMAN (joyfully). And I am myself!
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. Come, let us journey back together.
[They go out. Pause. Enter the WAGS. They remain at entrance, not knowing Countrymen have gone.]
FIRST WAG (whispering). Do you think the musicians should follow them?
SECOND WAG (whispering). No, they should follow the music. What a joke it is!
[They look around and discover that the Countrymen have gone.]
FIRST WAG (sadly). My ring!
SECOND WAG (sadly). My chain!
THE MAN AND THE ALLIGATOR
SCENE I
TIME: the morning after the cyclone.
PLACE: The Man's garden.
| THE MAN. |
| THE ALLIGATOR. |
[The MAN enters the garden carrying his big stick and small net. The garden has been almost destroyed by the ALLIGATOR, who still wallows among the beds.]
MAN. There should be enough apples on the ground to fill my net. 'T was a fierce storm last night!
(He looks about; sees the Alligator; shows indignation.)
Thou—within my garden!
ALLIGATOR (meekly). Be not angry with me, O master! By accident I—
MAN (indignantly). Accident! Thou hast wallowed among my flowers by accident, hast thou?
ALLIGATOR. It is true; not of my own will came I hither.
MAN (more indignantly). Thou hast broken my fruit trees by accident, I suppose!
ALLIGATOR (nodding). It was not of my own intentions, I assure you. I—
MAN (interrupting). Thou art this moment crushing my strawberry plants beneath thy great body! I've a mind to beat thee with my big stick!
ALLIGATOR. Do not beat me, O master! The cyclone is at fault.
MAN (surprised). The cyclone?
ALLIGATOR (nodding). Aye, it blew me here from the river last night.
MAN. Ha, ha! A likely story!
ALLIGATOR. I speak the truth. A great waterspout lifted me out of the river. Then a fierce wind caught me and blew me about as if I were a feather. Finally, I was dropped here within thy garden.
MAN (only half convinced). Well, there's no cyclone to blow thee back. Wilt thou be good enough to walk thyself out?
ALLIGATOR. Alas! I can scarcely move me. I fear some of my ribs are broken.
MAN. Nonsense! Out with thee!
ALLIGATOR. But see how the wind has crippled me! It has even blown some of my claws loose—
MAN (interrupting). I am sorry for thee, but thou canst not remain here.
ALLIGATOR. I will go now, if thou wilt help me.
MAN (surprised). I help thee?
ALLIGATOR (nodding). I will be so grateful to thee!
MAN. Oh, I know how grateful thou canst be! The other animals have told me that!
ALLIGATOR. What say they?
MAN. That thou art the most cruel of all the animals—that thou never dost any one a favor—
ALLIGATOR (interrupting). Nonsense! No one could be more grateful for favors than I! I'll prove it to thee!
MAN. Prove it? How?
ALLIGATOR. If thou wilt help me to the river, I'll show thee where to find the biggest fish.
MAN. Well—that's something—
ALLIGATOR. And when thou wouldst cross the river, I'll carry thee.
MAN. Of a surety, that's good of thee! Perhaps, after all, thou art not so black as thou art painted. I'll help thee this time.
ALLIGATOR. Thanks to thee, master. I will never forget thy kindness; I will always be thy friend.
MAN. Why, I am glad to help thee. Now how am I to get thee to the river?
ALLIGATOR. Carry me, please, O master!
MAN. What! carry thee?
ALLIGATOR (nodding). I'll get into thy net.
MAN. Thou get into my small net!
ALLIGATOR. Only hold thy net open!
MAN (holding his net open). I tell thee, thou canst never get in!
ALLIGATOR. See how I fold my arms! My legs go under—so! Now I roll myself up and up and up! And now I am in—all in!
MAN. Well, seeing is believing!
ALLIGATOR. Please to tie up thy net, master, that I may not fall out.
MAN (tying net). 'T is done!
(Throwing net over shoulder.)
Thou art heavy!
ALLIGATOR. I know, it will be hard work for thee, but some day thou wilt see how grateful I am.
[The Man goes, carrying the Alligator over his shoulder and his big stick in his hand.]
SCENE II
TIME: the afternoon of the same day.
PLACE: the river bank.
| THE MAN. |
| THE ALLIGATOR. |
| THE WOLF. |
| THE LEOPARD. |
| THE RABBIT. |
[Enter the MAN carrying the ALLIGATOR over his shoulder. He stops, throws down his big stick and places the Alligator carefully on the bank.]
MAN. Our journey is ended, brother.
(Untying net.)
Now then, roll thyself out!
(The Alligator comes out of the net.)
Well, how dost thou feel now?
ALLIGATOR. Much better, thanks to thee; but I'm very hungry and I find I'm still quite weak. I pray thee help me down the bank, O master!
MAN (helping the Alligator down the bank). Now, then, thou art close to the water.
[He turns to go.]
ALLIGATOR. Just a little farther, please. I am still so weak!
MAN. Then I'll help thee into the water.
(He helps the Alligator into the water.)
Now thou art in; and now I will depart.
[He turns to go.]
ALLIGATOR (seizing the Man's leg). Not yet!
MAN. Let go of my leg!
ALLIGATOR. Why?
MAN (indignantly). Why! Why!
ALLIGATOR (nodding). Why and wherefore?
MAN. Thou art hurting me!
ALLIGATOR. It will soon be over.
MAN. What dost thou mean?
ALLIGATOR. What I have just spoken.
MAN. Why dost thou look at me so?
ALLIGATOR (slowly). Because—I—mean—to—eat—thee.
MAN. Eat me!
ALLIGATOR (nodding). Eat thee.
MAN. Me?
ALLIGATOR (nodding). Thee.
MAN. Thou didst promise to be my friend.
ALLIGATOR. I was only fooling thee.
MAN. But I helped thee out of trouble.
ALLIGATOR. No matter—I mean to eat thee.
MAN. Is that the way to repay a favor—by doing a wrong?
ALLIGATOR (nodding). That's the way of all the animals.
MAN. Thou art surely mistaken—not all the animals—
ALLIGATOR (interrupting). There's not one of them remembers a favor or a friend when hungry.
MAN. I cannot think that! Suppose we ask the first animal that comes to drink?
ALLIGATOR. Ask any of them—I know what they will say.
[Enter the WOLF. He comes down the bank to drink.]
MAN. Wolf, I would question thee.
WOLF (gruffly). Well?
MAN. How dost thou repay the one who doth thee a favor?
WOLF (gruffly, as before). By doing him a wrong.
[The Wolf drinks and goes.]
ALLIGATOR. Ha, ha, ha! Just what I said! Now I shall eat thee forthwith!
MAN. I can't believe that every animal would so answer.
ALLIGATOR. I don't intend waiting for thee to find out.
MAN. I pray thee wait till the next animal comes to drink!
ALLIGATOR (impatiently). Have I not told thee of my hunger?
MAN. Listen! Some animal comes through the forest now.
[Enter the LEOPARD. He comes down to drink.]
Leopard, I would question thee.
LEOPARD (curtly). Well?
MAN. How dost thou repay the one who doth thee a favor?
LEOPARD (curtly, as before). By doing him a wrong.
[He drinks and goes.]
ALLIGATOR. Ha, ha, ha! It is just as I said! I will now eat thee forthwith!
MAN. I pray thee—
ALLIGATOR (interrupting). It is now all over with thee!
MAN (calling). Help! help!
[Enter the RABBIT.]
RABBIT. A word with thee, Ally dear!
ALLIGATOR. I shall be busy for a few minutes, Brother Rabbit.
RABBIT (going down bank quickly). Who is this thou art about to dine upon? Why, 't is the Man!
MAN. How dost thou repay a favor, Brother Rabbit?
RABBIT. Why dost thou ask?
MAN. I found the Alligator in my garden this morning. He had destroyed my plants, my fruits, and—
ALLIGATOR (interrupting). I was blown in by the cyclone last night.
MAN. He said he had been hurt and begged me to help him to the river. He promised me his friendship if I would do so.
ALLIGATOR. Ha, ha, ha! I told him I'd show him where to find the biggest fish.
RABBIT. And now thou wilt not?
ALLIGATOR. But I will. He'll find it after he is inside of me. Ha, ha!
RABBIT. Ha, ha! A good joke!
ALLIGATOR. I told him I'd carry him across the river. I didn't explain he'd go inside. Ha, ha!
RABBIT. What a joker thou art, Ally dear!
(He turns to the Man.)
But how didst thou get him here?
MAN. I carried him in this small net.
RABBIT (looking surprised). Thou art trying to fool me!
MAN. No, Brother Rabbit, it is quite true.
ALLIGATOR (nodding). Yes, it is true.
RABBIT. But, Ally, try as thou mightst, thou couldst not so much as get thy head into that net.
ALLIGATOR. But I tell thee I did!
RABBIT. Ha, ha, ha! That's too funny!
ALLIGATOR (angrily). I do not like thy manners, young man.
RABBIT. But it's such a joke! Ho, ho, ho!
ALLIGATOR. Cease thy laughing or I shall eat thee some day!
RABBIT. I laugh because I must laugh! Ha, ha, ho, ho!
ALLIGATOR. Thou wilt not believe it, eh?
RABBIT. Well, not unless I see it.
MAN. We can prove it to thee, Brother Rabbit.
RABBIT. Oh, that's good too! Ha, ha, ho!
ALLIGATOR. Dost thou think we cannot?
RABBIT. Of course thou canst not! If thou couldst, thou wouldst.
ALLIGATOR. And we will! Get thy net ready, Man.
MAN. But how? Thou art holding my leg.
ALLIGATOR (freeing the Man; turning to the Rabbit). We'll show thee just how it was done, young man.
RABBIT. Seeing is believing.
[The Man brings his net; opens it.]
ALLIGATOR. See! I put my legs under—so! Then I fold my arms—so! Now I roll myself up and up and up. And now I am in—all in!
RABBIT. As I live—thou art! Well, seeing is believing. But how couldst thou remain within the net? It is quite open.
ALLIGATOR. Tie it up, Man. Show him exactly how we did it.
MAN (tying net). I tied it tight—like this, Brother Rabbit.
RABBIT. Is it quite tight?
ALLIGATOR. Let him try the knot, Man.
RABBIT (trying knot). Most truly, it is tight.
(Turning to the Alligator.)
Thou dost look as if thou couldst not move, Ally dear.
ALLIGATOR. Of a surety—I cannot.
RABBIT. Well, Brother Man, now that thou hast him, don't be foolish enough to let him go. Get thy big stick and beat him to death.
ALLIGATOR (surprised). Eh?
MAN (not heeding the Alligator). That is just what I will do, that I will! Thanks to thee for helping me, Brother Rabbit.
ALLIGATOR. Have pity!
RABBIT (not heeding the Alligator). No thanks are necessary, Brother Man. I haven't forgotten the good turnips thou didst give me last winter when the ground was covered with snow. Some of us know how to return favor for favor.
THE SONG IN THE HEART
SCENE I
TIME: once upon a time.
PLACE: in the house of the poor Spinner.
| THE DAME. | ||
| ISABEL, her daughter. | ||
| FLAT-FOOT } | ||
| HANGING-LIP } | the Three Great-Aunts. | |
| BROAD-THUMB } | ||
| THE QUEEN. | ||
[The living-room in the Dame's cottage is seen. The DAME and the THREE GREAT-AUNTS are spinning. ISABEL sits at her spinning-wheel, but has stopped work and looks out of the open door.]
DAME (sharply). Isabel! You gaze without!
ISABEL (nodding). Upon those great trees, mother. How beautiful they are! How like sentinels they stand at our door guarding us!
FLAT-FOOT (growling). What nonsense! You'd better be spinning.
ISABEL (not heeding). Mother, see you that old oak! See how proudly it lifts its head up into the sky! 'T is the king of the forest!
HANGING-LIP (growling). I never heard such foolish talk!
ISABEL (not heeding). Mother, a song has come to me,—'t is a song to the beautiful trees. Let me stop to write it down, while my heart is full of it.
BROAD-THUMB (to the Dame). Do not permit it, sister! She should be working. She can scarcely spin at all.
DAME (showing much feeling). Isabel! Isabel! Not a maid in the village thinks of anything but spinning.
ISABEL. Mother, let me stop! Soon the song will leave me. I may ne'er hear it again.
FLAT-FOOT (to the Dame). Sister, she will bring you to shame.
HANGING-LIP. Already the village folk laugh at her!
BROAD-THUMB (nodding). Aye! They call her "the Dreamer." I myself have heard them.
ISABEL. I care not what they call me!
DAME (raising her voice). Nay, but I care. I'll not have you different from other folk.
HANGING-LIP. We were never seen gazing upon trees!
BROAD-THUMB (nodding). Aye! We never heard songs within us!
FLAT-FOOT (nodding). Aye! We think only of our work!
ISABEL. What's your work may not be mine!
DAME (decidedly). There's no other work for a maid than spinning.
ISABEL (sighing). I like it not! Though every other maid in all the world did love to spin, I'd say the same—I like it not!
DAME (to Flat-foot; showing alarm). Sister, close the door, that none without may hear such words.
[Flat-foot rises, but is too late. The QUEEN enters from the street.]
QUEEN (showing displeasure). How now! What's all this noise? I heard it from the street!
[All are frightened; Isabel weeps.]
DAME (bowing). 'T will not happen again, your Majesty.
QUEEN (looking at Isabel). Have they beaten you, my child?
ISABEL (still sobbing). N—o—, your Majesty.
QUEEN (to the Dame). Tell me why your daughter weeps.
DAME (more frightened). She weeps because—because—
[She stops in confusion.]
QUEEN. Well—well?
DAME. Because—because—I will not let her spin.
QUEEN (showing surprise). Because you will not let her spin?
DAME (nodding). Yes, your Majesty.
QUEEN. Why, this is most strange.
DAME (nodding). Would I but let her, she'd spin from morn till night, and from then on till morn again.
QUEEN. I see how it can be so. There's nothing I like better than spinning.
DAME. She weeps whenever I make her leave off.
QUEEN. 'T is because she loves it! I am never more pleased than when the wheels are whirring.
DAME. But stop she must, for to-day at least. There is no more flax.
QUEEN. I have rooms full of flax. Let your daughter come to my castle. She may spin there as much as she pleases.
DAME (now, most frightened). I—I fear she would be a trouble to you.
QUEEN. Why, no! In fact, I am so pleased with your daughter's industry I will have my son marry her.
DAME (so frightened she can scarcely breathe). O your Majesty—
QUEEN (interrupting). But first she must spin all my flax. There are three rooms full of it—from top to bottom.
ISABEL (showing alarm). Three rooms full!
QUEEN (nodding). Aye, my dear, and when you have spun it all, you shall become a princess!
(Turning to the Dame.)
Bring your daughter to my castle to-morrow.
DAME (bowing). Yes, your Majesty.
QUEEN (going). To-morrow, mind you.
DAME (bowing). Yes, your Majesty.
[All bow to the Queen, who goes.]
ISABEL. Mother, how could you tell the Queen I love to spin?
DAME. Think you I'd let the truth be known? I'd not shame myself so!
ISABEL. I could not spin three rooms of flax in three hundred years.
DAME. Alas! alas! What shall we do?
FLAT-FOOT (to Hanging-lip and Broad-thumb). Sisters, let us speak together.
[The three Great-Aunts whisper together for a moment.]
HANGING-LIP. Isabel, we will help you—
FLAT-FOOT (interrupting). On one condition!
BROAD-THUMB (nodding). Aye,—on a certain condition!
ISABEL. What do you mean?
HANGING-LIP. We'll spin the flax for you—
FLAT-FOOT (interrupting). On one condition.
BROAD-THUMB (nodding). Aye,—on a certain condition!
DAME. You speak in riddles, sisters.
HANGING-LIP. 'T is this—if Isabel will invite us to her wedding, we'll spin the flax.
FLAT-FOOT. That's the condition.
BROAD-THUMB (nodding). Aye,—that's the certain condition.
ISABEL. 'T will be deceiving the Queen and the Prince, both.
DAME. There's no other way to mend things. Go now! Since you are so soon to be a princess, I'll give you leave to write down your song.
ISABEL (sadly). The song is no longer in my heart.
DAME. 'T is well. Now listen—you must never let the Prince know about your songs. He'd send you from the castle.
BROAD-THUMB (nodding). Besides, 't would bring great shame upon us, for we are a family of spinners.
FLAT-FOOT (nodding). Aye, aye!
HANGING-LIP (nodding). Aye, aye!
SCENE II
TIME: one week later.
PLACE: the Queen's castle.
| THE QUEEN. |
| THE PRINCE. |
| ISABEL. |
| THE THREE GREAT-AUNTS. |
[The THREE GREAT-AUNTS are working at the last heap of flax in the third room. ISABEL watches them anxiously.]
ISABEL. Think you to finish before the Queen comes?
FLAT-FOOT (nodding as she treads the wheel). Aye, if treading the wheel will do it!
HANGING-LIP (nodding, as she moistens the thread over her lip). Aye, if moistening the thread will do it!
BROAD-THUMB (nodding, as she presses the thread with her thumb). Aye, if pressing the thread will do it!
ISABEL. 'T is to-day she brings the Prince.
FLAT-FOOT. Another minute and we'll have finished.
ISABEL. Should they come suddenly, you know where to hide—behind those curtains there.
THREE GREAT-AUNTS (nodding). Aye, we know!
[A noise is heard in the distance.]
ISABEL. Some one comes!
(She runs to the door, opens it, and looks out.)
The Prince comes down the stairs! Quick, aunts, quick!
FLAT-FOOT (rising). Well, 't is finished!
ISABEL (looking into hall). Now comes the Queen! To the curtains, quick!
[The three Great-Aunts hide behind the curtains, just as the QUEEN and the PRINCE enter.]
QUEEN. Well, have you finished?
ISABEL (pointing to a pile of thread). There's the last of it, your Majesty.
QUEEN (looking at thread). Spun in the finest style, too! Prince, but a week ago these rooms were filled with flax. Now look at them.
PRINCE (looking about). Empty, as if flax had never been here. 'T is wonderful how one maid could do so much!
QUEEN. 'T is most wonderful!
PRINCE. The wedding shall take place to-day. Isabel, come now with us.
ISABEL (thoughtfully). No, no! I cannot!
PRINCE. You cannot?
QUEEN. You cannot! What do you mean?
ISABEL (to the Queen). Let me go home, your Majesty!
QUEEN. Go home!
ISABEL. I am not worthy—
PRINCE (interrupting). Nonsense! That you are poor is nothing to me.
QUEEN (going). Come, the wedding bells shall ring at once!
ISABEL. Your Majesty—I—I—did not spin the flax.
QUEEN. What! You did not spin the flax?
PRINCE. What is this?
ISABEL. I deceived you—I can scarcely spin at all.
QUEEN. But this pile of thread here—
ISABEL. 'T was spun by another.
PRINCE. Another?
ISABEL. Yes, Prince.
QUEEN. You shall marry that one then, my son!
(To Isabel.)
As for you, return to your hovel!
(Isabel turns to go.)
Stay!
(Isabel stops.)
Who is the wonderful spinner? Tell us where to find her.
ISABEL. Here, your Majesty.
QUEEN. Hidden away, I suppose?
ISABEL (nodding). Yes, your Highness, behind those curtains.
QUEEN. Go, my son, and draw the curtains. You shall be the first to look upon your bride.
[The Prince draws the curtains and sees the three Great-Aunts, who sit in a row. They smile and smile upon the Prince, who stands looking at them in astonishment.]
FLAT-FOOT. You'd never be sorry to take me for your bride, my lord.
PRINCE (not heeding). Why is your foot so flat?
FLAT-FOOT. From treading the wheel! From treading the wheel!
HANGING-LIP. You'd never be sorry to take me for your bride, my lord.
PRINCE (not heeding). Why is your lip so long?
HANGING-LIP. From moistening the thread! From moistening the thread!
BROAD-THUMB. You'd never be sorry to take me for your bride, my lord.
PRINCE (not heeding). Why is your thumb so broad?
BROAD-THUMB. From pressing the thread! From pressing the thread!
[The Prince turns to Isabel.]
FLAT-FOOT (quickly). Isabel does naught but gaze and gaze, on flowers and trees and running brooks. Ha, ha, ha!
PRINCE. Is this true, Isabel?
ISABEL (timidly). Yes, Prince.
HANGING-LIP. She says these flowers and trees and running brooks do sing her songs. Ha, ha, ha!
PRINCE. Is this true, Isabel?
ISABEL (as before). Yes, Prince.
BROAD-THUMB. And she begs leave to write down these songs. Ha, ha, ha!
PRINCE. Is this true, Isabel?
ISABEL (hanging head). Yes, Prince.
PRINCE. Isabel, hang not your head. I'll give you time to write your songs.
QUEEN. My son—
PRINCE (interrupting). Nay, nay, mother! The songs please me better than the flat-foot and the hanging-lip and the broad-thumb of the spinners. Come, Isabel, you shall be my princess! You shall sing me your songs! You shall teach me how to gaze upon flowers and trees and running brooks, for these things have ever been dear to my heart. Come, Isabel, come!
THE EMPEROR'S TEST
SCENE I
TIME: one spring; noon.
PLACE: an army camp on the banks of a large creek. A village is
near by. To the south is a great forest.
| THE EMPEROR. |
| THE GENERAL. |
| THE CAPTAIN. |
| FIRST AIDE. |
| SECOND AIDE. |
| THE MAYOR'S WIFE AND SON. |
| THE RICH MERCHANT'S WIFE AND SON. |
| THE POOR WOODCUTTER'S WIFE AND HER SON, PIERRE. |
[An ante-room in the Emperor's tent is seen. Great curtains separate this room from the Emperor's room back. An AIDE waits in the ante-room. Enter the GENERAL from the Emperor's room.]
GENERAL (to the Aide). Have any yet come from the village? The Emperor would know.
AIDE. Yes, General. They wait without.
GENERAL. Bid them enter.
AIDE (crossing; speaking to those without). You will please enter.
[Enter the MAYOR'S WIFE and SON; the RICH MERCHANT'S WIFE and SON.]
GENERAL. You have come to see the Emperor?
THE LADIES. General, we have.
GENERAL. His Majesty wishes you to leave your sons here in camp until evening.
MAYOR'S WIFE. General, could you not tell us the Emperor's plans?
GENERAL. Yes, madam. The Emperor must march southward where the enemy is in camp. He wishes a guide who can lead him safely through this great forest.
RICH MERCHANT'S WIFE. We were told the Emperor would greatly honor the lad he chooses.
GENERAL. 'T is true, madam. The lad chosen will be made an aide.
MAYOR'S WIFE. I thought only princes were chosen for the Emperor's aides.
GENERAL. They have always been princes. This is a great opportunity for the lads of this village.
MAYOR'S WIFE. But how will the Emperor make a choice?
GENERAL. A test will be given every boy who comes. This test will prove his fitness to be guide.
[Enter an AIDE from Emperor's room.]
AIDE. General, the Emperor would see you.
[The General bows to the ladies and leaves.]
AIDE (turning to the ladies). The Emperor will receive you presently.
[Aide goes. Enter the POOR WOODCUTTER'S WIFE and SON.]
POOR WOODCUTTER'S WIFE (timidly). I heard the Emperor wanted a guide.
MAYOR'S WIFE. The Emperor only wants the boys of the best families, madam.
[Enter the EMPEROR, GENERAL, and CAPTAIN; they remain back; are not seen by the ladies.]
POOR WOODCUTTER'S WIFE (sighing). I suppose that is true, but Pierre is a smart boy. If the Emperor could only see him—
RICH MERCHANT'S WIFE (interrupting). The Emperor wants a boy with proud manners such as our boys have.
EMPEROR (indignantly). Fiddlesticks!
THE LADIES (bowing). Your Highness!
EMPEROR. Fiddlesticks and candles, I say!
POOR WOODCUTTER'S WIFE. I am sorry, your Majesty. I didn't know how it was. Come, Pierre.
[She turns to go.]
EMPEROR. Remain. Pierre shall have the test with the others. Ladies, you shall know whom I have chosen when the test is finished. I bid you good-day.
[The ladies bow and go.]
EMPEROR (turning to the boys). My lads, go through the forest southward, till you come to the river. You may then return. Captain, see that guards go with them. My lads, you must not speak the one to the other until I have again seen you. I must have your word on that. Do you promise?
BOYS. Sire, we promise.
EMPEROR. 'T is well. Captain, they are now in your charge. General, a word with you.
[The Emperor and General go into Emperor's room. The Captain leads the boys from the tent.]
SCENE II
TIME: two hours later.
PLACE: the Emperor's tent; the Emperor's room.
| THE EMPEROR. |
| FIRST AIDE. |
| SECOND AIDE. |
| LUDWIG. |
[The EMPEROR is seen sitting at a table looking at maps. Enter an AIDE. He salutes.]
EMPEROR. Well?
AIDE. The prisoner has returned, sire.
EMPEROR. What prisoner?
AIDE. The one sent out for the test, sire.
EMPEROR. Who was sent?
AIDE. Ludwig, the prisoner who has been ill for so long.
EMPEROR. Ah, yes; bid him enter.
(Aide goes; he reënters with LUDWIG, who wears an old, torn army cloak over his uniform. He salutes.)
I notice you are a bit lame, Ludwig.
LUDWIG. Yes, sire; in my left leg. My dog was hit at the same time.
EMPEROR. Does your dog go to battle with you?
LUDWIG. If he can slip into the ranks, sire. He always goes where I go, sire.
EMPEROR. Then he went with you to-day, of course?
LUDWIG. Yes, sire.
EMPEROR. You are sure the boys didn't see you?
LUDWIG. No one saw me. I kept a sharp lookout. When I came to a clear space I went to one side, hiding behind trees, to look ahead. Then I ran across.
EMPEROR. That must have tired you, Ludwig. You're not quite well yet.
LUDWIG. I found I couldn't leap the streams; I had to climb down the banks and wade them.
EMPEROR. You rested by the way, didn't you?
LUDWIG. Yes, sire, and once I stopped to pick berries.
EMPEROR. You made the return trip by boat up the creek?
LUDWIG. Yes, sire.
EMPEROR. That is all.
[The Aide and Ludwig go. The Emperor claps his hands. Enter SECOND AIDE. He salutes.]
EMPEROR (to Aide). Have the lads returned?
AIDE. No, sire.
EMPEROR. Do you know when the Captain expects them?
AIDE. In about half an hour, sire.
EMPEROR. Bid their mothers return at that time. I wish them to be present at the test.
AIDE. Yes, sire.
[He salutes and goes.]
EMPEROR (slowly). Let me see—a lame man; a lame dog; running footprints across open spaces; wading streams instead of leaping them; stopping to pick berries—Why, the story reads itself!
(He sits at table; takes up maps.)
Well, we shall see what we shall see!
SCENE III
TIME: a half hour later.
PLACE: the Emperor's tent; the ante-room.
| THE EMPEROR. |
| THE GENERAL. |
| THE CAPTAIN. |
| AN AIDE. |
| THE MAYOR'S WIFE AND SON. |
| THE RICH MERCHANT'S WIFE AND SON. |
| THE POOR WOODCUTTER'S WIFE AND SON, PIERRE. |
[The LADIES wait in the lower end of ante-room. Back is a great armchair.]
MAYOR'S WIFE. I cannot think why the boys were sent into the forest!
RICH MERCHANT'S WIFE. Nor I! It seems to me the Emperor should have asked them what they could do. Now, my boy dances so prettily!
MAYOR'S WIFE. I was certain he would ask them to ride. Now, my boy rides so well—just like a prince!
RICH MERCHANT'S WIFE. Well, he will no doubt ask them all these things upon their return.
(She turns to Pierre's mother.)
You see, madam, how little chance your boy has. I am sure he cannot dance?
POOR WOODCUTTER'S WIFE (sadly). No, madam.
MAYOR'S WIFE. I am certain he does not ride?
POOR WOODCUTTER'S WIFE (sighing). No, madam.
[Enter an AIDE; crosses to Emperor's room; announces at curtains.]
AIDE. The boys have returned, sire!
[Enter the CAPTAIN with the BOYS. Enter the GENERAL from Emperor's room.]
GENERAL (announcing). The Emperor!
[Enter the EMPEROR; all bow.]
EMPEROR (sitting in armchair). I will now give the test. Captain, bring up the first boy.
[The Captain brings up the RICH MERCHANT'S SON.]
EMPEROR. Well, my lad, what did you see in the forest?
RICH MERCHANT'S SON. Many, many trees, sire.
EMPEROR. You saw nothing but trees?
RICH MERCHANT'S SON. That was all, sire—just trees.
EMPEROR. I shall not want you; you may go.
RICH MERCHANT'S WIFE. Oh, your Majesty, if you could only see him dance!
EMPEROR. Candles and cheese! Do I want a dancing guide? Captain, bring up the next one.
[The Captain brings up the MAYOR'S SON.]
EMPEROR. Well, my lad, what did you see in the forest?
MAYOR'S SON. I saw trees and bushes, sire.
EMPEROR. Nothing more?
MAYOR'S SON. No, sire.
EMPEROR. I shall not want you; you may go.
MAYOR'S WIFE. Oh, your Majesty, if you could only see him ride! Just like a prince, sire!
EMPEROR. Fiddlesticks! Captain, the last boy there.
[The Captain brings up PIERRE].
EMPEROR. Well, my lad, what did you see in the forest?
PIERRE. I saw that a man had passed southward just before us, sire.
EMPEROR. How did you know that? Did you see him?
PIERRE. No, sire, I saw his footprints. He was lame in the left leg.
EMPEROR. How did you learn that?
PIERRE. The footprints were deeper on the right side. His dog was lame also.
EMPEROR. He had a dog?
PIERRE. Yes, sire; a lame dog I'm sure, because one of his tracks was always faint or missing.
EMPEROR. Did you trace this man and dog by their footprints?
PIERRE. Yes, sire, to the river. There were traces of them in the grass, in the mud, in the dust, on rocks, and in still water. I am certain they had passed but a short time before—not more than a half hour.
EMPEROR. How could you tell that?
PIERRE. The grass had not yet straightened up. The tracks in the mud had not yet filled with water. The prints in the dust were still clear although a wind was blowing.
EMPEROR. Good! But how did you know they had but just passed through still water and over rocks?
PIERRE. The water had not yet settled, and the rocks were still damp.
EMPEROR. Good! Very good!
PIERRE. Sire, I fear this man is one of the enemy!
EMPEROR. Indeed! What proof have you of that?
PIERRE. This, sire.
(Handing a small piece of cloth to Emperor.)
'T is the color of the enemy's uniform.
EMPEROR. It is, my lad. How came you by it?
PIERRE. I found it on a thorn-bush. It was torn from his cloak, sire.
EMPEROR. And why from his cloak?
PIERRE. The thorn-bush was at least three feet from the man's line of travel. The wind blew the cloak about.
EMPEROR (handing the cloth to an aide; whispering to him). Take this to Ludwig.
(The Aide goes.)
Well, Pierre, do you think we should be in fear of this enemy?
PIERRE. I do not know, sire. I only know that he has a good disposition.
EMPEROR (surprised). A good disposition? How do you know that?
PIERRE. The dog was always near him. When the man stopped to rest, the dog lay down at his feet.
EMPEROR. But he may have held the dog there, my lad.
PIERRE. Not while he was picking berries, sire.
EMPEROR. So our enemy picked berries, did he?
PIERRE. Yes, sire, the dog lying by the bushes all the while.
EMPEROR. Do you think we could capture this man?
PIERRE. Yes, sire, for he was very tired.
EMPEROR. How do you know that?
PIERRE. He climbed down the banks of every small stream. I should have leaped them.
EMPEROR. You think it would be an easy matter, then, to follow and capture him?
PIERRE. Not easy, sire, for he was always on the lookout.
EMPEROR. How do you know that?
PIERRE. Whenever he reached a clear space, he went to one side, hiding behind trees to look ahead. Then he ran across the open.
EMPEROR. Your proof of this, my lad?
PIERRE. His footprints in every clear space showed only the balls of the feet.
EMPEROR. Good! You followed him only to the river.
PIERRE. Those were the orders, sire. Had I gone on, I could have overtaken him by evening.
EMPEROR. That you could not, my lad, for the man is now here, in camp. He returned by boat. Ladies, the test is over.
(He turns to Pierre's mother.)
Madam, your son shall be my guide. I am proud to have a boy of such keen sight and quick thought in my kingdom. And 't is much to be the mother of such a lad. I salute you, madam! With greatest respect I salute you!
[He bows to the happy woman with great courtesy.]
EMPEROR (turning to the ladies). Ladies, I bid you farewell.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
SCENE I
TIME: one morning; 1484.
PLACE: a street in front of King John's palace, Lisbon,
Portugal. Gates to courtyard of palace in background.
| CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. | KING JOHN. |
| SCHOOLMASTER. | COURTIERS. |
| CARLOS. | JESTER. |
| ROQUE.4 | RIVERRA,6 A SEA-CAPTAIN. |
| PANCHO.5 | PORTER. |
| BOYS, HOSTLERS, SERVANTS. | |
[Enter CARLOS, ROQUE and PANCHO. They carry their school-books. A noise is heard in courtyard.]
ROQUE (stopping; listening). There's stirring in the King's courtyard!
[He runs to closed gates; peeps through a crack.]
CARLOS. Come, Roque, we shall be late to school.
ROQUE (throwing down books). Come, look! They are laying the red carpets in the court!
PANCHO (throwing down books; peeping). 'T is for the King they lay them!
CARLOS. Come, the master will be angry.
ROQUE. But the King will soon be coming!
PANCHO. Let's wait and see him, Carlos!
CARLOS. Not I! I know how the master flogs! Yesterday I came late to school.
PANCHO. Why were you late?
CARLOS. I stopped to watch the crazy Italian, Columbus.
[He starts off; the others follow.]
ROQUE. I saw him once!
PANCHO. I wish I might see him!
CARLOS. There he comes now! (Calling.) Loco![Footnote: Pronounced l[=o]'k[=o]; Spanish for crazy.] Loco!
ROQUE. Aye, there he is! (Calling.) Loco! Loco!
PANCHO (calling). Loco! Loco!
[Enter COLUMBUS, dignified and gentle. A crowd of BOYS follow.]
ALL BOYS. Loco! Loco! Loco! Loco!
[Enter SCHOOLMASTER, carrying a switch.]
MASTER (flourishing switch). To school with you! To school now!
[Boys run off in alarm.]
MASTER (turning angrily upon Columbus). You were teaching them your foolish notions, sir!
COLUMBUS (smiling). I'd like the chance to do so, master.
MASTER. Ah, then you have been at it! I saw them all about you!
COLUMBUS. I taught them nothing, master,—this time.
MASTER. 'T is well for you, sir, that you did not. The world is flat, sir, flat! Do you not know that, sir?
COLUMBUS. I was so taught—
MASTER. How do you dare, then, to say the world is round?
COLUMBUS. Much study and common sense, dear master, have made me dare.
MASTER. The lessons taught your fathers are good enough for you, sir.
COLUMBUS. That cannot be, dear master. How, then, could the world move on?
MASTER. Move on? Hear him talk! Do you think, sir, that an elephant carries this flat world on his back and walks about with it? Ha, ha!
[Gates are opened; PORTER is seen.]
MASTER (going). Go tell the King this world is round! Ha, ha! Go tell the King!
[Schoolmaster goes.]
PORTER (seeing Columbus; aside). Ah, 't is the crazy Italian!
COLUMBUS. Porter, I seek the King!
PORTER. Do you think he'll listen to your silly talk? O, I've heard of you! Away!
COLUMBUS. Come, let me in!
PORTER. Away! Away with you, loco!
[Enter from gates, the JESTER in cap and bells, HOSTLERS and SERVANTS.]
JESTER. Who's away? Who's crazy?
PORTER. The Italian there! He who says this world is round!
JESTER. Round? How now? Round, say you?
PORTER (nodding; laughing). With people on the other side!
JESTER. A-standing on their heads—so!
[Jester stands on his head; all laugh. Enter a COURTIER.]
COURTIER. The King comes!
[Enter KING JOHN and many COURTIERS.]
JESTER (capering about Columbus). Ha, ha, ha, ha!
KING. What's this, Jester?
JESTER. Here's he, sire, who says this world is round!
[He capers about Columbus; all laugh.]
KING. I've heard of your notions, Columbus. So you think there's land to be discovered, do you?
COLUMBUS. Yes, your Majesty, I'm sure of it.
JESTER. With people a-standing on their heads—so!
[He stands on his head; all laugh.]
KING. Silence! Columbus, I've a mind to listen, and give you ships and money. Have you maps and charts to prove your plans?
COLUMBUS (taking maps from cloak). Yes, sire.
KING. Wait, then, till I have spoken with my Courtiers.
[Columbus bows, retires, and unrolls maps. CAPTAIN RIVERRA crosses to Columbus; talks with him aside.]
KING (speaking softly to Courtiers). You know, my Courtiers, that should there be new lands, great glory will be given the discoverer of them.
FIRST COURTIER. Aye, sire, 't will bring him great honor.
SECOND COURTIER. And riches.
KING. 'T is I, and I alone, who should have the honor and the riches!
FIRST COURTIER. Aye, sire!
SECOND COURTIER. Aye, sire!
THIRD COURTIER. But nothing can be done without the Italian's maps and charts. No one but he knows the route over the unknown seas.
KING. Well, we must have his maps and charts.
FIRST COURTIER. He'll not sell them, sire. You may depend on that.
KING. And we'll not buy them. Go, bid my fool take them.
(Courtiers showing surprise.)
Go, I say, and see to it!
[Courtiers talk aside with Jester.]
RIVERRA (to Columbus). I wish you well, sir, for I believe that what you say is true.
COLUMBUS. I'm glad to hear you say that, Captain.
RIVERRA. My ship is in the harbor now, and I must go. But I wish you well, Columbus, I wish you well.
[Columbus, throwing his maps on the stone bench near gates, takes Riverra's hands in his. The Jester creeps up, takes maps, runs into the court with them, and disappears.]
COLUMBUS (with feeling). I thank you, Captain—so few believe in me—
KING. Come now within, Columbus; I'll look at your maps and charts.
[Riverra goes.]
COLUMBUS (turning to take up maps). Why, how is this! My maps were here but just a moment ago!
KING. Who saw his maps?
(Pause.)
The Courtiers are silent, sir.
COLUMBUS. I laid them there, sire!
KING. Then there they should be.
COLUMBUS. Some one has taken them—'t is a joke—
KING (interrupting). My Courtiers do not play jokes in my presence.
COLUMBUS. Those maps and charts are precious to me, sire!
KING. Come, now, I'm not so sure you ever had maps or charts.
COLUMBUS. Your Majesty!
KING. Well, produce them.
COLUMBUS. But, sire,—
KING (interrupting). I'll not hear excuses! Your maps, sir,—at once, sir!
COLUMBUS. I'll make other maps and charts—
KING. Away with you!
COLUMBUS. Your Majesty—
KING. Away, I say! And come to us no more with tales of unknown lands.
[Enter JESTER from gates.]
JESTER. With people a-walking on their heads—so!
[Jester stands on his head; all laugh. Columbus goes, showing bitter disappointment.]
SCENE II
TIME: 1492.
PLACE: Spain. Court of King Ferdinand and Queen
Isabella.
| KING FERDINAND. | CAPTAIN RIVERRA. |
| QUEEN ISABELLA. | WISE MEN. |
| CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. | COURTIERS AND LADIES. |
| A MONK, FATHER-CONFESSOR TO THE QUEEN. | |
| MESSENGER. | |
[Many COURTIERS and LADIES are seen in audience-room of palace; a throne is in the background. Enter the FIRST COURTIER.]
FIRST COURTIER. The King and Queen!
[Enter KING FERDINAND and QUEEN ISABELLA, followed by COURTIERS, LADIES and the WISE MEN. All bow as the King and Queen cross to throne and sit. Enter the MONK; he advances to throne and bows.]