TIME: _three days later; evening_.
PLACE: _the dark wood. A hut is seen among the vines_.
* * * * *
THE FORESTER.
HIS SON.
KAREN.
THE EXECUTIONER.
THE OLD SOLDIER.
THE FAIRY QUEEN.
MOON.
* * * * *
[_The_ FORESTER _and his_ SON _are felling a tree._]
KAREN (_heard calling off_). Stop me! Stop me!
SON. Heard you that cry?
FORESTER (_looking off_). Mercy on us! 'T is the dancing girl I told you
of!
[_Enter_ KAREN, _dancing._]
KAREN. Stop me, Forester!
FORESTER. No, no! I dare not!
KAREN (_to Son_). Stop me, I pray you! Three days have I danced! I can
endure it no longer!
SON (_to Forester_). Come, let us help her!
FORESTER. Do not touch her! She is bewitched!
KAREN. 'T is my shoes are bewitched--not I!
SON. I say, little maid, pull off your shoes!
KAREN. They will not come off. See!
[_She pulls at her shoes._]
SON (_starting towards Karen_). I'll get them off, bewitched or not
bewitched!
FORESTER (_seizing Son_). Would you get yourself into trouble? Come home
with me!
[_Forester runs from wood with Son. The_ MOON _arises suddenly in a fir
tree._]
KAREN. O Moon, see how I dance below you! Pray tell me how to break this
spell!
MOON. Ha, ha, ha!
[_The Moon changes into the red beard of the_ OLD SOLDIER.]
OLD SOLDIER. My beard makes moonlight for me that I may watch you dance.
KAREN. Mercy, Old Soldier! I pray you break your spell!
OLD SOLDIER. You forgot to say the prayers! You thought only of your red
shoes!
KAREN. I will go barefoot to church!
OLD SOLDIER. You whispered "red" to the Shoemaker!
KAREN. I will never deceive my dear Grandmother again! Have pity!
OLD SOLDIER. You shall dance in your red shoes till you are pale and cold!
By night and by day you shall dance; in sunshine and in rain; in snow and
in sleet. Over highways and byways shall you dance; in dark swamps and on
mountain tops. You shall go on dancing, dancing, dancing, forever and ever!
[_He disappears._]
KAREN. I cannot dance on forever! I cannot! I cannot!
(_Weeping; pause._)
Well, I know a way to break the spell, and I'll do it!
(_Crossing to hut of the_ EXECUTIONER; _knocking._)
Come out! Come out!
EXECUTIONER (_from within the hut_). Come in!
KAREN. I cannot come in; I must dance.
EXECUTIONER. Then I will come out.
(_The Executioner comes out from hut._)
Well, do you know me?
KAREN. You are the Executioner.
EXECUTIONER. I am the Executioner. I cut off the heads of wicked people
with this great ax.
KAREN. Do not strike off my head!
EXECUTIONER. And why not strike off your head, pray?
KAREN. I must have that to repent of my sin. So please to cut off my feet.
EXECUTIONER. It shall be as you say. Thrust out your foot, maid.
[_Enter_ FAIRY QUEEN.]
FAIRY QUEEN. Stay, Executioner, stay! I've come to save you, Karen!
KAREN. To save me?
FAIRY QUEEN. Whenever a child repents of a sin, lo, I am there to save.
KAREN. Will you remove this spell from me?
FAIRY QUEEN. Will you give up your red shoes?
KAREN. Gladly! Gladly! I wish I might never see them again!
FAIRY QUEEN. Then dance to me that I may touch you with my wand.
[_Fairy Queen touches Karen's shoes with her wand. The shoes fall off._]
KAREN. Dear Fairy Queen! Dear Fairy Queen! I thank you! I thank you!
FAIRY QUEEN. Look, Karen, your shoes are dancing away! Soon they will be
lost to you forever. Shall I not bring them back?
KAREN. No, no! Let them go! Now I am free! Now I can rest!
FAIRY QUEEN. Then come, dear child, I will guide you to your home.
THE STORY OF ALI COGIA
SCENE I
TIME: _one evening_.
PLACE: _the house of a merchant in Bagdad_.
* * * * *
THE MERCHANT.
THE MERCHANT'S WIFE.
* * * * *
[_The_ MERCHANT _and his_ WIFE _are at supper._]
WIFE. Our neighbors bought some fine olives to-day. It has been a long time
since we have had olives. I am quite hungry for them.
MERCHANT. Now you speak of olives, you put me in mind of the jar which Ali
Cogia left with me.
WIFE (_pointing to a jar in another part of the room_). There is the very
jar waiting for him against his return.
MERCHANT. Certainly he must be dead, since he has not returned in all this
time. Give me a plate; I will open the jar, and if the olives be good, we
will eat them.
WIFE. Pray, husband, do not commit so base an action. You know nothing is
more sacred than what is left to one's care and trust.
MERCHANT. But I am certain All Cogia will never return.
WIFE. And I have a strong feeling that he will. What will he think of your
honor if he finds the jar has been opened?
MERCHANT. Surely a jar of olives is not to be guarded so carefully, year
after year.
WIFE. That is Ali Cogia's affair, not ours. Besides, the olives can't be
good after all this time.
MERCHANT (_taking a plate_). I mean to have a taste of them, at least.
WIFE (_indignantly_). You are betraying the trust your friend placed in
you! I will not remain to witness it.
[_She leaves the room. The Merchant crosses and takes cover from jar._]
MERCHANT (_looking in jar_). My wife was right--the olives are covered with
mould, but those at the bottom may still be good.
[_He turns the jar up and shakes out the olives. Several gold pieces fall
out._]
MERCHANT. What is this? Gold pieces! As I live! Gold! gold!
[_He shakes the jar again; a shower of gold pieces fall._]
MERCHANT (_dropping the jar in astonishment_). A thousand pieces at least!
The top of the jar only was laid with olives!
(_He puts the gold into his pockets._)
To-night, when my wife is asleep, I will fill the jar entirely with fresh
olives, for these show they have been disturbed. And I will make up the jar
so that no one, except Ali Cogia himself, will know they have been touched.
[Illustration: "A THOUSAND PIECES AT LEAST!"]
SCENE II
TIME: _one month later; a moonlight night_.
PLACE: _a small court opening upon a narrow street of Bagdad_.
* * * * *
THE CALIPH.
THE GRAND VIZIER.
FIRST CHILD, _who plays he is the Cauzee_[Footnote: A Mohammedan judge.]
SECOND CHILD, _who plays he is the officer_.
THIRD CHILD, _who plays he is Ali Cogia_.
ZEYN, _who plays he is the Merchant_.
TWO BOYS, _who play they are Olive Merchants_.
MANY OTHER CHILDREN, _who look on_.
* * * * *
[_The_ CALIPH, _accompanied by his_ GRAND VIZIER, _enters the narrow street
upon which the court opens. They are in disguise, appearing as merchants._]
CALIPH. Perhaps we may hear some talk of this affair of Ali Cogia and the
merchant, as we go through the city to-night.
VIZIER. It is possible, O Commander of the true Believers! The affair has
made a great noise in Bagdad.
CALIPH. Ali Cogia carried the merchant before the Cauzee, I believe.
VIZIER. Yes; he claimed that the merchant had taken from him one thousand
pieces of gold.
CALIPH. Proceed; I would know all.
VIZIER. Ali Cogia left with this merchant, so he says, a jar in which he
had placed this money. Upon his return, which was but yesterday, he went
to the merchant, and, having received the jar, opened it. To his surprise
he found that the gold, which he had hidden below a layer of olives, was no
longer there.
CALIPH. Ah, that is what Ali Cogia says. What says the merchant?
VIZIER. The merchant made oath before the Cauzee that he did not know there
was money in the jar, and so of course could not have taken it.
CALIPH. And the Cauzee dismissed the merchant, I believe.
VIZIER. Yes, Commander of the Faithful, the merchant was acquitted.
CALIPH. This Ali Cogia presented a petition to me to-day, and I promised to
hear him to-morrow. Would that I could know the truth of the matter that I
may give a just sentence!
[_They arrive at the court where several_ CHILDREN _are playing in the
moonlight. The Caliph stops to watch them._]
FIRST CHILD. Let us play that the Cauzee is trying the Merchant.
SECOND CHILD (_joyfully_). Yes, yes!
THIRD CHILD (_joyfully_). Yes, yes!
ALL CHILDREN (_clapping their hands_). Yes, yes!
CALIPH (_softly to Vizier_). Let us sit on this bench. I would know what
these children are playing.
[_They sit, but are not seen by children._]
FIRST CHILD (_taking his seat with great dignity_). I choose to be the
Cauzee!
SECOND CHILD (_taking his place behind the Cauzee_). I choose to be the
Officer!
THIRD CHILD. I choose to be Ali Cogia!
CAUZEE. Who chooses to be the Merchant?
[_Long pause; all the Children hang back._]
CAUZEE. Come, Zeyn, you be the Merchant.
ZEYN. Not I! The part does not please me.
OFFICER. Would you spoil everything, Zeyn?
ZEYN. Oh, well, then, I'll be the Merchant this time.
CAUZEE. Officer, bring in the accused and his accuser.
[_The Officer presents the Merchant and Ali Cogia before the Cauzee._]
CAUZEE. Ali Cogia, what charge have you to make against this Merchant?
ALI COGIA (_bowing_). Sir, when I journeyed from Bagdad seven years ago, I
left with this Merchant a jar. Now, into this jar I had put, with some
olives, a thousand pieces of gold. When I opened the jar, I found that it
had been entirely filled with olives; the gold had disappeared. I beseech
your honor that I may not lose so great a sum of money!
CAUZEE. Merchant, what have you to say to this charge?
MERCHANT. I confess that I had the jar in my house, but Ali Cogia found it
exactly as he had left it. Did he ever tell me there was gold in the jar?
No. He now demands that I pay him one thousand pieces of gold. I wonder
that he does not ask me for diamonds and pearls instead of gold. I will
take my oath that what I say is the truth.
CAUZEE. Not so fast! Before you come to your oath, I should be glad to see
the jar of olives.
(_Turning to Ali Cogia._)
Ali Cogia, have you brought the jar?
ALI COGIA. No; I did not think of that.
CAUZEE. Then go and fetch it.
[_Ali Cogia goes._]
CAUZEE (_to the Merchant_). You thought the jar contained olives all this
time?
MERCHANT. Ali Cogia told me it contained olives at the first. I will take
oath that what I say is the truth.
CAUZEE. We are not yet ready for your oath.
[ALI COGIA _enters. He pretends to set a jar before the Cauzee._]
CAUZEE. Ali Cogia, is this jar the same you left with the Merchant?
ALI COGIA. Sir, it is the same.
CAUZEE. Merchant, do you confess this jar to be the same?
MERCHANT. Sir, it is the same.
CAUZEE. Officer, remove the cover.
(_The Officer pretends to remove the cover._)
These are fine olives! Let me taste them.
(_Pretending to eat an olive._)
They are excellent! But I cannot think that olives will keep seven years
and be so good. Therefore, Officer, bring in Olive Merchants, and let me
hear what is their opinion.
OFFICER (_announcing_). Forward, two Olive Merchants!
[_Two_ BOYS _present themselves_].
CAUZEE. Are you Olive Merchants?
BOYS (_bowing_). Sir, we are.
CAUZEE. Tell me how long olives will keep.
FIRST OLIVE MERCHANT. Let us take what care we can, they will hardly be
worth anything the third year.
SECOND OLIVE MERCHANT. It is true, for then they will have neither taste
nor color.
CAUZEE. If it be so, look into that jar and tell me how long it is since
those olives were put into it.
[_Both Merchants pretend to examine and taste the olives._]
FIRST OLIVE MERCHANT. These olives are new and good.
CAUZEE. You are mistaken. Ali Cogia says he put them into the jar seven
years ago.
SECOND OLIVE MERCHANT. Sir, they are of this year's growth. There is not a
merchant in Bagdad that will not say the same.
CAUZEE. Merchant, you stand accused. You must return the thousand pieces of
gold to Ali Cogia.
MERCHANT. Sir, I protest--
CAUZEE (_interrupting_). Be silent! You are a rogue. Take him to prison,
Officer.
[_All the children seize the Merchant and run from the court, laughing and
shouting._]
CALIPH (_rising_). I know now what will be a just trial. I have learned it
from the child Cauzee. Do you think I could give a better sentence?
VIZIER. I think not, if the case be as these children played it.
CALIPH. Take care to bid Ali Cogia bring his jar of olives to-morrow. And
let two olive merchants attend.
VIZIER. It shall be done, O Commander of true Believers!
CALIPH. If the olives be indeed fresh, then the merchant will receive his
punishment and Ali Cogia his thousand pieces of gold.
(_Starting off; stopping._)
Take notice of this street, and to-morrow present the boy Cauzee with a
purse of gold. Tell him it is a token of my admiration of his wisdom and
justice.
THE WILD SWANS
SCENE I
TIME: _a long time ago_.
PLACE: _on the seashore_.
* * * * *
ELIZA.
THE GOODY.
* * * * *
[_The_ GOODY _is seen walking along the shore._ ELIZA _enters from the
forest._]
GOODY. Bless me! What is the little girl doing in this lonely place? And
alone, too!
ELIZA. I seek my eleven brothers.
GOODY. Ah! Then you must be the Princess Eliza!
ELIZA (_sadly_). Yes, Goody.
GOODY. And the eleven brothers you seek are the eleven little princes!
ELIZA. Yes; do you know them?
GOODY. I saw them in school one day. Each prince wore a golden crown on his
head, a star on his breast, and a sword by his side.
ELIZA (_nodding_). They studied very hard, just as princes should.
GOODY. They wrote on gold slates with diamond pencils. I myself saw them!
ELIZA. I sat on a little stool of plate-glass. Did you know that?
GOODY. Oh, yes! And I know about your picture-book worth half a kingdom.
ELIZA. We were all so happy then! Our dear mother was alive and sometimes
went to school with us. Now all is changed.
GOODY. What has happened?
ELIZA. They have driven us from the palace.
GOODY (_indignantly_). I said so! On the day of that wedding I said so.
ELIZA. Then you know that my father married again?
GOODY. Yes, I know. I wept when I heard our good king had married that
wicked queen.
ELIZA. She drove my brothers away, the very day of the wedding feast.
GOODY. And now she has driven you away!
ELIZA (_nodding_). If only I could find my dear brothers!
GOODY. You may hear something about them very soon.
ELIZA (_quickly_). Do you know where they are? Tell me! I pray you tell me!
GOODY (_shaking her head mysteriously_). I cannot say where they are. I
only know what they are.
ELIZA. I do not understand--
GOODY. The wicked queen has turned your brothers into wild swans.
ELIZA. Wild swans?
GOODY (_nodding_). I saw them yesterday, at sunrise, flying out over the
sea. Each swan wore a gold crown on his head.
ELIZA. The queen could not take their crowns from them!
GOODY. As the swans flew upward, their eleven crowns glittered like eleven
suns. My eyes were dazzled. I was obliged to look away. At that moment the
swans disappeared.
ELIZA (_sadly to herself_). My poor brothers! I shall never see them again.
GOODY (_suddenly_). Do you see those great blue bluffs to the south?
ELIZA. Yes; the sea is dashing against them.
GOODY. In those bluffs, back from the shore, is a cave. Go at once to that
cave and enter.
ELIZA. And what shall I do there, good woman?
GOODY. Perhaps you may learn how to break the spell over your brothers.
ELIZA (_surprised_). How to break the spell?
GOODY. Ask no questions, but go at once to the cave.
ELIZA (_going_). Thank you, good woman. You are very kind to me.
GOODY. Go now, child, and fear nothing.
[_Eliza goes; the Goody disappears._]
SCENE II
TIME: _a half-hour later_.
PLACE: _the cave_.
* * * * *
ELIZA.
THE FAIRY.
* * * * *
[ELIZA _is seen at entrance of cave. She stops; is afraid to enter._]
ELIZA. I am afraid to enter! It is so dark--I know not what is within! It
may be the den of some wild animal.
(_Listening._)
Not a sound do I hear! But wild animals are cunning. They know how to lie
as still as death and then to leap quickly.
(_Pause._)
Well, be it so. I will enter, for I must save my
brothers.
[_She enters the cave._ FAIRY _is within the cave, but invisible._]
FAIRY. You have courage, little Eliza.
ELIZA (_showing relief_). Oh! Are you here, good woman?
FAIRY. Behold!
[_The cave is filled with light; a beautiful Fairy is seen._]
ELIZA. Ah! I thought it was the Goody.
FAIRY. No matter, dear child. I knew you were to come here.
ELIZA. I was afraid to enter.
FAIRY. But you did enter. Your love for your brothers was greater than your
fear.
ELIZA. It was that which gave me courage.
FAIRY. It was a test of your courage. And now I can tell you how to break
the spell over your brothers.
ELIZA. I will do whatever you say.
FAIRY. You will suffer greatly.
ELIZA. What matter, if I save my brothers!
FAIRY (_nodding_). Then listen. Do you see the stinging nettles which I
hold in my hand?
ELIZA. Yes, dear Fairy.
FAIRY. You must gather great quantities of these.
ELIZA. I noticed many of the same sort growing near this cave.
FAIRY (_shaking head_). You must gather only those that grow in graveyards.
ELIZA. It shall be exactly as you say, dear Fairy.
FAIRY. The nettles will make blisters on your hands.
ELIZA. I will not think of myself; I will think only of my brothers.
FAIRY. Break the nettles into pieces with your hands and feet, and they
will become flax. From this flax you must spin and weave eleven coats with
long sleeves. If these eleven coats can be thrown over the eleven swans,
the spell will be broken.
ELIZA. It shall be done.
FAIRY. But remember, that from the moment you begin your task, until it is
finished, you must not speak. Even though it should occupy years of your
life, you must not speak.
ELIZA. I shall remember.
FAIRY. The first word you utter will pierce through the hearts of your
brothers like a dagger. Their lives hang upon your tongue. Go now and begin
your task.
ELIZA (_going_). I go, dear Fairy.
FAIRY. Remember all I have told you, dear child. Farewell!
[_Eliza goes; the cave becomes dark; the Fairy disappears._]
SCENE III
TIME: _two days later_.
PLACE: _a distant country; the King's palace_.
* * * * *
THE KING.
HIS WICKED UNCLE.
ELIZA.
GUARDSMEN.
SERVANTS.
* * * * *
[_The_ WICKED UNCLE _stands waiting to receive the King. Enter the_ KING
_with_ ELIZA. _She is pale and sad._]
WICKED UNCLE. Welcome, your Majesty! Welcome home from your hunt! But who
is this maiden?
KING. I know not, my Uncle.
WICKED UNCLE. What?
KING. My huntsmen found her in a cave in a far-off country.
WICKED UNCLE. In a cave? Alone?
KING (_nodding_). Alone; spinning coats out of flax.
WICKED UNCLE. This is very strange.
(_To Eliza._)
Why were you all alone in a cave, and why were you spinning coats?
(_Eliza shakes her head._)
KING. She is dumb, Uncle. Not a word has she uttered since we found her.
WICKED UNCLE. Why did you bring her with you?
KING. I will make her my queen.
WICKED UNCLE (_angrily_). Your queen?
KING. See how beautiful she is.
WICKED UNCLE (_whispering to King_). She is a witch!
KING. Nonsense! She is as good as she is beautiful.
WICKED UNCLE (_whispering as before_). She has bewitched your heart!
KING. Nonsense, I say! She did not want to leave the cave. She wept
bitterly when I put her on my horse.
(_He turns to the servants._)
Let the music sound! Prepare the wedding feast!
(_He turns to Eliza, who weeps._)
Do not weep, my beautiful maid.
WICKED UNCLE (_whispering to King_). She is not beautiful. She has
bewitched your eyes.
KING. I will not listen to you! Go, bid them ring the church bells.
WICKED UNCLE (_going; speaking aside_). I must poison his heart against her
in some way; else I'll never wear the crown.
[_Wicked Uncle goes._]
KING (_to Eliza_). Do not weep. You shall be dressed in silks and velvets
and I will place a golden crown upon your head.
(_Eliza weeps and wrings her hands._)
Well, then, I know how to make you smile.
[_The King opens a door into an inner room. Eliza looks in, smiles, and
claps her hands for joy._]
KING. I thought 't would make you happy! 'T is very like your cave--I had
it made so.
(_Eliza tries to thank King with her eyes._)
But no more spinning! Your fingers shall be covered with diamonds instead
of blisters.
(_Eliza sighs very sadly._)
Something troubles you, little queen. If you could only tell me of your
grief!
(_Eliza shakes her head sadly._)
Well, I can at least save you from a life of labor. You shall be most
tenderly cared for.
(_Calling._)
Ho, there, Guardsmen!
(_Enter_ GUARDSMEN.)
Guardsmen, behold your queen!
(_Guards kneel before Eliza._)
Guardsmen, arise and hear my commands.
(_Guards rise._)
Your queen is never to do any of the work about the castle. Do you hear me,
Guardsmen?
GUARDSMEN (_bowing_). We hear, O King!
KING. Not even the spinning or weaving. Do you hear me, Guardsmen?
GUARDSMEN (_bowing_). We hear, O King!
KING. Those are my commands. Now attend us to the banquet-hall.
(_To Eliza, who is weeping._)
Weep no more, little queen. I wish only your happiness. Come, give me your
hand. We go now to the wedding feast.
[_They go out, the Guards attending._]
SCENE IV
TIME: _two weeks later; sunrise_.
PLACE: _the open just without the town gate_.
* * * * *
THE GOODY.
THE WICKED UNCLE.
THE KING.
ELIZA.
HER ELEVEN BROTHERS.
THE EXECUTIONER.
FIRST CITIZEN.
SECOND CITIZEN.
THIRD CITIZEN.
FOURTH CITIZEN.
GUARDS.
* * * * *
[_Enter crowds of people from the town gate. Enter the_ GOODY _from the
forest. Enter the_ WICKED UNCLE _from the town gate._]
GOODY (_to Wicked Uncle_). Why these crowds so early, sir?
WICKED UNCLE. Do not call me 'sir.'
GOODY. What shall I say, sir?
WICKED UNCLE. Say, 'Your Highness.'
GOODY. But you are not the King, sir.
WICKED UNCLE. I'm very near it, old woman.
GOODY. Not so near, sir, as you were, sir. There is the new queen, sir.
WICKED UNCLE. The new queen is about to die.
GOODY (_alarmed_). About to die?
WICKED UNCLE (_nodding_). Aye, because she's a witch. They're bringing her
out here now.
GOODY. The King permits it?
WICKED UNCLE (_nodding_). He soon found out the truth about her.
GOODY. And what was that?
WICKED UNCLE. Just what I told him the first time I saw her. "She's a
witch," said I, but he would not believe me.
GOODY. What has so changed him?
WICKED UNCLE. 'T was I who saw her slip forth from the castle one midnight.
I followed her; straight to the graveyard she went.
GOODY. To the graveyard?
WICKED UNCLE (_nodding_). In she went--I following. I saw her gather the
stinging nettles that grow there.
GOODY. But they would blister her hands. Did she not cry out?
WICKED UNCLE. Not a sound did she utter! That would prove her a witch, were
there nothing more.
GOODY. Ah, there is something more, then?
WICKED UNCLE (_nodding; mysteriously_). I followed her back to the castle;
through the marble halls and up to the little cave room. I saw her break up
the nettles. Then I saw her spin and weave this flax into a magic coat.
GOODY. Bless me! A magic coat?
WICKED UNCLE (_nodding_). There were ten of them hanging from the ceiling.
GOODY. Of course you told the King?
WICKED UNCLE. Just as soon as I could waken him, but he would not believe
me. He said there was but one coat when they brought her here, and that
there could be but one now.
GOODY. She worked at night, then, while the castle slept.
WICKED UNCLE. True queens do not work--nay, can't be made to work. Every
one knows that.
GOODY. But how did the King find out the truth?
WICKED UNCLE. I persuaded him to watch with me the next night. Just at
midnight the queen came out. We followed her to the graveyard. "That is
enough," said his Majesty, "she is a witch and must die."
[_The_ CITIZENS _rush to the gates._]
CITIZENS (_calling_). See the witch!
GOODY. Is she coming?
WICKED UNCLE (_looking_). Yes, she is just within the gate. She rides in an
old cart drawn by an old horse--quite good enough for a witch.
[_Enter the_ KING _with servants and_ GUARDS. _Behind them is the cart. In
the cart sits_ ELIZA. _She is spinning and weaving, never once looking
up._]
GOODY. How pale she is! Bless me! She is spinning and weaving.
WICKED UNCLE. It is the eleventh coat and it will be the last.
GOODY. How she hurries to finish it!
[_The cart stops._]
KING (_to Eliza_). Once again I ask you,--Are you a witch?
(_Eliza shakes her head._)
Then give up the coats. They are of no use to any one.
[_Eliza again shakes her head._]
WICKED UNCLE. That proves her a witch! Else, she would give up the coats.
KING (_to Eliza_). Once more,--Will you not give them up?
[_Eliza shakes her head. The King turns away. He is very sad; his eyes are
filled with tears._]
FIRST CITIZEN (_calling_). See the witch!
SECOND CITIZEN (_calling_). See her magic coats!
THIRD CITIZEN (_calling_). Let us tear them to pieces!
FOURTH CITIZEN (_calling_). At them, Citizens! Tear them to shreds!
GOODY (_looking up; speaking aside_). Here come the Wild Swans! Now we
shall see what we shall see!
[ELEVEN WILD SWANS _descend from the sky and alight on the cart. Each wears
a golden crown._]
FIRST CITIZEN. Back, Citizens, back! Wild Swans have alighted on the cart!
FOURTH CITIZEN. What do we care for Wild Swans? Forward, Citizens!
FIRST CITIZEN. Back, I say! The Swans are beating us with their strong
wings!
SECOND CITIZEN. Back! back, Citizens! We dare not approach the cart!
GOODY (_calling to the people_). The Swans have come to save the queen! 'T
is a sign from heaven that she is innocent!
WICKED UNCLE (_angrily_). Be silent, old woman!
(_He turns to the Executioner._)
Executioner, do your duty!
EXECUTIONER. Out of the cart, witch!
(_Eliza shakes her head; takes up coats from floor of cart. The Executioner
turns to the Wicked Uncle._)
She will not come!
WICKED UNCLE. Seize her--I command you!
FIRST CITIZEN. Seize her! Seize her!
GOODY. Look, Citizens, look! She is spreading the coats over the Swans!
[_Eliza throws the eleven coats over the eleven Swans, who turn to eleven
little princes, but the youngest has a swan's wing instead of an arm, for
the last sleeve was not finished._]
FIRST CITIZEN. Do you see that, Citizens? They are princes! She has saved
them!
SECOND CITIZEN. She is no witch!
THIRD CITIZEN. She is an angel from heaven!
THE ELEVEN BROTHERS. Dear sister, you have saved us!
ELIZA. Now I may speak--I am innocent!
ELDEST BROTHER (_to King_). Yes, she is innocent!
NINTH BROTHER. How you have suffered for us, dear Eliza!
CITIZENS (_to Eliza_). Forgive us!
KING (_to Eliza_). Forgive me! I did not understand.
WICKED UNCLE (_annoyed, but trying to conceal it_). And I did not
understand, I--
KING (_sternly_). Be silent!
(_To Guards._)
Seize him!
(_The Guards seize the Wicked Uncle._)
Take him to the mountains where the stinging nettles grow.
WICKED UNCLE. Mercy! Mercy!
KING. You had no mercy on brave little Eliza! Now you shall gather nettles
for the rest of your life. Away with him, Guardsmen!
(_The Guards take the Wicked Uncle away. The King turns to his servants._)
Let the music sound! Bring forth the queen's golden crown!
(_To Eliza._)
My whole kingdom shall do you honor! This land has never seen a more
beautiful thing than your love for your brothers.
GOODY (_whispering aside_). Ring, church bells! Ring of yourselves!
[_All the church bells are heard ringing._]
CITIZENS. Hear the church bells! They ring of themselves!
KING. They ring for this sweet queen whose heart is as good as her face is
beautiful. Come, Citizens! Away now to the castle! Away to the
banquet-hall!
THE TWO COUNTRYMEN
SCENE I
TIME: _evening_.
PLACE: _a large city; a quiet corner with a high wall back_.
* * * * *
FIRST COUNTRYMAN.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN.
FIRST CITY WAG.
SECOND CITY WAG.
MERCHANT.
* * * * *
[_Great crowds of people are seen in the streets. The_ TWO COUNTRYMEN _have
just arrived. They find a quiet corner where they place their blankets and
baskets of gourds which they carry._]
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. I fear something most dreadful must have happened in that
street. See what crowds of people pass that way!
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. Perhaps there is a fire. And yet--
[_He stops, showing he is puzzled._]
FIRST COUNTRYMAN (_anxiously_). What troubles thee?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. Look thou into that other street! It, too, is full of
people, and yet none are gone from here.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. Some awful accident hath called them from all parts of
the city. We must find out what it may be.
[_A_ MERCHANT _passes._]
SECOND COUNTRYMAN (_to Merchant_). I pray thee stop, citizen.
(_The Merchant stops._)
Canst thou tell us what dreadful thing hath befallen this city?
MERCHANT. What do you mean?
[TWO CITY WAGS _pass; they stop to listen._]
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. Whither do they go, these vast multitudes? What dreadful
thing go they to see?
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. Perhaps they flee from some monster just come out of the
sea?
MERCHANT. It is ever thus--always the great crowds surging through the
streets.
[_The Merchant goes._]
SECOND WAG (_to Countrymen, winking aside at First Wag_). This is your
first visit to a city, I take it?
BOTH COUNTRYMEN (_bowing_). It is, good sirs.
FIRST WAG (_winking aside at Second Wag_). You know what happens to
strangers in our city, of course?
FIRST COUNTRYMAN (_anxiously_). No, good sir.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN (_anxiously_). Pray tell us what it may be.
FIRST WAG. 'T is said they become so dazed by the noise of the city and the
rush of such countless numbers, they forget who they are.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. Eh? Forget who they are?
FIRST WAG (_nodding_). Aye.
(_He winks aside at Second Wag._)
You have heard of this, dear friend?
SECOND WAG (_winking aside_). To be sure; 't is quite common.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. Forget their own faces?
SECOND WAG. Aye,--their faces. At least, they are not certain as to whose
faces theirs may be.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. Then we dare not leave this corner!
FIRST WAG. I would not advise it.
SECOND WAG. It would be most unsafe,--at least for to-night.
FIRST WAG. Of course there is this danger,--when you awake in the morning
you may not know whether you are yourselves.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN. Would that I had never left my farm!
FIRST COUNTRYMAN. Would that I had never left my wife!
SECOND WAG. Do not despair; there is a way out of your troubles.
BOTH COUNTRYMEN. Tell us, we pray thee!
SECOND WAG. Each of you must take a gourd from his basket there and tie it
around his ankle. Then, in the morning, when you awake, you will each know
that it is yourself and none other.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN (_to Second Countryman, joyfully_). Dost thou hear? By our
gourds we shall know!
SECOND COUNTRYMAN (_joyfully_). I hear! Thanks and yet again more thanks to
thee, good sir!
[_The Wags turn to go._]
FIRST WAG. May you know yourselves in the morning for what you truly are!
[Illustration: THE TWO COUNTRYMEN]
[_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.
[Illustration: "HELP! HELP!"]
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!
[ILLUSTRATION: THE PRINCE SEES THE THREE GREAT-AUNTS]
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.
SCHOOLMASTER.
CARLOS.
ROQUE.[Footnote: Pronounced _R[=o]'k[=a]_.]
PANCHO.[Footnote: Pronounced _Pän'ch[=o]_ (_ch_ as in _ch_urch.)]
KING JOHN.
COURTIERS.
JESTER.
RIVERRA,[Footnote: Pronounced _R[=e]-ver'rä_.] A SEA-CAPTAIN.
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.
QUEEN ISABELLA.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.
CAPTAIN RIVERRA.
WISE MEN.
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._]
KING. Speak, good Father.
MONK. I pray your Majesties to see one Christopher Columbus.
KING (_inquiringly_). Columbus?
MONK. The Italian who thinks he can find a short route to the Indies, sire.
KING (_nodding_). Ah, I remember. You brought his plans to us some time
ago, good Father.
QUEEN (_nodding_). Let us see him to-day, sire.
KING (_to First Courtier_). Admit this Christopher Columbus.
(_Courtier admits_ COLUMBUS. _He kneels before the King._)
Rise, Columbus, and tell us what you seek.
COLUMBUS (_rising_). Ships, sire, to prove the plans which I did send your
Majesties; plans for sailing in the unknown seas.
QUEEN. They seemed to me most wise and sensible.
COLUMBUS (_with joy_). Ah, your Majesty believes with me?
KING (_hastily_). I'd have our Wise Men speak. Unfold your maps before
them, sir.
[_Columbus crosses to Wise Men and unfolds a map before them. They look at
it, shake their heads and laugh._]
COLUMBUS (_with dignity_). I propose to sail by this route to find that
eastern land.
FIRST WISE MAN. Ha, ha! I never heard anything so absurd! He'd sail west to
find the east! Ha, ha!
SECOND WISE MAN (_pointing to map_). The edge of the world is out there in
those strange waters! And you are willing to fall off with your ships into
space, sir?
COLUMBUS. I'm sure the water continues--
THIRD WISE MAN (_interrupting_). How could there be land beyond? 'T would
be under us, and the trees would have to grow their roots in the air.
[_Wise Men nod wisely._]
SECOND WISE MAN. And the rain must needs fall upward there!
ALL WISE MEN (_nodding wisely_). Aye! Aye!
QUEEN. I've heard you did lay your plans before King John of Portugal?
COLUMBUS. I did, your Majesty.
KING. That was bad for you, Columbus. King John sent ships, but they soon
returned.
(_Turning to_ CAPTAIN RIVERRA.)
Was not that the way of it, Captain? You sailed with them, I believe?
RIVERRA. Yes, sire. But the failure came because the sailors were afraid
and refused to go on.
(_To Columbus._)
You were thus avenged for the theft of your maps, sir.
QUEEN. Would you sail again with this man as your leader, Captain?
RIVERRA. I would, your Majesty! I believe not in the monsters and the edge.
QUEEN. Nor I! Let's provide the ships, sire.
KING. Our people would not like it--they'd grumble. And so 't would be bad
for us.
[_Enter_ MESSENGER _in great haste; kneels before King and Queen._]
KING. What news do you bring? Speak!
MESSENGER. The Turks have captured the Spanish merchant ships!
KING. Our ships bound for the Indies?
MESSENGER. Yes, your Majesty.
KING. Alas! Alas!
QUEEN. The merchants and the sailors--did the Turks spare them?
MESSENGER. Not one, your Majesty!
QUEEN. Alas, such loss of life! And 't is not the first time! Not a month
that does not bring us the same sad news!
FIRST WISE MAN (_to Monk_). You must give our people consolation, Father.
MONK. 'T is not so much consolation they need, as another passage to the
Indies; one far away from Turkey and the cruel Turks.
QUEEN. You are right, Father. Speak on.
MONK. To find such a passage is the chief purpose of Christopher Columbus.
That is the hope that has given him courage when half the world called him
_fool_.
QUEEN. Sire, we must find ships and money!
KING. We dare not tax the people more--
QUEEN. Then I'll help you, Columbus! I'll pledge my own jewels to raise the
funds.
COLUMBUS (_joyfully_). Your Majesty!
QUEEN. 'T is for the safety of our merchants! 'T is for the glory of Spain!
COLUMBUS (_kneeling before Queen; kissing her robe_). My Queen!
SCENE III
TIME: _five months later; evening_.
PLACE: _on board the Santa Maria_.
* * * * *
ADMIRAL CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.
CAPTAIN PINZON.[Footnote: Pronounced _Pin'th[=o]n_.]
SAILORS.
* * * * *
[_The_ SAILORS _are seen sitting on deck in a group. They are gloomy and
dejected._]
FIRST SAILOR. 'T is a sea of darkness!
SECOND SAILOR. Last night I heard the angry sea-gods!
THIRD SAILOR (_nodding_). Aye, I heard them!
FOURTH SAILOR. What were they crying?
SECOND SAILOR. Angry words to us for coming into their own waters.
FIRST SAILOR. 'T is the Italian Columbus the sea-gods should destroy!
ALL SAILORS. Aye! Aye!
SECOND SAILOR. We'll never see Spain again!
THIRD SAILOR. We should compel him to return!
ALL SAILORS. Aye! Aye!
[_Enter_ COLUMBUS _with_ CAPTAIN PINZON. _They cross to bow of ship. The
Captain glances uneasily at the sailors._]
CAPTAIN. Admiral, I must tell you frankly, the sailors are dissatisfied.
COLUMBUS. I am sorry to hear that, Captain.
CAPTAIN. What shall we do, sir?
COLUMBUS. Do? Why, sail on!
CAPTAIN. I'll see to it, sir!
[_Captain goes._]
FIRST SAILOR (_crossing_). Admiral, the men have chosen me to speak for
them.
COLUMBUS. What do they wish?
FIRST SAILOR. To return to Spain, sir!
COLUMBUS. Tell them we may see land any day now.
FIRST SAILOR (_shaking head_). They'll no longer listen to that!
COLUMBUS. Then tell them that I mean to sail on.
FIRST SAILOR (_starting_). Sail on?
COLUMBUS. Yes; to sail on and on. Go tell them that.
[_Sailor goes. Enter_ CAPTAIN.]
CAPTAIN. Admiral, the sailors below show signs of mutiny!
COLUMBUS (_alarmed_). Mutiny?
CAPTAIN (_nodding_). The same as these on deck. Only look at them!
[_The Sailors talk together excitedly and gesticulate wildly._]
COLUMBUS. Ah, if I could only give them my courage!
CAPTAIN. I fear for your life, Admiral, if the order is not given to
return.
COLUMBUS. I cannot give it, Captain.
[_The Sailors on deck are joined by others from below. They rush down upon
Columbus._]
FIRST SAILOR (_angrily_). You must take us back to Spain, sir!
SECOND SAILOR. We'll not go farther, sir!
ALL SAILORS. Aye! Aye!
COLUMBUS. I'm sure we will soon find land--
SAILORS (_interrupting; angrily_). Hear him! Hear him!
COLUMBUS. To the one who first sees land, the Queen has promised money--
FIRST SAILOR (_interrupting_). Money! to feed to the sea-monster!
SECOND SAILOR (_threateningly_). Will you turn back?
COLUMBUS (_with determination_). No!
CAPTAIN. Now, men, back to your duties.
THIRD SAILOR. Alas! we'll never see our homes again!
FOURTH SAILOR. Nor our friends!
FIRST SAILOR. We are lost, men!
SECOND SAILOR. What shall we do?
ALL SAILORS. What shall we do? What shall we do?
[_As their anger turns to despair, Columbus is touched._]
COLUMBUS. Listen, men,--I make you this promise: if we do not see land
within three days, we will return to Spain.
CAPTAIN. There, now,--that's a fair promise! Go now to your duties!
COLUMBUS. And let every man watch for land as he has never watched before!
SAILORS (_pleased_). Aye, aye, sir!
[_Sailors cross to a distant part of deck._]
COLUMBUS (_sadly_). Alas for my plans and my hopes, if these three days
bring not land!
[_He talks aside with the Captain._]
FIRST SAILOR. We were too easily won over, men.
SECOND SAILOR (_nodding_). Fearful things may happen to us in these three
days!
THIRD SAILOR. Suppose we reach the edge to-morrow!
FOURTH SAILOR. Suppose the sea-monster should come for us to-night!
ALL SAILORS. Aye! Aye!
FIRST SAILOR (_cautiously_). Come closer, men! There's something I would
say to you!
[_Sailors close about him; Captain goes._]
FIRST SAILOR (_pointing to Columbus, who stands in bow looking at the
stars_). Why should he not fall into the seas to-night?
SECOND SAILOR. What! You mean--
FIRST SAILOR. I mean he _must_ fall into the seas to-night. Are you with
me, men?
ALL SAILORS. Aye! Aye!
FIRST SAILOR (_cautiously_). 'T is my plan to push him over as he stands
there looking at the stars.
FOURTH SAILOR. Why not creep upon him now?
FIRST SAILOR. Are you willing, men, to have the deed done now?
ALL SAILORS. Yes! Yes!
FIRST SAILOR (_to Second and Third Sailors_). Come with me, you two! We'll
creep up on his left.
[_They creep upon Columbus, who is seen to suddenly bend forward, looking
eagerly into the distance._]
COLUMBUS. Land! Land!
[_Sailors stop; enter the_ CAPTAIN.]
CAPTAIN. Did you say land, sir?
COLUMBUS. Land, Captain, land! Come, Sailors, come! Land! Land!
SAILORS (_looking; joyfully_). Land! Land!
COLUMBUS (_lifting his arms_). Now Heaven be praised!
NOTE TO TEACHER.--This play conforms to the spirit of the
traditional story of Columbus, but the dramatization has
made it necessary to condense into one scene the somewhat
prolonged negotiations with Ferdinand and Isabella.