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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10541 ***
+
+CHILDREN'S CLASSICS IN DRAMATIC FORM
+
+A READER FOR THE FOURTH GRADE
+
+BY AUGUSTA STEVENSON
+
+Formerly a Teacher in the Indianapolis Public Schools
+
+1908
+
+
+
+
+
+
+TO
+MISS N. CROPSEY
+
+Assistant Superintendent
+Indianapolis Public Schools
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "The moon changes into the red beard of the old
+soldier"]
+
+
+
+
+FOREWORD
+
+
+This book is intended to accomplish three distinct purposes: first, to
+arouse a greater interest in oral reading; second, to develop an expressive
+voice--sadly lacking in the case of most Americans; and third, to give
+freedom and grace in the bodily attitudes and movements which are involved
+in reading and speaking. The stories given are for the most part
+adaptations of favorite tales from folklore,--Andersen, Grimm, Aesop, and
+the Arabian Nights having been freely drawn upon.
+
+Children are dramatic by nature. They _are_ for the time the kings, the
+fairies, and the heroes that they picture in their imaginations. They _are_
+these characters with such abandon and with such intense pleasure that the
+on-looker must believe that nature intended that they should give play to
+this dramatic instinct, not so much formally, with all the trappings of the
+man-made stage, but spontaneously and naturally, as they talk and read. If
+this expressive instinct can be utilized in the teaching of reading, we
+shall be able both to add greatly to the child's enjoyment and to improve
+the quality of his oral reading. In these days when so many books are
+hastily read in school, there is a tendency to sacrifice expression to the
+mechanics and interpretation of reading. Those acquainted with school work
+know too well the resulting monotonous, indistinct speech and the
+self-conscious, listless attitude which characterize so much of the
+reading of pupils in grades above the third. It is believed that this
+little book will aid in overcoming these serious faults in reading, which
+all teachers and parents deplore. The dramatic appeal of the stories will
+cause the child to lose himself in the character he is impersonating and
+read with a naturalness and expressiveness unknown to him before, and this
+improvement will be evident in all his oral reading, and even in his
+speech.
+
+The use of the book permits the whole range of expression, from merely
+reading the stories effectively, to "acting them out" with as little, or as
+much, stage-setting or costuming as a parent or teacher may desire. The
+stories are especially designed to be read as a part of the regular reading
+work. Many different plans for using the book will suggest themselves to
+the teacher. After a preliminary reading of a story during the study
+period, the teacher may assign different parts to various children, she
+herself reading the stage directions and the other brief descriptions
+inclosed in brackets. The italicized explanations in parentheses are not
+intended to be read aloud; they will aid in giving the child the cue as to
+the way the part should be rendered. After the story has been read in this
+way, if thought advisable it can be played informally and simply, with no
+attempt at costuming or theatric effects. It will often add to the interest
+of the play to have some of the children represent certain of the inanimate
+objects of the scene, as the forest, the town gate, a door, etc.
+Occasionally, for the "open day," or as a special exercise, a favorite play
+may be given by the children with the simplest kind of costuming and
+stage-setting. These can well be made in the school as a part of the manual
+training and sewing work. In giving the play, it will generally be better
+not to have pupils memorize the exact words of the book, but to depend upon
+the impromptu rendering of their parts. This method will contribute more
+largely to the training in English.
+
+The best results will usually be obtained by using these stories in the
+fourth grade. In some schools, however, the stories in the first part of
+the book may profitably be used in the third grade.
+
+The author has been led to believe from her own experience and from her
+conversation with many other teachers that there is a pronounced call for
+this kind of book. She therefore hopes that in the preparation of this book
+she may have been of service to the teachers and children who may be led to
+use it.
+
+A. S.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+THE TRAVELLERS AND THE HATCHET
+_Adapted from Aesop's Fable, The Travellers and the Hatchet._
+
+THE OLD MAN AND HIS GRANDSON
+_Adapted from Grimm's The Old Man and his Grandson._
+
+THE CROW AND THE FOX
+_Suggested by Aesop's Fable, The Crow and the Fox._
+
+THE MILLER, HIS SON, AND THEIR DONKEY
+_Suggested by Aesop's Fable, The Miller, his Son, and their Ass._
+
+EACH IN HIS OWN PLACE
+_Suggested by Grimm's The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage._
+
+WHAT THE GOODMAN DOES IS ALWAYS RIGHT
+_Adapted from Hans Andersen's What the Goodman does is always Right._
+
+THE CAT AND THE MOUSE
+_Suggested by Grimm's The Cat and the Mouse._
+
+THE GIRL WHO TROD ON THE LOAF
+_Suggested by Hans Andersen's The Girl who trod on the Loaf._
+
+THE UGLY DUCKLING
+_Suggested by Hans Andersen's The Ugly Duckling._
+
+THE RED SHOES
+_Suggested by Hans Andersen's The Red Shoes._
+
+THE STORY OF ALI COGIA
+_Adapted from The Story of Ali Cogia from The Arabian Nights'
+Entertainments._
+
+THE WILD SWANS
+_Suggested by Hans Andersen's The Wild Swans._
+
+THE TWO COUNTRYMEN
+_Suggested by an oriental legend; source unknown._
+
+THE MAN AND THE ALLIGATOR
+_From a folk-tale of Spanish Honduras._
+
+THE SONG IN THE HEART
+_Suggested by Grimm's The Three Spinners._
+
+THE EMPEROR'S TEST
+
+CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+THE MOON CHANGES INTO THE RED BEARD OF THE OLD SOLDIER.
+
+THE TRAVELLERS AND THE HATCHET
+
+"WE HAVE LOST OUR DONKEY"
+
+WHAT THE GOODMAN DOES IS ALWAYS RIGHT
+
+THE CAT AND THE MOUSE
+
+"'T IS SINKING! WHAT SHALL I DO?"
+
+THE UGLY DUCKLING
+
+"A THOUSAND PIECES AT LEAST"
+
+THE TWO COUNTRYMEN
+
+"HELP! HELP!"
+
+THE PRINCE SEES THE THREE GREAT-AUNTS
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE TRAVELLERS AND THE HATCHET
+
+
+TIME: _last week_.
+PLACE: _a high road_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FIRST TRAVELLER.
+SECOND TRAVELLER.
+THE CARPENTER.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[_The_ TWO TRAVELLERS _journey along the road. A hatchet lies in the dust
+at one side._][Footnote: The explanations in _brackets_ may be read by the
+teacher.]
+
+FIRST TRAVELLER (_seeing the hatchet, taking it up_).[Footnote: The words
+in _parentheses_ are not intended to be read aloud; they will give the
+child the cue as to how the part should be rendered.] Ah, see what I have
+found!
+
+SECOND TRAVELLER. Do not say _I_, but rather, what _we_ have found.
+
+FIRST TRAVELLER. Nonsense! Did I not see the hatchet first? And did I not
+take it up?
+
+SECOND TRAVELLER. Well, then, claim the hatchet, since that is plainly your
+wish.
+
+[_Enter the_ CARPENTER.]
+
+CARPENTER (_to First Traveller_). Aha, thief! Now I have caught you!
+
+[_He seizes the First Traveller._]
+
+FIRST TRAVELLER. No thief am I, sir!
+
+[Illustration: THE TRAVELLERS AND THE HATCHET]
+
+CARPENTER. But my own hatchet is in your hand, sir. Come along to the
+judge, sir!
+
+FIRST TRAVELLER (_to Second Traveller_). Alas, we are undone!
+
+SECOND TRAVELLER. Do not say _we_. You are undone, not I. You would not
+allow me to share the prize; you cannot expect me to share the danger. I
+bid you good day, sir.
+
+
+
+
+THE OLD MAN AND HIS GRANDSON
+
+
+TIME: _now_.
+PLACE: _a certain_ MAN'S _house_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE MAN.
+HIS WIFE.
+THEIR SON--LITTLE HANS.
+THE GRANDFATHER.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[_The_ MAN, _his_ WIFE, _little_ HANS, _and the_ GRANDFATHER _sit at the
+table eating the noon meal._]
+
+MAN. Be careful, father! You are spilling the soup on your coat.
+
+GRANDFATHER (_trying to steady his trembling hand_). Yes, yes, I'll be
+careful.
+
+[_Short pause._]
+
+WIFE (_sharply_). Grandfather! You have spilled the soup on my clean
+tablecloth!
+
+GRANDFATHER (_embarrassed_). Dear me! Dear me!
+
+[_Short pause._]
+
+MAN. Here, father, is your plate of meat.
+
+[_The old man takes the plate, but lets it fall._]
+
+WIFE (_angrily_). There now! Just see what
+you have done!
+
+GRANDFATHER. My hand shook so--I'm sorry--so sorry!
+
+WIFE. That won't mend the plate!
+
+MAN. Nor buy a new one!
+
+WIFE (_to her husband_). He should eat from wooden dishes.
+
+MAN (_nodding, pointing to a wooden dish_). Let him have that one for his
+meat.
+
+[_The Grandfather sighs sadly. The Wife gets a wooden dish and fills it
+with meat. Little Hans leaves the table and plays with his blocks on the
+floor._]
+
+WIFE (_handing the wooden dish to the Grandfather_). Here's one you can't
+break. Go now and sit in the corner behind the oven. You shall eat there
+hereafter. I cannot have my tablecloths soiled--that I cannot!
+
+[_The Grandfather takes his wooden plate and goes to the seat in the corner
+behind the oven. His eyes are filled with tears._]
+
+MAN. Come, little Hans, and finish your dinner.
+
+WIFE (_turning to Hans_). Bless me! What are you making, child?
+
+HANS. A wooden trough for you and father to eat out of when I grow big.
+
+[_The Man and his Wife look at each other; there is a pause._]
+
+MAN (_showing shame_). He will treat us as we have treated father!
+
+WIFE (_weeping_). 'T will serve us right!
+
+MAN (_kindly_). Father, throw that wooden dish out of the window. I am
+ashamed of what I have done; forgive me!
+
+WIFE (_kindly_). Father, come back to the table. I too am ashamed. Forgive
+me, dear father.
+
+
+
+
+THE CROW AND THE FOX
+
+
+TIME: _yesterday noon_.
+PLACE: _a high tree in a grove_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MADAM CROW.
+MISS CROW, _her Daughter_.
+MASTER FOX.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[MADAM CROW _sits in the tree. Enter_ MISS CROW. _She carries a large piece
+of cheese in her mouth._]
+
+MADAM. O joy! O joy! Come, dear daughter, come! We'll dine as if we were
+queen and princess!
+
+[_Miss Crow flies to Madam Crow. Enter_ MASTER FOX.]
+
+FOX. I bid you good morning, dear madam.
+
+MADAM. Good morning to you, dear sir.
+
+FOX (_sitting under tree_). With your permission, I'll speak with your
+daughter.
+
+MADAM. She'll be pleased to listen, that she will--you are so clever.
+
+FOX (_modestly_). Nay, madam, not so clever, only thoughtful.
+
+[_He sighs deeply twice._]
+
+MADAM. You have something on your mind.
+
+FOX (_sighing_). Yes, dear madam,--I am thinking of your daughter.
+
+MADAM. Then speak! Speak now, sir!--at once, sir!
+
+FOX. I speak. O sweet Miss Crow, how beautiful your wings are!
+
+MADAM (_pleased_). Do you hear that, daughter?
+
+[_Miss Crow nods, spreading her wings proudly._]
+
+FOX. I speak again. How bright your eye, dear maid! How graceful your neck!
+
+MADAM. Bend your neck, child! Now bend it well that he may better see your
+grace.
+
+[_Miss Crow bends neck twice._]
+
+FOX. But oh, that such a sweet bird should be dumb!--should be so utterly
+dumb!
+
+[_He weeps gently in his little pocket handkerchief._]
+
+MADAM (_indignantly_). Do you think, sir, she cannot _caw_ as well as the
+rest of us?
+
+FOX. I must think so, dear madam. Alas!
+
+[_Weeping again in his little pocket handkerchief._]
+
+MADAM. You shall think so, then, no longer! Caw, child, caw, as you have
+never cawed before!
+
+MISS CROW (_opening mouth; dropping cheese_). Caw! Caw!
+
+[_Fox quickly snaps up the cheese._]
+
+FOX (_going_). Thank you, Miss Crow. Remember, dear madam, that whatever
+I said of her beauty, I said nothing of her brains.
+
+[_He goes, waving the crows a farewell with his little pocket
+handkerchief._]
+
+
+
+
+THE MILLER, HIS SON, AND THEIR DONKEY
+
+
+TIME: _this morning_.
+PLACE: _a bridge, near a town and not far from a Fair_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE MILLER AND HIS SON.
+FIRST MAID.
+SECOND MAID.
+THIRD MAID.
+FIRST OLD MAN.
+SECOND OLD MAN.
+THIRD OLD MAN.
+FIRST GOODY.
+SECOND GOODY.
+THIRD GOODY.
+THE MAYOR.
+HIS FIRST CLERK.
+HIS SECOND CLERK.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[_The_ MILLER _and his_ SON _are driving their donkey across the bridge.
+They go to the Fair._]
+
+SON. Do you expect to get a good price for our donkey, father?
+
+MILLER (_nodding_). Aye, lad; the Fair is the place to take your wares.
+
+SON. Our donkey is not so young, though.
+
+MILLER. Neither is he so old, though.
+
+SON. But he is not so fat, though.
+
+MILLER. Neither is he so lean, though.
+
+SON. Truly he might be worse.
+
+MILLER. Better or worse, he must be sold.
+
+[THREE MAIDS _enter the bridge. They go to the Fair._]
+
+FIRST MAID (_pointing to the Miller and his Son_). Look there! Did you ever
+see such geese?
+
+SECOND MAID. As I live!--walking when they might ride!
+
+THIRD MAID (_to the Miller_). You'll get a laugh at the Fair, old man!
+
+[_The Maids pass on._]
+
+MILLER. This may be true. Get you upon the beast, lad.
+
+[_The boy mounts the donkey. Enter_ THREE OLD MEN. _They talk together
+earnestly. They go to the Fair._]
+
+FIRST OLD MAN (_pointing to the Miller and his Son_). Look you there! That
+proves what I was saying.
+
+SECOND OLD MAN (_nodding_). Aye! There's no respect shown old age in these
+days.
+
+THIRD OLD MAN (_nodding_). Aye! There's that young rogue riding while his
+old father has to walk!
+
+[_The Old Men pass on._]
+
+MILLER. Get down, lad. 'T would indeed look better should I ride.
+
+[_The lad dismounts; the Miller mounts. Enter_ THREE GOODIES; _they go to
+the Fair._]
+
+FIRST GOODY (_indignantly, pointing to the Miller and his Son_). Look,
+Goodies, look! Did you ever see anything so cruel?
+
+SECOND GOODY (_to the Miller_). You lazy old fellow! How can you ride while
+your own child walks in the dust?
+
+THIRD GOODY (_to the lad_). You poor, poor child!
+
+[_The Goodies pass on, shaking their heads and their canes indignantly._]
+
+MILLER. Come, lad, get up behind me.
+
+SON. Why, father, I'm not tired!
+
+MILLER. I know, but we must try to please them. Come.
+
+[_The lad mounts, sitting behind his father. Enter the_ MAYOR _and his_
+CLERKS. _They go to the Fair._]
+
+MAYOR (_turning to his Clerks; pointing to the Miller and his Son_). Look,
+will you!
+
+(_He turns to the Miller._)
+
+Pray, honest friend, is that beast your own?
+
+MILLER. Yes, my lord Mayor.
+
+MAYOR. One would not think so from the way you load him. Say you not so, my
+Clerks?
+
+FIRST CLERK (_bowing_). Just so, my lord Mayor.
+
+SECOND CLERK (_bowing_). Even so, my lord Mayor.
+
+THE MAYOR (_to the Miller and his Son_). Why, you two fellows are better
+able to carry the poor donkey than he you! Say you not so, my Clerks?
+
+FIRST CLERK (_bowing_). Just so, my lord Mayor.
+
+SECOND CLERK (_bowing_). Even so, my lord Mayor.
+
+MILLER. Come, my son, to please them, we'll carry the donkey.
+
+[_They dismount and try to lift the donkey. This frightens the poor beast.
+He tries to get away, and falls over the bridge into the deep river._]
+
+MILLER (_weeping_). I have tried to please every one! I have pleased no
+one!
+
+SON (_weeping_). And we have lost our donkey in the bargain!
+
+[Illustration: "WE HAVE LOST OUR DONKEY"]
+
+
+
+
+EACH IN HIS OWN PLACE
+
+
+TIME: _yesterday_.
+PLACE: _in a tiny house_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE STRAW _who brings in the wood_.
+THE COAL _who makes the fire_.
+THE SNOWFLAKE _who draws the water_.
+THE SUGAR LOAF _who lays the table_.
+THE SAUSAGE _who cooks the meals_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[_The tiny kitchen is seen. The_ SAUSAGE _is stirring the pot. The_ COAL
+_is tending the fire. The_ SUGAR LOAF _is laying the table. Enter_ STRAW
+_with a load of wood._]
+
+STRAW (_throwing down wood_). Think you'll need more wood for the dinner,
+Sausage?
+
+[_Sausage does not answer. She gets into the pot to flavor the
+vegetables._]
+
+COAL (_whispers to Straw_). Sausage is quite put out.
+
+STRAW. What's the trouble?
+
+COAL. No one knows.
+
+[_Enter_ SNOWFLAKE _with a pail of water._]
+
+SNOWFLAKE (_looking about_). Where's Sausage?
+
+STRAW. She is flavoring the vegetables.
+
+[_Sausage comes out of the pot._]
+
+SNOWFLAKE. Here is the water, Sausage.
+
+[_Sausage does not answer._]
+
+SNOWFLAKE (_speaking louder_). Will you come for the water, Sausage?
+
+SAUSAGE (_sharply_). No, madam, I will not!
+
+THE OTHERS (_with surprise_). Sausage!
+
+SAUSAGE. I've been slave here long enough!
+
+THE OTHERS (_as before_). Sister Sausage!
+
+SAUSAGE. I mean just what I say!
+
+SNOWFLAKE. Have I not done my share of the work?
+
+COAL. Have I not done my share?
+
+STRAW. Have I not done my share?
+
+SUGAR LOAF. And have I not done my share?
+
+SAUSAGE. Please to tell me what you do.
+
+STRAW. I bring in wood that Coal may make the fire.
+
+COAL. I make the fire that the pot may boil.
+
+SNOWFLAKE. I draw the water and bring it from the brook.
+
+SUGAR LOAF. I lay the table nicely.
+
+SAUSAGE. What do I? Eh? What do I? I must stand over the fire. I must not
+only stir the dinner, I must flavor it with myself. For each of you there
+is one duty. For me there are plainly three.
+
+STRAW. But, sister--
+
+SAUSAGE (_interrupting_). Don't "sister" me!
+
+SNOWFLAKE. Sausage, dear, would you break up our pretty home?
+
+SUGAR LOAF. And we all so happy here!
+
+SAUSAGE. There must be a change! Some one else can stand over the fire--can
+stir the pot--can flavor the vegetables.
+
+COAL. If I flavored them, they could not be eaten.
+
+SAUSAGE. That's what you're always saying, but I'm not so sure of it.
+
+SNOWFLAKE. If I stirred the pot, 't would be the end of me.
+
+SAUSAGE. Yes, you say that often enough, but I'm not so sure that it is
+true.
+
+STRAW. Should I stand over the fire, I'd be no more.
+
+SAUSAGE (_scornfully_). Excuses! Excuses!
+
+SUGAR LOAF. 'T is plain that I should not get into the pot.
+
+SAUSAGE. And why not, Miss? why not?
+
+SUGAR LOAF. 'T would be good-by for me, if I should!
+
+SAUSAGE. Excuses! Excuses! I say there must be a change! 'T is I who will
+bring the wood or draw the water.
+
+COAL. But, Sausage, you should stay within.
+
+SAUSAGE. Not I, sir! I'll out of the pot and out of the house, I will! I'll
+see a bit of the world, I will!
+
+SUGAR LOAF (_sighing_). Well, if she will, she will!
+
+SAUSAGE (_getting slips_). Come, now, and draw for it.
+
+[_She holds the slips for the others to draw._]
+
+STRAW (_drawing; reading from slip_). "Who gets this must make the fire."
+
+SUGAR LOAF (_drawing; reading from slip_). "Who gets this must draw the
+water."
+
+SNOWFLAKE (_drawing; reading from slip_). "Who gets this must stir the pot
+and flavor it with herself."
+
+COAL (_drawing; reading from slip_). "Who gets this must lay the table
+nicely."
+
+SAUSAGE (_reading from last slip_). "Who gets this must bring the wood."
+Well, that pleases me! Straw, see if the fire needs wood.
+
+(_Straw hesitates._)
+
+Come, come, do your duty!
+
+[_Straw crosses the hearth and looks into the fire. He is very careful, but
+the fire reaches him and he is gone in a puff!_]
+
+SNOWFLAKE. Poor Straw! Well, 't is my duty to stir the pot and to flavor it
+with myself.
+
+[_She crosses to the hearth, but just as she reaches it, she disappears
+without so much as a cry._]
+
+SUGAR LOAF. Poor Snowflake! Well, 't is my duty to draw the water.
+
+[_She forgets that the pail is full, falls into it, and is seen no more._]
+
+COAL. Poor Sugar Loaf! Well, 't is my duty to lay the table nicely.
+
+[_He forgets that he is still burning from having lately tended the fire.
+As he places the plates, the tablecloth catches fire and wraps itself
+around him._]
+
+COAL (_from inside the burning cloth_). This is the end of me!
+
+SAUSAGE (_weeping_). Dear me! Dear me! Who would have thought 't would turn
+out so badly! Well, 't is my duty to bring in wood.
+
+[_She opens the door and is face to face with a hungry dog who is sniffing
+about._]
+
+DOG. Ah, I thought you'd be coming out soon!
+
+SAUSAGE (_pleased_). Do you want to see me, sir?
+
+DOG. Why, yes, I've been waiting for you.
+
+SAUSAGE. How good to be out in the world! They always said my place was
+within.
+
+DOG. They did, eh? Well, just to please them, I'll put you there.
+
+[_He swallows her quickly, which ends both Sister Sausage and our story._]
+
+
+
+
+WHAT THE GOODMAN DOES IS ALWAYS RIGHT
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+TIME: _early one morning_.
+PLACE: _a very old farmhouse_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE GOODMAN.
+HIS WIFE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[_The_ GOODMAN _and his_ WIFE _are seated in their spare room because it is
+Fair-day._]
+
+WIFE. Yes, I think it would be as well to sell our horse. Or, as you say,
+we might exchange him for something more useful.
+
+GOODMAN. What shall we exchange him for?
+
+WIFE. You know best, Goodman. Whatever you do will be right.
+
+GOODMAN (_starting out_). It is Fair-day. I will ride into town and see
+what can be done.
+
+WIFE. Wait till I fasten your neckerchief! You shall have a pretty double
+bow this time, for you are going to the Fair.
+
+(_She ties the neckerchief. The Goodman starts out._)
+
+Wait till I have smoothed your hat!
+
+(_She smooths his old hat._)
+
+Now you are ready.
+
+GOODMAN (_going_). Be at the window, Wife.
+
+WIFE (_nodding_). Yes, surely, and I will wave at you as you ride by.
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+TIME: _two hours later_.
+PLACE: _near the toll-gate on the road to the Fair_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE GOODMAN.
+FIRST PEASANT.
+SECOND PEASANT.
+THIRD PEASANT.
+TOLL-KEEPER.
+HOSTLER.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[_The_ GOODMAN _is seen riding his horse. Enter, from a country lane, a_
+PEASANT, _driving a cow._]
+
+GOODMAN (_stopping; calling_). Halloo, there--you with the cow!
+
+PEASANT (_stopping_). Yes, Goodman.
+
+GOODMAN. Your cow gives good milk, I am certain.
+
+PEASANT (_nodding_). None richer in this country!
+
+GOODMAN. A horse is of more value than a cow, but I don't care for that. A
+cow will be more useful to me; so if you like, we'll exchange.
+
+PEASANT. To be sure I will. Here is your cow.
+
+GOODMAN. Here is your horse.
+
+[_The Peasant goes off riding the horse. A_ SECOND PEASANT, _driving a
+sheep, enters from a field near by._]
+
+GOODMAN (_sees him and calls_). Halloo, there--you with the sheep!
+
+SECOND PEASANT (_stopping_). Yes, Goodman.
+
+GOODMAN. I should like to have that sheep.
+
+SECOND PEASANT. She is a good, fat sheep.
+
+GOODMAN. There is plenty of grass for her by our fence at home, and in the
+winter we could keep her in the room with us.
+
+SECOND PEASANT. Do you wish to buy her?
+
+GOODMAN. Will you take my cow in exchange?
+
+SECOND PEASANT. I am willing. Here is your sheep.
+
+GOODMAN. Here is your cow.
+
+[_The second Peasant goes off driving the cow. Enter, from a farmyard near
+by, a_ THIRD PEASANT _carrying a goose._]
+
+GOODMAN. What a heavy creature you have there!
+
+THIRD PEASANT (_stopping_). She has plenty of feathers and plenty of fat.
+
+GOODMAN. She would look well paddling in the water at our place.
+
+THIRD PEASANT (_stopping_). She would look well in any place!
+
+GOODMAN. She would be very useful to my wife. She could make all sorts of
+profit out of her.
+
+THIRD PEASANT. Indeed she could, Goodman!
+
+GOODMAN. How often she has said,--"If now we only had a goose!"
+
+THIRD PEASANT. Well, this goose is for sale.
+
+GOODMAN. I will give my sheep for your goose and thanks into the bargain.
+
+THIRD PEASANT. I am willing; here is your goose.
+
+GOODMAN. Here is your sheep.
+
+[_The Peasant goes off with the sheep. The Goodman discovers a hen in the_
+TOLL-KEEPER'S _potato field._]
+
+GOODMAN (_calling_). That's the finest fowl I ever saw, Toll-keeper!
+
+TOLL-KEEPER. You're right about that, Goodman.
+
+GOODMAN. She's finer than our pastor's brood-hen! Upon my word she is! I
+should like to have that fowl!
+
+TOLL-KEEPER. She is for sale.
+
+GOODMAN. I think it would be a good exchange if I could get her for my
+goose.
+
+TOLL-KEEPER. Well, it wouldn't be a bad thing.
+
+GOODMAN. Then here is your goose.
+
+TOLL-KEEPER. Here is your fowl.
+
+[_Enter a_ HOSTLER _carrying a sack._]
+
+GOODMAN (_to Hostler_). What have you in that sack, friend?
+
+HOSTLER. Rotten apples--to feed the pigs with.
+
+GOODMAN. Why, that will be a terrible waste. I should like to take them
+home to my wife.
+
+HOSTLER (_astonished_). To your wife?
+
+GOODMAN (_nodding_). You see, last year our old apple tree bore only one
+apple, which we kept in the cupboard till it was quite rotten. It was
+always property, my wife said.
+
+HOSTLER. What will you give me for the sackful? Your wife would then have a
+great deal of property.
+
+GOODMAN. Well, I will give you my fowl in exchange.
+
+HOSTLER. Here is your sack of rotten apples.
+
+GOODMAN. Here is your fowl.
+
+[_The Hostler goes with the fowl._]
+
+TOLL-KEEPER. Toll, Goodman!
+
+GOODMAN. I will not go to the Fair to-day. I have done a great deal of
+business, and I am tired. I will go back home.
+
+
+SCENE III
+
+TIME: _two hours later_.
+PLACE: _the old farmhouse_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE GOODMAN.
+HIS WIFE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[_Enter the_ GOODMAN, _carrying the sack. The_ WIFE _waits for him in the
+spare room, because he has been away._]
+
+GOODMAN. Well, Wife, I've made the exchange.
+
+WIFE. Ah, well, you always understand what you're about.
+
+GOODMAN. I got a cow in exchange for the horse.
+
+WIFE. Good! Now we shall have plenty of milk and butter and cheese on the
+table. That was a fine exchange!
+
+GOODMAN. Yes, but I changed the cow for a sheep.
+
+WIFE. Ah, better still! We have just enough grass for a sheep.--Ewe's milk
+and cheese! Woolen jackets and stockings! The cow could not give all those.
+How you think of everything!
+
+GOODMAN. But I changed the sheep for a goose.
+
+WIFE. Then we shall have roast goose to eat this year. You dear Goodman,
+you are always thinking of something to please me!
+
+GOODMAN. But I gave away the goose for a fowl.
+
+WIFE. A fowl? Well, that was a good exchange. The fowl will lay eggs and
+hatch them. We shall soon have a poultry-yard. Ah, this is just what I was
+wishing for!
+
+GOODMAN. Yes, but I exchanged the fowl for a sack of rotten apples.
+
+WIFE. My dear, good husband! Now, I'll tell you something. Do you know,
+almost as soon as you left me this morning, I began thinking of what I
+could give you nice for supper. I thought of bacon with eggs and sweet
+herbs.
+
+GOODMAN. But we have no sweet herbs.
+
+WIFE (_nodding_). For that reason, I went over to our neighbor's and begged
+her to lend me a handful.
+
+GOODMAN. That was right; they have plenty.
+
+WIFE (_nodding_). So I thought, but she said, "Lend? I have nothing to
+lend, not even a rotten apple." Now I can lend _her_ ten or the whole
+sackful. It makes me laugh to think of it. I am so glad.
+
+GOODMAN. So you think what I did was right?
+
+WIFE. What the Goodman does is always right.
+
+
+
+
+THE CAT AND THE MOUSE
+
+
+TIME: _perhaps this minute_.
+PLACE: _perhaps your own garret_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MOTHER MOUSE.
+HER DAUGHTER, MISS MOUSE.
+THE CAT.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[MOTHER MOUSE _and_ MISS MOUSE _are in their spare room because Mother
+Mouse is getting ready for a journey. Miss Mouse helps her. The_ CAT _is
+outside, peeping now and then through the window, but so slyly that the
+mice do not see her._]
+
+MOTHER MOUSE (_going_). Now mind you keep one eye on our grease-pot, child.
+
+MISS MOUSE. That I will, dear mother!
+
+MOTHER MOUSE. Let no one in,--no one! no one!
+
+MISS MOUSE. No one, dear mother!
+
+MOTHER MOUSE. I'll not be long away. Good-by, my child.
+
+(_Starting out; stopping._)
+
+Mind you show no one the grease-pot, child,--no one! no one!
+
+Miss MOUSE. No one, dear mother!
+
+[_Mother Mouse goes out of the front door._]
+
+CAT (_calling through window_). Oh, Miss Mouse! Oh, Miss Mouse!
+
+MISS MOUSE (_showing alarm_). Who calls?
+
+CAT (_very sweetly_). Only I! Will you please let me in?
+
+MISS MOUSE (_shaking head_). Mother said--
+
+CAT (_interrupting quickly_). 'T is a matter of business!
+
+MISS MOUSE (_shaking head_). But mother said--
+
+CAT (_interrupting_). 'T is most important!
+
+MISS MOUSE (_as before_). But mother said--
+
+CAT (_interrupting_). I wish your advice--you are so clever!
+
+MISS MOUSE (_showing she is pleased; starting to window_). Oh, do you truly
+think so?
+
+CAT (_nodding_). Every one thinks so!
+
+MISS MOUSE (_showing she is more pleased; going to the window_). Oh, do
+they, truly?
+
+CAT. Oh, truly they do!
+
+MISS MOUSE (_showing she is most pleased; opening window_). What else nice
+say they?
+
+CAT (_jumping in_). That I'll tell you by and by.
+
+(_Sniffing about._)
+
+There must be a grease-pot about! Am I not right?
+
+MISS MOUSE. Mother said--
+
+[Illustration: THE CAT AND THE MOUSE]
+
+CAT (_interrupting_). Only tell me if I be right! 'T will do no harm!
+
+MISS MOUSE (_hesitating_). Well--then--yes. But 't is put away for our
+winter stores.
+
+CAT (_nodding_). Just so! Now, I can't decide where to keep my grease-pot
+when I have bought one. Won't you give me your advice? You are so wise.
+
+MISS MOUSE. Do you truly think I'm wise?
+
+CAT (_nodding_). Aye, and if you will tell me where to keep my grease-pot
+when I have bought it, I'll tell you something more.
+
+MISS MOUSE (_greatly pleased_). About me?
+
+CAT (_nodding_). Yes,--what every one says about your being so beautiful.
+But first I must know where to keep my grease-pot.
+
+MISS MOUSE. Then listen--you must keep it, when you have bought it, in the
+northwest corner.
+
+[_The Cat runs quickly to the northwest corner._]
+
+MISS MOUSE (_in alarm_). Come away! Come away!
+
+CAT. Why, here is your grease-pot!
+
+MISS MOUSE (_as before_). Come away, I say!
+
+CAT (_looking into the pot_). Truly, the fat is kept hard and cool here.
+
+MISS MOUSE. I pray you come away! Mother does not so much as let me look
+into it. 'T is not yet time, she says.
+
+CAT (_looking again into pot_). Exactly!
+
+(_She leaves the pot and joins Miss Mouse._)
+
+'T is just what I'll tell my kittens about my grease-pot when I have bought
+it.
+
+MISS MOUSE. Ah, then you have kittens at home?
+
+CAT (_nodding_). Such beautiful kittens! The eldest is white, with brown
+marks.
+
+MISS MOUSE. He must be charming!
+
+CAT. I've a mind to tell you his name. First, though, run out to see if
+your dear mother is not coming.
+
+[_Miss Mouse nods and runs out. The Cat quickly creeps to the grease-pot
+and licks the top off. She crosses to the window just as_ MISS MOUSE
+_returns._]
+
+MISS MOUSE. Mother is nowhere to be seen. Now what did you name your eldest
+child?
+
+CAT. Top-off.
+
+MISS MOUSE. Top-off? Why, that is a curious name! Is it common in your
+family?
+
+CAT. Oh, no! My second child has a white ring around his neck.
+
+MISS MOUSE. Remarkable!
+
+CAT. Very!
+
+MISS MOUSE. What did you name him?
+
+CAT. I gave him an unusual name. I will tell you what it is. First, though,
+run out to see if your dear mother is coming.
+
+[_Miss Mouse nods and runs out. The Cat creeps to the grease-pot and eats
+half the fat; then crosses to window._ MISS MOUSE _returns._]
+
+MISS MOUSE. Mother is nowhere to be seen. Now what did you name your second
+child?
+
+CAT. Half-out.
+
+Miss MOUSE. Half-out? I never heard such a name! 'T is not in the calendar,
+I'm sure.
+
+CAT. What does that matter, if it pleases me? Now the last child is really
+a wonder. He is quite black and has little white claws, but not a single
+white hair on his body.
+
+MISS MOUSE. What have you named him?
+
+CAT. I'm afraid that will please you no better than the others, but still I
+will tell you. First, though, run to see if your dear mother is not coming.
+
+[_Miss Mouse nods and runs out. The Cat creeps to the pot and eats all the
+fat. She then crosses to the window._]
+
+CAT. What one begins one must needs finish.
+
+[MISS MOUSE _returns._]
+
+MISS MOUSE. Mother is nowhere to be seen. Now tell me what you named your
+youngest child.
+
+CAT. All-out.
+
+MISS MOUSE. All-out? Why, that is more curious than the others. I have
+never seen it in print.
+
+CAT (_glaring at Miss Mouse_). You never will!
+
+MISS MOUSE (_frightened_). What do you mean?
+
+CAT (_preparing to spring_). I mean to put you down with the fat!
+
+MISS MOUSE. Help! help!
+
+[_Enter_ MOTHER MOUSE _just as the Cat clutches her daughter and jumps out
+of the window with her. Mother Mouse crosses and looks into the empty
+grease-pot._]
+
+MOTHER MOUSE (_sighing sadly_). 'T was ever thus! Show your grease-pot, and
+you'll go with it!
+
+
+
+
+THE GIRL WHO TROD ON THE LOAF
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+TIME: _the day before Christmas_.
+
+PLACE: _Ingé's Mother's home_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+INGÉ.
+HER MOTHER.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[_The_ MOTHER _stands at the kitchen window, watching for Ingé._]
+
+MOTHER. Ah, here she comes at last!
+
+(_Short pause. Enter_ INGÉ.)
+
+I have waited long for you, my child. Where have you been?
+
+(_Ingé is silent._)
+
+Have you been to the Elf Hill? Tell me.
+
+INGÉ (_hesitating_). Just for a little while, mother.
+
+MOTHER. Ingé! Ingé! What have I ever told you?
+
+INGÉ. I thought I'd go just this once.
+
+MOTHER (_showing sorrow_). Ah, Ingé, that's what you always say.
+
+INGÉ. There's no harm talking with the elves.
+
+MOTHER. And I, your mother, say there is harm.
+
+INGÉ. But, mother,--they talk so prettily.
+
+MOTHER (_nodding_). Aye! and that's the harm. They've put such silly ideas
+into your head.
+
+INGÉ. They say 't is friendship makes them talk as they do.
+
+MOTHER (_indignantly_). Friendship! 'T is friendship, is it, to tell you
+not to fetch the wood?
+
+INGÉ. They say 't will spoil my hands.
+
+MOTHER. Out upon them and their pretty talk! You shall go there no more. Do
+you hear me, Ingé?
+
+INGÉ (_pouting_). I hear.
+
+MOTHER. Now take this loaf of bread to your sick aunt. Say to her 't is her
+Christmas gift.
+
+INGÉ. But, mother, I must cross the muddy road to go there.
+
+MOTHER. Well, you are neither sugar nor salt.
+
+INGÉ. I'll spoil my shoes!
+
+MOTHER. You think of your shoes, and your aunt lies ill?
+
+INGÉ. Wait till spring and the mud will be gone.
+
+MOTHER. Wait till spring and your aunt will be gone! Here is the loaf--now
+off with you!
+
+[_Ingé takes the loaf and goes, but not willingly._]
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+TIME: _a few minutes later_.
+PLACE: _the muddy road_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+INGÉ.
+THE WICKED ELF.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[INGÉ _is seen stopping at the muddy road._]
+
+INGÉ. 'T is too wide to leap!
+
+[_The_ WICKED ELF _suddenly appears on the opposite side of the road._]
+
+WICKED ELF. Good day to you, pretty maid!
+
+INGÉ. Good day to you, dear Elf!
+
+WICKED ELF. Wilt cross this muddy road?
+
+INGÉ. I must.
+
+WICKED ELF. Then I'll tell you how to do it and not so much as wet your
+shoe.
+
+INGÉ. Oh, thank you, dear Elf!
+
+WICKED ELF. Throw down your loaf and--
+
+INGÉ. (_showing surprise; interrupting_). Throw down the loaf?
+
+WICKED ELF. Why, yes,--to use it for a stepping-stone.
+
+INGÉ. But 't will spoil the bread!
+
+WICKED ELF. But 't will save your shoes!
+
+INGÉ. Well, that's true--
+
+WICKED ELF. A pretty maid ne'er wears a muddy shoe.
+
+INGÉ. That's true, too--
+
+WICKED ELF. Come, then, throw down the loaf!
+
+INGÉ. Well, I'll do it!
+
+(_She throws the loaf and steps upon it._)
+
+'T is sinking! What shall I do?
+
+WICKED ELF. Why, then, jump off!
+
+INGÉ (_trying to jump_). I can't! Don't you see I can't?
+
+WICKED ELF. Ha, ha! You're fastened to it!
+
+INGÉ. 'T is drawing me down! Help me! Help me!
+
+WICKED ELF. There's no help for you.
+
+INGÉ. No help? What do you mean?
+
+WICKED ELF. You must go down with the loaf.
+
+INGÉ. I pray you help me! See how I'm sinking! The mud will soon be over my
+shoes!
+
+WICKED ELF. The mud will soon be over your head!
+
+INGÉ (_weeping_). Save me! Save me!
+
+WICKED ELF. Will you be saved by magic?
+
+INGÉ. Yes, yes!
+
+WICKED ELF. Listen, then--I'll change you into a bird. Are you willing?
+
+INGÉ. Yes, yes! Quick now, before I sink deeper!
+
+WICKED ELF (_nodding head three times_). A sparrow shall you be! Change,
+now change!
+
+[_Ingé changes into a_ SPARROW, _with a tuft of white feathers, just the
+shape of a loaf of bread, upon its head. The Sparrow flies from the mud._]
+
+SPARROW. Now change me back into Ingé.
+
+WICKED ELF. You shall remain as you are.
+
+SPARROW (_showing surprise_). Remain as I am?
+
+WICKED ELF (_nodding_). Until you can change yourself back.
+
+SPARROW. And when will that be?
+
+WICKED ELF. When the loaf has gone from your head.
+
+SPARROW. The loaf from my head? What do you mean?
+
+WICKED ELF (_going_). Fly away to the brook and see! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+(_She runs away, calling back._)
+
+Fly away to the brook and see! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+[Illustration: "'T IS SINKING! WHAT SHALL I DO?"]
+
+
+SCENE III
+
+TIME: _the day following Christmas Day_.
+PLACE: _an old stone wall by a brook_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE SPARROW.
+THE PEASANT.
+GRETEL.
+FIRST STONE.
+SECOND STONE.
+THIRD STONE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[_The_ SPARROW _sits in a hole in the wall._]
+
+FIRST STONE. Come, come, be not so sad, little Sparrow!
+
+SECOND STONE. Come, lift up your head and sing!
+
+THIRD STONE. Come, sing us your Christmas song!
+
+SPARROW. Sing! I have nothing to sing about.
+
+FIRST STONE. Sing of your friends.
+
+SECOND STONE. Sing of their love for you.
+
+THIRD STONE. Sing of their kindness to you.
+
+SPARROW. Talk not to me of friends, or love, or kindness! There's none in
+the world.
+
+[_Enter a_ PEASANT _with his little_ GRETEL. _The Peasant carries two ears
+of corn._]
+
+PEASANT. Now, my Gretel, we'll place the corn here on the old wall.
+
+GRETEL. Mother thought you brought too much.
+
+PEASANT. Well, 't is true there are only three ears left at home, but the
+birds must have their Christmas dinner.
+
+[_He places the corn on the wall._]
+
+GRETEL. There's none about to see it!
+
+PEASANT. Oh, some bird will soon find it!
+
+GRETEL. But will it call the others?
+
+PEASANT. We'll wait to see. Come, we'll sit there on the log.
+
+[_They go to a log near by._]
+
+FIRST STONE. There, little Sparrow, say you now there is no kindness?
+
+SECOND STONE. Or love?
+
+THIRD STONE. Or friendship?
+
+SPARROW. No, no! I can never say that again. The peasant's heart is full
+of kindness and love and friendship. I will sing of it! 'T will be my
+Christmas song!
+
+[_The Sparrow leaves the hole and flies to the corn._]
+
+GRETEL. Look, father, there is a sparrow! And hear it sing! Just hear it!
+
+PEASANT. It is calling the other birds.
+
+GRETEL. Why, it doesn't even touch the corn!
+
+PEASANT. It's waiting to share it with the others. Is it not a pretty
+sight? Come, we must go to tell mother.
+
+
+SCENE IV
+
+TIME: _one month later_.
+PLACE: _same as_ SCENE III.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+OUR SPARROW.
+THE VERY OLD SPARROW.
+THE OLD SPARROW.
+THE YOUNG SPARROW.
+THE VERY YOUNG SPARROW.
+THE WICKED ELF.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[_All the_ SPARROWS _except Our Sparrow sit on the stone wall._]
+
+YOUNG SPARROW. I say the stranger should be driven away!
+
+VERY YOUNG SPARROW. So say I!
+
+OLD SPARROW. The stranger is a sparrow, but still not a sparrow.
+
+VERY OLD SPARROW. And yet she is only different by a tuft of white
+feathers.
+
+YOUNG SPARROW. And such a tuft! For all the world like a loaf of bread!
+
+VERY YOUNG SPARROW. I'd think it shame to carry such on _my_ head!
+
+OLD SPARROW. I fear 't will shame us all to have this stranger about.
+
+VERY OLD SPARROW. And yet we are not ashamed to eat the crumbs this
+stranger brings.
+
+OLD SPARROW. Well, 't is true she has been most kind.
+
+VERY OLD SPARROW. 'T is a hard winter! Shall we drive away the one who
+finds food where we find none?
+
+YOUNG SPARROW. And calls us every time!
+
+VERY YOUNG SPARROW. And never eats till we have come!
+
+VERY OLD SPARROW. I've kept in mind the crumbs she has found us. Now, how
+many do you think?
+
+OLD SPARROW. I cannot say, for I did not think to notice.
+
+VERY OLD SPARROW. There only lacks two or three now of being a loaf.
+
+OTHER SPARROWS (_greatly surprised_). A loaf?
+
+VERY OLD SPARROW (_nodding_). A loaf.
+
+VERY YOUNG SPARROW. Here comes the stranger now!
+
+OLD SPARROW. She brings a crust!
+
+[OUR SPARROW _flies up with a crust in its bill._]
+
+OUR SPARROW. Come, friends, 't is for all of you!
+
+VERY OLD SPARROW. Do you know, stranger bird, that, with these crumbs, you
+have brought us in all one loaf?
+
+[_Our Sparrow drops the crust for the others. At once it changes into_
+INGÉ. _The birds fly away frightened._]
+
+INGÉ. Ah! Now I understand. The loaf had to be made up, crumb by crumb.
+
+[_The_ WICKED ELF _suddenly appears._]
+
+WICKED ELF. Come, pretty maid, come to the Elf Hill!
+
+INGÉ. No, no! I will not!
+
+WICKED ELF. But we have such pretty things to tell you!
+
+INGÉ. I care not for your pretty things! I go to fetch wood for my mother.
+I go to walk in the mud if need be. Away with you! I'll have none of you!
+Away, away, I say!
+
+
+
+
+THE UGLY DUCKLING
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+TIME: _one summer morning_.
+PLACE: _the farmyard of the Moor Farm_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MADAM DUCK.
+FIRST DUCKLING.
+SECOND DUCKLING.
+THE UGLY DUCKLING.
+THIRD DUCKLING.
+TURKEY.
+GRAY GANDER.
+WHITE GOOSE.
+PLYMOUTH ROCK HEN.
+RED ROOSTER.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[MADAM DUCK _enters the farmyard with her new brood of_ DUCKLINGS. _The
+other fowls approach._]
+
+TURKEY (_showing displeasure_). A new brood of ducks! Look you all--a new
+brood of ducks!
+
+GRAY GANDER (_also displeased_). As if there were not enough of us here
+already!
+
+WHITE GOOSE (_likewise displeased_). True enough,--I can scarce find a
+corner for my afternoon nap!
+
+RED ROOSTER. It seems to me, Madam Duck, that you should not have brought
+us a new brood this summer.
+
+MADAM DUCK. What is that you are saying?
+
+TURKEY. It seems to all of us, madam, that there is no room here for a new
+brood.
+
+PLYMOUTH ROCK HEN. Friends, be just. Madam Duck has a perfect right to
+bring her ducklings here. Besides, the children are quite pretty.
+
+MADAM DUCK. They are beautiful! You shall all see that for yourselves.
+Come, children, into a row with you!
+
+[_The Ducklings form themselves into a row. The Ugly Duckling is last._]
+
+MADAM DUCK. Legs wide apart! Toes out! Now speak prettily to my old
+friends.
+
+DUCKLINGS (_all but the last_). Quack! Quack!
+
+MADAM DUCK. There now--are they not charming?
+
+GRAY GANDER (_looking down row_). Why, yes, they all seem graceful
+enough--here--wait a moment! Does that last one there belong to you?
+
+[_All the fowls look at the last Duckling._]
+
+MADAM DUCK. Oh yes! He is larger than the others and perhaps not so pretty,
+but--
+
+TURKEY (_interrupting_). Make no excuses for him, madam. We can see for
+ourselves what he is.
+
+GRAY GANDER. In all my life I never saw anything so ugly!
+
+WHITE GOOSE. He is neither duck nor goose!
+
+PLYMOUTH ROCK HEN. Nor duck nor chick!
+
+TURKEY. I'd be 'shamed to have a turkey look like that!
+
+RED ROOSTER. I'd allow no hen of mine to claim him!
+
+MADAM DUCK. Come now, come now, friends. The poor child is not pretty, but
+he is good, and he can swim even better than the others.
+
+TURKEY. That he can swim well is nothing to me!
+
+RED ROOSTER. Nor to me! He should be driven out, I say!
+
+MADAM DUCK. Let him alone; he is not doing any harm.
+
+FIRST DUCKLING. But, mother, no one will look at us if he stays with us!
+
+MADAM Duck (_thoughtfully._) Now perhaps it may turn out that way.
+
+SECOND DUCKLING. I'll not walk about with him!
+
+THIRD DUCKLING. Nor I!
+
+MADAM DUCK. Well, well! He must be uglier than I thought!
+
+FIRST DUCKLING. Besides, dear mother, he will not quack.
+
+MADAM DUCK. What is this? Did he not quack but just a moment ago?
+
+SECOND DUCKLING. He turned his toes out, but quack he would not.
+
+THIRD DUCKLING. 'T is true, dear mother.
+
+MADAM DUCK (_to the Ugly Duckling_). Quack! Quack now--at once!
+
+[_The Ugly Duckling tries to quack, but chokes. The fowls laugh and jeer at
+him._]
+
+GRAY GANDER. Ha, ha! There's a "quack" for you!
+
+WHITE GOOSE. Ha, ha!
+
+PLYMOUTH ROCK HEN. Ha, ha!
+
+RED ROOSTER. Ha, ha!
+
+TURKEY. Ha, ha!
+
+MADAM DUCK (_angrily_). Once more I tell you--quack!
+
+[_The Ugly Duckling tries again; chokes._]
+
+ALL FOWLS. Ha, ha, ha, ha!
+
+UGLY DUCKLING (_weeping_). I'm sorry--I'd quack if I could.
+
+MADAME DUCK. Ah, if you were only far away!
+
+[Illustration: THE UGLY DUCKLING]
+
+FIRST DUCKLING. I wish the cat would eat you!
+
+SECOND DUCKLING. I wish the swans would kill you!
+
+WHITE GOOSE. And they will when they see him--you may be sure of that.
+
+GRAY GANDER (_nodding_). Aye, they'll not suffer such an ugly creature to
+swim in the brook!
+
+RED ROOSTER. We must drive him off--that's clear!
+
+(_Running at the Ugly Duckling._)
+
+Come now, out with you!
+
+PLYMOUTH ROCK HEN (_pecking Duckling_). Out with you!
+
+UGLY DUCKLING. Mother, save me!
+
+MADAM DUCK. Call not on me!
+
+GRAY GANDER (_striking Duckling with his wings_). Out with you!
+
+UGLY DUCKLING (_running to Ducklings_). Brothers, sisters, save me!
+
+FIRST DUCKLING. Come not to us!
+
+SECOND DUCKLING. We'll not save you!
+
+THIRD DUCKLING. Away with you!
+
+TURKEY. At him, hens to peck him! At him, geese to beat him! At him, all of
+you!
+
+[_They all rush upon the Ugly Duckling, who escapes them, running out of
+the farmyard into the moor._]
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+TIME: _the next winter_.
+PLACE: _the Peasant's cottage_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE PEASANT.
+HIS WIFE.
+ELIZABETH.
+THE CAT.
+THE HEN.
+THE UGLY DUCKLING.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[_The_ PEASANT _enters the cottage, carrying the_ UGLY DUCKLING.]
+
+PEASANT. See what I'm bringing you!
+
+WIFE. Why, 't is a duckling--half frozen, too!
+
+PEASANT. I found him frozen in the pond. I had to break the ice to get him
+out.
+
+ELIZABETH. Give him to me, father. I will put him behind the stove.
+
+PEASANT (_giving Duckling to Elizabeth_). That's a good child.
+
+WIFE. Handle him tenderly, daughter.
+
+ELIZABETH (_taking off her shawl_). He shall lie upon my shawl. You poor,
+dear, ugly little duckling!
+
+[_She places the Duckling upon the shawl behind the stove, near the_ CAT
+_and_ HEN.]
+
+PEASANT. 'T is the duckling I told you of!
+
+WIFE. The one you saw on the pond yesterday?
+
+PEASANT. Aye, and the day before, and all winter long, for that matter.
+Yesterday I saw him try to join the wild ducks on the river, but they drove
+him back to the pond.
+
+ELIZABETH. Poor duckling! The pond was freezing then!
+
+PEASANT (_nodding_). Then he tried to find a place among the rushes on the
+moor, but the birds drove him from there.
+
+ELIZABETH. Why did they all treat him so, father?
+
+PEASANT. I do not know, unless it is because he is so ugly.
+
+WIFE. Come now to dinner, father--Elizabeth. By the time we have finished,
+our duckling will be warmed and awake.
+
+[_They go into the kitchen. The Duckling stirs and looks about._]
+
+HEN. Can you lay eggs?
+
+DUCKLING (_politely_). No, madam.
+
+CAT. Can you set up your back?
+
+DUCKLING. No, dear sir.
+
+CAT. Can you purr?
+
+DUCKLING (_frightened_). No.
+
+HEN. Then you can't stay here.
+
+DUCKLING. Do not drive me out, I pray you!
+
+CAT. Will you learn to purr?
+
+HEN. And to lay eggs?
+
+DUCKLING (_sadly_). Alas, I can do nothing but swim.
+
+CAT. Swim! Well, I must say that is very queer.
+
+DUCKLING. Oh, no, dear sir! It is most pleasant when the waters close over
+your head and you plunge to the bottom.
+
+CAT. Plunge to the bottom, indeed! I'd never think of doing such a silly
+thing!
+
+HEN. Nor I!
+
+CAT. 'T is clear you can't remain here.
+
+DUCKLING. Where am I to go?
+
+CAT. Go lie in the rushes. The birds flew south this morning.
+
+DUCKLING. I shall starve there.
+
+CAT. It would really be a good thing for you if I should eat you.
+
+DUCKLING. I'd thank you to do so, dear sir.
+
+HEN. Eat him, since he is so willing. He is too ugly to live.
+
+CAT (_turning away_). I can't, he is too ugly to eat.
+
+(_To the Duckling._)
+
+Come, out with you!
+
+HEN (_running at him_). Yes, yes! Out with you! Out with you!
+
+[_They push the Duckling out of the door into the snow._]
+
+DUCKLING. Alas! What shall I do? Where shall I go? Why was I made so ugly
+that every one despises me!
+
+
+SCENE III
+
+TIME: _the next spring_.
+PLACE: _the brook on the Moor Farm_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE UGLY DUCKLING.
+THE MOLE.
+THE FATHER.
+THE MOTHER.
+THE CHILDREN.
+THE SWANS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[_The_ UGLY DUCKLING _sits on the hill of a_ MOLE _near the brook which
+winds through the Moor Farm._]
+
+MOLE (_from the mole hill_). Will you please move? I wish to come out.
+
+DUCKLING (_rising quickly_). Why, 't is a mole hill I've been sitting on!
+
+(_The Mole comes out from the hill._)
+
+I'm sorry, friend Mole, I didn't notice your hill.
+
+MOLE. Who are you?
+
+DUCKLING. Madam Duck of this farm is my mother.
+
+MOLE. That can't be! You are no duck.
+
+DUCKLING. Yes, but I am. Only, I am uglier than any duck in the world.
+
+MOLE. You have not the voice of a duck. You do not speak with the quack of
+which they are so proud. And then, if you are truly a duck, why are you not
+with your family?
+
+DUCKLING. They drove me out last summer because I was ugly and could not
+quack.
+
+MOLE. Then why have you come back?
+
+DUCKLING. To let the swans kill me.
+
+MOLE. What! To let them kill you?
+
+DUCKLING. I would rather be killed by those beautiful birds than pecked by
+the hens, beaten by the geese, or starved with hunger in the winter.
+
+MOLE. Perhaps you are not so ugly now as you were then.
+
+DUCKLING. I have not looked at myself in the water since spring came and
+took the ice away. But I know well enough how dark and badly formed I am.
+The swans will kill me if I dare to approach them.
+
+[_A noise is heard in the distance._]
+
+MOLE. They are coming! Go, while there is yet time.
+
+DUCKLING. There is no place to go to. All winter long I was driven from
+moor to moor. I could not make a friend--I no longer wish to live.
+
+[_The_ SWANS _are seen swimming down the brook._]
+
+MOLE. They are here! Do not go to them, I pray you!
+
+DUCKLING (_shaking head_). Farewell!
+
+[_He flies to the water and swims toward the Swans. They see him and rush
+to meet him with outstretched wings._]
+
+DUCKLING. Kill me! Kill me!
+
+FIRST SWAN. Kill you! Why, we have come to welcome you, beautiful stranger.
+
+SECOND SWAN. We saw you from afar, and came to meet you.
+
+THIRD SWAN. We are so happy to have you with us!
+
+[_Enter several_ CHILDREN.]
+
+FIRST CHILD. See, there is a new swan!
+
+SECOND CHILD (_calling_). Father, mother, come! There is another swan!
+
+[_Enter the_ FATHER _and_ MOTHER.]
+
+FATHER. What were you calling?
+
+THIRD CHILD. A new swan has come! Look!
+
+MOTHER. I see him! He is beautiful!
+
+FATHER. He is very young, but he is the most beautiful of all!
+
+FOURTH CHILD. See how the others stroke him with their beaks!
+
+MOTHER. They are showing him how glad they are to have him with them. See
+how they swim around him and how gently they touch him!
+
+FATHER. I have never seen anything so pretty. How happy the new swan is!
+See how he rustles his feathers! See how proudly he curves his slender
+neck!
+
+FIRST CHILD. And see how he looks at himself in the water!
+
+SECOND CHILD. Let's get bread and cake for him!
+
+THIRD CHILD. Yes, yes!
+
+FOURTH CHILD. Yes, yes!
+
+[_The Children run off, followed by the Father and Mother._]
+
+MOLE (_going into his hill_). 'T was not so bad after all--not to have the
+family quack!
+
+
+
+
+THE RED SHOES
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+TIME: _one morning_.
+
+PLACE: _the Shoemaker's shop_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GRANDMOTHER.
+KAREN.
+SHOEMAKER.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[_The_ GRANDMOTHER _and_ KAREN _enter the shop of the_ SHOEMAKER.]
+
+GRANDMOTHER. This is my little granddaughter Karen, Shoemaker. Please to
+take her measure for a pair of shoes.
+
+SHOEMAKER. What kind do you wish, madam?
+
+GRANDMOTHER. Morocco, the finest you have, Karen is to wear these shoes to
+church.
+
+SHOEMAKER. What color do you wish, madam?
+
+GRANDMOTHER. Black.
+
+KAREN (_whispering to Shoemaker_). Red.
+
+SHOEMAKER (_puzzled_). Eh?
+
+GRANDMOTHER (_louder_). Black.
+
+KAREN (_whispering to Shoemaker_). Red.
+
+SHOEMAKER. Of course, madam, if you say black, black they shall be.
+
+KAREN. The little princess wore red shoes, Grandmother.
+
+SHOEMAKER (_nodding_). That is true; I saw them myself.
+
+GRANDMOTHER. Red shoes?
+
+KAREN (_nodding_). Of beautiful red morocco. The queen let the princess
+stand at a window so every one could see her new shoes.
+
+SHOEMAKER. It is all true, madam.
+
+GRANDMOTHER. No matter; Karen is to have black shoes.
+
+(_Taking up a pair of shoes._)
+
+Here, this pair suits me exactly.
+
+SHOEMAKER (_surprised_). But, madam, those shoes are--
+
+KAREN (_interrupting; whispering_). Hush, Shoemaker! Do not tell her. She
+can't see very well.
+
+GRANDMOTHER (_giving shoes to Karen_). Are they of polished leather? They
+shine as if they were.
+
+KAREN. Yes; they do shine.
+
+(_Trying on the shoes._)
+
+And they just fit me, Grandmother.
+
+GRANDMOTHER. I will take them, Shoemaker.
+
+SHOEMAKER. But, madam--
+
+KAREN (_interrupting; whispering_). Hush, Shoemaker! She will never know
+the difference.
+
+GRANDMOTHER. Here is the money, Shoemaker. Come, Karen.
+
+SHOEMAKER. But, madam--
+
+KAREN (_interrupting_). I am ready, Grandmother.
+
+GRANDMOTHER. Good day, Shoemaker.
+
+SHOEMAKER. But, madam--
+
+KAREN (_interrupting_). Good day, Shoemaker.
+
+[_The Grandmother and Karen go._]
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+TIME: _the next Sunday, after church_.
+PLACE: _the Grandmother's home_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE GRANDMOTHER.
+KAREN.
+THE NEIGHBORS { _First_.
+              { _Second_.
+              { _Third_.
+              { _Fourth_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[_The_ NEIGHBORS _sit with the_ GRANDMOTHER _in the spare room because it
+is Sunday._]
+
+FIRST NEIGHBOR. I did not see you at church to-day, Grandmother.
+
+GRANDMOTHER. I could not go, but I sent little Karen.
+
+SECOND NEIGHBOR (_mysteriously_). Oh, yes; we saw her! Everybody saw her!
+
+GRANDMOTHER (_proudly_). People do look at her; she is so pretty.
+
+THIRD NEIGHBOR. People didn't look at her face to-day.
+
+GRANDMOTHER (_alarmed_). What do you mean?
+
+THIRD NEIGHBOR. Ask Karen when she returns. We're not the ones to carry
+tales.
+
+GRANDMOTHER (_looking out window_). Here she comes now!
+
+FOURTH NEIGHBOR. Just ask her about the sermon and the hymns!
+
+GRANDMOTHER (_proudly_). She will tell me almost every word the pastor
+said. She is a smart girl--that Karen.
+
+[_Enter_ KAREN.]
+
+KAREN. Well, Grandmother, here I am! Good morning, Neighbors.
+
+NEIGHBORS (_coldly_). Good morning, Karen.
+
+GRANDMOTHER. Now tell me about the sermon, Karen. What was the text?
+
+KAREN (_with confusion; stammering_). The text? It was--it was--Oh, I will
+tell you all about it by and by, Grandmother. Our Neighbors want to talk
+with you now.
+
+FIRST NEIGHBOR. Oh, no! We would rather hear you tell your Grandmother
+about the sermon and the music.
+
+GRANDMOTHER. What hymns did they sing, Karen?
+
+KAREN (_as before_). Hymns? They sang--let me see--they sang--
+
+[_She stops in confusion._]
+
+GRANDMOTHER. Why, Karen! Are you ill?
+
+SECOND NEIGHBOR. No, Grandmother, Karen is not ill. She is ashamed. She was
+not thinking of the beautiful music nor of the sermon this morning. Is that
+not true, Karen?
+
+KAREN (_ashamed_). Y-e-s--
+
+GRANDMOTHER. What is this?
+
+THIRD NEIGHBOR. Tell your Grandmother what you were thinking about in
+church, Karen.
+
+KAREN. I was thinking about--about--my new shoes.
+
+GRANDMOTHER. A great thing to think about in church--a pair of plain black
+shoes!
+
+FOURTH NEIGHBOR. She did not wear her black shoes; she wore _red shoes!_
+
+GRANDMOTHER (_gasping_). Red shoes--to church?
+
+FIRST NEIGHBOR (_nodding_). Every one was terribly shocked!
+
+GRANDMOTHER (_still gasping_). Red shoes to church!
+
+SECOND NEIGHBOR. Even the pastor looked at her shoes!
+
+GRANDMOTHER (_indignantly_). Red shoes to church!
+
+THIRD NEIGHBOR. The choir looked! All fixed their eyes on Karen's red
+shoes.
+
+GRANDMOTHER. It is the most shocking thing I ever heard! Do you hear me,
+Karen?
+
+KAREN (_hanging her head in shame_). Yes, Grandmother.
+
+GRANDMOTHER. You must never, never, so long as you live, wear red shoes to
+church again. It is not at all proper. Do you hear me, Karen?
+
+KAREN (_as before_). Yes, Grandmother.
+
+FOURTH NEIGHBOR. Do you think she should have her Sunday dinner?
+
+GRANDMOTHER. Not one bite! She shall stay in her room all day. Do you hear
+me, Karen?
+
+KAREN. Yes, Grandmother.
+
+GRANDMOTHER. Thank you for telling me, Neighbors. To think of it! Red shoes
+to church!
+
+
+SCENE III
+
+TIME: _the following Sunday, after church_.
+PLACE: _the churchyard_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE GRANDMOTHER.
+KAREN.
+THE OLD SOLDIER.
+THE COACHMAN.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[_The_ GRANDMOTHER _and_ KAREN _come from the church. The_ OLD SOLDIER
+_stands near the church door. He tries to speak to the Grandmother, but she
+does not hear him._]
+
+KAREN. Wait a moment, Grandmother! The Old Soldier wants to speak with you.
+
+GRANDMOTHER (_turning_). What do you want, Old Soldier?
+
+OLD SOLDIER. I want to dust your shoes, madam.
+
+GRANDMOTHER. That is very good of you.
+
+(_Old Soldier dusts her shoes_).
+
+Thank you; now I will go to my carriage while you dust Karen's shoes.
+
+[_She goes._]
+
+OLD SOLDIER. Stretch out your foot, little Karen.
+
+(_Karen thrusts out her foot._)
+
+What is this? Red shoes for church?
+
+KAREN. I looked at my old black shoes--
+
+OLD SOLDIER (_interrupting_). And then at your new red ones?
+
+KAREN (_nodding_). Yes, and then at my black ones again--
+
+OLD SOLDIER (_interrupting_). And then put on your red ones!
+
+KAREN. Sh-h! Grandmother must not know.
+
+OLD SOLDIER. She can't hear, for I am talking through my long red beard.
+
+KAREN. Why is your beard so red, Old Soldier?
+
+OLD SOLDIER. To make more light for my eyes--that I may see without
+looking.
+
+KAREN. See without looking?
+
+OLD SOLDIER (_nodding_). I was not in the church, yet I saw you clearly
+when you knelt at the altar and raised the golden cup to your lips.
+
+KAREN (_surprised_). You saw that?
+
+OLD SOLDIER (_nodding_). And more--I saw your thoughts.
+
+KAREN. You saw my thoughts?
+
+OLD SOLDIER (_nodding_). It was to you as if your red shoes passed before
+your eyes in the cup. Am I not right?
+
+KAREN (_showing fear_). Y-e-s--
+
+OLD SOLDIER. And I saw by the light of my beard that you forgot to sing the
+hymns; eh, Karen?
+
+KAREN. Y-e-s--
+
+OLD SOLDIER. And that you forgot to say your prayers; eh, Karen?
+
+KAREN. Y-e-s--
+
+OLD SOLDIER. You were thinking of your red shoes all the time.
+
+KAREN. Y-e-s, Old Soldier.
+
+OLD SOLDIER (_holding Karen and stooping until his beard covers her
+shoes_). Cover and touch and change, my beard! Cover and touch and change!
+
+KAREN. What are you doing? Let me go!
+
+OLD SOLDIER (_holding her firmly_). I am turning your red shoes into
+dancing shoes!
+
+KAREN. I am afraid of you! Let me go!
+
+OLD SOLDIER (_slapping soles of her shoes with hand_). Now I have made them
+stick fast to your feet!
+
+KAREN (_calling_). Grandmother! Grandmother!
+
+OLD SOLDIER. Now you may go! Ha, ha!
+
+KAREN. Why! I am dancing! I can't stop! Grandmother! Grandmother!
+
+GRANDMOTHER. What is this? Mercy on me! She is dancing down the street! Run
+after her, Coachman! Quick! Stop her!
+
+COACHMAN (_running after Karen_). Stop, Mistress Karen! I'm after you!
+
+OLD SOLDIER. Ha, ha, ha! You will never catch her!
+
+GRANDMOTHER (_calling after Coachman_). There she goes around the corner!
+
+COACHMAN (_calling off_). I'll get you, Mistress Karen! Just stop a bit!
+
+OLD SOLDIER. Ha, ha, ha! You will never catch her!
+
+GRANDMOTHER. My poor Karen! My poor Karen!
+
+COACHMAN (_returning_). I couldn't catch her, madam! She danced right out
+of the town gate!
+
+GRANDMOTHER. Out of the town gate?
+
+COACHMAN. Yes, madam, and straight for the dark wood.
+
+GRANDMOTHER. We will drive after her!
+
+[_Coachman jumps to his seat._]
+
+OLD SOLDIER. Ha, ha, ha! You will never catch her!
+
+GRANDMOTHER. Quick, Coachman, quick! We must catch her before she gets to
+the dark wood. My poor Karen! My poor Karen!
+
+[_The carriage dashes off._]
+
+
+SCENE IV
+
+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.
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10541 ***