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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/29682-8.txt b/29682-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ece9617 --- /dev/null +++ b/29682-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4262 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Erdgeist (Earth-Spirit), by Frank Wedekind + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Erdgeist (Earth-Spirit) + A Tragedy in Four Acts + +Author: Frank Wedekind + +Translator: Samuel Eliot + +Release Date: August 13, 2009 [EBook #29682] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ERDGEIST (EARTH-SPIRIT) *** + + + + +Produced by Michael Roe, Alexander Bauer and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + [ Transcriber's Note: + + Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as + possible, including inconsistencies in spelling and hyphenation; + changes (corrections of spelling and punctuation) made to the + original text are listed at the end of this text. + + Text that was _italic_ in the original is marked with _. + Text that was =spaced= in the original is marked with =.] + + + + + ERDGEIST + + + + + LULU + BY FRANK WEDEKIND + ERDGEIST (EARTH-SPIRIT) $1.00 + PANDORA'S BOX (In Preparation) + + + + + ERDGEIST + + + (Earth-Spirit) + + + + + A Tragedy in Four Acts + BY + FRANK WEDEKIND + + + Translated by Samuel A. Eliot, Jr. + + + + + NEW YORK + ALBERT AND CHARLES BONI + 1914 + + + + + Copyright, 1914 + by + Albert and Charles Boni + + + + + "I was created out of ranker stuff + By Nature, and to the earth by Lust am drawn. + Unto the spirit of evil, not of good, + The earth belongs. What deities send to us + From heaven are only universal goods; + Their light gives gladness, but makes no man rich; + And in their state possession not obtains. + Therefore, the stone of price, all-treasured gold, + Must from the powers of falsehood be enticed, + The evil race that dwells beneath the day. + Not without sacrifice their favor is gained, + And no man liveth who from serving them + Hath extricated undefiled his soul." + + + + +CHARACTERS + + + DR. SCHÖN, newspaper owner and editor. + ALVA, his son, a writer. + DR. GOLL, M.D. + SCHWARZ, an artist. + PRINCE ESCERNY, an African explorer. + ESCHERICH, a reporter. + SCHIGOLCH, a beggar. + RODRIGO, an acrobat. + HUGENBERG, a schoolboy (played by a girl.) + FERDINAND, a coachman. + LULU. + COUNTESS GESCHWITZ. + HENRIETTE, a servant. + + + + +PROLOGUE + + +(At rise, is seen the entrance to a tent, out of which steps an +animal-tamer, with long, black curls, dressed in a white cravat, a +vermilion dress-coat, white trowsers and white top-boots. He carries +in his left hand a dog-whip and in his right a loaded revolver, and +enters to the sound of cymbals and kettle-drums.) + + Walk in! Walk in to the menagery, + Proud gentlemen and ladies lively and merry! + With avid lust or cold disgust, the very + Beast without Soul bound and made secondary + To human genius, to stay and see! + Walk in, the show'll begin!--As customary, + One child to each two persons comes in free. + + Here battle man and brute in narrow cages + Where one in haught disdain his long whip lashes + And one, with growls as when the thunder rages, + Against the man's throat murderously dashes,-- + Where now the crafty conquers, now the strong, + Now man, now beast, lies cowed the floor along; + The animal rears,--the human on all fours! + One ice-cold look of dominance-- + The beast submissive bows before that glance, + And the proud heel upon his neck adores. + + Bad are the times! Ladies and gentlemen + Who once before my cage in thronging crescents + Crowded, now honor operas, and then + Ibsen, with their so highly valued presence. + My boarders here are so in want of fodder + That they reciprocally devour each other. + How well off at the theater is a player, + Sure of the meat upon his ribs, albeit + His frightful hunger may tear him and he it + And colleagues' inner cupboards be quite bare!-- + Greatness in art we struggle to inherit, + Although the salary never match the merit. + + What see you, whether in light or sombre plays? + =House-animals=, whose morals all must praise, + Who wreak pale spites in vegetarian ways, + And revel in an easy cry or fret, + Just like those others--down in the parquet. + This hero has a head by one dram swirled; + That is in doubt whether his love be right; + A third you hear despairing of the world,-- + Full five acts long you hear him wail his plight, + And no man ends him with a merciful sleight! + But the =real= beast, the =beautiful=, =wild= beast, + Your eyes on =that=, _I_, ladies, only feast! + + You see the Tiger, that habitually + Devours whatever falls before his bound; + The Bear, so ravenous originally, + Who at a late night-meal sinks dead to ground; + You see the Monkey, little and amusing, + From sheer ennui his petty powers abusing,-- + He has some talent, of all greatness scant, + So, impudently, coquettes with his own want! + Upon my soul, within my tent's a mammal, + See, right behind the curtain, here,--a Camel! + And all my creatures fawn about my feet + When my revolver cracks-- + + (He shoots into the audience.) + + Behold! + Brutes tremble all around me. I am cold: + The =man= stays cold,--you, with respect, to greet. + + Walk in!--You hardly trust yourselves in here?-- + Then very well, judge for yourselves! Each sphere + Has sent its crawling creatures to your telling: + Chameleons and serpents, crocodiles, + Dragons, and salamanders chasm-dwelling,-- + I know, of course, you're full of quiet smiles + And don't believe a syllable I say.-- + + (He lifts the entrance-flap and calls into the tent.) + + Hi, Charlie!--bring our =Serpent= just this way! + + (A stage-hand with a big paunch carries out the actress of =Lulu= in + her Pierrot costume, and sets her down before the animal-tamer.) + + She was created to incite to sin, + To lure, seduce, poison--yea, murder, in + A manner no man knows.--My pretty beast, + + (Tickling Lulu's chin.) + + Only be =unaffected=, and not pieced + Out with distorted, artificial folly, + Even if the critics praise thee for 't less wholly. + Thou hast no right to spoil the shape most fitting, + Most =true=, of =woman=, with meows and spitting! + And mind, all foolery and making faces + The =childish simpleness= of =Vice= disgraces. + Thou shouldst--to-day I speak emphatically-- + Speak =naturally= and not unnaturally, + For the first principle in every art, + Since earliest times, was =True= and =Plain=, not =Smart=! + + (To the public.) + + There's nothing special now to see in her, + But wait and watch what later will occur! + Her strength about the Tiger she coils stricter: + He roars and groans!--Who'll be the final victor?-- + Hop, Charlie, march! Carry her to her place, + + (The stage-hand carries Lulu in his arms; the animal-tamer + pats her on the hips.) + + Sweet innocence--my dearest treasure-case! + + (The stage-hand carries Lulu back into the tent.) + + And now I'll tell the best thing in the day: + My poll between the teeth of a beast of prey! + Walk in! Tho to be sure the show's not new, + Yet everyone takes pleasure in its view! + Wrench open this wild animal's jaws I dare, + And he to bite dares not! My pate's so =fair=, + So =wild=, so =gaily decked=, it wins respect! + I offer it him with confidence unchecked. + One =joke=, and my two temples crack!--but, lo, + The lightning of my eyes I will forego, + Staking my =life= against a =joke=! and throw + My whip, my weapons, down. I am in my skin! + I yield me to this beast!--His name do ye know? + --The honored public! that has just walked in! + + (The animal-tamer steps back into the tent, accompanied + by cymbals and kettledrums.) + + + + +ACT I + + +_A roomy studio. Entrance door at the rear, left. Another door at lower +left to the bed-room. At centre, a platform for the model, with a +Spanish screen behind it and a Smyrna rug in front. Two easels at lower +right. On the upper one is the picture of a young girl's head and +shoulders. Against the other leans a reversed canvas. Below these, +toward centre, an ottoman, with a tiger-skin on it. Two chairs along +the left wall. In the back-ground, right, a step-ladder._ + +_Schön sits on the foot of the ottoman, inspecting critically the +picture on the further easel. Schwarz stands behind the ottoman, his +palette and brushes in his hands._ + +SCHÖN. Do you know, I'm getting acquainted with a brand new side of the +lady. + +SCHWARZ. I have never painted anyone whose expression changed so +continuously. I could hardly keep a single feature the same two days +running. + +SCHÖN. (Pointing to the picture and observing him.) Do you find that in +it? + +SCHWARZ. I have done everything imaginable to call forth some sort of +quiet in her mood by my conversation during the sittings. + +SCHÖN. Then I understand the difference. (Schwarz dips his brush in the +oil and draws it over the features of the face.) Do you think that +makes it look more like her? + +SCHWARZ. We can only work with art as scientifically as possible. + +SCHÖN. Tell me-- + +SCHWARZ. (Stepping back.) The color had sunk in pretty well, too. + +SCHÖN. (Looking at him.) Have you ever loved a woman in your life? + +SCHWARZ. (Goes to the easel, puts a color on it, and steps back on the +other side.) The dress isn't made to stand out enough yet. We don't see +the living body under it. + +SCHÖN. I make no doubt that the workmanship is good. + +SCHWARZ. If you'll step this way.... + +SCHÖN. (Rising.) You must have told her regular ghost-stories. + +SCHWARZ. As far back as you can. + +SCHÖN. (Stepping back, knocks down the canvas that was leaning against +the lower easel.) Excuse me-- + +SCHWARZ. (Picking it up.) That's all right. + +SCHÖN. (Surprised.) What is that? + +SCHWARZ. Do you know her? + +SCHÖN. No. (Schwarz sets the picture on the easel. It is of a lady +dressed as Pierrot with a long shepherd's crook in her hand.) + +SCHWARZ. A costume-picture. + +SCHÖN. But, really, you've succeeded with =her=. + +SCHWARZ. You know her? + +SCHÖN. No. And in that costume--? + +SCHWARZ. It isn't nearly finished yet. (Schön nods.) What would you +have? While she is posing for me I have the pleasure of entertaining +her husband. + +SCHÖN. What? + +SCHWARZ. We talk about art, of course,--to complete my good fortune! + +SCHÖN. But how did you make such a charming acquaintance? + +SCHWARZ. As they're generally made. An ancient, tottering little man +drops in on me here to know if I can paint his wife. Why, of course, +were she as wrinkled as Mother Earth! Next day at ten prompt the doors +fly open, and the fat-belly drives this little beauty in before him. I +can feel even now how my knees shook. Then comes a sap-green lackey, +stiff as a ramrod, with a package under his arm. Where is the +dressing-room? Imagine my plight. I open the door there (pointing +left). Just luck that everything was in order. The sweet thing vanishes +into it, and the old fellow posts himself outside as a bastion. Two +minutes later out she steps in this Pierrot. (Shaking his head.) I +never saw anything like it. (He goes left and stares in at the +bedroom.) + +SCHÖN. (Who has followed him with his eyes.) And the fat-belly stands +guard? + +SCHWARZ. (Turning round.) The whole body in harmony with that +impossible costume as if it had come into the world in it! Her way of +burying her elbows in her pockets, of lifting her little feet from the +rug,--the blood often shoots to my head.... + +SCHÖN. One can see that in the picture. + +SCHWARZ. (Shaking his head.) People like us, you know-- + +SCHÖN. Here the model is mistress of the conversation. + +SCHWARZ. She has never yet opened her mouth. + +SCHÖN. Is it possible? + +SCHWARZ. Allow me to show the costume to you. (Goes out left.) + +SCHÖN. (Before the Pierrot.) A devilish beauty. (Before the other +picture.) There's more depth here. (Coming down stage.) He is still +rather young for his age. (Schwarz comes back with a white satin +costume.) + +SCHWARZ. What sort of material is that? + +SCHÖN. (Feeling it.) Satin. + +SCHWARZ. And all in one piece. + +SCHÖN. How does one get into it then? + +SCHWARZ. That I can't tell you. + +SCHÖN. (Taking the costume by the legs.) What enormous trowser-legs! + +SCHWARZ. The left one she pulls up. + +SCHÖN. (Looking at the picture.) Above the knee! + +SCHWARZ. She does that entrancingly! + +SCHÖN. And transparent stockings? + +SCHWARZ. Those have got to be painted, specially. + +SCHÖN. Oh, you can do that. + +SCHWARZ. And with it all a coquetry! + +SCHÖN. What brought you to that horrible suspicion? + +SCHWARZ. There are things that our school-philosophy lets itself never +dream of. (He takes the costume back into his bedroom.) + +SCHÖN. (Alone.) When we sleep.... + +SCHWARZ. (Comes back; looks at his watch.) If you wish to make her +acquaintance too-- + +SCHÖN. No. + +SCHWARZ. They must be here in a moment. + +SCHÖN. How much longer will the lady have to sit? + +SCHWARZ. I shall probably have to bear the pains of Tantalus three +months longer. + +SCHÖN. I mean the other one. + +SCHWARZ. I beg your pardon. Three times more at most. (Going to the +door with him.) If the lady will just leave me the upper part of the +dress then.... + +SCHÖN. With pleasure. Let us see you at my house again soon. For +Heaven's sake! (As he collides in the door-way with Dr. Goll and Lulu.) + +SCHWARZ. May I introduce ... + +DR. GOLL. (To Schön.) What are you doing here? + +LULU. (As Schön kisses her hand in greeting.) You're not going already? + +DR. GOLL. But what wind blows you here? + +SCHÖN. I've been looking at the picture of my bride. + +LULU. (Coming forward.) Your bride is here? + +DR. GOLL. So you're having work done here, too? + +LULU. (Before the upper picture.) Look at it! Enchanting! Entrancing! + +DR. GOLL. (Looking round him.) Have you got her hidden somewhere round +here? + +LULU. So that is the sweet young prodigy who's made a new person out of +you.... + +SCHÖN. She sits in the afternoon mostly. + +DR. GOLL. And you don't tell anyone about it? + +LULU. (Turning round.) Is she really so solemn? + +SCHÖN. Probably the after-effects of the seminary still, dear lady. + +DR. GOLL. (Before the picture.) One can see that you have been +transformed profoundly. + +LULU. But now you mustn't let her wait any longer. + +SCHÖN. In a fortnight I think the engagement will come out. + +DR. GOLL. (To Lulu.) Let's lose no time. Hop! + +LULU. (To Schön.) Just think, we came at a trot over the new bridge. I +was driving, myself. + +DR. GOLL. (As Schön prepares to leave.) No, no. We two will talk some +more later. Get along, Nellie. Hop! + +LULU. Now you're going to talk about me! + +DR. GOLL. Our Apelles is already wiping his brushes. + +LULU. I had imagined it would be much more amusing. + +SCHÖN. But you have always the satisfaction of preparing for us the +greatest and rarest pleasure. + +LULU. (Going left.) Oh, just wait! + +SCHWARZ. (Before the bedroom door.) If madame will be so kind.... +(Shuts the door after her and stands in front of it.) + +DR. GOLL. I christened her Nellie, you know, in our marriage-contract. + +SCHÖN. Did you?--Yes. + +DR. GOLL. What do you think of it? + +SCHÖN. Why not call her rather Mignon? + +DR. GOLL. That would have been good, too. I didn't think of that. + +SCHÖN. Do you consider the name so important? + +DR. GOLL. Hm.... You know, I have no children. + +SCHÖN. But you've only been married a couple of months. + +DR. GOLL. Thanks, I don't want any. + +SCHÖN. (Having taken out his cigarette-case.) Have a cigarette? + +DR. GOLL. (Helps himself.) I've plenty to do with this one. (To +Schwarz.) Say, what's your little danseuse doing now? + +SCHÖN. (Turning round on Schwarz.) You and a danseuse? + +SCHWARZ. The lady was sitting for me at that time only as a favor. I +made her acquaintance on a flying trip of the Cecilia Society. + +DR. GOLL. (To Schön.) Hm.... I think we're getting a change of +weather. + +SCHÖN. The toilet isn't going so quickly, is it? + +DR. GOLL. It's going like lightning! Woman has got to be a virtuoso in +her job. So must we all, each in his job, if life isn't to turn to +beggary. (Calls.) Hop, Nellie! + +LULU. (Inside.) Just a second! + +DR. GOLL. (To Schön.) I can't get onto these blockheads. (Referring to +Schwarz.) + +SCHÖN. I can't help envying them. These blockheads know nothing holier +than an altar-cloth, and feel richer than you and me with 30,000-mark +incomes. Besides, you can't be judge of a man who from childhood has +lived from palette to mouth. Try to get at his finances: it's an +arithmetic example! I haven't the moral courage, and one can easily +burn one's fingers at it, too. + +LULU. (As Pierrot, steps out of the bed-room.) Here I am! + +SCHÖN. (Turns; after a pause.) Superb! + +LULU. (Nearer.) Well? + +SCHÖN. You put shame on the boldest fancy. + +LULU. How do you like me? + +SCHÖN. A picture before which art must despair. + +DR. GOLL. Don't you think so, too? + +SCHÖN. (To Lulu.) Have you any notion what you do? + +LULU. I'm perfectly possessed of myself! + +SCHÖN. Then you might be a little more discreet. + +LULU. But I'm only doing what's my duty. + +SCHÖN. You are powdered? + +LULU. What do you take me for! + +DR. GOLL. I've never seen such a white skin as she's got. I've told our +Raphael here, too, to do just as little with the flesh tints as +possible. For once, I can't get enthusiastic about the modern +art-nonsense. + +SCHWARZ. (By the easels, preparing his paints.) At any rate, it's +thanks to impressionism that present-day art can stand up beside the +old masters without blushing. + +DR. GOLL. Oh, it can do quite well for a bit of butcher's work. + +SCHÖN. For Heaven's sake don't get excited! (Lulu falls on Goll's neck +and kisses him.) + +DR. GOLL. They can see your undershirt. You must pull it lower. + +LULU. I would soonest have left it off. It only bothers me. + +DR. GOLL. He should be able to paint it out. + +LULU. (Taking the shepherd's crook that leans against the Spanish +screen, and mounting the platform, to Schön.) What would you say now, +if you had to stand at attention for two hours? + +SCHÖN. I'd sell my soul to the devil for the chance to exchange with +you. + +DR. GOLL. (Sitting, left.) Come over here. Here is my post of +observation. + +LULU. (Plucking her left trowser-leg up to the knee, to Schwarz.) So? + +SCHWARZ. Yes.... + +LULU. (Plucking it a thought higher.) So? + +SCHWARZ. Yes, yes.... + +DR. GOLL. (To Schön who has seated himself on the chair next him, with +a gesture.) From this place I find her still more attractive. + +LULU. (Without stirring.) I beg pardon! I am equally attractive on all +sides. + +SCHWARZ. (To Lulu.) The right knee further forward, please. + +SCHÖN. (With a gesture.) The body does show finer lines perhaps. + +SCHWARZ. The light to-day can be borne at least half way. + +DR. GOLL. Oh, you must throw on lots of it! Hold your brush a bit +longer. + +SCHWARZ. Certainly, Dr. Goll. + +DR. GOLL. Treat her as a piece of still-life. + +SCHWARZ. Certainly, Doctor. (To Lulu.) You used to hold your head a wee +mite higher, Mrs. Goll. + +LULU. (Raising her head.) Paint my lips a little open. + +SCHÖN. Paint snow on ice. If you get warm doing that, then instantly +your art gets inartistic! + +SCHWARZ. Certainly, Doctor. + +DR. GOLL. Art, you know, must so reproduce nature that one can find at +least some =spiritual= enjoyment in it! + +LULU. (Opening her mouth a little, to Schwarz.) So--look. I'll hold it +half opened, so. + +SCHWARZ. As soon as the sun comes, the wall opposite throws warm +reflections in here. + +DR. GOLL. (To Lulu.) You must keep your position just as if our +Velasquez here didn't exist at all. + +LULU. Well, a painter =isn't= a man at all, anyway. + +SCHÖN. I don't think you ought to judge the whole profession by just +one famous exception. + +SCHWARZ. (Stepping back from the easel.) I should have liked to have +had to hire a different studio last fall. + +SCHÖN. (To Goll.) What I wanted to ask you--have you seen the little +Murphy girl yet as a Peruvian pearl-fisher? + +DR. GOLL. I see her to-morrow for the fourth time. Prince Polossov took +me. His hair has already got dark yellow again with delight. + +SCHÖN. So you find her quite fabulous too. + +DR. GOLL. Who ever wants to judge of that beforehand? + +LULU. I think someone knocked. + +SCHWARZ. Pardon me a moment. (Goes and opens the door.) + +DR. GOLL. (To Lulu.) You can safely smile at him with less bashfulness! + +SCHÖN. He makes nothing of it. + +DR. GOLL. And if he did!--What are we two sitting here for? + +ALVA SCHÖN. (Entering, still behind the Spanish screen.) May one come +in? + +SCHÖN. My son! + +LULU. Oh! It's Mr. Alva! + +DR. GOLL. Don't mind. Just come along in. + +ALVA. (Stepping forward, shakes hands with Schön and Goll.) Glad to see +you. (Turning toward Lulu.) Do I see a-right? Oh, if only I could +engage you for my title part! + +LULU. I don't think I could dance nearly well enough for your show! + +ALVA. But you do have a dancing-master such as cannot be found on any +stage in Europe. + +SCHÖN. But what brings you here? + +DR. GOLL. Maybe you're having somebody or other painted here, too, in +secret! + +ALVA. (To Schön.) I wanted to take you to the dress rehearsal. + +DR. GOLL. (As Schön rises.) Do you have 'em dance to-day in full +costume? + +ALVA. Of course. Come along, too. In five minutes I must be on the +stage. (To Lulu.) Unhappy! + +DR. GOLL. I've forgotten--what's the name of your ballet? + +ALVA. Dalailama. + +DR. GOLL. I thought =he= was in a madhouse. + +SCHÖN. You're thinking of Nietzsche, Doctor. + +DR. GOLL. You're right; I got 'em mixed up. + +ALVA. I have helped Buddhism to its legs. + +DR. GOLL. By his legs is the stage-poet known. + +ALVA. Corticelli dances the youthful Buddha as tho she had seen the +light of the world by the Ganges. + +SCHÖN. So long as her mother lived, she danced with her legs. + +ALVA. Then when she got free she danced with her intelligence. + +DR. GOLL. Now she dances with her heart. + +ALVA. If you'd like to see her--? + +DR. GOLL. Thank you. + +ALVA. Come along with us! + +DR. GOLL. Impossible. + +SCHÖN. Anyway, we have no time to lose. + +ALVA. Come with us, doctor. In the third act you see Dalailama in his +cloister, with his monks-- + +DR. GOLL. The only thing I care about is the young Buddha. + +ALVA. Well, what's hindering you? + +DR. GOLL. I can't. I can't do it. + +ALVA. We're going to Peter's, after it. There you can express your +admiration. + +DR. GOLL. Don't press it on me, please. + +ALVA. You'll see the tame monkey, the two Brahmans, the little +girls.... + +DR. GOLL. For heaven's sake, just keep away from me with your little +girls! + +LULU. Reserve one of the proscenium boxes for us on Monday, Mr. Alva. + +ALVA. How could you doubt that I would, dear lady! + +DR. GOLL. When I come back the whole picture will be spoilt on me. + +ALVA. Well, it could be painted over. + +DR. GOLL. If I don't explain to this Caravacci every stroke of his +brush-- + +SCHÖN. Your fears are unfounded, I think.... + +DR. GOLL. Next time, gentlemen! + +ALVA. The Brahmans are getting impatient. The daughters of Nirvana are +shivering in their tights. + +DR. GOLL. Damned enchantment! + +SCHÖN. They'll quarrel with us, if we don't bring you with us. + +DR. GOLL. In five minutes I'll be back. (Stands down right, behind +Schwarz and compares the picture with Lulu.) + +ALVA. (To Lulu.) Duty calls me, gracious lady! + +DR. GOLL. (To Schwarz.) You must model it a bit more here. The hair is +bad. You aren't paying enough attention to your business! + +ALVA. Come on. + +DR. GOLL. Now, just hop it! Ten horses will not drag me to Peter's. + +SCHÖN. (Following Alva and Goll.) We'll take my carriage. It's waiting +downstairs. (Exeunt.) + +SCHWARZ. (Leans over to the right, and spits.) Pack! If only that were +life's end! The bread-basket!--paunch and mug! Now rears my artist's +pride. (After a look at Lulu.) This company!-- (Gets up, goes up left, +observes Lulu from all sides, and sits again at his easel.) The choice +would be a hard one to make. If I may request Mrs. Goll to raise the +right hand a little higher. + +LULU. (Grasps the crook as high as she can reach; to herself.) Who +would have thought that was possible! + +SCHWARZ. I am quite ridiculous, you think? + +LULU. He's coming right back. + +SCHWARZ. I can do nothing but paint. + +LULU. There he is! + +SCHWARZ. (Rising.) Well? + +LULU. Don't you hear? + +SCHWARZ. Someone is coming.... + +LULU. I knew it. + +SCHWARZ. It's the janitor. He's sweeping the stairs. + +LULU. Thank heaven! + +SCHWARZ. Do you perhaps accompany the doctor to his patients? + +LULU. Everything =but= that. + +SCHWARZ. Because, you are not accustomed to being alone. + +LULU. We have a housekeeper at home. + +SCHWARZ. She keeps you company? + +LULU. She has a lot of taste. + +SCHWARZ. What for? + +LULU. She dresses me. + +SCHWARZ. Do you go much to balls? + +LULU. Never. + +SCHWARZ. Then what do you need the dresses for? + +LULU. For dancing. + +SCHWARZ. You really dance? + +LULU. Czardas ... Samaqueca ... Skirt-dance. + +SCHWARZ. Doesn't--that--disgust you, then? + +LULU. You find me ugly? + +SCHWARZ. You don't understand me. But who gives you lessons then? + +LULU. Him. + +SCHWARZ. Who? + +LULU. Him. + +SCHWARZ. He? + +LULU. He plays the violin-- + +SCHWARZ. Every day one learns something new of the world! + +LULU. I learned in Paris. I took lessons from Eugenie Fougère. She let +me copy her costumes, too. + +SCHWARZ. What are =they= like? + +LULU. A little green lace skirt to the knee, all in ruffles, +low-necked, of course, very low-necked and awfully tight-laced. Bright +green petticoat, then brighter and brighter. Snow-white underclothes +with a hand's-breadth of lace.... + +SCHWARZ. I can no longer-- + +LULU. Then paint! + +SCHWARZ. (Scraping the canvas.) Aren't you cold at all? + +LULU. God forbid! No. What made you ask? Are you so cold? + +SCHWARZ. Not to-day. No. + +LULU. Praise God, one can breathe! + +SCHWARZ. How so?... (Lulu takes a deep breath.) Don't do that, please! +(Springs up, throws away his palette and brushes, walks up and down.) +The boot-black only attends to her feet! His color doesn't eat into his +money, either. If I go without supper to-morrow, no little society lady +will ask me if I know anything about oyster-patties! + +LULU. Is he going out of his head? + +SCHWARZ. (Takes up his work again.) What ever drove the fellow to this +test! + +LULU. I'd like it better, too, if he had stayed here. + +SCHWARZ. We are truly the martyrs of our calling! + +LULU. I didn't wish to cause you pain. + +SCHWARZ. (Hesitating, to Lulu.) If you--the left trowser-leg--a little +higher-- + +LULU. Here? + +SCHWARZ. (Steps to the platform.) Permit me.... + +LULU. What do you want? + +SCHWARZ. I'll show you. + +LULU. You mustn't. + +SCHWARZ. You are nervous ... (Tries to seize her hand.) + +LULU. (Throws the crook in his face.) Let me alone! (Hurries to the +entrance door.) You don't get me for a long time yet. + +SCHWARZ. You can't understand a joke. + +LULU. Oh, yes I can. I understand everything. Just you leave me be. +You'll get nothing at all from me by force. Go to your work. You have +no right to molest me. (Flees behind the ottoman.) Sit down behind your +easel! + +SCHWARZ. (Trying to get around the ottoman.) As soon as I've punished +you--you wayward, capricious-- + +LULU. But you must have me, first! Go away. You can't catch me. In +long clothes I'd have fallen into your clutches long ago--but in the +Pierrot! + +SCHWARZ. (Throwing himself across the ottoman.) I've got you! + +LULU. (Hurls the tiger-skin over his head.) Good-night! (Jumps over the +platform and climbs up the step-ladder.) I can see away over all the +cities of the earth. + +SCHWARZ. (Unrolling himself from the rug.) This old skin!! + +LULU. I reach up into heaven, and stick the stars in my hair. + +SCHWARZ. (Clambering after her.) I'll shake it till you fall off! + +LULU. If you don't stop, I'll throw the ladder down. (Climbing higher.) +Will you let go of my legs? God save the Poles! (Makes the ladder fall +over, jumps onto the platform, and as Schwarz picks himself up from the +floor, throws the Spanish screen down on his head. Hastening +down-stage, by the easels.) I told you that you weren't going to get +me. + +SCHWARZ. (Coming forward.) Let us make peace. (Tries to embrace her.) + +LULU. Keep away from me, or-- (She throws the easel with the finished +picture at him, so that both fall crashing to the floor.) + +SCHWARZ. (Screams.) Merciful Heaven! + +LULU. (Upstage, right.) You knocked the hole in it yourself! + +SCHWARZ. I am ruined! Ten weeks' work, my journey, my exhibition! Now +there is nothing more to lose! (Plunges after her.) + +LULU. (Springs over the ottoman, over the fallen step-ladder, and over +the platform, down-stage.) A grave! Don't fall into it! (She stamps +thru the picture on the floor.) She made a new man out of him! (Falls +forward.) + +SCHWARZ. (Stumbling over the Spanish screen.) I am merciless now! + +LULU. (Up-stage.) Leave me in peace now. I'm getting dizzy. O Gott! O +Gott!... (Comes forward and sinks down on the ottoman. Schwarz locks +the door; then seats himself next her, grasps her hand, and covers it +with kisses--then pauses, struggling with himself. Lulu opens her eyes +wide.) + +LULU. He may come back. + +SCHWARZ. How d' you feel? + +LULU. As if I had fallen into the water.... + +SCHWARZ. I love you. + +LULU. One time, I loved a student. + +SCHWARZ. Nellie-- + +LULU. With four-and-twenty scars-- + +SCHWARZ. I love you, Nellie. + +LULU. My name isn't Nellie. (Schwarz kisses her.) It's Lulu. + +SCHWARZ. I would call you Eve. + +LULU. Do you know what time it is? + +SCHWARZ. (Looking at his watch.) Half past ten. (Lulu takes the watch +and opens the case.) You don't love me. + +LULU. Yes I do.... It's five minutes after half past ten. + +SCHWARZ. Give me a kiss, Eve! + +LULU. (Takes him by the chin and kisses him. Throws the watch in the +air and catches it.) You smell of tobacco. + +SCHWARZ. Why so distant? + +LULU. It would be uncomfortable to-- + +SCHWARZ. You're just making believe! + +LULU. You're making believe yourself, it seems to me. _I_ make believe? +What makes you think that? =I never needed to do that.= + +SCHWARZ. (Rises, disconcerted, passing his hand over his +forehead.) God in Heaven! The world is strange to me--! + +LULU. (Screams.) Only don't kill me! + +SCHWARZ. (Instantly whirling round.) =Thou hast never yet loved!= + +LULU. (Half raising herself.) =You have never yet loved ...!= + +DR. GOLL. (Outside.) Open the door! + +LULU. (Already sprung to her feet.) Hide me! O God, hide me! + +DR. GOLL. (Pounding on the door.) Open the door! + +LULU. (Holding back Schwarz as he goes toward the door.) He will strike +me dead! + +DR. GOLL. (Hammering.) Open the door! + +LULU. (Sunk down before Schwarz, gripping his knees.) He'll beat me to +death! He'll beat me to death! + +SCHWARZ. Stand up.... (The door falls crashing into the studio. +Dr. Goll with blood-shot eyes rushes upon Schwarz and Lulu, brandishing +his stick.) + +DR. GOLL. You dogs! You ...! (Pants, struggles for breath a few +seconds, and falls headlong to the ground. Schwarz's knees tremble. +Lulu has fled to the door. Pause.) + +SCHWARZ. Mister--Doctor--Doc--Doctor Goll-- + +LULU. (In the door.) Please, though, first put the studio in order. + +SCHWARZ. Dr. Goll! (Leans over.) Doc-- (Steps back.) He's cut his +forehead. Help me to lay him on the ottoman. + +LULU. (Shudders backward in terror.) No. No... + +SCHWARZ. (Trying to turn him over.) Dr. Goll. + +LULU. He doesn't hear. + +SCHWARZ. But you, help me, please. + +LULU. The two of us together couldn't lift him. + +SCHWARZ. (Straightening up.) We must send for a doctor. + +LULU. He is fearfully heavy. + +SCHWARZ. (Getting his hat.) Please, though, be so good as to put the +place a little to rights while I'm away. (He goes out.) + +LULU. He'll spring up all at once. (Intensely.) Bussi! He just won't +notice anything. (Comes down-stage in a wide circle.) He sees my feet, +and watches every step I take. He has his eye on me everywhere. +(Touches him with her toe.) Bussi! (Flinching, backward.) It's serious +with him. The dance is over. He'll send me to prison. What shall I do? +(Leans over, to the floor.) A strange, wild face! (Getting up.) And no +one to do him the last services--isn't that sad! (Schwarz returns.) + +SCHWARZ. Still not come to himself? + +LULU. (Down right.) What shall I do? + +SCHWARZ. (Bending over Goll.) Doctor Goll. + +LULU. I almost think it's serious. + +SCHWARZ. Talk decently! + +LULU. =He= wouldn't say that to me. He makes me dance for him when he +doesn't feel well. + +SCHWARZ. The doctor will be here in a moment. + +LULU. Doctoring won't help =him=. + +SCHWARZ. But people do what they can, in such cases! + +LULU. =He= doesn't think so. + +SCHWARZ. Then won't you at least--get dressed? + +LULU. Yes,--right off. + +SCHWARZ. What are you waiting for? + +LULU. Please ... + +SCHWARZ. What is it? + +LULU. Shut =his= eyes. + +SCHWARZ. You make me shiver. + +LULU. Not nearly so much as you make =me=! + +SCHWARZ. I? + +LULU. You're a born criminal. + +SCHWARZ. Doesn't this moment touch you at all, then? + +LULU. It hits me, too, some. + +SCHWARZ. Please, just you keep still now! + +LULU. It hits you some, too. + +SCHWARZ. You really didn't need to say that to a man, in such a moment. + +LULU. =Please ...!= + +SCHWARZ. Do what you think necessary. I don't know how. + +LULU. (Left of Goll.) He's looking at me. + +SCHWARZ. (Right of Goll.) And at me, too. + +LULU. You're a coward! + +SCHWARZ. (Shuts Goll's eyes with his handkerchief.) It's the first time +in my life that anyone has called me that. + +LULU. Didn't you do it to your mother? + +SCHWARZ. (Nervously.) No. + +LULU. You were away, perhaps. + +SCHWARZ. No! + +LULU. Or else you were afraid? + +SCHWARZ. (Violently.) No! + +LULU. (Shivering, backward.) I didn't mean to insult you. + +SCHWARZ. She's still alive. + +LULU. Then you still have somebody. + +SCHWARZ. She's as poor as a beggar. + +LULU. I know what that is. + +SCHWARZ. Don't laugh at me! + +LULU. Now I am rich-- + +SCHWARZ. It gives me cold shudders-- (Goes right.) She can't help it! + +LULU. (To herself.) What'll I do? + +SCHWARZ. (To himself.) Absolutely depraved! (They look at each other +mistrustfully. Schwarz goes over to her and grips her hand.) Look me in +the eyes! + +LULU. (Apprehensively.) What do you want? + +SCHWARZ. (Takes her to the ottoman and makes her sit next to him.) Look +me in the eyes. + +LULU. I see myself in them as Pierrot. + +SCHWARZ. (Shoves her from him.) Confounded dancer-ing! + +LULU. I must change my clothes-- + +SCHWARZ. (Holds her back.) One question-- + +LULU. I can't answer it. + +SCHWARZ. Can you speak the truth? + +LULU. I don't know. + +SCHWARZ. Do you believe in a Creator? + +LULU. I don't know. + +SCHWARZ. Can you swear on anything? + +LULU. I don't know. Leave me alone. You're mad. + +SCHWARZ. What do you believe in, then? + +LULU. I don't know. + +SCHWARZ. Have you no soul, then? + +LULU. I don't know. + +SCHWARZ. Have you ever once loved--? + +LULU. I don't know. + +SCHWARZ. (Gets up, goes right, to himself.) She doesn't know! + +LULU. (Without moving.) I don't know. + +SCHWARZ. (Glancing at Goll.) He knows. + +LULU. (Nearer him.) What do you want to know? + +SCHWARZ. (Angrily.) Go, get dressed! (Lulu goes into the bed-room. To +Goll.) Would I could change with you, you dead man! I give her back to +you. I give my youth to you, too. I lack the courage and the faith. +I've had to wait patiently too long. It's too late for me. I haven't +grown up big enough for happiness. I have a hellish fear of it. Wake +up! I didn't touch her. He opens his mouth. Mouth open and eyes shut, +like the children. With me it's the other way round. Wake up, wake up! +(Kneels down and binds his handkerchief round the dead man's head.) +Here I beseech Heaven to make me =able= to be happy--to give me the +strength and the freedom of soul to be just a weeny mite happy! For +=her sake, only for her sake=. (Lulu comes out of the bed-room, +completely dressed, her hat on, and her right hand under her left arm.) + +LULU. (Raising her left arm, to Schwarz.) Would you hook me up here? My +hand trembles. + +CURTAIN + + + + +ACT II + + +_A very ornamental parlor. Entrance-door rear, left. Curtained +entrances right and left, steps leading up to the right one. On the +back wall over the fire-place, Lulu's picture as Pierrot in a +magnificent frame. Right, a tall mirror; a couch in front of it. Left, +an ebony writing-table. Centre, a few chairs around a little Chinese +table._ + +_Lulu stands motionless before the mirror, in a green silk +morning-dress. She frowns, passes a hand over her forehead, feels her +cheeks, and draws back from the mirror with a discouraged, almost +angry, look. Frequently turning round, she goes left, opens a casket on +the writing-table, lights herself a cigarette, looks for a book among +those that are lying on the table, takes one, and lies down on the +couch opposite the mirror. After reading a moment, she lets the book +sink, and nods seriously to herself in the glass; then resumes reading. +Schwarz enters, left, palette and brushes in hand, and bends over Lulu, +kisses her on the forehead, and goes up the steps, right._ + +SCHWARZ. (Turning in the door-way.) Eve! + +LULU. (Smiling.) At your orders? + +SCHWARZ. Seems to me you look extra charming to-day. + +LULU. (With a glance at the mirror.) Depends on what you expect. + +SCHWARZ. Your hair breathes out a morning freshness.... + +LULU. I've just come out of the water. + +SCHWARZ. (Approaching her.) I've an awful lot to do to-day. + +LULU. That's what you say to yourself. + +SCHWARZ. (Lays his palette and brushes down on the carpet, and sits on +the edge of the couch.) What are you reading? + +LULU. (Reads.) "Suddenly she heard an anchor of refuge come nodding up +the stairs." + +SCHWARZ. Who under the sun writes so absorbingly? + +LULU. (Reading.) "It was the postman with a money-order." (Henriette, +the servant, comes in, upper left, with a hat-box on her arm and a +little tray of letters which she puts on the table.) + +HENRIETTE. The mail. I'm going to take your hat to the milliner, madam. +Anything else? + +LULU. No. (Schwarz signs to her to go out, which she does, slyly +smiling.) + +SCHWARZ. What was it you dreamt all last night? + +LULU. You've asked me that twice already, to-day. + +SCHWARZ. (Rises, takes up the letters.) I tremble for news. Every day I +fear the world may go to pieces. (Giving Lulu a letter.) For you. + +LULU. (Sniffs at the paper.) Madame Corticelli. (Hides it in her +bosom.) + +SCHWARZ. (Skimming a letter.) My Samaqueca-dancer sold--for fifty +thousand marks! + +LULU. Who says that? + +SCHWARZ. Sedelmeier in Paris. That's the third picture since our +marriage. I hardly know how to save myself from my luck! + +LULU. (Pointing to the letters.) There are more there. + +SCHWARZ. (Opening an engagement announcement.) See. (Gives it to Lulu.) + +LULU. (Reads.) Sir Henry von Zarnikow has the honor to announce the +engagement of his daughter, Charlotte Marie Adelaide, to Doctor Ludwig +Schön. + +SCHWARZ. (As he opens another letter.) At last! He's been an eternal +while evading a public engagement. I can't understand it--a man of his +standing and influence. What can be in the way of his marriage? + +LULU. What is that that you're reading? + +SCHWARZ. An invitation to take part in the international exhibition at +St. Petersburg. I have no idea what to paint for it. + +LULU. Some entrancing girl or other, of course. + +SCHWARZ. Will you be willing to pose for it? + +LULU. God knows there are other pretty girls enough in existence! + +SCHWARZ. But with any other model--tho she be as racy as hell--I can't +get such a full display of my powers. + +LULU. Then I must, I suppose. Wouldn't it go as well lying down? + +SCHWARZ. Really, I'd liefest have your taste arrange it for me. +(Folding up the letters.) Don't let's forget to congratulate Schön +to-day, anyway. (Goes left and shuts the letters in the writing-table.) + +LULU. But we did that a long time ago. + +SCHWARZ. For his bride's sake. + +LULU. You can write to him again if you want. + +SCHWARZ. And now to work! (Takes up his brushes and palette, kisses +Lulu, goes up the steps, right, and turns around in the door-way.) Eve! + +LULU. (Lets her book sink, smiling.) Your pleasure? + +SCHWARZ. (Approaching her.) I feel every day as if I were seeing you +for the very first time. + +LULU. You're a terror. + +SCHWARZ. The fault is yours. (He sinks on his knees by the couch and +caresses her hand.) + +LULU. (Stroking his hair.) You're =wasting= me. + +SCHWARZ. You =are mine=. But you are never more ensnaring than when you +ought for God's sake to be, just once, real ugly for a couple of hours! +Since I've had you, I have had nothing more. I'm entirely lost to +myself. + +LULU. Not so excited! (Bell rings in the corridor.) + +SCHWARZ. (Pulling himself together.) Confound it! + +LULU. No one at home! + +SCHWARZ. Perhaps it's the art-dealer-- + +LULU. And if it's the Chinese Emperor! + +SCHWARZ. One moment. (Exit.) + +LULU. (Visionary.) Thou? Thou? (Closes her eyes.) + +SCHWARZ. (Coming back.) A beggar, who says he was in the war. I have no +small change on me. (Taking up his palette and brushes.) It's high +time, too, that I should finally go to work. (Goes out, right.) (Lulu +touches herself up before the glass, strokes back her hair, and goes +out, returning leading in Schigolch.) + +SCHIGOLCH. I'd thought he was more of a swell--a little more glory to +him. He's sort of embarrassed. He quaked a little in the knees when he +saw =me= in front of him. + +LULU. (Shoving a chair round for him.) How can you beg from him, too? + +SCHIGOLCH. That's why I've dragged my seventy-seven summers just here. +You told me he kept at his painting in the mornings. + +LULU. He hadn't got quite awake yet. How much do you need? + +SCHIGOLCH. Two hundred, if you have that much handy. Personally, I'd +like three hundred. Some of my clients have evaporated. + +LULU. (Goes to the writing-table and rummages in the drawer.) Whew, I'm +tired! + +SCHIGOLCH. (Looking round him.) That's just what brought me, too. I've +been wanting a long time to see how things were looking now with you. + +LULU. Well? + +SCHIGOLCH. It just sweeps over you. (Looking up.) Like with me fifty +years ago. Instead of the loafing chairs we still had rusty old sabres +then. Devil, but you've brought it pretty far! (Scuffing.) Carpets.... + +LULU. (Giving him two bills.) I like best to walk on them bare-footed. + +SCHIGOLCH. (Scanning Lulu's portrait.) Is that you? + +LULU. (Winking.) Pretty fine? + +SCHIGOLCH. If all that's genuine. + +LULU. Have something sweet? + +SCHIGOLCH. What? + +LULU. (Getting up.) Elixir de Spaa. + +SCHIGOLCH. That doesn't help me--Does he drink? + +LULU. (Taking a decanter and glasses from a cupboard near the +fireplace.) Not yet. (Coming down stage.) The cordial has such various +effects! + +SCHIGOLCH. He comes to blows? + +LULU. He goes to sleep. (She fills the two glasses.) + +SCHIGOLCH. When he's drunk, you can see right into his insides. + +LULU. I'd rather =not=. (Sits opposite Schigolch.) Tell me about it. + +SCHIGOLCH. The streets keep on getting longer, and my legs shorter. + +LULU. And your harmonica? + +SCHIGOLCH. Has bad air, like me with my asthma. I just keep a-thinking +it isn't worth the trouble to make it better. (They clink glasses.) + +LULU. (Emptying her glass.) I thought you'd come to an end a long time +ago-- + +SCHIGOLCH. To an end--already up and away? I thought so, too. But no +matter how early the sun goes down, still we aren't let lie quiet. I'm +hoping for winter. Perhaps then my (coughing) --my--my asthma will +invent some opportunity to carry me off. + +LULU. (Filling the glasses.) Do you think they could have forgotten you +on the other side? + +SCHIGOLCH. Would be possible, for it certainly isn't going like it +usually does. (Stroking her knee.) Now you tell--not seen you a long +time--my little Lulu. + +LULU. (Jerking back, smiling.) Life is beyond me! + +SCHIGOLCH. What do you know about it? You're still so young! + +LULU. That you call me Lulu. + +SCHIGOLCH. Lulu, isn't it? Have I ever called you anything else? + +LULU. In the memory of man my name has no longer been Lulu. + +SCHIGOLCH. Another way of naming? + +LULU. Lulu sounds to me quite ante-diluvian. + +SCHIGOLCH. Children! Children! + +LULU. My name now is-- + +SCHIGOLCH. As if the principle wasn't always the same! + +LULU. You mean--? + +SCHIGOLCH. What is it now? + +LULU. =Eve.= + +SCHIGOLCH. Lept, hopped, skipped, jumped.... + +LULU. I'm listening. + +SCHIGOLCH. (Gazing round.) This is the way I dreamt of it for you. +You've aimed straight for it. (Seeing Lulu sprinkling herself with +perfume.) What's that? + +LULU. Heliotrope. + +SCHIGOLCH. Does that smell better than you? + +LULU. (Sprinkling him.) That needn't bother you any more. + +SCHIGOLCH. Who would have dreamt of this royal luxury before! + +LULU. When I think back--Ugh! + +SCHIGOLCH. (Stroking her knee.) How's it going with you, then? You +still keep at the French? + +LULU. I lie and sleep. + +SCHIGOLCH. That's genteel. That always looks like something. And +afterwards? + +LULU. I stretch--till it cracks. + +SCHIGOLCH. And when it has cracked? + +LULU. What do you mind about that? + +SCHIGOLCH. What do I mind about that? What do I mind? I'd rather live +till the last trump and renounce all heavenly joys than leave my Lulu +deprived of anything down here behind me. What do I mind about that? +It's my sympathy. To be sure, my better self =is= already +transfigured--but I still have some sense for this world. + +LULU. I haven't. + +SCHIGOLCH. You're too well off. + +LULU. (Shuddering.) Idiot.... + +SCHIGOLCH. Better than with the old dancing-bear? + +LULU. (Sadly.) I don't dance any more. + +SCHIGOLCH. For him it was time, too. + +LULU. Now I am-- (Stops.) + +SCHIGOLCH. Speak how it is with you, child! I believed in you when +there was no more to be seen in you than your two big eyes. What are +you now? + +LULU. A beast.... + +SCHIGOLCH. That you--! And what kind of a beast? A fine beast! An +elegant beast! A glorified beast! Then I'll let them bury me. We're +through with prejudices--even with the one against the corpse-washer. + +LULU. You needn't be afraid that you will be washed once more. + +SCHIGOLCH. Doesn't matter, either. One gets dirty again. + +LULU. (Sprinkling him.) It would call you back to life again! + +SCHIGOLCH. We are mud. + +LULU. I beg your pardon! I rub grease into myself every day and then +powder on top of it. + +SCHIGOLCH. Probably worth while, too, on the dressed-up mucker's +account. + +LULU. It makes the skin like satin. + +SCHIGOLCH. As if it weren't just dirt all the same! + +LULU. Thank you. I wish to be worth biting at! + +SCHIGOLCH. We are. Give a big dinner down below there pretty soon. Keep +open house. + +LULU. Your guests will hardly over-eat themselves at it. + +SCHIGOLCH. Patience, girl! Your worshippers won't put you in alcohol, +either. It's "schöne Melusine" as long as it keeps buoyant. Afterwards? +They don't take it at the zoölogical garden. (Rising.) The gentle +beasties might get stomach-cramps. + +LULU. (Getting up.) Have you enough? + +SCHIGOLCH. There's still enough left over to plant a juniper on my +grave. I'll find my own way out. (Exit. Lulu follows him, and presently +returns with Dr. Schön.) + +SCHÖN. What's your father doing here? + +LULU. What's the matter? + +SCHÖN. If I were your husband that man would never come over my +threshold. + +LULU. You can speak intimately. He's not here. (Referring to Schwarz.) + +SCHÖN. Thank you, I'd rather not. + +LULU. I don't understand. + +SCHÖN. I know that. (Offering her a seat.) I should like to speak with +you just on that subject. + +LULU. (Sitting down uncertainly.) Why didn't you tell me so yesterday, +then? + +SCHÖN. Please, nothing now about yesterday. I did tell you two years +ago. + +LULU. (Nervously.) Oh, yes,--Hm! + +SCHÖN. Please be kind enough to cease your visits to my house. + +LULU. May I offer you an elixir-- + +SCHÖN. Thanks. No elixir. Have you understood me? (Lulu shakes her +head.) Good. You have the choice. You force me to the most extreme +measures:--either act in accordance with your station-- + +LULU. Or? + +SCHÖN. Or--you compel me--I should have to turn to that person who is +responsible for your behavior. + +LULU. What makes you imagine that? + +SCHÖN. I shall request your husband, himself to watch over your ways. +(Lulu rises, goes up the steps, right.) Where are you going? + +LULU. (Calls thru the curtains.) Walter! + +SCHÖN. (Springing up.) Are you mad? + +LULU. (Turning round.) Aha! + +SCHÖN. I have made the most superhuman efforts to raise you in society. +You can be ten times as proud of your name as of your intimacy with me. + +LULU. (Comes down the steps and puts her arm around Schön's neck.) Why +are you still afraid, now that you're at the zenith of your hopes? + +SCHÖN. No comedy! The zenith of my hopes? I am at last engaged: I have +now the hope of bringing my bride into a clean house. + +LULU. (Sitting.) She has developed delightfully in the two years! + +SCHÖN. She no longer looks thru one so earnestly. + +LULU. She is now, for the first time, a woman. We can meet each other +wherever it seems suitable to you. + +SCHÖN. We shall meet each other nowhere but in the presence of your +husband! + +LULU. You don't believe yourself what you say. + +SCHÖN. Then =he= must believe it. Go on and call him! Thru his marriage +to you, thru all that I've done for him, he has become my friend. + +LULU. (Rising.) Mine, too. + +SCHÖN. Then I'll cut down the sword over my head. + +LULU. You have, indeed, chained me up. But I owe my happiness to you. +You will get friends by the crowd as soon as you have a pretty young +wife again. + +SCHÖN. You judge women by yourself! He's got the sense of a child or he +would have tracked out your doublings and windings long ago. + +LULU. I only wish he would! Then, at last he'd get out of his +swaddling-clothes. He puts his trust in the marriage contract he has in +his pocket. Trouble is past and gone. One can now give oneself and let +oneself go as if one were at home. That isn't the sense of a =child=! +It's banal! He has no education; he sees nothing; he sees neither me +nor himself; he is blind, blind, blind.... + +SCHÖN. (Half to himself.) When =his= eyes open!! + +LULU. Open his eyes for him! I'm going to ruin. I'm neglecting myself. +He doesn't know me at all. What am I to him? He calls me darling and +little devil. He would say the same to any piano-teacher. He makes no +pretensions. Everything is alright, to him. That comes from his never +in his life having felt the need of intercourse with women. + +SCHÖN. If that's true! + +LULU. He admits it perfectly openly. + +SCHÖN. A man who has painted them, rags and tags and velvet gowns, +since he was fourteen. + +LULU. Women make him anxious. He trembles for his health and comfort. +But he isn't afraid of =me=! + +SCHÖN. How many girls would deem themselves God knows how blessed in +your situation. + +LULU. (Softly pleading.) Seduce him. Corrupt him. You know how. Take +him into bad company--you know the people. I am nothing to him but a +woman, just woman. He makes me feel so ridiculous. He will be prouder +of me. He doesn't know any differences. I'm thinking my head off, day +and night, how to shake him up. In my despair I dance the can-can. He +yawns; and drivels something about obscenity. + +SCHÖN. Nonsense. He is an artist, though. + +LULU. At least he believes he is. + +SCHÖN. That's the chief thing! + +LULU. When _I_ pose for him.... He believes, too, that he's a famous +man. + +SCHÖN. We =have= made him one. + +LULU. He believes everything. He's as mistrustful as a thief, and lets +himself be lied to, till one loses all respect! When we first knew each +other I informed him I had never yet loved-- (Schön falls into an +easy-chair.) Otherwise he would really have taken me for a fallen +woman! + +SCHÖN. You make God knows what exorbitant demands on =legitimate= +relations! + +LULU. I make no exorbitant demands. Often I even dream still of Goll. + +SCHÖN. He was, at any rate, not banal! + +LULU. He is there, as if he had never been away. Only he walks as tho +in his socks. He isn't angry with me; he's awfully sad. And then he is +fearful, as tho he were there without the permission of the police. +Otherwise, he feels at ease with us. Only he can't quite get over my +having thrown away so much money since-- + +SCHÖN. You yearn for the whip once more? + +LULU. Maybe. I don't dance any more. + +SCHÖN. Teach him to do it. + +LULU. A waste of trouble. + +SCHÖN. Out of a hundred women, ninety educate their husbands to suit +themselves. + +LULU. He loves me. + +SCHÖN. That's fatal, of course. + +LULU. He loves me-- + +SCHÖN. That is an unbridgeable abyss. + +LULU. He doesn't know me, but he loves me! If he had anything like a +correct idea of me, he'd tie a stone around my neck and sink me in the +sea where it's deepest. + +SCHÖN. Let's finish this? (He gets up.) + +LULU. As you say. + +SCHÖN. I've married you off. Twice I have married you off. You live in +luxury. I've created a position for your husband. If that doesn't +satisfy you, and he laughs in his sleeve at it, I don't pretend to meet +ideal claims; but--leave me out of the game, out of it! + +LULU. (Resolutely.) If I belong to any person on this earth, I belong +to you. Without you I'd be--I won't say where. You took me by the hand, +gave me food to eat, had me dressed,--when I was going to steal your +watch. Do you think that can be forgotten? Anybody else would have +called the police. You sent me to school, and had me learn manners. Who +but you in the whole world has ever thought anything of me? I've danced +and posed, and was glad to be able to earn my living that way. But +=love= at command, I can't! + +SCHÖN. (Raising his voice.) Leave =me= out! Do what you will. I'm not +coming to make scandal; I'm coming to shake the scandal from my neck. +My engagement is costing me sacrifices enough! I had imagined that with +a healthy young man, than whom a woman of your years can wish herself +no better, you would, at last, have been contented. If you are under +obligations to me, don't throw yourself a third time in my way! Am I to +wait yet longer before putting my pile in security? Am I to risk the +whole success of my patents falling into the water again after two +years? What good is it to me to be your married-man, when =you= can be +seen going in and out of my house at every hour of the day? Why the +devil didn't Dr. Goll stay alive just one year more! With him you were +in safe keeping. Then I'd have had my wife long since under my roof! + +LULU. And what would you have had then? The kid gets on your nerves. +The child is too uncorrupted for you. She's been much too carefully +brought up. What should I have against your marriage? But you are +deceived about yourself if you think that on account of your impending +marriage you may express your contempt to me. + +SCHÖN. Contempt? I shall soon give the child the right idea. If +anything is contemptible, it's your intrigues! + +LULU. (Laughing.) Am I jealous of the child? That never once entered my +head. + +SCHÖN. Then why talk about the child? The child is not even a whole +year younger than you are. Leave me my freedom to live what life I +still have. No matter how the child's been brought up, she's got her +five senses just like you.... (Schwarz appears, right, brush in hand.) + +SCHWARZ. What's the matter here? + +LULU. (To Schön.) Well? Go on. Talk. + +SCHWARZ. What's the matter with you two? + +LULU. Nothing that touches you-- + +SCHÖN. (Sharply.) Quiet! + +LULU. He's had enough of me. (Schwarz leads her off, to the right.) + +SCHÖN. (Turning over the leaves in one of the books on the table.) It +had to come out--I must have my hands free at last! + +SCHWARZ. (Coming back.) Is that a way to jest? + +SCHÖN. (Pointing to a chair.) Please. + +SCHWARZ. What is it? + +SCHÖN. Please. + +SCHWARZ. (Seating himself.) Well? + +SCHÖN. (Seating himself.) You have married half a million.... + +SCHWARZ. Is it gone? + +SCHÖN. Not a penny. + +SCHWARZ. Explain to me the peculiar scene.... + +SCHÖN. You have married half a million-- + +SCHWARZ. No one can make a crime of that. + +SCHÖN. You have created a name for yourself. You can work unmolested. +You need to deny yourself no wish-- + +SCHWARZ. What have you two got against me? + +SCHÖN. For six months you've been revelling in all the heavens. You +have a wife whom the world envies you, and she deserves a man whom she +can respect-- + +SCHWARZ. Doesn't she respect me? + +SCHÖN. No. + +SCHWARZ. (Depressed.) I come from the dark depths of society. She is +above me. I cherish no more ardent wish than to become her equal. +(Offers Schön his hand.) Thank you. + +SCHÖN. (Pressing it, half embarrassed.) Don't mention it. + +SCHWARZ. (With determination.) Speak! + +SCHÖN. Keep a little more watch on her. + +SCHWARZ. I--on her? + +SCHÖN. We are not children! We don't trifle! She demands that she be +taken seriously. Her value gives her a perfect right to be. + +SCHWARZ. What does she do, then? + +SCHÖN. You have married half a million! + +SCHWARZ. (Rises; beside himself.) She--? + +SCHÖN. (Takes him by the shoulder.) No, that's not the way! (Forces +him to sit.) We must speak with each other very seriously here. + +SCHWARZ. What does she do? + +SCHÖN. First count on your fingers what you have to thank her for, and +then-- + +SCHWARZ. What does she do--man!! + +SCHÖN. And then make yourself responsible for your faults, and no one +else. + +SCHWARZ. With whom? With whom? + +SCHÖN. If we should shoot each other-- + +SCHWARZ. Since when, then? + +SCHÖN. (Evasive.) --I don't come here to make scandal, I come to save +you from the scandal. + +SCHWARZ. You have misunderstood her. + +SCHÖN. (Embarrassed.) That will not do for me. I can't see you go on +living in blindness. The girl deserves to be a respectable woman. Since +I have known her she has improved as she developed. + +SCHWARZ. Since you have known her? Since when have you known her then? + +SCHÖN. Since about her twelfth year. + +SCHWARZ. (Bewildered.) She told me nothing about that. + +SCHÖN. She sold flowers in front of the Alhambra Café. Every evening +between twelve and two she pressed in among the guests, bare-footed. + +SCHWARZ. She told me nothing of that. + +SCHÖN. She did right there. I'm telling you, so you may see that you +have not to do with moral degeneracy. The girl is, on the contrary, of +extraordinarily good disposition. + +SCHWARZ. She said she had grown up with an aunt. + +SCHÖN. That was the woman I gave her to. She was her best pupil. The +mothers used to make her an example to their children. She has the +feeling for duty. It is simply and solely your mistake if you have till +now neglected to take her on her best sides. + +SCHWARZ. (Sobbing.) O God!-- + +SCHÖN. (With emphasis.) No O God!! Nothing of the happiness you have +cost can be changed. Done is done. You over-rate yourself against your +better knowledge if you persuade yourself you will lose. You stand to +gain. But with "O God" nothing is gained. A greater friendliness I have +not yet shown you: I speak plainly and offer you my help. Don't show +yourself unworthy of it! + +SCHWARZ. (From now on more and more broken up.) When I first knew her, +she told me she had never loved. + +SCHÖN. When a widow says that--! It does her credit that she chose you +for a husband. Make the same claims on yourself and your happiness is +without a blot. + +SCHWARZ. She says he made her wear short dresses. + +SCHÖN. But he married her! That was her master-stroke. How she brought +the man to it is beyond me. You really must know it now: you are +enjoying the fruits of her diplomacy. + +SCHWARZ. How did she get to know Dr. Goll then? + +SCHÖN. Through me! It was after my wife's death, when I was making the +first advances to my present fiancée. She stuck herself in between. She +had fixed her mind on becoming my wife. + +SCHWARZ. (As if seized with a horrible suspicion.) And then when her +husband died? + +SCHÖN. You married half a million!! + +SCHWARZ. (Wailing.) O, to have stayed where I was! To have died of +hunger! + +SCHÖN. (Superior.) Do you think, then, that _I_ make no compromises? +Who is there that does not compromise? You have married half a million. +You are to-day one of the foremost artists. That can't be done without +money. You are not the man to sit in judgment on her. You can't +possibly treat an origin like Mignon's according to the notions of +bourgeois society. + +SCHWARZ. (Quite distraught.) Who are you speaking of? + +SCHÖN. Of her father! You're an artist, I say: your ideals are on a +different plane from those of a wage-worker. + +SCHWARZ. I don't understand a word of all that. + +SCHÖN. I am speaking of the inhuman conditions out of which, thanks to +her good management, the girl has developed into what she is! + +SCHWARZ. Who? + +SCHÖN. Who? Your wife. + +SCHWARZ. =Eve?= + +SCHÖN. I called her Mignon. + +SCHWARZ. I thought her name was Nellie? + +SCHÖN. Dr. Goll called her so. + +SCHWARZ. I called her Eve-- + +SCHÖN. What her real name is I don't know. + +SCHWARZ. (Absently.) Perhaps she knows. + +SCHÖN. With a father like hers, she is, with all her faults, a miracle. +I don't understand you-- + +SCHWARZ. He died in a madhouse--? + +SCHÖN. He was here just now! + +SCHWARZ. Who was here? + +SCHÖN. Her father. + +SCHWARZ. Here--in my house? + +SCHÖN. He squeezed by me as I came in. And there are the two glasses +still. + +SCHWARZ. She says he died in the madhouse. + +SCHÖN. Let her feel she's in authority--! She craves nothing but the +compulsion to unconditional obedience. With Dr. Goll she was in heaven, +and with him there was no joking. + +SCHWARZ. (Shaking his head.) She said she had never loved-- + +SCHÖN. But you, make a beginning with yourself. Pull yourself together! + +SCHWARZ. She has sworn--! + +SCHÖN. You can't demand a sense of duty in her before you know your own +task. + +SCHWARZ. By her mother's grave! + +SCHÖN. She never knew her mother, let alone the grave. Her mother +hasn't got a grave. + +SCHWARZ. I don't fit in society. (He is in desperation.) + +SCHÖN. What's the matter? + +SCHWARZ. Pain--horrible pain! + +SCHÖN. (Gets up, steps back; after a pause.) Guard her for yourself: +she's yours. The moment is decisive. To-morrow she may be lost to you. + +SCHWARZ. (Pointing to his breast.) Here, here. + +SCHÖN. You have married half-- (Reflecting.) She is lost to you if you +let this moment slip! + +SCHWARZ. If I could weep! Oh, if I could cry out! + +SCHÖN. (With a hand on his shoulder.) You're suffering-- + +SCHWARZ. (Getting up, apparently quiet.) You are right, quite right. + +SCHÖN. (Gripping his hand.) Where are you going? + +SCHWARZ. To speak with her. + +SCHÖN. Right! (Accompanies him to the door, left. Coming back.) That +was tough work. (After a pause, looking right.) He had taken her into +the studio before though? (A fearful groan, left. He hurries to the +door and finds it locked.) Open! Open the door! + +LULU. (Stepping thru the hangings, right.) What's-- + +SCHÖN. Open it! + +LULU. (Comes down the steps.) That is horrible. + +SCHÖN. Have you an ax in the kitchen? + +LULU. He'll open it right off-- + +SCHÖN. I can't kick it down. + +LULU. When he's had his cry out. + +SCHÖN. (Kicking the door.) Open! (To Lulu.) Bring me an ax. + +LULU. Send for the doctor-- + +SCHÖN. You are not yourself. + +LULU. It serves you right. (Bell rings in the corridor. Schön and Lulu +stare at each other. Then Schön slips up-stage and stands in the +doorway.) + +SCHÖN. I mustn't let myself be seen here. + +LULU. Perhaps it's the art-dealer. (The bell rings again.) + +SCHÖN. But if we don't answer it-- + +LULU. (Steals toward the door; but Schön holds her.) -- + +SCHÖN. Stop. It sometimes happens that one is not just at hand-- (He +goes out on tip-toes. Lulu turns back to the locked door and listens. +Schön returns with Alva.) Please be quiet. + +ALVA. (Very excited.) A revolution has broken out in Paris! + +SCHÖN. Be quiet. + +ALVA. (To Lulu.) You're as pale as death. + +SCHÖN. (Rattling at the door.) Walter! Walter! (A death-rattle heard +behind the door.) + +LULU. God pity you. + +SCHÖN. Haven't you brought an ax? + +LULU. If there's one there-- (Goes slowly out, upper left.) + +ALVA. He's just keeping us in suspense. + +SCHÖN. A revolution has broken out in Paris? + +ALVA. In the editors' room they're beating their heads against the +wall. No one knows what he ought to write. (The bell rings in the +corridor.) + +SCHÖN. (Kicking against the door.) Walter! + +ALVA. Shall I force it in? + +SCHÖN. I can do that. Who is it coming now? (Standing up.) To enjoy +life and let others be responsible for it-- + +LULU. (Coming back with a kitchen ax.) Henriette has come home. + +SCHÖN. Shut the door behind you. + +ALVA. Give it here. (Takes the ax and pounds with it between the jamb +and the lock.) + +SCHÖN. You must hold it nearer the end. + +ALVA. It's cracking-- (The lock gives; Alva lets the ax fall and +staggers back.) (Pause.) + +LULU. (To Schön, pointing to the door.) After you. (Schön flinches, +drops back.) Are you getting--dizzy? (Schön wipes the sweat from his +forehead and goes in.) + +ALVA. (From the couch.) Ghastly! + +LULU. (Stopping in the door-way, finger on lips, cries out sharply.) +Oh! Oh! (Hurries to Alva.) I can't stay here. + +ALVA. Horrible! + +LULU. (Taking his hand.) Come. + +ALVA. Where to? + +LULU. I can't be alone. (Goes out with Alva, right.) + +(Schön comes back, a bunch of keys in his hand, which shows blood. He +pulls the door to, behind him, goes to the writing-table, opens it, and +writes two notes.) + +ALVA. (Coming back, right.) She's changing her clothes. + +SCHÖN. She has gone? + +ALVA. To her room. She's changing her clothes. (Schön rings. Henriette +comes in.) + +SCHÖN. You know where Dr. Bernstein lives? + +HENRIETTE. Of course, Doctor. Right next door. + +SCHÖN. (Giving her one note.) Take that over to him, please. + +HENRIETTE. In case the doctor is not at home? + +SCHÖN. He is at home. (Giving her the other note.) And take this to +police headquarters. Take a cab. (Henriette goes out.) I am judged! + +ALVA. My blood is cold. + +SCHÖN. (Toward the left.) The fool! + +ALVA. He waked up to something, perhaps? + +SCHÖN. He has been too absorbed with himself. (Lulu appears on the +steps, right, in dust-coat and hat.) + +ALVA. Where are you going now? + +LULU. Out. I see it on all the walls. + +SCHÖN. Where are his papers? + +LULU. In the desk. + +SCHÖN. (At the desk.) Where? + +LULU. Lower right-hand drawer. (She kneels and opens the drawer, +emptying the papers on the floor.) Here. There is nothing to fear. He +had no secrets. + +SCHÖN. Now I can just withdraw from the world. + +LULU. (Still kneeling.) Write a pamphlet about him. Call him +Michelangelo. + +SCHÖN. What good'll that do? (Pointing left.) There lies my engagement. + +ALVA. That's the curse of your game! + +SCHÖN. Shout it thru the streets!! + +ALVA. (Pointing to Lulu.) If you had treated that girl fairly and +justly when my mother died-- + +SCHÖN. My engagement is bleeding to death there! + +LULU. (Getting up.) I sha'n't stay here any longer. + +SCHÖN. In an hour they'll be selling extras. I dare not go across the +street! + +LULU. Why, what can you do to help it? + +SCHÖN. That's just it! They'll stone me for it! + +ALVA. You must get away--travel. + +SCHÖN. To leave the scandal a free field! + +LULU. (By the couch.) Ten minutes ago he was lying here. + +SCHÖN. This is the reward for all I've done for him! In one second he +wrecks my whole life for me! + +ALVA. Control yourself, please! + +LULU. (On the couch.) There's no one but ourselves here. + +ALVA. But =our= position? + +SCHÖN. (To Lulu.) What will you say to the police? + +LULU. Nothing. + +ALVA. He didn't want to remain a debtor to his destiny. + +LULU. He always thought of death immediately. + +SCHÖN. He thought what a human being can only dream of. + +LULU. He has paid dearly for it. + +ALVA. He had what =we= don't have! + +SCHÖN. (Suddenly violent.) I know your reasons! I have no cause to +consider you! If you try every means to prevent having any brothers and +sisters, that's all the more reason why I should get more children. + +ALVA. You've a poor knowledge of men. + +LULU. You get out an extra yourself! + +SCHÖN. (With passionate indignation.) He had no moral sense! (Suddenly +controlling himself again.) Paris in revolution--? + +ALVA. Our editors act as though they'd been struck. Everything has +stopped dead. + +SCHÖN. That's got to help me over this! Now if only the police would +come. The minutes are worth more than gold. (The bell rings in the +corridor.) + +ALVA. There they are-- (Schön starts to the door. Lulu jumps up.) + +LULU. Wait, you've got blood-- + +SCHÖN. Where? + +LULU. Wait, I'll wipe it. (Sprinkles her handkerchief with heliotrope +and wipes the blood from Schön's hand.) + +SCHÖN. It's your husband's blood. + +LULU. It leaves no trace. + +SCHÖN. Monster! + +LULU. You will marry me, though. (The bell rings in the corridor.) Only +have patience, children. (Schön goes out and returns with Escherich, a +reporter.) + +ESCHERICH. (Breathless.) Allow me to--to introduce myself-- + +SCHÖN. You've run? + +ESCHERICH. (Giving him his card.) From police headquarters. A suicide, +I understand. + +SCHÖN. (Reads.) Fritz Escherich, correspondent of the "News and +Novelties." Come along. + +ESCHERICH. One moment. (Takes out his note-book and pencil, looks +around the parlor, writes a few words, bows to Lulu, writes, turns to +the broken door, writes.) A kitchen-ax. (Starts to lift it.) + +SCHÖN. (Holding him back.) Excuse me. + +ESCHERICH. (Writing.) Door broken open with a kitchen-ax. (Examines the +lock.) + +SCHÖN. (His hand on the door.) Look before you, my dear sir. + +ESCHERICH. Now if you will have the kindness to open the door-- (Schön +opens it. Escherich lets book and pencil fall, clutches at his hair.) +Merciful Heaven! God!! + +SCHÖN. Look it all over carefully. + +ESCHERICH. I can't look at it! + +SCHÖN. (Snorting scornfully.) Then what did you come here for? + +ESCHERICH. To--to cut up--to cut up his throat with a razor! + +SCHÖN. Have you seen it all? + +ESCHERICH. That must feel-- + +SCHÖN. (Draws the door to, steps to the writing-table.) Sit down. Here +is paper and pen. Write. + +ESCHERICH. (Mechanically taking his seat.) I can't write-- + +SCHÖN. (Behind his chair.) Write! Persecution--mania.... + +ESCHERICH. (Writes.) Per-secu-tion--mania. (The bell rings in the +corridor.) + +CURTAIN + + + + +ACT III + + +_A theatrical dressing-room, hung with red. Door upper right. Across +upper left corner, a Spanish screen. Centre, a table set endwise, on +which dance costumes lie. Chair on each side of this table. Lower +right, a smaller table with a chair. Lower left, a high, very wide, +old-fashioned arm-chair. Above it, a tall mirror, with a make-up stand +before it holding puff, rouge, etc., etc._ + +_Alva is at lower right, filling two glasses with red wine and +champagne._ + +ALVA. Never since I began to work for the stage have I seen a public so +uncontrolled in enthusiasm. + +LULU. (Voice from behind the screen.) Don't give me too much red wine. +Will he see me to-day? + +ALVA. Father? + +LULU. Yes. + +ALVA. I don't know if he's in the theater. + +LULU. Doesn't he want to see me at all? + +ALVA. He has so little time. + +LULU. His =bride= occupies him. + +ALVA. Speculations. He gives himself no rest. (Schön enters.) You? +We're just speaking of you. + +LULU. Is he there? + +SCHÖN. You're changing? + +LULU. (Peeping over the Spanish screen, to Schön.) You write in all the +papers that I'm the most gifted danseuse who ever trod the stage, a +second Taglioni and I don't know what else--and you haven't once found +me gifted enough to convince yourself of the fact. + +SCHÖN. I have so much to write. You see, I was right: there were +hardly any seats left. You must keep rather more in the proscenium. + +LULU. I must first accustom myself to the light. + +ALVA. She has kept herself strictly to her part. + +SCHÖN. (To Alva.) You must get more out of your performers! You don't +know enough yet about the technique. (To Lulu.) What do you come as +now? + +LULU. As a flower-girl. + +SCHÖN. (To Alva.) In tights? + +ALVA. No. In a skirt to the ankles. + +SCHÖN. It would have been better if you hadn't ventured on symbolism. + +ALVA. I look at a dancer's feet. + +SCHÖN. The point is, what the public looks at. An apparition like =her= +has no need, thank heaven, of your symbolic mummery. + +ALVA. The public doesn't look as if it was bored! + +SCHÖN. Of course not; because I have been working for her success in +the press for six months. Has the prince been here? + +ALVA. Nobody's been here. + +SCHÖN. Who lets a dancer come on thru two acts in raincoats? + +ALVA. Who is the prince? + +SCHÖN. Shall we see each other afterwards? + +ALVA. Are you alone? + +SCHÖN. With acquaintances. At Peter's? + +ALVA. At twelve? + +SCHÖN. At twelve. (Exit.) + +LULU. I'd given up hoping he'd ever come. + +ALVA. Don't let yourself be misled by his grumpy growls. If you'll only +be careful not to spend your strength before the last number +begins-- (Lulu steps out in a classical, sleeveless dress, white with a +red border, a bright wreath in her hair and a basket of flowers in her +hands.) + +LULU. He doesn't seem to have noticed at all how cleverly you have used +your performers. + +ALVA. I won't blow in sun, moon and stars in the first act! + +LULU. (Sipping.) You disclose me by degrees. + +ALVA. I knew, though, that you knew all about changing costumes. + +LULU. If I'd wanted to sell my flowers this way before the Alhambra +café, they'd have had me behind lock and key right off the very first +night. + +ALVA. Why? You were a child! + +LULU. Do you remember me when I entered your room the first time? + +ALVA. You wore a dark blue dress with black velvet. + +LULU. They had to stick me somewhere and didn't know where. + +ALVA. My mother had been lying sick two years then. + +LULU. You were playing theater, and asked me if I wanted to play too. + +ALVA. To be sure! We played theater! + +LULU. I see you still--the way you shoved the figures back and forth. + +ALVA. For a long time my most terrible memory was when all at once I +saw clearly into your relations-- + +LULU. You got icy curt towards me then. + +ALVA. Oh, God--I saw in you something so infinitely far above me. I had +perhaps a higher devotion to you than to my mother. Think--when my +mother died--I was seventeen--I went and stood before my father and +demanded that he make you his wife on the spot or we'd have to fight a +duel. + +LULU. He told me that at the time. + +ALVA. Since I've grown older, I can only pity him. He will never +comprehend me. There he is making up a story for himself about a little +diplomatic game that puts me in the rôle of laboring against his +marriage with the Countess. + +LULU. Does she still look as innocently as ever at the world? + +ALVA. She loves him. I'm convinced of that. Her family has tried +everything to make her turn back. I don't think any sacrifice in the +world would be too great for her for his sake. + +LULU. (Holds out her glass to him.) A little more, please. + +ALVA. (Giving it to her.) You're drinking too much. + +LULU. He shall learn to believe in my success! He doesn't believe in +any art. He believes only in papers. + +ALVA. He believes in nothing. + +LULU. He brought me into the theater in order that someone might +eventually be found rich enough to marry me. + +ALVA. Well, alright. Why need that trouble us? + +LULU. I am to be glad if I can dance myself into a millionaire's heart. + +ALVA. God defend that anyone should take you from us! + +LULU. You've composed the music for it, though. + +ALVA. You know that it was always my wish to write a piece for you. + +LULU. I am not at all made for the stage, however. + +ALVA. You came into the world a dancer! + +LULU. Why don't you write your things at least as interesting as life +is? + +ALVA. Because if we did no man would believe us. + +LULU. If I didn't know more about acting than the people on the stage +do, what might not have happened to me? + +ALVA. I've provided your part with all the impossibilities imaginable, +though. + +LULU. With hocus-pocus like that no dog is lured from the stove in the +real world. + +ALVA. It's enough for me that the public finds itself most tremendously +stirred up. + +LULU. But _I_'d like to find myself most tremendously stirred up. +(Drinks.) + +ALVA. You don't seem to be in need of much more for that. + +LULU. No one of them realizes anything about the others. Each thinks +that he alone is the unhappy victim. + +ALVA. But how can you feel that? + +LULU. There runs up one's body such an icy shudder. + +ALVA. You are incredible. (An electric bell rings over the door.) + +LULU. My cape.... I shall keep in the proscenium! + +ALVA. (Putting a wide shawl round her shoulders.) Here is your cape. + +LULU. He shall have nothing more to fear for his shameless boosting. + +ALVA. Keep yourself under control! + +LULU. God grant that I dance the last sparks of intelligence out of +their heads. (Exit.) + +ALVA. Yes, a more interesting piece could be written about her. (Sits, +right, and takes out his note-book. Writes. Looks up.) First act: +Dr. Goll. Rotten already! I can call up Dr. Goll from purgatory or +wherever else he's doing penance for his orgies, but I'll be made +responsible for his sins. (Long-continued but much deadened applause +and bravos outside.) They rage there as in a menagery when the meat +appears at the cage. Second act: Walter Schwarz. Still more impossible! +How our souls do strip off their last coverings in the light of such +lightning-strokes! Third act? Is it really to go on this way? (The +attendant opens the door from outside and lets Escerny enter. He acts +as though he were at home, and without greeting Alva takes the chair +near the mirror. Alva continues, not heeding him.) It can not go on +this way in the third act! + +ESCERNY. Up to the middle of the third act it didn't seem to go so well +to-day as usual. + +ALVA. I was not on the stage. + +ESCERNY. Now she's in full career again. + +ALVA. She's lengthening each number. + +ESCERNY. I once had the pleasure of meeting the artiste at Schön's. + +ALVA. My father has brought her before the public by some critiques in +his paper. + +ESCERNY. (Bowing slightly.) I was conferring with Dr. Schön about the +publication of my discoveries at Lake Tanganika. + +ALVA. (Bowing slightly.) His remarks leave no doubt that he takes the +liveliest interest in your work. + +ESCERNY. It's a very good thing in the artiste that the =public= does +not exist for her at all. + +ALVA. As a child she learned the quick changing of clothes; but I was +surprised to discover such an expressive dancer in her. + +ESCERNY. When she dances her solo she is intoxicated with her own +beauty, with which she herself seems to be mortally in love. + +ALVA. Here she comes. (Gets up and opens the door. Enter Lulu.) + +LULU. (Without wreath or basket, to Alva.) You're called for. I was +three times before the curtain. (To Escerny.) Dr. Schön is not in your +box? + +ESCERNY. Not in mine. + +ALVA. (To Lulu.) Didn't you see him? + +LULU. He is probably away again. + +ESCERNY. He has the last parquet-box on the left. + +LULU. It seems he is ashamed of me! + +ALVA. There wasn't a good seat left for him. + +LULU. (To Alva.) Ask him, though, if he likes me better now. + +ALVA. I'll send him up. + +ESCERNY. He applauded. + +LULU. Did he really? + +ALVA. Give yourself some rest. (Exit.) + +LULU. I've got to change again now. + +ESCERNY. But your maid isn't here? + +LULU. I can do it quicker alone. Where did you say Dr. Schön was +sitting? + +ESCERNY. I saw him in the left parquet-box farthest back. + +LULU. I've still five costumes before me now; dancing-girl, ballerina, +queen of the night, Ariel, and Lascaris.... (She goes behind the +Spanish screen.) + +ESCERNY. Would you think it possible that at our first meeting I +expected nothing more than to make the acquaintance of a young lady of +the literary world?... (He sits at the left of the centre table, and +remains there to the end of the scene.) Have I perhaps erred in my +judgment of your nature, or did I rightly interpret the smile which the +thundering storms of applause called forth on your lips? That you are +secretly pained at the necessity of profaning your art before people of +doubtful disinterestedness? (Lulu makes no answer.) That you would +gladly exchange at any moment the shimmer of publicity for a quiet, +sunny happiness in distinguished seclusion? (Lulu makes no answer.) +That you feel in yourself enough dignity and high rank to fetter a man +to your feet--in order to enjoy his utter helplessness?... (Lulu makes +no answer.) That in a comfortable, richly furnished villa you would +feel in a more fitting place than here,--with unlimited means, to live +completely as your =own mistress=? (Lulu steps forth in a short, +bright, pleated petticoat and white satin bodice, black shoes and +stockings, and spurs with bells at her heels.) + +LULU. (Busy with the lacing of her bodice.) If there's just one evening +I don't go on, I dream the whole night that I'm dancing and feel the +next day as if I'd been racked. + +ESCERNY. But what difference could it make to you to see before you +instead of this mob =one= spectator, specially elect? + +LULU. That would make no difference. I don't see anybody anyway. + +ESCERNY. A lighted summer-house--the splashing of the water near at +hand.... I am forced in my exploring-trips to the practise of a quite +inhuman tyranny-- + +LULU. (Putting on a pearl necklace before the mirror.) A good school! + +ESCERNY. And if I now long to deliver myself unreservedly into the +power of a woman, that is a natural need for relaxation.... Can you +imagine a greater life-happiness for a woman than to have a man +entirely in her power? + +LULU. (Jingling her heels.) Oh yes! + +ESCERNY. (Disconcerted.) Among cultured men you will find not one who +doesn't lose his head over you. + +LULU. Your wishes, however, no one will fulfill without deceiving you. + +ESCERNY. To be deceived by a girl like you must be ten times more +enrapturing than to be uprightly loved by anybody else. + +LULU. You have never in your life been uprightly loved by a girl! +(Turning her back to him and pointing.) Would you undo this knot for +me? I've laced myself too tight. I am always so excited getting +dressed. + +ESCERNY. (After repeated efforts.) I'm sorry; I can't. + +LULU. Then leave it. Perhaps I can. (Goes left.) + +ESCERNY. I confess that I am lacking in deftness. Maybe I was not +docile enough with women. + +LULU. And probably you don't have much opportunity to be so in Africa, +either? + +ESCERNY. (Seriously.) Let me openly admit to you that my loneliness in +the world embitters many hours. + +LULU. The knot is almost done.... + +ESCERNY. What draws me to you is not your dancing. It's your physical +and mental refinement, as it is revealed in every one of your +movements. Anyone who is so much interested in art as I am could not be +deceived in that. For ten evenings I've been studying your spiritual +life in your dance, until to-day when you entered as the flower-girl I +became perfectly clear. Yours is a grand nature--unselfish; you can see +no one suffer; you embody the joy of life. As a wife you will make a +man happy above all things.... You are all open-heartedness. You would +be a poor actor. (The bell rings again.) + +LULU. (Having somewhat loosened her laces, takes a deep breath and +jingles her spurs.) Now I can breathe again. The curtain is going up. +(She takes from the centre table a skirt-dance costume--of bright +yellow silk, without a waist, closed at the neck, reaching to the +ankles, with wide, loose sleeves--and throws it over her.) I must +dance. + +ESCERNY. (Rises and kisses her hand.) Allow me to remain here a little +while longer. + +LULU. Please, stay. + +ESCERNY. I need some solitude. (Lulu goes out.) What is to be +aristocratic? To be eccentric, like me? Or to be perfect in body and +mind, like this girl? (Applause and bravos outside.) He who gives me +back my faith in men, gives me back my life. Should not the children of +this woman be more princely, body and soul, than the children whose +mother has no more vitality in her than I have felt in me until to-day? +(Sitting, right; ecstatically.) The dance has ennobled her body.... +(Alva enters.) + +ALVA. One is never sure a moment that some miserable chance may not +throw the whole performance out for good. (He throws himself into the +big chair, left, so that the two men are in exactly reversed positions +from their former ones. Both converse somewhat boredly and +apathetically.) + +ESCERNY. But the public has never yet shown itself so grateful. + +ALVA. She's finished the skirt-dance. + +ESCERNY. I hear her coming.... + +ALVA. She isn't coming. She has no time. She changes her costume in the +wings. + +ESCERNY. She has two ballet-costumes, if I'm not mistaken? + +ALVA. I find the white one more becoming to her than the rose. + +ESCERNY. Do you? + +ALVA. Don't you? + +ESCERNY. I find she looks too body-less in the white tulle. + +ALVA. I find she looks too animal in the rose-tulle. + +ESCERNY. I don't find that. + +ALVA. The white tulle expresses more the child-like in her nature. + +ESCERNY. The rose tulle expresses more the female in her nature. (The +electric bell rings over the door. Alva jumps up.) + +ALVA. For heaven's sake, what is wrong? + +ESCERNY. (Getting up too.) What's the matter? (The electric bell goes +on ringing to the close of the dialogue.) + +ALVA. Something's gone wrong there-- + +ESCERNY. How can you get so suddenly frightened? + +ALVA. That must be a hellish confusion! (He runs out. Escerny follows +him. The door remains open. Faint dance-music heard. Pause. Lulu enters +in a long cloak, and shuts the door to behind her. She wears a +rose-colored ballet costume with flower garlands. She walks across the +stage and sits down in the big arm-chair near the mirror. After a pause +Alva returns.) + +ALVA. You had a faint? + +LULU. Please lock the door. + +ALVA. At least come down to the stage. + +LULU. Did you see him? + +ALVA. See whom? + +LULU. With his bride? + +ALVA. With his-- (To Schön, who enters.) You might have spared yourself +that jest! + +SCHÖN. What's the matter with her? (To Lulu.) How can you play the +scene straight at me! + +LULU. I feel as if I'd been whipped. + +SCHÖN. (After bolting the door.) You will dance--as sure as I've taken +the responsibility for you! + +LULU. Before your bride? + +SCHÖN. Have you a right to trouble yourself before whom? You've been +engaged here. You receive your salary ... + +LULU. Is that your affair? + +SCHÖN. You dance for anyone who buys a ticket. Whom I sit with in my +box has nothing to do with your business! + +ALVA. I wish you'd stayed sitting in your box! (To Lulu.) Tell me, +please, what I am to do. (A knock at the door.) There is the manager. +(Calls.) Yes, in a moment! (To Lulu.) You won't compel us to break off +the performance? + +SCHÖN. (To Lulu.) Onto the stage with you! + +LULU. Let me have just a moment! I can't now. I'm utterly miserable. + +ALVA. The devil take the whole theater crowd! + +LULU. Put in the next number. No one will notice if I dance now or in +five minutes. There's no strength in my feet. + +ALVA. But you will dance then? + +LULU. As well as I can. + +ALVA. As badly as you like. (A knock at the door again.) I'm coming. + +LULU. (When Alva is gone.) You are right to show me where my place is. +You couldn't do it better than by letting me dance the skirt-dance +before your fiancée.... You do me the greatest service when you point +out where I belong. + +SCHÖN. (Sardonically.) For you with your origin it's incomparable luck +to still have the chance of entering before respectable people! + +LULU. Even when my shamelessness makes them not know where to look. + +SCHÖN. Nonsense!--Shamelessness?--Don't make a necessity of virtue! +Your shamelessness is balanced with gold for you at every step. One +cries "bravo," another "fie"--it's all the same to you! Can you wish +for a more brilliant triumph than when a respectable girl can hardly be +kept in the box? Has your life any other aim? As long as you still have +a spark of self-respect, you are no perfect dancer. The more terribly +you make people shudder, the higher you stand in your profession! + +LULU. But it is absolutely indifferent to me what they think of me. I +don't, in the least, want to be any better than I am. I'm content with +myself. + +SCHÖN. (In moral indignation.) That is your true nature. I call that +straightforward! A corruption!! + +LULU. I wouldn't have known that I had a spark of self-respect-- + +SCHÖN. (Suddenly distrustful.) No harlequinading-- + +LULU. O Lord--I know very well what I'd have become if you hadn't saved +me from it. + +SCHÖN. Are you then, perhaps, something different to-day? + +LULU. God be thanked, no! + +SCHÖN. That is right! + +LULU. (Laughs.) And how awfully glad I am about it. + +SCHÖN. (Spits.) Will you dance now? + +LULU. In anything, before anyone! + +SCHÖN. Then down to the stage! + +LULU. (Begging like a child.) Just a minute more! Please! I can't stand +up straight yet. They'll ring. + +SCHÖN. You have become what you are in spite of everything I sacrificed +for your education and your welfare. + +LULU. Had you overrated your ennobling influence? + +SCHÖN. Spare me your witticisms. + +LULU. The prince was here. + +SCHÖN. Well? + +LULU. He takes me with him to Africa. + +SCHÖN. Africa? + +LULU. Why not? Didn't you make me a dancer just so that someone might +come and take me away with him? + +SCHÖN. But not to Africa, though! + +LULU. Then why didn't you let me fall quietly in a faint, and silently +thank heaven for it? + +SCHÖN. Because, more's the pity, I had no reason for believing in your +faint! + +LULU. (Making fun of him.) You couldn't bear it any longer out there? + +SCHÖN. Because I had to bring home to you what you are and to whom you +are not to look up. + +LULU. You were afraid, though, that my legs might have been seriously +injured? + +SCHÖN. I know too well you are indestructible. + +LULU. So you know that? + +SCHÖN. (Bursting out.) Don't look at me so impudently! + +LULU. No one is keeping you here. + +SCHÖN. I'm going as soon as the bell rings. + +LULU. As soon as you have the energy! Where is your energy? You have +been engaged three years. Why don't you marry? You recognize no +obstacles. Why do you want to put the blame on me? You ordered me to +marry Dr. Goll: I forced Dr. Goll to marry me. You ordered me to marry +the painter: I made the best of a bad bargain. Artists are your +creatures, princes your protegés. Why don't you marry? + +SCHÖN. (Raging.) Do you imagine =you= stand in the way? + +LULU. (From here to the end of the act triumphant.) If you knew how +happy your rage is making me! How proud I am that you should humble me +by every means in your power! You debase me as deep--as deep as a woman +can be debased, for you hope you can then jump over me easier. But you +have suffered unspeakably yourself from everything you just said to me. +I see it in you. Already you are near the end of your self-command. Go! +For your innocent fiancée's sake, leave me alone! One minute more, your +mood will change around and you'll make a scene with me of another +kind, that you can't answer for now. + +SCHÖN. I fear you no longer. + +LULU. Me? Fear yourself! I do not need you. I beg you to go! Don't give +me the blame. You know I don't need to faint to destroy your future. +You have unlimited confidence in my honorableness. You believe not only +that I'm an ensnaring daughter of Eve; you believe, too, that I'm a +very good-natured creature. I am neither the one nor the other. Your +misfortune is only that you think I am. + +SCHÖN. (Desperate.) Leave my thoughts alone! You have two men under the +sod. Take the prince, dance him into the earth! I am thru with you. I +know when the angel in you stops off and the devil begins. If I take +the world as it's made, the Creator must be responsible, not I! To me +life is not an amusement! + +LULU. And, therefore, you make claims on life greater than anyone can +make. Tell me, who of us two is more full of claims and demands, you or +I? + +SCHÖN. Be silent! I don't know how or what I think. When I hear you, I +don't think any more. In a week I'll be married. I conjure you, by the +angel that is in you, during that time come no more to my sight! + +LULU. I will lock my doors. + +SCHÖN. Go on and boast! God knows since I've been wrestling with the +world and with life I have cursed no one like you! + +LULU. That comes from my lowly origin. + +SCHÖN. From your depravity! + +LULU. With a thousand pleasures I take the blame on myself! You must +feel clean now; you must think yourself a model of austerity now, a +paragon of unflinching principle! Otherwise you could never marry the +child in her boundless inexperience-- + +SCHÖN. Do you want me to grab you and-- + +LULU. Yes! What must I say to make you? Not for the world would I +change with the innocent kid now! Tho the girl loves you as no woman +has ever loved you yet! + +SCHÖN. Silence, beast! Silence! + +LULU. Marry her--and then she'll dance in her childish wretchedness +before =my= eyes, instead of I before hers! + +SCHÖN. (Raising his fists.) God forgive me-- + +LULU. Strike me! Where is your riding-whip? Strike me on the legs-- + +SCHÖN. (Grasping his temples.) Away, away! (Rushes to the door, +recollects himself, turns around.) Can I go before the girl now, this +way? Home! + +LULU. Be a man! Look yourself in the face once:--you have no trace of a +conscience; you are frightened at no wickedness; in the most +cold-blooded way you mean to make the girl that loves you unhappy; you +conquer half the world; you do what you please;--and you know as well +as I that-- + +SCHÖN. (Sunk in the chair, right centre, utterly exhausted.) Stop! + +LULU. That you are too weak--to tear yourself away from me. + +SCHÖN. (Groaning.) Oh! Oh! You make me weep. + +LULU. This moment makes =me= I cannot tell you how glad. + +SCHÖN. My age! My position! + +LULU. He cries like a child--the terrible man of might! Now go so to +your bride and tell her what kind of a girl I am at heart--not a bit +jealous! + +SCHÖN. (Sobbing.) The child! The innocent child! + +LULU. How can the incarnate devil get so weak all of a sudden! But now +go, please. You are nothing more now to me. + +SCHÖN. I cannot go to her. + +LULU. Out with you. Come back to me when you have regained your +strength again. + +SCHÖN. Tell me in God's name what I must do. + +LULU. (Gets up; her cloak remains on the chair. Shoving aside the +costumes on the centre table.) Here is writing-paper-- + +SCHÖN. I can't write.... + +LULU. (Upright behind him, her arm on the back of his chair.) Write! +"My dear young lady...." + +SCHÖN. (Hesitating.) I call her Adelheid ... + +LULU. (With emphasis.) "My dear young lady ..." + +SCHÖN. My sentence of death! (He writes.) + +LULU. "Take back your promise. I cannot reconcile it with my +conscience--" (Schön drops the pen and glances up at her entreatingly.) +Write conscience!--"to fasten you to my unhappy lot...." + +SCHÖN. (Writing.) You are right. You are right. + +LULU. "I give you my word that I am unworthy of your love--" (Schön +turns round again.) Write love! "These lines are the proof of it. For +three years I have tried to tear myself loose; I have not the strength. +I am writing you by the side of the woman that commands me. Forget me. +Dr. Ludwig Schön." + +SCHÖN. (Groaning.) O God! + +LULU. (Half startled.) No, no O God! (With emphasis.) "Dr. Ludwig +Schön." Postscript: "Do not attempt to save me." + +SCHÖN. (Having written to the end, quite collapses.) Now--comes +the--execution. + +CURTAIN + + + + +ACT IV + + +_A splendid hall in German Renaissance style, with a thick floor of +oak-blocks. The lower half of the walls of dark carved wood; the upper +half on both sides hung with faded Gobelins. At rear, a curtained +gallery from which a monumental stair-case leads, right, half-way down +the stage. At centre, under the gallery, the entrance-door, with +twisted posts and pediment. At left, a high and spacious fire-place +with a Chinese folding screen before it. Further down, left, a French +window onto a balcony, with heavy curtains, closed. Down right, door +hung with Genoese velvet. Near it, a broad ottoman, with a chair on its +left. Behind, near the foot of the stairs, Lulu's Pierrot-picture on a +decorative stand and in a gold frame made to look antique. In the +centre of the hall, a heavy square table, with three high-backed +upholstered chairs round it and a vase of white flowers on it._ + +_Countess Geschwitz sits on the ottoman, in a soldier-like, fur-trimmed +waist, high, upright collar, enormous cuff-links, a veil over her face +and her hands clasped convulsively in her muff. Schön stands down +right. Lulu, in a big-flowered morning-dress, her hair in a simple knot +in a golden circlet, sits in the arm-chair left of the ottoman._ + +GESCHWITZ. You can't think how glad I shall be to see you at our +artists' ball. (To Lulu.) + +SCHÖN. Is there no sort of possibility of a person like me smuggling +in? + +GESCHWITZ. It would be high treason if any of us lent herself to such +an intrigue. + +SCHÖN. (Crossing to the centre table, behind the ottoman.) The glorious +flowers! + +LULU. Fräulein von Geschwitz brought me those. + +GESCHWITZ. Don't mention it. Oh, you'll be in man's costume, won't you? + +LULU. Do you think that becomes me? + +GESCHWITZ. You're a dream here. (Signifying the picture.) + +LULU. My husband doesn't like it. + +GESCHWITZ. Is it by a local man? + +LULU. You will hardly have known him. + +GESCHWITZ. No longer living? + +SCHÖN. (Down left, with a deep voice.) He had enough. + +LULU. You're in bad temper. (Schön controls himself.) + +GESCHWITZ. (Getting up.) I must go, Mrs. Schön. I can't stay any +longer. This evening we have life-class, and I have still so much to +get ready for the ball. Good-bye, Dr. Schön. (Exit, up-stage. Lulu +accompanies her. Schön looks around him.) + +SCHÖN. Pure Augean stable. That, the end of my life. They ought to show +me a corner that's still clean. The pest in the house. The poorest +day-laborer has his tidy nest. Thirty years' work, and this my family +circle, the circle of my people-- (Glancing round.) God knows who is +overhearing me again now! (Draws a revolver from his breast pocket.) +Man is, indeed, uncertain of his life! (The cocked revolver in his +right hand, he goes left and speaks at the closed window curtains.) +That, my family circle! The fellow still has courage! Shall I not +rather shoot =myself= in the head? Against deadly enemies one fights, +but the-- (Throws up the curtains, but finds no one hidden behind +them.) The dirt--the dirt.... (Shakes his head and crosses right.) +Insanity has already conquered my reason, or else--exceptions prove the +rule! (Hearing Lulu coming he puts the revolver back in his pocket. +Lulu comes down right.) + +LULU. Couldn't you get away for this afternoon? + +SCHÖN. Just what did that Countess want? + +LULU. I don't know. She wants to paint me. + +SCHÖN. Misfortune in human guise, that waits upon one. + +LULU. Couldn't you get away, then? I would so like to drive thru the +grounds with you. + +SCHÖN. Just the day when I must be at the exchange. You know that I'm +not free to-day. All my property is drifting on the waves. + +LULU. I'd sooner be dead and buried than let my life be embittered so +by my property. + +SCHÖN. Who takes life lightly does not take death hard. + +LULU. As a child I always had the most horrible fear of death. + +SCHÖN. That is just why I married you. + +LULU. (With her arms round his neck.) You're in bad humor. You give +yourself too much work. For weeks and months I've seen nothing of you. + +SCHÖN. (Stroking her hair.) Your light-heartedness should cheer up my +old days. + +LULU. Indeed, you didn't marry me at all. + +SCHÖN. Who else did I marry then? + +LULU. I married you! + +SCHÖN. How does that alter anything? + +LULU. I was always afraid it would alter a great deal. + +SCHÖN. It has, indeed, crushed a great deal underfoot. + +LULU. But not one thing, praise God! + +SCHÖN. Of that I should be covetous. + +LULU. Your love for me. (Schön's face twitches, he signs to her to go +out in front of him. Both exeunt lower right. Countess Geschwitz +cautiously opens the rear door, ventures forth, and listens. Hearing +voices approaching in the gallery above her, she starts suddenly.) + +GESCHWITZ. Oh dear, there's somebody-- (Hides behind the fire-screen.) + +SCHIGOLCH. (Steps out from the curtains onto the stairs, turns back.) +Has the youngster left his heart behind him in the "Nightlight" café? + +RODRIGO. (Between the curtains.) He is still too small for the great +world, and can't walk so far on foot yet. (He disappears.) + +SCHIGOLCH. (Coming down the stairs.) God be thanked we're home again at +last! What damned skunk has waxed the stairs again? If I have to have +my joints set in plaster again before being called home, she can just +present me between the palms here to her relations as the Venus de' +Medici. Nothing but steep rocks and stumbling blocks! + +RODRIGO. (Comes down the stairs, carrying Hugenberg in his arms.) This +thing has a royal police-captain for a father and not as much courage +in his body as the raggedest hobo! + +HUGENBERG. If there was nothing more to it than life and death, then +you'd soon learn to know me! + +RODRIGO. Even with his lover's woe, little brother don't weigh more +than sixty kilos. I'll let myself be hung on that statement any time. + +SCHIGOLCH. Throw him up to the ceiling and catch him by the feet. +That'll whip his young blood into the proper rhythm right from the +start. + +HUGENBERG. (Kicking his legs.) Hooray, hooray, I shall be expelled from +school! + +RODRIGO. (Setting him down at the foot of the stairs.) You've never +been to any sensible school at all yet. + +SCHIGOLCH. Here many a man has already won his spurs. Only, no +timidity! First, I'll set before you a drop of what can't be had +anywhere for money. (Opens a cupboard under the stairs.) + +HUGENBERG. Now if she doesn't come dancing in on the instant, I'll +wallop you two so you'll still rub your tails in the hereafter. + +RODRIGO. (Seated left of the table.) The strongest man in the world +little brother will wallop! Let mamma put long trowsers on you first. +(Hugenberg sits opposite him.) + +HUGENBERG. I'd rather you lent me your mustache. + +RODRIGO. Maybe you want her to throw you out of the door straight off? + +HUGENBERG. If I only knew now what the devil I was going to say to her! + +RODRIGO. That she knows best herself. + +SCHIGOLCH. (Putting two bottles and three glasses on the table.) I +started in on one of them yesterday. (Fills the glasses.) + +RODRIGO. (Guarding Hugenberg's.) Don't give him too much, or we'll both +have to pay for it. + +SCHIGOLCH. (Supporting himself with both hands on the table-top.) Will +the gentlemen smoke? + +HUGENBERG. (Opening his cigarette case.) Havana-imported! + +RODRIGO. (Helping himself.) From papa police-captain? + +SCHIGOLCH. (Sitting.) Everything in the house is mine. You only need to +ask. + +HUGENBERG. I made a poem to her yesterday. + +RODRIGO. What did you make to her? + +SCHIGOLCH. What did he make to her? + +HUGENBERG. A poem. + +RODRIGO. (To Schigolch.) A poem. + +SCHIGOLCH. He's promised me a dollar if I can spy out where he can meet +her alone. + +HUGENBERG. Just who does live here? + +RODRIGO. Here =we= live! + +SCHIGOLCH. Jour fix--every stock-market day! Our health. (They clink.) + +HUGENBERG. Should I read it to her first, maybe? + +SCHIGOLCH. (To Rodrigo.) What's he mean? + +RODRIGO. His poem. He'd like to stretch her out and torture her a +little first. + +SCHIGOLCH. (Staring at Hugenberg.) His eyes! His eyes! + +RODRIGO. His eyes, yes. They've robbed her of sleep for a week. + +SCHIGOLCH. (To Rodrigo.) You can have yourself pickled. + +RODRIGO. We can both have ourselves pickled! Our health, gossip Death! + +SCHIGOLCH. (Clinking with him.) Health, jack-in-the-box! If it's still +better later on, I'm ready for departure at any moment; but--but-- +(Lulu enters right, in an elegant Parisian ball-dress, much décolleté, +with flowers in breast and hair.) + +LULU. But children, children, I expect company! + +SCHIGOLCH. But I can tell you what, those things must cost something +over there! (Hugenberg has risen. Lulu sits on the arm of his chair.) + +LULU. You've fallen into pretty company! I expect visitors, children! + +SCHIGOLCH. I guess I've got to stick something in there, too. (He +searches among the flowers on the table.) + +LULU. Do I look well? + +SCHIGOLCH. What are those you've got there? + +LULU. Orchids. (Bending over Hugenberg.) Smell. + +RODRIGO. Do you expect Prince Escerny? + +LULU. (Shaking her head.) God forbid! + +RODRIGO. So somebody else again--! + +LULU. The prince has gone traveling. + +RODRIGO. To put his kingdom up for auction? + +LULU. He's spying out a fresh tribe in the neighborhood of Africa. +(Rises, hurries up the stairs, and steps into the gallery.) + +RODRIGO. (To Schigolch.) He wanted to marry her originally. + +SCHIGOLCH. (Sticking a lily in his button-hole.) I, too, wanted to +marry her originally. + +RODRIGO. You wanted to marry her originally? + +SCHIGOLCH. Didn't you, too, want to marry her originally? + +RODRIGO. You bet I wanted to marry her originally! + +SCHIGOLCH. Who has not wanted to marry her originally!! + +RODRIGO. I would never have got a better! + +SCHIGOLCH. She has let no one regret that he didn't marry her. + +RODRIGO. Then she's not your child? + +SCHIGOLCH. Never occurs to her. + +HUGENBERG. What is her father's name then? + +SCHIGOLCH. She has boasted of me! + +HUGENBERG. What is her father's name then? + +SCHIGOLCH. What's he say? + +RODRIGO. What her father's name is. + +SCHIGOLCH. She never had one. + +LULU. (Comes down from the gallery and sits again on Hugenberg's +chair-arm.) What have I never had? + +ALL THREE. A father. + +LULU. Yes, sure--I'm a wonder-child. (To Hugenberg.) How are you +getting along with your father? + +RODRIGO. He smokes a respectable cigar, anyway, the police-captain. + +SCHIGOLCH. Have you locked up upstairs? + +LULU. There is the key. + +SCHIGOLCH. Better have left it in the lock. + +LULU. Why? + +SCHIGOLCH. So no one can unlock it from outside. + +RODRIGO. Isn't he at the stock-exchange? + +LULU. Oh, yes, but he suffers from persecution-mania. + +RODRIGO. I take him by the feet, and yup!--there he stays sticking to +the roof. + +LULU. He hunts you into a mouse-hole with the corner of his eye. + +RODRIGO. What does he hunt? Who does he hunt? (Baring his arm.) Just +look at this biceps! + +LULU. Show me. (Goes left.) + +RODRIGO. (Hitting himself on the muscle.) Granite. Wrought-iron! + +LULU. (Feeling by turns Rodrigo's arm and her own.) If you only didn't +have such long ears-- + +FERDINAND. (Entering, rear-centre.) Doctor Schön! + +RODRIGO. The rogue! (Jumps up, starts behind the fire-screen, +recoils.) God preserve me! (Hides, lower left, behind the curtains.) + +SCHIGOLCH. Give me the key! (Takes it and drags himself up the stairs.) + +LULU. (Hugenberg having slid under the table.) Show him in! + +HUGENBERG. (Under the front edge of the table-cloth, listening; to +himself.) If he doesn't stay--we'll be alone. + +LULU. (Poking him with her toe.) Sh! (Hugenberg disappears. Alva is +shown in by Ferdinand.) + +ALVA. (In evening dress.) Methinks the matinee will take place with +burning lamps. I've-- (Notices Schigolch painfully climbing the +stairs.) What the ---- is that? + +LULU. An old friend of your father's. + +ALVA. Wholly unknown to me. + +LULU. They were in the campaign together. He's awfully badly-- + +ALVA. Is my father here then? + +LULU. He drank a glass with him. He had to go to the stock market. +We'll have lunch before we go, won't we? + +ALVA. When does it begin? + +LULU. After two. (Alva still follows Schigolch with his eyes.) How do +you like me? (Schigolch disappears thru the gallery.) + +ALVA. Had I not better be silent to you on that point? + +LULU. I only mean my appearance. + +ALVA. Your dressmaker manifestly knows you better than I may permit +myself to know you. + +LULU. When I saw myself in the glass I could have wished to be a +man--my man!-- + +ALVA. You seem to envy your man the joy you offer to him. (Lulu is at +the right, Alva at the left, of the centre table. He regards her with +shy satisfaction. Ferdinand enters, rear, covers the table and lays two +plates, etc., a bottle of Pommery, and hors d' oeuvres.) Have you a +toothache? + +LULU. (Across to Alva.) Don't. + +FERDINAND. Doctor Schön ...? + +ALVA. He seems so puckered-up and tearful to-day. + +FERDINAND. (Thru his teeth.) One is only a man after all. (Exit.) + +LULU. (When both are seated.) What I always think most highly of in you +is your firmness of character. You're so perfectly sure of yourself. +Even when you must have been afraid of quarreling with your father +about it, you always stood up for me like a brother just the same. + +ALVA. Let's drop that. It's just my fate-- (Moves to lift up the +table-cloth in front.) + +LULU. (Quickly.) That was me. + +ALVA. Impossible! It's just my fate, with the most frivolous ideas +always to seize on the best. + +LULU. You deceive yourself if you make yourself out worse than you are. + +ALVA. Why do you flatter me so? It is true that perhaps there is no man +living, so bad as I--who has brought about so much good. + +LULU. In any case you're the only man in the world who's protected me +without lowering me in my own eyes! + +ALVA. Do you think that so easy? (Schön appears in the gallery +cautiously parting the hangings between the middle pillars. He starts, +and whispers, "My own son!") With gifts from God like yours, one turns +those around one to criminals without ever dreaming of it. I, too, am +only flesh and blood, and if we hadn't grown up with each other like +brother and sister-- + +LULU. That's why, too, I give myself to you alone quite without +reserve. From you I have nothing to fear. + +ALVA. I assure you there are moments when one expects to see one's +whole inner self cave in. The more self-restraint a man loads onto +himself, the easier he breaks down. Nothing will save him from that +except-- (Stops to look under the table.) + +LULU. (Quickly.) What are you looking for? + +ALVA. I conjure you, let me keep my confession of faith to myself! As +an inviolable sanctity you were more to me than with all your gifts you +could be to anyone else in your life! + +LULU. How do you come to think on that so entirely differently from +your father? (Ferdinand enters, rear, changes the plates and serves +broiled chicken with salad.) + +ALVA. (To him.) Are you sick? + +LULU. (To Alva.) Let him be! + +ALVA. He's trembling as if he had fever. + +FERDINAND. I am not yet so used to waiting ... + +ALVA. You must have something prescribed for you. + +FERDINAND. (Thru his teeth.) I'm a coachman usually-- (Exit.) + +SCHÖN. (Whispering from the gallery.) So, he too. (Seats himself behind +the rail, able to cover himself with the hangings.) + +LULU. What sort of moments are those of which you spoke, where one +expects to see his whole inner self tumble in? + +ALVA. I =didn't want= to speak of them. I should not like to lose, in +joking over a glass of champagne, what has been my highest happiness +for ten years. + +LULU. I have hurt you. I won't begin on that again. + +ALVA. Do you promise me that for always? + +LULU. My hand on it. (Gives him her hand across the table. Alva takes +it hesitatingly, grips it in his, and presses it long and ardently to +his lips.) What are you doing. (Rodrigo sticks his head out from the +curtains, left. Lulu darts an angry look at him across Alva, and he +draws back.) + +SCHÖN. (Whispering from the gallery.) And there is still another! + +ALVA. (Holding the hand.) A soul--that in the hereafter rubs the sleep +out of its eyes.... Oh, this hand.... + +LULU. (Innocently.) What do you find in it?... + +ALVA. An arm.... + +LULU. What do you find in it?... + +ALVA. A body..... + +LULU. (Guilelessly.) What do you find in it?... + +ALVA. (Stirred up.) Mignon! + +LULU. (Wholly ingenuously.) What do you find in it?... + +ALVA. (Passionately.) Mignon! Mignon! + +LULU. (Throws herself on the ottoman.) Don't look at me so--for God's +sake! Let us go before it is too late. You're an infamous wretch! + +ALVA. I told you, didn't I, I was the basest villain. + +LULU. I see that! + +ALVA. I have no sense of honor, no pride.... + +LULU. You think I am your equal! + +ALVA. You?--you are as heavenly high above me as--as the sun is over +the abyss! (Kneeling.) Destroy me! I beg you, put an end to me! Put an +end to me! + +LULU. Do you =love= me then? + +ALVA. I will pay you with everything that was mine! + +LULU. Do you love me? + +ALVA. Do you love me--Mignon? + +LULU. I? Not a soul. + +ALVA. I love you. (Hides his face in her lap.) + +LULU. (Both hands in his hair.) I poisoned your mother-- (Rodrigo +sticks his head out from the curtains, left, sees Schön sitting in the +gallery and signs to him to watch Lulu and Alva. Schön points his +revolver at Rodrigo; Rodrigo signs to him to point it at Alva. Schön +cocks the revolver and takes aim. Rodrigo draws back behind the +curtains. Lulu sees him draw back, sees Schön sitting in the gallery, +and gets up.) His father! (Schön rises, lets the hangings fall before +him. Alva remains motionless on his knees. Pause.) + +SCHÖN. (Holding a paper in his hand, takes Alva by the shoulder.) Alva! +(Alva gets up as though drunk with sleep.) A revolution has broken out +in Paris. + +ALVA. To Paris ... let me go to Paris-- + +SCHÖN. In the editors' room they're beating their heads against the +wall. No one knows what he ought to write. (He unfolds the paper and +accompanies Alva out, rear. Rodrigo rushes out from the curtains toward +the stairs.) + +LULU. (Barring his way.) You can't get out here. + +RODRIGO. Let me through! + +LULU. You'll run into his arms. + +RODRIGO. He'll shoot me thru the head! + +LULU. He's coming. + +RODRIGO. (Stumbling back.) Devil, death and demons! (Lifts the +table-cloth.) + +HUGENBERG. No room! + +RODRIGO. Damned and done for! (Looks around and hides in the door-way, +right.) + +SCHÖN. (Comes in, centre; locks the door; and goes, revolver in hand, +to the window down left, of which he throws up the curtains.) Where is +=he= gone? + +LULU. (On the lowest step.) Out. + +SCHÖN. Down over the balcony? + +LULU. He's an acrobat. + +SCHÖN. That could not be foreseen. (Turning against Lulu.) You who drag +me thru the muck of the streets to a tortured death! + +LULU. Why did you not bring me up better? + +SCHÖN. You destroying angel! You inexorable fate! To be a murderer +without drowning in filth; to take me on board like a released convict, +or hang me up over the morass! You joy of my old age! You hangman's +noose! + +LULU. (In cold blood.) Oh, shut up, and kill me! + +SCHÖN. Everything I possess I have made over to you, and asked nothing +but the respect that every servant pays to my house. Your credit is +exhausted! + +LULU. I can answer for my reckoning still for years. (Coming forward +from the stairs.) How do you like my new gown? + +SCHÖN. Away with you, or my brains will give way to-morrow and my son +swim in his own blood! You infect me like an incurable pest in which I +shall groan away the rest of my life. I =will= cure myself! Do you +understand? (Pressing the revolver on her.) This is your physic. Don't +break down; don't kneel! You yourself shall apply it. You or I--which +is the weaker? (Lulu, her strength threatening to desert her, has sunk +down on the couch. Turning the revolver this way and that.) + +LULU. It doesn't go off. + +SCHÖN. Do you still remember how I tore you out of the clutches of the +police? + +LULU. You have much confidence-- + +SCHÖN. Because I'm not afraid of a street-girl? Shall I guide your hand +for you? Have you no mercy towards yourself? (Lulu points the revolver +at him.) No false alarms! (Lulu fires a shot into the ceiling. Rodrigo +springs out of the portières, up the stairs and away thru the gallery.) +What was that? + +LULU. (Innocently.) Nothing. + +SCHÖN. (Lifting the portières.) What flew out of here? + +LULU. You're suffering from persecution-mania. + +SCHÖN. Have you got still more men hidden here? (Tearing the revolver +from her.) Is yet another man calling on you? (Going left.) I'll regale +your men! (Throws up the window curtains, flings the fire-screen back, +grabs Countess Geschwitz by the collar and drags her forward.) Did you +come down the chimney? + +GESCHWITZ. (In deadly terror, to Lulu.) Save me from him! + +SCHÖN. (Shaking her.) Or are you, too, an acrobat? + +GESCHWITZ. (Whimpering.) You hurt me. + +SCHÖN. (Shaking her.) Now you will =have= to stay to dinner. (Drags her +right, shoves her into the next room and locks the door after her.) We +want no town-criers. (Sits next Lulu and makes her take the revolver +again.) There's still enough for you in it. Look at me! I cannot assist +the coachman in my house to decorate my forehead for me. Look at me! I +pay my coachman. Look at me! Am I doing the coachman a favor when I +can't stand the stable-stench? + +LULU. Have the carriage got ready! Please! We're going to the opera. + +SCHÖN. We're going to the devil! Now I am coachman. (Turning the +revolver in her hand from himself to Lulu's breast.) Think you we let +ourselves be mistreated as you mistreat me, and hesitate between a +galley-slave's shame at the end of life and the merit of freeing the +world of =you=? (Holds her down by the arm.) Come, get through. It will +be the gladdest remembrance of my life. Pull the trigger! + +LULU. You can get a divorce. + +SCHÖN. Only that was left! In order that to-morrow the next man may +find his pastime where I have shuddered from cleft to chasm, suicide +upon me and =thou= before me! You dare suggest that? That part of my +life I have poured into you I am to see thrown before wild beasts? Do +you see your bed with the sacrifice--the victim--on it? The boy is +homesick for you. Did you let yourself be divorced? You trod him under +your feet, knocked out his brains, caught up his blood in gold-pieces. +I let myself be divorced? =Can= one be divorced when two people have +grown into each other and half the man must go, too? (Reaching for the +revolver.) Give it here! + +LULU. Don't! + +SCHÖN. I'll spare you the trouble. + +LULU. (Tears herself loose, holding the revolver down; in a determined, +self-possessed tone.) If men have killed themselves for my sake, that +doesn't lower my value. You know as well why you made me your wife as I +knew why I took you for husband. You had deceived your best friends +with me; you could not well go on deceiving yourself with me. If you +bring me the close of your life as a sacrifice, still you have had my +whole youth for it. You understand ten times better than I do which is +the more valuable. I have never in the world wished to seem to be +anything different from what I am taken for, and I have never in the +world been taken for anything different from what I am. You want to +force me to fire a bullet into my heart. I'm not sixteen any more, but +to fire a bullet in my heart I am still much too young! + +SCHÖN. (Pursuing her.) Down, murderess! Down with you! To your knees, +murderess! (Crowding her to the foot of the stairs.) Down, and never +dare to stand again! (Raising his hand. Lulu has sunk to her knees.) +Pray to God, murderess, that he give you strength. Sue to heaven that +strength for it may be lent you! (Hugenberg jumps up from under the +table, knocking a chair aside, and screams "Help!" Schön whirls toward +him, turning his back to Lulu who instantly fires five shots into him +and continues to pull the trigger. Schön, tottering over, is caught by +Hugenberg and let down in the chair.) + +SCHÖN. And--there--is--one--more-- + +LULU. (Rushing to Schön.) All merciful--! + +SCHÖN. Out of my sight! Alva! + +LULU. (Kneeling.) The one man I loved! + +SCHÖN. Harlot! Murderess! Alva! Alva! Water! + +LULU. Water; he's thirsty. (Fills a glass with champagne and sets it to +Schön's lips. Alva comes thru the gallery, down the stairs.) + +ALVA. Father! O God, my father! + +LULU. I shot him. + +HUGENBERG. She is innocent! + +SCHÖN. (To Alva.) You! It miscarried. + +ALVA. (Tries to lift him.) You must go to bed; come. + +SCHÖN. Don't take me so! I'm drying up. (Lulu comes with the +champagne-cup; to her.) You are still like yourself. (After drinking.) +Don't let her escape. (To Alva.) You are the next. + +ALVA. (To Hugenberg.) Help me carry him to bed. + +SCHÖN. No, no, please, no. Wine, murderess-- + +ALVA. (To Hugenberg.) Take him up that side. (Pointing right.) Into the +bed-room. (They lift Schön upright and lead him right. Lulu stays near +the table, the glass in her hand.) + +SCHÖN. (Groaning.) O God! O God! O God! (Alva finds the door locked, +turns the key and opens it. Countess Geschwitz steps out. Schön at the +sight of her straighten up, stiffly.) The Devil. (He falls backward +onto the carpet. Lulu throws herself down, takes his head in her lap, +and kisses him.) + +LULU. He has got over it. (Gets up and starts toward the stairs.) + +ALVA. Don't stir! + +GESCHWITZ. I thought it was you. + +LULU. (Throwing herself before Alva.) You can't give me up to the law! +It is =my= head that is struck off. I shot him because he was about to +shoot me. I have loved nobody in the world but him! Alva, demand what +you will, only don't let me fall into the hands of justice. Take pity +on me. I am still young. I will be true to you as long as I live. I +will belong only to you. Look at me, Alva. Man, look at me! Look at +me!! (Knocking on the door outside.) + +ALVA. The police. (Goes to open it.) + +HUGENBERG. I shall be expelled from school. + +CURTAIN + + + + +[ Transcriber's Note: +The following is a list of corrections made to the original. The first +line is the original line, the second the corrected one. + +forhead.) God in Heaven! The world is strange to me--! +forehead.) God in Heaven! The world is strange to me--! + +SCHIGOLCH. That doesn't help me-- Does he drink? +SCHIGOLCH. That doesn't help me--Does he drink? + +hoping for winter. Perhaps then my (coughing)--my--my asthma will +hoping for winter. Perhaps then my (coughing) --my--my asthma will + +LULU. (Steals toward the door; but Schön holds her.)-- +LULU. (Steals toward the door; but Schön holds her.) -- + +ALVA. Oh, God-- I saw in you something so infinitely far above me. I had +ALVA. Oh, God--I saw in you something so infinitely far above me. I had + +ESCERNY. (Getting up too). What's the matter? (The electric bell goes +ESCERNY. (Getting up too.) What's the matter? (The electric bell goes + +"My dear young lady.. .." +"My dear young lady...." +] + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Erdgeist (Earth-Spirit), by Frank Wedekind + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ERDGEIST (EARTH-SPIRIT) *** + +***** This file should be named 29682-8.txt or 29682-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/9/6/8/29682/ + +Produced by Michael Roe, Alexander Bauer and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Erdgeist (Earth-Spirit) + A Tragedy in Four Acts + +Author: Frank Wedekind + +Translator: Samuel Eliot + +Release Date: August 13, 2009 [EBook #29682] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ERDGEIST (EARTH-SPIRIT) *** + + + + +Produced by Michael Roe, Alexander Bauer and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<p class="tnote break-after" style="margin-top: 5em;">Transcriber's Note:<br /><br /> + +Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as +possible, including inconsistencies in spelling and hyphenation; +changes (corrections of spelling and punctuation) made to the +original text are marked <ins class="correction" title="transcriber's note">like this</ins>. The original text appears +when hovering the cursor over the marked text. Additionally the changes +are listed at the <a href="#Corrections">end of this text</a>. +</p> + +<h1 style="margin-top: 5em;">ERDGEIST</h1> +<p class="center noindent curtain break-before" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 15em; white-space: nowrap; margin-top: 5em; border:2px solid black; padding: 0.7em"><span style="font-size: 140%; line-height: 150%">LULU</span><br /> +<span style="line-height: 175%">BY FRANK WEDEKIND<br /></span> +<span style="font-size: 85%; line-height: 150%">ERDGEIST (EARTH-SPIRIT) $1.00<br /> +PANDORA'S BOX (<span class="smcap">In Preparation</span>)</span></p> + + +<p class="center noindent" style="font-size: 225%">ERDGEIST</p> + +<p class="center noindent" style="font-size: 145%; margin-top: 1.5em;">(<i>Earth-Spirit</i>)</p> + +<p class="center noindent" style="line-height: 175%; margin-top: 3em;">A Tragedy in Four Acts<br /> +BY<br /> +<span style="font-size: 140%">FRANK WEDEKIND</span></p> + +<p class="center noindent" style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 6em;">Translated by Samuel A. Eliot, Jr.</p> + +<p class="center noindent curtain middle" style="line-height: 150%">NEW YORK<br /> +ALBERT AND CHARLES BONI<br /> +1914</p> + +<p class="center noindent smcap curtain middle" style="line-height: 150%">Copyright, 1914<br /> +by<br /> +Albert and Charles Boni</p> + +<div class="prologue"> +<p class="noindent curtain middle"> +"I was created out of ranker stuff<br /> +By Nature, and to the earth by Lust am drawn.<br /> +Unto the spirit of evil, not of good,<br /> +The earth belongs. What deities send to us<br /> +From heaven are only universal goods;<br /> +Their light gives gladness, but makes no man rich;<br /> +And in their state possession not obtains.<br /> +Therefore, the stone of price, all-treasured gold,<br /> +Must from the powers of falsehood be enticed,<br /> +The evil race that dwells beneath the day.<br /> +Not without sacrifice their favor is gained,<br /> +And no man liveth who from serving them<br /> +Hath extricated undefiled his soul."<br /> +</p> + + + +<h2>CHARACTERS</h2> + + +<p class="noindent curtain characters"> +<span class="small">DR. SCHÖN</span>, newspaper owner and editor.<br /> +<span class="small">ALVA</span>, his son, a writer.<br /> +<span class="small">DR. GOLL</span>, <span class="small">M.D.</span><br /> +<span class="small">SCHWARZ</span>, an artist.<br /> +<span class="small">PRINCE ESCERNY</span>, an African explorer.<br /> +<span class="small">ESCHERICH</span>, a reporter.<br /> +<span class="small">SCHIGOLCH</span>, a beggar.<br /> +<span class="small">RODRIGO</span>, an acrobat.<br /> +<span class="small">HUGENBERG</span>, a schoolboy (<i>played by a girl</i>.)<br /> +<span class="small">FERDINAND</span>, a coachman.<br /> +<span class="small">LULU.</span><br /> +<span class="small">COUNTESS GESCHWITZ.</span><br /> +<span class="small">HENRIETTE</span>, a servant.<br /> +</p> + + + +<h2>PROLOGUE</h2> + + +<p>(<i>At rise, is seen the entrance to a tent, out of which +steps an animal-tamer, with long, black curls, dressed +in a white cravat, a vermilion dress-coat, white trowsers +and white top-boots. He carries in his left hand a dog-whip +and in his right a loaded revolver, and enters to the +sound of cymbals and kettle-drums.</i>)</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Walk in! Walk in to the menagery,<br /> +Proud gentlemen and ladies lively and merry!<br /> +With avid lust or cold disgust, the very<br /> +Beast without Soul bound and made secondary<br /> +To human genius, to stay and see!<br /> +Walk in, the show'll begin!—As customary,<br /> +One child to each two persons comes in free.</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Here battle man and brute in narrow cages<br /> +Where one in haught disdain his long whip lashes<br /> +And one, with growls as when the thunder rages,<br /> +Against the man's throat murderously dashes,—<br /> +Where now the crafty conquers, now the strong,<br /> +Now man, now beast, lies cowed the floor along;<br /> +The animal rears,—the human on all fours!<br /> +One ice-cold look of dominance—<br /> +The beast submissive bows before that glance,<br /> +And the proud heel upon his neck adores.</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Bad are the times! Ladies and gentlemen<br /> +Who once before my cage in thronging crescents<br /> +Crowded, now honor operas, and then<br /> +Ibsen, with their so highly valued presence.<br /> +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">8</a>] </span>My boarders here are so in want of fodder<br /> +That they reciprocally devour each other.<br /> +How well off at the theater is a player,<br /> +Sure of the meat upon his ribs, albeit<br /> +His frightful hunger may tear him and he it<br /> +And colleagues' inner cupboards be quite bare!—<br /> +Greatness in art we struggle to inherit,<br /> +Although the salary never match the merit.</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +What see you, whether in light or sombre plays?<br /> +<em>House-animals</em>, whose morals all must praise,<br /> +Who wreak pale spites in vegetarian ways,<br /> +And revel in an easy cry or fret,<br /> +Just like those others—down in the parquet.<br /> +This hero has a head by one dram swirled;<br /> +That is in doubt whether his love be right;<br /> +A third you hear despairing of the world,—<br /> +Full five acts long you hear him wail his plight,<br /> +And no man ends him with a merciful sleight!<br /> +But the <em>real</em> beast, the <em>beautiful</em>, <em>wild</em> beast,<br /> +Your eyes on <em>that</em>, <em class="italic">I</em>, ladies, only feast!</p> + +<p class="noindent" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em;"> +You see the Tiger, that habitually<br /> +Devours whatever falls before his bound;<br /> +The Bear, so ravenous originally,<br /> +Who at a late night-meal sinks dead to ground;<br /> +You see the Monkey, little and amusing,<br /> +From sheer ennui his petty powers abusing,—<br /> +He has some talent, of all greatness scant,<br /> +So, impudently, coquettes with his own want!<br /> +Upon my soul, within my tent's a mammal,<br /> +See, right behind the curtain, here,—a Camel!<br /> +And all my creatures fawn about my feet<br /> +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">9</a>] </span>When my revolver cracks—</p> + +<p class="noindent" style="margin-left: 7em; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">(<i>He shoots into the audience.</i>)</p> + +<p class="noindent" style="margin-top: 0.25em;"><span style="margin-left: 13em;">Behold!</span><br /> +Brutes tremble all around me. I am cold:<br /> +The <em>man</em> stays cold,—you, with respect, to greet.</p> + +<p class="noindent" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em;"> +Walk in!—You hardly trust yourselves in here?—<br /> +Then very well, judge for yourselves! Each sphere<br /> +Has sent its crawling creatures to your telling:<br /> +Chameleons and serpents, crocodiles,<br /> +Dragons, and salamanders chasm-dwelling,—<br /> +I know, of course, you're full of quiet smiles<br /> +And don't believe a syllable I say.—</p> + +<p class="noindent center" style="margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">(<i>He lifts the entrance-flap and calls into the tent.</i>)</p> + +<p class="noindent" style="margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">Hi, Charlie!—bring our <em>Serpent</em> just this way!</p> + +<p style="margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">(<i>A stage-hand with a big paunch carries out the actress +of <em>Lulu</em> in her Pierrot costume, and sets her down before +the animal-tamer.</i>)</p> + +<p class="noindent" style="margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;"> +She was created to incite to sin,<br /> +To lure, seduce, poison—yea, murder, in<br /> +A manner no man knows.—My pretty beast,</p> + +<p class="noindent" style="margin-left: 9em; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">(<i>Tickling Lulu's chin.</i>)</p> + +<p class="noindent" style="margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 1em;">Only be <em>unaffected</em>, and not pieced<br /> +Out with distorted, artificial folly,<br /> +Even if the critics praise thee for 't less wholly.<br /> +Thou hast no right to spoil the shape most fitting,<br /> +Most <em>true</em>, of <em>woman</em>, with meows and spitting!<br /> +And mind, all foolery and making faces<br /> +The <em>childish simpleness</em> of <em>Vice</em> disgraces.<br /> +Thou shouldst—to-day I speak emphatically—<br /> +Speak <em>naturally</em> and not unnaturally,<br /> +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">10</a>] </span>For the first principle in every art,<br /> +Since earliest times, was <em>True</em> and <em>Plain</em>, not <em>Smart</em>!<br /> +</p> + +<p class="noindent center" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 1em;">(<i>To the public.</i>)</p> + +<p class="noindent" style="margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;"> +There's nothing special now to see in her,<br /> +But wait and watch what later will occur!<br /> +Her strength about the Tiger she coils stricter:<br /> +He roars and groans!—Who'll be the final victor?—<br /> +Hop, Charlie, march! Carry her to her place,</p> + +<p class="noindent center" style="margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">(<i>The stage-hand carries Lulu in his arms; the animal-tamer +pats her on the hips.</i>)</p> + +<p class="noindent" style="margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">Sweet innocence—my dearest treasure-case!<br /> +</p> + +<p class="noindent center" style="margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 1em;">(<i>The stage-hand carries Lulu back into the tent.</i>)</p> + +<p class="noindent" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;"> +And now I'll tell the best thing in the day:<br /> +My poll between the teeth of a beast of prey!<br /> +Walk in! Tho to be sure the show's not new,<br /> +Yet everyone takes pleasure in its view!<br /> +Wrench open this wild animal's jaws I dare,<br /> +And he to bite dares not! My pate's so <em>fair</em>,<br /> +So <em>wild</em>, so <em>gaily decked</em>, it wins respect!<br /> +I offer it him with confidence unchecked.<br /> +One <em>joke</em>, and my two temples crack!—but, lo,<br /> +The lightning of my eyes I will forego,<br /> +Staking my <em>life</em> against a <em>joke</em>! and throw<br /> +My whip, my weapons, down. I am in my skin!<br /> +I yield me to this beast!—His name do ye know?<br /> +—The honored public! that has just walked in!<br /> +</p> + +<p class="noindent center curtain" style="margin-top: 0.25em;">(<i>The animal-tamer steps back into the tent, accompanied +by cymbals and kettledrums.</i>)</p> +</div> + + + + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">11</a>] </span></p> +<h2>ACT I</h2> + + +<p><i>A roomy studio. Entrance door at the rear, left. +Another door at lower left to the bed-room. At centre, +a platform for the model, with a Spanish screen behind +it and a Smyrna rug in front. Two easels at lower +right. On the upper one is the picture of a young girl's +head and shoulders. Against the other leans a reversed +canvas. Below these, toward centre, an ottoman, with a +tiger-skin on it. Two chairs along the left wall. In the +back-ground, right, a step-ladder.</i></p> + +<p><i>Schön sits on the foot of the ottoman, inspecting critically +the picture on the further easel. Schwarz stands +behind the ottoman, his palette and brushes in his hands.</i></p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Do you know, I'm getting acquainted with a +brand new side of the lady.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I have never painted anyone whose expression +changed so continuously. I could hardly keep a +single feature the same two days running.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Pointing to the picture and observing him.</i>) +Do you find that in it?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I have done everything imaginable to call +forth some sort of quiet in her mood by my conversation +during the sittings.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Then I understand the difference. (<i>Schwarz +dips his brush in the oil and draws it over the features +of the face.</i>) Do you think that makes it look more like +her?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> We can only work with art as scientifically +as possible.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Tell me—</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">12</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Stepping back.</i>) The color had sunk in +pretty well, too.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Looking at him.</i>) Have you ever loved a +woman in your life?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Goes to the easel, puts a color on it, and +steps back on the other side.</i>) The dress isn't made to +stand out enough yet. We don't see the living body under +it.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I make no doubt that the workmanship is +good.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> If you'll step this way....</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Rising.</i>) You must have told her regular +ghost-stories.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> As far back as you can.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Stepping back, knocks down the canvas that +was leaning against the lower easel.</i>) Excuse me—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Picking it up.</i>) That's all right.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Surprised.</i>) What is that?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Do you know her?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> No. (<i>Schwarz sets the picture on the easel. +It is of a lady dressed as Pierrot with a long shepherd's +crook in her hand.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> A costume-picture.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> But, really, you've succeeded with <em>her</em>.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> You know her?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> No. And in that costume—?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> It isn't nearly finished yet. (<i>Schön nods.</i>) +What would you have? While she is posing for me I +have the pleasure of entertaining her husband.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> What?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> We talk about art, of course,—to complete +my good fortune!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">13</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> But how did you make such a charming acquaintance?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> As they're generally made. An ancient, +tottering little man drops in on me here to know if I +can paint his wife. Why, of course, were she as wrinkled +as Mother Earth! Next day at ten prompt the doors fly +open, and the fat-belly drives this little beauty in before +him. I can feel even now how my knees shook. Then +comes a sap-green lackey, stiff as a ramrod, with a package +under his arm. Where is the dressing-room? Imagine +my plight. I open the door there (<i>pointing left</i>). +Just luck that everything was in order. The sweet thing +vanishes into it, and the old fellow posts himself outside +as a bastion. Two minutes later out she steps in this +Pierrot. (<i>Shaking his head.</i>) I never saw anything like +it. (<i>He goes left and stares in at the bedroom.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Who has followed him with his eyes.</i>) +And the fat-belly stands guard?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Turning round.</i>) The whole body in +harmony with that impossible costume as if it had come +into the world in it! Her way of burying her elbows +in her pockets, of lifting her little feet from the rug,—the +blood often shoots to my head....</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> One can see that in the picture.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Shaking his head.</i>) People like us, you +know—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Here the model is mistress of the conversation.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> She has never yet opened her mouth.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Is it possible?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Allow me to show the costume to you. +(<i>Goes out left.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Before the Pierrot.</i>) A devilish beauty. +(<i>Before the other picture.</i>) There's more depth here. +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">14</a>] </span>(<i>Coming down stage.</i>) He is still rather young for his +age. (<i>Schwarz comes back with a white satin costume.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> What sort of material is that?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Feeling it.</i>) Satin.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> And all in one piece.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> How does one get into it then?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> That I can't tell you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Taking the costume by the legs.</i>) What +enormous trowser-legs!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> The left one she pulls up.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Looking at the picture.</i>) Above the knee!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> She does that entrancingly!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> And transparent stockings?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Those have got to be painted, specially.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Oh, you can do that.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> And with it all a coquetry!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> What brought you to that horrible suspicion?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> There are things that our school-philosophy +lets itself never dream of. (<i>He takes the costume +back into his bedroom.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Alone.</i>) When we sleep....</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Comes back; looks at his watch.</i>) If +you wish to make her acquaintance too—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> They must be here in a moment.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> How much longer will the lady have to sit?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I shall probably have to bear the pains of +Tantalus three months longer.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I mean the other one.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I beg your pardon. Three times more at +most. (<i>Going to the door with him.</i>) If the lady will +just leave me the upper part of the dress then....</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> With pleasure. Let us see you at my house +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">15</a>] </span>again soon. For Heaven's sake! (<i>As he collides in the +door-way with Dr. Goll and Lulu.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> May I introduce ...</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>To Schön.</i>) What are you doing here?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>As Schön kisses her hand in greeting.</i>) +You're not going already?</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> But what wind blows you here?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I've been looking at the picture of my bride.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Coming forward.</i>) Your bride is here?</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> So you're having work done here, too?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Before the upper picture.</i>) Look at it! Enchanting! +Entrancing!</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>Looking round him.</i>) Have you got +her hidden somewhere round here?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> So that is the sweet young prodigy who's made +a new person out of you....</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> She sits in the afternoon mostly.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> And you don't tell anyone about it?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Turning round.</i>) Is she really so solemn?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Probably the after-effects of the seminary still, +dear lady.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>Before the picture.</i>) One can see that you +have been transformed profoundly.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> But now you mustn't let her wait any longer.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> In a fortnight I think the engagement will +come out.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>To Lulu.</i>) Let's lose no time. Hop!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>To Schön.</i>) Just think, we came at a trot +over the new bridge. I was driving, myself.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>As Schön prepares to leave.</i>) No, no. +We two will talk some more later. Get along, Nellie. +Hop!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Now you're going to talk about me!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">16</a>] </span><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Our Apelles is already wiping his brushes.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I had imagined it would be much more amusing.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> But you have always the satisfaction of preparing +for us the greatest and rarest pleasure.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Going left.</i>) Oh, just wait!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Before the bedroom door.</i>) If madame +will be so kind.... (<i>Shuts the door after her and +stands in front of it.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> I christened her Nellie, you know, in our +marriage-contract.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Did you?—Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> What do you think of it?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Why not call her rather Mignon?</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> That would have been good, too. I didn't +think of that.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Do you consider the name so important?</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Hm.... You know, I have no children.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> But you've only been married a couple of +months.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Thanks, I don't want any.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Having taken out his cigarette-case.</i>) Have +a cigarette?</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>Helps himself.</i>) I've plenty to do with +this one. (<i>To Schwarz.</i>) Say, what's your little danseuse +doing now?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Turning round on Schwarz.</i>) You and a +danseuse?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> The lady was sitting for me at that time +only as a favor. I made her acquaintance on a flying +trip of the Cecilia Society.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>To Schön.</i>) Hm.... I think we're +getting a change of weather.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">17</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> The toilet isn't going so quickly, is it?</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> It's going like lightning! Woman has got +to be a virtuoso in her job. So must we all, each in +his job, if life isn't to turn to beggary. (<i>Calls.</i>) Hop, +Nellie!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Inside.</i>) Just a second!</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>To Schön.</i>) I can't get onto these blockheads. +(<i>Referring to Schwarz.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I can't help envying them. These blockheads +know nothing holier than an altar-cloth, and feel +richer than you and me with 30,000-mark incomes. Besides, +you can't be judge of a man who from childhood +has lived from palette to mouth. Try to get at his +finances: it's an arithmetic example! I haven't the moral +courage, and one can easily burn one's fingers at it, too.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>As Pierrot, steps out of the bed-room.</i>) +Here I am!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Turns; after a pause.</i>) Superb!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Nearer.</i>) Well?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You put shame on the boldest fancy.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> How do you like me?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> A picture before which art must despair.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Don't you think so, too?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>To Lulu.</i>) Have you any notion what you +do?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I'm perfectly possessed of myself!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Then you might be a little more discreet.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> But I'm only doing what's my duty.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You are powdered?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> What do you take me for!</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> I've never seen such a white skin as she's +got. I've told our Raphael here, too, to do just as little +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">18</a>] </span>with the flesh tints as possible. For once, I can't get +enthusiastic about the modern art-nonsense.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>By the easels, preparing his paints.</i>) At +any rate, it's thanks to impressionism that present-day art +can stand up beside the old masters without blushing.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Oh, it can do quite well for a bit of butcher's +work.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> For Heaven's sake don't get excited! (<i>Lulu +falls on Goll's neck and kisses him.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> They can see your undershirt. You must +pull it lower.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I would soonest have left it off. It only bothers +me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> He should be able to paint it out.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Taking the shepherd's crook that leans +against the Spanish screen, and mounting the platform, +to Schön.</i>) What would you say now, if you had to +stand at attention for two hours?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I'd sell my soul to the devil for the chance +to exchange with you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>Sitting, left.</i>) Come over here. Here is +my post of observation.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Plucking her left trowser-leg up to the knee, +to Schwarz.</i>) So?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Yes....</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Plucking it a thought higher.</i>) So?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Yes, yes....</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>To Schön who has seated himself on the +chair next him, with a gesture.</i>) From this place I find +her still more attractive.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Without stirring.</i>) I beg pardon! I am +equally attractive on all sides.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">19</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>To Lulu.</i>) The right knee further forward, +please.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>With a gesture.</i>) The body does show finer +lines perhaps.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> The light to-day can be borne at least half +way.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Oh, you must throw on lots of it! Hold +your brush a bit longer.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Certainly, Dr. Goll.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Treat her as a piece of still-life.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Certainly, Doctor. (<i>To Lulu.</i>) You +used to hold your head a wee mite higher, Mrs. Goll.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Raising her head.</i>) Paint my lips a little +open.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Paint snow on ice. If you get warm doing +that, then instantly your art gets inartistic!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Certainly, Doctor.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Art, you know, must so reproduce nature +that one can find at least some <em>spiritual</em> enjoyment +in it!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Opening her mouth a little, to Schwarz.</i>) +So—look. I'll hold it half opened, so.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> As soon as the sun comes, the wall opposite +throws warm reflections in here.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>To Lulu.</i>) You must keep your position +just as if our Velasquez here didn't exist at all.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Well, a painter <em>isn't</em> a man at all, anyway.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I don't think you ought to judge the whole +profession by just one famous exception.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Stepping back from the easel.</i>) I should +have liked to have had to hire a different studio last +fall.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>To Goll.</i>) What I wanted to ask you—have +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">20</a>] </span>you seen the little Murphy girl yet as a Peruvian +pearl-fisher?</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> I see her to-morrow for the fourth time. +Prince Polossov took me. His hair has already got dark +yellow again with delight.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> So you find her quite fabulous too.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Who ever wants to judge of that beforehand?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I think someone knocked.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Pardon me a moment. (<i>Goes and opens +the door.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>To Lulu.</i>) You can safely smile at him +with less bashfulness!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> He makes nothing of it.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> And if he did!—What are we two sitting +here for?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Entering, still behind the Spanish +screen.</i>) May one come in?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> My son!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Oh! It's Mr. Alva!</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Don't mind. Just come along in.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>Stepping forward, shakes hands with Schön +and Goll.</i>) Glad to see you. (<i>Turning toward Lulu.</i>) +Do I see a-right? Oh, if only I could engage you for +my title part!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I don't think I could dance nearly well enough +for your show!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> But you do have a dancing-master such as cannot +be found on any stage in Europe.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> But what brings you here?</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Maybe you're having somebody or other +painted here, too, in secret!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">21</a>] </span><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>To Schön.</i>) I wanted to take you to the +dress rehearsal.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>As Schön rises.</i>) Do you have 'em dance +to-day in full costume?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Of course. Come along, too. In five minutes +I must be on the stage. (<i>To Lulu.</i>) Unhappy!</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> I've forgotten—what's the name of your +ballet?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Dalailama.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> I thought <em>he</em> was in a madhouse.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You're thinking of Nietzsche, Doctor.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> You're right; I got 'em mixed up.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I have helped Buddhism to its legs.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> By his legs is the stage-poet known.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Corticelli dances the youthful Buddha as tho +she had seen the light of the world by the Ganges.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> So long as her mother lived, she danced with +her legs.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Then when she got free she danced with her +intelligence.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Now she dances with her heart.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> If you'd like to see her—?</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Thank you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Come along with us!</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Impossible.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Anyway, we have no time to lose.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Come with us, doctor. In the third act you +see Dalailama in his cloister, with his monks—</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> The only thing I care about is the young +Buddha.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Well, what's hindering you?</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> I can't. I can't do it.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">22</a>] </span><span class="small">ALVA.</span> We're going to Peter's, after it. There you +can express your admiration.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Don't press it on me, please.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> You'll see the tame monkey, the two Brahmans, +the little girls....</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> For heaven's sake, just keep away from +me with your little girls!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Reserve one of the proscenium boxes for us +on Monday, Mr. Alva.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> How could you doubt that I would, dear lady!</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> When I come back the whole picture will +be spoilt on me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Well, it could be painted over.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> If I don't explain to this Caravacci every +stroke of his brush—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Your fears are unfounded, I think....</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Next time, gentlemen!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> The Brahmans are getting impatient. The +daughters of Nirvana are shivering in their tights.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Damned enchantment!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> They'll quarrel with us, if we don't bring +you with us.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> In five minutes I'll be back. (<i>Stands down +right, behind Schwarz and compares the picture with +Lulu.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>To Lulu.</i>) Duty calls me, gracious lady!</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>To Schwarz.</i>) You must model it a bit +more here. The hair is bad. You aren't paying enough +attention to your business!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Come on.</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> Now, just hop it! Ten horses will not +drag me to Peter's.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">23</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Following Alva and Goll.</i>) We'll take my +carriage. It's waiting downstairs. (<i>Exeunt.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Leans over to the right, and spits.</i>) +Pack! If only that were life's end! The bread-basket!—paunch +and mug! Now rears my artist's pride. (<i>After +a look at Lulu.</i>) This company!— (<i>Gets up, goes up +left, observes Lulu from all sides, and sits again at his +easel.</i>) The choice would be a hard one to make. If I +may request Mrs. Goll to raise the right hand a little +higher.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Grasps the crook as high as she can reach; +to herself.</i>) Who would have thought that was possible!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I am quite ridiculous, you think?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He's coming right back.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I can do nothing but paint.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> There he is!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Rising.</i>) Well?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Don't you hear?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Someone is coming....</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I knew it.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> It's the janitor. He's sweeping the stairs.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Thank heaven!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Do you perhaps accompany the doctor to +his patients?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Everything <em>but</em> that.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Because, you are not accustomed to being +alone.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> We have a housekeeper at home.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> She keeps you company?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> She has a lot of taste.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> What for?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> She dresses me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Do you go much to balls?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">24</a>] </span><span class="small">LULU.</span> Never.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Then what do you need the dresses for?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> For dancing.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> You really dance?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Czardas ... Samaqueca ... Skirt-dance.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Doesn't—that—disgust you, then?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You find me ugly?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> You don't understand me. But who gives +you lessons then?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Him.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Who?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Him.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> He?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He plays the violin—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Every day one learns something new of +the world!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I learned in Paris. I took lessons from Eugenie +Fougère. She let me copy her costumes, too.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> What are <em>they</em> like?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> A little green lace skirt to the knee, all in +ruffles, low-necked, of course, very low-necked and awfully +tight-laced. Bright green petticoat, then brighter and +brighter. Snow-white underclothes with a hand's-breadth +of lace....</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I can no longer—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Then paint!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Scraping the canvas.</i>) Aren't you cold +at all?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> God forbid! No. What made you ask? Are +you so cold?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Not to-day. No.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Praise God, one can breathe!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> How so?... (<i>Lulu takes a deep breath.</i>) +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">25</a>] </span>Don't do that, please! (<i>Springs up, throws away his +palette and brushes, walks up and down.</i>) The boot-black +only attends to her feet! His color doesn't eat into +his money, either. If I go without supper to-morrow, no +little society lady will ask me if I know anything about +oyster-patties!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Is he going out of his head?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Takes up his work again.</i>) What ever +drove the fellow to this test!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I'd like it better, too, if he had stayed here.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> We are truly the martyrs of our calling!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I didn't wish to cause you pain.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Hesitating, to Lulu.</i>) If you—the left +trowser-leg—a little higher—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Here?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Steps to the platform.</i>) Permit me....</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> What do you want?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I'll show you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You mustn't.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> You are nervous ... (<i>Tries to seize her +hand.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Throws the crook in his face.</i>) Let me alone! +(<i>Hurries to the entrance door.</i>) You don't get me for +a long time yet.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> You can't understand a joke.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Oh, yes I can. I understand everything. Just +you leave me be. You'll get nothing at all from me by +force. Go to your work. You have no right to molest +me. (<i>Flees behind the ottoman.</i>) Sit down behind your +easel!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Trying to get around the ottoman.</i>) As +soon as I've punished you—you wayward, capricious—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> But you must have me, first! Go away. You +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">26</a>] </span>can't catch me. In long clothes I'd have fallen into your +clutches long ago—but in the Pierrot!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Throwing himself across the ottoman.</i>) +I've got you!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Hurls the tiger-skin over his head.</i>) Good-night! +(<i>Jumps over the platform and climbs up the step-ladder.</i>) +I can see away over all the cities of the earth.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Unrolling himself from the rug.</i>) This +old skin!!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I reach up into heaven, and stick the stars in +my hair.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Clambering after her.</i>) I'll shake it till +you fall off!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> If you don't stop, I'll throw the ladder down. +(<i>Climbing higher.</i>) Will you let go of my legs? God +save the Poles! (<i>Makes the ladder fall over, jumps onto +the platform, and as Schwarz picks himself up from the +floor, throws the Spanish screen down on his head. Hastening +down-stage, by the easels.</i>) I told you that you +weren't going to get me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Coming forward.</i>) Let us make peace. +(<i>Tries to embrace her.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Keep away from me, or— (<i>She throws the +easel with the finished picture at him, so that both fall +crashing to the floor.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Screams.</i>) Merciful Heaven!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Upstage, right.</i>) You knocked the hole in +it yourself!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I am ruined! Ten weeks' work, my journey, +my exhibition! Now there is nothing more to lose! +(<i>Plunges after her.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Springs over the ottoman, over the fallen step-ladder, +and over the platform, down-stage.</i>) A grave! +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">27</a>] </span>Don't fall into it! (<i>She stamps thru the picture on the +floor.</i>) She made a new man out of him! (<i>Falls +forward.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Stumbling over the Spanish screen.</i>) I +am merciless now!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Up-stage.</i>) Leave me in peace now. I'm +getting dizzy. O Gott! O Gott!... (<i>Comes forward +and sinks down on the ottoman. Schwarz locks +the door; then seats himself next her, grasps her hand, +and covers it with kisses—then pauses, struggling with +himself. Lulu opens her eyes wide.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He may come back.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> How d' you feel?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> As if I had fallen into the water....</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I love you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> One time, I loved a student.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Nellie—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> With four-and-twenty scars—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I love you, Nellie.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> My name isn't Nellie. (<i>Schwarz kisses her.</i>) +It's Lulu.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I would call you Eve.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Do you know what time it is?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Looking at his watch.</i>) Half past ten. +(<i>Lulu takes the watch and opens the case.</i>) You don't +love me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Yes I do.... It's five minutes after half past +ten.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Give me a kiss, Eve!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Takes him by the chin and kisses him. +Throws the watch in the air and catches it.</i>) You smell +of tobacco.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Why so distant?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">28</a>] </span><span class="small">LULU.</span> It would be uncomfortable to—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> You're just making believe!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You're making believe yourself, it seems to +me. <em class="italic">I</em> make believe? What makes you think that? <em>I +never needed to do that.</em></p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Rises, disconcerted, passing his hand over +his <a name="forehead" id="forehead"></a><ins class='correction' title='forhead'>forehead</ins>.</i>) God in Heaven! The world is strange +to me—!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Screams.</i>) Only don't kill me!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Instantly whirling round.</i>) <em>Thou +hast never yet loved!</em></p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Half raising herself.</i>) <em>You have never +yet loved ...!</em></p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>Outside.</i>) Open the door!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Already sprung to her feet.</i>) Hide me! O +God, hide me!</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>Pounding on the door.</i>) Open the door!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Holding back Schwarz as he goes toward +the door.</i>) He will strike me dead!</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> (<i>Hammering.</i>) Open the door!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Sunk down before Schwarz, gripping his +knees.</i>) He'll beat me to death! He'll beat me to death!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Stand up.... (<i>The door falls crashing +into the studio. Dr. Goll with blood-shot eyes rushes upon +Schwarz and Lulu, brandishing his stick.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">DR. GOLL.</span> You dogs! You ...! (<i>Pants, struggles +for breath a few seconds, and falls headlong to the +ground. Schwarz's knees tremble. Lulu has fled to the +door. Pause.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Mister—Doctor—Doc—Doctor Goll—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>In the door.</i>) Please, though, first put the +studio in order.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Dr. Goll! (<i>Leans over.</i>) Doc— (<i>Steps +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">29</a>] </span>back.</i>) He's cut his forehead. Help me to lay him on +the ottoman.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Shudders backward in terror.</i>) No. No...</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Trying to turn him over.</i>) Dr. Goll.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He doesn't hear.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> But you, help me, please.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> The two of us together couldn't lift him.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Straightening up.</i>) We must send for a +doctor.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He is fearfully heavy.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Getting his hat.</i>) Please, though, be so +good as to put the place a little to rights while I'm away. +(<i>He goes out.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He'll spring up all at once. (<i>Intensely.</i>) +Bussi! He just won't notice anything. (<i>Comes down-stage +in a wide circle.</i>) He sees my feet, and watches +every step I take. He has his eye on me everywhere. +(<i>Touches him with her toe.</i>) Bussi! (<i>Flinching, backward.</i>) +It's serious with him. The dance is over. He'll +send me to prison. What shall I do? (<i>Leans over, to +the floor.</i>) A strange, wild face! (<i>Getting up.</i>) And +no one to do him the last services—isn't that sad! +(<i>Schwarz returns.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Still not come to himself?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Down right.</i>) What shall I do?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Bending over Goll.</i>) Doctor Goll.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I almost think it's serious.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Talk decently!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> <em>He</em> wouldn't say that to me. He makes me +dance for him when he doesn't feel well.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> The doctor will be here in a moment.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Doctoring won't help <em>him</em>.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">30</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> But people do what they can, in such +cases!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> <em>He</em> doesn't think so.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Then won't you at least—get dressed?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Yes,—right off.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> What are you waiting for?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Please ...</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> What is it?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Shut <em>his</em> eyes.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> You make me shiver.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Not nearly so much as you make <em>me</em>!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You're a born criminal.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Doesn't this moment touch you at all, +then?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> It hits me, too, some.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Please, just you keep still now!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> It hits you some, too.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> You really didn't need to say that to a +man, in such a moment.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> <em>Please ...!</em></p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Do what you think necessary. I don't +know how.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Left of Goll.</i>) He's looking at me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Right of Goll.</i>) And at me, too.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You're a coward!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Shuts Goll's eyes with his handkerchief.</i>) +It's the first time in my life that anyone has called me +that.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Didn't you do it to your mother?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Nervously.</i>) No.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You were away, perhaps.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> No!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">31</a>] </span><span class="small">LULU.</span> Or else you were afraid?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Violently.</i>) No!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Shivering, backward.</i>) I didn't mean to insult you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> She's still alive.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Then you still have somebody.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> She's as poor as a beggar.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I know what that is.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Don't laugh at me!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Now I am rich—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> It gives me cold shudders— (<i>Goes right.</i>) +She can't help it!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>To herself.</i>) What'll I do?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>To himself.</i>) Absolutely depraved! +(<i>They look at each other mistrustfully. Schwarz goes +over to her and grips her hand.</i>) Look me in the eyes!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Apprehensively.</i>) What do you want?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Takes her to the ottoman and makes her +sit next to him.</i>) Look me in the eyes.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I see myself in them as Pierrot.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Shoves her from him.</i>) Confounded +dancer-ing!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I must change my clothes—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Holds her back.</i>) One question—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I can't answer it.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Can you speak the truth?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I don't know.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Do you believe in a Creator?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I don't know.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Can you swear on anything?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I don't know. Leave me alone. You're mad.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> What do you believe in, then?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I don't know.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">32</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Have you no soul, then?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I don't know.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Have you ever once loved—?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I don't know.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Gets up, goes right, to himself.</i>) She +doesn't know!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Without moving.</i>) I don't know.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Glancing at Goll.</i>) He knows.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Nearer him.</i>) What do you want to know?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Angrily.</i>) Go, get dressed! (<i>Lulu +goes into the bed-room. To Goll.</i>) Would I could +change with you, you dead man! I give her back to you. +I give my youth to you, too. I lack the courage and the +faith. I've had to wait patiently too long. It's too late +for me. I haven't grown up big enough for happiness. +I have a hellish fear of it. Wake up! I didn't touch +her. He opens his mouth. Mouth open and eyes shut, +like the children. With me it's the other way round. +Wake up, wake up! (<i>Kneels down and binds his handkerchief +round the dead man's head.</i>) Here I beseech +Heaven to make me <em>able</em> to be happy—to give me the +strength and the freedom of soul to be just a weeny mite +happy! For <em>her sake, only for her sake</em>. +(<i>Lulu comes out of the bed-room, completely dressed, her +hat on, and her right hand under her left arm.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Raising her left arm, to Schwarz.</i>) Would +you hook me up here? My hand trembles.</p> + +<p class="center noindent small curtain">CURTAIN</p> + + + + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">33</a>] </span></p> +<h2>ACT II</h2> + + +<p><i>A very ornamental parlor. Entrance-door rear, left. +Curtained entrances right and left, steps leading up to the +right one. On the back wall over the fire-place, Lulu's +picture as Pierrot in a magnificent frame. Right, a tall +mirror; a couch in front of it. Left, an ebony writing-table. +Centre, a few chairs around a little Chinese table.</i></p> + +<p><i>Lulu stands motionless before the mirror, in a green +silk morning-dress. She frowns, passes a hand over her +forehead, feels her cheeks, and draws back from the mirror +with a discouraged, almost angry, look. Frequently turning +round, she goes left, opens a casket on the writing-table, +lights herself a cigarette, looks for a book among +those that are lying on the table, takes one, and lies down +on the couch opposite the mirror. After reading a moment, +she lets the book sink, and nods seriously to herself +in the glass; then resumes reading. Schwarz enters, left, +palette and brushes in hand, and bends over Lulu, kisses +her on the forehead, and goes up the steps, right.</i></p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Turning in the door-way.</i>) Eve!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Smiling.</i>) At your orders?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Seems to me you look extra charming to-day.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>With a glance at the mirror.</i>) Depends on +what you expect.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Your hair breathes out a morning freshness....</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I've just come out of the water.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Approaching her.</i>) I've an awful lot to +do to-day.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">34</a>] </span><span class="small">LULU.</span> That's what you say to yourself.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Lays his palette and brushes down on the +carpet, and sits on the edge of the couch.</i>) What are +you reading?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Reads.</i>) "Suddenly she heard an anchor of +refuge come nodding up the stairs."</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Who under the sun writes so absorbingly?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Reading.</i>) "It was the postman with a +money-order." (<i>Henriette, the servant, comes in, upper +left, with a hat-box on her arm and a little tray of letters +which she puts on the table.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">HENRIETTE.</span> The mail. I'm going to take your hat +to the milliner, madam. Anything else?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> No. (<i>Schwarz signs to her to go out, which +she does, slyly smiling.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> What was it you dreamt all last night?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You've asked me that twice already, to-day.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Rises, takes up the letters.</i>) I tremble +for news. Every day I fear the world may go to pieces. +(<i>Giving Lulu a letter.</i>) For you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Sniffs at the paper.</i>) Madame Corticelli. +(<i>Hides it in her bosom.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Skimming a letter.</i>) My Samaqueca-dancer +sold—for fifty thousand marks!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Who says that?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Sedelmeier in Paris. That's the third +picture since our marriage. I hardly know how to save +myself from my luck!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Pointing to the letters.</i>) There are more +there.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Opening an engagement announcement.</i>) +See. (<i>Gives it to Lulu.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Reads.</i>) Sir Henry von Zarnikow has the +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">35</a>] </span>honor to announce the engagement of his daughter, Charlotte +Marie Adelaide, to Doctor Ludwig Schön.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>As he opens another letter.</i>) At last! +He's been an eternal while evading a public engagement. +I can't understand it—a man of his standing and influence. +What can be in the way of his marriage?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> What is that that you're reading?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> An invitation to take part in the international +exhibition at St. Petersburg. I have no idea +what to paint for it.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Some entrancing girl or other, of course.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Will you be willing to pose for it?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> God knows there are other pretty girls enough +in existence!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> But with any other model—tho she be +as racy as hell—I can't get such a full display of my powers.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Then I must, I suppose. Wouldn't it go as +well lying down?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Really, I'd liefest have your taste arrange +it for me. (<i>Folding up the letters.</i>) Don't let's forget +to congratulate Schön to-day, anyway. (<i>Goes left and +shuts the letters in the writing-table.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> But we did that a long time ago.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> For his bride's sake.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You can write to him again if you want.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> And now to work! (<i>Takes up his brushes +and palette, kisses Lulu, goes up the steps, right, and turns +around in the door-way.</i>) Eve!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Lets her book sink, smiling.</i>) Your pleasure?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Approaching her.</i>) I feel every day as +if I were seeing you for the very first time.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You're a terror.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">36</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> The fault is yours. (<i>He sinks on his +knees by the couch and caresses her hand.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Stroking his hair.</i>) You're <em>wasting</em> me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> You <em>are mine</em>. But you are never +more ensnaring than when you ought for God's sake to be, +just once, real ugly for a couple of hours! Since I've +had you, I have had nothing more. I'm entirely lost to +myself.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Not so excited! (<i>Bell rings in the corridor.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Pulling himself together.</i>) Confound it!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> No one at home!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Perhaps it's the art-dealer—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> And if it's the Chinese Emperor!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> One moment. (<i>Exit.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Visionary.</i>) Thou? Thou? (<i>Closes her +eyes.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Coming back.</i>) A beggar, who says he +was in the war. I have no small change on me. (<i>Taking +up his palette and brushes.</i>) It's high time, too, that I +should finally go to work. (<i>Goes out, right.</i>) (<i>Lulu +touches herself up before the glass, strokes back her hair, +and goes out, returning leading in Schigolch.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> I'd thought he was more of a swell—a +little more glory to him. He's sort of embarrassed. He +quaked a little in the knees when he saw <em>me</em> in front +of him.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Shoving a chair round for him.</i>) How can +you beg from him, too?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> That's why I've dragged my seventy-seven +summers just here. You told me he kept at his +painting in the mornings.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He hadn't got quite awake yet. How much +do you need?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">37</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Two hundred, if you have that much +handy. Personally, I'd like three hundred. Some of my +clients have evaporated.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Goes to the writing-table and rummages in +the drawer.</i>) Whew, I'm tired!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Looking round him.</i>) That's just what +brought me, too. I've been wanting a long time to see +how things were looking now with you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Well?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> It just sweeps over you. (<i>Looking up.</i>) +Like with me fifty years ago. Instead of the loafing chairs +we still had rusty old sabres then. Devil, but you've +brought it pretty far! (<i>Scuffing.</i>) Carpets....</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Giving him two bills.</i>) I like best to walk +on them bare-footed.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Scanning Lulu's portrait.</i>) Is that you?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Winking.</i>) Pretty fine?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> If all that's genuine.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Have something sweet?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> What?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Getting up.</i>) Elixir de Spaa.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> That doesn't help <a name="me" id="me"></a><ins class='correction' title='me— Does'>me—Does</ins> he drink?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Taking a decanter and glasses from a cupboard +near the fireplace.</i>) Not yet. (<i>Coming down +stage.</i>) The cordial has such various effects!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> He comes to blows?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He goes to sleep. (<i>She fills the two glasses.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> When he's drunk, you can see right into +his insides.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I'd rather <em>not</em>. (<i>Sits opposite Schigolch.</i>) +Tell me about it.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> The streets keep on getting longer, and +my legs shorter.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">38</a>] </span><span class="small">LULU.</span> And your harmonica?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Has bad air, like me with my asthma. I +just keep a-thinking it isn't worth the trouble to make it +better. (<i>They clink glasses.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Emptying her glass.</i>) I thought you'd come +to an end a long time ago—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> To an end—already up and away? I +thought so, too. But no matter how early the sun goes +down, still we aren't let lie quiet. I'm hoping for winter. +Perhaps then my <a name="my" id="my"></a>(<i>coughing</i><ins class='correction' title=')—'>) —</ins>my—my asthma will invent +some opportunity to carry me off.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Filling the glasses.</i>) Do you think they could +have forgotten you on the other side?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Would be possible, for it certainly isn't +going like it usually does. (<i>Stroking her knee.</i>) Now +you tell—not seen you a long time—my little Lulu.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Jerking back, smiling.</i>) Life is beyond me!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> What do you know about it? You're +still so young!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> That you call me Lulu.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Lulu, isn't it? Have I ever called you +anything else?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> In the memory of man my name has no longer +been Lulu.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Another way of naming?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Lulu sounds to me quite ante-diluvian.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Children! Children!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> My name now is—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> As if the principle wasn't always the +same!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You mean—?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> What is it now?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> <em>Eve.</em></p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">39</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Lept, hopped, skipped, jumped....</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I'm listening.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Gazing round.</i>) This is the way I +dreamt of it for you. You've aimed straight for it. +(<i>Seeing Lulu sprinkling herself with perfume.</i>) What's +that?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Heliotrope.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Does that smell better than you?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Sprinkling him.</i>) That needn't bother you +any more.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Who would have dreamt of this royal +luxury before!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> When I think back—Ugh!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Stroking her knee.</i>) How's it going +with you, then? You still keep at the French?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I lie and sleep.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> That's genteel. That always looks like +something. And afterwards?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I stretch—till it cracks.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> And when it has cracked?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> What do you mind about that?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> What do I mind about that? What do +I mind? I'd rather live till the last trump and renounce +all heavenly joys than leave my Lulu deprived of anything +down here behind me. What do I mind about that? +It's my sympathy. To be sure, my better self <em>is</em> already +transfigured—but I still have some sense for this world.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I haven't.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> You're too well off.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Shuddering.</i>) Idiot....</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Better than with the old dancing-bear?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Sadly.</i>) I don't dance any more.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> For him it was time, too.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">40</a>] </span><span class="small">LULU.</span> Now I am— (<i>Stops.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Speak how it is with you, child! I believed +in you when there was no more to be seen in you +than your two big eyes. What are you now?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> A beast....</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> That you—! And what kind of a +beast? A fine beast! An elegant beast! A glorified +beast! Then I'll let them bury me. We're through with +prejudices—even with the one against the corpse-washer.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You needn't be afraid that you will be washed +once more.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Doesn't matter, either. One gets dirty +again.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Sprinkling him.</i>) It would call you back to +life again!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> We are mud.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I beg your pardon! I rub grease into myself +every day and then powder on top of it.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Probably worth while, too, on the dressed-up +mucker's account.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> It makes the skin like satin.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> As if it weren't just dirt all the same!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Thank you. I wish to be worth biting at!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> We are. Give a big dinner down below +there pretty soon. Keep open house.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Your guests will hardly over-eat themselves +at it.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Patience, girl! Your worshippers won't +put you in alcohol, either. It's "schöne Melusine" as long +as it keeps buoyant. Afterwards? They don't take it +at the zoölogical garden. (<i>Rising.</i>) The gentle beasties +might get stomach-cramps.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Getting up.</i>) Have you enough?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">41</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> There's still enough left over to plant +a juniper on my grave. I'll find my own way out. (<i>Exit. +Lulu follows him, and presently returns with Dr. Schön.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> What's your father doing here?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> What's the matter?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> If I were your husband that man would +never come over my threshold.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You can speak intimately. He's not here. +(<i>Referring to Schwarz.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Thank you, I'd rather not.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I don't understand.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I know that. (<i>Offering her a seat.</i>) I +should like to speak with you just on that subject.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Sitting down uncertainly.</i>) Why didn't you +tell me so yesterday, then?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Please, nothing now about yesterday. I did +tell you two years ago.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Nervously.</i>) Oh, yes,—Hm!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Please be kind enough to cease your visits +to my house.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> May I offer you an elixir—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Thanks. No elixir. Have you understood +me? (<i>Lulu shakes her head.</i>) Good. You have the +choice. You force me to the most extreme measures:—either +act in accordance with your station—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Or?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Or—you compel me—I should have to turn +to that person who is responsible for your behavior.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> What makes you imagine that?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I shall request your husband, himself to +watch over your ways. (<i>Lulu rises, goes up the steps, +right.</i>) Where are you going?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Calls thru the curtains.</i>) Walter!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">42</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Springing up.</i>) Are you mad?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Turning round.</i>) Aha!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I have made the most superhuman efforts +to raise you in society. You can be ten times as proud +of your name as of your intimacy with me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Comes down the steps and puts her arm +around Schön's neck.</i>) Why are you still afraid, now +that you're at the zenith of your hopes?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> No comedy! The zenith of my hopes? I am +at last engaged: I have now the hope of bringing my bride +into a clean house.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Sitting.</i>) She has developed delightfully in +the two years!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> She no longer looks thru one so earnestly.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> She is now, for the first time, a woman. We +can meet each other wherever it seems suitable to you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> We shall meet each other nowhere but in the +presence of your husband!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You don't believe yourself what you say.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Then <em>he</em> must believe it. Go on and call +him! Thru his marriage to you, thru all that I've done +for him, he has become my friend.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Rising.</i>) Mine, too.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Then I'll cut down the sword over my head.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You have, indeed, chained me up. But I owe +my happiness to you. You will get friends by the crowd +as soon as you have a pretty young wife again.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You judge women by yourself! He's got +the sense of a child or he would have tracked out your +doublings and windings long ago.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I only wish he would! Then, at last he'd get +out of his swaddling-clothes. He puts his trust in the +marriage contract he has in his pocket. Trouble is past +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">43</a>] </span>and gone. One can now give oneself and let oneself +go as if one were at home. That isn't the sense of a +<em>child</em>! It's banal! He has no education; he sees +nothing; he sees neither me nor himself; he is blind, +blind, blind....</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Half to himself.</i>) When <em>his</em> eyes open!!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Open his eyes for him! I'm going to ruin. +I'm neglecting myself. He doesn't know me at all. +What am I to him? He calls me darling and little +devil. He would say the same to any piano-teacher. +He makes no pretensions. Everything is alright, to him. +That comes from his never in his life having felt the need +of intercourse with women.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> If that's true!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He admits it perfectly openly.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> A man who has painted them, rags and tags +and velvet gowns, since he was fourteen.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Women make him anxious. He trembles for +his health and comfort. But he isn't afraid of <em>me</em>!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> How many girls would deem themselves +God knows how blessed in your situation.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Softly pleading.</i>) Seduce him. Corrupt +him. You know how. Take him into bad company—you +know the people. I am nothing to him but a woman, +just woman. He makes me feel so ridiculous. He will +be prouder of me. He doesn't know any differences. +I'm thinking my head off, day and night, how to shake +him up. In my despair I dance the can-can. He yawns; +and drivels something about obscenity.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Nonsense. He is an artist, though.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> At least he believes he is.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> That's the chief thing!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">44</a>] </span><span class="small">LULU.</span> When <em class="italic">I</em> pose for him.... He believes, too, +that he's a famous man.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> We <em>have</em> made him one.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He believes everything. He's as mistrustful as +a thief, and lets himself be lied to, till one loses all respect! +When we first knew each other I informed him +I had never yet loved— (<i>Schön falls into an easy-chair.</i>) +Otherwise he would really have taken me for a fallen +woman!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You make God knows what exorbitant demands +on <em>legitimate</em> relations!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I make no exorbitant demands. Often I even +dream still of Goll.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> He was, at any rate, not banal!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He is there, as if he had never been away. +Only he walks as tho in his socks. He isn't angry with +me; he's awfully sad. And then he is fearful, as tho +he were there without the permission of the police. +Otherwise, he feels at ease with us. Only he can't +quite get over my having thrown away so much money +since—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You yearn for the whip once more?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Maybe. I don't dance any more.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Teach him to do it.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> A waste of trouble.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Out of a hundred women, ninety educate +their husbands to suit themselves.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He loves me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> That's fatal, of course.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He loves me—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> That is an unbridgeable abyss.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He doesn't know me, but he loves me! If he +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">45</a>] </span>had anything like a correct idea of me, he'd tie a stone +around my neck and sink me in the sea where it's deepest.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Let's finish this? (<i>He gets up.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> As you say.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I've married you off. Twice I have married +you off. You live in luxury. I've created a position for +your husband. If that doesn't satisfy you, and he laughs +in his sleeve at it, I don't pretend to meet ideal claims; +but—leave me out of the game, out of it!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Resolutely.</i>) If I belong to any person on +this earth, I belong to you. Without you I'd be—I won't +say where. You took me by the hand, gave me food to +eat, had me dressed,—when I was going to steal your +watch. Do you think that can be forgotten? Anybody +else would have called the police. You sent me to school, +and had me learn manners. Who but you in the whole +world has ever thought anything of me? I've danced +and posed, and was glad to be able to earn my living +that way. But <em>love</em> at command, I can't!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Raising his voice.</i>) Leave <em>me</em> out! Do +what you will. I'm not coming to make scandal; I'm +coming to shake the scandal from my neck. My engagement +is costing me sacrifices enough! I had imagined +that with a healthy young man, than whom a woman of +your years can wish herself no better, you would, at last, +have been contented. If you are under obligations to me, +don't throw yourself a third time in my way! Am I to +wait yet longer before putting my pile in security? Am +I to risk the whole success of my patents falling into the +water again after two years? What good is it to me +to be your married-man, when <em>you</em> can be seen going +in and out of my house at every hour of the day? Why +the devil didn't Dr. Goll stay alive just one year more! +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">46</a>] </span>With him you were in safe keeping. Then I'd have had +my wife long since under my roof!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> And what would you have had then? The +kid gets on your nerves. The child is too uncorrupted +for you. She's been much too carefully brought up. +What should I have against your marriage? But you are +deceived about yourself if you think that on account of +your impending marriage you may express your contempt +to me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Contempt? I shall soon give the child the +right idea. If anything is contemptible, it's your intrigues!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Laughing.</i>) Am I jealous of the child? +That never once entered my head.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Then why talk about the child? The child +is not even a whole year younger than you are. Leave +me my freedom to live what life I still have. No matter +how the child's been brought up, she's got her five senses +just like you.... (<i>Schwarz appears, right, brush in +hand.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> What's the matter here?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>To Schön.</i>) Well? Go on. Talk.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> What's the matter with you two?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Nothing that touches you—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Sharply.</i>) Quiet!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He's had enough of me. (<i>Schwarz leads her +off, to the right.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Turning over the leaves in one of the books +on the table.</i>) It had to come out—I must have my +hands free at last!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Coming back.</i>) Is that a way to jest?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Pointing to a chair.</i>) Please.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> What is it?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Please.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">47</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Seating himself.</i>) Well?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Seating himself.</i>) You have married half +a million....</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Is it gone?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Not a penny.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Explain to me the peculiar scene....</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You have married half a million—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> No one can make a crime of that.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You have created a name for yourself. You +can work unmolested. You need to deny yourself no +wish—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> What have you two got against me?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> For six months you've been revelling in all +the heavens. You have a wife whom the world envies +you, and she deserves a man whom she can respect—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Doesn't she respect me?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Depressed.</i>) I come from the dark +depths of society. She is above me. I cherish no more +ardent wish than to become her equal. (<i>Offers Schön +his hand.</i>) Thank you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Pressing it, half embarrassed.</i>) Don't mention it.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>With determination.</i>) Speak!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Keep a little more watch on her.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I—on her?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> We are not children! We don't trifle! She +demands that she be taken seriously. Her value gives her +a perfect right to be.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> What does she do, then?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You have married half a million!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Rises; beside himself.</i>) She—?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Takes him by the shoulder.</i>) No, that's not +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">48</a>] </span>the way! (<i>Forces him to sit.</i>) We must speak with +each other very seriously here.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> What does she do?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> First count on your fingers what you have +to thank her for, and then—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> What does she do—man!!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> And then make yourself responsible for your +faults, and no one else.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> With whom? With whom?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> If we should shoot each other—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Since when, then?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Evasive.</i>) —I don't come here to make +scandal, I come to save you from the scandal.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> You have misunderstood her.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Embarrassed.</i>) That will not do for me. +I can't see you go on living in blindness. The girl deserves +to be a respectable woman. Since I have known +her she has improved as she developed.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Since you have known her? Since when +have you known her then?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Since about her twelfth year.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Bewildered.</i>) She told me nothing about +that.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> She sold flowers in front of the Alhambra +Café. Every evening between twelve and two she pressed +in among the guests, bare-footed.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> She told me nothing of that.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> She did right there. I'm telling you, so +you may see that you have not to do with moral degeneracy. +The girl is, on the contrary, of extraordinarily +good disposition.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> She said she had grown up with an aunt.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> That was the woman I gave her to. She +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">49</a>] </span>was her best pupil. The mothers used to make her an +example to their children. She has the feeling for duty. +It is simply and solely your mistake if you have till now +neglected to take her on her best sides.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Sobbing.</i>) O God!—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>With emphasis.</i>) No O God!! Nothing +of the happiness you have cost can be changed. Done is +done. You over-rate yourself against your better knowledge +if you persuade yourself you will lose. You stand +to gain. But with "O God" nothing is gained. A greater +friendliness I have not yet shown you: I speak plainly and +offer you my help. Don't show yourself unworthy of it!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>From now on more and more broken +up.</i>) When I first knew her, she told me she had never +loved.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> When a widow says that—! It does her +credit that she chose you for a husband. Make the same +claims on yourself and your happiness is without a blot.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> She says he made her wear short dresses.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> But he married her! That was her master-stroke. +How she brought the man to it is beyond me. +You really must know it now: you are enjoying the fruits +of her diplomacy.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> How did she get to know Dr. Goll then?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Through me! It was after my wife's death, +when I was making the first advances to my present +fiancée. She stuck herself in between. She had fixed +her mind on becoming my wife.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>As if seized with a horrible suspicion.</i>) +And then when her husband died?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You married half a million!!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Wailing.</i>) O, to have stayed where I +was! To have died of hunger!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">50</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Superior.</i>) Do you think, then, that <em class="italic">I</em> make +no compromises? Who is there that does not compromise? +You have married half a million. You are to-day +one of the foremost artists. That can't be done +without money. You are not the man to sit in judgment +on her. You can't possibly treat an origin like Mignon's +according to the notions of bourgeois society.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Quite distraught.</i>) Who are you speaking +of?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Of her father! You're an artist, I say: your +ideals are on a different plane from those of a wage-worker.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I don't understand a word of all that.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I am speaking of the inhuman conditions out +of which, thanks to her good management, the girl has +developed into what she is!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Who?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Who? Your wife.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> <em>Eve?</em></p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I called her Mignon.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I thought her name was Nellie?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Dr. Goll called her so.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I called her Eve—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> What her real name is I don't know.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Absently.</i>) Perhaps she knows.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> With a father like hers, she is, with all her +faults, a miracle. I don't understand you—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> He died in a madhouse—?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> He was here just now!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Who was here?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Her father.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Here—in my house?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">51</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> He squeezed by me as I came in. And there +are the two glasses still.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> She says he died in the madhouse.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Let her feel she's in authority—! She craves +nothing but the compulsion to unconditional obedience. +With Dr. Goll she was in heaven, and with him there +was no joking.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Shaking his head.</i>) She said she had +never loved—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> But you, make a beginning with yourself. +Pull yourself together!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> She has sworn—!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You can't demand a sense of duty in her +before you know your own task.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> By her mother's grave!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> She never knew her mother, let alone the +grave. Her mother hasn't got a grave.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> I don't fit in society. (<i>He is in desperation.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> What's the matter?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> Pain—horrible pain!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Gets up, steps back; after a pause.</i>) Guard +her for yourself: she's yours. The moment is decisive. +To-morrow she may be lost to you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Pointing to his breast.</i>) Here, here.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You have married half— (<i>Reflecting.</i>) She +is lost to you if you let this moment slip!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> If I could weep! Oh, if I could cry out!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>With a hand on his shoulder.</i>) You're suffering—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> (<i>Getting up, apparently quiet.</i>) You are +right, quite right.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Gripping his hand.</i>) Where are you going?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">52</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHWARZ.</span> To speak with her.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Right! (<i>Accompanies him to the door, left. +Coming back.</i>) That was tough work. (<i>After a pause, +looking right.</i>) He had taken her into the studio before +though? (<i>A fearful groan, left. He hurries to the door +and finds it locked.</i>) Open! Open the door!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Stepping thru the hangings, right.</i>) What's—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Open it!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Comes down the steps.</i>) That is horrible.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Have you an ax in the kitchen?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He'll open it right off—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I can't kick it down.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> When he's had his cry out.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Kicking the door.</i>) Open! (<i>To Lulu.</i>) +Bring me an ax.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Send for the doctor—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You are not yourself.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> It serves you right. (<i>Bell rings in the corridor. +Schön and Lulu stare at each other. Then +Schön slips up-stage and stands in the doorway.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I mustn't let myself be seen here.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Perhaps it's the art-dealer. (<i>The bell rings +again.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> But if we don't answer it—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Steals toward the door; but Schön holds +her.</i><a name="steals" id="steals"></a><ins class='correction' title=')—'>) —</ins></p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Stop. It sometimes happens that one is not +just at hand— (<i>He goes out on tip-toes. Lulu turns +back to the locked door and listens. Schön returns with +Alva.</i>) Please be quiet.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>Very excited.</i>) A revolution has broken out +in Paris!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Be quiet.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">53</a>] </span><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>To Lulu.</i>) You're as pale as death.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Rattling at the door.</i>) Walter! Walter! +(<i>A death-rattle heard behind the door.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> God pity you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Haven't you brought an ax?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> If there's one there— (<i>Goes slowly out, upper +left.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> He's just keeping us in suspense.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> A revolution has broken out in Paris?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> In the editors' room they're beating their heads +against the wall. No one knows what he ought to write. +(<i>The bell rings in the corridor.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Kicking against the door.</i>) Walter!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Shall I force it in?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I can do that. Who is it coming now? +(<i>Standing up.</i>) To enjoy life and let others be responsible +for it—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Coming back with a kitchen ax.</i>) Henriette +has come home.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Shut the door behind you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Give it here. (<i>Takes the ax and pounds with +it between the jamb and the lock.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You must hold it nearer the end.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> It's cracking— (<i>The lock gives; Alva lets +the ax fall and staggers back.</i>) (<i>Pause.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>To Schön, pointing to the door.</i>) After +you. (<i>Schön flinches, drops back.</i>) Are you getting—dizzy? +(<i>Schön wipes the sweat from his forehead and +goes in.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>From the couch.</i>) Ghastly!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Stopping in the door-way, finger on lips, cries +out sharply.</i>) Oh! Oh! (<i>Hurries to Alva.</i>) I can't +stay here.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">54</a>] </span><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Horrible!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Taking his hand.</i>) Come.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Where to?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I can't be alone. (<i>Goes out with Alva, right.</i>)</p> + +<p>(<i>Schön comes back, a bunch of keys in his hand, which +shows blood. He pulls the door to, behind him, goes to +the writing-table, opens it, and writes two notes.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>Coming back, right.</i>) She's changing her +clothes.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> She has gone?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> To her room. She's changing her clothes. +(<i>Schön rings. Henriette comes in.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You know where Dr. Bernstein lives?</p> + +<p><span class="small">HENRIETTE.</span> Of course, Doctor. Right next door.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Giving her one note.</i>) Take that over to +him, please.</p> + +<p><span class="small">HENRIETTE.</span> In case the doctor is not at home?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> He is at home. (<i>Giving her the other note.</i>) +And take this to police headquarters. Take a cab. (<i>Henriette +goes out.</i>) I am judged!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> My blood is cold.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Toward the left.</i>) The fool!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> He waked up to something, perhaps?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> He has been too absorbed with himself. +(<i>Lulu appears on the steps, right, in dust-coat and hat.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Where are you going now?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Out. I see it on all the walls.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Where are his papers?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> In the desk.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>At the desk.</i>) Where?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Lower right-hand drawer. (<i>She kneels and +opens the drawer, emptying the papers on the floor.</i>) +Here. There is nothing to fear. He had no secrets.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">55</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Now I can just withdraw from the world.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Still kneeling.</i>) Write a pamphlet about +him. Call him Michelangelo.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> What good'll that do? (<i>Pointing left.</i>) +There lies my engagement.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> That's the curse of your game!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Shout it thru the streets!!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>Pointing to Lulu.</i>) If you had treated that +girl fairly and justly when my mother died—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> My engagement is bleeding to death there!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Getting up.</i>) I sha'n't stay here any longer.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> In an hour they'll be selling extras. I dare +not go across the street!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Why, what can you do to help it?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> That's just it! They'll stone me for it!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> You must get away—travel.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> To leave the scandal a free field!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>By the couch.</i>) Ten minutes ago he was +lying here.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> This is the reward for all I've done for him! +In one second he wrecks my whole life for me!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Control yourself, please!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>On the couch.</i>) There's no one but ourselves +here.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> But <em>our</em> position?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>To Lulu.</i>) What will you say to the +police?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> He didn't want to remain a debtor to his destiny.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He always thought of death immediately.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> He thought what a human being can only +dream of.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">56</a>] </span><span class="small">LULU.</span> He has paid dearly for it.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> He had what <em>we</em> don't have!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Suddenly violent.</i>) I know your reasons! +I have no cause to consider you! If you try every means +to prevent having any brothers and sisters, that's all the +more reason why I should get more children.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> You've a poor knowledge of men.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You get out an extra yourself!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>With passionate indignation.</i>) He had no +moral sense! (<i>Suddenly controlling himself again.</i>) +Paris in revolution—?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Our editors act as though they'd been struck. +Everything has stopped dead.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> That's got to help me over this! Now if +only the police would come. The minutes are worth +more than gold. (<i>The bell rings in the corridor.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> There they are— (<i>Schön starts to the door. +Lulu jumps up.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Wait, you've got blood—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Where?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Wait, I'll wipe it. (<i>Sprinkles her handkerchief +with heliotrope and wipes the blood from Schön's +hand.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> It's your husband's blood.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> It leaves no trace.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Monster!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You will marry me, though. (<i>The bell rings +in the corridor.</i>) Only have patience, children. (<i>Schön +goes out and returns with Escherich, a reporter.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCHERICH.</span> (<i>Breathless.</i>) Allow me to—to introduce myself—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You've run?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCHERICH.</span> (<i>Giving him his card.</i>) From police +headquarters. A suicide, I understand.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">57</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Reads.</i>) Fritz Escherich, correspondent of +the "News and Novelties." Come along.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCHERICH.</span> One moment. (<i>Takes out his note-book +and pencil, looks around the parlor, writes a few words, +bows to Lulu, writes, turns to the broken door, writes.</i>) +A kitchen-ax. (<i>Starts to lift it.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Holding him back.</i>) Excuse me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCHERICH.</span> (<i>Writing.</i>) Door broken open with a +kitchen-ax. (<i>Examines the lock.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>His hand on the door.</i>) Look before you, +my dear sir.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCHERICH.</span> Now if you will have the kindness to +open the door— (<i>Schön opens it. Escherich lets book +and pencil fall, clutches at his hair.</i>) Merciful Heaven! +God!!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Look it all over carefully.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCHERICH.</span> I can't look at it!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Snorting scornfully.</i>) Then what did you +come here for?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCHERICH.</span> To—to cut up—to cut up his throat with +a razor!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Have you seen it all?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCHERICH.</span> That must feel—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Draws the door to, steps to the writing-table.</i>) +Sit down. Here is paper and pen. Write.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCHERICH.</span> (<i>Mechanically taking his seat.</i>) I can't +write—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Behind his chair.</i>) Write! Persecution—mania....</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCHERICH.</span> (<i>Writes.</i>) Per-secu-tion—mania. (<i>The +bell rings in the corridor.</i>)</p> + +<p class="center noindent small curtain">CURTAIN</p> + + + + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">58</a>] </span></p> +<h2>ACT III</h2> + + +<p><i>A theatrical dressing-room, hung with red. Door upper +right. Across upper left corner, a Spanish screen. Centre, +a table set endwise, on which dance costumes lie. +Chair on each side of this table. Lower right, a smaller +table with a chair. Lower left, a high, very wide, old-fashioned +arm-chair. Above it, a tall mirror, with a make-up +stand before it holding puff, rouge, etc., etc.</i></p> + +<p><i>Alva is at lower right, filling two glasses with red wine +and champagne.</i></p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Never since I began to work for the stage have +I seen a public so uncontrolled in enthusiasm.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Voice from behind the screen.</i>) Don't give +me too much red wine. Will he see me to-day?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Father?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I don't know if he's in the theater.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Doesn't he want to see me at all?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> He has so little time.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> His <em>bride</em> occupies him.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Speculations. He gives himself no rest. +(<i>Schön enters.</i>) You? We're just speaking of you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Is he there?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You're changing?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Peeping over the Spanish screen, to Schön.</i>) +You write in all the papers that I'm the most gifted +danseuse who ever trod the stage, a second Taglioni and +I don't know what else—and you haven't once found me +gifted enough to convince yourself of the fact.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I have so much to write. You see, I was +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">59</a>] </span>right: there were hardly any seats left. You must keep +rather more in the proscenium.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I must first accustom myself to the light.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> She has kept herself strictly to her part.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>To Alva.</i>) You must get more out of +your performers! You don't know enough yet about +the technique. (<i>To Lulu.</i>) What do you come as now?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> As a flower-girl.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>To Alva.</i>) In tights?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> No. In a skirt to the ankles.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> It would have been better if you hadn't ventured +on symbolism.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I look at a dancer's feet.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> The point is, what the public looks at. An +apparition like <em>her</em> has no need, thank heaven, of your +symbolic mummery.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> The public doesn't look as if it was bored!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Of course not; because I have been working +for her success in the press for six months. Has the +prince been here?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Nobody's been here.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Who lets a dancer come on thru two acts +in raincoats?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Who is the prince?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Shall we see each other afterwards?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Are you alone?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> With acquaintances. At Peter's?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> At twelve?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> At twelve. (<i>Exit.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I'd given up hoping he'd ever come.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Don't let yourself be misled by his grumpy +growls. If you'll only be careful not to spend your +strength before the last number begins— (<i>Lulu steps +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">60</a>] </span>out in a classical, sleeveless dress, white with a red border, +a bright wreath in her hair and a basket of flowers in her +hands.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He doesn't seem to have noticed at all how +cleverly you have used your performers.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I won't blow in sun, moon and stars in the +first act!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Sipping.</i>) You disclose me by degrees.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I knew, though, that you knew all about changing +costumes.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> If I'd wanted to sell my flowers this way before +the Alhambra café, they'd have had me behind lock +and key right off the very first night.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Why? You were a child!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Do you remember me when I entered your +room the first time?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> You wore a dark blue dress with black velvet.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> They had to stick me somewhere and didn't +know where.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> My mother had been lying sick two years then.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You were playing theater, and asked me if I +wanted to play too.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> To be sure! We played theater!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I see you still—the way you shoved the figures +back and forth.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> For a long time my most terrible memory +was when all at once I saw clearly into your relations—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You got icy curt towards me then.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Oh, <a name="i" id="i"></a><ins class='correction' title='God— I'>God—I</ins> saw in you something so infinitely +far above me. I had perhaps a higher devotion to you +than to my mother. Think—when my mother died—I +was seventeen—I went and stood before my father and +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">61</a>] </span>demanded that he make you his wife on the spot or we'd +have to fight a duel.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He told me that at the time.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Since I've grown older, I can only pity him. +He will never comprehend me. There he is making up +a story for himself about a little diplomatic game that +puts me in the rôle of laboring against his marriage with +the Countess.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Does she still look as innocently as ever at the +world?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> She loves him. I'm convinced of that. Her +family has tried everything to make her turn back. I +don't think any sacrifice in the world would be too great +for her for his sake.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Holds out her glass to him.</i>) A little more, +please.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>Giving it to her.</i>) You're drinking too much.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He shall learn to believe in my success! He +doesn't believe in any art. He believes only in papers.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> He believes in nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He brought me into the theater in order that +someone might eventually be found rich enough to marry +me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Well, alright. Why need that trouble us?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I am to be glad if I can dance myself into a millionaire's +heart.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> God defend that anyone should take you from +us!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You've composed the music for it, though.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> You know that it was always my wish to write +a piece for you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I am not at all made for the stage, however.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> You came into the world a dancer!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">62</a>] </span><span class="small">LULU.</span> Why don't you write your things at least as +interesting as life is?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Because if we did no man would believe us.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> If I didn't know more about acting than the +people on the stage do, what might not have happened +to me?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I've provided your part with all the impossibilities +imaginable, though.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> With hocus-pocus like that no dog is lured +from the stove in the real world.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> It's enough for me that the public finds itself +most tremendously stirred up.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> But <em class="italic">I</em>'d like to find myself most tremendously +stirred up. (<i>Drinks.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> You don't seem to be in need of much more for +that.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> No one of them realizes anything about the +others. Each thinks that he alone is the unhappy victim.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> But how can you feel that?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> There runs up one's body such an icy shudder.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> You are incredible. (<i>An electric bell rings over +the door.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> My cape.... I shall keep in the proscenium!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>Putting a wide shawl round her shoulders.</i>) +Here is your cape.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He shall have nothing more to fear for his +shameless boosting.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Keep yourself under control!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> God grant that I dance the last sparks of intelligence +out of their heads. (<i>Exit.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Yes, a more interesting piece could be written +about her. (<i>Sits, right, and takes out his note-book. +Writes. Looks up.</i>) First act: Dr. Goll. Rotten already! +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">63</a>] </span>I can call up Dr. Goll from purgatory or wherever +else he's doing penance for his orgies, but I'll be made +responsible for his sins. (<i>Long-continued but much +deadened applause and bravos outside.</i>) They rage there +as in a menagery when the meat appears at the cage. +Second act: Walter Schwarz. Still more impossible! +How our souls do strip off their last coverings in the +light of such lightning-strokes! Third act? Is it really +to go on this way? (<i>The attendant opens the door from +outside and lets Escerny enter. He acts as though he were +at home, and without greeting Alva takes the chair near +the mirror. Alva continues, not heeding him.</i>) It can +not go on this way in the third act!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> Up to the middle of the third act it didn't +seem to go so well to-day as usual.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I was not on the stage.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> Now she's in full career again.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> She's lengthening each number.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> I once had the pleasure of meeting the +artiste at Schön's.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> My father has brought her before the public +by some critiques in his paper.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> (<i>Bowing slightly.</i>) I was conferring with +Dr. Schön about the publication of my discoveries at Lake +Tanganika.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>Bowing slightly.</i>) His remarks leave no doubt +that he takes the liveliest interest in your work.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> It's a very good thing in the artiste that the +<em>public</em> does not exist for her at all.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> As a child she learned the quick changing of +clothes; but I was surprised to discover such an expressive +dancer in her.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> When she dances her solo she is intoxicated +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">64</a>] </span>with her own beauty, with which she herself seems to be +mortally in love.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Here she comes. (<i>Gets up and opens the door. +Enter Lulu.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Without wreath or basket, to Alva.</i>) You're +called for. I was three times before the curtain. (<i>To +Escerny.</i>) Dr. Schön is not in your box?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> Not in mine.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>To Lulu.</i>) Didn't you see him?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He is probably away again.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> He has the last parquet-box on the left.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> It seems he is ashamed of me!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> There wasn't a good seat left for him.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>To Alva.</i>) Ask him, though, if he likes me +better now.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I'll send him up.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> He applauded.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Did he really?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Give yourself some rest. (<i>Exit.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I've got to change again now.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> But your maid isn't here?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I can do it quicker alone. Where did you say +Dr. Schön was sitting?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> I saw him in the left parquet-box farthest +back.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I've still five costumes before me now; dancing-girl, +ballerina, queen of the night, Ariel, and Lascaris.... +(<i>She goes behind the Spanish screen.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> Would you think it possible that at our first +meeting I expected nothing more than to make the acquaintance +of a young lady of the literary world?... +(<i>He sits at the left of the centre table, and remains there +to the end of the scene.</i>) Have I perhaps erred in my +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">65</a>] </span>judgment of your nature, or did I rightly interpret the +smile which the thundering storms of applause called forth +on your lips? That you are secretly pained at the necessity +of profaning your art before people of doubtful disinterestedness? +(<i>Lulu makes no answer.</i>) That you +would gladly exchange at any moment the shimmer of +publicity for a quiet, sunny happiness in distinguished seclusion? +(<i>Lulu makes no answer.</i>) That you feel in +yourself enough dignity and high rank to fetter a man to +your feet—in order to enjoy his utter helplessness?... +(<i>Lulu makes no answer.</i>) That in a comfortable, richly +furnished villa you would feel in a more fitting place than +here,—with unlimited means, to live completely as your +<em>own mistress</em>? (<i>Lulu steps forth in a short, bright, +pleated petticoat and white satin bodice, black shoes and +stockings, and spurs with bells at her heels.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Busy with the lacing of her bodice.</i>) If +there's just one evening I don't go on, I dream the whole +night that I'm dancing and feel the next day as if I'd been +racked.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> But what difference could it make to you +to see before you instead of this mob <em>one</em> spectator, +specially elect?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> That would make no difference. I don't see +anybody anyway.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> A lighted summer-house—the splashing of +the water near at hand.... I am forced in my exploring-trips +to the practise of a quite inhuman tyranny—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Putting on a pearl necklace before the mirror.</i>) +A good school!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> And if I now long to deliver myself unreservedly +into the power of a woman, that is a natural +need for relaxation.... Can you imagine a greater life-happiness +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">66</a>] </span>for a woman than to have a man entirely in her +power?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Jingling her heels.</i>) Oh yes!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> (<i>Disconcerted.</i>) Among cultured men you +will find not one who doesn't lose his head over you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Your wishes, however, no one will fulfill without +deceiving you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> To be deceived by a girl like you must be +ten times more enrapturing than to be uprightly loved by +anybody else.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You have never in your life been uprightly +loved by a girl! (<i>Turning her back to him and pointing.</i>) +Would you undo this knot for me? I've laced myself +too tight. I am always so excited getting dressed.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> (<i>After repeated efforts.</i>) I'm sorry; I can't.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Then leave it. Perhaps I can. (<i>Goes left.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> I confess that I am lacking in deftness. +Maybe I was not docile enough with women.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> And probably you don't have much opportunity +to be so in Africa, either?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> (<i>Seriously.</i>) Let me openly admit to you +that my loneliness in the world embitters many hours.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> The knot is almost done....</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> What draws me to you is not your dancing. +It's your physical and mental refinement, as it is revealed +in every one of your movements. Anyone who is so much +interested in art as I am could not be deceived in that. +For ten evenings I've been studying your spiritual life in +your dance, until to-day when you entered as the flower-girl +I became perfectly clear. Yours is a grand nature—unselfish; +you can see no one suffer; you embody the joy +of life. As a wife you will make a man happy above all +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">67</a>] </span>things.... You are all open-heartedness. You would +be a poor actor. (<i>The bell rings again.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Having somewhat loosened her laces, takes a +deep breath and jingles her spurs.</i>) Now I can breathe +again. The curtain is going up. (<i>She takes from the +centre table a skirt-dance costume—of bright yellow silk, +without a waist, closed at the neck, reaching to the ankles, +with wide, loose sleeves—and throws it over her.</i>) I must +dance.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> (<i>Rises and kisses her hand.</i>) Allow me to +remain here a little while longer.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Please, stay.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> I need some solitude. (<i>Lulu goes out.</i>) +What is to be aristocratic? To be eccentric, like me? +Or to be perfect in body and mind, like this girl? (<i>Applause +and bravos outside.</i>) He who gives me back my +faith in men, gives me back my life. Should not the +children of this woman be more princely, body and soul, +than the children whose mother has no more vitality in +her than I have felt in me until to-day? (<i>Sitting, right; +ecstatically.</i>) The dance has ennobled her body.... +(<i>Alva enters.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> One is never sure a moment that some miserable +chance may not throw the whole performance out +for good. (<i>He throws himself into the big chair, left, so +that the two men are in exactly reversed positions from +their former ones. Both converse somewhat boredly and +apathetically.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> But the public has never yet shown itself +so grateful.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> She's finished the skirt-dance.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> I hear her coming....</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">68</a>] </span><span class="small">ALVA.</span> She isn't coming. She has no time. She +changes her costume in the wings.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> She has two ballet-costumes, if I'm not mistaken?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I find the white one more becoming to her than +the rose.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> Do you?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Don't you?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> I find she looks too body-less in the white +tulle.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I find she looks too animal in the rose-tulle.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> I don't find that.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> The white tulle expresses more the child-like +in her nature.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> The rose tulle expresses more the female in +her nature. (<i>The electric bell rings over the door. Alva +jumps up.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> For heaven's sake, what is wrong?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> (<i>Getting up too</i><a name="stop" id="stop"></a><ins class='correction' title=').'><i>.</i>)</ins> What's the matter? +(<i>The electric bell goes on ringing to the close of the +dialogue.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Something's gone wrong there—</p> + +<p><span class="small">ESCERNY.</span> How can you get so suddenly frightened?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> That must be a hellish confusion! (<i>He runs +out. Escerny follows him. The door remains open. +Faint dance-music heard. Pause. Lulu enters in a long +cloak, and shuts the door to behind her. She wears a +rose-colored ballet costume with flower garlands. She +walks across the stage and sits down in the big arm-chair +near the mirror. After a pause Alva returns.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> You had a faint?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Please lock the door.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> At least come down to the stage.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">69</a>] </span><span class="small">LULU.</span> Did you see him?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> See whom?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> With his bride?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> With his— (<i>To Schön, who enters.</i>) You +might have spared yourself that jest!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> What's the matter with her? (<i>To Lulu.</i>) +How can you play the scene straight at me!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I feel as if I'd been whipped.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>After bolting the door.</i>) You will dance—as +sure as I've taken the responsibility for you!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Before your bride?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Have you a right to trouble yourself before +whom? You've been engaged here. You receive your +salary ...</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Is that your affair?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You dance for anyone who buys a ticket. +Whom I sit with in my box has nothing to do with your +business!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I wish you'd stayed sitting in your box! (<i>To +Lulu.</i>) Tell me, please, what I am to do. (<i>A knock at +the door.</i>) There is the manager. (<i>Calls.</i>) Yes, in a +moment! (<i>To Lulu.</i>) You won't compel us to break +off the performance?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>To Lulu.</i>) Onto the stage with you!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Let me have just a moment! I can't now. +I'm utterly miserable.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> The devil take the whole theater crowd!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Put in the next number. No one will notice +if I dance now or in five minutes. There's no strength +in my feet.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> But you will dance then?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> As well as I can.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">70</a>] </span><span class="small">ALVA.</span> As badly as you like. (<i>A knock at the door +again.</i>) I'm coming.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>When Alva is gone.</i>) You are right to show +me where my place is. You couldn't do it better than by +letting me dance the skirt-dance before your fiancée.... +You do me the greatest service when you point out where +I belong.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Sardonically.</i>) For you with your origin +it's incomparable luck to still have the chance of entering +before respectable people!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Even when my shamelessness makes them not +know where to look.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Nonsense!—Shamelessness?—Don't make a +necessity of virtue! Your shamelessness is balanced with +gold for you at every step. One cries "bravo," another +"fie"—it's all the same to you! Can you wish for +a more brilliant triumph than when a respectable girl can +hardly be kept in the box? Has your life any other aim? +As long as you still have a spark of self-respect, you are no +perfect dancer. The more terribly you make people shudder, +the higher you stand in your profession!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> But it is absolutely indifferent to me what they +think of me. I don't, in the least, want to be any better +than I am. I'm content with myself.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>In moral indignation.</i>) That is your true +nature. I call that straightforward! A corruption!!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I wouldn't have known that I had a spark of +self-respect—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Suddenly distrustful.</i>) No harlequinading—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> O Lord—I know very well what I'd have become +if you hadn't saved me from it.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Are you then, perhaps, something different to-day?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">71</a>] </span><span class="small">LULU.</span> God be thanked, no!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> That is right!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Laughs.</i>) And how awfully glad I am about +it.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Spits.</i>) Will you dance now?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> In anything, before anyone!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Then down to the stage!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Begging like a child.</i>) Just a minute more! +Please! I can't stand up straight yet. They'll ring.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You have become what you are in spite of +everything I sacrificed for your education and your welfare.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Had you overrated your ennobling influence?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Spare me your witticisms.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> The prince was here.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Well?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He takes me with him to Africa.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Africa?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Why not? Didn't you make me a dancer just +so that someone might come and take me away with him?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> But not to Africa, though!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Then why didn't you let me fall quietly in a +faint, and silently thank heaven for it?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Because, more's the pity, I had no reason for +believing in your faint!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Making fun of him.</i>) You couldn't bear it +any longer out there?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Because I had to bring home to you what you +are and to whom you are not to look up.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You were afraid, though, that my legs might +have been seriously injured?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I know too well you are indestructible.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> So you know that?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">72</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Bursting out.</i>) Don't look at me so impudently!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> No one is keeping you here.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I'm going as soon as the bell rings.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> As soon as you have the energy! Where is +your energy? You have been engaged three years. Why +don't you marry? You recognize no obstacles. Why do +you want to put the blame on me? You ordered me to +marry Dr. Goll: I forced Dr. Goll to marry me. You +ordered me to marry the painter: I made the best of a +bad bargain. Artists are your creatures, princes your +protegés. Why don't you marry?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Raging.</i>) Do you imagine <em>you</em> stand in +the way?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>From here to the end of the act triumphant.</i>) +If you knew how happy your rage is making me! How +proud I am that you should humble me by every means +in your power! You debase me as deep—as deep as a +woman can be debased, for you hope you can then jump +over me easier. But you have suffered unspeakably yourself +from everything you just said to me. I see it in you. +Already you are near the end of your self-command. Go! +For your innocent fiancée's sake, leave me alone! One +minute more, your mood will change around and you'll +make a scene with me of another kind, that you can't +answer for now.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I fear you no longer.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Me? Fear yourself! I do not need you. I +beg you to go! Don't give me the blame. You know +I don't need to faint to destroy your future. You have +unlimited confidence in my honorableness. You believe +not only that I'm an ensnaring daughter of Eve; you +believe, too, that I'm a very good-natured creature. I am +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">73</a>] </span>neither the one nor the other. Your misfortune is only +that you think I am.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Desperate.</i>) Leave my thoughts alone! +You have two men under the sod. Take the prince, +dance him into the earth! I am thru with you. I know +when the angel in you stops off and the devil begins. If +I take the world as it's made, the Creator must be responsible, +not I! To me life is not an amusement!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> And, therefore, you make claims on life greater +than anyone can make. Tell me, who of us two is more +full of claims and demands, you or I?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Be silent! I don't know how or what I think. +When I hear you, I don't think any more. In a week +I'll be married. I conjure you, by the angel that is in +you, during that time come no more to my sight!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I will lock my doors.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Go on and boast! God knows since I've been +wrestling with the world and with life I have cursed no +one like you!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> That comes from my lowly origin.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> From your depravity!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> With a thousand pleasures I take the blame +on myself! You must feel clean now; you must think +yourself a model of austerity now, a paragon of unflinching +principle! Otherwise you could never marry the child +in her boundless inexperience—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Do you want me to grab you and—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Yes! What must I say to make you? Not +for the world would I change with the innocent kid now! +Tho the girl loves you as no woman has ever loved you +yet!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Silence, beast! Silence!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">74</a>] </span><span class="small">LULU.</span> Marry her—and then she'll dance in her childish +wretchedness before <em>my</em> eyes, instead of I before hers!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Raising his fists.</i>) God forgive me—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Strike me! Where is your riding-whip? Strike +me on the legs—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Grasping his temples.</i>) Away, away! +(<i>Rushes to the door, recollects himself, turns around.</i>) +Can I go before the girl now, this way? Home!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Be a man! Look yourself in the face once:—you +have no trace of a conscience; you are frightened +at no wickedness; in the most cold-blooded way you mean +to make the girl that loves you unhappy; you conquer +half the world; you do what you please;—and you know +as well as I that—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Sunk in the chair, right centre, utterly exhausted.</i>) +Stop!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> That you are too weak—to tear yourself away +from me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Groaning.</i>) Oh! Oh! You make me +weep.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> This moment makes <em>me</em> I cannot tell you +how glad.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> My age! My position!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He cries like a child—the terrible man of +might! Now go so to your bride and tell her what kind +of a girl I am at heart—not a bit jealous!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Sobbing.</i>) The child! The innocent child!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> How can the incarnate devil get so weak all +of a sudden! But now go, please. You are nothing more +now to me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I cannot go to her.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Out with you. Come back to me when you +have regained your strength again.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">75</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Tell me in God's name what I must do.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Gets up; her cloak remains on the chair. +Shoving aside the costumes on the centre table.</i>) Here is +writing-paper—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I can't write....</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Upright behind him, her arm on the back of +his chair.</i>) Write! "My dear young lady<a name="lady" id="lady"></a><ins class='correction' title='.. ..'>....</ins>"</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Hesitating.</i>) I call her Adelheid ...</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>With emphasis.</i>) "My dear young lady ..."</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> My sentence of death! (<i>He writes.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> "Take back your promise. I cannot reconcile +it with my conscience—" (<i>Schön drops the pen and glances +up at her entreatingly.</i>) Write conscience!—"to fasten +you to my unhappy lot...."</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Writing.</i>) You are right. You are right.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> "I give you my word that I am unworthy of +your love—" (<i>Schön turns round again.</i>) Write love! +"These lines are the proof of it. For three years I have +tried to tear myself loose; I have not the strength. I am +writing you by the side of the woman that commands me. +Forget me. Dr. Ludwig Schön."</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Groaning.</i>) O God!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Half startled.</i>) No, no O God! (<i>With emphasis.</i>) +"Dr. Ludwig Schön." Postscript: "Do not attempt +to save me."</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Having written to the end, quite collapses.</i>) +Now—comes the—execution.</p> + +<p class="center noindent small curtain">CURTAIN</p> + + + + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">76</a>] </span></p> +<h2>ACT IV</h2> + + +<p><i>A splendid hall in German Renaissance style, with a +thick floor of oak-blocks. The lower half of the walls +of dark carved wood; the upper half on both sides hung +with faded Gobelins. At rear, a curtained gallery from +which a monumental stair-case leads, right, half-way down +the stage. At centre, under the gallery, the entrance-door, +with twisted posts and pediment. At left, a high and +spacious fire-place with a Chinese folding screen before it. +Further down, left, a French window onto a balcony, +with heavy curtains, closed. Down right, door hung with +Genoese velvet. Near it, a broad ottoman, with a chair +on its left. Behind, near the foot of the stairs, Lulu's Pierrot-picture +on a decorative stand and in a gold frame made +to look antique. In the centre of the hall, a heavy square +table, with three high-backed upholstered chairs round it +and a vase of white flowers on it.</i></p> + +<p><i>Countess Geschwitz sits on the ottoman, in a soldier-like, +fur-trimmed waist, high, upright collar, enormous cuff-links, +a veil over her face and her hands clasped convulsively +in her muff. Schön stands down right. Lulu, +in a big-flowered morning-dress, her hair in a simple knot +in a golden circlet, sits in the arm-chair left of the ottoman.</i></p> + +<p><span class="small">GESCHWITZ.</span> You can't think how glad I shall be to see +you at our artists' ball. (<i>To Lulu.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Is there no sort of possibility of a person like +me smuggling in?</p> + +<p><span class="small">GESCHWITZ.</span> It would be high treason if any of us lent +herself to such an intrigue.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">77</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Crossing to the centre table, behind the ottoman.</i>) +The glorious flowers!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Fräulein von Geschwitz brought me those.</p> + +<p><span class="small">GESCHWITZ.</span> Don't mention it. Oh, you'll be in man's +costume, won't you?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Do you think that becomes me?</p> + +<p><span class="small">GESCHWITZ.</span> You're a dream here. (<i>Signifying the +picture.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> My husband doesn't like it.</p> + +<p><span class="small">GESCHWITZ.</span> Is it by a local man?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You will hardly have known him.</p> + +<p><span class="small">GESCHWITZ.</span> No longer living?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Down left, with a deep voice.</i>) He had +enough.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You're in bad temper. (<i>Schön controls himself.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">GESCHWITZ.</span> (<i>Getting up.</i>) I must go, Mrs. Schön. +I can't stay any longer. This evening we have life-class, +and I have still so much to get ready for the ball. +Good-bye, Dr. Schön. (<i>Exit, up-stage. Lulu accompanies +her. Schön looks around him.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Pure Augean stable. That, the end of my life. +They ought to show me a corner that's still clean. The +pest in the house. The poorest day-laborer has his tidy +nest. Thirty years' work, and this my family circle, the +circle of my people— (<i>Glancing round.</i>) God knows +who is overhearing me again now! (<i>Draws a revolver +from his breast pocket.</i>) Man is, indeed, uncertain of his +life! (<i>The cocked revolver in his right hand, he goes +left and speaks at the closed window curtains.</i>) That, +my family circle! The fellow still has courage! Shall I +not rather shoot <em>myself</em> in the head? Against deadly +enemies one fights, but the— (<i>Throws up the curtains, +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">78</a>] </span>but finds no one hidden behind them.</i>) The dirt—the +dirt.... (<i>Shakes his head and crosses right.</i>) Insanity +has already conquered my reason, or else—exceptions prove +the rule! (<i>Hearing Lulu coming he puts the revolver +back in his pocket. Lulu comes down right.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Couldn't you get away for this afternoon?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Just what did that Countess want?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I don't know. She wants to paint me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Misfortune in human guise, that waits upon +one.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Couldn't you get away, then? I would so +like to drive thru the grounds with you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Just the day when I must be at the exchange. +You know that I'm not free to-day. All my property +is drifting on the waves.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I'd sooner be dead and buried than let my life +be embittered so by my property.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Who takes life lightly does not take death +hard.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> As a child I always had the most horrible fear +of death.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> That is just why I married you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>With her arms round his neck.</i>) You're in +bad humor. You give yourself too much work. For +weeks and months I've seen nothing of you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Stroking her hair.</i>) Your light-heartedness +should cheer up my old days.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Indeed, you didn't marry me at all.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Who else did I marry then?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I married you!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> How does that alter anything?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I was always afraid it would alter a great deal.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> It has, indeed, crushed a great deal underfoot.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">79</a>] </span><span class="small">LULU.</span> But not one thing, praise God!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Of that I should be covetous.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Your love for me. (<i>Schön's face twitches, he +signs to her to go out in front of him. Both exeunt lower +right. Countess Geschwitz cautiously opens the rear door, +ventures forth, and listens. Hearing voices approaching in +the gallery above her, she starts suddenly.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">GESCHWITZ.</span> Oh dear, there's somebody— (<i>Hides +behind the fire-screen.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Steps out from the curtains onto the +stairs, turns back.</i>) Has the youngster left his heart behind +him in the "Nightlight" café?</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>Between the curtains.</i>) He is still too +small for the great world, and can't walk so far on foot +yet. (<i>He disappears.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Coming down the stairs.</i>) God be +thanked we're home again at last! What damned skunk +has waxed the stairs again? If I have to have my joints +set in plaster again before being called home, she can +just present me between the palms here to her relations as +the Venus de' Medici. Nothing but steep rocks and +stumbling blocks!</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>Comes down the stairs, carrying Hugenberg +in his arms.</i>) This thing has a royal police-captain for a +father and not as much courage in his body as the raggedest +hobo!</p> + +<p><span class="small">HUGENBERG.</span> If there was nothing more to it than life +and death, then you'd soon learn to know me!</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> Even with his lover's woe, little brother +don't weigh more than sixty kilos. I'll let myself be +hung on that statement any time.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Throw him up to the ceiling and catch +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">80</a>] </span>him by the feet. That'll whip his young blood into the +proper rhythm right from the start.</p> + +<p><span class="small">HUGENBERG.</span> (<i>Kicking his legs.</i>) Hooray, hooray, I +shall be expelled from school!</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>Setting him down at the foot of the stairs.</i>) +You've never been to any sensible school at all yet.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Here many a man has already won his +spurs. Only, no timidity! First, I'll set before you a +drop of what can't be had anywhere for money. (<i>Opens +a cupboard under the stairs.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">HUGENBERG.</span> Now if she doesn't come dancing in on +the instant, I'll wallop you two so you'll still rub your +tails in the hereafter.</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>Seated left of the table.</i>) The strongest +man in the world little brother will wallop! Let mamma +put long trowsers on you first. (<i>Hugenberg sits opposite +him.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">HUGENBERG.</span> I'd rather you lent me your mustache.</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> Maybe you want her to throw you out of +the door straight off?</p> + +<p><span class="small">HUGENBERG.</span> If I only knew now what the devil I +was going to say to her!</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> That she knows best herself.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Putting two bottles and three glasses on +the table.</i>) I started in on one of them yesterday. (<i>Fills +the glasses.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>Guarding Hugenberg's.</i>) Don't give him +too much, or we'll both have to pay for it.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Supporting himself with both hands on +the table-top.</i>) Will the gentlemen smoke?</p> + +<p><span class="small">HUGENBERG.</span> (<i>Opening his cigarette case.</i>) Havana-imported!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">81</a>] </span><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>Helping himself.</i>) From papa police-captain?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Sitting.</i>) Everything in the house is +mine. You only need to ask.</p> + +<p><span class="small">HUGENBERG.</span> I made a poem to her yesterday.</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> What did you make to her?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> What did he make to her?</p> + +<p><span class="small">HUGENBERG.</span> A poem.</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>To Schigolch.</i>) A poem.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> He's promised me a dollar if I can spy out +where he can meet her alone.</p> + +<p><span class="small">HUGENBERG.</span> Just who does live here?</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> Here <em>we</em> live!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Jour fix—every stock-market day! Our +health. (<i>They clink.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">HUGENBERG.</span> Should I read it to her first, maybe?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>To Rodrigo.</i>) What's he mean?</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> His poem. He'd like to stretch her out and +torture her a little first.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Staring at Hugenberg.</i>) His eyes! His +eyes!</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> His eyes, yes. They've robbed her of sleep +for a week.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>To Rodrigo.</i>) You can have yourself +pickled.</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> We can both have ourselves pickled! Our +health, gossip Death!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Clinking with him.</i>) Health, jack-in-the-box! +If it's still better later on, I'm ready for departure +at any moment; but—but— (<i>Lulu enters right, +in an elegant Parisian ball-dress, much décolleté, with +flowers in breast and hair.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> But children, children, I expect company!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">82</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> But I can tell you what, those things must +cost something over there! (<i>Hugenberg has risen. Lulu +sits on the arm of his chair.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You've fallen into pretty company! I expect +visitors, children!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> I guess I've got to stick something in +there, too. (<i>He searches among the flowers on the table.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Do I look well?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> What are those you've got there?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Orchids. (<i>Bending over Hugenberg.</i>) Smell.</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> Do you expect Prince Escerny?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Shaking her head.</i>) God forbid!</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> So somebody else again—!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> The prince has gone traveling.</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> To put his kingdom up for auction?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He's spying out a fresh tribe in the neighborhood +of Africa. (<i>Rises, hurries up the stairs, and steps +into the gallery.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>To Schigolch.</i>) He wanted to marry her +originally.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Sticking a lily in his button-hole.</i>) I, +too, wanted to marry her originally.</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> You wanted to marry her originally?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Didn't you, too, want to marry her +originally?</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> You bet I wanted to marry her originally!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Who has not wanted to marry her originally!!</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> I would never have got a better!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> She has let no one regret that he didn't +marry her.</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> Then she's not your child?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Never occurs to her.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">83</a>] </span><span class="small">HUGENBERG.</span> What is her father's name then?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> She has boasted of me!</p> + +<p><span class="small">HUGENBERG.</span> What is her father's name then?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> What's he say?</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> What her father's name is.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> She never had one.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Comes down from the gallery and sits again +on Hugenberg's chair-arm.</i>) What have I never had?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALL THREE.</span> A father.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Yes, sure—I'm a wonder-child. (<i>To Hugenberg.</i>) +How are you getting along with your father?</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> He smokes a respectable cigar, anyway, the +police-captain.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Have you locked up upstairs?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> There is the key.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Better have left it in the lock.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Why?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> So no one can unlock it from outside.</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> Isn't he at the stock-exchange?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Oh, yes, but he suffers from persecution-mania.</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> I take him by the feet, and yup!—there he +stays sticking to the roof.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He hunts you into a mouse-hole with the corner +of his eye.</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> What does he hunt? Who does he hunt? +(<i>Baring his arm.</i>) Just look at this biceps!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Show me. (<i>Goes left.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>Hitting himself on the muscle.</i>) Granite. +Wrought-iron!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Feeling by turns Rodrigo's arm and her own.</i>) +If you only didn't have such long ears—</p> + +<p><span class="small">FERDINAND.</span> (<i>Entering, rear-centre.</i>) Doctor Schön!</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> The rogue! (<i>Jumps up, starts behind the +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">84</a>] </span>fire-screen, recoils.</i>) God preserve me! (<i>Hides, lower +left, behind the curtains.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Give me the key! (<i>Takes it and drags +himself up the stairs.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Hugenberg having slid under the table.</i>) +Show him in!</p> + +<p><span class="small">HUGENBERG.</span> (<i>Under the front edge of the table-cloth, +listening; to himself.</i>) If he doesn't stay—we'll be alone.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Poking him with her toe.</i>) Sh! (<i>Hugenberg +disappears. Alva is shown in by Ferdinand.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>In evening dress.</i>) Methinks the matinee will +take place with burning lamps. I've— (<i>Notices Schigolch +painfully climbing the stairs.</i>) What the —— is +that?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> An old friend of your father's.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Wholly unknown to me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> They were in the campaign together. He's awfully +badly—</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Is my father here then?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He drank a glass with him. He had to go to +the stock market. We'll have lunch before we go, won't +we?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> When does it begin?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> After two. (<i>Alva still follows Schigolch with +his eyes.</i>) How do you like me? (<i>Schigolch disappears +thru the gallery.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Had I not better be silent to you on that point?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I only mean my appearance.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Your dressmaker manifestly knows you better +than I may permit myself to know you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> When I saw myself in the glass I could have +wished to be a man—my man!—</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> You seem to envy your man the joy you offer +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">85</a>] </span>to him. (<i>Lulu is at the right, Alva at the left, of the +centre table. He regards her with shy satisfaction. Ferdinand +enters, rear, covers the table and lays two plates, etc., +a bottle of Pommery, and hors d' oeuvres.</i>) Have you a +toothache?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Across to Alva.</i>) Don't.</p> + +<p><span class="small">FERDINAND.</span> Doctor Schön ...?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> He seems so puckered-up and tearful to-day.</p> + +<p><span class="small">FERDINAND.</span> (<i>Thru his teeth.</i>) One is only a man +after all. (<i>Exit.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>When both are seated.</i>) What I always +think most highly of in you is your firmness of character. +You're so perfectly sure of yourself. Even when you must +have been afraid of quarreling with your father about it, +you always stood up for me like a brother just the same.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Let's drop that. It's just my fate— (<i>Moves +to lift up the table-cloth in front.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Quickly.</i>) That was me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Impossible! It's just my fate, with the most +frivolous ideas always to seize on the best.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You deceive yourself if you make yourself out +worse than you are.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Why do you flatter me so? It is true that +perhaps there is no man living, so bad as I—who has +brought about so much good.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> In any case you're the only man in the world +who's protected me without lowering me in my own eyes!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Do you think that so easy? (<i>Schön appears in +the gallery cautiously parting the hangings between the +middle pillars. He starts, and whispers, "My own son!"</i>) +With gifts from God like yours, one turns those around +one to criminals without ever dreaming of it. I, too, am +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">86</a>] </span>only flesh and blood, and if we hadn't grown up with each +other like brother and sister—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> That's why, too, I give myself to you alone +quite without reserve. From you I have nothing to fear.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I assure you there are moments when one +expects to see one's whole inner self cave in. The more self-restraint +a man loads onto himself, the easier he breaks +down. Nothing will save him from that except— (<i>Stops +to look under the table.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Quickly.</i>) What are you looking for?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I conjure you, let me keep my confession of +faith to myself! As an inviolable sanctity you were more +to me than with all your gifts you could be to anyone else +in your life!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> How do you come to think on that so entirely +differently from your father? (<i>Ferdinand enters, rear, +changes the plates and serves broiled chicken with salad.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>To him.</i>) Are you sick?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>To Alva.</i>) Let him be!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> He's trembling as if he had fever.</p> + +<p><span class="small">FERDINAND.</span> I am not yet so used to waiting ...</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> You must have something prescribed for you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">FERDINAND.</span> (<i>Thru his teeth.</i>) I'm a coachman +usually— (<i>Exit.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Whispering from the gallery.</i>) So, he too. +(<i>Seats himself behind the rail, able to cover himself with +the hangings.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> What sort of moments are those of which you +spoke, where one expects to see his whole inner self +tumble in?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I <em>didn't want</em> to speak of them. I should +not like to lose, in joking over a glass of champagne, +what has been my highest happiness for ten years.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">87</a>] </span><span class="small">LULU.</span> I have hurt you. I won't begin on that again.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Do you promise me that for always?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> My hand on it. (<i>Gives him her hand across +the table. Alva takes it hesitatingly, grips it in his, and +presses it long and ardently to his lips.</i>) What are you +doing. (<i>Rodrigo sticks his head out from the curtains, +left. Lulu darts an angry look at him across Alva, and +he draws back.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Whispering from the gallery.</i>) And there +is still another!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>Holding the hand.</i>) A soul—that in the +hereafter rubs the sleep out of its eyes.... Oh, this +hand....</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Innocently.</i>) What do you find in it?...</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> An arm....</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> What do you find in it?...</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> A body.....</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Guilelessly.</i>) What do you find in it?...</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>Stirred up.</i>) Mignon!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Wholly ingenuously.</i>) What do you find in +it?...</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>Passionately.</i>) Mignon! Mignon!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Throws herself on the ottoman.</i>) Don't look +at me so—for God's sake! Let us go before it is too +late. You're an infamous wretch!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I told you, didn't I, I was the basest villain.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I see that!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I have no sense of honor, no pride....</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You think I am your equal!</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> You?—you are as heavenly high above me as—as +the sun is over the abyss! (<i>Kneeling.</i>) Destroy me! +I beg you, put an end to me! Put an end to me!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Do you <em>love</em> me then?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">88</a>] </span><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I will pay you with everything that was mine!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Do you love me?</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Do you love me—Mignon?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I? Not a soul.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> I love you. (<i>Hides his face in her lap.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Both hands in his hair.</i>) I poisoned your +mother— (<i>Rodrigo sticks his head out from the curtains, +left, sees Schön sitting in the gallery and signs to +him to watch Lulu and Alva. Schön points his revolver +at Rodrigo; Rodrigo signs to him to point it at Alva. +Schön cocks the revolver and takes aim. Rodrigo draws +back behind the curtains. Lulu sees him draw back, sees +Schön sitting in the gallery, and gets up.</i>) His father! +(<i>Schön rises, lets the hangings fall before him. Alva remains +motionless on his knees. Pause.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Holding a paper in his hand, takes Alva by +the shoulder.</i>) Alva! (<i>Alva gets up as though drunk +with sleep.</i>) A revolution has broken out in Paris.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> To Paris ... let me go to Paris—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> In the editors' room they're beating their heads +against the wall. No one knows what he ought to write. +(<i>He unfolds the paper and accompanies Alva out, rear. +Rodrigo rushes out from the curtains toward the stairs.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Barring his way.</i>) You can't get out here.</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> Let me through!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You'll run into his arms.</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> He'll shoot me thru the head!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He's coming.</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>Stumbling back.</i>) Devil, death and demons! +(<i>Lifts the table-cloth.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">HUGENBERG.</span> No room!</p> + +<p><span class="small">RODRIGO.</span> Damned and done for! (<i>Looks around and +hides in the door-way, right.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">89</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Comes in, centre; locks the door; and goes, +revolver in hand, to the window down left, of which he +throws up the curtains.</i>) Where is <em>he</em> gone?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>On the lowest step.</i>) Out.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Down over the balcony?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He's an acrobat.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> That could not be foreseen. (<i>Turning +against Lulu.</i>) You who drag me thru the muck of the +streets to a tortured death!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Why did you not bring me up better?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> You destroying angel! You inexorable fate! +To be a murderer without drowning in filth; to take me +on board like a released convict, or hang me up over the +morass! You joy of my old age! You hangman's noose!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>In cold blood.</i>) Oh, shut up, and kill me!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Everything I possess I have made over to you, +and asked nothing but the respect that every servant pays +to my house. Your credit is exhausted!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I can answer for my reckoning still for years. +(<i>Coming forward from the stairs.</i>) How do you like my +new gown?</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Away with you, or my brains will give way +to-morrow and my son swim in his own blood! You +infect me like an incurable pest in which I shall groan away +the rest of my life. I <em>will</em> cure myself! Do you +understand? (<i>Pressing the revolver on her.</i>) This is +your physic. Don't break down; don't kneel! You yourself +shall apply it. You or I—which is the weaker? +(<i>Lulu, her strength threatening to desert her, has sunk +down on the couch. Turning the revolver this way and +that.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> It doesn't go off.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">90</a>] </span><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Do you still remember how I tore you out of +the clutches of the police?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You have much confidence—</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Because I'm not afraid of a street-girl? Shall +I guide your hand for you? Have you no mercy towards +yourself? (<i>Lulu points the revolver at him.</i>) No false +alarms! (<i>Lulu fires a shot into the ceiling. Rodrigo +springs out of the portières, up the stairs and away thru +the gallery.</i>) What was that?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Innocently.</i>) Nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Lifting the portières.</i>) What flew out of +here?</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You're suffering from persecution-mania.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Have you got still more men hidden here? +(<i>Tearing the revolver from her.</i>) Is yet another man +calling on you? (<i>Going left.</i>) I'll regale your men! +(<i>Throws up the window curtains, flings the fire-screen +back, grabs Countess Geschwitz by the collar and drags +her forward.</i>) Did you come down the chimney?</p> + +<p><span class="small">GESCHWITZ.</span> (<i>In deadly terror, to Lulu.</i>) Save me +from him!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Shaking her.</i>) Or are you, too, an acrobat?</p> + +<p><span class="small">GESCHWITZ.</span> (<i>Whimpering.</i>) You hurt me.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Shaking her.</i>) Now you will <em>have</em> to +stay to dinner. (<i>Drags her right, shoves her into the next +room and locks the door after her.</i>) We want no town-criers. +(<i>Sits next Lulu and makes her take the revolver +again.</i>) There's still enough for you in it. Look at me! +I cannot assist the coachman in my house to decorate +my forehead for me. Look at me! I pay my coachman. +Look at me! Am I doing the coachman a favor when +I can't stand the stable-stench?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">91</a>] </span><span class="small">LULU.</span> Have the carriage got ready! Please! We're +going to the opera.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> We're going to the devil! Now I am coachman. +(<i>Turning the revolver in her hand from himself +to Lulu's breast.</i>) Think you we let ourselves be mistreated +as you mistreat me, and hesitate between a galley-slave's +shame at the end of life and the merit of freeing +the world of <em>you</em>? (<i>Holds her down by the arm.</i>) +Come, get through. It will be the gladdest remembrance +of my life. Pull the trigger!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> You can get a divorce.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Only that was left! In order that to-morrow +the next man may find his pastime where I have shuddered +from cleft to chasm, suicide upon me and <em>thou</em> +before me! You dare suggest that? That part of my +life I have poured into you I am to see thrown before +wild beasts? Do you see your bed with the sacrifice—the +victim—on it? The boy is homesick for you. Did you +let yourself be divorced? You trod him under your feet, +knocked out his brains, caught up his blood in gold-pieces. +I let myself be divorced? <em>Can</em> one be divorced when two +people have grown into each other and half the man must +go, too? (<i>Reaching for the revolver.</i>) Give it here!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Don't!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> I'll spare you the trouble.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Tears herself loose, holding the revolver +down; in a determined, self-possessed tone.</i>) If men have +killed themselves for my sake, that doesn't lower my value. +You know as well why you made me your wife as I knew +why I took you for husband. You had deceived your best +friends with me; you could not well go on deceiving yourself +with me. If you bring me the close of your life as a +sacrifice, still you have had my whole youth for it. You +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">92</a>] </span>understand ten times better than I do which is the more +valuable. I have never in the world wished to seem to be +anything different from what I am taken for, and I have +never in the world been taken for anything different from +what I am. You want to force me to fire a bullet into +my heart. I'm not sixteen any more, but to fire a bullet +in my heart I am still much too young!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Pursuing her.</i>) Down, murderess! Down +with you! To your knees, murderess! (<i>Crowding her +to the foot of the stairs.</i>) Down, and never dare to stand +again! (<i>Raising his hand. Lulu has sunk to her knees.</i>) +Pray to God, murderess, that he give you strength. Sue +to heaven that strength for it may be lent you! (<i>Hugenberg +jumps up from under the table, knocking a chair +aside, and screams "Help!" Schön whirls toward him, +turning his back to Lulu who instantly fires five shots into +him and continues to pull the trigger. Schön, tottering +over, is caught by Hugenberg and let down in the chair.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> And—there—is—one—more—</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Rushing to Schön.</i>) All merciful—!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Out of my sight! Alva!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Kneeling.</i>) The one man I loved!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Harlot! Murderess! Alva! Alva! Water!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> Water; he's thirsty. (<i>Fills a glass with champagne +and sets it to Schön's lips. Alva comes thru the +gallery, down the stairs.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Father! O God, my father!</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> I shot him.</p> + +<p><span class="small">HUGENBERG.</span> She is innocent!</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>To Alva.</i>) You! It miscarried.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>Tries to lift him.</i>) You must go to bed; +come.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> Don't take me so! I'm drying up. (<i>Lulu +<span class='pagenum'>[Page <a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">93</a>] </span>comes with the champagne-cup; to her.</i>) You are still like +yourself. (<i>After drinking.</i>) Don't let her escape. (<i>To +Alva.</i>) You are the next.</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>To Hugenberg.</i>) Help me carry him to bed.</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> No, no, please, no. Wine, murderess—</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> (<i>To Hugenberg.</i>) Take him up that side. +(<i>Pointing right.</i>) Into the bed-room. (<i>They lift Schön +upright and lead him right. Lulu stays near the table, +the glass in her hand.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">SCHÖN.</span> (<i>Groaning.</i>) O God! O God! O God! +(<i>Alva finds the door locked, turns the key and opens it. +Countess Geschwitz steps out. Schön at the sight of her +straighten up, stiffly.</i>) The Devil. (<i>He falls backward +onto the carpet. Lulu throws herself down, takes his head +in her lap, and kisses him.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> He has got over it. (<i>Gets up and starts toward +the stairs.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> Don't stir!</p> + +<p><span class="small">GESCHWITZ.</span> I thought it was you.</p> + +<p><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Throwing herself before Alva.</i>) You can't +give me up to the law! It is <em>my</em> head that is struck off. +I shot him because he was about to shoot me. I have +loved nobody in the world but him! Alva, demand what +you will, only don't let me fall into the hands of justice. +Take pity on me. I am still young. I will be true to you +as long as I live. I will belong only to you. Look at me, +Alva. Man, look at me! Look at me!! (<i>Knocking on +the door outside.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">ALVA.</span> The police. (<i>Goes to open it.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="small">HUGENBERG.</span> I shall be expelled from school.</p> + +<p class="center noindent small curtain">CURTAIN</p> + + + + +<div class='tnote' style='margin-bottom: 5em; padding: 0.5em 0em;'><a name="Corrections"></a><div style='margin-left: 0.5em; margin-right: 0.5em;'>Transcriber's Note:<br /><br /> +The following is a list of corrections made to the original.<span class="correction-list"> The first +line is the original line, the second the corrected one.</span></div> +<ul> +<li><a href='#forehead'>Page 28</a>:<br /> +<span class="correction-list">(<i>Rises, disconcerted, passing his hand over +his forhead.</i>)<br /></span> +(<i>Rises, disconcerted, passing his hand over +his <span class='correction' title='forhead'>forehead</span>.</i>) +</li> + +<li><a href='#me'>Page 37</a>:<br /> +<span class="correction-list"><span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> That doesn't help me— Does he drink?<br /></span> +<span class="small">SCHIGOLCH.</span> That doesn't help <span class='correction' title='me— Does'>me—Does</span> he drink? +</li> + +<li><a href='#my'>Page 38</a>:<br /> +<span class="correction-list">Perhaps then my (<i>coughing</i>)—my—my asthma will invent +some opportunity to carry me off.<br /></span> +Perhaps then my (<i>coughing</i><span class='correction' title=')—'>) —</span>my—my asthma will invent +some opportunity to carry me off. +</li> + +<li><a href='#steals'>Page 52</a>:<br /> +<span class="correction-list"><span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Steals toward the door; but Schön holds +her.</i>)—<br /></span> +<span class="small">LULU.</span> (<i>Steals toward the door; but Schön holds +her.</i><span class='correction' title=')—'>) —</span> +</li> + +<li><a href='#i'>Page 60</a>:<br /> +<span class="correction-list">Oh, God— I saw in you something so infinitely +far above me.<br /></span> +Oh, <span class='correction' title='God— I'>God—I</span> saw in you something so infinitely +far above me. +</li> + +<li><a href='#stop'>Page 68</a>:<br /> +<span class="correction-list">(<i>Getting up too</i>). What's the matter?<br /></span> +(<i>Getting up too</i><span class='correction' title=').'><i>.</i>)</span> What's the matter? +</li> + +<li><a href='#lady'>Page 75</a>:<br /> +<span class="correction-list">Write! "My dear young lady.. .."<br /></span> +Write! "My dear young lady<span class='correction' title='.. ..'>....</span>" +</li> + +</ul> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Erdgeist (Earth-Spirit), by Frank Wedekind + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ERDGEIST (EARTH-SPIRIT) *** + +***** This file should be named 29682-h.htm or 29682-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/9/6/8/29682/ + +Produced by Michael Roe, Alexander Bauer and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Erdgeist (Earth-Spirit) + A Tragedy in Four Acts + +Author: Frank Wedekind + +Translator: Samuel Eliot + +Release Date: August 13, 2009 [EBook #29682] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ERDGEIST (EARTH-SPIRIT) *** + + + + +Produced by Michael Roe, Alexander Bauer and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + [ Transcriber's Note: + + Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as + possible, including inconsistencies in spelling and hyphenation; + changes (corrections of spelling and punctuation) made to the + original text are listed at the end of this text. + + Text that was _italic_ in the original is marked with _. + Text that was =spaced= in the original is marked with =.] + + + + + ERDGEIST + + + + + LULU + BY FRANK WEDEKIND + ERDGEIST (EARTH-SPIRIT) $1.00 + PANDORA'S BOX (In Preparation) + + + + + ERDGEIST + + + (Earth-Spirit) + + + + + A Tragedy in Four Acts + BY + FRANK WEDEKIND + + + Translated by Samuel A. Eliot, Jr. + + + + + NEW YORK + ALBERT AND CHARLES BONI + 1914 + + + + + Copyright, 1914 + by + Albert and Charles Boni + + + + + "I was created out of ranker stuff + By Nature, and to the earth by Lust am drawn. + Unto the spirit of evil, not of good, + The earth belongs. What deities send to us + From heaven are only universal goods; + Their light gives gladness, but makes no man rich; + And in their state possession not obtains. + Therefore, the stone of price, all-treasured gold, + Must from the powers of falsehood be enticed, + The evil race that dwells beneath the day. + Not without sacrifice their favor is gained, + And no man liveth who from serving them + Hath extricated undefiled his soul." + + + + +CHARACTERS + + + DR. SCHOEN, newspaper owner and editor. + ALVA, his son, a writer. + DR. GOLL, M.D. + SCHWARZ, an artist. + PRINCE ESCERNY, an African explorer. + ESCHERICH, a reporter. + SCHIGOLCH, a beggar. + RODRIGO, an acrobat. + HUGENBERG, a schoolboy (played by a girl.) + FERDINAND, a coachman. + LULU. + COUNTESS GESCHWITZ. + HENRIETTE, a servant. + + + + +PROLOGUE + + +(At rise, is seen the entrance to a tent, out of which steps an +animal-tamer, with long, black curls, dressed in a white cravat, a +vermilion dress-coat, white trowsers and white top-boots. He carries +in his left hand a dog-whip and in his right a loaded revolver, and +enters to the sound of cymbals and kettle-drums.) + + Walk in! Walk in to the menagery, + Proud gentlemen and ladies lively and merry! + With avid lust or cold disgust, the very + Beast without Soul bound and made secondary + To human genius, to stay and see! + Walk in, the show'll begin!--As customary, + One child to each two persons comes in free. + + Here battle man and brute in narrow cages + Where one in haught disdain his long whip lashes + And one, with growls as when the thunder rages, + Against the man's throat murderously dashes,-- + Where now the crafty conquers, now the strong, + Now man, now beast, lies cowed the floor along; + The animal rears,--the human on all fours! + One ice-cold look of dominance-- + The beast submissive bows before that glance, + And the proud heel upon his neck adores. + + Bad are the times! Ladies and gentlemen + Who once before my cage in thronging crescents + Crowded, now honor operas, and then + Ibsen, with their so highly valued presence. + My boarders here are so in want of fodder + That they reciprocally devour each other. + How well off at the theater is a player, + Sure of the meat upon his ribs, albeit + His frightful hunger may tear him and he it + And colleagues' inner cupboards be quite bare!-- + Greatness in art we struggle to inherit, + Although the salary never match the merit. + + What see you, whether in light or sombre plays? + =House-animals=, whose morals all must praise, + Who wreak pale spites in vegetarian ways, + And revel in an easy cry or fret, + Just like those others--down in the parquet. + This hero has a head by one dram swirled; + That is in doubt whether his love be right; + A third you hear despairing of the world,-- + Full five acts long you hear him wail his plight, + And no man ends him with a merciful sleight! + But the =real= beast, the =beautiful=, =wild= beast, + Your eyes on =that=, _I_, ladies, only feast! + + You see the Tiger, that habitually + Devours whatever falls before his bound; + The Bear, so ravenous originally, + Who at a late night-meal sinks dead to ground; + You see the Monkey, little and amusing, + From sheer ennui his petty powers abusing,-- + He has some talent, of all greatness scant, + So, impudently, coquettes with his own want! + Upon my soul, within my tent's a mammal, + See, right behind the curtain, here,--a Camel! + And all my creatures fawn about my feet + When my revolver cracks-- + + (He shoots into the audience.) + + Behold! + Brutes tremble all around me. I am cold: + The =man= stays cold,--you, with respect, to greet. + + Walk in!--You hardly trust yourselves in here?-- + Then very well, judge for yourselves! Each sphere + Has sent its crawling creatures to your telling: + Chameleons and serpents, crocodiles, + Dragons, and salamanders chasm-dwelling,-- + I know, of course, you're full of quiet smiles + And don't believe a syllable I say.-- + + (He lifts the entrance-flap and calls into the tent.) + + Hi, Charlie!--bring our =Serpent= just this way! + + (A stage-hand with a big paunch carries out the actress of =Lulu= in + her Pierrot costume, and sets her down before the animal-tamer.) + + She was created to incite to sin, + To lure, seduce, poison--yea, murder, in + A manner no man knows.--My pretty beast, + + (Tickling Lulu's chin.) + + Only be =unaffected=, and not pieced + Out with distorted, artificial folly, + Even if the critics praise thee for 't less wholly. + Thou hast no right to spoil the shape most fitting, + Most =true=, of =woman=, with meows and spitting! + And mind, all foolery and making faces + The =childish simpleness= of =Vice= disgraces. + Thou shouldst--to-day I speak emphatically-- + Speak =naturally= and not unnaturally, + For the first principle in every art, + Since earliest times, was =True= and =Plain=, not =Smart=! + + (To the public.) + + There's nothing special now to see in her, + But wait and watch what later will occur! + Her strength about the Tiger she coils stricter: + He roars and groans!--Who'll be the final victor?-- + Hop, Charlie, march! Carry her to her place, + + (The stage-hand carries Lulu in his arms; the animal-tamer + pats her on the hips.) + + Sweet innocence--my dearest treasure-case! + + (The stage-hand carries Lulu back into the tent.) + + And now I'll tell the best thing in the day: + My poll between the teeth of a beast of prey! + Walk in! Tho to be sure the show's not new, + Yet everyone takes pleasure in its view! + Wrench open this wild animal's jaws I dare, + And he to bite dares not! My pate's so =fair=, + So =wild=, so =gaily decked=, it wins respect! + I offer it him with confidence unchecked. + One =joke=, and my two temples crack!--but, lo, + The lightning of my eyes I will forego, + Staking my =life= against a =joke=! and throw + My whip, my weapons, down. I am in my skin! + I yield me to this beast!--His name do ye know? + --The honored public! that has just walked in! + + (The animal-tamer steps back into the tent, accompanied + by cymbals and kettledrums.) + + + + +ACT I + + +_A roomy studio. Entrance door at the rear, left. Another door at lower +left to the bed-room. At centre, a platform for the model, with a +Spanish screen behind it and a Smyrna rug in front. Two easels at lower +right. On the upper one is the picture of a young girl's head and +shoulders. Against the other leans a reversed canvas. Below these, +toward centre, an ottoman, with a tiger-skin on it. Two chairs along +the left wall. In the back-ground, right, a step-ladder._ + +_Schoen sits on the foot of the ottoman, inspecting critically the +picture on the further easel. Schwarz stands behind the ottoman, his +palette and brushes in his hands._ + +SCHOEN. Do you know, I'm getting acquainted with a brand new side of the +lady. + +SCHWARZ. I have never painted anyone whose expression changed so +continuously. I could hardly keep a single feature the same two days +running. + +SCHOEN. (Pointing to the picture and observing him.) Do you find that in +it? + +SCHWARZ. I have done everything imaginable to call forth some sort of +quiet in her mood by my conversation during the sittings. + +SCHOEN. Then I understand the difference. (Schwarz dips his brush in the +oil and draws it over the features of the face.) Do you think that +makes it look more like her? + +SCHWARZ. We can only work with art as scientifically as possible. + +SCHOEN. Tell me-- + +SCHWARZ. (Stepping back.) The color had sunk in pretty well, too. + +SCHOEN. (Looking at him.) Have you ever loved a woman in your life? + +SCHWARZ. (Goes to the easel, puts a color on it, and steps back on the +other side.) The dress isn't made to stand out enough yet. We don't see +the living body under it. + +SCHOEN. I make no doubt that the workmanship is good. + +SCHWARZ. If you'll step this way.... + +SCHOEN. (Rising.) You must have told her regular ghost-stories. + +SCHWARZ. As far back as you can. + +SCHOEN. (Stepping back, knocks down the canvas that was leaning against +the lower easel.) Excuse me-- + +SCHWARZ. (Picking it up.) That's all right. + +SCHOEN. (Surprised.) What is that? + +SCHWARZ. Do you know her? + +SCHOEN. No. (Schwarz sets the picture on the easel. It is of a lady +dressed as Pierrot with a long shepherd's crook in her hand.) + +SCHWARZ. A costume-picture. + +SCHOEN. But, really, you've succeeded with =her=. + +SCHWARZ. You know her? + +SCHOEN. No. And in that costume--? + +SCHWARZ. It isn't nearly finished yet. (Schoen nods.) What would you +have? While she is posing for me I have the pleasure of entertaining +her husband. + +SCHOEN. What? + +SCHWARZ. We talk about art, of course,--to complete my good fortune! + +SCHOEN. But how did you make such a charming acquaintance? + +SCHWARZ. As they're generally made. An ancient, tottering little man +drops in on me here to know if I can paint his wife. Why, of course, +were she as wrinkled as Mother Earth! Next day at ten prompt the doors +fly open, and the fat-belly drives this little beauty in before him. I +can feel even now how my knees shook. Then comes a sap-green lackey, +stiff as a ramrod, with a package under his arm. Where is the +dressing-room? Imagine my plight. I open the door there (pointing +left). Just luck that everything was in order. The sweet thing vanishes +into it, and the old fellow posts himself outside as a bastion. Two +minutes later out she steps in this Pierrot. (Shaking his head.) I +never saw anything like it. (He goes left and stares in at the +bedroom.) + +SCHOEN. (Who has followed him with his eyes.) And the fat-belly stands +guard? + +SCHWARZ. (Turning round.) The whole body in harmony with that +impossible costume as if it had come into the world in it! Her way of +burying her elbows in her pockets, of lifting her little feet from the +rug,--the blood often shoots to my head.... + +SCHOEN. One can see that in the picture. + +SCHWARZ. (Shaking his head.) People like us, you know-- + +SCHOEN. Here the model is mistress of the conversation. + +SCHWARZ. She has never yet opened her mouth. + +SCHOEN. Is it possible? + +SCHWARZ. Allow me to show the costume to you. (Goes out left.) + +SCHOEN. (Before the Pierrot.) A devilish beauty. (Before the other +picture.) There's more depth here. (Coming down stage.) He is still +rather young for his age. (Schwarz comes back with a white satin +costume.) + +SCHWARZ. What sort of material is that? + +SCHOEN. (Feeling it.) Satin. + +SCHWARZ. And all in one piece. + +SCHOEN. How does one get into it then? + +SCHWARZ. That I can't tell you. + +SCHOEN. (Taking the costume by the legs.) What enormous trowser-legs! + +SCHWARZ. The left one she pulls up. + +SCHOEN. (Looking at the picture.) Above the knee! + +SCHWARZ. She does that entrancingly! + +SCHOEN. And transparent stockings? + +SCHWARZ. Those have got to be painted, specially. + +SCHOEN. Oh, you can do that. + +SCHWARZ. And with it all a coquetry! + +SCHOEN. What brought you to that horrible suspicion? + +SCHWARZ. There are things that our school-philosophy lets itself never +dream of. (He takes the costume back into his bedroom.) + +SCHOEN. (Alone.) When we sleep.... + +SCHWARZ. (Comes back; looks at his watch.) If you wish to make her +acquaintance too-- + +SCHOEN. No. + +SCHWARZ. They must be here in a moment. + +SCHOEN. How much longer will the lady have to sit? + +SCHWARZ. I shall probably have to bear the pains of Tantalus three +months longer. + +SCHOEN. I mean the other one. + +SCHWARZ. I beg your pardon. Three times more at most. (Going to the +door with him.) If the lady will just leave me the upper part of the +dress then.... + +SCHOEN. With pleasure. Let us see you at my house again soon. For +Heaven's sake! (As he collides in the door-way with Dr. Goll and Lulu.) + +SCHWARZ. May I introduce ... + +DR. GOLL. (To Schoen.) What are you doing here? + +LULU. (As Schoen kisses her hand in greeting.) You're not going already? + +DR. GOLL. But what wind blows you here? + +SCHOEN. I've been looking at the picture of my bride. + +LULU. (Coming forward.) Your bride is here? + +DR. GOLL. So you're having work done here, too? + +LULU. (Before the upper picture.) Look at it! Enchanting! Entrancing! + +DR. GOLL. (Looking round him.) Have you got her hidden somewhere round +here? + +LULU. So that is the sweet young prodigy who's made a new person out of +you.... + +SCHOEN. She sits in the afternoon mostly. + +DR. GOLL. And you don't tell anyone about it? + +LULU. (Turning round.) Is she really so solemn? + +SCHOEN. Probably the after-effects of the seminary still, dear lady. + +DR. GOLL. (Before the picture.) One can see that you have been +transformed profoundly. + +LULU. But now you mustn't let her wait any longer. + +SCHOEN. In a fortnight I think the engagement will come out. + +DR. GOLL. (To Lulu.) Let's lose no time. Hop! + +LULU. (To Schoen.) Just think, we came at a trot over the new bridge. I +was driving, myself. + +DR. GOLL. (As Schoen prepares to leave.) No, no. We two will talk some +more later. Get along, Nellie. Hop! + +LULU. Now you're going to talk about me! + +DR. GOLL. Our Apelles is already wiping his brushes. + +LULU. I had imagined it would be much more amusing. + +SCHOEN. But you have always the satisfaction of preparing for us the +greatest and rarest pleasure. + +LULU. (Going left.) Oh, just wait! + +SCHWARZ. (Before the bedroom door.) If madame will be so kind.... +(Shuts the door after her and stands in front of it.) + +DR. GOLL. I christened her Nellie, you know, in our marriage-contract. + +SCHOEN. Did you?--Yes. + +DR. GOLL. What do you think of it? + +SCHOEN. Why not call her rather Mignon? + +DR. GOLL. That would have been good, too. I didn't think of that. + +SCHOEN. Do you consider the name so important? + +DR. GOLL. Hm.... You know, I have no children. + +SCHOEN. But you've only been married a couple of months. + +DR. GOLL. Thanks, I don't want any. + +SCHOEN. (Having taken out his cigarette-case.) Have a cigarette? + +DR. GOLL. (Helps himself.) I've plenty to do with this one. (To +Schwarz.) Say, what's your little danseuse doing now? + +SCHOEN. (Turning round on Schwarz.) You and a danseuse? + +SCHWARZ. The lady was sitting for me at that time only as a favor. I +made her acquaintance on a flying trip of the Cecilia Society. + +DR. GOLL. (To Schoen.) Hm.... I think we're getting a change of +weather. + +SCHOEN. The toilet isn't going so quickly, is it? + +DR. GOLL. It's going like lightning! Woman has got to be a virtuoso in +her job. So must we all, each in his job, if life isn't to turn to +beggary. (Calls.) Hop, Nellie! + +LULU. (Inside.) Just a second! + +DR. GOLL. (To Schoen.) I can't get onto these blockheads. (Referring to +Schwarz.) + +SCHOEN. I can't help envying them. These blockheads know nothing holier +than an altar-cloth, and feel richer than you and me with 30,000-mark +incomes. Besides, you can't be judge of a man who from childhood has +lived from palette to mouth. Try to get at his finances: it's an +arithmetic example! I haven't the moral courage, and one can easily +burn one's fingers at it, too. + +LULU. (As Pierrot, steps out of the bed-room.) Here I am! + +SCHOEN. (Turns; after a pause.) Superb! + +LULU. (Nearer.) Well? + +SCHOEN. You put shame on the boldest fancy. + +LULU. How do you like me? + +SCHOEN. A picture before which art must despair. + +DR. GOLL. Don't you think so, too? + +SCHOEN. (To Lulu.) Have you any notion what you do? + +LULU. I'm perfectly possessed of myself! + +SCHOEN. Then you might be a little more discreet. + +LULU. But I'm only doing what's my duty. + +SCHOEN. You are powdered? + +LULU. What do you take me for! + +DR. GOLL. I've never seen such a white skin as she's got. I've told our +Raphael here, too, to do just as little with the flesh tints as +possible. For once, I can't get enthusiastic about the modern +art-nonsense. + +SCHWARZ. (By the easels, preparing his paints.) At any rate, it's +thanks to impressionism that present-day art can stand up beside the +old masters without blushing. + +DR. GOLL. Oh, it can do quite well for a bit of butcher's work. + +SCHOEN. For Heaven's sake don't get excited! (Lulu falls on Goll's neck +and kisses him.) + +DR. GOLL. They can see your undershirt. You must pull it lower. + +LULU. I would soonest have left it off. It only bothers me. + +DR. GOLL. He should be able to paint it out. + +LULU. (Taking the shepherd's crook that leans against the Spanish +screen, and mounting the platform, to Schoen.) What would you say now, +if you had to stand at attention for two hours? + +SCHOEN. I'd sell my soul to the devil for the chance to exchange with +you. + +DR. GOLL. (Sitting, left.) Come over here. Here is my post of +observation. + +LULU. (Plucking her left trowser-leg up to the knee, to Schwarz.) So? + +SCHWARZ. Yes.... + +LULU. (Plucking it a thought higher.) So? + +SCHWARZ. Yes, yes.... + +DR. GOLL. (To Schoen who has seated himself on the chair next him, with +a gesture.) From this place I find her still more attractive. + +LULU. (Without stirring.) I beg pardon! I am equally attractive on all +sides. + +SCHWARZ. (To Lulu.) The right knee further forward, please. + +SCHOEN. (With a gesture.) The body does show finer lines perhaps. + +SCHWARZ. The light to-day can be borne at least half way. + +DR. GOLL. Oh, you must throw on lots of it! Hold your brush a bit +longer. + +SCHWARZ. Certainly, Dr. Goll. + +DR. GOLL. Treat her as a piece of still-life. + +SCHWARZ. Certainly, Doctor. (To Lulu.) You used to hold your head a wee +mite higher, Mrs. Goll. + +LULU. (Raising her head.) Paint my lips a little open. + +SCHOEN. Paint snow on ice. If you get warm doing that, then instantly +your art gets inartistic! + +SCHWARZ. Certainly, Doctor. + +DR. GOLL. Art, you know, must so reproduce nature that one can find at +least some =spiritual= enjoyment in it! + +LULU. (Opening her mouth a little, to Schwarz.) So--look. I'll hold it +half opened, so. + +SCHWARZ. As soon as the sun comes, the wall opposite throws warm +reflections in here. + +DR. GOLL. (To Lulu.) You must keep your position just as if our +Velasquez here didn't exist at all. + +LULU. Well, a painter =isn't= a man at all, anyway. + +SCHOEN. I don't think you ought to judge the whole profession by just +one famous exception. + +SCHWARZ. (Stepping back from the easel.) I should have liked to have +had to hire a different studio last fall. + +SCHOEN. (To Goll.) What I wanted to ask you--have you seen the little +Murphy girl yet as a Peruvian pearl-fisher? + +DR. GOLL. I see her to-morrow for the fourth time. Prince Polossov took +me. His hair has already got dark yellow again with delight. + +SCHOEN. So you find her quite fabulous too. + +DR. GOLL. Who ever wants to judge of that beforehand? + +LULU. I think someone knocked. + +SCHWARZ. Pardon me a moment. (Goes and opens the door.) + +DR. GOLL. (To Lulu.) You can safely smile at him with less bashfulness! + +SCHOEN. He makes nothing of it. + +DR. GOLL. And if he did!--What are we two sitting here for? + +ALVA SCHOEN. (Entering, still behind the Spanish screen.) May one come +in? + +SCHOEN. My son! + +LULU. Oh! It's Mr. Alva! + +DR. GOLL. Don't mind. Just come along in. + +ALVA. (Stepping forward, shakes hands with Schoen and Goll.) Glad to see +you. (Turning toward Lulu.) Do I see a-right? Oh, if only I could +engage you for my title part! + +LULU. I don't think I could dance nearly well enough for your show! + +ALVA. But you do have a dancing-master such as cannot be found on any +stage in Europe. + +SCHOEN. But what brings you here? + +DR. GOLL. Maybe you're having somebody or other painted here, too, in +secret! + +ALVA. (To Schoen.) I wanted to take you to the dress rehearsal. + +DR. GOLL. (As Schoen rises.) Do you have 'em dance to-day in full +costume? + +ALVA. Of course. Come along, too. In five minutes I must be on the +stage. (To Lulu.) Unhappy! + +DR. GOLL. I've forgotten--what's the name of your ballet? + +ALVA. Dalailama. + +DR. GOLL. I thought =he= was in a madhouse. + +SCHOEN. You're thinking of Nietzsche, Doctor. + +DR. GOLL. You're right; I got 'em mixed up. + +ALVA. I have helped Buddhism to its legs. + +DR. GOLL. By his legs is the stage-poet known. + +ALVA. Corticelli dances the youthful Buddha as tho she had seen the +light of the world by the Ganges. + +SCHOEN. So long as her mother lived, she danced with her legs. + +ALVA. Then when she got free she danced with her intelligence. + +DR. GOLL. Now she dances with her heart. + +ALVA. If you'd like to see her--? + +DR. GOLL. Thank you. + +ALVA. Come along with us! + +DR. GOLL. Impossible. + +SCHOEN. Anyway, we have no time to lose. + +ALVA. Come with us, doctor. In the third act you see Dalailama in his +cloister, with his monks-- + +DR. GOLL. The only thing I care about is the young Buddha. + +ALVA. Well, what's hindering you? + +DR. GOLL. I can't. I can't do it. + +ALVA. We're going to Peter's, after it. There you can express your +admiration. + +DR. GOLL. Don't press it on me, please. + +ALVA. You'll see the tame monkey, the two Brahmans, the little +girls.... + +DR. GOLL. For heaven's sake, just keep away from me with your little +girls! + +LULU. Reserve one of the proscenium boxes for us on Monday, Mr. Alva. + +ALVA. How could you doubt that I would, dear lady! + +DR. GOLL. When I come back the whole picture will be spoilt on me. + +ALVA. Well, it could be painted over. + +DR. GOLL. If I don't explain to this Caravacci every stroke of his +brush-- + +SCHOEN. Your fears are unfounded, I think.... + +DR. GOLL. Next time, gentlemen! + +ALVA. The Brahmans are getting impatient. The daughters of Nirvana are +shivering in their tights. + +DR. GOLL. Damned enchantment! + +SCHOEN. They'll quarrel with us, if we don't bring you with us. + +DR. GOLL. In five minutes I'll be back. (Stands down right, behind +Schwarz and compares the picture with Lulu.) + +ALVA. (To Lulu.) Duty calls me, gracious lady! + +DR. GOLL. (To Schwarz.) You must model it a bit more here. The hair is +bad. You aren't paying enough attention to your business! + +ALVA. Come on. + +DR. GOLL. Now, just hop it! Ten horses will not drag me to Peter's. + +SCHOEN. (Following Alva and Goll.) We'll take my carriage. It's waiting +downstairs. (Exeunt.) + +SCHWARZ. (Leans over to the right, and spits.) Pack! If only that were +life's end! The bread-basket!--paunch and mug! Now rears my artist's +pride. (After a look at Lulu.) This company!-- (Gets up, goes up left, +observes Lulu from all sides, and sits again at his easel.) The choice +would be a hard one to make. If I may request Mrs. Goll to raise the +right hand a little higher. + +LULU. (Grasps the crook as high as she can reach; to herself.) Who +would have thought that was possible! + +SCHWARZ. I am quite ridiculous, you think? + +LULU. He's coming right back. + +SCHWARZ. I can do nothing but paint. + +LULU. There he is! + +SCHWARZ. (Rising.) Well? + +LULU. Don't you hear? + +SCHWARZ. Someone is coming.... + +LULU. I knew it. + +SCHWARZ. It's the janitor. He's sweeping the stairs. + +LULU. Thank heaven! + +SCHWARZ. Do you perhaps accompany the doctor to his patients? + +LULU. Everything =but= that. + +SCHWARZ. Because, you are not accustomed to being alone. + +LULU. We have a housekeeper at home. + +SCHWARZ. She keeps you company? + +LULU. She has a lot of taste. + +SCHWARZ. What for? + +LULU. She dresses me. + +SCHWARZ. Do you go much to balls? + +LULU. Never. + +SCHWARZ. Then what do you need the dresses for? + +LULU. For dancing. + +SCHWARZ. You really dance? + +LULU. Czardas ... Samaqueca ... Skirt-dance. + +SCHWARZ. Doesn't--that--disgust you, then? + +LULU. You find me ugly? + +SCHWARZ. You don't understand me. But who gives you lessons then? + +LULU. Him. + +SCHWARZ. Who? + +LULU. Him. + +SCHWARZ. He? + +LULU. He plays the violin-- + +SCHWARZ. Every day one learns something new of the world! + +LULU. I learned in Paris. I took lessons from Eugenie Fougere. She let +me copy her costumes, too. + +SCHWARZ. What are =they= like? + +LULU. A little green lace skirt to the knee, all in ruffles, +low-necked, of course, very low-necked and awfully tight-laced. Bright +green petticoat, then brighter and brighter. Snow-white underclothes +with a hand's-breadth of lace.... + +SCHWARZ. I can no longer-- + +LULU. Then paint! + +SCHWARZ. (Scraping the canvas.) Aren't you cold at all? + +LULU. God forbid! No. What made you ask? Are you so cold? + +SCHWARZ. Not to-day. No. + +LULU. Praise God, one can breathe! + +SCHWARZ. How so?... (Lulu takes a deep breath.) Don't do that, please! +(Springs up, throws away his palette and brushes, walks up and down.) +The boot-black only attends to her feet! His color doesn't eat into his +money, either. If I go without supper to-morrow, no little society lady +will ask me if I know anything about oyster-patties! + +LULU. Is he going out of his head? + +SCHWARZ. (Takes up his work again.) What ever drove the fellow to this +test! + +LULU. I'd like it better, too, if he had stayed here. + +SCHWARZ. We are truly the martyrs of our calling! + +LULU. I didn't wish to cause you pain. + +SCHWARZ. (Hesitating, to Lulu.) If you--the left trowser-leg--a little +higher-- + +LULU. Here? + +SCHWARZ. (Steps to the platform.) Permit me.... + +LULU. What do you want? + +SCHWARZ. I'll show you. + +LULU. You mustn't. + +SCHWARZ. You are nervous ... (Tries to seize her hand.) + +LULU. (Throws the crook in his face.) Let me alone! (Hurries to the +entrance door.) You don't get me for a long time yet. + +SCHWARZ. You can't understand a joke. + +LULU. Oh, yes I can. I understand everything. Just you leave me be. +You'll get nothing at all from me by force. Go to your work. You have +no right to molest me. (Flees behind the ottoman.) Sit down behind your +easel! + +SCHWARZ. (Trying to get around the ottoman.) As soon as I've punished +you--you wayward, capricious-- + +LULU. But you must have me, first! Go away. You can't catch me. In +long clothes I'd have fallen into your clutches long ago--but in the +Pierrot! + +SCHWARZ. (Throwing himself across the ottoman.) I've got you! + +LULU. (Hurls the tiger-skin over his head.) Good-night! (Jumps over the +platform and climbs up the step-ladder.) I can see away over all the +cities of the earth. + +SCHWARZ. (Unrolling himself from the rug.) This old skin!! + +LULU. I reach up into heaven, and stick the stars in my hair. + +SCHWARZ. (Clambering after her.) I'll shake it till you fall off! + +LULU. If you don't stop, I'll throw the ladder down. (Climbing higher.) +Will you let go of my legs? God save the Poles! (Makes the ladder fall +over, jumps onto the platform, and as Schwarz picks himself up from the +floor, throws the Spanish screen down on his head. Hastening +down-stage, by the easels.) I told you that you weren't going to get +me. + +SCHWARZ. (Coming forward.) Let us make peace. (Tries to embrace her.) + +LULU. Keep away from me, or-- (She throws the easel with the finished +picture at him, so that both fall crashing to the floor.) + +SCHWARZ. (Screams.) Merciful Heaven! + +LULU. (Upstage, right.) You knocked the hole in it yourself! + +SCHWARZ. I am ruined! Ten weeks' work, my journey, my exhibition! Now +there is nothing more to lose! (Plunges after her.) + +LULU. (Springs over the ottoman, over the fallen step-ladder, and over +the platform, down-stage.) A grave! Don't fall into it! (She stamps +thru the picture on the floor.) She made a new man out of him! (Falls +forward.) + +SCHWARZ. (Stumbling over the Spanish screen.) I am merciless now! + +LULU. (Up-stage.) Leave me in peace now. I'm getting dizzy. O Gott! O +Gott!... (Comes forward and sinks down on the ottoman. Schwarz locks +the door; then seats himself next her, grasps her hand, and covers it +with kisses--then pauses, struggling with himself. Lulu opens her eyes +wide.) + +LULU. He may come back. + +SCHWARZ. How d' you feel? + +LULU. As if I had fallen into the water.... + +SCHWARZ. I love you. + +LULU. One time, I loved a student. + +SCHWARZ. Nellie-- + +LULU. With four-and-twenty scars-- + +SCHWARZ. I love you, Nellie. + +LULU. My name isn't Nellie. (Schwarz kisses her.) It's Lulu. + +SCHWARZ. I would call you Eve. + +LULU. Do you know what time it is? + +SCHWARZ. (Looking at his watch.) Half past ten. (Lulu takes the watch +and opens the case.) You don't love me. + +LULU. Yes I do.... It's five minutes after half past ten. + +SCHWARZ. Give me a kiss, Eve! + +LULU. (Takes him by the chin and kisses him. Throws the watch in the +air and catches it.) You smell of tobacco. + +SCHWARZ. Why so distant? + +LULU. It would be uncomfortable to-- + +SCHWARZ. You're just making believe! + +LULU. You're making believe yourself, it seems to me. _I_ make believe? +What makes you think that? =I never needed to do that.= + +SCHWARZ. (Rises, disconcerted, passing his hand over his +forehead.) God in Heaven! The world is strange to me--! + +LULU. (Screams.) Only don't kill me! + +SCHWARZ. (Instantly whirling round.) =Thou hast never yet loved!= + +LULU. (Half raising herself.) =You have never yet loved ...!= + +DR. GOLL. (Outside.) Open the door! + +LULU. (Already sprung to her feet.) Hide me! O God, hide me! + +DR. GOLL. (Pounding on the door.) Open the door! + +LULU. (Holding back Schwarz as he goes toward the door.) He will strike +me dead! + +DR. GOLL. (Hammering.) Open the door! + +LULU. (Sunk down before Schwarz, gripping his knees.) He'll beat me to +death! He'll beat me to death! + +SCHWARZ. Stand up.... (The door falls crashing into the studio. +Dr. Goll with blood-shot eyes rushes upon Schwarz and Lulu, brandishing +his stick.) + +DR. GOLL. You dogs! You ...! (Pants, struggles for breath a few +seconds, and falls headlong to the ground. Schwarz's knees tremble. +Lulu has fled to the door. Pause.) + +SCHWARZ. Mister--Doctor--Doc--Doctor Goll-- + +LULU. (In the door.) Please, though, first put the studio in order. + +SCHWARZ. Dr. Goll! (Leans over.) Doc-- (Steps back.) He's cut his +forehead. Help me to lay him on the ottoman. + +LULU. (Shudders backward in terror.) No. No... + +SCHWARZ. (Trying to turn him over.) Dr. Goll. + +LULU. He doesn't hear. + +SCHWARZ. But you, help me, please. + +LULU. The two of us together couldn't lift him. + +SCHWARZ. (Straightening up.) We must send for a doctor. + +LULU. He is fearfully heavy. + +SCHWARZ. (Getting his hat.) Please, though, be so good as to put the +place a little to rights while I'm away. (He goes out.) + +LULU. He'll spring up all at once. (Intensely.) Bussi! He just won't +notice anything. (Comes down-stage in a wide circle.) He sees my feet, +and watches every step I take. He has his eye on me everywhere. +(Touches him with her toe.) Bussi! (Flinching, backward.) It's serious +with him. The dance is over. He'll send me to prison. What shall I do? +(Leans over, to the floor.) A strange, wild face! (Getting up.) And no +one to do him the last services--isn't that sad! (Schwarz returns.) + +SCHWARZ. Still not come to himself? + +LULU. (Down right.) What shall I do? + +SCHWARZ. (Bending over Goll.) Doctor Goll. + +LULU. I almost think it's serious. + +SCHWARZ. Talk decently! + +LULU. =He= wouldn't say that to me. He makes me dance for him when he +doesn't feel well. + +SCHWARZ. The doctor will be here in a moment. + +LULU. Doctoring won't help =him=. + +SCHWARZ. But people do what they can, in such cases! + +LULU. =He= doesn't think so. + +SCHWARZ. Then won't you at least--get dressed? + +LULU. Yes,--right off. + +SCHWARZ. What are you waiting for? + +LULU. Please ... + +SCHWARZ. What is it? + +LULU. Shut =his= eyes. + +SCHWARZ. You make me shiver. + +LULU. Not nearly so much as you make =me=! + +SCHWARZ. I? + +LULU. You're a born criminal. + +SCHWARZ. Doesn't this moment touch you at all, then? + +LULU. It hits me, too, some. + +SCHWARZ. Please, just you keep still now! + +LULU. It hits you some, too. + +SCHWARZ. You really didn't need to say that to a man, in such a moment. + +LULU. =Please ...!= + +SCHWARZ. Do what you think necessary. I don't know how. + +LULU. (Left of Goll.) He's looking at me. + +SCHWARZ. (Right of Goll.) And at me, too. + +LULU. You're a coward! + +SCHWARZ. (Shuts Goll's eyes with his handkerchief.) It's the first time +in my life that anyone has called me that. + +LULU. Didn't you do it to your mother? + +SCHWARZ. (Nervously.) No. + +LULU. You were away, perhaps. + +SCHWARZ. No! + +LULU. Or else you were afraid? + +SCHWARZ. (Violently.) No! + +LULU. (Shivering, backward.) I didn't mean to insult you. + +SCHWARZ. She's still alive. + +LULU. Then you still have somebody. + +SCHWARZ. She's as poor as a beggar. + +LULU. I know what that is. + +SCHWARZ. Don't laugh at me! + +LULU. Now I am rich-- + +SCHWARZ. It gives me cold shudders-- (Goes right.) She can't help it! + +LULU. (To herself.) What'll I do? + +SCHWARZ. (To himself.) Absolutely depraved! (They look at each other +mistrustfully. Schwarz goes over to her and grips her hand.) Look me in +the eyes! + +LULU. (Apprehensively.) What do you want? + +SCHWARZ. (Takes her to the ottoman and makes her sit next to him.) Look +me in the eyes. + +LULU. I see myself in them as Pierrot. + +SCHWARZ. (Shoves her from him.) Confounded dancer-ing! + +LULU. I must change my clothes-- + +SCHWARZ. (Holds her back.) One question-- + +LULU. I can't answer it. + +SCHWARZ. Can you speak the truth? + +LULU. I don't know. + +SCHWARZ. Do you believe in a Creator? + +LULU. I don't know. + +SCHWARZ. Can you swear on anything? + +LULU. I don't know. Leave me alone. You're mad. + +SCHWARZ. What do you believe in, then? + +LULU. I don't know. + +SCHWARZ. Have you no soul, then? + +LULU. I don't know. + +SCHWARZ. Have you ever once loved--? + +LULU. I don't know. + +SCHWARZ. (Gets up, goes right, to himself.) She doesn't know! + +LULU. (Without moving.) I don't know. + +SCHWARZ. (Glancing at Goll.) He knows. + +LULU. (Nearer him.) What do you want to know? + +SCHWARZ. (Angrily.) Go, get dressed! (Lulu goes into the bed-room. To +Goll.) Would I could change with you, you dead man! I give her back to +you. I give my youth to you, too. I lack the courage and the faith. +I've had to wait patiently too long. It's too late for me. I haven't +grown up big enough for happiness. I have a hellish fear of it. Wake +up! I didn't touch her. He opens his mouth. Mouth open and eyes shut, +like the children. With me it's the other way round. Wake up, wake up! +(Kneels down and binds his handkerchief round the dead man's head.) +Here I beseech Heaven to make me =able= to be happy--to give me the +strength and the freedom of soul to be just a weeny mite happy! For +=her sake, only for her sake=. (Lulu comes out of the bed-room, +completely dressed, her hat on, and her right hand under her left arm.) + +LULU. (Raising her left arm, to Schwarz.) Would you hook me up here? My +hand trembles. + +CURTAIN + + + + +ACT II + + +_A very ornamental parlor. Entrance-door rear, left. Curtained +entrances right and left, steps leading up to the right one. On the +back wall over the fire-place, Lulu's picture as Pierrot in a +magnificent frame. Right, a tall mirror; a couch in front of it. Left, +an ebony writing-table. Centre, a few chairs around a little Chinese +table._ + +_Lulu stands motionless before the mirror, in a green silk +morning-dress. She frowns, passes a hand over her forehead, feels her +cheeks, and draws back from the mirror with a discouraged, almost +angry, look. Frequently turning round, she goes left, opens a casket on +the writing-table, lights herself a cigarette, looks for a book among +those that are lying on the table, takes one, and lies down on the +couch opposite the mirror. After reading a moment, she lets the book +sink, and nods seriously to herself in the glass; then resumes reading. +Schwarz enters, left, palette and brushes in hand, and bends over Lulu, +kisses her on the forehead, and goes up the steps, right._ + +SCHWARZ. (Turning in the door-way.) Eve! + +LULU. (Smiling.) At your orders? + +SCHWARZ. Seems to me you look extra charming to-day. + +LULU. (With a glance at the mirror.) Depends on what you expect. + +SCHWARZ. Your hair breathes out a morning freshness.... + +LULU. I've just come out of the water. + +SCHWARZ. (Approaching her.) I've an awful lot to do to-day. + +LULU. That's what you say to yourself. + +SCHWARZ. (Lays his palette and brushes down on the carpet, and sits on +the edge of the couch.) What are you reading? + +LULU. (Reads.) "Suddenly she heard an anchor of refuge come nodding up +the stairs." + +SCHWARZ. Who under the sun writes so absorbingly? + +LULU. (Reading.) "It was the postman with a money-order." (Henriette, +the servant, comes in, upper left, with a hat-box on her arm and a +little tray of letters which she puts on the table.) + +HENRIETTE. The mail. I'm going to take your hat to the milliner, madam. +Anything else? + +LULU. No. (Schwarz signs to her to go out, which she does, slyly +smiling.) + +SCHWARZ. What was it you dreamt all last night? + +LULU. You've asked me that twice already, to-day. + +SCHWARZ. (Rises, takes up the letters.) I tremble for news. Every day I +fear the world may go to pieces. (Giving Lulu a letter.) For you. + +LULU. (Sniffs at the paper.) Madame Corticelli. (Hides it in her +bosom.) + +SCHWARZ. (Skimming a letter.) My Samaqueca-dancer sold--for fifty +thousand marks! + +LULU. Who says that? + +SCHWARZ. Sedelmeier in Paris. That's the third picture since our +marriage. I hardly know how to save myself from my luck! + +LULU. (Pointing to the letters.) There are more there. + +SCHWARZ. (Opening an engagement announcement.) See. (Gives it to Lulu.) + +LULU. (Reads.) Sir Henry von Zarnikow has the honor to announce the +engagement of his daughter, Charlotte Marie Adelaide, to Doctor Ludwig +Schoen. + +SCHWARZ. (As he opens another letter.) At last! He's been an eternal +while evading a public engagement. I can't understand it--a man of his +standing and influence. What can be in the way of his marriage? + +LULU. What is that that you're reading? + +SCHWARZ. An invitation to take part in the international exhibition at +St. Petersburg. I have no idea what to paint for it. + +LULU. Some entrancing girl or other, of course. + +SCHWARZ. Will you be willing to pose for it? + +LULU. God knows there are other pretty girls enough in existence! + +SCHWARZ. But with any other model--tho she be as racy as hell--I can't +get such a full display of my powers. + +LULU. Then I must, I suppose. Wouldn't it go as well lying down? + +SCHWARZ. Really, I'd liefest have your taste arrange it for me. +(Folding up the letters.) Don't let's forget to congratulate Schoen +to-day, anyway. (Goes left and shuts the letters in the writing-table.) + +LULU. But we did that a long time ago. + +SCHWARZ. For his bride's sake. + +LULU. You can write to him again if you want. + +SCHWARZ. And now to work! (Takes up his brushes and palette, kisses +Lulu, goes up the steps, right, and turns around in the door-way.) Eve! + +LULU. (Lets her book sink, smiling.) Your pleasure? + +SCHWARZ. (Approaching her.) I feel every day as if I were seeing you +for the very first time. + +LULU. You're a terror. + +SCHWARZ. The fault is yours. (He sinks on his knees by the couch and +caresses her hand.) + +LULU. (Stroking his hair.) You're =wasting= me. + +SCHWARZ. You =are mine=. But you are never more ensnaring than when you +ought for God's sake to be, just once, real ugly for a couple of hours! +Since I've had you, I have had nothing more. I'm entirely lost to +myself. + +LULU. Not so excited! (Bell rings in the corridor.) + +SCHWARZ. (Pulling himself together.) Confound it! + +LULU. No one at home! + +SCHWARZ. Perhaps it's the art-dealer-- + +LULU. And if it's the Chinese Emperor! + +SCHWARZ. One moment. (Exit.) + +LULU. (Visionary.) Thou? Thou? (Closes her eyes.) + +SCHWARZ. (Coming back.) A beggar, who says he was in the war. I have no +small change on me. (Taking up his palette and brushes.) It's high +time, too, that I should finally go to work. (Goes out, right.) (Lulu +touches herself up before the glass, strokes back her hair, and goes +out, returning leading in Schigolch.) + +SCHIGOLCH. I'd thought he was more of a swell--a little more glory to +him. He's sort of embarrassed. He quaked a little in the knees when he +saw =me= in front of him. + +LULU. (Shoving a chair round for him.) How can you beg from him, too? + +SCHIGOLCH. That's why I've dragged my seventy-seven summers just here. +You told me he kept at his painting in the mornings. + +LULU. He hadn't got quite awake yet. How much do you need? + +SCHIGOLCH. Two hundred, if you have that much handy. Personally, I'd +like three hundred. Some of my clients have evaporated. + +LULU. (Goes to the writing-table and rummages in the drawer.) Whew, I'm +tired! + +SCHIGOLCH. (Looking round him.) That's just what brought me, too. I've +been wanting a long time to see how things were looking now with you. + +LULU. Well? + +SCHIGOLCH. It just sweeps over you. (Looking up.) Like with me fifty +years ago. Instead of the loafing chairs we still had rusty old sabres +then. Devil, but you've brought it pretty far! (Scuffing.) Carpets.... + +LULU. (Giving him two bills.) I like best to walk on them bare-footed. + +SCHIGOLCH. (Scanning Lulu's portrait.) Is that you? + +LULU. (Winking.) Pretty fine? + +SCHIGOLCH. If all that's genuine. + +LULU. Have something sweet? + +SCHIGOLCH. What? + +LULU. (Getting up.) Elixir de Spaa. + +SCHIGOLCH. That doesn't help me--Does he drink? + +LULU. (Taking a decanter and glasses from a cupboard near the +fireplace.) Not yet. (Coming down stage.) The cordial has such various +effects! + +SCHIGOLCH. He comes to blows? + +LULU. He goes to sleep. (She fills the two glasses.) + +SCHIGOLCH. When he's drunk, you can see right into his insides. + +LULU. I'd rather =not=. (Sits opposite Schigolch.) Tell me about it. + +SCHIGOLCH. The streets keep on getting longer, and my legs shorter. + +LULU. And your harmonica? + +SCHIGOLCH. Has bad air, like me with my asthma. I just keep a-thinking +it isn't worth the trouble to make it better. (They clink glasses.) + +LULU. (Emptying her glass.) I thought you'd come to an end a long time +ago-- + +SCHIGOLCH. To an end--already up and away? I thought so, too. But no +matter how early the sun goes down, still we aren't let lie quiet. I'm +hoping for winter. Perhaps then my (coughing) --my--my asthma will +invent some opportunity to carry me off. + +LULU. (Filling the glasses.) Do you think they could have forgotten you +on the other side? + +SCHIGOLCH. Would be possible, for it certainly isn't going like it +usually does. (Stroking her knee.) Now you tell--not seen you a long +time--my little Lulu. + +LULU. (Jerking back, smiling.) Life is beyond me! + +SCHIGOLCH. What do you know about it? You're still so young! + +LULU. That you call me Lulu. + +SCHIGOLCH. Lulu, isn't it? Have I ever called you anything else? + +LULU. In the memory of man my name has no longer been Lulu. + +SCHIGOLCH. Another way of naming? + +LULU. Lulu sounds to me quite ante-diluvian. + +SCHIGOLCH. Children! Children! + +LULU. My name now is-- + +SCHIGOLCH. As if the principle wasn't always the same! + +LULU. You mean--? + +SCHIGOLCH. What is it now? + +LULU. =Eve.= + +SCHIGOLCH. Lept, hopped, skipped, jumped.... + +LULU. I'm listening. + +SCHIGOLCH. (Gazing round.) This is the way I dreamt of it for you. +You've aimed straight for it. (Seeing Lulu sprinkling herself with +perfume.) What's that? + +LULU. Heliotrope. + +SCHIGOLCH. Does that smell better than you? + +LULU. (Sprinkling him.) That needn't bother you any more. + +SCHIGOLCH. Who would have dreamt of this royal luxury before! + +LULU. When I think back--Ugh! + +SCHIGOLCH. (Stroking her knee.) How's it going with you, then? You +still keep at the French? + +LULU. I lie and sleep. + +SCHIGOLCH. That's genteel. That always looks like something. And +afterwards? + +LULU. I stretch--till it cracks. + +SCHIGOLCH. And when it has cracked? + +LULU. What do you mind about that? + +SCHIGOLCH. What do I mind about that? What do I mind? I'd rather live +till the last trump and renounce all heavenly joys than leave my Lulu +deprived of anything down here behind me. What do I mind about that? +It's my sympathy. To be sure, my better self =is= already +transfigured--but I still have some sense for this world. + +LULU. I haven't. + +SCHIGOLCH. You're too well off. + +LULU. (Shuddering.) Idiot.... + +SCHIGOLCH. Better than with the old dancing-bear? + +LULU. (Sadly.) I don't dance any more. + +SCHIGOLCH. For him it was time, too. + +LULU. Now I am-- (Stops.) + +SCHIGOLCH. Speak how it is with you, child! I believed in you when +there was no more to be seen in you than your two big eyes. What are +you now? + +LULU. A beast.... + +SCHIGOLCH. That you--! And what kind of a beast? A fine beast! An +elegant beast! A glorified beast! Then I'll let them bury me. We're +through with prejudices--even with the one against the corpse-washer. + +LULU. You needn't be afraid that you will be washed once more. + +SCHIGOLCH. Doesn't matter, either. One gets dirty again. + +LULU. (Sprinkling him.) It would call you back to life again! + +SCHIGOLCH. We are mud. + +LULU. I beg your pardon! I rub grease into myself every day and then +powder on top of it. + +SCHIGOLCH. Probably worth while, too, on the dressed-up mucker's +account. + +LULU. It makes the skin like satin. + +SCHIGOLCH. As if it weren't just dirt all the same! + +LULU. Thank you. I wish to be worth biting at! + +SCHIGOLCH. We are. Give a big dinner down below there pretty soon. Keep +open house. + +LULU. Your guests will hardly over-eat themselves at it. + +SCHIGOLCH. Patience, girl! Your worshippers won't put you in alcohol, +either. It's "schoene Melusine" as long as it keeps buoyant. Afterwards? +They don't take it at the zoological garden. (Rising.) The gentle +beasties might get stomach-cramps. + +LULU. (Getting up.) Have you enough? + +SCHIGOLCH. There's still enough left over to plant a juniper on my +grave. I'll find my own way out. (Exit. Lulu follows him, and presently +returns with Dr. Schoen.) + +SCHOEN. What's your father doing here? + +LULU. What's the matter? + +SCHOEN. If I were your husband that man would never come over my +threshold. + +LULU. You can speak intimately. He's not here. (Referring to Schwarz.) + +SCHOEN. Thank you, I'd rather not. + +LULU. I don't understand. + +SCHOEN. I know that. (Offering her a seat.) I should like to speak with +you just on that subject. + +LULU. (Sitting down uncertainly.) Why didn't you tell me so yesterday, +then? + +SCHOEN. Please, nothing now about yesterday. I did tell you two years +ago. + +LULU. (Nervously.) Oh, yes,--Hm! + +SCHOEN. Please be kind enough to cease your visits to my house. + +LULU. May I offer you an elixir-- + +SCHOEN. Thanks. No elixir. Have you understood me? (Lulu shakes her +head.) Good. You have the choice. You force me to the most extreme +measures:--either act in accordance with your station-- + +LULU. Or? + +SCHOEN. Or--you compel me--I should have to turn to that person who is +responsible for your behavior. + +LULU. What makes you imagine that? + +SCHOEN. I shall request your husband, himself to watch over your ways. +(Lulu rises, goes up the steps, right.) Where are you going? + +LULU. (Calls thru the curtains.) Walter! + +SCHOEN. (Springing up.) Are you mad? + +LULU. (Turning round.) Aha! + +SCHOEN. I have made the most superhuman efforts to raise you in society. +You can be ten times as proud of your name as of your intimacy with me. + +LULU. (Comes down the steps and puts her arm around Schoen's neck.) Why +are you still afraid, now that you're at the zenith of your hopes? + +SCHOEN. No comedy! The zenith of my hopes? I am at last engaged: I have +now the hope of bringing my bride into a clean house. + +LULU. (Sitting.) She has developed delightfully in the two years! + +SCHOEN. She no longer looks thru one so earnestly. + +LULU. She is now, for the first time, a woman. We can meet each other +wherever it seems suitable to you. + +SCHOEN. We shall meet each other nowhere but in the presence of your +husband! + +LULU. You don't believe yourself what you say. + +SCHOEN. Then =he= must believe it. Go on and call him! Thru his marriage +to you, thru all that I've done for him, he has become my friend. + +LULU. (Rising.) Mine, too. + +SCHOEN. Then I'll cut down the sword over my head. + +LULU. You have, indeed, chained me up. But I owe my happiness to you. +You will get friends by the crowd as soon as you have a pretty young +wife again. + +SCHOEN. You judge women by yourself! He's got the sense of a child or he +would have tracked out your doublings and windings long ago. + +LULU. I only wish he would! Then, at last he'd get out of his +swaddling-clothes. He puts his trust in the marriage contract he has in +his pocket. Trouble is past and gone. One can now give oneself and let +oneself go as if one were at home. That isn't the sense of a =child=! +It's banal! He has no education; he sees nothing; he sees neither me +nor himself; he is blind, blind, blind.... + +SCHOEN. (Half to himself.) When =his= eyes open!! + +LULU. Open his eyes for him! I'm going to ruin. I'm neglecting myself. +He doesn't know me at all. What am I to him? He calls me darling and +little devil. He would say the same to any piano-teacher. He makes no +pretensions. Everything is alright, to him. That comes from his never +in his life having felt the need of intercourse with women. + +SCHOEN. If that's true! + +LULU. He admits it perfectly openly. + +SCHOEN. A man who has painted them, rags and tags and velvet gowns, +since he was fourteen. + +LULU. Women make him anxious. He trembles for his health and comfort. +But he isn't afraid of =me=! + +SCHOEN. How many girls would deem themselves God knows how blessed in +your situation. + +LULU. (Softly pleading.) Seduce him. Corrupt him. You know how. Take +him into bad company--you know the people. I am nothing to him but a +woman, just woman. He makes me feel so ridiculous. He will be prouder +of me. He doesn't know any differences. I'm thinking my head off, day +and night, how to shake him up. In my despair I dance the can-can. He +yawns; and drivels something about obscenity. + +SCHOEN. Nonsense. He is an artist, though. + +LULU. At least he believes he is. + +SCHOEN. That's the chief thing! + +LULU. When _I_ pose for him.... He believes, too, that he's a famous +man. + +SCHOEN. We =have= made him one. + +LULU. He believes everything. He's as mistrustful as a thief, and lets +himself be lied to, till one loses all respect! When we first knew each +other I informed him I had never yet loved-- (Schoen falls into an +easy-chair.) Otherwise he would really have taken me for a fallen +woman! + +SCHOEN. You make God knows what exorbitant demands on =legitimate= +relations! + +LULU. I make no exorbitant demands. Often I even dream still of Goll. + +SCHOEN. He was, at any rate, not banal! + +LULU. He is there, as if he had never been away. Only he walks as tho +in his socks. He isn't angry with me; he's awfully sad. And then he is +fearful, as tho he were there without the permission of the police. +Otherwise, he feels at ease with us. Only he can't quite get over my +having thrown away so much money since-- + +SCHOEN. You yearn for the whip once more? + +LULU. Maybe. I don't dance any more. + +SCHOEN. Teach him to do it. + +LULU. A waste of trouble. + +SCHOEN. Out of a hundred women, ninety educate their husbands to suit +themselves. + +LULU. He loves me. + +SCHOEN. That's fatal, of course. + +LULU. He loves me-- + +SCHOEN. That is an unbridgeable abyss. + +LULU. He doesn't know me, but he loves me! If he had anything like a +correct idea of me, he'd tie a stone around my neck and sink me in the +sea where it's deepest. + +SCHOEN. Let's finish this? (He gets up.) + +LULU. As you say. + +SCHOEN. I've married you off. Twice I have married you off. You live in +luxury. I've created a position for your husband. If that doesn't +satisfy you, and he laughs in his sleeve at it, I don't pretend to meet +ideal claims; but--leave me out of the game, out of it! + +LULU. (Resolutely.) If I belong to any person on this earth, I belong +to you. Without you I'd be--I won't say where. You took me by the hand, +gave me food to eat, had me dressed,--when I was going to steal your +watch. Do you think that can be forgotten? Anybody else would have +called the police. You sent me to school, and had me learn manners. Who +but you in the whole world has ever thought anything of me? I've danced +and posed, and was glad to be able to earn my living that way. But +=love= at command, I can't! + +SCHOEN. (Raising his voice.) Leave =me= out! Do what you will. I'm not +coming to make scandal; I'm coming to shake the scandal from my neck. +My engagement is costing me sacrifices enough! I had imagined that with +a healthy young man, than whom a woman of your years can wish herself +no better, you would, at last, have been contented. If you are under +obligations to me, don't throw yourself a third time in my way! Am I to +wait yet longer before putting my pile in security? Am I to risk the +whole success of my patents falling into the water again after two +years? What good is it to me to be your married-man, when =you= can be +seen going in and out of my house at every hour of the day? Why the +devil didn't Dr. Goll stay alive just one year more! With him you were +in safe keeping. Then I'd have had my wife long since under my roof! + +LULU. And what would you have had then? The kid gets on your nerves. +The child is too uncorrupted for you. She's been much too carefully +brought up. What should I have against your marriage? But you are +deceived about yourself if you think that on account of your impending +marriage you may express your contempt to me. + +SCHOEN. Contempt? I shall soon give the child the right idea. If +anything is contemptible, it's your intrigues! + +LULU. (Laughing.) Am I jealous of the child? That never once entered my +head. + +SCHOEN. Then why talk about the child? The child is not even a whole +year younger than you are. Leave me my freedom to live what life I +still have. No matter how the child's been brought up, she's got her +five senses just like you.... (Schwarz appears, right, brush in hand.) + +SCHWARZ. What's the matter here? + +LULU. (To Schoen.) Well? Go on. Talk. + +SCHWARZ. What's the matter with you two? + +LULU. Nothing that touches you-- + +SCHOEN. (Sharply.) Quiet! + +LULU. He's had enough of me. (Schwarz leads her off, to the right.) + +SCHOEN. (Turning over the leaves in one of the books on the table.) It +had to come out--I must have my hands free at last! + +SCHWARZ. (Coming back.) Is that a way to jest? + +SCHOEN. (Pointing to a chair.) Please. + +SCHWARZ. What is it? + +SCHOEN. Please. + +SCHWARZ. (Seating himself.) Well? + +SCHOEN. (Seating himself.) You have married half a million.... + +SCHWARZ. Is it gone? + +SCHOEN. Not a penny. + +SCHWARZ. Explain to me the peculiar scene.... + +SCHOEN. You have married half a million-- + +SCHWARZ. No one can make a crime of that. + +SCHOEN. You have created a name for yourself. You can work unmolested. +You need to deny yourself no wish-- + +SCHWARZ. What have you two got against me? + +SCHOEN. For six months you've been revelling in all the heavens. You +have a wife whom the world envies you, and she deserves a man whom she +can respect-- + +SCHWARZ. Doesn't she respect me? + +SCHOEN. No. + +SCHWARZ. (Depressed.) I come from the dark depths of society. She is +above me. I cherish no more ardent wish than to become her equal. +(Offers Schoen his hand.) Thank you. + +SCHOEN. (Pressing it, half embarrassed.) Don't mention it. + +SCHWARZ. (With determination.) Speak! + +SCHOEN. Keep a little more watch on her. + +SCHWARZ. I--on her? + +SCHOEN. We are not children! We don't trifle! She demands that she be +taken seriously. Her value gives her a perfect right to be. + +SCHWARZ. What does she do, then? + +SCHOEN. You have married half a million! + +SCHWARZ. (Rises; beside himself.) She--? + +SCHOEN. (Takes him by the shoulder.) No, that's not the way! (Forces +him to sit.) We must speak with each other very seriously here. + +SCHWARZ. What does she do? + +SCHOEN. First count on your fingers what you have to thank her for, and +then-- + +SCHWARZ. What does she do--man!! + +SCHOEN. And then make yourself responsible for your faults, and no one +else. + +SCHWARZ. With whom? With whom? + +SCHOEN. If we should shoot each other-- + +SCHWARZ. Since when, then? + +SCHOEN. (Evasive.) --I don't come here to make scandal, I come to save +you from the scandal. + +SCHWARZ. You have misunderstood her. + +SCHOEN. (Embarrassed.) That will not do for me. I can't see you go on +living in blindness. The girl deserves to be a respectable woman. Since +I have known her she has improved as she developed. + +SCHWARZ. Since you have known her? Since when have you known her then? + +SCHOEN. Since about her twelfth year. + +SCHWARZ. (Bewildered.) She told me nothing about that. + +SCHOEN. She sold flowers in front of the Alhambra Cafe. Every evening +between twelve and two she pressed in among the guests, bare-footed. + +SCHWARZ. She told me nothing of that. + +SCHOEN. She did right there. I'm telling you, so you may see that you +have not to do with moral degeneracy. The girl is, on the contrary, of +extraordinarily good disposition. + +SCHWARZ. She said she had grown up with an aunt. + +SCHOEN. That was the woman I gave her to. She was her best pupil. The +mothers used to make her an example to their children. She has the +feeling for duty. It is simply and solely your mistake if you have till +now neglected to take her on her best sides. + +SCHWARZ. (Sobbing.) O God!-- + +SCHOEN. (With emphasis.) No O God!! Nothing of the happiness you have +cost can be changed. Done is done. You over-rate yourself against your +better knowledge if you persuade yourself you will lose. You stand to +gain. But with "O God" nothing is gained. A greater friendliness I have +not yet shown you: I speak plainly and offer you my help. Don't show +yourself unworthy of it! + +SCHWARZ. (From now on more and more broken up.) When I first knew her, +she told me she had never loved. + +SCHOEN. When a widow says that--! It does her credit that she chose you +for a husband. Make the same claims on yourself and your happiness is +without a blot. + +SCHWARZ. She says he made her wear short dresses. + +SCHOEN. But he married her! That was her master-stroke. How she brought +the man to it is beyond me. You really must know it now: you are +enjoying the fruits of her diplomacy. + +SCHWARZ. How did she get to know Dr. Goll then? + +SCHOEN. Through me! It was after my wife's death, when I was making the +first advances to my present fiancee. She stuck herself in between. She +had fixed her mind on becoming my wife. + +SCHWARZ. (As if seized with a horrible suspicion.) And then when her +husband died? + +SCHOEN. You married half a million!! + +SCHWARZ. (Wailing.) O, to have stayed where I was! To have died of +hunger! + +SCHOEN. (Superior.) Do you think, then, that _I_ make no compromises? +Who is there that does not compromise? You have married half a million. +You are to-day one of the foremost artists. That can't be done without +money. You are not the man to sit in judgment on her. You can't +possibly treat an origin like Mignon's according to the notions of +bourgeois society. + +SCHWARZ. (Quite distraught.) Who are you speaking of? + +SCHOEN. Of her father! You're an artist, I say: your ideals are on a +different plane from those of a wage-worker. + +SCHWARZ. I don't understand a word of all that. + +SCHOEN. I am speaking of the inhuman conditions out of which, thanks to +her good management, the girl has developed into what she is! + +SCHWARZ. Who? + +SCHOEN. Who? Your wife. + +SCHWARZ. =Eve?= + +SCHOEN. I called her Mignon. + +SCHWARZ. I thought her name was Nellie? + +SCHOEN. Dr. Goll called her so. + +SCHWARZ. I called her Eve-- + +SCHOEN. What her real name is I don't know. + +SCHWARZ. (Absently.) Perhaps she knows. + +SCHOEN. With a father like hers, she is, with all her faults, a miracle. +I don't understand you-- + +SCHWARZ. He died in a madhouse--? + +SCHOEN. He was here just now! + +SCHWARZ. Who was here? + +SCHOEN. Her father. + +SCHWARZ. Here--in my house? + +SCHOEN. He squeezed by me as I came in. And there are the two glasses +still. + +SCHWARZ. She says he died in the madhouse. + +SCHOEN. Let her feel she's in authority--! She craves nothing but the +compulsion to unconditional obedience. With Dr. Goll she was in heaven, +and with him there was no joking. + +SCHWARZ. (Shaking his head.) She said she had never loved-- + +SCHOEN. But you, make a beginning with yourself. Pull yourself together! + +SCHWARZ. She has sworn--! + +SCHOEN. You can't demand a sense of duty in her before you know your own +task. + +SCHWARZ. By her mother's grave! + +SCHOEN. She never knew her mother, let alone the grave. Her mother +hasn't got a grave. + +SCHWARZ. I don't fit in society. (He is in desperation.) + +SCHOEN. What's the matter? + +SCHWARZ. Pain--horrible pain! + +SCHOEN. (Gets up, steps back; after a pause.) Guard her for yourself: +she's yours. The moment is decisive. To-morrow she may be lost to you. + +SCHWARZ. (Pointing to his breast.) Here, here. + +SCHOEN. You have married half-- (Reflecting.) She is lost to you if you +let this moment slip! + +SCHWARZ. If I could weep! Oh, if I could cry out! + +SCHOEN. (With a hand on his shoulder.) You're suffering-- + +SCHWARZ. (Getting up, apparently quiet.) You are right, quite right. + +SCHOEN. (Gripping his hand.) Where are you going? + +SCHWARZ. To speak with her. + +SCHOEN. Right! (Accompanies him to the door, left. Coming back.) That +was tough work. (After a pause, looking right.) He had taken her into +the studio before though? (A fearful groan, left. He hurries to the +door and finds it locked.) Open! Open the door! + +LULU. (Stepping thru the hangings, right.) What's-- + +SCHOEN. Open it! + +LULU. (Comes down the steps.) That is horrible. + +SCHOEN. Have you an ax in the kitchen? + +LULU. He'll open it right off-- + +SCHOEN. I can't kick it down. + +LULU. When he's had his cry out. + +SCHOEN. (Kicking the door.) Open! (To Lulu.) Bring me an ax. + +LULU. Send for the doctor-- + +SCHOEN. You are not yourself. + +LULU. It serves you right. (Bell rings in the corridor. Schoen and Lulu +stare at each other. Then Schoen slips up-stage and stands in the +doorway.) + +SCHOEN. I mustn't let myself be seen here. + +LULU. Perhaps it's the art-dealer. (The bell rings again.) + +SCHOEN. But if we don't answer it-- + +LULU. (Steals toward the door; but Schoen holds her.) -- + +SCHOEN. Stop. It sometimes happens that one is not just at hand-- (He +goes out on tip-toes. Lulu turns back to the locked door and listens. +Schoen returns with Alva.) Please be quiet. + +ALVA. (Very excited.) A revolution has broken out in Paris! + +SCHOEN. Be quiet. + +ALVA. (To Lulu.) You're as pale as death. + +SCHOEN. (Rattling at the door.) Walter! Walter! (A death-rattle heard +behind the door.) + +LULU. God pity you. + +SCHOEN. Haven't you brought an ax? + +LULU. If there's one there-- (Goes slowly out, upper left.) + +ALVA. He's just keeping us in suspense. + +SCHOEN. A revolution has broken out in Paris? + +ALVA. In the editors' room they're beating their heads against the +wall. No one knows what he ought to write. (The bell rings in the +corridor.) + +SCHOEN. (Kicking against the door.) Walter! + +ALVA. Shall I force it in? + +SCHOEN. I can do that. Who is it coming now? (Standing up.) To enjoy +life and let others be responsible for it-- + +LULU. (Coming back with a kitchen ax.) Henriette has come home. + +SCHOEN. Shut the door behind you. + +ALVA. Give it here. (Takes the ax and pounds with it between the jamb +and the lock.) + +SCHOEN. You must hold it nearer the end. + +ALVA. It's cracking-- (The lock gives; Alva lets the ax fall and +staggers back.) (Pause.) + +LULU. (To Schoen, pointing to the door.) After you. (Schoen flinches, +drops back.) Are you getting--dizzy? (Schoen wipes the sweat from his +forehead and goes in.) + +ALVA. (From the couch.) Ghastly! + +LULU. (Stopping in the door-way, finger on lips, cries out sharply.) +Oh! Oh! (Hurries to Alva.) I can't stay here. + +ALVA. Horrible! + +LULU. (Taking his hand.) Come. + +ALVA. Where to? + +LULU. I can't be alone. (Goes out with Alva, right.) + +(Schoen comes back, a bunch of keys in his hand, which shows blood. He +pulls the door to, behind him, goes to the writing-table, opens it, and +writes two notes.) + +ALVA. (Coming back, right.) She's changing her clothes. + +SCHOEN. She has gone? + +ALVA. To her room. She's changing her clothes. (Schoen rings. Henriette +comes in.) + +SCHOEN. You know where Dr. Bernstein lives? + +HENRIETTE. Of course, Doctor. Right next door. + +SCHOEN. (Giving her one note.) Take that over to him, please. + +HENRIETTE. In case the doctor is not at home? + +SCHOEN. He is at home. (Giving her the other note.) And take this to +police headquarters. Take a cab. (Henriette goes out.) I am judged! + +ALVA. My blood is cold. + +SCHOEN. (Toward the left.) The fool! + +ALVA. He waked up to something, perhaps? + +SCHOEN. He has been too absorbed with himself. (Lulu appears on the +steps, right, in dust-coat and hat.) + +ALVA. Where are you going now? + +LULU. Out. I see it on all the walls. + +SCHOEN. Where are his papers? + +LULU. In the desk. + +SCHOEN. (At the desk.) Where? + +LULU. Lower right-hand drawer. (She kneels and opens the drawer, +emptying the papers on the floor.) Here. There is nothing to fear. He +had no secrets. + +SCHOEN. Now I can just withdraw from the world. + +LULU. (Still kneeling.) Write a pamphlet about him. Call him +Michelangelo. + +SCHOEN. What good'll that do? (Pointing left.) There lies my engagement. + +ALVA. That's the curse of your game! + +SCHOEN. Shout it thru the streets!! + +ALVA. (Pointing to Lulu.) If you had treated that girl fairly and +justly when my mother died-- + +SCHOEN. My engagement is bleeding to death there! + +LULU. (Getting up.) I sha'n't stay here any longer. + +SCHOEN. In an hour they'll be selling extras. I dare not go across the +street! + +LULU. Why, what can you do to help it? + +SCHOEN. That's just it! They'll stone me for it! + +ALVA. You must get away--travel. + +SCHOEN. To leave the scandal a free field! + +LULU. (By the couch.) Ten minutes ago he was lying here. + +SCHOEN. This is the reward for all I've done for him! In one second he +wrecks my whole life for me! + +ALVA. Control yourself, please! + +LULU. (On the couch.) There's no one but ourselves here. + +ALVA. But =our= position? + +SCHOEN. (To Lulu.) What will you say to the police? + +LULU. Nothing. + +ALVA. He didn't want to remain a debtor to his destiny. + +LULU. He always thought of death immediately. + +SCHOEN. He thought what a human being can only dream of. + +LULU. He has paid dearly for it. + +ALVA. He had what =we= don't have! + +SCHOEN. (Suddenly violent.) I know your reasons! I have no cause to +consider you! If you try every means to prevent having any brothers and +sisters, that's all the more reason why I should get more children. + +ALVA. You've a poor knowledge of men. + +LULU. You get out an extra yourself! + +SCHOEN. (With passionate indignation.) He had no moral sense! (Suddenly +controlling himself again.) Paris in revolution--? + +ALVA. Our editors act as though they'd been struck. Everything has +stopped dead. + +SCHOEN. That's got to help me over this! Now if only the police would +come. The minutes are worth more than gold. (The bell rings in the +corridor.) + +ALVA. There they are-- (Schoen starts to the door. Lulu jumps up.) + +LULU. Wait, you've got blood-- + +SCHOEN. Where? + +LULU. Wait, I'll wipe it. (Sprinkles her handkerchief with heliotrope +and wipes the blood from Schoen's hand.) + +SCHOEN. It's your husband's blood. + +LULU. It leaves no trace. + +SCHOEN. Monster! + +LULU. You will marry me, though. (The bell rings in the corridor.) Only +have patience, children. (Schoen goes out and returns with Escherich, a +reporter.) + +ESCHERICH. (Breathless.) Allow me to--to introduce myself-- + +SCHOEN. You've run? + +ESCHERICH. (Giving him his card.) From police headquarters. A suicide, +I understand. + +SCHOEN. (Reads.) Fritz Escherich, correspondent of the "News and +Novelties." Come along. + +ESCHERICH. One moment. (Takes out his note-book and pencil, looks +around the parlor, writes a few words, bows to Lulu, writes, turns to +the broken door, writes.) A kitchen-ax. (Starts to lift it.) + +SCHOEN. (Holding him back.) Excuse me. + +ESCHERICH. (Writing.) Door broken open with a kitchen-ax. (Examines the +lock.) + +SCHOEN. (His hand on the door.) Look before you, my dear sir. + +ESCHERICH. Now if you will have the kindness to open the door-- (Schoen +opens it. Escherich lets book and pencil fall, clutches at his hair.) +Merciful Heaven! God!! + +SCHOEN. Look it all over carefully. + +ESCHERICH. I can't look at it! + +SCHOEN. (Snorting scornfully.) Then what did you come here for? + +ESCHERICH. To--to cut up--to cut up his throat with a razor! + +SCHOEN. Have you seen it all? + +ESCHERICH. That must feel-- + +SCHOEN. (Draws the door to, steps to the writing-table.) Sit down. Here +is paper and pen. Write. + +ESCHERICH. (Mechanically taking his seat.) I can't write-- + +SCHOEN. (Behind his chair.) Write! Persecution--mania.... + +ESCHERICH. (Writes.) Per-secu-tion--mania. (The bell rings in the +corridor.) + +CURTAIN + + + + +ACT III + + +_A theatrical dressing-room, hung with red. Door upper right. Across +upper left corner, a Spanish screen. Centre, a table set endwise, on +which dance costumes lie. Chair on each side of this table. Lower +right, a smaller table with a chair. Lower left, a high, very wide, +old-fashioned arm-chair. Above it, a tall mirror, with a make-up stand +before it holding puff, rouge, etc., etc._ + +_Alva is at lower right, filling two glasses with red wine and +champagne._ + +ALVA. Never since I began to work for the stage have I seen a public so +uncontrolled in enthusiasm. + +LULU. (Voice from behind the screen.) Don't give me too much red wine. +Will he see me to-day? + +ALVA. Father? + +LULU. Yes. + +ALVA. I don't know if he's in the theater. + +LULU. Doesn't he want to see me at all? + +ALVA. He has so little time. + +LULU. His =bride= occupies him. + +ALVA. Speculations. He gives himself no rest. (Schoen enters.) You? +We're just speaking of you. + +LULU. Is he there? + +SCHOEN. You're changing? + +LULU. (Peeping over the Spanish screen, to Schoen.) You write in all the +papers that I'm the most gifted danseuse who ever trod the stage, a +second Taglioni and I don't know what else--and you haven't once found +me gifted enough to convince yourself of the fact. + +SCHOEN. I have so much to write. You see, I was right: there were +hardly any seats left. You must keep rather more in the proscenium. + +LULU. I must first accustom myself to the light. + +ALVA. She has kept herself strictly to her part. + +SCHOEN. (To Alva.) You must get more out of your performers! You don't +know enough yet about the technique. (To Lulu.) What do you come as +now? + +LULU. As a flower-girl. + +SCHOEN. (To Alva.) In tights? + +ALVA. No. In a skirt to the ankles. + +SCHOEN. It would have been better if you hadn't ventured on symbolism. + +ALVA. I look at a dancer's feet. + +SCHOEN. The point is, what the public looks at. An apparition like =her= +has no need, thank heaven, of your symbolic mummery. + +ALVA. The public doesn't look as if it was bored! + +SCHOEN. Of course not; because I have been working for her success in +the press for six months. Has the prince been here? + +ALVA. Nobody's been here. + +SCHOEN. Who lets a dancer come on thru two acts in raincoats? + +ALVA. Who is the prince? + +SCHOEN. Shall we see each other afterwards? + +ALVA. Are you alone? + +SCHOEN. With acquaintances. At Peter's? + +ALVA. At twelve? + +SCHOEN. At twelve. (Exit.) + +LULU. I'd given up hoping he'd ever come. + +ALVA. Don't let yourself be misled by his grumpy growls. If you'll only +be careful not to spend your strength before the last number +begins-- (Lulu steps out in a classical, sleeveless dress, white with a +red border, a bright wreath in her hair and a basket of flowers in her +hands.) + +LULU. He doesn't seem to have noticed at all how cleverly you have used +your performers. + +ALVA. I won't blow in sun, moon and stars in the first act! + +LULU. (Sipping.) You disclose me by degrees. + +ALVA. I knew, though, that you knew all about changing costumes. + +LULU. If I'd wanted to sell my flowers this way before the Alhambra +cafe, they'd have had me behind lock and key right off the very first +night. + +ALVA. Why? You were a child! + +LULU. Do you remember me when I entered your room the first time? + +ALVA. You wore a dark blue dress with black velvet. + +LULU. They had to stick me somewhere and didn't know where. + +ALVA. My mother had been lying sick two years then. + +LULU. You were playing theater, and asked me if I wanted to play too. + +ALVA. To be sure! We played theater! + +LULU. I see you still--the way you shoved the figures back and forth. + +ALVA. For a long time my most terrible memory was when all at once I +saw clearly into your relations-- + +LULU. You got icy curt towards me then. + +ALVA. Oh, God--I saw in you something so infinitely far above me. I had +perhaps a higher devotion to you than to my mother. Think--when my +mother died--I was seventeen--I went and stood before my father and +demanded that he make you his wife on the spot or we'd have to fight a +duel. + +LULU. He told me that at the time. + +ALVA. Since I've grown older, I can only pity him. He will never +comprehend me. There he is making up a story for himself about a little +diplomatic game that puts me in the role of laboring against his +marriage with the Countess. + +LULU. Does she still look as innocently as ever at the world? + +ALVA. She loves him. I'm convinced of that. Her family has tried +everything to make her turn back. I don't think any sacrifice in the +world would be too great for her for his sake. + +LULU. (Holds out her glass to him.) A little more, please. + +ALVA. (Giving it to her.) You're drinking too much. + +LULU. He shall learn to believe in my success! He doesn't believe in +any art. He believes only in papers. + +ALVA. He believes in nothing. + +LULU. He brought me into the theater in order that someone might +eventually be found rich enough to marry me. + +ALVA. Well, alright. Why need that trouble us? + +LULU. I am to be glad if I can dance myself into a millionaire's heart. + +ALVA. God defend that anyone should take you from us! + +LULU. You've composed the music for it, though. + +ALVA. You know that it was always my wish to write a piece for you. + +LULU. I am not at all made for the stage, however. + +ALVA. You came into the world a dancer! + +LULU. Why don't you write your things at least as interesting as life +is? + +ALVA. Because if we did no man would believe us. + +LULU. If I didn't know more about acting than the people on the stage +do, what might not have happened to me? + +ALVA. I've provided your part with all the impossibilities imaginable, +though. + +LULU. With hocus-pocus like that no dog is lured from the stove in the +real world. + +ALVA. It's enough for me that the public finds itself most tremendously +stirred up. + +LULU. But _I_'d like to find myself most tremendously stirred up. +(Drinks.) + +ALVA. You don't seem to be in need of much more for that. + +LULU. No one of them realizes anything about the others. Each thinks +that he alone is the unhappy victim. + +ALVA. But how can you feel that? + +LULU. There runs up one's body such an icy shudder. + +ALVA. You are incredible. (An electric bell rings over the door.) + +LULU. My cape.... I shall keep in the proscenium! + +ALVA. (Putting a wide shawl round her shoulders.) Here is your cape. + +LULU. He shall have nothing more to fear for his shameless boosting. + +ALVA. Keep yourself under control! + +LULU. God grant that I dance the last sparks of intelligence out of +their heads. (Exit.) + +ALVA. Yes, a more interesting piece could be written about her. (Sits, +right, and takes out his note-book. Writes. Looks up.) First act: +Dr. Goll. Rotten already! I can call up Dr. Goll from purgatory or +wherever else he's doing penance for his orgies, but I'll be made +responsible for his sins. (Long-continued but much deadened applause +and bravos outside.) They rage there as in a menagery when the meat +appears at the cage. Second act: Walter Schwarz. Still more impossible! +How our souls do strip off their last coverings in the light of such +lightning-strokes! Third act? Is it really to go on this way? (The +attendant opens the door from outside and lets Escerny enter. He acts +as though he were at home, and without greeting Alva takes the chair +near the mirror. Alva continues, not heeding him.) It can not go on +this way in the third act! + +ESCERNY. Up to the middle of the third act it didn't seem to go so well +to-day as usual. + +ALVA. I was not on the stage. + +ESCERNY. Now she's in full career again. + +ALVA. She's lengthening each number. + +ESCERNY. I once had the pleasure of meeting the artiste at Schoen's. + +ALVA. My father has brought her before the public by some critiques in +his paper. + +ESCERNY. (Bowing slightly.) I was conferring with Dr. Schoen about the +publication of my discoveries at Lake Tanganika. + +ALVA. (Bowing slightly.) His remarks leave no doubt that he takes the +liveliest interest in your work. + +ESCERNY. It's a very good thing in the artiste that the =public= does +not exist for her at all. + +ALVA. As a child she learned the quick changing of clothes; but I was +surprised to discover such an expressive dancer in her. + +ESCERNY. When she dances her solo she is intoxicated with her own +beauty, with which she herself seems to be mortally in love. + +ALVA. Here she comes. (Gets up and opens the door. Enter Lulu.) + +LULU. (Without wreath or basket, to Alva.) You're called for. I was +three times before the curtain. (To Escerny.) Dr. Schoen is not in your +box? + +ESCERNY. Not in mine. + +ALVA. (To Lulu.) Didn't you see him? + +LULU. He is probably away again. + +ESCERNY. He has the last parquet-box on the left. + +LULU. It seems he is ashamed of me! + +ALVA. There wasn't a good seat left for him. + +LULU. (To Alva.) Ask him, though, if he likes me better now. + +ALVA. I'll send him up. + +ESCERNY. He applauded. + +LULU. Did he really? + +ALVA. Give yourself some rest. (Exit.) + +LULU. I've got to change again now. + +ESCERNY. But your maid isn't here? + +LULU. I can do it quicker alone. Where did you say Dr. Schoen was +sitting? + +ESCERNY. I saw him in the left parquet-box farthest back. + +LULU. I've still five costumes before me now; dancing-girl, ballerina, +queen of the night, Ariel, and Lascaris.... (She goes behind the +Spanish screen.) + +ESCERNY. Would you think it possible that at our first meeting I +expected nothing more than to make the acquaintance of a young lady of +the literary world?... (He sits at the left of the centre table, and +remains there to the end of the scene.) Have I perhaps erred in my +judgment of your nature, or did I rightly interpret the smile which the +thundering storms of applause called forth on your lips? That you are +secretly pained at the necessity of profaning your art before people of +doubtful disinterestedness? (Lulu makes no answer.) That you would +gladly exchange at any moment the shimmer of publicity for a quiet, +sunny happiness in distinguished seclusion? (Lulu makes no answer.) +That you feel in yourself enough dignity and high rank to fetter a man +to your feet--in order to enjoy his utter helplessness?... (Lulu makes +no answer.) That in a comfortable, richly furnished villa you would +feel in a more fitting place than here,--with unlimited means, to live +completely as your =own mistress=? (Lulu steps forth in a short, +bright, pleated petticoat and white satin bodice, black shoes and +stockings, and spurs with bells at her heels.) + +LULU. (Busy with the lacing of her bodice.) If there's just one evening +I don't go on, I dream the whole night that I'm dancing and feel the +next day as if I'd been racked. + +ESCERNY. But what difference could it make to you to see before you +instead of this mob =one= spectator, specially elect? + +LULU. That would make no difference. I don't see anybody anyway. + +ESCERNY. A lighted summer-house--the splashing of the water near at +hand.... I am forced in my exploring-trips to the practise of a quite +inhuman tyranny-- + +LULU. (Putting on a pearl necklace before the mirror.) A good school! + +ESCERNY. And if I now long to deliver myself unreservedly into the +power of a woman, that is a natural need for relaxation.... Can you +imagine a greater life-happiness for a woman than to have a man +entirely in her power? + +LULU. (Jingling her heels.) Oh yes! + +ESCERNY. (Disconcerted.) Among cultured men you will find not one who +doesn't lose his head over you. + +LULU. Your wishes, however, no one will fulfill without deceiving you. + +ESCERNY. To be deceived by a girl like you must be ten times more +enrapturing than to be uprightly loved by anybody else. + +LULU. You have never in your life been uprightly loved by a girl! +(Turning her back to him and pointing.) Would you undo this knot for +me? I've laced myself too tight. I am always so excited getting +dressed. + +ESCERNY. (After repeated efforts.) I'm sorry; I can't. + +LULU. Then leave it. Perhaps I can. (Goes left.) + +ESCERNY. I confess that I am lacking in deftness. Maybe I was not +docile enough with women. + +LULU. And probably you don't have much opportunity to be so in Africa, +either? + +ESCERNY. (Seriously.) Let me openly admit to you that my loneliness in +the world embitters many hours. + +LULU. The knot is almost done.... + +ESCERNY. What draws me to you is not your dancing. It's your physical +and mental refinement, as it is revealed in every one of your +movements. Anyone who is so much interested in art as I am could not be +deceived in that. For ten evenings I've been studying your spiritual +life in your dance, until to-day when you entered as the flower-girl I +became perfectly clear. Yours is a grand nature--unselfish; you can see +no one suffer; you embody the joy of life. As a wife you will make a +man happy above all things.... You are all open-heartedness. You would +be a poor actor. (The bell rings again.) + +LULU. (Having somewhat loosened her laces, takes a deep breath and +jingles her spurs.) Now I can breathe again. The curtain is going up. +(She takes from the centre table a skirt-dance costume--of bright +yellow silk, without a waist, closed at the neck, reaching to the +ankles, with wide, loose sleeves--and throws it over her.) I must +dance. + +ESCERNY. (Rises and kisses her hand.) Allow me to remain here a little +while longer. + +LULU. Please, stay. + +ESCERNY. I need some solitude. (Lulu goes out.) What is to be +aristocratic? To be eccentric, like me? Or to be perfect in body and +mind, like this girl? (Applause and bravos outside.) He who gives me +back my faith in men, gives me back my life. Should not the children of +this woman be more princely, body and soul, than the children whose +mother has no more vitality in her than I have felt in me until to-day? +(Sitting, right; ecstatically.) The dance has ennobled her body.... +(Alva enters.) + +ALVA. One is never sure a moment that some miserable chance may not +throw the whole performance out for good. (He throws himself into the +big chair, left, so that the two men are in exactly reversed positions +from their former ones. Both converse somewhat boredly and +apathetically.) + +ESCERNY. But the public has never yet shown itself so grateful. + +ALVA. She's finished the skirt-dance. + +ESCERNY. I hear her coming.... + +ALVA. She isn't coming. She has no time. She changes her costume in the +wings. + +ESCERNY. She has two ballet-costumes, if I'm not mistaken? + +ALVA. I find the white one more becoming to her than the rose. + +ESCERNY. Do you? + +ALVA. Don't you? + +ESCERNY. I find she looks too body-less in the white tulle. + +ALVA. I find she looks too animal in the rose-tulle. + +ESCERNY. I don't find that. + +ALVA. The white tulle expresses more the child-like in her nature. + +ESCERNY. The rose tulle expresses more the female in her nature. (The +electric bell rings over the door. Alva jumps up.) + +ALVA. For heaven's sake, what is wrong? + +ESCERNY. (Getting up too.) What's the matter? (The electric bell goes +on ringing to the close of the dialogue.) + +ALVA. Something's gone wrong there-- + +ESCERNY. How can you get so suddenly frightened? + +ALVA. That must be a hellish confusion! (He runs out. Escerny follows +him. The door remains open. Faint dance-music heard. Pause. Lulu enters +in a long cloak, and shuts the door to behind her. She wears a +rose-colored ballet costume with flower garlands. She walks across the +stage and sits down in the big arm-chair near the mirror. After a pause +Alva returns.) + +ALVA. You had a faint? + +LULU. Please lock the door. + +ALVA. At least come down to the stage. + +LULU. Did you see him? + +ALVA. See whom? + +LULU. With his bride? + +ALVA. With his-- (To Schoen, who enters.) You might have spared yourself +that jest! + +SCHOEN. What's the matter with her? (To Lulu.) How can you play the +scene straight at me! + +LULU. I feel as if I'd been whipped. + +SCHOEN. (After bolting the door.) You will dance--as sure as I've taken +the responsibility for you! + +LULU. Before your bride? + +SCHOEN. Have you a right to trouble yourself before whom? You've been +engaged here. You receive your salary ... + +LULU. Is that your affair? + +SCHOEN. You dance for anyone who buys a ticket. Whom I sit with in my +box has nothing to do with your business! + +ALVA. I wish you'd stayed sitting in your box! (To Lulu.) Tell me, +please, what I am to do. (A knock at the door.) There is the manager. +(Calls.) Yes, in a moment! (To Lulu.) You won't compel us to break off +the performance? + +SCHOEN. (To Lulu.) Onto the stage with you! + +LULU. Let me have just a moment! I can't now. I'm utterly miserable. + +ALVA. The devil take the whole theater crowd! + +LULU. Put in the next number. No one will notice if I dance now or in +five minutes. There's no strength in my feet. + +ALVA. But you will dance then? + +LULU. As well as I can. + +ALVA. As badly as you like. (A knock at the door again.) I'm coming. + +LULU. (When Alva is gone.) You are right to show me where my place is. +You couldn't do it better than by letting me dance the skirt-dance +before your fiancee.... You do me the greatest service when you point +out where I belong. + +SCHOEN. (Sardonically.) For you with your origin it's incomparable luck +to still have the chance of entering before respectable people! + +LULU. Even when my shamelessness makes them not know where to look. + +SCHOEN. Nonsense!--Shamelessness?--Don't make a necessity of virtue! +Your shamelessness is balanced with gold for you at every step. One +cries "bravo," another "fie"--it's all the same to you! Can you wish +for a more brilliant triumph than when a respectable girl can hardly be +kept in the box? Has your life any other aim? As long as you still have +a spark of self-respect, you are no perfect dancer. The more terribly +you make people shudder, the higher you stand in your profession! + +LULU. But it is absolutely indifferent to me what they think of me. I +don't, in the least, want to be any better than I am. I'm content with +myself. + +SCHOEN. (In moral indignation.) That is your true nature. I call that +straightforward! A corruption!! + +LULU. I wouldn't have known that I had a spark of self-respect-- + +SCHOEN. (Suddenly distrustful.) No harlequinading-- + +LULU. O Lord--I know very well what I'd have become if you hadn't saved +me from it. + +SCHOEN. Are you then, perhaps, something different to-day? + +LULU. God be thanked, no! + +SCHOEN. That is right! + +LULU. (Laughs.) And how awfully glad I am about it. + +SCHOEN. (Spits.) Will you dance now? + +LULU. In anything, before anyone! + +SCHOEN. Then down to the stage! + +LULU. (Begging like a child.) Just a minute more! Please! I can't stand +up straight yet. They'll ring. + +SCHOEN. You have become what you are in spite of everything I sacrificed +for your education and your welfare. + +LULU. Had you overrated your ennobling influence? + +SCHOEN. Spare me your witticisms. + +LULU. The prince was here. + +SCHOEN. Well? + +LULU. He takes me with him to Africa. + +SCHOEN. Africa? + +LULU. Why not? Didn't you make me a dancer just so that someone might +come and take me away with him? + +SCHOEN. But not to Africa, though! + +LULU. Then why didn't you let me fall quietly in a faint, and silently +thank heaven for it? + +SCHOEN. Because, more's the pity, I had no reason for believing in your +faint! + +LULU. (Making fun of him.) You couldn't bear it any longer out there? + +SCHOEN. Because I had to bring home to you what you are and to whom you +are not to look up. + +LULU. You were afraid, though, that my legs might have been seriously +injured? + +SCHOEN. I know too well you are indestructible. + +LULU. So you know that? + +SCHOEN. (Bursting out.) Don't look at me so impudently! + +LULU. No one is keeping you here. + +SCHOEN. I'm going as soon as the bell rings. + +LULU. As soon as you have the energy! Where is your energy? You have +been engaged three years. Why don't you marry? You recognize no +obstacles. Why do you want to put the blame on me? You ordered me to +marry Dr. Goll: I forced Dr. Goll to marry me. You ordered me to marry +the painter: I made the best of a bad bargain. Artists are your +creatures, princes your proteges. Why don't you marry? + +SCHOEN. (Raging.) Do you imagine =you= stand in the way? + +LULU. (From here to the end of the act triumphant.) If you knew how +happy your rage is making me! How proud I am that you should humble me +by every means in your power! You debase me as deep--as deep as a woman +can be debased, for you hope you can then jump over me easier. But you +have suffered unspeakably yourself from everything you just said to me. +I see it in you. Already you are near the end of your self-command. Go! +For your innocent fiancee's sake, leave me alone! One minute more, your +mood will change around and you'll make a scene with me of another +kind, that you can't answer for now. + +SCHOEN. I fear you no longer. + +LULU. Me? Fear yourself! I do not need you. I beg you to go! Don't give +me the blame. You know I don't need to faint to destroy your future. +You have unlimited confidence in my honorableness. You believe not only +that I'm an ensnaring daughter of Eve; you believe, too, that I'm a +very good-natured creature. I am neither the one nor the other. Your +misfortune is only that you think I am. + +SCHOEN. (Desperate.) Leave my thoughts alone! You have two men under the +sod. Take the prince, dance him into the earth! I am thru with you. I +know when the angel in you stops off and the devil begins. If I take +the world as it's made, the Creator must be responsible, not I! To me +life is not an amusement! + +LULU. And, therefore, you make claims on life greater than anyone can +make. Tell me, who of us two is more full of claims and demands, you or +I? + +SCHOEN. Be silent! I don't know how or what I think. When I hear you, I +don't think any more. In a week I'll be married. I conjure you, by the +angel that is in you, during that time come no more to my sight! + +LULU. I will lock my doors. + +SCHOEN. Go on and boast! God knows since I've been wrestling with the +world and with life I have cursed no one like you! + +LULU. That comes from my lowly origin. + +SCHOEN. From your depravity! + +LULU. With a thousand pleasures I take the blame on myself! You must +feel clean now; you must think yourself a model of austerity now, a +paragon of unflinching principle! Otherwise you could never marry the +child in her boundless inexperience-- + +SCHOEN. Do you want me to grab you and-- + +LULU. Yes! What must I say to make you? Not for the world would I +change with the innocent kid now! Tho the girl loves you as no woman +has ever loved you yet! + +SCHOEN. Silence, beast! Silence! + +LULU. Marry her--and then she'll dance in her childish wretchedness +before =my= eyes, instead of I before hers! + +SCHOEN. (Raising his fists.) God forgive me-- + +LULU. Strike me! Where is your riding-whip? Strike me on the legs-- + +SCHOEN. (Grasping his temples.) Away, away! (Rushes to the door, +recollects himself, turns around.) Can I go before the girl now, this +way? Home! + +LULU. Be a man! Look yourself in the face once:--you have no trace of a +conscience; you are frightened at no wickedness; in the most +cold-blooded way you mean to make the girl that loves you unhappy; you +conquer half the world; you do what you please;--and you know as well +as I that-- + +SCHOEN. (Sunk in the chair, right centre, utterly exhausted.) Stop! + +LULU. That you are too weak--to tear yourself away from me. + +SCHOEN. (Groaning.) Oh! Oh! You make me weep. + +LULU. This moment makes =me= I cannot tell you how glad. + +SCHOEN. My age! My position! + +LULU. He cries like a child--the terrible man of might! Now go so to +your bride and tell her what kind of a girl I am at heart--not a bit +jealous! + +SCHOEN. (Sobbing.) The child! The innocent child! + +LULU. How can the incarnate devil get so weak all of a sudden! But now +go, please. You are nothing more now to me. + +SCHOEN. I cannot go to her. + +LULU. Out with you. Come back to me when you have regained your +strength again. + +SCHOEN. Tell me in God's name what I must do. + +LULU. (Gets up; her cloak remains on the chair. Shoving aside the +costumes on the centre table.) Here is writing-paper-- + +SCHOEN. I can't write.... + +LULU. (Upright behind him, her arm on the back of his chair.) Write! +"My dear young lady...." + +SCHOEN. (Hesitating.) I call her Adelheid ... + +LULU. (With emphasis.) "My dear young lady ..." + +SCHOEN. My sentence of death! (He writes.) + +LULU. "Take back your promise. I cannot reconcile it with my +conscience--" (Schoen drops the pen and glances up at her entreatingly.) +Write conscience!--"to fasten you to my unhappy lot...." + +SCHOEN. (Writing.) You are right. You are right. + +LULU. "I give you my word that I am unworthy of your love--" (Schoen +turns round again.) Write love! "These lines are the proof of it. For +three years I have tried to tear myself loose; I have not the strength. +I am writing you by the side of the woman that commands me. Forget me. +Dr. Ludwig Schoen." + +SCHOEN. (Groaning.) O God! + +LULU. (Half startled.) No, no O God! (With emphasis.) "Dr. Ludwig +Schoen." Postscript: "Do not attempt to save me." + +SCHOEN. (Having written to the end, quite collapses.) Now--comes +the--execution. + +CURTAIN + + + + +ACT IV + + +_A splendid hall in German Renaissance style, with a thick floor of +oak-blocks. The lower half of the walls of dark carved wood; the upper +half on both sides hung with faded Gobelins. At rear, a curtained +gallery from which a monumental stair-case leads, right, half-way down +the stage. At centre, under the gallery, the entrance-door, with +twisted posts and pediment. At left, a high and spacious fire-place +with a Chinese folding screen before it. Further down, left, a French +window onto a balcony, with heavy curtains, closed. Down right, door +hung with Genoese velvet. Near it, a broad ottoman, with a chair on its +left. Behind, near the foot of the stairs, Lulu's Pierrot-picture on a +decorative stand and in a gold frame made to look antique. In the +centre of the hall, a heavy square table, with three high-backed +upholstered chairs round it and a vase of white flowers on it._ + +_Countess Geschwitz sits on the ottoman, in a soldier-like, fur-trimmed +waist, high, upright collar, enormous cuff-links, a veil over her face +and her hands clasped convulsively in her muff. Schoen stands down +right. Lulu, in a big-flowered morning-dress, her hair in a simple knot +in a golden circlet, sits in the arm-chair left of the ottoman._ + +GESCHWITZ. You can't think how glad I shall be to see you at our +artists' ball. (To Lulu.) + +SCHOEN. Is there no sort of possibility of a person like me smuggling +in? + +GESCHWITZ. It would be high treason if any of us lent herself to such +an intrigue. + +SCHOEN. (Crossing to the centre table, behind the ottoman.) The glorious +flowers! + +LULU. Fraeulein von Geschwitz brought me those. + +GESCHWITZ. Don't mention it. Oh, you'll be in man's costume, won't you? + +LULU. Do you think that becomes me? + +GESCHWITZ. You're a dream here. (Signifying the picture.) + +LULU. My husband doesn't like it. + +GESCHWITZ. Is it by a local man? + +LULU. You will hardly have known him. + +GESCHWITZ. No longer living? + +SCHOEN. (Down left, with a deep voice.) He had enough. + +LULU. You're in bad temper. (Schoen controls himself.) + +GESCHWITZ. (Getting up.) I must go, Mrs. Schoen. I can't stay any +longer. This evening we have life-class, and I have still so much to +get ready for the ball. Good-bye, Dr. Schoen. (Exit, up-stage. Lulu +accompanies her. Schoen looks around him.) + +SCHOEN. Pure Augean stable. That, the end of my life. They ought to show +me a corner that's still clean. The pest in the house. The poorest +day-laborer has his tidy nest. Thirty years' work, and this my family +circle, the circle of my people-- (Glancing round.) God knows who is +overhearing me again now! (Draws a revolver from his breast pocket.) +Man is, indeed, uncertain of his life! (The cocked revolver in his +right hand, he goes left and speaks at the closed window curtains.) +That, my family circle! The fellow still has courage! Shall I not +rather shoot =myself= in the head? Against deadly enemies one fights, +but the-- (Throws up the curtains, but finds no one hidden behind +them.) The dirt--the dirt.... (Shakes his head and crosses right.) +Insanity has already conquered my reason, or else--exceptions prove the +rule! (Hearing Lulu coming he puts the revolver back in his pocket. +Lulu comes down right.) + +LULU. Couldn't you get away for this afternoon? + +SCHOEN. Just what did that Countess want? + +LULU. I don't know. She wants to paint me. + +SCHOEN. Misfortune in human guise, that waits upon one. + +LULU. Couldn't you get away, then? I would so like to drive thru the +grounds with you. + +SCHOEN. Just the day when I must be at the exchange. You know that I'm +not free to-day. All my property is drifting on the waves. + +LULU. I'd sooner be dead and buried than let my life be embittered so +by my property. + +SCHOEN. Who takes life lightly does not take death hard. + +LULU. As a child I always had the most horrible fear of death. + +SCHOEN. That is just why I married you. + +LULU. (With her arms round his neck.) You're in bad humor. You give +yourself too much work. For weeks and months I've seen nothing of you. + +SCHOEN. (Stroking her hair.) Your light-heartedness should cheer up my +old days. + +LULU. Indeed, you didn't marry me at all. + +SCHOEN. Who else did I marry then? + +LULU. I married you! + +SCHOEN. How does that alter anything? + +LULU. I was always afraid it would alter a great deal. + +SCHOEN. It has, indeed, crushed a great deal underfoot. + +LULU. But not one thing, praise God! + +SCHOEN. Of that I should be covetous. + +LULU. Your love for me. (Schoen's face twitches, he signs to her to go +out in front of him. Both exeunt lower right. Countess Geschwitz +cautiously opens the rear door, ventures forth, and listens. Hearing +voices approaching in the gallery above her, she starts suddenly.) + +GESCHWITZ. Oh dear, there's somebody-- (Hides behind the fire-screen.) + +SCHIGOLCH. (Steps out from the curtains onto the stairs, turns back.) +Has the youngster left his heart behind him in the "Nightlight" cafe? + +RODRIGO. (Between the curtains.) He is still too small for the great +world, and can't walk so far on foot yet. (He disappears.) + +SCHIGOLCH. (Coming down the stairs.) God be thanked we're home again at +last! What damned skunk has waxed the stairs again? If I have to have +my joints set in plaster again before being called home, she can just +present me between the palms here to her relations as the Venus de' +Medici. Nothing but steep rocks and stumbling blocks! + +RODRIGO. (Comes down the stairs, carrying Hugenberg in his arms.) This +thing has a royal police-captain for a father and not as much courage +in his body as the raggedest hobo! + +HUGENBERG. If there was nothing more to it than life and death, then +you'd soon learn to know me! + +RODRIGO. Even with his lover's woe, little brother don't weigh more +than sixty kilos. I'll let myself be hung on that statement any time. + +SCHIGOLCH. Throw him up to the ceiling and catch him by the feet. +That'll whip his young blood into the proper rhythm right from the +start. + +HUGENBERG. (Kicking his legs.) Hooray, hooray, I shall be expelled from +school! + +RODRIGO. (Setting him down at the foot of the stairs.) You've never +been to any sensible school at all yet. + +SCHIGOLCH. Here many a man has already won his spurs. Only, no +timidity! First, I'll set before you a drop of what can't be had +anywhere for money. (Opens a cupboard under the stairs.) + +HUGENBERG. Now if she doesn't come dancing in on the instant, I'll +wallop you two so you'll still rub your tails in the hereafter. + +RODRIGO. (Seated left of the table.) The strongest man in the world +little brother will wallop! Let mamma put long trowsers on you first. +(Hugenberg sits opposite him.) + +HUGENBERG. I'd rather you lent me your mustache. + +RODRIGO. Maybe you want her to throw you out of the door straight off? + +HUGENBERG. If I only knew now what the devil I was going to say to her! + +RODRIGO. That she knows best herself. + +SCHIGOLCH. (Putting two bottles and three glasses on the table.) I +started in on one of them yesterday. (Fills the glasses.) + +RODRIGO. (Guarding Hugenberg's.) Don't give him too much, or we'll both +have to pay for it. + +SCHIGOLCH. (Supporting himself with both hands on the table-top.) Will +the gentlemen smoke? + +HUGENBERG. (Opening his cigarette case.) Havana-imported! + +RODRIGO. (Helping himself.) From papa police-captain? + +SCHIGOLCH. (Sitting.) Everything in the house is mine. You only need to +ask. + +HUGENBERG. I made a poem to her yesterday. + +RODRIGO. What did you make to her? + +SCHIGOLCH. What did he make to her? + +HUGENBERG. A poem. + +RODRIGO. (To Schigolch.) A poem. + +SCHIGOLCH. He's promised me a dollar if I can spy out where he can meet +her alone. + +HUGENBERG. Just who does live here? + +RODRIGO. Here =we= live! + +SCHIGOLCH. Jour fix--every stock-market day! Our health. (They clink.) + +HUGENBERG. Should I read it to her first, maybe? + +SCHIGOLCH. (To Rodrigo.) What's he mean? + +RODRIGO. His poem. He'd like to stretch her out and torture her a +little first. + +SCHIGOLCH. (Staring at Hugenberg.) His eyes! His eyes! + +RODRIGO. His eyes, yes. They've robbed her of sleep for a week. + +SCHIGOLCH. (To Rodrigo.) You can have yourself pickled. + +RODRIGO. We can both have ourselves pickled! Our health, gossip Death! + +SCHIGOLCH. (Clinking with him.) Health, jack-in-the-box! If it's still +better later on, I'm ready for departure at any moment; but--but-- +(Lulu enters right, in an elegant Parisian ball-dress, much decollete, +with flowers in breast and hair.) + +LULU. But children, children, I expect company! + +SCHIGOLCH. But I can tell you what, those things must cost something +over there! (Hugenberg has risen. Lulu sits on the arm of his chair.) + +LULU. You've fallen into pretty company! I expect visitors, children! + +SCHIGOLCH. I guess I've got to stick something in there, too. (He +searches among the flowers on the table.) + +LULU. Do I look well? + +SCHIGOLCH. What are those you've got there? + +LULU. Orchids. (Bending over Hugenberg.) Smell. + +RODRIGO. Do you expect Prince Escerny? + +LULU. (Shaking her head.) God forbid! + +RODRIGO. So somebody else again--! + +LULU. The prince has gone traveling. + +RODRIGO. To put his kingdom up for auction? + +LULU. He's spying out a fresh tribe in the neighborhood of Africa. +(Rises, hurries up the stairs, and steps into the gallery.) + +RODRIGO. (To Schigolch.) He wanted to marry her originally. + +SCHIGOLCH. (Sticking a lily in his button-hole.) I, too, wanted to +marry her originally. + +RODRIGO. You wanted to marry her originally? + +SCHIGOLCH. Didn't you, too, want to marry her originally? + +RODRIGO. You bet I wanted to marry her originally! + +SCHIGOLCH. Who has not wanted to marry her originally!! + +RODRIGO. I would never have got a better! + +SCHIGOLCH. She has let no one regret that he didn't marry her. + +RODRIGO. Then she's not your child? + +SCHIGOLCH. Never occurs to her. + +HUGENBERG. What is her father's name then? + +SCHIGOLCH. She has boasted of me! + +HUGENBERG. What is her father's name then? + +SCHIGOLCH. What's he say? + +RODRIGO. What her father's name is. + +SCHIGOLCH. She never had one. + +LULU. (Comes down from the gallery and sits again on Hugenberg's +chair-arm.) What have I never had? + +ALL THREE. A father. + +LULU. Yes, sure--I'm a wonder-child. (To Hugenberg.) How are you +getting along with your father? + +RODRIGO. He smokes a respectable cigar, anyway, the police-captain. + +SCHIGOLCH. Have you locked up upstairs? + +LULU. There is the key. + +SCHIGOLCH. Better have left it in the lock. + +LULU. Why? + +SCHIGOLCH. So no one can unlock it from outside. + +RODRIGO. Isn't he at the stock-exchange? + +LULU. Oh, yes, but he suffers from persecution-mania. + +RODRIGO. I take him by the feet, and yup!--there he stays sticking to +the roof. + +LULU. He hunts you into a mouse-hole with the corner of his eye. + +RODRIGO. What does he hunt? Who does he hunt? (Baring his arm.) Just +look at this biceps! + +LULU. Show me. (Goes left.) + +RODRIGO. (Hitting himself on the muscle.) Granite. Wrought-iron! + +LULU. (Feeling by turns Rodrigo's arm and her own.) If you only didn't +have such long ears-- + +FERDINAND. (Entering, rear-centre.) Doctor Schoen! + +RODRIGO. The rogue! (Jumps up, starts behind the fire-screen, +recoils.) God preserve me! (Hides, lower left, behind the curtains.) + +SCHIGOLCH. Give me the key! (Takes it and drags himself up the stairs.) + +LULU. (Hugenberg having slid under the table.) Show him in! + +HUGENBERG. (Under the front edge of the table-cloth, listening; to +himself.) If he doesn't stay--we'll be alone. + +LULU. (Poking him with her toe.) Sh! (Hugenberg disappears. Alva is +shown in by Ferdinand.) + +ALVA. (In evening dress.) Methinks the matinee will take place with +burning lamps. I've-- (Notices Schigolch painfully climbing the +stairs.) What the ---- is that? + +LULU. An old friend of your father's. + +ALVA. Wholly unknown to me. + +LULU. They were in the campaign together. He's awfully badly-- + +ALVA. Is my father here then? + +LULU. He drank a glass with him. He had to go to the stock market. +We'll have lunch before we go, won't we? + +ALVA. When does it begin? + +LULU. After two. (Alva still follows Schigolch with his eyes.) How do +you like me? (Schigolch disappears thru the gallery.) + +ALVA. Had I not better be silent to you on that point? + +LULU. I only mean my appearance. + +ALVA. Your dressmaker manifestly knows you better than I may permit +myself to know you. + +LULU. When I saw myself in the glass I could have wished to be a +man--my man!-- + +ALVA. You seem to envy your man the joy you offer to him. (Lulu is at +the right, Alva at the left, of the centre table. He regards her with +shy satisfaction. Ferdinand enters, rear, covers the table and lays two +plates, etc., a bottle of Pommery, and hors d' oeuvres.) Have you a +toothache? + +LULU. (Across to Alva.) Don't. + +FERDINAND. Doctor Schoen ...? + +ALVA. He seems so puckered-up and tearful to-day. + +FERDINAND. (Thru his teeth.) One is only a man after all. (Exit.) + +LULU. (When both are seated.) What I always think most highly of in you +is your firmness of character. You're so perfectly sure of yourself. +Even when you must have been afraid of quarreling with your father +about it, you always stood up for me like a brother just the same. + +ALVA. Let's drop that. It's just my fate-- (Moves to lift up the +table-cloth in front.) + +LULU. (Quickly.) That was me. + +ALVA. Impossible! It's just my fate, with the most frivolous ideas +always to seize on the best. + +LULU. You deceive yourself if you make yourself out worse than you are. + +ALVA. Why do you flatter me so? It is true that perhaps there is no man +living, so bad as I--who has brought about so much good. + +LULU. In any case you're the only man in the world who's protected me +without lowering me in my own eyes! + +ALVA. Do you think that so easy? (Schoen appears in the gallery +cautiously parting the hangings between the middle pillars. He starts, +and whispers, "My own son!") With gifts from God like yours, one turns +those around one to criminals without ever dreaming of it. I, too, am +only flesh and blood, and if we hadn't grown up with each other like +brother and sister-- + +LULU. That's why, too, I give myself to you alone quite without +reserve. From you I have nothing to fear. + +ALVA. I assure you there are moments when one expects to see one's +whole inner self cave in. The more self-restraint a man loads onto +himself, the easier he breaks down. Nothing will save him from that +except-- (Stops to look under the table.) + +LULU. (Quickly.) What are you looking for? + +ALVA. I conjure you, let me keep my confession of faith to myself! As +an inviolable sanctity you were more to me than with all your gifts you +could be to anyone else in your life! + +LULU. How do you come to think on that so entirely differently from +your father? (Ferdinand enters, rear, changes the plates and serves +broiled chicken with salad.) + +ALVA. (To him.) Are you sick? + +LULU. (To Alva.) Let him be! + +ALVA. He's trembling as if he had fever. + +FERDINAND. I am not yet so used to waiting ... + +ALVA. You must have something prescribed for you. + +FERDINAND. (Thru his teeth.) I'm a coachman usually-- (Exit.) + +SCHOEN. (Whispering from the gallery.) So, he too. (Seats himself behind +the rail, able to cover himself with the hangings.) + +LULU. What sort of moments are those of which you spoke, where one +expects to see his whole inner self tumble in? + +ALVA. I =didn't want= to speak of them. I should not like to lose, in +joking over a glass of champagne, what has been my highest happiness +for ten years. + +LULU. I have hurt you. I won't begin on that again. + +ALVA. Do you promise me that for always? + +LULU. My hand on it. (Gives him her hand across the table. Alva takes +it hesitatingly, grips it in his, and presses it long and ardently to +his lips.) What are you doing. (Rodrigo sticks his head out from the +curtains, left. Lulu darts an angry look at him across Alva, and he +draws back.) + +SCHOEN. (Whispering from the gallery.) And there is still another! + +ALVA. (Holding the hand.) A soul--that in the hereafter rubs the sleep +out of its eyes.... Oh, this hand.... + +LULU. (Innocently.) What do you find in it?... + +ALVA. An arm.... + +LULU. What do you find in it?... + +ALVA. A body..... + +LULU. (Guilelessly.) What do you find in it?... + +ALVA. (Stirred up.) Mignon! + +LULU. (Wholly ingenuously.) What do you find in it?... + +ALVA. (Passionately.) Mignon! Mignon! + +LULU. (Throws herself on the ottoman.) Don't look at me so--for God's +sake! Let us go before it is too late. You're an infamous wretch! + +ALVA. I told you, didn't I, I was the basest villain. + +LULU. I see that! + +ALVA. I have no sense of honor, no pride.... + +LULU. You think I am your equal! + +ALVA. You?--you are as heavenly high above me as--as the sun is over +the abyss! (Kneeling.) Destroy me! I beg you, put an end to me! Put an +end to me! + +LULU. Do you =love= me then? + +ALVA. I will pay you with everything that was mine! + +LULU. Do you love me? + +ALVA. Do you love me--Mignon? + +LULU. I? Not a soul. + +ALVA. I love you. (Hides his face in her lap.) + +LULU. (Both hands in his hair.) I poisoned your mother-- (Rodrigo +sticks his head out from the curtains, left, sees Schoen sitting in the +gallery and signs to him to watch Lulu and Alva. Schoen points his +revolver at Rodrigo; Rodrigo signs to him to point it at Alva. Schoen +cocks the revolver and takes aim. Rodrigo draws back behind the +curtains. Lulu sees him draw back, sees Schoen sitting in the gallery, +and gets up.) His father! (Schoen rises, lets the hangings fall before +him. Alva remains motionless on his knees. Pause.) + +SCHOEN. (Holding a paper in his hand, takes Alva by the shoulder.) Alva! +(Alva gets up as though drunk with sleep.) A revolution has broken out +in Paris. + +ALVA. To Paris ... let me go to Paris-- + +SCHOEN. In the editors' room they're beating their heads against the +wall. No one knows what he ought to write. (He unfolds the paper and +accompanies Alva out, rear. Rodrigo rushes out from the curtains toward +the stairs.) + +LULU. (Barring his way.) You can't get out here. + +RODRIGO. Let me through! + +LULU. You'll run into his arms. + +RODRIGO. He'll shoot me thru the head! + +LULU. He's coming. + +RODRIGO. (Stumbling back.) Devil, death and demons! (Lifts the +table-cloth.) + +HUGENBERG. No room! + +RODRIGO. Damned and done for! (Looks around and hides in the door-way, +right.) + +SCHOEN. (Comes in, centre; locks the door; and goes, revolver in hand, +to the window down left, of which he throws up the curtains.) Where is +=he= gone? + +LULU. (On the lowest step.) Out. + +SCHOEN. Down over the balcony? + +LULU. He's an acrobat. + +SCHOEN. That could not be foreseen. (Turning against Lulu.) You who drag +me thru the muck of the streets to a tortured death! + +LULU. Why did you not bring me up better? + +SCHOEN. You destroying angel! You inexorable fate! To be a murderer +without drowning in filth; to take me on board like a released convict, +or hang me up over the morass! You joy of my old age! You hangman's +noose! + +LULU. (In cold blood.) Oh, shut up, and kill me! + +SCHOEN. Everything I possess I have made over to you, and asked nothing +but the respect that every servant pays to my house. Your credit is +exhausted! + +LULU. I can answer for my reckoning still for years. (Coming forward +from the stairs.) How do you like my new gown? + +SCHOEN. Away with you, or my brains will give way to-morrow and my son +swim in his own blood! You infect me like an incurable pest in which I +shall groan away the rest of my life. I =will= cure myself! Do you +understand? (Pressing the revolver on her.) This is your physic. Don't +break down; don't kneel! You yourself shall apply it. You or I--which +is the weaker? (Lulu, her strength threatening to desert her, has sunk +down on the couch. Turning the revolver this way and that.) + +LULU. It doesn't go off. + +SCHOEN. Do you still remember how I tore you out of the clutches of the +police? + +LULU. You have much confidence-- + +SCHOEN. Because I'm not afraid of a street-girl? Shall I guide your hand +for you? Have you no mercy towards yourself? (Lulu points the revolver +at him.) No false alarms! (Lulu fires a shot into the ceiling. Rodrigo +springs out of the portieres, up the stairs and away thru the gallery.) +What was that? + +LULU. (Innocently.) Nothing. + +SCHOEN. (Lifting the portieres.) What flew out of here? + +LULU. You're suffering from persecution-mania. + +SCHOEN. Have you got still more men hidden here? (Tearing the revolver +from her.) Is yet another man calling on you? (Going left.) I'll regale +your men! (Throws up the window curtains, flings the fire-screen back, +grabs Countess Geschwitz by the collar and drags her forward.) Did you +come down the chimney? + +GESCHWITZ. (In deadly terror, to Lulu.) Save me from him! + +SCHOEN. (Shaking her.) Or are you, too, an acrobat? + +GESCHWITZ. (Whimpering.) You hurt me. + +SCHOEN. (Shaking her.) Now you will =have= to stay to dinner. (Drags her +right, shoves her into the next room and locks the door after her.) We +want no town-criers. (Sits next Lulu and makes her take the revolver +again.) There's still enough for you in it. Look at me! I cannot assist +the coachman in my house to decorate my forehead for me. Look at me! I +pay my coachman. Look at me! Am I doing the coachman a favor when I +can't stand the stable-stench? + +LULU. Have the carriage got ready! Please! We're going to the opera. + +SCHOEN. We're going to the devil! Now I am coachman. (Turning the +revolver in her hand from himself to Lulu's breast.) Think you we let +ourselves be mistreated as you mistreat me, and hesitate between a +galley-slave's shame at the end of life and the merit of freeing the +world of =you=? (Holds her down by the arm.) Come, get through. It will +be the gladdest remembrance of my life. Pull the trigger! + +LULU. You can get a divorce. + +SCHOEN. Only that was left! In order that to-morrow the next man may +find his pastime where I have shuddered from cleft to chasm, suicide +upon me and =thou= before me! You dare suggest that? That part of my +life I have poured into you I am to see thrown before wild beasts? Do +you see your bed with the sacrifice--the victim--on it? The boy is +homesick for you. Did you let yourself be divorced? You trod him under +your feet, knocked out his brains, caught up his blood in gold-pieces. +I let myself be divorced? =Can= one be divorced when two people have +grown into each other and half the man must go, too? (Reaching for the +revolver.) Give it here! + +LULU. Don't! + +SCHOEN. I'll spare you the trouble. + +LULU. (Tears herself loose, holding the revolver down; in a determined, +self-possessed tone.) If men have killed themselves for my sake, that +doesn't lower my value. You know as well why you made me your wife as I +knew why I took you for husband. You had deceived your best friends +with me; you could not well go on deceiving yourself with me. If you +bring me the close of your life as a sacrifice, still you have had my +whole youth for it. You understand ten times better than I do which is +the more valuable. I have never in the world wished to seem to be +anything different from what I am taken for, and I have never in the +world been taken for anything different from what I am. You want to +force me to fire a bullet into my heart. I'm not sixteen any more, but +to fire a bullet in my heart I am still much too young! + +SCHOEN. (Pursuing her.) Down, murderess! Down with you! To your knees, +murderess! (Crowding her to the foot of the stairs.) Down, and never +dare to stand again! (Raising his hand. Lulu has sunk to her knees.) +Pray to God, murderess, that he give you strength. Sue to heaven that +strength for it may be lent you! (Hugenberg jumps up from under the +table, knocking a chair aside, and screams "Help!" Schoen whirls toward +him, turning his back to Lulu who instantly fires five shots into him +and continues to pull the trigger. Schoen, tottering over, is caught by +Hugenberg and let down in the chair.) + +SCHOEN. And--there--is--one--more-- + +LULU. (Rushing to Schoen.) All merciful--! + +SCHOEN. Out of my sight! Alva! + +LULU. (Kneeling.) The one man I loved! + +SCHOEN. Harlot! Murderess! Alva! Alva! Water! + +LULU. Water; he's thirsty. (Fills a glass with champagne and sets it to +Schoen's lips. Alva comes thru the gallery, down the stairs.) + +ALVA. Father! O God, my father! + +LULU. I shot him. + +HUGENBERG. She is innocent! + +SCHOEN. (To Alva.) You! It miscarried. + +ALVA. (Tries to lift him.) You must go to bed; come. + +SCHOEN. Don't take me so! I'm drying up. (Lulu comes with the +champagne-cup; to her.) You are still like yourself. (After drinking.) +Don't let her escape. (To Alva.) You are the next. + +ALVA. (To Hugenberg.) Help me carry him to bed. + +SCHOEN. No, no, please, no. Wine, murderess-- + +ALVA. (To Hugenberg.) Take him up that side. (Pointing right.) Into the +bed-room. (They lift Schoen upright and lead him right. Lulu stays near +the table, the glass in her hand.) + +SCHOEN. (Groaning.) O God! O God! O God! (Alva finds the door locked, +turns the key and opens it. Countess Geschwitz steps out. Schoen at the +sight of her straighten up, stiffly.) The Devil. (He falls backward +onto the carpet. Lulu throws herself down, takes his head in her lap, +and kisses him.) + +LULU. He has got over it. (Gets up and starts toward the stairs.) + +ALVA. Don't stir! + +GESCHWITZ. I thought it was you. + +LULU. (Throwing herself before Alva.) You can't give me up to the law! +It is =my= head that is struck off. I shot him because he was about to +shoot me. I have loved nobody in the world but him! Alva, demand what +you will, only don't let me fall into the hands of justice. Take pity +on me. I am still young. I will be true to you as long as I live. I +will belong only to you. Look at me, Alva. Man, look at me! Look at +me!! (Knocking on the door outside.) + +ALVA. The police. (Goes to open it.) + +HUGENBERG. I shall be expelled from school. + +CURTAIN + + + + +[ Transcriber's Note: +The following is a list of corrections made to the original. The first +line is the original line, the second the corrected one. + +forhead.) God in Heaven! The world is strange to me--! +forehead.) God in Heaven! The world is strange to me--! + +SCHIGOLCH. That doesn't help me-- Does he drink? +SCHIGOLCH. That doesn't help me--Does he drink? + +hoping for winter. Perhaps then my (coughing)--my--my asthma will +hoping for winter. Perhaps then my (coughing) --my--my asthma will + +LULU. (Steals toward the door; but Schoen holds her.)-- +LULU. (Steals toward the door; but Schoen holds her.) -- + +ALVA. Oh, God-- I saw in you something so infinitely far above me. I had +ALVA. Oh, God--I saw in you something so infinitely far above me. I had + +ESCERNY. (Getting up too). What's the matter? (The electric bell goes +ESCERNY. (Getting up too.) What's the matter? (The electric bell goes + +"My dear young lady.. .." +"My dear young lady...." +] + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Erdgeist (Earth-Spirit), by Frank Wedekind + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ERDGEIST (EARTH-SPIRIT) *** + +***** This file should be named 29682.txt or 29682.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/9/6/8/29682/ + +Produced by Michael Roe, Alexander Bauer and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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