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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: Prince Hagen + +Author: Upton Sinclair + +Release Date: February 21, 2009 [EBook #3303] +Last Updated: January 9, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRINCE HAGEN *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Franks, the Online Distributed Proofreading team, +and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + PRINCE HAGEN + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Upton Sinclair + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Contents + </h3> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> ACT I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> ACT II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> ACT III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> ACT IV </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + CHARACTERS (In order of appearance) + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Gerald Isman: a poet. + Mimi: a Nibelung. + Alberich: King of the Nibelungs. + Prince Hagen: his grandson. + Mrs. Isman. + Hicks: a butler. + Mrs. Bagley-Willis: mistress of Society. + John Isman: a railroad magnate. + Estelle Isman: his daughter. + Plimpton: the coal baron. + Rutherford: lord of steel. + De Wiggleston Riggs: cotillon leader. + Lord Alderdyce: seeing America. + Calkins: Prince Hagen's secretary. + Nibelungs: members of Society. + </pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ACT I + SCENE I. Gerald Isman's tent in Quebec. + + SCENE 2. The Hall of State in Nibelheim. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ACT II + Library in the Isman home on Fifth Avenue: two years later. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ACT III + Conservatory of Prince Hagen's palace on Fifth Avenue. The wind-up + of the opening ball: four months later. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ACT IV + Living room in the Isman camp in Quebec: three months later. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT I + </h2> + <p> + SCENE I + </p> + <p> + [Shows a primeval forest, with great trees, thickets in background, and + moss and ferns underfoot. A set in the foreground. To the left is a tent, + about ten feet square, with a fly. The front and sides are rolled up, + showing a rubber blanket spread, with bedding upon it; a rough stand, with + books and some canned goods, a rifle, a fishing-rod, etc. Toward centre is + a trench with the remains of a fire smoldering in it, and a frying pan and + some soiled dishes beside it. There is a log, used as a seat, and near it + are several books, a bound volume of music lying open, and a violin case + with violin. To the right is a rocky wall, with a cleft suggesting a + grotto.] + </p> + <p> + [At rise: GERALD pottering about his fire, which is burning badly, mainly + because he is giving most of his attention to a bound volume of music + which he has open. He is a young man of twenty-two, with wavy auburn hair; + wears old corduroy trousers and a grey flannel shirt, open at the throat. + He stirs the fire, then takes violin and plays the Nibelung theme with + gusto.] + </p> + <p> + GERALD. A plague on that fire! I think I'll make my supper on prunes and + crackers to-night! + </p> + <p> + [Plays again.] + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [Enters left, disguised as a pack-peddler; a little wizened up man, + with long, unkempt grey hair and beard, and a heavy bundle on his back.] + Good evening, sir! + </p> + <p> + GERALD. [Starts.] Hello! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Good evening! + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Why... who are you? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Can you tell me how I find the road, sir? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Where do you want to go? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. To the railroad. + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Oh, I see! You got lost? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Yes, sir. + </p> + <p> + GERALD. [Points.] You should have turned to the right down where the roads + cross. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Oh. That's it! + </p> + <p> + [Puts down burden and sighs.] + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Are you expecting to get to the railroad to-night? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Yes, sir. + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Humph! You'll find it hard going. Better rest. [Looks him over, + curiously.] What are you—a peddler? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. I sell things. Nice things, sir. You buy? + </p> + <p> + [Starts to open pack.] + </p> + <p> + GERALD. No. I don't want anything. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [Gazing about.] You live here all alone? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Yes... all alone. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [Looking of left.] Who lives in the big house? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. That's my father's camp. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Humph! Nobody in there? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. The family hasn't come up yet. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Why don't you live there? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. I'm camping out—I prefer the tent. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Humph! Who's your father? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. John Isman's his name. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Rich man, hey? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Why... yes. Fairly so. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. I see people here last year. + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Oh! You've been here before? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Yes. I been here. I see young lady. Very beautiful! + </p> + <p> + GERALD. That's my sister, I guess. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Your sister. What you call her? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Her name's Estelle. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Estelle! And what's your name? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. I'm Gerald Isman. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Humph! [Looking about, sees violin.] You play music, hey? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Yes. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. You play so very bad? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. [Laughs.] Why... what makes you think that? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. You come 'way off by yourself! + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Oh! I see! No... I like to be alone. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. I hear you playing... nice tune. + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Yes. You like music? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Sometimes. You play little quick tune... so? + </p> + <p> + [Hums.] + </p> + <p> + GERALD. [Plays Nibelung theme.] This? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [Eagerly.] Yes. Where you learn that? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. That's the Nibelung music. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Nibelung music! Where you hear it? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Why... it's in an opera. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. An opera? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. It's by a composer named Wagner. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Where he hear it? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. [Laughs.] Why... I guess he made it up. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. What's it about? Hey? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. It's about the Nibelungs. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Nibelungs? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Queer little people who live down inside the earth, and spend all + their time digging for gold. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Ha! You believe in such people? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. [Amused.] Why... I don't know... + </p> + <p> + MIMI. You ever see them? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. No... but the poets tell us they exist. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. The poets, hey? What they tell you about them? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Well, they have great rocky caverns, down in the depths of the + earth. And they have treasures of gold... whole caves of it. And they're + very cunning smiths... they make all sorts of beautiful golden vessels and + trinkets. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Trinkets, hey! [Reaches into bundle.] Like this, hey? + </p> + <p> + [Holds up a gold cup.] + </p> + <p> + GERALD. [Surprised.] Oh! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Or this, hey? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Why... where did you get such things? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Ha, ha! You don't know what I got! + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Let me see them. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. You think the Nibelungs can beat that, hey? [Reaches into bag.] + Maybe I sell you this cap! [Takes out a little cap of woven gold chains.] + A magic cap, hey? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. [Astounded.] Why... what is it? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [Puts it on his head.] You wear it... so. And you play Nibelung + music, and you vanish from sight... nobody finds you. Or I sell you the + magic ring... you wear that... [Hands it to GERALD.] Put it on your + finger... so. Now you play, and the Nibelungs come... they dance about in + the woods... they bring you gold treasures... ha, ha, ha! [Amused at + GERALD's perplexity.] What you think they look like, hey?... those + Nibelungs! + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Why... I don't know... + </p> + <p> + MIMI. What do your poets tell you? ha? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Why... they're little men... with long hair and funny clothes... + and humpbacked. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Look like me, hey? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. [Embarrassed.] Why... yes... in a way. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. What are their names? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Their names? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Yes... what ones do you know about? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Well, there was Alberich, the king. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Alberich! + </p> + <p> + GERALD. He was the one who found the Rheingold. And then there was Hagen, + his son. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Hagen! + </p> + <p> + GERALD. He killed the hero, Siegfried. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Yes, yes! + </p> + <p> + GERALD. And then there was Mimi. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Ah! Mimi! + </p> + <p> + GERALD. He was a very famous smith. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [Eagerly.] You know all about them! Somebody has been there! + </p> + <p> + GERALD. What do you mean? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Would you like to see those Nibelungs? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. [Laughing.] Why... I wouldn't mind. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. You would like to see them dancing in the moonlight, and hear the + clatter of their trinkets and shields? You would like to meet old King + Alberich, and Mimi the smith? You would like to see that cavern yawn + open... [points to right] and fire and steam break forth, and all the + Nibelungs come running out? Would you like that? ha? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Indeed I would! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. You wouldn't be afraid? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. No, I don't think so. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. But are you sure? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Yes... sure! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. All right! You wear my magic ring! You wait till night comes! Then + you play! [Puts away trinkets.] I must go now. + </p> + <p> + GERALD. [Perplexed.] What do you want for your ring? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. It is not for sale. I give it. + </p> + <p> + GERALD. What! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Money could not buy it. [Takes up pack.] I came to you because you + play that music. + </p> + <p> + GERALD. But I can't... it... + </p> + <p> + MIMI. It is yours... you are a poet! [Starts left.] Is this the way? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Yes. But I don't like to... + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Keep it! You will see! Good-bye! + </p> + <p> + GERALD. But wait! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. It is late. I must go. Good-night. + </p> + <p> + [Exit left.] + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Good-night. [Stands staring.] Well, I'll be switched! If that + wasn't a queer old customer! [Looks at ring.] It feels like real gold! + [Peers after MIMI.] What in the world did he mean, anyhow? The magic ring! + I hope he doesn't get lost in those woods to-night. [Turns to fire.] + Confound that fire! It's out for good now! Let it go. [Sits, and takes + music score.] Nibelungs! They are realer than anybody guesses. People who + spend their lives in digging for gold, and know and care about nothing + else. How many of them I've met at mother's dinner parties! Well, I must + get to my work now. [Makes a few notes; then looks up and stretches.] Ah, + me! I don't know what makes me so lazy this evening. This strange + heaviness! There seems to be a spell on me. [Gazes about.] How beautiful + these woods are at sunset! If I were a Nibelung, I'd come here for + certain! [Settles himself, reclining; shadows begin to fall; music from + orchestra.] I'm good for nothing but dreaming... I wish Estelle were here + to sing to me! How magical the twilight is! Estelle! Estelle! + </p> + <p> + [He lies motionless; music dies away, and there is a long silence. The + forest is dark, with gleams of moonlight. Suddenly there is a faint note + of music... the Nibelung theme. After a silence it is repeated; then + again. Several instruments take it up. It swells louder. Vague forms are + seen flitting here and there. Shadows move.] + </p> + <p> + GERALD. [Starting up suddenly.] What's that? [Silence; then the note is + heard again, very faint. He starts. It is heard again, and he springs to + his feet.] What's that? [Again and again. He runs to his violin, picks it + up, and stares at it. Still the notes are heard, and he puts down the + violin, and runs down stage, listening.] Why, what can it mean? [As the + music grows louder his perplexity and alarm increase. Suddenly he sees a + figure stealing through the shadows, and he springs back, aghast.] Why, + it's a Nibelung! [Another figure passes.] Oh! I must be dreaming! [Several + more appear.] Nibelungs! Why, it's absurd! Wake up, man! You're going + crazy! [Music swells louder; figures appear, carrying gold shields, + chains, etc., with clatter.] My God! + </p> + <p> + [He stands with hands clasped to his forehead, while the uproar swells + louder and louder, and the forms become more numerous. He rushes down + stage, and the Nibelungs surround him, dancing about him in wild career, + laughing, screaming, jeering. They begin to pinch his legs behind his + back, and he leaps here and there, crying out. Gradually they drive him + toward the grotto, which opens before them, revealing a black chasm, + emitting clouds of steam. They rush in and are enveloped in the mist. + Sounds of falling and crashing are heard. The steam spreads, gradually + veiling the front of the stage.] + </p> + <p> + [Nets rise with the steam, giving the effect of a descent. During this + change the orchestra plays the music between Scenes II and III in Das + Rheingold.] + </p> + <h2> + SCENE II + </h2> + <p> + [Nibelheim: a vast rocky cavern. Right centre is a large gold throne, and + to the right of that an entrance through a great tunnel. Entrances from + the sides also. At the left is a large golden vase upon a stand, and near + it lie piles of golden utensils, shields, etc. Left centre is a heavy iron + door, opening into a vault. Throughout this scene there is a suggestion of + music, rising into full orchestra at significant moments. The voices of + the Nibelungs are accompanied by stopped trumpets and other weird sounds.] + </p> + <p> + [At rise: The stage is dark. A faint light spreads. A company of Nibelungs + crosses from right to left, carrying trinkets and treasures. Clatter of + shields, crack of whips, music, etc. Another company of Nibelungs runs in + left.] + </p> + <p> + FIRST NIB. [Entering.] The earth-man has come! + </p> + <p> + SECOND NIB. Where is he? + </p> + <p> + FIRST NIB. He is with Mimi! + </p> + <p> + SECOND NIB. What is he like? + </p> + <p> + FIRST NIB. He is big! [With a gesture of fright.] Terrible! + </p> + <p> + THIRD NIB. Ah! + </p> + <p> + SECOND NIB. And the king? Does he know? + </p> + <p> + FIRST NIB. He has been told. + </p> + <p> + THIRD NIB. Where is the king? + </p> + <p> + FIRST NIB. He comes! He comes! + </p> + <p> + [The orchestra plays the Fasolt and Fafnir music, Rheingold, Scene II.] + </p> + <p> + [Enter a company of Nibelungs, armed with whips, and marching with a + stately tread. They post themselves about the apartment. Enter another + company supporting KING ALBERICH. He is grey-haired and very feeble, but + ferocious-looking, and somewhat taller than the others. His robe is lined + with ermine, and he carries a gold Nibelung whip—a short handle of + gold, with leather thongs. He seats himself upon the throne, and all make + obeisance. A solemn pause.] + </p> + <p> + ALBERICH. The earth-man has come? + </p> + <p> + FIRST NIB. Yes, your majesty! + </p> + <p> + ALB. Where is Mimi? + </p> + <p> + ALL. Mimi! Mimi! + </p> + <p> + [The call is repeated off.] + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [Enters left.] Your majesty. + </p> + <p> + ALB. Where is the earth-man? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. He is safe, your majesty. + </p> + <p> + ALB. Did he resist? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. I have brought him, your majesty. + </p> + <p> + ALB. And Prince Hagen? Has he come? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. He is without, your majesty. + </p> + <p> + ALB. Let him be brought in. + </p> + <p> + [All cry out in terror.] + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Your majesty. He is wild! He fights with everyone! He... + </p> + <p> + ALB. Let him be brought in. + </p> + <p> + ALL. Prince Hagen! Prince Hagen! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [Calling.] Prince Hagen! + </p> + <p> + [Some run out. The call is heard off All stand waiting in tense + expectation. The music plays the Hagen motives, with suggestions of the + Siegfried funeral march. Voices are heard in the distance, and at the + climax of the music PRINCE HAGEN and his keepers enter. He is small for a + man, but larger than any of the Nibelungs; a grim, sinister figure, with + black hair, and a glowering look. His hands are chained in front of him, + and eight Nibelungs march as a guard. He has bare arms and limbs, and a + rough black bearskin flung over his shoulders. He enters right, and stands + glaring from one to another.] + </p> + <p> + ALB. Good evening, Hagen. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [After a pause.] Well? + </p> + <p> + ALB. [Hesitating.] Hagen, you are still angry and rebellious? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I am! + </p> + <p> + ALB. [Pleading.] Hagen, you are my grandson. You are my sole heir... the + only representative of my line. You are all that I have in the world! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Well? + </p> + <p> + ALB. You place me in such a trying position! Have you no shame... no + conscience? Why, some day you will be king... and one cannot keep a king + in chains! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I do not want to be in chains! + </p> + <p> + ALB. But, Hagen, your conduct is such... what can I do? You have robbed... + you have threatened murder! And you... my grandson and my heir... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Have you sent for me to preach at me again? + </p> + <p> + ALB. Hagen, this stranger... he has come to visit us from the world above. + These earth-men know more than we... they have greater powers... + </p> + <p> + [He hesitates.] + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. What is all that to me? + </p> + <p> + ALB. You know that you yourself are three-quarters an earth-man... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I know it. [With a passionate gesture.] But I am in chains! + </p> + <p> + ALB. There may be a way of your having another chance. Perhaps this + stranger will teach you. If you will promise to obey him, he will stay + with you... he will be your tutor, and show you the ways of the earth-men. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. No! + </p> + <p> + ALB. What? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I will not have it! + </p> + <p> + ALB. Hagen! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I will not have it, I say! Why did you not consult me? + </p> + <p> + ALB. But what is your objection... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I will not obey an earth-man! I will not obey anyone! + </p> + <p> + ALB. But he will teach you... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I do not want to be taught. I want to be let alone! Take off these + chains! + </p> + <p> + ALB. [Half rising.] Hagen! I insist... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Take them off, I say! You cannot conquer me... you cannot trick me! + </p> + <p> + ALB. [Angrily.] Take him away! + </p> + <p> + [The Nibelungs seize hold of him to hustle him off.] + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I will not obey him! Mark what I say... I will kill him. Yes! I + will kill him! + </p> + <p> + [He is dragged off protesting.] + </p> + <p> + ALB. [Sits, his head bowed with grief, until the uproar dies away; then, + looking up.] Mimi! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Yes, your majesty. + </p> + <p> + ALB. Let the earth-man be brought. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Yes, your majesty! + </p> + <p> + ALL. The earth-man! The earth-man! + </p> + <p> + [The call is heard as before. GERALD is brought on; the orchestra plays a + beautiful melody, violins and horns. MIMI moves left to meet him.] + </p> + <p> + GERALD. [Enters left with attendants; hesitating, gazing about in wonder. + He sees MIMI, and stops; a pause.] The pack peddler! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. The pack peddler! + </p> + <p> + GER. And these are Nibelungs? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. You call us that. + </p> + <p> + GER. [Laughing nervously.] You... er... it's a little disconcerting, you + know. I had no idea you existed. May I ask your name? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. I am Mimi. + </p> + <p> + GER. Mimi! Mimi, the smith? And may I ask... are you real, or is this a + dream? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Is not life a dream? + </p> + <p> + GER. Yes... but... + </p> + <p> + MIMI. It is a story. You have to pretend that it is true. + </p> + <p> + GER. I see! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. You pretend that it is true... and then you see what happens! It is + very interesting! + </p> + <p> + GER. Yes... I have no doubt. [Peers at him.] And just to help me + straighten things out... would you mind telling me... are you old or + young? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. I am young. + </p> + <p> + GER. How young? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Nine hundred years young. + </p> + <p> + GER. Oh! And why did you come for me? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. The king commanded it. + </p> + <p> + GER. The king? And who may this king be? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. King Alberich. + </p> + <p> + GER. Alberich. [Stares at the king.] And is this he? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. It is he. + </p> + <p> + GER. And may I speak to him? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. You may. + </p> + <p> + ALB. Let the earth-man advance. Hail! + </p> + <p> + GER. Good evening, Alberich. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [At his elbow.] Your majesty! + </p> + <p> + GER. Good evening, your majesty. + </p> + <p> + ALB. [After along gaze.] You play our music. Where did you learn it? + </p> + <p> + GER. Why... it's in Wagner's operas. He composed it. + </p> + <p> + ALB. Humph... composed it! + </p> + <p> + GER. [Aghast.] You mean he came and copied it! + </p> + <p> + ALB. Of course! + </p> + <p> + GER. Why... why... we all thought it was original! + </p> + <p> + ALB. Original! It is indeed wonderful originality! To listen in the + Rhine-depths to the song of the maidens, to dwell in the forest and steal + its murmurs, to catch the crackling of the fire and the flowing of the + water, the galloping of the wind and the death march of the thunder... and + then write it all down for your own! To take our story and tell it just as + it happened... to take the very words from our lips, and sign your name to + them! Originality! + </p> + <p> + GER. But, your majesty, one thing at least. Even his enemies granted him + that! He invented the invisible orchestra! + </p> + <p> + ALB. [Laughing.] Have you seen any orchestra here? + </p> + <p> + [Siegfried motive sounds.] + </p> + <p> + GER. I hadn't realized it! Do you mean that everything here happens to + music? + </p> + <p> + ALB. If you only had the ears to hear, you would know that the whole world + happens to music. + </p> + <p> + GER. [Stands entranced.] Listen! Listen! + </p> + <p> + ALB. It is very monotonous, when one is digging out the gold. It keeps up + such a wheezing, and pounding. + </p> + <p> + [Stopped trumpets from orchestra.] + </p> + <p> + GER. Ah, don't speak of such things! [Gazes about; sees cup.] What is + this? + </p> + <p> + ALB. That is the coronation cup. + </p> + <p> + GER. The coronation cup? + </p> + <p> + ALB. One of the greatest of our treasures. It is worth over four hundred + thousand dollars. It is the work of the elder Mimi, a most wonderful + smith. + </p> + <p> + GER. [Advancing.] May I look at it? + </p> + <p> + ALB. You will observe the design of the Rhine maidens. + </p> + <p> + GER. I can't see it here. It's too dark. Let me have a candle. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. A candle? + </p> + <p> + ALL. A candle! + </p> + <p> + ALB. My dear sir! Candles are so expensive! And why do you want to see it? + We never look at our art treasures. + </p> + <p> + GER. Never look at them! + </p> + <p> + ALB. No. We know what they are worth, and everyone else knows; and what + difference does it make how they look? + </p> + <p> + GER. Oh, I see! + </p> + <p> + ALB. Perhaps you would like to see our vaults of gold? [Great excitement + among the Nibelungs. The music makes a furious uproar. ALBERICH gives a + great key to MIMI, who opens the iron doors.] Approach, sir. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Hear the echoes. [Shouts.] + </p> + <p> + GER. It must be a vast place! + </p> + <p> + ALB. This particular cavern runs for seventeen miles under the earth. + </p> + <p> + GER. What! And you mean it is all full of gold? + </p> + <p> + ALB. From floor to roof with solid masses of it. + </p> + <p> + GER. Incredible! Is it all of the Nibelung treasure? + </p> + <p> + ALB. All? Mercy, no! This is simply my own, and I am by no means a rich + man. The extent of some of our modern fortunes would simply exceed your + belief. We live in an age of enormous productivity. [After a pause.] Will + you see more of the vault? + </p> + <p> + GER. No, I thank you. [They close it.] It must be getting late; and, by + the way, your majesty, you know that no one has told me yet why you had me + brought here. + </p> + <p> + ALB. Ah, yes, sure enough. We have business to talk about. Let us get to + it! [To MIMI.] Let the hall be cleared. [MIMI drives out the Nibelungs and + retires.] Sit on this rock here beside me. [Confidentially.] Now we can + talk things over. I trust you are willing to listen to me. + </p> + <p> + GER. Most certainly. I am very much interested. + </p> + <p> + ALB. Thank you. You know, my dear sir, that I had a son, Hagen, who was + the slayer of the great hero, Siegfried? + </p> + <p> + GER. Yes, your majesty. + </p> + <p> + ALB. A most lamentable affair. You did not know, I presume, that Hagen, + too, had a son, by one of the daughters of earth? + </p> + <p> + GER. No. He is not mentioned in history. + </p> + <p> + ALB. That son, Prince Hagen, is now living; and, in the course of events, + he will fall heir to the throne I occupy. + </p> + <p> + GER. I see. + </p> + <p> + ALB. The boy is seven or eight hundred years old, which, in your measure, + would make him about eighteen. Now, I speak frankly. The boy is wild and + unruly. He needs guidance and occupation. And I have sent for you because + I understand that you earth-people think more and see farther than we do. + </p> + <p> + GER. Yes? + </p> + <p> + ALB. I wish to ask you to help me... to use your strength of mind and body + to direct this boy. + </p> + <p> + GER. But what can I do? + </p> + <p> + ALB. I wish you to stay here and be Prince Hagen's tutor. + </p> + <p> + GER. What? + </p> + <p> + ALB. [Anxiously.] If you will do it, sir, you will carry hence a treasure + such as the world has never seen before. And it is a noble work... a great + work, sir. He is the grandson of a king! Tell me. .. will you help me? + </p> + <p> + [Gazes imploringly.] + </p> + <p> + GER. Let me think. [A pause.] Your majesty, I have things of importance to + do, and I have no time to stay here... + </p> + <p> + ALB. But think of the treasures! + </p> + <p> + GER. My father is a rich man, and I have no need of treasures. And + besides, I am a poet. I have work of my own... + </p> + <p> + ALB. Oh! don't refuse me, sir! + </p> + <p> + GER. Listen! There is, perhaps, something else we can do. How would it do + to take Prince Hagen up to the world? + </p> + <p> + ALB. [Starting.] Oh! + </p> + <p> + GER. This world is a small one. There he might have a wide field for his + energies. He might be sent to a good school, and taught the ideals of our + Christian civilization. + </p> + <p> + ALB. [Pondering anxiously.] You mean that you yourself would see to it + that proper care was given to him? + </p> + <p> + GER. If I took him with me it would mean that I was interested in his + future. + </p> + <p> + ALB. It is a startling proposition. What opportunity can you offer him? + </p> + <p> + GER. I am only a student myself. But my father is a man of importance in + the world. + </p> + <p> + ALB. What does he do? + </p> + <p> + GER. He is John Isman. They call him the railroad king. + </p> + <p> + ALB. You have kings in your world, also! + </p> + <p> + GER. [Smiling.] After a fashion... yes. + </p> + <p> + ALB. I had not thought of this. I hardly know what to reply. [He starts.] + What is that? + </p> + <p> + [An uproar is heard of left. Shouts and cries; music rises to deafening + climax. Nibelungs flee on in terror.] + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Rushes on, struggling wildly, and dragging several Nibelungs.] Let + me go, I say! Take off these chains! + </p> + <p> + ALB. [Rising in seat.] Hagen! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I will not stand it, I tell you! + </p> + <p> + ALB. Hagen! Listen to me! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. No! + </p> + <p> + ALB. I have something new to tell you. The earth-man has suggested taking + you up with him to the world. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [A sudden wild expression flashes across his features.] No! [He + gazes from one to the other, half beside himself.] You can't mean it! + </p> + <p> + ALB. It is true, Hagen. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. What... why... + </p> + <p> + ALB. You would be sent to school and taught the ways of the earth-men. Do + you think that you would like to go? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Wildly.] By the gods! I would! + </p> + <p> + ALB. [Nervously.] You will promise to obey... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I'll promise anything! I'll do anything! + </p> + <p> + ALB. Hagen, this is a very grave decision for me. It is such an unusual + step! You would have to submit yourself to this gentleman, who is kind + enough to take charge of you... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I Will! I will! Quick! [Holding out his chains.] Take them off! + </p> + <p> + ALB. [Doubtfully.] We can trust you? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. You can trust me! You'll have no trouble. Take them off! + </p> + <p> + ALB. Off with them! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [Advances and proceeds to work at chains with a file.] Yes, your + majesty. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [TO GERALD.] Tell me! What am I to do? + </p> + <p> + GER. You are to have an education... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Yes? What's it like? Tell me more about the earth-people. + </p> + <p> + GER. It's too much to try to tell. You will be there soon. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Ah! Be quick there! [Tears one hand free and waves it.] By the + gods! + </p> + <p> + ALB. [To GERALD.] You had best spend the night with us and consult with + me... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. No, no! No delay! What's there to consult about? + </p> + <p> + ALB. We have so much to settle... your clothes... your money... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Give me some gold... that will be all. Let us be off! + </p> + <p> + GER. I will attend to everything. There is no need of delay. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Come on! [Tears other hand free.] Aha! [Roams about the stage, + clenching his hands and gesticulating, while the music rises to a + tremendous climax.] Free! Free forever! Aha! Aha! [Turning to GERALD.] Let + us be off. + </p> + <p> + GER. All right. [To ALBERICH.] Good-bye, your majesty. + </p> + <p> + ALB. [Anxiously.] Good-bye. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Come on! + </p> + <p> + ALB. [As Nibelungs gather about, waving farewell.] Take care of yourself! + Come back to me! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Free! Free! Ha, ha, ha! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [With Nibelungs.] Good-bye! + </p> + <p> + ALB. Good-bye! + </p> + <p> + GER. Good-bye! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Free! + </p> + <p> + [Exit, with GERALD, amid chorus of farewells, and wild uproar of music.] + </p> + <p> + [CURTAIN] <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT II + </h2> + <p> + [Scene shows the library in a Fifth Avenue mansion; spacious and + magnificent. There are folding doors right centre. There is a centre table + with a reading lamp and books, and soft leather chairs. The walls are + covered with bookcases. An entrance right to drawing-room. Also an + entrance left.] + </p> + <p> + [At rise: GERALD, in evening clothes, reading in front of fire.] + </p> + <p> + GER. [Stretching, and sighing.] Ah, me! I wish I'd stayed at the club. + Bother their dinner parties! + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. [Enters right, a nervous, fussy little woman, in evening + costume.] Well, Gerald... + </p> + <p> + GER. Yes, mother? + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. You're not coming to dinner? + </p> + <p> + GER. You don't need me, mother. You've men enough, you said. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. I like to see something of my son now and then. + </p> + <p> + GER. I had my lunch very late, and I'm honestly not hungry. I'd rather sit + and read. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. I declare, Gerald, you run this reading business into the ground. + You cut yourself off from everyone. + </p> + <p> + GER. They don't miss me, mother. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. To-night Renaud is going to give us some crabflake a la Dewey! I + told Mrs. Bagley-Willis I'd show her what crabflake could be. She is + simply green with envy of our chef. + </p> + <p> + GER. I fancy that's the reason you invite her, isn't it? + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. [Laughs.] Perhaps. + </p> + <p> + [Exit right. He settles himself to read.] + </p> + <p> + HICKS. [Enters centre.] Mr. Gerald. + </p> + <p> + GER. Well? + </p> + <p> + HICKS. There was a man here to see you some time ago, Sir. + </p> + <p> + GER. A man to see me? Why didn't you let me know? + </p> + <p> + HICKS. I started to, Sir. But he disappeared, and I can't find him, Sir. + </p> + <p> + GER. Disappeared? What do you mean? + </p> + <p> + HICKS. He came to the side entrance, Sir; and one of the maids answered + the bell. He was such a queer-looking chap that she was frightened, and + called me. And then I went to ask if you were in, and he disappeared. I + wasn't sure if he went out, Sir, or if he was still in the house. + </p> + <p> + GER. What did he look like? + </p> + <p> + HICKS. He was a little chap... so high... with a long beard and a humped + back... + </p> + <p> + GER. [Startled.] Mimi! + </p> + <p> + HICKS. He said you knew him, sir. + </p> + <p> + GER. Yes! I would have seen him. + </p> + <p> + HICKS. I didn't know, sir... + </p> + <p> + GER. Watch out for him. He'll surely come back. + </p> + <p> + HICKS. Yes, Sir. I'm very sorry, sir. + </p> + <p> + [Exit centre.] + </p> + <p> + GER. [To himself.] Mimi! What can that mean? + </p> + <p> + Mimi. [Opens door, left, and peeps in.] Ha! + </p> + <p> + GER. [Starts.] Mimi! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Ssh! + </p> + <p> + GER. What is it? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Where is Prince Hagen? + </p> + <p> + GER. I don't know. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. You don't know? + </p> + <p> + GER. No. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. But I must see him! + </p> + <p> + GER. I've no idea where he is. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. But... you promised to take care of him! + </p> + <p> + GER. Yes... and I tried to. But he ran away... + </p> + <p> + MIMI. What? + </p> + <p> + GER. I've not heard of him for two years now. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [Coming closer.] Tell me about it. + </p> + <p> + GER. I took him to a boarding school... a place where he'd be taken care + of and taught. And he rebelled... he would not obey anyone.. . [Takes some + faded telegrams from pocket book.] See! This is what I got. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. What are they? + </p> + <p> + GER. Telegrams they sent me. [Reads.] Hagen under physical restraint. + Whole school disorganized. Come immediately and take him away. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Ha! + </p> + <p> + GER. That's one. And here's the other: Hagen has escaped, threatening + teachers with revolver. Took train for New York. What shall we do? [Puts + away papers.] And that's all. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. All? + </p> + <p> + GER. That was over two years ago. And I've not heard of him since. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. But he must be found! + </p> + <p> + GER. I have tried. I can't. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [Vehemently.] But we cannot do without him! + </p> + <p> + GER. What's the matter? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. I cannot tell you. But we must have him! The people need him! + </p> + <p> + GER. He has lost himself in this great city. What can I do? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. He must be found. [Voices heard centre.] What is that? + </p> + <p> + GER. It is some company. + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [Darts left.] We must find Prince Hagen! He must come back to + Nibelheim! + </p> + <p> + [Exit left.] + </p> + <p> + MRS. BAGLEY-WILLIS. [Off centre.] It was crabflake a la Dewey she promised + me! + </p> + <p> + [Enters with ISMAN.] + </p> + <p> + GER. How do you do, Mrs. Bagley-Willis? + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. How do you do, Gerald? + </p> + <p> + GER. Hello, father! + </p> + <p> + ISMAN. Hello, Gerald! + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. Am I the first to arrive? + </p> + <p> + GER. I think so. + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. And how is Estelle after her slumming adventure? + </p> + <p> + GER. She's all right. + </p> + <p> + ISMAN. That was a fine place for you to take my daughter! + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. It wasn't my fault. She would go. And her mother consented. + </p> + <p> + GER. I wish I'd been there with you. + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. Indeed, I wished for someone. I was never more frightened in my + life. + </p> + <p> + ISMAN. Did you see this morning's Record? + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. No. What? + </p> + <p> + ISMAN. About that fellow, Steve O'Hagen? + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. Good heavens! + </p> + <p> + GER. Nothing about Estelle, I hope! + </p> + <p> + ISMAN. No... apparently nobody noticed that incident. But about his + political speech, and the uproar he's making on the Bowery. They say the + streets were blocked for an hour... the police couldn't clear them. + </p> + <p> + GER. He must be an extraordinary talker. + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. You can't imagine it. The man is a perfect demon! + </p> + <p> + GER. Where does he come from? + </p> + <p> + ISMAN. Apparently nobody knows. The papers say he turned up a couple of + years ago... he won't talk about his past. He joined Tammany Hall, and + he's sweeping everything before him. + </p> + <p> + GER. What do you suppose will come of it? + </p> + <p> + ISMAN. Oh, he'll get elected... what is it he's to be... an alderman?... + and then he'll sell out, like all the rest. I was talking about it this + afternoon, with Plimpton and Rutherford. + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. They're to be here to-night, I understand. + </p> + <p> + ISMAN. Yes... so they mentioned. Ah! Here's Estelle! + </p> + <p> + ESTELLE. [Enters, centre, with an armful of roses.] Ah! Mrs. + Bagley-Willis! Good evening! + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. Good evening, Estelle. + </p> + <p> + EST. Good evening, father. Hello, Gerald. + </p> + <p> + GER. My, aren't we gorgeous to-night! + </p> + <p> + EST. Just aren't we! + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. The adventure doesn't seem to have hurt you. Where is your + mother? + </p> + <p> + GER. She went into the drawing-room. [MRS. B.-W. and ISMAN go off, right; + ESTELLE is about to follow.] Estelle! + </p> + <p> + EST. What is it? + </p> + <p> + GER. What's this I hear about your adventure last night? + </p> + <p> + EST. [With sudden seriousness.] Oh, Gerald! [Comes closer.] It was a + frightful thing! I've hardly dared to think about it! + </p> + <p> + GER. Tell me. + </p> + <p> + EST. Gerald, that man was talking straight at me... he meant every bit of + it for me! + </p> + <p> + GER. Tell me the story. + </p> + <p> + EST. Why, you know, Lord Alderdyce had heard about this wild fellow, Steve + O'Hagen, who's made such a sensation this campaign. And he's interested in + our election and wanted to hear O'Hagen speak. He said he had a friend + who'd arrange for us to be introduced to him; and so we went down there. + And there was a most frightful crowd... it was an outdoor meeting, you + know. We pushed our way into a saloon, where the mob was shouting around + this O'Hagen. And then he caught sight of us... and Gerald, from the + moment he saw me he never took his eyes off me! Never once! + </p> + <p> + GER. [Smiling.] Well, Estelle... you've been looked at before. + </p> + <p> + EST. Ah, but never like that! + </p> + <p> + GER. What sort of a man is he? + </p> + <p> + EST. He's small and dark and ugly... he wore a rough reefer and cap ... + but Gerald, he's no common man! There's something strange and terrible + about him... there's a fire blazing in him. The detective who was with us + introduced us to him... and he stood there and stared at me! I tried to + say something or other... "I've been so interested in your speech, Mr. + O'Hagen." And he laughed at me... "Yes, I've no doubt." And then + suddenly... it was as if he leaped at me! He pointed his finger straight + into my face, and his eyes fairly shone. "Wait for me! I'll be with you! + I'm coming to the top!" + </p> + <p> + GER. Good God! + </p> + <p> + EST. Imagine it! I was simply paralyzed! "Mark what I tell you," he went + on... "it'll be of interest to you some day to remember it. You may wait + for me! I'm coming! You will not escape me!" + </p> + <p> + GER. Why... he's mad! + </p> + <p> + EST. He was like a wild beast. Everybody in the place was staring at us as + he rushed on. "You have joy and power and freedom... all the privileges of + life... all things that are excellent and beautiful. You are born to + them... you claim them! And you come down here to stare at us as you might + at some strange animals in a cage. You chatter and laugh and go your + way... but remember what I told you. .. I shall be with you! You cannot + keep ME down! I shall be master of you all!" + </p> + <p> + GER. Incredible! + </p> + <p> + EST. And then in a moment it was all over. He made a mocking bow to the + party... "It has given me the greatest pleasure in the world to meet you!" + And with a wild laugh he went out of the door... and the crowd in the + street burst into a roar that was like a clap of thunder. [A pause.] + Gerald, what do you think he meant? + </p> + <p> + GER. My dear, you've been up against the class-war. It's rather the + fashion now, you know. + </p> + <p> + EST. Oh, but it was horrible! I can't get it out of my mind. We heard some + of his speech afterwards... and it seemed as if every word of it was meant + for me! He lashed the crowd to a perfect fury... I think they'd have set + fire to the city if he'd told them to. What do you suppose he expects to + do? + </p> + <p> + GER. I can't imagine, I'm sure. + </p> + <p> + EST. I should like to know more about him. He was never raised in the + slums, I feel certain. + </p> + <p> + GER. Steve O'Hagen. The name sounds Irish. + </p> + <p> + EST. I don't think he's Irish. He's dark and strange-looking... almost + uncanny. + </p> + <p> + GER. I shall go down there and hear him the first chance I get. And now, I + guess I'd best get out, if I want to dodge old Plimpton. + </p> + <p> + EST. Yes... and Rutherford, too. Isn't it a bore! I think they are + perfectly odious people. + </p> + <p> + GER. Why do you suppose mother invited them? + </p> + <p> + EST. Oh, it's a business affair... they have forced their way into some + deal of father's, and so we have to cultivate them. + </p> + <p> + GER. Plimpton, the coal baron! And Rutherford, the steel king! I wonder + how many hundred millions of dollars we shall have to have before we can + choose our guests for something more interesting than their Wall Street + connections! + </p> + <p> + EST. I think I hear them. [Listens.] Yes... the voice. [Mocking PLIMPTON'S + manner and tone.] Good evening, Miss Isman. I guess I'll skip it! + </p> + <p> + [Exit right.] + </p> + <p> + GER. And I, too! + </p> + <p> + [Exit left.] + </p> + <p> + RUTHERFORD. [A stout and rather coarse-looking man, enters, right, with + PLIMPTON.] It's certainly an outrageous state of affairs, Plimpton! + </p> + <p> + PLIMPTON. [A thin, clerical-looking person, with square-cut beard.] + Disgraceful! Disgraceful! + </p> + <p> + RUTH. The public seems to be quite hysterical! + </p> + <p> + PLIMP. We have got to a state where simply to be entrusted with great + financial responsibility is enough to constitute a man a criminal; to + warrant a newspaper in prying into the intimate details of his life, and + in presenting him in hideous caricatures. + </p> + <p> + RUTH. I can sympathize with you, Plimpton... these government + investigations are certainly a trial. [Laughing.] I've had my turn at + them... I used to lie awake nights trying to remember what my lawyers had + told me to forget! + </p> + <p> + PLIMP. Ahem! Ahem! Yes... a rather cynical jest! I can't say exactly... + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. [In doorway, right.] Ah, Mr. Plimpton! How do you do? And Mr. + Rutherford? + </p> + <p> + PLIMP. Good evening, Mrs. Isman. + </p> + <p> + RUTH. Good evening, Mrs. Isman. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. You managed to tear yourself away from business cares, after all! + </p> + <p> + PLIMP. It was not easy, I assure you. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Won't you come in? + </p> + <p> + RUTH. With pleasure. + </p> + <p> + [Exit, right, with MRS. ISMAN, followed by PLIMPTON.] + </p> + <p> + GER. [Enters, left.] That pious old fraud! [Sits in chair.] Well, I'm safe + for a while! + </p> + <p> + [Sprawls at ease and reads.] + </p> + <p> + HICKS. [Enters, centre.] A gentleman to see you, Mr. Gerald. + </p> + <p> + GER. Hey? [Takes card, looks, then gives violent start.] Prince Hagen! + [Stands aghast, staring; whispers, half dazed.] Prince Hagen! + </p> + <p> + HICKS. [After waiting.] What shall I tell him, sir? + </p> + <p> + GER. What... what does he look like? + </p> + <p> + HICKS. Why... he seems to be a gentleman, sir. + </p> + <p> + GER. How is he dressed? + </p> + <p> + HICKS. For dinner, sir. + </p> + <p> + GER. [Hesitates, gazes about nervously.] Bring him here... quickly! + </p> + <p> + HICKS. Yes, sir. + </p> + <p> + GER. And shut the door afterwards. + </p> + <p> + HICKS. Yes, sir. + </p> + <p> + [Exit.] + </p> + <p> + GER. [Stands staring.] Prince Hagen! He's come at last! + </p> + <p> + [Takes the faded telegrams from his pocket; looks at them; then goes to + door, right, and closes it.] + </p> + <p> + HICKS. [Enters, centre.] Prince Hagen. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Enters; serene and smiling, immaculately clad.] Ah, Gerald! + </p> + <p> + GER. [Gazing.] Prince Hagen! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. You are surprised to see me! + </p> + <p> + GER. I confess that I am. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Did you think I was never coming back? + </p> + <p> + GER. I had given you up. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Well, here I am... to report progress. + </p> + <p> + GER. [After a pause.] Where have you been these two years? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Oh, I've been seeing life... + </p> + <p> + GER. You didn't like the boarding school? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [With sudden vehemence.] Did you think I would like it? Did you + think I'd come to this world to have my head stuffed with Latin + conjugations and sawdust? + </p> + <p> + GER. I had hoped that in a good Christian home... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Laughing.] No, no, Gerald! I let you talk that sort of thing to me + in the beginning. It sounded fishy even then, but I didn't say anything... + I wanted to get my bearings. But I hadn't been twenty-four hours in that + good Christian home before I found out what a kettleful of jealousies and + hatreds it was. The head master was an old sap-head; and the boys!... I + was strange and ugly, and they thought they could torment and bully me; + but I fought 'em... by the Lord, I fought 'em day and night, I fought 'em + all around the place! And when I'd mastered 'em, you should have seen how + they cringed and toadied! They hated the slavery they lived under, but not + one of them dared raise his hand against it. + </p> + <p> + GER. Well, you've seen the world in your own way. Now are you ready to go + back to Nibelheim? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Good God, no! + </p> + <p> + GER. You know it's my duty to send you back. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Oh, say! My dear fellow! + </p> + <p> + GER. You know the solemn promise I made to King Alberich. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Yes... but you can't carry it out. + </p> + <p> + GER. But I can! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. How? + </p> + <p> + GER. I could invoke the law, if need be. You know you are a minor... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. My dear boy, I'm over seven hundred years old! + </p> + <p> + GER. Ah, but that is a quibble. You know that in our world that is only + equal to about eighteen... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I have read up the law, but I haven't found any provision for + reducing Nibelung ages to your scale. + </p> + <p> + GER. But you can't deny... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I wouldn't need to deny. The story's absurd on the face of it. You + know perfectly well that there are no such things as Nibelungs! [GERALD + gasps.] And besides, you're a poet, and everybody knows you're crazy. + Fancy what the newspaper reporters would do with such a yarn! + [Cheerfully.] Come, old man, forget about it, and let's be friends. You'll + have a lot more fun watching my career. And besides, what do you want? + I've come back, and I'm ready to follow your advice. + </p> + <p> + GER. How do you mean? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. You told me to stay in school until I'd got my bearings in the + world. And then I was to have a career. Well, I've got my education for + myself... and now I'm ready for the career. [After a pause.] Listen, + Gerald. I said I'd be a self-made man. I said I'd conquer the world for + myself. But of late I've come to realize how far it is to the top, and I + can't spare the time. + </p> + <p> + GER. I see. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. And then... besides that... I've met a woman. + </p> + <p> + GER. [Startled.] Good heavens! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Yes. I'm in love. + </p> + <p> + GER. But surely... you don't expect to marry! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Why not? My mother was an earth-woman, and her mother, also. + </p> + <p> + GER. To be sure. I'd not realized it. [A pause.] Who is the woman? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I don't know. I only know she belongs in this world of yours. And + I've come to seek her out. I shall get her, never fear! + </p> + <p> + GER. What are your plans? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I've looked this Christian civilization of yours over... and I'm + prepared to play the game. You can take me up and put me into Society... + as you offered to do before. You'll find that I'll do you credit. + </p> + <p> + GER. But such a career requires money. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Of course. Alberich will furnish it, if you tell him it's needed. + You must call Mimi. + </p> + <p> + GER. Mimi is here now. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Starting.] What! + </p> + <p> + GER. He is in the house. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. For what? + </p> + <p> + GER. He came to look for you. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. What is the matter? + </p> + <p> + GER. I don't know. He wants you to return to Nibelheim. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Find him. Let me see him! + </p> + <p> + GER. All right. Wait here. + </p> + <p> + [Exit left.] + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. What can that mean? + </p> + <p> + EST. [Enters, right, sees PRINCE HAGEN, starts wildly and screams.] Ah! + [She stands transfixed; a long pause.] Steve O'Hagen! [A pause.] Steve + O'Hagen! What does it mean? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Who are you? + </p> + <p> + EST. I live here. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Your name? + </p> + <p> + EST. Estelle Isman. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [In a transport of amazement.] Estelle Isman! You are Gerald's + sister! + </p> + <p> + EST. Yes. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. By the gods! + </p> + <p> + EST. [Terrified.] You know my brother! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Yes. + </p> + <p> + EST. You... Steve O'Hagen! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Gravely.] I am Prince Hagen + </p> + <p> + EST. Prince Hagen! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. A foreign nobleman. + </p> + <p> + EST. What... what do you mean? You were on the Bowery! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I came to this country to study its institutions. I wished to know + them for myself... therefore I went into politics. Don't you see? + </p> + <p> + EST! [Dazed.] I see! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Now I am on the point of giving up the game and telling the story + of my experiences. + </p> + <p> + EST. What are you doing here... in this house? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I came for you. + </p> + <p> + EST. [Stares at him.] How dare you? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I would dare anything for you! [They gaze at each other.] Don't you + understand? + </p> + <p> + EST. [Vehemently.] No! No! I am afraid of you! You have no business to be + here! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Taking a step towards her.] Listen... + </p> + <p> + EST. No! I will not hear you! You cannot come here! + </p> + <p> + [Stares at him, then abruptly exit, centre.] + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Laughs.] Humph! [Hearing voices.] Who is this? + </p> + <p> + RUTH. [Off right.] I don't agree with you. + </p> + <p> + IS. Nor I, either, Plimpton. [Enters with PLIMPTON and RUTHERFORD; sees + HAGEN.] Oh... I beg your pardon. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I am waiting for your son, Sir. + </p> + <p> + IS. I see. Won't you be seated? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I thank you. [Sits at ease in chair.] + </p> + <p> + PLIM. My point is, it's as Lord Alderdyce says... we have no hereditary + aristocracy in this country, no traditions of authority.. . nothing to + hold the mob in check. + </p> + <p> + IS. There is the constitution. + </p> + <p> + PLIM. They may over-ride it. + </p> + <p> + IS. There are the courts. + </p> + <p> + PLIM. They may defy the courts. + </p> + <p> + RUTH. Oh, Plimpton, that's absurd! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. Nothing of the kind, Rutherford! Suppose they were to elect to + office some wild and reckless demagog... take, for instance, that ruffian + you were telling us about... down there on the Bowery... [HAGEN starts, + and listens] and he were to defy the law and the courts? He is preaching + just that to the mob... striving to rouse the elemental wild beast in + them! And some day they will pour out into this avenue... + </p> + <p> + RUTH. [Vehemently.] Very well, Plimpton! Let them come! Have we not the + militia and the regulars? We could sweep the avenue with one machine + gun... + </p> + <p> + PLIM. But suppose the troops would not fire? + </p> + <p> + RUTH. But that is impossible! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. Nothing of the kind, Rutherford! No, no... we must go back of all + that! It is in the hearts of the people that we must erect our defenses. + It is the spirit of this godless and skeptical age that is undermining + order. We must teach the people the truths of religion. We must inculcate + lessons of sobriety and thrift, of reverence for constituted authority. We + must set our faces against these new preachers of license and + infidelity... we must go back to the old-time faith... to love, and + charity, and self-sacrifice... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Interrupting.] That's it! You've got it there! + </p> + <p> + IS. [Amazed.] Why... + </p> + <p> + PLIM. Sir? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. You've said it! Set the parsons after them! Teach them heaven! Set + them to singing about harps and golden crowns, and milk and honey flowing! + Then you can shut them up in slums and starve them, and they won't know + the difference. Teach them non-resistance and self-renunciation! You've + got the phrases all pat... handed out from heaven direct! Take no thought + saying what ye shall eat! Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth! + Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's! + </p> + <p> + IS. Why... this is preposterous! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. This is blasphemy! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. You're Plimpton... Plimpton, the coal baron, I take it. I know you + by your pictures. You shut up little children by tens of thousands to toil + for you in the bowels of the earth. You crush your rivals, and form a + trust, and screw up prices to freeze the poor in winter! And you... [to + RUTHERFORD] you're Rutherford, the steel king, I take it. You have slaves + working twelve hours a day and seven days a week in your mills. And you + mangle them in hideous accidents, and then cheat their widows of their + rights... and then you build churches, and set your parsons to preach to + them about love and self-sacrifice! To teach them charity, while you + crucify justice! To trick them with visions of an imaginary paradise, + while you pick their pockets upon earth! To put arms in their hands, and + send them to shoot their brothers, in the name of the Prince of Peace! + </p> + <p> + RUTH. This is outrageous! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. [Clenching his fists.] Infamous scoundrel! + </p> + <p> + RUTH. [Advancing Upon HAGEN.] How dare you! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. It stings, does it? Ha! Ha! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. [Sputtering.] You wretch! + </p> + <p> + IS. This has gone too far. Stop, Rutherford! Calm yourself, Plimpton. Let + us not forget ourselves! [To PRINCE HAGEN, haughtily.] I do not know who + you are, sir, or by what right you are in my house. You say that you are a + friend of my son's... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I claim that honor, sir. + </p> + <p> + IS. The fact that you claim it prevents my ordering you into the street. + But I will see my son, sir, and find out by what right you are here to + insult my guests. [Turning.] Come, Plimpton. Come, Rutherford ... we will + bandy no words with him! + </p> + <p> + [They go off, centre.] + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Alone.] By God! I touched them! Ha, ha, ha! [Grimly.] He will + order me into the street! [With concentrated fury.] That is it! They shut + you out! They build a wall about themselves! Aristocracy! [Clenching his + fast.] Very well! So be it! You sit within your fortress of privilege! You + are haughty and contemptuous, flaunting your power! But I'll breach your + battlements, I'll lay them in the dust! I'll bring you to your knees + before me! + </p> + <p> + [A silence. Suddenly there is heard, very faintly, the Nibelung theme. It + is repeated; HAGEN starts.] + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [Enters, left.] Prince Hagen! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Mimi! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. At last! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Approaching.] What is it? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [Beckons.] Come here. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [In excitement.] What do you want? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. You must come back! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. What do you mean? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. The people want you. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. What for? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. They need you. You must be king. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Wildly.] Ha? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Alberich... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Alberich? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. He is dead! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [With wild start.] Dead! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. Yes... he died last night! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Turns pale and staggers; then leaps at Mimi, clutching him by the + arm.] No! NO! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. It is true. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. My God! [A look of wild, drunken rapture crosses his face; he + clenches his hands and raises his arms.] Ha, ha, ha! + </p> + <p> + MIMI. [Shrinks in horror.] Prince Hagen! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. He is dead! He is dead! [Leaps at mimi.] The gold? + </p> + <p> + MIMI. The gold is yours. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Ha, ha, ha! It is mine! It is mine! [Begins pacing the floor + wildly.] Victory! Victory! VICTORY! Ha, ha, ha! Ha, ha, ha! [Spreads out + his arms, with a triumphant shout.] I have them! By God! Isman! Plimpton + and Rutherford! Estelle! I have them all! It is triumph! It is glory! It + is the world! I am King! I am King! King! KING! [Seizes MIMI and starts + centre; the music rises to climax.] To Nibelheim! To Nibelheim! [Stands + stretching out his arms in exultation; a wild burst of music.] Make way + for Hagen! Make way for Hagen! + </p> + <p> + [CURTAIN] <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT III + </h2> + <p> + [The conservatory is a study in green and gold, with strange tropical + plants having golden flowers. There are entrances right and left. In the + centre, up-stage, is a niche with a gold table and a couple of gold + chairs, and behind these a stand with the "coronation cup"; to the right + the golden throne from Nibelheim, and to the left a gold fountain + splashing gently.] [At rise: The stage is empty. The strains of an + orchestra heard from ball-room, left.] + </p> + <p> + MRS. BAGLEY-WILLIS. [Enters, right, with DE WIGGLESTON RIGGS; she wears a + very low-cut gown, a stomacher and tiara of diamonds, and numerous ropes + of pearls.] Well, Wiggie, he has made a success of it! + </p> + <p> + DE WIGGLESTON RIGGS. [Petit and exquisite.] He was certain to make a + success when Mrs. Bagley-Willis took him up! + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. But he wouldn't do a single thing I told him. I never had such + a protege in my life! + </p> + <p> + DE W. R. Extraordinary! + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. I told him it would be frightfully crude, and it is. And yet, + Wiggie, it's impressive, in its way... nobody can miss the feeling. Such + barbaric splendor! + </p> + <p> + DE W. R. The very words! Barbaric splendor! + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. I never heard of anything like it... the man simply poured out + money. It's quite in a different class from other affairs. + </p> + <p> + DE W. R. [Holding up his hands.] Stupefying! + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. And did you ever know the public to take such interest in a + social event? People haven't even stopped to think about the panic in Wall + Street. + </p> + <p> + DE W. R. I assure you, Mrs. Bagley-Willis, it begins a new epoch in our + social history. [To LORD ALDERDYCE, who enters, left, with GERALD.] How do + you do, Lord Alderdyce? + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. Good evening, Lord Alderdyce. Good evening, Gerald. + </p> + <p> + LORD A. Good evening, Mrs. Bagley-Willis. Good evening, Mr. Riggs. + </p> + <p> + GERALD. Good evening, Wiggie! [DE W. R. and MRS. B.-W. move toward left.] + I suppose that old lady's taken to herself all the credit for this + evening's success! + </p> + <p> + LORD A. Well, really, you know, wasn't it... ah... quite a feat to make + society swallow this adventurer? + </p> + <p> + GERALD. How can anybody stay away? When a man spends several millions on a + single entertainment people have to come out of pure curiosity. + </p> + <p> + LORD A. To be sure! I did, anyway! + </p> + <p> + GER. [Gazing about.] Think of buying all the old Vandergrift palaces at + one swoop! + </p> + <p> + LORD A. Oh, really! + </p> + <p> + GER. This palace was one of the landmarks of the city; all its decorations + had been taken from old palaces in Italy. And he tore everything off and + gave it away to a museum, and he made it over in three months! + </p> + <p> + LORD A. Amazing. [Music and applause heard left.] + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. Mazzanini must be going to sing again. + </p> + <p> + DE W. R. Let us go! + </p> + <p> + MRS. B.-W. Fancy opera stars to dance to! A waltz song at a thousand + dollars a minute! + </p> + <p> + DE W. R. Ah, but SUCH a song! + </p> + <p> + [They go off, left; half a dozen guests enter, right, and cross in + groups.] + </p> + <p> + RUTH. [Enters, right, with PLIMPTON; looking about.] An extraordinary + get-up! + </p> + <p> + PLIMP. Appalling extravagance, Rutherford! Appalling! + </p> + <p> + RUTH. Practically everybody's here. + </p> + <p> + PLIMP. Everybody I ever heard of. + </p> + <p> + RUTH. One doesn't meet you at balls very often, Plimpton. + </p> + <p> + PLIM. No. To tell the truth, I came from motives of prudence. + </p> + <p> + RUTH. Humph! To tell the truth, so did I! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. The man is mad, you know... and one can't tell what might offend + him! + </p> + <p> + RUTH. And with the market in such a state! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. It's terrible! Terrible!... ah, Lord Alderdyce! + </p> + <p> + LORD A. Good evening, Mr. Plimpton. How d'ye do, Mr. Rutherford? + </p> + <p> + RUTH. As well as could be expected, Lord Alderdyce. It's a trying time for + men of affairs. [They pass on, and go of, left.] + </p> + <p> + GER. They must be under quite a strain just now. + </p> + <p> + LORD A. Don't mention it. Don't mention it! I've invested all my funds in + this country, and I tremble to pick up the last edition of the paper! + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. [Enters, right, costumed en grande dame, much excited.] Oh, + Gerald, Lord Alderdyce, what do you think I've just heard? + </p> + <p> + LORD A. What? + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. About Prince Hagen and Mrs. Bagley-Willis... how she came to take + him up! Percy Pennington told me about it... he's her own first cousin, + you know, Lord Alderdyce... and he vows he saw the letter in her desk! + </p> + <p> + LORD A. Oh, tell us! + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Well, it was just after Prince Hagen made his appearance, when + the papers were printing pages about him. And the news came that he'd + bought these palaces; and the next day Mrs. Bagley-Willis got a letter + marked personal. Percy quoted the words... Dear Madam: I wish to enter + Society. I have no time to go through with the usual formalities. I am a + nobleman, with an extraordinary mind and unlimited money. I intend to + entertain New York Society as it has never dreamed of being entertained + before. I should be very pleased if you would co-operate with me in making + my opening ball a success. If you are prepared to do this, I am prepared + to pay you the sum of one million dollars cash as soon as I receive your + acceptance. Needless to say, of course, this proposition is entirely + confidential! + </p> + <p> + LORD. A. By jove! + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Think of it! + </p> + <p> + GER. But can it be true? + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. What is more likely, my dear? You know that Mrs. Bagley-Willis + has been spending millions every season to entertain at Newport; and their + fortune will never stand that! Oh, I must give it to Van Tribber... he'll + see that the papers have it! + </p> + <p> + LORD A. But hadn't you better make sure that it's really... + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. It doesn't make the slightest difference! Everybody will know + that it's true! + </p> + <p> + GER. They are ready to believe anything about Prince Hagen. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Certainly, after a glimpse of this palace. Did you ever see such + frantic money-spending in your life? + </p> + <p> + LORD A. Never! + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Gold! Gold! I am positively blinded with the sight of gold. I'd + seen every kind of decoration and furniture, I thought... but solid gold + is new to me! + </p> + <p> + LORD A. Just look at this cup, for instance! [Points to coronation cup.] + And those fountains... I believe that even the basins are of gold. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Perhaps we could stop the water and see. + </p> + <p> + LORD A. I must go... I have a dance. I am sorry not to see your daughter. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Yes... it was too bad she couldn't come. Good-bye. [LORD + ALDERDYCE exit.] + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. [Pointing to throne.] Look at that thing, Gerald! + </p> + <p> + GER. Yes... no wonder the crowd came! + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. I imagine a good many came because they didn't dare stay away. + They certainly can't be enjoying themselves after such a day down town. + </p> + <p> + GER. It was too bad the panic should come just on the eve of the ball. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. My dear Gerald! That's his sense of humor! He wanted to bring + them here and set them to dancing and grinning, while in their hearts they + are frightened to death. + </p> + <p> + GER. How did he do it, anyway? + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Why, he seems to have money without limit... and he's been buying + and buying... everything in sight! You know how prices have been soaring + the past two months. And of course the public went wild, and took to + speculating. Then Prince Hagen sold; and the bottom has simply dropped out + of everything. + </p> + <p> + GER. I see. And do you suppose the slump has hit father? + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. I don't know. He won't talk to me about it. But it's easy to see + how distressed he is. And then, to cap the climax, Estelle refuses to come + here! Prince Hagen is certain to be furious. + </p> + <p> + GER. For my part, I admire her courage. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. But, Gerald... we can't afford to defy this man. + </p> + <p> + GER. Estelle can afford it, I hope. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Here comes your father now. Look at him! Gerald, won't you go, + please... I want to have a talk with him. + </p> + <p> + GER. All right. [Exit, right.] + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. John! + </p> + <p> + ISMAN. [Enters, left, pale and depressed.] What is it? + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. You look so haggard and worried! + </p> + <p> + IS. I AM worried! + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. You ought to be home in bed. + </p> + <p> + IS. I couldn't sleep. What good would it do? + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Aren't you going to get any rest at all? + </p> + <p> + IS. It's time for reports from the London markets pretty soon. They open + at five o'clock, by our time. And I'm hoping there may be some support for + Intercontinental... it's my last hope. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Oh, dear me! Dear me! + </p> + <p> + IS. If that fails, there is nothing left for us. We are ruined! Utterly + ruined! + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. John! + </p> + <p> + IS. We shall be paupers! + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. John Isman, that's absurd! A man who's worth a hundred million + dollars, like you... + </p> + <p> + IS. It'll be gone... all of it! + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Gone? + </p> + <p> + Is. Do you realize that to-day I had to sell every dollar of my + Transatlantic stock? + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. [Horrified.] Good God! + </p> + <p> + IS. There has never been a day like it in all history! There are no words + to tell about it! + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Oh, that monster! + </p> + <p> + IS. And the worst of it is, the man seems to be after me particularly! + Everything I rely upon seems to collapse... everywhere I turn I find that + I'm blocked. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Oh, it must have been because of that affair in our house.. . and + in the saloon that dreadful night. We ought never to have gone to that + place! I knew as soon as I laid eyes on the man that he'd do us harm. + </p> + <p> + IS. We must keep out of his power. We must save what we can from the wreck + and learn to do with it. You'll have to give up your Newport plans this + year. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. [Aghast.] What! + </p> + <p> + IS. We won't be able to open the house. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. You're mad! + </p> + <p> + IS. My dear... + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Now, John Isman, you listen to me! I was quite sure you had some + such idea in your mind! And I tell you right now, I simply will not hear + of it! I... + </p> + <p> + IS. But what can we do, my dear? + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. I don't know what we can do! But you'll have to raise money + somehow. I will not surrender my social position to Mrs. Bagley-Willis ... + not for all the Wall Street panics in the world. Oh, that man is a fiend! + I tell you, John Isman... + </p> + <p> + IS. Control yourself! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Off right.] Very well! I shall be charmed, I'm sure. [Enters.] Oh! + How do you do, Mrs. Isman? + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Oh, Prince Hagen, a most beautiful evening you've given us. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Ah! I'm glad if you've enjoyed it. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Yes, indeed... + </p> + <p> + IS. Prince Hagen, may I have a few words with you? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Why, surely... if you wish... + </p> + <p> + IS. I do. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Prince Hagen will excuse me. [Exit, left.] + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Goes to table, centre, and sits opposite ISMAN.] Well? + </p> + <p> + IS. Prince Hagen, what do you want with me? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Surprised.] Why... the pleasure of your company. + </p> + <p> + IS. I mean in the Street. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Oh! Have you been hit? + </p> + <p> + IS. Don't mock me. You have used your resources deliberately to ruin me. + You have followed me... you have taken every railroad in which I am + interested, and driven it to the wall. And I ask you, man to man, what do + you want? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [After some thought.] Isman, listen to me. You remember four months + ago I offered you a business alliance? + </p> + <p> + IS. I had no idea of your resources then. Had I known, I should not have + rejected your offer. Am I being punished for that? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. No, Isman... it isn't punishment. Had you gone into the alliance + with me it would have been just the same. It was my purpose to get you + into my power. + </p> + <p> + IS. Oh! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. To bring you here... to make you sit down before me, and ask, What + do you want?... And so I will tell you what I want, man to man! [A pause.] + I want your daughter. + </p> + <p> + IS. [Starts.] What! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I want your daughter. + </p> + <p> + IS. Good God! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Do you understand now? + </p> + <p> + IS. [Whispering.] I understand! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Isman, you are a man of the world, and we can talk together. I love + your daughter, and I wish to make her my wife. + </p> + <p> + IS. And so you ruined me! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Four months ago I was an interloper and an adventurer. In a month + or two I shall be the master of your financial and political world. Then I + had nothing to offer your daughter. Now I can make her the first lady of + the land. + </p> + <p> + IS. But, man, we don't sell our children... not in America. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Don't talk to me like a fool, Isman. I never have anything to do + with your shams. + </p> + <p> + IS. But the girl! She must consent! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I'll attend to that. Meantime, I want you to know what I mean. On + the day that your daughter marries me I will put you at the head of my + interests, and make you the second richest man in America. You understand? + </p> + <p> + IS. [Weakly.] I understand. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Very well. And don't forget to tell your wife about it. [He rises.] + </p> + <p> + IS. Is that all? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. No; one thing more. Your daughter is not here to-night. + </p> + <p> + IS. No. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I wish her to come. + </p> + <p> + IS. But... she is indisposed! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. That is a pretext. She did not want to come. + </p> + <p> + IS. Possibly... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Tell her to come. + </p> + <p> + IS. [Startled.] What? Now? It is too late! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Nonsense. Your home is only a block away. Telephone to her. + </p> + <p> + IS. [Dismayed.] But... she will not be ready. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Tell her to come! Whatever she is wearing, she will outshine them + all. [ISMAN hesitates a moment, as if to speak, then goes off, right, half + dazed; the other watches him, laughing silently to himself.] That's all + right! [Sees Calkins.] Ah, Calkins! + </p> + <p> + CALKINS. [Enters with an armful of papers.] Here are the morning papers, + Prince. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Ah! [Takes them.] Still moist! Did you think I wanted them that + badly? + </p> + <p> + CAL. Promptness never harms. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Opening papers.] That's true. Ah, they hardly knew which was more + important... the ball or the panic! We filled them up pretty full. Did you + see if they followed the proofs? + </p> + <p> + CAL. There are no material changes. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Ha! Ha! Cartoons! Prince Hagen invites the Four Hundred with one + hand and knocks them down with the other! Pretty good! Pretty good! What's + this? Three millions to decorate his palaces... half a million for a + single ball? + </p> + <p> + CAL. I suppose they couldn't credit the figures. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Humph! We'll educate them! [Sweeps papers out of the way.] So much + for that! Were all the orders for the London opening gone over? + </p> + <p> + CAL. All correct, Prince. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Very good! That's all. [CAL. exit.] They're all anxious about + London... I can see it! Ah, Gerald! + </p> + <p> + GER. [Enters, right.] Hello! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Smiling.] You see, they came to my party! + </p> + <p> + GER. Yes. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. They smile and chatter... they bow and cringe to me... and I have + not preached any of your Christian virtues, either! + </p> + <p> + GER. No. I grant it. It's a very painful sight. [After a pause.] That was + a pleasant fancy... to have a panic on the eve of your ball! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. It wasn't nearly as bad as I meant it to be. Wait and see today's! + </p> + <p> + GER. What's the end of it all? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. The end? Why have an end? I didn't make this game... I play it + according to other men's rules. I buy and sell stocks, and make what money + I can. The end may take care of itself. + </p> + <p> + GER. It's rather hard on the helpless people, isn't it? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Humph! The people! [After a pause.] Gerald, this world of yours has + always seemed to me like a barrel full of rats. There's only room for a + certain number on top, and the rest must sweat for it till they die. + </p> + <p> + GER. It's not a very pleasant image to think of. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I don't think of it. I simply happen to find myself on top, and I + stay there and enjoy the view. [Seats himself at table.] As a matter of + fact, Gerald, one of the things I intend to do with this world is to clean + it up. Don't imagine that I will tolerate such stupid waste as we have at + present... everybody trying to cheat everybody else, and nobody to keep + the streets clean. It's as if a dozen mere should go out into a field to + catch a horse, and spend all their time in trying to keep each other from + catching it. When I take charge they'll catch the horse. + </p> + <p> + GER. [Drily.] And you'll ride him. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. And I'll ride him. [Laughs.] + </p> + <p> + GER. [After a pause.] At first I couldn't make out why you bothered with + this Society game. Now I begin to understand. You wanted to see them! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I wanted to watch them wriggle! I wanted to take them, one by one, + and strip off their shams! Take that fellow Rutherford, the steel man! Or + Plimpton, the coal baron, casting his eyes up to heaven, and singing + psalms through his nose! The instant I laid eyes on that whining old + hypocrite, I hated him; and I vowed I'd never rest again till I'd shown + him as he is... a coward and a knave! And I tell you, Gerald, before I get + through with him... Ah, there he is! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. [Off.] Hello, Isman! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Come. [Draws back with GERALD.] + </p> + <p> + IS. [Entering, right, with PLIMPTON and RUTHERFORD.] Any word yet? + </p> + <p> + PLIM. Nothing yet! + </p> + <p> + RUTH. Such a night as this has been! + </p> + <p> + IS. If the thing keeps up today the Exchange will have to close... there + will be no help for it. + </p> + <p> + PLIM. We are in the hands of a madman! + </p> + <p> + RUTH. We must have a conference with him... we must find out what he + wants. + </p> + <p> + IS. Did you speak to him, Plimpton? + </p> + <p> + PLIM. I tried to. I might as well have butted my head against a stone + wall. "I have money," he said, "and I wish to buy and sell stocks. Isn't + that my right?" + </p> + <p> + RUTH. He's a fiend! A fiend! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. He smiled as he shook my hand... and he knows that if coal stocks go + down another ten points I'll be utterly ruined! + </p> + <p> + IS. Terrible! Terrible! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. [To RUTHERFORD.] Rutherford, have you learned any more about where + his money comes from? + </p> + <p> + RUTH. I meant to tell you... I've had another report. The mystery deepens + every hour. It's always the same thing... the man takes a train and goes + out into the country; he gathers all the wagons for miles around, and goes + to some place in the woods... and there is a pile of gold, fifty tons of + it, maybe, covered over with brush. Nobody knows how it got there, nobody + has time to ask. He loads it into the wagons, takes it aboard the train, + and brings it to the Sub-treasury. + </p> + <p> + IS. The man's an alchemist! He's been manufacturing it and getting ready. + </p> + <p> + RUTH. Perhaps. Who can tell? All I know is the Sub-treasury has bought + over two billion dollars' worth of gold bullion in the last four months... + and what can we do in the face of that? + </p> + <p> + PLIM. No wonder that prices went up to the skies! + </p> + <p> + RUTH. I had the White House on the 'phone this afternoon. We can + demonetize gold... the government can refuse to buy any more. + </p> + <p> + IS. But then what would become of credit? + </p> + <p> + PLIM. [Vehemently.] No, no... that will not help! [Gazes about nervously.] + There's only one thing. [Whispers.] That man must be killed! + </p> + <p> + RUTH. [Horrified.] Ah! + </p> + <p> + IS. No. + </p> + <p> + PLIM. Just that! Nothing else will help! And instantly... or it will be + too late. + </p> + <p> + IS. Plimpton! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. He must not be alive when the Exchange opens this morning! + </p> + <p> + RUTH. But how? + </p> + <p> + PLIM. I don't know... but we must find a way! We owe it as a public + duty... the man is a menace to society. Rutherford, you are with me? + </p> + <p> + RUTH. By God! I am! + </p> + <p> + IS. You're mad! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. You don't agree with me? + </p> + <p> + IS. It's not to be thought of! You're forgetting yourself, Plimpton... + </p> + <p> + PLIM. [Gazing about.] This is no place to discuss it. But I tell you that + if there is no support from London... + </p> + <p> + RUTH. [Starting.] Come... perhaps there may be word! [They start left.] We + may beat them yet... who can tell? + </p> + <p> + [PLIMPTON, RUTHERFORD and ISMAN go off.] + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Emerges with GERALD from shadows, shaking with laughter.] Hat ha! + ha! Love and self-sacrifice! You see, Gerald! + </p> + <p> + GER. Yes... I see! [Looks right... then starts violently.] My sister! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Ah! + </p> + <p> + GER. What does this mean? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [To ESTELLE, who enters, right, evidently agitated.] Miss Isman! + </p> + <p> + EST. My father said... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Yes. Won't you sit down? + </p> + <p> + EST. [Hesitatingly.] Why... I suppose so... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [To GERALD.] Will you excuse us, please, Gerald? + </p> + <p> + GER. [Amazed.] Why, yes... but Estelle... + </p> + <p> + EST. [In a faint voice.] Please go, Gerald. + </p> + <p> + GER. Oh! very well. [Exit, left.] + </p> + <p> + EST. You wished to see me. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Yes. [Sitting opposite.] How do you like it all? + </p> + <p> + EST. It is very beautiful. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Do you really think so? + </p> + <p> + EST. [Wondering.] Don't you? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. No. + </p> + <p> + EST. Truly? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. No. + </p> + <p> + EST. Then why did you do it? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. To please you. + </p> + <p> + EST. [Shrinks.] Oh! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Fixes his gaze on her, and slowly leans across table; with + intensity.] Haven't you discovered yet that you are mine? + </p> + <p> + EST. [Half rising.] Prince Hagen! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. How long will it be before you know it? + </p> + <p> + EST. How dare you? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Listen. I am a man accustomed to command. I have no time to play + with conventions... I cannot dally and plead. But I love you. I cannot + live without you! And I will shake the foundations of the world to get + you! + </p> + <p> + EST. [Staring, fascinated; whispers.] Prince Hagen! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. All this... [waving his hand] I did in the hope that it would bring + you here... so that I might have a chance to tell you. Simply for that one + purpose. I have broken the business world to my will... that also was to + make you mine! + </p> + <p> + EST. [Wildly.] You have ruined my father! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Your father has played this game, and his path is strewn with the + rivals he has ruined. He knows that, and you know it. Now I have played + the game; and I have beaten him. It took me one day to bring him down... + [Laughs.] It will take me less time to put him back again. + </p> + <p> + EST. But why, why? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Listen, Estelle. I came to this civilization of yours, and looked + at it. It seemed to me that it was built upon knavery and fraud ... that + it was altogether a vile thing... rotten to the core of it! And I said I + would smash it, as a child smashes a toy; I would toss it about... as your + brother the poet tosses his metaphors. But then I saw you, and in a flash + all that was changed. You were beautiful... you were interesting. You were + something in the world worth winning... something I had not known about + before. But you stood upon the pinnacle of Privilege... you gathered the + clouds about your head. How should I climb to you? + </p> + <p> + EST. [Frightened.] I see! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I came to your home... I was turned from the door. So I set to work + to break my way to you. + </p> + <p> + EST. I see! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. And that is how I love you. You are all there is in the game to me. + I bring the world and lay it at your feet. It is all yours. You do not + like what I do with it, perhaps. Very well... take it and do better. The + power is yours for the asking! Power without end! [He reaches out his arms + to her; a pause.] You do not like my way of love-making, perhaps. You find + me harsh and rude. But I love you. And where, among the men that you know, + will you find one who can feel for you what I feel... who would dare for + you what I have dared? [Gazes at her with intensity.] Take your time. I + have no wish to hurry you. But you must know that, wherever you go, my + hand is upon you. All that I do, I do for the love of you. + </p> + <p> + EST. [Weakly.] I... you frighten me! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. All the world I lay at your feet! You shall see. + </p> + <p> + PLIM. [Off left.] Prince Hagen! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Starting.] Ah! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. [Enters, running, in great agitation, with a telegram.] Prince + Hagen! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Well? + </p> + <p> + PLIM. I have a report from London. The market has gone all to pieces! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Ah! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. Pennsylvania coal is down twenty-five points in the first half hour. + I'm lost... everything is lost! + </p> + <p> + RUTH. [Running on.] Prince Hagen! Steel is down to four! And the Bank of + England suspends payments! What... + </p> + <p> + PLIM. What do you want with us? What are you trying to do? + </p> + <p> + RUTH. [Wildly.] You've crushed us! We're helpless, utterly helpless! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. Have you no mercy? Aren't you satisfied when you've got us down? + </p> + <p> + RUTH. Are you going to ruin everybody? Are you a madman? + </p> + <p> + PLIM. What are you trying to do? What do you want? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Has been listening in silence. Suddenly he leaps into action, an + expression of furious rage coming upon his face. His eyes gleam, and he + raises his hand as if to strike the two.] Get down on your knees! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. Ha! + </p> + <p> + RUTH. What? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Louder.] Get down on your knees! [PLIMPTON sinks in horror. PRINCE + HAGEN turns Upon RUTHERFORD.] Down! + </p> + <p> + RUTH. [Sinking.] Mercy! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [As they kneel before him, his anger vanishes; he steps back.] + There! [Waving his hand.] You asked me what I wanted? I wanted this. .. to + see you there... upon your knees! [To spectators, who appear right and + left.] Behold! + </p> + <p> + RUTH. Oh! [Starts to rise.] + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Savagely.] Stay where you are!... To see you on your knees! To + hear you crying for mercy, which you will not get! You pious plunderers! + Devourers of the people! Assassins of women and helpless children! Who + made the rules of this game... you or I? Who cast the halo of + righteousness about it... who sanctified it by the laws of God and man? + Property! Property was holy! Property must rule! You carved it into your + constitutions... you taught it in your newspapers, you preached it from + your pulpits! You screwed down wages, you screwed up prices... it must be + right, because it paid! Money was the test... money was the end! You were + business men! Practical men! Don't you know the phrases? Money talks! + Business is business! The gold standard... ha, ha, ha! The gold standard! + Now someone has come who has more gold than you. You were masters... now I + am the master! And what you have done to the people I will do to you! You + shall drink the cup that you have poured out for them... you shall drink + it to the dregs! + </p> + <p> + PLIM. [Starting to rise.] Monster! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Stay where you are! Cringe and grovel and whine! [Draws a Nibelung + whip from under his coat.] I will put the lash upon your backs! I will + strip your shams from you... I will see you as you are! I will take away + your wealth, that you have wrung from others! Before I get through with + you you shall sweat with the toilers in the trenches! For I am the master + now! I have the gold! I own the property! The world is mine! You were + lords and barons... you ruled in your little principalities! But I shall + rule everywhere... everything... all civilization! I shall be king! King! + [With exultant gesture.] Make way for the king! Make way for the king! + </p> + <p> + CURTAIN <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT IV + </h2> + <p> + [The scene shows a spacious room, fitted with luxurious rusticity. To the + right of centre are a couple of broad windows, leading to a veranda. In + the corner, right is a table, with a telephone. In the centre of the room + is a large table, with a lamp and books, and a leather arm-chair at each + side. To the left of centre is a spacious stone fireplace, having within + it a trap door opening downward. At the left a piano with a violin upon + it. There are exposed oak beams; antlers, rifles, snowshoes, etc., upon + the walls. Entrances right and left.] + </p> + <p> + [At rise: CALKINS, standing by the desk, arranging some papers.] + </p> + <p> + CALKINS. [As 'phone rings.] Hello! Yes, this is the Isman camp. Prince + Hagen is staying here. This is his secretary speaking. No, Prince Hagen + does not receive telephone calls. No, not under any circumstances + whatever. It doesn't make any difference. If the President of the United + States has anything to say to Prince Hagen, let him communicate with Mr. + Isman at his New York office, and the message will reach him. I am + sorry... those are my instructions. Good-bye. [To HICKS, who enters with + telegram.] Hicks, for the future, Prince Hagen wishes all messages for him + to be taken to my office. That applies to letters, telegrams... + everything. + </p> + <p> + HICKS. Very good, sir. [Exit.] + </p> + <p> + CAL. [Opening a telegram.] More appeals for mercy. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Enters from veranda, wearing white flannels, cool and alert.] + Well, Calkins? + </p> + <p> + CAL. Nothing important, sir. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. The market continues to fall? + </p> + <p> + CAL. Copper is off five points, sir. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Ah! + </p> + <p> + CAL. The President of the United States tried to get you on the 'phone + just now. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Humph! Anything else? + </p> + <p> + CAL. There has been another mob on Fifth Avenue this morning. They seem to + be threatening your palace. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I see. You wrote to the mayor, as I told you? + </p> + <p> + CAL. Yes, sir. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Well, you'd best put in another hundred guards. And they're to be + instructed to shoot. + </p> + <p> + CAL. Yes, sir. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Let them be men we can depend on... I don't want any mistake about + it. I don't care about the building, but I mean to make a test of it. + </p> + <p> + CAL. I'll see to it, sir. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Anything else? + </p> + <p> + CAL. A message from a delegation from the National Unemployment + Conference. They are to call tomorrow morning. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Ah, yes. Make a note, please... I sympathize with their purpose, + and contribute half a million. [To GERALD, who enters, left.] Hello, + Gerald... how are you? Make yourself at home. [To CALKINS.] I attribute + the present desperate situation to the anarchical struggles of rival + financial interests. I am assuming control, and straightening out the + tangle as rapidly as I can. The worst of the crisis is over... the + opposition is capitulating, and I expect soon to order a general + resumption of industry. Prepare me an address of five hundred words... + sharp and snappy. Then see the head of the delegation, and have it + understood that the affair is not to occupy more than fifteen minutes. + </p> + <p> + CAL. Very good, sir. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. And stir up our Press Bureau. We must have strong, conservative + editorials this week... It's the crucial period. Our institutions are at + stake... the national honor is imperilled... order must be preserved at + any hazard... all that sort of thing. + </p> + <p> + CAL. Yes, sir... I understand. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Very good. That will be all. + </p> + <p> + CAL. Yes, sir. + </p> + <p> + [Exit, right.] + </p> + <p> + GER. You're putting the screws on, are you? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Humph! Yes. It's funny to hear these financial men... their one + idea in life has been to dominate... and now they cry out against tyranny! + </p> + <p> + GER. I can imagine it. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Here's Plimpton, making speeches about American democracy! These + fellows have got so used to making pretenses that they actually deceive + themselves. + </p> + <p> + GER. I've noticed that you make a few yourself now. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Yes... don't I do it well? [Thoughtfully.] You know, Gerald, + pretenses are the greatest device that your civilization had to teach me. + </p> + <p> + GER. Indeed? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. We never made any pretenses in Nibelheim; and when I first met you, + your talk about virtue and morality and self-sacrifice was simply + incomprehensible to me. It seemed something quite apart from life. But now + I've come to perceive that this is what makes possible the system under + which you live. + </p> + <p> + GER. Explain yourself. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Here is this civilization... simply appalling in its vastness. The + countless millions of your people, the wealth you have piled up... it + seems like a huge bubble that may burst any minute. And the one device by + which it is all kept together... is pretense! + </p> + <p> + GER. Why do you think that? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Life, Gerald, is the survival of the strong. I care not if it be in + a jungle or in a city, it is the warfare of each against all. But in the + former case it's brute force, and in the latter it's power of mind. And + don't you see that the ingenious device which makes the animal of the + slums the docile slave of the man who can outwit him.. . is this + Morality... this absolutely sublimest invention, this most daring + conception that ever flashed across the mind of man? + </p> + <p> + GER. Oh, I see. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I used to wonder at it down there on the Bowery. The poor are a + thousand to your one, and the best that is might be theirs, if they chose + to take it; but there is Morality! They call it their virtue. And so the + rich man may have his vices in peace. By heaven, if that is not a wondrous + achievement, I have not seen one! + </p> + <p> + GER. You believe this morality was invented by the rich. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I don't know. It seems to be a congenital disease. + </p> + <p> + GER. Some people believe it was implanted in man by God. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Shrugging his shoulders.] Perhaps. Or by a devil. Men might have + lived in holes, like woodchucks, and been fat and happy; but now they have + Morality, and toil and die for some other man's delight. + </p> + <p> + CAL. [Enters, right.] Are you at leisure, sir? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Why? + </p> + <p> + CAL. Mr. Isman wants you on the 'phone. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Oh! All right... [Goes to 'phone.] + </p> + <p> + GER. [Rises.] Perhaps I... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. No, that's all right. [Sits at 'phone.] Hello! Is that Isman? How + are you? [To CALKINS.] Calkins! + </p> + <p> + CAL. Yes, sir. + </p> + <p> + [Sits and takes notes.] + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. How about Intercontinental? [Imperiously.] But I can! I said the + stock was to go to sixty-four, and I want it to go. I don't care what it + costs, Isman... let it go in the morning... and don't ever let this happen + again. I have sent word you are to have another hundred million by + nine-thirty. Will that do? Don't take chances. Oh, Rutherford! Tell + Rutherford my terms are that the directors of the Fidelity Life Insurance + Company are to resign, and he is to go to China for six months. Yes. I + mean that literally... Plimpton? What do I want with his banks... I've got + my own money... And, oh, by the way, Isman... call up the White House + again, and tell the President that the regulars will be needed in New + York.... No, I understand you... I think I've fixed matters up at this + end. I've got two hundred guards up here, and they're picked men... + they'll shoot if there's need. I'm not talking about it, naturally... but + I'm taking care of myself. You keep your nerve, Isman. It'll all be over + in a month or two more... these fellows are used to having their own way, + and they make a fuss. And, by the way, as to the newspapers... we'll turn + out that paper trust crowd, and stop selling paper to the ones that are + making trouble. That'll put an end to it, I fancy. You had best get after + it yourself, and have it attended to promptly. You might think of little + things like that yourself, Isman... no, you're all right; only you haven't + got enough imagination. But just get onto this job, and let me hear that + it's done before morning. Good-bye. [Hangs up receiver.] Humph! [To + GERALD.] They've about got your father's nerve. + </p> + <p> + GER. I can't say that I blame him very much. [In somber thought.] Really, + you know, Prince Hagen, this can't go on. What's to be the end of it? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Laughing.] Oh, come, come, Gerald... don't bother your head with + things like that! You're a poet... you must keep your imagination free + from such dismal matters.... See, I've got a job for you. [Pointing to + books on table.] Do you notice the titles? + </p> + <p> + GER. [Has been handling the books absent-mindedly; now looks at titles.] + The Saints' Everlasting Rest. Pilgrim's Progress. The Life of St. + Ignatius.... What does that mean? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I'm studying up on religion. I want to know the language. + </p> + <p> + GER. I See! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. But I don't seem to get hold of it very well. I think it's the job + for you. + </p> + <p> + GER. How do you mean? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I'm getting ready to introduce Morality into Nibelheim. + </p> + <p> + GER. What? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Playfully.] You remember you talked to me about it a long time + ago. And now I've come to your way of thinking. Suppose I gave you a + chance to civilize the place, to teach those wretched creatures to love + beauty and virtue? + </p> + <p> + GER. It would depend upon what your motive was in inviting me. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. My Motive? What has that to do with it? Virtue is virtue, is it + not?... No matter what I think about it? + </p> + <p> + GER. Yes. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. And virtue is its own reward? + </p> + <p> + GER. Perhaps so. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Let us grant that the consequences of educating and elevating the + Nibelungs... of teaching them to love righteousness... would be that they + were deprived of all their gold, and forced to labor at getting more for a + wicked capitalist like me. Would it not still be right to teach them? + </p> + <p> + GER. It might, perhaps. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Then you will try it? + </p> + <p> + GER. No... I'm afraid not. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Why not? + </p> + <p> + GER. [Gravely.] Well... for one thing... I have weighty reasons for + doubting the perfectibility of the Nibelungs. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Gazes at him; then shakes with laughter.] Really, Gerald, that is + the one clever thing I've heard you say! + </p> + <p> + GER. [Laughing.] Thank you! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Rises and looks at watch.] Your mother was coming down. Ah! Mrs. + Isman! + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. [Enters, left.] Good afternoon, Prince Hagen. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. And how go things? + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. I've just had a telegram from my brother. He says that the + Archbishop of Canterbury never goes abroad, and was shocked at the + suggestion; but he thinks two million might fetch him. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Very well... offer it. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Do you really think it's worth that? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. My dear lady, it is worth anything if it will make you happy and + add to the eclat of the wedding. There's nothing too good for Estelle. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Ah, what a wonderful man you are. [Eyeing him.] I was wondering + how rose pink would go with your complexion. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Dear me! Am I to wear rose pink? + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. No, but I'm planning the decoration for the wedding breakfast + .... And I'm puzzled about the flowers. I'm weary of orchids and la France + roses... Mrs. Bagley-Willis had her ball room swamped with them last week. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. We must certainly not imitate Mrs. Bagley-Willis. + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. [Complacently.] I fancy she's pretty nearly at the end of her + rope. My maid tells me she couldn't pay her grocer's bill till she got + that million from you! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Ha, ha, ha! + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. I wish you'd come with me for a moment... I have some designs for + the breakfast menu... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Delighted, I'm sure. [They go off, left.] + </p> + <p> + GER. Oh, my God! + </p> + <p> + EST. [Enters in a beautiful afternoon gown, and carrying an armful of + roses; she is nervous and preoccupied.] Ah! Gerald! + </p> + <p> + GER. Estelle. [He watches her in silence; she arranges flowers.] + </p> + <p> + EST. How goes the poem, Gerald? + </p> + <p> + GER. The poem! Who could think of a poem at a time like this? [Advancing + toward her.] Estelle! I can bear it no longer! + </p> + <p> + EST. What? + </p> + <p> + GER. This crime! I tell you it's a crime you're committing! + </p> + <p> + EST. Oh, Gerald! Don't begin that again. You know it's too late. And it + tears me to pieces! + </p> + <p> + GER. I can't help it. I must say it! + </p> + <p> + EST. [Hurrying toward him.] Brother! You must not say another word to me! + I tell you you must not... I can't bear it! + </p> + <p> + GER. Estelle... + </p> + <p> + EST. No, I say... no! I've given my word! My honor is pledged, and it's + too late to turn back. I have permitted father to incur obligations before + all the world. + </p> + <p> + GER. But, Estelle, you don't know. If you understood all... all... + </p> + <p> + EST. [With sudden intensity.] Gerald! I know what you mean! I have felt + it! You know more about Prince Hagen than you have told me. There is some + secret—something strange. [She stares at him wildly.] I don't want + to know it! Gerald... don't you understand? We are in that man's hands! We + are at his mercy! Don't you know that he would never give me up? He would + follow me to the end of the earth! He would wreck the whole world to get + me! I am in a cage with a wild beast! + </p> + <p> + [They stare at each other.] + </p> + <p> + GER. [In sudden excitement.] Estelle! + </p> + <p> + EST. What? + </p> + <p> + GER. Can it be that you love this man? + </p> + <p> + EST. [Startled.] I don't know! How can I tell? He terrifies me. He + fascinates me. I don't know what to make of him. And I don't dare to + think. [Wildly.] And what difference does it make? I have promised to + marry him! + </p> + <p> + [MRS. ISMAN enters, left, and listens.] + </p> + <p> + EST. And I must keep my word! You must not try to dissuade me... + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Estelle! + </p> + <p> + EST. Mother! + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. Has Gerald been tormenting you again? My child, my child.. . I + implore you, don't let that madness take hold of you! Think of our + position. [Attempts to embrace her.] I know how it is... I went through + with it myself. We women all have to go through with it. I did not care + for your father... it nearly broke my heart. I was madly in love at the + time... truly I was! But think what will become of us... + </p> + <p> + EST. [Vehemently, pushing her away.] Mother! I forbid you to speak another + word to me! I will not bear it! I will keep my bargain. I will do what I + have said I will do. But I will not have you talk to me about it... Do you + understand me? + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. My dear! + </p> + <p> + EST. Please go! Both of you! I wish to be alone! + </p> + <p> + MRS. IS. [In great agitation.] Oh, dear me! dear me! + </p> + <p> + [Exit, left.] + </p> + <p> + GER. Good-bye! + </p> + <p> + [Exit, right; ESTELLE recovers herself by an effort; stands by table in + thought. Twilight has begun to gather.] + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Enters by veranda.] Ah! Estelle! [Comes toward her.] My beautiful! + [Makes to embrace her.] Not yet? + </p> + <p> + EST. [Faintly.] Prince Hagen, I told you... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I know, I know! But how much longer? I love you! The sight of you + is fire in my veins. Have I not been patient? The time is very short... + when will you let me... + </p> + <p> + [Advances.] + </p> + <p> + EST. [Gasping.] Give me... give me till tomorrow! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Gripping his hands.] To-morrow! Very well! [Turns to table.] Ah, + flowers! Do you like the new poppies? + </p> + <p> + EST. They are exquisite! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Sits in chair.] Well, we've had a busy day today. + </p> + <p> + EST. Yes. You must be tired. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. In your house? No! + </p> + <p> + EST. Rest, even so. [Goes to piano.] I will play for you. [Sits, and takes + Rheingold score.] One of Gerald's scores. + </p> + <p> + [Plays a little, then sounds the Nibelung theme. PRINCE HAGEN starts. She + repeats it.] + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. No... no! + </p> + <p> + EST. Why-what's the matter? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. That music! What is it? + </p> + <p> + EST. It's some of the Nibelung music. Gerald had it here. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Don't play it! [Hesitating.] Music jars on me now... I've too much + on my mind. + </p> + <p> + EST. [Rising.] Oh... very well. It is time for tea, anyway. Have you + talked with father today? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Three times. He is in the thick of the fight. He plays the game + well. + </p> + <p> + EST. He has played it a long time. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Yes. ['Phone rings.] Ah! What is that? [Takes receiver.] Hello! + Yes... oh, Isman! I see' More trouble in Fifth Avenue, hey? Well, are the + regulars there? Why don't they fire? Women and children in front! Do they + expect to accomplish anything by that? No, don't call me up about matters + like that, Isman. The orders have been given. No... not an inch! Let the + orders be carried out. That is all. Good-bye. Hangs up receiver. + </p> + <p> + EST. [Has been listening in terror.] Prince Hagen! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Well? + </p> + <p> + EST. What does that mean? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. It means that the slums are pouring into Fifth Avenue. + </p> + <p> + EST. [A pause.] What do they want? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Apparently they want to burn my palace. + </p> + <p> + EST. And the orders... what are the orders? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. The orders are to shoot, and to shoot straight. + </p> + <p> + EST. Is it for me that you are doing this? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. How do you mean? + </p> + <p> + EST. You told me you brought all the world and laid it at my feet. Is this + part of the process? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Yes, this is part. + </p> + <p> + EST. [Stares at him intently; whispers.] How do you do it? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. What? + </p> + <p> + EST. What is the secret of your power? They are millions, and you are only + one... yet you have them bound! Is it some spell that you have woven? [A + pause; HAGEN stares at her. She goes on, with growing intensity and + excitement.] They are afraid of your gold! Afraid of your gold! All the + world is afraid of it! It is nothing—it is a dream ... it is a + nightmare! If they would defy you... if they would open their eyes... it + would go as all nightmares go! But you have made them believe in it! They + cower and cringe before it! They toil and slave for it! They take up arms + and murder their brothers for it! They sell their minds and their souls + for it! And all because no one dares to defy you! No one! No one! [In a + sudden transport of passion.] I defy you! [PRINCE HAGEN starts; she gazes + at him wildly.] I will not marry you! I will not sell myself to you! Not + for any price that you can offer... not for any threat that you can make! + Not in order that my mother may plan wedding breakfasts and triumph over + Mrs. Bagley-Willis! Not in order that my father may rule in Wall Street + and command the slaughter of women and children! Nor yet for the fear of + anything that you can do! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [In a low voice.] Have you any idea what I will do? + </p> + <p> + EST. [Desperately.] I know what you mean... you have me at your mercy! You + have your guards—I am in a trap! And you mean force... I have felt + it in all your actions... behind all your words. Very well! There is a way + of escape, even from that; and I will take it! You can compel me to kill + myself; but you can never compel me to marry you! Not with all the power + you can summon... not with all the wealth of the world! Do you understand + me? [They stare at each other.] I have heard you talk with my brother, and + I know what are your ideas. You came to our civilization, and tried it, + and found it a lie. Virtue and honor... justice and mercy... all these + things were pretenses... snares for the unwary. There was no one you could + not frighten with your gold! That is your creed, and so far it has served + you... but no farther! There is one thing in the world you cannot get... + one thing that is beyond the reach of all your cunning! And that is a + woman's soul. [With a gesture of exultant triumph.] You cannot buy me! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Estelle! + </p> + <p> + EST. Go! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Stretching out his arms to her.] I love you! + </p> + <p> + EST. You love me! The slave driver... with his golden whip! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Even so... I love you. + </p> + <p> + EST. What do you know of love? What does the word mean to you? Before love + must come justice and honor, with it come mercy and self-sacrifice... all + things that you deride and trample on. What have you to do with love? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [With intensity.] I love you! More than anything else in all the + world... I love you! + </p> + <p> + EST. [Stares at him.] More than your power? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Estelle! Listen to me! You do not know what my life has been! But I + can say this for myself... I have sought the best that I know. I have + sought Reality. [A pause.] I seek your love! I seek those things which you + have, and which I have not. [Fiercely.] Do you think that I have not felt + the difference? + </p> + <p> + EST. [In a startled whisper.] No! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. That which you have, and which I have not, has become all the world + to me! I love you... I cannot live without you. I will follow you wherever + you command. Only teach me how to win your love. + </p> + <p> + EST. I cannot make terms with you. I will not hear of love from you while + you have force in your hands. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I will leave your home. I will set you free. I will humble myself + before you. What else can I do? + </p> + <p> + EST. You can lay down your power. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Estelle! Those are mere words. + </p> + <p> + EST. No! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Who is to take up the power? Shall I hand it back to those who had + it before? Are Plimpton and Rutherford better fitted to wield it than I? + </p> + <p> + EST. [Vehemently.] Give it to the people! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. The people! Do you believe that in that mass of ignorance and + corruption which you call the people there is the power to rule the world? + </p> + <p> + EST. What is it that has made the people corrupt? What is it that has kept + them in ignorance? What is it but your gold? It lies upon them like a + mountain's weight! It crushes every aspiration for freedom... every effort + after light! Teach them... help them... then see if they cannot govern + themselves! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I meant to do it... + </p> + <p> + EST. Yes... so does every rich man! When only he has the time to think of + it! When only his power is secure! I have heard my father say it... a + score of times. But there are always new rivals to trample... new foes to + fight... new wrongs and horrors to be perpetrated! The time to do it is + now... NOW! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Estelle... + </p> + <p> + CAL. [Enters hurriedly.] Prince Hagen! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. What is it? + </p> + <p> + CAL. A message from Isman. There is bad news from Washington. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Well? + </p> + <p> + CAL. A. bill has been introduced in Congress... it is expected to pass + both houses to-night... your property is to be confiscated! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. What! + </p> + <p> + CAL. The sources of natural wealth... the land and the mines and the + railroads... all are to become public property. It is to take effect at + once! + </p> + <p> + EST. [Pointing at him in exultation.] Aha! It has come! + </p> + <p> + [They stare at each other.] + </p> + <p> + CAL. I tried to get more information... but I was cut off... + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Cut off! + </p> + <p> + CAL. I think the wires are down... I can't get any response. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. I see! [Stands in deep thought; laughs.] Well... [To ESTELLE.] At + least Plimpton and Rutherford are buried with me! [To CALKINS.] Send to + town at once and have the wires seen to. And try to learn what you can. + </p> + <p> + CAL. Yes, sir... at once! [Exit.] + </p> + <p> + EST. They have done it themselves, you see! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Yes... I see. + </p> + <p> + GER. [Enters, centre; stands looking from one to the other.] Well, Prince + Hagen... it looks as if the game was up. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. You've heard the news? + </p> + <p> + GER. From Washington? Yes. And more than that. Your guards have revolted. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. What! Here? + </p> + <p> + GER. Yes. We're prisoners of war, it seems. + </p> + <p> + EST. Gerald! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. How do you know? + </p> + <p> + GER. They've sent a delegation to tell us. They've cut the telephone + wires, blocked the roads, and shut us in. + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. What do they want? + </p> + <p> + GER. They don't condescend to tell us that. They simply inform us that the + woods are guarded, and that anyone who tries to leave the camp will be + shot. + </p> + <p> + EST. [In fright.] Prince Hagen! + </p> + <p> + [HAGEN stands motionless.] + </p> + <p> + GER. [Solemnly.] Hagen, the game is up! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [In deep thought.] Yes. The game is up. [A pause.] Gerald! + </p> + <p> + GER. Well? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. [Points to violin.] Play! + </p> + <p> + GER. [Startled.] No! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Play! + </p> + <p> + GER. You will go? + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Yes. I will go. But I will come back! Play! [GERALD takes the + violin and plays the Nibelung theme.] Louder! + </p> + <p> + GERALD plays the Nibelung music, which is taken up by the orchestra and + mounts to a climax, in the midst of which HAGEN pronounces a sort of + incantation. + </p> + <p> + Mimi! Mimi! Open the gates of wonderland! Bring back the mood of phantasy, + and wake us from our evil dream! + </p> + <p> + Silence. Then answering echoes of the music are heard, faintly, from the + fireplace. There are rappings and murmurings underground, rumbling and + patter of feet, and all the sounds of Nibelheim. As the music swells + louder, the trap doors slide open, and MIMI appears, amid steam and glare + of light. ESTELLE sees him, and recoils in terror. A company of Nibelungs + emerge one by one. They peer about timidly, recognize HAGEN, and with much + trepidation approach him. MIMI clasps his hand, and they surround him with + joyful cries. He moves toward the fireplace, and the steam envelops him. + </p> + <p> + EST. [Starts toward him, stretching out her arms to him.] Prince Hagen! + </p> + <p> + HAGEN. Farewell! + </p> + <p> + He gradually retires, and disappears with the Nibelungs. The orchestra + sounds the motive of Siegfried Triumphant. + </p> + <p> + CURTAIN <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Prince Hagen, by Upton Sinclair + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRINCE HAGEN *** + +***** This file should be named 3303-h.htm or 3303-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/3/0/3303/ + +Produced by Charles Franks, the Online Distributed Proofreading team, +and David Widger + + +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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