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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/33415-8.txt b/33415-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b7af7e2 --- /dev/null +++ b/33415-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3205 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Pandora's Box, by Frank Wedekind + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Pandora's Box + A Tragedy in Three Acts + +Author: Frank Wedekind + +Translator: Samuel A. Eliot + +Release Date: August 13, 2010 [EBook #33415] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PANDORA'S BOX *** + + + + +Produced by Michael Roe and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was +produced from scanned images of public domain material +from the Google Print project.) + + + + + + + + + +TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE + + +In the original book, words were emphasized by adding additional +space between letters (gesperrt). In this eBook, the emphasized words +are marked with *asterisks*. A few printer errors have also been +corrected, which are listed at the end of this eBook. + + + + + PANDORA'S BOX + + + A TRAGEDY IN THREE ACTS + BY + FRANK WEDEKIND + + Translated by Samuel A. Eliot, Jr. + + [Illustration] + + BONI AND LIVERIGHT + NEW YORK 1918 + + COPYRIGHT, 1914 + BY + ALBERT AND CHARLES BONI + + + + + PANDORA'S BOX + + + LULU + BY FRANK WEDEKIND + + ERDGEIST (EARTH-SPIRIT) $1.00 + PANDORA'S BOX $1.00 + + + + +CHARACTERS + + + LULU. + ALVA SCHÖN, _writer_. + SCHIGOLCH. + RODRIGO QUAST, _acrobat_. + ALFRED HUGENBERG, _escaped from a reform-school_. + COUNTESS GESCHWITZ. + BIANETTA. } + LUDMILLA STEINHERZ. } + MAGELONE. } + KADIDIA, _her daughter_. } + COUNT CASTI PIANI. } In Act II. + PUNTSCHU, _a banker_. } + HEILMANN, _a journalist_. } + BOB, _a groom_. } + A DETECTIVE. } + MR. HUNIDEI. } + KUNGU POTI, _imperial prince of Uahubee_. } In Act III. + DR. HILTI, _tutor_. } + JACK. } + + + + +ACT I + + +_The hall of EARTH-SPIRIT_, Act IV, _feebly lighted by an oil lamp on +the centre table. Even this is dimmed by a heavy shade. Lulu's +picture is gone from the easel, which still stands by the foot of the +stairs. The fire-screen and the chair by the ottoman are gone too. +Down left is a small tea-table, with a coffee-pot and a cup of black +coffee on it, and an arm-chair next it._ + +_In this chair, deep in cushions, with a plaid shawl over her knees, +sits Countess Geschwitz in a tight black dress. Rodrigo, clad as a +servant, sits on the ottoman. At the rear, Alva Schön is walking up +and down before the entrance door._ + +RODRIGO. He lets people wait for him as if he were a concert +conductor! + +GESCHWITZ. I beg of you, don't speak! + +RODRIGO. Hold my tongue, with a head as full of thoughts as mine +is!--I absolutely can't believe she's changed so awfully much to her +advantage there! + +GESCHWITZ. She is more glorious to look at than I have ever seen her! + +RODRIGO. God preserve me from founding my life-happiness on your +taste and judgment! If the sickness has hit her as it has you, I'm +smashed and thru! You're leaving the contagious ward like an +acrobat-lady who's had an accident after giving herself up to art. +You can scarcely blow your nose any more. First you need a +quarter-hour to sort your fingers, and then you have to be mighty +careful not to break off the tip. + +GESCHWITZ. What puts *us* under the ground gives *her* health and +strength again. + +RODRIGO. That's all right and fine enough. But I don't think I'll be +travelling off with her this evening. + +GESCHWITZ. You will let your bride journey all alone, after all? + +RODRIGO. In the first place, the old fellow's going with her to +protect her in case anything serious--. My escort could only be +suspicious. And secondly, I must wait here till my costumes are +ready. I'll get across the frontier soon enough alright,--and I hope +in the meantime she'll put on a little embonpoint, too. Then we'll +get married, provided I can present her before a respectable public. +I love the practical in a woman: what theories they make up for +themselves are all the same to me. Aren't they to you too, doctor? + +ALVA. I haven't heard what you were saying. + +RODRIGO. I'd never have got my person mixed up in this plot if she +hadn't kept tickling my bare pate, before her sentence. If only she +doesn't start doing too much as soon as she's out of Germany! I'd +like best to take her to London for six months, and let her fill up +on plum-cakes. In London one expands just from the sea air. And then, +too, in London one doesn't feel with every swallow of beer as if the +hand of fate were at one's throat. + +ALVA. I've been asking myself for a week whether a person who'd been +sentenced to prison could still be made to go as the chief figure in +a modern drama. + +GESCHWITZ. If the man would only come, now! + +RODRIGO. I've still got to redeem my properties out of the pawn-shop +here, too. Six hundred kilos of the best iron. The baggage-rate on +'em is always three times as much as my own ticket, so that the whole +junket isn't worth a trowser's button. When I went into the pawn-shop +with 'em, dripping with sweat, they asked me if the things were +genuine!--I'd have really done better to have had the costumes made +abroad. In Paris, for instance, they see at the first glance where +one's best points are, and bravely lay them bare. But you can't learn +that with bow-legs; it's got to be studied on classically shaped +people. In this country they're as scared of naked skin as they are +abroad of dynamite bombs. A couple of years ago I was fined fifty +marks at the Alhambra Theater, because people could see I had a few +hairs on my chest, not enough to make a respectable tooth-brush! But +the Fine Arts Minister opined that the little school-girls might lose +their joy in knitting stockings because of it; and since then I have +myself shaved once a month. + +ALVA. If I didn't need every bit of my creative power now for the +"World-conqueror," I might like to test the problem and see what +could be done with it. That's the curse of our young literature: +we're so much too literary. We know only such questions and problems +as come up among writers and cultured people. We cannot see beyond +the limits of our own professional interests. In order to get back on +the trail of a great and powerful art we must move as much as +possible among men who've never read a book in their lives, whom the +simplest animal instincts direct in all they do. I've tried already, +with all my might, to work according to those principles--in my +"Earth-spirit." The woman who was my model for the chief figure in +that, breathes to-day--and has for a year--behind barred windows; and +on that account for some incomprehensible reason the play was only +brought to performance by the Society for Free Literature. As long as +my father was alive, all the stages of Germany stood open to my +creations. That has been vastly changed. + +RODRIGO. I've had a pair of tights made of the tenderest blue-green. +If *they* don't make a success abroad, I'll sell mouse-traps! The +trunks are so delicate I can't sit on the edge of a table in 'em. The +only thing that will disturb the good impression is my awful bald +head, which I owe to my active participation in this great +conspiracy. To lie in the hospital in perfect health for three months +would make a fat pig of the most run-down old hobo. Since coming out +I've fed on nothing but Karlsbad pills. Day and night I have +orchestra rehearsals in my intestines. I'll be so washed out before I +get across the frontier that I won't be able to lift a bottle-cork. + +GESCHWITZ. How the attendants in the hospital got out of her way +yesterday! That was a refreshing sight. The garden was still as the +grave: in the loveliest noon sunlight the convalescents didn't +venture out of doors. Away back by the contagious ward she stepped +out under the mulberry trees and swayed on her ankles on the gravel. +The door-keeper had recognized me, and a young doctor who met me in +the corridor shrunk up as tho a revolver shot had struck him. The +Sisters vanished into the big rooms or stayed stuck against the +walls. When I came back there was not a soul to be seen in the garden +or at the gate. No better chance could have been found, if we had had +the curséd passports. And now the fellow says he isn't going with +her! + +RODRIGO. I understand the poor hospital-brothers. One has a bad foot +and another has a swollen cheek, and there appears in the midst of +them the incarnate death-insurance-agentess! In the Hall of the +Knights, as the blessed division was called from which I organized my +spying, when the news got around there that Sister Theophila had +departed this life, not one of the fellows could be kept in bed. They +scrambled up to the window-bars, if they had to drag their pains +along with them by the hundred-weight. I never heard such swearing in +my life! + +ALVA. Allow me, Fräulein von Geschwitz, to come back to my +proposition once more. Tho my father was shot in this room, still I +can see in the murder, as in the punishment, nothing but a horrible +misfortune that has befallen *her*; nor do I think that my father, if +he had come through alive, would have withdrawn his support from her +entirely. Whether your plan for freeing her will succeed still seems +to me very doubtful, tho I wouldn't like to discourage you; but I can +find no words to express the admiration with which your +self-sacrifice, your energy, your superhuman scorn of death, inspires +me. I don't believe any man ever risked so much for a woman, let +alone for a friend. I am not aware, Fräulein von Geschwitz, how rich +you are, but the expenses for what you have accomplished must have +exhausted your fortune. May I venture to offer you a loan of 20,000 +marks--which I should have no trouble raising for you in cash? + +GESCHWITZ. How we did rejoice when Sister Theophila was really dead! +From that day on we were free from custody. We changed our beds as we +liked. I had done my hair like hers, and copied every tone of her +voice. When the professor came he called *her* "gnädiges Fräulein" +and said to me, "It's better living here than in prison!"... When the +Sister suddenly was missing, we looked at each other in suspense: we +had both been sick five days: now was the deciding moment. Next +morning came the assistant.--"How is Sister Theophila?"--"Dead!"--We +communicated behind his back, and when he had gone we sank in each +other's arms: "God be thanked! God be thanked!"--What pains it cost +me to keep my darling from betraying how well she already was! "You +have nine years of prison before you," I cried to her early and late. +Now they probably won't let her stay in the contagious ward three +days more! + +RODRIGO. I lay in the hospital full three months to spy out the +ground, after toilfully peddling together the qualities necessary for +such a long stay. Now I act the valet here with you, Dr. Schön, so +that no strange servants may come into the house. Where is the +bridegroom who's ever done so much for his bride? *My* fortune has +also been destroyed. + +ALVA. When you succeed in developing her into a respectable artiste +you will have put the world in debt to you. With the temperament and +the beauty that she has to give out of the depths of her nature she +can make the most blasé public hold its breath. And then, too, she +will be protected by *acting* passion from a second time becoming a +criminal in reality. + +RODRIGO. I'll soon drive her kiddishness out of her! + +GESCHWITZ. There he comes! (_Steps louden in the gallery. Then the +curtains part at the head of the stairs and Schigolch in a long black +coat with a white sun-shade in his right hand comes down. Thruout the +play his speech is interrupted with frequent yawns._) + +SCHIGOLCH. Confound the darkness! Out-doors the sun burns your eyes +out. + +GESCHWITZ. (_Wearily unwrapping herself._) I'm coming! + +RODRIGO. Her ladyship has seen no daylight for three days. We live +here like in a snuff-box. + +SCHIGOLCH. Since nine o'clock this morning I've been round to all the +old-clothes-men. Three brand new trunks stuffed full of old trowsers +I've expressed to Buenos Ayres via Bremerhaven. My legs are dangling +on me like the tongue of a bell. That's the new life it's going to be +from now on! + +RODRIGO. Where are you going to get off to-morrow morning? + +SCHIGOLCH. I hope not straight into Ox-butter Hotel again! + +RODRIGO. I can tell you a fine hotel. I lived there with a lady +lion-tamer. The people were born in Berlin. + +GESCHWITZ. (_Upright in the arm-chair._) Come and help me! + +RODRIGO. (_Hurries to her and supports her._) And you'll be safer +from the police there than on a high tightrope! + +GESCHWITZ. He means to let you go with her alone this afternoon. + +SCHIGOLCH. Maybe he's still suffering from his chillblains! + +RODRIGO. Do you want me to start my new engagement in bath-robe and +slippers? + +SCHIGOLCH. Hm--Sister Theophila wouldn't have gone to heaven so +promptly either, if she hadn't felt so affectionate towards our +patient. + +RODRIGO.. She'll have a different value when one must serve thru a +honeymoon with her. Anyway, it can't hurt her if she gets a little +fresh air beforehand. + +ALVA. (_A pocketbook in his hand, to Geschwitz who is leaning on a +chair-back by the centre table._) This holds 10,000 marks. + +GESCHWITZ. Thank you, no. + +ALVA. Please take it. + +GESCHWITZ. (_To Schigolch._) Come along, at last! + +SCHIGOLCH. Patience, Fräulein. It's only a stone's throw across +Hospital Street. I'll be here with her in five minutes. + +ALVA. You're bringing her here? + +SCHIGOLCH. I'm bringing her here. Or do you fear for your health? + +ALVA. You see that I fear nothing. + +RODRIGO. According to the latest wire, the doctor is on his way to +Constantinople to have his "Earth-spirit" produced before the Sultan +by harem-ladies and eunuchs. + +ALVA. (_Opening the centre door under the gallery._) It's shorter for +you thru here. (_Exeunt Schigolch and Countess Geschwitz. Alva locks +the door._) + +RODRIGO. You were going to give more money to the crazy sky-rocket! + +ALVA. What has that to do with you? + +RODRIGO. I get paid like a lamp-lighter, tho I had to demoralize all +the Sisters in the hospital. Then came the assistants' and the +doctors' turn, and then-- + +ALVA. Will you seriously inform me that the medical professors let +themselves be influenced by you? + +RODRIGO. With the money those gentlemen cost me I could become +President of the United States! + +ALVA. But Fräulein von Geschwitz has reimbursed you for every penny +that you spent. So far as I know you're getting a monthly salary of +five hundred marks from her besides. It is often pretty hard to +believe in your love for the unhappy murderess. When I asked Fräulein +von Geschwitz just now to accept my help, it certainly was not to +incite your insatiable avarice. The admiration which I have learnt to +have for Fräulein von Geschwitz in this affair, I am far from feeling +towards you. It is not at all clear to me what claims of any kind you +can make upon me. That you chanced to be present at the murder of my +father has not yet created the slightest bond of relationship between +you and me. On the contrary, I am firmly convinced that if the heroic +undertaking of Countess Geschwitz had not come your way you would be +lying somewhere to-day without a penny, drunken in the gutter. + +RODRIGO. And do you know what would have become of you if you hadn't +sold for two millions the tuppeny paper your father ran? You'd have +hitched up with the stringiest sort of ballet-girl and been to-day a +stable-boy in the Humpelmeier Circus. What work do you do? You've +written a drama of horrors in which my bride's calves are the two +chief figures and which no high-class theater will produce. You +walking pajamas! You fresh rag-bag you! Two years ago I balanced two +saddled cavalry-horses on this chest. How that'll go now, after this +(_clasping his bald head_), is a question sure enough. The foreign +girls will get a fine idea of German art when they see the sweat come +beading thru my tights at every fresh kilo-weight! I shall make the +whole auditorium stink with my exhalations! + +ALVA. You're weak as a dish-clout! + +RODRIGO. Would to God you were right! or did you perhaps intend to +insult me? If so, I'll set the tip of my toe to your jaw so that your +tongue'll crawl along the carpet over there! + +ALVA. Try it! (_Steps and voices outside._) Who is that...? + +RODRIGO. You can thank God that I have no public here before me! + +ALVA. Who can that be! + +RODRIGO. That is my beloved. It's a full year now since we've seen +each other. + +ALVA. But how should they be back already! Who can be coming there? I +expect no one. + +RODRIGO. Oh the devil, unlock it! + +ALVA. Hide yourself! + +RODRIGO. I'll get behind the portières. I've stood there once before, +a year ago. (_Disappears, right. Alva opens the rear door, whereupon +Alfred Hugenberg enters, hat in hand._) + +ALVA. With whom have I--.... You? Aren't you--? + +HUGENBERG. Alfred Hugenberg. + +ALVA. What can I do for you? + +HUGENBERG. I've come from Münsterburg. I ran away this morning. + +ALVA. My eyes are bad. I am forced to keep the blinds closed. + +HUGENBERG. I need your help. You will not refuse me. I've got a plan +ready. Can anyone hear us? + +ALVA. What do you mean? What sort of a plan? + +HUGENBERG. Are you alone? + +ALVA. Yes. What do you want to impart to me? + +HUGENBERG. I've had two plans already that I let drop. What I shall +tell you now has been worked out to the last possible chance. If I +had money I should not confide it to you; I thought about that a long +time before coming.... Will you not permit me to set forth to you my +design? + +ALVA. Will you kindly tell me just what you are talking about? + +HUGENBERG. She cannot possibly be so indifferent to you that I must +tell you that. The evidence *you* gave the coroner helped her more +than everything the defending counsel said. + +ALVA. I beg to decline the supposition. + +HUGENBERG. You would say that; I understand that, of course. But all +the same you were her best witness. + +ALVA. *You* were! You said my father was about to force her to shoot +herself. + +HUGENBERG. He was, too. But they didn't believe me. I wasn't put on +my oath. + +ALVA. Where have you come from now? + +HUGENBERG. From a reform-school I broke out of this morning. + +ALVA. And what do you have in view? + +HUGENBERG. I'm trying to get into the confidence of a turnkey. + +ALVA. What do you mean to live on? + +HUGENBERG. I'm living with a girl who's had a child by my father. + +ALVA. Who is your father? + +HUGENBERG. He's a police captain. I know the prison without ever +having been inside it; and nobody in it will recognize me as I am +now. But I don't count on that at all. I know an iron ladder by which +one can get from the first court to the roof and thru an opening +there into the attic. There's no way up to it from inside. But in all +five wings boards and laths and great heaps of shavings are lying +under the roofs, and I'll drag them all together in the middle and +set fire to them. My pockets are full of matches and all the things +used to make fires. + +ALVA. But then you'll burn up there! + +HUGENBERG. Of course, if I'm not rescued. But to get into the first +court I must have the turnkey in my power, and for that I need money. +Not that I mean to bribe him; that wouldn't go. I must lend him money +to send his three children to the country, and then at four o'clock +in the morning when the prisoners of respected families are +discharged, I'll slip in the door. He'll lock-up behind me and ask me +what I'm after, and I'll ask him to let me out again in the evening. +And before it gets light, I'm up in the attic. + +ALVA. How did you escape from the reform-school? + +HUGENBERG. Jumped out the window. I need two hundred marks for the +rascal to send his family to the country. + +RODRIGO. (_Stepping out of the portières, right._) Will the Herr +Baron have coffee in the music-room or on the veranda? + +HUGENBERG. Where does that man come from? Out of the same door! He +jumped out of the same door! + +ALVA. I've taken him into my service. He is dependable. + +HUGENBERG. (_Grasping his temples._) Fool that I am! Oh, fool! + +RODRIGO. Oh, yah, we've seen each other here before! Cut away now to +your vice-mamma. Your kid brother might like to uncle his brothers +and sisters. Make your sir-papa the grandfather of his children! +You're the only thing we've missed. If you once get into my sight in +the next two weeks, I'll beat your bean up for porridge. + +ALVA. Be quiet, you! + +HUGENBERG. I'm a fool! + +RODRIGO. What do you want to do with your fire? Don't you know the +lady's been dead three weeks? + +HUGENBERG. Did they cut off her head? + +RODRIGO. No, she's got that still. She was mashed by the cholera. + +HUGENBERG. That is not true! + +RODRIGO. What do you know about it! There, read it: here! (_Taking +out a paper and pointing to the place._) "The murderess of Dr. +Schön...." (_Gives Hugenberg the paper. He reads:_) + +HUGENBERG. "The murderess of Dr. Schön has in some incomprehensible +way fallen ill of the cholera in prison." It doesn't say that she's +dead. + +RODRIGO. Well, what else do you suppose she is? She's been lying in +the churchyard three weeks. Back in the left-hand corner behind the +rubbish-heap where the little crosses are with no names on them, +there she lies under the first one. You'll know the spot because the +grass hasn't grown on it. Hang a tin wreath there, and then get back +to your nursery-school or I'll denounce you to the police. I know the +female that beguiles her leisure hours with you! + +HUGENBERG. (_To Alva._) Is it true that she's dead? + +ALVA. Thank God, yes!--Please, do not keep me here any longer. My +doctor has forbidden me to receive visitors. + +HUGENBERG. My future is worth so little now! I would gladly have +given the last scrap of what life is worth to me for her happiness. +Heigh-ho! One way or another I'll sure go to the devil now! + +RODRIGO. If you dare in any way to approach me or the doctor here or +my honorable friend Schigolch too near, I'll inform on you for +intended arson. You need three good years, to learn where not to +stick your fingers in! Now get out! + +HUGENBERG. Fool! + +RODRIGO. Get out!! (_Throws him out the door. Coming down._) I wonder +you didn't put your purse at that rogue's disposal, too! + +ALVA. I won't stand your damned jabbering! The boy's little finger is +worth more than all you! + +RODRIGO. I've had enough of this Geschwitz's company! If my bride is +to become a corporation with limited liability, somebody else can go +in ahead of me. I propose to make a magnificent trapeze-artist out of +her, and willingly risk my life to do it. But then I'll be master of +the house, and will myself indicate what cavaliers she is to receive! + +ALVA. The boy has what our age lacks: a hero-nature; therefore, of +course, he is going to ruin. Do you remember how before sentence was +passed he jumped out of the witness-box and yelled at the justice: +"How do you know what would have become of you if you'd had to run +around the cafés barefoot every night when you were ten years old?!" + +RODRIGO. If I could only have given him one in the jaw for that right +away! Thank God, there are jails where scum like that gets some +respect for the law pounded into them. + +ALVA. One like him might have been my model for my "World-conqueror." +For twenty years literature has presented nothing but demi-men: men +who can beget no children and women who can bear none. That's called +"The Modern Problem." + +RODRIGO. I've ordered a hippopotamus-whip two inches thick. If that +has no success with her, you can fill my cranium with potato-soup. Be +it love or be it whipping, female flesh never inquires. Only give it +some amusement, and it stays firm and fresh. She is now in her +twentieth year, has been married three times and has satisfied a +gigantic horde of lovers, and her heart's desires are at last pretty +plain. But the man's got to have the seven deadly sins on his +forehead, or she honors him not. If he looks as if a dog-catcher had +spat him out on the street, then, with such women-folks, he needn't +be afraid of a prince! I'll rent a garage fifty feet high and break +her in there; and when she's learnt the first diving-leap without +breaking her neck I'll pull on a black coat and not stir a finger the +rest of my life. When she's educated practically it doesn't cost a +woman half as much trouble to support her husband as the other way +round, if only the man takes care of the mental labor for her, and +doesn't let the sense of the family go to wreck. + +ALVA. I have learnt to rule humanity and drive it in harness before +me like a well-broken four-in-hand,--but that boy sticks in my head. +Really, I can still take private lessons in the scorn of the world +from that school-boy! + +RODRIGO. She'll just comfortably let her hide be papered with +thousand-mark bills! I'll extract salaries out of the directors with +a centrifugal pump. I know their kind. When they don't need a man, +let him shine their shoes for them; but when they must have an +artiste they cut her down from the very gallows with their own hands +and with the most entangling compliments. + +ALVA. In my situation there's nothing more in the world to fear--but +death. In the realm of sensation I am the poorest beggar. But I can +no longer scrape up the moral courage to exchange my established +position for the excitements of the wild, adventurous life! + +RODRIGO. She had sent Papa Schigolch and me together in chase of some +strong antidote for sleeplessness. We each got a twenty-mark piece +for expenses. There we see the youngster sitting in the Night-light +Café. He was sitting like a criminal on the prisoner's bench. +Schigolch sniffed at him from all sides, and remarked, "He is still +virgin." (_Up in the gallery, dragging steps are heard._) There she +is! The future magnificent trapeze-artiste of the present age! + +(_The curtains part at the stair-head, and Lulu, supported by +Schigolch, and in a black dress, slowly and wearily descends._) + +SCHIGOLCH. Hui, old mold! We've still to get over the frontier +to-day. + +RODRIGO. (_Glaring stupidly at Lulu._) Thunder of heaven! Death! + +LULU. (_Speaks, to the end of the act, in the gayest tones._) Slowly! +You're pinching my arm! + +RODRIGO. How did you ever get the shamelessness to break out of +prison with such a wolf's face?! + +SCHIGOLCH. Stop your snout! + +RODRIGO. I'll run for the police! I'll give information! This +scarecrow let herself be seen in tights?! The padding alone would +cost two months' salary!--You're the most perfidious swindler that +ever had lodging in Ox-butter Hotel! + +ALVA. Kindly refrain from insulting the lady! + +RODRIGO. Insulting you call that?! For this gnawed bone's sake I've +worn myself away! I can't earn my own living! I'll be a clown if I +can still stand firm under a broom-stick! But let the lightning +strike me on the spot if I don't worm ten thousand marks a year for +life out of your tricks and frauds! I can tell you that! A pleasant +trip! I'm going for the police! (_Exit._) + +SCHIGOLCH. Run, run! + +LULU. He'll take good care of himself! + +SCHIGOLCH. We're rid of *him*!--And now some black coffee for the +lady! + +ALVA. (_At the table left._) Here is coffee, ready to pour. + +SCHIGOLCH. I must look after the sleeping-car tickets. + +LULU. (_Brightly._) Oh, freedom! Thank God for freedom! + +SCHIGOLCH. I'll be back for you in half an hour. We'll celebrate our +departure in the station-restaurant. I'll order a supper that'll keep +us going till to-morrow.--Good morning, doctor. + +ALVA. Good evening. + +SCHIGOLCH. Pleasant rest!--Thanks, I know every door-handle here. So +long! Have a good time! (_Exit._) + +LULU. I haven't seen a room for a year and a half. Curtains, chairs, +pictures.... + +ALVA. Won't you drink it? + +LULU. I've swallowed enough black coffee these five days. Have you +any brandy? + +ALVA. I've got some elixir de Spaa. + +LULU. That reminds one of old times. (_Looks round the hall while +Alva fills two glasses._) Where's my picture gone? + +ALVA. I've got it in my room, so no one shall see it here. + +LULU. Bring it down here now. + +ALVA. Didn't you even lose your vanity in prison? + +LULU. How anxious at heart one gets when one hasn't seen herself for +months! One day I got a brand-new dust-pan. When I swept up at seven +in the morning I held the back of it up before my face. Tin doesn't +flatter, but I took pleasure in it all the same.--Bring the picture +down from your room. Shall I come too? + +ALVA. No, Heaven's sake! You must spare yourself! + +LULU. I've been sparing myself long enough now! (_Alva goes out, +right, to get the picture._) He has heart-trouble; but to have to +plague one's self with imagination fourteen months!... He kisses with +the fear of death on him, and his two knees shake like a frozen +vagabond's. In God's name.... In this room--if only I had not shot +his father in the back! + +ALVA. (_Returns with the picture of Lulu in the Pierrot-dress._) It's +covered with dust. I had leant it against the fire-place, face to the +wall. + +LULU. You didn't look at it all the time I was away? + +ALVA. I had so much business to attend to, with the sale of our paper +and everything. Countess Geschwitz would have liked to have hung it +up in her house, but she had to be prepared for search-warrants. (_He +puts the picture on the easel._) + +LULU. (_Merrily._) Now the poor monster is learning the joys of life +in Hotel Ox-butter by her own experience. + +ALVA. Even now I don't understand how events hang together. + +LULU. Oh, Geschwitz arranged it all very cleverly. I must admire her +inventiveness. But the cholera must have raged fearfully in Hamburg +this summer; and on that she founded her plan for freeing me. She +took a course in hospital nursing here, and when she had the +necessary documents she journeyed to Hamburg with them and nursed the +cholera patients. At the first opportunity that offered she put on +the underclothes in which a sick woman had just died and which really +ought to have been burnt. The same morning she traveled back here and +came to see me in prison. In my cell, while the wardress was outside, +we, as quick as we could, exchanged underclothes. + +ALVA. So that was the reason why the Countess and you fell sick of +the cholera the same day! + +LULU. Exactly, that was it! Geschwitz of course was instantly brought +from her house to the contagious ward in the hospital. But with me, +too, they couldn't think of any other place to take me. So there we +lay in one room in the contagious ward behind the hospital, and from +the first day Geschwitz put forth all her art to make our two faces +as like each other as possible. Day before yesterday she was let out +as cured. Just now she came back and said she'd forgotten her watch. +I put on her clothes, she slipped into my prison frock, and then I +came away. (_With pleasure._) Now she's lying over there as the +murderess of Dr. Schön. + +ALVA. So far as outward appearance goes you can still agree with the +picture as much as ever. + +LULU. I'm a little peaked in the face, but otherwise I've lost +nothing. Only one gets incredibly nervous in prison. + +ALVA. You looked horribly sick when you came in. + +LULU. I had to, to get our necks out of the noose.--And you? What +have you done in this year and a half? + +ALVA. I've had a succès d'estime in literary circles with a play I +wrote about you. + +LULU. Who's your sweetheart now? + +ALVA. An actress I've rented a house for in Karl Street. + +LULU. Does she love you? + +ALVA. How should I know that? I haven't seen the woman for six weeks. + +LULU. Can you stand that? + +ALVA. You will never understand that. With me there's the closest +alternation between my sensuality and mental creativeness. So towards +you, for example, I have only the choice of regarding you +artistically or of loving you. + +LULU. (_In a fairy-story tone._) I used to dream every other night +that I'd fallen into the hands of a sadic.... Come, give me a kiss! + +ALVA. It's shining in your eyes like the water in a deep well one has +just thrown a stone into. + +LULU. Come! + +ALVA. (_Kisses her._) Your lips have got pretty thin, anyway. + +LULU. Come! (_Pushes him into a chair and seats herself on his +knee._) Do you shudder at me?--In Hotel Ox-butter we all got a +luke-warm bath every four weeks. The wardresses took that opportunity +to search our pockets as soon as we were in the water. (_She kisses +him passionately._) + +ALVA. Oh, oh! + +LULU. You're afraid that when I'm away you couldn't write any more +poems about me? + +ALVA. On the contrary, I shall write a dithyramb upon thy glory. + +LULU. I'm only sore about the hideous shoes I'm wearing. + +ALVA. They do not encroach upon your charms. Let us be thankful for +the favor of this moment. + +LULU. I don't feel at all like that to-day.--Do you remember the +costume ball where I was dressed like a knight's squire? How those +wine-full women ran after me that time? Geschwitz crawled round, +round my feet, and begged me to step on her face with my cloth shoes. + +ALVA. Come, dear heart! + +LULU. (_In the tone with which one quiets a restless child._) +Quietly! I shot your father. + +ALVA. I do not love thee less for that. One kiss! + +LULU. Bend your head back. (_She kisses him with deliberation._) + +ALVA. You hold back the fire of my soul with the most dexterous art. +And your breast breathes so virginly too. Yet if it weren't for your +two great, dark, childish eyes, I must needs have thought you the +cunningest whore that ever hurled a man to destruction. + +LULU. (_In high spirits._) Would God I were! Come over the border +with us to-day! Then we can see each other as often as we will, and +we'll get more pleasure from each other than now. + +ALVA. Through this dress I feel your body like a symphony. These +slender ankles, this cantabile. This rapturous crescendo. And these +knees, this capriccio. And the powerful andante of lust!--How +peacefully these two slim rivals press against each other in the +consciousness that neither equals the other in beauty--till their +capricious mistress wakes up and the rival lovers separate like the +two hostile poles. I shall sing your praises so that your senses +shall whirl! + +LULU. (_Merrily._) Meanwhile I'll bury my hands in your hair. (_She +does so._) But here we'll be disturbed. + +ALVA. You have robbed me of my reason! + +LULU. Aren't you coming with me to-day? + +ALVA. But the old fellow's going with you! + +LULU. He won't turn up again.--Is not that the divan on which your +father bled to death? + +ALVA. Be still. Be still.... + + CURTAIN. + + + + +ACT II + + +_A spacious salon in white stucco. In the rear-wall, between two high +mirrors, a wide folding doorway showing in the rear room a big +card-table surrounded by Turkish upholstered chairs. In the left wall +two doors, the upper one to the entrance-hall, the lower to the +dining-room. Between them a rococo-console with a white marble top, +and above it Lulu's Pierrot-picture in a narrow gold frame let into +the wall. Two other doors, right; near the lower one a small table. +Wide and brightly-covered chairs stand about, with thin legs and +fragile arms; and in the middle is a sofa of the same style (Louis +XV.)._ + +_A large company is moving about the salon in lively conversation. +The men--*Alva*, *Rodrigo*, Marquis *Casti-Piani*, Banker *Puntschu*, +and Journalist *Heilmann*--are in evening dress. *Lulu* wears a white +Directoire dress with huge sleeves and white lace falling freely from +belt to feet. Her arms are in white kid gloves, her hair done high +with a little tuft of white feathers. *Geschwitz* is in a bright blue +hussar-waist trimmed with white fur and laced with silver braid, a +tall tight collar with a white bow and stiff cuffs with huge ivory +links. *Magelone* is in bright rainbow-colored shot silk with very +wide sleeves, long narrow waist, and three ruffles of spiral +rose-colored ribbons and violet bouquets. Her hair is parted in the +middle and drawn low over her temples. On her forehead is a +mother-of-pearl ornament, held by a fine chain under her hair. +*Kadidia*, her daughter, twelve years old, has bright-green satin +gaiters which yet leave visible the tops of her white silk socks, and +a white-lace-covered dress with bright-green narrow sleeves, +pearl-gray gloves, and free black hair under a big bright-green hat +with white feathers. *Bianetta* is in dark-green velvet, the collar +sewn with pearls, and a full skirt, its hem embroidered with great +false topazes set in silver. *Ludmilla Steinherz* is in a glaring +summer frock striped red and blue._ + +_Rodrigo stands, centre, a full glass in his hand._ + +RODRIGO. Ladies and gentlemen--I beg your pardon--please be quiet--I +drink--permit me to drink--for this is the birthday party of our +amiable hostess--(_taking Lulu's arm_) of Countess Adelaide +d'Oubra--damned and done for!--I drink therefore----and so forth, go +to it, ladies! (_All surround Lulu and clink with her. Alva presses +Rodrigo's hand._) + +ALVA. I congratulate you. + +RODRIGO. I'm sweating like a roast pig. + +ALVA. (_To Lulu._) Let's see if everything's in order in the +card-room. (_Alva and Lulu exeunt, rear. Bianetta speaks to +Rodrigo._) + +BIANETTA. They were telling me just now you were the strongest man in +the world. + +RODRIGO. That I am. May I put my strength at your disposal? + +MAGELONE. I love sharp-shooters better. Three months ago a +sharp-shooter stepped into the casino and every time he went "bang!" +I felt like this. (_She wriggles her hips._) + +CASTI-PIANI. (_Who speaks thruout the act in a bored and weary tone, +to Magelone._) Say, dearie, how does it happen we see your nice +little princess here for the first time to-night? (_Meaning +Kadidia._) + +MAGELONE. Do you really find her so delightful?--She is still in the +convent. She must be back in school again on Monday. + +KADIDIA. What did you say, mama? + +MAGELONE. I was just telling the gentleman that you got the highest +mark in geometry last week. + +HEILMANN. Some pretty hair she's got! + +CASTI-PIANI. Just look at her feet: the way she walks! + +PUNTSCHU. By god, she's got breeding! + +MAGELONE. (_Smiling._) But my dear sirs, take pity on her! She's +nothing but a child still! + +PUNTSCHU. That'd trouble me damned little! (_To Heilmann._) I'd give +ten years of my life if I could initiate the young lady into the +ceremonies of our secret society! + +MAGELONE. But you won't get me to consent to that for a million. I +won't have the child's youth ruined, the way mine was! + +CASTI-PIANI. Confessions of a lovely soul! (_To Magelone._) Would you +not agree, either, for a set of real diamonds? + +MAGELONE. Don't brag! You'll give as few real diamonds to me as to my +child. You know that quite the best yourself. (_Kadidia goes into the +rear room._) + +GESCHWITZ. But is nobody at all going to play, this evening? + +LUDMILLA. Why, of course, comtesse. I'm counting on it very much, for +one! + +BIANETTA. Then let's take our places right away. The gentlemen will +soon come then. + +GESCHWITZ. May I ask you to excuse me just a second. I must say a +word to my friend. + +CASTI-PIANI. (_Offering his arm to Bianetta._) May I have the honor +to be your partner? You always hold such a lucky hand! + +LUDMILLA. Now just give me your other arm and then lead us into the +gambling-hell. (_The three go off so, rear._) + +MAGELONE. Say, Mr. Puntschu, have you still got a few Jungfrau shares +for me, maybe? + +PUNTSCHU. Jungfrau-shares? (_To Heilmann._) The lady means the stock +of the funicular railway on the Jungfrau. The Jungfrau, you +know,--the Virgin--is a mountain up which they want to build a wire +railway. (_To Magelone._) You know, just so there may be no +confusion;--and how easy that would be in this select circle!--Yes, I +still have some four thousand Jungfrau-shares, but I should like to +keep those for myself. There won't be such another chance soon of +making a little fortune out of hand. + +HEILMANN. I've only one lone share of this Jungfrau-stock so far. I +should like to have more, too. + +PUNTSCHU. I'll try, Mr. Heilmann, to look after some for you. But +I'll tell you beforehand you'll have to pay drug-store prices for +them! + +MAGELONE. My fortune-teller advised me to look about me in time. All +my savings are in Jungfrau-shares now. If it doesn't turn out well, +Mr. Puntschu, I'll scratch your eyes out! + +PUNTSCHU. I am perfectly sure of my affairs, my dearie! + +ALVA. (_Who has come back from the card-room, to Magelone._) I can +guarantee your fears are absolutely unfounded. I paid very dear for +my Jungfrau-stock and haven't regretted it a minute. They're going up +steadily from day to day. There never was such a thing before. + +MAGELONE. All the better, if you're right. (_Taking Puntschu's arm._) +Come, my friend, let's try our luck now at baccarat. (_All go out, +rear, except Geschwitz and Rodrigo who scribbles something on a piece +of paper and folds it up, then notices Geschwitz._) + +RODRIGO. Hm, madam countess--(_Geschwitz starts and shrinks._) Do I +look as dangerous as that? (_To himself._) I must make a bon mot. +(_Aloud._) May I perhaps make so bold-- + +GESCHWITZ. You can go to the devil! + +CASTI-PIANI. (_As he leads Lulu in._) Permit me a word or two. + +LULU. (_Not noticing Rodrigo who presses his note into her hand._) +Oh, as many as you like. (_Rodrigo bows and goes out, rear._) + +CASTI-PIANI. (_To Geschwitz._) Leave us alone! + +LULU. (_To Casti-Piani._) Have I hurt you again in any way? + +CASTI-PIANI. (_Since Geschwitz does not stir._) Are you deaf? +(_Geschwitz, sighing deeply, goes out, rear._) + +LULU. Just say straight out how much you want. + +CASTI-PIANI. With money you can no longer serve me. + +LULU. What makes you think that we have no more money? + +CASTI-PIANI. You handed out the last bit of it to me yesterday. + +LULU. If you're sure of that then I suppose it's so. + +CASTI-PIANI. You're down on the bare ground, you and your writer. + +LULU. Then why all the words?--If you want to have me for yourself +you need not first threaten me with execution. + +CASTI-PIANI. I know that. But I've told you more than once that you +won't be my downfall. I haven't sucked you dry because you loved me, +but loved you in order to suck you. Bianetta is more to my taste from +top to bottom than you. You set out the choicest sweetmeats, and +after one has frittered his time away at them he finds he's hungrier +than before. You've loved too long, even for our present relations. +With a healthy young man, you only ruin his nervous system. But +you'll fit all the more perfectly in the position I have sought out +for you. + +LULU. You're crazy! Have I commissioned you to find a position for +me? + +CASTI-PIANI. I told you, though, that I was an appointments-agent. + +LULU. You told me you were a police spy. + +CASTI-PIANI. One can't live on that alone. I was an +appointments-agent originally, till I blundered over a minister's +daughter I'd got a position for in Valparaiso. The little darling in +her childhood's dreams imagined the life even more intoxicating than +it is, and complained of it to Mama. On that, they nabbed me; but by +reliable demeanor I soon enough won the confidence of the criminal +police and they sent me here on a hundred and fifty marks a month, +because they were tripling our contingent here on account of these +everlasting bomb-explosions. But who can get along on a hundred and +fifty marks a month? My colleagues get women to support them; but, of +course, I found it more convenient to take up my former calling +again; and of the numberless adventuresses of the best families of +the entire world, whom chance brings together here, I have already +forwarded many a young creature hungry for life to the place of her +natural vocation. + +LULU. (_Decisively._) I wouldn't do in that business. + +CASTI-PIANI. Your views on that question make no difference whatever +to me. The department of justice will pay anyone who delivers the +murderess of Dr. Schön into the hands of the police a thousand marks. +I only need to whistle for the constable who's standing down at the +corner to have earned a thousand marks. Against that, the House of +Oikonomopulos in Cairo bids sixty pounds for you--twelve hundred +marks--two hundred more than the Attorney General. And, besides, I am +still so far a friend of mankind that I prefer to help my loves to +happiness, not plunge them into misfortune. + +LULU. (_As before._) The life in such a house can never make a woman +of my stamp happy. When I was fifteen, that might have happened to +me. I was desperate then--thought I should never be happy. I bought a +revolver, and ran one night bare-foot thru the deep snow over the +bridge to the park to shoot myself there. But then by good luck I lay +three months in the hospital without setting eyes on a man, and in +that time my eyes opened and I got to know myself. Night after night +in my dreams I saw the man for whom I was created and who was created +for me, and then when I was let out on the men again I was no longer +a silly goose. Since then I can see on a man, in a pitch-dark night +and a hundred feet away, whether we're suited to each other; and if I +sin against that insight I feel the next day dirtied, body and soul, +and need weeks to get over the loathing I have for myself. And now +you imagine I'll give myself to every and any Tom and Harry! + +CASTI-PIANI. Toms and Harries don't patronize Oikonomopulos of Cairo. +His custom consists of Scottish lords, Russian dignitaries, Indian +governors, and our jolly Rhineland captains of industry. I must only +guarantee that you speak French. With your gift for languages you'll +quickly enough learn as much English, besides, as you'll need to get +on with. And you'll reside in a royally furnished apartment with an +outlook on the minarets of the El Azhar Mosque, and walk around all +day on Persian carpets as thick as your fist, and dress every evening +in a fabulous Paris gown and drink as much champagne as your +customers can pay for, and, finally, you'll even remain, up to a +certain point, your own mistress. If the man doesn't please you, you +needn't bring him any reciprocal feelings. Just let him give in his +card, and then--(_Shrugs, and snaps his fingers._) If the ladies +didn't get used to that the whole business would be simply +impossible, because every one after the first four weeks would go +headlong to the devil. + +LULU. (_Her voice shaking._) I do believe that since yesterday you've +got a screw loose somewhere. Am I to understand that the Egyptian +will pay fifteen hundred francs for a person whom he's never seen? + +CASTI-PIANI. I took the liberty of sending him your pictures. + +LULU. Those pictures that I gave you, you've sent to him? + +CASTI-PIANI. You see he can value them better than I. The picture in +which you stand before the mirror as Eve he'll probably hang up at +the house-door, after you've got there.... And then there's one thing +more for you to notice: with Oikonomopulos in Cairo you'll be safer +from your blood-hounds than if you crept into a Canadian wilderness. +It isn't so easy to transport an Egyptian courtesan to a German +prison,--first, on account of the mere expense, and second, from fear +of coming too close to eternal Justice. + +LULU. (_Proudly, in a clear voice._) What's your eternal Justice to +do with me! You can see as plain as your five fingers I shan't let +myself be locked up in any such amusement-place! + +CASTI-PIANI. Then do you want me to whistle for the policeman? + +LULU. (_In wonder._) Why don't you simply ask me for twelve hundred +marks, if you want the money? + +CASTI-PIANI. I want for no money! And I also don't ask for it because +you're dead broke. + +LULU. We still have thirty thousand marks. + +CASTI-PIANI. In Jungfrau-stock! I never have anything to do with +stock. The Attorney-General pays in the national currency, and +Oikonomopulos pays in English gold. You can be on board early +to-morrow. The passage doesn't last much more than five days. In two +weeks at most you're in safety. Here you are nearer to prison than +anywhere. It's a wonder which I, as one of the secret police, cannot +understand, that you two have been able to live for a full year +unmolested. But just as I came on the track of your antecedents, so +any day, with your mighty consumption of men, one of my colleagues +may make the happy discovery. Then I may just wipe my mouth, and you +spend in prison the most enjoyable years of your life. If you will +kindly decide quickly. The train goes at 12.30. If we haven't struck +a bargain before eleven, I whistle up the policeman. If we have, I +pack you, just as you stand, into a carriage, drive you to the +station, and to-morrow escort you on board ship. + +LULU. But is it possible you can be serious in all this? + +CASTI-PIANI. Don't you understand that I can act now only for your +bodily rescue? + +LULU. I'll go with you to America or to China, but I can't let myself +be sold of my own accord! That is worse than prison! + +CASTI-PIANI. (_Drawing a letter from his pocket._) Just read this +effusion! I'll read it to you. Here's the postmark "Cairo," so you +won't believe I work with forged documents. The girl is a Berliner, +was married two years and to a man whom you would have envied her, a +former comrade of mine. He travels now for the Hamburg Colonial +Company.... + +LULU. (_Merrily._) Then perhaps he *visits* his wife occasionally? + +CASTI-PIANI. That is not incredible. But hear this impulsive +expression of her feelings. My white-slave traffic seems to me +absolutely no more honorable than the very best judge would tax it +with being, but a cry of joy like this lets me feel a certain moral +satisfaction for a moment. I am proud to earn my money by scattering +happiness with full hands. (_Reads._) "Dear Mr. Meyer"--that's my +name as a white-slave trader--"when you go to Berlin, please go right +away to the conservatory on the Potsdamer Strasse and ask for Gusti +von Rosenkron--the most beautiful woman that I've ever seen in +nature--delightful hands and feet, naturally small waist, straight +back, full body, big eyes and short nose--just the sort you like +best. I have written to her already. She has no prospects with her +singing. Her mother hasn't a penny. Sorry she's already twenty-two, +but she's pining for love. Can't marry, because absolutely without +means. I have spoken with Madame. They'd like to take another German, +if she's well educated and musical. Italians and Frenchwomen can't +compete with us, 'cause of too little culture. If you should see +Fritz"--Fritz is the husband; he's getting a divorce, of +course,--"tell him it was all a bore. He didn't know any better, nor +did I either." Now come the exact details-- + +LULU. (_Goaded._) I can not sell the only thing that ever was my own! + +CASTI-PIANI. Let me read some more. + +LULU. (_As before._) This very evening, I'll hand over to you our +entire wealth. + +CASTI-PIANI. Believe me, for God's sake, I've *got* your last red +cent! If we haven't left this house before eleven, you and your lot +will be transported to-morrow in a police-car to Germany. + +LULU. You *can't* give me up! + +CASTI-PIANI. Do you think that would be the worst thing I can have +done in my life?... I must, in case we go to-night, have just a brief +word with Bianetta. (_He goes into the card-room, leaving the door +open behind him. Lulu stares before her, mechanically crumpling up +the note that Rodrigo stuck into her hand, which she has held in her +fingers thruout the dialog. Alva, behind the card-table, gets up, a +bill in his hand, and comes into the salon._) + +ALVA. (_To Lulu._) Brilliantly! It's going brilliantly! Geschwitz is +wagering her last shirt. Puntschu has promised me ten more +Jungfrau-shares. Steinherz is making her little gains and profits. +(_Exit, lower right._) + +LULU. I in a bordell?--(_She reads the paper she holds, and laughs +madly._) + +ALVA. (_Coming back with a cash-box in his hand._) Aren't you going +to play, too? + +LULU. Oh, yes, surely--why not? + +ALVA. By the way, it's in the Berliner Tageblatt to-day that Alfred +Hugenberg has hurled himself over the stairs in prison. + +LULU. Is he too in prison? + +ALVA. Only in a sort of house of detention. (_Exit, rear. Lulu is +about to follow, but Countess Geschwitz meets her in the door-way._) + +GESCHWITZ. You are going because I come? + +LULU. (_Resolutely._) No, God knows. But when you come then I go. + +GESCHWITZ. You have defrauded me of all the good things of this world +that I still possessed. You might at the very least preserve the +outward forms of politeness in your intercourse with me. + +LULU. (_As before._) I am as polite to you as to any other woman. I +only beg you to be equally so to me. + +GESCHWITZ. Have you forgotten the passionate endearments by which, +while we lay together in the hospital, you seduced me into letting +myself be locked into prison for you? + +LULU. Well, why else did you bring me down with the cholera +beforehand? I swore very different things to myself, even while it +was going on, from what I had to promise you! I am shaken with horror +at the thought that that should ever become reality! + +GESCHWITZ. Then you cheated me consciously, deliberately? + +LULU. (_Gaily._) What have you been cheated of, then? Your physical +advantages have found so enthusiastic an admirer here, that I ask +myself if I won't have to give piano lessons once more, to keep +alive! No seventeen-year-old child could make a man madder with love +than you, a pervert, are making him, poor fellow, by your +shrewishness. + +GESCHWITZ. Of whom are you speaking? I don't understand a word. + +LULU. (_As before._) I'm speaking of your acrobat, of Rodrigo Quast. +He's an athlete: he balances two saddled cavalry horses on his chest. +Can a woman desire anything more glorious? He told me just now that +he'd jump into the water to-night if you did not take pity on him. + +GESCHWITZ. I do not envy you this cleverness with which you torture +the helpless victims sacrificed to you by their inscrutable destiny. +My own plight has not yet wrung from me the pity that I feel for you. +_I_ feel free as a god when I think to what creatures *you* are +enslaved. + +LULU. Who do you mean? + +GESCHWITZ. Casti-Piani, upon whose forehead the most degenerate +baseness is written in letters of fire! + +LULU. Be silent! I'll kick you, if you speak ill of *him*. He loves +me with an uprightness against which your most venturous +self-sacrifices are poor as beggary! He gives me such proofs of +self-denial as reveal *you* for the first time in all your +loathsomeness! You didn't get finished in your mother's womb, neither +as woman nor as man. You have no human nature like the rest of us. +The stuff didn't go far enough for a man, and for a woman you got too +much brain into your skull. That's the reason you're crazy! Turn to +Miss Bianetta! She can be had for everything for pay! Press a +gold-piece into her hand and she'll belong to you. (_All the_ +_company save Kadidia throng in out of the card-room._) For the +Lord's sake, what has happened? + +PUNTSCHU. Nothing whatever! We're thirsty, that's all. + +MAGELONE. Everybody has won. We can't believe it. + +BIANETTA. It seems I have won a whole fortune! + +LUDMILLA. Don't boast of it, my child. That isn't lucky. + +MAGELONE. But the bank has won, too! How is that *possible*? + +ALVA. It is colossal, where all the money comes from! + +CASTI-PIANI. Let us not ask! Enough that we need not spare the +champagne. + +HEILMANN. I can pay for a supper in a respectable restaurant +afterwards, anyway! + +ALVA. To the buffet, ladies! Come to the buffet! (_All exeunt, lower +left._) + +RODRIGO. (_Holding Lulu back._) Un momong, my heart. Have you read my +billet-doux? + +LULU. Threaten me with discovery as much as you like! I have no more +twenty thousands to dispose of. + +RODRIGO. Don't lie to me, you punk! You've still got forty thousand +in Jungfrau-stock. Your so-called spouse has just been bragging of it +himself! + +LULU. Then turn to *him* with your blackmailing! It's all one to me +what he does with his money. + +RODRIGO. Thank you! With that blockhead I'd need twice twenty-four +hours to make him grasp what I was talking about. And then come his +explanations, that make one deathly sick; and meanwhile my bride +writes me "It's all up!" and I can just hang a hurdy-gurdy over my +shoulder. + +LULU. Have you got engaged here, then? + +RODRIGO. Maybe I ought to have asked your permission first? What were +my thanks here that I freed you from prison at the cost of my health? +You abandoned me! I might have had to be a baggage-man if this girl +hadn't taken me up! At my very first entrance, right away, they threw +a velvet-covered arm-chair at my head! This country is too decadent +to value genuine shows of strength any more. If I'd been a boxing +kangaroo they'd have interviewed me and put my picture in all the +papers. Thank heaven, I'd already made the acquaintance of my +Celestine. She's got the savings of twenty years deposited with the +government; and she loves me just for myself. She doesn't aim only at +vulgar things, like you. She's had three children by an American +bishop--all of the greatest promise. Day after to-morrow we'll get +married by the registrar. + +LULU. You have my blessing. + +RODRIGO. Your blessing *can* be stolen from me. I've told my bride I +had twenty thousand in stock at the bank. + +LULU. (_Amused._) And after that he boasts the person loves him for +himself! + +RODRIGO. She honors in me the man of mind, not the man of might as +you and all the others have done. That's over now. First they tore +the clothes from one's body and then they waltzed around with the +chambermaid. I'll be a skeleton before I'll let myself in again for +such diversions! + +LULU. Then why the devil do you pursue the unfortunate Geschwitz with +your attentions? + +RODRIGO. Because the creature is of noble blood. I'm a man of the +world, and can do distinguished conversation better than any of you. +But now (_with a gesture_) my talk is hanging out of my mouth! Will +you get me the money before to-morrow evening or won't you? + +LULU. I have no money. + +RODRIGO. I'll have hen-droppings in my head before I'll let myself be +put off with that! He'll give you his last cent if you'll only do +your damned duty once! You lured the poor lad here, and now he can +see where to scare up a suitable engagement for his accomplishments. + +LULU. What has it to do with you if he wastes his money with women or +at cards? + +RODRIGO. Do you absolutely *want*, then, to throw the last penny that +his father earned by his paper into the jaws of this rapacious pack? +You'll make four people happy if you'll not take things too exactly +and sacrifice yourself for a beneficent purpose! Has it got to be +only Casti-Piani *forever*? + +LULU. (_Lightly._) Shall I ask him perhaps to light you down the +stairs? + +RODRIGO. As you wish, countess! If I don't get the twenty thousand +marks by to-morrow evening, I make a statement to the police and your +court has an end. Auf Wiedersehen! (_Heilmann enters, breathless, +upper right._) + +LULU. You're looking for Miss Magelone? She's not here. + +HEILMANN. No, I'm looking for something else-- + +RODRIGO. (_Taking him to the entry-door, opposite him._) Second door +on the left. + +LULU. (_To Rodrigo._) Did you learn that from your bride? + +HEILMANN. (_Bumping into Puntschu in the doorway._) Excuse me, my +angel! + +PUNTSCHU. Ah, it's you. Miss Magelone's waiting for you in the lift. + +HEILMANN. You go up with her, please. I'll be right back. (_He +hurries out, left. Lulu goes out at lower left. Rodrigo follows +her._) + +PUNTSCHU. Some heat, that! If I don't cut off *your* ears, you'll cut +'em off me! If I can't hire out my Jehoshaphat, I've just got to help +myself with my brains! Won't they get wrinkled, my brains! Won't they +get indisposed! Won't they need to bathe in Eau de Cologne! (_Bob, a +groom in a red jacket, tight leather breeches, and twinkling +riding-boots, 15 years old, brings in a telegram._) + +BOB. Mr. Puntschu, the banker! + +PUNTSCHU. (_Breaks open the telegram and murmurs:_) "Jungfrau +Funicular Stock fallen to--" Ay, ay, so goes the world! (_To Bob._) +Wait! (_Gives him a tip._) Tell me--what's your name? + +BOB. Well, it's really Freddy, but they call me Bob, because that's +the fashion now. + +PUNTSCHU. How old are you? + +BOB. Fifteen. + +KADIDIA. (_Enters hesitatingly from lower left._) I beg your pardon, +can you tell me if mama is here? + +PUNTSCHU. No, my dear. (_Aside._) Devil, she's got breeding! + +KADIDIA. I'm hunting all over for her; I can't find her anywhere. + +PUNTSCHU. Your mama will turn up again soon, as true as my name's +Puntschu! (_Looking at Bob._) And that pair of breeches! God of +Justice! It gets uncanny! (_He goes out, upper right._) + +KADIDIA. Haven't *you* seen my mama, perhaps? + +BOB. No, but you only need to come with me. + +KADIDIA. Where is she then? + +BOB. She's gone up in the lift. Come along. + +KADIDIA. No, no, I can't go up with you. + +BOB. We can hide up there in the corridor. + +KADIDIA. No, no, I can't come, or I'll be scolded. (_Magelone, +terribly excited, rushes in, upper left, and possesses herself of +Kadidia._) + +MAGELONE. Ha, there you are at last, you common creature! + +KADIDIA. (_Crying._) O mama, mama, I was hunting for you! + +MAGELONE. Hunting for me? Did I tell you to hunt for me? What have +you had to do with this fellow? (_Heilmann, Alva, Ludmilla, Puntschu, +Geschwitz, and Lulu enter, lower left. Bob has withdrawn._) Now don't +bawl before all the people on me; look out, I tell you! + +LULU. (_As they all surround Kadidia._) But you're crying, +sweetheart! Why are you crying? + +PUNTSCHU. By God, she's really been crying! Who's done anything to +hurt you, little goddess? + +LUDMILLA. (_Kneels before her and folds her in her arms._) Tell me, +cherub, what bad thing has happened. Do you want a cookie? Do you +want some chocolate? + +MAGELONE. It's just nerves. The child's getting them much too soon. +It would be the best thing if no one paid any attention to her! + +PUNTSCHU. That sounds like you! You're a pretty mother! The courts'll +yet take the child away from you and appoint me her guardian! +(_Stroking Kadidia's cheeks._) Isn't that so, my little goddess? + +GESCHWITZ. I should be glad if we started the baccarat again at last? +(_All go into the card-room. Lulu is held back at the door by Bob._) + +LULU. (_When Bob has whispered to her._) Certainly! Let him come in! +(_Bob opens the door and lets Schigolch enter, in evening dress, his +patent-leather shoes much worn, and keeping on his shabby opera +hat._) + +SCHIGOLCH. (_With a look at Bob._) Where d'd you get him from? + +LULU. The circus. + +SCHIGOLCH. How much does he get? + +LULU. Ask him if it interests you. (_To Bob._) Shut the doors. (_Bob +goes out lower left, shutting the door behind him._) + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Sitting down._) The truth is, I'm in need of money. I've +hired a flat for my mistress. + +LULU. Have you taken another mistress here, too? + +SCHIGOLCH. She's from Frankfort. In her youth she was mistress to the +King of Naples. She tells me every day she was once very bewitching. + +LULU. (_Outwardly with complete composure._) Does she need the money +very badly? + +SCHIGOLCH. She wants to fit up her own apartments. Such sums are of +no account to *you*. (_Lulu is suddenly overcome with a fit of +weeping._) + +LULU. (_Flinging herself at Schigolch._) O God Omnipotent! + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Patting her._) Well? What is it now? + +LULU. (_Sobbing violently._) It's too horrible! + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Draws her onto his knee and holds her in his arms like a +little child._) Hm--You're trying to do too much, child. You must go +to bed, now and then, with a story.--Cry, that's right, cry it all +out. It used to shake you just so fifteen years ago. Nobody has +screamed since then, the way you could scream! You didn't wear any +white tufts on your head then, nor any transparent stockings on your +legs: you had neither shoes nor stockings then. + +LULU. (_Crying._) Take me home with you! Take me home with you +to-night! Please! We'll find carriages enough downstairs! + +SCHIGOLCH. I'll take you with me; I'll take you with me.--What is it? + +LULU. It's going round my neck! I'm to be shown up! + +SCHIGOLCH. By who? Who's showing you up? + +LULU. The acrobat. + +SCHIGOLCH. (_With the utmost composure._) I'll look after him. + +LULU. Look after him! *Please*, look after him! Then do with me what +you will! + +SCHIGOLCH. If he comes to me, he's done for. My window is over the +water. But (_shaking his head_) he won't come; he won't come. + +LULU. What number do you live at? + +SCHIGOLCH. 376, the last house before the hippodrome. + +LULU. I'll send him there. He'll come with the crazy person that +creeps about my feet. He'll come this very evening. Go home and let +them find it comfortable. + +SCHIGOLCH. Just let them come. + +LULU. To-morrow bring the gold rings he wears in his ears. + +SCHIGOLCH. Has he got rings in his ears? + +LULU. You can take them out before you let him down. He doesn't +notice anything when he's drunk. + +SCHIGOLCH. And then, child--what then? + +LULU. Then I'll give you the money for your mistress. + +SCHIGOLCH. I call that pretty stingy. + +LULU. And whatever else you want! What I have! + +SCHIGOLCH. It's pretty near ten years since we knew each other. + +LULU. Is that all?--But you've got a mistress. + +SCHIGOLCH. My Frankforter is no longer of to-day. + +LULU. But then swear! + +SCHIGOLCH. Haven't I always kept my word to you? + +LULU. Swear that you'll look after him! + +SCHIGOLCH. I'll look after him. + +LULU. Swear it to me! Swear it to me! + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Puts his hand on her ankle._) By everything that's holy! +To-night, if he comes-- + +LULU. By everything that's holy!--How cool that is! + +SCHIGOLCH. How hot this is! + +LULU. Drive straight home. They'll come in half-an-hour! Take a +carriage! + +SCHIGOLCH. I'm going. + +LULU. Quick! Please!-- --All-powerful-- + +SCHIGOLCH. Why do you stare at me so again already? + +LULU. Nothing--.... + +SCHIGOLCH. Well? Is your tongue frozen on you? + +LULU. My garter's broken. + +SCHIGOLCH. What if it is? Is that all? + +LULU. What does that augur? + +SCHIGOLCH. What does it? I'll fasten it for you if you'll keep still. + +LULU. That augurs misfortune! + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Yawning._) Not for you, child. Cheer up, I'll look after +him! (_Exit. Lulu puts her left foot on a foot-stool, fastens her +garter, and goes out into the card-room. Then Rodrigo is cuffed in +from the dining-room, lower left, by Casti-Piani._) + +RODRIGO. You can treat me decently anyway! + +CASTI-PIANI. (_Still perfectly unemotional._) Whatever would induce +me to do that? I will know what you said to her here a little while +ago. + +RODRIGO. Then you can be very fond of me! + +CASTI-PIANI. Will you bandy words with me, dog? You demanded that she +go up in the lift with you! + +RODRIGO. That's a shameless, perfidious lie! + +CASTI-PIANI. She told me so herself. You threatened to denounce her +if she didn't go with you.--Shall I shoot you on the spot? + +RODRIGO. The shameless hussy! As if anything like that could occur to +me!--Even if I should want to have her, God knows I don't first need +to threaten her with prison! + +CASTI-PIANI. Thank you. That's all I wanted to know. (_Exit, upper +left._) + +RODRIGO. Such a hound! A fellow I could throw up onto the roof so +he'd stick like a Limburger cheese!--Come back here, so I can wind +your guts round your neck. That would be even better! + +LULU. (_Enters, lower left; merrily._) Where were you? I've been +hunting for you like a pin. + +RODRIGO. I've shown *him* what it means to start anything with me! + +LULU. Whom? + +RODRIGO. Your Casti-Piani! What made you tell him, you slut, that I +wanted to seduce you?! + +LULU. Did you not ask me to give myself to my deceased husband's son +for twenty thousand in Jungfrau shares? + +RODRIGO. Because it's your duty to take pity on the poor young +fellow! You shot away his father before his nose in the very best +years of life! But your Casti-Piani will think it over before he +comes into my sight again. I gave him one in the basket that made the +tripes fly to heaven like Roman candles. If you've got no better +substitute for me, then I'm sorry ever to have had your favor! + +LULU. Lady Geschwitz is in the fearfullest case. She twists herself +up in fits. She's at the point of jumping into the water if you let +her wait any longer. + +RODRIGO. What's the beast waiting for? + +LULU. For you, to take her with you. + +RODRIGO. Then give her my regards, and she can jump into the water. + +LULU. She'll lend me twenty thousand marks to save me from +destruction if you will preserve her from it herself. If you'll take +her off to-night, I'll deposit twenty thousand marks to-morrow in +your name at any bank you say. + +RODRIGO. And if I don't take her off with me? + +LULU. Denounce me! Alva and I are dead broke. + +RODRIGO. Devil and damnation! + +LULU. You make four people happy if you don't take things too exactly +and sacrifice yourself for a beneficent purpose. + +RODRIGO. That won't go; I know that, beforehand. I've tried that out +enough now. Who counts on an honorable soul like that in a bag o' +bones! What the person had for me was her being an aristocrat. My +behavior was as gentleman-like, and more, as you could find among +German circus-people. If I'd only just pinched her in the calves +once! + +LULU. (_Watchfully._) She is still a virgin. + +RODRIGO. (_Sighing._) If there's a God in heaven, you'll get paid for +your jokes some day! I prophesy that. + +LULU. Geschwitz waits. What shall I tell her? + +RODRIGO. My very best wishes, and I am perverse. + +LULU. I will deliver that. + +RODRIGO. Wait a sec. Is it certain sure I get twenty thousand marks +from her? + +LULU. Ask herself! + +RODRIGO. Then tell her I'm ready. I await her in the dining-room. I +must just first look after a barrel of caviare. (_Exit, left. Lulu +opens the rear door and calls in a clear voice "Martha!" Countess +Geschwitz enters, closing the door behind her._) + +LULU. (_Pleased._) Dear heart, you can save me from death to-night. + +GESCHWITZ. How? + +LULU. By going to a certain house with the acrobat. + +GESCHWITZ. What for, dear? + +LULU. He says you must belong to him this very night or he'll +denounce me to-morrow. + +GESCHWITZ. You know I can't belong to any man. My fate has not +permitted that. + +LULU. If you don't please him, that's his own fix. Why has he fallen +in love with you? + +GESCHWITZ. But he'll get as brutal as a hangman. He'll revenge +himself for his disappointment and beat my head in. I've been thru +that already.... Can you not possibly spare me this hardest test? + +LULU. What will you gain by his denouncing me? + +GESCHWITZ. I have still enough of my fortune to take us to America +together in the steerage. There you'd be safe from all your pursuers. + +LULU. (_Pleased and gay._) I want to stay here. I can never be happy +in any other city. You must tell him that you can't live without him. +Then he'll feel flattered and be gentle as a lamb. You must pay the +coachman, too: give him this paper with the address on it. 376 is a +sixth-class hotel where they're expecting you with him this evening. + +GESCHWITZ. (_Shuddering._) How can such a monstrosity save your life? +I don't understand that. You have conjured up to torture me the most +terrible fate that can fall upon outlawed me! + +LULU. (_Watchful._) Perhaps the encounter will cure you. + +GESCHWITZ. (_Sighing._) O Lulu, if an eternal retribution does exist, +I hope I may not have to answer then for you. I cannot make myself +believe that no God watches over us. Yet you are probably right that +there is nothing there, for how can an insignificant worm like me +have provoked his wrath so as to experience only horror there where +all living creation swoons for bliss? + +LULU. You needn't complain. When you *are* happy you're a hundred +thousand times happier than one of us ordinary mortals ever is! + +GESCHWITZ. I know that too! I envy no one! But I am still waiting. +You have deceived me so often already. + +LULU. I am yours, my darling, if you quiet Mr. Acrobat till +to-morrow. He only wants his vanity placated. You must beseech him to +take pity on you. + +GESCHWITZ. And to-morrow? + +LULU. I await you, my heart. I shall not open my eyes till you come: +see no chambermaid, receive no hair-dresser, not open my eyes before +you are with me. + +GESCHWITZ. Then let him come. + +LULU. But you must throw yourself at his head, dear! Have you got the +house-number? + +GESCHWITZ. Three-seventy-six. But quick now! + +LULU. (_Calls into the dining-room._) Ready, my darling? + +RODRIGO. (_Entering._) The ladies will pardon my mouth's being full. + +GESCHWITZ. (_Seizing his hand._) I implore you, have mercy on my +need! + +RODRIGO. A la bonne heure! Let us mount the scaffold! (_Offers her +his arm._) + +LULU. Good-night, children! (_Accompanies them into the corridor.... +then quickly returns with Bob._) Quick, quick, Bob! We must get away +this moment! You escort me! But we must change clothes! + +BOB. (_Curt and clear._) As the gracious lady bids. + +LULU. Oh what, gracious lady! You give me your clothes and put on +mine. Come! (_Exeunt into the dining-room. Noise in the card-room, +the doors are torn open, and Puntschu, Heilmann, Alva, Bianetta, +Magelone, Kadidia and Ludmilla enter, Heilmann holding a piece of +paper with a glowing Alpine peak at its top._) + +HEILMANN. (_To Puntschu._) Will you accept this share of +Jungfrau-stock, sir? + +PUNTSCHU. But that paper has no exchange, my friend. + +HEILMANN. You rascal! You just don't want to give me my revenge! + +MAGELONE. (_To Bianetta._) Have you any idea what it's all about? + +LUDMILLA. Puntschu has taken all his money from him, and now gives up +the game. + +HEILMANN. Now he's got cold feet, the filthy Jew! + +PUNTSCHU. How have I given up the game? How have I got cold feet? The +gentleman has merely to lay plain cash! Is this my banking-office I'm +in? He can proffer me his trash to-morrow morning! + +HEILMANN. Trash you call that? The stock in my knowledge is at 210! + +PUNTSCHU. Yesterday it was at 210, you're right. To-day, it's just +nowhere. And to-morrow you'll find nothing cheaper or more tasteful +to paper your stairs with. + +ALVA. But how is that possible? Then we *would* be down and out! + +PUNTSCHU. Well, what am _I_ to say, who have lost my whole fortune in +it! To-morrow morning I shall have the pleasure of taking up the +struggle for an assured existence for the thirty-sixth time! + +MAGELONE. (_Passing forward._) Am I dreaming or do I really hear the +Jungfrau-stock has fallen? + +PUNTSCHU. Fallen even lower than you! Tho you can use 'em for +curl-paper. + +MAGELONE. O God in Heaven! Ten years' work! (_Falls in a faint._) + +KADIDIA. Wake up, mama! Wake up! + +BIANETTA. Say, Mr. Puntschu, where will you eat this evening, since +you've lost your whole fortune? + +PUNTSCHU. Wherever you like, young lady! Take me where you will, but +quickly! Here it's getting frightful. (_Exeunt Puntschu and +Bianetta._) + +HEILMANN. (_Squeezing up his stock and flinging it to the ground._) +That is what one gets from this pack! + +LUDMILLA. Why do you speculate on the Jungfrau too? Send a few little +notices on the company to the German police here, and then you'll +still win something in the end. + +HEILMANN. I've never tried that in my life, but if you want to help +me--? + +LUDMILLA. Let's go to an all-night restaurant. Do you know the +Five-footed Calf? + +HEILMANN. I'm very sorry-- + +LUDMILLA. Or the Sucking Lamb, or the Smoking Dog? They're all right +near here. We'll be all by ourselves there, and before dawn we'll +have a little article ready. + +HEILMANN. Don't you sleep? + +LUDMILLA. Oh, of course; but not at night. (_Exeunt Heilmann and +Ludmilla._) + +ALVA. (_Who has been trying to resuscitate Magelone._) Ice-cold +hands! Ah, what a splendid woman! We must undo her waist. Come, +Kadidia, undo your mother's waist! She's so fearfully tight-laced. + +KADIDIA. (_Without stirring._) I'm afraid. (_Lulu enters lower left +in a jockey-cap, red jacket, white leather breeches and riding boots, +a riding cape over her shoulders._) + +LULU. Have you any cash, Alva? + +ALVA. (_Looking up._) Have you gone crazy? + +LULU. In two minutes the police'll be here. We are denounced. You can +stay of course, if you're eager to! + +ALVA. (_Springing up._) Merciful Heaven! (_Exeunt Alva and Lulu._) + +KADIDIA. (_Shaking her mother, in tears._) Mama, Mama! Wake up! +They've all run away! + +MAGELONE. (_Coming to herself._) And youth gone! And my best days +gone! Oh, this life! + +KADIDIA. But I'm young, mama! Why shouldn't I earn any money? I don't +want to go back to the convent! Please, mama, keep me with you! + +MAGELONE. God bless you, sweetheart! You don't know what you say--Oh, +no, I shall look around for an engagement in a Varieté, and sing the +people my misfortunes with the Jungfrau-stock. Things like that are +always applauded. + +KADIDIA. But you've got no voice, mama! + +MAGELONE. Ah, yes, that's true! + +KADIDIA. Take me with you to the Varieté! + +MAGELONE. No, it would break my heart!--But, well, if it can't be +otherwise, and you're so made for it,--I can't change things!--Yes, +we can go to the Olympia together to-morrow! + +KADIDIA. O mama, how glad that makes me feel! (_A plain-clothes +detective enters, upper left._) + +DETECTIVE. In the name of the law--I arrest you! + +CASTI-PIANI. (_Following him, bored._) What sort of nonsense is that? +*That* isn't the right one! + + CURTAIN. + + + + +ACT III + + +_An attic room, without windows, but with two sky-lights, under one +of which stands a bowl filled with rain-water. Down right, a door +thru a board partition into a sort of cubicle under the slanting +roof. Near it, a wobbly flower-table with a bottle and a smoking +oil-lamp on it. Upper right, a worn-out couch. Door centre; near it, +a chair without a seat. Down left, below the entrance door, a torn +gray mattress. None of the doors can shut tight._ + +_The rain beats on the roof. Schigolch in a long gray overcoat lies +on the mattress; Alva on the couch, wrapped in a plaid whose straps +still hang on the wall above him._ + +SCHIGOLCH. The rain's drumming for the parade. + +ALVA. Cheerful weather for her first appearance! I dreamt just now we +were dining together at Olympia. Bianetta was still with us. The +table-cloth was dripping on all four sides with champagne. + +SCHIGOLCH. Ya, ya. And I was dreaming of a Christmas pudding. (_Lulu +appears, back, barefoot, in a torn black dress, but with her hair +falling to her shoulders._) Where have you been? Curling your hair +first? + +ALVA. She only does that to revive old memories. + +LULU. If one could only get warmed, just a little, from one of you! + +ALVA. Will you enter barefoot on your pilgrimage? + +SCHIGOLCH. The first step always costs all kinds of moaning and +groaning. Twenty years ago it was no whit better, and what she has +learned since then! The coals only have to be blown. When she's been +at it a week, not ten locomotives will hold her in our miserable +attic. + +ALVA. The bowl is running over. + +LULU. What shall I do with the water? + +ALVA. Pour it out the window. (_Lulu gets up on the chair and empties +the bowl thru the sky-light._) + +LULU. It looks as if the rain would let up at last. + +SCHIGOLCH. Your wasting the time when the clerks go home after +supper. + +LULU. Would to God I were lying somewhere where no step would wake me +any more! + +ALVA. Would I were, too! Why prolong this life? Let's rather starve +to death together this very evening in peace and concord! Is it not +the last stage now? + +LULU. Why don't *you* go out and get us something to eat? You've +never earned a penny in your whole life! + +ALVA. In this weather, when no one would kick a dog from his door? + +LULU. But me! I, with the little blood I have left in my limbs, I am +to stop your mouths! + +ALVA. I don't touch a farthing of the money! + +SCHIGOLCH. Let her go, just! I long for one more Christmas pudding; +then I've had enough. + +ALVA. And I long for one more beefsteak and a cigarette; then die! I +was just dreaming of a cigarette, such as has never yet been smoked! + +SCHIGOLCH. She'll see us put an end to before her eyes, before doing +herself a little pleasure. + +LULU. The people on the street will sooner leave cloak and coat in my +hands than go with me for nothing! If you hadn't sold my clothes, I +at least wouldn't need to be afraid of the lamp-light. I'd like to +see the woman who could earn anything in the rags I'm wearing on my +body! + +ALVA. I have left nothing human untried. As long as I had money I +spent whole nights making up tables with which one couldn't help +winning against the cleverest card-sharps. And yet evening after +evening I lost more than if I had shaken out gold by the pailful. +Then I offered my services to the courtesans; but they don't take +anyone without the stamps of the courts, and they see at the first +glance if one's related to the guillotine or not. + +SCHIGOLCH. Ya, ya. + +ALVA. I spared myself no disillusionments; but when I made jokes, +they laughed at *me*, and when I behaved as respectable as I am, they +boxed my ears, and when I tried being smutty, they got so chaste and +maidenly that my hair stood up on my head for horror. He who has not +prevailed over society, they have no confidence in. + +SCHIGOLCH. Won't you kindly put on your boots now, child? I don't +think I shall grow much older in this lodging. It's months since I +had any feeling in the ends of my toes. Toward midnight, I'll drink a +bit more down in the pub. The lady that keeps it told me yesterday I +seemed to really want to be her lover. + +LULU. In the name of the three devils, I'll go down! (_She puts to +her mouth the bottle on the flower-table._) + +SCHIGOLCH. So they can smell your stink a half-hour off! + +LULU. I shan't drink it all. + +ALVA. You won't go down. You're my woman. You shan't go down. I +forbid it! + +LULU. What would you forbid your woman when you can't support +yourself? + +ALVA. Whose fault is that? Who but my woman has laid me on the +sick-bed? + +LULU. Am I sick? + +ALVA. Who has trailed me thru the dung? Who has made me my father's +murderer? + +LULU. Did *you* shoot him? He didn't lose much, but when I see you +lying there I could hack off both my hands for having sinned so +against my judgment! (_She goes out, into her room._) + +ALVA. She infected me from her Casti-Piani. It's a long time since +she was susceptible to it herself! + +SCHIGOLCH. Little devils like her can't begin putting up with it too +soon, if angels are ever going to come out of them. + +ALVA. She ought to have been born Empress of Russia. Then she'd have +been in the right place. A second Catherine the Second! (_Lulu +re-enters with a worn-out pair of boots, and sits on the floor to put +them on._) + +LULU. If only I don't go headfirst down the stairs! Ugh, how cold! Is +there anything in the world more dismal than a daughter of joy? + +SCHIGOLCH. Patience, patience! She's only got to take the right road +into the business at the start. + +LULU. It's all right with me! Nothing's wrong with me any more. +(_Puts the bottle to her lips._) That warms one! O accursed! +(_Exit._) + +SCHIGOLCH. When we hear her coming, we must creep into my cubby-hole +awhile. + +ALVA. I'm damned sorry for her! When I think back.... I grew up with +her in a way, you know. + +SCHIGOLCH. She'll hold out as long as I live, anyway. + +ALVA. We treated each other at first like brother and sister. Mama +was still living then. I met her by chance one morning when she was +dressing. Dr. Goll had been called for a consultation. Her +hair-dresser had read my first poem, that I'd had printed in +"Society": "Follow thy pack far over the mountains; it will return +again, covered with sweat and dust--" + +SCHIGOLCH. Oh, ya! + +ALVA. And then she came, in rose-colored muslin, with nothing under +it but a white satin slip--for the Spanish ambassador's ball. Dr. +Goll seemed to feel his death near. He asked me to dance with her, so +she shouldn't cause any mad acts. Papa meanwhile never turned his +eyes from us, and all thru the waltz she was looking over my +shoulder, only at him.... Afterwards she shot him. It is +unbelievable. + +SCHIGOLCH. I've only got a very strong doubt whether anyone will bite +any more. + +ALVA. I shouldn't like to advise it to anybody! (_Schigolch grunts._) +At that time, tho she was a fully developed woman, she had the +expression of a five-year-old, joyous, utterly healthy child. And she +was only three years younger than me then--but how long ago it is +now! For all her immense superiority in matters of practical life, +she let me explain "Tristan and Isolde" to her--and how entrancingly +she could listen! Out of the little sister who at her marriage still +felt like a school-girl, came the unhappy, hysterical artist's wife. +Out of the artist's wife came then the spouse of my blessed father, +and out of *her* came, then, my mistress. Well, so that is the way of +the world. Who will prevail against it? + +SCHIGOLCH. If only she doesn't skid away from the gentlemen with +honorable intentions and bring us up instead some vagabond she's +exchanged her heart's secrets with. + +ALVA. I kissed her for the first time in her rustling bridal dress. +But afterwards she didn't remember it.... All the same, I believe she +had thought of me even in my father's arms. It can't have been often +with him: he had his best time behind him, and she deceived him with +coachman and boot-black; but when she did give herself to him, then +_I_ stood before her soul. Thru that, too, without my realizing it, +she attained this dreadful power over me. + +SCHIGOLCH. There they are! (_Heavy steps are heard mounting the +stairs._) + +ALVA. (_Starting up._) I will not endure it! I'll throw the fellow +out! + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Wearily picks himself up, takes Alva by the collar and +cuffs him toward the left._) Forward, forward! How is the young man +to confess his trouble to her with us two sprawling round here? + +ALVA. But if he demands other things--low things--of her? + +SCHIGOLCH. If, well, if! What more will he demand of her? He's only a +man like the rest of us! + +ALVA. We must leave the door open. + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Pushing Alva in, right._) Nonsense! Lie down! + +ALVA. I'll hear it soon enough. Heaven spare him! + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Closing the door, from inside._) Shut up! + +ALVA. (_Faintly._) He'd better look out! (_Lulu enters, followed by +Hunidei, a gigantic figure with a smooth-shaven, rosy face, sky-blue +eyes, and a friendly smile. He wears a tall hat and overcoat and +carries a dripping umbrella._) + +LULU. Here's where I live. (_Hunidei puts his finger to his lips and +looks at Lulu significantly. Then he opens his umbrella and puts it +on the floor, rear, to dry._) Of course, I know it isn't very +comfortable here. (_Hunidei comes forward and puts his hand over her +mouth._) What do you mean me to understand by that? (_Hunidei puts +his hand over her mouth, and his finger to his lips._) I don't know +what that means. (_Hunidei quickly stops her mouth. Lulu frees +herself._) We're quite alone here. No one will hear us. (_Hunidei +lays his finger on his lips, shakes his head, points at Lulu, opens +his mouth as if to speak, points at himself and then at the door._) +Herr Gott, he's a monster! (_Hunidei stops her mouth; then goes rear, +folds up his overcoat and lays it over the chair near the door; then +comes down with a broad smile, takes Lulu's head in both his hands +and kisses her on the forehead. The door, right, half opens._) + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Behind the door._) He's got a screw loose. + +ALVA. He'd better look out! + +SCHIGOLCH. She couldn't have brought up anything drearier! + +LULU. (_Stepping back._) I hope you're going to give me something! +(_Hunidei stops her mouth and presses a gold-piece in her hand, then +looks at her uncertain, questioningly, as she examines it and throws +it from one hand to the other._) + +LULU. All right, it's good. (_Puts it into her pocket. Hunidei +quickly stops her mouth, gives her a few silver coins, and glances at +her commandingly._) Oh, that's nice of you! (_Hunidei leaps madly +about the room, brandishing his arms and staring upward in despair. +Lulu cautiously nears him, throws an arm round him and kisses him on +the mouth. Laughing soundlessly, he frees himself from her and looks +questioningly. She takes up the lamp and opens the door to her room. +He goes in smiling, taking off his hat. The stage is dark save for +what light comes thru the cracks of the door. Alva and Schigolch +creep out on all fours._) + +ALVA. They're gone. + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Behind him._) Wait. + +ALVA. One can hear nothing here. + +SCHIGOLCH. You've heard that often enough! + +ALVA. I will kneel before her door. + +SCHIGOLCH. Little mother's sonny! (_Presses past Alva, gropes across +the stage to Hunidei's coat, and searches the pockets. Alva crawls to +Lulu's door._) Gloves, nothing more! (_Turns the coat round, searches +the inside pockets, pulls a book out that he gives to Alva._) Just +see what that is. (_Alva holds the book to the light._) + +ALVA. (_Wearily deciphering the title-page._) Warnings to pious +pilgrims and such as wish to be so. Very helpful. Price, 2 s. 6 d. + +SCHIGOLCH. It looks to me as if God had left *him* pretty completely. +(_Lays the coat over the chair again and makes for the cubby-hole._) +There's nothing doing with these people. The country's best time's +behind it! + +ALVA. Life is never as bad as it's painted. (_He, too, creeps back._) + +SCHIGOLCH. Not even a silk muffler he's got and yet in Germany we +creep on our bellies before this rabble. + +ALVA. Come, let's vanish again. + +SCHIGOLCH. She only thinks of herself, and takes the first man that +runs across her path. Hope the dog remembers her the rest of his +life! (_They disappear, left, shutting the door behind them. Lulu +re-enters, setting the lamp on the table. Hunidei follows._) + +LULU. Will you come to see me again? (_Hunidei stops her mouth. She +looks upward in a sort of despair and shakes her head. Hunidei, +putting his coat on, approaches her grinning; she throws her arms +around his neck; he gently frees himself, kisses her hand, and turns +to the door. She starts to accompany him, but he signs to her to stay +behind and noiselessly leaves the room. Schigolch and Alva +re-enter._) + +LULU. (_Tonelessly._) How he has stirred me up! + +ALVA. How much did he give you? + +LULU. (_As before._) Here it is! All! Take it! I'm going down again. + +SCHIGOLCH. We can still live like princes up here. + +ALVA. He's coming back. + +SCHIGOLCH. Then let's just retire again, quick. + +ALVA. He's after his prayer-book. Here it is. It must have fallen out +of his coat. + +LULU. (_Listening._) No, that isn't he. That's some one else. + +ALVA. Some one's coming up. I hear it quite plainly. + +LULU. Now there's some one tapping at the door. Who may that be? + +SCHIGOLCH. Probably a good friend he's recommended us to. Come in! +(_Countess Geschwitz enters, in poor clothes, with a canvas roll in +her hand._) + +GESCHWITZ. (_To Lulu._) If I've come at a bad time, I'll turn around +again. The truth is, I haven't spoken to a living soul for ten days. +I must just tell you right off, I haven't got any money. My brother +never answered me at all. + +SCHIGOLCH. Your ladyship would now like to stretch her feet out under +our table? + +LULU. (_Tonelessly._) I'm going down again. + +GESCHWITZ. Where are you going in this pomp?--However, I come not +wholly empty-handed. I bring you something else. On my way here an +old-clothes man offered me twelve shillings for it, but I could not +force myself to part from it. You can sell it, though, if you want +to. + +SCHIGOLCH. What is it? + +ALVA. Let us see it. (_Takes the canvas and unrolls it. Visibly +rejoiced._) Oh, by God, it's Lulu's portrait! + +LULU. (_Screaming._) Monster, you brought that here? Get it out of my +sight! Throw it out of the window! + +ALVA. (_Suddenly with renewed life, deeply pleased._) Why, I should +like to know? Looking on this picture I regain my self-respect. It +makes my fate comprehensible to me. Everything we have endured gets +clear as day. (_In a somewhat elegiac strain._) Let him who feels +secure in his middle-class position when he sees these blossoming +pouting lips, these child-eyes, big and innocent, this rose-white +body abounding in life,--let him cast the first stone at us! + +SCHIGOLCH. We must nail it up. It will make an excellent impression +on our patrons. + +ALVA. (_Energetic._) There's a nail sticking all ready for it in the +wall. + +SCHIGOLCH. But how did you come upon this acquisition? + +GESCHWITZ. I secretly cut it out of the wall in your house, there, +after you were gone. + +ALVA. Too bad the color's got rubbed off round the edges. You didn't +roll it up carefully enough. (_Fastens it to a high nail in the +wall._) + +SCHIGOLCH. It's got to have another one underneath if it's going to +hold. It makes the whole flat look more elegant. + +ALVA. Let me alone; I know how I'll do it. (_He tears several nails +out of the wall, pulls off his left boot, and with its heel nails the +edges of the picture to the wall._) + +SCHIGOLCH. It's just got to hang a while again, to get its proper +effect. Whoever looks at that'll imagine afterwards he's been in an +Indian harem. + +ALVA. (_Putting on his boot again, standing up proudly._) Her body +was at its highest point of development when that picture was +painted. The lamp, kid dear! Seems to me it's got extraordinarily +dark. + +GESCHWITZ. He must have been an eminently gifted artist who painted +that! + +LULU. (_Perfectly composed again, stepping before the picture with +the lamp._) Didn't you know him, then? + +GESCHWITZ. No. It must have been long before my time. I only +occasionally heard chance remarks of yours, that he had cut his +throat from persecution-mania. + +ALVA. (_Comparing the picture with Lulu._) The child-like expression +in the eyes is still absolutely the same in spite of all she has +lived thru since. (_In joyous excitement._) The dewy freshness that +covered her skin, the sweet-smelling breath from her lips, the rays +of light that beam from her white forehead, and this challenging +splendor of young flesh in throat and arms-- + +SCHIGOLCH. All that's gone with the rubbish wagon. She can say with +self-assurance: That was me once! The man she falls into the hands of +to-day 'll have no conception of what we were when we were young. + +ALVA. (_Cheerfully._) God be thanked, we don't notice the continual +decline when we see a person all the time. (_Lightly._) The woman +blooms for us in the moment when she hurls the man to destruction for +the rest of his life. That is her nature and her destiny. + +SCHIGOLCH. Down in the street-lamp's shimmer she's still a match for +a dozen walking spectres. The man who still wants to make connections +at this hour looks out more for heart-qualities than mere physical +good points. He decides for the pair of eyes from which the least +thievery sparkles. + +LULU. (_Now as pleased as Alva._) I shall see if you're right. Adieu. + +ALVA. (_In sudden anger._) You shall not go down again, as I live! + +GESCHWITZ. Where do you want to go? + +ALVA. Down to fetch up a man. + +GESCHWITZ. Lulu! + +ALVA. She's done it once to-day already. + +GESCHWITZ. Lulu, Lulu, where you go I go too. + +SCHIGOLCH. If you want to put your bones up for sale, kindly get a +district of your own! + +GESCHWITZ. Lulu, I shall not stir from your side! I have weapons upon +me. + +SCHIGOLCH. Confound it all, her ladyship plots to fish with our bait! + +LULU. You're killing me. I can't stand it here any more. (_Exit._) + +GESCHWITZ. You need fear nothing. I am with you. (_Follows her._) + +ALVA. (_Whimpering, throws himself on his couch. Schigolch swears, +loudly and grumbling._) I guess there's not much more good to expect +on this side! + +SCHIGOLCH. We ought to have held the creature back by the throat. +She'll scare away everything that breathes with her aristocratic +death's head. + +ALVA. She's flung me onto a sick-bed and larded me with thorns +outside and in! + +SCHIGOLCH. And she's still got enough strength in her body to do the +same for ten men alright. + +ALVA. No mortally wounded man'll ever find the stab of mercy welcomer +than I! + +SCHIGOLCH. If she hadn't enticed the acrobat to my place that time, +we'd have him round our necks to-day too. + +ALVA. I see it swinging above my head as Tantalus saw the branch with +the golden apples! + +SCHIGOLCH. (_On his mattress._) Won't you turn up the lamp a little? + +ALVA. Can a simple, natural man in the wilderness suffer so +unspeakably?!--God, God, what have I made of my life! + +SCHIGOLCH. What's the beastly weather made of my ulster! When I was +five-and-twenty, I knew how to help myself! + +ALVA. It has not cost everyone my sunny, glorious youth! + +SCHIGOLCH. I guess it'll go out in a minute. Till they come back +it'll be as dark in here again as in mother's womb. + +ALVA. With the clearest consciousness of my purpose I sought +intercourse with people who'd never read a book in their lives. With +self-denial, with exaltation, I clung to the elements, that I might +be carried to the loftiest heights of poetic fame. The reckoning was +false. I am the martyr of my calling. Since the death of my father I +have not written a single line! + +SCHIGOLCH. If only they haven't stayed together! Nobody but a silly +boy will go with two, no matter what. + +ALVA. They've not stayed together! + +SCHIGOLCH. That's what I hope. If need be, she'll keep the creature +off from her with kicks. + +ALVA. One, risen from the dregs, is the most celebrated man of his +nation; another, born in the purple, lies in the mud and cannot die! + +SCHIGOLCH. Here they come! + +ALVA. And what blessed hours of mutual joy in creation they had lived +thru with each other! + +SCHIGOLCH. They can do that now, for the first time rightly.--We must +hide again. + +ALVA. I stay here. + +SCHIGOLCH. Just what do you pity them for?--Who spends his money has +his good reasons for it! + +ALVA. I have no longer the moral courage to let my comfort be +disturbed for a miserable sum of money! (_He wraps himself up in his +plaid._) + +SCHIGOLCH. Noblesse oblige! A respectable man does what he owes his +position. (_He hides, left. Lulu opens the door, saying "Come right +in, dearie," and there enters Prince Kungu Poti, heir-apparent of +Uahubee, in a light suit, white spats, tan button-boots, and a gray +tall hat. His speech, interrupted with frequent hiccoughs, abounds +with the peculiar African hiss-sounds._) + +KUNGU POTI. God damn--it's dark on the stairs! + +LULU. It's lighter here, sweetheart. (_Pulling him forward by the +hand._) Come on! + +KUNGU POTI. But it's cold here, awful cold! + +LULU. Have some brandy? + +KUNGU POTI. Brandy? You bet--always! Brandy's good! + +LULU. (_Giving him the bottle._) I don't know where there's a glass. + +KUNGU POTI. Doesn't matter. (_Drinks._) Brandy! Lots of it! + +LULU. You're a nice-looking young man. + +KUNGU POTI. My father's the emperor of Uahubee. I've got six wives +here, two Spanish, two English, two French. Well--I don't like my +wives. Always I must take a bath, take a bath, take a bath.... + +LULU. How much will you give me? + +KUNGU POTI. Gold! Trust me, you shall have gold! One gold-piece. I +always give gold-pieces. + +LULU. You can give it to me later, but show it to me. + +KUNGU POTI. I never pay beforehand. + +LULU. But you can show it to me, thoh! + +KUNGU POTI. Don't understand, don't understand! Come, +Ragapsishimulara! (_Seizing Lulu round the waist._) Come on! + +LULU. (_Defending herself with all her strength._) Let me be! Let me +be! (_Alva, who has risen painfully from his couch, sneaks up to +Kungu Poti from behind and pulls him back by the collar._) + +KUNGU POTI. (_Whirling round._) Oh! Oh! This is a murder-hole! Come, +my friend, I'll put you to sleep! (_Strikes him over the head with a +loaded cane. Alva groans and falls in a heap._) Here's a +sleeping-draught! Here's opium for you! Sweet dreams to you! Sweet +dreams! (_Then he gives Lulu a kiss; pointing to Alva._) He dreams of +you, Ragapsishimulara! Sweet dreams! (_Rushing to the door._) Here's +the door!! (_Exit._) + +LULU. But I'll not stay here?!--Who can stand it here now!--Rather +down onto the street! (_Exit. Schigolch comes out._) + +SCHIGOLCH.--Blood!--Alva!--He's got to be put away somewhere. +Hop!--Or else our friends 'll get a shock from him--Alva! Alva!--He +that isn't quite clear about it--! One thing or t'other; or it'll +soon be too late! I'll give him legs! (_Strikes a match and sticks it +into Alva's collar...._) He will have his rest. But no one sleeps +here.--(_Drags him by the head into Lulu's room. Returning, he tries +to turn up the light._) It'll be time for me, too, right soon now, or +they'll get no more Christmas puddings down there in the tavern. God +knows when she'll be coming back from her pleasure tour! (_Fixing an +eye on Lulu's picture._) She doesn't understand business! She can't +live off love, because her life is love.--There she comes. I'll just +talk straight to her once--(_Countess Geschwitz enters._) ... If you +want to lodge with us to-night, kindly take a little care that +nothing is stolen here. + +GESCHWITZ. How dark it is here! + +SCHIGOLCH. It gets much darker than this.--The doctor's already gone +to rest. + +GESCHWITZ. She sent me ahead. + +SCHIGOLCH. That was sensible.--If anyone asks for me, I'm sitting +downstairs in the pub. + +GESCHWITZ. (_After he has gone._) I will sit behind the door. I will +look on at everything and not quiver an eye-lash. (_Sits on the +broken chair._) Men and women don't know themselves--they know not +what they are. Only one who is neither man nor woman knows them. +Every word they say is untrue, a lie. And they do not know it, for +they are to-day so and to-morrow so, according as they have eaten, +drunk, and loved, or not. Only the body remains for a time what it +is, and only the children have reason. The men and women are like the +animals: none knows what it does. When they are happiest they bewail +themselves and groan, and in their deepest misery they rejoice over +every tiny morsel. It is strange how hunger takes from men and women +the strength to withstand misfortune. But when they have fed full +they make this world a torture-chamber, they throw away their lives +to satisfy a whim, a mood. Have there ever once been men and women to +whom love brought happiness? And what is their happiness, save that +they sleep better and can forget it all? My God, I thank thee that +thou hast not made me as these. I am not man nor woman. My body has +nothing common with their bodies. Have I a human soul? Tortured +humanity has a little narrow heart; but I know I deserve nothing when +I resign all, sacrifice all.... (_Lulu opens the door, and Dr. Hilti +enters. Geschwitz, unnoticed, remains motionless by the door._) + +LULU. (_Gaily._) Come right in! Come!--you'll stay with me all night? + +DR. HILTI. (_His accent is very broad and flat._) But I have no more +than five shillings on me. I never take more than that when I go out. + +LULU. That's enough, because it's you! You have such faithful eyes! +Come, give me a kiss! (_Dr. Hilti begins to swear, in the broadest +north-country vowels._) Please, don't say that. + +DR. HILTI. By the de'il, 'tis the first time I've e'er gone with a +girrl! You can believe me. Mass, I hadn't thought it would be like +this! + +LULU. Are you married? + +DR. HILTI. Heaven and Hail, why do you think I am married?--No, I'm a +tutor; I read philosophy at the University. The truth is, I come of a +very old country family. As a student, I got just two shillings +pocket-money, and I could make better use of that than for girrls! + +LULU. So you have never been with a woman? + +DR. HILTI. Just so, yes! But I want it now. I got engaged this +evening to a country-woman of mine. She's a governess here. + +LULU. Is she pretty? + +DR. HILTI. Yaw, she's got a hundred thousand.--I am very eager, as it +seems to me.... + +LULU. (_Tossing back her hair._) I *am* in luck! (_Takes the lamp._) +Well, if you please, Mr. Tutor? (_They go into her room. Geschwitz +draws a small black revolver from her pocket and sets it to her +forehead._) + +GESCHWITZ.--Come, come,--beloved! (_Dr. Hilti tears open the door +again.--_) + +DR. HILTI. (_Plunging in._) Insane seraphs! Some one's lying in +there! + +LULU. (_Lamp in hand, holds him by the sleeve._) Stay with me! + +DR. HILTI. A dead man! A corpse! + +LULU. Stay with me! Stay with me! + +DR. HILTI. (_Tearing away._) A corpse is lying in there! Horrors! +Hail! Heaven! + +LULU. Stay with me! + +DR. HILTI. Where d's it go out? (_Sees Geschwitz._) And there is the +devil! + +LULU. Please, stop, stay! + +DR. HILTI. Devil, devilled devilry!--Oh, thou eternal--(_Exit._) + +LULU. (_Rushing after him._) Stop! Stop! + +GESCHWITZ. (_Alone, lets the revolver sink._) Better, hang! If she +sees me lie in my blood to-day she'll not weep a tear for me! I have +always been to her but the docile tool that could be used for the +heaviest labor. From the first day she has abhorred me from the +depths of her soul.--Shall I not rather jump from the bridge? Which +could be colder, the water or her heart? I would dream till I was +drowned.--Better, hang!-- --Stab?--Hm, there would be no use in +that-- --How often have I dreamt that she kissed me! But a minute +more; an owl knocks there at the window, and I wake up.-- --Better, +hang! Not water; water is too clean for me. (_Starting up._) +There!--There! There it is!--Quick now, before she comes! (_Takes the +plaid-straps from the wall, climbs on the chair, fastens them to a +hook in the door-post, puts her head thru them, kicks the chair away, +and falls to the ground._) Accursed life!--Accursed life!--Could it +be before me still??--Let me speak just once to thy heart, my angel! +But thou art cold!--I am not to go yet! Perhaps I am even to have +been happy once.--Listen to him, Lulu! I am not to go yet! (_She +drags herself before Lulu's picture, sinks to her knees and folds her +hands._) My adoréd angel! My love! My star!--Have mercy upon me, pity +me, pity me, pity me! + +(_Lulu opens the door, and Jack enters--a thick-set man of elastic +movements, with a pale face, inflamed eyes, arched and heavy brows, a +drooping mustache, thin imperial and shaggy whiskers, and fiery red +hands with gnawed nails. His eyes are fixed on the ground. He wears a +dark overcoat and a little round felt hat. Entering, he notices +Geschwitz._) + +JACK. Who is that? + +LULU. That's my sister. She's crazy. I don't know how to get rid of +her. + +JACK. Your mouth looks beautiful. + +LULU. It's my mother's. + +JACK. Looks like it. How much do you want? I haven't got much money. + +LULU. Won't you spend the night with me here? + +JACK. No, haven't got the time. I must get home. + +LULU. You can tell them at home to-morrow that you missed the last +'bus and spent the night with a friend. + +JACK. How much do you want? + +LULU. I'm not after lumps of gold, but, well, a little something. + +JACK. (_Turning._) Good night! Good night! + +LULU. (_Holds him back._) No, no! Stay, for God's sake! + +JACK. (_Goes past Geschwitz and opens the cubicle._) Why should I +stay here till morning? Sounds suspicious! When I'm asleep they'll +turn my pockets out. + +LULU. No, I won't do that! No one will! Don't go away again for that! +I beg you! + +JACK. How much do you want? + +LULU. Then give me the half of what I said! + +JACK. No, that's too much. You don't seem to have been at this long? + +LULU. To-day is the first time. (_She jerks back Geschwitz, on her +knees still, half turned toward Jack, by the straps around her +neck._) Lie down and be quiet! + +JACK. Let her alone! She isn't your sister. She is in love with you. +(_Strokes Geschwitz's head like a dog's._) Poor beast! + +LULU. Why do you stare at me so all at once? + +JACK. I got your measure by the way you walked. I said to myself: +That girl must have a well-built body. + +LULU. How can you see things like that? + +JACK. I even saw that you had a pretty mouth. But I've only got a +florin on me. + +LULU. Well, what difference does that make! Just give that to me! + +JACK. But you'll have to give me half back, so I can take the 'bus +to-morrow morning. + +LULU. I have nothing on me. + +JACK. Just look, thoh. Hunt thru your pockets!--Well, what's that? +Let's see it! + +LULU. (_Showing him._) That's all I have. + +JACK. Give it to me! + +LULU. I'll change it to-morrow, and then give you half. + +JACK. No, give it all to me. + +LULU. (_Giving it._) In God's name! But now you come! (_Takes up the +lamp._) + +JACK. We need no light. The moon's out. + +LULU. (_Puts the lamp down._) As you say. (_She falls on his neck._) +I won't harm you at all! I love you so! Don't let me beg you any +longer! + +JACK. Alright; I'm with you. (_Follows her into the cubby-hole. The +lamp goes out. On the floor under the two sky-lights appear two vivid +squares of moonlight. Everything in the room is clearly seen._) + +GESCHWITZ. (_As in a dream._) This is the last evening I shall spend +with these people. I'm going back to Germany. My mother'll send me +the money. I'll go to a university. I must fight for woman's rights; +study law.... (_Lulu shrieks, and tears open the door._) + +LULU. (_Barefoot, in chemise and petticoat, holding the door shut +behind her._) Help! + +GESCHWITZ. (_Rushes to the door, draws her revolver, and pushing Lulu +aside, aims it at the door. As Lulu again cries "Help!"_) Let go! +(_Jack, bent double, tears open the door from inside, and runs a +knife into Geschwitz's body. She fires one shot, at the roof, and +falls with suppressed crying, crumpling up. Jack tears her revolver +from her and throws himself against the exit-door._) + +JACK. God damn! I never saw a prettier mouth! (_Sweat drips from his +hairy face. His hands are bloody. He pants, gasping violently, and +stares at the floor with eyes popping out of his head. Lulu, +trembling in every limb, looks wildly round. Suddenly she seizes the +bottle, smashes it on the table, and with the broken neck in her hand +rushes upon Jack. He swings up his right foot and throws her onto her +back. Then he lifts her up._) + +LULU. No, no!--Mercy!--Murder!--Police! Police! + +JACK. Be still. You'll never get away from me again. (_Carries her +in._) + +LULU. (_Within, right._) No!--No!--No!-- --Ah!--Ah!... + +(_After a pause, Jack re-enters. He puts the bowl on the table._) + +JACK. That *was* a piece of work! (_Washing his hands._) I *am* a +damned lucky chap! (_Looks round for a towel._) Not even a towel, +these folks here! Hell of a wretched hole! (_He dries his hands on +Geschwitz's petticoat._) This invert is safe enough from me! (_To +her._) It'll soon be all up with you, too. (_Exit._) + +GESCHWITZ. (_Alone._) Lulu!--My angel!--Let me see thee once more! I +am near thee--stay near thee--forever! (_Her elbows give way._) O +cursed--!! (_Dies._) + + CURTAIN. + + + + +TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE + + +The following printer's errors have been corrected: + + "Fäulein" corrected to "Fräulein" (page 15) + "CASTI-PIANA" corrected to "CASTI-PIANI" (page 38) + "HEILMAN" corrected to "HEILMANN" (page 56) + "SCHIGLOCH" corrected to "SCHIGOLCH" (page 70) + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Pandora's Box, by Frank Wedekind + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PANDORA'S BOX *** + +***** This file should be named 33415-8.txt or 33415-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/3/4/1/33415/ + +Produced by Michael Roe and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was +produced from scanned images of public domain material +from the Google Print project.) + + +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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Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/33415-8.zip b/33415-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..5ae3910 --- /dev/null +++ b/33415-8.zip diff --git a/33415-h.zip b/33415-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..269053c --- /dev/null +++ b/33415-h.zip diff --git a/33415-h/33415-h.htm b/33415-h/33415-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..be9f582 --- /dev/null +++ b/33415-h/33415-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4527 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Pandora's Box, by Frank Wedekind</title> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" /><style type="text/css"> + p { + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + + h1 {margin-top: 3em;} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; + clear: both; + } + + body { + margin-left: 15%; + margin-right: 15%; + } + + h2 {margin-top: 2em;} + + .h2a { + text-align: center; + font-weight: bold; + margin-bottom: 1.5em; + } + + .h1a {text-align: center; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 2em; font-size: large;} + + .rmn { left: 92%; position: absolute; text-align: right;} + + .pagenum { left: 92%; position: absolute; text-align: right; font-weight: normal; font-size: small; color: #808080;} + + .figure {margin-top: 2em; text-align: center;} + + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .allsmcap {font-size: smaller;} + + .gesperrt {text-decoration: underline;} + + .curtain {font-size: large; text-align: center; margin-top: 2em;} + + .adcenter {text-align: center;} + + .adbox {margin: 1em auto 1em auto; border: 1px solid; padding: 1em 1em 1em 1em; } + + .titlecenter {text-align: center; } + + .titlelast {text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3em;} + + .halftitle {margin-bottom: 3em;} + + .trnote {margin: 3em auto 3em auto; + border: 1px solid; + padding: 1em 2em 1em 2em; + background-color: #ccffff; + width: 30em;} +</style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Pandora's Box, by Frank Wedekind + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Pandora's Box + A Tragedy in Three Acts + +Author: Frank Wedekind + +Translator: Samuel A. Eliot + +Release Date: August 13, 2010 [EBook #33415] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PANDORA'S BOX *** + + + + +Produced by Michael Roe and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was +produced from scanned images of public domain material +from the Google Print project.) + + + + + + +</pre> + +<h1> +<a name="page1"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 1]</span> +<a name="chapter1"></a> +PANDORA'S BOX<br /> +</h1> +<p class="h1a"> +A TRAGEDY IN THREE ACTS<br /> +BY<br /> +FRANK WEDEKIND<br /> +</p> +<p class="titlecenter"> +Translated by Samuel A. Eliot, Jr.<br /> +</p> +<p class="figure"> +<img src="images/boni.jpg" width="86" height="139" alt="Boni and Liveright" /> +<br /> +</p> +<p class="titlelast"> +BONI AND LIVERIGHT<br /> +NEW YORK 1918<br /> +</p> +<p class="titlecenter"> +<a name="page2"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 2]</span> +<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1914<br /> +by<br /> +Albert and Charles Boni</span><br /> +</p> +<h1 class="halftitle"> +<a name="page3"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 3]</span> +<a name="chapter2"></a> +PANDORA'S BOX +</h1> +<div class="adbox"> +<a name="page4"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 4]</span> +<p class="adcenter"> +LULU<br /> +BY FRANK WEDEKIND<br /> +</p> +<table> +<tr><td>ERDGEIST (EARTH-SPIRIT)</td><td>$1.00</td></tr> +<tr><td>PANDORA'S BOX</td><td>$1.00</td></tr> +</table> +</div> +<h2> +<a name="page5"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 5]</span> +<a name="chapter3"></a> +CHARACTERS +</h2> +<table> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Lulu.</span></td><td></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Alva Schön</span>, <i>writer</i>.</td><td></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Schigolch.</span></td><td></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Rodrigo Quast</span>, <i>acrobat</i>.</td><td></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Alfred Hugenberg</span>, <i>escaped from a reform-school</i>.</td><td></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Countess Geschwitz.</span></td><td></td></tr> +</table> +<table> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Bianetta.</span></td><td>}</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Ludmilla Steinherz.</span></td><td>}</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Magelone.</span></td><td>}</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Kadidia</span>, <i>her daughter</i>.</td><td>}</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Count Casti Piani.</span></td><td>} In Act II.</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Puntschu</span>, <i>a banker</i>.</td><td>}</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Heilmann</span>, <i>a journalist</i>.</td><td>}</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Bob</span>, <i>a groom</i>.</td><td>}</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">A Detective.</span></td><td>}</td></tr> +</table> +<table> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Mr. Hunidei.</span></td><td>}</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Kungu Poti</span>, <i>imperial prince of Uahubee</i>.</td><td>} In Act III.</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Dr. Hilti</span>, <i>tutor</i>.</td><td>}</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Jack.</span></td><td>}</td></tr> +</table> +<h2> +<a name="page6"></a> +<a name="page7"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 7]</span> +<a name="chapter4"></a> +ACT I +</h2> +<p> +<i>The hall of EARTH-SPIRIT</i>, Act <span class="allsmcap">IV</span>, <i>feebly lighted +by an oil lamp on the centre table. Even this is dimmed +by a heavy shade. Lulu's picture is gone from the easel, +which still stands by the foot of the stairs. The fire-screen +and the chair by the ottoman are gone too. Down +left is a small tea-table, with a coffee-pot and a cup of +black coffee on it, and an arm-chair next it.</i> +</p> +<p> +<i>In this chair, deep in cushions, with a plaid shawl over +her knees, sits Countess Geschwitz in a tight black dress. +Rodrigo, clad as a servant, sits on the ottoman. At the +rear, Alva Schön is walking up and down before the +entrance door.</i> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> He lets people wait for him as if he were +a concert conductor! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> I beg of you, don't speak! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Hold my tongue, with a head as full of +thoughts as mine is!—I absolutely can't believe she's +changed so awfully much to her advantage there! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> She is more glorious to look at than I +have ever seen her! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> God preserve me from founding my life-happiness +on your taste and judgment! If the sickness has +hit her as it has you, I'm smashed and thru! You're +leaving the contagious ward like an acrobat-lady who's +had an accident after giving herself up to art. You can +scarcely blow your nose any more. First you need a +quarter-hour to sort your fingers, and then you have to +be mighty careful not to break off the tip. +<a name="page8"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 8]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> What puts <span class="gesperrt">us</span> under the ground gives +<span class="gesperrt">her</span> health and strength again. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> That's all right and fine enough. But I +don't think I'll be travelling off with her this evening. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> You will let your bride journey all alone, +after all? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> In the first place, the old fellow's going with +her to protect her in case anything serious—. My escort +could only be suspicious. And secondly, I must wait +here till my costumes are ready. I'll get across the +frontier soon enough alright,—and I hope in the meantime +she'll put on a little embonpoint, too. Then we'll +get married, provided I can present her before a respectable +public. I love the practical in a woman: what +theories they make up for themselves are all the same +to me. Aren't they to you too, doctor? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I haven't heard what you were saying. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> I'd never have got my person mixed up in +this plot if she hadn't kept tickling my bare pate, before +her sentence. If only she doesn't start doing too much +as soon as she's out of Germany! I'd like best to take +her to London for six months, and let her fill up on +plum-cakes. In London one expands just from the sea +air. And then, too, in London one doesn't feel with every +swallow of beer as if the hand of fate were at one's +throat. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I've been asking myself for a week whether a +person who'd been sentenced to prison could still be +made to go as the chief figure in a modern drama. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> If the man would only come, now! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> I've still got to redeem my properties out +of the pawn-shop here, too. Six hundred kilos of the +<a name="page9"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 9]</span> +best iron. The baggage-rate on 'em is always three times +as much as my own ticket, so that the whole junket +isn't worth a trowser's button. When I went into the +pawn-shop with 'em, dripping with sweat, they asked me +if the things were genuine!—I'd have really done better +to have had the costumes made abroad. In Paris, for +instance, they see at the first glance where one's best points +are, and bravely lay them bare. But you can't learn that +with bow-legs; it's got to be studied on classically shaped +people. In this country they're as scared of naked +skin as they are abroad of dynamite bombs. A couple +of years ago I was fined fifty marks at the Alhambra +Theater, because people could see I had a few hairs on +my chest, not enough to make a respectable tooth-brush! +But the Fine Arts Minister opined that the little school-girls +might lose their joy in knitting stockings because +of it; and since then I have myself shaved once a month. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> If I didn't need every bit of my creative power +now for the “World-conqueror,” I might like to test the +problem and see what could be done with it. That's the +curse of our young literature: we're so much too literary. +We know only such questions and problems as come up +among writers and cultured people. We cannot see beyond +the limits of our own professional interests. In +order to get back on the trail of a great and powerful art +we must move as much as possible among men who've +never read a book in their lives, whom the simplest animal +instincts direct in all they do. I've tried already, with +all my might, to work according to those principles—in +my “Earth-spirit.” The woman who was my model for +the chief figure in that, breathes to-day—and has for a +year—behind barred windows; and on that account for +some incomprehensible reason the play was only brought +<a name="page10"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 10]</span> +to performance by the Society for Free Literature. As +long as my father was alive, all the stages of Germany +stood open to my creations. That has been vastly changed. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> I've had a pair of tights made of the tenderest +blue-green. If <span class="gesperrt">they</span> don't make a success abroad, I'll +sell mouse-traps! The trunks are so delicate I can't sit +on the edge of a table in 'em. The only thing that will +disturb the good impression is my awful bald head, which +I owe to my active participation in this great conspiracy. +To lie in the hospital in perfect health for three months +would make a fat pig of the most run-down old hobo. +Since coming out I've fed on nothing but Karlsbad pills. +Day and night I have orchestra rehearsals in my intestines. +I'll be so washed out before I get across the frontier +that I won't be able to lift a bottle-cork. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> How the attendants in the hospital got +out of her way yesterday! That was a refreshing sight. +The garden was still as the grave: in the loveliest noon +sunlight the convalescents didn't venture out of doors. +Away back by the contagious ward she stepped out under +the mulberry trees and swayed on her ankles on the +gravel. The door-keeper had recognized me, and a young +doctor who met me in the corridor shrunk up as tho a +revolver shot had struck him. The Sisters vanished into +the big rooms or stayed stuck against the walls. When +I came back there was not a soul to be seen in the garden +or at the gate. No better chance could have been +found, if we had had the curséd passports. And now the +fellow says he isn't going with her! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> I understand the poor hospital-brothers. +One has a bad foot and another has a swollen cheek, and +there appears in the midst of them the incarnate death-insurance-agentess! +<a name="page11"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 11]</span> +In the Hall of the Knights, as the +blessed division was called from which I organized my +spying, when the news got around there that Sister Theophila +had departed this life, not one of the fellows could +be kept in bed. They scrambled up to the window-bars, +if they had to drag their pains along with them by the +hundred-weight. I never heard such swearing in my life! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Allow me, Fräulein von Geschwitz, to come +back to my proposition once more. Tho my father was +shot in this room, still I can see in the murder, as in +the punishment, nothing but a horrible misfortune that has +befallen <span class="gesperrt">her</span>; nor do I think that my father, if he had +come through alive, would have withdrawn his support +from her entirely. Whether your plan for freeing her +will succeed still seems to me very doubtful, tho I +wouldn't like to discourage you; but I can find no words +to express the admiration with which your self-sacrifice, +your energy, your superhuman scorn of death, inspires +me. I don't believe any man ever risked so much for +a woman, let alone for a friend. I am not aware, +Fräulein von Geschwitz, how rich you are, but the expenses +for what you have accomplished must have exhausted +your fortune. May I venture to offer you a +loan of 20,000 marks—which I should have no trouble +raising for you in cash? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> How we did rejoice when Sister Theophila +was really dead! From that day on we were free +from custody. We changed our beds as we liked. I +had done my hair like hers, and copied every tone of her +voice. When the professor came he called <span class="gesperrt">her</span> “gnädiges +Fräulein” and said to me, “It's better living here than +in prison!”... When the Sister suddenly was missing, +we looked at each other in suspense: we had both been +<a name="page12"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 12]</span> +sick five days: now was the deciding moment. Next +morning came the assistant.—“How is Sister Theophila?”—“Dead!”—We +communicated behind his back, and +when he had gone we sank in each other's arms: “God +be thanked! God be thanked!”—What pains it cost me +to keep my darling from betraying how well she already +was! “You have nine years of prison before you,” I +cried to her early and late. Now they probably won't +let her stay in the contagious ward three days more! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> I lay in the hospital full three months to +spy out the ground, after toilfully peddling together the +qualities necessary for such a long stay. Now I act the +valet here with you, Dr. Schön, so that no strange servants +may come into the house. Where is the bridegroom +who's ever done so much for his bride? <span class="gesperrt">My</span> +fortune has also been destroyed. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> When you succeed in developing her into a +respectable artiste you will have put the world in debt +to you. With the temperament and the beauty that she +has to give out of the depths of her nature she can make +the most blasé public hold its breath. And then, too, +she will be protected by <span class="gesperrt">acting</span> passion from a second +time becoming a criminal in reality. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> I'll soon drive her kiddishness out of her! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> There he comes! (<i>Steps louden in the +gallery. Then the curtains part at the head of the stairs +and Schigolch in a long black coat with a white sun-shade +in his right hand comes down. Thruout the play his +speech is interrupted with frequent yawns.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Confound the darkness! Out-doors the +sun burns your eyes out. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> (<i>Wearily unwrapping herself.</i>) I'm +coming! +<a name="page13"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 13]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Her ladyship has seen no daylight for three +days. We live here like in a snuff-box. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Since nine o'clock this morning I've been +round to all the old-clothes-men. Three brand new +trunks stuffed full of old trowsers I've expressed to +Buenos Ayres via Bremerhaven. My legs are dangling +on me like the tongue of a bell. That's the new life it's +going to be from now on! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Where are you going to get off to-morrow +morning? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> I hope not straight into Ox-butter Hotel +again! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> I can tell you a fine hotel. I lived there +with a lady lion-tamer. The people were born in Berlin. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> (<i>Upright in the arm-chair.</i>) Come and +help me! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>Hurries to her and supports her.</i>) And +you'll be safer from the police there than on a high tightrope! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> He means to let you go with her alone +this afternoon. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Maybe he's still suffering from his chillblains! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Do you want me to start my new engagement +in bath-robe and slippers? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Hm—Sister Theophila wouldn't have +gone to heaven so promptly either, if she hadn't felt so +affectionate towards our patient. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span>. She'll have a different value when one must +serve thru a honeymoon with her. Anyway, it can't hurt +her if she gets a little fresh air beforehand. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>A pocketbook in his hand, to Geschwitz who</i> +<a name="page14"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 14]</span> +<i>is leaning on a chair-back by the centre table.</i>) This +holds 10,000 marks. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> Thank you, no. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Please take it. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> (<i>To Schigolch.</i>) Come along, at last! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Patience, Fräulein. It's only a stone's +throw across Hospital Street. I'll be here with her in +five minutes. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> You're bringing her here? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> I'm bringing her here. Or do you fear +for your health? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> You see that I fear nothing. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> According to the latest wire, the doctor is +on his way to Constantinople to have his “Earth-spirit” +produced before the Sultan by harem-ladies and eunuchs. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Opening the centre door under the gallery.</i>) +It's shorter for you thru here. (<i>Exeunt Schigolch and +Countess Geschwitz. Alva locks the door.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> You were going to give more money to the +crazy sky-rocket! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> What has that to do with you? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> I get paid like a lamp-lighter, tho I had to +demoralize all the Sisters in the hospital. Then came the +assistants' and the doctors' turn, and then— +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Will you seriously inform me that the medical +professors let themselves be influenced by you? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> With the money those gentlemen cost me +I could become President of the United States! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> But Fräulein von Geschwitz has reimbursed +you for every penny that you spent. So far as I know +you're getting a monthly salary of five hundred marks +from her besides. It is often pretty hard to believe in +your love for the unhappy murderess. When I asked +<a name="page15"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 15]</span> +Fräulein von Geschwitz just now to accept my help, it +certainly was not to incite your insatiable avarice. The +admiration which I have learnt to have for Fräulein von +Geschwitz in this affair, I am far from feeling towards +you. It is not at all clear to me what claims of any kind +you can make upon me. That you chanced to be present +at the murder of my father has not yet created the slightest +bond of relationship between you and me. On the +contrary, I am firmly convinced that if the heroic undertaking +of Countess Geschwitz had not come your way you +would be lying somewhere to-day without a penny, +drunken in the gutter. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> And do you know what would have become +of you if you hadn't sold for two millions the tuppeny +paper your father ran? You'd have hitched up with +the stringiest sort of ballet-girl and been to-day a stable-boy +in the Humpelmeier Circus. What work do you do? +You've written a drama of horrors in which my bride's +calves are the two chief figures and which no high-class +theater will produce. You walking pajamas! You fresh +rag-bag you! Two years ago I balanced two saddled +cavalry-horses on this chest. How that'll go now, after +this (<i>clasping his bald head</i>), is a question sure enough. +The foreign girls will get a fine idea of German art +when they see the sweat come beading thru my tights at +every fresh kilo-weight! I shall make the whole auditorium +stink with my exhalations! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> You're weak as a dish-clout! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Would to God you were right! or did you +perhaps intend to insult me? If so, I'll set the tip of +my toe to your jaw so that your tongue'll crawl along +the carpet over there! +<a name="page16"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 16]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Try it! (<i>Steps and voices outside.</i>) Who +is that...? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> You can thank God that I have no public +here before me! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Who can that be! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> That is my beloved. It's a full year now +since we've seen each other. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> But how should they be back already! Who +can be coming there? I expect no one. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Oh the devil, unlock it! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Hide yourself! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> I'll get behind the portières. I've stood there +once before, a year ago. (<i>Disappears, right. Alva opens +the rear door, whereupon Alfred Hugenberg enters, hat +in hand.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> With whom have I—.... You? Aren't +you—? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> Alfred Hugenberg. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> What can I do for you? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> I've come from Münsterburg. I ran +away this morning. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> My eyes are bad. I am forced to keep the +blinds closed. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> I need your help. You will not refuse +me. I've got a plan ready. Can anyone hear us? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> What do you mean? What sort of a plan? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> Are you alone? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Yes. What do you want to impart to me? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> I've had two plans already that I let +drop. What I shall tell you now has been worked out +to the last possible chance. If I had money I should +not confide it to you; I thought about that a long time +<a name="page17"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 17]</span> +before coming.... Will you not permit me to set forth +to you my design? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Will you kindly tell me just what you are talking about? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> She cannot possibly be so indifferent to +you that I must tell you that. The evidence <span class="gesperrt">you</span> gave +the coroner helped her more than everything the defending +counsel said. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I beg to decline the supposition. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> You would say that; I understand that, +of course. But all the same you were her best witness. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> <span class="gesperrt">You</span> were! You said my father was about +to force her to shoot herself. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> He was, too. But they didn't believe +me. I wasn't put on my oath. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Where have you come from now? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> From a reform-school I broke out of +this morning. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> And what do you have in view? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> I'm trying to get into the confidence of +a turnkey. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> What do you mean to live on? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> I'm living with a girl who's had a child +by my father. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Who is your father? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> He's a police captain. I know the +prison without ever having been inside it; and nobody in +it will recognize me as I am now. But I don't count +on that at all. I know an iron ladder by which one can +get from the first court to the roof and thru an opening +there into the attic. There's no way up to it from inside. +But in all five wings boards and laths and great heaps +of shavings are lying under the roofs, and I'll drag them +<a name="page18"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 18]</span> +all together in the middle and set fire to them. My +pockets are full of matches and all the things used to +make fires. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> But then you'll burn up there! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> Of course, if I'm not rescued. But to +get into the first court I must have the turnkey in my +power, and for that I need money. Not that I mean +to bribe him; that wouldn't go. I must lend him money +to send his three children to the country, and then at +four o'clock in the morning when the prisoners of respected +families are discharged, I'll slip in the door. He'll +lock-up behind me and ask me what I'm after, and I'll +ask him to let me out again in the evening. And before +it gets light, I'm up in the attic. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> How did you escape from the reform-school? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> Jumped out the window. I need two +hundred marks for the rascal to send his family to the +country. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>Stepping out of the portières, right.</i>) Will +the Herr Baron have coffee in the music-room or on the +veranda? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> Where does that man come from? +Out of the same door! He jumped out of the same +door! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I've taken him into my service. He is dependable. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> (<i>Grasping his temples.</i>) Fool that I +am! Oh, fool! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Oh, yah, we've seen each other here before! +Cut away now to your vice-mamma. Your kid brother +might like to uncle his brothers and sisters. Make your +sir-papa the grandfather of his children! You're the only +<a name="page19"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 19]</span> +thing we've missed. If you once get into my sight in the +next two weeks, I'll beat your bean up for porridge. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Be quiet, you! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> I'm a fool! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> What do you want to do with your fire? +Don't you know the lady's been dead three weeks? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> Did they cut off her head? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> No, she's got that still. She was mashed by +the cholera. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> That is not true! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> What do you know about it! There, read +it: here! (<i>Taking out a paper and pointing to the place.</i>) +“The murderess of Dr. Schön....” (<i>Gives Hugenberg +the paper. He reads:</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> “The murderess of Dr. Schön has in +some incomprehensible way fallen ill of the cholera in +prison.” It doesn't say that she's dead. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Well, what else do you suppose she is? She's +been lying in the churchyard three weeks. Back in the +left-hand corner behind the rubbish-heap where the little +crosses are with no names on them, there she lies under +the first one. You'll know the spot because the grass +hasn't grown on it. Hang a tin wreath there, and then +get back to your nursery-school or I'll denounce you to +the police. I know the female that beguiles her leisure +hours with you! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> (<i>To Alva.</i>) Is it true that she's dead? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Thank God, yes!—Please, do not keep me here +any longer. My doctor has forbidden me to receive +visitors. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> My future is worth so little now! I +would gladly have given the last scrap of what life is +<a name="page20"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 20]</span> +worth to me for her happiness. Heigh-ho! One way +or another I'll sure go to the devil now! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> If you dare in any way to approach me or the +doctor here or my honorable friend Schigolch too near, +I'll inform on you for intended arson. You need three +good years, to learn where not to stick your fingers in! +Now get out! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HUGENBERG.</span> Fool! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Get out!! (<i>Throws him out the door. +Coming down.</i>) I wonder you didn't put your purse at +that rogue's disposal, too! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I won't stand your damned jabbering! The +boy's little finger is worth more than all you! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> I've had enough of this Geschwitz's company! +If my bride is to become a corporation with limited +liability, somebody else can go in ahead of me. I propose +to make a magnificent trapeze-artist out of her, and +willingly risk my life to do it. But then I'll be master +of the house, and will myself indicate what cavaliers she +is to receive! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> The boy has what our age lacks: a hero-nature; +therefore, of course, he is going to ruin. Do you remember +how before sentence was passed he jumped out of the +witness-box and yelled at the justice: “How do you know +what would have become of you if you'd had to run +around the cafés barefoot every night when you were ten +years old?!” +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> If I could only have given him one in the +jaw for that right away! Thank God, there are jails +where scum like that gets some respect for the law pounded +into them. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> One like him might have been my model for +my “World-conqueror.” For twenty years literature has +<a name="page21"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 21]</span> +presented nothing but demi-men: men who can beget no +children and women who can bear none. That's called +“The Modern Problem.” +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> I've ordered a hippopotamus-whip two inches +thick. If that has no success with her, you can +fill my cranium with potato-soup. Be it love or be it +whipping, female flesh never inquires. Only give it some +amusement, and it stays firm and fresh. She is now in +her twentieth year, has been married three times and has +satisfied a gigantic horde of lovers, and her heart's desires +are at last pretty plain. But the man's got to have the +seven deadly sins on his forehead, or she honors him not. +If he looks as if a dog-catcher had spat him out on the +street, then, with such women-folks, he needn't be afraid +of a prince! I'll rent a garage fifty feet high and break +her in there; and when she's learnt the first diving-leap +without breaking her neck I'll pull on a black coat and +not stir a finger the rest of my life. When she's educated +practically it doesn't cost a woman half as much trouble +to support her husband as the other way round, if only +the man takes care of the mental labor for her, and doesn't +let the sense of the family go to wreck. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I have learnt to rule humanity and drive it in +harness before me like a well-broken four-in-hand,—but +that boy sticks in my head. Really, I can still take private +lessons in the scorn of the world from that school-boy! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> She'll just comfortably let her hide be papered +with thousand-mark bills! I'll extract salaries out +of the directors with a centrifugal pump. I know their +kind. When they don't need a man, let him shine their +shoes for them; but when they must have an artiste they +cut her down from the very gallows with their own hands +and with the most entangling compliments. +<a name="page22"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 22]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> In my situation there's nothing more in the +world to fear—but death. In the realm of sensation I +am the poorest beggar. But I can no longer scrape up +the moral courage to exchange my established position for +the excitements of the wild, adventurous life! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> She had sent Papa Schigolch and me together +in chase of some strong antidote for sleeplessness. +We each got a twenty-mark piece for expenses. There +we see the youngster sitting in the Night-light Café. He +was sitting like a criminal on the prisoner's bench. Schigolch +sniffed at him from all sides, and remarked, “He is +still virgin.” (<i>Up in the gallery, dragging steps are +heard.</i>) There she is! The future magnificent trapeze-artiste +of the present age! +</p> +<p> +(<i>The curtains part at the stair-head, and Lulu, supported +by Schigolch, and in a black dress, slowly and +wearily descends.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Hui, old mold! We've still to get over +the frontier to-day. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>Glaring stupidly at Lulu.</i>) Thunder of +heaven! Death! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Speaks, to the end of the act, in the gayest +tones.</i>) Slowly! You're pinching my arm! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> How did you ever get the shamelessness to +break out of prison with such a wolf's face?! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Stop your snout! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> I'll run for the police! I'll give information! +This scarecrow let herself be seen in tights?! The +padding alone would cost two months' salary!—You're +the most perfidious swindler that ever had lodging in +Ox-butter Hotel! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Kindly refrain from insulting the lady! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Insulting you call that?! For this gnawed +<a name="page23"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 23]</span> +bone's sake I've worn myself away! I can't earn my +own living! I'll be a clown if I can still stand firm under +a broom-stick! But let the lightning strike me on the +spot if I don't worm ten thousand marks a year for life +out of your tricks and frauds! I can tell you that! A +pleasant trip! I'm going for the police! (<i>Exit.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Run, run! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> He'll take good care of himself! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> We're rid of <span class="gesperrt">him</span>!—And now some black +coffee for the lady! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>At the table left.</i>) Here is coffee, ready to +pour. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> I must look after the sleeping-car tickets. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Brightly.</i>) Oh, freedom! Thank God for +freedom! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> I'll be back for you in half an hour. +We'll celebrate our departure in the station-restaurant. +I'll order a supper that'll keep us going till to-morrow.—Good +morning, doctor. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Good evening. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Pleasant rest!—Thanks, I know every +door-handle here. So long! Have a good time! +(<i>Exit.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I haven't seen a room for a year and a half. +Curtains, chairs, pictures.... +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Won't you drink it? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I've swallowed enough black coffee these five +days. Have you any brandy? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I've got some elixir de Spaa. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> That reminds one of old times. (<i>Looks +round the hall while Alva fills two glasses.</i>) Where's +my picture gone? +<a name="page24"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 24]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I've got it in my room, so no one shall see it +here. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Bring it down here now. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Didn't you even lose your vanity in prison? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> How anxious at heart one gets when one +hasn't seen herself for months! One day I got a brand-new +dust-pan. When I swept up at seven in the morning +I held the back of it up before my face. Tin doesn't +flatter, but I took pleasure in it all the same.—Bring the +picture down from your room. Shall I come too? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> No, Heaven's sake! You must spare yourself! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I've been sparing myself long enough now! +(<i>Alva goes out, right, to get the picture.</i>) He has heart-trouble; +but to have to plague one's self with imagination +fourteen months!... He kisses with the fear of death +on him, and his two knees shake like a frozen vagabond's. +In God's name.... In this room—if only I had not +shot his father in the back! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Returns with the picture of Lulu in the +Pierrot-dress.</i>) It's covered with dust. I had leant it +against the fire-place, face to the wall. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> You didn't look at it all the time I was away? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I had so much business to attend to, with the +sale of our paper and everything. Countess Geschwitz +would have liked to have hung it up in her house, but +she had to be prepared for search-warrants. (<i>He puts +the picture on the easel.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Merrily.</i>) Now the poor monster is learning +the joys of life in Hotel Ox-butter by her own experience. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Even now I don't understand how events hang +together. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Oh, Geschwitz arranged it all very cleverly. +<a name="page25"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 25]</span> +I must admire her inventiveness. But the cholera must +have raged fearfully in Hamburg this summer; and on +that she founded her plan for freeing me. She took a +course in hospital nursing here, and when she had the +necessary documents she journeyed to Hamburg with +them and nursed the cholera patients. At the first opportunity +that offered she put on the underclothes in +which a sick woman had just died and which really ought +to have been burnt. The same morning she traveled back +here and came to see me in prison. In my cell, while the +wardress was outside, we, as quick as we could, exchanged +underclothes. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> So that was the reason why the Countess and +you fell sick of the cholera the same day! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Exactly, that was it! Geschwitz of course +was instantly brought from her house to the contagious +ward in the hospital. But with me, too, they couldn't +think of any other place to take me. So there we lay +in one room in the contagious ward behind the hospital, +and from the first day Geschwitz put forth all her art to +make our two faces as like each other as possible. Day +before yesterday she was let out as cured. Just now +she came back and said she'd forgotten her watch. I put +on her clothes, she slipped into my prison frock, and then +I came away. (<i>With pleasure.</i>) Now she's lying over +there as the murderess of Dr. Schön. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> So far as outward appearance goes you can +still agree with the picture as much as ever. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I'm a little peaked in the face, but otherwise +I've lost nothing. Only one gets incredibly nervous in +prison. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> You looked horribly sick when you came in. +<a name="page26"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 26]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I had to, to get our necks out of the noose.—And +you? What have you done in this year and a half? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I've had a succès d'estime in literary circles +with a play I wrote about you. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Who's your sweetheart now? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> An actress I've rented a house for in Karl +Street. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Does she love you? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> How should I know that? I haven't seen the +woman for six weeks. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Can you stand that? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> You will never understand that. With me +there's the closest alternation between my sensuality and +mental creativeness. So towards you, for example, I have +only the choice of regarding you artistically or of loving +you. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>In a fairy-story tone.</i>) I used to dream +every other night that I'd fallen into the hands of a +sadic.... Come, give me a kiss! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> It's shining in your eyes like the water in a +deep well one has just thrown a stone into. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Come! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Kisses her.</i>) Your lips have got pretty thin, +anyway. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Come! (<i>Pushes him into a chair and seats +herself on his knee.</i>) Do you shudder at me?—In Hotel +Ox-butter we all got a luke-warm bath every four weeks. +The wardresses took that opportunity to search our +pockets as soon as we were in the water. (<i>She kisses him +passionately.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Oh, oh! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> You're afraid that when I'm away you couldn't +write any more poems about me? +<a name="page27"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 27]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> On the contrary, I shall write a dithyramb +upon thy glory. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I'm only sore about the hideous shoes I'm +wearing. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> They do not encroach upon your charms. Let +us be thankful for the favor of this moment. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I don't feel at all like that to-day.—Do you +remember the costume ball where I was dressed like a +knight's squire? How those wine-full women ran after +me that time? Geschwitz crawled round, round my feet, +and begged me to step on her face with my cloth shoes. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Come, dear heart! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>In the tone with which one quiets a restless +child.</i>) Quietly! I shot your father. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I do not love thee less for that. One kiss! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Bend your head back. (<i>She kisses him with +deliberation.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> You hold back the fire of my soul with the +most dexterous art. And your breast breathes so virginly +too. Yet if it weren't for your two great, dark, childish +eyes, I must needs have thought you the cunningest +whore that ever hurled a man to destruction. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>In high spirits.</i>) Would God I were! +Come over the border with us to-day! Then we can +see each other as often as we will, and we'll get more +pleasure from each other than now. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Through this dress I feel your body like a +symphony. These slender ankles, this cantabile. This +rapturous crescendo. And these knees, this capriccio. +And the powerful andante of lust!—How peacefully these +two slim rivals press against each other in the consciousness +that neither equals the other in beauty—till their capricious +mistress wakes up and the rival lovers separate +<a name="page28"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 28]</span> +like the two hostile poles. I shall sing your praises so +that your senses shall whirl! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Merrily.</i>) Meanwhile I'll bury my hands +in your hair. (<i>She does so.</i>) But here we'll be disturbed. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> You have robbed me of my reason! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Aren't you coming with me to-day? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> But the old fellow's going with you! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> He won't turn up again.—Is not that the +divan on which your father bled to death? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Be still. Be still.... +</p> +<p class="curtain"> +CURTAIN. +<a name="page29"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 29]</span> +</p> +<h2> +<a name="chapter5"></a> +ACT II +</h2> +<p> +<i>A spacious salon in white stucco. In the rear-wall, +between two high mirrors, a wide folding doorway showing +in the rear room a big card-table surrounded by +Turkish upholstered chairs. In the left wall two doors, +the upper one to the entrance-hall, the lower to the dining-room. +Between them a rococo-console with a white +marble top, and above it Lulu's Pierrot-picture in a narrow +gold frame let into the wall. Two other doors, +right; near the lower one a small table. Wide and +brightly-covered chairs stand about, with thin legs and +fragile arms; and in the middle is a sofa of the same style +(Louis XV.).</i> +</p> +<p> +<i>A large company is moving about the salon in lively +conversation. The men—<span class="gesperrt">Alva</span>, <span class="gesperrt">Rodrigo</span>, Marquis +<span class="gesperrt">Casti-Piani</span>, Banker <span class="gesperrt">Puntschu</span>, and Journalist +<span class="gesperrt">Heilmann</span>—are in evening dress. <span class="gesperrt">Lulu</span> wears a +white Directoire dress with huge sleeves and white lace +falling freely from belt to feet. Her arms are in white +kid gloves, her hair done high with a little tuft of white +feathers. <span class="gesperrt">Geschwitz</span> is in a bright blue hussar-waist +trimmed with white fur and laced with silver braid, a +tall tight collar with a white bow and stiff cuffs with +huge ivory links. <span class="gesperrt">Magelone</span> is in bright rainbow-colored +shot silk with very wide sleeves, long narrow +waist, and three ruffles of spiral rose-colored ribbons and +violet bouquets. Her hair is parted in the middle and +drawn low over her temples. On her forehead is a +mother-of-pearl ornament, held by a fine chain under her +hair. <span class="gesperrt">Kadidia</span>, her daughter, twelve years old, has</i> +<a name="page30"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 30]</span> +<i>bright-green satin gaiters which yet leave visible the tops +of her white silk socks, and a white-lace-covered dress +with bright-green narrow sleeves, pearl-gray gloves, and +free black hair under a big bright-green hat with white +feathers. <span class="gesperrt">Bianetta</span> is in dark-green velvet, the collar +sewn with pearls, and a full skirt, its hem embroidered +with great false topazes set in silver. <span class="gesperrt">Ludmilla</span> +<span class="gesperrt">Steinherz</span> is in a glaring summer frock striped red +and blue.</i> +</p> +<p> +<i>Rodrigo stands, centre, a full glass in his hand.</i> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Ladies and gentlemen—I beg your pardon—please +be quiet—I drink—permit me to drink—for this +is the birthday party of our amiable hostess—(<i>taking +Lulu's arm</i>) of Countess Adelaide d'Oubra—damned and +done for!—I drink therefore——and so forth, go to it, +ladies! (<i>All surround Lulu and clink with her. Alva +presses Rodrigo's hand.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I congratulate you. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> I'm sweating like a roast pig. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>To Lulu.</i>) Let's see if everything's in order +in the card-room. (<i>Alva and Lulu exeunt, rear. Bianetta +speaks to Rodrigo.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">BIANETTA.</span> They were telling me just now you were +the strongest man in the world. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> That I am. May I put my strength at +your disposal? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> I love sharp-shooters better. Three +months ago a sharp-shooter stepped into the casino and +every time he went “bang!” I felt like this. (<i>She wriggles +her hips.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> (<i>Who speaks thruout the act in a bored +and weary tone, to Magelone.</i>) Say, dearie, how does it +<a name="page31"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 31]</span> +happen we see your nice little princess here for the first +time to-night? (<i>Meaning Kadidia.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> Do you really find her so delightful?—She +is still in the convent. She must be back in school +again on Monday. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KADIDIA.</span> What did you say, mama? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> I was just telling the gentleman that you +got the highest mark in geometry last week. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HEILMANN.</span> Some pretty hair she's got! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> Just look at her feet: the way she +walks! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> By god, she's got breeding! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> (<i>Smiling.</i>) But my dear sirs, take pity +on her! She's nothing but a child still! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> That'd trouble me damned little! (<i>To +Heilmann.</i>) I'd give ten years of my life if I could +initiate the young lady into the ceremonies of our secret +society! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> But you won't get me to consent to that +for a million. I won't have the child's youth ruined, the +way mine was! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> Confessions of a lovely soul! (<i>To +Magelone.</i>) Would you not agree, either, for a set of +real diamonds? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> Don't brag! You'll give as few real +diamonds to me as to my child. You know that quite +the best yourself. (<i>Kadidia goes into the rear room.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> But is nobody at all going to play, this +evening? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LUDMILLA.</span> Why, of course, comtesse. I'm counting +on it very much, for one! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">BIANETTA.</span> Then let's take our places right away. +The gentlemen will soon come then. +<a name="page32"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 32]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> May I ask you to excuse me just a +second. I must say a word to my friend. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> (<i>Offering his arm to Bianetta.</i>) May +I have the honor to be your partner? You always hold +such a lucky hand! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LUDMILLA.</span> Now just give me your other arm and +then lead us into the gambling-hell. (<i>The three go +off so, rear.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> Say, Mr. Puntschu, have you still got a +few Jungfrau shares for me, maybe? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> Jungfrau-shares? (<i>To Heilmann.</i>) The +lady means the stock of the funicular railway on the +Jungfrau. The Jungfrau, you know,—the Virgin—is a +mountain up which they want to build a wire railway. +(<i>To Magelone.</i>) You know, just so there may be no +confusion;—and how easy that would be in this select +circle!—Yes, I still have some four thousand Jungfrau-shares, +but I should like to keep those for myself. There +won't be such another chance soon of making a little +fortune out of hand. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HEILMANN.</span> I've only one lone share of this Jungfrau-stock +so far. I should like to have more, too. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> I'll try, Mr. Heilmann, to look after +some for you. But I'll tell you beforehand you'll have to +pay drug-store prices for them! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> My fortune-teller advised me to look +about me in time. All my savings are in Jungfrau-shares +now. If it doesn't turn out well, Mr. Puntschu, I'll +scratch your eyes out! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> I am perfectly sure of my affairs, my +dearie! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Who has come back from the card-room, to +Magelone.</i>) I can guarantee your fears are absolutely +<a name="page33"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 33]</span> +unfounded. I paid very dear for my Jungfrau-stock and +haven't regretted it a minute. They're going up steadily +from day to day. There never was such a thing before. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> All the better, if you're right. (<i>Taking +Puntschu's arm.</i>) Come, my friend, let's try our luck +now at baccarat. (<i>All go out, rear, except Geschwitz and +Rodrigo who scribbles something on a piece of paper and +folds it up, then notices Geschwitz.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Hm, madam countess—(<i>Geschwitz starts +and shrinks.</i>) Do I look as dangerous as that? (<i>To +himself.</i>) I must make a bon mot. (<i>Aloud.</i>) May I +perhaps make so bold— +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> You can go to the devil! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> (<i>As he leads Lulu in.</i>) Permit me a +word or two. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Not noticing Rodrigo who presses his note +into her hand.</i>) Oh, as many as you like. (<i>Rodrigo +bows and goes out, rear.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> (<i>To Geschwitz.</i>) Leave us alone! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>To Casti-Piani.</i>) Have I hurt you again in +any way? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> (<i>Since Geschwitz does not stir.</i>) Are +you deaf? (<i>Geschwitz, sighing deeply, goes out, rear.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Just say straight out how much you want. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> With money you can no longer serve +me. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> What makes you think that we have no more +money? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> You handed out the last bit of it to me +yesterday. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> If you're sure of that then I suppose it's so. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> You're down on the bare ground, you +and your writer. +<a name="page34"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 34]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Then why all the words?—If you want to +have me for yourself you need not first threaten me with +execution. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> I know that. But I've told you more +than once that you won't be my downfall. I haven't +sucked you dry because you loved me, but loved you in +order to suck you. Bianetta is more to my taste from +top to bottom than you. You set out the choicest sweetmeats, +and after one has frittered his time away at them +he finds he's hungrier than before. You've loved too +long, even for our present relations. With a healthy +young man, you only ruin his nervous system. But you'll +fit all the more perfectly in the position I have sought +out for you. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> You're crazy! Have I commissioned you to +find a position for me? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> I told you, though, that I was an appointments-agent. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> You told me you were a police spy. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> One can't live on that alone. I was an +appointments-agent originally, till I blundered over a +minister's daughter I'd got a position for in Valparaiso. +The little darling in her childhood's dreams imagined the +life even more intoxicating than it is, and complained of +it to Mama. On that, they nabbed me; but by reliable +demeanor I soon enough won the confidence of the criminal +police and they sent me here on a hundred and fifty +marks a month, because they were tripling our contingent +here on account of these everlasting bomb-explosions. But +who can get along on a hundred and fifty marks a month? +My colleagues get women to support them; but, of course, +I found it more convenient to take up my former calling +again; and of the numberless adventuresses of the best +<a name="page35"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 35]</span> +families of the entire world, whom chance brings together +here, I have already forwarded many a young creature +hungry for life to the place of her natural vocation. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Decisively.</i>) I wouldn't do in that business. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> Your views on that question make no +difference whatever to me. The department of justice +will pay anyone who delivers the murderess of Dr. Schön +into the hands of the police a thousand marks. I only +need to whistle for the constable who's standing down at +the corner to have earned a thousand marks. Against +that, the House of Oikonomopulos in Cairo bids sixty +pounds for you—twelve hundred marks—two hundred +more than the Attorney General. And, besides, I am +still so far a friend of mankind that I prefer to help my +loves to happiness, not plunge them into misfortune. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>As before.</i>) The life in such a house can +never make a woman of my stamp happy. When I was +fifteen, that might have happened to me. I was desperate +then—thought I should never be happy. I bought a revolver, +and ran one night bare-foot thru the deep snow +over the bridge to the park to shoot myself there. +But then by good luck I lay three months in the hospital +without setting eyes on a man, and in that time my eyes +opened and I got to know myself. Night after night +in my dreams I saw the man for whom I was created and +who was created for me, and then when I was let out on +the men again I was no longer a silly goose. Since then +I can see on a man, in a pitch-dark night and a hundred +feet away, whether we're suited to each other; and if I +sin against that insight I feel the next day dirtied, body +and soul, and need weeks to get over the loathing I have +for myself. And now you imagine I'll give myself to +every and any Tom and Harry! +<a name="page36"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 36]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> Toms and Harries don't patronize Oikonomopulos +of Cairo. His custom consists of Scottish +lords, Russian dignitaries, Indian governors, and our +jolly Rhineland captains of industry. I must only guarantee +that you speak French. With your gift for languages +you'll quickly enough learn as much English, besides, +as you'll need to get on with. And you'll reside in +a royally furnished apartment with an outlook on the +minarets of the El Azhar Mosque, and walk around all +day on Persian carpets as thick as your fist, and dress +every evening in a fabulous Paris gown and drink as much +champagne as your customers can pay for, and, finally, +you'll even remain, up to a certain point, your own mistress. +If the man doesn't please you, you needn't bring +him any reciprocal feelings. Just let him give in his card, +and then—(<i>Shrugs, and snaps his fingers.</i>) If the ladies +didn't get used to that the whole business would be +simply impossible, because every one after the first four +weeks would go headlong to the devil. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Her voice shaking.</i>) I do believe that since +yesterday you've got a screw loose somewhere. Am I to +understand that the Egyptian will pay fifteen hundred +francs for a person whom he's never seen? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> I took the liberty of sending him your +pictures. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Those pictures that I gave you, you've sent +to him? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> You see he can value them better than +I. The picture in which you stand before the mirror +as Eve he'll probably hang up at the house-door, after +you've got there.... And then there's one thing more +for you to notice: with Oikonomopulos in Cairo you'll +be safer from your blood-hounds than if you crept into +<a name="page37"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 37]</span> +a Canadian wilderness. It isn't so easy to transport an +Egyptian courtesan to a German prison,—first, on account +of the mere expense, and second, from fear of coming too +close to eternal Justice. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Proudly, in a clear voice.</i>) What's your eternal +Justice to do with me! You can see as plain as your +five fingers I shan't let myself be locked up in any such +amusement-place! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> Then do you want me to whistle for +the policeman? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>In wonder.</i>) Why don't you simply ask me +for twelve hundred marks, if you want the money? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> I want for no money! And I also don't +ask for it because you're dead broke. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> We still have thirty thousand marks. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> In Jungfrau-stock! I never have anything +to do with stock. The Attorney-General pays in +the national currency, and Oikonomopulos pays in English +gold. You can be on board early to-morrow. The +passage doesn't last much more than five days. In two +weeks at most you're in safety. Here you are nearer to +prison than anywhere. It's a wonder which I, as one of +the secret police, cannot understand, that you two have +been able to live for a full year unmolested. But just +as I came on the track of your antecedents, so any day, +with your mighty consumption of men, one of my colleagues +may make the happy discovery. Then I may just +wipe my mouth, and you spend in prison the most enjoyable +years of your life. If you will kindly decide +quickly. The train goes at 12.30. If we haven't struck +a bargain before eleven, I whistle up the policeman. If +we have, I pack you, just as you stand, into a carriage, +<a name="page38"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 38]</span> +drive you to the station, and to-morrow escort you on +board ship. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> But is it possible you can be serious in all this? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> Don't you understand that I can act now +only for your bodily rescue? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I'll go with you to America or to China, but I +can't let myself be sold of my own accord! That is worse +than prison! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> (<i>Drawing a letter from his pocket.</i>) +Just read this effusion! I'll read it to you. Here's the +postmark “Cairo,” so you won't believe I work with +forged documents. The girl is a Berliner, was married +two years and to a man whom you would have envied +her, a former comrade of mine. He travels now for the +Hamburg Colonial Company.... +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Merrily.</i>) Then perhaps he <span class="gesperrt">visits</span> his +wife occasionally? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> That is not incredible. But hear this +impulsive expression of her feelings. My white-slave traffic +seems to me absolutely no more honorable than the very +best judge would tax it with being, but a cry of joy like +this lets me feel a certain moral satisfaction for a moment. +I am proud to earn my money by scattering happiness with +full hands. (<i>Reads.</i>) “Dear Mr. Meyer”—that's my +name as a white-slave trader—“when you go to Berlin, +please go right away to the conservatory on the Potsdamer +Strasse and ask for Gusti von Rosenkron—the most beautiful +woman that I've ever seen in nature—delightful +hands and feet, naturally small waist, straight back, full +body, big eyes and short nose—just the sort you like best. +I have written to her already. She has no prospects with +her singing. Her mother hasn't a penny. Sorry she's +already twenty-two, but she's pining for love. Can't +<a name="page39"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 39]</span> +marry, because absolutely without means. I have spoken +with Madame. They'd like to take another German, if +she's well educated and musical. Italians and Frenchwomen +can't compete with us, 'cause of too little culture. +If you should see Fritz”—Fritz is the husband; he's getting a +divorce, of course,—“tell him it was all a bore. +He didn't know any better, nor did I either.” Now come +the exact details— +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Goaded.</i>) I can not sell the only thing that +ever was my own! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> Let me read some more. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>As before.</i>) This very evening, I'll hand +over to you our entire wealth. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> Believe me, for God's sake, I've <span class="gesperrt">got</span> +your last red cent! If we haven't left this house before +eleven, you and your lot will be transported to-morrow +in a police-car to Germany. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> You <span class="gesperrt">can't</span> give me up! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> Do you think that would be the worst +thing I can have done in my life?... I must, in case +we go to-night, have just a brief word with Bianetta. +(<i>He goes into the card-room, leaving the door open behind +him. Lulu stares before her, mechanically crumpling +up the note that Rodrigo stuck into her hand, which she +has held in her fingers thruout the dialog. Alva, behind +the card-table, gets up, a bill in his hand, and comes into +the salon.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>To Lulu.</i>) Brilliantly! It's going brilliantly! +Geschwitz is wagering her last shirt. Puntschu +has promised me ten more Jungfrau-shares. Steinherz is +making her little gains and profits. (<i>Exit, lower right.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I in a bordell?—(<i>She reads the paper she holds, +and laughs madly.</i>) +<a name="page40"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 40]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Coming back with a cash-box in his hand.</i>) +Aren't you going to play, too? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Oh, yes, surely—why not? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> By the way, it's in the Berliner Tageblatt to-day +that Alfred Hugenberg has hurled himself over the +stairs in prison. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Is he too in prison? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Only in a sort of house of detention. (<i>Exit, +rear. Lulu is about to follow, but Countess Geschwitz +meets her in the door-way.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> You are going because I come? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Resolutely.</i>) No, God knows. But when +you come then I go. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> You have defrauded me of all the good +things of this world that I still possessed. You might +at the very least preserve the outward forms of politeness +in your intercourse with me. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>As before.</i>) I am as polite to you as to any +other woman. I only beg you to be equally so to me. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> Have you forgotten the passionate endearments +by which, while we lay together in the hospital, +you seduced me into letting myself be locked +into prison for you? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Well, why else did you bring me down with +the cholera beforehand? I swore very different things +to myself, even while it was going on, from what I had +to promise you! I am shaken with horror at the thought +that that should ever become reality! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> Then you cheated me consciously, deliberately? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Gaily.</i>) What have you been cheated of, +then? Your physical advantages have found so enthusiastic +an admirer here, that I ask myself if I won't have +<a name="page41"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 41]</span> +to give piano lessons once more, to keep alive! No +seventeen-year-old child could make a man madder with +love than you, a pervert, are making him, poor fellow, +by your shrewishness. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> Of whom are you speaking? I don't +understand a word. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>As before.</i>) I'm speaking of your acrobat, +of Rodrigo Quast. He's an athlete: he balances two +saddled cavalry horses on his chest. Can a woman desire +anything more glorious? He told me just now that he'd +jump into the water to-night if you did not take pity +on him. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> I do not envy you this cleverness with +which you torture the helpless victims sacrificed to you +by their inscrutable destiny. My own plight has not yet +wrung from me the pity that I feel for you. <i>I</i> feel free +as a god when I think to what creatures <span class="gesperrt">you</span> are enslaved. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Who do you mean? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> Casti-Piani, upon whose forehead the +most degenerate baseness is written in letters of fire! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Be silent! I'll kick you, if you speak ill of +<span class="gesperrt">him</span>. He loves me with an uprightness against which +your most venturous self-sacrifices are poor as beggary! +He gives me such proofs of self-denial as reveal <span class="gesperrt">you</span> +for the first time in all your loathsomeness! You didn't +get finished in your mother's womb, neither as woman +nor as man. You have no human nature like the rest +of us. The stuff didn't go far enough for a man, and +for a woman you got too much brain into your skull. +That's the reason you're crazy! Turn to Miss Bianetta! +She can be had for everything for pay! Press a gold-piece +into her hand and she'll belong to you. (<i>All the</i> +<a name="page42"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 42]</span> +<i>company save Kadidia throng in out of the card-room.</i>) +For the Lord's sake, what has happened? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> Nothing whatever! We're thirsty, that's +all. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> Everybody has won. We can't believe it. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">BIANETTA.</span> It seems I have won a whole fortune! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LUDMILLA.</span> Don't boast of it, my child. That isn't +lucky. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> But the bank has won, too! How is +that <span class="gesperrt">possible</span>? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> It is colossal, where all the money comes from! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> Let us not ask! Enough that we need +not spare the champagne. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HEILMANN.</span> I can pay for a supper in a respectable +restaurant afterwards, anyway! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> To the buffet, ladies! Come to the buffet! +(<i>All exeunt, lower left.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>Holding Lulu back.</i>) Un momong, my +heart. Have you read my billet-doux? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Threaten me with discovery as much as you +like! I have no more twenty thousands to dispose of. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Don't lie to me, you punk! You've still +got forty thousand in Jungfrau-stock. Your so-called +spouse has just been bragging of it himself! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Then turn to <span class="gesperrt">him</span> with your blackmailing! +It's all one to me what he does with his money. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Thank you! With that blockhead I'd need +twice twenty-four hours to make him grasp what I was +talking about. And then come his explanations, that +make one deathly sick; and meanwhile my bride writes +me “It's all up!” and I can just hang a hurdy-gurdy over +my shoulder. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Have you got engaged here, then? +<a name="page43"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 43]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Maybe I ought to have asked your permission +first? What were my thanks here that I freed +you from prison at the cost of my health? You abandoned +me! I might have had to be a baggage-man if this +girl hadn't taken me up! At my very first entrance, right +away, they threw a velvet-covered arm-chair at my head! +This country is too decadent to value genuine shows of +strength any more. If I'd been a boxing kangaroo they'd +have interviewed me and put my picture in all the papers. +Thank heaven, I'd already made the acquaintance of my +Celestine. She's got the savings of twenty years deposited +with the government; and she loves me just for myself. +She doesn't aim only at vulgar things, like you. She's +had three children by an American bishop—all of the +greatest promise. Day after to-morrow we'll get married +by the registrar. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> You have my blessing. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Your blessing <span class="gesperrt">can</span> be stolen from me. I've +told my bride I had twenty thousand in stock at the bank. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Amused.</i>) And after that he boasts the person +loves him for himself! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> She honors in me the man of mind, not the +man of might as you and all the others have done. That's +over now. First they tore the clothes from one's body +and then they waltzed around with the chambermaid. +I'll be a skeleton before I'll let myself in again for such +diversions! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Then why the devil do you pursue the unfortunate +Geschwitz with your attentions? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Because the creature is of noble blood. I'm +a man of the world, and can do distinguished conversation +better than any of you. But now (<i>with a gesture</i>) +<a name="page44"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 44]</span> +my talk is hanging out of my mouth! Will you get me +the money before to-morrow evening or won't you? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I have no money. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> I'll have hen-droppings in my head before +I'll let myself be put off with that! He'll give you his +last cent if you'll only do your damned duty once! You +lured the poor lad here, and now he can see where to +scare up a suitable engagement for his accomplishments. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> What has it to do with you if he wastes his +money with women or at cards? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Do you absolutely <span class="gesperrt">want</span>, then, to throw +the last penny that his father earned by his paper into +the jaws of this rapacious pack? You'll make four people +happy if you'll not take things too exactly and sacrifice +yourself for a beneficent purpose! Has it got to be +only Casti-Piani <span class="gesperrt">forever</span>? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Lightly.</i>) Shall I ask him perhaps to light +you down the stairs? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> As you wish, countess! If I don't get the +twenty thousand marks by to-morrow evening, I make a +statement to the police and your court has an end. Auf +Wiedersehen! (<i>Heilmann enters, breathless, upper right.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> You're looking for Miss Magelone? She's not +here. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HEILMANN.</span> No, I'm looking for something else— +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>Taking him to the entry-door, opposite +him.</i>) Second door on the left. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>To Rodrigo.</i>) Did you learn that from your +bride? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HEILMANN.</span> (<i>Bumping into Puntschu in the doorway.</i>) +Excuse me, my angel! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> Ah, it's you. Miss Magelone's waiting +for you in the lift. +<a name="page45"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 45]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HEILMANN.</span> You go up with her, please. I'll be +right back. (<i>He hurries out, left. Lulu goes out at lower +left. Rodrigo follows her.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> Some heat, that! If I don't cut off <span class="gesperrt">your</span> +ears, you'll cut 'em off me! If I can't hire out my Jehoshaphat, +I've just got to help myself with my brains! +Won't they get wrinkled, my brains! Won't they get +indisposed! Won't they need to bathe in Eau de Cologne! +(<i>Bob, a groom in a red jacket, tight leather +breeches, and twinkling riding-boots, 15 years old, brings +in a telegram.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">BOB.</span> Mr. Puntschu, the banker! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> (<i>Breaks open the telegram and murmurs:</i>) +“Jungfrau Funicular Stock fallen to—” Ay, ay, +so goes the world! (<i>To Bob.</i>) Wait! (<i>Gives him a +tip.</i>) Tell me—what's your name? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">BOB.</span> Well, it's really Freddy, but they call me Bob, +because that's the fashion now. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> How old are you? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">BOB.</span> Fifteen. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KADIDIA.</span> (<i>Enters hesitatingly from lower left.</i>) I +beg your pardon, can you tell me if mama is here? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> No, my dear. (<i>Aside.</i>) Devil, she's +got breeding! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KADIDIA.</span> I'm hunting all over for her; I can't find +her anywhere. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> Your mama will turn up again soon, as +true as my name's Puntschu! (<i>Looking at Bob.</i>) And +that pair of breeches! God of Justice! It gets uncanny! +(<i>He goes out, upper right.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KADIDIA.</span> Haven't <span class="gesperrt">you</span> seen my mama, perhaps? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">BOB.</span> No, but you only need to come with me. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KADIDIA.</span> Where is she then? +<a name="page46"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 46]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">BOB.</span> She's gone up in the lift. Come along. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KADIDIA.</span> No, no, I can't go up with you. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">BOB.</span> We can hide up there in the corridor. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KADIDIA.</span> No, no, I can't come, or I'll be scolded. +(<i>Magelone, terribly excited, rushes in, upper left, and +possesses herself of Kadidia.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> Ha, there you are at last, you common +creature! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KADIDIA.</span> (<i>Crying.</i>) O mama, mama, I was hunting +for you! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> Hunting for me? Did I tell you to hunt +for me? What have you had to do with this fellow? +(<i>Heilmann, Alva, Ludmilla, Puntschu, Geschwitz, and +Lulu enter, lower left. Bob has withdrawn.</i>) Now +don't bawl before all the people on me; look out, I +tell you! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>As they all surround Kadidia.</i>) But you're +crying, sweetheart! Why are you crying? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> By God, she's really been crying! Who's +done anything to hurt you, little goddess? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LUDMILLA.</span> (<i>Kneels before her and folds her in her +arms.</i>) Tell me, cherub, what bad thing has happened. +Do you want a cookie? Do you want some chocolate? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> It's just nerves. The child's getting them +much too soon. It would be the best thing if no one +paid any attention to her! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> That sounds like you! You're a pretty +mother! The courts'll yet take the child away from you +and appoint me her guardian! (<i>Stroking Kadidia's +cheeks.</i>) Isn't that so, my little goddess? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> I should be glad if we started the baccarat +again at last? (<i>All go into the card-room. Lulu +is held back at the door by Bob.</i>) +<a name="page47"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 47]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>When Bob has whispered to her.</i>) Certainly! +Let him come in! (<i>Bob opens the door and lets Schigolch +enter, in evening dress, his patent-leather shoes +much worn, and keeping on his shabby opera hat.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>With a look at Bob.</i>) Where d'd you +get him from? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> The circus. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> How much does he get? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Ask him if it interests you. (<i>To Bob.</i>) Shut +the doors. (<i>Bob goes out lower left, shutting the door +behind him.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Sitting down.</i>) The truth is, I'm in +need of money. I've hired a flat for my mistress. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Have you taken another mistress here, too? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> She's from Frankfort. In her youth she +was mistress to the King of Naples. She tells me every +day she was once very bewitching. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Outwardly with complete composure.</i>) Does +she need the money very badly? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> She wants to fit up her own apartments. +Such sums are of no account to <span class="gesperrt">you</span>. (<i>Lulu is suddenly +overcome with a fit of weeping.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Flinging herself at Schigolch.</i>) O God Omnipotent! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Patting her.</i>) Well? What is it now? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Sobbing violently.</i>) It's too horrible! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Draws her onto his knee and holds her +in his arms like a little child.</i>) Hm—You're trying to +do too much, child. You must go to bed, now and then, +with a story.—Cry, that's right, cry it all out. It used +to shake you just so fifteen years ago. Nobody has +screamed since then, the way you could scream! You +didn't wear any white tufts on your head then, nor any +<a name="page48"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 48]</span> +transparent stockings on your legs: you had neither shoes +nor stockings then. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Crying.</i>) Take me home with you! Take +me home with you to-night! Please! We'll find carriages +enough downstairs! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> I'll take you with me; I'll take you with +me.—What is it? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> It's going round my neck! I'm to be shown up! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> By who? Who's showing you up? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> The acrobat. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>With the utmost composure.</i>) I'll look +after him. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Look after him! <span class="gesperrt">Please</span>, look after him! +Then do with me what you will! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> If he comes to me, he's done for. My +window is over the water. But (<i>shaking his head</i>) he +won't come; he won't come. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> What number do you live at? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> 376, the last house before the hippodrome. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I'll send him there. He'll come with the crazy +person that creeps about my feet. He'll come this very +evening. Go home and let them find it comfortable. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Just let them come. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> To-morrow bring the gold rings he wears in +his ears. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Has he got rings in his ears? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> You can take them out before you let him +down. He doesn't notice anything when he's drunk. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> And then, child—what then? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Then I'll give you the money for your mistress. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> I call that pretty stingy. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> And whatever else you want! What I have! +<a name="page49"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 49]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> It's pretty near ten years since we knew +each other. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Is that all?—But you've got a mistress. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> My Frankforter is no longer of to-day. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> But then swear! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Haven't I always kept my word to you? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Swear that you'll look after him! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> I'll look after him. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Swear it to me! Swear it to me! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Puts his hand on her ankle.</i>) By everything +that's holy! To-night, if he comes— +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> By everything that's holy!—How cool that is! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> How hot this is! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Drive straight home. They'll come in half-an-hour! +Take a carriage! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> I'm going. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Quick! Please!— —All-powerful— +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Why do you stare at me so again already? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Nothing—.... +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Well? Is your tongue frozen on you? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> My garter's broken. +</p> +<p> +SCHIGOLCH. What if it is? Is that all? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> What does that augur? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> What does it? I'll fasten it for you if +you'll keep still. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> That augurs misfortune! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Yawning.</i>) Not for you, child. Cheer +up, I'll look after him! (<i>Exit. Lulu puts her left foot +on a foot-stool, fastens her garter, and goes out into the +card-room. Then Rodrigo is cuffed in from the dining-room, +lower left, by Casti-Piani.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> You can treat me decently anyway! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> (<i>Still perfectly unemotional.</i>) Whatever +<a name="page50"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 50]</span> +would induce me to do that? I will know what you +said to her here a little while ago. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Then you can be very fond of me! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> Will you bandy words with me, dog? +You demanded that she go up in the lift with you! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> That's a shameless, perfidious lie! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> She told me so herself. You threatened +to denounce her if she didn't go with you.—Shall I shoot +you on the spot? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> The shameless hussy! As if anything like +that could occur to me!—Even if I should want to have +her, God knows I don't first need to threaten her with +prison! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> Thank you. That's all I wanted to +know. (<i>Exit, upper left.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Such a hound! A fellow I could throw up +onto the roof so he'd stick like a Limburger cheese!—Come +back here, so I can wind your guts round your +neck. That would be even better! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Enters, lower left; merrily.</i>) Where were +you? I've been hunting for you like a pin. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> I've shown <span class="gesperrt">him</span> what it means to start +anything with me! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Whom? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Your Casti-Piani! What made you tell him, +you slut, that I wanted to seduce you?! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Did you not ask me to give myself to my deceased +husband's son for twenty thousand in Jungfrau +shares? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Because it's your duty to take pity on the +poor young fellow! You shot away his father before his +nose in the very best years of life! But your Casti-Piani +will think it over before he comes into my sight again. +<a name="page51"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 51]</span> +I gave him one in the basket that made the tripes fly to +heaven like Roman candles. If you've got no better substitute +for me, then I'm sorry ever to have had your favor! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Lady Geschwitz is in the fearfullest case. She +twists herself up in fits. She's at the point of jumping +into the water if you let her wait any longer. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> What's the beast waiting for? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> For you, to take her with you. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Then give her my regards, and she can jump +into the water. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> She'll lend me twenty thousand marks to save +me from destruction if you will preserve her from it herself. +If you'll take her off to-night, I'll deposit twenty +thousand marks to-morrow in your name at any bank you +say. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> And if I don't take her off with me? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Denounce me! Alva and I are dead broke. +</p> +<p> +RODRIGO. Devil and damnation! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> You make four people happy if you don't take +things too exactly and sacrifice yourself for a beneficent +purpose. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> That won't go; I know that, beforehand. +I've tried that out enough now. Who counts on an honorable +soul like that in a bag o' bones! What the person had +for me was her being an aristocrat. My behavior was as +gentleman-like, and more, as you could find among German +circus-people. If I'd only just pinched her in the +calves once! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Watchfully.</i>) She is still a virgin. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>Sighing.</i>) If there's a God in heaven, +you'll get paid for your jokes some day! I prophesy that. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Geschwitz waits. What shall I tell her? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> My very best wishes, and I am perverse. +<a name="page52"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 52]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I will deliver that. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Wait a sec. Is it certain sure I get twenty +thousand marks from her? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Ask herself! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> Then tell her I'm ready. I await her in +the dining-room. I must just first look after a barrel of +caviare. (<i>Exit, left. Lulu opens the rear door and calls +in a clear voice “Martha!” Countess Geschwitz enters, +closing the door behind her.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Pleased.</i>) Dear heart, you can save me from +death to-night. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> How? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> By going to a certain house with the acrobat. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> What for, dear? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> He says you must belong to him this very night +or he'll denounce me to-morrow. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> You know I can't belong to any man. +My fate has not permitted that. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> If you don't please him, that's his own fix. +Why has he fallen in love with you? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> But he'll get as brutal as a hangman. +He'll revenge himself for his disappointment and beat my +head in. I've been thru that already.... Can you not +possibly spare me this hardest test? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> What will you gain by his denouncing me? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> I have still enough of my fortune to take +us to America together in the steerage. There you'd be +safe from all your pursuers. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Pleased and gay.</i>) I want to stay here. +I can never be happy in any other city. You must +tell him that you can't live without him. Then he'll +feel flattered and be gentle as a lamb. You must pay +the coachman, too: give him this paper with the address +<a name="page53"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 53]</span> +on it. 376 is a sixth-class hotel where they're expecting +you with him this evening. +</p> +<p> +<span class="smcap">Geschwitz.</span> (<i>Shuddering.</i>) How can such a monstrosity +save your life? I don't understand that. You +have conjured up to torture me the most terrible fate that +can fall upon outlawed me! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Watchful.</i>) Perhaps the encounter will cure +you. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> (<i>Sighing.</i>) O Lulu, if an eternal retribution +does exist, I hope I may not have to answer then for +you. I cannot make myself believe that no God watches +over us. Yet you are probably right that there is nothing +there, for how can an insignificant worm like me +have provoked his wrath so as to experience only horror +there where all living creation swoons for bliss? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> You needn't complain. When you <span class="gesperrt">are</span> happy +you're a hundred thousand times happier than one of us +ordinary mortals ever is! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> I know that too! I envy no one! But I +am still waiting. You have deceived me so often already. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I am yours, my darling, if you quiet Mr. Acrobat +till to-morrow. He only wants his vanity placated. +You must beseech him to take pity on you. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> And to-morrow? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I await you, my heart. I shall not open my +eyes till you come: see no chambermaid, receive no hair-dresser, +not open my eyes before you are with me. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> Then let him come. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> But you must throw yourself at his head, dear! +Have you got the house-number? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> Three-seventy-six. But quick now! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Calls into the dining-room.</i>) Ready, my +darling? +<a name="page54"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 54]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> (<i>Entering.</i>) The ladies will pardon my +mouth's being full. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> (<i>Seizing his hand.</i>) I implore you, have +mercy on my need! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">RODRIGO.</span> A la bonne heure! Let us mount the scaffold! +(<i>Offers her his arm.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Good-night, children! (<i>Accompanies them into +the corridor.... then quickly returns with Bob.</i>) +Quick, quick, Bob! We must get away this moment! +You escort me! But we must change clothes! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">BOB.</span> (<i>Curt and clear.</i>) As the gracious lady bids. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Oh what, gracious lady! You give me your +clothes and put on mine. Come! (<i>Exeunt into the dining-room. +Noise in the card-room, the doors are torn +open, and Puntschu, Heilmann, Alva, Bianetta, Magelone, +Kadidia and Ludmilla enter, Heilmann holding a piece of +paper with a glowing Alpine peak at its top.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HEILMANN.</span> (<i>To Puntschu.</i>) Will you accept this +share of Jungfrau-stock, sir? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> But that paper has no exchange, my +friend. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HEILMANN.</span> You rascal! You just don't want to give +me my revenge! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> (<i>To Bianetta.</i>) Have you any idea what +it's all about? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LUDMILLA.</span> Puntschu has taken all his money from +him, and now gives up the game. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HEILMANN.</span> Now he's got cold feet, the filthy Jew! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> How have I given up the game? How +have I got cold feet? The gentleman has merely to lay +plain cash! Is this my banking-office I'm in? He can +proffer me his trash to-morrow morning! +<a name="page55"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 55]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HEILMANN.</span> Trash you call that? The stock in my +knowledge is at 210! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> Yesterday it was at 210, you're right. +To-day, it's just nowhere. And to-morrow you'll find +nothing cheaper or more tasteful to paper your stairs with. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> But how is that possible? Then we <span class="gesperrt">would</span> +be down and out! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> Well, what am <i>I</i> to say, who have lost +my whole fortune in it! To-morrow morning I shall +have the pleasure of taking up the struggle for an assured +existence for the thirty-sixth time! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> (<i>Passing forward.</i>) Am I dreaming or +do I really hear the Jungfrau-stock has fallen? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> Fallen even lower than you! Tho you +can use 'em for curl-paper. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> O God in Heaven! Ten years' work! +(<i>Falls in a faint.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KADIDIA.</span> Wake up, mama! Wake up! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">BIANETTA.</span> Say, Mr. Puntschu, where will you eat +this evening, since you've lost your whole fortune? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">PUNTSCHU.</span> Wherever you like, young lady! Take +me where you will, but quickly! Here it's getting frightful. +(<i>Exeunt Puntschu and Bianetta.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HEILMANN.</span> (<i>Squeezing up his stock and flinging it to +the ground.</i>) That is what one gets from this pack! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LUDMILLA.</span> Why do you speculate on the Jungfrau +too? Send a few little notices on the company to the +German police here, and then you'll still win something +in the end. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HEILMANN.</span> I've never tried that in my life, but if +you want to help me—? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LUDMILLA.</span> Let's go to an all-night restaurant. Do +you know the Five-footed Calf? +<a name="page56"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 56]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HEILMANN.</span> I'm very sorry— +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LUDMILLA.</span> Or the Sucking Lamb, or the Smoking +Dog? They're all right near here. We'll be all by ourselves +there, and before dawn we'll have a little article +ready. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">HEILMANN.</span> Don't you sleep? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LUDMILLA.</span> Oh, of course; but not at night. (<i>Exeunt +Heilmann and Ludmilla.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Who has been trying to resuscitate Magelone.</i>) +Ice-cold hands! Ah, what a splendid woman! +We must undo her waist. Come, Kadidia, undo your +mother's waist! She's so fearfully tight-laced. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KADIDIA.</span> (<i>Without stirring.</i>) I'm afraid. (<i>Lulu +enters lower left in a jockey-cap, red jacket, white leather +breeches and riding boots, a riding cape over her +shoulders.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Have you any cash, Alva? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Looking up.</i>) Have you gone crazy? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> In two minutes the police'll be here. We are +denounced. You can stay of course, if you're eager to! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Springing up.</i>) Merciful Heaven! (<i>Exeunt +Alva and Lulu.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KADIDIA.</span> (<i>Shaking her mother, in tears.</i>) Mama, +Mama! Wake up! They've all run away! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> (<i>Coming to herself.</i>) And youth gone! +And my best days gone! Oh, this life! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KADIDIA.</span> But I'm young, mama! Why shouldn't I +earn any money? I don't want to go back to the convent! +Please, mama, keep me with you! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> God bless you, sweetheart! You don't +know what you say—Oh, no, I shall look around for +an engagement in a Varieté, and sing the people my misfortunes +<a name="page57"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 57]</span> +with the Jungfrau-stock. Things like that are +always applauded. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KADIDIA.</span> But you've got no voice, mama! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> Ah, yes, that's true! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KADIDIA.</span> Take me with you to the Varieté! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">MAGELONE.</span> No, it would break my heart!—But, well, +if it can't be otherwise, and you're so made for it,—I can't +change things!—Yes, we can go to the Olympia together +to-morrow! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KADIDIA.</span> O mama, how glad that makes me feel! +(<i>A plain-clothes detective enters, upper left.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">DETECTIVE.</span> In the name of the law—I arrest you! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">CASTI-PIANI.</span> (<i>Following him, bored.</i>) What sort of +nonsense is that? <span class="gesperrt">That</span> isn't the right one! +</p> +<p class="curtain"> +CURTAIN. +<a name="page58"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 58]</span> +</p> +<h2> +<a name="chapter6"></a> +ACT III +</h2> +<p> +<i>An attic room, without windows, but with two sky-lights, +under one of which stands a bowl filled with rain-water. +Down right, a door thru a board partition into a +sort of cubicle under the slanting roof. Near it, a wobbly +flower-table with a bottle and a smoking oil-lamp on it. +Upper right, a worn-out couch. Door centre; near it, a +chair without a seat. Down left, below the entrance door, +a torn gray mattress. None of the doors can shut tight.</i> +</p> +<p> +<i>The rain beats on the roof. Schigolch in a long gray +overcoat lies on the mattress; Alva on the couch, wrapped +in a plaid whose straps still hang on the wall above him.</i> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> The rain's drumming for the parade. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Cheerful weather for her first appearance! I +dreamt just now we were dining together at Olympia. +Bianetta was still with us. The table-cloth was dripping +on all four sides with champagne. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Ya, ya. And I was dreaming of a Christmas +pudding. (<i>Lulu appears, back, barefoot, in a torn +black dress, but with her hair falling to her shoulders.</i>) +Where have you been? Curling your hair first? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> She only does that to revive old memories. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> If one could only get warmed, just a little, +from one of you! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Will you enter barefoot on your pilgrimage? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> The first step always costs all kinds of +moaning and groaning. Twenty years ago it was no whit +better, and what she has learned since then! The coals +<a name="page59"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 59]</span> +only have to be blown. When she's been at it a week, +not ten locomotives will hold her in our miserable attic. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> The bowl is running over. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> What shall I do with the water? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Pour it out the window. (<i>Lulu gets up on the +chair and empties the bowl thru the sky-light.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> It looks as if the rain would let up at last. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Your wasting the time when the clerks +go home after supper. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Would to God I were lying somewhere where +no step would wake me any more! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Would I were, too! Why prolong this life? +Let's rather starve to death together this very evening in +peace and concord! Is it not the last stage now? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Why don't <span class="gesperrt">you</span> go out and get us something +to eat? You've never earned a penny in your whole life! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> In this weather, when no one would kick a +dog from his door? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> But me! I, with the little blood I have left +in my limbs, I am to stop your mouths! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I don't touch a farthing of the money! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Let her go, just! I long for one more +Christmas pudding; then I've had enough. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> And I long for one more beefsteak and a cigarette; +then die! I was just dreaming of a cigarette, such +as has never yet been smoked! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> She'll see us put an end to before her +eyes, before doing herself a little pleasure. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> The people on the street will sooner leave cloak +and coat in my hands than go with me for nothing! If +you hadn't sold my clothes, I at least wouldn't need to be +afraid of the lamp-light. I'd like to see the woman who +could earn anything in the rags I'm wearing on my body! +<a name="page60"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 60]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I have left nothing human untried. As long +as I had money I spent whole nights making up tables +with which one couldn't help winning against the cleverest +card-sharps. And yet evening after evening I lost more +than if I had shaken out gold by the pailful. Then I +offered my services to the courtesans; but they don't take +anyone without the stamps of the courts, and they see +at the first glance if one's related to the guillotine or +not. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Ya, ya. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I spared myself no disillusionments; but when +I made jokes, they laughed at <span class="gesperrt">me</span>, and when I behaved +as respectable as I am, they boxed my ears, and when I +tried being smutty, they got so chaste and maidenly that +my hair stood up on my head for horror. He who has not +prevailed over society, they have no confidence in. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Won't you kindly put on your boots now, +child? I don't think I shall grow much older in this +lodging. It's months since I had any feeling in the ends +of my toes. Toward midnight, I'll drink a bit more down +in the pub. The lady that keeps it told me yesterday I +seemed to really want to be her lover. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> In the name of the three devils, I'll go down! +(<i>She puts to her mouth the bottle on the flower-table.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> So they can smell your stink a half-hour +off! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I shan't drink it all. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> You won't go down. You're my woman. +You shan't go down. I forbid it! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> What would you forbid your woman when you +can't support yourself? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Whose fault is that? Who but my woman has +laid me on the sick-bed? +<a name="page61"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 61]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Am I sick? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Who has trailed me thru the dung? Who has +made me my father's murderer? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Did <span class="gesperrt">you</span> shoot him? He didn't lose much, +but when I see you lying there I could hack off both my +hands for having sinned so against my judgment! (<i>She +goes out, into her room.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> She infected me from her Casti-Piani. It's a +long time since she was susceptible to it herself! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Little devils like her can't begin putting +up with it too soon, if angels are ever going to come out +of them. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> She ought to have been born Empress of Russia. +Then she'd have been in the right place. A second Catherine +the Second! (<i>Lulu re-enters with a worn-out pair +of boots, and sits on the floor to put them on.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> If only I don't go headfirst down the stairs! +Ugh, how cold! Is there anything in the world more +dismal than a daughter of joy? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Patience, patience! She's only got to +take the right road into the business at the start. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> It's all right with me! Nothing's wrong with +me any more. (<i>Puts the bottle to her lips.</i>) That +warms one! O accursed! (<i>Exit.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> When we hear her coming, we must +creep into my cubby-hole awhile. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I'm damned sorry for her! When I think back.... +I grew up with her in a way, you know. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> She'll hold out as long as I live, anyway. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> We treated each other at first like brother and +sister. Mama was still living then. I met her by chance +one morning when she was dressing. Dr. Goll had been +called for a consultation. Her hair-dresser had read my +<a name="page62"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 62]</span> +first poem, that I'd had printed in “Society”: “Follow thy +pack far over the mountains; it will return again, covered +with sweat and dust—” +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Oh, ya! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> And then she came, in rose-colored muslin, with +nothing under it but a white satin slip—for the Spanish +ambassador's ball. Dr. Goll seemed to feel his death +near. He asked me to dance with her, so she shouldn't +cause any mad acts. Papa meanwhile never turned his +eyes from us, and all thru the waltz she was looking over +my shoulder, only at him.... Afterwards she shot him. +It is unbelievable. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> I've only got a very strong doubt whether +anyone will bite any more. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I shouldn't like to advise it to anybody! (<i>Schigolch +grunts.</i>) At that time, tho she was a fully developed +woman, she had the expression of a five-year-old, +joyous, utterly healthy child. And she was only three +years younger than me then—but how long ago it is now! +For all her immense superiority in matters of practical +life, she let me explain “Tristan and Isolde” to +her—and how entrancingly she could listen! Out +of the little sister who at her marriage still felt like a +school-girl, came the unhappy, hysterical artist's wife. +Out of the artist's wife came then the spouse of my +blessed father, and out of <span class="gesperrt">her</span> came, then, my mistress. +Well, so that is the way of the world. Who will prevail +against it? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> If only she doesn't skid away from the +gentlemen with honorable intentions and bring us up instead +some vagabond she's exchanged her heart's secrets +with. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I kissed her for the first time in her rustling +<a name="page63"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 63]</span> +bridal dress. But afterwards she didn't remember it.... +All the same, I believe she had thought of me even in my +father's arms. It can't have been often with him: he had +his best time behind him, and she deceived him with +coachman and boot-black; but when she did give herself to +him, then <i>I</i> stood before her soul. Thru that, too, without +my realizing it, she attained this dreadful power over +me. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> There they are! (<i>Heavy steps are heard +mounting the stairs.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Starting up.</i>) I will not endure it! I'll +throw the fellow out! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Wearily picks himself up, takes Alva by +the collar and cuffs him toward the left.</i>) Forward, forward! +How is the young man to confess his trouble to +her with us two sprawling round here? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> But if he demands other things—low things—of +her? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> If, well, if! What more will he demand +of her? He's only a man like the rest of us! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> We must leave the door open. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Pushing Alva in, right.</i>) Nonsense! +Lie down! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I'll hear it soon enough. Heaven spare him! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Closing the door, from inside.</i>) Shut up! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Faintly.</i>) He'd better look out! (<i>Lulu enters, +followed by Hunidei, a gigantic figure with a +smooth-shaven, rosy face, sky-blue eyes, and a friendly +smile. He wears a tall hat and overcoat and carries a +dripping umbrella.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Here's where I live. (<i>Hunidei puts his finger +to his lips and looks at Lulu significantly. Then he opens +his umbrella and puts it on the floor, rear, to dry.</i>) Of +<a name="page64"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 64]</span> +course, I know it isn't very comfortable here. (<i>Hunidei +comes forward and puts his hand over her mouth.</i>) What +do you mean me to understand by that? (<i>Hunidei puts +his hand over her mouth, and his finger to his lips.</i>) I +don't know what that means. (<i>Hunidei quickly stops her +mouth. Lulu frees herself.</i>) We're quite alone here. No +one will hear us. (<i>Hunidei lays his finger on his lips, +shakes his head, points at Lulu, opens his mouth as if to +speak, points at himself and then at the door.</i>) Herr +Gott, he's a monster! (<i>Hunidei stops her mouth; then +goes rear, folds up his overcoat and lays it over the chair +near the door; then comes down with a broad smile, takes +Lulu's head in both his hands and kisses her on the forehead. +The door, right, half opens.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Behind the door.</i>) He's got a screw +loose. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> He'd better look out! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> She couldn't have brought up anything +drearier! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Stepping back.</i>) I hope you're going to give +me something! (<i>Hunidei stops her mouth and presses a +gold-piece in her hand, then looks at her uncertain, questioningly, +as she examines it and throws it from one hand +to the other.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> All right, it's good. (<i>Puts it into her pocket. +Hunidei quickly stops her mouth, gives her a few silver +coins, and glances at her commandingly.</i>) Oh, that's nice +of you! (<i>Hunidei leaps madly about the room, brandishing +his arms and staring upward in despair. Lulu cautiously +nears him, throws an arm round him and kisses +him on the mouth. Laughing soundlessly, he frees himself +from her and looks questioningly. She takes up the lamp +and opens the door to her room. He goes in smiling, taking</i> +<a name="page65"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 65]</span> +<i>off his hat. The stage is dark save for what light +comes thru the cracks of the door. Alva and Schigolch +creep out on all fours.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> They're gone. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>Behind him.</i>) Wait. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> One can hear nothing here. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> You've heard that often enough! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I will kneel before her door. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Little mother's sonny! (<i>Presses past +Alva, gropes across the stage to Hunidei's coat, and +searches the pockets. Alva crawls to Lulu's door.</i>) +Gloves, nothing more! (<i>Turns the coat round, searches +the inside pockets, pulls a book out that he gives to Alva.</i>) +Just see what that is. (<i>Alva holds the book to the light.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Wearily deciphering the title-page.</i>) Warnings +to pious pilgrims and such as wish to be so. Very +helpful. Price, 2 s. 6 d. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> It looks to me as if God had left <span class="gesperrt">him</span> +pretty completely. (<i>Lays the coat over the chair again +and makes for the cubby-hole.</i>) There's nothing doing +with these people. The country's best time's behind it! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Life is never as bad as it's painted. (<i>He, too, +creeps back.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Not even a silk muffler he's got and yet +in Germany we creep on our bellies before this rabble. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Come, let's vanish again. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> She only thinks of herself, and takes the +first man that runs across her path. Hope the dog remembers +her the rest of his life! (<i>They disappear, left, +shutting the door behind them. Lulu re-enters, setting +the lamp on the table. Hunidei follows.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Will you come to see me again? (<i>Hunidei +stops her mouth. She looks upward in a sort of despair</i> +<a name="page66"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 66]</span> +<i>and shakes her head. Hunidei, putting his coat on, approaches +her grinning; she throws her arms around his +neck; he gently frees himself, kisses her hand, and turns +to the door. She starts to accompany him, but he signs +to her to stay behind and noiselessly leaves the room. Schigolch +and Alva re-enter.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Tonelessly.</i>) How he has stirred me up! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> How much did he give you? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>As before.</i>) Here it is! All! Take it! I'm +going down again. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> We can still live like princes up here. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> He's coming back. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Then let's just retire again, quick. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> He's after his prayer-book. Here it is. It +must have fallen out of his coat. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Listening.</i>) No, that isn't he. That's some +one else. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Some one's coming up. I hear it quite plainly. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Now there's some one tapping at the door. +Who may that be? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Probably a good friend he's recommended +us to. Come in! (<i>Countess Geschwitz enters, in poor +clothes, with a canvas roll in her hand.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> (<i>To Lulu.</i>) If I've come at a bad +time, I'll turn around again. The truth is, I haven't +spoken to a living soul for ten days. I must just tell you +right off, I haven't got any money. My brother never +answered me at all. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Your ladyship would now like to stretch +her feet out under our table? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Tonelessly.</i>) I'm going down again. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> Where are you going in this pomp?—However, +I come not wholly empty-handed. I bring +<a name="page67"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 67]</span> +you something else. On my way here an old-clothes man +offered me twelve shillings for it, but I could not force +myself to part from it. You can sell it, though, if you +want to. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> What is it? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Let us see it. (<i>Takes the canvas and unrolls +it. Visibly rejoiced.</i>) Oh, by God, it's Lulu's portrait! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Screaming.</i>) Monster, you brought that +here? Get it out of my sight! Throw it out of the +window! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Suddenly with renewed life, deeply pleased.</i>) +Why, I should like to know? Looking on this picture I +regain my self-respect. It makes my fate comprehensible +to me. Everything we have endured gets clear as day. +(<i>In a somewhat elegiac strain.</i>) Let him who feels secure +in his middle-class position when he sees these blossoming +pouting lips, these child-eyes, big and innocent, +this rose-white body abounding in life,—let him cast the +first stone at us! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> We must nail it up. It will make an +excellent impression on our patrons. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Energetic.</i>) There's a nail sticking all ready +for it in the wall. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> But how did you come upon this acquisition? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> I secretly cut it out of the wall in your +house, there, after you were gone. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Too bad the color's got rubbed off round the +edges. You didn't roll it up carefully enough. (<i>Fastens +it to a high nail in the wall.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> It's got to have another one underneath +if it's going to hold. It makes the whole flat look more +elegant. +<a name="page68"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 68]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Let me alone; I know how I'll do it. (<i>He +tears several nails out of the wall, pulls off his left boot, +and with its heel nails the edges of the picture to the +wall.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> It's just got to hang a while again, to get +its proper effect. Whoever looks at that'll imagine afterwards +he's been in an Indian harem. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Putting on his boot again, standing up +proudly.</i>) Her body was at its highest point of development +when that picture was painted. The lamp, kid +dear! Seems to me it's got extraordinarily dark. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> He must have been an eminently gifted +artist who painted that! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Perfectly composed again, stepping before +the picture with the lamp.</i>) Didn't you know him, then? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> No. It must have been long before my +time. I only occasionally heard chance remarks of yours, +that he had cut his throat from persecution-mania. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Comparing the picture with Lulu.</i>) The +child-like expression in the eyes is still absolutely the +same in spite of all she has lived thru since. (<i>In joyous +excitement.</i>) The dewy freshness that covered her skin, +the sweet-smelling breath from her lips, the rays of +light that beam from her white forehead, and this challenging +splendor of young flesh in throat and arms— +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> All that's gone with the rubbish wagon. +She can say with self-assurance: That was me once! The +man she falls into the hands of to-day 'll have no conception +of what we were when we were young. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Cheerfully.</i>) God be thanked, we don't +notice the continual decline when we see a person all the +time. (<i>Lightly.</i>) The woman blooms for us in the +<a name="page69"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 69]</span> +moment when she hurls the man to destruction for the +rest of his life. That is her nature and her destiny. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Down in the street-lamp's shimmer she's +still a match for a dozen walking spectres. The man +who still wants to make connections at this hour looks +out more for heart-qualities than mere physical good +points. He decides for the pair of eyes from which the +least thievery sparkles. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Now as pleased as Alva.</i>) I shall see if +you're right. Adieu. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>In sudden anger.</i>) You shall not go down +again, as I live! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> Where do you want to go? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Down to fetch up a man. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> Lulu! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> She's done it once to-day already. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> Lulu, Lulu, where you go I go too. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> If you want to put your bones up for +sale, kindly get a district of your own! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> Lulu, I shall not stir from your side! I +have weapons upon me. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Confound it all, her ladyship plots to +fish with our bait! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> You're killing me. I can't stand it here any +more. (<i>Exit.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> You need fear nothing. I am with you. +(<i>Follows her.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> (<i>Whimpering, throws himself on his couch. +Schigolch swears, loudly and grumbling.</i>) I guess there's +not much more good to expect on this side! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> We ought to have held the creature back +by the throat. She'll scare away everything that breathes +with her aristocratic death's head. +<a name="page70"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 70]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> She's flung me onto a sick-bed and larded me +with thorns outside and in! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> And she's still got enough strength in +her body to do the same for ten men alright. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> No mortally wounded man'll ever find the +stab of mercy welcomer than I! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> If she hadn't enticed the acrobat to my +place that time, we'd have him round our necks to-day +too. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I see it swinging above my head as Tantalus +saw the branch with the golden apples! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> (<i>On his mattress.</i>) Won't you turn up +the lamp a little? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> Can a simple, natural man in the wilderness +suffer so unspeakably?!—God, God, what have I made of +my life! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> What's the beastly weather made of my +ulster! When I was five-and-twenty, I knew how to +help myself! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> It has not cost everyone my sunny, glorious +youth! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> I guess it'll go out in a minute. Till +they come back it'll be as dark in here again as in mother's +womb. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> With the clearest consciousness of my purpose +I sought intercourse with people who'd never read a +book in their lives. With self-denial, with exaltation, +I clung to the elements, that I might be carried to the +loftiest heights of poetic fame. The reckoning was false. +I am the martyr of my calling. Since the death of my +father I have not written a single line! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> If only they haven't stayed together! +Nobody but a silly boy will go with two, no matter what. +<a name="page71"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 71]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> They've not stayed together! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> That's what I hope. If need be, she'll +keep the creature off from her with kicks. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> One, risen from the dregs, is the most celebrated +man of his nation; another, born in the purple, +lies in the mud and cannot die! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Here they come! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> And what blessed hours of mutual joy in +creation they had lived thru with each other! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> They can do that now, for the first time +rightly.—We must hide again. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I stay here. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Just what do you pity them for?—Who +spends his money has his good reasons for it! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">ALVA.</span> I have no longer the moral courage to let my +comfort be disturbed for a miserable sum of money! (<i>He +wraps himself up in his plaid.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> Noblesse oblige! A respectable man does +what he owes his position. (<i>He hides, left. Lulu opens +the door, saying “Come right in, dearie,” and there +enters Prince Kungu Poti, heir-apparent of Uahubee, in +a light suit, white spats, tan button-boots, and a gray tall +hat. His speech, interrupted with frequent hiccoughs, +abounds with the peculiar African hiss-sounds.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KUNGU POTI.</span> God damn—it's dark on the stairs! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> It's lighter here, sweetheart. (<i>Pulling him +forward by the hand.</i>) Come on! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KUNGU POTI.</span> But it's cold here, awful cold! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Have some brandy? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KUNGU POTI.</span> Brandy? You bet—always! Brandy's +good! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Giving him the bottle.</i>) I don't know where +there's a glass. +<a name="page72"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 72]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KUNGU POTI.</span> Doesn't matter. (<i>Drinks.</i>) Brandy! +Lots of it! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> You're a nice-looking young man. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KUNGU POTI.</span> My father's the emperor of Uahubee. +I've got six wives here, two Spanish, two English, two +French. Well—I don't like my wives. Always I must +take a bath, take a bath, take a bath.... +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> How much will you give me? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KUNGU POTI.</span> Gold! Trust me, you shall have gold! +One gold-piece. I always give gold-pieces. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> You can give it to me later, but show it to me. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KUNGU POTI.</span> I never pay beforehand. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> But you can show it to me, thoh! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KUNGU POTI.</span> Don't understand, don't understand! +Come, Ragapsishimulara! (<i>Seizing Lulu round the +waist.</i>) Come on! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Defending herself with all her strength.</i>) +Let me be! Let me be! (<i>Alva, who has risen painfully +from his couch, sneaks up to Kungu Poti from behind +and pulls him back by the collar.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">KUNGU POTI.</span> (<i>Whirling round.</i>) Oh! Oh! This +is a murder-hole! Come, my friend, I'll put you to +sleep! (<i>Strikes him over the head with a loaded cane. +Alva groans and falls in a heap.</i>) Here's a sleeping-draught! +Here's opium for you! Sweet dreams to you! +Sweet dreams! (<i>Then he gives Lulu a kiss; pointing +to Alva.</i>) He dreams of you, Ragapsishimulara! Sweet +dreams! (<i>Rushing to the door.</i>) Here's the door!! +(<i>Exit.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> But I'll not stay here?!—Who can stand it +here now!—Rather down onto the street! (<i>Exit. Schigolch +comes out.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span>—Blood!—Alva!—He's got to be put away +<a name="page73"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 73]</span> +somewhere. Hop!—Or else our friends 'll get a shock +from him—Alva! Alva!—He that isn't quite clear about +it—! One thing or t'other; or it'll soon be too late! +I'll give him legs! (<i>Strikes a match and sticks it into +Alva's collar....</i>) He will have his rest. But no +one sleeps here.—(<i>Drags him by the head into Lulu's +room. Returning, he tries to turn up the light.</i>) It'll +be time for me, too, right soon now, or they'll get no +more Christmas puddings down there in the tavern. God +knows when she'll be coming back from her pleasure tour! +(<i>Fixing an eye on Lulu's picture.</i>) She doesn't understand +business! She can't live off love, because her life +is love.—There she comes. I'll just talk straight to her +once—(<i>Countess Geschwitz enters.</i>) ... If you want to +lodge with us to-night, kindly take a little care that nothing +is stolen here. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> How dark it is here! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> It gets much darker than this.—The +doctor's already gone to rest. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> She sent me ahead. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">SCHIGOLCH.</span> That was sensible.—If anyone asks for +me, I'm sitting downstairs in the pub. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> (<i>After he has gone.</i>) I will sit behind +the door. I will look on at everything and not quiver +an eye-lash. (<i>Sits on the broken chair.</i>) Men and +women don't know themselves—they know not what they +are. Only one who is neither man nor woman knows +them. Every word they say is untrue, a lie. And they +do not know it, for they are to-day so and to-morrow +so, according as they have eaten, drunk, and loved, or not. +Only the body remains for a time what it is, and only +the children have reason. The men and women are like +the animals: none knows what it does. When they are +<a name="page74"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 74]</span> +happiest they bewail themselves and groan, and in their +deepest misery they rejoice over every tiny morsel. It is +strange how hunger takes from men and women the +strength to withstand misfortune. But when they have +fed full they make this world a torture-chamber, they +throw away their lives to satisfy a whim, a mood. Have +there ever once been men and women to whom love +brought happiness? And what is their happiness, save +that they sleep better and can forget it all? My God, +I thank thee that thou hast not made me as these. I am +not man nor woman. My body has nothing common +with their bodies. Have I a human soul? Tortured +humanity has a little narrow heart; but I know I deserve +nothing when I resign all, sacrifice all.... (<i>Lulu opens +the door, and Dr. Hilti enters. Geschwitz, unnoticed, +remains motionless by the door.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Gaily.</i>) Come right in! Come!—you'll stay +with me all night? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">DR. HILTI.</span> (<i>His accent is very broad and flat.</i>) But +I have no more than five shillings on me. I never take +more than that when I go out. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> That's enough, because it's you! You have +such faithful eyes! Come, give me a kiss! (<i>Dr. Hilti +begins to swear, in the broadest north-country vowels.</i>) +Please, don't say that. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">DR. HILTI.</span> By the de'il, 'tis the first time I've e'er +gone with a girrl! You can believe me. Mass, I hadn't +thought it would be like this! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Are you married? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">DR. HILTI.</span> Heaven and Hail, why do you think I am +married?—No, I'm a tutor; I read philosophy at the +University. The truth is, I come of a very old country +family. As a student, I got just two shillings pocket-money, +<a name="page75"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 75]</span> +and I could make better use of that than for +girrls! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> So you have never been with a woman? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">DR. HILTI.</span> Just so, yes! But I want it now. I got +engaged this evening to a country-woman of mine. She's +a governess here. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Is she pretty? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">DR. HILTI.</span> Yaw, she's got a hundred thousand.—I +am very eager, as it seems to me.... +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Tossing back her hair.</i>) I <span class="gesperrt">am</span> in luck! +(<i>Takes the lamp.</i>) Well, if you please, Mr. Tutor? +(<i>They go into her room. Geschwitz draws a small black +revolver from her pocket and sets it to her forehead.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span>—Come, come,—beloved! (<i>Dr. Hilti tears +open the door again.—</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">DR. HILTI.</span> (<i>Plunging in.</i>) Insane seraphs! Some +one's lying in there! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Lamp in hand, holds him by the sleeve.</i>) +Stay with me! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">DR. HILTI.</span> A dead man! A corpse! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Stay with me! Stay with me! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">DR. HILTI.</span> (<i>Tearing away.</i>) A corpse is lying in +there! Horrors! Hail! Heaven! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Stay with me! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">DR. HILTI.</span> Where d's it go out? (<i>Sees Geschwitz.</i>) +And there is the devil! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Please, stop, stay! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">DR. HILTI.</span> Devil, devilled devilry!—Oh, thou eternal—(<i>Exit.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Rushing after him.</i>) Stop! Stop! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> (<i>Alone, lets the revolver sink.</i>) Better, +hang! If she sees me lie in my blood to-day she'll not +weep a tear for me! I have always been to her but +<a name="page76"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 76]</span> +the docile tool that could be used for the heaviest labor. +From the first day she has abhorred me from the depths +of her soul.—Shall I not rather jump from the bridge? +Which could be colder, the water or her heart? I would +dream till I was drowned.—Better, hang!— —Stab?—Hm, +there would be no use in that— —How often have I +dreamt that she kissed me! But a minute more; an owl +knocks there at the window, and I wake up.— —Better, +hang! Not water; water is too clean for me. (<i>Starting +up.</i>) There!—There! There it is!—Quick now, before +she comes! (<i>Takes the plaid-straps from the wall, climbs +on the chair, fastens them to a hook in the door-post, puts +her head thru them, kicks the chair away, and falls to the +ground.</i>) Accursed life!—Accursed life!—Could it be before +me still??—Let me speak just once to thy heart, my +angel! But thou art cold!—I am not to go yet! Perhaps +I am even to have been happy once.—Listen to him, +Lulu! I am not to go yet! (<i>She drags herself before +Lulu's picture, sinks to her knees and folds her hands.</i>) +My adoréd angel! My love! My star!—Have mercy +upon me, pity me, pity me, pity me! +</p> +<p> +(<i>Lulu opens the door, and Jack enters—a thick-set +man of elastic movements, with a pale face, inflamed eyes, +arched and heavy brows, a drooping mustache, thin imperial +and shaggy whiskers, and fiery red hands with +gnawed nails. His eyes are fixed on the ground. He +wears a dark overcoat and a little round felt hat. Entering, +he notices Geschwitz.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> Who is that? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> That's my sister. She's crazy. I don't know +how to get rid of her. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> Your mouth looks beautiful. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> It's my mother's. +<a name="page77"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 77]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> Looks like it. How much do you want? I +haven't got much money. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Won't you spend the night with me here? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> No, haven't got the time. I must get home. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> You can tell them at home to-morrow that +you missed the last 'bus and spent the night with a friend. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> How much do you want? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I'm not after lumps of gold, but, well, a little +something. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> (<i>Turning.</i>) Good night! Good night! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Holds him back.</i>) No, no! Stay, for God's +sake! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> (<i>Goes past Geschwitz and opens the cubicle.</i>) +Why should I stay here till morning? Sounds suspicious! +When I'm asleep they'll turn my pockets out. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> No, I won't do that! No one will! Don't +go away again for that! I beg you! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> How much do you want? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Then give me the half of what I said! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> No, that's too much. You don't seem to have +been at this long? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> To-day is the first time. (<i>She jerks back +Geschwitz, on her knees still, half turned toward Jack, +by the straps around her neck.</i>) Lie down and be quiet! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> Let her alone! She isn't your sister. She is +in love with you. (<i>Strokes Geschwitz's head like a dog's.</i>) +Poor beast! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Why do you stare at me so all at once? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> I got your measure by the way you walked. +I said to myself: That girl must have a well-built body. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> How can you see things like that? +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> I even saw that you had a pretty mouth. But +I've only got a florin on me. +<a name="page78"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 78]</span> +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> Well, what difference does that make! Just +give that to me! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> But you'll have to give me half back, so I can +take the 'bus to-morrow morning. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I have nothing on me. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> Just look, thoh. Hunt thru your pockets!—Well, +what's that? Let's see it! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Showing him.</i>) That's all I have. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> Give it to me! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> I'll change it to-morrow, and then give you +half. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> No, give it all to me. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Giving it.</i>) In God's name! But now you +come! (<i>Takes up the lamp.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> We need no light. The moon's out. +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Puts the lamp down.</i>) As you say. (<i>She +falls on his neck.</i>) I won't harm you at all! I love you +so! Don't let me beg you any longer! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> Alright; I'm with you. (<i>Follows her into the +cubby-hole. The lamp goes out. On the floor under the +two sky-lights appear two vivid squares of moonlight. +Everything in the room is clearly seen.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> (<i>As in a dream.</i>) This is the last evening +I shall spend with these people. I'm going back to +Germany. My mother'll send me the money. I'll go to +a university. I must fight for woman's rights; study +law.... (<i>Lulu shrieks, and tears open the door.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Barefoot, in chemise and petticoat, holding +the door shut behind her.</i>) Help! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> (<i>Rushes to the door, draws her revolver, +and pushing Lulu aside, aims it at the door. As Lulu +again cries “Help!”</i>) Let go! (<i>Jack, bent double, tears +open the door from inside, and runs a knife into Geschwitz's</i> +<a name="page79"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg 79]</span> +<i>body. She fires one shot, at the roof, and falls +with suppressed crying, crumpling up. Jack tears her +revolver from her and throws himself against the exit-door.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> God damn! I never saw a prettier mouth! +(<i>Sweat drips from his hairy face. His hands are bloody. +He pants, gasping violently, and stares at the floor with +eyes popping out of his head. Lulu, trembling in every +limb, looks wildly round. Suddenly she seizes the bottle, +smashes it on the table, and with the broken neck in +her hand rushes upon Jack. He swings up his right foot +and throws her onto her back. Then he lifts her up.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> No, no!—Mercy!—Murder!—Police! Police! +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> Be still. You'll never get away from me again. +(<i>Carries her in.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">LULU.</span> (<i>Within, right.</i>) No!—No!—No!— —Ah!—Ah!... +</p> +<p> +(<i>After a pause, Jack re-enters. He puts the bowl +on the table.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">JACK.</span> That <span class="gesperrt">was</span> a piece of work! (<i>Washing his +hands.</i>) I <span class="gesperrt">am</span> a damned lucky chap! (<i>Looks round +for a towel.</i>) Not even a towel, these folks here! Hell of +a wretched hole! (<i>He dries his hands on Geschwitz's petticoat.</i>) +This invert is safe enough from me! (<i>To her.</i>) +It'll soon be all up with you, too. (<i>Exit.</i>) +</p> +<p> +<span class="allsmcap">GESCHWITZ.</span> (<i>Alone.</i>) Lulu!—My angel!—Let me +see thee once more! I am near thee—stay near thee—forever! +(<i>Her elbows give way.</i>) O cursed—!! +(<i>Dies.</i>) +</p> +<p class="curtain"> +CURTAIN. +</p> +<div class="trnote"> +<h2>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE</h2> +<p> +In the original book, words were emphasized by adding additional +space between letters (gesperrt). +In this eBook, those words are emphasized with an <span class="gesperrt">underline</span>. +</p> +<p> +The following printer's errors have been corrected: +</p> +<p class="nowrap"> + "Fäulein" corrected to "Fräulein" (page 15)<br /> + "CASTI-PIANA" corrected to "CASTI-PIANI" (page 38)<br /> + "HEILMAN" corrected to "HEILMANN" (page 56)<br /> + "SCHIGLOCH" corrected to "SCHIGOLCH" (page 70)<br /> +</p> +</div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Pandora's Box, by Frank Wedekind + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PANDORA'S BOX *** + +***** This file should be named 33415-h.htm or 33415-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/3/4/1/33415/ + +Produced by Michael Roe and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was +produced from scanned images of public domain material +from the Google Print project.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Pandora's Box + A Tragedy in Three Acts + +Author: Frank Wedekind + +Translator: Samuel A. Eliot + +Release Date: August 13, 2010 [EBook #33415] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PANDORA'S BOX *** + + + + +Produced by Michael Roe and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was +produced from scanned images of public domain material +from the Google Print project.) + + + + + + + + + +TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE + + +In the original book, words were emphasized by adding additional +space between letters (gesperrt). In this eBook, the emphasized words +are marked with *asterisks*. A few printer errors have also been +corrected, which are listed at the end of this eBook. + + + + + PANDORA'S BOX + + + A TRAGEDY IN THREE ACTS + BY + FRANK WEDEKIND + + Translated by Samuel A. Eliot, Jr. + + [Illustration] + + BONI AND LIVERIGHT + NEW YORK 1918 + + COPYRIGHT, 1914 + BY + ALBERT AND CHARLES BONI + + + + + PANDORA'S BOX + + + LULU + BY FRANK WEDEKIND + + ERDGEIST (EARTH-SPIRIT) $1.00 + PANDORA'S BOX $1.00 + + + + +CHARACTERS + + + LULU. + ALVA SCHOEN, _writer_. + SCHIGOLCH. + RODRIGO QUAST, _acrobat_. + ALFRED HUGENBERG, _escaped from a reform-school_. + COUNTESS GESCHWITZ. + BIANETTA. } + LUDMILLA STEINHERZ. } + MAGELONE. } + KADIDIA, _her daughter_. } + COUNT CASTI PIANI. } In Act II. + PUNTSCHU, _a banker_. } + HEILMANN, _a journalist_. } + BOB, _a groom_. } + A DETECTIVE. } + MR. HUNIDEI. } + KUNGU POTI, _imperial prince of Uahubee_. } In Act III. + DR. HILTI, _tutor_. } + JACK. } + + + + +ACT I + + +_The hall of EARTH-SPIRIT_, Act IV, _feebly lighted by an oil lamp on +the centre table. Even this is dimmed by a heavy shade. Lulu's +picture is gone from the easel, which still stands by the foot of the +stairs. The fire-screen and the chair by the ottoman are gone too. +Down left is a small tea-table, with a coffee-pot and a cup of black +coffee on it, and an arm-chair next it._ + +_In this chair, deep in cushions, with a plaid shawl over her knees, +sits Countess Geschwitz in a tight black dress. Rodrigo, clad as a +servant, sits on the ottoman. At the rear, Alva Schoen is walking up +and down before the entrance door._ + +RODRIGO. He lets people wait for him as if he were a concert +conductor! + +GESCHWITZ. I beg of you, don't speak! + +RODRIGO. Hold my tongue, with a head as full of thoughts as mine +is!--I absolutely can't believe she's changed so awfully much to her +advantage there! + +GESCHWITZ. She is more glorious to look at than I have ever seen her! + +RODRIGO. God preserve me from founding my life-happiness on your +taste and judgment! If the sickness has hit her as it has you, I'm +smashed and thru! You're leaving the contagious ward like an +acrobat-lady who's had an accident after giving herself up to art. +You can scarcely blow your nose any more. First you need a +quarter-hour to sort your fingers, and then you have to be mighty +careful not to break off the tip. + +GESCHWITZ. What puts *us* under the ground gives *her* health and +strength again. + +RODRIGO. That's all right and fine enough. But I don't think I'll be +travelling off with her this evening. + +GESCHWITZ. You will let your bride journey all alone, after all? + +RODRIGO. In the first place, the old fellow's going with her to +protect her in case anything serious--. My escort could only be +suspicious. And secondly, I must wait here till my costumes are +ready. I'll get across the frontier soon enough alright,--and I hope +in the meantime she'll put on a little embonpoint, too. Then we'll +get married, provided I can present her before a respectable public. +I love the practical in a woman: what theories they make up for +themselves are all the same to me. Aren't they to you too, doctor? + +ALVA. I haven't heard what you were saying. + +RODRIGO. I'd never have got my person mixed up in this plot if she +hadn't kept tickling my bare pate, before her sentence. If only she +doesn't start doing too much as soon as she's out of Germany! I'd +like best to take her to London for six months, and let her fill up +on plum-cakes. In London one expands just from the sea air. And then, +too, in London one doesn't feel with every swallow of beer as if the +hand of fate were at one's throat. + +ALVA. I've been asking myself for a week whether a person who'd been +sentenced to prison could still be made to go as the chief figure in +a modern drama. + +GESCHWITZ. If the man would only come, now! + +RODRIGO. I've still got to redeem my properties out of the pawn-shop +here, too. Six hundred kilos of the best iron. The baggage-rate on +'em is always three times as much as my own ticket, so that the whole +junket isn't worth a trowser's button. When I went into the pawn-shop +with 'em, dripping with sweat, they asked me if the things were +genuine!--I'd have really done better to have had the costumes made +abroad. In Paris, for instance, they see at the first glance where +one's best points are, and bravely lay them bare. But you can't learn +that with bow-legs; it's got to be studied on classically shaped +people. In this country they're as scared of naked skin as they are +abroad of dynamite bombs. A couple of years ago I was fined fifty +marks at the Alhambra Theater, because people could see I had a few +hairs on my chest, not enough to make a respectable tooth-brush! But +the Fine Arts Minister opined that the little school-girls might lose +their joy in knitting stockings because of it; and since then I have +myself shaved once a month. + +ALVA. If I didn't need every bit of my creative power now for the +"World-conqueror," I might like to test the problem and see what +could be done with it. That's the curse of our young literature: +we're so much too literary. We know only such questions and problems +as come up among writers and cultured people. We cannot see beyond +the limits of our own professional interests. In order to get back on +the trail of a great and powerful art we must move as much as +possible among men who've never read a book in their lives, whom the +simplest animal instincts direct in all they do. I've tried already, +with all my might, to work according to those principles--in my +"Earth-spirit." The woman who was my model for the chief figure in +that, breathes to-day--and has for a year--behind barred windows; and +on that account for some incomprehensible reason the play was only +brought to performance by the Society for Free Literature. As long as +my father was alive, all the stages of Germany stood open to my +creations. That has been vastly changed. + +RODRIGO. I've had a pair of tights made of the tenderest blue-green. +If *they* don't make a success abroad, I'll sell mouse-traps! The +trunks are so delicate I can't sit on the edge of a table in 'em. The +only thing that will disturb the good impression is my awful bald +head, which I owe to my active participation in this great +conspiracy. To lie in the hospital in perfect health for three months +would make a fat pig of the most run-down old hobo. Since coming out +I've fed on nothing but Karlsbad pills. Day and night I have +orchestra rehearsals in my intestines. I'll be so washed out before I +get across the frontier that I won't be able to lift a bottle-cork. + +GESCHWITZ. How the attendants in the hospital got out of her way +yesterday! That was a refreshing sight. The garden was still as the +grave: in the loveliest noon sunlight the convalescents didn't +venture out of doors. Away back by the contagious ward she stepped +out under the mulberry trees and swayed on her ankles on the gravel. +The door-keeper had recognized me, and a young doctor who met me in +the corridor shrunk up as tho a revolver shot had struck him. The +Sisters vanished into the big rooms or stayed stuck against the +walls. When I came back there was not a soul to be seen in the garden +or at the gate. No better chance could have been found, if we had had +the cursed passports. And now the fellow says he isn't going with +her! + +RODRIGO. I understand the poor hospital-brothers. One has a bad foot +and another has a swollen cheek, and there appears in the midst of +them the incarnate death-insurance-agentess! In the Hall of the +Knights, as the blessed division was called from which I organized my +spying, when the news got around there that Sister Theophila had +departed this life, not one of the fellows could be kept in bed. They +scrambled up to the window-bars, if they had to drag their pains +along with them by the hundred-weight. I never heard such swearing in +my life! + +ALVA. Allow me, Fraulein von Geschwitz, to come back to my +proposition once more. Tho my father was shot in this room, still I +can see in the murder, as in the punishment, nothing but a horrible +misfortune that has befallen *her*; nor do I think that my father, if +he had come through alive, would have withdrawn his support from her +entirely. Whether your plan for freeing her will succeed still seems +to me very doubtful, tho I wouldn't like to discourage you; but I can +find no words to express the admiration with which your +self-sacrifice, your energy, your superhuman scorn of death, inspires +me. I don't believe any man ever risked so much for a woman, let +alone for a friend. I am not aware, Fraulein von Geschwitz, how rich +you are, but the expenses for what you have accomplished must have +exhausted your fortune. May I venture to offer you a loan of 20,000 +marks--which I should have no trouble raising for you in cash? + +GESCHWITZ. How we did rejoice when Sister Theophila was really dead! +From that day on we were free from custody. We changed our beds as we +liked. I had done my hair like hers, and copied every tone of her +voice. When the professor came he called *her* "gnaediges Fraulein" +and said to me, "It's better living here than in prison!"... When the +Sister suddenly was missing, we looked at each other in suspense: we +had both been sick five days: now was the deciding moment. Next +morning came the assistant.--"How is Sister Theophila?"--"Dead!"--We +communicated behind his back, and when he had gone we sank in each +other's arms: "God be thanked! God be thanked!"--What pains it cost +me to keep my darling from betraying how well she already was! "You +have nine years of prison before you," I cried to her early and late. +Now they probably won't let her stay in the contagious ward three +days more! + +RODRIGO. I lay in the hospital full three months to spy out the +ground, after toilfully peddling together the qualities necessary for +such a long stay. Now I act the valet here with you, Dr. Schoen, so +that no strange servants may come into the house. Where is the +bridegroom who's ever done so much for his bride? *My* fortune has +also been destroyed. + +ALVA. When you succeed in developing her into a respectable artiste +you will have put the world in debt to you. With the temperament and +the beauty that she has to give out of the depths of her nature she +can make the most blase public hold its breath. And then, too, she +will be protected by *acting* passion from a second time becoming a +criminal in reality. + +RODRIGO. I'll soon drive her kiddishness out of her! + +GESCHWITZ. There he comes! (_Steps louden in the gallery. Then the +curtains part at the head of the stairs and Schigolch in a long black +coat with a white sun-shade in his right hand comes down. Thruout the +play his speech is interrupted with frequent yawns._) + +SCHIGOLCH. Confound the darkness! Out-doors the sun burns your eyes +out. + +GESCHWITZ. (_Wearily unwrapping herself._) I'm coming! + +RODRIGO. Her ladyship has seen no daylight for three days. We live +here like in a snuff-box. + +SCHIGOLCH. Since nine o'clock this morning I've been round to all the +old-clothes-men. Three brand new trunks stuffed full of old trowsers +I've expressed to Buenos Ayres via Bremerhaven. My legs are dangling +on me like the tongue of a bell. That's the new life it's going to be +from now on! + +RODRIGO. Where are you going to get off to-morrow morning? + +SCHIGOLCH. I hope not straight into Ox-butter Hotel again! + +RODRIGO. I can tell you a fine hotel. I lived there with a lady +lion-tamer. The people were born in Berlin. + +GESCHWITZ. (_Upright in the arm-chair._) Come and help me! + +RODRIGO. (_Hurries to her and supports her._) And you'll be safer +from the police there than on a high tightrope! + +GESCHWITZ. He means to let you go with her alone this afternoon. + +SCHIGOLCH. Maybe he's still suffering from his chillblains! + +RODRIGO. Do you want me to start my new engagement in bath-robe and +slippers? + +SCHIGOLCH. Hm--Sister Theophila wouldn't have gone to heaven so +promptly either, if she hadn't felt so affectionate towards our +patient. + +RODRIGO.. She'll have a different value when one must serve thru a +honeymoon with her. Anyway, it can't hurt her if she gets a little +fresh air beforehand. + +ALVA. (_A pocketbook in his hand, to Geschwitz who is leaning on a +chair-back by the centre table._) This holds 10,000 marks. + +GESCHWITZ. Thank you, no. + +ALVA. Please take it. + +GESCHWITZ. (_To Schigolch._) Come along, at last! + +SCHIGOLCH. Patience, Fraulein. It's only a stone's throw across +Hospital Street. I'll be here with her in five minutes. + +ALVA. You're bringing her here? + +SCHIGOLCH. I'm bringing her here. Or do you fear for your health? + +ALVA. You see that I fear nothing. + +RODRIGO. According to the latest wire, the doctor is on his way to +Constantinople to have his "Earth-spirit" produced before the Sultan +by harem-ladies and eunuchs. + +ALVA. (_Opening the centre door under the gallery._) It's shorter for +you thru here. (_Exeunt Schigolch and Countess Geschwitz. Alva locks +the door._) + +RODRIGO. You were going to give more money to the crazy sky-rocket! + +ALVA. What has that to do with you? + +RODRIGO. I get paid like a lamp-lighter, tho I had to demoralize all +the Sisters in the hospital. Then came the assistants' and the +doctors' turn, and then-- + +ALVA. Will you seriously inform me that the medical professors let +themselves be influenced by you? + +RODRIGO. With the money those gentlemen cost me I could become +President of the United States! + +ALVA. But Fraulein von Geschwitz has reimbursed you for every penny +that you spent. So far as I know you're getting a monthly salary of +five hundred marks from her besides. It is often pretty hard to +believe in your love for the unhappy murderess. When I asked Fraulein +von Geschwitz just now to accept my help, it certainly was not to +incite your insatiable avarice. The admiration which I have learnt to +have for Fraulein von Geschwitz in this affair, I am far from feeling +towards you. It is not at all clear to me what claims of any kind you +can make upon me. That you chanced to be present at the murder of my +father has not yet created the slightest bond of relationship between +you and me. On the contrary, I am firmly convinced that if the heroic +undertaking of Countess Geschwitz had not come your way you would be +lying somewhere to-day without a penny, drunken in the gutter. + +RODRIGO. And do you know what would have become of you if you hadn't +sold for two millions the tuppeny paper your father ran? You'd have +hitched up with the stringiest sort of ballet-girl and been to-day a +stable-boy in the Humpelmeier Circus. What work do you do? You've +written a drama of horrors in which my bride's calves are the two +chief figures and which no high-class theater will produce. You +walking pajamas! You fresh rag-bag you! Two years ago I balanced two +saddled cavalry-horses on this chest. How that'll go now, after this +(_clasping his bald head_), is a question sure enough. The foreign +girls will get a fine idea of German art when they see the sweat come +beading thru my tights at every fresh kilo-weight! I shall make the +whole auditorium stink with my exhalations! + +ALVA. You're weak as a dish-clout! + +RODRIGO. Would to God you were right! or did you perhaps intend to +insult me? If so, I'll set the tip of my toe to your jaw so that your +tongue'll crawl along the carpet over there! + +ALVA. Try it! (_Steps and voices outside._) Who is that...? + +RODRIGO. You can thank God that I have no public here before me! + +ALVA. Who can that be! + +RODRIGO. That is my beloved. It's a full year now since we've seen +each other. + +ALVA. But how should they be back already! Who can be coming there? I +expect no one. + +RODRIGO. Oh the devil, unlock it! + +ALVA. Hide yourself! + +RODRIGO. I'll get behind the portieres. I've stood there once before, +a year ago. (_Disappears, right. Alva opens the rear door, whereupon +Alfred Hugenberg enters, hat in hand._) + +ALVA. With whom have I--.... You? Aren't you--? + +HUGENBERG. Alfred Hugenberg. + +ALVA. What can I do for you? + +HUGENBERG. I've come from Muensterburg. I ran away this morning. + +ALVA. My eyes are bad. I am forced to keep the blinds closed. + +HUGENBERG. I need your help. You will not refuse me. I've got a plan +ready. Can anyone hear us? + +ALVA. What do you mean? What sort of a plan? + +HUGENBERG. Are you alone? + +ALVA. Yes. What do you want to impart to me? + +HUGENBERG. I've had two plans already that I let drop. What I shall +tell you now has been worked out to the last possible chance. If I +had money I should not confide it to you; I thought about that a long +time before coming.... Will you not permit me to set forth to you my +design? + +ALVA. Will you kindly tell me just what you are talking about? + +HUGENBERG. She cannot possibly be so indifferent to you that I must +tell you that. The evidence *you* gave the coroner helped her more +than everything the defending counsel said. + +ALVA. I beg to decline the supposition. + +HUGENBERG. You would say that; I understand that, of course. But all +the same you were her best witness. + +ALVA. *You* were! You said my father was about to force her to shoot +herself. + +HUGENBERG. He was, too. But they didn't believe me. I wasn't put on +my oath. + +ALVA. Where have you come from now? + +HUGENBERG. From a reform-school I broke out of this morning. + +ALVA. And what do you have in view? + +HUGENBERG. I'm trying to get into the confidence of a turnkey. + +ALVA. What do you mean to live on? + +HUGENBERG. I'm living with a girl who's had a child by my father. + +ALVA. Who is your father? + +HUGENBERG. He's a police captain. I know the prison without ever +having been inside it; and nobody in it will recognize me as I am +now. But I don't count on that at all. I know an iron ladder by which +one can get from the first court to the roof and thru an opening +there into the attic. There's no way up to it from inside. But in all +five wings boards and laths and great heaps of shavings are lying +under the roofs, and I'll drag them all together in the middle and +set fire to them. My pockets are full of matches and all the things +used to make fires. + +ALVA. But then you'll burn up there! + +HUGENBERG. Of course, if I'm not rescued. But to get into the first +court I must have the turnkey in my power, and for that I need money. +Not that I mean to bribe him; that wouldn't go. I must lend him money +to send his three children to the country, and then at four o'clock +in the morning when the prisoners of respected families are +discharged, I'll slip in the door. He'll lock-up behind me and ask me +what I'm after, and I'll ask him to let me out again in the evening. +And before it gets light, I'm up in the attic. + +ALVA. How did you escape from the reform-school? + +HUGENBERG. Jumped out the window. I need two hundred marks for the +rascal to send his family to the country. + +RODRIGO. (_Stepping out of the portieres, right._) Will the Herr +Baron have coffee in the music-room or on the veranda? + +HUGENBERG. Where does that man come from? Out of the same door! He +jumped out of the same door! + +ALVA. I've taken him into my service. He is dependable. + +HUGENBERG. (_Grasping his temples._) Fool that I am! Oh, fool! + +RODRIGO. Oh, yah, we've seen each other here before! Cut away now to +your vice-mamma. Your kid brother might like to uncle his brothers +and sisters. Make your sir-papa the grandfather of his children! +You're the only thing we've missed. If you once get into my sight in +the next two weeks, I'll beat your bean up for porridge. + +ALVA. Be quiet, you! + +HUGENBERG. I'm a fool! + +RODRIGO. What do you want to do with your fire? Don't you know the +lady's been dead three weeks? + +HUGENBERG. Did they cut off her head? + +RODRIGO. No, she's got that still. She was mashed by the cholera. + +HUGENBERG. That is not true! + +RODRIGO. What do you know about it! There, read it: here! (_Taking +out a paper and pointing to the place._) "The murderess of Dr. +Schoen...." (_Gives Hugenberg the paper. He reads:_) + +HUGENBERG. "The murderess of Dr. Schoen has in some incomprehensible +way fallen ill of the cholera in prison." It doesn't say that she's +dead. + +RODRIGO. Well, what else do you suppose she is? She's been lying in +the churchyard three weeks. Back in the left-hand corner behind the +rubbish-heap where the little crosses are with no names on them, +there she lies under the first one. You'll know the spot because the +grass hasn't grown on it. Hang a tin wreath there, and then get back +to your nursery-school or I'll denounce you to the police. I know the +female that beguiles her leisure hours with you! + +HUGENBERG. (_To Alva._) Is it true that she's dead? + +ALVA. Thank God, yes!--Please, do not keep me here any longer. My +doctor has forbidden me to receive visitors. + +HUGENBERG. My future is worth so little now! I would gladly have +given the last scrap of what life is worth to me for her happiness. +Heigh-ho! One way or another I'll sure go to the devil now! + +RODRIGO. If you dare in any way to approach me or the doctor here or +my honorable friend Schigolch too near, I'll inform on you for +intended arson. You need three good years, to learn where not to +stick your fingers in! Now get out! + +HUGENBERG. Fool! + +RODRIGO. Get out!! (_Throws him out the door. Coming down._) I wonder +you didn't put your purse at that rogue's disposal, too! + +ALVA. I won't stand your damned jabbering! The boy's little finger is +worth more than all you! + +RODRIGO. I've had enough of this Geschwitz's company! If my bride is +to become a corporation with limited liability, somebody else can go +in ahead of me. I propose to make a magnificent trapeze-artist out of +her, and willingly risk my life to do it. But then I'll be master of +the house, and will myself indicate what cavaliers she is to receive! + +ALVA. The boy has what our age lacks: a hero-nature; therefore, of +course, he is going to ruin. Do you remember how before sentence was +passed he jumped out of the witness-box and yelled at the justice: +"How do you know what would have become of you if you'd had to run +around the cafes barefoot every night when you were ten years old?!" + +RODRIGO. If I could only have given him one in the jaw for that right +away! Thank God, there are jails where scum like that gets some +respect for the law pounded into them. + +ALVA. One like him might have been my model for my "World-conqueror." +For twenty years literature has presented nothing but demi-men: men +who can beget no children and women who can bear none. That's called +"The Modern Problem." + +RODRIGO. I've ordered a hippopotamus-whip two inches thick. If that +has no success with her, you can fill my cranium with potato-soup. Be +it love or be it whipping, female flesh never inquires. Only give it +some amusement, and it stays firm and fresh. She is now in her +twentieth year, has been married three times and has satisfied a +gigantic horde of lovers, and her heart's desires are at last pretty +plain. But the man's got to have the seven deadly sins on his +forehead, or she honors him not. If he looks as if a dog-catcher had +spat him out on the street, then, with such women-folks, he needn't +be afraid of a prince! I'll rent a garage fifty feet high and break +her in there; and when she's learnt the first diving-leap without +breaking her neck I'll pull on a black coat and not stir a finger the +rest of my life. When she's educated practically it doesn't cost a +woman half as much trouble to support her husband as the other way +round, if only the man takes care of the mental labor for her, and +doesn't let the sense of the family go to wreck. + +ALVA. I have learnt to rule humanity and drive it in harness before +me like a well-broken four-in-hand,--but that boy sticks in my head. +Really, I can still take private lessons in the scorn of the world +from that school-boy! + +RODRIGO. She'll just comfortably let her hide be papered with +thousand-mark bills! I'll extract salaries out of the directors with +a centrifugal pump. I know their kind. When they don't need a man, +let him shine their shoes for them; but when they must have an +artiste they cut her down from the very gallows with their own hands +and with the most entangling compliments. + +ALVA. In my situation there's nothing more in the world to fear--but +death. In the realm of sensation I am the poorest beggar. But I can +no longer scrape up the moral courage to exchange my established +position for the excitements of the wild, adventurous life! + +RODRIGO. She had sent Papa Schigolch and me together in chase of some +strong antidote for sleeplessness. We each got a twenty-mark piece +for expenses. There we see the youngster sitting in the Night-light +Cafe. He was sitting like a criminal on the prisoner's bench. +Schigolch sniffed at him from all sides, and remarked, "He is still +virgin." (_Up in the gallery, dragging steps are heard._) There she +is! The future magnificent trapeze-artiste of the present age! + +(_The curtains part at the stair-head, and Lulu, supported by +Schigolch, and in a black dress, slowly and wearily descends._) + +SCHIGOLCH. Hui, old mold! We've still to get over the frontier +to-day. + +RODRIGO. (_Glaring stupidly at Lulu._) Thunder of heaven! Death! + +LULU. (_Speaks, to the end of the act, in the gayest tones._) Slowly! +You're pinching my arm! + +RODRIGO. How did you ever get the shamelessness to break out of +prison with such a wolf's face?! + +SCHIGOLCH. Stop your snout! + +RODRIGO. I'll run for the police! I'll give information! This +scarecrow let herself be seen in tights?! The padding alone would +cost two months' salary!--You're the most perfidious swindler that +ever had lodging in Ox-butter Hotel! + +ALVA. Kindly refrain from insulting the lady! + +RODRIGO. Insulting you call that?! For this gnawed bone's sake I've +worn myself away! I can't earn my own living! I'll be a clown if I +can still stand firm under a broom-stick! But let the lightning +strike me on the spot if I don't worm ten thousand marks a year for +life out of your tricks and frauds! I can tell you that! A pleasant +trip! I'm going for the police! (_Exit._) + +SCHIGOLCH. Run, run! + +LULU. He'll take good care of himself! + +SCHIGOLCH. We're rid of *him*!--And now some black coffee for the +lady! + +ALVA. (_At the table left._) Here is coffee, ready to pour. + +SCHIGOLCH. I must look after the sleeping-car tickets. + +LULU. (_Brightly._) Oh, freedom! Thank God for freedom! + +SCHIGOLCH. I'll be back for you in half an hour. We'll celebrate our +departure in the station-restaurant. I'll order a supper that'll keep +us going till to-morrow.--Good morning, doctor. + +ALVA. Good evening. + +SCHIGOLCH. Pleasant rest!--Thanks, I know every door-handle here. So +long! Have a good time! (_Exit._) + +LULU. I haven't seen a room for a year and a half. Curtains, chairs, +pictures.... + +ALVA. Won't you drink it? + +LULU. I've swallowed enough black coffee these five days. Have you +any brandy? + +ALVA. I've got some elixir de Spaa. + +LULU. That reminds one of old times. (_Looks round the hall while +Alva fills two glasses._) Where's my picture gone? + +ALVA. I've got it in my room, so no one shall see it here. + +LULU. Bring it down here now. + +ALVA. Didn't you even lose your vanity in prison? + +LULU. How anxious at heart one gets when one hasn't seen herself for +months! One day I got a brand-new dust-pan. When I swept up at seven +in the morning I held the back of it up before my face. Tin doesn't +flatter, but I took pleasure in it all the same.--Bring the picture +down from your room. Shall I come too? + +ALVA. No, Heaven's sake! You must spare yourself! + +LULU. I've been sparing myself long enough now! (_Alva goes out, +right, to get the picture._) He has heart-trouble; but to have to +plague one's self with imagination fourteen months!... He kisses with +the fear of death on him, and his two knees shake like a frozen +vagabond's. In God's name.... In this room--if only I had not shot +his father in the back! + +ALVA. (_Returns with the picture of Lulu in the Pierrot-dress._) It's +covered with dust. I had leant it against the fire-place, face to the +wall. + +LULU. You didn't look at it all the time I was away? + +ALVA. I had so much business to attend to, with the sale of our paper +and everything. Countess Geschwitz would have liked to have hung it +up in her house, but she had to be prepared for search-warrants. (_He +puts the picture on the easel._) + +LULU. (_Merrily._) Now the poor monster is learning the joys of life +in Hotel Ox-butter by her own experience. + +ALVA. Even now I don't understand how events hang together. + +LULU. Oh, Geschwitz arranged it all very cleverly. I must admire her +inventiveness. But the cholera must have raged fearfully in Hamburg +this summer; and on that she founded her plan for freeing me. She +took a course in hospital nursing here, and when she had the +necessary documents she journeyed to Hamburg with them and nursed the +cholera patients. At the first opportunity that offered she put on +the underclothes in which a sick woman had just died and which really +ought to have been burnt. The same morning she traveled back here and +came to see me in prison. In my cell, while the wardress was outside, +we, as quick as we could, exchanged underclothes. + +ALVA. So that was the reason why the Countess and you fell sick of +the cholera the same day! + +LULU. Exactly, that was it! Geschwitz of course was instantly brought +from her house to the contagious ward in the hospital. But with me, +too, they couldn't think of any other place to take me. So there we +lay in one room in the contagious ward behind the hospital, and from +the first day Geschwitz put forth all her art to make our two faces +as like each other as possible. Day before yesterday she was let out +as cured. Just now she came back and said she'd forgotten her watch. +I put on her clothes, she slipped into my prison frock, and then I +came away. (_With pleasure._) Now she's lying over there as the +murderess of Dr. Schoen. + +ALVA. So far as outward appearance goes you can still agree with the +picture as much as ever. + +LULU. I'm a little peaked in the face, but otherwise I've lost +nothing. Only one gets incredibly nervous in prison. + +ALVA. You looked horribly sick when you came in. + +LULU. I had to, to get our necks out of the noose.--And you? What +have you done in this year and a half? + +ALVA. I've had a succes d'estime in literary circles with a play I +wrote about you. + +LULU. Who's your sweetheart now? + +ALVA. An actress I've rented a house for in Karl Street. + +LULU. Does she love you? + +ALVA. How should I know that? I haven't seen the woman for six weeks. + +LULU. Can you stand that? + +ALVA. You will never understand that. With me there's the closest +alternation between my sensuality and mental creativeness. So towards +you, for example, I have only the choice of regarding you +artistically or of loving you. + +LULU. (_In a fairy-story tone._) I used to dream every other night +that I'd fallen into the hands of a sadic.... Come, give me a kiss! + +ALVA. It's shining in your eyes like the water in a deep well one has +just thrown a stone into. + +LULU. Come! + +ALVA. (_Kisses her._) Your lips have got pretty thin, anyway. + +LULU. Come! (_Pushes him into a chair and seats herself on his +knee._) Do you shudder at me?--In Hotel Ox-butter we all got a +luke-warm bath every four weeks. The wardresses took that opportunity +to search our pockets as soon as we were in the water. (_She kisses +him passionately._) + +ALVA. Oh, oh! + +LULU. You're afraid that when I'm away you couldn't write any more +poems about me? + +ALVA. On the contrary, I shall write a dithyramb upon thy glory. + +LULU. I'm only sore about the hideous shoes I'm wearing. + +ALVA. They do not encroach upon your charms. Let us be thankful for +the favor of this moment. + +LULU. I don't feel at all like that to-day.--Do you remember the +costume ball where I was dressed like a knight's squire? How those +wine-full women ran after me that time? Geschwitz crawled round, +round my feet, and begged me to step on her face with my cloth shoes. + +ALVA. Come, dear heart! + +LULU. (_In the tone with which one quiets a restless child._) +Quietly! I shot your father. + +ALVA. I do not love thee less for that. One kiss! + +LULU. Bend your head back. (_She kisses him with deliberation._) + +ALVA. You hold back the fire of my soul with the most dexterous art. +And your breast breathes so virginly too. Yet if it weren't for your +two great, dark, childish eyes, I must needs have thought you the +cunningest whore that ever hurled a man to destruction. + +LULU. (_In high spirits._) Would God I were! Come over the border +with us to-day! Then we can see each other as often as we will, and +we'll get more pleasure from each other than now. + +ALVA. Through this dress I feel your body like a symphony. These +slender ankles, this cantabile. This rapturous crescendo. And these +knees, this capriccio. And the powerful andante of lust!--How +peacefully these two slim rivals press against each other in the +consciousness that neither equals the other in beauty--till their +capricious mistress wakes up and the rival lovers separate like the +two hostile poles. I shall sing your praises so that your senses +shall whirl! + +LULU. (_Merrily._) Meanwhile I'll bury my hands in your hair. (_She +does so._) But here we'll be disturbed. + +ALVA. You have robbed me of my reason! + +LULU. Aren't you coming with me to-day? + +ALVA. But the old fellow's going with you! + +LULU. He won't turn up again.--Is not that the divan on which your +father bled to death? + +ALVA. Be still. Be still.... + + CURTAIN. + + + + +ACT II + + +_A spacious salon in white stucco. In the rear-wall, between two high +mirrors, a wide folding doorway showing in the rear room a big +card-table surrounded by Turkish upholstered chairs. In the left wall +two doors, the upper one to the entrance-hall, the lower to the +dining-room. Between them a rococo-console with a white marble top, +and above it Lulu's Pierrot-picture in a narrow gold frame let into +the wall. Two other doors, right; near the lower one a small table. +Wide and brightly-covered chairs stand about, with thin legs and +fragile arms; and in the middle is a sofa of the same style (Louis +XV.)._ + +_A large company is moving about the salon in lively conversation. +The men--*Alva*, *Rodrigo*, Marquis *Casti-Piani*, Banker *Puntschu*, +and Journalist *Heilmann*--are in evening dress. *Lulu* wears a white +Directoire dress with huge sleeves and white lace falling freely from +belt to feet. Her arms are in white kid gloves, her hair done high +with a little tuft of white feathers. *Geschwitz* is in a bright blue +hussar-waist trimmed with white fur and laced with silver braid, a +tall tight collar with a white bow and stiff cuffs with huge ivory +links. *Magelone* is in bright rainbow-colored shot silk with very +wide sleeves, long narrow waist, and three ruffles of spiral +rose-colored ribbons and violet bouquets. Her hair is parted in the +middle and drawn low over her temples. On her forehead is a +mother-of-pearl ornament, held by a fine chain under her hair. +*Kadidia*, her daughter, twelve years old, has bright-green satin +gaiters which yet leave visible the tops of her white silk socks, and +a white-lace-covered dress with bright-green narrow sleeves, +pearl-gray gloves, and free black hair under a big bright-green hat +with white feathers. *Bianetta* is in dark-green velvet, the collar +sewn with pearls, and a full skirt, its hem embroidered with great +false topazes set in silver. *Ludmilla Steinherz* is in a glaring +summer frock striped red and blue._ + +_Rodrigo stands, centre, a full glass in his hand._ + +RODRIGO. Ladies and gentlemen--I beg your pardon--please be quiet--I +drink--permit me to drink--for this is the birthday party of our +amiable hostess--(_taking Lulu's arm_) of Countess Adelaide +d'Oubra--damned and done for!--I drink therefore----and so forth, go +to it, ladies! (_All surround Lulu and clink with her. Alva presses +Rodrigo's hand._) + +ALVA. I congratulate you. + +RODRIGO. I'm sweating like a roast pig. + +ALVA. (_To Lulu._) Let's see if everything's in order in the +card-room. (_Alva and Lulu exeunt, rear. Bianetta speaks to +Rodrigo._) + +BIANETTA. They were telling me just now you were the strongest man in +the world. + +RODRIGO. That I am. May I put my strength at your disposal? + +MAGELONE. I love sharp-shooters better. Three months ago a +sharp-shooter stepped into the casino and every time he went "bang!" +I felt like this. (_She wriggles her hips._) + +CASTI-PIANI. (_Who speaks thruout the act in a bored and weary tone, +to Magelone._) Say, dearie, how does it happen we see your nice +little princess here for the first time to-night? (_Meaning +Kadidia._) + +MAGELONE. Do you really find her so delightful?--She is still in the +convent. She must be back in school again on Monday. + +KADIDIA. What did you say, mama? + +MAGELONE. I was just telling the gentleman that you got the highest +mark in geometry last week. + +HEILMANN. Some pretty hair she's got! + +CASTI-PIANI. Just look at her feet: the way she walks! + +PUNTSCHU. By god, she's got breeding! + +MAGELONE. (_Smiling._) But my dear sirs, take pity on her! She's +nothing but a child still! + +PUNTSCHU. That'd trouble me damned little! (_To Heilmann._) I'd give +ten years of my life if I could initiate the young lady into the +ceremonies of our secret society! + +MAGELONE. But you won't get me to consent to that for a million. I +won't have the child's youth ruined, the way mine was! + +CASTI-PIANI. Confessions of a lovely soul! (_To Magelone._) Would you +not agree, either, for a set of real diamonds? + +MAGELONE. Don't brag! You'll give as few real diamonds to me as to my +child. You know that quite the best yourself. (_Kadidia goes into the +rear room._) + +GESCHWITZ. But is nobody at all going to play, this evening? + +LUDMILLA. Why, of course, comtesse. I'm counting on it very much, for +one! + +BIANETTA. Then let's take our places right away. The gentlemen will +soon come then. + +GESCHWITZ. May I ask you to excuse me just a second. I must say a +word to my friend. + +CASTI-PIANI. (_Offering his arm to Bianetta._) May I have the honor +to be your partner? You always hold such a lucky hand! + +LUDMILLA. Now just give me your other arm and then lead us into the +gambling-hell. (_The three go off so, rear._) + +MAGELONE. Say, Mr. Puntschu, have you still got a few Jungfrau shares +for me, maybe? + +PUNTSCHU. Jungfrau-shares? (_To Heilmann._) The lady means the stock +of the funicular railway on the Jungfrau. The Jungfrau, you +know,--the Virgin--is a mountain up which they want to build a wire +railway. (_To Magelone._) You know, just so there may be no +confusion;--and how easy that would be in this select circle!--Yes, I +still have some four thousand Jungfrau-shares, but I should like to +keep those for myself. There won't be such another chance soon of +making a little fortune out of hand. + +HEILMANN. I've only one lone share of this Jungfrau-stock so far. I +should like to have more, too. + +PUNTSCHU. I'll try, Mr. Heilmann, to look after some for you. But +I'll tell you beforehand you'll have to pay drug-store prices for +them! + +MAGELONE. My fortune-teller advised me to look about me in time. All +my savings are in Jungfrau-shares now. If it doesn't turn out well, +Mr. Puntschu, I'll scratch your eyes out! + +PUNTSCHU. I am perfectly sure of my affairs, my dearie! + +ALVA. (_Who has come back from the card-room, to Magelone._) I can +guarantee your fears are absolutely unfounded. I paid very dear for +my Jungfrau-stock and haven't regretted it a minute. They're going up +steadily from day to day. There never was such a thing before. + +MAGELONE. All the better, if you're right. (_Taking Puntschu's arm._) +Come, my friend, let's try our luck now at baccarat. (_All go out, +rear, except Geschwitz and Rodrigo who scribbles something on a piece +of paper and folds it up, then notices Geschwitz._) + +RODRIGO. Hm, madam countess--(_Geschwitz starts and shrinks._) Do I +look as dangerous as that? (_To himself._) I must make a bon mot. +(_Aloud._) May I perhaps make so bold-- + +GESCHWITZ. You can go to the devil! + +CASTI-PIANI. (_As he leads Lulu in._) Permit me a word or two. + +LULU. (_Not noticing Rodrigo who presses his note into her hand._) +Oh, as many as you like. (_Rodrigo bows and goes out, rear._) + +CASTI-PIANI. (_To Geschwitz._) Leave us alone! + +LULU. (_To Casti-Piani._) Have I hurt you again in any way? + +CASTI-PIANI. (_Since Geschwitz does not stir._) Are you deaf? +(_Geschwitz, sighing deeply, goes out, rear._) + +LULU. Just say straight out how much you want. + +CASTI-PIANI. With money you can no longer serve me. + +LULU. What makes you think that we have no more money? + +CASTI-PIANI. You handed out the last bit of it to me yesterday. + +LULU. If you're sure of that then I suppose it's so. + +CASTI-PIANI. You're down on the bare ground, you and your writer. + +LULU. Then why all the words?--If you want to have me for yourself +you need not first threaten me with execution. + +CASTI-PIANI. I know that. But I've told you more than once that you +won't be my downfall. I haven't sucked you dry because you loved me, +but loved you in order to suck you. Bianetta is more to my taste from +top to bottom than you. You set out the choicest sweetmeats, and +after one has frittered his time away at them he finds he's hungrier +than before. You've loved too long, even for our present relations. +With a healthy young man, you only ruin his nervous system. But +you'll fit all the more perfectly in the position I have sought out +for you. + +LULU. You're crazy! Have I commissioned you to find a position for +me? + +CASTI-PIANI. I told you, though, that I was an appointments-agent. + +LULU. You told me you were a police spy. + +CASTI-PIANI. One can't live on that alone. I was an +appointments-agent originally, till I blundered over a minister's +daughter I'd got a position for in Valparaiso. The little darling in +her childhood's dreams imagined the life even more intoxicating than +it is, and complained of it to Mama. On that, they nabbed me; but by +reliable demeanor I soon enough won the confidence of the criminal +police and they sent me here on a hundred and fifty marks a month, +because they were tripling our contingent here on account of these +everlasting bomb-explosions. But who can get along on a hundred and +fifty marks a month? My colleagues get women to support them; but, of +course, I found it more convenient to take up my former calling +again; and of the numberless adventuresses of the best families of +the entire world, whom chance brings together here, I have already +forwarded many a young creature hungry for life to the place of her +natural vocation. + +LULU. (_Decisively._) I wouldn't do in that business. + +CASTI-PIANI. Your views on that question make no difference whatever +to me. The department of justice will pay anyone who delivers the +murderess of Dr. Schoen into the hands of the police a thousand marks. +I only need to whistle for the constable who's standing down at the +corner to have earned a thousand marks. Against that, the House of +Oikonomopulos in Cairo bids sixty pounds for you--twelve hundred +marks--two hundred more than the Attorney General. And, besides, I am +still so far a friend of mankind that I prefer to help my loves to +happiness, not plunge them into misfortune. + +LULU. (_As before._) The life in such a house can never make a woman +of my stamp happy. When I was fifteen, that might have happened to +me. I was desperate then--thought I should never be happy. I bought a +revolver, and ran one night bare-foot thru the deep snow over the +bridge to the park to shoot myself there. But then by good luck I lay +three months in the hospital without setting eyes on a man, and in +that time my eyes opened and I got to know myself. Night after night +in my dreams I saw the man for whom I was created and who was created +for me, and then when I was let out on the men again I was no longer +a silly goose. Since then I can see on a man, in a pitch-dark night +and a hundred feet away, whether we're suited to each other; and if I +sin against that insight I feel the next day dirtied, body and soul, +and need weeks to get over the loathing I have for myself. And now +you imagine I'll give myself to every and any Tom and Harry! + +CASTI-PIANI. Toms and Harries don't patronize Oikonomopulos of Cairo. +His custom consists of Scottish lords, Russian dignitaries, Indian +governors, and our jolly Rhineland captains of industry. I must only +guarantee that you speak French. With your gift for languages you'll +quickly enough learn as much English, besides, as you'll need to get +on with. And you'll reside in a royally furnished apartment with an +outlook on the minarets of the El Azhar Mosque, and walk around all +day on Persian carpets as thick as your fist, and dress every evening +in a fabulous Paris gown and drink as much champagne as your +customers can pay for, and, finally, you'll even remain, up to a +certain point, your own mistress. If the man doesn't please you, you +needn't bring him any reciprocal feelings. Just let him give in his +card, and then--(_Shrugs, and snaps his fingers._) If the ladies +didn't get used to that the whole business would be simply +impossible, because every one after the first four weeks would go +headlong to the devil. + +LULU. (_Her voice shaking._) I do believe that since yesterday you've +got a screw loose somewhere. Am I to understand that the Egyptian +will pay fifteen hundred francs for a person whom he's never seen? + +CASTI-PIANI. I took the liberty of sending him your pictures. + +LULU. Those pictures that I gave you, you've sent to him? + +CASTI-PIANI. You see he can value them better than I. The picture in +which you stand before the mirror as Eve he'll probably hang up at +the house-door, after you've got there.... And then there's one thing +more for you to notice: with Oikonomopulos in Cairo you'll be safer +from your blood-hounds than if you crept into a Canadian wilderness. +It isn't so easy to transport an Egyptian courtesan to a German +prison,--first, on account of the mere expense, and second, from fear +of coming too close to eternal Justice. + +LULU. (_Proudly, in a clear voice._) What's your eternal Justice to +do with me! You can see as plain as your five fingers I shan't let +myself be locked up in any such amusement-place! + +CASTI-PIANI. Then do you want me to whistle for the policeman? + +LULU. (_In wonder._) Why don't you simply ask me for twelve hundred +marks, if you want the money? + +CASTI-PIANI. I want for no money! And I also don't ask for it because +you're dead broke. + +LULU. We still have thirty thousand marks. + +CASTI-PIANI. In Jungfrau-stock! I never have anything to do with +stock. The Attorney-General pays in the national currency, and +Oikonomopulos pays in English gold. You can be on board early +to-morrow. The passage doesn't last much more than five days. In two +weeks at most you're in safety. Here you are nearer to prison than +anywhere. It's a wonder which I, as one of the secret police, cannot +understand, that you two have been able to live for a full year +unmolested. But just as I came on the track of your antecedents, so +any day, with your mighty consumption of men, one of my colleagues +may make the happy discovery. Then I may just wipe my mouth, and you +spend in prison the most enjoyable years of your life. If you will +kindly decide quickly. The train goes at 12.30. If we haven't struck +a bargain before eleven, I whistle up the policeman. If we have, I +pack you, just as you stand, into a carriage, drive you to the +station, and to-morrow escort you on board ship. + +LULU. But is it possible you can be serious in all this? + +CASTI-PIANI. Don't you understand that I can act now only for your +bodily rescue? + +LULU. I'll go with you to America or to China, but I can't let myself +be sold of my own accord! That is worse than prison! + +CASTI-PIANI. (_Drawing a letter from his pocket._) Just read this +effusion! I'll read it to you. Here's the postmark "Cairo," so you +won't believe I work with forged documents. The girl is a Berliner, +was married two years and to a man whom you would have envied her, a +former comrade of mine. He travels now for the Hamburg Colonial +Company.... + +LULU. (_Merrily._) Then perhaps he *visits* his wife occasionally? + +CASTI-PIANI. That is not incredible. But hear this impulsive +expression of her feelings. My white-slave traffic seems to me +absolutely no more honorable than the very best judge would tax it +with being, but a cry of joy like this lets me feel a certain moral +satisfaction for a moment. I am proud to earn my money by scattering +happiness with full hands. (_Reads._) "Dear Mr. Meyer"--that's my +name as a white-slave trader--"when you go to Berlin, please go right +away to the conservatory on the Potsdamer Strasse and ask for Gusti +von Rosenkron--the most beautiful woman that I've ever seen in +nature--delightful hands and feet, naturally small waist, straight +back, full body, big eyes and short nose--just the sort you like +best. I have written to her already. She has no prospects with her +singing. Her mother hasn't a penny. Sorry she's already twenty-two, +but she's pining for love. Can't marry, because absolutely without +means. I have spoken with Madame. They'd like to take another German, +if she's well educated and musical. Italians and Frenchwomen can't +compete with us, 'cause of too little culture. If you should see +Fritz"--Fritz is the husband; he's getting a divorce, of +course,--"tell him it was all a bore. He didn't know any better, nor +did I either." Now come the exact details-- + +LULU. (_Goaded._) I can not sell the only thing that ever was my own! + +CASTI-PIANI. Let me read some more. + +LULU. (_As before._) This very evening, I'll hand over to you our +entire wealth. + +CASTI-PIANI. Believe me, for God's sake, I've *got* your last red +cent! If we haven't left this house before eleven, you and your lot +will be transported to-morrow in a police-car to Germany. + +LULU. You *can't* give me up! + +CASTI-PIANI. Do you think that would be the worst thing I can have +done in my life?... I must, in case we go to-night, have just a brief +word with Bianetta. (_He goes into the card-room, leaving the door +open behind him. Lulu stares before her, mechanically crumpling up +the note that Rodrigo stuck into her hand, which she has held in her +fingers thruout the dialog. Alva, behind the card-table, gets up, a +bill in his hand, and comes into the salon._) + +ALVA. (_To Lulu._) Brilliantly! It's going brilliantly! Geschwitz is +wagering her last shirt. Puntschu has promised me ten more +Jungfrau-shares. Steinherz is making her little gains and profits. +(_Exit, lower right._) + +LULU. I in a bordell?--(_She reads the paper she holds, and laughs +madly._) + +ALVA. (_Coming back with a cash-box in his hand._) Aren't you going +to play, too? + +LULU. Oh, yes, surely--why not? + +ALVA. By the way, it's in the Berliner Tageblatt to-day that Alfred +Hugenberg has hurled himself over the stairs in prison. + +LULU. Is he too in prison? + +ALVA. Only in a sort of house of detention. (_Exit, rear. Lulu is +about to follow, but Countess Geschwitz meets her in the door-way._) + +GESCHWITZ. You are going because I come? + +LULU. (_Resolutely._) No, God knows. But when you come then I go. + +GESCHWITZ. You have defrauded me of all the good things of this world +that I still possessed. You might at the very least preserve the +outward forms of politeness in your intercourse with me. + +LULU. (_As before._) I am as polite to you as to any other woman. I +only beg you to be equally so to me. + +GESCHWITZ. Have you forgotten the passionate endearments by which, +while we lay together in the hospital, you seduced me into letting +myself be locked into prison for you? + +LULU. Well, why else did you bring me down with the cholera +beforehand? I swore very different things to myself, even while it +was going on, from what I had to promise you! I am shaken with horror +at the thought that that should ever become reality! + +GESCHWITZ. Then you cheated me consciously, deliberately? + +LULU. (_Gaily._) What have you been cheated of, then? Your physical +advantages have found so enthusiastic an admirer here, that I ask +myself if I won't have to give piano lessons once more, to keep +alive! No seventeen-year-old child could make a man madder with love +than you, a pervert, are making him, poor fellow, by your +shrewishness. + +GESCHWITZ. Of whom are you speaking? I don't understand a word. + +LULU. (_As before._) I'm speaking of your acrobat, of Rodrigo Quast. +He's an athlete: he balances two saddled cavalry horses on his chest. +Can a woman desire anything more glorious? He told me just now that +he'd jump into the water to-night if you did not take pity on him. + +GESCHWITZ. I do not envy you this cleverness with which you torture +the helpless victims sacrificed to you by their inscrutable destiny. +My own plight has not yet wrung from me the pity that I feel for you. +_I_ feel free as a god when I think to what creatures *you* are +enslaved. + +LULU. Who do you mean? + +GESCHWITZ. Casti-Piani, upon whose forehead the most degenerate +baseness is written in letters of fire! + +LULU. Be silent! I'll kick you, if you speak ill of *him*. He loves +me with an uprightness against which your most venturous +self-sacrifices are poor as beggary! He gives me such proofs of +self-denial as reveal *you* for the first time in all your +loathsomeness! You didn't get finished in your mother's womb, neither +as woman nor as man. You have no human nature like the rest of us. +The stuff didn't go far enough for a man, and for a woman you got too +much brain into your skull. That's the reason you're crazy! Turn to +Miss Bianetta! She can be had for everything for pay! Press a +gold-piece into her hand and she'll belong to you. (_All the_ +_company save Kadidia throng in out of the card-room._) For the +Lord's sake, what has happened? + +PUNTSCHU. Nothing whatever! We're thirsty, that's all. + +MAGELONE. Everybody has won. We can't believe it. + +BIANETTA. It seems I have won a whole fortune! + +LUDMILLA. Don't boast of it, my child. That isn't lucky. + +MAGELONE. But the bank has won, too! How is that *possible*? + +ALVA. It is colossal, where all the money comes from! + +CASTI-PIANI. Let us not ask! Enough that we need not spare the +champagne. + +HEILMANN. I can pay for a supper in a respectable restaurant +afterwards, anyway! + +ALVA. To the buffet, ladies! Come to the buffet! (_All exeunt, lower +left._) + +RODRIGO. (_Holding Lulu back._) Un momong, my heart. Have you read my +billet-doux? + +LULU. Threaten me with discovery as much as you like! I have no more +twenty thousands to dispose of. + +RODRIGO. Don't lie to me, you punk! You've still got forty thousand +in Jungfrau-stock. Your so-called spouse has just been bragging of it +himself! + +LULU. Then turn to *him* with your blackmailing! It's all one to me +what he does with his money. + +RODRIGO. Thank you! With that blockhead I'd need twice twenty-four +hours to make him grasp what I was talking about. And then come his +explanations, that make one deathly sick; and meanwhile my bride +writes me "It's all up!" and I can just hang a hurdy-gurdy over my +shoulder. + +LULU. Have you got engaged here, then? + +RODRIGO. Maybe I ought to have asked your permission first? What were +my thanks here that I freed you from prison at the cost of my health? +You abandoned me! I might have had to be a baggage-man if this girl +hadn't taken me up! At my very first entrance, right away, they threw +a velvet-covered arm-chair at my head! This country is too decadent +to value genuine shows of strength any more. If I'd been a boxing +kangaroo they'd have interviewed me and put my picture in all the +papers. Thank heaven, I'd already made the acquaintance of my +Celestine. She's got the savings of twenty years deposited with the +government; and she loves me just for myself. She doesn't aim only at +vulgar things, like you. She's had three children by an American +bishop--all of the greatest promise. Day after to-morrow we'll get +married by the registrar. + +LULU. You have my blessing. + +RODRIGO. Your blessing *can* be stolen from me. I've told my bride I +had twenty thousand in stock at the bank. + +LULU. (_Amused._) And after that he boasts the person loves him for +himself! + +RODRIGO. She honors in me the man of mind, not the man of might as +you and all the others have done. That's over now. First they tore +the clothes from one's body and then they waltzed around with the +chambermaid. I'll be a skeleton before I'll let myself in again for +such diversions! + +LULU. Then why the devil do you pursue the unfortunate Geschwitz with +your attentions? + +RODRIGO. Because the creature is of noble blood. I'm a man of the +world, and can do distinguished conversation better than any of you. +But now (_with a gesture_) my talk is hanging out of my mouth! Will +you get me the money before to-morrow evening or won't you? + +LULU. I have no money. + +RODRIGO. I'll have hen-droppings in my head before I'll let myself be +put off with that! He'll give you his last cent if you'll only do +your damned duty once! You lured the poor lad here, and now he can +see where to scare up a suitable engagement for his accomplishments. + +LULU. What has it to do with you if he wastes his money with women or +at cards? + +RODRIGO. Do you absolutely *want*, then, to throw the last penny that +his father earned by his paper into the jaws of this rapacious pack? +You'll make four people happy if you'll not take things too exactly +and sacrifice yourself for a beneficent purpose! Has it got to be +only Casti-Piani *forever*? + +LULU. (_Lightly._) Shall I ask him perhaps to light you down the +stairs? + +RODRIGO. As you wish, countess! If I don't get the twenty thousand +marks by to-morrow evening, I make a statement to the police and your +court has an end. Auf Wiedersehen! (_Heilmann enters, breathless, +upper right._) + +LULU. You're looking for Miss Magelone? She's not here. + +HEILMANN. No, I'm looking for something else-- + +RODRIGO. (_Taking him to the entry-door, opposite him._) Second door +on the left. + +LULU. (_To Rodrigo._) Did you learn that from your bride? + +HEILMANN. (_Bumping into Puntschu in the doorway._) Excuse me, my +angel! + +PUNTSCHU. Ah, it's you. Miss Magelone's waiting for you in the lift. + +HEILMANN. You go up with her, please. I'll be right back. (_He +hurries out, left. Lulu goes out at lower left. Rodrigo follows +her._) + +PUNTSCHU. Some heat, that! If I don't cut off *your* ears, you'll cut +'em off me! If I can't hire out my Jehoshaphat, I've just got to help +myself with my brains! Won't they get wrinkled, my brains! Won't they +get indisposed! Won't they need to bathe in Eau de Cologne! (_Bob, a +groom in a red jacket, tight leather breeches, and twinkling +riding-boots, 15 years old, brings in a telegram._) + +BOB. Mr. Puntschu, the banker! + +PUNTSCHU. (_Breaks open the telegram and murmurs:_) "Jungfrau +Funicular Stock fallen to--" Ay, ay, so goes the world! (_To Bob._) +Wait! (_Gives him a tip._) Tell me--what's your name? + +BOB. Well, it's really Freddy, but they call me Bob, because that's +the fashion now. + +PUNTSCHU. How old are you? + +BOB. Fifteen. + +KADIDIA. (_Enters hesitatingly from lower left._) I beg your pardon, +can you tell me if mama is here? + +PUNTSCHU. No, my dear. (_Aside._) Devil, she's got breeding! + +KADIDIA. I'm hunting all over for her; I can't find her anywhere. + +PUNTSCHU. Your mama will turn up again soon, as true as my name's +Puntschu! (_Looking at Bob._) And that pair of breeches! God of +Justice! It gets uncanny! (_He goes out, upper right._) + +KADIDIA. Haven't *you* seen my mama, perhaps? + +BOB. No, but you only need to come with me. + +KADIDIA. Where is she then? + +BOB. She's gone up in the lift. Come along. + +KADIDIA. No, no, I can't go up with you. + +BOB. We can hide up there in the corridor. + +KADIDIA. No, no, I can't come, or I'll be scolded. (_Magelone, +terribly excited, rushes in, upper left, and possesses herself of +Kadidia._) + +MAGELONE. Ha, there you are at last, you common creature! + +KADIDIA. (_Crying._) O mama, mama, I was hunting for you! + +MAGELONE. Hunting for me? Did I tell you to hunt for me? What have +you had to do with this fellow? (_Heilmann, Alva, Ludmilla, Puntschu, +Geschwitz, and Lulu enter, lower left. Bob has withdrawn._) Now don't +bawl before all the people on me; look out, I tell you! + +LULU. (_As they all surround Kadidia._) But you're crying, +sweetheart! Why are you crying? + +PUNTSCHU. By God, she's really been crying! Who's done anything to +hurt you, little goddess? + +LUDMILLA. (_Kneels before her and folds her in her arms._) Tell me, +cherub, what bad thing has happened. Do you want a cookie? Do you +want some chocolate? + +MAGELONE. It's just nerves. The child's getting them much too soon. +It would be the best thing if no one paid any attention to her! + +PUNTSCHU. That sounds like you! You're a pretty mother! The courts'll +yet take the child away from you and appoint me her guardian! +(_Stroking Kadidia's cheeks._) Isn't that so, my little goddess? + +GESCHWITZ. I should be glad if we started the baccarat again at last? +(_All go into the card-room. Lulu is held back at the door by Bob._) + +LULU. (_When Bob has whispered to her._) Certainly! Let him come in! +(_Bob opens the door and lets Schigolch enter, in evening dress, his +patent-leather shoes much worn, and keeping on his shabby opera +hat._) + +SCHIGOLCH. (_With a look at Bob._) Where d'd you get him from? + +LULU. The circus. + +SCHIGOLCH. How much does he get? + +LULU. Ask him if it interests you. (_To Bob._) Shut the doors. (_Bob +goes out lower left, shutting the door behind him._) + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Sitting down._) The truth is, I'm in need of money. I've +hired a flat for my mistress. + +LULU. Have you taken another mistress here, too? + +SCHIGOLCH. She's from Frankfort. In her youth she was mistress to the +King of Naples. She tells me every day she was once very bewitching. + +LULU. (_Outwardly with complete composure._) Does she need the money +very badly? + +SCHIGOLCH. She wants to fit up her own apartments. Such sums are of +no account to *you*. (_Lulu is suddenly overcome with a fit of +weeping._) + +LULU. (_Flinging herself at Schigolch._) O God Omnipotent! + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Patting her._) Well? What is it now? + +LULU. (_Sobbing violently._) It's too horrible! + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Draws her onto his knee and holds her in his arms like a +little child._) Hm--You're trying to do too much, child. You must go +to bed, now and then, with a story.--Cry, that's right, cry it all +out. It used to shake you just so fifteen years ago. Nobody has +screamed since then, the way you could scream! You didn't wear any +white tufts on your head then, nor any transparent stockings on your +legs: you had neither shoes nor stockings then. + +LULU. (_Crying._) Take me home with you! Take me home with you +to-night! Please! We'll find carriages enough downstairs! + +SCHIGOLCH. I'll take you with me; I'll take you with me.--What is it? + +LULU. It's going round my neck! I'm to be shown up! + +SCHIGOLCH. By who? Who's showing you up? + +LULU. The acrobat. + +SCHIGOLCH. (_With the utmost composure._) I'll look after him. + +LULU. Look after him! *Please*, look after him! Then do with me what +you will! + +SCHIGOLCH. If he comes to me, he's done for. My window is over the +water. But (_shaking his head_) he won't come; he won't come. + +LULU. What number do you live at? + +SCHIGOLCH. 376, the last house before the hippodrome. + +LULU. I'll send him there. He'll come with the crazy person that +creeps about my feet. He'll come this very evening. Go home and let +them find it comfortable. + +SCHIGOLCH. Just let them come. + +LULU. To-morrow bring the gold rings he wears in his ears. + +SCHIGOLCH. Has he got rings in his ears? + +LULU. You can take them out before you let him down. He doesn't +notice anything when he's drunk. + +SCHIGOLCH. And then, child--what then? + +LULU. Then I'll give you the money for your mistress. + +SCHIGOLCH. I call that pretty stingy. + +LULU. And whatever else you want! What I have! + +SCHIGOLCH. It's pretty near ten years since we knew each other. + +LULU. Is that all?--But you've got a mistress. + +SCHIGOLCH. My Frankforter is no longer of to-day. + +LULU. But then swear! + +SCHIGOLCH. Haven't I always kept my word to you? + +LULU. Swear that you'll look after him! + +SCHIGOLCH. I'll look after him. + +LULU. Swear it to me! Swear it to me! + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Puts his hand on her ankle._) By everything that's holy! +To-night, if he comes-- + +LULU. By everything that's holy!--How cool that is! + +SCHIGOLCH. How hot this is! + +LULU. Drive straight home. They'll come in half-an-hour! Take a +carriage! + +SCHIGOLCH. I'm going. + +LULU. Quick! Please!-- --All-powerful-- + +SCHIGOLCH. Why do you stare at me so again already? + +LULU. Nothing--.... + +SCHIGOLCH. Well? Is your tongue frozen on you? + +LULU. My garter's broken. + +SCHIGOLCH. What if it is? Is that all? + +LULU. What does that augur? + +SCHIGOLCH. What does it? I'll fasten it for you if you'll keep still. + +LULU. That augurs misfortune! + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Yawning._) Not for you, child. Cheer up, I'll look after +him! (_Exit. Lulu puts her left foot on a foot-stool, fastens her +garter, and goes out into the card-room. Then Rodrigo is cuffed in +from the dining-room, lower left, by Casti-Piani._) + +RODRIGO. You can treat me decently anyway! + +CASTI-PIANI. (_Still perfectly unemotional._) Whatever would induce +me to do that? I will know what you said to her here a little while +ago. + +RODRIGO. Then you can be very fond of me! + +CASTI-PIANI. Will you bandy words with me, dog? You demanded that she +go up in the lift with you! + +RODRIGO. That's a shameless, perfidious lie! + +CASTI-PIANI. She told me so herself. You threatened to denounce her +if she didn't go with you.--Shall I shoot you on the spot? + +RODRIGO. The shameless hussy! As if anything like that could occur to +me!--Even if I should want to have her, God knows I don't first need +to threaten her with prison! + +CASTI-PIANI. Thank you. That's all I wanted to know. (_Exit, upper +left._) + +RODRIGO. Such a hound! A fellow I could throw up onto the roof so +he'd stick like a Limburger cheese!--Come back here, so I can wind +your guts round your neck. That would be even better! + +LULU. (_Enters, lower left; merrily._) Where were you? I've been +hunting for you like a pin. + +RODRIGO. I've shown *him* what it means to start anything with me! + +LULU. Whom? + +RODRIGO. Your Casti-Piani! What made you tell him, you slut, that I +wanted to seduce you?! + +LULU. Did you not ask me to give myself to my deceased husband's son +for twenty thousand in Jungfrau shares? + +RODRIGO. Because it's your duty to take pity on the poor young +fellow! You shot away his father before his nose in the very best +years of life! But your Casti-Piani will think it over before he +comes into my sight again. I gave him one in the basket that made the +tripes fly to heaven like Roman candles. If you've got no better +substitute for me, then I'm sorry ever to have had your favor! + +LULU. Lady Geschwitz is in the fearfullest case. She twists herself +up in fits. She's at the point of jumping into the water if you let +her wait any longer. + +RODRIGO. What's the beast waiting for? + +LULU. For you, to take her with you. + +RODRIGO. Then give her my regards, and she can jump into the water. + +LULU. She'll lend me twenty thousand marks to save me from +destruction if you will preserve her from it herself. If you'll take +her off to-night, I'll deposit twenty thousand marks to-morrow in +your name at any bank you say. + +RODRIGO. And if I don't take her off with me? + +LULU. Denounce me! Alva and I are dead broke. + +RODRIGO. Devil and damnation! + +LULU. You make four people happy if you don't take things too exactly +and sacrifice yourself for a beneficent purpose. + +RODRIGO. That won't go; I know that, beforehand. I've tried that out +enough now. Who counts on an honorable soul like that in a bag o' +bones! What the person had for me was her being an aristocrat. My +behavior was as gentleman-like, and more, as you could find among +German circus-people. If I'd only just pinched her in the calves +once! + +LULU. (_Watchfully._) She is still a virgin. + +RODRIGO. (_Sighing._) If there's a God in heaven, you'll get paid for +your jokes some day! I prophesy that. + +LULU. Geschwitz waits. What shall I tell her? + +RODRIGO. My very best wishes, and I am perverse. + +LULU. I will deliver that. + +RODRIGO. Wait a sec. Is it certain sure I get twenty thousand marks +from her? + +LULU. Ask herself! + +RODRIGO. Then tell her I'm ready. I await her in the dining-room. I +must just first look after a barrel of caviare. (_Exit, left. Lulu +opens the rear door and calls in a clear voice "Martha!" Countess +Geschwitz enters, closing the door behind her._) + +LULU. (_Pleased._) Dear heart, you can save me from death to-night. + +GESCHWITZ. How? + +LULU. By going to a certain house with the acrobat. + +GESCHWITZ. What for, dear? + +LULU. He says you must belong to him this very night or he'll +denounce me to-morrow. + +GESCHWITZ. You know I can't belong to any man. My fate has not +permitted that. + +LULU. If you don't please him, that's his own fix. Why has he fallen +in love with you? + +GESCHWITZ. But he'll get as brutal as a hangman. He'll revenge +himself for his disappointment and beat my head in. I've been thru +that already.... Can you not possibly spare me this hardest test? + +LULU. What will you gain by his denouncing me? + +GESCHWITZ. I have still enough of my fortune to take us to America +together in the steerage. There you'd be safe from all your pursuers. + +LULU. (_Pleased and gay._) I want to stay here. I can never be happy +in any other city. You must tell him that you can't live without him. +Then he'll feel flattered and be gentle as a lamb. You must pay the +coachman, too: give him this paper with the address on it. 376 is a +sixth-class hotel where they're expecting you with him this evening. + +GESCHWITZ. (_Shuddering._) How can such a monstrosity save your life? +I don't understand that. You have conjured up to torture me the most +terrible fate that can fall upon outlawed me! + +LULU. (_Watchful._) Perhaps the encounter will cure you. + +GESCHWITZ. (_Sighing._) O Lulu, if an eternal retribution does exist, +I hope I may not have to answer then for you. I cannot make myself +believe that no God watches over us. Yet you are probably right that +there is nothing there, for how can an insignificant worm like me +have provoked his wrath so as to experience only horror there where +all living creation swoons for bliss? + +LULU. You needn't complain. When you *are* happy you're a hundred +thousand times happier than one of us ordinary mortals ever is! + +GESCHWITZ. I know that too! I envy no one! But I am still waiting. +You have deceived me so often already. + +LULU. I am yours, my darling, if you quiet Mr. Acrobat till +to-morrow. He only wants his vanity placated. You must beseech him to +take pity on you. + +GESCHWITZ. And to-morrow? + +LULU. I await you, my heart. I shall not open my eyes till you come: +see no chambermaid, receive no hair-dresser, not open my eyes before +you are with me. + +GESCHWITZ. Then let him come. + +LULU. But you must throw yourself at his head, dear! Have you got the +house-number? + +GESCHWITZ. Three-seventy-six. But quick now! + +LULU. (_Calls into the dining-room._) Ready, my darling? + +RODRIGO. (_Entering._) The ladies will pardon my mouth's being full. + +GESCHWITZ. (_Seizing his hand._) I implore you, have mercy on my +need! + +RODRIGO. A la bonne heure! Let us mount the scaffold! (_Offers her +his arm._) + +LULU. Good-night, children! (_Accompanies them into the corridor.... +then quickly returns with Bob._) Quick, quick, Bob! We must get away +this moment! You escort me! But we must change clothes! + +BOB. (_Curt and clear._) As the gracious lady bids. + +LULU. Oh what, gracious lady! You give me your clothes and put on +mine. Come! (_Exeunt into the dining-room. Noise in the card-room, +the doors are torn open, and Puntschu, Heilmann, Alva, Bianetta, +Magelone, Kadidia and Ludmilla enter, Heilmann holding a piece of +paper with a glowing Alpine peak at its top._) + +HEILMANN. (_To Puntschu._) Will you accept this share of +Jungfrau-stock, sir? + +PUNTSCHU. But that paper has no exchange, my friend. + +HEILMANN. You rascal! You just don't want to give me my revenge! + +MAGELONE. (_To Bianetta._) Have you any idea what it's all about? + +LUDMILLA. Puntschu has taken all his money from him, and now gives up +the game. + +HEILMANN. Now he's got cold feet, the filthy Jew! + +PUNTSCHU. How have I given up the game? How have I got cold feet? The +gentleman has merely to lay plain cash! Is this my banking-office I'm +in? He can proffer me his trash to-morrow morning! + +HEILMANN. Trash you call that? The stock in my knowledge is at 210! + +PUNTSCHU. Yesterday it was at 210, you're right. To-day, it's just +nowhere. And to-morrow you'll find nothing cheaper or more tasteful +to paper your stairs with. + +ALVA. But how is that possible? Then we *would* be down and out! + +PUNTSCHU. Well, what am _I_ to say, who have lost my whole fortune in +it! To-morrow morning I shall have the pleasure of taking up the +struggle for an assured existence for the thirty-sixth time! + +MAGELONE. (_Passing forward._) Am I dreaming or do I really hear the +Jungfrau-stock has fallen? + +PUNTSCHU. Fallen even lower than you! Tho you can use 'em for +curl-paper. + +MAGELONE. O God in Heaven! Ten years' work! (_Falls in a faint._) + +KADIDIA. Wake up, mama! Wake up! + +BIANETTA. Say, Mr. Puntschu, where will you eat this evening, since +you've lost your whole fortune? + +PUNTSCHU. Wherever you like, young lady! Take me where you will, but +quickly! Here it's getting frightful. (_Exeunt Puntschu and +Bianetta._) + +HEILMANN. (_Squeezing up his stock and flinging it to the ground._) +That is what one gets from this pack! + +LUDMILLA. Why do you speculate on the Jungfrau too? Send a few little +notices on the company to the German police here, and then you'll +still win something in the end. + +HEILMANN. I've never tried that in my life, but if you want to help +me--? + +LUDMILLA. Let's go to an all-night restaurant. Do you know the +Five-footed Calf? + +HEILMANN. I'm very sorry-- + +LUDMILLA. Or the Sucking Lamb, or the Smoking Dog? They're all right +near here. We'll be all by ourselves there, and before dawn we'll +have a little article ready. + +HEILMANN. Don't you sleep? + +LUDMILLA. Oh, of course; but not at night. (_Exeunt Heilmann and +Ludmilla._) + +ALVA. (_Who has been trying to resuscitate Magelone._) Ice-cold +hands! Ah, what a splendid woman! We must undo her waist. Come, +Kadidia, undo your mother's waist! She's so fearfully tight-laced. + +KADIDIA. (_Without stirring._) I'm afraid. (_Lulu enters lower left +in a jockey-cap, red jacket, white leather breeches and riding boots, +a riding cape over her shoulders._) + +LULU. Have you any cash, Alva? + +ALVA. (_Looking up._) Have you gone crazy? + +LULU. In two minutes the police'll be here. We are denounced. You can +stay of course, if you're eager to! + +ALVA. (_Springing up._) Merciful Heaven! (_Exeunt Alva and Lulu._) + +KADIDIA. (_Shaking her mother, in tears._) Mama, Mama! Wake up! +They've all run away! + +MAGELONE. (_Coming to herself._) And youth gone! And my best days +gone! Oh, this life! + +KADIDIA. But I'm young, mama! Why shouldn't I earn any money? I don't +want to go back to the convent! Please, mama, keep me with you! + +MAGELONE. God bless you, sweetheart! You don't know what you say--Oh, +no, I shall look around for an engagement in a Variete, and sing the +people my misfortunes with the Jungfrau-stock. Things like that are +always applauded. + +KADIDIA. But you've got no voice, mama! + +MAGELONE. Ah, yes, that's true! + +KADIDIA. Take me with you to the Variete! + +MAGELONE. No, it would break my heart!--But, well, if it can't be +otherwise, and you're so made for it,--I can't change things!--Yes, +we can go to the Olympia together to-morrow! + +KADIDIA. O mama, how glad that makes me feel! (_A plain-clothes +detective enters, upper left._) + +DETECTIVE. In the name of the law--I arrest you! + +CASTI-PIANI. (_Following him, bored._) What sort of nonsense is that? +*That* isn't the right one! + + CURTAIN. + + + + +ACT III + + +_An attic room, without windows, but with two sky-lights, under one +of which stands a bowl filled with rain-water. Down right, a door +thru a board partition into a sort of cubicle under the slanting +roof. Near it, a wobbly flower-table with a bottle and a smoking +oil-lamp on it. Upper right, a worn-out couch. Door centre; near it, +a chair without a seat. Down left, below the entrance door, a torn +gray mattress. None of the doors can shut tight._ + +_The rain beats on the roof. Schigolch in a long gray overcoat lies +on the mattress; Alva on the couch, wrapped in a plaid whose straps +still hang on the wall above him._ + +SCHIGOLCH. The rain's drumming for the parade. + +ALVA. Cheerful weather for her first appearance! I dreamt just now we +were dining together at Olympia. Bianetta was still with us. The +table-cloth was dripping on all four sides with champagne. + +SCHIGOLCH. Ya, ya. And I was dreaming of a Christmas pudding. (_Lulu +appears, back, barefoot, in a torn black dress, but with her hair +falling to her shoulders._) Where have you been? Curling your hair +first? + +ALVA. She only does that to revive old memories. + +LULU. If one could only get warmed, just a little, from one of you! + +ALVA. Will you enter barefoot on your pilgrimage? + +SCHIGOLCH. The first step always costs all kinds of moaning and +groaning. Twenty years ago it was no whit better, and what she has +learned since then! The coals only have to be blown. When she's been +at it a week, not ten locomotives will hold her in our miserable +attic. + +ALVA. The bowl is running over. + +LULU. What shall I do with the water? + +ALVA. Pour it out the window. (_Lulu gets up on the chair and empties +the bowl thru the sky-light._) + +LULU. It looks as if the rain would let up at last. + +SCHIGOLCH. Your wasting the time when the clerks go home after +supper. + +LULU. Would to God I were lying somewhere where no step would wake me +any more! + +ALVA. Would I were, too! Why prolong this life? Let's rather starve +to death together this very evening in peace and concord! Is it not +the last stage now? + +LULU. Why don't *you* go out and get us something to eat? You've +never earned a penny in your whole life! + +ALVA. In this weather, when no one would kick a dog from his door? + +LULU. But me! I, with the little blood I have left in my limbs, I am +to stop your mouths! + +ALVA. I don't touch a farthing of the money! + +SCHIGOLCH. Let her go, just! I long for one more Christmas pudding; +then I've had enough. + +ALVA. And I long for one more beefsteak and a cigarette; then die! I +was just dreaming of a cigarette, such as has never yet been smoked! + +SCHIGOLCH. She'll see us put an end to before her eyes, before doing +herself a little pleasure. + +LULU. The people on the street will sooner leave cloak and coat in my +hands than go with me for nothing! If you hadn't sold my clothes, I +at least wouldn't need to be afraid of the lamp-light. I'd like to +see the woman who could earn anything in the rags I'm wearing on my +body! + +ALVA. I have left nothing human untried. As long as I had money I +spent whole nights making up tables with which one couldn't help +winning against the cleverest card-sharps. And yet evening after +evening I lost more than if I had shaken out gold by the pailful. +Then I offered my services to the courtesans; but they don't take +anyone without the stamps of the courts, and they see at the first +glance if one's related to the guillotine or not. + +SCHIGOLCH. Ya, ya. + +ALVA. I spared myself no disillusionments; but when I made jokes, +they laughed at *me*, and when I behaved as respectable as I am, they +boxed my ears, and when I tried being smutty, they got so chaste and +maidenly that my hair stood up on my head for horror. He who has not +prevailed over society, they have no confidence in. + +SCHIGOLCH. Won't you kindly put on your boots now, child? I don't +think I shall grow much older in this lodging. It's months since I +had any feeling in the ends of my toes. Toward midnight, I'll drink a +bit more down in the pub. The lady that keeps it told me yesterday I +seemed to really want to be her lover. + +LULU. In the name of the three devils, I'll go down! (_She puts to +her mouth the bottle on the flower-table._) + +SCHIGOLCH. So they can smell your stink a half-hour off! + +LULU. I shan't drink it all. + +ALVA. You won't go down. You're my woman. You shan't go down. I +forbid it! + +LULU. What would you forbid your woman when you can't support +yourself? + +ALVA. Whose fault is that? Who but my woman has laid me on the +sick-bed? + +LULU. Am I sick? + +ALVA. Who has trailed me thru the dung? Who has made me my father's +murderer? + +LULU. Did *you* shoot him? He didn't lose much, but when I see you +lying there I could hack off both my hands for having sinned so +against my judgment! (_She goes out, into her room._) + +ALVA. She infected me from her Casti-Piani. It's a long time since +she was susceptible to it herself! + +SCHIGOLCH. Little devils like her can't begin putting up with it too +soon, if angels are ever going to come out of them. + +ALVA. She ought to have been born Empress of Russia. Then she'd have +been in the right place. A second Catherine the Second! (_Lulu +re-enters with a worn-out pair of boots, and sits on the floor to put +them on._) + +LULU. If only I don't go headfirst down the stairs! Ugh, how cold! Is +there anything in the world more dismal than a daughter of joy? + +SCHIGOLCH. Patience, patience! She's only got to take the right road +into the business at the start. + +LULU. It's all right with me! Nothing's wrong with me any more. +(_Puts the bottle to her lips._) That warms one! O accursed! +(_Exit._) + +SCHIGOLCH. When we hear her coming, we must creep into my cubby-hole +awhile. + +ALVA. I'm damned sorry for her! When I think back.... I grew up with +her in a way, you know. + +SCHIGOLCH. She'll hold out as long as I live, anyway. + +ALVA. We treated each other at first like brother and sister. Mama +was still living then. I met her by chance one morning when she was +dressing. Dr. Goll had been called for a consultation. Her +hair-dresser had read my first poem, that I'd had printed in +"Society": "Follow thy pack far over the mountains; it will return +again, covered with sweat and dust--" + +SCHIGOLCH. Oh, ya! + +ALVA. And then she came, in rose-colored muslin, with nothing under +it but a white satin slip--for the Spanish ambassador's ball. Dr. +Goll seemed to feel his death near. He asked me to dance with her, so +she shouldn't cause any mad acts. Papa meanwhile never turned his +eyes from us, and all thru the waltz she was looking over my +shoulder, only at him.... Afterwards she shot him. It is +unbelievable. + +SCHIGOLCH. I've only got a very strong doubt whether anyone will bite +any more. + +ALVA. I shouldn't like to advise it to anybody! (_Schigolch grunts._) +At that time, tho she was a fully developed woman, she had the +expression of a five-year-old, joyous, utterly healthy child. And she +was only three years younger than me then--but how long ago it is +now! For all her immense superiority in matters of practical life, +she let me explain "Tristan and Isolde" to her--and how entrancingly +she could listen! Out of the little sister who at her marriage still +felt like a school-girl, came the unhappy, hysterical artist's wife. +Out of the artist's wife came then the spouse of my blessed father, +and out of *her* came, then, my mistress. Well, so that is the way of +the world. Who will prevail against it? + +SCHIGOLCH. If only she doesn't skid away from the gentlemen with +honorable intentions and bring us up instead some vagabond she's +exchanged her heart's secrets with. + +ALVA. I kissed her for the first time in her rustling bridal dress. +But afterwards she didn't remember it.... All the same, I believe she +had thought of me even in my father's arms. It can't have been often +with him: he had his best time behind him, and she deceived him with +coachman and boot-black; but when she did give herself to him, then +_I_ stood before her soul. Thru that, too, without my realizing it, +she attained this dreadful power over me. + +SCHIGOLCH. There they are! (_Heavy steps are heard mounting the +stairs._) + +ALVA. (_Starting up._) I will not endure it! I'll throw the fellow +out! + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Wearily picks himself up, takes Alva by the collar and +cuffs him toward the left._) Forward, forward! How is the young man +to confess his trouble to her with us two sprawling round here? + +ALVA. But if he demands other things--low things--of her? + +SCHIGOLCH. If, well, if! What more will he demand of her? He's only a +man like the rest of us! + +ALVA. We must leave the door open. + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Pushing Alva in, right._) Nonsense! Lie down! + +ALVA. I'll hear it soon enough. Heaven spare him! + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Closing the door, from inside._) Shut up! + +ALVA. (_Faintly._) He'd better look out! (_Lulu enters, followed by +Hunidei, a gigantic figure with a smooth-shaven, rosy face, sky-blue +eyes, and a friendly smile. He wears a tall hat and overcoat and +carries a dripping umbrella._) + +LULU. Here's where I live. (_Hunidei puts his finger to his lips and +looks at Lulu significantly. Then he opens his umbrella and puts it +on the floor, rear, to dry._) Of course, I know it isn't very +comfortable here. (_Hunidei comes forward and puts his hand over her +mouth._) What do you mean me to understand by that? (_Hunidei puts +his hand over her mouth, and his finger to his lips._) I don't know +what that means. (_Hunidei quickly stops her mouth. Lulu frees +herself._) We're quite alone here. No one will hear us. (_Hunidei +lays his finger on his lips, shakes his head, points at Lulu, opens +his mouth as if to speak, points at himself and then at the door._) +Herr Gott, he's a monster! (_Hunidei stops her mouth; then goes rear, +folds up his overcoat and lays it over the chair near the door; then +comes down with a broad smile, takes Lulu's head in both his hands +and kisses her on the forehead. The door, right, half opens._) + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Behind the door._) He's got a screw loose. + +ALVA. He'd better look out! + +SCHIGOLCH. She couldn't have brought up anything drearier! + +LULU. (_Stepping back._) I hope you're going to give me something! +(_Hunidei stops her mouth and presses a gold-piece in her hand, then +looks at her uncertain, questioningly, as she examines it and throws +it from one hand to the other._) + +LULU. All right, it's good. (_Puts it into her pocket. Hunidei +quickly stops her mouth, gives her a few silver coins, and glances at +her commandingly._) Oh, that's nice of you! (_Hunidei leaps madly +about the room, brandishing his arms and staring upward in despair. +Lulu cautiously nears him, throws an arm round him and kisses him on +the mouth. Laughing soundlessly, he frees himself from her and looks +questioningly. She takes up the lamp and opens the door to her room. +He goes in smiling, taking off his hat. The stage is dark save for +what light comes thru the cracks of the door. Alva and Schigolch +creep out on all fours._) + +ALVA. They're gone. + +SCHIGOLCH. (_Behind him._) Wait. + +ALVA. One can hear nothing here. + +SCHIGOLCH. You've heard that often enough! + +ALVA. I will kneel before her door. + +SCHIGOLCH. Little mother's sonny! (_Presses past Alva, gropes across +the stage to Hunidei's coat, and searches the pockets. Alva crawls to +Lulu's door._) Gloves, nothing more! (_Turns the coat round, searches +the inside pockets, pulls a book out that he gives to Alva._) Just +see what that is. (_Alva holds the book to the light._) + +ALVA. (_Wearily deciphering the title-page._) Warnings to pious +pilgrims and such as wish to be so. Very helpful. Price, 2 s. 6 d. + +SCHIGOLCH. It looks to me as if God had left *him* pretty completely. +(_Lays the coat over the chair again and makes for the cubby-hole._) +There's nothing doing with these people. The country's best time's +behind it! + +ALVA. Life is never as bad as it's painted. (_He, too, creeps back._) + +SCHIGOLCH. Not even a silk muffler he's got and yet in Germany we +creep on our bellies before this rabble. + +ALVA. Come, let's vanish again. + +SCHIGOLCH. She only thinks of herself, and takes the first man that +runs across her path. Hope the dog remembers her the rest of his +life! (_They disappear, left, shutting the door behind them. Lulu +re-enters, setting the lamp on the table. Hunidei follows._) + +LULU. Will you come to see me again? (_Hunidei stops her mouth. She +looks upward in a sort of despair and shakes her head. Hunidei, +putting his coat on, approaches her grinning; she throws her arms +around his neck; he gently frees himself, kisses her hand, and turns +to the door. She starts to accompany him, but he signs to her to stay +behind and noiselessly leaves the room. Schigolch and Alva +re-enter._) + +LULU. (_Tonelessly._) How he has stirred me up! + +ALVA. How much did he give you? + +LULU. (_As before._) Here it is! All! Take it! I'm going down again. + +SCHIGOLCH. We can still live like princes up here. + +ALVA. He's coming back. + +SCHIGOLCH. Then let's just retire again, quick. + +ALVA. He's after his prayer-book. Here it is. It must have fallen out +of his coat. + +LULU. (_Listening._) No, that isn't he. That's some one else. + +ALVA. Some one's coming up. I hear it quite plainly. + +LULU. Now there's some one tapping at the door. Who may that be? + +SCHIGOLCH. Probably a good friend he's recommended us to. Come in! +(_Countess Geschwitz enters, in poor clothes, with a canvas roll in +her hand._) + +GESCHWITZ. (_To Lulu._) If I've come at a bad time, I'll turn around +again. The truth is, I haven't spoken to a living soul for ten days. +I must just tell you right off, I haven't got any money. My brother +never answered me at all. + +SCHIGOLCH. Your ladyship would now like to stretch her feet out under +our table? + +LULU. (_Tonelessly._) I'm going down again. + +GESCHWITZ. Where are you going in this pomp?--However, I come not +wholly empty-handed. I bring you something else. On my way here an +old-clothes man offered me twelve shillings for it, but I could not +force myself to part from it. You can sell it, though, if you want +to. + +SCHIGOLCH. What is it? + +ALVA. Let us see it. (_Takes the canvas and unrolls it. Visibly +rejoiced._) Oh, by God, it's Lulu's portrait! + +LULU. (_Screaming._) Monster, you brought that here? Get it out of my +sight! Throw it out of the window! + +ALVA. (_Suddenly with renewed life, deeply pleased._) Why, I should +like to know? Looking on this picture I regain my self-respect. It +makes my fate comprehensible to me. Everything we have endured gets +clear as day. (_In a somewhat elegiac strain._) Let him who feels +secure in his middle-class position when he sees these blossoming +pouting lips, these child-eyes, big and innocent, this rose-white +body abounding in life,--let him cast the first stone at us! + +SCHIGOLCH. We must nail it up. It will make an excellent impression +on our patrons. + +ALVA. (_Energetic._) There's a nail sticking all ready for it in the +wall. + +SCHIGOLCH. But how did you come upon this acquisition? + +GESCHWITZ. I secretly cut it out of the wall in your house, there, +after you were gone. + +ALVA. Too bad the color's got rubbed off round the edges. You didn't +roll it up carefully enough. (_Fastens it to a high nail in the +wall._) + +SCHIGOLCH. It's got to have another one underneath if it's going to +hold. It makes the whole flat look more elegant. + +ALVA. Let me alone; I know how I'll do it. (_He tears several nails +out of the wall, pulls off his left boot, and with its heel nails the +edges of the picture to the wall._) + +SCHIGOLCH. It's just got to hang a while again, to get its proper +effect. Whoever looks at that'll imagine afterwards he's been in an +Indian harem. + +ALVA. (_Putting on his boot again, standing up proudly._) Her body +was at its highest point of development when that picture was +painted. The lamp, kid dear! Seems to me it's got extraordinarily +dark. + +GESCHWITZ. He must have been an eminently gifted artist who painted +that! + +LULU. (_Perfectly composed again, stepping before the picture with +the lamp._) Didn't you know him, then? + +GESCHWITZ. No. It must have been long before my time. I only +occasionally heard chance remarks of yours, that he had cut his +throat from persecution-mania. + +ALVA. (_Comparing the picture with Lulu._) The child-like expression +in the eyes is still absolutely the same in spite of all she has +lived thru since. (_In joyous excitement._) The dewy freshness that +covered her skin, the sweet-smelling breath from her lips, the rays +of light that beam from her white forehead, and this challenging +splendor of young flesh in throat and arms-- + +SCHIGOLCH. All that's gone with the rubbish wagon. She can say with +self-assurance: That was me once! The man she falls into the hands of +to-day 'll have no conception of what we were when we were young. + +ALVA. (_Cheerfully._) God be thanked, we don't notice the continual +decline when we see a person all the time. (_Lightly._) The woman +blooms for us in the moment when she hurls the man to destruction for +the rest of his life. That is her nature and her destiny. + +SCHIGOLCH. Down in the street-lamp's shimmer she's still a match for +a dozen walking spectres. The man who still wants to make connections +at this hour looks out more for heart-qualities than mere physical +good points. He decides for the pair of eyes from which the least +thievery sparkles. + +LULU. (_Now as pleased as Alva._) I shall see if you're right. Adieu. + +ALVA. (_In sudden anger._) You shall not go down again, as I live! + +GESCHWITZ. Where do you want to go? + +ALVA. Down to fetch up a man. + +GESCHWITZ. Lulu! + +ALVA. She's done it once to-day already. + +GESCHWITZ. Lulu, Lulu, where you go I go too. + +SCHIGOLCH. If you want to put your bones up for sale, kindly get a +district of your own! + +GESCHWITZ. Lulu, I shall not stir from your side! I have weapons upon +me. + +SCHIGOLCH. Confound it all, her ladyship plots to fish with our bait! + +LULU. You're killing me. I can't stand it here any more. (_Exit._) + +GESCHWITZ. You need fear nothing. I am with you. (_Follows her._) + +ALVA. (_Whimpering, throws himself on his couch. Schigolch swears, +loudly and grumbling._) I guess there's not much more good to expect +on this side! + +SCHIGOLCH. We ought to have held the creature back by the throat. +She'll scare away everything that breathes with her aristocratic +death's head. + +ALVA. She's flung me onto a sick-bed and larded me with thorns +outside and in! + +SCHIGOLCH. And she's still got enough strength in her body to do the +same for ten men alright. + +ALVA. No mortally wounded man'll ever find the stab of mercy welcomer +than I! + +SCHIGOLCH. If she hadn't enticed the acrobat to my place that time, +we'd have him round our necks to-day too. + +ALVA. I see it swinging above my head as Tantalus saw the branch with +the golden apples! + +SCHIGOLCH. (_On his mattress._) Won't you turn up the lamp a little? + +ALVA. Can a simple, natural man in the wilderness suffer so +unspeakably?!--God, God, what have I made of my life! + +SCHIGOLCH. What's the beastly weather made of my ulster! When I was +five-and-twenty, I knew how to help myself! + +ALVA. It has not cost everyone my sunny, glorious youth! + +SCHIGOLCH. I guess it'll go out in a minute. Till they come back +it'll be as dark in here again as in mother's womb. + +ALVA. With the clearest consciousness of my purpose I sought +intercourse with people who'd never read a book in their lives. With +self-denial, with exaltation, I clung to the elements, that I might +be carried to the loftiest heights of poetic fame. The reckoning was +false. I am the martyr of my calling. Since the death of my father I +have not written a single line! + +SCHIGOLCH. If only they haven't stayed together! Nobody but a silly +boy will go with two, no matter what. + +ALVA. They've not stayed together! + +SCHIGOLCH. That's what I hope. If need be, she'll keep the creature +off from her with kicks. + +ALVA. One, risen from the dregs, is the most celebrated man of his +nation; another, born in the purple, lies in the mud and cannot die! + +SCHIGOLCH. Here they come! + +ALVA. And what blessed hours of mutual joy in creation they had lived +thru with each other! + +SCHIGOLCH. They can do that now, for the first time rightly.--We must +hide again. + +ALVA. I stay here. + +SCHIGOLCH. Just what do you pity them for?--Who spends his money has +his good reasons for it! + +ALVA. I have no longer the moral courage to let my comfort be +disturbed for a miserable sum of money! (_He wraps himself up in his +plaid._) + +SCHIGOLCH. Noblesse oblige! A respectable man does what he owes his +position. (_He hides, left. Lulu opens the door, saying "Come right +in, dearie," and there enters Prince Kungu Poti, heir-apparent of +Uahubee, in a light suit, white spats, tan button-boots, and a gray +tall hat. His speech, interrupted with frequent hiccoughs, abounds +with the peculiar African hiss-sounds._) + +KUNGU POTI. God damn--it's dark on the stairs! + +LULU. It's lighter here, sweetheart. (_Pulling him forward by the +hand._) Come on! + +KUNGU POTI. But it's cold here, awful cold! + +LULU. Have some brandy? + +KUNGU POTI. Brandy? You bet--always! Brandy's good! + +LULU. (_Giving him the bottle._) I don't know where there's a glass. + +KUNGU POTI. Doesn't matter. (_Drinks._) Brandy! Lots of it! + +LULU. You're a nice-looking young man. + +KUNGU POTI. My father's the emperor of Uahubee. I've got six wives +here, two Spanish, two English, two French. Well--I don't like my +wives. Always I must take a bath, take a bath, take a bath.... + +LULU. How much will you give me? + +KUNGU POTI. Gold! Trust me, you shall have gold! One gold-piece. I +always give gold-pieces. + +LULU. You can give it to me later, but show it to me. + +KUNGU POTI. I never pay beforehand. + +LULU. But you can show it to me, thoh! + +KUNGU POTI. Don't understand, don't understand! Come, +Ragapsishimulara! (_Seizing Lulu round the waist._) Come on! + +LULU. (_Defending herself with all her strength._) Let me be! Let me +be! (_Alva, who has risen painfully from his couch, sneaks up to +Kungu Poti from behind and pulls him back by the collar._) + +KUNGU POTI. (_Whirling round._) Oh! Oh! This is a murder-hole! Come, +my friend, I'll put you to sleep! (_Strikes him over the head with a +loaded cane. Alva groans and falls in a heap._) Here's a +sleeping-draught! Here's opium for you! Sweet dreams to you! Sweet +dreams! (_Then he gives Lulu a kiss; pointing to Alva._) He dreams of +you, Ragapsishimulara! Sweet dreams! (_Rushing to the door._) Here's +the door!! (_Exit._) + +LULU. But I'll not stay here?!--Who can stand it here now!--Rather +down onto the street! (_Exit. Schigolch comes out._) + +SCHIGOLCH.--Blood!--Alva!--He's got to be put away somewhere. +Hop!--Or else our friends 'll get a shock from him--Alva! Alva!--He +that isn't quite clear about it--! One thing or t'other; or it'll +soon be too late! I'll give him legs! (_Strikes a match and sticks it +into Alva's collar...._) He will have his rest. But no one sleeps +here.--(_Drags him by the head into Lulu's room. Returning, he tries +to turn up the light._) It'll be time for me, too, right soon now, or +they'll get no more Christmas puddings down there in the tavern. God +knows when she'll be coming back from her pleasure tour! (_Fixing an +eye on Lulu's picture._) She doesn't understand business! She can't +live off love, because her life is love.--There she comes. I'll just +talk straight to her once--(_Countess Geschwitz enters._) ... If you +want to lodge with us to-night, kindly take a little care that +nothing is stolen here. + +GESCHWITZ. How dark it is here! + +SCHIGOLCH. It gets much darker than this.--The doctor's already gone +to rest. + +GESCHWITZ. She sent me ahead. + +SCHIGOLCH. That was sensible.--If anyone asks for me, I'm sitting +downstairs in the pub. + +GESCHWITZ. (_After he has gone._) I will sit behind the door. I will +look on at everything and not quiver an eye-lash. (_Sits on the +broken chair._) Men and women don't know themselves--they know not +what they are. Only one who is neither man nor woman knows them. +Every word they say is untrue, a lie. And they do not know it, for +they are to-day so and to-morrow so, according as they have eaten, +drunk, and loved, or not. Only the body remains for a time what it +is, and only the children have reason. The men and women are like the +animals: none knows what it does. When they are happiest they bewail +themselves and groan, and in their deepest misery they rejoice over +every tiny morsel. It is strange how hunger takes from men and women +the strength to withstand misfortune. But when they have fed full +they make this world a torture-chamber, they throw away their lives +to satisfy a whim, a mood. Have there ever once been men and women to +whom love brought happiness? And what is their happiness, save that +they sleep better and can forget it all? My God, I thank thee that +thou hast not made me as these. I am not man nor woman. My body has +nothing common with their bodies. Have I a human soul? Tortured +humanity has a little narrow heart; but I know I deserve nothing when +I resign all, sacrifice all.... (_Lulu opens the door, and Dr. Hilti +enters. Geschwitz, unnoticed, remains motionless by the door._) + +LULU. (_Gaily._) Come right in! Come!--you'll stay with me all night? + +DR. HILTI. (_His accent is very broad and flat._) But I have no more +than five shillings on me. I never take more than that when I go out. + +LULU. That's enough, because it's you! You have such faithful eyes! +Come, give me a kiss! (_Dr. Hilti begins to swear, in the broadest +north-country vowels._) Please, don't say that. + +DR. HILTI. By the de'il, 'tis the first time I've e'er gone with a +girrl! You can believe me. Mass, I hadn't thought it would be like +this! + +LULU. Are you married? + +DR. HILTI. Heaven and Hail, why do you think I am married?--No, I'm a +tutor; I read philosophy at the University. The truth is, I come of a +very old country family. As a student, I got just two shillings +pocket-money, and I could make better use of that than for girrls! + +LULU. So you have never been with a woman? + +DR. HILTI. Just so, yes! But I want it now. I got engaged this +evening to a country-woman of mine. She's a governess here. + +LULU. Is she pretty? + +DR. HILTI. Yaw, she's got a hundred thousand.--I am very eager, as it +seems to me.... + +LULU. (_Tossing back her hair._) I *am* in luck! (_Takes the lamp._) +Well, if you please, Mr. Tutor? (_They go into her room. Geschwitz +draws a small black revolver from her pocket and sets it to her +forehead._) + +GESCHWITZ.--Come, come,--beloved! (_Dr. Hilti tears open the door +again.--_) + +DR. HILTI. (_Plunging in._) Insane seraphs! Some one's lying in +there! + +LULU. (_Lamp in hand, holds him by the sleeve._) Stay with me! + +DR. HILTI. A dead man! A corpse! + +LULU. Stay with me! Stay with me! + +DR. HILTI. (_Tearing away._) A corpse is lying in there! Horrors! +Hail! Heaven! + +LULU. Stay with me! + +DR. HILTI. Where d's it go out? (_Sees Geschwitz._) And there is the +devil! + +LULU. Please, stop, stay! + +DR. HILTI. Devil, devilled devilry!--Oh, thou eternal--(_Exit._) + +LULU. (_Rushing after him._) Stop! Stop! + +GESCHWITZ. (_Alone, lets the revolver sink._) Better, hang! If she +sees me lie in my blood to-day she'll not weep a tear for me! I have +always been to her but the docile tool that could be used for the +heaviest labor. From the first day she has abhorred me from the +depths of her soul.--Shall I not rather jump from the bridge? Which +could be colder, the water or her heart? I would dream till I was +drowned.--Better, hang!-- --Stab?--Hm, there would be no use in +that-- --How often have I dreamt that she kissed me! But a minute +more; an owl knocks there at the window, and I wake up.-- --Better, +hang! Not water; water is too clean for me. (_Starting up._) +There!--There! There it is!--Quick now, before she comes! (_Takes the +plaid-straps from the wall, climbs on the chair, fastens them to a +hook in the door-post, puts her head thru them, kicks the chair away, +and falls to the ground._) Accursed life!--Accursed life!--Could it +be before me still??--Let me speak just once to thy heart, my angel! +But thou art cold!--I am not to go yet! Perhaps I am even to have +been happy once.--Listen to him, Lulu! I am not to go yet! (_She +drags herself before Lulu's picture, sinks to her knees and folds her +hands._) My adored angel! My love! My star!--Have mercy upon me, pity +me, pity me, pity me! + +(_Lulu opens the door, and Jack enters--a thick-set man of elastic +movements, with a pale face, inflamed eyes, arched and heavy brows, a +drooping mustache, thin imperial and shaggy whiskers, and fiery red +hands with gnawed nails. His eyes are fixed on the ground. He wears a +dark overcoat and a little round felt hat. Entering, he notices +Geschwitz._) + +JACK. Who is that? + +LULU. That's my sister. She's crazy. I don't know how to get rid of +her. + +JACK. Your mouth looks beautiful. + +LULU. It's my mother's. + +JACK. Looks like it. How much do you want? I haven't got much money. + +LULU. Won't you spend the night with me here? + +JACK. No, haven't got the time. I must get home. + +LULU. You can tell them at home to-morrow that you missed the last +'bus and spent the night with a friend. + +JACK. How much do you want? + +LULU. I'm not after lumps of gold, but, well, a little something. + +JACK. (_Turning._) Good night! Good night! + +LULU. (_Holds him back._) No, no! Stay, for God's sake! + +JACK. (_Goes past Geschwitz and opens the cubicle._) Why should I +stay here till morning? Sounds suspicious! When I'm asleep they'll +turn my pockets out. + +LULU. No, I won't do that! No one will! Don't go away again for that! +I beg you! + +JACK. How much do you want? + +LULU. Then give me the half of what I said! + +JACK. No, that's too much. You don't seem to have been at this long? + +LULU. To-day is the first time. (_She jerks back Geschwitz, on her +knees still, half turned toward Jack, by the straps around her +neck._) Lie down and be quiet! + +JACK. Let her alone! She isn't your sister. She is in love with you. +(_Strokes Geschwitz's head like a dog's._) Poor beast! + +LULU. Why do you stare at me so all at once? + +JACK. I got your measure by the way you walked. I said to myself: +That girl must have a well-built body. + +LULU. How can you see things like that? + +JACK. I even saw that you had a pretty mouth. But I've only got a +florin on me. + +LULU. Well, what difference does that make! Just give that to me! + +JACK. But you'll have to give me half back, so I can take the 'bus +to-morrow morning. + +LULU. I have nothing on me. + +JACK. Just look, thoh. Hunt thru your pockets!--Well, what's that? +Let's see it! + +LULU. (_Showing him._) That's all I have. + +JACK. Give it to me! + +LULU. I'll change it to-morrow, and then give you half. + +JACK. No, give it all to me. + +LULU. (_Giving it._) In God's name! But now you come! (_Takes up the +lamp._) + +JACK. We need no light. The moon's out. + +LULU. (_Puts the lamp down._) As you say. (_She falls on his neck._) +I won't harm you at all! I love you so! Don't let me beg you any +longer! + +JACK. Alright; I'm with you. (_Follows her into the cubby-hole. The +lamp goes out. On the floor under the two sky-lights appear two vivid +squares of moonlight. Everything in the room is clearly seen._) + +GESCHWITZ. (_As in a dream._) This is the last evening I shall spend +with these people. I'm going back to Germany. My mother'll send me +the money. I'll go to a university. I must fight for woman's rights; +study law.... (_Lulu shrieks, and tears open the door._) + +LULU. (_Barefoot, in chemise and petticoat, holding the door shut +behind her._) Help! + +GESCHWITZ. (_Rushes to the door, draws her revolver, and pushing Lulu +aside, aims it at the door. As Lulu again cries "Help!"_) Let go! +(_Jack, bent double, tears open the door from inside, and runs a +knife into Geschwitz's body. She fires one shot, at the roof, and +falls with suppressed crying, crumpling up. Jack tears her revolver +from her and throws himself against the exit-door._) + +JACK. God damn! I never saw a prettier mouth! (_Sweat drips from his +hairy face. His hands are bloody. He pants, gasping violently, and +stares at the floor with eyes popping out of his head. Lulu, +trembling in every limb, looks wildly round. Suddenly she seizes the +bottle, smashes it on the table, and with the broken neck in her hand +rushes upon Jack. He swings up his right foot and throws her onto her +back. Then he lifts her up._) + +LULU. No, no!--Mercy!--Murder!--Police! Police! + +JACK. Be still. You'll never get away from me again. (_Carries her +in._) + +LULU. (_Within, right._) No!--No!--No!-- --Ah!--Ah!... + +(_After a pause, Jack re-enters. He puts the bowl on the table._) + +JACK. That *was* a piece of work! (_Washing his hands._) I *am* a +damned lucky chap! (_Looks round for a towel._) Not even a towel, +these folks here! Hell of a wretched hole! (_He dries his hands on +Geschwitz's petticoat._) This invert is safe enough from me! (_To +her._) It'll soon be all up with you, too. (_Exit._) + +GESCHWITZ. (_Alone._) Lulu!--My angel!--Let me see thee once more! I +am near thee--stay near thee--forever! (_Her elbows give way._) O +cursed--!! (_Dies._) + + CURTAIN. + + + + +TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE + + +The following printer's errors have been corrected: + + "Faeulein" corrected to "Fraulein" (page 15) + "CASTI-PIANA" corrected to "CASTI-PIANI" (page 38) + "HEILMAN" corrected to "HEILMANN" (page 56) + "SCHIGLOCH" corrected to "SCHIGOLCH" (page 70) + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Pandora's Box, by Frank Wedekind + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PANDORA'S BOX *** + +***** This file should be named 33415.txt or 33415.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/3/4/1/33415/ + +Produced by Michael Roe and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was +produced from scanned images of public domain material +from the Google Print project.) + + +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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