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diff --git a/34343-0.txt b/34343-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..35ba2c7 --- /dev/null +++ b/34343-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4323 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 34343 *** + +THE BETROTHAL + +A SEQUEL TO THE BLUE BIRD + +_A Fairy Play in Five Acts and Eleven Scenes_ + +BY + +MAURICE MAETERLINCK + +_Translated by_ + +ALEXANDER TEIXEIRA DE MATTOS + +NEW YORK + +DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY + +1918 + + + + + CHARACTERS + + (_arranged in the order of their entrance on the stage_) + + TYLTYL + THE FAIRY BÉRYLUNE + MILETTE (the Wood-cutter's Daughter) + BELLINE (the Butcher's Daughter) + ROSELLE (the Inn-keeper's Daughter) + AIMETTE (the Miller's Daughter) + JALLINE (the Beggar's Daughter) + ROSARELLE (the Mayor's Daughter) + JOY (the Veiled Girl, or the White Phantom) + DESTINY + THE MISER + LIGHT + SOME USUAL THOUGHTS + GRANNY TYL + GAFFER TYL + THE GREAT MENDICANT + THE GREAT PEASANT + THE RICH ANCESTOR + THE SICK ANCESTOR + THE DRUNKEN ANCESTOR + THE MURDERER ANCESTOR + THE GREAT ANCESTOR + OTHER ANCESTORS + SOME OF TYLTYL'S "ME'S" + VARIOUS CHILDREN IN THE ABODE OF THE CHILDREN + THE FIVE LITTLE ONES + THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + MUMMY TYL + MYTYL + DADDY TYL + THE NEIGHBOUR + + + + ACT I + +_Scene_ 1 _The Wood-cutter's Cottage_. + + ACT II + + 2 _Outside the Door_. + + 3 _The Miser's Cave_. + + 4 _A Closet in the Fairy's Palace_. + + 5 _A Ballroom in the Fairy's Palace_. + + ACT III + + 6 _Before the Curtain representing Rocks_. + + 7 _The Abode of the Ancestors_. + + ACT IV + + 8 _Before the Curtain representing the Milky Way_. + + 9 _The Abode of the Children_. + + ACT V + + 10 _Before the Curtain representing the Edge of a Forest_. + + 11 _The Awakening_. + + + + + +THE BETROTHAL; OR THE BLUE BIRD CHOOSES + + + +ACT I + + +SCENE I + + + _The Wood-cutter's Cottage_ + + _The cottage-scene in The Blue Bird: the interior of a + wood-cutter's cabin, simple and rustic in appearance, but in no way + poverty-stricken. A recessed fireplace containing the dying embers + of a wood-fire. Kitchen-utensils, a cupboard, a bread-pan, a + grandfather's clock, a spinning-wheel, a water-tap, etc. A dog and + a cat asleep. A large blue-and-white sugar-loaf. On the wall hangs + a round cage containing a blue bird. At the back, two windows with + closed shutters. On the left is the front-door, with a big latch to + it. A ladder leads up to a loft. But there is only one bed_, + TYLTYL'S; _he is now sixteen years of age. It is dark; the scene is + lit only by a few moonbeams which filter through the shutters_. + TYLTYL _is sound asleep_. + + (_A knock at the door_.) + +TYLTYL + +(_Waking with a start_.) Who's there? (_Another knock_.) Wait till I put +on my breeches. The door's bolted. I'll come and open it. + +THE FAIRY + +(_Behind the door._) Don't trouble, don't trouble!... It's only me!... +How do you do? (_The door has opened of its own accord and_ THE FAIRY +BÉRYLUNE _enters under the guise of an old woman, as in the first scene +of the Blue Bird. At the same time the room is filled with a strange +brightness, which remains after the door is closed again_.) + +TYLTYL + +(_In surprise_.) Who are you? + +THE FAIRY + +Don't you know me? Why, Tyltyl, it's hardly seven years since we said +good-bye to each other! + +TYLTYL + +(_Bewildered and vainly searching his memory_.) Yes, yes, I remember ... +and I know what you mean.... + +THE FAIRY + +Yes, but you don't quite grasp who I am and you don't remember anything +at all. You haven't changed, I see: just the same careless, ungrateful, +wool-gathering little fellow that you always were!... But you have grown +taller and stronger, my lad, and quite handsome! If I were not a fairy, +I should never have known you! Yes, really quite handsome!... But are +you aware of it? It doesn't seem to have occurred to you! + +TYLTYL + +We only had one tiny looking-glass in the house, about as big as your +hand. Mytyl took it and keeps it in her room. + +THE FAIRY + +So Mytyl has a room of her own now? + +TYLTYL + +Yes, she sleeps next door, under the stairs, and I here, in the kitchen. +Shall I wake her? + +THE FAIRY + +(_Growing suddenly and unreasonably angry, as on her former visit_.) +There's no need to do anything of the sort!... I have nothing to do with +her; her hour has not struck; and, when it does I shall be quite capable +of finding her, without being shown the way as though I were blind!... +In the meantime, I want nobody's advice.... + +TYLTYL + +(_In dismay_.) But ma'am, I didn't know.... + +THE FAIRY + +That will do.... (_Recovering her temper as suddenly as she lost it_.) +By the way, how old are you? + +TYLTYL + +I shall be sixteen a fortnight after Epiphany. + +THE FAIRY + +(_Growing angry again_.) A fortnight after Epiphany!... What a way of +reckoning!... And here am I without my almanack, having left it with +Destiny last time I called on him, fifty years ago!... I don't know +where I stand.... However, never mind: I'll make the calculation when we +see him, for we shall have to get it exactly right.... And what have you +been doing these seven years since we met? + +TYLTYL + +I have been working in the forest with daddy. + +THE FAIRY + +That means you've been helping him cut down trees. I don't like that +very much. You call that working, do you? Ah, well, men evidently can't +live without destroying the last things of beauty that remain on the +earth!... So let's talk of something else.... (_Mysteriously_.) Can any +one hear us? + +TYLTYL + +I don't think so. + +THE FAIRY + +(_Growing angry once more_.) It doesn't matter what you think, but +whether you're sure. What I have to say is tremendously important ... +and strictly private. Come here, quite close, so that I can whisper +it.... Whom are you in love with? + +TYLTYL + +(_In amazement_.) Whom am I in love with? + +THE FAIRY + +(_Still cross and quite forgetting the importance of speaking in a low +voice_.) Yes, yes! I'm not talking Greek, am I? I want to know if you're +in love with any one. + +TYLTYL + +Yes, certainly; I love everybody: my parents, my friends, my sister, my +neighbours, all the people I know. + +THE FAIRY + +Now oblige me and don't play the fool.... You know perfectly well what I +mean.... I'm asking whether there's any one girl among those you meet +whom you love more than the rest. + +TYLTYL + +(_Blushing and considering_.) I don't know.... + +THE FAIRY + +(_Angrier than ever_.) What do you mean; you don't know? Who does know, +if you don't? At your age a boy ought to think of nothing else: if he +doesn't, he's a booby, a nincompoop and not worth bothering about!... +There's nothing to blush at: it's when one's not in love that one should +feel ashamed.... You and I are miles away just now from the falsehood of +words: we are with the truth of our thoughts, which is a very different +thing.... Come, among all the girls you've met.... + +TYLTYL + +(_Timidly_.) I don't meet very many.... + +THE FAIRY + +That's no reason; it's not necessary to meet them by the dozen. Very +often it's enough if you come across just one: when you've nobody else, +you love that one and are not to be pitied.... But come, among those +close by.... + +TYLTYL + +There aren't any close by.... + +THE FAIRY + +There are at the neighbours'. + +TYLTYL + +There are hardly any neighbours.... + +THE FAIRY + +There are girls in the village, in the town, way back in the forest and +in every house. You find them everywhere when your heart's awake.... +Which is the prettiest? + +TYLTYL + +Well, they're all very pretty. + +THE FAIRY + +How many do you know? + +TYLTYL + +Four in the village, one in the forest and one by the bridge. + +THE FAIRY + +Oho! That's not bad, for a beginning! + +TYLTYL + +We don't see many people here, you know. + +THE FAIRY + +You're not the baby one would think.... But tell me, between ourselves, +do they love you too? + +TYLTYL + +They haven't told me so; they don't know that I love them. + +THE FAIRY + +But these are things which it isn't necessary to know or to tell!... You +see that at once when you're living in the truth. A look is enough; +there's no mistaking it; and the words which people say merely hide the +real ones which the heart has spoken.... But I'm in a hurry: would you +like me to make them come here? + +TYLTYL + +(_Terrified_.) Make them come here? They wouldn't want to! They hardly +know me. They know I'm poor. They don't know where I live, especially +those in the village: they never come this way.... It's an hour's walk +from the church to the house; the roads are bad; it's dark.... + +THE FAIRY + +Dear, dear, anything more? Don't let us talk about that. Remember, we've +done with untruths. I've only to lift my finger and they'll come.... + +TYLTYL + +But I'm not even sure that they've noticed me at all. + +THE FAIRY + +Have you looked at them? + +TYLTYL + +Yes, sometimes.... + +THE FAIRY + +And have they looked back at you? + +TYLTYL + +Yes, sometimes.... + +THE FAIRY + +Well, that's enough; that's the truth; and one doesn't need anything +more. You'll find that's the way people tell each other in the world +where I'm going to take you, the world of real things. The rest doesn't +matter.... They make no mistake. You'll see, once we are there, how well +they know all that has to be known; for what we see is nothing: it is +what we do not see that makes the world go round.... And now, watch +me!... I'm taking the little green hat out of my bag again!... Do you +remember it? + +TYLTYL + +Yes, but it's bigger.... + +THE FAIRY + +(_Angrily_.) Of course it's bigger! So's your head: they grew up +together.... Always making those unnecessary remarks!... + +TYLTYL + +And the diamond has changed colour. I should call it blue.... + +THE FAIRY + +But, you see, it isn't the diamond! This time we're not concerned with +the souls of Bread, Sugar and other simple and unimportant things. We +have to choose the great and only love of your life; for each man has +only one. If he misses it, he wanders miserably over the face of the +earth. The search goes on till he dies, with the great duty unfulfilled +which he owes to all those who are within him. But he seldom has an idea +of this. He walks along, his eyes shut; seizes some woman whom he +chances to meet in the dark; and shows her to his friends as proudly as +though the gates of Paradise were opening. He fancies himself alone in +the world and imagines that in his own heart all things begin and +end.... Which is absurd.... But no more of that! Is everything ready? +Put on your hat and turn the sapphire; then they'll come in.... + +TYLTYL + +(_Scared_.) But I'm not dressed!... Wait, wait!... What shall I put +on?... Oh, what luck!... There are my Sunday clothes on the chair: my +breeches--they're almost new--and my clean shirt!... (_He dresses +hurriedly_.) + +THE FAIRY + +Come, come, have done! All this doesn't matter; they won't mind your +clothes.... You're not going to meet a lot of silly children. You won't +find them the same as they were in the other life, because this is the +real one; and it's the truth in them that you'll see here. + +TYLTYL + +(_Very uneasy_.) Will they all come in together? There are six of them, +at least: I can't remember.... Suppose they started quarrelling and +pulling one another's hair? + +THE FAIRY + +Just the least bit conceited, aren't you? + +TYLTYL + +No, but I'm afraid of their making a noise, because of daddy. + +THE FAIRY + +Haven't I told you again and again, we're no longer in the world +below!... Can't you feel that the air is much purer and the light quite +different?... We are now in a sphere in which men and women don't +quarrel or wish one another harm. All of that was merely make-believe +and doesn't exist deep down.... If some of them are unhappy because you +hesitate in your choice, they will none the less hope on until the end; +and they know very well that where there is love there must also be +sorrow.... + +TYLTYL + +How will they come in? + +THE FAIRY + +Upon my word, I don't know. Each of them will do what occurs to her: one +will choose the window, another the roof, the wall, the cellar or the +chimney ... one or two even will come in by the door; but those are the +least interesting: they lack imagination.... However, we shall see when +the time comes. We've talked enough; time presses; come, turn the +sapphire.... + +TYLTYL + +(_Trying to gain time, in order to conceal his terror_.) Which way round +am I to turn it? + +THE FAIRY + +The same as with the diamond, from right to left.... (_Looking at_ +TYLTYL.) Goodness me, how pale you are!... What has come over you? +Surely you're not afraid?... + +TYLTYL + +Not at all, on the contrary.... I always look like this.... + +THE FAIRY + +You needn't be ashamed to admit it: this is a very serious moment; and, +if men knew what happened, in this life and all the others, when they +made a bad choice, they'd never dare to get married at all.... But what +you're trying to do is to put off the dreadful moment; and I'm a goose +to be listening to you.... Come, turn the sapphire! + + (TYLTYL _turns the sapphire. No sooner has he done so than the + cottage is filled with a supernatural light, which invests all + things with beauty, purity and a transcendent joy. A window opens + noiselessly and a young girl, dressed like a wood-cutter and + carrying a hatchet in her hand, steps into the room and runs up and + kisses_ TYLTYL.) + +THE GIRL + +Good evening, Tyltyl!... You called me: here I am!... + +TYLTYL + +Hullo, it's Milette!... (_To_ THE FAIRY.) This is Milette, my cousin, +the daughter of Feltree, the wood-cutter.... We see each other sometimes +in the forest.... (_To_ MILETTE.) So you loved me?... You never said +so!... + +MILETTE + +Do people say such things in a life where everything is forbidden? Need +they say them?... But I knew at once and from the first that you loved +me; and so did I love you.... It was one evening when you went past with +your father. You were carrying a bundle of laurel-twigs. You didn't know +my name then and said, "Good evening," and looked into my eyes. I +answered, "Good night," and cast my eyes down; but I had that look of +yours in my heart; and, since then, without leaving home, I've been here +very often; but you didn't seem to know.... + +TYLTYL + +No, no, it's I who every evening after sunset used to go to you. I was +never at home. Mummy would ask, "What are you thinking of, Tyltyl?" And +daddy answered, "He's up in the moon again!" I wasn't in the moon at +all, I was with you; but you paid no attention: you were seeing to the +fire, or the soup, or the rabbits; you were cutting chips or tying up +bundles, as if no one had entered your cottage.... + +MILETTE + +No, I was here and kissing you all the time; but you didn't kiss me.... + +TYLTYL + +I tell you it was I who was always kissing you; I tell you it was you +who were never there.... + +MILETTE + +It's funny that we can never see things till we've learnt how to look +for them.... But, now that we do know, now that we see, we can really +kiss each other.... + +TYLTYL + +(_Eagerly kissing_ MILETTE.) Yes, yes, let's kiss each other again and +again till we have no kisses left!... Oh, how wonderful it is!... I +never kissed anybody till now; and I'd no idea what it was like!... Oh, +how wonderful, how wonderful!... I could kiss you for ever! I could +spend my life kissing you!... + +MILETTE + +And I, I too!... I'd never kissed anybody either: I mean, I'd only +kissed daddy and mummy; it's not the same thing at all.... But tell me, +Tyltyl, is it true that you love me and only me?... Who is that coming +in? + + (_Opening the wall, which closes again behind her, enter a second + young girl, dressed in a blood-red skirt and bodice. A butcher's + knife hangs from her belt_.) + +THE SECOND GIRL + +(_Rushing up to_ TYLTYL _and kissing him_.) Here I am, Tyltyl darling, +here I am! + +TYLTYL + +(_To_ THE FAIRY.) This is Belline, my cousin, the butcher's daughter.... +(_To_ BELLINE.) What's the matter with you, Belline dear? You're wet +through and quite out of breath!... + +BELLINE + +I should think I was!... It's a long way from the village to your +place!... I didn't even wait to wash my hands.... I was helping daddy to +cut up a calf; the moment your thoughts came, I dropped my knife and +left everything so as to get here quicker.... I even believe that, while +I was there, I cut my finger rather badly; but here it doesn't show.... +Daddy hasn't the least idea what has happened; he must be furious. +(_Catching sight of_ MILETTE.) How do you do, Milette? + +MILETTE + +How do you do, Belline?... Do you love him too? + +BELLINE + +Why, yes, of course!... You're not angry with me? + +MILETTE + +Not at all, I'm glad.... We'll both of us love him.... + +BELLINE + +How pretty you look this evening, Milette dearest.... + +MILETTE + +No, it's you, Belline: you've never been more beautiful.... + +TYLTYL + +(_To_ THE FAIRY.) They're taking it very well!... + +THE FAIRY + +Of course they are; they know it's not your fault.... + + (_At this point, the chimney-recess lights up, opens at the hack + and admits a third young girl, dressed like the maid at an inn and + carrying a pewter tray under one arm and a bottle under the + other_.) + +THE THIRD GIRL + +(_Enthusiastically, darting at_ TYLTYL.) Here I am, here I am! It's +me!... Good evening, everybody; but first a kiss for Tyltyl!... + +TYLTYL + +Hullo, you too, Roselle?... (_To_ THE FAIRY.) This is Roselle, the +daughter of the landlord of the Golden Sun.... (_To_ ROSELLE.) Was there +no one at the inn this evening, that you were able to come? + +ROSELLE + +On the contrary, heaps of people! You can imagine, on Christmas Eve! +There were men sitting and drinking on the counter and on all the +window-sills. I dropped a tray with twelve glasses on it when you called +me. Why, I've still got the tray under this arm and a bottle of the best +brandy under the other. It gets in my way when I'm kissing you.... I +left them shouting after me, down there, as though I had set the house +on fire.... They must be wondering if I'm mad. But I don't care, I was +so delighted that you were thinking of me. A sudden happiness came over +me.... How are you, Tyltyl dear?... Kiss me again!... You're even +handsomer than when I saw you last.... + +TYLTYL + +(_Kissing her_.) And you, dear Roselle, you are prettier than ever; and +your cheeks are so soft and cool.... I never dared kiss you before.... +When any one else did, I always said to myself, "How happy he must be!" + +ROSELLE + +The others didn't matter.... But I knew well enough that you didn't +dare.... I didn't dare either, though I was dying to kiss you.... Do you +remember the first time you came to the inn, six weeks ago? It was on a +Sunday morning, after High Mass; you didn't look at anybody; but +suddenly, when I came near, your eyes grew so bright and opened so +wide.... + +TYLTYL + +And so did yours open wide: they looked like two lakes. + +ROSELLE + +What were they doing, our eyes? What happened?... I know that, since +that day, I think of nothing but you, I do no work, I'm always here; but +you came very seldom.... + + (_Coming down the ladder from the attic, enter a fourth young girl, + in rustic clothes, all white with flour_.) + +TYLTYL + +(_Turning round_.) Who's there? You, Aimette?... (_To_ THE FAIRY.) This +is Aimette, another cousin, the miller's daughter.... + +THE FAIRY + +Go on, go on, you're doing very nicely! + +AIMETTE + +(_A little shyly_.) I came as I was, from the mill. I've not had time to +brush myself. + +TYLTYL + +That doesn't matter. Kiss me all the same. How fresh and rosy you are, +underneath all that flour!... + +AIMETTE + +I shall never dare.... You'd be covered with it.... + + (_She has hardly finished speaking when, through the other window, + enter a fifth young girl, bare-foot, bare-headed, clad in rags and + carrying in her hand a wooden bowl with a few halfpence clinking in + it. She does not dare come forward_.) + +TYLTYL + +One more!... (_To_ THE FAIRY.) This is Jalline, the little beggar-girl +from the bridge by the Hermitage. + +THE FAIRY + +Excellent, excellent!... I'd better wake your father and tell him the +house won't be big enough; then he can start building at once.... + +TYLTYL + +But it's not my fault. I didn't do it on purpose. One can't help loving +them!... How are you, Jalline?... What have you done with your poor old +father? + +JALLINE + +I left him at the bridge. + +TYLTYL + +What, all alone in the dark! And he blind and a cripple! Isn't that very +dangerous?... + +JALLINE (_On the verge of tears_.) Yes, I know it's wrong. It was very +wrong of me, very. I won't do it again. But I couldn't help it, Tyltyl, +really. When you called me, I couldn't stay where I was. + +TYLTYL + +(_Kissing her_.) There, there, don't cry. I'll help you to bring him +home.... Do you remember, I did that once before, one evening when I was +crossing the bridge and gave you a halfpenny: it was all I had! + +JALLINE + +I've kept it ever since, Tyltyl. I put it in a box. I shall never lose +it. + +TYLTYL (_Kissing her again_.) Oh, the sweet smell of lavender and +thyme!... + + (_This time the door opens slowly. Enter a sixth young girl. She is + in evening-dress, with a fur cloak over her shoulders, and carries + a fan in her hand_.) + +TYLTYL + +Who is this? + +THE FAIRY + +But where do they all come from? At your age too! I should never have +believed it!... + +TYLTYL + +But I didn't know.... (_To_ THE FAIRY.) Why, it's Rosarelle!... The +mayor's daughter!... You know, from the great big farm-house, with the +three round turrets, at the other end of the village!... What shall I +do? She's so proud!... + +THE FAIRY + +Not a bit; she won't be any prouder than the others. Speak to her and +you'll see. + +TYLTYL + +I'll never dare.... What could I say? + +ROSARELLE + +(_Coming forward_.) Well, Tyltyl, don't you know me? + +TYLTYL + +Yes, miss, but I wasn't sure.... + +ROSARELLE + +Miss? What do you mean? That's not my name. My name's Rosarelle; and you +know it.... There was a big dinner at my father's, for Christmas. Your +thoughts came to fetch me while we were at dessert. I jumped up at once +and upset a glass of champagne. They were alarmed and thought I was ill +and began to fuss: it was as much as I could do to get away. Still, here +I am and I'm going to kiss you.... Do you remember how we used to look +at each other when you came to the yard with your bundles of wood?... + +TYLTYL + +Oh, yes! You were so lovely, I couldn't take my eyes off you.... But you +are lovelier than ever to-day. + +ROSARELLE + +That was the beginning; but I didn't quite realize it till the day you +gave me the three little bullfinches which you found in the forest. + +TYLTYL + +Yes, yes, I remember.... I knew too.... Are they still alive? + +ROSARELLE + +Two of the little things are dead; but the third is splendid.... I keep +him in a gilt cage, by the window; and each time he sings.... + +THE FAIRY + +Come, come, these little confidences are most interesting, but we've no +time to lose. Everything must be settled to-night, for an opportunity +like this comes only once to a man; and woe to him who lets it slip: he +will never have another chance! But what we have to do now is to put our +heads together and prepare for the great choice, which is to decide the +happiness of two human beings first and of many others after that. + +TYLTYL + +(_Greatly perturbed_.) Must I make my choice at once and can I only +choose one?... + +THE FAIRY + +Don't distress yourself; it's not your affair; it's not you who'll +choose.... + +TYLTYL + +(_Utterly bewildered_.) Not I who'll choose?... + +THE FAIRY + +Why, no, it doesn't concern you. + +TYLTYL + +(_Completely stupefied_.) It doesn't concern me?... + +THE FAIRY + +No, no, I told you so: of course it doesn't. + +TYLTYL + +(_Failing to understand a word_.) Then I can't love whom I want to? + +THE FAIRY + +Why, no.... Nobody loves whom he wants to or does what he wants to in +this world. You must first of all learn what is wanted by those on whom +you depend. + +TYLTYL + +By those on whom I depend?... + +THE FAIRY + +Why, yes: your ancestors, to begin with. + +TYLTYL + +My ancestors? + +THE FAIRY + +All those who have died before you. + +TYLTYL + +What business is it of theirs, since they're dead? I don't know them. + +THE FAIRY + +I dare say not, but they know you.... And then there are all your +children. + +TYLTYL + +My children? What children? I've never had any! + +THE FAIRY + +Yes, yes, yes, you've had thousands who aren't born yet and who're +waiting for the mother whom you're going to give them. + +TYLTYL + +Then it's they who will choose my bride? + +THE FAIRY + +Why, of course; that's how things always happen.... But let's have no +more talk: we have to make a few preparations for the great journey; +it's going to be rather long and tiring.... And first we must get some +money: I've none left at home; and my magic wand that brings it me is +being repaired a few thousand miles down in the centre of the earth ... +don't quite see where we're to get what we want: the expenses will be +quite heavy.... (_To_ THE GIRLS.) Has any one of you a few thousand +francs on her? + +JALLINE + +I've only sixpence halfpenny in my bowl, besides Tyltyl's halfpenny, +which I can't part with. + +ROSELLE + +I've seven francs fifty, to-night's takings. + +MILETTE + +I've nothing at all. + +ROSARELLE + +I've nothing on me, but grandfather's very rich. + +THE FAIRY + +That's all right, it's all we need: he can lend us some money. + +ROSARELLE + +Yes, but he's a miser! + +THE FAIRY + +No, that's a mistake; there are no misers. Thanks to the sapphire which +reveals the heart and essence of things, you will see that he is no more +of a miser than you or I and that he will give us whatever we ask. +That's the first visit we shall have to pay.... Well, are you all ready? +Which way shall we go out? + + (_At this point, a trap-door opens, in the middle of the stage, and + from it there rises slowly, like a tower, a gigantic shape, twice a + man's height. It is square, enormous, imposing and overwhelming; it + gives the impression of a mass of granite and of immense, blind, + inflexible force. Its face is not seen. It is draped in grey folds + that are rigid as rock_.) + +THE SHAPE + +It's I. You have forgotten me, as usual!... + +TYLTYL + +(_Not a little frightened_.) Who is this gentleman? + +THE FAIRY + +He's right, I had forgotten him. It's nobody, it's Destiny. I didn't +foresee that the sapphire would make him visible also. He will have to +come with us; we can't prevent him; he's entitled to. Give him your +hand. + +TYLTYL + +Will he lead us? + +THE FAIRY + +That remains to be seen. We must hear what Light says: it's a matter for +her. + +TYLTYL + +Why, of course. Light!... Where is she?... Isn't she going with us? + +THE FAIRY + +Yes, yes, but she has a great deal to do at the moment.... She wasn't +free this evening.... We shall find her at my place, where we shall go +straight from your visit to the miser. + +TYLTYL + +How glad I shall be to see her again!... She was so nice, so sweet, so +beautiful, so affectionate and kind!... + +THE FAIRY + +Come, give Destiny your hand; it's time to start. + + (TYLTYL _stretches out his arm to the monster, who grips the boy's + little hand and wrist in his huge bronze-coloured hand_.) + +TYLTYL + +Here you are, sir.... (_Giving a cry_.) Hi!... It's not a hand. It's a +steel vice!... + +THE FAIRY + +It's nothing, you'll get used to it.... Come, is everything ready at +last? Nothing more that we've forgotten? Then one, two, three and off we +go!... + + (_A knock at the door_.) + +THE FAIRY + +(_Crossly_.) Who's come to disturb us now? Shall we never get out of +this hovel? + + (_Another knock_.) + +TYLTYL + +Come in!... + + (_A third knock_.) + +TYLTYL + +Who's there?... Come in, can't you?... + + (_The door opens slowly and reveals a female form shrouded in long + white veils, like an antique statue. The face, hands, mouth, eyes, + hair and eyebrows are lifeless and white as marble. It stands + motionless on the threshold_.) + +TYLTYL + +What is it? + +THE FAIRY + +Really, I don't know.... It must be one of those whom you've +forgotten.... + +TYLTYL + +(_Vainly ransacking his memory_.) I?... I've forgotten nobody.... I've +never seen her before.... I can't remember.... (_Going up to_ THE VEILED +FORM.) Who are you? (THE VEILED FORM _does not reply_.) + +THE FAIRY + +It's no use asking her. She can't tell you, she can't come to life till +you remember her. + +TYLTYL + +But I don't. I'm thinking and trying as hard as I can, but I can find +nothing. + +THE FAIRY + +Very well, very well, we shall see later, when everything is cleared +up.... As she blocks the path, we must go out by the window.... Come, +this way! We have taken our fate in our hands; and things have begun!... + +DESTINY + +Excuse me, excuse me! It's I who am Fate and it's I who begin and it's I +who give orders.... I go first, for it is I who direct everything and I +am the only master!... + + (_The windows open down to the ground and all go out into the + starry night, preceded by_ DESTINY _dragging_ TYLTYL _by the hand_. + THE VEILED FORM _follows them slowly, at a distance_.) + +CURTAIN + + + + +ACT II + + + +SCENE II + + + _Outside the Door_ + + _The curtain represents a huge double door surmounted with a + flattened arch. The door is old, thick and massive, unyielding, + bound and studded with iron bars and nails. In the middle of the + door is a formidable lock_. + + (_Enter_ THE FAIRY _and_ TYLTYL, _who carries an empty wallet over + his shoulder_.) + +THE FAIRY + +This is the Miser's door. + +TYLTYL + +Where are my sweethearts? + +THE FAIRY + +At home, in my palace; they'll wait there for you and will be quite +safe.... Be quick and come back soon. + +TYLTYL + +What about Destiny? I thought he would never leave me again? + +THE FAIRY + +That's true; it's curious. But it's not our business to run after him; +it's his own affair; he's by no means indispensable. + +TYLTYL + +Are you coming with me to the Miser? + +THE FAIRY + +No, it's better that you should see him alone.... You're not frightened, +are you? + +TYLTYL + +Not a bit; but I don't quite know what I am to do. + +THE FAIRY + +It's very simple: when you're in there, you turn the sapphire; and he'll +give you anything you want. + +TYLTYL + +He won't attack me? I've no weapons, you know. + +THE FAIRY + +On the contrary, he will be delighted to be of service. + +TYLTYL + +How shall I get in? There's no bell and no knocker. Am I to tap at the +door? + +THE FAIRY + +Do nothing of the sort! That would be giving him a hint; and he would +become unmanageable.... But this also is quite simple. I will touch the +big lock with my wand; the doors will slide back to right and left; and +you will suddenly be on the other side, that is to say, right inside the +cave, before he even suspects it. Once there, you can keep quiet in your +corner for a moment and watch him playing with his gold, if that amuses +you; and it will amuse you, for it's rather curious. Then, when you've +had enough, turn the sapphire. Get over there, on the left, against the +wall of the arch, so that you can slip into his den at once, without +making a noise.... Look out! The door will disappear! And I'll take +myself off this way!... (_She touches the great lock with her wand_.) + + + + +SCENE III + + + _The Miser's Cave_ + + (_The heavy doors open in the middle, slide right and left and + disappear in the slips, revealing the whole of_ THE MISER'S _den, + an immense cave with low arches in which are piled large sacks + bursting with gold, silver and copper coins. The only light comes + from a wretched smoking candle_. TYLTYL _hides himself as well as + he can in a dark corner_. THE MISER, _an old, hook-nosed man, with + a dirty white beard and long, scanty hair, is dressed in a sort of + squalid, patched dressing-gown. On the floor is an old carpet, with + three sacks bulging with gold at one corner_.) + +THE MISER + +To-day I shall count the contents of these three sacks all over again. I +must have made a mistake in my last reckoning. There are three louis +missing. Three louis are sixty francs, which make a considerable +difference in a total of six hundred thousand francs. It's quite +impossible to sleep with that anxiety on one's mind. Each of these three +sacks ought to hold two hundred thousand francs, the first and second in +louis of twenty francs and the third in ten-franc pieces. I shall empty +them on the carpet first to see what a lovely heap they make.... (_He +empties the contents of the first sack on the carpet_.) How they +sparkle, how they sparkle!... What a lot of them there are!... When you +see the gold spreading itself out, it's impossible to believe that it +all could go into one sack!... Let's have another.... This is the sack +with the little ten-franc pieces.... (_He empties a second sack_.) They +are as lovely as the big ones.... They are younger, that's all, and +there are more of them.... Now let's see what the third holds.... (_He +empties the third sack. A few gold coins roll of the carpet. He throws +himself flat on the floor to catch them_.) Oh, no, oh, no, children!... +This won't do!... You mustn't run away like that!... Nothing is allowed +to leave this cave!... Trying to hide yourselves, are you? To go where, +pray? Don't you know that there's no place like home?... Fancy running +away like that from daddy! I should never have thought it of you! This +way, children, this way, darlings. This way, my pretty ones! Back to the +heap, back to the cradle, then you'll be happy!... (_He picks up a coin +which has rolled farther than the rest_.) Don't do it again, you: you're +always making off; you're a little torment and you set a bad example. +Beg my pardon, or I'll punish you. You shall be the first to be spent; +I'll give you to a beggar, do you hear?... (_Kissing it_.) No, no, I'm +only pretending.... There, there, don't cry!... I was merely frightening +you.... I love you all the same, but don't do it again!... Here, here, +here, they're here, in front of me and all around me.... It will take me +quite a fortnight to count them all and to weigh them in my scales.... +What a lot of them, what a lot of them! And how pretty they are!... I +know them every one, I could call them by their names.... They would +need a hundred and twenty thousand different names; and each of those +names stands for a treasure!... (_He rolls on the carpet amidst the +gold_.) I love to see them close!... Oh, what a cosy bed! And what a joy +it is to be among one's daughters!... For they are my daughters: I +brought them into the world; I have nurtured them, protected them from +harm, fondled and pampered them; I know their history, the trouble +they've given me, but all is forgotten: they love me, I love them and we +shall never part again!... Oh, what a fine thing happiness is!... (_He +fills his two hands with the gold, makes it trickle over his heart, on +his forehead and in his heard and utters little sighs of pleasure which +gradually swell into roars of delight. Suddenly, he shudders, starts and +springs up, thinking that he has heard a sound_.) What is it?... Who's +there?... (_Reassuring himself_.) No, no, it's nothing ... no one would +dare.... (_He sees_ TYLTYL _and gives a shout_.) A thief!... A thief!... +A thief!... You here!... You here!... (_With his hands clutching like +claws, terrified and terrifying, he rushes upon_ TYLTYL, _who jumps back +and quickly turns the sapphire_. THE MISER _stops short. After an inward +struggle which seems violent and lasts for some seconds, his hands drop +to his sides, his face brightens and loses its hardness. He seems to +wake from a bad dream and tries to wipe the memory of it from his +forehead. He gazes with astonishment at the gold spread over the carpet, +feels and pushes it with his foot, seems not to know what it is and then +addresses_ TYLTYL _in a very calm and gentle voice_.) + +THE MISER + +You must have awakened me.... How did you get here?... What have you +come for?... + +TYLTYL + +I've come to ask you to lend me a little money.... I understand that I +want some in order to discover my bride.... + +THE MISER + +Have you anything to put it in? + +TYLTYL + +I've brought this wallet. + +THE MISER + +I shall be delighted to fill it for you; but I warn you that gold is +very heavy and that you won't be able to carry it away. + +TYLTYL + +You must put in just what you think fit. + +THE MISER + +(_Pouring the gold by handfuls into the wallet_.) Help me, will you?... +We'll fill it to the brim and see how that does.... We can easily +lighten it afterwards, if it's too heavy.... + +TYLTYL + +Oh, you're giving me too much, I don't want all that!... So you're not a +miser, as they told me? + +THE MISER + +I? Not at all. Why should I be?... I have only a few weeks to live and +am not in need of anything.... I hardly eat at all; and I drink nothing +but water. + +TYLTYL + +Why were you lying on your gold when I came in, kissing it and calling +it by pet names? You seemed to worship it. + +THE MISER + +Oh, I don't know! It amuses me. When a man grows old, he has to amuse +himself as best he can.... But it isn't I who do it. All that is only a +sort of dream. I am thinking of something very different.... All men are +like that at my age. They are not often where you see them; they are not +often doing what they appear to do; and every one lives in one of those +dreams which have nothing to do with the truth.... But this is not the +moment to explain things to you.... There, your wallet it full. Can you +lift it? + +TYLTYL + +(_Making an effort_.) No, really, it is a bit too heavy.... Let's take +some of it out.... + +THE MISER + +(_Emptying part of the wallet_.) I daresay that's better. + +TYLTYL + +Oh, look here, you're taking it all!... There won't be enough left.... I +must put a little of it back.... + +THE MISER + +I say, are you becoming a miser now? + +TYLTYL + +No, but I don't know that I shall have a chance of coming back again.... +Just help me lift the wallet on my shoulder.... + +THE MISER + +(_Helping him with the wallet_.) There you are! + +TYLTYL + +(_Staggering under the load_.) I say, what a weight gold is! + +THE MISER + +Don't I know it?... Have you far to go? + +TYLTYL + +I really can't tell. + +THE MISER + +What's the weather like outside? + +TYLTYL + +It was bright sunshine. + +THE MISER + +One wouldn't think it in here.... Fancy, it's years since I've looked at +the sky or the green trees!... But you can't breathe under the weight of +your bag, you poor little man!... Come, kiss me good-bye: there's no +knowing when we shall meet again.... Thanks for the pleasant time you +have given me and especially for waking me up.... I shall make the most +of my remaining days.... + +TYLTYL + +Which is the way out? + +THE MISER + +That way, I suppose. + + (TYLTYL _steps forward through the arch. The doors at once slide + and close behind him and he is left standing alone, in the dark, in + front of the great shut door_.) + +TYLTYL + +It's dark.... I'm all alone.... Where am I?... Where am I to go? + +DESTINY + +(_Looming up out of the shadow_.) This way! + +TYLTYL + +Hullo! You're there, are you? I thought you had deserted me.... + +DESTINY + +(_Grasping his hand_.) I was here all the time.... I never lose sight of +you.... + +TYLTYL + +Yes, but, I say, don't walk so fast!... My bag's frightfully heavy.... +It would be much kinder of you if you helped me to carry it a little, +instead of making me rush along like this.... + +DESTINY + +I am not man's servant.... Forward, forward, forward!... + + (_They go out_.) + + + + +SCENE IV + + + _A Closet in the Fairy's Palace_ + + _A sort of waiting-room or lumber-room containing the principal + accessories of the Tales of Mother Goose: Cinderella's pumpkin and + glass slipper; Red Ridinghood's cake and bowl; Hop-o'-my-Thumb's + pebbles; the Ogre's daughters' golden crowns; the Sleeping Beauty's + distaff and snake-tub; the Giant's seven-leagued hoots; Blue + Beard's key; the Blue Bird in his silver cage; and, hanging from + the wall, Catskin's weather-coloured, moon-coloured and + sun-coloured dresses. All these things look rather tawdry in the + grey and unbecoming light_. TYLTYL'S _seven little friends are + locked up in this room. In the same unsympathetic light they look + much less pretty than when they entered the cottage and they seem + rather tired, discontented and glum, except_ THE VEILED GIRL, _who + stands on one side, motionless, impassive and unrevealing_. + +BELLINE + +Where have they brought us? + +ROSARELLE + +I don't know; but I must say that it's not a nice place in which to keep +young ladies waiting. + +BELLINE + +Yes, it looks like a lumber-room where they've stored all the odds and +ends and litter of the house. + +ROSARELLE + +(_Touching the various objects in disgust_.) What's this? A distaff? +Bless me, what for?... A pumpkin, a cake, an old bowl and goodness knows +what else!... A tub full of dead eels! Gracious, how they smell!... It's +all disgracefully kept.... And that lot of old fly-blown, spun-glass +dresses!... My dear, how horrible!... What sort of place can this be? A +potting-shed, a rag-and-bone shop, a pawn-broker's, or a thieves' +kitchen? Whom can it belong to? A receiver of stolen goods? (_Touching +the more bizarre dresses_.) Or a Hottentot dressmaker? + +BELLINE + +There's something of everything ... except a broom and a duster. + +ROSARELLE + +One wouldn't be enough. + +BELLINE + +And nothing to sit on but an old wooden bench.... + +ROSARELLE + +But it's carved, my love!... + +BELLINE + +Yes, carved in dust. + +ROSARELLE + +Reach me one of those hideous rags and let me wipe it.... + +BELLINE + +(_Eagerly and obsequiously_.) Wait, miss, I'll do that.... (_She takes +the moon-coloured dress and dusts the seat with it_.) There, that's a +little better; that's at least one corner nearly clean enough to sit on. + +ROSARELLE + +(_Sitting down_.) I'm tired out! + +BELLINE + +(_Sitting down beside her_.) So am I; my feet are dreadfully sore. + +ROSARELLE + +(_Looking around through her lorgnette_.) But what I want to know is +where have we got to? My dear, have we fallen into a trap? + +BELLINE + +The company certainly is a little mixed. There's the miller's daughter, +the girl from the inn, the wood-cutter.... + +ROSARELLE + +Or rather, to be accurate, the wood-stealer.... There's even the little +beggar-girl from the bridge by the Hermitage, to whom I refused a penny +last Sunday.... My dear, you should have heard the insolent way in which +she asked for it!... + +BELLINE + +And what's that white image standing in the corner, the one that never +stirs, never speaks and follows us wherever we go? + +ROSARELLE + +That great lump of clay, that ugly wax-work? That washed-out plaster +saint? + +BELLINE + +She looks very ill. + +ROSARELLE + +She may have Jewish leprosy or Zanzibar plague or Bombay cholera.... I +tell you, we must be careful: that's all very catching.... + +AIMETTE + +(_Coming up to the bench timidly_.) I should like to sit down too, I'm +very tired.... + +ROSARELLE + +Mind what you're about, miss!... There's dust enough as it is; I don't +want flour into the bargain. + +ROSELLE + +What's all this, what's all this? Are we turning up our nose at flour +now? + +ROSARELLE + +I wasn't addressing my remarks to you, madam. + +ROSELLE + +No, but I'm speaking to you. What bread would you eat if you had no +flour? + +ROSARELLE + +You would do better to tell your father to pay the three quarters' rent +that's in arrear. + +ROSELLE + +He'll pay his rent when your horrid old miser of a grandfather has seen +to those repairs. We've been asking to have them done these last three +years. + +BELLINE + +Is it the repairs that prevent your father from paying his butcher's +bills? + +ROSELLE + +Does he owe anything at your shop? + +BELLINE + +It's six months since we saw the colour of his money. + +ROSELLE + +He's waiting to see the colour of yours at the inn. + +BELLINE + +Of mine indeed? You can wait a long time before I set foot in your dirty +dram-shop. + +ROSELLE + +Yes, but that father of yours isn't so squeamish when he comes on +Sundays and tipples till we have to put him out dead-drunk. + +ROSARELLE + +Don't answer her, my dear; we are not accustomed to these pot-house +brawls. + +ROSELLE + +As for you, miss, who pretend to be so particular, you just go and ask +your father, the mayor, who it was that nibbled the holes, which were +not made by rats, in the town's cash-box. + +ROSARELLE + +(_Springing to her feet, furiously_.) Holes which were not made by rats! +What do you mean? + +ROSELLE + +I mean what every one in the village means!... + +ROSARELLE + +Mind what you're saying; and say it again if you dare. + +ROSELLE + +Well, what would you do if I did say it again? You don't frighten me +with your airs and graces. + +ROSARELLE + +Never mind my airs and graces; I'll soon show you what I'll do. + +ROSELLE + +Well, then, I do say it again. + +ROSARELLE + +(_Boxing her ears_.) And take that for your answer!... + + (_Piercing screams and a general turmoil_. ROSELLE and AIMETTE + _make a rush at_ BELLINE _and_ ROSARELLE, _while_ MILETTE _and_ + JALLINE _vainly try to separate the combatants_. THE VEILED GIRL + _alone remains motionless in her corner, as though she were not + present. The others claw one another's faces, tear one another's + hair and end by uttering such piercing yells and shrieks that_ + TYLTYL, _returning from the_ MISER'S, _hears them from the far end + of the palace and comes running up, scared and dismayed. He is + bare-headed and only half-dressed and does not understand what is + going on_.) + +TYLTYL + +What is it? What's the matter? What has happened? An accident? Are you +hurt? What have you been doing? + +THE GIRLS + +(_All speaking together_.) It's she!... No, no, it was Rosarelle who +began!... I tell you, it was she!... She insulted me!... She boxed my +ears!... She dared to talk against my father!... She spoke ill of my +mother!... She's lying, she's lying!... She nearly pulled my ear off!... +She's driven a hairpin into my cheek!... + + (_Enter_ THE FAIRY.) + +THE FAIRY + +Why, what's the matter? + +TYLTYL + +(_In bewilderment_.) I don't know, ma'am. I think they must have gone +mad. They were so sweet when I left them. I should never have known +them!... Look, look, they are quite different!... Rosarelle and +Belline's eyes are blazing like furies', Aimette looks so spiteful and +Roselle so brazen, Jalline hasn't washed herself and Milette's cheeks +are as red as a turkey-cock's.... (_Bursting into tears and hiding his +eyes with his arm, like a child crying_.) I can't bear it! Oh, I can't +bear it! + +THE FAIRY + +But, you little silly, it's your own fault! + +TYLTYL + +My fault? + +THE FAIRY + +Yes, of course, it's your fault.... And, first, where have you come +from? What have you done with your jacket and your green hat? + +TYLTYL + +Why, ma'am, I was busy dressing; I was putting on the little pair of +silk breeches and the jacket embroidered with pearls which you told me I +was to wear when I went to see the Ancestors.... Then I heard screams, +dropped everything, ran up and found them fighting, tearing out one +another's hair and scratching one another's faces.... + +THE FAIRY + +A pretty business!... That will teach you to run after them without your +talisman, which reveals the truth.... I call it most incorrect and +improper.... Don't you see that you are not seeing them now as they +are?... + +TYLTYL + +I'm not seeing them as they are?... Then how do I see them?... + +THE FAIRY + +Why, as they are not, that is to say, as you ought never to see them.... +It's all so wonderfully simple: anything that's ugly isn't true, never +has been true and never will be. + +TYLTYL + +That's easily said; but you see what you do see. + +THE FAIRY + +When you see what you do see, you see nothing at all.... I've told you +before, it's what you do not see that makes the world go round.... All +this doesn't count; it's only a little foam on the surface of the +ocean.... But run quickly and fetch the sapphire and we shall once more +see deep down into their souls, the truth of their hearts and the +well-spring of their life.... Wait, you needn't trouble: I see Light +coming; she has brought you your hat. + + (_Enter_ LIGHT.) + +LIGHT + +Good-evening, Tyltyl. + +TYLTYL + +(_Throwing himself passionately into her arms_.) Oh, Light, Light!... +It's my dear Light!... Where were you?... What have you been doing ever +since I saw you last?... I have missed you so much and looked for you so +often!... + +LIGHT + +My dear little Tyltyl!... I have never lost sight of you.... I have +guided you and counselled you and kissed you very often, without your +knowing it.... But we will talk about all this later; to-day we have no +time; I have only one night to give you and there is a great deal to be +done. + + (_Enter_ DESTINY.) + +DESTINY + +Where is Tyltyl? + +TYLTYL + +Here. I'm not trying to hide. + +DESTINY + +And quite right too, for it would be no use; there's no escaping me.... + +TYLTYL + + (_Contemplating him in astonishment_.) + +But what's the matter with you?... What has happened to you? You look so +much smaller!... You seem to be less tall and less broad.... You're not +ill, are you?... + +DESTINY + + (_Who has indeed shrunk appreciably_.) + +I? I never change, I am always the same; I am insuperable, insensible, +invulnerable, immutable, inexorable, irresistible, invisible, inflexible +and irrevocable!... + +TYLTYL + +All right, all right, what I said was merely.... + +THE FAIRY + +(_Aside, to_ TYLTYL.) Be quiet, you will only vex him and he will get +out of hand.... It is probably being so close to Light that has upset +him; they never did agree.... (_Aloud_.) Come, children, it's time.... +Put on your hat, Tyltyl, and turn the sapphire; we shall see what +happens: sometimes it works upon people's hearts, sometimes on their +minds, sometimes on the objects around them and often on all three; one +cannot tell before-hand.... + + (_He turns the sapphire. The closet brightens with a blue and + supernatural light which gives beauty and life to everything in the + room; the accessories of Mother Goose seem to wake up: the spindle + revolves madly and unreels threads of gold and crystal; the pumpkin + swells, sways from side to side and lights up; the Blue Bird bursts + into song; the snake-tub bubbles and pours forth fruits and + flowers; the moon-coloured and sun-coloured dresses wave and + glitter; the columns and aisles gleam with precious stones. But the + group of_ GIRLS _especially undergoes a radical and wonderful + transformation: their features relax, their eyes open wider, smiles + blossom on their lips, their frocks become gay and splendid, + innocence, gladness, kindness and beauty bloom once more; and_ + TYLTYL, _in an ecstasy, clapping his hands, intoxicated with + delight, rushes into the midst of them, giving and receiving kisses + and not knowing which of them to listen to_.) + +TYLTYL + +They're themselves again, they're themselves again!... How lovely they +are, how lovely they are!... Jalline, Milette my darling, Aimette, +Belline darling, Rosarelle, Roselle!... They are all as they were before +and I love every one of them!... Let us kiss again, again, again!... Oh, +let us kiss for ever!... + + (_At this moment_, THE VEILED GIRL, _who has played no part in the + transfiguration or in the general ecstasy, staggers in her corner + and, without uttering a sound, falls suddenly and unresistingly, + like a statue, and lies motionless, stretched on the floor. + Silence, terror and consternation, followed by cries and bustle_; + THE GIRLS _rush to her assistance and gather eagerly round her_.) + +ROSELLE + +(_Lifting her up_.) Help me, somebody! + +ROSARELLE + +She isn't hurt, is she? + +ROSELLE + +(_Examining her anxiously_.) No, no, I can't see anything. + +AIMETTE + +(_Stroking her forehead_.) She's breathing, she's sighing. + +ROSARELLE + +(_Kissing her_.) She has only fainted.... Tell us what you feel.... +You're not in pain, dear, are you? + +MILETTE + +She doesn't answer. + +JALLINE + +(_Taking one of her hands and stroking it_.) Perhaps she's hungry. + +MILETTE + +(_Stroking the other hand_.) No, can't you feel? She's cold. + +JALLINE + +Will you have my cloak? + +ROSELLE + +No, no, it's not that.... What she wants is a drop of brandy.... I +haven't my bottle.... And don't all crowd round her, she's suffocating. +She wants air!... + +ROSARELLE + +(_Supporting her head_.) Have you some water there?... We ought to send +for a doctor.... + +BELLINE + +She's as white as marble.... She might be dead.... + +ROSARELLE + +No, no, she's coming to.... I can hear her heart beating.... + +THE FAIRY + +(_Intervening_.) Come, come, it's nothing.... I have practised medicine +longer than men have and know a little more about it. Do not be uneasy; +there is nothing to fear; I will undertake to cure her.... But we are +wasting precious time, the night is passing and we shall get nothing +done.... (_To_ THE GIRLS.) Come, dears, go and dress yourselves; your +cloaks are waiting for you and everything is ready. Just follow Light; +she will advise you.... We will meet in the great ballroom of the +palace.... (THE GIRLS _go out, preceded by_ LIGHT. _To_ DESTINY.) You +too, Destiny, follow Light; you want another costume. You can't go as +you are. One must not be conspicuous, especially at this moment.... +(DESTINY _obeys, grudgingly_.) I don't quite know how to dress the +fellow. However, Light will think of something: she has more imagination +than I.... Let's see to the little patient. She's better.... (_Helping +her to rise_.) There, there.... Sit down on this bench.... No?... You +prefer to stand up?... As you please: in that case, lean against the +column, for the walls will soon disappear.... Now that we are alone, +Tyltyl, will you tell me at last, between ourselves, who that girl +is?... + +TYLTYL + +But, ma'am, I don't know at all.... + +THE FAIRY + +You must make an effort.... She can't live unless you remember who she +is.... It's a great responsibility. + +TYLTYL + +But it's not my fault.... I've done what I could; I can't make it out. + +THE FAIRY + +So much the worse for you. I can't understand it either.... Come, get +dressed. Here's the little jacket which Light brought you.... And now, +with one stroke of the wand, we will enter the ballroom and see what +your little friends have made of themselves. (_She touches the panels of +the closet, which disappear_.) + + + + +SCENE V + + + _A Ballroom in the Fairy's Palace_ + + (_All that remains standing is the columns and aisles forming the + portico of an immense, luminous room, which might have been hewn + and carved out of a mountain of amber. Under the dazzling arches_ + THE SIX GIRLS _move about, arrayed in resplendent, trailing gowns, + with their feet encased in gilt sandals, their hair hanging loose + and their hands filled with flowers. They joyously beckon to_ + TYLTYL, _who, at first dumbfounded, rushes towards them and joins + in their games and dances_. THE VEILED GIRL _alone stands on one + side, leaning against the column_.) + +THE FAIRY + +(_Observing_ DESTINY, _draped in a long black cape, with a broad-brimmed +Spanish sombrero on his head_.) I say, there's Destiny!... She has +dressed him like the villain in a play!... (_Clapping her hands_.) Come, +children, it is time to be starting.... All this doesn't count: the real +work is about to begin.... + +CURTAIN + + + + +ACT III + + + +SCENE VI + + _Before the Curtain representing Rocks_ + + (_Enter_ TYLTYL _and_ LIGHT.) + +TYLTYL + +(_Out of breath, dropping on to a boulder_.) They live a long way up, +the Ancestors!... Aren't you tired? + +LIGHT + +No, I was born in the mountains. + +TYLTYL + +(_Bending over a crevice_.) You're not like Destiny, who has almost +given out.... He's still at the bottom of the last precipice, with my +little friends.... He stumbles at every step and is limping badly.... +They won't be here yet awhile; and I am very glad to have a moment alone +with you, before they come, for I have a lot of things to ask you.... + +LIGHT + +Ask me anything you like, dear; I will do my best to answer. + +TYLTYL + +What do you think of these little friends of mine?... If you had to +choose, which would you take?... + +LIGHT + +I like them all, but it is not for me to choose; no one but yourself can +tell which one you love best. + +TYLTYL + +Ah, that's not so easy!... You see, I love them all!... For instance, I +love little Jalline, the beggar's daughter: she is so gentle and sweet, +such a darling!... + +LIGHT + +Yes, she is very attractive: a pretty little creature, with a pure and +simple mind.... + +TYLTYL + +But I also love the Mayor's daughter, Rosarelle.... She is really very +beautiful, not a bit conceited and much better-educated than the +others.... And then think of what she has done: she has left everything +to go with me.... + +LIGHT + +Yes, that is the proof of a real love.... + +TYLTYL + +But I also love Roselle, the inn-keeper's daughter, who is a very pretty +girl, so healthy and strong and frank and brave and cheerful and +amusing: you can't think how kind and affectionate she is.... + +LIGHT + +Yes, she has qualities; and I too find her very sympathetic.... + +TYLTYL + +But I also love the wood-cutter's daughter, Milette.... She has such +beautiful eyes and hair!... At first she seems a little awkward, a +little shy; but it's quite different when you know her: she is really +very playful and full of fun.... And then, have you noticed her mouth +and her teeth? + +LIGHT + +Yes, I've noticed them.... + +TYLTYL + +But I also love Belline, the butcher's daughter.... To begin with, she's +my cousin; and one always loves one's cousins. And then there's +something about her dark beautiful eyes that frightens me rather. I +adore that.... But she's not unkind, not at all.... Have you noticed her +smile? One can never tell exactly what it means.... + +LIGHT + +Yes, she has a strange smile.... + +TYLTYL + +But I also love the miller's daughter, Aimette.... To begin with, she's +also my cousin.... She keeps her eyes lowered under her long, curling +eyelashes; she blushes when you look at her and weeps when you speak to +her.... She looks a little silly; well, she's not that at all. She's +quite different when you know her a bit.... She's very bright and very +jolly and whispers such nice, sweet things to you that you at once want +to kiss her.... + +LIGHT + +I can see that the choice will not be easy. + +TYLTYL + +Which do you think the best? + +LIGHT + +There are neither better nor worse; each one is as good as the other; +and all are good when they suffer or when they love. + +TYLTYL + +The nuisance is that it seems you mustn't love more than one.... Tell +me, though, is that true, or is it only one of the things people say to +children just to keep them quiet? + +LIGHT + +No, it's true. When you love many, that merely shows that you haven't +yet found the one whom you were to love. + +TYLTYL + +But, after all, you, who know everything and see everything, must know +better than I and can tell me what I ought to do. + +LIGHT + +No, dear, that is beyond me, beyond the range of my sight. It is for +this very reason that we are going to consult those who do know; and +they are near at hand, because it is in you that they live. We seem to +be taking a great journey: that is an illusion; we are not going outside +yourself and all our adventures are happening within you.... But I hear +your little friends. Where is your green hat? + +TYLTYL + +Here. I took it off because I felt hot. + +LIGHT + +Put it on again quickly, so that there may be no more misunderstandings, +and turn the sapphire. + + (_He does so. Forthwith, on every side, all sorts of monsters + emerge from the ground and from between the rocks: monsters with + more or less human or animal shapes and grotesque, brutish or + repulsive faces. They hustle_ TYLTYL, _gather together and dance + round him_.) + +TYLTYL + +(_Terrified_.) Hullo, hullo, what's all this?... + +LIGHT + +Nothing. You must have turned the sapphire from left to right. + +TYLTYL + +So I did, I believe; I forgot.... But what do they want with me? They +are pushing up against me and snapping at my feet. + +LIGHT + +They won't hurt you; they are merely your own thoughts, which you +sometimes secretly think; now you have set them free and they are +showing themselves for an instant as they are. + +TYLTYL + +What!... Are my thoughts as ugly as that?... I should never have +believed it!... + +LIGHT + +Don't take it so much to heart!... They are not as ugly as some, because +you are still innocent and very young.... If you were to see those of +other men!... Besides, you have beautiful ones; but they are more +reluctant to show themselves.... However, I see the girls coming.... +Turn the sapphire from right to left, so that we may get rid of these +monsters, whom they must not see.... + + (_He does so; and the creatures go back into the ground. Enter_ THE + SIX GIRLS, _preceded by_ DESTINY _and followed, at a distance, by_ + THE WHITE PHANTOM, _who keeps on one side. They surround_ TYLTYL, + _overwhelming him with caresses and all speaking at the same + time_.) + +THE GIRLS + +Good-evening, Tyltyl!... We've found you again!... We were so anxious +about you!... We couldn't keep up with you.... Aren't you tired?... May +we kiss you?... Destiny held us back.... I wanted to run.... He stood in +the way.... Aren't you too hot?... Mind you don't catch cold.... Kiss me +too!... And me too!... And me too!... + +TYLTYL + +(_Distributing kisses all round_.) My sweethearts!... What darlings you +are, and how happy I feel!... I hope I have not made you walk too +fast?... You must forgive me; I am rather in a hurry.... Jalline dear, +you haven't hurt your foot, have you?... And you, Rosarelle? You are not +used to climbing rocks.... Aimette's hands are cold and Roselle has made +herself much too hot.... + +LIGHT + +Come, we will talk about all this later. We must now hasten to the +Ancestors, who are waiting for us and would be very much annoyed if we +arrived late.... + +DESTINY + +(_Who has grown smaller still and is now hardly taller than a man of +average height. He seems very tired and sits huddled on a boulder_.) Not +a step farther!... + +TYLTYL + +Hullo! You've grown a bit smaller again!... + +DESTINY + +I? I've not changed. I am always the same, I am.... + +TYLTYL + +I know, I know.... It's Light being so near, perhaps.... + +DESTINY + +Light and I have nothing in common.... In any event, I alone am master +and I order a halt.... + +LIGHT + +By all means; there is no need to go any farther. We have arrived; we +are here without taking another step, at the abode of the Ancestors.... + + (_The curtain parts and opens upon the next scene_.) + + + + +SCENE VII + + + _The Abode of the Ancestors_ + + _A large open space, under an Elysian light, which imparts to all + things an aspect of ethereal and lasting felicity and unchanging + gladness. The back and the two sides of the square are formed of + dwelling-places of different periods, some stately, some lowly, but + all radiant and a little unreal. In the foreground, on the right, + for instance, is the entrance to the cottage of_ TYLTYL'S + _grandparents; next comes the gable of a farm-house of older date; + then the front of a little eighteenth-century shop; and thus in + succession, running from right to left and across the back, a + seventeenth-century town-house, a sixteenth-century prison, tavern + and hospital, a fifteenth-century mansion; some thirteenth-century + hovels, a twelfth-century church, a Gallo-Roman farm and villa, and + so on. Intersecting the background at the middle is a street in + endless perspective, bordered with the very oldest houses and + leading to the huts and caves of primitive mankind. In the + foreground are a few stone benches standing under fine trees, + laurels, plane-trees or cypresses_. + + (TYLTYL, LIGHT, DESTINY _and_ THE SIX GIRLS _come forward, followed + at a distance by_ THE WHITE PHANTOM, _who keeps to one side as + usual. They have taken but a few steps when_ GAFFER _and_ GRANNY + TYL _come hurrying out of their cottage and, with exclamations of + delight, throw themselves into_ TYLTYL'S _arms_.) + +GRANNY TYL + +Tyltyl! Tyltyl!... Gracious, you again!... But this time it's not a +surprise. We were expecting you; we were told three days ago.... All the +same, though, we're so glad to see you that it's difficult to believe at +first.... But how big and strong you've grown, dear! And so +good-looking: I should never have known you!... Oh, dear, how nice it is +to get a kiss like this now and again!... + +GAFFER TYL + +Haven't you brought Mytyl this time?... + +GRANNY TYL + +Of course he hasn't; you know it's not her turn yet.... We know what +you're here for, Tyltyl: it's not to see us! You needn't blush!... You +young rascal, you scamp!... There, there, you're quite right; and the +sooner you set about it the better.... So it's one of these girls they +have to choose? + +TYLTYL + +Yes, Granny, it seems so. + +GAFFER TYL + +(_Eyeing them like an expert_.) Ho, ho!... And, my word, a very nice lot +too! My compliments! I admire your taste.... (_Pointing to_ ROSELLE.) If +I were you, I'd choose that one: she's the prettiest and the plumpest. + +GRANNY TYL + +Hold your tongue; no one's asking your advice: you know you've no say in +the matter. We're still too young; we've hardly begun to get cold and +haven't had time yet to pick up things.... It takes so long; there's so +much to learn!... But the others, especially the oldest, who now are the +youngest: it's they who know everything.... + +TYLTYL + +What? The oldest are the youngest in this country?... + +GRANNY TYL + +Yes, it seems one gets younger as one grows older.... I'm beginning to +notice it myself. + +TYLTYL + +That's odd.... But where on earth are they?... I see nobody.... + +GAFFER TYL + +They'll come very soon.... I wonder they're not here yet. + +TYLTYL + +Are there many of them? + +GRANNY TYL + +What do you think! All your ancestors since the world began! There'd be +so many that we shouldn't know where to put them!... But we shall only +see a few of them. A good many are travelling in other worlds; and, as a +fact, some of the oldest are always away. But those who are on the spot +choose in the name of all. They always agree; and it seems they very +seldom make a mistake.... But here's one coming out of his house. You +see the little man shutting up his shop? + + (_A spruce_ LITTLE MAN _is seen leaving the eighteenth-century + shop_.) + +TYLTYL + +Who's he? + +GRANNY TYL + +It's your grandfather's grandfather; he was a grocer at Versailles in +the reign of Louis the Fifteenth. + +TYLTYL + +What funny clothes! + +GRANNY TYL + +He has put on the things which he wore in his shop.... Here, as a rule, +the weather is so mild, the air so warm and balmy, that we've no need to +dress ourselves; but you wouldn't be able to see us if we had no +clothes; and so, in your honour, we've put on those we used to wear on +earth.... It'll be quite amusing: some of them date back ever so far.... +Look, there they come, out of the houses they once lived in.... + + (_Enter from the town-house a_ CITIZEN _of the time of Louis XIV; + from the sixteenth-century prison a_ PRISONER _still wearing chains + and irons on his feet and hands. His shackles now seem to be light + and cause him no inconvenience. He attracts_ TYLTYL'S _attention_.) + +TYLTYL + +Who is that one? Was he chained up? + +GRANNY TYL + +Yes, he is one of your ancestors who spent nearly all his life in +prison. + +TYLTYL + +It's not a thing to boast of; he'd have done better to stay at home. + +GRANNY TYL + +He did nothing wrong. He used to steal bread or other little things +which one could eat, to keep his children from starving. He suffered a +great deal; we think a lot of him.... + + (THE ANCESTORS _continue to leave their houses. An imposing and + richly-dressed_ MAN _appears on the threshold of the + fifteenth-century mansion_.) + +TYLTYL + +(_Pointing to him_.) And that one? + +GAFFER TYL + +That one is the richest.... It appears we were very rich at one time, +but that didn't last.... However, it doesn't matter here: the only thing +that counts, it seems, is what a man has done or thought.... For +instance, you see those beggars over there, coming out of the church? + + (_Enter from the twelfth-century church some four or five_ BEGGARS, + _clad in rags that are pitiful to look at, but idealized by the + fairy atmosphere_.) + +TYLTYL + +Yes, any number of them. + +GAFFER TYL + +Well, it seems that several generations of us were beggars.... We +succeeded one another, father and son, at the same church and in the +same doorway. It was very good for us, they say. It taught us patience, +resignation, endurance, temperance and the habit of never catching +cold.... But do you see the oldest, the one who looks poorest of all? + +TYLTYL + +The one with the beautiful white beard? + +GAFFER TYL + +Precisely.... Well, he's the Great Mendicant, the one whom we respect +most, first because he has an iron constitution and next because he +appears to have thought a very great deal in his corner under the +porch.... They say it's he who did most to develop our brains. + +TYLTYL + +But I don't see any women among them. Where are their wives? Weren't +they married? + +GRANNY TYL + +Of course they were; but there's nothing for us women to do to-day. The +men choose the women and the women the men.... When Mytyl comes, it will +be our turn. + +TYLTYL + +Look, there are three more. + + (_A diseased_ MAN _comes out of the hospital; another, carrying a + bottle and looking rather tipsy, out of the tavern; and, lastly, + out of the prison, a third figure, hairy and savage of aspect, + brandishing a blood-stained knife_.) + +GAFFER TYL + +(_Dismayed_.) I don't like this.... It's very tiresome that they should +have been told.... + +TYLTYL + +Why, who are they? + +GAFFER TYL + +An ugly lot, those three: the sick man, the drunkard and the +murderer.... They've done us a deal of harm. + +TYLTYL + +Then there was a murderer in the family? + +GAFFER TYL + +Of course, as in every family. Fortunately, none of the three has much +influence over us. As you see, they are small and sickly; they shrink +from century to century and are nothing like as healthy as the +others.... But it won't do for them to meddle in your choice.... If the +Great Peasant, the Great Mendicant and the Great Ancestor are there, all +will go well: the others won't dare to breathe a word; if not, they will +try to force their choice upon you and that will be a bad thing for you +and for the future of the entire family. + + (_Enter from the old farm-house a tall_ PEASANT, _dressed in the + mediaeval style. He closes the door carefully and steps forward + whittling a switch_.) + +GAFFER TYL + +Here comes the Great Peasant! That's good, that's good! + +TYLTYL + +That long, thin fellow? + +GAFFER TYL + +He certainly isn't fat; but he has great influence. He is one of the +mainstays of the family. + + (_Next enter from the villa one or two_ GALLO-ROMANS _and then, + from the hack of the street, among other_ MEN _of the Stone Age, an + exceedingly tall old_ MAN, _dressed in skins and leaning on a heavy + club_.) + +TYLTYL + +Why, we've got right back to savages now! + +GAFFER TYL + +That's the one! + +TYLTYL + +Who? + +GAFFER TYL + +The Great Ancestor! + +TYLTYL + +What? The one like an ape, with the big stick? + +GAFFER TYL + +You _must_ be quiet!... Don't treat him with disrespect!... It's a great +favour that he's showing you; he doesn't often go out.... Of all our +race he's the most important, the greatest, the most respected.... +Everything's shaping well: it'll probably be he, the Great Peasant and +the Great Mendicant who will put their heads together and choose your +bride for you. + +TYLTYL + +(_Indignantly_.) But I won't have that!... It doesn't concern them!... +What do they know about it?... A peasant, a savage and a beggar: what +next? + +GAFFER TYL + +Hold your tongue, I say!... I tell you, they represent all that is best +in you and in the whole family. If you obey them, if you submit to their +influence, you will be happy and safe.... Mind now! They're coming.... + + (THE ANCESTORS _have been gradually collecting at the back of the + stage. They bow, accost one another, shake hands, exchange + compliments. All show affectionate respect to_ THE GREAT PEASANT, + THE GREAT MENDICANT _and especially_ THE GREAT ANCESTOR, _gathering + around them and listening deferentially to what they say. On the + other hand_, THE SICK MAN, THE DRUNKARD _and_ THE MURDERER _are + left standing apart, forming a pitiful rear-guard. The group now + moves towards the benches in the foreground, where_ TYLTYL _and his + companions are gathered_.) + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +(_Coming forward_.) Good-evening, Tyltyl! + +TYLTYL + +Good-evening ... sir! + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +Kiss me first. Don't be afraid. I look rather savage, but it is only a +shape which I had to put on in order to make myself visible to you. I +had no other handy.... But I am really quite clean and I don't smell +bad. + +TYLTYL + +I never said you did! + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +No, but to judge by the grimace you made you weren't quite sure!... +(_Sitting down on the middle bench_.) I will sit down here; the Great +Mendicant will take his seat on my right and the Great Peasant on my +left. They don't smell either.... (THE GREAT MENDICANT _and_ THE GREAT +PEASANT _take their seats; the other_ ANCESTORS _stand behind him_.) And +I will take you on my knees.... I am glad to hold you in my arms for a +moment.... We have known each other so long! + +TYLTYL + +I don't remember ever seeing you before. + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +And yet we have always lived in each other; for you were already living +in me when I was on earth; and now I live in you while you are still on +that same earth, which we seem to have quitted.... But what do you think +of this place of ours?... Let me have the pleasure of showing you over +your home. + +TYLTYL + +My home? + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +Certainly.... You are at home here.... And a very nice home it is.... +Everything you see--this square, that prison, the church, those houses, +we who live in them--all this is really only inside yourself.... People +rarely see it, they don't even suspect it; but it's true. + +TYLTYL + +I should never have thought there was so much room inside myself and +that it was so large.... + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +It's much larger really; there's a great deal that you don't see.... But +that is not what interests us to-day; let us come straight to the point, +to the great question that brings you here.... We are going to choose +the woman whom you are to love.... + +TYLTYL + +Since you are so kind, there's one thing I should like to ask you.... + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +Ask me any questions you please. + +TYLTYL + +How is it that I have not, like other men, the right to choose the woman +I love? + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +But you have the right to choose and are here for the sole purpose of +making that choice. + +TYLTYL + +No, they tell me that it's you and the others who will make it. + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +But I and the others are all you.... You are we, we are you; and it's +all the same thing. + +TYLTYL + +Not for me.... They keep on telling me to hold my tongue, that it's not +my business, that it's no concern of mine.... Everybody's allowed to get +a word in, except me.... I've had enough, I'm sick and tired of it!... +Where do I come in? That's what I want to know! + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +You're simply acting as all men act when they think they are doing what +they want to do. + +TYLTYL + +But, after all, dash it, what business is it of yours? I can understand, +in a way, that the children I may one day have should claim some right +to select their mother; but the rest of you, over here, what difference +can it make to you? + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +Don't you see that it's all the same? Those who have lived in you live +in you just as much as those who are going to. There is no difference, +it all connects and it's still the same family. + +TYLTYL + +As you please, but I can't make it out.... And, if I refuse to obey, if +I love just for myself, if I take a different girl from the one they +want to force on me, what will they do then? What will happen? + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +Merely this, that the choice you will have made for yourself, without +our approval, will not be a real choice; in other words, you will not +love the woman whom you thought you loved. You will have made a mistake, +you will be unhappy and, at the same time, you will make all of us +unhappy, those who came before you as well as those who come after. + +TYLTYL + +Does that often happen? + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +Very often, far too often: that is why you see so many unhappy people on +earth. + +TYLTYL + +Well, what am I to do? + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +Where are your little friends?... Would you mind coming a little nearer, +dear ladies?... (_Gazing with attention at_ THE SIX GIRLS, _who come +forward and stand in front of him_.) Well, well, you have set us our +task, but you have made it very difficult: how is one to select when all +are equally beautiful? + +THE GREAT MENDICANT + +They are really very handsome. + +THE GREAT PEASANT + +And they appear to be very healthy, very quiet and very hard-working. + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +Do you recognize the one among them for whom we are waiting? + +THE GREAT MENDICANT + +Not yet. + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +It's strange, neither do I.... (_To_ THE GREAT PEASANT.) And you? + +THE GREAT PEASANT + +I can't say that I don't and I can't say that I do. + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +It's strange, very strange. And yet we know that the one who will make +us happy has arrived and is here among us. We generally recognize her at +the first glance. + +THE GREAT MENDICANT + +I can't understand it. + +THE RICH ANCESTOR + +(_Standing behind the bench, pointing to_ ROSARELLE.) Isn't it that +one?... What's your name, my dear? + +ROSARELLE + +Rosarelle. + +THE RICH ANCESTOR + +Who are you? + +ROSARELLE + +The daughter of the Mayor. + +THE RICH ANCESTOR + +Are you rich? + +ROSARELLE + +My father has money, I believe. + +THE RICH ANCESTOR + +You see? There is no doubt about it. + +THE SICK ANCESTOR + +(_Pointing to_ AIMETTE.) I say it's that one. + +THE DRUNKEN ANCESTOR + +(_Taking hold of_ ROSELLE.) This is the one I want. + +THE MURDERER ANCESTOR + +(_Leaping over the bench and taking hold of_ BELLINE.) And I take this +one! + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +(_Rising, in an authoritative tone_.) Be silent ... and withdraw!... +_(With an imperious gesture_.) Begone!... You know that you have lost +the right to raise your voice in my presence!... + + (_The four dissentient_ ANCESTORS, _addressed in these terms, move + away crestfallen_.) + +THE OTHER ANCESTORS + +(_Grouped behind the bench, clapping their hands_.) Hear! Hear!... Well +done!... It's what they deserve!... They have been wrong too often!... +They have done too much harm!... They would be the ruin of the +family!... + +JALLINE + +(_Going to_ THE GREAT MENDICANT _and clasping his knees_.) Perhaps I'm +the one.... I love him so! + +MILETTE + +(_Going to_ THE GREAT PEASANT _and clasping his knees_.) If you want to +know how much I love him, look at me and see. + +AIMETTE + +(_Going to_ THE GREAT ANCESTOR _and clasping his knees_.) Can't you see +that I have loved him longer than the others? I have loved him since I +first set eyes on him. I never dared say so; but I feel that I shall die +if you choose another. + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +My poor children, it is very sad, but my hands are tied. You will +perhaps cry for a few hours; but, if we chose one of you, she would +spend her whole life crying, for I do not see among you the one for whom +we are waiting.... Tyltyl! + +TYLTYL + +Yes? + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +Have you brought us no one else, besides those we see here? + +TYLTYL + +No, no one else. + +THE GREAT MENDICANT + +I see a tall white figure over there, against a tree; who is it? + +TYLTYL + +I really don't know. She follows us all the time, squeezes in wherever +we go, nobody knows her; and we can't get rid of her. + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +Go and fetch her. + + (TYLTYL _fetches_ THE WHITE PHANTOM _and brings her back, holding + her by the hand_.) + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +Who are you? + +TYLTYL + +It's no use asking her. She never answers; she can't talk. + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +(_To_ THE PHANTOM.) Come nearer, child, and let me lift the veil that +covers your face.... (_He removes the veil. The statue's face appears, +absolutely white, featureless and devoid of human expression_.) She has +no face.... (_To the other_ ANCESTORS _standing around them_.) Do you +know her? + +THE GREAT PEASANT + +She has no expression. + +THE GREAT MENDICANT + +She has no features.... She is like an unfinished statue. + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +What are we to do? It must be she. But who is she? She is not dead, or +we should know it.... Come, Tyltyl, make an effort, for everything +depends on you. You must remember.... + +TYLTYL + +I have tried my utmost.... Do what I will, I can't remember at all. + +THE GREAT ANCESTOR + +Listen, it is a serious matter. If we do not succeed in recognizing her, +all your life, all your happiness on earth will be nothing more than a +phantom like herself.... There is one last resource, one last hope, +which is that the children who are to be born of you may discover who +she is and that she is to be their mother. They see much farther and +deeper than we. But there is no time to lose; for this waiting and this +living in suspense are very dangerous for her. We must be quick +therefore; we must not waste a moment ... go, my little Tyltyl. You have +been very good and patient, very obedient and faithful to your race +throughout this ordeal. Take this kiss and farewell.... You too, my +dears, let me give you the parting kiss. Do not be too sad; another +happiness awaits you. There is more than one kind on that poor misguided +earth of yours. You have deserved every happiness that it can give.... +Good-bye, my dear daughters; good-bye, good-bye, my son. And we will +meet again whenever you wish: you know where to find us and we shall be +waiting for you.... + + (_The Scene grows dark and disappears from view; the Curtain of + Rocks closes; and_ TYLTYL, THE GIRLS, LIGHT _and_ DESTINY _are once + more alone among the boulders_.) + +DESTINY + +(_Seizing_ TYLTYL'S _hand_.) This way, this way!... Thanks to me, it +went off very well!... I said nothing about it; but it was I who foresaw +everything and planned everything; and all that has been done was +ordained by me.... + + (_They all go out_.) + +CURTAIN + + + + +ACT IV + + + +SCENE VIII + + + _Before the Curtain representing the Milky Way_ + + (_Enter_ TYLTYL _and_ LIGHT.) + +TYLTYL + +Where are we? + +LIGHT + +Near to the stars and yet within yourself. Before you is the great veil +of the Milky Way. Beyond it stretches the region in which your unborn +children are waiting to show you the mother whom they have chosen. + +TYLTYL + +It's a little like the Kingdom of the Future in "The Blue Bird." + +LIGHT + +Perhaps; and yet not quite the same thing. There it was the whole +kingdom, with everybody's children; here it is only a province, in which +are no children but yours. + +TYLTYL + +Have I many? + +LIGHT + +As many children as you have ancestors, as innumerable and no less +infinite. But, as with the Ancestors, we shall see only those who are +nearest to you, especially the youngest and smallest. + +TYLTYL + +Why the smallest? + +LIGHT + +Because they are nearest to their birth. As this approaches, they grow +smaller and younger; so that the youngest, who are the first to be born, +can hardly walk or stand. + +TYLTYL + +And the others? Are there any big ones? + +LIGHT + +There are children of all sizes, but I do not know that we shall see the +biggest, that is to say, those who will be born hundreds or thousands of +years hence.... There will not have been time to tell them; they do not +keep close to the doors, like the very little ones, but wander far away +waiting for their time to come. + +TYLTYL + +They must find it very tiresome to be kept waiting like that! + +LIGHT + +Nothing is ever tiresome in infinity. Besides they have to learn here +all that they will forget on earth. + +TYLTYL + +It seems hardly worth while then, to take so much trouble! + +LIGHT + +Oh, but it is! Something always remains and helps to build up the deep +happiness of life. + +TYLTYL + +Well, so much the better for them! As for me, I shall soon know what I +am to do. I hope we shall get through to-day, because, you see, I'd like +to have things settled.... But where on earth can they be, those girls +of mine and Destiny? (_Looking below him, on the right_.) The poor +little dears are up to their knees in the snow. This place is even +higher and more difficult to get at than where the Ancestors lived. + +LIGHT + +(_Looking down_.) They are not very far away.... But you have taken off +your hat again; that's a bad habit of yours. Put it on quickly, before +they come, and be careful to make no mistake this time, for, if you do, +the result may be very unpleasant. + + (TYLTYL _puts on his hat and turns the sapphire. Forthwith from the + earth and from every side little creatures of different sizes + appear, dressed like him and resembling him in nearly every + respect. They surround him, rush against him, hustle him and try to + drag him, some to the right, others to the left, while he struggles + in the midst of them without knowing to which he should give his + attention_.) + +TYLTYL + +(_Distraught_.) Hullo, hullo, what's all this? What does it mean? That +sapphire really is becoming impossible! + +LIGHT + +Don't worry: you'll have turned it the wrong way again. What did you do? + +TYLTYL + +How can I tell?... This is getting too much for me! Too mixed up, +really.... I must have pressed it instead of turning it. + +LIGHT + +That's what I thought. You have simply released some of your other +"You's." + +TYLTYL + +(_Dumbfounded_.) Some of my other "Me's"? + +LIGHT + +Yes, what I mean is that you are not alone inside yourself and that.... + +TYLTYL + +(_More and more dumbfounded_.) I am not alone inside myself?... + +LIGHT + +Why, no, there are a number of other personalities there, more or less +like you and all the time trying to get the upper hand. + +TYLTYL + +No, but really, what else is there inside me? I must be a sort of +menagerie or Noah's ark! There's no end to it! + +LIGHT + +That's true: there would be no end if we had the time to go into it +all.... But press the sapphire down now and all will be well. + + (TYLTYL _presses the sapphire and all his_ DOUBLES _disappear_.) + +TYLTYL + +My word! A good riddance!... Well, as you say, they may be the least bit +like me, but some of them are very ugly. Particularly a big dark one, +who kept on tripping me up and very nearly made me fall. + +LIGHT + +Of course, there are some of all kinds, as in every man. One must learn +to choose the best and avoid the worst.... But here come your little +friends. + + (_Enter first_ THE WHITE PHANTOM.) + +TYLTYL + +(_Amazed_.) Hullo!... What's the matter with her?... She seems quite in +a hurry to-day and moves like an angel. + + (_Enter next_ MILETTE, BELLINE, ROSELLE _and_ ROSARELLE, _followed + by_ AIMETTE _and_ Jalline, _who are supporting_ DESTINY _between + them. He is now a head shorter than_ TYLTYL, _wears the same tragic + costume as before, seems very weary and sinks down on a heap of + snow_.) + +TYLTYL + +(_Going to him, with a certain solicitude_.) Are you ill? + +DESTINY + +I? Not at all: I am always the same, I am unchangeable.... But when you +alone are responsible for everything, when you have to manage +everything, direct everything and foresee everything and when nobody +helps you (_casting an aggressive eye on_ LIGHT), you are entitled to a +moment's rest.... I therefore order a halt. It is decided irrevocably: +to-day we go no farther. + +LIGHT Admirable! And so it shall be, for we have arrived; and with +Destiny's permission, we shall find ourselves, without taking another +step, among the children who are awaiting us.... + + (_The curtain parts and opens upon the next scene_.) + + + + +SCENE IX + + + _The Abode of the Children_ + + _The immense halls, the lofty vaults, the infinite perspectives of + arches and columns of the Kingdom of the Future in "The Blue Bird"; + but this time, it being the nuptial hour, everything is of a soft, + milky white, gleaming and transparent. The radiant shapes of + amber-coloured light bathe in unspeakable gladness all the things + that they touch; and everywhere are signs of a deep and unfaltering + joy. The boundless horizon stretches towards the veiled white of + the Milky Way, the ether quivering with myriads of unknown stars_. + + (_When the curtain opens_, TYLTYL, LIGHT, DESTINY _and_ THE SIX + GIRLS _are in the foreground, on the right, at the foot of one of + the alabaster columns supporting the entrance-arch. They take a few + steps into the immense deserted hall, while_ THE WHITE PHANTOM + _hides timidly behind the column_.) + +TYLTYL + +(_A little disappointed_.) There's nobody here!... + +LIGHT + +I know why it is. There are several doors; as you were all very tired, I +chose the one that was nearest. They are probably waiting for us at the +principal entrance. + +TYLTYL + +How shall we let them know? + +LIGHT + +The atmosphere will do that: here everything is known immediately and +every event happens everywhere at the same moment. + +TYLTYL + +It's a very fine place, this: splendid large rooms and a very high +ceiling; lots of light and air.... + +LIGHT + +And it's still always inside yourself. + +TYLTYL + +What, this is inside me too? + +LIGHT + +Why, yes; of course it is. + +TYLTYL + +Very well, then; that's all right. Please step in: you're very welcome. +Won't you sit down while you wait? + +LIGHT + +We shall not have long to wait, for I believe they have seen us. + + (A CHILD'S _head appears for an instant between two columns and is + then briskly withdrawn, exclaiming_, "This way! This way! They're + here!" _Soon after, seven or eight_ CHILDREN _of about twelve years + of age, in short white tunics, with bare arms, legs and feet, run + up from the back of the hall and stop in front of the visitors. The + largest holds out his hand to_ TYLTYL.) + +THE CHILD + +Good-evening, grandpapa! + +TYLTYL + +Grandpapa?... Who's that?... Where is he?... + +THE CHILD + +(_Bursting into laughter_.) Why, it's you! + +TYLTYL + +(_Dumbfounded_.) I? Am I a grandpapa already? + +THE CHILD + +Of course you are, eighty times over!... We are the first to arrive. The +others are on their way.... (_To the other_ CHILDREN.) He doesn't seem +to believe it! + +ANOTHER CHILD + +You might give us a kiss. + +TYLTYL + +(_Kissing them all_.) I will! I will!... But how do I come to be a +grandpapa? + +THE CHILD + +Surely it's quite simple: you will be our grandpapa when we are your +grandchildren. + +TYLTYL + +Obviously, that's clear.... So you exist already? + +THE CHILD + +Naturally, since you yourself exist.... I say, are those the grandmammas +you're bringing us? + +TYLTYL + +Yes; it seems you're to pick out the best one. + +ANOTHER CHILD + +(_Clapping his hands and dancing for joy_.) Oh, how pretty they are!... +(_Throwing himself into_ JALLINE'S _arms_.) I take this one, because she +is so soft!... + +ANOTHER CHILD + +(_Throwing his arms round_ AIMETTE'S _neck_.) And I this one, because +she is so sad!... + +ANOTHER CHILD + +(_Kissing_ ROSELLE.) I choose this one, because's she's always +laughing!... + +THREE OTHER CHILDREN + +(_Each taking one of_ THE GIRLS, _kissing and fondling her and laughing +and skipping with delight_.) And I choose this one, because she smells +so nice!... I choose this one!... I choose this one!... + +THE FIRST CHILD + +(_Intervening_.) One moment, one moment, if you please.... This has +nothing to do with us; our turn will come. You know that only the +smallest have the right to choose who is to be their mother. All we have +to do is to help them with our advice and to stop them if they make +mistakes; but that's a thing which has never happened yet. They were +quite some distance away, at the principal gate, but they won't be long +now. + +TYLTYL + +Here come some bigger ones! + + (_Enter a new group of_ CHILDREN, _apparently about fifteen years + of age. The oldest goes to_ TYLTYL _and shakes hands with him_.) + +THE OLDEST CHILD + +Good-evening, great-grandfather!... + +TYLTYL + +Who's that? I? I'm a great-grandfather now!... + +THE OLDEST CHILD + +Of course you are!... I am very glad to see you for a minute, for we +shall most nicely not have the pleasure of meeting on earth.... Well, I +understand that your visit to the Ancestors was not much of a success. + +TYLTYL + +Let's rather put it that they hadn't quite made up their minds. But how +is it that you already know what happened there? + +THE OLDEST CHILD + +Why, of course we know everything that happens inside you; we're there +ourselves. Besides, there's very little that separates us from the +Ancestors: our interests are the same and our paths often meet. + +THE FIRST CHILD + +Look out! Here are the little ones!... I see five coming.... There's +only one missing, the littlest.... + + (_From the back of the halls come five_ LITTLE CHILDREN _holding + one another's hands_.) + +TYLTYL + +Who are those five little ones? They are very sweet. + +THE FIRST CHILD + +Why, they are your children: two boys and three girls! + +TYLTYL + +Mine? Shall I have five children? + +THE FIRST CHILD + +Six, you will have six, for the last little one isn't here yet.... I +promise you, the world can do with them, after what people have been up +to, down there!... + +TYLTYL + +But I shall never be able to feed them all!... + + (THE FIVE LITTLE ONES, _still holding hands, have stopped in front + of_ THE SIX GIRLS _and stand looking at them solemnly, without + speaking. By degrees, the halls have become filled with a host of + other_ CHILDREN _who gather round_ THE FIVE LITTLE ONES _and watch + them. The silence at last becomes irksome and_ TYLTYL _breaks it_.) + +TYLTYL + +Well, children, aren't you going to kiss your papa? + +THE YOUNGEST CHILD + +(_Ordering him with a serious gesture to be silent_.) Mamma first.... +Where is she? + +TYLTYL + +Why, she must be here; she's one of those. You have only to choose. + +THE YOUNGEST CHILD + +(_To the one beside him_.) Do you see her? + +THE OTHER + +(_Shaking his head sadly_.) No. + +THE THREE OTHERS + +(_In succession_.) No more do I.... No more do I.... No more do I.... + +JALLINE + +(_Rushing forward, catching hold of one of the_ CHILDREN _and kissing +him_.) But that's impossible!... Here, look at me?... Don't you see how +much I'll love you?... + +THE CHILD + +Yes, but you're not the one. + +ROSELLE + +(_Taking another_ CHILD _on her knees_.) And me? Won't you have me for +your mamma? + +THE CHILD + +No, no, it's not you. + +ROSARELLE + +(_Catching hold of another_ CHILD.) And me? Don't you love me? You'll +see how happy we shall be!... We shall have a lovely house full of toys +and I shall give you everything you want.... + +THE CHILD + +(_Vainly trying to contain its tears_.) No, no!... + +BELLINE + +(_Taking_ THE YOUNGEST.) Look here, you seem to know more than the +others.... Don't you recognize me?... Are you fond of sweets?... + +THE YOUNGEST CHILD + +(_Struggling until she lets him go and crying without disguise_.) Let me +go! Let me go! + +TYLTYL + +Here's a pretty business! He's crying!... And the other one as well!... +But what do they want?... They're very hard to please.... + + (THE YOUNGEST CHILD _wipes his eyes and takes the hand of the next, + who does the same by his neighbour, until they all hold hands + again_.) + +THE YOUNGEST CHILD + +Come!... + + (THE FIVE LITTLE CHILDREN _move away, with staid dignity, and go + out on the left_.) + +TYLTYL + +What's the matter with them? Where are they going? + +ONE OF THE BIG CHILDREN + +They are going to the other door. + +ANOTHER + +They are going to fetch the smallest of them all. + +ANOTHER + +The smaller they are, the more they know. + +THE FIRST CHILD + +But where is he, the smallest one? Haven't you seen him? + +ANOTHER + +No, no one has seen him since this morning.... It's strange, for he is +always with his little sisters. + +TYLTYL + +(_Looking at the throng of_ CHILDREN _filling the halls_.) How many +there are! + +ONE OF THE BIG CHILDREN + +It's only one part of the family. + +A CHILD + +(_Which has been following the progress of_ THE FIVE CHILDREN _with his +eyes_.) They are stopping at the third door. + +TYLTYL + +Who? + +THE CHILD + +The five little ones. + +ANOTHER CHILD + +They seem to be looking for something. + +THE FIRST CHILD + +Let us go and see what they're doing. They know what they know. + +OTHER CHILDREN + +Yes, yes, let us all go.... They know, they know! + + (_A great stir in the crowd of_ CHILDREN. _They all run in the same + direction and go out on the left. In a moment the hall is emptied + of all except_ TYLTYL, LIGHT, THE SIX GIRLS _and_ DESTINY.) + +TYLTYL + +Let us go after them too! + + (_He goes out, followed by LIGHT and_ THE SIX GIRLS, _with_ DESTINY + _bringing up the rear. The only occupant of the stage is_ THE WHITE + PHANTOM, _whom everybody has overlooked and who has never left the + column on the right against which she has been leaning. The stage + remains empty for a moment and then, from the back of the halls, + comes a_ CHILD _even smaller than the youngest of the_ FIVE LITTLE + ONES. _He walks with resolute step; on reaching the columns in the + foreground, he appears to take his bearings, turns his head to + right and left and then, suddenly, goes straight to_ THE WHITE + PHANTOM, _in front of whom he stops and takes up his stand, + contemplating her at length, gravely and silently, with his finger + in his mouth. At last he puts out one hand and takes_ THE PHANTOM + _by the hem of her dress_.) + +THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + +Is it ... really you? + +THE PHANTOM + +(_Speaking for the first time and struggling to find her voice, which +seems to come from far away and to stick in her throat_.) Yes. + +THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + +I knew it. Come.... + +THE PHANTOM + +Where to? + +THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + +Over here.... I'm going to tell the others.... + +THE PHANTOM + +Not yet.... I can't yet.... + +THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + +(_Still dragging her by her dress towards a marble bench which stands +between the columns in the foreground_.) Come.... (_He makes her sit +down, settles her on the bench, caresses her and kisses her_.) Come ... +it's you.... I knew it.... I'm kissing you.... Don't you know how to +kiss yet? (THE PHANTOM _shakes her head_.) No?... Like this.... I'll +teach you.... (_He kisses and caresses her slowly and deliberately_.) +You're no longer cold? + +THE PHANTOM + +(_Smiling at last_.) No. + +THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + +(_Still kissing her_.) You see, that's better already. + + (_Under_ THE CHILD'S _kisses and caresses_, THE STATUE _has + gradually taken life: the eyes open, the lips flutter, the face + begins to colour, the body loses its terrible stiffness, the arms + become supple and circle round the_ THE CHILD'S _neck_.) + +THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + +(_Nestling against her_.) You're better, aren't you?... Not sleepy any +more?... How good it is, being together!... They're still looking for +you, you know.... And it's I who found you!... I knew, I knew.... + +THE PHANTOM + +So did I, so did I.... I was waiting.... + +THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + +It's splendid, isn't it?... (_Nestling more closely_.) Oh, such fun!... +Do you like it too? + +THE PHANTOM + +Yes.... Yes, I am happy. + +THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + +Why aren't you laughing? + +THE PHANTOM + +Because I am too happy. + +THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + +So am I, so am I!... Don't look: I'm going to cry a little, but it +doesn't mean anything.... + +THE PHANTOM + +(_Beginning to return his kisses and caresses_.) I'm going to cry too. + +THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + +(_Intoxicated with rapture_.) You're kissing me!... Mummy!... Then it's +true, then it's true, it is you!... Again, again!... No, not any more: I +can't bear it!... Will they understand, will they be able to understand? + +THE PHANTOM + +Call them, it is time. + +THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + +Don't cover your face: they wouldn't see it and they wouldn't believe +me.... (_Drawing aside the veils_.) Oh, mummy, how lovely you are!... +(_Her hair spreads all over her shoulders_.) Oh, mummy, your hair!... +What lots of it!... There, that's much better, I can kiss you better +so.... (_Listening_.) Listen, they're coming back! They're here! + + (THE FIVE LITTLE ONES _come rushing headlong into the hall_.) + +THE FIVE LITTLE ONES + +Where is she?... Where is she?... Where is she?... + +THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + +(_Standing up on the bench, beside his_ MOTHER, _showing her to the +others and dancing with delight_.) Here! Here!... She's here, she's +here!... I found her!... + + (THE MOTHER _tries to rise and take them in her arms, but they do + not give her time. They fling themselves upon her, load her with + kisses and caresses, make her sit down again and clamber on her + knees, swarming and scrambling over her and all speaking + together_.) + +THE FIVE LITTLE ONES + +It's she!... It's she!... It's mummy!... Where was she?... Did you know +her?... I should think so! I should think so!... You too? Yes, I too, I +too!... You're taking up all the room!... You're kissing her all the +time!... It's not fair, it's my turn!... She's my mummy too!... We +looked for you so hard!... We waited for you so long!... She is lovely, +isn't she?... She's the loveliest of them all!... There's no one like +her!... Tell us, tell us!... What?... I love you! Do you love me?... +Kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss!... What sweet things mummies are!... How +delicious it is to kiss!... To think one didn't know!... All for us, all +for us!... The only happiness!... You're everything in the world to us, +we're everything in the world to you!... I dote on you!... I say, do you +know me? I shall be the second.... And I the third.... And I the +last!... Kiss me first, I shall have the longest to wait!... She's +laughing!... She's happy too!... Answer us, speak to us!... Your arm, I +want to feel your arm round my neck!... Mine too, mine too!... Don't go +away, whatever you do!... We don't know where we are, we're mad with +delight!... We can't wait any longer!... + + (_While they are thus kissing and talking, the other_, BIGGER + CHILDREN, _those of the future generations, gradually return and + fill the halls again. The first arrivals stop behind the group + formed by_ THE MOTHER _and_ THE SIX LITTLE ONES; _and whispers are + heard and rise from the growing crowd_: "They've found her!... + They've found her!.... It's she!... How happy they are!... How + beautiful she is!... How kind she looks!... Can we kiss her?... + Wait, wait, it's their turn now!... Ours will come!..." TYLTYL, + _followed by_ LIGHT, THE SIX GIRLS _and_ DESTINY, _now enters the + hall_. THE CHILDREN _fall back to let him pass_. THE SMALLEST OF + THEM ALL _sees him first, goes to him and, taking him by the hand, + leads him to_ THE MOTHER.) + + THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + + (_Gravely_.) It is she.... I found her.... + + (THE MOTHER _rises and stands in front of_ TYLTYL.) + +ANOTHER LITTLE ONE + +Do you recognize her? + + (TYLTYL _hesitates, passes his hand over his forehead, vainly + searches his memory_.) + +TYLTYL + +Not yet.... She's beautiful! + +ANOTHER LITTLE ONE + +Kiss her; it's she. + +ANOTHER LITTLE ONE + +There is no other. + +THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + +We want no other. + +TYLTYL + +(_Taking_ THE MOTHER'S _hand_.) Where do you come from?... Who are +you?... Where have I seen you before?... I can't remember.... + + (THE MOTHER _does not reply. Her colour comes and goes, her eyes + open and shut, her life fluctuates with the ebb and flow of the + memory which she strives to awaken_.) + +THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + +Take care! You're hurting her! + + (THE OTHER LITTLE ONES _form a line in front of her as though to + defend her_.) + +A LITTLE ONE + +Go away! + +ANOTHER LITTLE ONE + +Go away! You sha'n't have her until you know her! + +ANOTHER LITTLE ONE + +You sha'n't have any other! + +ANOTHER LITTLE ONE + +Go away! She shall stay with us till you know! + +ANOTHER LITTLE ONE + +Go away! We'll wait for you; we shall all be down there! + +THE FIRST LITTLE ONE + +Go away, go away!... You're hurting her dreadfully! + +THE SMALLEST OF THEM ALL + +(_Embracing his_ MOTHER.) Come, mummy, come!... He doesn't know yet!... + + (_They all gather and press closely round their_ MOTHER, _hurrying + and dragging her along and waving good-bye to_ TYLTYL: "See you + soon! See you soon again!... Down there, down there!... See you + soon!" ...THE MOTHER _turns and gazes fixedly at_ TYLTYL; _then the + outlines of the hall darken, lose their colour and distinctness, + dissolve and disappear. Only_ TYLTYL, LIGHT, DESTINY _and_ THE SIX + GIRLS _remain in front of the Curtain representing the Milky Way_.) + +TYLTYL + +Well, I'm in a nice mess!... What am I to do?... Is it my fault if I +can't remember?... + +LIGHT + +Don't be afraid. They know what they are saying. You will find her +again.... Let us go, quickly!... I am sure that she is waiting for you +where you least expect her. + +TYLTYL + +(_Dreamily_.) She really is beautiful!... I believe they are right.... I +believe it's really she.... + + (_They all go out_.) + +CURTAIN + + + + +ACT V + + + +SCENE X + + + _Before the Curtain representing the Edge of a Forest_ + + (_Enter_ TYLTYL _and_ LIGHT.) + +LIGHT + +Here we are at last. + +TYLTYL + +Where? + +LIGHT + +Why, near your home!... Don't you recognize your forest? + +TYLTYL + +My forest, my forest?... (_Looking around him_.) Why, so it is!... I've +seen those beeches before, somewhere. + +LIGHT + +That's more than likely, as they're close to the house in which you were +born. + +TYLTYL + +Well, it's about time I did get home. I am tired out. + +LIGHT + +It has been a fatiguing journey, but not without results. + +TYLTYL + +Results?... Where?... When we started I was in love with six girls; now +we've returned, I love only one; and she's just the one who hasn't come +back with me.... But where are those six others and what are they doing? +And Destiny too? He was looking very ill.... + +LIGHT + +Here they are. + + (_Enter_ THE SIX GIRLS. _The last_, JALLINE, _carries_ DESTINY, + _who still wears his cloak and sombrero, but who has shrunk to the + dimensions of quite a small child and appears very tired_.) + +JALLINE + +(_Passing_ DESTINY _to_ MILETTE.) Will you take him for a moment? He's +not very big, but dreadfully heavy. + +MILETTE + +(_Taking him from_ JALLINE'S _arms_.) Come to me, my little Tiny, come; +there, don't cry.... + +DESTINY + +(_In a whining baby voice_.) Me? I never cwy!... I'm alwayth the +thame!... I'm unthakable, immovable, indefatigable, implacable and +inegthowable!... + +MILETTE + +Yes, yes, Tiny, we know, you're a very good little boy.... (DESTINY +_falls asleep in her arms_.) He's gone to sleep! + +JALLINE + +(_Wrapping him in his cape, with a motherly gesture_.) He's a dear, +sweet, obedient little thing, but seems very tired. + +LIGHT + +Poor little Destiny!... He has no luck!... But we will see to him +later.... What we have to do now, my children, is to bid one another +good-bye ... and for the last time.... + +TYLTYL + +For the last time!... + +LIGHT + +Why, yes; we can't spend our whole life travelling! Besides, you are +near your homes, since you all of you dwell round the forest. We have +learned what we sought and we know what we wanted to know, that man is +granted only one love, while the others are merely unfortunate errors +that bring sorrow to innumerable lives.... You were all of you about to +choose wrongly; and you may rejoice, therefore, even now, when we have +to part, that the mistake was discovered before it was too late.... And, +more than this, the Fairy has charged me with glad tidings for you all: +the one love you have each of you sought is waiting for you by your own +fire-side, in your own home, or at least will be there very soon.... So +do not linger, but hasten to meet it.... The hour grows late; soon the +cocks will be crowing; the birds are beginning to wake. Let us bid one +another good-bye, quickly, without regret, without sad thoughts or +tears.... + +MILETTE + +(_Handing_ DESTINY _to_ AIMETTE.) Just take him for a minute, while I +kiss TYLTYL.... (_Kissing_ TYLTYL.) Good-bye, Tyltyl dear. I must go +first. Dad gets up early and there would be awful trouble if he didn't +find me in the house. Good-bye. Let me kiss you again.... Be nice to me +when we meet: we're neighbours and shall have to spend all our lives in +this forest. + +TYLTYL + +(_Kissing her affectionately_.) Be nice to you, Milette? Of course I +will! It's not your fault or mine: we both know that. + +MILETTE + +Good-bye, good-bye!... I must fly!... + + (_She runs out_.) + +AIMETTE + +(_Handing_ DESTINY _to_ JALLINE.) Take hold of the little man for a +second, will you? (_Kissing_ TYLTYL.) Good-bye, Tyltyl.... Don't let us +forget each other.... I shall perhaps love somebody else; but I shall +never love him as I loved you. + +LIGHT + +Come, come, you are wasting time.... We shall never have done if we go +on like this.... If the cock crows before you return, your parents will +know everything; and then they'll be angry.... Just give him a sisterly +kiss: that's all that's necessary.... You're not going far; and you'll +meet again many a time, in real life, and will like each other the +better because of your truer knowledge.... + + (ROSARELLE _and_ BELLINE _kiss_ TYLTYL _without speaking and go + out_. ROSELLE _blows her nose vigorously, dabs at her eyes and + stammers_, "My dear Tyltyl! my dear Tyltyl!... He was so nice!... I + shall see you again, sha'n't I, I shall see you again?... You shall + have the best of everything at the inn!" _Then she rushes out_. + JALLINE _alone lingers behind, holding_ DESTINY _in her arms_.) + +LIGHT + +Well, Jalline, what are you doing here? + +JALLINE + +I can't go away at once, just like the others!... + +LIGHT + +But you must, dear Jalline. Not because it is fate, as men say, but +because it is the will of those who know everything and who never +die.... Good-bye, my little Jalline. You have been very sweet, very +loving, very exquisite; and I thought that you would be chosen.... Don't +cry, dear. Hand over poor little Destiny to me, I will take care of him; +and give Tyltyl a long, long kiss.... + +JALLINE + +(_Hands_ DESTINY _to_ LIGHT _and gives_ TYLTYL _a long kiss_.) Good-bye, +Tyltyl. + +TYLTYL + +Good-bye, Jalline! + + (JALLINE _moves away with slow reluctant steps_.) + +LIGHT + +And, now that we are alone, let me kiss you too.... We shall meet once +again to take another and a longer journey.... + +TYLTYL + +Another journey? And a longer one? + +LIGHT + +The last, the happiest and the most beautiful. But I am not allowed to +speak of it yet.... Good-bye, Tyltyl. Remember, dear, that you are not +alone in this world and that all that you see in it has neither +beginning nor end. With this thought in your heart, letting it grow with +your growth, you will always know, whatever may happen, the right thing +to say, the right thing to hope for.... And you, Tiny, don't cry like +that! Some day we shall begin to understand each other. + +DESTINY + +(_Half-asleep, tearfully, lisping_.) Me? I never cwy!... I order a +thtop!... Forward! Forward! Forward! + + (LIGHT _goes out on the left, carrying_ DESTINY _in her arms_. + TYLTYL _follows her a little way, waving his hand in farewell; and + the Curtain opens on the last scene_.) + + + + +SCENE XI + + + _The Awakening_ + + _The same scene as in Act I_. TYLTYL _is sound asleep. The light + trickles gaily through all the crannies of the closed shutters. The + Blue Bird is singing madly in his cage_. + + (_A knock at the door_.) + +TYLTYL + +(_Waking with a start_.) Who's there? + +MUMMY TYL + +(_Behind the door_.) It's me!... Open the door quickly!... We're +expecting a visitor.... + +TYLTYL + +Wait, wait, till I slip on my breeches.... (_Rising and seeing with +amazement that he is dressed_.) Hullo, I've gone to bed with my clothes +on! How did I come to do that?... + + (_He opens the door. Enter_ MUMMY TYL _fussily, carrying a bundle + of sticks_.) + +MUMMY TYL + +Quick, quick!... Help me light the fire and tidy the room.... Go and +wake up Mytyl.... They'll be here in a minute. + +TYLTYL + +(_Doing his best to help her_.) Who's "they"? + +MUMMY TYL + +Of course, you don't know. Daddy Tyl met them yesterday, but you had +gone to bed.... Do open the shutters, I can't see what I'm doing.... +(TYLTYL _opens the shutters and the daylight floods the room_.) And call +Mytyl, so that she can help me to get things straight.... What a +mess!... And the dust! I can't let them see my house like this. (_Enter_ +MYTYL.) + +TYLTYL + +Hullo, there Mytyl is!... But you haven't told me.... + +MUMMY TYL + +(_To_ MYTYL.) The fire's beginning to burn up.... You make the coffee, +while I start cleaning.... What's this? More cabbage leaves under the +tap! + +MYTYL + +It's not my fault. Tyltyl promised me.... + +MUMMY TYL + +Well, I never! A nice thing!... It's a blessing that I came to look for +myself!... Take the broom, Tyltyl, while I give a rub to the plates and +put them away. + +TYLTYL + +But look here: who's coming? Is it the Shah of Persia or the Emperor of +China? + +MUMMY TYL + +Much better than that. You'll never guess.... Do you remember our +neighbour? + +MYTYL + +What neighbour? + +MUMMY TYL + +There aren't so many of 'em.... The one with the pretty little pink +house, by the road-side, and a garden full of sunflowers and hollyhocks. + +TYLTYL + +Of course!... And they had a little girl to whom I gave my dove? + +MUMMY TYL + +That's right. + +TYLTYL + +They've been gone a long time. + +MUMMY TYL + +Five or six years, that's all. They went to the town to live with the +girl's uncle. He was a widower, with no children of his own, and has +died and left them all his money. They told Daddy Tyl they're coming +back here for good, going into their nice little house again. It +belonged to little Joy's uncle. + +TYLTYL + +Little Joy? + +MUMMY TYL + +Yes, yes, you know: that's the little girl's name. They used to call her +Jojo when she was small; but her name is Joy. Daddy Tyl met her last +night, says that he could hardly believe his eyes, that she's taller +than you and beautiful ... well, there! With hair like gold, real gold! +That's worth thinking about.... So I want the house tidy and all of us +to look decent and respectable.... You can never tell what may happen. +We're of good stock too. Your grandfather's father was a pork-butcher. + +TYLTYL + +It's curious, I didn't meet him. + +MUMMY TYL + +Whom? + +TYLTYL + +My grandfather's father. + +MUMMY TYL + +That's not to be wondered at: he's been dead these fifty-seven years. + +TYLTYL + +(_Sweeping the floor lustily_.) Perhaps I had better put on my Sunday +clothes? + +MUMMY TYL + +No, you needn't; you're all right as you are. We'll just lay the white +tablecloth.... Besides, there's no time now; here they come; I can hear +them walking up the path. + + (_A knock at the door_. MUMMY TYL _opens it. Enter_ THE NEIGHBOUR + _and_ JOY, _followed by_ DADDY TYL, _with his axe on his + shoulder_.) + +DADDY TYL + +(_Calling out from the threshold_.) Here they are! Here they are! + +THE NEIGHBOUR + +Yes, it's Joy and I, Madame Tyl.... Good-morning, a Merry Christmas and +good luck to everybody, as my poor husband used to say when he was +alive. I'm glad to see you looking so well.... And these are the +children? Don't tell me that this great, big, pretty girl is Mytyl? And +can that be Tyltyl, that strapping young fellow who looks so smart? + +MUMMY TYL + +Yes, yes, Madame Berlingot, they're the sort that keep on shooting up +till you don't know where you are. Tyltyl hasn't grown as much as his +sister; but he's stronger. There's not a sturdier lad in all the +country-side.... But it's your young lady who's beautiful!... She looks +the very picture of the blessed saints!... (_Observing_ TYLTYL, _who +stands wide-eyed and entranced_.) Now then, Tyltyl, where are your +manners? Don't you, know your little playmate? Be civil, say +how-do-you-do, shake hands and give her a chair. + +DADDY TYL + +Before you sit down, would you like to see the cows? + +THE NEIGHBOUR + +What, do you keep cows now? + +DADDY TYL + +Why, yes; we've not done so badly either.... Two little cows and a +calf.... Little cows are better than big ones; and they only eat half as +much.... One of them, the red one, gives us twenty quarts of milk every +day. + +THE NEIGHBOUR + +Then you've put up a cow-house? You hadn't one before. + +DADDY TYL + +Yes, I ran it up myself, with Tyltyl to help.... (_Leading her towards +the door on the left_.) It's this way: we made a good job of it and it's +quite worth seeing. + +THE NEIGHBOUR + +Dear me, yes; I'd like to see it at once. + + (_They all go out, except_ TYLTYL _and_ JOY, _who remain standing + face to face. As soon as they are gone_, TYLTYL _goes up to_ JOY + _and takes her hand_.) + +TYLTYL + +Is it ... really you? + +JOY + +Yes, it's I. + +TYLTYL + +I knew you at once. + +JOY + +And I you. + +TYLTYL + +You are even more beautiful than up there. + +JOY + +You too. + +TYLTYL + +I say, it's funny that I couldn't remember.... + +JOY + +I hadn't forgotten. + +TYLTYL + +Oh, how lovely you are!... Let me kiss you. + +JOY + +You may if you like. + + (_They kiss each other awkwardly, but affectionately_.) + +TYLTYL + +They haven't a suspicion. + +JOY + +You think that? + +TYLTYL + +I'm sure of it. They don't know what we know. But the little ones knew. + +JOY + +What little ones? + +TYLTYL + +The little ones up there.... They were very clever. They knew you at +once.... Were you so very unhappy? + +JOY + +Why? + +TYLTYL + +Because I couldn't remember. + +JOY + +It wasn't your fault. + +TYLTYL + +I know, but I hated it.... And you were so pale, so dreadfully pale; and +you never spoke.... How long had you loved me? + +JOY + +Ever since I first saw you, when you gave me the Blue Bird. + +TYLTYL + +So have I, so have I, but I had forgotten.... Never mind: we're going to +be tremendously happy, for they've settled it, you see; they want it. + +JOY + +Do you think they've done it on purpose? + +TYLTYL + +I'm quite sure; there isn't a doubt.... Everybody wanted it, but +especially the little ones, all six of them. + +JOY + +Oh! + +TYLTYL + +Yes!... We're going to have six!... I say, do you believe it? + +JOY + +Six what? + +TYLTYL + +Why, six children, of course! + +JOY + +Oh, Tyltyl! + +TYLTYL + +I know it's a great many; but we'll manage somehow. There's nothing to +be afraid of.... What a dream, eh? + +JOY + +Yes. + +TYLTYL + +The loveliest I ever had; and you? + +JOY + +Yes. + +TYLTYL + +I saw you as you are now, just like that. But here, all the same, you +are more real and more beautiful.... Oh, I must kiss you again! + + (_They kiss each other lingeringly. At that moment_ DADDY TYL + _opens the door, with the others behind him_.) + +DADDY TYL + +(_Catching them in the act_.) Well, I never!... You're getting on, you +two!... You're losing no time! + +THE NEIGHBOUR + +(_Entering with_ MUMMY TYL _and_ MYTYL.) What's the matter? + +DADDY TYL + +What did I say, when we were looking at the rabbits? These two are made +for each other.... They were kissing away like anything! + +THE NEIGHBOUR + +Joy! Aren't you ashamed? + +JOY + +But, mummy.... + +DADDY TYL + +Come, come, there's no great harm in it. We did as much, Mummy Tyl and +I, when we were young, didn't we, old lady? + +MUMMY TYL + +We did indeed!... They make such a pretty pair!... + +THE NEIGHBOUR + +That they do; but Joy is still very young and I'd like to think it over. + +DADDY TYL + +That's right enough.... He's very young too; but you won't find a better +boy in the whole country-side.... He's a strong, healthy lad, with a +civil tongue in his head, and he works like a nigger.... Think it over +by all means, only, as this is a holiday, there's no harm in their +kissing each other; and let's see them do it: it's good for one!... +(_Seeing that_ TYLTYL _and_ JOY _do not move, he pushes them close +together_.) Well?... Look at them: they don't want to now! + +TYLTYL + +(_In a whisper, to_ JOY, _as he kisses her_.) It was better when we were +by ourselves, wasn't it? + +JOY + +(_Also whispering_.) Yes, it was! + +TYLTYL + +They were right, weren't they? + +JOY + +Who? + +TYLTYL + +The others. + +JOY + +Yes. + +TYLTYL + +Don't say a word to any one: it is our secret, yours and mine.... + + +CURTAIN + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 34343 *** |