diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 20:01:28 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 20:01:28 -0700 |
| commit | 3763ac1e9848d34dbcb11bb46bff731f9d223c04 (patch) | |
| tree | ff2ca438c7c6fc1d997ef8c4801203a1dedf4c84 /34359-h | |
Diffstat (limited to '34359-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 34359-h/34359-h.htm | 6681 |
1 files changed, 6681 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/34359-h/34359-h.htm b/34359-h/34359-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d5bf05a --- /dev/null +++ b/34359-h/34359-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6681 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<title>Morituri: Three One-Act Plays. Teja--Fritzchen--The Eternal Masculine</title> +<meta name="Author" content="Hermann Sudermann"> +<meta name="Publisher" content="Charles Scribner's Sons"> +<meta name="Date" content="1910"> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1"> +<style type="text/css"> +body {margin-left:10%; + margin-right:10%; background-color:#FFFFFF;} + + +p.normal {text-indent:.25in; text-align: justify;} +p.center {text-align:center; margin-top:9pt;} + + +p.right {text-align:right; margin-right:20%;} + +p.continue {text-indent: 0in; margin-top:9pt;} +.text10 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:10%; margin-right:0px; font-size:90%;} +.text20 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:20%; margin-right:0px; font-size:90%;} + +.t0 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:0em; margin-right:0px;} +.t1 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:1em; margin-right:0px;} +.t2 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2em; margin-right:0px;} +.t3 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:3em; margin-right:0px;} +.t4 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4em; margin-right:0px;} +.t5 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:5em; margin-right:0px;} +.t6 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:6em; margin-right:0px;} +.t7 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:7em; margin-right:0px;} +.t8 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:8em; margin-right:0px;} + +.quote {font-size:90%; margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:24pt} +.dateline {text-align:right; font-size:90%; margin-right:10%; margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:24pt} + +h1,h2,h3,h4,h5 {text-align: center;} + +span.sc {font-variant: small-caps; font-size:100%; font-weight:bold} +span.sc2 {font-variant: small-caps; font-size:90%; font-weight:bold} + +hr.W10 {width:10%; margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:12pt; + color:black;} + +hr.W20 {width:20%; margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:12pt; + color:black;} + +hr.W50 {width:50%; margin-top:12pt; color:black;} +hr.W90 {width:90%; margin-top:12pt; color:black;} + +p.hang1 {margin-left:1em; text-indent:-1em;} +p.hang2 {margin-left:1em; text-indent:0em;} + +.poem { + margin-top: 24pt; + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + text-align: left; + margin-bottom: 24pt + } + .poem .stanza { + margin : 1em 0; + margin-top:24pt; + } + +</style> + +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's Morituri: Three One-Act Plays, by Hermann Sudermann + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Morituri: Three One-Act Plays + Teja--Fritzchen--The Eternal Masculine + +Author: Hermann Sudermann + +Translator: Archibald Alexander + +Release Date: November 18, 2010 [EBook #34359] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MORITURI: THREE ONE-ACT PLAYS *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<p class="hang1">Transcriber's Notes:<br> + 1. Page scan source:<br> + http://www.archive.org/details/moriturithreeone00sudeiala<br> +<br> + 2. See footnote 3 explaining correction of printing error.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<table style="width:60%; margin-left:20%; border-top:solid black 2px; +border-bottom:solid black 2px; border-right:solid black 2px; border-left:solid black 2px"> +<tr><td> +<h3>BOOKS BY HERMANN SUDERMANN</h3> +<h4><span class="sc">Published By CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS</span></h4> + +<hr class="W90"> +<p class="hang1">The Joy of Living (<i>Es Lebe das Leben</i>). A Play in Five +Acts. Translated from the German by Edith Wharton. <i>net</i> $1.25</p> + +<p class="hang1">Roses. Four One-Act Plays. Translated from the German by Grace +Frank. +<i>net</i> $1.25</p> + +<p class="hang1">Morituri. Three One-Act Plays. Translated from the German by +Archibald Alexander. <i>net</i> $1.25</p></td> +</tr> +</table> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h1>MORITURI</h1> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h1>MORITURI</h1> + +<h2>THREE ONE-ACT PLAYS</h2> + +<h3>TEJA--FRITZCHEN--THE ETERNAL MASCULINE</h3> +<br> +<br> +<h3>BY</h3> + +<h2>HERMANN SUDERMANN</h2> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h4>TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN</h4> + +<h5>BY</h5> + +<h3>ARCHIBALD ALEXANDER</h3> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS</h2> +<h2>NEW YORK::::::::::::::::::::::::1910</h2> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h3><span class="sc">Copyright, 1910, by</span><br> + + CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS<br> + + Published September, 1910</h3> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<div style="margin-left:20%"> +<p class="continue"><a name="div1Ref_teja" href="#div1_teja">Teja</a></p> + +<p class="continue"><a name="div1Ref_fritzchen" href="#div1_fritzchen">Fritzchen</a></p> + +<p class="continue"><a name="div1Ref_masculine" href="#div1_masculine">The Eternal Masculine</a></p> +</div> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>I</h2> + +<h1><a name="div1_teja" href="#div1Ref_teja">Teja</a></h1> + +<h2>A DRAMA IN ONE ACT</h2> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<table style="width:90%; margin-left:5%"> +<colgroup><col style="width:40%"><col style="width:5%"><col style="width:55%"></colgroup> +<tr> +<td colspan="3"><h2>PERSONS</h2></td> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Teja</span>, King of the Goths.</td> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Balthilda</span>, Queen.</td> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Amalaberga</span>, her mother.</td> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Agila</span>,</td> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Bishop</span>.</td> +</tr><tr> +<td><span class="sc2">Euric</span></td> +<td rowspan="3" style="vertical-align:middle; font-size:48pt">}</td> +<td rowspan="3" style="vertical-align:middle;">Lords in the former kingdom of +the Goths.</td> +<td></td> +</tr><tr> +<td><span class="sc2">Theodemir</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td><span class="sc2">Athanaric</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Ildibad</span>, spearbearer of the King.</td> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Haribalt</span>, a warrior.</td> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Two Camp Watchers</span>.</td> +</tr></table> + + + + +<h2>Teja</h2> +<br> + +<p class="normal"><i>The scene represents the King's tent. The curtains are open +in the background and permit a view through the camp of the Gothic warriors, +over toward Vesuvius, and the distant sea, which shine in the splendour of the +setting sun. On the left stands the rudely constructed throne of the King. In +the centre, a table with seats around it. On the right, the King's couch, +consisting of skins pieced together; above, a rack holding many kinds of +weapons. Link torches on the right and left.</i></p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>FIRST SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">TWO CAMP WATCHERS</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">First Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ho thou! Art thou fallen asleep?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Second Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Why should I be fallen asleep?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">First Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Because thou leanest so limber upon thy spear, bent like the +bow of a Hun.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Second Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I stand so bent, because thus hunger gripes me less.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">First Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">'Tis of no avail. It availeth as little as thy belt. +Afterward, in standing upright, it is the more severe.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Second Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How long is this to last?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">First Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Until the ships come--that is simple indeed.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Second Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea, but when are the ships coming?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">First Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How can I know that? Look toward the heights. There, high upon +the Milchberg, there standeth the watch, and overlooketh the sea for twenty +miles. If he knoweth not! There, behind the Misenian hills, there they must be +coming.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Second Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Verily, if the Byzantian let them pass.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">First Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Byzantian hath no ships.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Second Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Byzantian hath so many ships that he can surround the +whole Italian world with them as with a hedge; as close as the Byzantian Eunuch +hath surrounded us, these seven weeks.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">First Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">These seven weeks!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Second Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Knowest thou what I got for nourishment, at noon this day? The +same rind of bacon on which I brake my teeth eight days ago. Forsooth, I had cut +my three crosses, with my knife. That was a meeting again! But to-day, I +devoured it ... a noble feast for a king's marriage day!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">First Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Think'st thou the King had more?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Second Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And think'st thou we would suffer ourselves to be beaten to +death, suffer ourselves to be broken on the wheel, to be thrust through and put +to shame, if he had more than we? Think'st thou we would lie here like chained +dogs, and watch, did we not know that there is nothing to watch?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">First Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">There is gold enough.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Second Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Gold! Pah, gold! Of gold I have enough myself. In my cellar at +Canusium, I have buried a treasure--eh! ... thou! The wives behind there in the +Wagenburg must have meat left ... wine too, they must still have.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">First Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea, the wives are there well enough--thou hast none, I +suppose.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Second Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">A Greek dishonoured mine, and I stabbed him to death! (<i>Pauses</i>.) +Good! The wives must have meat; they must have wine too. But how long that-- (<i>Noise +and clash of weapons, slowly approaching</i>.) There, the marriage is surely +ended.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">First Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Silence! There cometh the aged Ildibad--with the King's +shield. (<i>Both put themselves on guard</i>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>SECOND SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">THE SAME</span>. <span class="sc2">ILDIBAD</span>.</p> + + +<p class="normal">(<i>Hangs the shield in its place, and puts away the weapons +lying about</i>.) Hath any news been sent down?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">First Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Nay!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Are ye hungry?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Second Camp Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, yea.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Hunger is for women--mark ye that! And show not such dark +faces to our young Queen. That becometh not a marriage day.</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>THIRD SCENE</i>.</h2> + +<p class="normal"><i>Surrounded by noisy people</i>, <span class="sc2">Teja </span><i> +and </i><span class="sc2">Balthilda </span><i>have appeared in front of the +tent. They enter led by </i><span class="sc2">Bishop Agila</span>. <i>Before +them, two choir-boys swinging censers. Behind them</i>, <span class="sc2"> +Amalaberga</span>, <span class="sc2">Euric</span>, +<span class="sc2">Athanaric</span>, <span class="sc2">Theodemir</span>, <i>and +other lords and military leaders. The tent covers are let down. Exeunt the +watchers</i>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">Bishop </span><i>lets go the hands of the +bridal pair, and turns back to </i> +<span class="sc2">Amalaberga</span>.) + +<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">Teja </span><i>stands gloomy and brooding</i>. <span class="sc2"> +Balthilda </span><i>casts a shy imploring look around her. Painful silence</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span> (<i>softly</i>).</p> +<br> +<p class="normal">Now must thou say something, King, to welcome thy young wife.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span> (<i>softly</i>).</p> +<br> +<p class="normal">Must I? (<i>Taking +one of the choir-boys by the nape of the neck</i>.) Not so vehemently, boy; the +smoke cometh up into our nostrils. What dost thou when thou wieldest not thy +censer?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Boy</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I wield my sword, King.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That is right. But make ye haste with wielding the sword, or +ye may easily be too late. (<i>Softly</i>.) Nothing to be seen of the ships, +Ildibad?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Nothing, my King. But thou must speak to thy young wife.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea ... so now I have a wife, Bishop?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Here standeth thy wife. King, and waiteth on thy word.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Forgive me, Queen, if I find not this word. I have been +brought up in the midst of battles, and other dwelling-place have I not known. +It will be hard for thee to share this with me.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">King ... my mother ... taught me ... (<i>She stops</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span> (<i>with assumed kindness</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">And what taught thee thy mother?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Amalaberga</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That a wife belongeth to her husband--above all, in the hour +of distress; she taught her that, King.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That may indeed be true and holy to ye wives.... If only the +husband also belonged to his wife in the hour of distress. And yet one thing,</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Amalaberga</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It hath been told me that in the morning, cocks crow near ye +wives yonder in the Wagenburg. For weeks, the warriors have eaten no meat. I +counsel ye, give them the cocks. (<span class="sc2">Amalaberga </span><i>bows</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">My King!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Heh! Thou hast but now spoken so beautifully at the +field-altar,</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Dost thou desire to preach so soon again?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I will speak to thee, because bitterness devoureth thy soul.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Verily? Thou thinkest it? Then I give ear.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Behold, like the spirit of divine wrath, so hast thou risen up +among us, young man.... Not thy years did the nation count, only thy deeds.... +Old men bowed willingly to thy youth, and since thou hadst yet a long time to +serve, as one of the humblest, wert thou already our ruler. From the golden +throne of Theoderic, where mercy had sat in judgment, where Totilas bestowed +pardon with a smile, rang out sternly thy bloody word ... And woe clave to us as +a poisoned wound.... Pursued hither and thither beneath the hot outpourings of +Vesuvius, we are now encamped with women and children; while Byzantium, with its +hireling soldiers, holdeth us surrounded.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That it surely doth, ha, ha! Not a mouse can come through.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Our gaze wandereth wistfully seaward: for thence hath God +promised us bread.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">No tidings of the ships?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span> (softly). Nothing.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Before we armed ourselves for a new war with misery, as free +men, true to the ancient law, we determined to choose thee a wife, for in his +own body should the King taste why the Goth loveth death.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Found ye that your King loved life overmuch?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">My King!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Nay, that dared ye not, for every hour of this life would hold +ye up to mockery.... And even if the ancient law required it, why must ye weld +me with this young thing which, trembling for fear before me and ye, hideth in +her mother's skirts? And especially on so fitting a day, when hunger doth +furnish the marriage music.... Look upon me, Queen--I must call thee by thy +title of a half-hour, for, by God! I hardly yet know thy name. I pray thee, look +upon me! Dost thou know me?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thou art the King, Sire.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea. But for thee I should be man, not King.... And knowest +thou what manner of man standeth here before thee?... Behold! These arms have +been hitherto plunged in reeking blood, not the blood of men shed in manly +strife, I speak not of that, that honoureth the man--blood of unarmed pale +children, of--(<i>shudders</i>)--Thou shalt have great joy, if I come with these +arms to wind them about thy neck.... Dost thou indeed hear me? Have I not a +beautiful voice, a sweet voice? Only it is a little hoarse. It is weary with +screaming loud commands to murder.... Peculiar pleasure shall be thine when thou +hearest tender words with this bewitching hoarseness. Am I not truly a born +lover? These wise men knew that; therefore they taught me my calling.... Or +believe ye, it was your duty to beguile your King in the weariness of camp life; +as the great Justinian dallied in golden Byzantium, and sent forth his eunuchs +to slay Gothic men? Ha, ha, ha!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">My King, take heed lest thou be angry.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I thank thee, friend. Yet that signifieth nothing. It is but +my marriage humour.... But now I will speak to ye in earnest--(<i>Ascends to the +high seat of the throne</i>.) On the golden throne of Theoderic, where mercy sat +in judgment, can I, alas! not take my place; for that is being chopped into +firewood at Byzantium.... Neither smiling like Totilas can I pardon, for no one +longer desireth our pardon.... From the glorious nation of the Goths, there hath +sprung a horde of hungry wolves therefore it needeth a wolf as master. Thou, +Bishop, didst call me the spirit of divine wrath, which I am not.... I am but +the spirit of your despair. As one who all his life hath hoped for nothing, hath +wished for nothing, I stand before you, and so I shall fall before you. That ye +knew, and therefore ye are wrong, ye men, to reproach me secretly. Contradict me +not!... I read it clearly enough between your lowering brows.... Because it +goeth ill with us, make not a scapegoat of me--that I counsel ye.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">King, wound us not.... The last drop of our blood belongeth to +thee. Cast us not into the pot with these old men. Euric. We old men fight as +well as they; and love, young man, as well as they.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then let that suffice. Your Queen shall soon enough learn how, +in misfortune, friends quarrel among themselves. And as ye pass through the +camp, tell the warriors, the only thing that frets the King this day this day of +joy, is it not?--is that he hath not the power to offer them a worthy marriage +feast ... or yet perchance-- Ildibad.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Who on the right has secretly spoken in bewilderment to a watcher who has +just entered</i>.) Yea, Sire.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What have we still in our stores, old man?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span> (<i>controlling his emotion</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Truly, thou hast given away almost all thy provisions.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I ask thee, what remaineth?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">A jar of fermented milk, and two stale crusts of bread.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ha, ha, ha! Now thou seest, Queen, what a poor husband thou +hast got. Yet if the ships be there, as the people say, then will I do royal +honours to every one, even as is his due. Yet tell it not, that would mar their +joy. But if they hear the trumpets sound, then tell them there will be meat and +wine on the long tables, so much as--</p> +<br> + +<p class="normal">(<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Ildibad</span>, +<i>who glides across the stage to his side</i>) What is it?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span> (<i>softly</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">The watch departeth. The ships are lost.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Without the least change of countenance</i>.) +Lost--how--in what way?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Treason.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea, verily! Yea--meat and wine so much as each one will, at +long white tables--I shall have it divided--and Sicilian fruits for the women, +and sweetmeats from Massilia. (<i>Sinks reeling upon the seat of the throne, and +gazes absently into the distance</i>.) The Men. What aileth the King? Look to +the King!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Surely he is hungry, mother. (<i>Approaches him. The men draw +back</i>.) My King!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Who art thou, woman? What wilt thou, woman?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Can I help thee, Sire?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, it is thou, the Queen! Pardon me; and pardon me, also, ye +men. (<i>Rises</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">King, thou must husband thy strength. Theoderic. Yea, King, +for the sake of us all. The Men. For the sake of us all.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">In truth, ye warn me rightly. Women, I pray ye, return to your +encampment. We have to take counsel. Do thou, Bishop, see well to their safe +conduct.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Amalaberga</span> (<i>softly</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Make thy obeisance, child!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span> (<i>softly</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Mother, will he speak no more to me?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Amalaberga</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Make thy obeisance! (<i>Balthilda obeys</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Fare ye well! (<i>Exeunt </i><span class="sc2">Balthilda</span>, <span class="sc2">Amalaberga</span>, +<span class="sc2">Bishop</span>. <i>Shouts of applause without, greet them</i>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>FOURTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Theodemir. Euric.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Watcher. The Lords.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I have sent away the women and the priest; for what comes now +concerneth us warriors alone. Where is the watcher? Come forth, man. The Men +(muttering). The watcher from the hill! The watcher!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Hereby ye know, men: the ships are lost. (<i>Tumult. Cries of +horror</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Quiet, friends, quiet! Thy name is Haribalt. Watcher. Yea, +Sire!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How long hast thou stood at thy post? Watcher. Since early +yesterday, Sire.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Where are thy two companions? Watcher. They remain above, as +thou hast commanded, Sire.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Good, then what saw ye? Watcher. The smoke of Vesuvius, Sire, +descended upon the sea, beyond the promontory of Misenum. Thus we saw nothing +until to-day about the sixth hour of the evening. Then suddenly the ships +appeared five in number quite near the shore, there where it is said a city of +the Romans lies buried in ruins.... One of us determined to hasten away, +since----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Stay! What signal bare the ships? Watcher. The foresail bound +crosswise and----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And? Watcher. A palm branch at the stern.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ye saw the palm branch? Watcher. As I see thee, Sire.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Good, go on. Watcher. Then we perceived that the fishing-boats +with which the Byzantians take their food, closely surrounded the ships, and +then----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What then? Watcher. Verily, Sire, they steered quite peaceably +toward the camp of the enemy. There they unloaded. (<i>The men cover their +heads. Silence</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Who looks, smiling, from one to the other</i>.) It is +good.... That is: thou shalt say nothing there without.... From me they should +learn it. (<i>Exit Watcher</i>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>FIFTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>. <span class="sc2">TEJA</span>. <span class="sc2">THEODEMIR</span>. <span class="sc2">EURIC</span>. <span class="sc2">ATHANARIC </span><i>and the </i> +<span class="sc2">OTHERS</span>. <span class="sc2">LORDS</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Your counsel, ye men!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire, we have none to give.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And thou, Euric, with all thy wisdom? Euric. Sire, I have +served the great Theoderic. And yet he would have had none to give.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Come then, I know.... It is easy and quick to be understood: +Die!... Why look ye at me with such mistrust?... Do ye not yet understand me? +Think ye I require ye to wrap yourselves in your mantles, like cowardly Greeks, +and beg your neighbours for a thrust in the back? Be calm: I will protect you +against shame, since I can no more lead you to honour.--Our place here cannot be +taken, so long as thirty of us have power to wield our spears. But the hour +shall come--and at no distant time--when the last arm, crippled by hunger, can +no more be outstretched to beg quarter of the invading murderers.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">No Gothic man doeth that, King!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">For what thou art, thou canst give surety; for what thou shalt +become, thou givest no surety to me. So I counsel and command ye to prepare +yourselves for the last conflict. In the first gray of the morning, we shall +burst forth from the clefts, and array ourselves against the Byzantian in open +field.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">All</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire, that is impossible.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">King, consider, we are one against a hundred.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And thou, Euric? Euric. Sire, thou leadest us to destruction.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea, verily. Said I anything else? Do ye believe me to be so +untried in things of war that I know not that? Why then halt ye? When Totilas +led us, we were more than a hundred thousand. Now we are but five. They all knew +how to die, and can we, a miserable remnant, have forgotten it?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">All</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Nay, King, +nay! Euric. Sire, grant us time to accustom ourselves to that horrible thing.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Horrible? What seemeth horrible to ye? I speak not indeed to +Romans who reel from the mass to the lupanar, and from the lupanar to the mass. +Yet there is not one among ye whose breast is not covered with scars like an old +stone with moss. These twenty years ye have made sport of death, and now it +cometh in earnest, doth a Gothic man speak of "horrible"? What will ye? Will ye +lie and hunger? Will ye devour one the other, like rats? Good. But I shall not +do it with ye! Not I! To-morrow, I take spear and shield, and go to gain on my +own account the bit of death for which I long and languish like a thief since ye +made me leader of your lost cause.--And thou at least, my old companion, thou +comest with me--eh?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span> (<i>falling down before him</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">I thank thee, Sire! Why ask whether I come!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">All</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">We too, King. We all, we all!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thou shouldst be praised, King, that thou hast pointed to us +the way of happiness. And be not angry with us, if we were not able straightway +to follow thee. Now I perceive clearly thy great thought. From grief and discord +and despair, we rise, we do not go down to death.... Laughing, treadeth each on +the other's corpse, in order laughing to sink down like him.... A light will go +forth from us over the wide world.... Ah, that will be a draught from golden +goblets--that will be a riot of exultant joy. Thank thee, my King. Often have I +envied thee thy crown, now I venture to envy it no more.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">The thing will come to pass for the most part otherwise than +thou dost imagine it, Theodemir. Yet I am glad that among the Goths, such +inspiration still abideth. Euric. Also to me, King, grudge not a word; for I +have indeed seen golden days.... Thou art not only the boldest, thou art also +the wisest of all.... Had we now faltered, so should we all have fallen without +defence, by the murderer's sword ... And not only we, but the sick--and the +children--and the wives.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ay, indeed, the wives! Of them I had not thought at all. +Euric. But now to-morrow, we shall stand in battle, and on the second and third +day, if we hold out so long, so that astonishment and fear at the miracle will +lay hold on the Byzantian and all the rabble of Huns and Suevians which he +draggeth after him.... We cannot utterly destroy them, but we can bait them with +our blood till they be weary.... And when no one on that side is able to hold +spear and bow, then shall the hour come when the Eunuch will have it said: +"Depart in peace." How many of ye are then still left? I fear not many----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span> (<i>laughing</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">We, surely not!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">All</span> (<i>with cruel laughter</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Nay, we +surely not! Euric. Then shall they take wives and children into the midst of +them, and, head high, with naked swords, descend straight through the Byzantian +camp toward Naples, to buy a piece of bread. And I tell ye, with such fear shall +they be gazed at, that not even once shall a dog of the Huns dare to bark at +them.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Wife and child! Wife and child! What have we to do with them? +Athanaric. King, thou revilest the dearest of our possessions.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Maybe!--I know only that there were too many mouths in the +morning when the rations were divided. Otherwise we might have been able to +support ourselves. And yet, this one thing I say to ye--and I shall enjoin it on +the men without, upon their word as warriors--that none of the women know aught +of our purpose. I will not that even one man be softened by the tears and cries +of women. Athanaric. Sire, that is inhuman which thou requirest, to take no +leave of our wives.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Take leave of them, me notwithstanding, but remain dumb as ye +do it. He that hath wife and child here, let him go to the Wagenburg, and +provide himself food and drink, for the women delight to keep a remnant between +their fingers. This let him share with the unmarried, and be joyful when he can. +Euric. And what should they say to their wives, Sire, since already thou hast +strictly forbidden communication?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Say ye, it happens because of my marriage! Or the ships are +there, if that sounds more worthy of belief. Say what ye will. Only that one +thing, keep for yourselves.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And wilt thou thyself nevermore see thy young wife?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Eh? Nay.... I mark not the least desire to. Surely now I shall +speak to the people. I would that I had thy tongue, Theodemir.--The errand is +troublesome to me, for I should speak great words, and I feel them not. Come! (<i>Exeunt +all, with </i><span class="sc2">Ildibad </span><i>slowly following</i>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>SIXTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> + +<p class="hang1"><i>The stage remains unoccupied for a short time. The voice of +the King is heard, who is received with acclamation. Then after a few seconds, +subdued cries of woe</i>. <span class="sc2">Ildibad </span><i>returns and sits +down upon a stump near the curtain. Then he lights two torches which he puts +into the links, and prepares the weapons of the King. Outside arises a shout of +enthusiasm, which again is subdued</i>.</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>SEVENTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">ILDIBAD</span>. <span class="sc2">BISHOP AGILA</span> (<i>tottering in with exhaustion and excitement</i>).</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Wilt thou not be seated, most worthy lord?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And goest thou not to hear what the King saith?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That hath naught to do with me, most worthy lord. The King and +I--for a long time, we are united in action.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Verily, he standeth there like the angel of death.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Whether angel or devil, it is the same for me. (<i>The shout +of enthusiasm rises anew and approaches the tent</i>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>EIGHTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc2">THE SAME</span>. <span class="sc2">THE KING</span> (<i>with flaming eyes, pale yet calm</i>).</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Are the weapons in order?--Ah, 'tis thou, Bishop!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">King, my King!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Surely, thou shall now be driven to seek another flock,</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Wilt thou but give me thy blessing, pray give it quickly.... +Theodemir is about to come.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And dost thou know thyself to be free, my son, from the +trembling of every dying creature?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Bishop, I have been a good servant of thy church. To dedicate +her temples, as once Totilas did, have I not been able; but what there was to +kill, I have killed for her welfare. Shall I perform a posture for the blessed +Arius?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">My son, I understand thee not.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">For that I am sorry, my father.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And hast thou taken leave?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Leave--of whom? Rather have I a mind to cry "welcome"; but yet +nothing is there!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span> (<i>indignantly</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">I speak of thy wife, Sire.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">At this hour, I know only men,</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Of wives I know nothing. Farewell! (<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Theodemir </span> +<i>and </i><span class="sc2">Ildibad</span>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bishop</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Farewell--and God be gracious to thy soul!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I thank thee, Bishop.... Ah, there art thou, Theodemir. (<i>Exit </i> +<span class="sc2">Bishop Agila</span>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>NINTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">TEJA</span>. <span class="sc2">THEODEMIR</span>. <span class="sc2"> +ILDIBAD</span> (<i>in the background, occupied with the King's weapons, going +noiselessly in and out</i>).</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What are the warriors doing?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">They who have their wives here, are gone to the Wagenburg.... +There they will surely eat and drink and play with their children.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And is thy wife here also?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea, Sire!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And thy children?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Two boys, Sire!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And thou didst not go?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I waited on thy call, Sire.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What hour is it?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">The ninth, Sire.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And what do they who are free--the unmarried, and they whose +wives are not here?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">They lie by the fires and are silent. (<i>Exit </i><span class="sc2"> +Ildibad</span>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">See to it that something is brought to them also. I already +ordered it. Will they sleep?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">No one will sleep.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">At midnight, come and fetch me.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea, Sire. (<i>Makes as if to go</i>.) Teja (<i>with a shade +of anxiety</i>). Theodemir, stay!... Thou hast always been my adversary.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I was, Sire. For a long time I have ceased to be.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span> (<i>stretches out his arms</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Come! (<i>They hold each other in a close embrace; then they +clasp hands</i>.) I would fain hold thee here, but truly thou must go to thy +wife. (<span class="sc2">Ildibad </span><i>again enters</i>.) And forget not to +have food brought to those who are gazing at the fires. They should have +occupation. Brooding profiteth not in such an hour.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea, Sire. (<i>Exit</i>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>TENTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">TEJA</span>. <span class="sc2">ILDIBAD</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now, my old man, we should have nothing further to do +upon this earth. Shall we talk?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire, if I might beg a favour for myself.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Still favours, at this time?... I believe thou wouldst flatter +me, old companion!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire, I am old. My arm would grow weary with bearing a spear, +more quickly than is good for thy life. And by my fault shouldst thou not fall, +Sire.... If no one else sleeps, think not evil of me, and let me sleep away the +two hours.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>With a new gleam of deep anxiety</i>.) Go, but not far +away.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Surely, Sire, I have always lain as a dog before thy tent. In +respect of that, on this last night, nothing will be changed.... Hast thou +orders to give, Sire?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Good-night! (<i>Exit </i><span class="sc2">Ildibad</span>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>ELEVENTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc2">TEJA</span>. <i>Afterward </i><span class="sc2">BALTHILDA</span>. +(<span class="sc2">TEJA </span><i>left alone, throws himself on his couch, staring +straight before him with a bitter, wearied smile</i>. <span class="sc2">BALTHILDA </span><i>enters shyly. +In one hand she carries a basket containing meat, bread, and fruits; in the +other, a golden tankard of wine. She advances a few steps toward the table</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span> (<i>half rising</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Who art thou?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span> (<i>feebly and timidly</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Knowest thou me not, King?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span> (<i>rising from his couch</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">The torches burn +dimly.... Thy voice I have heard before!... What wilt thou of me?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I am indeed thy wife, King.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span> (<i>after a silence</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">And what wilt thou of me?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">My mother sendeth me. I am to bring thee food and wine. The +others eat and drink, and so my mother saith---- (<i>She stops</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How didst thou enter here?... Did not the watch forbid thee to +enter?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span> (<i>drawing herself up</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">I am the Queen, Sire.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea, verily. And Ildibad, what said he?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thy old spearbearer lay and slept. I stepped across him, Sire.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I thank thee, Balthilda.... I am not hungry. I thank thee. (<i>Silence</i>. +<span class="sc2">Balthilda </span><i>stands and looks tearfully at him</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I see, thou hast still a request to make of me. I pray thee, +speak!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">My King, if I return home with a well-filled basket, then +shall I be mocked by all the women.... And the men shall say----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span> (<i>smiling</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">And what shall the men say?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">He esteemeth her so little that--he consenteth not to take +food from her hand.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">On my word, I assure thee, Balthilda, the men have other +things to think on ... yet nevertheless ... reproach thou shalt not suffer +through me. Set thy basket there.... Have ye still much of such things?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire, these two weeks have my mother and I and the women about +us put aside the best of our share--flour and fruits--and the fowls have we not +killed till this very day.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then indeed must ye have been mightily hungry, ye women?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, it hath done us no hurt, Sire.... It was for a feast.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">In truth? Ye believed we should celebrate a feast to-day?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well ... is it then not a feast, Sire?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Is silent and bites his nether lip, examining her +furtively</i>.) Wilt thou not be seated, Balthilda?... I should not yet let thee +go home! That too would be a reproach, would it not?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Balthilda </span><i>is silent and +looks down</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And if I bade thee, wouldst thou wish to stay?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire, how should a wife not wish to stay beside her husband?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Hast thou then the feeling in thy heart, that +I--am--thy--husband?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Indeed, how could it be otherwise? The Bishop hath joined us +together.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And wert thou glad when he did it?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea.... Nay, I was not glad then.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Why not?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span> (<i>with a bright glance</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Perhaps because, because ... I was afraid, Sire, and I was praying.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What didst thou pray?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That God would grant to me, his humble handmaid, the power to +bring thee the happiness which thou needest, and which thou awaitest from me.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Which I from thee--that didst thou pray?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire, may I not offer thee the food, and the wine?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Nay, nay!... Hearken, Balthilda: without, by our fires, are +warriors--they are hungry--I am not hungry.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire, give them what thou pleasest ... give them everything!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I thank thee, Balthilda. (<i>Raising the curtain</i>.) Ho +there, watch! Come in, but +prudently so as not to wake the old man.... (<i>Watcher enters</i>.) Here, take +this basket with food and wine, and divide it honestly.... Say your Queen sends +it.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Watcher</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">May I thank the Queen, Sire?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Teja </span><i>nods</i>. <span class="sc2">Watcher </span><i>shakes +her hand heartily. Exit</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Go--and bring me to eat!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">Balthilda (<i>perplexed</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire--why--mockest thou--me?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Dost thou then not understand me? If thou wilt be my wife, +thou must offer me my property, not thine!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Is not all of mine thy property, Sire?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Hm! (<i>Silence. He takes her hands.</i>) Call me not Sire and +call me not King.... Knowest thou not my name?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thy name is Teja!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Say it yet once again! Balthilda (<i>softly, turning away</i>). +Teja!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Is the name so strange to thee? (<span class="sc2">Balthilda </span><i>shakes her head</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then why hesitate?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Not for that, Sire! Since I knew that I was to serve thee as +thy wife, I have often named thee by day and in the night. Only I never said it +aloud....</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And before thou knewest it, what was then thy thought?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire, why dost thou ask?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And why dost thou not answer?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire, when I heard of thy bloody commands, and the others +feared thee--then I often thought: How unhappy must he be that the destiny of +the Goths compelleth him to such deeds!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That hast thou thought?--That hast thou----?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire, was it wrong that I should think it?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thou hadst never seen my face, and thou didst understand me? +And they who were around me, the wise men and tried soldiers, they understood me +not!... Who art thou, woman? Who hath taught thee to read my heart? Thee, thee +alone of all?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire--I----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">All shuddered and muttering hid themselves from me in +corners--and saw not the way, the only way which haply might still have saved +them. When the butcher's knife was already at their throat, they still told +themselves some tale of compromise. And then came the crafty Greeks, measured +themselves with them, and killed them one by one. Thus perished the hundred +thousand. And I wrapped myself in grief and anger--I cast hope away from me like +a bloody rag, I sprang into the breach with scornful laughter. I sowed horrors +about me, when my own heart was convulsed with horror of myself. I have not once +been drunk with all the blood. I have killed, killed, and still knew all the +while: it is in vain! (<i>He sinks to his seat overcome with anguish, and stares +straight before him</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span> (<i>with a shy attempt at a caress</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">My poor dear King! Dear Teja!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Raises his head and looks confusedly around him</i>.) My +God, what do I here?... Why do I tell all this to thee? Thou must not despise me +because I am such a babbler.... Nor must thou believe that it is aught of +remorse that compels me to this confession.... Perhaps I feel pity for the +victims, but my conscience stands high above all that!... Far higher than my +poor Gothic throne.... Look not upon me so.... There is in thy eye something +that compels me to reveal my inmost thought to thee.... Who hath endued thee +with this power over me?... Begone!... Nay, stay ... Stay! I wish to tell thee +yet something, quite in secret, before thou goest.... Besides, I should not cry +out so, otherwise the watch may hear.... Incline thine ear to me. Never yet have +I confessed it to any man, nor have I held it possible that I should ever +confess it.... I bear an envy within me which devoureth my heart, whenever I +think--knowest thou toward whom?... Toward Totilas.... Yea, toward Totilas in +his grave.... They called him the "shining" Totilas and their affection still +cleaveth to him to-day.... Their eyes still flash when they even think of him.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, Sire, how thou dost fret thyself!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span> (<i>anxiously</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Didst thou ever see him?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Never.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">God be thanked! For hadst thou ever seen him as I saw him on +the morning of the battle in which he fell ... arrayed in golden armour ... and +the white steed pranced beneath him, and his yellow locks streamed like sunlight +about him. And he laughed the foe in the face.... Laughed like a child!... Ah, +laughing to die like him!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">His lot was easy, Sire! He went from hence, but left to thee +as an inheritance the half-destroyed kingdom.... How shouldst thou then have +laughed?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span> (<i>eagerly</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Is it not so?--Is it not so?--How ... Ah, that +doeth good! (<i>Stretching himself</i>.) Ah, thou doest me good!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How proud thou makest me, Sire!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">But hadst thou seen him and compared him to me, thou wouldst +spit upon me! Balthilda (<i>fervently</i>). I should have seen only thee, Sire +dear, dear Sire!</p> + +<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">Teja </span><i>looks askance at her, shyly and distrustfully, then +walks silently to the left, sinks down before the seat on the throne, and +burying his face in the chair, weeps bitterly</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Follows him shyly and kneels down beside him</i>.) Teja, +beloved, if I hurt thee, pardon me!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span> (<i>rises and grasps her arm</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Tell it to no one!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What, Sire?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That thou hast seen me weep! Swear it to me!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It hath been told me that I am now even as a piece of thy +body--and of thy soul also!... Wherefore should I swear?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">If thou art a piece of my body, then come nearer to me, that +thou mayst not see my tears.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Let me dry them for thee! See, for this cause am I here.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, 'tis well with me.... I must indeed have died of shame, +for never yet hath a Gothic man been seen to weep. Even when we buried Totilas, +we wept not.... Yet I am not ashamed.... If I but knew why suddenly it is so +well with me!... Balthilda, I will tell thee something. But thou must not laugh +me to scorn.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How should I laugh at thee, beloved?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I am hungry.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span> (<i>springing up in surprise</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Alas, surely thou hast given everything away!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, by no means! Go just over there, wilt thou? (<i>She obeys</i>.) +Behind my couch--seest thou the fireplace?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Here where the ashes lie?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">There standeth a chest?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Wilt thou open the lid?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, it is heavy!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now feel within! Deep, deep!... There Ildibad the old +miser--well?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span> (<i>disappointedly</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">A couple of bread crusts; is that all, Sire?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">There is indeed nothing more.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">May I not then go quickly over to the Wagenburg?... Perhaps +still ...</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh nay.... They themselves need the fragments.... Bring that +hither! As brothers we shall share it--eh? And then there is sufficient for +both. Wilt thou?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea. (<i>She sits beside him</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">So, now give to me! Ah, that is good to the taste! Is it not +good to the taste? But ah, thou also must eat.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I fear there is not enough for thee.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Nay, that is against the agreement.... So.... Is it not good +to the taste?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">To me nothing hath ever tasted half so sweet.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Pray come nearer to me ... I will take the crumbs from thy lap +... So--why is it that suddenly I am hungry? See, now we celebrate our marriage +feast.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And better than those without, with meat and wine--do we not?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, did I not tell thee?... But thou hast a bad seat!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Nay, I am seated well!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Come, stand up! Pray, stand up! Balthilda (<i>rising</i>). +Well?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sit there, just above! Balthilda (<i>terrified</i>). Upon the +throne--for God's sake--how dare I----?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Art thou not then the Queen? Balthilda (<i>decidedly</i>). If +I must sit there in earnest! But in jest--nay!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, the stupid bit of wood! (<i>He hurls down the throne</i>.) +At least it should be of use for something!... So now lean against it!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Beloved, doest thou justly?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span> (<i>surprised</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Nay! (<i>He +sets the throne up again, leads her to her former place, and places her head +against the seat</i>.) There indeed thou art well seated--yea!... And we +trespass not against this trash. If the Bishop had seen that--he, ha, ha, ha! +Wait, I will eat again!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">There, take!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Still--remain quite still! I shall fetch it for myself. (<i>He +kneels upon the podium beside her</i>.) Now I am quite upon my knees before +thee.... What is there that we do not learn!... Thou art beautiful!... I never +knew my mother!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Never knew!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Never had a sister.... No one.... Never played in my life.... +That I am surely learning last not least.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Why last not least?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ask not--nay? Ah thou, thou! Ha, ha, ha! Pray eat! Bite from +mine--yea? Obediently--thou knowest what the Bishop said?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span> (<i>bites +and then springs up</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">But wilt thou not also drink?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, surely! Bring me only the milk jar! Bring me only the milk +jar.... Thou knowest the one that Ildibad told us of.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span> (<i>who has +walked across</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Is this the one?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span> (<i>rising</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">That is indeed it. +But thou also must drink.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Is it fitting so?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I know not. It should be!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">So be it, then. (<i>She drinks and shakes with laughter</i>.) +Ugh! That hath a bad taste.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Give it to me. (<i>He drinks</i>.) Nay! (<i>He drinks again</i>.) +Go!... Art thou then such a despiser of nourishment?... Yea, who art thou then? +And how comest thou hither? And just what wilt thou of me?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I will love thee!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thou--my wife! Thou ... (<i>They fly into one another's arms. +Softly</i>.) And wilt thou not kiss me?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Balthilda </span><i>shakes her head, ashamed</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Why not?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Balthilda </span><i>again shakes her head</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yet tell me, why not?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I will tell thee in thine ear.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thou hast a downy beard.<a name="div2Ref_01" href="#div2_01"><sup>[1]</sup></a></p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Wipes his month in terror, then in assumed anger</i>.) +What have I? Knowest thou not who I am? How then dost thou suffer thyself to +tell thy King he--say it yet once more! I will but see.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span> (<i>laughing</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">A--downy--beard.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span> (<i>laughing</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Now, wait!</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>TWELFTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">THE SAME</span>. <span class="sc2">ILDIBAD</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire, thou calledst? (<i>He stands rigid with astonishment, +and is about to retire silently</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Collects himself abruptly. He appears to wake out of a +dream. His manners and bearing revert to the gloomy energy which previously had +the ascendency</i>.) Stop, stay, what happens without?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">The warriors return from the Wagenburg, sire, and most of the +wives come with them.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Are the leaders assembled?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea, Sire.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">They might have patience for a moment more.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea, Sire.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">For I also have a wife.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ildibad</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea, verily, Sire.</p> + +<p class="center">[<i>Exit</i>.]</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>THIRTEENTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">TEJA</span>. <span class="sc2">BALTHILDA</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Teja, beloved, what happeneth to thee?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Remains standing before her and takes her head in his +hands</i>.) To me, it is as if in this hour we had strayed hand in hand through +a whole world of joy and sorrow. That disappeareth--all disappeareth. I am again +the--I was--nay, I am not he.--But be thou high above all the women, the Queen +... Wilt thou?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire, what dost thou require of me?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thou wilt not entreat and wilt not cry out?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Nay, Sire.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">The day draweth nigh. Before us standeth death.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire, I understand thee not. None can attack us, and until the +ships come----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">The ships come never more.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Balthilda </span><i>strokes herself on +the cheeks, and then stands motionless</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">But we men are going forth upon the field, to fight.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That can ye not do--that is surely--impossible.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">We must. Art thou the Queen, and perceivest not that we must?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea--I--per--ceive--it.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">The King fights in the foremost rank, and we shall see each +other no more alive.... Knowest thou that?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Balthilda</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yea, I know it!... (<i>Silence. They look at each other</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thy blessing will I have upon the way. (<i>He sinks on his +knees before her; she lays her hands upon his head, bends down to him, +trembling, and kisses him on the forehead</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Springs up and tears back the curtain</i>.) Enter, who +waiteth there!</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>FOURTEENTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc2">THE SAME</span>. <span class="sc2">AMALABERGA</span>, <span class="sc2"> +EURIC</span>, <span class="sc2">AGILA</span>, <span class="sc2">ATHANARIC</span>, <span class="sc2"> +THEODEMIR</span>, <i>and other leaders</i>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Amalaberga</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">King, I sent my child to thee.... I hear ye men have to +act.... Give her again to me.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Here hast thou thy child! (<i>Exeunt </i><span class="sc2">Amalaberga </span><i>and </i> +<span class="sc2">Balthilda</span>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>FIFTEENTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">THE SAME</span>. <i>Except </i><span class="sc2"> +AMALABERGA </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">BALTHILDA</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Stares after them, rouses himself, and perceives the +Bishop</i>.) Bishop, I treated thee basely this evening. Forgive me and have my +thanks, for surely I also know why the Goth loveth death.... (<i>Grasps his +sword</i>.) Now be ye ready? Have the farewells been said?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire, we have disobeyed thy command. Which of our wives +betrayed it, and which of us told it, that cannot be determined. Enough, they +all know it.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And then have cried ah and woe?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Theodemir</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sire, they have silently kissed the blessing of death upon our +brows.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Teja</span> (<i>exclaims half to himself</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">They also! (<i>Aloud</i>.) Truly we are a nation of kings. It +is our misfortune. So come! (<i>He strides to the background. The others follow. +Amid the noisy cries of the people greeting the King, the curtain falls</i>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>II</h2> + +<h1><a name="div1_fritzchen" href="#div1Ref_fritzchen">FRITZCHEN</a></h1> + +<h2>A DRAMA IN ONE ACT</h2> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>PERSONS</h2> +<div style="margin-left:20%"> +<p class="continute"><span class="sc2">Herr von Drosse</span>, Major (retired), +Lord of the Manor.</p> +<p class="continute"><span class="sc2">Helene</span>, his wife.</p> +<p class="continute"><span class="sc2">Fritz</span>, their son.</p> +<p class="continute"><span class="sc2">Agnes</span>, niece of Frau von Drosse.</p> +<p class="continute"><span class="sc2">Von Hallerpfort</span>, lieutenant.</p> +<p class="continute"><span class="sc2">Stephan</span>, overseer.</p> +<p class="continute"><span class="sc2">Wilhelm</span>, servant.</p> +</div> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>FRITZCHEN</h2> + +<p class="normal"><i>The action takes place on Herr von Drosse's estate. Time, +the present</i>.</p> + +<p class="normal"><i>The scene represents a drawing-room on the ground floor. In +the rear are wide glass doors which stand open, and permit a view of the terrace +and splendid park lying beyond. Windows to the right and left. On the right +side, a sofa with table and chairs; on the left, a secretary with writing +materials. Handsome old-fashioned decorations, pictures of battles, portraits in +oval frames, racing prints, etc. The terrace is sheltered by a broad awning +which slightly subdues the glare of the bright summer afternoon.</i></p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>FIRST SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="hang1"><span class="sc2">Wilhelm</span> (<i>servant over sixty, in +half livery, is engaged in arranging the samovar for the afternoon coffee</i>). <span class="sc2"> +Agnes</span> (<i>extremely slender, nervous, with traces of mental +distress--twenty years of age--blonde hair smoothed on the temples, light muslin +gown, a garden hat in her hand--enters from the terrace</i>).</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Wilhelm, has the postman been here?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span> (<i>sighing</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, yes, he was here.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Where are the things?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">They are on the table, Fräulein.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Goes quickly to the table and with feverish haste looks +through the small pile of newspapers and letters lying there</i>.) Again, +nothing!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, indeed--and this is the seventh day. Ah, it is really heart-breaking.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Are your master and mistress still taking their afternoon nap?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I have just heard the Major. He will be here directly--there +he is now!</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>SECOND SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc2">THE SAME</span>. <span class="sc2">MAJOR VON +DROSSE</span> (<i>about fifty, tall, broad-shouldered, rather stout. +Dark-grayish full beard parted in the middle, waving right and left over his +shoulders. In the full, well-browned face with flashing eyes and bushy eyebrows, +there are energy and abundant vitality, controlled by the self-command and +chivalric manner of an old officer. Brief in speech, domineering, but never +without a gleam of inner kindness</i>).</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Afternoon, Agnes!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Afternoon, uncle!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Goes to the table, examines the letters, sits down and +looks straight before him for a little while</i>.) Wilhelm!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What does the Major wish?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Stephan is to come at once to the castle.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Very well, Major. (<i>Exit</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Agnes, my child, just listen to me ... You are a reasonable +creature ... One that I can talk to.... So the rascal has again not written. He +should have come to us, day before yesterday. Has made no excuses--doesn't +write--nothing. That has not happened during the six years that he has been away +from home. I ordered him most strictly to send a letter, or at least a card, +every day--for with her illness, your aunt must be guarded against the slightest +anxiety or excitement. He knows that, and moreover has always observed it +conscientiously. I can't any longer be responsible for your aunt and her +weakened heart. Unless we use every means to keep her in her--visionary life, +she will go to pieces.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Uncle!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">We must make up our minds to that, Agnes. Really, I do what I +can. Yesterday I even forged a telegram to her--you know that, eh! I did intend +to write to his intimate friend Hallerpfort, but thought better of it. I shall +drive into town directly after dark. Without your aunt knowing it, of +course--for now, during the harvest, that would upset her still more. So you +will stay all night with her, and er--well, the rest I will arrange with +Stephan.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Very well, dear uncle.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Just come here, girl, look me in the face ... We two know each +other and ... Eh?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Agnes </span><i>casts down her eyes</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now see, I know very well that for two years you have been +secretly corresponding with Fritz.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Uncle! (<i>Presses her hands to her face</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">There, that will do, that will do, that will do.... You can +well believe, if I had been opposed to it on principle, I should have long since +put an end to the business, shouldn't I?... But there are things--well, in +short, that you don't understand. Well, I should not have begun about the matter +to-day, but necessity knows no law, eh? And if I go to see him this evening, I +don't wish to grope altogether in the dark.... So--on the basis of what has just +been said--have you, perhaps, by any chance had a letter from him?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">No, uncle!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Hm!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">Agnes (<i>hesitating, embarrassed</i>).</p> +<br> + +<p class="normal">For some time we have not corresponded.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">So?--Ho, ho ...! Who is to blame for that?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, let us not talk about that, uncle. But from another +quarter, I have had news of him.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">When?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yesterday.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And that you have----?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Taking a letter from her pocket</i>.) Please read--and I +think you will not reproach me.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">Major</span> (<i>unfolding the letter</i>).</p> +<br> + +<p class="normal">Ah, from the little Frohn! Now then, what does the little +Frohn write? (<i>Reads, muttering</i>.) Lanskis--Steinhof--met cousin--danced (<i>aloud</i>). +Indeed, then he could dance, but not write, that is a nice business--I should +not have believed it of him at all.... (<i>Reads further, muttering</i>.) Eyes +for the so-called beautiful Frau von Lanski ... The whole regiment is talking of +it.... Hm! eh, what! Such a goose! What things such a goose does cackle!... +Regiment has other things to bother itself about.... But such a regulation goose +... If a young lieutenant like that isn't all the time trotting after them. And +when he once shows attention to a lady who doesn't belong to the regiment ... +Besides, the Lanski is nearly forty ... Such idiocy! Then he might at +least--hm--hm--eh, pardon! Now then, what is it?... My poor old girl ... Yes, +yes, jealousy ... You have borne up disgracefully since yesterday.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I think I have controlled myself, uncle?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, very true, girl, no one has noticed anything.</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>THIRD SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">THE SAME</span>. <span class="sc2">WILHELM</span>. <i> +Afterward </i><span class="sc2">STEPHAN</span>, <i>the overseer</i>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span> (<i>entering from the right</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Herr Stephan is there, Major.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Come in!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Stephan</span>.)</p> + +<p class="normal">Very well, my dear Stephen, I must drive into town directly +after dark. Unless I should be detained, I shall be here early to-morrow +morning--four and a half and four and a half more miles--nine miles.... The +coach horses have been exercised to-day?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Stephan</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, indeed, Major.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Which are in better condition now, the browns or the whites?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Stephan</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That I don't permit myself to decide, Major. They have all had +it severely!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, I will just go and have a look myself. Wilhelm--cap!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Very well, Major. (<i>Exit to the right</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And at half after nine this evening, send a message to my wife +and have her told that I must stay all night at the brick kilns--eh, you +remember (<i>softly, looking around at </i><span class="sc2">Agnes</span>) how we managed it the other +times when I was out at night.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Stephan</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">All right, Major.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Where is that fellow stopping with my cap? (<i>Enter </i> +<span class="sc2">Wilhelm</span>.) Where were you hiding, man? (<span class="sc2">Wilhelm </span><i>hands him the cap</i>.) And he +is tottering on his old legs! What are you tottering so for?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Indeed I am not tottering, Major.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, come on, Stephan! (<i>Exeunt </i><span class="sc2">Major</span>, <span class="sc2">Stephan</span>, +<i>through the garden door</i>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>FOURTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">AGNES</span>. <span class="sc2">WILHELM</span>. +<i>Afterward </i><span class="sc2">LIEUTENANT VON HALLERPFORT</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span> (<i>softly</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Fräulein, just now as I went out, Lieutenant von Hallerpfort +was standing there and wished to speak with Fräulein, privately. Neither the +master nor the mistress is to know anything of it ... God, Fräulein is deadly +pale!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ask the lieutenant to come in, and keep a lookout, if my aunt +comes.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Wilhelm </span><i>opens the door on the +right, and disappears through the door on the left hand</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Meeting the lieutenant as he enters</i>.) Herr von +Hallerpfort, what has happened to Fritz?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Nothing, Fräulein, not the least thing.... I am surprised that +he is not yet here.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span> (<i>rising joyfully</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah! (<i>With a sigh of relief</i>.) Ha!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I beg pardon a thousand times if I startled you.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Will you please take a seat.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thank you, most humbly! (<i>They are seated</i>.) Your uncle +and aunt, I hope, will not----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Uncle has just gone to the stables, and aunt's coming will be +announced to us.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How is your aunt?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, I thank you, much as usual.--Herr von Hallerpfort, be +frank with me: What is this all about?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, absolutely nothing of any consequence. A little +surprise--nothing further--nothing further!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">To be sure, if he is really on his way here--didn't you ride +here together?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">No, I came by the way of the levee, and thought to overtake +him. He will have ridden by the highway.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then what is the object of this secrecy?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That will soon be cleared up, Fräulein.... At this moment, in +Fritz's interest, I have to ask a great favour of you.... It is now (<i>takes +out his watch</i>) three forty-five o'clock. At four o'clock let us say five +minutes after four--even if we take into account some unforeseen delay--yes--he +must be here.... How long does it take to go to the village to Braun's inn?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ten minutes--that is, by a short cut through the park, about +five.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thank you most humbly. Then will you have the great kindness +to reckon by your watch a half hour from the moment when he comes in here, and +then send me a message to Braun's where I am stopping?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">At Braun's? I think you know, Herr von Hallerpfort, that this +house----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, certainly that I know!... I only made the mistake of +putting my horse at the entrance to Braun's, and as he doesn't belong to me, it +is my duty to look after him.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And all that is the truth?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Absolutely.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I should not be so persistent--forgive me for it--but here we +have all been so distressed about him. For nearly a week, we have sat and waited +for news.... Tell me truly.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span> (<i>entering at the left</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Fräulein, your aunt.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span> (<i>springing up</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Good-bye, then! And be reassured, it is all about a +joke--about----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">If only your face were not so serious.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, that--that is deceptive. (<i>Exit quickly to the right</i>.</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>FIFTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc2">AGNES</span>. <span class="sc2">FRAU VON +DROSSE</span> (<i>extremely delicate in appearance, forty, suffering--with +girlish complexion--gay, absent smile--dreamy, gentle expression--gliding, +careful walk--breathing deeply</i>).</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Hastens to meet her, to support her</i>.) Forgive me, +aunt, that I did not go to fetch you.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">No matter, darling ... I could manage.... Is there any news?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Agnes </span><i>shakes her head</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse </span><i>sighing</i>).</p> +<p class="normal">Ah, yes.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Do you know, aunt, I have a sort of presentiment that he will +soon be here himself.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, if things happened according to presentiments!</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>SIXTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">THE SAME</span>. <span class="sc2">MAJOR</span>. <span class="sc2"> +WILHELM</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, darling, are you in good spirits?... No!... Well, what +is it then? What is it then?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, Richard, you surely know.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, nonsense! Don't worry yourself uselessly.... A young +badger like that--service and casino and what not! I used not to do any better +myself ... Eh, Wilhelm, that you will have remembered even in your booziness? +Many a time I didn't write for four weeks.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span> (<i>who is handing the coffee</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, Major.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And were you at all worried then?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, Major.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Old donkey.... Well, you see how it is ... The same old story.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Richard, do you know, last night a thought came to me. They +all idolise him--that boy.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, with the ladies of the regiment, it is no great +wonder....</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">So far as they wish to get married--no.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">But there is another who takes a very special interest in +him--motherly, as one might say.... No, motherly is not just the right word, but +at any rate, purely human, purely spiritual--you know what I mean. At the last +ball in Wartenstein, she questioned me at length about him, about his childhood, +and everything possible. At the time I was really rather indignant, but now it +pleases me.... I shall write to her to-day and ask her to keep an eye upon him. +For you see, a woman's influence--that is what he needs.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, the poor devil! And for that purpose, one of the kind.... +Who then is it?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Why! You surely know her ... Frau von Lanski of Steinhof.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Agnes </span><i>winces</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, indeed--well, to be sure, hm--that is quite probable.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Their estate is quite close to the city ... There he could +always go in the evenings ... If only the husband were not so rude. I should be +afraid of him.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, you are not a lieutenant of hussars, darling.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Won't you drink your coffee, aunt? It will be quite cold.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, the stupid fig-coffee. To be sure, your health is good, +you don't need anything of the kind! (<i>drinks</i>) Richard, do you know, last +night I saw a vision.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, what did you see this time, darling?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">There was a wide chamber with many mirrors and lights--perhaps +it was Versailles--perhaps the castle at Berlin. And hundreds of generals stood +there and waited.... (<i>Excitedly</i>.) And suddenly the door was opened wide +and at the side of the Emperor----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Drink, aunt--tell about it later--it excites you.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, my sweet one, yes. (<i>Drinks and leans back exhausted</i>.) +You know, Richard, perhaps they are to increase his pay.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Surely he has enough, darling. Do you wish him to gamble it +away?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Very well, then, let him gamble it away. I find that in +general we pay so little heed to him.... I am obliged to think all the time how +he acted in a roundabout way in the matter of Foxblaze. He didn't trust himself +even to tell it.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">Major</span> (<i>laughing</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">No, child--but just stop.... Besides the charger he already +has two others ... And one of them is Mohammed! Such a big stable--it is only a +nuisance to him.... Just consider!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, it is surely only restlessness. Ah, I wish he were +only----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Who had gone out, appears excitedly at the door on the +right and calls softly</i>.) Major, Major!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>springing up</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">What is it?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span> (<i>in a whisper</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">The--the--young master!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span> (<i>turning round +suddenly</i>).</p> +<br> + +<p class="normal">What is it about the young master?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">Major</span> (<i>rushes out. His voice is +heard</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Boy, boy, boy!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Frau von Drosse </span><i>breaks out in +ecstatic laughter</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Quietly, aunt! Quietly! Don't excite yourself!</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>SEVENTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc2">THE SAME</span>. <span class="sc2">FRITZ VON +DROSSE</span> (<i>in hussar uniform, his mother's son, slender, delicate, very +youthful, blond to the roots of his closely cropped hair, small curled +moustache, erratic person. Uneasiness is veiled beneath a noisy cheerfulness</i>).</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Goes to meet him with outstretched arms</i>.) My God! +there he really is!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I should think he was! (<i>Presses her to his heart and +strokes her hair, closes his eyes a moment, as if overcome with faintness</i>.) +But be seated, mamma, be seated. Confound it, but I have ridden! And on the way, +my horse lost another shoe.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mohammed?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">No, I am riding the Spy.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Where did it happen?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thank God! just near Gehlsdorf.... I wasted twenty-five +minutes at the blacksmith's.... But then--when--you should have seen!... Yes, +Wilhelm, just see to it that the horse is well scraped and rubbed down. And +don't let him stand just now--first lead him about properly.... An hour, feeding +time--understand, old chap?... There, give me your paw--so!--don't be so +agitated.... And now, go on, out with you!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<i>Exit </i><span class="sc2">Wilhelm</span>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Come here, my Fritzchen, sit beside me!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Very well, mamma, let us, very well!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You see, Agnes she had a presentiment about you.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah! Good-day, Agnes!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Good-day, Fritz!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You are so formal!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I?... Ah, no, dear Fritz.... Would you not like to drink +something?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Fritz </span><i>stares at her, without +replying</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span> (<i>starting up</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, father!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You are asked a question.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">To be sure, pardon me!... Pardon me, dear Agnes!... It is the +heat ... It makes one quite idiotic.... Please bring me anything you like.... +No, bring me rather some Rhine wine.... Bring some of the '64.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>laughing</i>).</p> + +<p class="center">You go eagerly at the stuff, my son....</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Forgive me, father, if I was too bold. I don't know how I came +to do it.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">Major</span> (<i>to </i><span class="sc2"> +Agnes</span>).<p> + +<p class="normal">Just bring it, bring it.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Agnes </span><i>takes the keys from the +shelf and goes out to the right</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How long have you furlough, my boy?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Furlough? Ha, ha, furlough ... No furlough at all. Sixty +precious minutes, I have spared for you (<i>stretching himself</i>) then it is +over! (<i>Throws himself into a chair standing near the place where his mother +is sitting</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It is "over," what does that mean? Are you then on duty?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">On duty?... Well, yes indeed, I am on duty--to be sure--of +course.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What duty can that be?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, a patrol ride, of course.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">When did you set out?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">At noon, father.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Remarkable. In my time, the cavalry rode in patrol service +rather about midnight.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, the old man<a name="div2Ref_02" href="#div2_02"><sup>[2]</sup></a> +does such things.... It is all one to him. If he can give petty annoyance. Yes.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How do you have time to stop in here?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, I had to unsaddle, and anyhow have ridden four and a +half miles. It was only the question whether I should feed the horse at Braun's +at the entrance where one gets merely water or----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Of course you are right about that.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span> (<i>stroking his hands</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">See what brown hands the boy has got.... I wonder how they can +be burned through the gloves ... Just look, Richard, he has the white mark on +his forehead, there where it is shaded. The last time, it was not there. My boy, +my boy! (<i>Bends down her head and kisses him on the forehead</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Fritz </span><i>closes his eyes and utters +a low whimpering exclamation of pain</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What was it? Did I hurt you, my boy?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span> (<i>with embarrassed laughter</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, no--no!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Control yourself, Fritz!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, father!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Let him alone, Richard! Remember he has to leave directly.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span> (<i>staring straight before him</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, I must go directly.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>shaking his head, examines +him</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Remarkable!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span> (<i>who returns with a bottle +and glasses</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">There is the wine, dear Fritz.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, if only the wine is there! (<i>Hurries to the table and +pours the wine</i>.) Does no one touch glasses with me?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Just wait, I will touch glasses with you.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then long life to us, friends! May we live happily.... Long +may we live.... (<i>Musing</i>.) May we live as long as possible!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">But you are not drinking.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, yes. (<i>Tosses down a glass</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, I should like to take this occasion to ask you just why +you don't write to us any more.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Please, Richard, please say nothing to him--he telegraphed.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span> (<i>starting anxiously</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Telegraphed? What did I telegraph?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Major </span><i>makes signals to him behind +his mother's back</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, of course. You see, father, I telegraphed.... And then, +not long ago, I fell from the trapeze and sprained my arm a bit.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You see, Richard, that is what hurt him just now; and yet you +scolded him.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mamma, father is right.... A soldier is not allowed to show +signs of pain--he has no pain. That is something which doesn't happen, it is +something which doesn't happen at all, does it, Agnes?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Why do you ask <i>me</i>, Fritz?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Remarkable!... You know, darling, the boy would like something +to eat. In such cases, you always see to it yourself--eh?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">No, indeed, mother--stay here, mother. (<i>He grasps her hands</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span> (<i>imploringly</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Richard, the time is just now so short.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Won't do, child! I have to speak to him about something.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What is it, father? There is indeed no question of ...</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span> (<i>standing up and +sighing</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Don't be too long, Richard. Remember I wish to have something +more of him. (<i>Goes with </i><span class="sc2">Agnes </span><i>to the door on the left, where she turns +again</i>.) My boy, don't you look at me any more?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Who has been standing with averted face, biting his lips, +turns suddenly</i>.) At your service, mother!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now he is on his "at your service" footing, even with me.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<i>Exit </i><span class="sc2">Frau von Drosse </span><i>with </i><span class="sc2"> +Agnes</span>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>EIGHTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">MAJOR</span>. <span class="sc2">FRITZ</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, Fritz, my boy, here we are now alone, just out with what +you have to say ... Exactly what is the matter?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Nothing, father, absolutely nothing ... What should be the +matter?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You know, this story about the sprained arm and the patrol +ride, that is simply a lie!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How so?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Will you smoke a cigar with me?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">If you please ... That is, I should like a glass of water. (<i>Tosses +down two glasses of water</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>lights his cigar</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Just see, Fritz, in your rage you fail to notice that I am +insulting you here.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How can a father be said to insult his son? If you don't +believe me, then you just don't believe me.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">But we are both officers, my son.... Well, let us set that +aside--besides that, we are a couple of good friends from time immemorial.... +Isn't that the case--are we not?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, to be sure.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And when I see you running about here--in ecstasy or +despair--I can make nothing out of it. Yes, I should like to advise you to put a +little more confidence in me.... The affair is surely not so bad that a man of +experience cannot put it in order again.... So just sit down here a while.... +Have you gambled?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, I have gambled too.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Have you lost?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">No, I have won.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then, as to women--how is it about women?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span> (<i>shrugs his shoulders</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Boy, don't be so hard in the mouth.... Do you think I don't +know you are in love?...</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">In love? Ah, good God!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Just think, my boy, only a year and a half ago, you came to me +one fine day and explained to me that you wished to engage yourself to Agnes.... +You know that I have not the slightest objection to Agnes. She will make an +excellent Frau von Drosse.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Indeed? Do you believe it?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">But your twenty-one years and, ah, good God!... You still +carry about with you most merrily the eggshells on your back--as the infantry +carries the knapsack. You hadn't the slightest idea of what are commonly called +"women"--of course, I don't count barmaids and such people.... So I said to you: +"My boy, let this interview be buried--and above all, so far as Agnes is +concerned.... Do as your father and your grandfather did! Get some experience +and--then come again." Don't you remember that?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I should think I did remember it.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>smiling</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">And now, it seems to me, you have had some experience.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, yes, there is no denying that.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>still smiling</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">You have in the end had a so-called "passion," or are stuck in +the middle of it; which of the two I don't know. Yet to judge from the +discontinuance of your letters, the latter is the case.... Since we are here +together as two men, I will not expostulate with you further.... You know +perhaps the story of that abbé who, in society, once excused the absence of his +bishop with the words: "Monseigneur est en retard à cause d'amour." To a certain +extent, this holds good in every case.... But in spite of that, on your mother's +account, don't do it again. That is my advice to you.... There! And now we'll +enter at once upon the matter itself.... Just see, Frau von Lanski is, it will +be admitted, a very charming woman, but----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span> (<i>impetuously</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Father, how do you come to refer to Frau von Lanski?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">There, there, there, only take it calmly, only take it +calmly.... I know just what there is to know about such affairs, and I don't by +any means wish to pry into your secrets ... But so far as the grand passion is +concerned, be calm.... I can cure you again ... Be quite calm.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That I can well believe, father, if only you have the time +necessary to do it.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>smiling</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, why haven't I?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Because, in twenty-four hours, I shall be a dead man.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Springing up, and taking him by the shoulder</i>.) Boy!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Father, I did not wish to tell anything. I came here only to +take farewell of you in silence. But you have drawn it out of me, father.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>flying into a passion</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">So, there's a scandal.... You had to carry it to the point of +making a scandal--you damned fool! (<i>More calmly</i>.) Lanski has challenged +you?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Fritz </span><i>nods assent</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, yes--and it is well known--Lanski is a dead shot. He is +perhaps the best shot anywhere hereabouts.... But still your wrist is in good +order. How can one throw the thing away like that? I have fought three duels, +and two of them under difficult conditions--eh--and--there, see here! How can +one say such a thing? How can one, man?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Father, the affair at this moment is in such a state that, +after all, I don't know whether I shall be granted a duel!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>hoarsely</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">I don't understand that, Fritz.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then don't ask me!... I can't say it, father.... I had rather +bite off my tongue. (<i>Pauses</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Goes to the door on the left, opens it, looks out, and +closes it again</i>.) Now speak! (<i>Wildly</i>.) Speak or----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">For me, father, there is no more any "or." ... Whether you +turn me out or not, it is all the same.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>softly, grinding his teeth</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Do you wish to drive me mad, boy?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc">Fritz </span><i>crying out</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">He whipped me--across the courtyard--out into the +street--whipped me like a beast!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>after a silence</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Where was your sabre? You could have run him through.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Fritz </span><i>silent, with downcast eyes</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Where was your sabre, I ask you?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was--not--at hand, father.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was not at hand.... Hm!... Now I understand it all. Surely +there is nothing left to wish! And this catastrophe occurred when?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yesterday evening, father!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">At what time?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was still--daylight!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ha, ha!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Father, only don't laugh! Have pity on me!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Have you had pity on me?... Or on your mother? or on--on.... +Just look, look about you ... All that was made for you!... All that was waiting +for you.... For two centuries we Drosses have struggled and scraped together and +fought with death and devil merely for you.... The house of Drosse was resting +on your two shoulders, my son.... And you have let it fall into the mire, and +now you would like to be pitied!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Dear father, listen.... Since you have known it, I am quite +calm.... What you say is all very true, but I cannot bear the responsibility +alone. Listen; when I came to you that time, on account of Agnes, my whole heart +was attached to her. So far as I was concerned, other men's wives could go to +the devil.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Did I drive you, then, after other men's wives?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, father, otherwise what does that mean: "Get some +experience, ripen, do as your father and grandfather did"?... In the regiment, +they still call you the wild Drosse, and tales are still told of your former +love adventures.... They tell some such stories even of a late date.... For my +part, I had not the least taste for such diversions. I used to see in every +woman who did not belong to me, a sort of holy thing.... That may have been a +green way of looking at it, but you would have allowed it; and with Agnes, I +should have quietly----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Stop! Have pity! Stop!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">See, now you say to me all at once, "have pity"--Father, I am +a dying man, I did not come here to make reproaches, but do you make none to me!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Embracing him, and stroking his hair</i>.) My son--my +all--my boy--I don't permit--I will not----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Silence, silence, father! Mother should not hear that.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, forgive me for giving way. It shall not happen again.... +So how does the affair stand now?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I reported myself to the old man, that very night.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">My God! Whatever did the old Frohn say?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Spare me that, father.... Of course, I obtained the usual +furlough at once, until the discharge comes. Well, that doesn't matter now.... +It does not last long, thus.... This morning, the court of honor had a sitting. +After my hearing, I rode away at once, so as to lose no time. I gave Mohammed to +Hallerpfort in order to have him follow me as soon as judgment was pronounced. +He may be here at any moment.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Why did you summon a court of honor?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What was I to do, father, after Lanski declared to those who +delivered my challenge that I was no longer--capable of having satisfaction?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah! I will shoot the dog dead for that.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, I hope they will decide favourably to me.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">If not, the dev-- (<i>Softly</i>.) And then I will tell you a +couple of measures to take so as to have a steady hand. Sleep properly, and +don't eat a bite, and then tell the doctor----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Enough, enough, father, that is of no further use.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What does that mean? Is it possible that you will--to +Lanski?----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Lanski will hit me. Depend upon it....</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Man, are you--are you----?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Lanski will hit me. Depend upon it....</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Man, yet have--yet consider----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I will not, father! And if you had seen the spectacle which +the people of Wartenstein saw yesterday (<i>shudders</i>), you would demand +nothing more of life for me than a half-respectable death....</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>brokenly</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Perhaps--they will not--grant you--the duel.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, if we have got to that last hope, father, then we are +indeed in bad straits.... Shall I perhaps open a dram-shop in Chicago, or a +cattle business with my paternal capital? Yes? Would you have done it?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>perplexed</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">I?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Say then say!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>drawing himself up</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">No! (<i>Sinks down in his chair</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">So you see, father--so or so--your Fritz is done for.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>sunk in gloomy reverie</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">My fault!--my----</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>NINTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">THE SAME</span>. <span class="sc2">WILHELM</span>. +<i>Afterward </i><span class="sc2">LIEUTENANT VON HALLERPFORT</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What is it?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Lieutenant von Hallerpfort wishes to speak to the young +master.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Hurrying past him to the door</i>.) Well?</p> +<br> + +<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">Hallerpfort </span><i>shakes hands with him +and the </i><span class="sc2">Major</span>, <i>and casts a glance at </i><span class="sc2"> +Wilhelm</span>, <i>who forthwith disappears</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Does your father know?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, my dear Hallerpfort, I know.--Granted?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">To-morrow morning, half after four o'clock behind the large +drill-ground.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thank God!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thank God! (<i>They embrace</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span> (<i>disengaging himself</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Conditions?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Fifteen paces--advance--five paces barrier--exchange of +shots----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">To a finish?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">To a finish.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Very well!</p> +<br> + +<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">Major </span><i>turns toward the door, and presses his +hands to his face</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span> (<i>approaching him</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Major, as your son's best friend----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>grasping his hands</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">I thank you, my dear Hallerpfort, I thank you.... You will +ride away at once, will you not?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Unfortunately we must, Major.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then just listen.... I will pass the hours until the duel, +with my son.... That you can understand, can't you?... My carriage is hitched up +but I cannot go away with you for fear of making my sick wife uneasy. Wait for +me at the end of half an hour in Schrander's inn.... Don't fear. We shall be on +time....</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It will be as you order, Major.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And now, courage, Fritz!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That is understood, father!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Holding open the door on the left, in a different tone</i>.) +Now, boys, just come quickly in! Only think, darling----</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>TENTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">THE SAME</span>. <span class="sc2">FRAU VON +DROSSE</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah--Herr von Hallerpfort! (<i>He kisses her hand</i>.) How +does this happen? Two lieutenants in the house at the same time--if that doesn't +bring luck!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span> (<i>quickly</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">We have orders together, mamma.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And alas, madam, we have to be off this very minute.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How is that? Then I don't have my full hour? And now +everything is so beautifully arranged.... Fritz, my dear Hallerpfort--just a +bite, won't you?... Richard, dear, come to my aid.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">But, dear child, service is service.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span> (<i>with quick decision</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">So, good-bye, mamma!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span> (<i>embracing him</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">My boy--you will soon have furlough, won't you?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes indeed, mamma! After the manœuvres. Then we are free. Then +we will be merry!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And Hallerpfort is coming with you, isn't he?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Hallerpfort</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">With your permission, madam.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Major</span> (<i>softly, to </i><span class="sc2">Agnes</span>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Take leave of him! You will never see him again!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Stretching out his hand cheerfully to her</i>.) Dear Ag-- +(<i>Looks into her face, and understands that she knows. Softly, earnestly</i>.) +Farewell, then.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Farewell, Fritz!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I love you.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Agnes</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I shall always love you, Fritz!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Away then, Hallerpfort! Au revoir, papa! Au revoir! Revoir! (<i>Starts +for the door on the right</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Go by the park, boys--there I have you longer in sight.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Fritz</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Very well, mamma, we will do it! (<i>Passes with </i> +<span class="sc2">Hallerpfort </span><i>through the door at the centre; on the terrace, he turns with a +cheerful gesture, and calls once more</i>.) Au revoir! (<i>His voice is still +audible</i>.) Au revoir!</p> + +<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">Frau von Drosse </span><i>throws kisses after him, and waves +her handkerchief, then presses her hand wearily to her heart and sighs heavily</i>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>ELEVENTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">MAJOR</span>. <span class="sc2">FRAU VON +DROSSE</span>. <span class="sc2">AGNES</span>.</p> +<br> +<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">Agnes </span><i>hurries to her, and leads her to a chair, then goes +over to the </i><span class="sc2">Major</span>, <i>who, with heaving breast is +lost in thought</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau von Drosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thank you, my darling!--Already, I am quite well again!... +God, the boy! How handsome he looked! And so brown and so healthy.... You see, I +saw him exactly like that last night.... No, that is no illusion! And I told you +how the Emperor led him in among all the generals! And the emperor said (<i>More +softly, looking far away with a beatific smile</i>.) And the Emperor said----</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h3>CURTAIN.</h3> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>III</h2> + +<h1><a name="div1_masculine" href="#div1Ref_masculine">THE ETERNAL MASCULINE</a></h1> + +<h2>A PLAY IN ONE ACT</h2> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>PERSONS</h2> +<br> +<div style="margin-left:20%"> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc2">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc2">The Marshal</span>.</p> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">The Valet de Chambre</span>.</p> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">The Sleepy Maid of Honour</span>.</p> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">The Deaf Maid of Honor</span>.</p> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">A Child as Cupid</span>.</p> +</div> +<br> +<p class="normal">Several other Marquises and Maids of Honour.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>THE ETERNAL MASCULINE</h2> + +<p class="normal"><i>The scene represents a state apartment in a royal castle. +On the left, a throne in baroque style. On the right, in the background a screen +with a table and chairs beside it. In the centre, an easel.</i></p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>FIRST SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc2">THE QUEEN </span><i>in a plaited coronation +robe, on the throne</i>. <span class="sc2">THE PAINTER </span> +<i>with palette in hand, painting</i>. <span class="sc2">A CHILD </span><i>as </i><span class="sc2"> +CUPID</span>, <i>suspended by the waist, swings on </i><span class="sc2">THE +QUEEN'S </span><i>left, holding a crown over her head. The background and the +right of the stage are occupied by ladies and gentlemen of the court, among them </i><span class="sc2"> +THE DEAF MAID OF HONOUR</span>, <span class="sc2">THE SLEEPY MAID OF HONOUR</span>, <span class="sc2"> +THE MARQUIS IN PINK</span>, and <span class="sc2">MARQUIS IN PALE BLUE</span>.</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">SONG OF THE MAIDS OF HONOUR</span>.</p> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Led by The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.)</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<p class="t4">Zephyr rises at the dawn<br> + From the budding pillows of the roses.<br> + Lo, he will cool his hot desire<br> + In the silvery dew,<br> + Since he must console himself<br> + That his dream still fans the flame,<br> + And that Luna's icy kiss<br> + Does but touch his parched mouth.</p> +<p class="t4"> </p> +<p class="t4">And Aurora's violet passion<br> + Looks on him with floods of tears.<br> + Ah! What matters Luna's favour?--<br> + She knows not how to kiss.</p> +</div> + +<p class="center">The Queen (<i>yawning</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">The pretty verses which you have just sung to sweeten this +long posing for me, grieve me slightly. Yet--aside from that--accept my thanks.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, your Majesty!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Are you a poet, Marquis?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, your Majesty, up to this time I have not been; but who +should not speak in verse where this magic enthrals us, where our hearts are +habitually broken, and Cupid himself bears the royal crown?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Cupid </span><i>begins to cry</i>).</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">First Maid of Honour</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What is the matter with him?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Second Maid of Honour</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, the sweet child!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">First Maid of Honour</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Be good! Nice and good! Here is a sweetmeat!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Cupid</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I want to get down! My legs are cold.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, fie! The word offends my ears.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Pardon him, your Majesty, the saucy child surely does not know +that in your presence one can speak only of roses, lilies, and such delicate +things.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It seems to me that the little fellow lacks education.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Hereafter, only children from superior families should be +chosen for this purpose.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And you, respected artist, have no word to say?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It is not fitting that every one should speak. I am engaged to +paint, not to make speeches. Still, may I ask you to send the boy away?</p> +<br> + +<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">The Queen </span><i>laughing, makes a sign. +Two maids of honour set him free</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What a way of speaking!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What a plebeian!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How self-conscious!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And she dotes on him!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Nay, dear master, speak! For rarely do I have the pleasure of +finding my thought sympathetically stimulated by the thought of another. I do so +like to think--I like to <i>feel</i> perhaps even better--yet these gentlemen +talk as if they were in a fever.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquises</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, your Majesty!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, indeed! Look for the man who without hope of meretricious +gain knows how to devote himself faithfully to noble service, and who without +honeyed phrases gracefully pursues what is dear to his soul; as for you--you +could borrow for yourselves a little of love's fire merely from the +confectioner's kitchen.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, that is severe!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, that is almost deadly!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then resist, and do not drag along inoffensively the burden, +new every day, of my old contempt which I bestow upon you, because it pleases me +to, like the ordinance of God. But let him expect my reward who can say worthily +and honourably: Behold, oh Queen, I am a man!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I am one!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">So am I!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I don't think ill of you! I like you. You don't disturb my +repose--yet, dear master, what say you to that?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.<//p> + +<p class="normal">I pray, your Majesty, still a little farther to the right.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span> (<i>smiling</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">And is that all? Does nothing which may occur in this room +interest you?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Pardon me, your Majesty, the daylight is scanty, and +besides--I am painting.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Look at him! A ray of light is of more value to him than all +the foolish, gaudy songs of love. Is it not true? See, his very silence and bow +betoken decided resistance.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Madam, forgive me if my words and bearing were an occasion and +reason for misunderstanding. I speak now, because you call on me to speak. Every +ray of light is a ray of love, and if its portrayer were to shut it out, I +should like to know what would remain of this poor art which derives its +sublimest power from the sources of desire. If our heart does not tremble in our +hand, if into the flood of forms which stream from it, no flash of inner +lightning shines, how shall we express in these colours life's image, the storm +of the passions, the shy play of slight feeling, the desperate vacillation of +exhausted hope, and all the rest of our inner life? In these seven blotched +colours (<i>points to the palette</i>) where the whole wide universe is +portrayed, where if our senses are starving for truth, is phantasy to look for +food and deliverance? Yet if we have to speak with wisdom, elegantly and +cleverly, then the mysterious volition is silent and the promised land recedes +far away from us. Therefore, madam, leave me what belongs to us who are poor, +the sacred right to create and to be silent.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You call yourself poor and yet you are rich. You might be +equal to the rulers of this earth. Yet what avails the kingdom of your vision? +The splendid gift of confidence is wanting to you.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How, your Majesty?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Like a Harpagon, you guard the treasures of your soul, lest +any of your feelings should be stolen. No one risks it--Jean, give me my +smelling-bottle.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">She inflames him.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">On the contrary, she cools him off.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Just to inflame him anew.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I wonder if she truly loves him?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">At any rate, she wishes to excite him.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">There, Jean, <i>merci</i>.... Yet what was I about to say, has +no one seen anything of our Marshal?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span> (<i>softly</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Is he still missing?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Why does she want <i>him</i>, too?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I really believe the good Marshal is offended. It is three +days since I spoke to him graciously at the state reception.... That seems long +to me.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span> (<i>turning to </i><span class="sc2"> +The Queen</span>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Is the Marshal back? The Marshal here?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">May it please your Majesty, a gentleman of the court met him +to-day. He was standing in a pouring rain, and trying a new sword.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span> (<i>to himself</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">The Marshal.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis In Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Half aloud to </i><span class="sc2">The Painter</span>.) +Admit, sir, that his coming is inconvenient to you?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Do you know him, master?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Your Majesty, I have never seen him.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yet you would like to make his acquaintance?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That I don't know.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Softly to </i><span class="sc2">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.) How the coward +betrays himself!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Too often I have heard his name spoken in wonder, here with +disfavour, there with enthusiasm, yet always as if a miracle was happening to +me, too often for me not to view with apprehension the nearness of this powerful +man.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What did I say? He is afraid.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That is splendid!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">We must see to that and profit by it. (<i>Aloud</i>.) Yet I +advise you, dear master, hold your own. He has a habit sometimes of running +people through. Yet----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">As one impales flies--of an afternoon--on the wall? My +felicitations, Marquis! Happily for you, it is plain that he has never been +bored.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How do you intend that?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Gentlemen, I must beg you! At court, the master has good +company. It amuses me when he meets your insolence with wit and spirit, and +gives you a return thrust. Only try the experiment! I am waiting.... Please, +Jean, my handkerchief!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I have a right to be angry!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, indeed, you have been insulted!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ha! Fearful is a man in anger! What do you think--can the +dauber defend himself?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Attack him first from behind, then to his face.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I thank you, Jean.... Well, now, you dear men, you whisper, +sulk, and mutter to each other. What is the use of my kindling your wit? I don't +strike even a little spark from the stone. So you are dismissed.... Take a +holiday. And do you, my children, go home. But in a little while, master, let us +talk together, after our hearts' desire! The ladies of the suite--they will not +disturb you.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I believe it. One of them is asleep.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">The other can't hear.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Good-bye! I wish you to go home to do penance for your sins of +love. (<i>Goes to the door on the right</i>.) One thing more. When you see the +good Marshal, give him my greetings. (<i>Exit, followed by the ladies. Only the +sleepy lady remains, sitting</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Softly to the deaf lady</i>.) Pst! Wake her! (<i>She nods +to him pleasantly and goes out</i>.) Ah, yes, she is deaf!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Pointing at the lady asleep</i>.) Pluck her by the sleeve.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Fräulein, allow me?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Sleepy Maid Of Honour</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Springs up with a little cry, makes a low curtsey to </i> +<span class="sc2">The Marquis</span>, +<i>which he returns in kind, then follows the other ladies</i>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>SECOND SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">THE MARQUISES</span>. <span class="sc2">THE +PAINTER</span>.</p> +<br> +<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">The Painter </span><i>paints, without +noticing the others, then takes a buttered roll from his pocket and eats</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ha, now I am going to kill him!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Don't you know it is forbidden? The punishment would be +severe. They say, too, that he wields a keen blade, and before you know it you +are dead as a mouse.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I am surprised at that. Yet whether we love or hate him, one +thing is as clear to me as day: he must not be allowed to quit this palace +alive.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Another Marquis</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Pardon me, Marquis, why not?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You don't see deeply into this, Marquis. It seems almost as if +you were a simpleton. Has she not mocked us, and exclaimed at our cooing, +rustling, sweet speaking, and whimpering? Yet she delights to have him paint +her; and as a reward, she loves him.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Second Marquis</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ha, terrible!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Third Marquis</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Who told you that?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Have pity on us, friend, and give us proofs!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, his Majesty (<i>all bow</i>) is, alas, well on in years! +(<i>All assent sorrowfully</i>.) Whom else does she love? There must at any rate +be some one!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">For God's sake, be prudent and speak softly!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What is he doing there?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Second Marquis</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">He is eating.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Fie, how vulgar!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What will happen to the Marshal?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That seems to me doubtful. Sometimes she is pleasant with him, +sometimes ill-humoured. I have tried to get rid of him, but he still stays by +me. He causes me the pangs of jealousy. She must love one of us. We are here for +that purpose. Yet inasmuch as this wandering fellow has stolen her heart, he +must die--and that on the spot.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Patience, Marquis, patience! Of all the means of shaking off +this insolent fellow, there is one which is really exquisite. Without breaking +the laws, if we set the Marshal on him, instead of being disturbers of the +peace, we shall escape scot-free. He dies, of course, and it would be a +wonder--yet what am I saying?--He is already as good as a dead sparrow.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<i>All chuckle</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Dead sparrow is excellent!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">This murder--listen--is bound to put the other one into +disfavour. The King's Majesty (<i>all bow</i>) will shorten his leave of +absence, and we, we shall be freed of him.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<i>All chuckle</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What are they about? Alas, if they are glad, perhaps that +means the ruin of some man of honour. Perhaps they are meditating some ribaldry. +But in truth, what matters to me this vermin?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now let us send out a message hastily to the Marshal, that we +are gathered in the antechamber, and while this poor dead mouse--no, pardon me +sparrow!--stammers his love to her, he, driven by us to extremes, will burst in +unannounced--and this fellow is detected.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Very good! But if things turn out differently, what then?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Never mind! Take advantage of the right moment. No more is +needed. For she cannot refrain, she must see people kneel to her.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Famous! Brilliant! A splendid plan! (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">The Painter</span>, +<i>with a low bow which all imitate</i>.) Honoured sir, permit us to greet you!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span> (<i>very politely</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">My greeting implies the esteem of which you are aware.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">We lay our esteem at your feet! (<i>After further bows, which </i> +<span class="sc2">The Painter </span><i>good-humouredly returns</i>, <span class="sc2">The Marquises </span><i>depart at the +centre</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">The Painter </span><i>smiling, continues to +paint</i>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h3><i>THIRD SCENE</i></h3> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc2">THE PAINTER</span>. <span class="sc2">THE +VALET DE CHAMBRE</span>. <i>Then </i> +<span class="sc2">THE DEAF MAID OF HONOUR</span>. <span class="sc2">THE SLEEPY +MAID OF HONOUR</span>. <span class="sc2">THE QUEEN</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">The Valet </span><i>entering from the left, +greets </i><span class="sc2">The Painter </span><i>with condescending nods, and +walks over to the throne</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Eh!--what?... Ah, indeed! (<i>Laughs aloud</i>.) Strange +world, where the lackey carries his head the highest!</p> +<br> + +<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">Valet </span><i>after arranging the +cushions, places himself before the easel, and ogles the portrait</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What is it?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Valet</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Pleasantly, as a connoisseur</i>.) Ah these little furrows +in the cheeks! (<i>Benevolently</i>.) It can't be expected, sir, of you that +your brush should do justice to every fine point. Yet--aside from that--the +likeness is good.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span> (<i>laughing heartily</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Indeed?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Valet</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Opening the door on the left, announces</i>.) Her Majesty!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I scent trouble in this, and a voice says to me flee! I have +already committed many a folly, but I never loved a queen! Take heed to +yourself!</p> +<br> + +<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">The Two Maids of Honour </span><i>have +entered during this soliloquy, and have taken their positions to the right and +left of the door</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Nods cordially to </i><span class="sc2">The Painter</span>, <i>and takes her seat +on the throne, as before</i>.) My dear Jean, I must dispense with you now. Don't +stay too late.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<i>Exit Jean</i>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>FOURTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="hang1"><span class="sc2">THE QUEEN</span>. <span class="sc2">THE +PAINTER</span>.<span class="sc2">THE DEAF MAID OF HONOUR</span> (<i>who seats +herself behind the screen</i>). <span class="sc2">THE SLEEPY MAID OF HONOUR</span> +(<i>who falls asleep directly on a chair near the door on the left</i>).</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Well, master, tell me: what is Genius doing?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, your Majesty, he is pursuing Beauty.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yet since Beauty lingers no more on earth, your genius will +soon grow weary.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How so? Does your Majesty think it roams in the sky? It +lingers just at the goal and cries: Oh behold! and what thou beholdest, that +give to eternity!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I did not know, my dear master, that you were so ready with +your compliments. Very well! As a man of many travels and of great reputation, +you tread continually on the scorn of men; and since we are here chatting in +confidence, take heart and tell me without reserve, tell me quite frankly: am I +really beautiful?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">If I were to speak as a man, every word would be presumptuous. +Yet you ask the painter only. And he says that his hand is withered with anxiety +lest on this canvas there will be found only a pale blotted vapour seen by a +blind man.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">There spoke the painter. But what says the man?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">He has no opinion, your Majesty!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What a pity! One hears now and then this thing and that thing, +yet that seems to me insipid above all things. And one must be strict and always +be suppressing--suppressing. You don't need that. So I tell you discreetly, I +can't resist the suspicion that my beauty is leaving me. Yes, indeed. And +besides that, I am growing old. Yes, indeed. I am almost thirty, and the matron +has to go to the rear. I indeed do what I can. They take great pains with me. +And my late brother used to send me a beauty powder from the holy sepulchre +which was good for my complexion. Then it is my habit to wash myself with the +extract of lilies, and off and on to nibble at arsenic bonbons. That is very +good--the eyes flash, and the blood comes to the cheeks.... (<i>Alarmed</i>.) It +seems to me I am confiding in you.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Consider me as a thing--as a slave!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And you know how to be silent? Tell me--swear!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What you did not will me to hear, that I have not heard. What +I did not hear, I cannot keep as a secret.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Lofty sentiment and noble will find expression in you. So, in +all silence, I may show your heart what favours are granted to you.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span> (<i>tremulously</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Am I worth it? And if you regret it to-morrow?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I do not know a to-morrow nor a to-day. My weary sense with +crippled wing never strays into the far future, for ah! I, poor, poor Queen, +suffer from intense melancholy. I have too much feeling. I have told you that +already, and then I am tired of my throne in this world of dreary elegance, +where----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Your Majesty! Remember the ladies there!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, the ladies! No chance favours me. That you have perceived +already. Yet there is no question of the ladies. One doesn't hear a word; the +other sleeps, even while standing up.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sure enough.... Yet when I consider----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Consider nothing.... Give me only a consoling word, which in +the sultriness of this perverted nature may penetrate my soul like a breath from +the forest. You are a man!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span> (<i>laughing to himself</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Who has lost his head!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">So I saw him in my dreams. I feel, too, that you could quite +overflow, and I am a little afraid of it.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Controlling himself with difficulty</i>.) Oh, fear +nothing. I know very well the barrier between me and the height of your throne. +Not a desire, not a thought, rises to you.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And yet you think that I am beautiful?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span> (<i>impulsively</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, you are beautiful! You--(<i>restraining himself</i>). +Your Majesty, I beg you to turn a little more to the left.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Turns her head quite to the left</i>.) So?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What are you painting now?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Your hand.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span> (<i>pointing to her face</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">And it is for that, that I am to turn to the left?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I meant, just to the centre.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Is the hand well posed?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Very well.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Can you see it from where you sit?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">No, yes--(<i>she laughs</i>). Forgive me if I am talking +nonsense.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span> (<i>spreading out her hand</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Here you have it! How the sapphire sparkles! A beautiful +stone!... You praised my face, but yet you don't say whether you like my hand.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Instead of finding fault with me, look! I have painted it.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span> (<i>pouting</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">You have indeed painted it, but you have not kissed it. From +that I conclude that it is not attractive.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And forgive me, if I transgress the rules of your court, more +from shyness than from want of intelligence. Even so, the sailor knows well the +laws of the stars' movements and yet must often sail a false course.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It seems as if you wished to avoid the subject. I was speaking +of a hand--you speak of stars.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You were speaking of your hand and that is so far from me that +even the eternal will, the might which compels the starry heaven, brings it not +one inch nearer to me.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Indeed, do you believe that? (<i>She rises and goes to the +easel</i>.) Now pray what happened? You willed nothing and compelled nothing, +yet please observe--the hand is there.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Madam, where others fell down before you, here it is my duty +to warn you. I am not a simple shepherd, and never do I let people make game of +me.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, now it becomes interesting! You look at me as savagely as +if a hatred quite unappeased and unappeasable possessed you.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">A hatred? No, what I laughingly veiled from you was not +hatred, no--yet +<i>if</i> I hate, I hate myself, because, dazzled with splendour, like a +drowning man I grasp at the little words which you mockingly deal out to me; +because, after the manner of a venal courtier, I quite forgot the pride of the +man, and by your favour ate sweetmeats greedily from these hands! Yes, just show +them--the white fairy<a name="div2Ref_03" href="#div2_03"><sup>[3]</sup></a> +hands laden with the splendid tokens of love: yet stop--think of the end, by the +holy God--I recognise myself no more.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Never yet did I hear such words.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">When did you ever bow yourself to force? When did passion +build you a throne on the ruins of the universe, the only throne to win which is +more than an idle pastime, on which in splendid grandeur, instead of all the +queens, sits Woman! And if a drone playing in colours ever indeed won a smile +from you, take from me but your crown, for I, oh Queen, am--a man!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Shrinking back to the throne</i>.) Enough, I should not +listen to you any longer.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You must. You have so willed it.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I will beg you, sir, I will conjure you.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Too late. You offered me love's pay as you would throw a gold +piece into the cap of a beggar crouching in the street, and if I, thrilled now +by hot desire, employ the only moment of life which commits you into my hands, I +will not have you play with me any longer. I will, and you--you--must--before +this throne our alliance is ratified. Take away the hand. That, others may kiss, +but I, Queen, will have the mouth. I will----</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>FIFTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">THE SAME</span>. <span class="sc">THE +MARSHAL</span>.</p> + +<p class="center">The Queen.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Who until now has listened, anxious but not altogether +unfriendly, collects herself, and draws herself up in sudden anger</i>.) I +deliver this insolent fellow to you, Marshal. Deal with him as he deserves. (<i>She +goes to the door. There she stops, and gives </i><span class="sc2">The Sleepy Maid of Honour </span><i> +two angry little blows with her fan. The latter springs up, bows, and goes out +gravely behind </i><span class="sc2">The Queen</span>, <i>with </i><span class="sc2">The Deaf Maid of Honour</span>, <i>who has +risen</i>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>SIXTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">THE MARSHAL</span>. <span class="sc2">THE +PAINTER</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">The Marshal</span>.</p> +<br> +<p class="normal">Sir, if you wish to say a paternoster, make haste with it.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Your magnanimity affects me deeply, Marshal. But my soul +carries light baggage. Even so, it will journey to heaven. And instead of a last +testament, I present this portrait to you, so that, in the confusion, no serious +danger may happen to it.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">By your will, it has become mine, and I will gladly keep it. +So, draw your sword!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I, sir?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">So, draw!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">No, that you will never live to see!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then why do you wear a sword?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Because I choose to.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You are a coward.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Controlling himself, with a smiling bow</i>.) And you are +a hero! (<i>In the meanwhile the door at the centre is opened</i>. <span class="sc2"> +The Marquises </span><i>put their heads in, listening</i>. <span class="sc2">The +Painter </span><i>observes it and takes his sword from the table where he has +just laid it</i>.) See! As the traveller uses the staff to defend himself +against dogs, so I must wield it. Such people are to be found at all doors where +small men work and lie in wait and play the parasite. (<span class="sc2">The +Marquises </span><i>draw back. The door at the centre is suddenly closed</i>.) +Yet ever to bare the sword against you, with whom, out of a timid trustfulness, +a bond, a splendid bond of pride, entwined me; whom of all the incompletely +great men, I admiringly called the only great man--if ever I were to be guilty +of such ignominy, I should not find my small share of peace even in the shade of +the most beautiful church-yard lindens.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Are you still young?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I am not exactly old, yet my fortune has been so checkered and +various that I joyfully had given seven every-day lives for <i>one</i> surfeit +of this. And in the end--however one may work and strive, it is man's destiny: +he dies of Woman. Therefore, instead of passing away slowly by my own, I will +quickly find my end by the wife of another. My chariot of victory stops indeed +suddenly. I greet its well-appointed driver--and I greet my judge. Thrust on!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I may be a judge, but I am not an executioner. So do me the +favour----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And fighting, let you run me through? No, Marshal! That I must +refuse. See! Each of us two has his art. You employ the sword, I the palette. +How would it be if I should say to you now in accordance with the practice of my +craft: Come, we will paint on a wager? And you do not know the merest precept of +light-value, azure, modelling. Very well, you are a dead man for me. Afterward +you might--that is allowed you--come to life into the bargain, if you liked.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You are mocking me, surely!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Surely, no! Yet every fight should be a fight on a wager. +Because in a fight between men you are a complete man, I should like to show +that I too can do something. You are laughing.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">One who is so nimble with his tongue has, it is said, a sure +hand. Perhaps, too, many a device unknown to me is concealed in the wielding of +your sword. So be quick, I pray you. I hear the sound of footsteps. Do you stare +at me in silence?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Still a little farther to the right!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What does that mean?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">So!--And that may not be looked at, because one is mouldering +away! I cannot get over it. Never yet have I found lines like those, never yet a +working so gloriously true in the frontal plexus of veins, in the eyebrows, as +if one by pure will became a giant. The body delicate--the cheeks thin; for +Nature when she fashions her best, makes no boast of vigorous strength.... The +wish overpowers me--Before I die, sir, I must paint you.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You seem altogether mad.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I beg you to grant me a respite. I shall be glad to let you +kill me, yet only after your portrait is finished.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And by your creation, you hope to obtain all manner of favour, +and quietly to escape. You are cunning indeed.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It is the peculiar pleasure of magnanimity to suspect the +magnanimity of others.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Are you reading me a lecture?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It seems that I must. I must make an effort to win your +heart's esteem, which is worth more to me than any amount of foolish play with +briskly wielded swords.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">By heaven, sir, you risk a great deal!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I risk nothing. I am a man of death. The world lies behind +me--a many-colored picture which God has bestrewed with crumbs of white bread, +where each one snatches up and devours and yet does not satisfy his appetite. +Only in intoxication can a child of fortune know how the flowers beneath bloom +and wither. I have been able to, and my soul with every new work drank to +satiety. What matters it if life has deceived me? I asked nothing of it--that +was my strength. You see I am pronouncing my obituary. Yet I depart gladly.... +Already the new host approaches and swarms for me in forests and on plains: What +matters it that this hand was mortal; for the portraying is as eternal as the +image.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You are mistaken. Only the deed is eternal. If with bloody +sword it did not teach mankind to remember, I should perish like a seed sown by +the wind.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It is you who are mistaken, sir. Not your deed has life. It +soon follows you into the grave. The portrait of the dead which we give to +posterity, in song and form, in parchment and stone, this it is which belongs to +immortality. By this you shall be hereafter loved and hated.--So even if +Achilles destroys the whole world, he has but to let Homer live.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And so I, you? Yet no song tells us that Homer ever kneeled +before Helen.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Not that. But every child knows why: the poor singer was +blind.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Your brush, alas, will not help you at all. Yet I should be +well disposed toward you. For he who in death seems to remain a trifler, has +taken life in earnest.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That is true.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I am sorry for you.</p> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Without cause, I assure you!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And why could you not be silent? How did you so dare, contrary +to good reason to climb to your Queen? Did nothing within you say: this is a +crime?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You call it crime--I call it folly!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Do you pursue your secret pleasures, then, like a sly, +cold-hearted thief? The one thing fails which spoke in your favour, the almighty +love which disturbs the brain!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Marshal, see, love is a tribute which we piously pay to +eternal beauty; and since Nature in creative pride has poured it forth out of +her fulness, how should we in fretful resignation say: "This one I love--not +that one"? In my love, I love only the picture which proceeds from the lap of +pure forms; even as this Queen bestows it as a favour, so it sheds its light far +and near; and wherever a picture invites me to a banquet, my heart is present +without delay.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yet I ask you whether <i>this</i> picture invited you to a +banquet. Speak quickly--by my sword!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You know very well that no gallant man should move an eyelash +at such a question.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You do not love her--only like a faun you make bold to court +her madly. (<i>Taking hold of him</i>.) But I love her, and for this reason, you +must die.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Forgive me if I am surprised at your logic. It is a great +honour for me to know whom you love; moreover, you have already told me +repeatedly that I must die; yet that you are confused as to +this--is--indeed--only--temper. And see, it is but proper that you love her. The +contrary--according to court manners and practice--would be unnatural. Yet the +more important question seems to be: does she love you? You look away. Very +well, I will tell you. She has met you with smiles and furtive questions, with +sweet glances, half longingly, has promised you a thousand delights and +gradually has subdued you and your obstinacy. Yet if it involved keeping her +promises, she would understand how to wrap herself in her innocence.----It was +so--was it not? You are silent, because you are ashamed of the game. Pardon me, +sir, if I irritate your wounds.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It seems you set spies at the door!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Why spies? Eve's old practice, that, Marshal, I know well. Yet +what lies behind it, whether true love or not, for you or me, cannot be +deciphered. If I should survive the duel, she would probably love <i>me</i>: yet +because it is decreed that by your arm, you should be the victor in this absurd +quarrel, she will love you, Marshal. Where woman's glory rules the world, that +is the law--so says natural history. Do you say nothing?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">A poison is distilled from your words which eats into the very +marrow of my soul.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Only the truth! I swear it, I promise it! And since against my +wish I am still very much alive, because of your favour, be of use to me, sir, +in an experiment.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Explain yourself!</p> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">In order to know exactly how you are thought of in the highest +place, you must perish in the duel.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">In the duel?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Understand me rightly: only in appearance.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And my reputation as a swordsman goes with it into the +bargain.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, not at all! You will get up again.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span> (<i>laughing</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">My friend, I am not sorry that you are still alive. I have +become reconciled with you, and I who have dared a great deal in toil and +strife, am astonished at the extent of your courage. Very well, what your +cunning mind has devised for your escape, I accept. Yet woe to you if this time +you do not win! And now to the work!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Come on!... Yet no, by your leave! So that they may believe +the incredible about me, I will arrange the thing in naturalistic fashion. (<i>He +draws his sword</i>.) Is the door locked? (<i>He walks to the door at the +centre, and points his sword at the keyhole</i>.) Eyes away! I am going to +thrust! (<i>A scream is uttered in the antechamber</i>.) And now look out! I am +going to mark horrid pools of spilt blood! (<i>He mixes colours on the palette, +and hands the </i><span class="sc2">Marshal </span><i>his sword</i>.) Hold it, I beg you. (<i>He smears +the sword blade with his brush</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">My blood!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Without doubt! <i>Merci</i>. (<i>Takes back his sword</i>.) +Just one tap upon the breast. Yet in case you wish that I spare the waistcoat?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">By no means! That would be too much loss of blood!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Just as you please. (<i>He moves the easel and table to one +side. Softly</i>.) And make no mistake, the door will open at the first clash of +blades.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Are you ready?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">The Painter </span><i>nods assent. They +fence</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Famous.... Do you know that feint?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It is a good one, is it not?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Who taught you that?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And this!...</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">There you missed the quint.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Damnation!...</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah, that was admirable!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yet at painting I do better.... Is any one listening?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">They are huddled together in a confused group.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now, if you please!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Only be at it!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Be careful of the throne, or you will get a bump if you fall! +(<i>He lunges at </i><span class="sc2">The Marshal</span>, <i>far under the armpit</i>. <span class="sc2">The Marshal </span><i> +falls</i>. <span class="sc2">The Marquises </span><i>who are pressing in at the half-open door, draw back +in horror</i>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>SEVENTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">THE SAME</span>. <span class="sc2">THE +MARQUIS IN PINK</span>. +<span class="sc2">THE MARQUIS IN PALE BLUE</span>. <span class="sc2">THE OTHER +MARQUISES</span>.</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Listen to me, gentlemen! What are you about in there? Stay and +bear witness to what you saw.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis In Pink</span> (<i>approaching +timidly</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">We stand benumbed at such a glorious deed.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis In Pale Blue</span> (<i>likewise</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">And we are almost beside ourself with admiration.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">What? Really dead?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span> (<i>tauntingly</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Sir, you seem to be in doubt?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, dear man, how could you think it? I wished only to afford +myself the rapture of seeing whether you had altogether freed us.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, indeed, freed! For even although you hated him, you can +never imagine how, in the chambers of this castle, he has trodden on our +dignity.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">He stalked about, puffed up with self-conceit, and when we +were rising in the esteem of his or her majesty----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then came this man with a couple of new triumphs.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How odious!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pink</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">If you please, sir, how we have laughed when his dear name +rang through all the streets after some brand-new fight! As the clever man is +aware, fools advertise fools. And without going too near him, I will----</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">There, wait!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">All The Marquises </span><i>starting With +fear</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis In Pink</span> (<i>trembling</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">You said?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I said nothing at all.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yet plainly----</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>EIGHTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">THE SAME</span>. <span class="sc2">THE VALET +DE CHAMBRE</span>. <span class="sc2">THE QUEEN</span>. +<span class="sc2">THE DEAF MAID OF HONOUR</span>. <span class="sc2">THE SLEEPY +MAID OF HONOUR</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Valet</span> (<i>announces</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Her Majesty!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I heard a rumour which greatly displeased me and troubled my +peace of mind extremely. Is it true?... There lies the great hero; and truly, in +death he seems even more insignificant than he was--as insignificant as one of +the most insignificant. Yet mourn with me! We have had a great loss. Even if +ambition urge you on with a double spur, many a fine day will come and go before +his like will be born to us.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">The Marshal </span><i>clears his throat +softly</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">May his courtliness, too, be pleasantly remembered! After his +campaign he always brought back to his Queen the best of the splendid spoil of +his booty. That touched my royal heart and will be cited as a glorious example. +And yet now to you ... What did they say to me? It sounds almost untrue and +unnatural: are you the David of our Goliath? I use the term "Goliath" only +figuratively. For though we are mourning at his bier, it cannot be said that he +was a giant. Yet we know his disposition was haughty. (<span class="sc2">The Marquises </span><i>eagerly +assent</i>.) Surely he broke in upon you in sudden anger? You are silent out of +generosity. So I will graciously forgive this fault and another fault too. (<span class="sc2">The +Painter </span><i>clears his throat softly. She stretches out her hand to him, which he +kisses</i>.) And be not grieved! (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">The Marquises</span>.) Does not what has +happened seem almost like a judgment of God?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It is true! Here a higher power has been at work.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Deaf Maid of Honor</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Pardon me, your Majesty! The Marshal is laughing.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquises</span> (<i>muttering in horror</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Is he laughing? Is he laughing? (<i>Silence</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span> (<i>rising</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Madam, forgive me! In the fight a sudden fainting fit overcame +me.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marquis in Pale Blue</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Pointing at </i><span class="sc2">The Painter's </span><i> +sword lying on the floor</i>.) And what is this blood? (<i>Movement by </i><span class="sc2"> +The Painter</span>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Until the return to my senses relieved me (<i>with emphasis</i>) +of <i>this</i> trouble and <i>another</i> trouble.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Queen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Quickly collecting herself. Sharply</i>.) My +congratulations, sir! And my sympathy as well! What has happened to you gives me +unspeakable distress. The court atmosphere is indeed rather close, and seems +insupportable to great conquerors; which often betrays itself in wrong fancies +and swoons. Therefore I am obliged to exercise my power as Queen, and protect +your good health against danger. Jean, announce me to his Majesty! (<i>Exit </i> +<span class="sc2">Jean </span><i>on the left</i>. <span class="sc2">The Queen</span>, <i>punishing </i><span class="sc2">The Painter </span><i>with a +glance of unspeakable scorn, follows slowly. The two Maids of Honour go after +her</i>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>NINTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc2">THE MARSHAL</span>. <span class="sc2">THE +PAINTER</span>. <span class="sc2">THE MARQUISES</span> (<i>in the background</i>).</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I thank you, sir! The mists are dissipated. The eye sees +clearly once more; the will has a free hand.</p> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">But I was silently executed. Did you notice her look?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span> (<i>pointing at </i><span class="sc2"> +The Marquises</span>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Of looks, there are sufficient.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span> (<i>snatching up his sword</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Oho! I am always expecting foul play.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">For what reason? Get along with you! Get along with you! Be +quick!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">It is true. You are right. Here, we are ruined.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And what is to become of you?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">That has never troubled me. The world is wide. One can walk +about it, and find something to sketch by the way.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">How would it be if you went with me?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Where?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">To the camp.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, and what is there?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Plenty for you! You will find gay fare, and pastimes and +diversions. As much as you want.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And are there fights too?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Indeed, there are!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And will there be a bold reconnoissance by night?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Often.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Capital! I will ride with you. In my mind's eye I see already +golden moonrise, and silver vapour on the dark alder bush.... Are there also +songs and notes of the mandolin?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Plenty of them!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Hurrah! There is music too!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And in the story-telling by night at the camp-fire many a tale +of human destiny will be unfolded to you.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">A world of pictures! (<i>More softly</i>.) And love +adventures?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">If you choose to call them "adventures."</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Agreed, sir! And an excess of happiness will flow out of my +soul like a prayer.--Yet it seems I am forgetting the greatest happiness. I +shall be with you. I may paint you.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Take care!</p> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>TENTH SCENE</i>.</h2> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">THE SAME</span>. <span class="sc2">THE VALET +DE CHAMBRE</span>. +<span class="sc2">THE QUEEN</span>. <span class="sc2">THE TWO MAIDS OF HONOUR</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">Valet</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Your Majesty!</p> + +<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">The Queen </span><i>rustles over from the +left to the right, without bestowing a glance on the two men. At the door on the +right she gives the </i><span class="sc2">Valet </span> +<i>a scroll with which he advances. Then she goes out, followed by the Maids of +Honour</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now the hastily contrived reward of our misdeeds is at hand. (<i>To </i> +<span class="sc2">Jean</span>.) My noble sir, bestir yourself. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2"> +The Painter</span>.) That is the handsome Jean as an angel of justice! (<i>He +unfolds the scroll and reads, laughing</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And to me, what do you bring to me?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Valet</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>With an expression of awkward contempt</i>.) +You?--Nothing!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Exquisite!</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Valet</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">But yes! Your reward shall be meted out to you in the office +of the Marshal of the court.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span> (<i>amused</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Indeed?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Valet</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes! (<i>Behind the scenes on the right are heard cries of +"Jean! Jean!"</i>)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Deaf Maid of Honor</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Hurries in from the right</i>.) Jean! Have you forgotten +her Majesty?</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Valet</span> (<i>sweetly</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">Oh, no! Tell her Majesty I am coming directly.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter </span><span class="sc">and </span><span class="sc"> +The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">(<i>Look at each other, and break out into laughter</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Look, look, my friend! He seems to have got into bad habits.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span> (<i>pointing at him</i>).</p> + +<p class="normal">It is rightly so. I had almost begged him, at the court where +we men are forbidden, proudly to represent the eternal masculine. (<i>Laughing, +they both bow to him</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center">(<i>Exit </i><span class="sc2">The Valet</span>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Painter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">But we are going into the flowery open, to our merry pursuits.</p> +<br> + +<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Marshal</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">And to combat! (<i>They walk arm in arm, bowing right and +left, toward the door, past </i><span class="sc2">The Marquises</span>, <i>who, +without hiding their disrespect, nevertheless recognise them in a not uncourtly +fashion</i>.)</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> + +<h3>Curtain.</h3> +<br> +<br> +<br> + +<h3>FOOTNOTE:</h3> + +<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_01" href="#div2Ref_01">Footnote 1</a>: +Milchbart--literally "milky beard."</p> + +<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_02" href="#div2Ref_02">Footnote 2</a>: The +colonel.</p> + +<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_03" href="#div2Ref_03">Footnote 3</a>: The +document is defective here--showing "--iry." I have inserted the word "fairy" +based on context.--<span class="sc2">Transcriber</span>.</p> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Morituri: Three One-Act Plays, by Hermann Sudermann + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MORITURI: THREE ONE-ACT PLAYS *** + +***** This file should be named 34359-h.htm or 34359-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/4/3/5/34359/ + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + +</body> + +</html> + |