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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:31:53 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:31:53 -0700 |
| commit | c0528a9531cc05d85cd233d98f21a098d2c31f51 (patch) | |
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diff --git a/8606-h/8606-h.htm b/8606-h/8606-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8d2c76a --- /dev/null +++ b/8606-h/8606-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6608 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> + <title> + The Blue Bird, by Maurice Maeterlinck | Project Gutenberg + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 8606 ***</div> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE BLUE BIRD + </h1> + <h3> + <i>A Fairy Play in Six Acts</i> + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Maurice Maeterlinck + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <i>Translated By</i> Alexander Teixeira De Mattos + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CHARACTERS</b> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + TYLTYL + MYTYL + LIGHT + THE FAIRY BÉRYLUNE + NEIGHBOUR BERLINGOT + DADDY TYL + MUMMY TYL + GAFFER TYL (Dead) + GRANNY TYL (Dead) + TYLTYL'S BROTHERS AND SISTERS (Dead) + TIME + NIGHT + NEIGHBOUR BERLINGOT'S LITTLE DAUGHTER + TYLÔ, THE DOG + TYLETTE, THE CAT + BREAD + SUGAR + FIRE + WATER + MILK + THE WOLF + THE PIG + THE OX + THE COW + THE BULL + THE SHEEP + THE COCK + THE RABBIT + THE HORSE + THE ASS + THE OAK + THE ELM + THE BEECH + THE LIME-TREE + THE FIR-TREE + THE CYPRESS + THE BIRCH + THE CHESTNUT-TREE + THE IVY + THE POPLAR + THE WILLOW + STARS, SICKNESSES, SHADES, LUXURIES, HAPPINESSES, JOYS, ETC. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> TRANSLATOR'S NOTE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> COSTUMES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> SCENES </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> <b>THE BLUE BIRD</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> <b>ACT I.</b> <i>The Wood-cutter's Cottage</i> + </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> <b>ACT II.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> SCENE I.—<i>At the</i> FAIRY'S. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> SCENE 2.—<i>The Land of Memory</i>. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> <b>ACT III.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> SCENE 1.—<i>The Palace of</i> NIGHT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> SCENE 2.—<i>The Forest.</i> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> <b>ACT IV.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> SCENE 1.—<i>Before the Curtain</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> SCENE 2.—<i>The Palace of Happiness</i>. + </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> <b>ACT V.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> SCENE I.—<i>Before the Curtain</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> SCENE 2.—<i>The Graveyard</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> SCENE 3.—<i>The Kingdom of the Future</i>. + </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> <b>ACT VI.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> SCENE I.—<i>The Leave-taking</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> SCENE 2.—<i>The Awakening</i>. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TRANSLATOR'S NOTE + </h2> + <p> + A new act appears for the first time in this edition and is inserted as + Act IV—<i>Palace of Happiness</i>. It has been specially written for + the Christmas revival of <i>The Blue Bird</i> at the Haymarket Theatre, + where it will take the place of the Forest Scene (Act III., Scene 2). In + the printed version, however, the Forest Scene is retained; and in this + and all later editions the play will consist of six acts instead of five. + </p> + <p> + ALEXANDER TEIXEIRA DE MATTOS. CHELSEA, 14 <i>November</i>, 1910. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + COSTUMES + </h2> + <p> + TYLTYL wears the dress of Hop o' my Thumb in Perrault's Tales. Scarlet + knickerbockers, pale-blue jacket, white stockings, tan shoes. + </p> + <p> + MYTYL is dressed like Gretel or Little Red Riding-hood. + </p> + <p> + LIGHT.—The "moon-coloured" dress in Perrault's <i>Peau d'âne;</i> + that is to say, pale gold shot with silver, shimmering gauzes, forming a + sort of rays, etc. Neo-Grecian or Anglo-Grecian (<i>à la</i> Walter Crane) + or even more or less Empire style: a high waist, bare arms, etc. + Head-dress: a sort of diadem or even a light crown. + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY BÉRYLUNE and NEIGHBOUR BERLINGOT.—The traditional dress of + the poor women in fairy-tales. If desired, the transformation of the Fairy + into a princess in Act I may be omitted. + </p> + <p> + DADDY TYL, MUMMY TYL, GAFFER TYL and GRANNY TYL.—The traditional + costume of the German wood-cutters and peasants in Grimm's Tales. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL'S BROTHERS AND SISTERS.—Different forms of the + Hop-o'-my-Thumb costume. + </p> + <p> + TIME.—Traditional dress of Time: a wide black or dark-blue cloak, a + streaming white beard, scythe and hour-glass. + </p> + <p> + NIGHT.—Ample black garments, covered with mysterious stars and + "shot" with reddish-brown reflections. Veils, dark poppies, etc. + </p> + <p> + THE NEIGHBOUR'S LITTLE GIRL.—Bright fair hair; a long white frock. + </p> + <p> + THE DOG,—Red dress-coat, white breeches, top-boots, a shiny hat. The + costume suggests that of John Bull. + </p> + <p> + THE CAT.—The costume of Puss In Boots: powdered wig, three-cornered + hat, violet or sky-blue coat, dress-sword, etc. + </p> + <p> + N.B.—The heads of the DOG and the CAT should be only discreetly + animalised. + </p> + <p> + THE LUXURIES.—Before the transformation: wide, heavy mantles in red + and yellow brocade; enormous fat jewels, etc. After the transformation: + chocolate or coffee-coloured tights, giving the impression of unadorned + dancing-jacks. + </p> + <p> + THE HAPPINESSES OF THE HOME.—Dresses of various colours, or, if + preferred, costumes of peasants, shepherds, wood-cutters and so on, but + idealised and interpreted fairy-fashion. + </p> + <p> + THE GREAT JOYS.—As stated in the text, shimmering dresses in soft + and subtle shades: rose-awakening, water's-smile, amber-dew, blue-of-dawn, + etc. + </p> + <p> + MATERNAL LOVE.—Dress very similar to the dress worn by Light, that + is to say, supple and almost transparent veils, as of a Greek statue, and, + in so far as possible, white. Pearls and other stones as rich and numerous + as may be desired, provided that they do not break the pure and candid + harmony of the whole. + </p> + <p> + BREAD.—A rich pasha's dress. An ample crimson silk or velvet gown. A + huge turban. A scimitar. An enormous stomach, red and puffed-out cheeks. + </p> + <p> + SUGAR.—A silk gown, cut like that of a eunuch in a seraglio, half + blue and half white, to suggest the paper wrapper of a sugar-loaf. + Eunuch's headdress. + </p> + <p> + FIRE.—Red tights, a vermilion cloak, with changing reflections, + lined with gold. An aigrette of iridescent flames. + </p> + <p> + WATER.—A pale-blue or bluish-green dress, with transparent + reflections and effects of rippling or trickling gauze, Neo-Grecian or + Anglo-Grecian style. but fuller and more voluminous than that of LIGHT. + Head-dress of aquatic flowers and seaweed. + </p> + <p> + THE ANIMALS.—Popular or peasant costumes. + </p> + <p> + THE TREES.—Dresses of different shades of green or the colour of the + trunks of trees. Distinctive attributes in the shape of leaves or branches + by which they can be recognised. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENES + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ACT I.—The Wood-cutter's Cottage. + + ACT II., Scene 1—At the Fairy's. + + Scene 2—The Land of Memory. + + ACT III., Scene 1—The Palace of Night. + + Scene 2—The Forest. + + ACT IV., Scene 1—Before the Curtain. + + Scene 2—The Palace of Happiness. + + ACT V., Scene 1—Before the Curtain. + + Scene 2—The Graveyard. + + Scene 3—The Kingdom of the Future. + + ACT VI., Scene 1—The Leave-taking. + + Scene 2—The Awakening. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE BLUE BIRD + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT I. <i>The Wood-cutter's Cottage</i> + </h2> + <p> + <i>The stage represents the interior of a wood-cutter's cottage, simple + and rustic in appearance, but in no way poverty-stricken. A recessed + fireplace containing the dying embers of a wood-fire. Kitchen utensils, a + cupboard, a bread-pan, a grandfather's clock, a spinning-wheel, a + water-tap, etc. On a table, a lighted lamp. At the foot of the cupboard, + on either side, a</i> DOG <i>and a</i> CAT <i>lie sleeping, rolled up, + each with his nose in his tail. Between them stands a large blue-and-white + sugar-loaf. On the wall hangs a round cage containing a turtle-dove. At + the back, two windows, with closed inside shutters. Under one of the + windows, a stool. On the left is the front door, with a big latch to it. + On the right, another door. A ladder leads up to a loft. On the right also + are two little children's cots, at the head of which are two chains, with + clothes carefully folded on them. When the curtain rises</i>, TYLTYL <i>and</i> + MYTYL <i>are sound asleep in their cots</i>, MUMMY TYL <i>tucks them in, + leans over them, watches them for a moment as they sleep and beckons to</i> + DADDY TYL, <i>who thrusts his head through the half-open door</i>. MUMMY + TYL <i>lays a finger on her lips, to impose silence upon him, and then + goes out to the right, on tiptoe, after first putting out the lamp. The + scene remains in darkness for a moment. Then a light, gradually increasing + in intensity, filters in through the shutters. The lamp on the table + lights again of itself, but its light is of a different colour than when</i> + MUMMY TYL <i>extinguished it. The two</i> CHILDREN <i>appear to wake and + sit up in bed</i>. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Mytyl? + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Tyltyl? + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Are you asleep? + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Are you?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL No; how can I be asleep when I'm talking to you? + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Say, is this Christmas Day?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Not yet; not till to-morrow. But Father Christmas won't bring us + anything this year.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Why not? + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I heard mummy say that she couldn't go to town to tell him ... But + he will come next year.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Is next year far off?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL A good long while.... But he will come to the rich children + to-night.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Really?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Hullo!... Mummy's forgotten to put out the lamp!... I've an + idea!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL What?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Let's get up.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL But we mustn't.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why, there's no one about.... Do you see the shutters?... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Oh, how bright they are!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL It's the lights of the party. + </p> + <p> + MYTYL What party?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL The rich children opposite. It's the Christmas-tree. Let's open the + shutters.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Can we?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Of course; there's no one to stop us.... Do you hear the music?... + Let us get up.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The two</i> CHILDREN <i>get up, run to one of the windows, climb on to + the stool and throw back the shutters. A bright light fills the room. The</i> + CHILDREN <i>look out greedily</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL We can see everything!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>who can hardly find room on the stool</i>) I can't.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL It's snowing!... There's two carriages, with six horses each!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL There are twelve little boys getting out!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL How silly you are!... They're little girls.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL They've got knickerbockers.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What do you know?... Don't push so!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL I never touched you. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>who is taking up the whole stool</i>) You're taking up all the + room... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Why, I have no room at all!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Do be quiet! I see the tree!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL What tree?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why, the Christmas-tree!... You're looking at the wall!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL I'm looking at the wall because I've got no room.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>giving her a miserly little place on the stool</i>) There!... + Will that do?... Now you're better off than I!... I say, what lots and + lots of lights!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL What are those people doing who are making such a noise?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL They're the musicians. + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Are they angry?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL No; but it's hard work. + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Another carriage with white horses!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Be quiet!... And look!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL What are those gold things there, hanging from the branches? + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why, toys, to be sure!... Swords, guns, soldiers, cannons.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL And dolls; say, are there any dolls?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Dolls?... That's too silly; there's no fun in dolls.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL And what's that all round the table?.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Cakes and fruit and tarts.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL I had some once when I was little.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL So did I; it's nicer than bread, but they don't give you enough.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL They've got plenty over there.... The whole table's full.... Are + they going to eat them?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Of course; what else would they do with them?... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Why don't they eat them at once?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Because they're not hungry.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>stupefied with astonishment</i>) Not hungry?... Why not?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Well, they eat whenever they want to.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>incredulously</i>) Every day?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL They say so.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Will they eat them all?... Will they give any away?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL To whom?... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL To us.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL They don't know us.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Suppose we asked them.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL We mustn't. + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Why not?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Because it's not right. + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>clapping her hands</i>) Oh, how pretty they are!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>rapturously</i>) And how they're laughing and laughing!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL And the little ones dancing!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, yes; let's dance too!... (<i>They stamp their feet for joy on + the stool</i>.) + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Oh, what fun!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL They're getting the cakes!... They can touch them!... They're + eating, they're eating, they're eating!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL The tiny ones, too!... They've got two, three, four apiece!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>drunk with delight</i>) Oh, how lovely!... Oh, how lovely, how + lovely!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>counting imaginary cakes</i>) I've got twelve!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And I four times twelve!... But I'll give you some.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>A knock at the door of the cottage</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>suddenly quieted and frightened</i>) What's that?... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>scared</i>) It's Daddy!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>As they hesitate before opening the door, the big latch is seen to + rise of itself, with a grating noise; the door half opens to admit a + little old woman dressed in green with a red hood on her head. She is + humpbacked and lame and near-sighted; her nose and chin meet; and she + walks bent on a stick. She is obviously a fairy</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Have you the grass here that sings or the bird that is blue?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL We have some grass, but it can't sing.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Tyltyl has a bird. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL But I can't give it away.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Why not?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Because it's mine. + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY That's a reason, no doubt. Where is the bird?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>pointing to the cage</i>) In the cage.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY (<i>putting on her glasses to examine the bird</i>) I don't want + it; it's not blue enough. You will have to go and find me the one I want. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL But I don't know where it is.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY No more do I. That's why you must look for it. I can do without + the grass that sings, at a pinch; but I must absolutely have the blue + bird. It's for my little girl, who is very ill. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What's the matter with her?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY We don't quite know; she wants to be happy.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Really?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Do you know who I am?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL You're rather like our neighbour, Madame Berlingot.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY (<i>growing suddenly angry</i>) Not a bit!... There's not the + least likeness!... This is intolerable!... I am the Fairy Bérylune.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh! Very well.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY You will have to start at once. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Are you coming with us? + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY I can't, because I put on the soup this morning and it always + boils over if I leave it for more than an hour.... (<i>Pointing + successively to the ceiling, the chimney and the window</i>) Will you go + out this way, or that way, or that way?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>pointing timidly to the door</i>) I would rather go out that + way.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY (<i>growing suddenly angry again</i>) That's quite impossible; + and it's a shocking habit!... (<i>Pointing to the window</i>) We'll go out + this way.... Well?... What are you waiting for?... Get dressed at once.... + (<i>The</i> CHILDREN <i>do as they are told and dress quickly</i>.) I'll + help Mytyl.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL We have no shoes.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY That doesn't matter. I will give you a little magic hat. Where + are your father and mother?.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>pointing to the door on the right</i>) They're asleep in + there.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY And your grandpapa and grandmamma?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL They're dead.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY And your little brothers and sisters.... Have you any?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh, yes; three little brothers.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL And four little sisters.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Where are they?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL They are dead, too.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Would you like to see them again?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh, yes!... At once!... Show them to us!... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY I haven't got them in my pocket.... But this is very lucky; you + will see them when you go through the Land of Memory.... It's on the way + to the Blue Bird, just on the left, past the third turning.... What were + you doing when I knocked?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL We were playing at eating cakes?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Have you any cakes?... Where are they?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL In the house of the rich children.... Come and look, it's so + lovely. (<i>He drags the</i> FAIRY <i>to the window</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY (<i>at the window</i>) But it's the others who are eating + them!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes; but we can see them eat.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Aren't you cross with them?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What for?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY For eating all the cakes.... I think it's very wrong of them not + to give you some.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Not at all; they're rich.... I say, isn't it beautiful over + there?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY It's no more beautiful there than here. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Ugh!... It's darker here and smaller and there are no cakes.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY It's exactly the same, only you can't see.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, I can; and I have very good eyes. I can see the time on the + church clock and daddy can't... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY (<i>suddenly angry</i>) I tell you that you can't see!... How do + you see me?... What do I look like?... (<i>An awkward silence from</i> + TYLTYL.) Well, answer me, will you? I want to know if you can see!... Am I + pretty or ugly?... (<i>The silence grows more and more uncomfortable</i>.) + Won't you answer?... Am I young or old?... Are my cheeks pink or + yellow?... Perhaps you'll say I have a hump?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>in a conciliatory tone</i>) No, no; It's not a big one.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Oh, yes, to look at you, any one would think it enormous.... + Have I a hook nose and have I lost one of my eyes?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh, no, I don't say that.... Who put it out?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY (<i>growing more and more irritated</i>). But it's not out!... + You wretched, impudent boy!... It's much finer than the other; it's bigger + and brighter and blue as the sky.... And my hair, do you see that?... It's + fair as the corn in the fields, it's like virgin gold!... And I've such + heaps and heaps of it that it weighs my head down.... It escapes on every + side.... Do you see it on my hands? (<i>She holds out two lean wisps of + grey hair</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, I see a little.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY (<i>indignantly</i>) A little!... Sheaves! Armfuls! Clusters! + Waves of gold!... I know there are people who say that they don't see any; + but you're not one of those wicked, blind people, I should hope?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh, no; I can see all that isn't hidden.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY But you ought to see the rest with as little doubt!... Human + beings are very odd!... Since the death of the fairies, they see nothing + at all and they never suspect it.... Luckily, I always carry with me all + that is wanted to give new light to dimmed eyes.... What am I taking out + of my bag?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh, what a dear little green hat!... What's that shining in the + cockade?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY That's the big diamond that makes people see.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Really?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Yes; when you've got the hat on your head, you turn the diamond + a little; from right to left, for instance, like this; do you see?... Then + it presses a bump which nobody knows of and which opens your eyes.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Doesn't it hurt?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY On the contrary, it's enchanted.... You at once see even the + inside of things: the soul of bread, of wine, of pepper, for instance.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Can you see the soul of sugar, too?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY (<i>suddenly cross</i>) Of course you can!... I hate unnecessary + questions.... The soul of sugar is no more interesting than the soul of + pepper.... There, I give you all I have to help you in your search for the + Blue Bird. I know that the flying carpet or the ring which makes its + wearer invisible would be more useful to you.... But I have lost the key + of the cupboard in which I locked them.... Oh, I was almost forgetting!... + (<i>Pointing to the diamond</i>) When you hold it like this, do you + see?... One little turn more and you behold the past.... Another little + turn and you behold the future.... It's curious and practical and it's + quite noiseless.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Daddy will take it from me.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY He won't see it; no one can see it as long as it's on your + head.... Will you try it?... (<i>She puts the little green hat on</i> + TYLTYL'S <i>head</i>.) Now, turn the diamond.... One turn and then.... + </p> + <p> + (TYLTYL <i>has no sooner turned the diamond than a sudden and wonderful + change comes over everything. The old</i> FAIRY <i>alters then and there + into a princess of marvellous beauty; the flints of which the cottage + walls are built light up, turn blue as sapphires, become transparent and + gleam and sparkle like the most precious stones. The humble furniture + takes life and becomes resplendent; the deal table assumes as grave and + noble an air as a table made of marble; the face of the clock winks its + eye and smiles genially, while the door that contains the pendulum opens + and releases the Hours, which, holding one another by the hand and + laughing merrily, begin to dance to the sound of delicious music</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>displaying a legitimate bewilderment and pointing to the Hours</i>) + Who are all those pretty ladies?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Don't be afraid; they are the hours of your life and they are + glad to be free and visible for a moment.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And why are the walls so bright?... Are they made of sugar or of + precious stones?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY All stones are alike, all stones are precious; but man sees only + a few of them.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>While they are speaking, the scene of enchantment continues and is + completed. The souls of the Quartern-loaves, in the form of little men in + crust-coloured tights, flurried and all powdered with flour, scramble out + of the bread-pan and frisk round the table, where they are caught up by</i> + FIRE, <i>who, springing from the hearth in yellow and vermilion tights, + writhes with laughter as he chases the loaves</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Who are those ugly little men?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Oh, they're nothing; they are merely the souls of the + Quartern-loaves, who are taking advantage of the reign of truth to leave + the pan in which they were too tightly packed.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And the big red fellow, with the nasty smell?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Hush!... Don't speak too loud; that's Fire.... He's dangerous. (<i>This + dialogue does not interrupt the enchantment. The</i> DOG <i>and the</i> + CAT, <i>lying rolled up at the foot of the cupboard, utter a loud and + simultaneous cry and disappear down a trap; and in their places rise two + persons, one of whom has the face of a bull-dog, the other that of a + tom-cat. Forthwith, the little man with the bull-dog face, whom we will + henceforward call the</i> DOG, <i>rushes upon</i> TYLTYL, <i>kisses him + violently and overwhelms him with noisy and impetuous caresses; while the + little man with the face of a tom-cat, whom we will simply call the</i> + CAT, <i>combs his hair, washes his hands and strokes his whiskers before + going up to</i> MYTYL.) + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>yelling, jumping about, knocking up against everything, + unbearable</i>) My little god!... Good-morning, good-morning, my dear + little god!... At last, at last we can talk!... I had so much to tell + you!... Bark and wag my tail as I might, you never understood!... But + now!... Good-morning, good-morning!... I love you!... Shall I do some of + my tricks?... Shall I beg?... Would you like to see me walk on my front + paws or dance on my hind-legs?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>to the</i> FAIRY) Who is this gentleman with the dog's + head?.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Don't you see? It's the soul of TYLÔ whom you have set free.... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>going up to</i> MYTYL <i>and putting out his hand to her, with + much ceremony and circumspection</i>) Good-morning, Miss.... How well you + look this morning!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Good-morning, sir.... (<i>To the</i> FAIRY) Who is it?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Why, don't you see? Its the soul of Tylette offering you his + hand.... Kiss him.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>hustling the</i> CAT) Me, too!... I've kissed the little + god!... I've kissed the little girl!... I've kissed everybody!... Oh, + grand!... What fun we shall have!... I'm going to frighten Tylette I Bow, + wow, wow!... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT Sir, I don't know you.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY (<i>threatening the</i> DOG <i>with her stick</i>) Keep still, + will you, or else you'll go back into silence until the end of time.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Meanwhile, the enchantment has pursued its course: the spinning-wheel + has begun to turn madly in its corner and to spin brilliant rays of light; + the tap, in another corner, begins to sing in a very high voice and, + turning into a luminous fountain, floods the sink with sheets of pearls + and emeralds, through which darts the soul of</i> WATER, <i>like a young + girl, streaming, dishevelled and tearful, who immediately begins to fight + with</i> FIRE.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And who is that wet lady?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Don't be afraid. It's Water just come from the tap.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The milk-jug upsets, falls from the table and smashes on the floor; + and from the spilt milk there rises a tall, white, bashful figure who + seems to be afraid of everything</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And the frightened lady in her nightgown?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY That's Milk; she has broken her jug.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The sugar-loaf, at the foot of the cupboard, grows taller and wider + and splits its paper wrapper, whence issues a mawkish and hypocritical + being, dressed in a long coat half blue and half white, who goes up to</i> + MYTYL <i>with a sanctimonious smile</i>.) + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>greatly alarmed</i>) What does he want?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Why, he is the soul of Sugar!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>reassured</i>) Has he any barley-sugar?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY His pockets are full of it and each of his fingers is a + sugar-stick.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The lamp falls from the table and, at the same moment, its flame + springs up again and turns into a luminous maid of incomparable beauty. + She is dressed in long transparent and dazzling veils and stands + motionless in a sort of ecstasy</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL It's the Queen!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL It's the Blessed Virgin!... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY No, my children; it's Light.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Meanwhile, the saucepans on the shelves spin round like tops; the + linen-press throws open its folding-doors and unrolls a magnificent + display of moon-coloured and sun-coloured stuffs, with which mingles a no + less splendid array of rags and tatters that come down the ladder from the + loft. But, suddenly, three loud knocks are heard on the door at the right</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>alarmed</i>) That's daddy!... He's heard us!... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Turn the diamond!... From left to right!... + </p> + <p> + (TYLTYL <i>turns the diamond quickly</i>.) Not so quick!... Heavens! It's + too late!... You turned it too briskly; they will not have time to resume + their places and we shall have a lot of annoyance.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The FAIRY becomes an old woman again, the walls of the cottage lose + their splendour. The Hours go back into the clock, the spinning-wheel + stops, etc. But, in the general hurry and confusion, while</i> FIRE <i>runs + madly round the room, looking for the chimney, one of the loaves of bread, + who has been unable to squeeze into the pan, bursts into sobs and utters + roars of fright</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY What's the matter?... + </p> + <p> + BREAD (<i>in tears</i>) There's no room in the pan!... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY (<i>stooping over the pan</i>) Yes, there is; yes, there is.... + (<i>Pushing the other loaves, which have resumed their original places</i>.) + Come, quick, make room there.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The knocking at the door is renewed</i>.) + </p> + <p> + BREAD (<i>utterly scared, vainly struggling to enter the pan</i>) I can't + get in!... He'll eat me first!... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>frisking round</i> TYLTYL) My little god!... I am still + here!... I can still talk!... I can still kiss you!... Once more! Once + more! Once more!... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY What, you too?... Are you there still?... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG What luck!... I was too late to return to silence; the trap closed + too quickly.... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT So did mine.... What is going to happen?... Is there any + danger?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Well, I'm bound to tell you the truth: all those who accompany + the two children will die at the end of the journey.... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>to the</i> DOG) Come, let us get back into the trap.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG No, no!... I won't!... I want to go with the little god!... I want + to talk to him all the time!... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT Idiot!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>More knocking at the door</i>) + </p> + <p> + BREAD (<i>shedding bitter tears</i>) I don't want to die at the end of the + journey!... I want to get back at once into my pan!... + </p> + <p> + FIRE (<i>who has done nothing but run madly round the room, hissing with + anguish</i>) I can't find my chimney!... + </p> + <p> + WATER (<i>vainly trying to get into the tap</i>) I can't get into the + tap!... + </p> + <p> + SUGAR (<i>hovering round his paper wrapper</i>) I've burst my + packing-paper!... + </p> + <p> + MILK (<i>lymphatically and bashfully</i>) Somebody's broken my little + jug!... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Goodness me, what fools they are!... Fools and cowards too!... + So you would rather go on living in your ugly boxes, in your traps and + taps, than accompany the children in search of the bird?... + </p> + <p> + ALL (<i>excepting the</i> DOG <i>and</i> LIGHT) Yes, yes! Now, at once!... + My tap!... My pan!... My chimney!... My trap!... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY (<i>to</i> LIGHT, <i>who is dreamily gazing at the wreckage of + her lamp</i>) And you, Light, what do you say? + </p> + <p> + LIGHT I will go with the children.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>yelling with delight</i>) I too!... I too!... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY That's right.... Besides, it's too late to go back; you have no + choice now, you must all start with us.... But you, Fire, don't come near + anybody; you, Dog, don't tease the Cat; and you, Water, hold yourself up + and try not to run all over the place.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>A violent knocking is again heard at the door on the right</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>listening</i>) There's daddy again!... He's getting up this + time; I can hear him walking.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Let us go out by the window.... You shall all come to my house, + where I will dress the Animals and the Things properly.... (<i>To</i> + BREAD) You, Bread, take the cage in which to put the Blue Bird.... It will + be in your charge.... Quick, quick, let us waste no time.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The window suddenly lengthens downwards, like a door. They all go out; + after which the window resumes its primitive shape and closes quite + innocently. The room has become dark again and the two cots are steeped in + shadow. The door on the right opens ajar and in the aperture appear the + heads of</i> DADDY <i>and</i> MUMMY TYL.) + </p> + <p> + DADDY TYL It was nothing.... It's the cricket chirping.... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Can you see them?... + </p> + <p> + DADDY TYL I can.... They are sleeping quite quietly.... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL I can hear their breathing.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The door closes again</i>) + </p> + <h3> + CURTAIN <br /><br /> + </h3> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT II. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE I.—<i>At the</i> FAIRY'S. + </h2> + <p> + <i>A magnificent entrance-hall in the palace of the</i> FAIRY BÉRYLUNE. <i>Columns + of gleaming marble with gold and silver capitals, staircases, porticoes, + balustrades, etc</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Enter from the back, on the right, sumptuously clad, the</i> CAT, SUGAR + <i>and</i> FIRE. <i>They come from a room which emits rays of light; it is + the</i> FAIRY'S <i>wardrobe. The</i> CAT <i>has donned the classic costume + of Puss-in-boots</i>; SUGAR, <i>a silk dress, half white and half + pale-blue; and</i> FIRE <i>wears a number of many-coloured aigrettes and a + long vermilion mantle lined with gold. They cross the whole length of the + hall to the front of the stage, where the</i> CAT <i>draws them up under a + portico on the right</i>. + </p> + <p> + THE CAT This way, I know every inch of this palace. It was left to the + Fairy Bérylune by Bluebeard.... Let us make the most of our last minute of + liberty, while the children and Light pay their visit to the Fairy's + little daughter.... I have brought you here in order to discuss the + position in which we are placed.... Are we all here?... + </p> + <p> + SUGAR I see the Dog coming out of the Fairy's wardrobe.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE What on earth has he got on?... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT He has put on the livery of one of the footmen of Cinderella's + coach.... It was just the thing for him.... He has the soul of a + flunkey.... But let us hide behind the balustrade.... It's strange how I + mistrust him.... He had better not hear what I have to say to you.... + </p> + <p> + SUGAR It is too late.... He has discovered us.... Look, here is Water also + coming out of the wardrobe.... Goodness me, how fine she is!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The</i> DOG <i>and</i> WATER <i>join the first group</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>frisking about</i>) There! There!... Aren't we fine I.... Just + look at these laces and this embroidery!... It's real gold and no + mistake!... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>to</i> WATER) Is that Catskin's "colour-of-time" dress?... I + seem to recognise it.... + </p> + <p> + WATER Yes, it's the one that suited me best.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE (<i>between his teeth</i>) She's not brought her umbrella.... + </p> + <p> + WATER What's that?... + </p> + <p> + FIRE Nothing, nothing.... + </p> + <p> + WATER I thought you might be speaking of a great red I saw the other + day.... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT Come, don't let as quarrel; we have more important things to + do.... We are only waiting for Bread; where is he? + </p> + <p> + THE DOG He was making an endless fuss about choosing his dress.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE Worth while, isn't it, for a fellow who looks a fool and carries an + enormous stomach?... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG At last, he decided in favour of a Turkish robe, adorned with + gems, a scimitar and a turban.... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT There he is!... He has put on Bluebeard's finest dress... + </p> + <p> + <i>Enter</i> BREAD, <i>in the costume described above. The silk robe is + crossed tightly over his huge stomach. In one hand he holds the hilt of a + scimitar passed through his sash and in the other the cage intended for + the Blue Bird</i>. + </p> + <p> + BREAD (<i>waddling conceitedly</i>) Well?... What do you think of this? + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>frisking round the</i> LOAF) How nice he looks! What a fool he + looks! How nice he looks! How nice he looks!... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>to the</i> LOAF) Are the children dressed?... + </p> + <p> + BREAD Yes, Master Tyltyl has put on Hop-o'-my-Thumb's blue jacket and red + breeches; and Miss Mytyl has Gretel's frock and Cinderella's slippers.... + But the great thing was the dressing of Light!... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT Why?... + </p> + <p> + BREAD The Fairy thought her so lovely that she did not want to dress her + at all!... Thereupon I protested in the name of our dignity as essential + and eminently respectable elements; and I ended by declaring that, under + those conditions, I should refuse to be seen with her.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE They ought to have bought her a lampshade!... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT And what answer did the Fairy make?... + </p> + <p> + THE LOAF She hit me with her stick on my head and stomach.... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT And then?... + </p> + <p> + BREAD I allowed myself to be convinced; but, at the last moment, Light + decided on the moonbeam dress at the bottom of the chest with Catskin's + treasures.... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT Come, stop chattering, time presses.... Our future is at stake.... + You have heard—the Fairy has just said so—that the end of this + journey will, at the same time, mark the end of our lives.... It is our + business, therefore, to prolong it as much as possible and by every + possible means.... But there is another thing: we must think of the fate + of our race and the destiny of our children.... + </p> + <p> + BREAD Hear, hear!... The Cat is right!... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT Listen to me!... All of us here present, Animals, Things and + Elements, possess a soul which man does not yet know. That is why we + retain a remnant of independence; but, if he finds the Blue Bird, he will + know all, he will see all and we shall be completely at his mercy.... This + is what I have just learned from my old friend, Night, who is also the + guardian of the mysteries of Life.... It is to our interest, therefore, at + all costs to prevent the finding of that bird, even if we have to go so + far as to endanger the lives of the children themselves.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>indignantly</i>) What's the fellow saying?... Just say that + again, will you, to see if I heard right?... + </p> + <p> + BREAD Order! Order!... It's not your turn to speak!... I'm in the chair at + this meeting.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE Who made you chairman?... + </p> + <p> + WATER (<i>to</i> FIRE) Hold your tongue!... What are you interfering + with?... + </p> + <p> + FIRE I shall interfere where I choose.... And I want none of your + remarks.... + </p> + <p> + SUGAR (<i>concilatorily</i>) Excuse me.... Do not let us quarrel.... This + is a serious moment.... We must, above all things, decide what measures to + adopt.... + </p> + <p> + BREAD I quite agree with Sugar and the Cat.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG This is ridiculous!... There is Man and that's all!... We have to + obey him and do as he tells us!... That is the one and only fact!... I + recognise no one but him!... Hurrah for Man!... Man for ever!... In life + or death, all for Man!... Man is God!... + </p> + <p> + BREAD I quite agree with the Dog. + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>to the</i> DOG) But at least give your reasons.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG There are no reasons!... I love Man and that's enough!... If you + do anything against him, I will throttle you first and I will go and tell + him everything.... + </p> + <p> + SUGAR (<i>intervening sweetly</i>) Excuse me.... Let us not embitter the + discussion.... From a certain point of view, you are both of you right.... + There is something to be said on both sides.... + </p> + <p> + BREAD I quite agree with SUGAR!... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT Are we not, all of us, Water, Fire you yourselves, Bread and the + Dog, the victims of a nameless tyranny?... Do you remember the time when, + before the coming of the despot, we wandered at liberty upon the face of + the earth?... Fire and Water were the sole masters of the world; and see + what they have come to!... As for us puny descendants of the great wild + animals.... Look out!... Pretend to be doing nothing!... I see the Fairy + and Light coming.... Light has taken sides with Man; she is our worst + enemy.... Here they are.... + </p> + <p> + <i>Enter, on the right, the</i> FAIRY, <i>in the shape of an old woman, + and</i> LIGHT, <i>followed by</i> TYLTYL <i>and</i> MYTYL. + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Well?... What is it?... What are you doing in that corner?... + You look like conspirators.... It is time to start.... I have decided that + Light shall be your leader.... You will obey her as you would me and I am + giving her my wand.... The children will pay a visit to their late + grandparents this evening.... You will remain behind; that is more + discreet.... They will spend the evening in the bosom of their dead + family.... Meanwhile, you will be getting ready all that is wanted for + to-morrow's journey, which will be a long one.... Come, up, be off and + every one to his post!... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>hypocritically</i>) That is just what I was saying to them, + madam.... I was encouraging them to do their duty bravely and + conscientiously; unfortunately, the Dog, who kept on interrupting me.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG What's that?... Just wait a bit I... + </p> + <p> + (<i>He is about to leap upon the</i> CAT, <i>but</i> TYLTYL <i>foreseeing + his intention, stops with a threatening gesture</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Down, Tylô!... Take care; and, if ever I catch you again... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG My little god, you don't know, it was he who... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>threatening him</i>) Be quiet!... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Come, that will do.... Let Bread hand the cage for this evening + to Tyltyl.... It is just possible that the Blue Bird may be hidden In the + Past, at the grandparents'.... In any case, it Is a chance which we must + not neglect.... Well, Bread, the cage? + </p> + <p> + BREAD (<i>solemnly</i>) One moment, if you please, Mrs. Fairy.... (<i>Like + an orator making a speech</i>) I call upon all of you to bear witness that + this silver cage, which was entrusted to my care by.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY (<i>interrupting him</i>) Enough!... No speeches!... We will go + out this way and the children that.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>rather anxiously</i>) Are we to go all alone?... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL I feel hungry!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I, too!... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY (<i>to</i> BREAD) Open your Turkish robe and give them a slice + of your good stomach.... + </p> + <p> + (BREAD <i>opens his robe, draws his scimitar and cuts two slices out of + his stomach and hands them to the</i> CHILDREN.) + </p> + <p> + SUGAR (<i>approaching the</i> CHILDREN) Allow me at the same time to offer + you a few sugar-sticks.... (<i>He breaks off the five fingers of his left + hand, one by one, and presents them to the</i> CHILDREN.) + </p> + <p> + MYTYL What is he doing?... He is breaking all his fingers!... + </p> + <p> + SUGAR (<i>engagingly</i>) Taste them, they are capital... They're made of + real barley-sugar.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>tasting one of the fingers</i>) Oh, how good they are!... Have + you many of them?... + </p> + <p> + SUGAR (<i>modestly</i>) Yes; as many as I want.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Does that hurt you much, when you break them off?... + </p> + <p> + SUGAR Not at all.... On the contrary, it's a great advantage; they grow + again at once and so I always have new, clean fingers.... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Come, children, don't eat too much sugar.... Don't forget that + you are to have supper presently with your grandpapa and grandmamma.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Are they here?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY You shall see them at once.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL How can we see them, when they are dead?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY How can they be dead, when they live in your memory?... Men do + not know this secret, because they know so little; whereas you, thanks to + the diamond, are about to see that the dead who are remembered live as + happily as though they were not dead.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Is Light coming with us? + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY No, it is more proper that this visit should be confined to the + family.... I will wait near here, so as not to appear indiscreet.... They + did not invite me.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Which way are we to go?... + </p> + <p> + THE FAIRY Over there.... You are on the threshold of the Land of + Memory.... As soon as you have turned the diamond, you will see a big tree + with a board on it, which will show you that you are there.... But don't + forget that you are to be back, both of you, by a quarter to nine.... It + is extremely important.... Now mind and be punctual, for all would be lost + if you were late.... Good-bye for the present!... (<i>Calling the</i> CAT, + <i>the</i> DOG, LIGHT, <i>etc</i>.) This way.... And the little ones that + way.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>She goes out to the right, with</i> LIGHT, <i>the</i> ANIMALS, <i>etc., + while the</i> CHILDREN <i>go out to the left</i>.) + </p> + <h3> + CURTAIN <br /><br /> + </h3> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE 2.—<i>The Land of Memory</i>. + </h2> + <p> + <i>A thick fog, from which stands out, on the right, close to the + footlights, the trunk of a large oak, with a board nailed to it. A vague, + milky, impenetrable light prevails</i>. TYLTYL <i>and</i> MYTYL <i>are at + the foot of the oak</i>. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Here Is the tree!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL There's the board!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I can't read it.... Wait, I will climb up on this root.... That's + it.... It says, "Land of Memory." + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Is this where it begins?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, there's an arrow.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Well, where are grandad and granny?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Behind the fog.... We shall see.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL I can see nothing at all!... I can't see my feet or my hands.... (<i>Whimpering</i>) + I'm cold!... I don't want to travel any more.... I want to go home.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Come, don't keep on crying, just like Water.... You ought to be + ashamed of yourself.... A great big little girl like you.... Look, the fog + is lifting already.... We shall see what's behind it.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The mist begins to move; It grows thinner and lighter, disperses, + evaporates. Soon, in a more and more transparent light, appears, under a + leafy vault, a cheerful little peasant's cottage, covered with creepers. + The door and windows are open. There are bee-hives under a shed, + flower-pots on the window-sills, a cage with a sleeping blackbird. Beside + the door is a bench, on which an old peasant and his wife</i>, TYLTYL'S <i>grandfather + and grandmother, are seated, both sound asleep</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>suddenly recognising them</i>) It's grandad and granny!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>clapping her hands</i>) Yes! Yes!... So it is! So it is!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>still a little distrustful</i>) Take care!... We don't know yet + if they can stir.... Let's keep behind the tree.... + </p> + <p> + (GRANNY TYL <i>opens her eyes, raises her head, stretches herself, gives a + sigh and looks at</i> GAFFER TYL, <i>who also wakes slowly from his sleep</i>.) + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL I have a notion that our grandchildren who are still alive are + coming to see us today.... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL They are certainly thinking of as, for I feel anyhow and I have + pins and needles in my legs.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL I think they must be quite near, for I see tears of joy dancing + before my eyes.... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL No, no, they are a long way off.... I still feel weak.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL I tell you they are here; I am quite strong.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL <i>and</i> MYTYL (<i>rushing up from behind the oak</i>) Here we + are!... Here we are!... Gaffer! Granny!... It's we!... It's we!... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL There!... You see?... What did I tell you?... I was sure they + would come to-day.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL Tyltyl!... Mytyl!... It's you!... It's she!... (<i>Trying to + run to meet them</i>) I can't run!... I've still got the rheumatics!... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL (<i>hobbling along as fast as he can</i>) No more can I.... + That's because of my wooden leg, which I still wear instead of the one I + broke when I fell off the big oak.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The</i> GRANDPARENTS <i>and the</i> CHILDREN <i>exchange frantic + embraces</i>.) + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL How tall and strong you've grown, Tyltyl! + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL (<i>stroking</i> MYTYL'S <i>hair</i>) And Mytyl!... Just look + at her.... What pretty hair, what pretty eyes!... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL Come and kiss me again!... Come on to my lap.... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL And what about me?... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL No, no.... Come to me first.... How are Daddy and Mummy Tyl?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Quite well, granny.... They were asleep when we went out.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL (<i>gazing at them and covering them with caresses</i>) Lord, + how pretty they are and how nice and clean!... Was it mummy who washed + you?... And there are no holes in your stockings!... I used to darn them + once, you know.... Why don't you come to see us oftener?... It makes us so + happy!... It is months and months now that you've forgotten us and that we + have seen nobody.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL We couldn't, granny; and to-day its only because of the Fairy.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL We are always here, waiting for a visit from those who are + alive.... They come so seldom!... The last time you were here, let me see, + when was it?... It was on All-hallows, when the church-bells were + ringing.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL All-hallows?... We didn't go out that day, for we both had very bad + colds.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL No; but you thought of us.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL Well, every time you think of us, we wake up and see you + again.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What, is it enough to... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL But come, you know that.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL No, I didn't know.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL (<i>to</i> GAFFER TYL) It's astonishing, up there.... They + don't know yet.... Do they never learn anything?... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL It's as in our own time.... The Living are so stupid when they + speak of the Others.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Do you sleep all the time?... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL Yes, we get plenty of sleep, while waiting for a thought of the + Living to come and wake us.... Ah, it is good to sleep when life is + done.... But it is pleasant also to wake up from time to time.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL So you are not really dead?... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL What do you say?... What is he saying?... Now he's using words + we don't understand.... Is it a new word, a new invention?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL The word "dead"?... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL Yes, that was the word.... What does it mean?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why, it means that one's no longer alive.... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL How silly they are, up there!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Is it nice here?... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL Oh, yes; not bad, not bad; and, if one could just have a + smoke.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Aren't you allowed to smoke?... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL Yes, it's allowed; but I've broken my pipe.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL Yes, yes, all would be well, if only you would come and see us + oftener.... Do you remember, Tyltyl?... The last time I baked you a lovely + apple-tart.... You ate such a lot of it that you made yourself ill.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL But I haven't eaten any apple-tart since last year.... There were + no apples this year.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL Don't talk nonsense.... Here, we have them always.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL That's different.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL What? That's different?... Why, nothing's different when we're + able to kiss each other.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>looking first at his</i> GRANDMOTHER <i>and then at his</i> + GRANDFATHER) You haven't changed, grandad, not a bit, not a bit.... And + granny hasn't changed a bit either.... But you're better-looking.... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL Well, we feel all right.... We have stopped growing older.... + But you, how tall you're growing!... Yes, you're shooting up finely.... + Look, over there, on the door, is the mark of the last time.... That was + on All-hallows.... Now then, stand up straight.... (TYLTYL <i>stands up + against the door</i>.) Four fingers taller!... That's immense!... (MYTYL + <i>also stands up against the door</i>.) And Mytyl, four and a half!... + Aha, ill weeds grow apace!... How they've grown, oh, how they've grown!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>looking around him with delight</i>) Nothing is changed, + everything is in its old place!... Only everything is prettier!... There + is the clock with the big hand which I broke the point off.... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL And here is the soup-tureen you chipped a corner off.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And here is the hole which I made in the door, the day I found the + gimlet.... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL Yes, you've done some damage in your time!... And here is the + plum-tree in which you were so fond of climbing, when I wasn't looking.... + It still has its fine red plums.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL But they are finer than ever!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL And here is the old blackbird!... Does he still sing?... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The blackbird wakes and begins to sing at the top of his voice</i>.) + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL You see.... As soon as one thinks of him.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>observing with amazement that the blackbird is quite blue</i>) + But he's blue!... Why, that's the bird, the Blue Bird which I am to take + back to the Fairy.... And you never told us that you had him here!... Oh, + he's blue, blue, blue as a blue glass marble!... (<i>Entreatingly</i>) + Grandad, granny, will you give him to me?... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL Yes, perhaps, perhaps.... What do you think, granny?... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL Certainly, certainly.... What use is he to us?... He does + nothing but sleep.... We never hear him sing.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I will put him in my cage.... I say, where is my cage?... Oh, I + know, I left it behind the big tree.... (<i>He runs to the tree, fetches + the cage and puts the blackbird into it</i>.) So, really, you've really + given him to me?... How pleased the Fairy will be!... And Light too!... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL Mind you, I won't answer for the bird.... I'm afraid that he + will never get used again to the restless life up there and that he'll + come back here by the first wind that blows this way.... However, we shall + see.... Leave him there, for the present, and come and look at the cow.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>noticing the hives</i>) And how are the bees getting on? + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL Oh, pretty well.... They are no longer alive, as you call it up + there; but they work hard.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>going up to the hives</i>) Oh, yes!... I can smell the + honey!... How heavy the hives must be!... All the flowers are so + beautiful!... And my little dead sisters, are they here too?... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL And where are my three little brothers who were buried?... + </p> + <p> + (<i>At these words, seven little</i> CHILDREN, <i>of different sizes, like + a set of Pan's pipes, come out of the cottage, one by one</i>.) + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL Here they are, here they are!... As soon as you think of them, + as soon as you speak of them, they are there, the darlings!... + </p> + <p> + (TYLTYL <i>and</i> MYTYL <i>run to meet the</i> CHILDREN. <i>They hustle + and hug one another and dance and whirl about and utter screams of joy</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Hullo, Pierrot!... (<i>They clutch each other by the hair</i>.) Ah, + so we're going to fight again, as in the old days.... And Robert!... I + say, Jean, what's become of your top?... Madeleine and Pierette and + Pauline!... And here's Riquette!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Oh, Riquette, Riquette!... She's still crawling on all fours!... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL Yes, she has stopped growing. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>noticing the little</i> DOG <i>yelping around them</i>) There's + Kiki, whose tail I cut off with Pauline's scissors.... He hasn't changed + either.... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL (<i>sententiously</i>) No, nothing changes here.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And Pauline still has a pimple on her nose.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL Yes, it won't go away; there's nothing to be done for it.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh, how well they look, how fat and glossy they are!... What jolly + cheeks they have!... They look well fed.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL They have been much better since they ceased living.... There's + nothing more to fear, nobody is ever ill, one has no anxiety.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The clock inside the cottage strikes eight</i>.) + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL (<i>amazed</i>) What's that?... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL I don't know, I'm sure.... It must be the clock.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL It can't be.... It never strikes.... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL Because we no longer think of the time.... Was any one thinking + of the time?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, I was.... What is the time?... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL I'm sure I can't tell.... I've forgotten how.... It struck + eight times, so I suppose it's what they call eight o'clock up there.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Light expects me at a quarter to nine.... It's because of the + Fairy.... It's extremely important.... I'm off!... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL Don't leave us like that, just as supper's ready!... Quick, + quick, let's lay the table outside.... I've got some capital cabbage-soup + and a beautiful plum-tart.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>They get out the table, dishes, plates, etc., and lay for supper + outside the door, all helping</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Well, as I've got the Blue Bird.... And then it's so long since I + tasted cabbage-soup.... Ever since I've been, travelling.... They don't + have it at the hotels.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL There!... That didn't take long!... Sit down, children.... + Don't let us lose time, if you're in a hurry.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>They have lit the lamp and served the soup. The</i> GRANDPARENTS <i>and + the</i> CHILDREN <i>sit down round the table, jostling and elbowing one + another and laughing and screaming with pleasure</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>eating like a glutton</i>) How good it is!... Oh, how good it + is!...I want some more! More!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>He brandishes his wooden spoon and noisily hits his plate with it</i>.) + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL Come, come, a little more quiet.... You're just as ill-behaved + as ever; and you'll break your plate.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>half-raising himself on his stool</i>) I want more, more!... (<i>He + seizes the tureen, drags it toward him and upsets it and the soup, which + trickles over the table and down over their knees and scalds them. Yells + and screams of pain</i>.) + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL There!... I told you so!... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL (<i>giving TYLTYL a loud box on the ear</i>) That's one for + you!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>staggered for a moment, next puts his hand to his cheek with an + expression of rapture</i>) Oh, that's just like the slaps you used to give + me when you were alive?... Grandad, how nice it was and how good it makes + one feel!... I must give you a kiss!... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL Very well; there's more where that came from, if you like + them.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The clock strikes half-past eight</i>) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>starting up</i>) Half-past eight!... (<i>He flings down his + spoon</i>.) Mytyl, we've only just got time!... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL Oh, I say!... Just a few minutes more!... Your house isn't on + fire!... We see you so seldom.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL No, we can't possibly.... Light is so kind.... And I promised + her.... Come, Mytyl, come!... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL Goodness gracious, how tiresome the Living are with all their + business and excitement!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>taking his cage and hurriedly kissing everybody all round</i>) + Good-bye, grandad.... Good-bye, granny.... Good-bye, brothers and sisters, + Pierrot, Robert, Pauline, Madeleine, Riquette and you, too, Kiki.... I + feel we mustn't stay.... Don't cry, granny; we will come back often.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL Come back every day!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, yes; we will come back as often as we can.... + </p> + <p> + GRANNY TYL It's our only pleasure and it's such a treat for us when your + thoughts visit us!... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL We have no other amusements.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Quick, quick!... My cage!... My bird!... + </p> + <p> + GAFFER TYL (<i>handing him the cage</i>) Here they are!... You know, I + don't warrant him; and if he's not the right colour... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Good-bye! Good-bye!... + </p> + <p> + THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS TYL Good-bye, Tyltyl! Good-bye, Mytyl!... + Remember the barley-sugar!... Good-bye!... Come again!... Come again!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>They all wave their handkerchiefs while</i> TYLTYL <i>and</i> MYTYL <i>slowly + move away. But already, during the last sentences, the fog of the + beginning of the scene has been gradually re-forming, so that, at the end, + all has disappeared in the mist and, at the fall of the curtain</i>, + TYLTYL <i>and</i> MYTYL <i>are again alone visible under the big oak</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL It's this way, Mytyl.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Where is Light?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I don't know.... (<i>Looking at the bird in the cage</i>.) But the + bird is no longer blue!... He has turned black!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Give me your hand, little brother.... I feel so frightened and so + cold.... + </p> + <h3> + CURTAIN <br /><br /> + </h3> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT III. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE 1.—<i>The Palace of</i> NIGHT. + </h2> + <p> + <i>A large and wonderful hall of an austere, rigid, metallic and + sepulchral magnificence, giving the impression of a Greek temple with + columns, architraves, flagstones and ornaments of black marble, gold and + ebony. The hall is trapezium-shaped. Basalt steps, occupying almost the + entire width, divide it into three successive stages, which rise gradually + toward the back. On the right and left, between the columns, are doors of + sombre bronze. At the back, a monumental door of brass. The palace is lit + only by a vague light that seems to emanate mainly from the brilliancy of + the marble and the ebony. At the rise of the curtain</i>, NIGHT, <i>in the + form of a very old woman, clad in long, black garments, is seated on the + steps of the second stage between two children, of whom one, almost naked, + like Cupid, is smiling in a deep sleep, while the other is standing up, + motionless and veiled from head to foot</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Enter from the right, in the foreground, the</i> CAT + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Who goes there? + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>sinking heavily upon the marble steps</i>) It is I, Mother + Night.... I am worn out.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT What's the matter, child?... You look pale and thin and you are + splashed with mud to your very whiskers.... Have you been fighting on the + tiles again, in the snow and rain?... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT It has nothing to do with the tiles!... It's our secret that's at + stake!... It's the beginning of the end!... I have managed to escape for a + moment to warn you; but I greatly fear that there is nothing to be + done.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Why?... What has happened?... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT I have told you of little Tyltyl, the woodcutter's son, and of the + magic diamond.... Well, he is coming here to demand the Blue Bird of + you.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT He hasn't got it yet..... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT He will have it soon, unless we perform some miracle.... This is + how the matter stands: Light, who is guiding him and betraying us all, for + she has placed herself entirely on Man's side, Light has learned that the + Blue Bird, the real one, the only one that can live in the light of day, + is hidden here, among the blue birds of the dreams that live on the rays + of the moon and die as soon as they set eyes on the sun.... She knows that + she is forbidden to cross the threshold of your palace, but she is sending + the children; and, as you cannot prevent Man from opening the doors of + your secrets, I do not know how all this will end.... In any case, if, + unfortunately, they should lay their hands on the real Blue Bird, there + would be nothing for us but to disappear.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Oh dear, oh dear!.... What times we live in!... I never have a + moment's peace.... I cannot understand Man, these last few years.... What + is he aiming at?... Must he absolutely know everything?... Already he has + captured a third of my Mysteries, all my Terrors are afraid and dare not + leave the house, my Ghosts have taken flight, the greater part of my + Sicknesses are ill.... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT I know, Mother Night, I know, the times are hard and we are almost + alone in our struggle against Man.... But I hear them coming.... I see + only one way: as they are children, we must give them such a fright that + they will not dare to persist or to open the great door at the back, + behind which they would find the Birds of the Moon.... The secrets of the + other caverns will be enough to distract their attention and terrify + them.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT (<i>listening to a sound outside</i>) What do I hear?... Are there + many of them?... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT It is nothing; it is our friends, Bread and Sugar; Water is not + very well and Fire could not come, because he is related to Light.... The + Dog is the only one who is not on our side; but it is never possible to + keep him away.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Enter timidly, on the right, in the foreground, TYLTYL, MYTYL, BREAD, + SUGAR and the DOG</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>rushing up to TYLTYL</i>) This way, little master, this + way.... I have told Night, who is delighted to see you.... You must + forgive her, she is a little indisposed; that is why she was not able to + come to meet you.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Good-day, Mrs. Night.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT (<i>in an offended voice</i>) Good-day?... I am not used to that.... + You might say, Good-night, or, at least. Good-evening.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>mortified</i>) I beg your pardon, ma'am....I did not know....(<i>Pointing + to the two</i> CHILDREN.) Are those your two little boys?... They are very + nice.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT This is Sleep.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why is he so fat?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT That is because he sleeps well.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And the other, hiding himself?... Why does he veil his face?...Is + he ill?... What is his name?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT That is Sleep's sister.... It is better not to mention her name.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Because her name is not pleasant to hear.... But let us talk of + something else.... The Cat tells me that you have come here to look for + the Blue Bird.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, ma'am, if you will allow me.... Will you tell me where he + is?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT I don't know, dear.... All I can say is that he is not here.... I + have never seen him.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, yes.... Light told me that he was here; and Light knows what + she is saying.... Will you hand me your keys?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT But you must understand, dear, that I cannot give my keys like that + to the first comer.... I have the keeping of all Nature's secrets and I am + absolutely forbidden to deliver them to anybody, especially to a child.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL You have no right to refuse them to Man when he asks you for + them....I know that.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Who told you?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Light.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Light again! Always Light!... How dare she interfere, how dare + she?... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG Shall I take them from her by force, my little god?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Hold your tongue, keep quiet and try to behave.... (<i>To</i>NIGHT) + Come, madam, give me your keys, please.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Have you the sign, at least?... Where is it?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>touching his hat</i>) Behold the Diamond!... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT (<i>resigning herself to the inevitable</i>) Well, then... Here is + the key that opens all the doors of the hall.... Look to yourself if you + meet with a misfortune.... I will not be responsible.... + </p> + <p> + BREAD (<i>very anxiously</i>) Is it dangerous?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Dangerous?... I will go so far as to say that I myself do not know + what I shall do when certain of those bronze doors open upon the abyss.... + All around the hall, in each of those basalt caves, are all the evils, all + the plagues, all the sicknesses, all the terrors, all the catastrophes, + all the mysteries that have afflicted life since the beginning of the + world.... I have had trouble enough to Imprison them there with the aid of + Destiny; and it is not without difficulty, I assure you, that I keep some + little order among those undisciplined characters.... You have seen what + happens when one of them escapes and shows itself on earth.... + </p> + <p> + BREAD My great age, my experience and my devotion make me the natural + protector of these two children; therefore, Mrs. Night, permit me to ask + you a question.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Certainly.... + </p> + <p> + BREAD In case of danger, which is the way of escape?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT There is no way of escape. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>taking the key and climbing the first steps</i>) Let us begin + here.... What is behind this bronze door?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT I think it is the Ghosts.... It is long since I opened the door and + since they came out.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>placing the key in the lock</i>) I will see.... (<i>To</i> + BREAD) Have you the cage for the Blue Bird?... + </p> + <p> + BREAD (<i>with chattering teeth</i>) I'm not frightened, but don't you + think it would be better not to open the door, but to peep through the + keyhole?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I don't want your advice.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>suddenly beginning to cry</i>) I am frightened!... Where is + Sugar?... I want to go home!... + </p> + <p> + SUGAR (<i>eagerly, obsequiously</i>) Here I am, miss, here I am.... Don't + cry, I will break off one of my fingers so that you may have a + sugar-stick.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Enough of this!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>He turns the key and cautiously opens the door. Forthwith, five or six</i> + GHOSTS <i>of strange and different forms escape and disperse on every side</i>. + MYTYL <i>gives a scream of fright</i>, BREAD, <i>terrified, throws away + the cage and goes and hides at the back of the hall, while</i> NIGHT, <i>running + after the</i> GHOSTS, <i>cries out to</i> TYLTYL.) + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Quick! Quick!... Shut the door!... They will all escape and we + should never be able to catch them again!... They have felt bored in + there, ever since Man ceased to take them seriously.... (<i>She runs after + the</i> GHOSTS <i>and endeavours, with the aid of a whip formed of snakes, + to drive them back to the door of their prison</i>.) Help me!... Here!... + Here!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>to the</i> DOG) Help her, Tylô, at them!... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>leaping up and barking</i>) Yes, yes, yes!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And Bread, where's Bread?... + </p> + <p> + BREAD (<i>at the back of the hall</i>) Here.... I am near the door to + prevent them from going out.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>One of the</i> GHOSTS <i>moves in that direction and he rushes away at + full speed, uttering yells of terror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + NIGHT (<i>to three</i> GHOSTS <i>whom she has seized by the neck</i>) This + way, you!... (<i>To</i> TYLTYL) Open the door a little.... (<i>She pushes + the</i> GHOSTS <i>into the cave</i>.) There, that's it.... (<i>The</i> DOG + <i>brings up two more</i>.) And these two.... Come, quick, in with you!... + You know you're only allowed out on All-hallows.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>She closes the door.</i>) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>going to another door</i>) What's behind this one?.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT What is the good?...I have already told you the Blue Bird has never + been here.... However, as you please.... Open the doors if you like.... + It's the Sicknesses.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>with the key in the lock</i>.) Must I be careful in opening?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT No, it is not worth while.... They are very quiet, the poor little + things.... They are not happy.... Man, for some time, has been waging such + a determined war upon them!... Especially since the discovery of the + microbes.... Open, you will see.... + </p> + <p> + (TYLTYL <i>opens the door quite wide. Nothing appears</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Don't they come out? + </p> + <p> + NIGHT I told you they are almost all poorly and very much discouraged.... + The doctors are so unkind to them.... Go in for a moment and see for + yourself.... + </p> + <p> + (TYLTYL <i>enters the cavern and comes out again immediately</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL The Blue Bird is not there.... They look very ill, those Sicknesses + of yours.... They did not even lift their heads.... (<i>One little + Sickness in slippers, a dressing-gown and a cotton nightcap escapes from + the cavern and begins to frisk about the hall</i>.) Look!... There's a + little one escaping.... Which one is it?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT It's nothing, one of the smallest; it's Cold-in-the-Head.... It is + one of those which are least persecuted and which enjoy the best + health.... (<i>Calling to</i> COLD-IN-THE-HEAD) Come here, dear....It's + too soon yet; you must wait for the winter.... (COLD-IN-THE-HEAD, <i>sneezing, + coughing and blowing its nose, returns to the cavern and</i> TYLTYL <i>shuts + the door</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>going to the next door</i>) Let us look at this one..... What + is in here?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Take care!... It is the Wars.... They are more terrible and powerful + than ever.... Heaven knows what would happen if one of them escaped!... + Fortunately, they are rather heavy and slow-moving.... But we must stand + ready to push back the door, all of us together, while you take a rapid + glance into the cavern.... + </p> + <p> + (TYLTYL, <i>with a thousand precautions, opens the door ajar so that there + is only a little gap to which he can put his eye. He at once doubles his + back against the door, shouting</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Quick! Quick!... Push with all your might!... They have seen me!... + They are all coming!... They are breaking down the door!... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Come, all together!... Push hard!... Bread, what are you doing?... + Push, all of you!... How strong they are!... Ah, that's it!... They are + giving way!... It was high time!... Did you see them?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, yes!... They are huge and awful!... I don't think that they + have the Blue Bird.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT You may be sure they haven't.... If they had, they would eat him at + once.... Well, have you had enough of it?... You see there is nothing to + be done.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I must see everything.... Light said so.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Light said so!... It's an easy thing to say when one's afraid and + stays at home.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Let us go to the next.... What is in here?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT This is where I lock up the Shades and the Terrors.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Can I open the door?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Certainly.... They are pretty quiet; they are like the + Sicknesses.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>half-opening the door, with a certain mistrustfulness, and + taking a look into the cavern</i>) Are they not there?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT (<i>looking into the cavern in her turn</i>) Well, Shades, what are + you doing?... Come out for a moment and stretch your legs; it will do you + good.... And the Terrors also.... There is nothing to be afraid of.... (<i>A + few</i> SHADES <i>and a few</i> TERRORS, <i>in the shape of women, + shrouded, the former in black veils and the latter in greenish veils, + piteously venture to take a few steps outside the cavern; and then, upon a + movement of</i> TYLTYL'S, <i>hastily run back again</i>.) Come, don't be + afraid.... It's only a child; he won't hurt you.... (<i>To</i> TYLTYL) + They have become extremely timid, except the great ones, those whom you + see at the back.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>looking into the depths of the cave</i>) Oh, how terrifying + they are!... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT They are chained up.... They are the only ones that are not afraid + of Man.... But shut the door, lest they should grow angry.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>going to the next door</i>) I say!... This is a darker one.... + What is here? + </p> + <p> + NIGHT There are several Mysteries behind this one.... If you are + absolutely bent upon it, you may open it too.... But don't go in.... Be + very cautious and let us get ready to push back the door, as we did with + the Wars.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>half-opening the door; with unparalleled precautions and + passing his head fearsomely through the aperture</i>) Oh!... How cold!... + My eyes are smarting!... Shut it quickly!... Push, oh, push! They are + pushing against us!... (NIGHT, <i>the</i> DOG, <i>the</i> CAT <i>and</i> + SUGAR <i>push back the door</i>.) Oh, I saw!... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT What?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>upset</i>) I don't know, it was awful!... They were all seated + like monsters without eyes.... Who was the giant who tried to seize me?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT It was probably Silence; he has charge of this door.... It appears + to have been alarming?... You are quite pale still and trembling all + over.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, I would never have believed.... I had never seen.... And my + hands are frozen.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT It will be worse presently if you go on.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>going to the next door</i>) And this one?... Is this terrible + also?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT No; there is a little of everything here.... It is where I keep the + unemployed Stars, my personal Perfumes, a few Glimmers that belong to me, + such as Will-o'-the-Wisps, Glow-worms and Fireflies, also the Dew, the + Song of the Nightingales and so on.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Just so, the Stars, the Song of the Nightingales.... This must be + the door.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Open it, if you like; there Is nothing very bad inside.... + </p> + <p> + (TYLTYL <i>throws the door wide open. The</i> STARS, <i>in the shape of + beautiful young girls veiled in many-coloured radiancy, escape from their + prison, disperse over the hall and form graceful groups on the steps and + around the columns, bathed in a sort of luminous penumbra. The</i> + PERFUMES OF THE NIGHT, <i>who are almost invisible, the</i> + WILL-O'-THE-WISPS, <i>the</i> FIREFLIES <i>and the transparent</i> DEW <i>join + them, while the</i> SONG OF THE NIGHTINGALES <i>streams from the cavern + and floods the Palace of</i> NIGHT.) + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>clapping her hands with delight</i>) Oh, what pretty ladies!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And how well they dance!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL And how sweet they smell!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And how beautifully they sing!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL What are those, whom one can hardly see?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Those are the Perfumes of my Shadow. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And those others, over there, in spun glass?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT They are the Dew of the plains and forests.... But enough!... They + would never have done.... It is the devil's own business to get them back, + once they begin to dance.... (<i>Clapping her hands together</i>.) Now + then, Stars, quick!... This is not the time for dancing.... The sky is + overcast and heavily clouded.... Come, quick, in with you, or I will go + and fetch a ray of sunlight!... (<i>The</i> STARS, PERFUMES, <i>etc., take + to flight in dismay and rush back into the cavern; and the door is closed + upon them. At the same time, the song of the</i> NIGHTINGALE <i>ceases</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>going to the door at the back</i>) Here is the great middle + door.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT (<i>gravely</i>) Do not open that one... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why not?.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Because it's not allowed.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Then it's here that the Blue Bird is hidden; Light told me so.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT (<i>maternally</i>) Listen to me, child ... I have been kind and + indulgent ... I have done for you what I have never done for any one + before ... I have given up all my secrets to you.... I like you, I feel + pity for your youth and innocence and I am speaking to you as a mother.... + Listen to me, my child, and believe me; relinquish your quest, go no + further, do not tempt fate, do not open that door.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>a little shaken</i>) But why?... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Because I do not wish you to be lost.... Because not one of those, + do you hear, not one of those who have opened it, were it but by a hair's + breadth, has ever returned alive to the light of day.... Because every + awful thing imaginable, because all the terrors, all the horrors of which + men speak on earth are as nothing compared with the most harmless of those + which assail a man from the moment when his eye lights upon the first + threats of the abyss to which no one dares give a name.... So much so that + I myself, if you are bent, in spite of everything, upon touching that + door, will ask you to wait until I have sought safety in my windowless + tower... Now it is for you to know, for you to reflect.... + </p> + <p> + (MYTYL, <i>all in tears, utters cries of inarticulate terror and tries to + drag</i> TYLTYL <i>away</i>.) + </p> + <p> + BREAD (<i>with chattering teeth</i>) Don't do it, master dear!... (<i>Flinging + himself on his knees</i>) Take pity on us!... I implore you on my + knees.... You see that Night is right.... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT You are sacrificing the lives of all of us.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I must open the door.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>stamping her feet, amid her sobs</i>) I won't!... I sha'n't!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Sugar and Bread, take Mytyl by the hand and run away with her.... I + am going to open the door.... + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Run for your lives!... Come quickly!... It is time!... (<i>She + flees.</i>) + </p> + <p> + BREAD (<i>fleeing wildly</i>) At least wait till we are at the end of the + hall!... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>also fleeing</i>) Wait! Wait!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>They hide behind the columns at the other end of the hall</i>. TYLTYL + <i>remains alone with the DOG by the monumental door</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>panting and hiccoughing with suppressed fright</i>) I shall + stay, I shall stay!... I'm not afraid!... I shall stay!... I shall stay + with my little god!... I shall stay!... I shall stay!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>patting the</i> DOG) That's right, Tylô, that's right!... Kiss + me.... You and I are two.... And now, steady!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>He places the key in the lock. A cry of alarm comes from the other end + of the hall, where the runaways have taken refuge. The key has hardly + touched the door before its tall and wide leaves open in the middle, glide + apart and disappear on either side in the thickness of the walls, suddenly + revealing the most unexpected of gardens, unreal, infinite and ineffable, + a dream-garden bathed in nocturnal light, where, among stars and planets, + illumining all that they touch, flying ceaselessly from jewel to jewel and + from moonbeam to moonbeam, fairy-like blue birds hover perpetually and + harmoniously down to the confines of the horizon, birds innumerable to the + point of appearing to be the breath, the azured atmosphere, the very + substance of the wonderful garden</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>dazzled, bewildered, standing in the light of the garden</i>) + Oh!... Heaven!... (<i>Turning to those who have fled</i>) Come quickly!... + They are here!... It's they, it's they, it's they!... We have them at + last!... Thousands of blue birds!... Millions!.... Thousands of + millions!... There will be too many!... Come, Mytyl!... Come, Tylô!... + Come, all!... Help me!... (<i>Darting in among the birds</i>.) You can + catch them by handfuls!... They are not shy!... They are not afraid of + us!.... Here! Here!.... (MYTYL <i>and the others run up. They all enter + the dazzling garden, except</i> NIGHT <i>and the</i> CAT.) You see!... + There are too many of them!... They fly into my hands!... Look, they are + eating the moonbeams!... Mytyl, where are you?.... There are so many blue + wings, so many feathers falling that one cannot see anything for them!.... + Don't bite them, Tylô!.... Don't hurt them!.... Take them very gently!.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>covered with blue birds</i>) I have caught seven already!.... + Oh, how they flap their wings!.... I can't hold them!.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Nor can I!.... I have too many of them!... They're escaping!.... + They're coming back!.... Tylô has some, too!.... They will drag us with + them!.... They will take us up to the sky!.... Quick, let us go out this + way!.... Light is waiting for us!.... How pleased she will be!.... This + way, this way!.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>They escape from the garden, with their hands full of struggling + birds, and, crossing the whole hall amid the mad whirl of the azure wings, + go out on the right, where they first entered, followed by</i> BREAD <i>and</i> + SUGAR, <i>who have caught no birds</i>. NIGHT <i>and the</i> CAT, <i>left + alone, return to the back of the stage and look anxiously into the garden</i>.) + </p> + <p> + NIGHT Haven't they got him?... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT No.... I see him there, on that moonbeam.... They could not reach + him, he kept too high.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The</i> CURTAIN <i>falls. Immediately after, before the dropped + curtain</i>, ENTER, <i>at the same time, on the left</i>, LIGHT <i>and on + the right</i>, TYLTYL, MYTYL <i>and the</i> DOG, <i>who run up all covered + by the birds which they have captured. But already the birds appear + lifeless and, with hanging heads and drooping wings, are nothing more in + their hands than inert remains.</i>) + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Well, have you caught him?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, yes!...As many as we wanted!... There are thousands of + them!... Here they are!... Do you see them?... (<i>Looking at the birds, + which he holds out to</i> LIGHT, <i>and perceiving that they are dead</i>) + Why, they are dead!... What have they done to them?... Yours too, + Mytyl?... Tylô's also?... (<i>Angrily flinging down the dead bodies of the + birds</i>) Oh, this is too bad?... Who killed them?... I am too + unhappy!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>He hides his head in his arms and his whole frame is shaken with sobs.</i>) + </p> + <p> + LIGHT (<i>pressing him maternally in her arms</i>) Do not cry, my + child.... You did not catch the one that is able to live in broad + daylight.... He has gone elsewhere.... We shall find him again.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>looking at the dead birds</i>)) Are they good to eat?.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>They all go out on the left</i>.) + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE 2.—<i>The Forest.</i> + </h2> + <p> + <i>A forest. It is night. The moon is shining. Old trees of various kinds, + notably an</i> OAK, <i>a</i> BEECH, <i>an</i> ELM, <i>a</i> POPLAR, <i>a</i> + FIR-TREE, <i>a</i> CYPRESS, <i>a</i> LIME-TREE, <i>a</i> CHESTNUT-TREE, <i>etc</i>. + </p> + <p> + ENTER <i>the</i> CAT. + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>bowing to the trees in turn</i>) To all the trees here + present, greeting!.... + </p> + <p> + THE TREES (<i>murmuring in their leaves</i>) Greeting!.... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT This is a great day, a day of days!.... Our enemy is coming to set + free your energies and to deliver himself into your hands..... It is + Tyltyl, the son of the wood-cutter, who has done you so much harm.... He + is seeking the Blue Bird, whom you have kept hidden from Man since the + beginning of the world and who alone knows our secret.... (<i>A murmuring + in the leaves</i>.) What do you say?... Ah, it's the Poplar!... Yes, he + possesses a diamond which has the virtue of setting free our spirits for a + moment; he can compel us to hand over the Blue Bird and thenceforth we + shall be definitely at Man's mercy.... (<i>A murmuring in the leaves</i>.) + Who is speaking?... Ah, the Oak!... How are you?... (<i>A murmuring in the + leaves of the</i> OAK.) Still got your cold?... Does the Liquorice no + longer look after you?... Can't you throw off your rheumatism?... Believe + me, that's because of the moss; you put too much of it on your feet.... Is + the Blue Bird still with you?... (<i>A murmuring in the leaves of the</i> + OAK.) I beg your pardon?... Yes, there is no room for hesitation; we must + take the opportunity; he must he done away with.... (<i>A murmuring in the + leaves</i>.) I didn't quite catch.... Oh, yes, he is with his little + sister; she must die, too.... (<i>A murmuring in the leaves</i>.) Yes, + they have the Dog with them; there is no keeping him away.... (<i>A + murmuring in the leaves</i>.) What did you say?... Bribe him?... + Impossible.... I have tried everything.... (<i>A murmuring in the leaves</i>.) + Ah, is that you, Fir-Tree?... Yes, get four planks ready.... Yes, there + are Fire, Sugar, Water and Bread besides.... They are all with us, except + Bread, who is rather doubtful.... Light alone is on Man's side; but she + won't come.... I made the children believe that they ought to steal away + while she was asleep.... There never was such an opportunity.... (<i>A + murmuring in the leaves</i>.) Ah, that's the Beech's voice!... Yes, you + are right; we must inform the animals.... Has the Rabbit got his drum?... + Is he with you?... Good, let him beat the troop at once.... Here they + are!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The roll of the</i> RABBIT'S <i>drum is heard, diminishing in the + distance. Enter</i> TYLTYL, MYTYL <i>and the</i> DOG.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Is this the place?... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>obsequiously, eagerly, mealy-mouthed, rushing to meet the</i> + CHILDREN) Ah, there you are, my little master!... How well you look and + how pretty, this evening!.... I went before you to announce your + arrival.... All Is going well. We shall have the Blue Bird to-night, I am + sure.... I have just sent the Rabbit to beat the troop in order to convoke + the principal animals of the country.... You can hear them already among + the foliage.... Listen!... They are a little shy and dare not come + near.... (<i>The sounds are heard of different animals, such as cows, + pigs, horses, donkeys, etc. The</i> CAT, <i>aside, to</i> TYLTYL, <i>taking + him apart</i>) But why have you brought the Dog?... I have told you he is + on the worst terms with everybody, even the trees.... I fear that his + odious presence will spoil everything.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I could not get rid of him.... (<i>To the</i> DOG, <i>threatening + him</i>) Go away, you ugly thing!... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG Who?... I?... Why?... What have I done?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I tell you, go away!... We don't want you here and there's an end + of it.... You're a nuisance, there!... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG I sha'n't say a word.... I shall follow you at a distance.... They + sha'n't see me.... Shall I beg?... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>aside, to</i> TYLTYL) Do you allow this disobedience?... Hit + him on the nose with your stick; he is really unbearable!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>beating the</i> DOG) There, that will teach you to be more + obedient!... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>yelling</i>) Ow! Ow! Ow!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What do you say?... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG I must kiss you now you've beaten me!... (<i>He covers</i> TYLTYL + <i>with violent kisses and embraces</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Come.... That will do.... That's enough.... Go away!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL No, no; I want him to stay.... I am afraid of everything when he is + not there.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>leaping up and almost upsetting</i> MYTYL, <i>whom he + overwhelms with hurried and enthusiastic kisses</i>) Oh, the dear little + girl!... How beautiful she is!... How good she is!... How beautiful she + is, how sweet she is!...I must kiss her!... Once more, once more, once + more!... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT What an idiot!... Well, we shall see!... Let us lose no time.... + Turn the diamond.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Where shall I stand?... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT In this moonbeam; you will see better.... There, turn it + gently!... + </p> + <p> + (TYLTYL <i>turns the Diamond. A long-drawn-out rustling shakes the leaves + and branches. The oldest and most stately trunks open to make way for the + soul which each of them contains. The appearance of these souls differs + according to the appearance and the character of the trees which they + represent. The soul of the</i> ELM, <i>for instance, is a sort of pursy, + pot-bellied, crabbed gnome; the</i> LIME-TREE <i>is placid, familiar and + jovial; the</i> BEECH, <i>elegant and agile; the</i> BIRCH, <i>white, + reserved and restless; the</i> WILLOW, <i>stunted, dishevelled and + plaintive; the</i> FIR-TREE, <i>tall, lean and taciturn; the</i> CYPRESS, + <i>tragic; the</i> CHESTNUT-TREE, <i>pretentious and rather dandified; the</i> + POPLAR, <i>sprightly, cumbersome, talkative. Some emerge slowly from their + trunks, torpidly stretching themselves, as though they had been imprisoned + or asleep for ages; others leap out actively, eagerly; and all come and + stand in a circle round the two</i> CHILDREN, <i>while keeping as near as + they can to the tree in which they were born</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE POPLAR (<i>running up first and screaming at the top of his voice</i>) + Men?... Little men!... We shall be able to talk to them!... We've done + with silence!... Done with it!... Where do they come from?... Who are + they?... What are they?... (<i>To the</i> LIME-TREE, <i>who comes forward + quietly smoking his pipe</i>) Do you know them, Daddy Lime-Tree?... + </p> + <p> + THE LIME-TREE I do not remember ever having seen them.... + </p> + <p> + THE POPLAR Oh, yes, you must have!... You know all the men; you're always + hanging about their houses.... + </p> + <p> + THE LIME-TREE (<i>examining the</i> CHILDREN) No, I assure you.... I don't + know them.... They are too young still.... I only know the lovers who come + to see me by moonlight and the topers who drink their beer under my + branches.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHESTNUT-TREE (<i>affectedly adjusting his eyeglass</i>) Who are + these?... Are they poor people from the country?... + </p> + <p> + THE POPLAR Oh, as for you, Mr. Chestnut-Tree, ever since you have refused + to show yourself except in the streets of the big towns... + </p> + <p> + THE WILLOW (<i>hobbling along in a pair of wooden shoes</i>) Oh dear, oh + dear!... They have come to cut off my head and arms again for fagots!... + </p> + <p> + THE POPLAR Silence!... Here is the Oak leaving his palace!... He looks far + from well this evening.... Don't you think he is growing very old?... What + can his age be?... The Fir-tree says he is four thousand; but I am sure + that he exaggerates.... Listen; he will tell us all about it.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The</i> OAK <i>comes slowly forward. He is fabulously old, crowned + with mistletoe and clad in a long green gown edged with moss and lichen. + He is blind; his white beard streams in the wind. He leans with one hand + on a knotty stick and with the other on a young</i> OAKLING, <i>who serves + as his guide. The Blue Bird is perched on his shoulder. At his approach, + the other trees draw themselves up in a row and bow respectfully</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL He has the Blue Bird!... Quick! Quick!... Here!... Give it to + me!... + </p> + <p> + THE TREES Silence!... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>to</i> TYLTYL) Take of your hat. It's the Oak!... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK (<i>to</i> TYLTYL) Who are you?.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I am Tyltyl, sir.... When can I have the Blue Bird?... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK Tyltyl, the wood-cutter's son?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, sir.... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK Your father has done us much harm.... In my family alone, he has + put to death six hundred of my sons, four hundred and seventy-five uncles + and aunts, twelve hundred cousins of both sexes, three hundred and eighty + daughters-in-law, and twelve thousand great-grandsons!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I know nothing about it, sir.... He did not do it on purpose.... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK What have you come here for; and why have you made our souls leave + their abodes?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I beg your pardon, sir, for disturbing you.... The Cat said that + you would tell us where the Blue Bird was.... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK Yes, I know that you are looking for the Blue Bird, that is to + say, the great secret of things and of happiness, so that Man may make our + servitude still harder.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh, no, sir; it is for the Fairy Bérylune's little girl, who is + very ill.... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK (<i>laying silence upon him with a gesture</i>) Enough!... I do + not hear the Animals.... Where are they?... All this concerns them as much + as us.... We, the Trees, must not assume the responsibility alone for the + grave measures that have become necessary.... On the day when MAN hears + that we have done what we are about to do, there will be terrible + reprisals..... It is right, therefore, that our agreement should be + unanimous, so that our silence may be the same.... + </p> + <p> + THE FIR-TREE (<i>looking over the top of the other trees</i>) The Animals + are coming.... They are following the Rabbit.... Here are the souls of the + Horse, the Bull, the Ox, the Cow, the Wolf, the Sheep, the Pig, the Cock, + the Goat, the Ass, and the Bear.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Enter the souls of the</i> ANIMALS, <i>who, as the</i> FIR-TREE <i>utters + their names, come forward and sit down among the trees, with the exception + of the soul of the</i> GOAT, <i>who roams to and fro, and of the</i> PIG, + <i>who snuffles among the roots</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE OAK Are all here present?... + </p> + <p> + THE RABBIT The Hen could not leave her eggs, the Hare is out on a run, the + Stag has a pain in his horns, the Fox is ill—here is the doctor's + certificate—the Goose did not understand and the Turkey flew into a + passion.... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK These abstentions are most regrettable.... However, we have a + quorum.... You know, my brothers, the nature of our business. The child + you see before you, thanks to a talisman stolen from the powers of Earth, + is able to take possession of the Blue Bird and thus to snatch from us the + secret which we have kept since the origin of life.... Now we know enough + of Man to entertain no doubt as to the fate which he reserves for us once + he is in possession of this secret. That is why it seems to me that any + hesitation would be both foolish and criminal.... It is a serious moment; + the child must be done away with before it is too late.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What is he saying?... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>prowling round the</i> OAK <i>and showing his fangs</i>) Do + you see my teeth, you old cripple?... + </p> + <p> + THE BEECH (<i>indignantly</i>) He is insulting the Oak!... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK Is that the Dog?... Drive him out! We must suffer no traitors + among us!... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>aside, to</i> TYLTYL) Send the Dog away.... It's a + misunderstanding.... Leave it to me; I will arrange things.... But send + him away as quick as you can.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>to the</i> DOG) Will you be off!... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG Do let me worry the gouty old beggar's moss slippers!.... It will + be such a joke!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Hold your tongue!... And be off with you!... Be off, you ugly + brute!... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG All right, all right, I'm going.... I'll come back when you want + me.... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>aside, to</i> TYLTYL) It would be a good thing to chain him + up, or he will commit some folly; the Trees will be angry and all will end + badly.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What can I do?... I have lost his leash.... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT Here's the Ivy just coming along with strong bonds.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>growling</i>) I'll come back, I'll come back!... Ugh! + Goutytoes! Timbertoes!... Pack of old stunted growths, pack of old + roots!... It's the Cat who's at the bottom of all this!... I'll be even + with him!... What have you been whispering about, you sneak, you tiger, + you Judas!... Wow, wow, wow!.... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT You see, he insults everybody.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, he is unbearable and one can't hear one's self speak.... Mr. + Ivy, will you chain him up, please?... + </p> + <p> + THE IVY (<i>timorously going up to the</i> DOG) Won't he bite?... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>growling</i>) On the contrary, on the contrary!... He's going + to kiss you!... Just wait and see!... Come along, come along, you old ball + of twine, you!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>threatening him with his stick</i>) Tylô!... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>cringing at</i> TYLTYL'S <i>feet and wagging his tail</i>) + What am I to do, my little god? + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Lie down flat!... Obey the Ivy.... Let him bind you, or.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>growling between his teeth, while the</i> IVY <i>binds him</i>) + Ball of twine I... Hunk of yarn!... Hangman's rope I... Calves' leash!... + Look, my little god I ... He's cutting my paws!... He's choking me!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I don't care!... It's your own fault.... Hold your tongue; be + quiet; you're unbearable!... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG You're wrong, for all that.... They mean mischief.... Take care, + my little god!... He's closing my mouth!... I can't speak!... + </p> + <p> + THE IVY (<i>who has tied up the</i> DOG <i>like a parcel</i>) Where shall + we put him?... I've muzzled him finely.... He can't utter a word.... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK Fasten him tight down there behind my trunk; to my big root.... We + will decide later what had best be done with him.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The</i> IVY <i>and the</i> POPLAR <i>carry the</i> DOG <i>behind the</i> + OAK'S <i>trunk</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE OAK Is that done?... Well, now that we are rid of this inconvenient + witness, of this renegade, let us deliberate in accordance with justice + and truth.... I will not conceal from you the deep and painful nature of + my emotion.... This is the first time that it is given to us to judge Man + and make him feel our power.... I do not think that, after the harm which + he has done us, after the monstrous injustice which we have suffered, + there can remain the least doubt as to the sentence that awaits him.... + </p> + <p> + ALL THE TREES and ALL THE ANIMALS No! No! No!... No doubt at all!... + Hanging!... Death!... The injustice has been too great!... The abuse too + wicked!... It has lasted too long!... Crush him!... Eat him!... At + once!... Here and now!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>to the</i> CAT) What is the matter with them?... Are they + displeased?... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT Don't be alarmed.... They are a little annoyed because Spring is + late.... Leave it to me; I will settle it all.... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK This unanimity was inevitable.... We must now decide, in order to + avoid reprisals, which form of execution will be the most practical, the + easiest, the quickest and the safest, which will leave the fewest accusing + traces when Man finds the little bodies in the forest.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What is all this about?... What is he driving at?... I am getting + tired of this.... He has got the Blue Bird; let him hand it over.... + </p> + <p> + THE BULL (<i>coming forward</i>) The most practical and the surest way is + a good butt with the horns in the pit of the stomach.... Shall I go at + him?... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK Who speaks?... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT It's the Bull. + </p> + <p> + THE COW It would be better to keep quiet.... I won't meddle with it.... I + have all the grass to browse in the field which you can see down there in + the blue light of the moon.... I have quite enough to do.... + </p> + <p> + THE OX I also.... However, I agree to everything beforehand.... + </p> + <p> + THE BEECH I can offer my highest branch to hang them on.... + </p> + <p> + THE IVY And I the slip-knot.... + </p> + <p> + THE FIR-TREE And I the four planks for their little coffin.... + </p> + <p> + THE CYPRESS And I a perpetual grant of a tomb.... + </p> + <p> + THE WILLOW The simplest way would be to drown them in one of my rivers.... + I will take charge of that.... + </p> + <p> + THE LIME-TREE (<i>in a conciliatory tone</i>) Come, come.... Is it really + necessary to go to such extremities?... They are very young.... We could + quite simply prevent them from doing any harm by keeping them prisoners in + an enclosure which I will undertake to form by planting myself all + around.... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK Who speaks?... I seem to recognise the honeyed accents of the + Lime-tree.... + </p> + <p> + THE FIR-TREE Yes, it's he.... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK So there is a renegade among us, as among the Animals?... Hitherto + we have only had to deplore the disloyalty of the Fruit-trees; but they + are not real trees.... + </p> + <p> + THE PIG (<i>rolling his small eyes gluttonously</i>) I think we should + first eat the little girl.... She ought to be very tender.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What's he saying?... Just wait a bit, you... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT I don't know what is the matter with them; but things are + beginning to look badly.... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK Silence!... What we have to decide is which of us shall have the + honour of striking the first blow, who shall ward off from, our tops the + greatest danger that has threatened us since the birth of Man.... + </p> + <p> + THE FIR-TREE That honour falls to you, our king and our patriarch.... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK Is that the Fir-tree speaking?... Alas, I am too old!... I am + blind and infirm and my numbed arms no longer obey me.... No, to you, + brother, ever green, ever upright, to you, who have witnessed the birth of + most of these trees, to you be the glory, in default of myself, of the + noble act of our deliverance.... + </p> + <p> + THE FIR-TREE I thank you, venerable father.... But as I shall, in any + case, have the honour of burying the two victims, I should be afraid of + arousing the just jealousy of my colleagues; and I think that, next to + ourselves, the oldest and the worthiest and the one that owns the best + club is the Beech.... + </p> + <p> + THE BEECH You know I am worm-eaten and my club is no longer to be relied + upon.... But the Elm and the Cypress have powerful weapons.... + </p> + <p> + THE ELM I should be only too pleased; but I can hardly stand upright.... A + mole twisted my great toe last night.... + </p> + <p> + THE CYPRESS As for me, I am ready.... But, like my brother, the Fir-tree, + I shall have, if not the privilege of burying them, at least the advantage + of weeping over their tomb.... It would be an unlawful plurality of + offices.... Ask the Poplar.... + </p> + <p> + THE POPLAR Me?... Are you serious?... Why, my wood is more tender than the + flesh of a child!... And, besides, I don't know what's the matter with + me.... I am shivering with fever.... Just look at my leaves.... I must + have caught cold at sunrise this morning.... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK (<i>bursting out with indignation</i>) You are afraid of Man!... + Even those unprotected and unarmed little children inspire you with the + mysterious terror which has always made us the slaves that we are!... + Enough of this! Things being as they are and the opportunity unequalled, I + shall go forth alone, old, crippled, trembling, blind as I am, against the + hereditary enemy!... Where is he?... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Groping with his stick, he moves towards</i> TYLTYL.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>taking his knife from his pocket</i>) Is it me he's after, that + old one, with his big stick?... + </p> + <p> + ALL THE TREES (<i>uttering a cry of alarm at the sight of the knife, they + step in between and hold back the</i> OAK) The knife!... Take care!... The + knife!... + </p> + <p> + THE OAK (<i>struggling</i>) Let me be!... What does it matter?... The + knife or the axe!... Who's holding me back?... What! Are you all here?... + What! You all want to.... (<i>Flinging down his</i> <i>stick</i>) Well, so + be it!... Shame upon us!... Let the Animals deliver us!... + </p> + <p> + THE BULL That's right!... I'll see to It!... And with one blow of the + horns!... + </p> + <p> + THE OX <i>and</i> THE COW (<i>holding him back by the tail</i>) What are + you doing?... Don't be a fool!... It's a bad business!... It will end + badly.... It is we who will pay for it.... Do let be.... It's the wild + animals' business.... + </p> + <p> + THE BULL No, no!... It's my business!... Wait and see!... Look here, hold + me back or there will be an accident!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>to</i> MYTYL, <i>who is uttering piercing screams</i>) Don't be + afraid!... Stand behind me.... I have my knife.... + </p> + <p> + THE COCK He has plenty of pluck, the little chap!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL So you've made up your minds, it's me you're going for?... + </p> + <p> + THE ASS Why, of course, my little man; you've taken long enough to see + it!... + </p> + <p> + THE PIG You can say your prayers; your last hour has come.... But don't + hide the little girl.... I want to feast my eyes on her.... I'm going to + eat her first.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What have I done to you?... + </p> + <p> + THE SHEEP Nothing at all, my little man.... Eaten my little brother, my + two sisters, my three uncles, my aunt, my grandpapa and my grandmamma.... + Wait, wait, when you're down, you shall see that I have teeth also.... + </p> + <p> + THE ASS And I hoofs!... + </p> + <p> + THE HORSE (<i>haughtily pawing the ground</i>) You shall see what you + shall see!... Would you rather that I tore you with my teeth or knocked + you down with a kick?... (<i>He moves ostentatiously towards</i> TYLTYL, + <i>who faces him and raises his knife. Suddenly the</i> HORSE, <i>seized + with panic, turns and rushes away</i>.) Ah, no!... That's not fair!... + That's against the rules!.... He's defending himself!... + </p> + <p> + THE COCK (<i>unable to hide his admiration</i>) I don't care, the little + chap's full of grit!... + </p> + <p> + THE PIG (<i>to the</i> BEAR <i>and the</i> WOLF) Let us all rush on them + together.... I will support you from the rear.... We will throw them down + and share the little girl when she is on the ground.... + </p> + <p> + THE WOLF Divert their attention in front.... I am going to make a turning + movement.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>He goes round</i> TYLTYL, <i>whom he attacks from behind and half + overthrows</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL You brute!... (<i>He raises himself on one knee brandishing his + knife and doing his best to cover his little sister, who utters yells of + distress. Seeing him half overturned, all the</i> ANIMALS <i>and</i> TREES + <i>come up and try to hit him</i>. TYLTYL <i>calls distractedly for + assistance</i>.) Help! Help!... Tylô! Tylô!... Where is the Cat?... + Tylô!... Tylette! Tylette!... Come! Come!... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>hypocritically, holding aloof</i>) I can't come.... I have + sprained my paw.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>warding of the blows and defending himself as best he can</i>) + Help!... Tylô! Tylô!... I can't hold out!... There are too many of + them!... The Bear! The Pig! The Donkey! The Ass! The Fir-tree! The + Beech!... Tylô! Tylô! Tylô!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Dragging his broken bonds after him, the</i> DOG <i>leaps from behind + the trunk of the</i> OAK <i>and, elbowing his way through</i> TREES <i>and</i> + ANIMALS, <i>flings himself before</i> TYLTYL, <i>whom he defends furiously</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>distributing great bites</i>) Here! Here, my little god!... + Don't be afraid! Have at them!... I know how to use my teeth!... Here, + there's one for you, Bear, in your fat hams!... Now then, who wants some + more?... Here, that's for the Pig and that's for the Horse and that's for + the Bull's tail!... There, I've torn the Beech's trousers and the Oak's + petticoat!... The Fir-tree's making tracks!... Whew, it's warm work!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>overcome</i>) I'm done for!... The Cypress has caught me a + great blow on the head.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG Ow!... That's the Willow!... He's broken my paw!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL They're coming back, they're charging down upon us, all + together!... This time, it's the Wolf!... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG Wait till I give him one for himself!... + </p> + <p> + THE WOLF Fool!... Our brother!... His father drowned your seven + puppies!... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG Quite right!... And a good thing too!... It was because they + looked like you!... + </p> + <p> + ALL THE TREES AND ANIMALS Renegade!... Idiot!... Traitor!... Felon!... + Simpleton!... Judas!... Leave him!... He's a dead man!... Come over to + us!... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>drunk with ardour and devotion</i>) Never! Never!... I alone + against all of you!... Never! Never!... True to the gods, to the best, to + the greatest!... (<i>To</i> TYLTYL) Take care, here's the Bear!... Beware + of the Bull!... I'll jump at his throat.... Ow!... That's a kick.... The + Ass has broken two of my teeth.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I'm done for, Tylô!... Ah!... That was a blow from the Elm.... + Look, my hand's bleeding.... That's the Wolf or the Pig.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG Wait, my little god.... Let me kiss you.... There, a good lick.... + That will do you good.... Keep behind me.... They dare not come again.... + Yes, though.... Here they are coming back!... This time, it's serious!.... + We must stand firm!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>dropping to the ground</i>) No, I can hold out no longer!... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>listening</i>) They are coming!... I hear them, I scent + them!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Where?... Who?... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG There! There!... It's Light!... She has found us!... Saved, my + little king!... Kiss me!... We are saved!... Look!... They're alarmed!... + They're retreating!... They're afraid!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Light!... Light!... Come quick!... Hurry!... They have rebelled!... + They are all against us!... + </p> + <p> + <i>Enter</i> LIGHT. <i>As she comes forward, the dawn rises over the + forest, which becomes light</i>. + </p> + <p> + LIGHT What is it?... What has happened?... But, my poor boy, didn't you + know?... Turn the diamond!... They will return into silence and obscurity; + and you will no longer perceive their hidden feelings.... + </p> + <p> + (TYLTYL <i>turns the diamond. Immediately, the souls of all the</i> TREES + <i>rush back into the trunks, which close again. The souls of the</i> + ANIMALS <i>also disappear; and a peaceful</i> COW <i>and</i> SHEEP, <i>etc., + are seen browsing in the distance. The Forest becomes harmless once more</i>, + TYLTYL <i>looks around him in amazement</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Where are they?... What was the matter with them?... Were they + mad?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT No, they are always like that; but we do not know it because we do + not see it.... I told you so before; it is dangerous to wake them when I + am not there.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>wiping his knife</i>) Well, but for the Dog and if I had not + had my knife!... I would never have believed that they were so wicked!... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT You see that Man is all alone against all in this world.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG Are you very badly hurt, my little god?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Nothing serious.... As for Mytyl, they have not touched her.... But + you, my dear Tylô?... Your mouth is all over blood and your paw is + broken!... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG It is not worth speaking of.... It won't show to-morrow.... But it + was a tough fight!... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>appearing from behind a thicket, limping</i>) I should think + so!... The Ox caught me a blow with his horns in the stomach.... You can't + see the marks, but it's very painful.... And the Oak broke my paw.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG I should like to know which one.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>stroking the</i> CAT) My poor Tylette, did he really?.... Where + were you?... I did not see you.... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>hypocritically</i>) Mummy dear, I was wounded at the first, + while attacking that horrid Pig, who wanted to eat you.... And then the + Oak gave me a great blow which struck me senseless.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>to the</i> CAT, <i>between his teeth</i>) As for you, I want a + word with you presently.... It will keep!... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>plaintively, to</i> MYTYL) Mummy dear, he's insulting me.... + He wants to hurt me.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>to the</i> DOG) Leave him alone, will you, you ugly beast?... + </p> + <p> + (<i>They all go out</i>.) + </p> + <h3> + CURTAIN <br /><br /> + </h3> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT IV + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE 1.—<i>Before the Curtain</i>. + </h2> + <p> + <i>The curtain represents beautiful clouds</i> + </p> + <p> + (<i>Enter</i> TYLTYL, MYTYL, LIGHT, <i>the</i> DOG, <i>the</i> CAT, BREAD, + FIRE, SUGAR, WATER <i>and</i> MILK.) + </p> + <p> + LIGHT I believe we have the Blue Bird this time. I ought to have thought + of it before. But the idea came to me, like a ray from the sky, this + morning only, when I recovered my strengthen the dawn.... We are at the + entrance to the enchanted palaces where all men's Joys, all men's + Happinesses are gathered together in the charge of Fate. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Are there many of them? Shall we have any? Are they little? + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Some are little and some are great; some are coarse and some are + delicate; some are very beautiful and others not so pleasant to look + upon.... But the ugliest were expelled from the garden some time ago and + took refuge with the Miseries. For we must not forget that the Miseries + inhabit an adjoining cave, which communicates with the Garden of Happiness + and is separated from it only by a sort of vapour or fine veil, lifted at + every moment by the winds that blow from the heights of Justice or from + the depths of Eternity.... What we have now to do is to organise ourselves + and take certain precautions. Generally, the Joys are very good; but, + still, there are some of them that are more dangerous and treacherous than + the greatest Miseries. + </p> + <p> + BREAD I have an idea! If they are dangerous and treacherous, would it not + be better for us all to wait at the door, so that we may lend a hand to + the children should they be obliged to fly?.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG Not at all! Not at all! I mean to go everywhere with my little + gods! Let those who are afraid remain at the door! We have no need (<i>looking + at</i> BREAD) of cowards (<i>looking at the</i> CAT) or traitors!... + </p> + <p> + FIRE I'm going!... I hear it's great fun!... They dance all the time.... + </p> + <p> + BREAD Do they have any eating as well? + </p> + <p> + WATER (<i>moaning</i>) I have never known the smallest Happiness!... I + should like to see some at last!.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Hold your tongues! Who asked your opinions?... This is what I have + decided: the Dog, Bread and Sugar shall go with the children. Water shall + stay outside, because she is too cold, and Fire, because he is too + turbulent. I strongly urge Milk to remain at the door, because he is so + impressionable. As for the Cat, he can do as he likes..... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT I shall take the opportunity of calling on the chief Miseries of + my acquaintance, who live next door to the Joys.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And you, Light? Aren't you coming? + </p> + <p> + LIGHT I cannot go into the Joys like this: most of them cannot endure me. + But I have here the thick veil with which I cover myself when I visit + happy people.... (<i>She unfolds a long veil and wraps herself in it + carefully</i>.) Not a ray of my soul must startle them, for there are many + Happinesses that are afraid and are not happy.... There... like this, even + the ugliest and coarsest of them will have nothing to fear.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The curtain opens and discloses the next Scene</i>) + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE 2.—<i>The Palace of Happiness</i>. + </h2> + <p> + <i>When the curtain of clouds opens, the stage represents, in the + forefront of the palace, a sort of hall formed of tall marble columns, + between which hang heavy purple draperies, supported by golden ropes and + concealing all the background. The architecture suggests the most sensual + and sumptuous moments of the Venetian or Flemish Renascence, as seen in + the pictures of Veronese or Rubens, with garlands, horns of plenty, + fringes, vases, statues, gildings, lavishly distributed on every side. In + the middle stands a massive and marvellous table of jasper and + silver-gilt, laden with candlesticks, glass, gold and silver plate and + fabulous viands. Around the table, the biggest luxuries of the Earth sit + eating, drinking, shouting, singing, tossing and lolling about or sleeping + among the haunches of venison, the miraculous fruits, the overturned jars + and ewers. They are enormously, incredibly fat and red in the face, + covered with velvet and brocade, crowned with gold and pearls and precious + stones. Beautiful female slaves incessantly bring decorated dishes and + foaming beverages. Vulgar, blatantly hilarious music, in which the brasses + predominate. The stage is bathed in a red and heavy light</i>. + </p> + <p> + (TYLTYL, MYTYL, <i>the</i> DOG, BREAD <i>and</i> SUGAR <i>are a little + awestruck at first end crowd round</i> LIGHT <i>in the foreground, to the + right. The</i> CAT, <i>without a word, walks to the background, also to + the right, lifts a dark curtain and disappears</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Who are those fat gentlemen enjoying themselves and eating such a + lot of good things? + </p> + <p> + LIGHT They are the biggest Luxuries of the Earth, the ones that can be + seen with the naked eye. It is possible, though not very likely, that the + Blue Bird may have strayed among them for a moment. That is why you must + not turn the diamond yet. For form's sake, we will begin by searching this + part of the hall. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Can we go up to them? + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Certainly. They are not ill-natured, although they are vulgar and + usually rather ill-bred. + </p> + <p> + MYTYL What beautiful cakes they have!.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG And such game! And sausages! And legs of lamb and calves' + liver!... There is nothing nicer or lovelier in the world than liver!... + </p> + <p> + BREAD Except quartern-loaves made of fine white flour! They have splendid + ones!... How lovely they are! How lovely they are!... + </p> + <p> + SUGAR I beg your pardon, I beg your pardon, I beg a thousand pardons.... + Allow me, allow me.... I would not like to hurt anybody's feelings; but + are you not forgetting the sweetmeats, which form the glory of that table + and which, if I may say so, surpass in grandeur and magnificence all that + exists in this hall, or perhaps anywhere else?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL How pleased and happy they look!... And they are shouting! And + laughing! And singing!... I believe they have seen us.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>A dozen of the biggest</i> LUXURIES <i>have risen from table and now, + holding their stomachs in their hands, advance laboriously towards the</i> + CHILDREN.) + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Have no fear, they are very affable.... They will probably invite + you to dinner.... Do not accept, do not accept anything, lest you should + forget your mission.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What? Not even a tiny cake? They look so good, so fresh, so well + iced with sugar, covered with candied fruits and brimming over with + cream!... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT They are dangerous and would break your will. A man should know how + to sacrifice something to the duty he is performing. Refuse politely, but + firmly. + </p> + <p> + THE BIGGEST OF THE LUXURIES (<i>holding out his hand to</i> TYLTYL) How do + you do, Tyltyl?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>surprised</i>) Why, do you know me?... Who are you?... + </p> + <p> + THE LUXURY I am the biggest of the Luxuries, the Luxury of Being Rich; and + I come, in the name of my brothers, to beg you and your family to honour + our endless repast with your presence. You will find yourself surrounded + by all that is best among the real, big Luxuries of this Earth. Allow me + to introduce to you the chief of them. Here is my son-in-law, the Luxury + of Being a Landowner, who has a stomach shaped like a pear. This is the + Luxury of Satisfied Vanity, who has such a nice, puffy face, (<i>The</i> + LUXURY OF SATISFIED VANITY <i>gives a patronising nod</i>.) These are the + Luxury of Drinking when you are not Thirsty and the Luxury of Eating when + you are not Hungry: they are twins and their legs are made of macaroni. (<i>They + bow, staggering</i>.) Here are the Luxury of Knowing Nothing, who is as + deaf as a post, and the Luxury of Understanding Nothing, who is as blind + as a bat. Here are the Luxury of Doing Nothing and the Luxury of Sleeping + more than Necessary: their hands are made of bread-crumb and their eyes of + peach-jelly. Lastly, here is Fat Laughter: his mouth is split from ear to + ear and he is irresistible.... + </p> + <p> + (FAT LAUGHTER <i>bows, writhing and holding his sides</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>pointing to a</i> LUXURY <i>who is standing a little on one + side</i>) And who is that one, who dares not come up to us and who is + turning his back?... + </p> + <p> + THE LUXURY OF BEING RICH Do not ask about him: he is a little awkward and + is not fit to be introduced to children.... (<i>Seizing</i> TYLTYL'S <i>hands</i>) + But come along! They are beginning the banquet all over again.... It is + the twelfth time since this morning. We are only waiting for you.... Do + you hear all the revellers calling and shouting for you?... I cannot + introduce you to all of them, there are so many of them.... (<i>Offering + his arm to the two children</i>) Allow me to lead you to the two seats of + honour.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL No, thank you very much, Mr. Luxury.... I am so sorry.... I can't + come for the moment.... We are in a great hurry, we are looking for the + Blue Bird. You don't happen to know, I suppose, where he is hiding? + </p> + <p> + THE LUXURY The Blue Bird?... Wait a bit.... Yes, I remember.... Some one + was telling me about him the other day.... He is a bird, that is not good + to eat, I believe.... At any rate, he has never figured on our table.... + That means that we have a poor opinion of him. But don't trouble; we have + much better things.... You shall share our life, you shall see all that we + do.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What do you do? + </p> + <p> + THE LUXURY Why, we occupy ourselves incessantly in doing nothing.... We + never have a moment's rest.... We have to drink, we have to eat, we have + to sleep. It's most engrossing.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Is it amusing? + </p> + <p> + THE LUXURY Why, yes.... It needs must be; it's all there is on this + Earth.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Do you think so?... + </p> + <p> + THE LUXURY (<i>pointing to</i> LIGHT, <i>aside, to</i> TYLTYL) Who is that + ill-bred young person?... + </p> + <p> + (<i>During the whole of the preceding conversation a crowd of</i> LUXURIES + <i>of the second order have been busying themselves with the</i> DOG, + SUGAR <i>and</i> BREAD <i>and have dragged them to the orgie</i>. TYLTYL + <i>suddenly sees them seated fraternally at the table with their hosts, + eating, drinking and flinging themselves about wildly</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why, look, Light!... They are sitting at the table!... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Call them back, or this will have a bad end!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Tylô!... Here, Tylô!... Come here at once, will you? Do you + hear?... And you too, Sugar and Bread, who told you to leave me?... What + are you doing there, without permission? + </p> + <p> + BREAD (<i>speaking with his mouth full</i>) Can't you keep a civil tongue + in your mouth?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What? Is Bread daring to be impertinent?... Why, what's come over + you?... And you, Tylô?... Is that the way you obey? Now then, come here, + on your knees, on your knees!... And look sharp!... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>muttering, from the end of the table</i>) When I'm eating, I'm + at home to nobody and I hear nothing.... + </p> + <p> + SUGAR (<i>honey-mouthed</i>) Pardon us, we could not possibly leave such + charming hosts so abruptly: they would be offended.... + </p> + <p> + THE LUXURY You see!... They are setting you an example.... Come, we are + waiting for you.... We won't hear of a refusal.... We shall have to resort + to a gentle violence.... Come, you Luxuries, help me!... Let us push them + to the table by force, so that they may be happy in spite of + themselves!... (<i>All the</i> LUXURIES, <i>uttering cries of joy and + skipping about as nimbly as they are able, drag the</i> CHILDREN, <i>who + struggle, while</i> FAT LAUGHTER <i>seizes</i> LIGHT <i>vigorously round + the waist</i>.) + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Turn the diamond, it is time!... + </p> + <p> + (TYLTYL <i>obeys</i> LIGHT'S <i>order. Forthwith, the stage is lit up with + an ineffably pure, divinely roseate, harmonious and ethereal brightness. + The heavy ornaments in the foreground, the thick red hangings become + unfastened and disappear, revealing an immense and magnificent hall, a + sort of cathedral of gladness and serenity, tall, innocent and almost + transparent, whose endless fabric rests upon innumerous long and slender, + limpid and blissful columns, suggesting the architecture of the Palladian + churches or certain drawings by Carpaccio, notably the "Presentation of + the Virgin" in the Uffizi Gallery. The table of the orgie melts away + without leaving a trace; the velvets, the brocades, the garlands of the</i> + LUXURIES <i>rise before the luminous gust that invades the temple tear + asunder and fall, together with the grinning masks, at the feet of the + astounded revellers. These become visibly deflated, like burst bladders, + exchange glances, blink their eyes in the unknown rays that hurt them; + and, seeing themselves at last as they really are, that is to say, naked, + hideous, flabby and lamentable, they begin to utter yells of shame and + dismay, amid which those of</i> FAT LAUGHTER <i>are clearly + distinguishable above all the rest. The</i> LUXURY OF UNDERSTANDING + NOTHING <i>alone remains perfectly calm, while his friends rush about + madly, trying to flee, to hide themselves in corners which they hope to + find dark. But there is not a shadow left in the dazzling room. And so the + majority, in their despair, decide to pass through the threatening curtain + which, in an angle on the right, closes the vault of the Cave of Miseries. + Each time that one of them, in his panic, raises a skirt of the curtain, a + storm of oaths, imprecations and maledictions is heard to issue from the + hollow depths of the cave. As for the</i> DOG, BREAD <i>and</i> SUGAR, <i>they + hang their heads, join the group of the</i> CHILDREN <i>and hide behind + them very sheepishly</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>watching the</i> LUXURIES <i>flying</i>) Goodness, how ugly + they are!... Where are they going?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT I really believe that they have lost their heads.... They are going + to take refuge with the Miseries, where I very much fear that they will be + kept for good.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>looking around him, wonder-struck</i>) Oh, what a beautiful + hall, what a beautiful hall!... Where are we?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT We have not moved: it is your eyes that see differently.... We now + behold the truth of things; and we shall perceive the soul of the Joys + that endure the brightness of the diamond. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL How beautiful it is!... And what lovely weather!... It is just like + midsummer.... Hullo! It looks as though people were coming to talk to + us.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The halls begin to fill with angel forms that seem to be emerging from + a long slumber and glide harmoniously between the columns. They are clad + in shimmering dresses, of soft and subtle shades; rose-awakening, + water's-smile, amber-dew, blue-of-dawn, etc</i>.) + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Here come some amiable and curious Joys who will direct us.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Do you know them?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Yes, I know them all; I often come to them, without their knowing + who I am.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh, what a lot of them there are!... They are crowding from every + side! + </p> + <p> + LIGHT There were many more of them once. The Luxuries have done them great + harm. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL No matter, there are a good few of them left.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT You will see plenty of others, as the influence of the diamond + spreads through the halls.... There are many more Happinesses on Earth + than people think; but the generality of men do not discover them.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Here are some little ones: let us run and meet them.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT It is unnecessary: those which interest us will pass this way. We + have no time to make the acquaintance of all the rest.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>A troop of little</i> HAPPINESSES, <i>frisking and bursting with + laughter, run up from the back of the halls and dance round the</i> + CHILDREN <i>in a ring</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL How pretty, how very pretty they are!... Where do they come from, + who are they?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT They are the Children's Happinesses.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Can one speak to them? + </p> + <p> + LIGHT It would be no use. They sing, they dance, they laugh, but they do + not talk yet.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>skipping about</i>) How do you do? How do you do?... Oh, look + at that fat one laughing!... What pretty cheeks they have, what pretty + frocks they have!... Are they all rich here?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Why, no, here, as everywhere, there are many more poor than rich.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Where are the poor ones?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT You can't distinguish them.... A Child's Happiness is always arrayed + in all that is most beautiful in Heaven and upon Earth. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>unable to restrain himself</i>) I should like to dance with + them.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT It is absolutely impossible, we have no time.... I see that they + have not the Blue Bird.... Besides, they are in a hurry: you see, they + have already passed.... They too have no time to waste, for childhood is + very short.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Another troop of</i> HAPPINESSES, <i>a little taller than the last, + rush into the hall, singing at the top of their voice, "There they are! + There they are! They see us! They see us!" and, dance a merry fling around + the</i> CHILDREN, <i>at the end of which the one who appears to be the + chief of the little band goes up to</i> TYLTYL <i>with hand outstretched</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE HAPPINESS How do you do, Tyltyl?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Another one who knows me!... (<i>To</i> LIGHT) I am getting known + wherever I go!... (<i>To the</i> HAPPINESS) Who are you?... + </p> + <p> + THE HAPPINESS Don't you recognise me?... I'll wager that you don't + recognise any one here! + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>a little embarrassed</i>) Why, no.... I don't know.... I don't + remember seeing any of you. + </p> + <p> + THE HAPPINESS There, do you hear?... I was sure of it!... He has never + seen us!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>All the other</i> HAPPINESSES <i>burst out laughing</i>) Why, my dear + Tyltyl, we are the only things you do know!... We are always around + you!... We eat, drink, wake up, breathe and live with you!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh, yes, just so, I know, I remember.... But I should like to know + what your names are.... + </p> + <p> + THE HAPPINESS I can see that you know nothing.... I am the chief of the + Happinesses of your home; and all these are the other Happinesses that + live there.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Then there are Happinesses in my home? + </p> + <p> + (<i>All the</i> HAPPINESSES <i>burst out laughing</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE HAPPINESS You heard him!... Are there Happinesses in his home!... Why, + you little wretch, it is crammed with Happinesses in every nook and + cranny!... We laugh, we sing, we create enough joy to knock down the walls + and lift the roof; but, do what we may, you see nothing and you hear + nothing.... I hope that, in future, you will be a little more sensible.... + Meantime, you shall shake hands with the more noteworthy of us.... Then, + when you reach home again, you will recognise them more easily and, at the + end of a fine day, you will know how to encourage them with a smile, to + thank them with a pleasant word, for they really do all they can to make + your life easy and delightful.... Let me introduce myself first: the + Happiness of Being Well, at your service.... I am not the prettiest, but I + am the most important. Will you know me again?... This is the Happiness of + Pure Air, who is almost transparent.... Here is the Happiness of Loving + one's Parents, who is clad in grey and always a little sad, because no one + ever looks at him.... Here are the Happiness of the Blue Sky, who, of + course, is dressed in blue, and the Happiness of the Forest, who, also of + course, is clad in green: you will see him every time you go to the + window.... Here, again, is the good Happiness of Sunny Hours, who is + diamond-coloured, and this is the Happiness of Spring, who is bright + emerald.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And are you as fine as that every day? + </p> + <p> + THE HAPPINESS OF BEING WELL Why, yes, it is Sunday every day, in every + house, when people open their eyes.... And then, when evening comes, here + is the Happiness of the Sunsets, who is grander than all the kings in the + world and who is followed by the Happiness of Seeing the Stars Rise, who + is gilded like a god of old.... Then, when the weather breaks, here are + the Happiness of the Rain, who is covered with pearls, and the Happiness + of the Winter Fire, who opens his beautiful purple mantle to frozen + hands.... And I have not mentioned the best among us, because he is nearly + a brother of the great limpid Joys whom you will see presently: his name + is the Happiness of Innocent Thoughts, and he is the brightest of as + all.... And then here are.... But really there are too many of them!... We + should never have done; and I must first send word to the Great Joys, who + are right at the back, near the gates of Heaven, and who have not yet + heard of your arrival.... I will send the Happiness of Running Barefoot in + the Dew, who is the nimblest of us.... (<i>To the</i> HAPPINESS OF RUNNING + BAREFOOT IN THE DEW, <i>who comes forward capering</i>) Off you go!... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT (<i>to</i> TYLTYL) In the meantime, you might enquire about the Blue + Bird. It is just possible that the chief Happiness of your home knows + where he is.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Where Is he?... + </p> + <p> + THE HAPPINESS He doesn't know where the Blue Bird is!... (<i>All the</i> + HAPPINESSES OF THE HOME <i>burst out laughing</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>vexed</i>) No, I do not know.... There's nothing to laugh + at.... (<i>Fresh bursts of laughter</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE HAPPINESS Come, don't be angry... and let us be serious.... He doesn't + know: well, what do you expect? He is no more absurd than the majority of + men.... But little Happiness of Running Barefoot in the Dew has told the + Great Joys and they are coming towards us.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Tall and beautiful angelic figures, clad in shimmering dresses, come + slowly forward</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL How beautiful they are!... Why are they not laughing?... Are they + not happy?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT It is not when one laughs that one is really happy.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Who are they?... + </p> + <p> + THE HAPPINESS They are the Great Joys.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Do you know their names?... + </p> + <p> + THE HAPPINESS Of course; we often play with them.... Here, first of all, + before the others, is the Great Joy of Being Just, who smiles each time an + injustice is repaired. I am too young: I have never seen her smile yet. + Behind her is the Joy of Being Good, who is the happiest, but the saddest; + and it is very difficult to keep her from going to the Miseries, whom she + would like to console; for, if she left us, we should be almost as + miserable as the Miseries themselves. On the right is the Joy of Fame, + next to the Joy of Thinking. After her comes the Joy of Understanding, who + is always looking for her brother, the Luxury of Understanding Nothing.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL But I have seen her brother!... He went to the Miseries with the + Big Luxuries.... + </p> + <p> + THE HAPPINESS I was certain of it.... He has turned out badly; keeping + evil company has corrupted him entirely.... But do not speak of it to his + sister. She would want to go and look for him and we should lose one of + our most beautiful Joys.... Here, among the greatest Joys, is the Joy of + Seeing what is Beautiful, who daily adds a few rays to the light that + reigns amongst us.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And there, far away, far away, in the golden clouds, the one whom I + can hardly see when I stand as high as I can on tip-toe?... + </p> + <p> + THE HAPPINESS That is the Great Joy of Loving.... But, do what you will, + you are ever so much too small to see her altogether.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And over there, right at the back, those who are veiled and who do + not come near?... + </p> + <p> + THE HAPPINESS Those are the Joys whom men do not yet know.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What do the others want with us?... Why are they standing aside?... + </p> + <p> + THE HAPPINESS It is before a new Joy who is arriving, perhaps the purest + that we have here.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Who is it? + </p> + <p> + THE HAPPINESS Don't you recognise her yet?... But take a better look at + her, open your two eyes down to the very heart of your soul!... She has + seen you, she has seen you!... She runs up to you, holding out her + arms!... It is your mother's Joy, it is the peerless Joy of Maternal + Love!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The other</i> JOYS, <i>who have run up from every side, acclaim the</i> + JOY OF MATERNAL LOVE <i>with their cheers and then fall back before her in + silence</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE JOY OF MATERNAL LOVE Tyltyl! And Mytyl!... What, do I find you + here?... I never expected it!... I was very lonely at home; and here are + you two climbing to that Heaven where the souls of all mothers beam with + joy!... But first kisses, heaps and heaps of kisses!... Into my arms, the + two of you; there is nothing on earth that gives greater happiness!... + Tyltyl, aren't you laughing?... Nor you either, Mytyl?... Don't you know + your mother's love when you see it?... Why, look at me: are these not my + eyes, my lips, my arms?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, yes, I recognise them, but I did not know.... You are like + Mummy, but you are much prettier.... + </p> + <p> + MATERNAL LOVE Why, of course, I have stopped growing old.... And every day + brings me fresh strength and youth and happiness.... Each of your smiles + makes me younger by a year.... At home, that does not show; but here + everything is seen and it is the truth.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>wonder-struck, gazing at her and kissing her by turns</i>) And + that beautiful dress of yours: what is it made of?... Is it silk, silver + or pearls?... + </p> + <p> + MATERNAL LOVE No, it is made of kisses and caresses and loving looks.... + Each kiss you give me adds a ray of moon-light or sunshine to it.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL How funny, I should never have thought that you were so rich!... + Where used you to hide it?... Was it in the cupboard of which Daddy has + the key?... + </p> + <p> + MATERNAL LOVE No, no, I always wear it, but people do not see it, because + people see nothing when their eyes are closed.... All mothers are rich + when they love their children.... There are no poor mothers, no ugly ones, + no old ones. Their love is always the most beautiful of the Joys.... And, + when they seem most sad, it needs but a kiss which they receive or give to + turn all their tears into stars in the depths of their eyes.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>looking at her with astonishment</i>) Why, yes, it's true, your + eyes are filled with stars.... And they are really your eyes, only they + are much more beautiful.... And this is your hand too, with the little + ring on it.... It even has the burn which you gave it one evening when + lighting the lamp.... But it is much whiter; and how delicate the skin + is!... There seems to be light flowing through it.... Doesn't it do any + work like the one at home?... + </p> + <p> + MATERNAL LOVE Why yes, it is the very same: did you never see that it + becomes quite white and fills with light the moment it fondles you?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL It's wonderful, Mummy: you have the same voice also; but you speak + much better than you do at home.... + </p> + <p> + MATERNAL LOVE At home, one has too much to do and there is no time.... But + what one does not say one hears all the same.... Now that you have seen + me, will you know me again, in my torn dress, when you go back to the + cottage tomorrow?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I don't want to go back.... As you are here, I want to stay also, + as long as you remain.... + </p> + <p> + MATERNAL LOVE But it's just the same thing: I am down below, we are all + down below.... You have come up here only to realise and to learn, once + and for all, how to see me when you see me down below.... Do you + understand, Tyltyl dear?... You believe yourself in Heaven; but Heaven is + wherever you and I kiss each other.... There are not two mothers; and you + have no other.... Every child has only one; and it is always the same one + and always the most beautiful; but you have to know her and to know how to + look.... But how did you manage to come up here and to find a road for + which men have been seeking ever since they began to dwell upon the + Earth?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>pointing to</i> LIGHT, <i>who, discreetly, has drawn a little + to one side</i>) She brought me.... + </p> + <p> + MATERNAL LOVE Who is she?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Light.... + </p> + <p> + MATERNAL LOVE I have never seen her.... I was told that she was very fond + of you both and very kind.... But why does she hide herself?... Does she + never show her face?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh, yes, but she is afraid that the Joys might be frightened if + they saw too clearly.... + </p> + <p> + MATERNAL LOVE But doesn't she know that we are waiting only for her! (<i>Calling + the other</i> GREAT JOYS) Come, come, sisters! Come quickly, all of you! + Light has come to visit us at last!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>A stir among the</i> GREAT JOYS, <i>who draw nearer, with cries of + "Light is here!... Light! Light!</i>...") + </p> + <p> + THE JOY OF UNDERSTANDING (<i>thrusting all the others aside, to come and + embrace</i> LIGHT) You are Light and we did not know it!... And we have + been waiting for you for years and years and years!... Do you recognise + me?... I am the Joy of Understanding, who have been seeking you for so + long!... We are very happy, but we cannot see beyond ourselves.... + </p> + <p> + THE JOY OF BEING JUST (<i>embracing</i> LIGHT <i>in her turn</i>) Do you + recognise me?... I am the Joy of Being Just, who have besought you so + long.... We are very happy, but we cannot see beyond our shadows. + </p> + <p> + THE JOY OF SEEING WHAT IS BEAUTIFUL (<i>also embracing</i> LIGHT) Do you + recognise me?... I am the Joy of Seeing what is Beautiful, who have loved + you so dearly.... We are very happy, but we cannot see beyond our + dreams.... + </p> + <p> + THE JOY OF UNDERSTANDING Come, sister, come, do not keep us waiting any + longer.... We are strong enough, we are pure enough.... Put aside those + veils which still conceal from us the last truths and the last + happinesses.... See, all my sisters are kneeling at your feet.... You are + our queen and our reward. + </p> + <p> + LIGHT (<i>drawing her veils closer</i>) Sisters, my beautiful sisters, I + am obeying my Master.... The hour is not yet come; it will strike, + perhaps, and I shall return without fear and without shadow.... Farewell, + rise and let us kiss once more, like sisters lost and found, while waiting + for the day that will soon appear.... + </p> + <p> + MATERNAL LOVE (<i>embracing</i> LIGHT) You have been very good to my poor + little ones.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT I shall always be good to those who love one another.... + </p> + <p> + THE JOY OF UNDERSTANDING (<i>going up to</i> LIGHT) Let the last kiss be + laid upon my forehead.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>They exchange a long kiss; and, when they separate and raise their + heads, tears are seen to stand in their eyes</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>surprised</i>) Why are you crying?... (<i>Looking at the other</i> + JOYS) I say! You're crying too!... But why have all of you tears in your + eyes?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Hush, dear.... + </p> + <h3> + CURTAIN <br /><br /> + </h3> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT V + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE I.—<i>Before the Curtain</i>. + </h2> + <p> + <i>Enter</i> TYLTYL, MYTYL, LIGHT, <i>the</i> DOG, <i>the</i> CAT, BREAD, + FIRE, SUGAR, WATER <i>and</i> MILK. + </p> + <p> + LIGHT I have received a note from the Fairy Bérylune telling me that the + Blue Bird is probably here. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Where?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Here, in the graveyard behind that wall.... It appears that one of + the dead in the graveyard is hiding it in his tomb.... We must find out + which one it is.... We shall have to pass them under review.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Under review?... How is that done?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT It is very simple: at midnight, so as not to disturb them too + greatly, you will turn the diamond. We shall see them come out of the + ground; or else we shall see those who do not come out lying in their + tombs.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Will they not be angry?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Not at all; they will not even know.... They do not like being + disturbed, but, as it is their custom, in any case, to come out at + midnight, that will not inconvenience them.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why are Bread, Sugar and Milk so pale and why do they say + nothing?... + </p> + <p> + MILK (<i>staggering</i>) I feel I am going to turn.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT (<i>aside to TYLTYL</i>) Do not mind them.... They are afraid of the + dead.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE (<i>frisking about</i>) I'm not afraid of them!... I am used to + burning them.... Time was when I burnt them all; that was much more + amusing than nowadays ... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And why Is Tylô trembling?... Is he afraid, too?... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG I?... I'm not trembling!... I am never afraid; but if you went + away, I should go too.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And has the Cat nothing to say?... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>mysteriously</i>) I know what's what.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>to LIGHT</i>) Are you coming with us?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT No; it is better that I should remain at the gate of the graveyard + with the Things and the Animals.... Some of them would be too frightened + and I fear that the others would misbehave.... Fire, in particular, would + want to burn the dead, as of old; and that is no longer done.... I shall + leave you alone with Mytyl.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And may not Tylô stay with us?... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG Yes, yes, I shall stay; I shall stay here I... I want to stay with + my little god!... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT It is impossible.... The Fairy gave formal orders; besides, there is + nothing to fear.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG Very well, very well, it makes no difference. If they are vicious, + my little god, all you have to do Is this ... (<i>he whistles</i>) and you + shall see.... It will be just as in the forest: Wow! Wow! Wow!... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Come, good-bye, dear children ... I shall not be far away.... (<i>She + kisses the</i> CHILDREN.) Those who love me and whom I love always find me + again.... (<i>To the</i> THINGS <i>and the</i> ANIMALS) This way, all of + you.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>She goes out with the</i> THINGS <i>and the</i> ANIMALS. <i>The</i> + CHILDREN <i>remain alone in the middle of the stage. The curtain, opens + and discloses the next scene</i>.) + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE 2.—<i>The Graveyard</i>. + </h2> + <p> + <i>It is night. The moon is shining on a country graveyard.. Numerous + tombstones, grassy mounds, wooden crosses, stone slabs, etc</i>. TYLTYL <i>and</i> + MYTYL <i>are standing by a short stone pillar</i>. + </p> + <p> + MYTYL I am frightened!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>not too much at his ease</i>) I am never frightened.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL I say, are the dead wicked?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why, no, they're not alive!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Have you ever seen one?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, once, long ago, when I was very young.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL What was it like, say?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Quite white, very still and very cold and it didn't talk.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Are we going to see them, say?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why, of course, Light said so.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Where are they?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Here, under the grass or under those big stones.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Are they there all the year round?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes. + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>pointing to the slabs</i>) Are those the doors of their + houses?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes. + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Do they go out when it's fine?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL They can only go out at night.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Why?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Because they are in their shirts.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Do they go out also when it rains?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL When it rains, they stay at home.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Is it nice in their homes, say?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL They say it's very cramped.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Have they any little children?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why, yes; they have all those that die.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL And what do they live on?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL They eat roots.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Shall we see them?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Of course; we see everything when I turn the diamond. + </p> + <p> + MYTYL And what will they say?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL They will say nothing, as they don't talk.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Why don't they talk?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Because they have nothing to say.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Why have they nothing to say?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL You're a nuisance.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>A pause</i>) + </p> + <p> + MYTYL When will you turn the diamond? + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL You heard Light say that I was to wait until midnight, because that + disturbs them less.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Why does that disturb them less?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Because that is when they go out to take the air.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Is it not midnight yet?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Do you see the church clock?... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Yes, I can even see the small hand.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Well, midnight is just going to strike.... There!... Do you + hear?... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The clock strikes twelve</i>) + </p> + <p> + MYTYL I want to go away!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Not now.... I am going to turn the diamond.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL No, no!... Don't!... I want to go away!... I am so frightened, + little brother!... I am terribly frightened!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL But there is no danger.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL I don't want to see the dead!... I don't want to see them!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Very well, you shall not see them; shut your eyes.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>clinging to</i> TYLTYL'S <i>clothes</i>) Tyltyl, I can't + stay!... No, I can't possibly!... They are going to come out of the + ground!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Don't tremble like that.... They will only come out for a + moment.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL But you're trembling, too!... They will be awful!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL It is time, the hour is passing.... + </p> + <p> + (TYLTYL <i>turns the diamond. A terrifying minute of silence and + motionlessness elapses, after which, slowly, the crosses totter, the + mounds open, the slabs rise up....</i>) + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>cowering against</i> TYLTYL) They are coming out!... They are + there!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Then, from all the gaping tombs, there rises gradually an + efflorescence at first frail and timid, like steam; then white and + virginal and more and more tufty, more and more tall and plentiful and + marvellous. Little by little, irresistibly, invading all things, it + transforms the graveyard into a sort of fairy-like and nuptial garden, + over which rise the first rays of the dawn. The dew glitters, the flowers + open their blooms, the wind murmurs in the leaves, the bees hum, the birds + wake and flood the air with the first raptures of their hymns to the sun + and to life. Stunned and dazzled,</i> TYLTYL <i>and</i> MYTYL, <i>holding + each other by the hand, take a few steps among the flowers while they seek + for the trace of the tombs</i>.) + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>looking in the grass</i>) Where are the dead?.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>looking also</i>) There are no dead.... + </p> + <h3> + CURTAIN <br /><br /> + </h3> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE 3.—<i>The Kingdom of the Future</i>. + </h2> + <p> + <i>The immense halls of the Azure Palace, where the children wait that are + yet to be born. Infinite perspectives of sapphire columns supporting + turquoise vaults. Everything, from the light and the lapis-lazuli + flagstones to the shimmering background into which the last arches run and + disappear, everything, down to the smallest objects, is of an unreal, + intense, fairy-like blue. Only the plinths and capitals of the columns, + the key-stones, a few seats and circular benches are of white marble or + alabaster. To the right, between the columns, are great opalescent doors. + These doors, which</i> TIME <i>will throw back towards the end of the + scene, open upon actual life and the quays of the Dawn. Everywhere, + harmoniously peopling the hall, is a crowd of</i> CHILDREN <i>robed in + long azure garments. Some are playing, others strolling to and fro, others + talking or dreaming; many are asleep, many also are working, between the + colonnades, at future inventions; and their tools, their instruments, the + apparatus which they are constructing, the plants, flowers and fruit which + they are cultivating or plucking are of the same supernatural and luminous + blue as the general atmosphere of the Palace. Figures of a taller stature, + clad in a paler and more diaphanous azure, figures of a sovereign and + silent beauty move among the</i> CHILDREN <i>and would seem to be angels. + </i> + </p> + <p> + Enter on the left, as though by stealth, gliding between the columns in + the foreground<i>, TYLTYL, MYTYL </i>and<i> LIGHT. Their arrival causes a + certain movement among the</i> BLUE CHILDREN, <i>who come running up on + every hand, form a group around the unwonted visitors and gaze upon them + with curiosity</i>. + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Where are Sugar, the Cat and Bread?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT They cannot enter here; they would know the future and would not + obey.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And the Dog?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT It is not well, either, that he should know what awaits him in the + course of the ages....I have locked them all up in the vaults of the + church.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Where are we?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT We are in the Kingdom of the Future, in the midst of the children + who are not yet born. As the diamond allows us to see clearly in this + region which is hidden from men, we shall very probably find the Blue Bird + here.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Certainly the bird will be blue, since everything here is blue....(<i>Looking + all around him</i>.) Heaven, how beautiful it all is!... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Look at the children running up.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Are they angry?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Not at all....You can see, they are smiling, but they are + surprised.... + </p> + <p> + THE BLUE CHILDREN (<i>running up in ever-increasing numbers</i>) Live + children!...Come and look at the little live children!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why do they call us the little live children? + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Because they themselves are not alive yet.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What are they doing, then?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT They are awaiting the hour of their birth.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL The hour of their birth?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Yes; it is from here that all the children come who are born upon + our earth. Each awaits his day.... When the fathers and mothers want + children, the great doors which you see there, on the right, are opened + and the little ones go down.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What a, lot there are! What a lot there are!... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT There are many more.... We do not see them all.... There are thirty + thousand halls like this, all full of them.... Just think, there are + enough to last to the end of the world!... No one could count them.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And those tall blue persons, who are they?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT No one exactly knows.... They are believed to be guardians.... I + have heard that they will come upon earth after men.... But we are not + allowed to ask them.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why not?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Because it is the earth's secret.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And may one talk to the others, the little ones?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Certainly; you must make friends.... Look, there is one who is more + curious than the rest.... Go up to him, speak to him.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What shall I say to him?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Whatever you like, as you would to a little playfellow.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Can I shake hands with him?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Of course, he won't hurt you.... But come, don't look so + constrained.... I will leave you alone, you will be more at ease by + yourselves.... Besides, I want to speak to the tall blue person.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>going up to the</i> BLUE CHILD <i>and holding out his hand</i>) + How do you do?... (<i>Touching the</i> CHILD'S <i>blue dress with his + finger</i>.) What's that?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD (<i>gravely touching</i> TYLTYL'S <i>hat</i>) And that?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL That?... That is my hat.... Have you no hat?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD No; what is it for?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL It's to say How-do-you-do with.... And then for when it rains or + when it's cold.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD What does that mean, when it's cold?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL When you shiver like this: brrrr! brrrr!... When you blow into your + hands and go like this with your arms.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>He vigorously beats his arms across his chest</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD Is it cold on earth?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, sometimes, in the winter, when there is no fire.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD Why is there no fire?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Because it's expensive and it costs money to buy wood.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD What is money?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL It's what you pay with.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD Oh.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Some people have money and others have none.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD Why not?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Because they are not rich.... Are you rich?... How old are you?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD I am going to be born soon.... I shall be born in twelve + years.... Is it nice to be born?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh, yes!... It's great fun!... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD How did you manage?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I can't remember.... It is so long ago!... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD They say it's lovely, the earth and the live people!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, it's not bad.... There are birds and cakes and toys.... Some + have them all; but those who have none can look at them.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD They tell us that the mothers stand waiting at the door.... They + are good, aren't they?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh, yes!... They are better than anything in the world!... And the + grannies too; but they die too soon.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD They die?... What is that?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL They go away one evening and do not come back.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD Why?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL How can one tell?... Perhaps because they feel sad.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD Has yours gone?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL My grandmamma?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD Your mamma or your grandmamma, I don't know.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh, but it's not the same thing!... The grannies go first; that's + sad enough.... Mine was very kind to me.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD What is the matter with your eyes?.... Are they making + pearls?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL No; it's not pearls.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD What is it, then?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL It's nothing; it's all that blue, which dazzles me a little.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD What is that called?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD There, that, falling down.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Nothing, it is a little water.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD Does it come from the eyes?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, sometimes, when one cries.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD What does that mean, crying?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I have not been crying; it is the fault of that blue... But if I + had cried, it would be the same thing.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD Does one often cry?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Not little boys, but little girls do.... Don't you cry here?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD No; I don't know how.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Well, you will learn.... What are you playing with, those great + blue wings?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD These?... That's for the invention which I shall make on + earth.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What invention?... Have you invented something?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD Why, yes; haven't you heard?... When I am on earth, I shall have + to invent the thing that gives happiness.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Is it good to eat?... Does it make a noise?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD No; you hear nothing.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL That's a pity.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD I work at it every day.... It is almost finished.... Would you + like to see it?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Very much.... Where is it?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD There, you can see it from here, between those two columns.... + </p> + <p> + ANOTHER BLUE CHILD (<i>coming up to</i> TYLTYL <i>and plucking his sleeve</i>) + Would you like to see mine, say?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, what is it?... + </p> + <p> + THE SECOND CHILD The thirty-three remedies for prolonging life.... There, + in those blue phials.... + </p> + <p> + A THIRD CHILD (<i>stepping out from the crowd</i>) I will show you a light + which nobody knows of!... (<i>He lights himself up entirely with an + extraordinary flame</i>.) It's rather curious, isn't it?... + </p> + <p> + A FOURTH CHILD (<i>pulling</i> TYLTYL'S <i>arm</i>) Do come and look at my + machine which flies in the air like a bird without wings!... + </p> + <p> + A FIFTH CHILD No, no; mine first! It discovers the treasures hidden in the + moon!... + </p> + <p> + THE BLUE CHILDREN (<i>crowding round</i> TYLTYL <i>and</i> MYTYL <i>and + all crying together</i>) No, no, come and see mine!... No, mine is much + finer!... Mine is a wonderful invention!... Mine is made of sugar!... His + is no good!... He stole the idea from me!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Amid these disordered exclamations, the</i> LIVE CHILDREN <i>are + dragged towards the blue workshops, where each of the inventors sets his + ideal machine going. There ensues a cerulean whirl of wheels, disks, + flywheels, driving-wheels, pulleys, straps and strange and as yet unnamed + objects shrouded in the bluey mists of the unreal. A crowd of odd and + mysterious mechanisms dart forth and hover under the vaults or crawl at + the foot of the columns, while</i> CHILDREN <i>unfold charts and plans, + open books, uncover azure statues and bring enormous flowers and gigantic + fruits that seem formed of sapphires and turquoises</i>.) + </p> + <p> + A LITTLE BLUE CHILD (<i>bending under the weight of some colossal blue + daisies</i>) Look at my flowers!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What are they?... I don't know them.... + </p> + <p> + THE LITTLE BLUE CHILD They are daisies!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Impossible!... They are as big as tables!... + </p> + <p> + THE LITTLE BLUE CHILD And they smell so good!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>smelling them</i>) Wonderful!... + </p> + <p> + THE LITTLE BLUE CHILD They will grow like that when I am on earth.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL When will that be?... + </p> + <p> + THE LITTLE BLUE CHILD In fifty-three years, four months and nine days.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Two</i> BLUE CHILDREN <i>arrive, carrying, like a lustre hanging on a + pole, an incredible bunch of grapes, each larger than a pear</i>.) + </p> + <p> + ONE OF THE CHILDREN (<i>carrying the grapes</i>) What do you say to my + fruits?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL A bunch of pears!... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD No, they are grapes!... They will all be like that when I am + thirty.... I have found the way.... + </p> + <p> + ANOTHER CHILD (<i>staggering under a basket of blue apples the size of + melons</i>) And mine!... Look at my apples!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL But those are melons!... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD No, no!... They are my apples and they are not the finest at + that!... They will all be alike when I am alive.... I have discovered the + system!... + </p> + <p> + ANOTHER CHILD (<i>wheeling a blue barrow with blue melons bigger than + pumpkins</i>) What do you say to my little melons?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL But they are pumpkins!... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD WITH THE MELONS When I come on earth, the melons will be + splendid!... I shall be the gardener of the King of the Three Planets.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL The King of the Three Planets? + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD WITH THE MELONS The great king who for thirty-five years will + bring happiness to the Earth, Mars and the Moon.... You can see him from + here.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Where is he?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD WITH THE MELONS There, the little boy sleeping at the foot of + that column. + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL On the left?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD WITH THE MELONS No, on the right.... The one on the left is the + child who will bring pure joy to the globe.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL How?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD (<i>the one that first talked to</i> TYLTYL) By means of ideas + which people have not yet had.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And the other, that little fat one with his fingers to his nose, + what will he do?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD He is to discover the fire that will warm the earth when the sun + is paler than now.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And the two holding each other by the hand and always kissing; are + they brother and sister?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD No; they are very comical....They are the Lovers.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What is that?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD I don't know.... Time calls them that, to make fun of them.... + They spend the day looking into each other's eyes, kissing and bidding + each other farewell.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD It seems that they will not be able to leave together... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And the little pink one, who looks so serious and is sucking his + thumb, what is he?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD It appears that he is to wipe out injustice from the earth.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh!... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD They say it's a tremendous work.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And the little red-haired one, who walks as if he did not see where + he was going, is he blind?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD Not yet; but he will become so....Look at him well; it seems + that he is to conquer Death.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What does that mean?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD I don't exactly know; but they say it's a great thing.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>pointing to a crowd of</i> CHILDREN <i>sleeping at the foot of + the columns, on the steps, the benches, etc</i>.) And all those asleep, + what a number of them there are asleep!... Do they do nothing?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD They are thinking of something.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Of what?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD They do not know yet; but they must take something with them to + earth; we are not allowed to go from here empty-handed.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Who says so?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD Time, who stands at the door.... You will see when he opens + it.... He is very tiresome.... + </p> + <p> + A CHILD (<i>running up from the back of the hall and elbowing his way + through the crowd</i>) How are you, TYLTYL?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Hullo!... How does he know my name?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD (<i>who has just run up and who now kisses</i> TYLTYL <i>and</i> + MYTYL <i>effusively</i>.) How are you?... All right?... Come, give me a + kiss, and you too, Mytyl. It's not surprising that I should know your + name, seeing that I shall be your brother.... They have only just told me + that you were here.... I was right at the other end of the hall, packing + up my ideas.... Tell mummy that I am ready.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What?... Are you coming to us?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD Certainly, next year, on Palm Sunday.... Don't tease me too much + when I am little.... I am very glad to have kissed you both beforehand.... + Tell daddy to mend the cradle.... Is it comfortable in our home?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Not bad.... And mummy is so kind!... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD And the food?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL That depends.... We even have cakes sometimes, don't we, Mytyl?... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL On New Year's Day and the fourteenth of July.... Mummy makes + them.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What have you got in that bag?... Are you bringing us something?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD I am bringing three illnesses: scarlatina, whooping-cough and + measles.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh, that's all, is it?... And, after that, what will you do?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD After that?... I shall leave you.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL It will hardly be worth while coming!... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD We can't pick and choose!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>At that moment, a sort of prolonged, powerful, crystalline vibration + is heard to rise and swell; it seems to emanate from the columns and the + opal doors, which are irradiated by a brighter light than before</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What is that?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD That's Time!... He is going to open the gates!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>A great change comes over the crowd of</i> BLUE CHILDREN, <i>Most of + them leave their machines and their labours, numbers of sleepers awake and + all turn their eyes towards the opal doors and go nearer to them</i>.) + </p> + <p> + LIGHT (<i>joining</i> TYLTYL) Let us try to hide behind the columns.... It + will not do for Time to discover us.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Where does that noise come from?... + </p> + <p> + A CHILD It is the Dawn rising.... This is the hour when the children who + are to be born to-day go down to earth.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL How will they go down?... Are there ladders?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD You shall see.... Time is drawing the bolts.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Who is Time?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD An old man who comes to call those who are going.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Is he wicked?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD No; but he hears nothing.... Beg as they may, if it's not their + turn, he pushes back all those who try to go.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Are they glad to go?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD We are sorry when we are left behind, but we are sad when we + go.... There! There!... He is opening the doors!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The great opalescent doors turn slowly on their hinges. The sounds of + the earth are heard like a distant music. A red and green light penetrates + into the hall</i>; TIME, <i>a tall old man with a streaming beard, armed + with his scythe and hourglass, appears upon the threshold; and the + spectator perceives the extremity of the white and gold sails of a galley + moored to a sort of quay, formed by the rosy mists of the Dawn</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TIME (<i>on the threshold</i>) Are they ready whose hour has struck?... + </p> + <p> + BLUE CHILDREN (<i>elbowing their way and running up from all sides</i>) + Here we are!... Here we are!... Here we are!... + </p> + <p> + TIME (<i>in a gruff voice to the</i> CHILDREN <i>defiling before him to go + out</i>) One at a time!... Once again, there are many more of you than are + wanted!... It's always the same thing!... You can't deceive me!...(<i>Pushing + back a</i> CHILD.) It's not your turn!... Go back and wait till + to-morrow.... Nor you either; go in and return in ten years.... A + thirteenth shepherd?... There are only twelve wanted; there is no need for + more; the days of Theocritus and Virgil are past.... More doctors?... + There are too many already; they are grumbling about it on earth.... And + where are the engineers?... They want an honest man, only one, as a + phenomenon.... Where is the honest man?... Is it you?... (THE CHILD <i>nods + yes</i>.) You appear to me to be a very poor specimen!... Hallo, you, over + there, not so fast, not so fast!... And you, what are you bringing?... + Nothing at all, empty-handed?... Then you can't go through.... Prepare + something, a great crime, if you like, or a fine sickness, I don't care + ... but you mast have something.... (<i>Catching sight of a little</i> + CHILD <i>whom the others are pushing forward, while he resists with all + his strength</i>.) Well, what's the matter with you?... You know that the + hour has come.... They want a hero to fight against injustice; you're the + one: you most start.... + </p> + <p> + THE BLUE CHILDREN He doesn't want to, sir.... + </p> + <p> + TIME What?... He doesn't want to?... Where does the little monster think + he is?... No objections, we have no time to spare.... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD (<i>who is being pushed</i>) No, no!...I don't want to go!... I + would rather not be born!... I would rather stay here!... + </p> + <p> + TIME That is not the question.... When the hour comes, it comes!... Now + then, quick, forward!... + </p> + <p> + A CHILD (<i>stepping forward</i>) Oh, let me pass!... I will go and take + his place!... They say that my parents are old and have been waiting for + me so long!... + </p> + <p> + TIME None of that!... You will start at your proper hour, at your proper + time.... We should never be done if we listened to you.... One wants to + go, another refuses; it's too soon or it's too late.... (<i>Pushing back + some</i> CHILDREN <i>who have encroached upon the threshold</i>.) Not so + near, you children!... Back, you inquisitive ones!... Those who are not + starting have no business outside.... You are in a hurry now; later, when + your turn comes, you will be frightened and hang back.... Look, there are + four who are trembling like leaves.... (<i>To a</i> CHILD <i>who, on the + point of crossing the threshold, suddenly goes back</i>.) Well, what is + it?... What's the matter?... + </p> + <p> + THE CHILD I have forgotten the box containing the two crimes which I shall + have to commit.... + </p> + <p> + ANOTHER CHILD And I the little pot with my idea for enlightening the + crowd.... + </p> + <p> + A THIRD CHILD I have forgotten the graft of my finest pear!... + </p> + <p> + TIME Run quick and fetch them!... We have only six hundred and twelve + seconds left.... The galley of the Dawn is already flapping her sails to + show that she is waiting.... You will come too late and you won't be + born!... Come, quick, on board with you!... (<i>Laying hold of a</i> CHILD + <i>who tries to pass between his legs to reach the quay</i>.) Oh, no, not + you!... This is the third time you've tried to be born before your + turn.... Don't let me catch you at it again, or you can wait forever with + my sister Eternity; and you know that it's not amusing there!... But come, + are we ready?... Is every one at his post?... (<i>Surveying the</i> + CHILDREN <i>standing on the quay or already seated In the galley</i>.) + There is still one missing.... It is no use his hiding, I see him in the + crowd.... You can't deceive me!... Come on, you, the little fellow whom + they call the Lover, say good-bye to your sweetheart.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The two</i> CHILDREN <i>who are called the Lovers, fondly entwined, + their faces livid with despair, go up to</i> TIME <i>and kneel at his feet</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE FIRST CHILD Mr. Time, let me stay behind with her!... + </p> + <p> + THE SECOND CHILD Mr. Time, let me go with him!... + </p> + <p> + TIME Impossible!... We have only three hundred and ninety-four seconds + left.... + </p> + <p> + THE FIRST CHILD I would rather not be born!... + </p> + <p> + TIME You cannot choose.... + </p> + <p> + THE SECOND CHILD (<i>beseechingly</i>) Mr. Time, I shall come too late!... + </p> + <p> + THE FIRST CHILD I shall be gone before she comes down!... + </p> + <p> + THE SECOND CHILD I shall never see him again!... + </p> + <p> + THE FIRST CHILD We shall be alone in the world!... + </p> + <p> + TIME All this does not concern me.... Address your entreaties to Life.... + I unite and part as I am told....(<i>Seizing one of the</i> CHILDREN.) + Come!... + </p> + <p> + THE FIRST CHILD (<i>struggling</i>) No, no, no!... She, too!... + </p> + <p> + THE SECOND CHILD (<i>clinging to the clothes of the</i> FIRST) Leave him + with me!... Leave him!... + </p> + <p> + TIME Come, come, he is not going to die, but to live!... (<i>Dragging away + the</i> FIRST CHILD.) Come along!... + </p> + <p> + THE SECOND CHILD (<i>stretching her arms out frantically to the</i> CHILD + <i>that is being carried off</i>) A sign!... A sign!... Tell me how to + find you!... + </p> + <p> + THE FIRST CHILD I shall always love you!... + </p> + <p> + THE SECOND CHILD I shall be the saddest thing on earth!... You will know + me by that!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>She falls and remains stretched on the ground</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TIME You would do much better to hope.... And now, that is all.... (<i>Consulting + his hour-glass</i>.) We have only sixty-three seconds left.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Last and violent movements among the</i> CHILDREN <i>departing and + remaining. They exchange hurried farewells</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE BLUE CHILDREN Good-bye, Pierre!... Good-bye, Jean!... Have you all you + want?... Announce my idea!... Have you got the new turnscrew?... Mind you + speak of my melons!... Have you forgotten nothing?... Try to know me again + I... I shall find you!... Don't lose your ideas!... Don't lean too far + into space!... Send me your news!... They say one can't... Oh, try, do + try!... Try to tell us if it's nice!... I will come to meet you I... I + shall be born on a throne!... + </p> + <p> + TIME (<i>shaking his keys and his scythe</i>) Enough! Enough!... The + anchor's raised!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The sails of the galley pass and disappear. The voices of the</i> + CHILDREN <i>in the galley are heard in the distance</i>: "The Earth! The + Earth!... I can see it!... How beautiful it is!... How bright it is!... + How big it is!"... <i>Then, as though issuing from the depths of the + abyss, an extremely distant song of gladness and expectation</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>to</i> LIGHT) What is that?... It is not they singing.... It + sounds like other voices.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Yes, it is the song of the mothers coming out to meet them.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Meanwhile</i>, TIME <i>closes the opalescent doors. He turns to take a + last look at the hall and suddenly perceives</i> TYLTYL, MYTYL <i>and</i> + LIGHT.) + </p> + <p> + TIME (<i>dumbfoundered and furious</i>) What's that?... What are you doing + here?... Who are you?... Why are you not blue?... How did you get in?... (<i>He + comes forward, threatening them with his scythe</i>.) + </p> + <p> + LIGHT (<i>to</i> TYLTYL) Do not answer!... I have the Blue Bird.... He is + hidden under my cloak.... Let us escape.... Turn the diamond, he will lose + our traces.... (<i>They slip away on the left, between the columns in the + foreground</i>.) + </p> + <h3> + CURTAIN <br /><br /> + </h3> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT VI + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE I.—<i>The Leave-taking</i>. + </h2> + <p> + <i>The stage represents a wall with a small door. It is the break of day</i>. + </p> + <p> + (<i>Enter</i> TYLTYL, MYTYL, LIGHT, BREAD, WATER, SUGAR, FIRE <i>and</i> + MILK) You would never guess where we are.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Well, no, Light, because I don't know.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Don't you recognise that wall and that little door?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL It is a red wall and a little green door. + </p> + <p> + LIGHT And doesn't that remind you of anything?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL It reminds me that Time shewed us the door.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT How odd people are when they dream.... They do not recognise their + own hands.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Who is dreaming?... Am I?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Perhaps it's myself.... Who can tell?... However, this wall contains + a house which you have seen more than once since you were born.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL A house which I have seen more than once since I was born?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Why yes, sleepy-head!... It is the house which we left one evening, + just a year ago, to a day.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Just a year ago?... Why, then.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Come, come!... Don't open great eyes like sapphire caves.... It's + the dear old house of your father and mother.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>going up to the door</i>) But I think.... Yes, really.... It + seems to me.... This little door.... I recognise the wooden pin.... Are + they in there?... Are we near mummy?... I want to go in at once.... I want + to kiss her at once!... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT One moment.... They are sound asleep; you must not wake them with a + start.... Besides, the door will not open till the hour strikes.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What hour?... Is there long to wait?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Alas, no!... A few poor minutes.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Aren't you glad to be back?... What is it, Light?... You are quite + pale, you look ill.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT It's nothing, child.... I feel a little sad, because I am leaving + you.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Leaving us?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT I must.... I have nothing more to do here; the year is over, the + Fairy is coming back to ask you for the Blue Bird.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL But I haven't got the Blue Bird!... The one of the Land of Memory + turned quite black, the one of the Future turned quite pink, the Night's + are dead and I could not catch the one in the Forest.... Is it my fault if + they change colour, or die, or escape?... Will the Fairy be angry and what + will she say?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT We have done what we could.... It seems likely that the Blue Bird + does not exist or that he changes colour when he is caged.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Where is the cage?... + </p> + <p> + BREAD Here, master.... It was entrusted to my diligent care during our + long journey; to-day, now that my mission is drawing to an end, I restore + it to your hands, untouched and carefully closed, as I received it.... (<i>Like + an orator making a speech</i>) And now, in the name of all, I crave + permission to add a few words.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE He has not been called upon to speak!... + </p> + <p> + WATER Order!... + </p> + <p> + BREAD The malevolent interruptions of a contemptible enemy, of an envious + rival.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE An envious rival!... What would you be without me?... A lump of + shapeless and indigestible dough.... + </p> + <p> + WATER Order!... + </p> + <p> + FIRE I won't be shouted down by you! ... + </p> + <p> + (<i>They threaten each other and are about to come to blows</i>.) + </p> + <p> + LIGHT (<i>raising her wand</i>) Enough!... + </p> + <p> + BREAD The insults and the ridiculous pretensions of an element whose + notorious misbehaviour and whose scandalous excesses drive the world to + despair.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE You fat pasty-face! + </p> + <p> + BREAD (<i>raising his voice</i>) Will not prevent me from doing my duty to + the end.... I wish, therefore, in the name of all... + </p> + <p> + FIRE Not in mine!... I have a tongue of my own!... + </p> + <p> + BREAD In the name of all and with a restrained but simple and deep + emotion, to take leave of two distinguished children, whose exalted + mission ends to-day.... When bidding them farewell, with all the grief and + all the fondness which a mutual esteem.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What?... You are bidding us farewell?... Are you leaving us too?... + </p> + <p> + BREAD Alas, needs must, since the hour when men's eyes are to be opened + has not yet come.... I am leaving you, it is true; but the separation will + only be apparent, you will no longer hear me speak.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE That will be no loss!... + </p> + <p> + WATER Order! Silence!... + </p> + <p> + FIRE I shall keep silence when you cease babbling in the kettles, the + wells, the brooks, the waterfalls and the taps.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT (<i>threatening them with her wand</i>) That will do, do you + hear?... You are all very quarrelsome; It is the coming separation that + sets your nerves on edge like this.... + </p> + <p> + BREAD (<i>with great dignity</i>) That does not apply to me.... I was + saying, you will no longer hear me speak, no longer see me in my living + form.... Your eyes are about to close to the invisible life of the Things; + but I shall always be there. In the bread-pan, on the shelf, on the table, + beside the soup, I who am, if I may say so, with Water and Fire, the most + faithful companion, the oldest friend of Man.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE Well, and what about me?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Come, the minutes are passing, the hour is at hand which will send + us back into silence.... Be quick and kiss the children.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE (<i>rushing forward</i>) I first! I first!... (<i>Violently kissing + the</i> CHILDREN.) Good-bye, Tyltyl and Mytyl!... Good-bye, my + darlings.... Think of me if ever you want any one to set fire to + anything.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Oh! Oh!... He's burning me!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh! Oh!... He's scorched my nose!... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Come, Fire, moderate your transports.... Remember you're not in your + chimney.... + </p> + <p> + WATER What an idiot!... + </p> + <p> + BREAD What a vulgarian!... + </p> + <p> + FIRE There, look; I will put my hands in my pockets.... But don't forget + me.... I am the friend of Man.... I shall always be there, in the hearth + and in the oven; and I will come sometimes and put out my tongue for you + when you are cold or sad.... I shall be warm in winter and roast chestnuts + for you.... + </p> + <p> + WATER (<i>approaching the</i> CHILDREN) I shall kiss you without hurting + you, tenderly, my children.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE Take care, you'll get wet!... + </p> + <p> + WATER I am loving and gentle; I am kind to human beings.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE What about those you drown?... + </p> + <p> + WATER Love the wells, listen to the brooks.... I shall always be there.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE She has flooded the whole place.... + </p> + <p> + WATER When you sit down, in the evening, beside the springs—there is + more than one here in the forest—try to understand what they are + trying to say.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE Enough! Enough!... I can't swim!... + </p> + <p> + WATER I shall no longer be able to tell you as clearly as I do to-day that + I love you; but you will not forget that that is what I am saying to you + when you hear my voice.... Alas!... I can say no more.... My tears choke + me and prevent my speaking.... + </p> + <p> + FIRE It doesn't sound like it!... + </p> + <p> + WATER Think of me when you see the water-bottle.... Alas! I have to be + silent there; but my thoughts will always be of you.... You will find me + also in the ewer, the watering-can, the cistern and the tap.... + </p> + <p> + MILK (<i>approaching timidly</i>) And me in the milk-jug.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What, you too, my dear Milk, so shy and so good?... Is everybody + going?... + </p> + <p> + SUGAR (<i>naturally mawkish and sanctimonious</i>) If you have a little + corner left in your memory, remember sometimes that my presence was sweet + to you.... That is all I have to say.... Tears are not in harmony with my + temperament and they hurt me terribly when they fall on my feet.... + </p> + <p> + BREAD Jesuit!... + </p> + <p> + FIRE (<i>yelping</i>) Sugar-plum! Lollipop! Caramel!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL But where are Tylette and Tylô gone to?... What are they doing?... + </p> + <p> + (<i>The</i> CAT <i>is heard to utter shrill cries</i>.) + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>alarmed</i>) It's Tylette crying!... He is being hurt!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Enter the</i> CAT, <i>running, his hair on end and dishevelled, his + clothes torn, holding his handkerchief to his cheek, as though he had the + toothache. He utters angry groans and is closely pursued by the</i> DOG, + <i>who overwhelms him with bites, blows and kicks</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>beating the</i> CAT) There!... Have you had enough?... Do you + want any more?... There! There! There!... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT, TYLTYL and MYTYL (<i>rushing forward to part them</i>) Tylô!... Are + you mad?... Well, I never!... Down!... Stop that, will you?... How dare + you?... Wait, wait!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>They part the</i> DOG <i>and the</i> CAT <i>by main force</i>.) + </p> + <p> + LIGHT What is it?... What has happened?... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>blubbering and wiping his eyes</i>) It's the Dog, Mrs. + Light.... He insulted me, he put tin tacks in my food, he pulled my tail, + he beat me; and I had done nothing, nothing, nothing at all!... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>mimicking him</i>) Nothing, nothing, nothing at all!... (<i>In + an undertone, with a mocking grimace</i>) Never mind, you've had some, + you've had some and you're going to have some more!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>pressing the</i> CAT <i>in her arms</i>) My poor Tylette, where + has he hurt you?... Tell me.... I shall cry too.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT (<i>to the</i> DOG, <i>severely</i>) Your conduct is all the more, + unworthy since you have chosen for this disgraceful exhibition the already + most painful moment when we are about to part from these poor children.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>suddenly sobered</i>) To part from these poor children?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Yes; the hour which you know of is at hand.... We are going to + return to silence.... We shall no longer be able to speak to them.... + </p> + <p> + THE DOG (<i>suddenly uttering real howls of despair and flinging himself + upon the</i> CHILDREN, <i>whom he loads with violent and tumultuous + caresses</i>.) No! No!... I refuse!... I refuse!... I shall always + talk!... You will understand me now, will you not, my little god?... Yes! + Yes! Yes!... And we shall tell each other everything, everything, + everything!... And I shall be very good.... And I shall learn to read and + write and play dominoes!... And I shall always be very clean.... And I + shall never steal anything in the kitchen again.... Shall I do a wonderful + trick for you?... Would you like me to kiss the Cat?... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL (<i>to the</i> CAT) And you, Tylette?... Have you nothing to say to + us?... + </p> + <p> + THE CAT (<i>in an affected and enigmatic tone</i>) I love you both as much + as you deserve.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Now let me, in my turn, children, give you a last kiss.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL and MYTYL (<i>hanging on to</i> LIGHT'S <i>dress</i>) No, no, no, + Light!... Stay here with us!... Daddy won't mind.... We will tell mummy + how kind you have been.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Alas! I cannot!... This door is closed to us and I must leave + you.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Where will you go all alone?... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Not very far, my children; over there, to the Land of the Silence of + Things.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL No, no; I won't have you go.... We will go with you.... I shall + tell mummy.... + </p> + <p> + LIGHT Do not cry, my dear little ones.... I have not a voice like Water; I + have only my brightness, which Man does not understand.... But I watch + over him to the end of his days.... Never forget that I am speaking to you + in every spreading moonbeam, in every twinkling star, in every dawn that + rises, in every lamp that is lit, in every good and bright thought of your + soul.... (<i>Eight o'clock strikes behind the wall</i>.) Listen!... The + hour is striking!... Good-bye!... The door is opening!... In with you, in + with you!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>She pushes the</i> CHILDREN <i>through the door, which has half-opened + and which closes again behind them</i>. BREAD <i>wipes away a furtive tear</i>, + SUGAR <i>and</i> WATER, <i>etc., all in tears, flee precipitously and + disappear in the wings to the right and left. The</i> DOG <i>howls behind + the scenes. The stage remains empty for a moment and then the scenery + representing the wall and the little door opens in the middle and reveals + the last scene</i>.) + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE 2.—<i>The Awakening</i>. + </h2> + <p> + <i>The same setting as in</i> ACT I, <i>but the objects, the walls and the + atmosphere all appear incomparably and magically fresher, happier, more + smiling. The daylight penetrates gaily through the chinks of the closed + shutters. To the right, at the back</i>, TYLTYL <i>and</i> MYTYL <i>lie + sound asleep in their little beds. The</i> DOG, <i>the</i> CAT <i>and the</i> + THINGS <i>are in the places which they occupied in</i> ACT I, <i>before + the arrival of the</i> FAIRY. + </p> + <p> + <i>Enter</i> MUMMY TYL + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL (<i>in a cheerfully scolding voice</i>) Up, come, get up, you + little lazybones!... Aren't you ashamed of yourselves?... It has struck + eight and the sun is high above the trees!... Lord, how they sleep, how + they sleep!... (<i>She leans over and kisses the</i> CHILDREN.) They are + quite rosy.... Tyltyl smells of lavender and Mytyl of + lilies-of-the-valley.... (<i>Kissing them again</i>) What sweet things + children are!... Still, they can't go on sleeping till midday.... I + mustn't let them grow up idle.... And, besides, I have heard that it's not + very healthy.... (<i>Gently shaking</i> TYLTYL) Wake up, wake up, + Tyltyl.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>waking up</i>) What?... Light?... Where is she?... No, no, + don't go away.... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Light?... Why, of course it's light... Has been for ever so + long.... It's as bright as noonday, though the shutters are closed.... + Wait a bit till I open them.... (<i>She pushes back the shutters and the + dazzling daylight invades the room</i>.) There! See!... What's the matter + with you?... You look quite blinded.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>rubbing his eyes</i>) Mummy, mummy!... It's you!... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Why, of course, it's I.... Who did you think it was?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL It's you.... Yes, yes, it's you!.... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Yes, yes, it's I.... I haven't changed my face since last + night.... Why do you stare at me in that wonderstruck way?... Is my nose + turned upside down, by any chance?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Oh, how nice it is to see you again!... It's so long, so long + ago!... I must kiss you at once.... Again! Again! Again!... And how + comfortable my bed is!... I am back at home!... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL What's the matter?... Why don't you wake up?... Don't tell me + you're ill.... Let me see, show me your tongue.... Come, get up and + dress.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Hullo, I've got my shirt on!... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Of course you have.... Put on your breeches and your little + jacket.... There they are, on the chair.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Is that what I did on the journey?... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL What journey?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why, last year.... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Last year?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why, yes!...At Christmas, when I went away.... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL When you went away?... You haven't left the room.... I put you + to bed last night, and here you are this morning.... Have you dreamed all + that?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL But you don't understand!... It was last year, when I went away + with Mytyl, the Fairy, Light—how nice Light is!—Bread, Sugar, + Water, Fire: they did nothing but quarrel!... You're not angry with me?... + Did you feel very sad?... And what did daddy say?... I could not refuse... + I left a note to explain.... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL What are you talking about?... For sure, either you're ill or + else you're still asleep.... (<i>She gives him a friendly shake</i>.) + There, wake up.... There, is that better?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL But, mummy, I assure you.... It's you that's still asleep.... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL What! Still asleep, am I?... Why? I've been up since six + o'clock.... I've finished all the cleaning and lit the fire.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL But ask Mytyl if it's not true.... Oh, we have had such + adventures!... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Why Mytyl?... What do you mean?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL She was with me.... We saw grandad and granny.... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL (<i>more and more bewildered</i>) Grandad and granny?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, in the Land of Memory.... It was on our way.... They are dead, + but they are quite well.... Granny made us a lovely plum-tart.... And then + the little brothers—Robert, Jean and his top—and Madeleine and + Pierrette and Pauline and Riquette, too.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL Riquette still goes about on all fours!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL And Pauline still has a pimple on her nose.... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Have you found the key of the cupboard where daddy hides his + brandy bottle?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Does daddy hide a brandy bottle?... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Certainly. One has to hide everything when one has little + meddlesome good-for-nothings like you.... But come, out with it, confess + that you took it.... I would rather it was that.... I sha'n't tell + daddy.... I sha'n't beat you.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL But, mummy, I don't know where it is.... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Just walk in front of me, so that I may see if you can walk + straight.... (TYLTYL <i>does so</i>) No, it's not that.... Dear heaven, + what is the matter with them?... I shall lose them too, as I lost the + others!... (<i>Suddenly mad with alarm, she calls out</i>) Daddy Tyl!... + Come, quick! The children are ill!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Enter</i> DADDY TYL, <i>very calmly, with an axe in his hand</i>.) + </p> + <p> + DADDY TYL What is it?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL and MYTYL (<i>running up gaily to kiss their father</i>) Hullo, + daddy!... It's daddy!... Good-morning, daddy!... Have you had plenty of + work this year?... + </p> + <p> + DADDY TYL Well, what's the matter?... They don't look ill; they look very + well.... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL (<i>weeping</i>) You can't trust their looks.... It will be as + with the others.... They looked quite well also to the end; and then God + took them.... I don't know what's the matter with them.... I put them to + bed quite quietly last night; and this morning, when they woke up, + everything was wrong.... They don't know what they're saying; they talk + about a journey.... They have seen Light and grandad and granny, who are + dead, but who are quite well.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL But grandad still has his wooden leg.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL And granny her rheumatics.... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Do you hear?... Run and fetch the doctor!... + </p> + <p> + DADDY TYL Why, no, no.... They are not dead yet.... Come, let us look into + this.... (<i>A knock at the front door</i>.) Come in!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Enter</i> NEIGHBOUR BERLINGOT, <i>a little old woman resembling the</i> + FAIRY <i>in</i> ACT I <i>and leaning on a stick</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE NEIGHBOUR Good-morning and a Merry Christmas to you all!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL It's the Fairy Bérylune!... + </p> + <p> + THE NEIGHBOUR I have come to ask for a bit of fire for my Christmas + stew.... It's very chilly this morning.... Good-morning, children, how are + you?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Fairy Bérylune, I could not find the Blue Bird.... + </p> + <p> + THE NEIGHBOUR What is he saying?... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Don't ask me, Madame Berlingot.... They don't know what they are + saying.... They have been like that since they woke up.... They must have + eaten something that wasn't good.... + </p> + <p> + THE NEIGHBOUR Why, Tyltyl, don't you remember Goody Berlingot, your + Neighbour Berlingot?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why, yes, ma'am.... You are the Fairy Bérylune.... You're not angry + with us?... + </p> + <p> + THE NEIGHBOUR Béry... what? Goodness gracious me!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Bérylune. + </p> + <p> + THE NEIGHBOUR Berlingot, you mean Berlingot.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Bérylune or Berlingot, as you please, ma'am.... But Mytyl knows.... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL That's the worst of it, that Mytyl also.... + </p> + <p> + DADDY TYL Pooh, pooh!... That will soon go; I will give them a smack or + two.... + </p> + <p> + THE NEIGHBOUR Don't; It's not worth while.... I know all about it; it's + only a little fit of dreaming.... They must have slept in the + moonbeams.... My little girl, who is very ill, is often like that.... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL By the way, how is your little girl?... + </p> + <p> + THE NEIGHBOUR Only so-so.... She can't get up.... The doctor says that + it's her nerves.... I know what would cure her, for all that. She was + asking me for it only this morning, for her Christmas box; it's a notion + she has... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Yes, I know; it's Tyltyl's bird.... Well, Tyltyl, aren't you + going to give it at last to that poor little thing?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL What, mummy?... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Your bird.... It's no use to you.... You don't even look at it + now.... And she has been dying to have it for ever so long!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Hullo, that's true, my bird!... Where is he?... Oh, there's the + cage!... Mytyl, do you see the cage?... It's the one which Bread + carried.... Yes, yes, it's the same one, but there's only one bird in + it.... Has he eaten the other, I wonder?... Hullo, why, he's blue!... But + it's my turtle-dove!... But he's much bluer than when I went away!... Why, + that's the blue bird we were looking for!... We went so far and he was + here all the time!... Oh, but it's wonderful!... Mytyl, do you see the + bird? What would Light say?... I will take down the cage.... (<i>He climbs + on a chair and takes down the cage and carries it to the</i> NEIGHBOUR.) + There, Madame Berlingot, there you are.... He's not quite blue yet, but + that will come, you shall see!... Take him off quick to your little + girl.... + </p> + <p> + THE NEIGHBOUR Really?... Do you mean it?... Do you give it me like that, + straight away and for nothing?... Lord, how happy she will be!... (<i>Kissing</i> + TYLTYL) I must give you a kiss!... I fly!... I fly!... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, yes; be quick.... Some of them change their colour.... + </p> + <p> + THE NEIGHBOUR I will come back to tell you what she says.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>She goes out</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>after taking a long look around him</i>) Daddy, mummy, what + have you done to the house?... It's just as it was, but it's much + prettier.... + </p> + <p> + DADDY TYL How do you mean, it's prettier?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Why, yes, everything has been painted and made to look new, + everything is clean and polished.... It was not like that last year.... + </p> + <p> + DADDY TYL Last year?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>going to the window</i>) And look at the forest!... How big and + fine it is!... One would think it was new!... How happy I feel here!... (<i>Going + to the bread-pan and opening it</i>) Where's Bread?.... I say, the loaves + are very quiet.... And then here's Tylô!... Hullo, Tylô, Tylô!... Ah, you + had a fine fight!... Do you remember, in the forest?... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL And Tylette.... He knows me, but he has stopped talking.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Mr. Bread.... (<i>Feeling his forehead</i>) Hullo, the diamond's + gone!... Who's taken my little green hat?... Never mind; I don't want it + any more.... Ah, Fire!... He's a good one!... He crackles and laughs to + make Water angry.... (<i>Running to the tap</i>) And Water?... + Good-morning, Water!... What does she say?... She still talks, but I don't + understand her as well as I did.... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL I don't see Sugar.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Lord, how happy I am, happy, happy, happy!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL So am I, so am I!... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL What are you spinning round for like that?.... + </p> + <p> + DADDY TYL Don't mind them and don't distress yourself.... They are playing + at being happy.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I liked Light best of all.... Where's her lamp?... Can we light + it?... (<i>Looking round him again</i>.) Goodness me, how lovely it all is + and how glad I feel!... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Why?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I don't know, mummy.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>A knock at the front-door</i>.) + </p> + <p> + DADDY TYL Come in, come in!... + </p> + <p> + (<i>Enter the</i> NEIGHBOUR, <i>holding by the hand a little girl of a + fair and wonderful beauty, who carries</i> TYLTYL'S <i>dove pressed in her + arms</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE NEIGHBOUR Do you see the miracle?... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Impossible!... Can she walk?... + </p> + <p> + THE NEIGHBOUR Can she walk?... She can run, she can dance, she can fly!... + When she saw the bird, she jumped, just like that, with one bound, to the + window, to see by the light if it was really Tyltyl's dove.... And then, + whoosh!... Out into the street, like an angel!... It was as much as I + could do to keep pace with her.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL (<i>going up to her, wonderstruck</i>) Oh, how like Light she + is!... + </p> + <p> + MYTYL She is much smaller.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Yes, indeed!... But she will grow bigger.... + </p> + <p> + THE NEIGHBOUR What are they saying?... Haven't they got over it yet?... + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL They are better, they are mending.... It will be all right when + they have had their breakfasts.... + </p> + <p> + THE NEIGHBOUR (<i>pushing the</i> LITTLE GIRL <i>into</i> TYLTYL'S <i>arms</i>). + Come along, child, come and thank Tyltyl.... + </p> + <p> + (TYLTYL, <i>suddenly frightened, takes a step back</i>.) + </p> + <p> + MUMMY TYL Well, Tyltyl, what's the matter?.... Are you afraid of the + little girl?... Come, give her a kiss, a good big kiss.... No, a better + one than that.... You're not so shy as a rule!... Another one!... But + what's the matter with you?... You look as if you were going to cry.... + </p> + <p> + (TYLTYL, <i>after kissing the</i> LITTLE GIRL <i>rather awkwardly, stands + before her for a moment and the two children look at each other without + speaking; then</i> TYLTYL <i>strokes the dove's head</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Is he blue enough?... + </p> + <p> + THE LITTLE GIRL Yes, I am so pleased with him.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL I have seen bluer ones.... But those which are quite blue, you + know, do what you will, you can't catch them.... + </p> + <p> + THE LITTLE GIRL That doesn't matter; he's lovely.... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Has he had anything to eat?... + </p> + <p> + THE LITTLE GIRL Not yet.... What does he eat?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Anything: corn, bread, Indian corn, grasshoppers.... + </p> + <p> + THE LITTLE GIRL How does he eat, say?... + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL With his beak. You'll see, I will show you.... + </p> + <p> + (<i>He moves in order to take the bird from the</i> LITTLE GIRL'S <i>hands. + She resists instinctively; and, taking advantage of the hesitation of + their movements, the</i> DOVE <i>escapes and flies away</i>.) + </p> + <p> + THE LITTLE GIRL (<i>with a cry of despair</i>) Mother!... He is gone!... (<i>She + bursts into sobs</i>.) + </p> + <p> + TYLTYL Never mind.... Don't cry.... I will catch him again.... (<i>Stepping + to the front of the stage and addressing the audience</i>.) If any of you + should find him, would you be so very kind as to give him back to us?... + We need him for our happiness, later on.... + </p> + <h3> + CURTAIN + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 8606 ***</div> + </body> +</html> + |