LIBRETTI OF THE FOURTEEN
GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERAS

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THESPIS

TRIAL BY JURY

THE SORCERER

H.M.S. PINAFORE

PIRATES OF PENZANCE

PATIENCE

IOLANTHE

PRINCESS IDA

THE MIKADO

RUDDIGORE

YEOMEN OF THE GUARD

GONDOLIERS

UTOPIA, LIMITED

GRAND DUKE





THESPIS

or, The Gods Grown Old

Libretto by William S. Gilbert

Music by Arthur S. Sullivan

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

GODS

Jupiter, Aged Diety

Apollo, Aged Diety

Mars, Aged Diety

Diana, Aged Diety

Mercury

THESPIANS

Thespis

Sillimon

Timidon

Tipseion

Preposteros

Stupidas

Sparkeion

Nicemis

Pretteia

Daphne

Cymon

ACT I - Ruined Temple on the Summit of Mount Olympus

ACT II - The same Scene, with the Ruins Restored

ACT I

[Scene--The ruins of the The Temple of the Gods, on summit of

Mount Olympus. Picturesque shattered columns, overgrown with

ivy, etc. R. and L. with entrances to temple (ruined) R. Fallen

columns on the stage. Three broken pillars 2 R.E. At the back of

stage is the approach from the summit of the mountain. This

should be "practicable" to enable large numbers of people to

ascend and descend. In the distance are the summits of adjacent

mountains. At first all this is concealed by a thick fog, which

clears presently. Enter (through fog) Chorus of Stars coming off

duty as fatigued with their night's work]

CHO.

Through the night, the constellations,

Have given light from various stations.

When midnight gloom falls on all nations,

We will resume our occupations.

SOLO.

Our light, it's true, is not worth mention;

What can we do to gain attention.

When night and noon with vulgar glaring

A great big moon is always flaring.

[During chorus, enter Diana, an elderly goddess. She is carefully

wrapped up in cloaks, shawls, etc. A hood is over her head, a

respirator in her mouth, and galoshes on her feet. During the

chorus, she takes these things off and discovers herself dressed

in the usual costume of the Lunar Diana, the goddess of the moon.

DIA.

[shuddering] Ugh. How cold the nights are. I don't know how

it is, but I seem to feel the night air a good deal more than I

used to. But it is time for the sun to be rising. [Calls] Apollo.

AP.

[within] Hollo.

DIA.

I've come off duty--it's time for you to be getting up.

[Enter Apollo. He is an elderly "buck" with an air of assumed

juvenility and is dressed in dressing gown and smoking cap.

AP.

[yawning] I shan't go out today. I was out yesterday and the

day before and I want a little rest. I don't know how it is,but I

seem to feel my work a great deal more than I used to.

DIA.

I am sure these short days can't hurt you. Why you don't

rise til six and you're in bed again by five; you should have a

turn at my work and see how you like that--out all night.

AP.

My dear sister, I don't envy you--though I remember when I

did--but that was when I was a younger sun. I don't think I'm

quite well. Perhaps a little change of air will do me good. I've

a mind to show myself in London this winter. They'll be very glad

to see me. No. I shan't go out today. I shall send them this

fine, thick wholesome fog and they won't miss me. It's the best

substitute for a blazing sun--and like most substitutes, nothing

at all like the real thing.

[Fog clears away and discovers the scene described. Hurried

music. Mercury shoots up from behind precipice at the back of

stage. He carries several parcels afterwards described. He sits

down, very much fatigued.]

MER.

Home at last. A nice time I've had of it.

DIA.

You young scamp you've been out all night again. This is the

third time you've been out this week.

MER.

Well you're a nice one to blow me up for that.

DIA.

I can't help being out all night.

MER.

And I can't help being down all night. The nature of Mercury

requires that he should go down when the sun sets, and rise again

when the sun rises.

DIA.

And what have you been doing?

MER.

Stealing on commission. There's a set of false teeth and a

box of Life Pills for Jupiter--an invisible peruke and a bottle

of hair dye--that's for Apollo--a respirator and a pair of

galoshes--that's for Cupid--a full bottomed chignon, some

auricomous fluid, a box of pearl-powder, a pot of rouge, and a

hare's foot--that's for Venus.

DIA.

Stealing. You ought to be ashamed of yourself.

MER.

Oh, as the god of thieves I must do something to justify my

position.

DIA.

and AP. [contemptuously] Your position.

MER.

Oh, I know it's nothing to boast of even on earth. Up here,

it's simply contemptible. Now that you gods are too old for your

work, you've made me the miserable drudge of Olympus--groom,

valet, postman, butler, commissionaire, maid of all work, parish

beadle, and original dustman.

AP.

Your Christmas boxes ought to be something considerable.

MER.

They ought to be but they're not. I'm treated abominably.

I make everybody and I'm nobody. I go everywhere and I'm

nowhere. I do everything and I'm nothing. I've made thunder for

Jupiter, odes for Apollo, battles for Mars, and love for Venus.

I've married couples for Humen and six weeks afterwards, I've

divorced them for Cupid, and in return I get all the kicks while

they pocket the halfpence. And in compensation for robbing me of

the halfpence in question, what have they done for me.

AP.

Why they've--ha.ha.ha. they've made you the god of thieves.

MER.

Very self denying of them. There isn't one of them who

hasn't a better claim to the distinction than I have.

Oh, I'm the celestial drudge,

For morning to night I must stop at it.

On errands all day I must trudge,

And stick to my work til I drop at it.

In summer I get up at one.

(As a good-natured donkey I'm ranked for it.)

then I go and I light up the sun.

And Phoebus Apollo gets thanked for it.

Well, well, it's the way of the world.

And will be through all its futurity.

Though noodles are baroned and earled,

There's nothing for clever obscurity.

I'm the slave of the Gods, neck and heels,

And I'm bound to obey, though I rate at 'em.

And I not only order their meals,

But I cook 'em and serve'em and wait at 'em.

Then I make all their nectar, I do.

(What a terrible liquor to rack us is.)

And whenever I mix them a brew,

Why all the thanksgivings are Bacchus's.

Well, well, it's the way of the world, etc.....

The reading and writing I teach.

And spelling-books many I've edited.

And for bringing those arts within reach,

That donkey Minerva gets credited.

Then I scrape at the stars with a knife,

And plate-powder the moon (on the days for it).

And I hear all the world and his wife

Awarding Diana the praise for it.

Well, well, it's the way of the world, etc....

[After song--very loud and majestic music is heard]

DIA

and MER [looking off] Why, who's this? Jupiter, by Jove.

[Enter Jupiter, an extremely old man, very decrepit, with very

thin straggling white beard, he wears a long braided dressing

gown, handsomely trimmed, and a silk night-cap on his head.

Mercury falls back respectfully as he enters.]

JUP.

Good day, Diana. Ah, Apollo. Well, well, well, what's the

matter? What's the matter?

DIA.

Why that young scamp Mercury says that we do nothing, and

leave all the duties of Olympus to him. Will you believe it, he

actually says that our influence on earth is dropping down to

nil.

JUP.

Well, well. Don't be hard on the lad. To tell you the

truth, I'm not sure that he's far wrong. Don't let it go any

further, but, between ourselves, the sacrifices and votive

offerings have fallen off terribly of late. Why, I can remember

the time when people offered us human sacrifices, no mistake

about it, human sacrifices. Think of that.

DIA.

Ah. Those good old days.

JUP.

Then it fell off to oxen, pigs, and sheep.

AP.

Well, there are worse things than oxen, pigs and sheep.

JUP.

So I've found to my cost. My dear sir, between ourselves,

it's dropped off from one thing to another until it has

positively dwindled down to preserved Australian beef. What do

you think of that?

AP.

I don't like it at all.

JUP.

You won't mention it. It might go further.

DIA.

It couldn't fare worse.

JUP.

In short, matters have come to such a crisis that there's no

mistake about it--something must be done to restore our

influence, the only question is, what?

MER.

[Coming forward in great alarm. Enter Mars]

Oh incident unprecedented.

I hardly can believe it's true.

MARS.

Why, bless the boy, he's quite demented.

Why, what's the matter, sir, with you?

AP.

Speak quickly, or you'll get a warming.

MER.

Why, mortals up the mount are swarming

Our temple on Olympus storming,

In hundreds--aye in thousands, too.

ALL

Goodness gracious

How audacious

Earth is spacious

Why come here?

Our impeding

Their proceeding

Were good breeding

That is clear.

DIA.

Jupiter, hear my plea.

Upon the mount if they light.

There'll be an end of me.

I won't be seen by daylight.

AP.

Tartarus is the place

These scoundrels you should send to--

Should they behold my face.

My influence there's an end to.

JUP.

[looking over precipice]

What fools to give themselves

so much exertion

DIA.

A government survey I'll make assertion.

AP.

Perhaps the Alpine clubs their diversion.

MER.

They seem to be more like a "Cook's" excursion.

ALL

Goodness gracious, etc.

AP.

If, mighty Jove, you value your existence,

Send them a thunderbolt with your regards.

JUP.

My thunderbolts, though valid at a distance,

Are not effective at a hundred yards.

MER.

Let the moon's rays, Diana, strike 'em flighty,

Make 'em all lunatics in various styles.

DIA.

My lunar rays unhappily are mighty

Only at many hundred thousand miles.

ALL

Goodness gracious, etc...

[Exeunt Jupiter, Apollo, Diana, and Mercury into ruined temple]

[Enter Sparkeion and Nicemis climbing mountain at back.]

SPAR.

Here we are at last on the very summit, and we've left the

others ever so far behind. Why, what's this?

NICE.

A ruined palace. A palace on the top of a mountain. I

wonder who lives here? Some mighty kind, I dare say, with wealth

beyond all counting who came to live up here--

SPAR.

To avoid his creditors. It's a lovely situation for a

country house though it's very much out of repair.

NICE.

Very inconvenient situation.

SPAR.

Inconvenient.

NICE.

Yes, how are you to get butter, milk, and eggs up here? No

pigs, no poultry, no postman. Why, I should go mad.

SPAR.

What a dear little practical mind it is. What a wife you

will make.

NICE.

Don't be too sure--we are only partly married--the marriage

ceremony lasts all day.

SPAR.

I have no doubt at all about it. We shall be as happy as a

king and queen, though we are only a strolling actor and actress.

NICE.

It's very nice of Thespis to celebrate our marriage day by

giving the company a picnic on this lovely mountain.

SPAR.

And still more kind to allow us to get so much ahead of all

the others. Discreet Thespis. [kissing her]

NICE,.

There now, get away, do. Remember the marriage ceremony

is not yet completed.

SPAR.

But it would be ungrateful to Thespis's discretion not to

take advantage of it by improving the opportunity.

NICE.

Certainly not; get away.

SPAR.

On second thought the opportunity's so good it don't admit

of improvement. There. [kisses her]

NICE.

How dare you kiss me before we are quite married?

SPAR.

Attribute it to the intoxicating influence of the mountain

air.

NICE.

Then we had better do down again. It is not right to

expose ourselves to influences over which we have no control.

SPAR.

Here far away from all the world,

Dissension and derision,

With Nature's wonders all unfurled

To our delighted vision,

With no one here

(At least in sight)

To interfere

With our delight,

And two fond lovers sever,

Oh do not free,

Thine hand from mine,

I swear to thee

My love is ever thine

For ever and for ever.

NICE.

On mountain top the air is keen,

And most exhilarating,

And we say things we do not mean

In moments less elating.

So please to wait

For thoughts that crop,

En tete-a-tete,

On mountain top,

May not exactly tally

With those that you

May entertain,

Returning to

The sober plain

Of yon relaxing valley

SPAR.

Very well--if you won't have anything to say to me, I know

who will.

NICE.

Who will?

SPAR.

Daphne will.

NICE.

Daphne would flirt with anybody.

SPAR.

Anybody would flirt with Daphne. She is quite as pretty as

you and has twice as much back-hair.

NICE.

She has twice as much money, which may account for it.

SPAR.

At all events, she has appreciation. She likes good looks.

NICE.

We all like what we haven;t got.

SPAR.

She keeps her eyes open.

NICE.

Yes--one of them.

SPAR.

Which one.

NICE.

The one she doesn't wink with.

SPAR.

Well, I was engaged to her for six months and if she still

makes eyes at me, you must attribute it to force of habit.

Besides--remember--we are only half-married at present.

NICE.

I suppose you mean that you are going to treat me as

shamefully as you treated her. Very well, break it off if you

like. I shall not offer any objection. Thespis used to be very

attentive to me. I'd just as soon be a manager's wife as a fifth-

rate actor's.

[Chorus heard, at first below, then enter Daphne, Pretteia,

Preposteros, Stupidas, Tipseion, Cymon, and other members of

Thespis's company climbing over rocks at back. All carry small

baskets.]

CHO.

[with dance] Climbing over rocky mountain

Skipping rivulet and fountain,

Passing where the willows quiver

By the ever rolling river,

Swollen with the summer rain.

Threading long and leafy mazes,

Dotted with unnumbered daisies,

Scaling rough and rugged passes,

Climb the hearty lads and lasses,

Til the mountain-top they gain.

FIRST VOICE.

Fill the cup and tread the measure

Make the most of fleeting leisure.

Hail it as a true ally

Though it perish bye and bye.

SECOND VOICE.

Every moment brings a treasure

Of its own especial pleasure,

Though the moments quickly die,

Greet them gaily as they fly.

THIRD VOICE.

Far away from grief and care,

High up in the mountain air,

Let us live and reign alone,

In a world that's all our own.

FOURTH VOICE.

Here enthroned in the sky,

Far away from mortal eye,

We'll be gods and make decrees,

Those may honor them who please.

CHO.

Fill the cup and tread the measure...etc.

[After Chorus and Couples enter, Thespis climbing over rocks]

THES.

Bless you, my people, bless you. Let the revels commence.

After all, for thorough, unconstrained unconventional enjoyment

give me a picnic.

PREP.

[very gloomily] Give him a picnic, somebody.

THES.

Be quiet, Preposteros. Don't interrupt.

PREP.

Ha. Ha. Shut up again. But no matter.

[Stupidas endeavors, in pantomime, to reconcile him. Throughout

the scene Prep shows symptoms of breaking out into a furious

passion, and Stupidas does all he can to pacify and restrain

him.]

THES.

The best of a picnic is that everybody contributes what he

pleases, and nobody knows what anybody else has brought til the

last moment. Now, unpack everybody and let's see what there is

for everybody.

NICE.

I have brought you--a bottle of soda water--for the claret-

cup.

DAPH.

I have brought you--lettuce for the lobster salad.

SPAR.

A piece of ice--for the claret-cup.

PRETT.

A bottle of vinegar--for the lobster salad.

CYMON.

A bunch of burrage for the claret-cup.

TIPS.

A hard boiled egg--for the lobster salad.

STUP.

One lump of sugar for the claret-cup.

PREP.

He has brought one lump of sugar for the claret-cup? Ha.

Ha. Ha. [laughing melodramatically]

STUP.

Well, Preposteros, what have you brought?

PREP.

I have brought two lumps of the very best salt for the

lobster salad.

THES.

Oh--is that all?

PREP.

All. Ha. Ha. He asks if it is all. {Stup. consoles him]

THES.

But, I say--this is capital so far as it goes. Nothing

could be better, but it doesn't go far enough. The claret, for

instance. I don't insist on claret--or a lobster--I don't insist

on lobster, but a lobster salad without a lobster, why it isn't

lobster salad. Here, Tipseion.

TIP.

[a very drunken, bloated fellow, dressed, however, with

scrupulous accuracy and wearing a large medal around his neck] My

master. [Falls on his knees to Thes. and kisses his robe.]

THES.

Get up--don't be a fool. Where's the claret? We arranged

last week that you were to see to that.

TIPS.

True, dear master. But then I was a drunkard.

THES.

You were.

TIPS.

You engaged me to play convivial parts on the strength of

my personal appearance.

THES.

I did.

TIPS.

Then you found that my habits interfered with my duties as

low comedian.

THES.

True.

TIPS.

You said yesterday that unless I took the pledge you would

dismiss me from your company.

THES.

Quite so.

TIPS.

Good. I have taken it. It is all I have taken since

yesterday. My preserver. [embraces him]

THES.

Yes, but where's the wine?

TIPS.

I left it behind that I might not be tempted to violate my

pledge.

PREP.

Minion. [Attempts to get at him, is restrained by Stupidas]

THES.

Now, Preposteros, what is the matter with you?

PREP.

It is enough that I am down-trodden in my profession. I

will not submit to imposition out of it. It is enough that as

your heavy villain I get the worst of it every night in a combat

of six. I will not submit to insult in the day time. I have come

out. Ha. Ha. to enjoy myself.

THES.

But look here, you know--virtue only triumphs at night from

seven to ten--vice gets the best of it during the other twenty

one hours. Won't that satisfy you? [Stupidas endeavours to

pacify him.]

PREP.

[Irritated to Stupidas] Ye are odious to my sight. Get out

of it.

STUP.

[In great terror] What have I done?

THES.

Now what is it. Preposteros, what is it?

PREP.

I a -- hate him and would have his life.

THES.

[to Stup.] That's it--he hates you and would have your

life. Now go and be merry.

STUP.

Yes, but why does he hate me?

THES.

Oh--exactly. [to Prep.] Why do you hate him?

PREP.

Because he is a minion.

THES.

He hates you because you are a minion. It explains itself.

Now go and enjoy yourselves. Ha. Ha. It is well for those who can

laugh--let them do so--there is no extra charge. The light-

hearted cup and the convivial jest for them--but for me--what is

there for me?

SILLI.

There is some claret-cup and lobster salad [handing some]

THES.

[taking it] Thank you. [Resuming] What is there for me but

anxiety--ceaseless gnawing anxiety that tears at my very vitals

and rends my peace of mind asunder? There is nothing whatever

for me but anxiety of the nature I have just described. The

charge of these thoughtless revellers is my unhappy lot. It is

not a small charge, and it is rightly termed a lot because there

are many. Oh why did the gods make me a manager?

SILL.

[as guessing a riddle] Why did the gods make him a manager?

SPAR.

Why did the gods make him a manager.

DAPH.

Why did the gods make him a manager?

PRETT.

Why did the gods make him a manager?

THES.

No--no--what are you talking about? What do you mean?

DAPH.

I've got it--no don't tell us.

ALL

No--no--because--because

THES.

[annoyed] It isn't a conundrum. It's misanthropical

question.

DAPH.

[Who is sitting with Spar. to the annoyance of Nice. who is

crying alone] I'm sure I don't know. We do not want you. Don't

distress yourself on our account--we are getting on very

comfortably--aren't we Sparkeion.

SPAR.

We are so happy that we don't miss the lobster or the

claret. What are lobster and claret compared with the society of

those we love? [embracing Daphne.]

DAPH.

Why, Nicemis, love, you are eating nothing. Aren't you

happy dear?

NICE.

[spitefully] You are quite welcome to my share of

everything. I intend to console myself with the society of my

manager. [takes Thespis' arm affectionately].

THES.

Here I say--this won't do, you know--I can't allow it--at

least before my company--besides, you are half-married to

Sparkeion. Sparkeion, here's your half-wife impairing my

influence before my company. Don't you know the story of the

gentleman who undermined his influence by associating with his

inferiors?

ALL

Yes, yes--we know it.

PREP.

[formally] I do not know it. It's ever thus. Doomed to

disappointment from my earliest years. [Stup. endeavours to

console him]

THES.

There--that's enough. Preposteros--you shall hear it.

I once knew a chap who discharged a function

On the North South East West Diddlesex Junction.

He was conspicuous exceeding,

For his affable ways, and his easy breeding.

Although a chairman of directions,

He was hand in glove with the ticket inspectors.

He tipped the guards with brand new fivers,

And sang little songs to the engine drivers.

'Twas told to me with great compunction,

By one who had discharged with unction

A chairman of directors function

On the North South East West Diddlesex Junction.

Fol diddle, lol diddle, lol lol lay.

Each Christmas day he gave each stoker

A silver shovel and a golden poker.

He'd button holw flowers for the ticket sorters

And rich Bath-buns for the outside porters.

He'd moun the clerks on his first-class hunters,

And he build little villas for the road-side shunters,

And if any were fond of pigeon shooting,

He'd ask them down to his place at Tooting.

Twas told to me....etc.

In course of time there spread a rumour

That he did all this from a sense of humour.

So instead of signalling and stoking,

They gave themselves up to a course of joking.

Whenever they knew that he was riding,

They shunted his train on a lonely siding,

Or stopped all night in the middle of a tunnel,

On the plea that the boiler was a-coming through the funnel.

Twas told to me...etc.

It he wished to go to Perth or Stirling,

His train through several counties whirling,

Would set him down in a fit of larking,

At four a.m. in the wilds of Barking.

This pleased his whim and seemed to strike it,

But the general public did not like it.

The receipts fell, after a few repeatings,

And he got it hot at the annual meetings.

Twas told to me...etc.

He followed out his whim with vigour,

The shares went down to a nominal figure.

These are the sad results proceeding

From his affable ways and his easy breeding.

The line, with its rais and guards and peelers,

Was sold for a song to marine store dealers

The shareholders are all in the work'us,

And he sells pipe-lights in the Regent Circus.

Twas told to me...etc.

It's very hard. As a man I am naturally of an easy disposition.

As a manager, I am compelled to hold myself aloof, that my

influence may not be deteriorated. As a man I am inclined to

fraternize with the pauper--as a manager I am compelled to walk

around like this: Don't know yah. Don't know yah. Don't know yah.

[Strides haughtily about the stage. Jupiter, Mars, and Apollo, in

full Olympian costume appear on the three broken columns.

Thespians scream.]

JUP, MARS, AP.

Presumptuous mortal.

THES.

Don't know ya. Don't know yah.

JUP, MARS, AP.

[seated on broken pillars] Presumptuous mortal.

THES.

I do not know you. I do not know you.

JUP, MARS, AP.

Presumptuous mortal.

THES.

Remove this person.

[Stup and Prep seize Ap and Mars]

JUP.

Stop, you evidently don't know me. Allow me to offer you my

card. [Throws flash paper]

THES.

Ah yes, it's very pretty, but we don't want any at present.

When we do our Christmas piece, I'll let you know. [Changing his

manner] Look here, you know this is a private party and we

haven't the pleasure of your acquaintance. There are a good many

other mountains about, if you must have a mountain all to

yourself. Don't make me let myself down before my company.

[Resuming] Don't know yah, Don't know yah.

JUP.

I am Jupiter, the king of the gods. This is Apollo. This is

Mars. [All kneel to them except Thespis]

THES.

Oh. Then as I'm a respectable man, and rather particular

about the company I keep, I think I'll go.

JUP.

No--no--stop a bit. We want to consult you on a matter of

great importance. There. Now we are alone. Who are you?

THES.

I am Thespis of the Thessalian Theatres.

JUP.

The very man we want. Now as a judge of what the public

likes are you impressed with my appearance as father of the gods?

THES.

Well to be candid with you, I am not. In fact I'm

disappointed.

JUP.

Disappointed?

THES.

Yes, you see you're so much out of repair. No, you don't

come up to my idea of the part. Bless you, I've played you often.

JUP.

You have.

THES.

To be sure I have.

JUP.

And how have you dressed the part.

THES.

Fine commanding party in the prime of life. Thunderbolt--

full beard--dignified manner--a good eal of this sort of thin

"Don't know ya. Don't know yah. Don't know yah.

JUP.

[much affected] I--I'm very much obliged to you. It's very

good of you. I--I--I used to be like that. I can't tell you how

much I feel it. And do you find I'm an impressive character to

play?

THES.

Well no, I can't say you are. In fact we don't you you

much out of burlesque.

JUP.

Burlesque!

THES.

Yes, it's a painful subject, drop it, drop it. The fact

is, you are not the gods you were--you're behind your age.

JUP.

Well, but what are we to do? We feel that we ought to do

something, but we don't know what.

THES.

Why don't you all go down to earth, incog, mingle with the

world, hear and see what people think of you, and judge for

yourselves as to the best means to take to restore your

influence?

JUP.

Ah, but what's to become of Olympus in the meantime?

THES.

Lor' bless you, don't distress yourself about that. I've a

very good company, used to take long parts on the shortest

notice. Invest us with your powers and we'll fill your places

till you return.

JUP.

[aside] The offer is tempting. But suppose you fail?

THES.

Fail. Oh, we never fail in our profession. We've nothing

but great successes.

JUP.

Then it's a bargain.

THES.

It's a bargain. [they shake hands on it]

JUP.

And that you may not be entirely without assistance, we will

leave you Mercury and whenever you find yourself in a difficulty

you can consult him. [enter Mercury]

JUP.

So that's arranged--you take my place, my boy,

While we make trial of a new existence.

At length I will be able to enjoy

The pleasures I have envied from a distance.

MER.

Compelled upon Olympus here to stop,

While the other gods go down to play the hero.

Don't be surprised if on this mountain top

You find your Mercury is down at zero.

AP.

To earth away to join in mortal acts.

And gather fresh materials to write on.

Investigate more closely, several facts,

That I for centuries have thrown some light on.

DIA.

I, as the modest moon with crescent bow.

Have always shown a light to nightly scandal,

I must say I'd like to go below,

And find out if the game is worth the candle.

[enter all thespians, summoned by Mercury]

MER.

Here come your people.

THES.

People better now.

THES.

While mighty Jove goes down below

With all the other deities.

I fill his place and wear his "clo,"

The very part for me it is.

To mother earth to make a track,

They are all spurred and booted, too.

And you will fill, till they come back,

The parts you best are suited to.

CHO.

Here's a pretty tale for future Iliads and Odysseys

Mortals are about to personate the gods and goddesses.

Now to set the world in order, we will work in unity.

Jupiter's perplexity is Thespis's opportunity.

SPAR.

Phoebus am I, with golden ray,

The god of day, the god of day.

When shadowy night has held her sway,

I make the goddesses fly.

Tis mine the task to wake the world,

In slumber curled, in slumber curled.

By me her charms are all unfurled

The god of day am I.

CHO.

The god of day, the god of day,

The park shall our Sparkeion play,

Ha Ha, etc.

The rarest fun and rarest fare

That ever fell to mortal share

Ha ha etc.

NICE.

I am the moon, the lamp of night.

I show a light -- I show a light.

With radiant sheen I put to flight

The shadows of the sky.

By my fair rays, as you're aware,

Gay lovers swear--gay lovers swear,

While greybeards sleep away their care,

The lamp of night am I.

CHO.

The lamp of night-the lamp of night.

Nicemis plays, to her delight.

Ha Ha Ha Ha.

The rarest fun and rarest fare,

That ever fell to mortal share,

Ha Ha Ha Ha

TIM.

Mighty old Mars, the god of war,

I'm destined for--I'm destined for.

A terribly famous conqueror,

With sword upon his thigh.

When armies meet with eager shout

And warlike rout, and warlike rout,

You'll find me there without a doubt.

The God of War am I.

CHO.

The god of war, the god of war

Great Timidon is destined for.

Ha Ha Ha Ha

The rest fun and rarest fare

That ever fell to mortal share

Ha Ha Ha Ha

DAPH.

When, as the fruit of warlike deeds,

The soldier bleed, the soldier bleeds,

Calliope crowns heroic deeds,

With immortality.

From mere oblivion I reclaim

The soldier's name, the soldier's name

And write it on the roll of fame,

The muse of fame am I.

CHO.

The muse of fame, the muse of fame.

Callipe is Daphne's name.

Ha Ha Ha Ha

The rarest fun and rarest fare,

That ever fell to mortal share.

Ha Ha Ha Ha.

TUTTI.

Here's a pretty tale.

[Enter procession of old Gods, they come down very much

astonished at all they see, then passing by, ascent the platform

that leads to the descent at the back.]

GODS.

We will go,

Down below,

Revels rare,

We will share.

Ha Ha Ha

With a gay

Holiday

All unknown,

And alone

Ha Ha Ha.

TUTTI.

Here's a pretty tale.

[The gods, including those who have lately entered in procession

group themselves on rising ground at back. The Thespians kneeling

bid them farewell.]

ACT II

SCENE-the same scene as in Act I with the exception that in place

of the ruins that filled the foreground of the stage, the

interior of a magnificent temple is seen showing the background

of the scene of Act I, through the columns of the portico at the

back. High throne. L.U.E. Low seats below it. All the substitute

gods and goddesses [that is to say, Thespians] are discovered

grouped in picturesque attitudes about the stage, eating and

drinking, and smoking and singing the following verses.

CHO.

Of all symposia

The best by half

Upon Olympus, here await us.

We eat ambrosia.

And nectar quaff,

It cheers but don't inebriate us.

We know the fallacies,

Of human food

So please to pass Olympian rosy,

We built up palaces,

Where ruins stood,

And find them much more snug and cosy.

SILL.

To work and think, my dear,

Up here would be,

The height of conscientious folly.

So eat and drink, my dear,

I like to see,

Young people gay--young people jolly.

Olympian food my love,

I'll lay long odds,

Will please your lips--those rosy portals,

What is the good, my love

Of being gods,

If we must work like common mortals?

CHO.

Of all symposia...etc.

[Exeunt all but Nicemis, who is dressed as Diana and Pretteia,

who is dressed as Venus. They take Sillimon's arm and bring him

down]

SILL.

Bless their little hearts, I can refuse them nothing. As

the Olympian stage-manager I ought to be strict with them and

make them do their duty, but i can't. Bless their little hearts,

when I see the pretty little craft come sailing up to me with a

wheedling smile on their pretty little figure-heads, I can't turn

my back on 'em. I'm all bow, though I'm sure I try to be stern.

PRET.

You certainly are a dear old thing.

SILL.

She says I'm a dear old thing. Deputy Venus says I'm a

dear old thing.

NICE.

It's her affectionate habit to describe everybody in those

terms. I am more particular, but still even I am bound to admit

that you are certainly a very dear old thing.

SILL.

Deputy Venus says I'm a dear old thing, and Deputy Diana

who is much more particular, endorses it. Who could be severe

with such deputy divinities.

PRET.

Do you know, I'm going to ask you a favour.

SILL.

Venus is going to ask me a favour.

PRET.

You see, I am Venus.

SILL.

No one who saw your face would doubt it.

NICE.

[aside] No one who knew her character would.

PRET.

Well Venus, you know, is married to Mars.

SILL.

To Vulcan, my dear, to Vulcan. The exact connubial relation

of the different gods and goddesses is a point on which we must

be extremely particular.

PRET.

I beg your pardon--Venus is married to Mars.

NICE.

If she isn't married to Mars, she ought to be.

SILL.

Then that decides it--call it married to Mars.

PRET.

Married to Vulcan or married to Mars, what does it signify?

SILL.

My dear, it's a matter on which I have no personal feeling

whatever.

PRET.

So that she is married to someone.

SILL.

Exactly. So that she is married to someone. Call it married

to Mars.

PRET.

Now here's my difficulty. Presumptios takes the place of

Mars, and Presumptios is my father.

SILL.

Then why object to Vulcan?

PRET.

Because Vulcan is my grandfather.

SILL.

But, my dear, what an objection. You are playing a part

till the real gods return. That's all. Whether you are supposed

to be married to your father--or your grandfather, what does it

matter? This passion for realism is the curse of the stage.

PRET.

That's all very well, but I can't throw myself into a part

that has already lasted a twelvemonth, when I have to make love

to my father. It interferes with my conception of the

characters. It spoils the part.

SILL.

Well, well. I'll see what can be done. [Exit Pretteia,

L.U.E.) That's always the way with beginners, they've no

imaginative power. A true artist ought to be superior to such

considerations. [Nicemis comes down R.] Well, Nicemis, I should

say, Diana, what's wrong with you? Don't you like your part?

NICE.

Oh, immensely. It's great fun.

SILL.

Don't you find it lonely out by yourself all night?

NICE.

Oh, but I'm not alone all night.

SILL.

But, I don't want to ask any injudicious questions, but who

accompanies you?

NICE.

Who? Why Sparkeion, of course.

SILL.

Sparkeion? Well, but Sparkeion is Phoebus Apollo [enter

Sparkeion] He's the sun, you know.

NICE.

Of course he is. I should catch my death of cold, in the

night air, if he didn't accompany me.

SPAR.

My dear Sillimon, it would never do for a young lady to be

out alone all night. It wouldn't be respectable.

SILL.

There's a good deal of truth in that. But still--the sun--

at night--I don't like the idea. The original Diana always went

out alone.

NICE.

I hope the original Diana is no rule for me. After all,

what does it matter?

SILL.

To be sure--what does it matter?

SPAR.

The sun at night, or in the daytime.

SILL.

So that he shines. That's all that's necessary. [Exit

Nicemis, R.U.E.] But poor Daphne, what will she say to this.

SPAR.

Oh, Daphne can console herself; young ladies soon get over

this sort of thing. Did you never hear of the young lady who was

engaged to Cousin Robin?

SILL.

Never.

SPAR.

Then I'll sing it to you.

Little maid of Arcadee

Sat on Cousin Robin's knee,

Thought in form and face and limb,

Nobody could rival him.

He was brave and she was fair,

Truth they made a pretty paid.

Happy little maiden she--

Happy maid of Arcadee.

Moments fled as moments will

Happily enough, until

After, say, a month or two,

Robin did as Robins do.

Weary of his lover's play,

Jilted her and went away,

Wretched little maiden, she--

Wretched maid of Arcadee.

To her little home she crept,

There she sat her down and wept,

Maiden wept as maidens will--

Grew so thin and pale--until

Cousin Richard came to woo.

Then again the roses grew.

Happy little maiden she--

Happy maid of Arcadee. [Exit Sparkeion]

SILL.

Well Mercury, my boy, you've had a year's experience of us

here. How do we do it? I think we're rather an improvement on the

original gods--don't you?

MER.

Well, you see, there's a good deal to be said on both sides

of the question; you are certainly younger than the original

gods, and, therefore, more active. On the other hand, they are

certainly older than you, and have, therefore, more experience.

On the whole I prefer you, because your mistakes amuse me.

Olympus is now in a terrible muddle,

The deputy deities all are at fault

They splutter and splash like a pig in a puddle

And dickens a one of 'em's earning his salt.

For Thespis as Jove is a terrible blunder,

Too nervous and timid--too easy and weak--

Whenever he's called on to lighten or thunder,

The thought of it keeps him awake for a week.

Then mighty Mars hasn't the pluck of a parrot.

When left in the dark he will quiver and quail;

And Vulcan has arms that would snap like a carrot,

Before he could drive in a tenpenny nail.

Then Venus's freckles are very repelling,

And Venus should not have a quint in her eyes;

The learned Minerva is weak in her spelling,

And scatters her h's all over the skies.

Then Pluto in kindhearted tenderness erring,

Can't make up his mind to let anyone die--

The Times has a paragraph ever recurring,

"Remarkable incidence of longevity."

On some it has some as a serious onus,

to others it's quite an advantage--in short,

While ev're life office declares a big bonus,

The poor undertakers are all in the court.

Then Cupid, the rascal, forgetting his trade is

To make men and women impartially smart,

Will only shoot at pretty young ladies,

And never takes aim at a bachelor's heart.

The results of this freak--or whatever you term it--

Should cover the wicked young scamp with disgrace,

While ev'ry young man is as shy as a hermit,

Young ladies are popping all over the place.

This wouldn't much matter--for bashful and shymen,

When skillfully handled are certain to fall,

But, alas, that determined young bachelor Hymen

Refuses to wed anybody at all.

He swears that Love's flame is the vilest of arsons,

And looks upon marriage as quite a mistake;

Now what in the world's to become of the parsons,

And what of the artist who sugars the cake?

In short, you will see from the facts that I'm showing,

The state of the case is exceedingly sad;

If Thespis's people go on as they're going,

Olympus will certainly go to the bad.

From Jupiter downward there isn't a dab in it,

All of 'em quibble and shuffle and shirk,

A premier in Downing Street forming a cabinet,

Couldn't find people less fit for their work.

[enter Thespis L.U.E.]

THES.

Sillimon, you can retire.

SILL.

Sir, I--

THES.

Don't pretend you can't when I say you can. I've seen you

do it--go. [exit Sillimon bowing extravagantly. Thespis imitates

him]Well, Mercury, I've been in power one year today.

MER.

One year today. How do you like ruling the world?

THES.

Like it. Why it's as straightforward as possible. Why

there hasn't been a hitch of any kind since we came up here. Lor'

the airs you gods and goddesses give yourselves are perfectly

sickening. Why it's mere child's play.

MER.

Very simple isn't it?

THES.

Simple? Why I could do it on my head.

MER.

Ah--I darsay you will do it on your head very soon.

THES.

What do you mean by that, Mercury?

MER.

I mean that when you've turned the world quite topsy-turvy

you won't know whether you're standing on your head or your

heels.

THES.

Well, but Mercury, it's all right at present.

MER.

Oh yes--as far as we know.

THES.

Well, but, you know, we know as much as anybody knows; you

know I believe the world's still going on.

MER.

Yes--as far as we can judge--much as usual.

THES.

Well, the, give the Father of the Drama his due Mercury.

Don't be envious of the Father of the Drama.

MER.

But you see you leave so much to accident.

THES.

Well, Mercury, if I do, it's my principle. I am an easy

man, and I like to make things as pleasant as possible. What did

I do the day we took office? Why I called the company together

and I said to them: "Here we are, you know, gods and goddesses,

no mistake about it, the real thing. Well, we have certain duties

to discharge, let's discharge them intelligently. Don't let us be

hampered by routine and red tape and precedent, let's set the

original gods an example, and put a liberal interpretation on our

duties. If it occurs to any one to try an experiment in his own

department, let him try it, if he fails there's no harm done, if

he succeeds it is a distinct gain to society. Don't hurry your

work, do it slowly and well." And here we are after a twelvemonth

and not a single complaint or a single petition has reached me.

MER.

No, not yet.

THES.

What do you mean by "no,not yet?"

MER.

Well, you see, you don't understand things. All the

petitions that are addressed by men to Jupiter pass through my

hands, and its my duty to collect them and present them once a

year.

THES.

Oh, only once a year?

MER.

Only once a year--

THES.

And the year is up?

MER.

Today.

THES.

Oh, then I suppose there are some complaints?

MER.

Yes, there are some.

THES.

[Disturbed] Oh, perhaps there are a good many?

MER.

There are a good many.

THES.

Oh, perhaps there are a thundering lot?

MER.

There are a thundering lot.

THES.

[very much disturbed] Oh.

MER.

You see you've been taking it so very easy--and so have most

of your company.

THES.

Oh, who has been taking it easy?

MER.

Well, all except those who have been trying experiments.

THES.

Well but I suppose the experiment are ingenious?

MER.

Yes; they are ingenious, but on the whole ill-judged. But

it's time go and summon your court.

THES.

What for.

MER.

To hear the complaints. In five minutes they will be here.

[Exit]

THES.

[very uneasy] I don't know how it is, but there is

something in that young man's manner that suggests that the

father of the gods has been taking it too easy. Perhaps it would

have been better if I hadn't given my company so much scope. I

wonder what they've been doing. I think I will curtail their

discretion, though none of them appear to have much of the

article. It seems a pity to deprive 'em of what little they

have.

[Enter Daphne, weeping]

THES.

Now then, Daphne, what's the matter with you?

DAPH.

Well, you know how disgracefully Sparkeion--

THES.

[correcting her] Apollo--

DAPH.

Apollo, then--has treated me. He promised to marry me years

ago and now he's married to Nicemis.

THES.

Now look here. I can't go into that. You're in Olympus now

and must behave accordingly. Drop your Daphne--assume your

Calliope.

DAPH.

Quite so. That's it. [mysteriously]

THES.

Oh--that is it? [puzzled]

DAPH.

That is it. Thespis. I am Calliope, the muse of fame.

Very good. This morning I was in the Olympian library and I took

down the only book there. Here it is.

THES.

[taking it] Lempriere's Classical Dictionary. The Olympian

Peerage.

DAPH.

Open it at Apollo.

THES.

[opens it] It is done.

DAPH.

Read.

THES.

"Apollo was several times married, among others to Issa,

Bolina, Coronis, Chymene, Cyrene, Chione, Acacallis, and

Calliope."

DAPH.

And Calliope.

THES.

[musing] Ha. I didn't know he was married to them.

DAPH.

[severely] Sir. This is the family edition.

THES.

Quite so.

DAPH.

You couldn't expect a lady to read any other?

THES.

On no consideration. But in the original version--

DAPH.

I go by the family edition.

THES.

Then by the family edition, Apollo is your husband.

[Enter Nicemis and Sparkeion]

NICE.

Apollo your husband? He is my husband.

DAPH.

I beg your pardon. He is my husband.

NICE.

Apollo is Sparkeion, and he's married to me.

DAPH.

Sparkeion is Apollo, and he's married to me.

NICE.

He is my husband.

DAPH.

He's your brother.

THES.

Look here, Apollo, whose husband are you? Don't let's have

any row about it; whose husband are you?

SPAR.

Upon my honor I don't know. I'm in a very delicate

position, but I'll fall in with any arrangement Thespis may

propose.

DAPH.

I've just found out that he's my husband and yet he goes

out every evening with that "thing."

THES.

Perhaps he's trying an experiment.

DAPH.

I don't like my husband to make such experiments. The

question is, who are we all and what is our relation to each

other.

SPAR.

You're Diana. I'm Apollo

And Calliope is she.

DAPH.

He's your brother.

NICE.

You're another. He has fairly married me.

DAPH.

By the rules of this fair spot

I'm his wife and you are not.

SPAR & DAPH.

By the rules of this fair spot

I'm/she's his wife and you are not.

NICE.

By this golden wedding ring,

I'm his wife, and you're a "thing."

DAPH, NICE, SPAR.

By this golden wedding ring,

I'm/She's his wife and you're a "thing."

ALL

Please will someone kindly tell us.

Who are our respective kin?

All of us/them are very jealous

Neither of us/them will give in.

NICE.

He's my husband, I declare,

I espoused him properlee.

SPAR.

That is true, for I was there,

And I saw her marry me.

DAPH.

He's your brother--I'm his wife.

If we go by Lempriere.

SPAR.

So she is, upon my life.

Really, that seems very fair.

NICE.

You're my husband and no other.

SPAR.

That is true enough I swear.

DAPH.

I'm his wife, and you're his brother.

SPAR.

If we go by Lempriere.

NICE.

It will surely be unfair,

To decide by Lempriere. [crying]

DAPH.

It will surely be quite fair,

To decide by Lempriere.

SPAR

& THES How you settle it I don't care,

Leave it all to Lempriere.

[Spoken] The Verdict

As Sparkeion is Apollo,

Up in this Olympian clime,

Why, Nicemis, it will follow,

He's her husband, for the time. [indicating Daphne]

When Sparkeion turns to mortal

Join once more the sons of men.

He may take you to his portal [indicating Nicemis]

He will be your husband then.

That oh that is my decision,

'Cording to my mental vision,

Put an end to all collision,

My decision, my decision.

ALL

That oh that is his decision. etc.

[Exeunt Thes, Nice., Spar and Daphne, Spar. with Daphne, Nicemis

weeping with Thespis. mysterious music. Enter Jupiter, Apollo

and Mars from below, at the back of stage. All wear cloaks, as

disguise and all are masked]

JUP., AP.

, MARS. Oh rage and fury, Oh shame and sorrow.

We'll be resuming our ranks tomorrow.

Since from Olympus we have departed,

We've been distracted and brokenhearted,

Oh wicked Thespis. Oh villain scurvy.

Through him Olympus is topsy turvy.

Compelled to silence to grin and bear it.

He's caused our sorrow, and he shall share it.

Where is the monster. Avenge his blunders.

He has awakened Olympian thunders.

[Enter Mercury]

JUP.

Oh monster.

AP.

Oh monster.

MARS.

Oh monster.

MER.

[in great terror] Please sir, what have I done, sir?

JUP.

What did we leave you behind for?

MER.

Please sir, that's the question I asked for when you went

away.

JUP.

Was it not that Thespis might consult you whenever he was in

a difficulty?

MER.

Well, here I've been ready to be consulted, chockful of

reliable information--running over with celestial maxims--advice

gratis ten to four--after twelve ring the night bell in cases of

emergency.

JUP.

And hasn't he consulted you?

MER.

Not he--he disagrees with me about everything.

JUP.

He must have misunderstood me. I told him to consult you

whenever he was in a fix.

MER.

He must have though you said in-sult. Why whenever I opened

my mouth he jumps down my throat. It isn't pleasant to have a

fellow constantly jumping down your throat--especially when he

always disagrees with you. It's just the sort of thing I can't

digest.

JUP.

[in a rage] Send him here. I'll talk to him.

[enter Thespis. He is much terrified]

JUP.

Oh monster.

AP.

Oh monster.

MARS.

Oh monster.

[Thespis sings in great terror, which he endeavours to conceal]

JUP.

Well sir, the year is up today.

AP.

And a nice mess you've made of it.

MARS.

You've deranged the whole scheme of society.

THES.

[aside] There's going to be a row. [aloud and very

familiarly]My dear boy, I do assure you--

JUP.

Be respectful.

AP.

Be respectful.

MARS.

Be respectful.

THES.

I don't know what you allude to. With the exception of

getting our scene painter to "run up" this temple, because we

found the ruins draughty, we haven't touched a thing.

JUP.

Oh story teller.

AP.

Oh story teller.

MARS.

Oh story teller.

[Enter thespians]

THES.

My dear fellows, you're distressing yourselves

unnecessarily. The court of Olympus is about to assemble to

listen to the complaints of the year, if any. But there are

none, or next to none. Let the Olympians assemble. [Thespis

takes chair. JUP., AP., and MARS sit below him.

Ladies and gentlemen, it seems that it is usual for the gods to

assemble once a year to listen to mortal petitions. It doesn't

seem to me to be a good plan, as work is liable to accumulate;

but as I am particularly anxious not to interfere with Olympian

precedent, but to allow everything to go on as it has always been

accustomed to go--why, we'll say no more about it. [aside] But

how shall I account for your presence?

JUP.

Say we are the gentlemen of the press.

THES.

That all our proceedings may be perfectly open and above-

board I have communicated with the most influential members of

the Athenian press, and I beg to introduce to your notice three

of its most distinguished members. They bear marks emblematic of

the anonymous character of modern journalism. [Business of

introduction. Thespis is very uneasy] Now then, if you're all

ready we will begin.

MER.

[brings tremendous bundle of petitions] Here is the agenda.

THES.

What's that? The petitions?

MER.

Some of them. [opens one and reads] Ah, I thought there'd be

a row about it.

THES.

Why, what's wrong now?

MER.

Why, it's been a foggy Friday in November for the last six

months and the Athenians are tired of it.

THES.

There's no pleasing some people. This craving for perpetual

change is the curse of the country. Friday's a very nice day.

MER.

So it is, but a Friday six months long.--it gets monotonous.

JUP, AP, MARS.

[rising] It's perfectly ridiculous.

THES.

[calling them] Cymon.

CYM.

[as time with the usual attributes] Sir.

THES.

[Introducing him to the three gods] Allow me--Father Time--

rather young at present but even time must have a beginning. In

course of time, time will grow older. Now then, Father Time,

what's this about a wet Friday in November for the last six

months.

CYM.

Well, the fact is, I've been trying an experiment. Seven

days in the week is an awkward number. It can't be halved. Two;'s

into seven won't go.

THES.

[tries it on his fingers] Quite so--quite so.

CYM.

So I abolished Saturday.

JUP, AP, MARS.

Oh but. [Rising]

THES.

Do be quiet. He's a very intelligent young man and knows

what he is about. So you abolished Saturday. And how did you find

it answer?

CYM.

Admirably.

THES.

You hear? He found it answer admirably.

CYM.

Yes, only Sunday refused to take its place.

THES.

Sunday refused to take its place?

CYM.

Sunday comes after Saturday--Sunday won't go on duty after

Friday. Sunday's principles are very strict. That's where my

experiment sticks.

THES.

Well, but why November? Come, why November?

CYM.

December can't begin until November has finished. November

can't finish because he's abolished Saturday. There again my

experiment sticks.

THES.

Well, but why wet? Come now, why wet?

CYM.

Ah, that is your fault. You turned on the rain six months

ago and you forgot to turn it off again.

JUP., AP.

, MARS. [rising] On this is monstrous.

ALL

Order. Order.

THES.

Gentlemen, pray be seated. [to the others] The liberty of

the press, one can't help it. [to the three gods] It is easily

settled. Athens has had a wet Friday in November for the last six

months. Let them have a blazing Tuesday in July for the next

twelve.

JUP., AP.

, MARS. But--

ALL

Order. Order.

THES.

Now then, the next article.

MER.

Here's a petition from the Peace Society. They complain

because there are no more battles.

MARS.

[springing up] What.

THES.

Quiet there. Good dog--soho; Timidon.

TIM.

[as Mars] Here.

THES.

What's this about there being no battles?

TIM.

I've abolished battles; it's an experiment.

MARS.

[spring up] Oh come, I say--

THES.

Quiet then. [to Tim] Abolished battles?

TIM.

Yes, you told us on taking office to remember two things. To

try experiments and to take it easy. I found I couldn't take it

easy while there are any battles to attend to, so I tried the

experiment and abolished battles. And then I took it easy. The

Peace Society ought to be very much obliged to me.

THES.

Obliged to you. Why, confound it. Since battles have been

abolished, war is universal.

TIM.

War is universal?

THES.

To b sure it is. Now that nations can't fight, no two of

'em are on speaking terms. The dread of fighting was the only

thing that kept them civil to each other. Let battles be

restored and peace reign supreme.

MER.

Here's a petition from the associated wine merchants of

Mytilene? Are there no grapes this year?

THES.

Well, what's wrong with the associated wine merchants of

Mytilene? Are there no grapes this year?

THES.

Plenty of grapes. More than usual.

THES.

[to the gods] You observe, there is no deception. There are

more than usual.

MER.

There are plenty of grapes, only they are full of ginger

beer.

THREE GODS.

Oh, come I say [rising they are put down by Thespis.]

THES.

Eh? what [much alarmed] Bacchus.

TIPS.

[as Bacchus] Here.

THES.

There seems to be something unusual with the grapes of

Mytilene. They only grow ginger beer.

TIPS.

And a very good thing too.

THES.

It's very nice in its way but it is not what one looks for

from grapes.

TIPS.

Beloved master, a week before we came up here, you insisted

on my taking the pledge. By so doing you rescued me from my

otherwise inevitable misery. I cannot express my thanks. Embrace

me. [attempts to embrace him.]

THES.

Get out, don't be a fool. Look here, you know you're the

god of wine.

TIPS.

I am.

THES.

[very angry] Well, do you consider it consistent with your

duty as the god of wine to make the grapes yield nothing but

ginger beer?

TIPS.

Do you consider it consistent with my duty as a total

abstainer to grow anything stronger than ginger beer?

THES.

But your duty as the god of wine--

TIPS.

In every respect in which my duty as the god of wine can be

discharged consistently with my duty as a total abstainer, I will

discharge it. But when the functions clash, everything must give

way to the pledge. My preserver. [Attempts to embrace him]

THES.

Don't be a confounded fool. This can be arranged. We can't

give over the wine this year, but at least we can improve the

ginger beer. Let all the ginger beer be extracted from it

immediately.

THREE GODS.

We can't stand this,

We can't stand this.

It's much too strong.

We can't stand this.

It would be wrong.

Extremely wrong.

If we stood this.

If we stand this

If we stand this

We can't stand this.

DAPH, SPAR, NICE.

Great Jove, this interference.

Is more than we can stand;

Of them make a clearance,

With your majestic hand.

JOVE.

This cool audacity, it beats us hollow.

I'm Jupiter.

MARS.

I'm Mars.

AP.

I'm Apollo.

[Enter Diana and all the other gods and goddesses.

ALL

[kneeling with their foreheads on the ground]

Jupiter, Mars, and Apollo

Have quitted the dwellings of men;

The other gods quickly will follow.

And what will become of us then.

Oh pardon us, Jove and Apollo,

Pardon us, Jupiter, Mars:

Oh see us in misery wallow.

Cursing our terrible stars.

[enter other gods.]

ALL THESPIANS:

Let us remain, we beg of you pleadingly.

THREE GODS:

Let them remain, they beg of us pleadingly.

THES.

Life on Olympus suits us exceedingly.

GODS.

Life on Olympus suits them exceedingly.

THES.

Let us remain, we pray in humility.

GODS.

Let 'em remain, they pray in humility.

THES.

If we have shown some little ability.

GODS.

If they have shown some little ability.

Let us remain, etc...

JUP.

Enough, your reign is ended.

Upon this sacred hill.

Let him be apprehended

And learn out awful will.

Away to earth, contemptible comedians,

And hear our curse, before we set you free'

You shall be all be eminent tragedians,

Whom no one ever goes to see.

ALL

We go to earth, contemptible tragedians,

We hear his curse, before he sets us free,

We shall all be eminent tragedians,

Whom no one ever, ever goes to see.

SILL, SPAR, THES.

Whom no one

Ever goes to see.

[The thespians are driven away by the gods, who group themselves

in attitudes of triumph.]

THES.

Now, here you see the arrant folly

Of doing your best to make things jolly.

I've ruled the world like a chap in his senses,

Observe the terrible consequences.

Great Jupiter, whom nothing pleases,

Splutters and swears, and kicks up breezes,

And sends us home in a mood avengin'

In double quick time, like a railroad engine.

And this he does without compunction,

Because I have discharged with unction

A highly complicated function

Complying with his own injunction,

Fol, lol, lay

CHO.

All this he does....etc.

[The gods drive the thespians away. The thespians prepare to

descent the mountain as the curtain falls.

CURTAIN

TRIAL BY JURY

Libretto by W. S. Gilbert

Music by Sir Arthur Sullivan

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

THE LEARNED JUDGE

THE PLAINTIFF

THE DEFENDANT

COUNSEL FOR THE PLAINTIFF

USHER

FOREMAN OF THE JURY

ASSOCIATE

FIRST BRIDESMAID

First produced at the Royalty Theatre, London, March 25, 1875

SCENE

- A Court of Justice, Barristers, Attorney, and Jurymen

discovered.

CHORUS

Hark, the hour of ten is sounding:

Hearts with anxious fears are bounding,

Hall of Justice, crowds surrounding,

Breathing hope and fear--

For to-day in this arena,

Summoned by a stern subpoena,

Edwin, sued by Angelina,

Shortly will appear.

Enter Usher

SOLO - USHER

Now, Jurymen, hear my advice--

All kinds of vulgar prejudice

I pray you set aside:

With stern, judicial frame of mind

From bias free of every kind,

This trial must be tried.

CHORUS

From bias free of every kind,

This trial must be tried.

[During Chorus, Usher sings fortissimo, "Silence in Court!"]

USHER

Oh, listen to the plaintiff's case:

Observe the features of her face--

The broken-hearted bride.

Condole with her distress of mind:

From bias free of every kind,

This trial must be tried!

CHORUS

From bias free, etc.

USHER

And when, amid the plaintiff's shrieks,

The ruffianly defendant speaks--

Upon the other side;

What he may say you needn't mind---

From bias free of every kind,

This trial must be tried!

CHORUS

From bias free, etc.

Enter Defendant

RECIT -- DEFENDANT

Is this the court of the Exchequer?

ALL

It is!

DEFENDANT

(aside) Be firm, be firm, my pecker,

Your evil star's in the ascendant!

ALL

Who are you?

DEFENDANTONIO

I'm the Defendant.

CHORUS OF JURYMEN (shaking their fists)

Monster, dread our damages.

We're the jury!

Dread our fury!

DEFENDANT

Hear me, hear me, if you please,

These are very strange proceedings--

For permit me to remark

On the merits of my pleadings,

You're at present in the dark.

[Defendant beckons to Jurymen--they leave the box and gather around

him as they sing the following:

That's a very true remark--

On the merits of his pleadings

We're at present in the dark!

Ha! ha!--ha! ha!

SONG -- DEFENDANT

When first my old, old love I knew,

My bosom welled with joy;

My riches at her feet I threw--

I was a love-sick boy!

No terms seemed too extravagant

Upon her to employ--

I used to mope, and sigh, and pant,

Just like a love-sick boy!

Tink-a-tank! Tink-a-tank!

But joy incessant palls the sense;

And love, unchanged, will cloy,

And she became a bore intense

Unto her love-sick boy!

With fitful glimmer burnt my flame,

And I grew cold and coy,

At last, one morning, I became

Another's love-sick boy.

Tink-a-tank! Tink-a-tank!

CHORUS OF JURYMEN (advancing stealthily)

Oh, I was like that when a lad!

A shocking young scamp of a rover,

I behaved like a regular cad;

But that sort of thing is all over.

I'm now a respectable chap

And shine with a virtue resplendent

And, therefore, I haven't a scrap

Of sympathy with the defendant!

He shall treat us with awe,

If there isn't a flaw,

Singing so merrily--Trial-la-law!

Trial-la-law! Trial-la-law!

Singing so merrily--Trial-la-law!

[They enter the Jury-box.

RECIT--USHER (on Bench)

Silence in Court, and all attention lend.

Behold your Judge! In due submission bend!

Enter Judge on Bench

CHORUS

All hail, great Judge!

To your bright rays

We never grudge

Ecstatic praise.

All hail!

May each decree

As statute rank

And never be

Reversed in banc.

All hail!

RECIT--JUDGE

For these kind words, accept my thanks, I pray.

A Breach of Promise we've to try to-day.

But firstly, if the time you'll not begrudge,

I'll tell you how I came to be a Judge.

ALL

He'll tell us how he came to be a Judge!

JUDGE.

I'll tell you how...

ALL

He'll tell us how...

JUDGE.

I'll tell you how...

ALL

He'll tell us how...

JUDGE

Let me speak...!

ALL

Let him speak!

JUDGE.

Let me speak!

ALL

(in a whisper). Let him speak!

He'll tell us how he came to be a Judge!

USHER.

Silence in Court! Silence in Court!

SONG--JUDGE

When I, good friends, was called to the bar,

I'd an appetite fresh and hearty.

But I was, as many young barristers are,

An impecunious party.

I'd a swallow-tail coat of a beautiful blue--

And a brief which I bought of a booby--

A couple of shirts, and a collar or two,

And a ring that looked like a ruby!

CHORUS

A couple of shirts, etc.

JUDGE.

At Westminster Hall I danced a dance,

Like a semi-despondent fury;

For I thought I never should hit on a chance

Of addressing a British Jury--

But I soon got tired of third-class journeys,

And dinners of bread and water;

So I fell in love with a rich attorney's

Elderly, ugly daughter.

CHORUS

So he fell in love, etc.

JUDGE.

The rich attorney, he jumped with joy,

And replied to my fond professions:

"You shall reap the reward of your pluck, my boy,

At the Bailey and Middlesex sessions.

You'll soon get used to her looks," said he,

"And a very nice girl you will find her!

She may very well pass for forty-three

In the dusk, with a light behind her!"

CHORUS

She may very well, etc.

JUDGE.

The rich attorney was good as his word;

The briefs came trooping gaily,

And every day my voice was heard

At the Sessions or Ancient Bailey.

All thieves who could my fees afford

Relied on my orations.

And many a burglar I've restored

To his friends and his relations.

CHORUS

And many a burglar, etc.

JUDGE.

At length I became as rich as the Gurneys--

An incubus then I thought her,

So I threw over that rich attorney's

Elderly, ugly daughter.

The rich attorney my character high

Tried vainly to disparage---

And now, if you please, I'm ready to try

This Breach of Promise of Marriage!

CHORUS

And now if you please, etc.

JUDGE.

For now I'm a Judge!

ALL

And a good Judge, too!

JUDGE.

For now I'm a Judge!

ALL

And a good Judge, too!

JUDGE.

Though all my law be fudge,

Yet I'll never, never budge,

But I'll live and die a Judge!

ALL

And a good Judge, too!

JUDGE

(pianissimo). It was managed by a job--

ALL

And a good job, too!

JUDGE.

It was managed by a job!

ALL

And a good job too!

JUDGE.

It is patent to the mob,

That my being made a nob

Was effected by a job.

ALL

And a good job too!

[Enter Counsel for Plaintiff. He takes his place in front row of

Counsel's seats

RECIT -- COUNSEL

Swear thou the jury!

USHER.

Kneel, Jurymen, oh, kneel!

[All the Jury kneel in the Jury-box, and so are hidden from

audience.

USHER.

Oh, will you swear by yonder skies,

Whatever question may arise,

'Twixt rich and poor, 'twixt low and high,

That you will well and truly try?

JURY

(raising their hands, which alone are visible)

To all of this we make reply

By the dull slate of yonder sky:

That we will well and truly try.

We'll try.

(All rise with the last note)

RECIT -- COUNSEL

Where is the Plaintiff?

Let her now be brought.

RECIT -- USHER

Oh, Angelina! Come thou into Court!

Angelina! Angelina!

Enter the Bridesmaids

CHORUS OF BRIDESMAIDS

Comes the broken flower--

Comes the cheated maid--

Though the tempest lower,

Rain and cloud will fade

Take, oh maid, these posies:

Though thy beauty rare

Shame the blushing roses,

They are passing fair!

Wear the flowers 'til they fade;

Happy be thy life, oh maid!

[The Judge, having taken a great fancy to First Bridesmaid, sends

her a note by Usher, which she reads, kisses rapturously,

and places in her bosom.

Enter Plaintiff

SOLO -- PLAINTIFF

O'er the season vernal,

Time may cast a shade;

Sunshine, if eternal,

Makes the roses fade!

Time may do his duty;

Let the thief alone--

Winter hath a beauty.

That is all his own.

Fairest days are sun and shade:

I am no unhappy maid!

[The Judge having by this time transferred his admiration to

Plaintiff, directs the Usher to take the note from First

Bridesmaid and hand it to Plaintiff, who reads it,

kisses it rapturously, and places it in her bosom.

CHORUS OF BRIDESMAIDS

Comes the broken flower, etc.

JUDGE.

Oh, never, never, never,

Since I joined the human race,

Saw I so excellently fair a face.

THE JURY

(shaking their forefingers at him) Ah, sly dog!

Ah, sly dog!

JUDGE

(to Jury). How say you?

Is she not designed for capture?

FOREMAN

(after consulting with the Jury). We've but one word,

m'lud, and that is--Rapture!

PLAINTIFF

(curtseying). Your kindness, gentlemen, quite

overpowers!

JURY.

We love you fondly, and would make you ours!

BRIDESMAIDS

(shaking their forefingers at Jury).

Ah, sly dogs! Ah, sly dogs!

RECIT -- COUNSEL for PLAINTIFF

May it please you, m'lud!

Gentlemen of the jury!

ARIA

-- COUNSEL

With a sense of deep emotion,

I approach this painful case;

For I never had a notion

That a man could be so base,

Or deceive a girl confiding,

Vows, etcetera deriding.

ALL

He deceived a girl confiding,

Vows, etcetera, deriding.

[Plaintiff falls sobbing on Counsel's breast and remains there.

COUNSEL.

See my interesting client,

Victim of a heartless wile!

See the traitor all defiant

Wear a supercilious smile!

Sweetly smiled my client on him,

Coyly woo'd and gently won him.

ALL

Sweetly smiled, etc.

COUNSEL.

Swiftly fled each honeyed hour

Spent with this unmanly male!

Sommerville became a bow'r,

Alston an Arcadian Vale,

Breathing concentrated otto!--

An existence la Watteau.

ALL

Bless, us, concentrated otto! etc.

COUNSEL.

Picture, then, my client naming,

And insisting on the day:

Picture him excuses framing--

Going from her far away;

Doubly criminal to do so,

For the maid had bought her trousseau!

ALL

Doubly criminal, etc.

COUNSEL (to Plaintiff, who weeps)

Cheer up, my pretty--oh, cheer up!

JURY.

Cheer up, cheer up, we love you!

[Counsel leads Plaintiff fondly into Witness-box; he takes a tender

leave of her, and resumes his place in Court.

(Plaintiff reels as if about to faint)

JUDGE.

That she is reeling

Is plain to see!

FOREMAN.

If faint you're feeling

Recline on me!

[She falls sobbing on to the Foreman's breast.

PLAINTIFF

(feebly) I shall recover

If left alone.

ALL

(shaking their fists at Defendant)

Oh, perjured lover,

Atone! atone!

FOREMAN.

Just like a father [Kissing her

I wish to be.

JUDGE.

(approaching her)

Or, if you'd rather,

Recline on me!

[She jumps on to Bench, sits down by the Judge, and falls sobbing

on his breast.

COUNSEL.

Oh! fetch some water

From far Cologne!

ALL

For this sad slaughter

Atone! atone!

JURY.

(shaking fists at Defendant)

Monster, monster, dread our fury--

There's the Judge, and we're the Jury!

Come! Substantial damages,

Dam---

USHER.

Silence in Court!

SONG -- DEFENDANT

Oh, gentlemen, listen, I pray,

Though I own that my heart has been ranging,

Of nature the laws I obey,

For nature is constantly changing.

The moon in her phases is found,

The time, and the wind, and the weather.

The months in succession come round,

And you don't find two Mondays together.

Consider the moral, I pray,

Nor bring a young fellow to sorrow,

Who loves this young lady to-day,

And loves that young lady to-morrow.

BRIDESMAIDS

(rushing forward, and kneeling to Jury).

Consider the moral, etc.

One cannot eat breakfast all day,

Nor is it the act of a sinner,

When breakfast is taken away,

To turn his attention to dinner.

And it's not in the range of belief,

To look upon him as a glutton,

Who, when he is tired of beef,

Determines to tackle the mutton.

But this I am willing to say,

If it will appease her sorrow,

I'll marry this lady to-day,

And I'll marry the other to-morrow.

BRIDESMAIDS

(rushing forward as before)

But this he is willing say, etc.

RECIT -- JUDGE

That seems a reasonable proposition,

To which, I think, your client may agree.

COUNSEL

But I submit, m'lud, with all submission,

To marry two at once is Burglaree!

[Referring to law book.

In the reign of James the Second,

It was generally reckoned

As a rather serious crime

To marry two wives at a time.

[Hands book up to Judge, who reads it.

ALL

Oh, man of learning!

QUARTETTE

JUDGE.

A nice dilemma we have here,

That calls for all our wit:

COUNSEL.

And at this stage, it don't appear

That we can settle it.

DEFENDANT

(in Witness-box).

If I to wed the girl am loth

A breach 'twill surely be--

PLAINTIFF.

And if he goes and marries both,

It counts as Burglaree!

ALL

A nice dilemma we have here,

That calls for all our wit.

DUET -- PLAINTIFF and DEFENDANT

PLAINTIFF (embracing him rapturously)

I love him--I love him--with fervour unceasing

I worship and madly adore;

My blind adoration is ever increasing,

My loss I shall ever deplore.

Oh, see what a blessing, what love and caressing

I've lost, and remember it, pray,

When you I'm addressing, are busy assessing

The damages Edwin must pay---

Yes, he must pay!

DEFENDANT (repelling her furiously)

I smoke like a furnace--I'm always in liquor,

A ruffian--a bully--a sot;

I'm sure I should thrash her, perhaps I should kick her,

I am such a very bad lot!

I'm not prepossessing, as you may be guessing,

She couldn't endure me a day!

Recall my professing, when you are assessing

The damages Edwin must pay!

PLAINTIFF.

Yes, he must pay!

[She clings to him passionately; after a struggle, he throws her

off into arms of Counsel.

JURY.

We would be fairly acting,

But this is most distracting!

If, when in liquor he would kick her,

That is an abatement.

RECIT -- JUDGE

The question, gentlemen--is one of liquor.

You ask for guidance--this is my reply:

He says, when tipsy, he would thrash and kick her.

Let's make him tipsy, gentlemen, and try!

COUNSEL.

With all respect,

I do object!

PLAINTIFF.

I do object!

DEFENDANTONIO

I don't object!

ALL

With all respect

We do object!

JUDGE (tossing his books and paper about)

All the legal furies seize you!

No proposal seems to please you,

I can't sit up here all day,

I must shortly get away.

Barristers, and you, attorneys,

Set out on your homeward journeys;

Gentle, simple-minded Usher,

Get you, if you like, to Russher;

Put your briefs upon the shelf,

I will marry her myself!

[He comes down from Bench to floor of Court. He embraces

Angelina.

FINALE

PLAINTIFF.

Oh, joy unbounded,

With wealth surrounded,

The knell is sounded

Of grief and woe.

COUNSEL.

With love devoted

On you he's doated,

To castle moated

Away they go.

DEFENDANTONIO

I wonder whether

They'll live together,

In marriage tether

In manner true?

USHER.

It seems to me, sir,

Of such as she, sir,

A Judge is he, sir,

And a good Judge, too!

JUDGE.

Yes, I am a Judge!

ALL

And a good Judge, too!

JUDGE.

Yes, I am a Judge!

ALL

And a good Judge, too!

JUDGE.

Though homeward as you trudge,

You declare my law is fudge.

Yet of beauty I'm a judge.

ALL

And a good Judge too!

JUDGE.

Though defendant is a snob,

ALL

And a great snob, too!

JUDGE.

Though defendant is a snob,

ALL

And a great snob, too!

JUDGE.

Though defendant is a snob,

I'll reward him from his fob.

So we've settled with the job,

ALL

And a good job, too!

Dance

CURTAIN

THE SORCERER

Libretto by William S. Gilbert

Music by Sir Arthur Sullivan

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre, an Elderly Baronet

Alexis, of the Grenadier Guards--His Son

Dr. Daly, Vicar of Ploverleigh

John Wellington Wells, of J. W. Wells & Co., Family Sorcerers

Lady Sangazure, a Lady of Ancient Lineage

Aline, Her Daughter--betrothed to Alexis

Mrs. Partlet, a Pew-Opener

Constance, her Daughter

Chorus of Villagers

ACT I--Grounds of Sir Marmaduke's Mansion, Mid-day

(Twelve hours are supposed to elapse between Acts I and II)

ACT II-- Grounds of Sir Marmaduke's Mansion, Midnight

Act I.

SCENE--Exterior of Sir Marmaduke's Elizabethan Mansion, mid-day.

CHORUS OF VILLAGERS

Ring forth, ye bells,

With clarion sound--

Forget your knells,

For joys abound.

Forget your notes

Of mournful lay,

And from your throats

Pour joy to-day.

For to-day young Alexis--young Alexis Pointdextre

Is betrothed to Aline--to Aline Sangazure,

And that pride of his sex is--of his sex is to be next her

At the feast on the green--on the green, oh, be sure!

Ring forth, ye bells etc.

(Exeunt the men

into house.)

(Enter Mrs. Partlet with Constance, her daughter)

RECITATIVE

MRS. P.

Constance, my daughter, why this strange depression?

The village rings with seasonable joy,

Because the young and amiable Alexis,

Heir to the great Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre,

Is plighted to Aline, the only daughter

Of Annabella, Lady Sangazure.

You, you alone are sad and out of spirits;

What is the reason? Speak, my daughter, speak!

CON.

Oh, mother, do not ask! If my complexion

From red to white should change in quick succession,

And then from white to red, oh, take no notice!

If my poor limbs should tremble with emotion,

Pay no attention, mother--it is nothing!

If long and deep-drawn sighs I chance to utter,

Oh, heed them not, their cause must ne'er be known!

Mrs. Partlet motions to Chorus to leave her with Constance. Exeunt

ladies of Chorus.

ARIA--CONSTANCE

When he is here,

I sigh with pleasure--

When he is gone,

I sigh with grief.

My hopeless fear

No soul can measure--

His love alone

Can give my aching heart relief!

When he is cold,

I weep for sorrow--

When he is kind,

I weep for joy.

My grief untold

Knows no to-morrow--

My woe can find

No hope, no solace, no alloy!

MRS. P.

Come, tell me all about it! Do not fear--

I, too, have loved; but that was long ago!

Who is the object of your young affections?

CONST.

Hush, mother! He is here! (Looking off)

Enter Dr. Daly. He is pensive and does not see them

MRS. P.

(amazed) Our reverend vicar!

CONST.

Oh, pity me, my heart is almost broken!

MRS. P.

My child, be comforted. To such an union

I shall not offer any opposition.

Take him--he's yours! May you and he be happy!

CONST.

But, mother dear, he is not yours to give!

MRS. P.

That's true, indeed!

CONST.

He might object!

MRS. P.

He might.

But come--take heart--I'll probe him on the subject.

Be comforted--leave this affair to me.

(They

withdraw.)

RECITATIVE--DR. DALY

The air is charged with amatory numbers--

Soft madrigals, and dreamy lovers' lays.

Peace, peace, old heart! Why waken from its slumbers

The aching memory of the old, old days?

BALLAD

Time was when Love and I were well acquainted.

Time was when we walked ever hand in hand.

A saintly youth, with worldly thought untainted,

None better-loved than I in all the land!

Time was, when maidens of the noblest station,

Forsaking even military men,

Would gaze upon me, rapt in adoration--

Ah me, I was a fair young curate then!

Had I a headache? sighed the maids assembled;

Had I a cold? welled forth the silent tear;

Did I look pale? then half a parish trembled;

And when I coughed all thought the end was near!

I had no care--no jealous doubts hung o'er me--

For I was loved beyond all other men.

Fled gilded dukes and belted earls before me--

Ah me, I was a pale young curate them!

(At the conclusion of the ballad, Mrs. Partlet comes forward with

Constance.)

MRS. P.

Good day, reverend sir.

DR. D.

Ah, good Mrs. Partlet, I am glad to see you. And

your little daughter, Constance! Why, she is quite a little

woman, I declare!

CONST.

(aside) Oh, mother, I cannot speak to him!

MRS. P.

Yes, reverend sir, she is nearly eighteen, and as

good a girl as ever stepped. (Aside to Dr. Daly) Ah, sir, I'm

afraid I shall soon lose her!

DR. D.

(aside to Mrs. Partlet) Dear me, you pain me very

much. Is she delicate?

MRS. P.

Oh no, sir--I don't mean that--but young girls look

to get married.

DR. D.

Oh, I take you. To be sure. But there's plenty of

time for that. Four or five years hence, Mrs. Partlet, four or

five years hence. But when the time does come, I shall have much

pleasure in marrying her myself--

CONST.

(aside) Oh, mother!

DR. D.

To some strapping young fellow in her own rank of

life.

CONST.

(in tears) He does not love me!

MRS. P.

I have often wondered, reverend sir (if you'll

excuse the liberty), that you have never married.

DR. D.

(aside) Be still, my fluttering heart!

MRS. P.

A clergyman's wife does so much good in a village.

besides that, you are not as young as you were, and before very

long you will want somebody to nurse you, and look after your

little comforts.

DR. D.

Mrs. Partlet, there is much truth in what you say.

I am indeed getting on in years, and a helpmate would cheer my

declining days. Time was when it might have been; but I have

left it too long--I am an old fogy, now, am I not, my dear? (to

Constance)--a very old fogy, indeed. Ha! ha! No, Mrs. Partlet,

my mind is quite made up. I shall live and die a solitary old

bachelor.

CONST.

Oh, mother, mother! (Sobs on Mrs. Partlet's bosom)

MRS. P.

Come, come, dear one, don't fret. At a more

fitting time we will try again--we will try again.

(Exeunt Mrs. Partlet and

Constance.)

DR. D.

(looking after them) Poor little girl! I'm afraid

she has something on her mind. She is rather comely. Time was

when this old heart would have throbbed in double-time at the

sight of such a fairy form! But tush! I am puling! Here comes

the young Alexis with his proud and happy father. Let me dry

this tell-tale tear!

Enter Sir Marmaduke and Alexis

RECITATIVE

DR. D.

Sir Marmaduke--my dear young friend, Alexis--

On this most happy, most auspicious plighting--

Permit me as a true old friend to tender

My best, my very best congratulations!

SIR M.

Sir, you are most obleeging!

ALEX.

Dr. Daly

My dear old tutor, and my valued pastor,

I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

(Spoken

through music)

DR. D.

May fortune bless you! may the middle distance

Of your young life be pleasant as the foreground--

The joyous foreground! and, when you have reached it,

May that which now is the far-off horizon

(But which will then become the middle distance),

In fruitful promise be exceeded only

By that which will have opened, in the meantime,

Into a new and glorious horizon!

SIR M.

Dear Sir, that is an excellent example

Of an old school of stately compliment

To which I have, through life, been much addicted.

Will you obleege me with a copy of it,

In clerkly manuscript, that I myself

May use it on appropriate occasions?

DR. D.

Sir, you shall have a fairly-written copy

Ere Sol has sunk into his western slumbers!

(Exit

Dr. Daly)

SIR M.

(to Alexis, who is in a reverie) Come, come, my

son--your fiancee will be here in five minutes. Rouse yourself

to receive her.

ALEXIS

Oh rapture!

SIR M.

Yes, you are a fortunate young fellow, and I will

not disguise from you that this union with the House of Sangazure

realizes my fondest wishes. Aline is rich, and she comes of a

sufficiently old family, for she is the seven thousand and

thirty-seventh in direct descent from Helen of Troy. True, there

was a blot on the escutcheon of that lady--that affair with

Paris--but where is the family, other than my own, in which there

is no flaw? You are a lucky fellow, sir--a very lucky fellow!

ALEXIS

Father, I am welling over with limpid joy! No

sicklying taint of sorrow overlies the lucid lake of liquid love,

upon which, hand in hand, Aline and I are to float into eternity!

SIR M.

Alexis, I desire that of your love for this young

lady you do not speak so openly. You are always singing ballads

in praise of her beauty, and you expect the very menials who wait

behind your chair to chorus your ecstasies. It is not delicate.

ALEXIS

Father, a man who loves as I love--

SIR M.

Pooh pooh, sir! fifty years ago I madly loved your

future mother-in-law, the Lady Sangazure, and I have reason to

believe that she returned my love. But were we guilty of the

indelicacy of publicly rushing into each other's arms,

exclaiming--

"Oh, my adored one!" "Beloved boy!"

"Ecstatic rapture!" "Unmingled joy!"

which seems to be the modern fashion of love-making? No! it was

"Madam, I trust you are in the enjoyment of good health"--"Sir,

you are vastly polite, I protest I am mighty well"--and so forth.

Much more delicate--much more respectful. But see--Aline

approaches--let us retire, that she may compose herself for the

interesting ceremony in which she is to play so important a part.

(Exeunt Sir Marmaduke and

Alexis.)

(Enter Aline on terrace, preceded by Chorus of Girls.)

CHORUS OF GIRLS

With heart and with voice

Let us welcome this mating:

To the youth of her choice,

With a heart palpitating,

Comes the lovely Aline!

May their love never cloy!

May their bliss me unbounded!

With a halo of joy

May their lives be surrounded!

Heaven bless our Aline!

RECITATIVE--ALINE.

My kindly friends, I thank you for this greeting

And as you wish me every earthly joy,

I trust your wishes may have quick fulfillment!

ARIA--ALINE.

Oh, happy young heart!

Comes thy young lord a-wooing

With joy in his eyes,

And pride in his breast--

Make much of thy prize,

For he is the best

That ever came a-suing.

Yet--yet we must part,

Young heart!

Yet--yet we must part!

Oh, merry young heart,

Bright are the days of thy wooing!

But happier far

The days untried--

No sorrow can mar,

When love has tied

The knot there's no undoing.

Then, never to part,

Young heart!

Then, never to part!

Enter Lady Sangazure

RECITATIVE--LADY S.

My child, I join in these congratulations:

Heed not the tear that dims this aged eye!

Old memories crowd upon me. Though I sorrow,

'Tis for myself, Aline, and not for thee!

Enter Alexis, preceded by Chorus of Men

CHORUS OF MEN AND WOMEN

With heart and with voice

Let us welcome this mating;

To the maid of his choice,

With a heart palpitating,

Comes Alexis, the brave!.

(Sir Marmaduke enters. Lady Sangazure and he exhibit signs of

strong

emotion at the sight of each other which they endeavor to

repress. Alexis and Aline rush into each other's arms.)

RECITATIVE

ALEXIS

Oh, my adored one!

ALINE

Beloved boy!

ALEXIS

Ecstatic rapture!

ALINE

Unmingled joy!

(They

retire up.)

DUET--SIR MARMADUKE and LADY SANGAZURE

SIR M.

(with stately courtesy)

Welcome joy, adieu to sadness!

As Aurora gilds the day,

So those eyes, twin orbs of gladness,

Chase the clouds of care away.

Irresistible incentive

Bids me humbly kiss your hand;

I'm your service most attentive--

Most attentive to command!

(Aside with frantic vehemence)

Wild with adoration!

Mad with fascination!

To indulge my lamentation

No occasion do I miss!

Goaded to distraction

By maddening inaction,

I find some satisfaction

In apostophe like this:

"Sangazure immortal,

"Sangazure divine,

"Welcome to my portal,

"Angel, oh be mine!"

(Aloud with much ceremony)

Irresistible incentive

Bids me humbly kiss your hand;

I'm your servant most attentive--

Most attentive to command!

LADY S.

Sir, I thank you most politely

For your grateful courtesee;

Compliment more true and knightly

Never yet was paid to me!

Chivalry is an ingredient

Sadly lacking in our land--

Sir, I am your most obedient,

Most obedient to command!

(Aside and with great vehemence)

Wild with adoration!

Mad with fascination!

To indulge my lamentation

No occasion do I miss!

Goaded to distraction

By maddening inaction,

I find some satisfaction

In apostophe like this:

"Marmaduke immortal,

"Marmaduke divine,

"Take me to thy portal,

"Loved one, oh be mine!"

(Aloud with much ceremony)

Chivalry is an ingredient

Sadly lacking in our land;

Sir, I am your most obedient,

Most obedient to command!

(During this the Notary has entered, with marriage contract.)

RECITATIVE--NOTARY

All is prepared for sealing and for signing,

The contract has been drafted as agreed;

Approach the table, oh, ye lovers pining,

With hand and seal come execute the deed!

(Alexis and Aline advance and sign, Alexis supported by Sir

Marmaduke,

Aline by her Mother.)

CHORUS

See they sign, without a quiver, it--

Then to seal proceed.

They deliver it--they deliver it

As their Act and Deed!

ALEX.

I deliver it--I deliver it

As my Act and Deed!.

ALINE.

I deliver it--I deliver it.

As my Act and Deed!

CHO.

With heart and with voice

Let us welcome this mating;

Leave them here to rejoice,

With true love palpitating,

Alexis the brave,

And the lovely Aline!

(Exeunt all but Alexis

and Aline.)

ALEXIS

At last we are alone! My darling, you are now

irrevocably betrothed to me. Are you not very, very happy?

ALINE

Oh, Alexis, can you doubt it? Do I not love you

beyond all on earth, and am I not beloved in return? Is not true

love, faithfully given and faithfully returned, the source of

every earthly joy?

ALEXIS

Of that there can be no doubt. Oh, that the world

could be persuaded of the truth of that maxim! Oh, that the

world would break down the artificial barriers of rank, wealth,

education, age, beauty, habits, taste, and temper, and recognize

the glorious principle, that in marriage alone is to be found the

panacea for every ill!

ALINE

Continue to preach that sweet doctrine, and you will

succeed, oh, evangel of true happiness!

ALEXIS

I hope so, but as yet the cause progresses but

slowly. Still I have made some converts to the principle, that

men and women should be coupled in matrimony without distinction

of rank. I have lectured on the subject at Mechanics'

Institutes, and the mechanics were unanimous in favour of my

views. I have preached in workhouses, beershops, and Lunatic

Asylums, and I have been received with enthusiasm. I have

addressed navvies on the advantages that would accrue to them if

they married wealthy ladies of rank, and not a navvy dissented!

ALINE

Noble fellows! And yet there are those who hold that

the uneducated classes are not open to argument! And what do the

countesses say?

ALEXIS

Why, at present, it can't be denied, the aristocracy

hold aloof.

ALINE

Ah, the working man is the true Intelligence after

all!

ALEXIS

He is a noble creature when he is quite sober. Yes,

Aline, true happiness comes of true love, and true love should be

independent of external influences. It should live upon itself

and by itself--in itself love should live for love alone!

BALLAD--ALEXIS

Love feeds on many kinds of food, I know,

Some love for rank, some for duty:

Some give their hearts away for empty show,

And others for youth and beauty.

To love for money all the world is prone:

Some love themselves, and live all lonely:

Give me the love that loves for love alone--

I love that love--I love it only!

What man for any other joy can thirst,

Whose loving wife adores him duly?

Want, misery, and care may do their worst,

If loving woman loves you truly.

A lover's thoughts are ever with his own--

None truly loved is ever lonely:

Give me the love that loves for love alone--

I love that love--I love it only!

ALINE

Oh, Alexis, those are noble principles!

ALEXIS

Yes, Aline, and I am going to take a desperate step

in support of them. Have you ever heard of the firm of J. W.

Wells & Co., the old-established Family Sorcerers in St. Mary

Axe?

ALINE I have seen their advertisement.

ALEXIS

They have invented a philtre, which, if report may

be believed, is simply infallible. I intend to distribute it

through the village, and within half an hour of my doing so there

will not be an adult in the place who will not have learnt the

secret of pure and lasting happiness. What do you say to that?

ALINE

Well, dear, of course a filter is a very useful thing

in a house; but still I don't quite see that it is the sort of

thing that places its possessor on the very pinnacle of earthly

joy.

ALEXIS

Aline, you misunderstand me. I didn't say a

filter--I said a philtre.

ALINE (alarmed) You don't mean a love-potion?

ALEXIS On the contrary--I do mean a love potion.

ALINE

Oh, Alexis! I don't think it would be right. I

don't indeed. And then--a real magician! Oh, it would be

downright wicked.

ALEXIS

Aline, is it, or is it not, a laudable object to

steep the whole village up to its lips in love, and to couple

them in matrimony without distinction of age, rank, or fortune?

ALINE

Unquestionably, but--

ALEXIS

Then unpleasant as it must be to have recourse to

supernatural aid, I must nevertheless pocket my aversion, in

deference to the great and good end I have in view. (Calling)

Hercules.

(Enter a Page from tent)

PAGE Yes, sir.

ALEXIS

Is Mr. Wells there?

PAGE

He's in the tent, sir--refreshing.

ALEXIS Ask him to be so good as to step this way.

PAGE

Yes, sir.

(Exit Page)

ALINE

Oh, but, Alexis! A real Sorcerer! Oh, I shall be

frightened to death!

ALEXIS

I trust my Aline will not yield to fear while the

strong right arm of her Alexis is here to protect her.

ALINE

It's nonsense, dear, to talk of your protecting me

with your strong right arm, in face of the fact that this Family

Sorcerer could change me into a guinea-pig before you could turn

round.

ALEXIS

He could change you into a guinea-pig, no doubt, but

it is most unlikely that he would take such a liberty. It's a

most respectable firm, and I am sure he would never be guilty of

so untradesmanlike an act.

(Enter Mr. Wells from tent)

WELLS

Good day, sir. (Aline much terrified.)

ALEXIS Good day--I believe you are a Sorcerer.

WELLS

Yes, sir, we practice Necromancy in all its branches.

We've a choice assortment of wishing-caps, divining-rods,

amulets, charms, and counter-charms. We can cast you a nativity

at a low figure, and we have a horoscope at three-and-six that we

can guarantee. Our Abudah chests, each containing a patent Hag

who comes out and prophesies disasters, with spring complete, are

strongly recommended. Our Aladdin lamps are very chaste, and our

Prophetic Tablets, foretelling everything--from a change of

Ministry down to a rise in Unified--are much enquired for. Our

penny Curse--one of the cheapest things in the trade--is

considered infallible. We have some very superior Blessings,

too, but they're very little asked for. We've only sold one

since Christmas--to a gentleman who bought it to send to his

mother-in-law--but it turned out that he was afflicted in the

head, and it's been returned on our hands. But our sale of penny

Curses, especially on Saturday nights, is tremendous. We can't

turn 'em out fast enough.

SONG--MR. WELLS

Oh! my name is John Wellington Wells,

I'm a dealer in magic and spells,

In blessings and curses

And ever-filled purses,

In prophecies, witches, and knells.

If you want a proud foe to "make tracks"--

If you'd melt a rich uncle in wax--

You've but to look in

On the resident Djinn,

Number seventy, Simmery Axe!

We've a first-class assortment of magic;

And for raising a posthumous shade

With effects that are comic or tragic,

There's no cheaper house in the trade.

Love-philtre--we've quantities of it;

And for knowledge if any one burns,

We keep an extremely small prophet, a prophet

Who brings us unbounded returns:

For he can prophesy

With a wink of his eye,

Peep with security

Into futurity,

Sum up your history,

Clear up a mystery,

Humour proclivity

For a nativity--for a nativity;

With mirrors so magical,

Tetrapods tragical,

Bogies spectacular,

Answers oracular,

Facts astronomical,

Solemn or comical,

And, if you want it, he

Makes a reduction on taking a quantity!

Oh!

If any one anything lacks,

He'll find it all ready in stacks,

If he'll only look in

On the resident Djinn,

Number seventy, Simmery Axe!

He can raise you hosts

Of ghosts,

And that without reflectors;

And creepy things

With wings,

And gaunt and grisly spectres.

He can fill you crowds

Of shrouds,

And horrify you vastly;

He can rack your brains

With chains,

And gibberings grim and ghastly.

And then, if you plan it, he

Changes organity,

With an urbanity,

Full of Satanity,

Vexes humanity

With an inanity

Fatal to vanity--

Driving your foes to the verge of insanity!

Barring tautology,

In demonology,

'Lectro-biology,

Mystic nosology,

Spirit philology,

High-class astrology,

Such is his knowledge, he

Isn't the man to require an apology!

Oh!

My name is John Wellington Wells,

I'm a dealer in magic and spells,

In blessings and curses

And ever-filled purses,

In prophecies, witches, and knells.

If any one anything lacks,

He'll find it all ready in stacks,

If he'll only look in

On the resident Djinn,

Number seventy, Simmery Axe!

ALEXIS

I have sent for you to consult you on a very

important matter. I believe you advertise a Patent Oxy-Hydrogen

Love-at-first-sight Philtre?

WELLS

Sir, it is our leading article. (Producing a phial.)

ALEXIS

Now I want to know if you can confidently guarantee

it as possessing all the qualities you claim for it in your

advertisement?

WELLS

Sir, we are not in the habit of puffing our goods.

Ours is an old-established house with a large family connection,

and every assurance held out in the advertisement is fully

realized. (Hurt)

ALINE

(aside) Oh, Alexis, don't offend him! He'll change

us into something dreadful--I know he will!

ALEXIS

I am anxious from purely philanthropical motives to

distribute this philtre, secretly, among the inhabitants of this

village. I shall of course require a quantity. How do you sell

it?

WELLS

In buying a quantity, sir, we should strongly advise

your taking it in the wood, and drawing it off as you happen to

want it. We have it in four-and-a-half and nine gallon

casks--also in pipes and hogsheads for laying down, and we deduct

10 per cent from prompt cash.

ALEXIS

I should mention that I am a Member of the Army and

Navy Stores.

WELLS

In that case we deduct 25 percent.

ALEXIS

Aline, the villagers will assemble to carouse in a

few minutes. Go and fetch the tea-pot.

ALINE

But, Alexis--

ALEXIS

My dear, you must obey me, if you please. Go and

fetch the teapot.

ALINE

(going) I'm sure Dr. Daly would disapprove of it!

(Exit Aline.)

ALEXIS

And how soon does it take effect?

WELLS

In twelve hours. Whoever drinks of it loses

consciousness for that period, and on waking falls in love, as a

matter of course, with the first lady he meets who has also

tasted it, and his affection is at once returned. One trial will

prove the fact.

Enter Aline with large tea-pot

ALEXIS

Good: then, Mr. Wells, I shall feel obliged if you

will at once pour as much philtre into this teapot as will

suffice to affect the whole village.

ALINE

But bless me, Alexis, many of the villages are

married people!

WELLS

Madam, this philtre is compounded on the strictest

principles. On married people it has no effect whatever. But

are you quite sure that you have nerve enough to carry you

through the fearful ordeal?

ALEXIS In the good cause I fear nothing.

WELLS

Very good, then, we will proceed at once to the

Incantation.

The stage grows dark.

INCANTATION

WELLS.

Sprites of earth and air--

Fiends of flame and fire--

Demon souls,

Come here in shoals,

This dreaded deed inspire!

Appear, appear, appear.

MALE VOICES.

Good master, we are here!

WELLS.

Noisome hags of night--

Imps of deadly shade--

Pallid ghosts,

Arise in hosts,

And lend me all your aid.

Appear, appear, appear!

FEMALE VOICES.

Good master, we are here!

ALEXIS.

(aside) Hark, they assemble,

These fiends of the night!

ALINE.

(aside) Oh Alexis, I tremble,

Seek safety in flight!

ARIA - ALINE

Let us fly to a far-off land,

Where peace and plenty dwell--

Where the sigh of the silver strand

Is echoed in every shell

To the joy that land will give,

On the wings of Love we'll fly;

In innocence, there to live--

In innocence there to die!

CHORUS OF SPIRITS.

Too late--too late

It may not be!

That happy fate

Is not for (me/thee)!

ALEXIS, ALINE, and MR. W.

Too late--too late,

That may not be!

That happy fate,

Is not for thee!

MR.

WELLS

Now shrivelled hags, with poison bags,

Discharge your loathsome loads!

Spit flame and fire, unholy choir!

Belch forth your venom, toads!

Ye demons fell, with yelp and yell,

Shed curses far afield--

Ye fiends of night, your filthy blight

In noisome plenty yield!

WELLS

(pouring phial into tea-pot--flash)

Number One!

CHORUS

It is done!

WELLS

(same business) Number Two! (flash)

CHORUS

One too few!

WELLS

Number Three! (flash)

CHORUS

Set us free!

Set us free-our work is done

Ha! ha! ha!

Set us free--our course is run!

Ha! ha! ha!

ALINE AND ALEXIS (aside)

Let us fly to a far-off land,

Where peace and plenty dwell--

Where the sigh of the silver strand

Is echoed in every shell.

CHORUS OF FIENDS.

Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!

(Stage grows light. Mr. Wells beckons villagers. Enter villagers

and all the dramatis personae, dancing joyously. Mrs. Partlet and

Mr. Wells then distribute tea-cups.)

CHORUS

Now to the banquet we press;

Now for the eggs, the ham;

Now for the mustard and cress,

Now for the strawberry jam!

Now for the tea of our host,

Now for the rollicking bun,

Now for the muffin and toast,

Now for the gay Sally Lunn!

WOMEN

The eggs and the ham, and the strawberry jam!

MEN

The rollicking bun, and the gay Sally Lunn!

The rollicking, rollicking bun!

RECITATIVE--SIR MARMADUKE

Be happy all--the feast is spread before ye;

Fear nothing, but enjoy yourselves, I pray!

Eat, aye, and drink--be merry, I implore ye,

For once let thoughtless Folly rule the day.

TEA-CUP BRINDISI

Eat, drink, and be gay,

Banish all worry and sorrow,

Laugh gaily to-day,

Weep, if you're sorry, to-morrow!

Come, pass the cup around--

I will go bail for the liquor;

It's strong, I'll be bound,

For it was brewed by the vicar!

CHORUS

None so knowing as he

At brewing a jorum of tea,

Ha! ha!

A pretty stiff jorum of tea.

TRIO--WELLS, ALINE, and ALEXIS. (aside)

See--see--they drink--

All thoughts unheeding,

The tea-cups clink,

They are exceeding!

Their hearts will melt

In half-an-hour--

Then will be felt

The potions power!

(During this verse Constance has brought a small tea-pot, kettle,

caddy, and cosy to Dr. Daly. He makes tea scientifically.)

BRINDISI, 2nd Verse--DR. DALY (with the tea-pot)

Pain, trouble, and care,

Misery, heart-ache, and worry,

Quick, out of your lair!

Get you gone in a hurry!

Toil, sorrow, and plot,

Fly away quicker and quicker--

Three spoons in the pot--

That is the brew of your vicar!

CHORUS

None so cunning as he

At brewing a jorum of tea,

Ha! ha!

A pretty stiff jorum of tea!

ENSEMBLE--ALEXIS and ALINE (aside)

Oh love, true love--unworldly, abiding!

Source of all pleasure--true fountain of joy,--

Oh love, true love--divinely confiding,

Exquisite treasure that knows no alloy,--

Oh love, true love, rich harvest of gladness,

Peace-bearing tillage--great garner of bliss,--

Oh love, true love, look down on our sadness --

Dwell in this village--oh, hear us in this!

(It becomes evident by the strange conduct of the characters that

the charm is working. All rub their eyes, and stagger about the

stage as if under the influence of a narcotic.)

TUTTI (aside) ALEXIS, MR. WELLS and ALINE

Oh, marvellous illusion! A marvellous illusion!

Oh, terrible surprise! A terrible surprise

What is this strange confusion Excites a strange confusion

That veils my aching eyes? Within their aching eyes--

I must regain my senses, They must regain their senses,

Restoring Reason's law, Restoring Reason's law,

Or fearful inferences Or fearful inferences

Society will draw! Society will draw!

(Those who have partaken of the philtre struggle in vain against

its effects, and, at the end of the chorus, fall insensible on

the stage.)

END OF ACT I

ACT II

Scene--Exterior of Sir Marmaduke's mansion by moonlight. All the

peasantry are discovered asleep on the ground, as at the end of

Act I.

Enter Mr. Wells, on tiptoe, followed by Alexis and Aline. Mr. Wells

carries a dark lantern.

TRIO--ALEXIS, ALINE, and MR. WELLS

'Tis twelve, I think,

And at this mystic hour

The magic drink

Should manifest its power.

Oh, slumbering forms,

How little ye have guessed

That fire that warms

Each apathetic breast!

ALEX.

But stay, my father is not here!

ALINE.

And pray where is my mother dear?

MR. WELLS.

I did not think it meet to see

A dame of lengthy pedigree,

A Baronet and K.C.B.

A Doctor of Divinity,

And that respectable Q.C.,

All fast asleep, al-fresco-ly,

And so I had them taken home

And put to bed respectably!

I trust my conduct meets your approbation.

ALEX.

Sir, you have acted with discrimination,

And shown more delicate appreciation

Than we expect of persons of your station.

MR. WELLS.

But stay--they waken one by one --

The spell has worked--the deed is done!

I would suggest that we retire

While Love, the Housemaid, lights her kitchen

fire!

(Exeunt Mr. Wells, Alexis and Aline, on tiptoe, as the villagers

stretch their arms, yawn, rub their eyes, and sit up.)

MEN

Why, where be oi, and what be oi a doin',

A sleepin' out, just when the dews du rise?

GIRLS

Why, that's the very way your health to ruin,

And don't seem quite respectable likewise!

MEN

(staring at girls) Eh, that's you!

Only think o' that now!

GIRLS

(coyly) What may you be at, now?

Tell me, du!

MEN

(admiringly) Eh, what a nose,

And eh, what eyes, miss!

Lips like a rose,

And cheeks likewise, miss!

GIRLS

(coyly) Oi tell you true,

Which I've never done, sir,

Oi loike you

As I never loiked none, sir!

ALL

Eh, but oi du loike you!

MEN

If you'll marry me, I'll dig for you

and

rake for you!

GIRLS

If you'll marry be, I'll scrub for you

and bake for you!

MEN

If you'll marry me, all others I'll

forsake for you!

ALL

All this will I du, if you marry

me!

GIRLS

If you'll marry me, I'll cook for you

and brew for you!

MEN

If you'll marry me, I've guineas not

a

few for you!

GIRLS

If you'll marry me, I'll take you in

and

du for you!

ALL

All this will I du, if you'll marry

me!

Eh, but I do loike you!

Country Dance

(At end of dance, enter Constance in tears, leading Notary, who

carries an ear-trumpet)

Aria--CONSTANCE

Dear friends, take pity on my lot,

My cup is not of nectar!

I long have loved--as who would not?--

Our kind and reverend rector.

Long years ago my love began

So sweetly--yet so sadly--

But when I saw this plain old man,

Away my old affection ran--

I found I loved him madly.

Oh!

(To Notary) You very, very plain old man,

I love, I love you madly!

CHORUS

You very, very plain old man,

She loves, she loves you madly!

NOTARY.

I am a very deaf old man,

And hear you very badly!

CONST.

I know not why I love him so;

It is enchantment, surely!

He's dry and snuffy, deaf and slow

Ill-tempered, weak and poorly!

He's ugly, and absurdly dressed,

And sixty-seven nearly,

He's everything that I detest,

But if the truth must be confessed,

I love him very dearly!

Oh!

(To Notary) You're everything that I detest,

But still I love you dearly!

CHORUS

You've everything that girls detest,

But still she loves you dearly!

NOTARY.

I caught that line, but for the rest,

I did not hear it clearly!

(During this verse Aline and Alexis have entered at back

unobserved.)

ALINE AND ALEXIS

ALEX

Oh joy! oh joy!

The charm works well,

And all are now united.

ALINE.

The blind young boy

Obeys the spell,

And troth they all have plighted!

ENSEMBLE

Aline & Alexis Constance Notary

Oh joy! oh joy! Oh, bitter joy! Oh joy! oh

joy!

The charm works well, No words can tell No words can

tell

And all are now united! How my poor heart My state

of mind

The blind young boy is blighted!

delighted.

Obeys the spell, They'll soon employ They'll soon

employ

A marriage bell, A marriage

bell,

Their troth they all To say that we're To say

that we're

have plighted. united. united.

True happiness I do confess True happiness

Reigns everywhere, A sorrow rare Reigns

everywhere

And dwells with both My humbled spirit And dwells

with both

the sexes. vexes. the

sexes,

And all will bless And none will bless And all will

bless

The thoughtful care Example rare Example rare

Of their beloved Of their beloved Of their

beloved

Alexis! Alexis! Alexis!

(All, except Alexis and Aline, exeunt

lovingly.)

ALINE

How joyful they all seem in their new-found

happiness! The whole village has paired off in the happiest

manner. And yet not a match has been made that the hollow world

would not consider ill-advised!

ALEXIS

But we are wiser--far wiser--than the world.

Observe the good that will become of these ill-assorted unions.

The miserly wife will check the reckless expenditure of her too

frivolous consort, the wealthy husband will shower innumerable

bonnets on his penniless bride, and the young and lively spouse

will cheer the declining days of her aged partner with comic

songs unceasing!

ALINE

What a delightful prospect for him!

ALEXIS

But one thing remains to be done, that my happiness

may be complete. We must drink the philtre ourselves, that I may

be assured of your love for ever and ever.

ALINE

Oh, Alexis, do you doubt me? Is it necessary that

such love as ours should be secured by artificial means? Oh, no,

no, no!

ALEXIS

My dear Aline, time works terrible changes, and I

want to place our love beyond the chance of change.

ALINE

Alexis, it is already far beyond that chance. Have

faith in me, for my love can never, never change!

ALEXIS

Then you absolutely refuse?

ALINE

I do. If you cannot trust me, you have no right to

love me--no right to be loved by me.

ALEXIS

Enough, Aline, I shall know how to interpret this

refusal.

BALLAD--ALEXIS

Thou hast the power thy vaunted love

To sanctify, all doubt above,

Despite the gathering shade:

To make that love of thine so sure

That, come what may, it must endure

Till time itself shall fade.

They love is but a flower

That fades within the hour!

If such thy love, oh, shame!

Call it by other name--

It is not love!

Thine is the power and thine alone,

To place me on so proud a throne

That kings might envy me!

A priceless throne of love untold,

More rare than orient pearl and gold.

But no! Thou wouldst be free!

Such love is like the ray

That dies within the day:

If such thy love, oh, shame!

Call it by other name--

It is not love!

Enter Dr. Daly.

DR. D.

(musing) It is singular--it is very singular. It

has overthrown all my calculations. It is distinctly opposed to

the doctrine of averages. I cannot understand it.

ALINE

Dear Dr. Daly, what has puzzled you?

DR. D.

My dear, this village has not hitherto been addicted

to marrying and giving in marriage. Hitherto the youths of this

village have not been enterprising, and the maidens have been

distinctly coy. Judge then of my surprise when I tell you that

the whole village came to me in a body just now, and implored me

to join them in matrimony with as little delay as possible. Even

your excellent father has hinted to me that before very long it

is not unlikely that he may also change his condition.

ALINE

Oh, Alexis--do you hear that? Are you not delighted?

ALEXIS

Yes, I confess that a union between your mother and

my father would be a happy circumstance indeed. (Crossing to Dr.

Daly) My dear sir--the news that you bring us is very

gratifying.

DR. D.

Yes--still, in my eyes, it has its melancholy side.

This universal marrying recalls the happy days--now, alas, gone

forever--when I myself might have--but tush! I am puling. I am

too old to marry--and yet, within the last half-hour, I have

greatly yearned for companionship. I never remarked it before,

but the young maidens of this village are very comely. So

likewise are the middle-aged. Also the elderly. All are

comely--and (with a deep sigh) all are engaged!

ALINE Here comes your father.

Enter Sir Marmaduke with Mrs. Partlet, arm-in-arm

ALINE and ALEXIS

(aside)

Mrs. Partlet!

SIR M.

Dr. Daly, give me joy. Alexis, my dear boy, you

will, I am sure, be pleased to hear that my declining days are

not unlikely to be solaced by the companionship of this good,

virtuous, and amiable woman.

ALEXIS

(rather taken aback) My dear father, this is not

altogether what I expected. I am certainly taken somewhat by

surprise. Still it can hardly be necessary to assure you that

any wife of yours is a mother of mine. (Aside to Aline.) It is

not quite what I could have wished.

MRS. P.

(crossing to Alexis) Oh, sir, I entreat your

forgiveness. I am aware that socially I am not everything that

could be desired, nor am I blessed with an abundance of worldly

goods, but I can at least confer on your estimable father the

great and priceless dowry of a true, tender, and lovin' 'art!

ALEXIS

(coldly) I do not question it. After all, a

faithful love is the true source of every earthly joy.

SIR M.

I knew that my boy would not blame his poor father

for acting on the impulse of a heart that has never yet misled

him. Zorah is not perhaps what the world calls beautiful--

DR. D.

Still she is comely--distinctly comely. (Sighs)

ALINE

Zorah is very good, and very clean, and honest, and

quite, quite sober in her habits: and that is worth far more than

beauty, dear Sir Marmaduke.

DR. D.

Yes; beauty will fade and perish, but personal

cleanliness is practically undying, for it can be renewed

whenever it discovers symptoms of decay. My dear Sir Marmaduke,

I heartily congratulate you. (Sighs)

QUINTETTE

ALEXIS, ALINE, SIR MARMADUKE, ZORAH, and DR. DALY

ALEXIS.

I rejoice that it's decided,

Happy now will be his life,

For my father is provided

With a true and tender wife.

She will tend him, nurse him, mend him,

Air his linen, dry his tears;

Bless the thoughtful fate that send him

Such a wife to soothe his years!

ALINE.

No young giddy thoughtless maiden,

Full of graces, airs, and jeers--

But a sober widow, laden

With the weight of fifty years!

SIR M.

No high-born exacting beauty

Blazing like a jewelled sun--

But a wife who'll do her duty,

As that duty should be done!

MRS. P.

I'm no saucy minx and giddy--

Hussies such as them abound--

But a clean and tidy widdy

Well be-known for miles around!

DR.D.

All the village now have mated,

All are happy as can be--

I to live alone am fated:

No one's left to marry me!

ENSEMBLE.

She will tend him etc.

(Exeunt Sir Marmaduke, Mrs. Partlet, and Aline, with Alexis. Dr.

Daly

looks after them sentimentally, then exits with a sigh.)

Enter Mr. Wells

RECITATIVE--MR. WELLS

Oh, I have wrought much evil with my spells!

And ill I can't undo!

This is too bad of you, J. W. Wells--

What wrong have they done you?

And see--another love-lorn lady comes--

Alas, poor stricken dame!

A gentle pensiveness her life benumbs--

And mine, alone, the blame!

Lady Sangazure enters. She is very melancholy

LADY S.

Alas, ah me! and well-a-day!

I sigh for love, and well I may,

For I am very old and grey.

But stay!

(Sees Mr. Wells, and becomes fascinated by him.)

RECITATIVE

LADY S.

What is this fairy form I see before me?

MR. W.

Oh horrible!--She's going to adore me!

This last catastrophe is overpowering!

LADY S.

Why do you glare at one with visage lowering?

For pity's sake recoil not thus from me!

MR. W.

My lady leave me--this may never be!

DUET--LADY SANGAZURE and MR. WELLS

MR. W.

Hate me! I drop my H's--have through life!

LADY S.

Love me! I'll drop them too!

MR. W.

Hate me! I always eat peas with a knife!

LADY S.

Love me! I'll eat like you!

MR. W.

Hate me! I spend the day at Rosherville!

LADY S.

Love me! that joy I'll share!

MR. W.

Hate me! I often roll down One Tree Hill!

LADY S.

Love me! I'll join you there!

LADY S.

Love me! My prejudices I will drop!

MR. W.

Hate me! that's not enough!

LADY S.

Love me! I'll come and help you in the shop!

MR. W.

Hate me! the life is rough!

LADY S.

Love me! my grammar I will all forswear!

MR. W.

Hate me! abjure my lot!

LADY S.

Love me! I'll stick sunflowers in my hair!

MR. W.

Hate me! they'll suit you not!

RECITATIVE--MR. WELLS

At what I am going to say be not enraged--

I may not love you--for I am engaged!

LADY S.

(horrified) Engaged!

MR. W.

Engaged!

To a maiden fair,

With bright brown hair,

And a sweet and simple smile,

Who waits for me

By the sounding sea,

On a South Pacific isle.

MR. W.

(aside) A lie! No maiden waits me there!

LADY S.

(mournfully) She has bright brown hair;

MR. W.

(aside) A lie! No maiden smiles on me!

LADY S.

(mournfully) By the sounding sea!

ENSEMBLE

LADY SANGAZURE MR. W.

Oh agony, rage, despair! Oh, agony, rage,

despair!

The maiden has bright brown hair, Oh, where will this

end--oh, where?

And mine is as white as snow! I should like very much

to know!

False man, it will be your fault, It will certainly be my

fault,

If I go to my family vault, If she goes to her family

vault,

And bury my life-long woe! To bury her life-long

woe!

BOTH

The family vault--the family vault.

It will certainly be (your/my) fault.

If (I go/she goes) to (my/her) family vault,

To bury (my/her) life-long woe!

(Exit Lady Sangazure, in great anguish, accompanied by Mr. Wells.)

Enter Aline, Recitative

Alexis! Doubt me not, my loved one! See,

Thine uttered will is sovereign law to me!

All fear--all thought of ill I cast away!

It is may darling's will, and I obey!

(She drinks the

philtre.)

The fearful deed is done,

My love is near!

I go to meet my own

In trembling fear!

If o'er us aught of ill

Should cast a shade,

It was my darling's will,

And I obeyed!

(As Aline is going off, she meets Dr. Daly, entering pensively. He

is playing on a flageolet. Under the influence of the spell she

at once becomes strangely fascinated by him, and exhibits every

symptom of being hopelessly in love with him.)

SONG--DR. DALY

Oh, my voice is sad and low

And with timid step I go--

For with load of love o'er laden

I enquire of every maiden,

"Will you wed me, little lady?

Will you share my cottage shady?"

Little lady answers "No!

Thank you for your kindly proffer--

Good your heart, and full your coffer;

Yet I must decline your offer--

I'm engaged to So-and-so!"

So-and-so!

So-and-so! (flageolet solo)

She's engaged to So-and-so!

What a rogue young hearts to pillage;

What a worker on Love's tillage!

Every maiden in the village

Is engage to So-and-so!

So-and-so!

So-and-so! (flageolet solo)

All engaged to So-and-so!

(At the end of the song Dr. Daly sees Aline, and, under the

influence of the potion, falls in love with her.)

ENSEMBLE--ALINE and DR. DALY.

Oh, joyous boon! oh, mad delight;

Oh, sun and moon! oh, day and night!

Rejoice, rejoice with me!

Proclaim our joy, ye birds above--

Yet brooklets, murmur forth our love,

In choral ecstasy:

ALINE.

Oh, joyous boon!

DR. D.

Oh, mad delight!

ALINE.

Oh, sun and moon!

DR. D.

Oh, day and night!

BOTH

Ye birds, and brooks, and fruitful trees,

With choral joy, delight the breeze--

Rejoice, rejoice with me!

Enter Alexis

ALEXIS

(with rapture) Aline my only love, my happiness!

The philtre--you have tasted it?

ALINE

(with confusion) Yes! Yes!

ALEXIS

Oh, joy, mine, mine for ever, and for aye!

(Embraces her.)

ALINE Alexis, don't do that--you must not!

(Dr. Daly interposes between them)

ALEXIS

(amazed). Why?

DUET--ALINE and DR. DALY

ALINE.

Alas! that lovers thus should meet:

Oh, pity, pity me!

Oh, charge me not with cold deceit;

Oh, pity, pity me!

You bade me drink--with trembling awe

I drank, and, by the potion's law,

I loved the very first I saw!

Oh, pity, pity, me!

DR. D.

My dear young friend, consoled be--

We pity, pity you.

In this I'm not an agent free--

We pity, pity you.

Some most extraordinary spell

O'er us has cast its magic fell--

The consequence I need not tell.

We pity, pit you.

ENSEMBLE

Some most extraordinary spell

O'er (us/them) has cast its magic fell--

The consequence (we/they) need not tell.

(We/They) pity, pity (thee!/me).

ALEXIS

(furiously) False one, begone--I spurn thee,

To thy new lover turn thee!

Thy perfidy all men shall know,

ALINE.

(wildly) I could not help it!

ALEXIS

(calling off) Come one, come all!

DR. D.

We could not help it!

ALEXIS

(calling off) Obey my call!

ALINE

(wildly) I could not help it!

ALEXIS

(calling off) Come hither, run!

DR. D.

We could not help it!

ALEXIS

(calling off) Come, every one!

Enter all the characters except Lady Sangazure and Mr. Wells

CHORUS

Oh, what is the matter, and what is the clatter?

He's glowering at her, and threatens a blow!

Oh, why does he batter the girl he did flatter?

And why does the latter recoil from him so?

RECITATIVE--ALEXIS

Prepare for sad surprises--

My love Aline despises!

No thought of sorrow shames her--

Another lover claims her!

Be his, false girl, for better or for worse--

But, ere you leave me, may a lover's curse--

DR. D.

(coming forward) Hold! Be just. This poor child

drank the philtre at your instance. She hurried off to meet

you--but, most unhappily, she met me instead. As you had

administered the potion to both of us, the result was inevitable.

But fear nothing from me--I will be no man's rival. I shall quit

the country at once--and bury my sorrow in the congenial gloom of

a Colonial Bishopric.

ALEXIS

My excellent old friend! (Taking his hand--then

turning to Mr. Wells, who has entered with Lady Sangazure.) Oh,

Mr.

Wells, what, what is to be done?

WELLS

I do not know--and yet--there is one means by which

this spell may be removed.

ALEXIS

Name it--oh, name it!

WELLS

Or you or I must yield up his life to Ahrimanes. I

would rather it were you. I should have no hesitation in

sacrificing my own life to spare yours, but we take stock next

week, and it would not be fair on the Co.

ALEXIS

True. Well, I am ready!

ALINE

No, no--Alexis--it must not be! Mr. Wells, if he

must die that all may be restored to their old loves, what is to

become of me? I should be left out in the cold, with no love to

be restored to!

WELLS

True--I did not think of that. (To the others) My

friends, I appeal to you, and I will leave the decision in your

hands.

FINALE

MR. W.

Or I or he

Must die!

Which shall it be?

Reply!

SIR M.

Die thou!

Thou art the cause of all offending!

DR. D.

Die thou!

Yield to this decree unbending!

ALL

Die thou!

MR. W.

So be it! I submit! My fate is sealed.

To public execration thus I yield!

(Falls on trap)

Be happy all--leave me to my despair--

I go--it matters not with whom--or where!

(Gong)

(All quit their present partners, and rejoin their old lovers.

Sir Marmaduke leaves Mrs. Partlet, and goes to Lady Sangazure.

Aline

leaves Dr. Daly, and goes to Alexis. Dr. Daly leaves Aline, and

goes

to Constance. Notary leaves Constance, and goes to Mrs. Partlet.

All

the Chorus makes a corresponding change.)

ALL

GENTLEMEN

Oh, my adored one!

LADIES.

Unmingled joy!

GENTLEMEN

Ecstatic rapture!

LADIES.

Beloved boy!

(They embrace)

SIR M.

Come to my mansion, all of you! At least

We'll crown our rapture with another feast!

ENSEMBLE

SIR MARMADUKE, LADY SANGAZURE, ALEXIS, and ALINE

Now to the banquet we press--

Now for the eggs and the ham--

Now for the mustard and cress--

Now for the strawberry jam!

CHORUS

Now to the banquet, etc.

DR.

DALY, CONSTANCE, NOTARY, and MRS. PARTLET

Now for the tea of our host--

Now for the rollicking bun--

Now for the muffin and toast--

Now for the gay Sally Lunn!

CHORUS

Now for the tea, etc.

(General Dance)

(During the symphony Mr. Wells sinks through the trap, amid red

fire.)

CURTAIN

H.M.S. PINAFORE

or, The Lass that Loved a Sailor

Libretto by William S. Gilbert

Music by Sir Arthur Sullivan

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

THE RT.HON SIR JOSEPH PORTER, K.C.B. (First Lord of the

Admiralty).

CAPTAIN CORCORAN (Commanding H.M.S. Pinafore).

TOM TUCKER (Midshipmite).

RALPH RAKESTRAW (Able Seaman).

DICK DEADEYE (Able Seaman).

BILL BOBSTAY (Boatswain's Mate).

BOB BECKET (Carpenter's Mate).

JOSEPHINE (the Captain's Daughter).

HEBE (Sir Joseph Porter's First Cousin).

MRS. CRIPPS (LITTLE BUTTERCUP) (A Portsmouth Bumboat Woman).

First Lord's Sisters, his Cousins, his Aunts, Sailors,

Marines, etc.

Scene: QUARTER-DECK OF H.M.S. PINAFORE, OFF PORTSMOUTH

ACT I.--Noon. ACT II.--Night

First produced at the Opera Comique on May 25, 1878.

ACT I

SCENE--Quarter-deck of H.M.S. Pinafore. Sailors, led by

BOATSWAIN,

discovered cleaning brasswork, splicing rope, etc.

CHORUS

We sail the ocean blue,

And our saucy ship's a beauty;

We're sober men and true,

And attentive to our duty.

When the balls whistle free

O'er the bright blue sea,

We stand to our guns all day;

When at anchor we ride

On the Portsmouth tide,

We have plenty of time to play.

Enter LITTLE BUTTERCUP, with large basket on her arm

RECITATIVE

Hail, men-o'-war's men-safeguards of your nation

Here is an end, at last, of all privation;

You've got your play--spare all you can afford

To welcome Little Buttercup on board.

ARIA

For I'm called Little Buttercup--dear Little Buttercup,

Though I could never tell why,

But still I'm called Buttercup--poor little Buttercup,

Sweet Little Buttercup I!

I've snuff and tobaccy, and excellent jacky,

I've scissors, and watches, and knives

I've ribbons and laces to set off the faces

Of pretty young sweethearts and wives.

I've treacle and toffee, I've tea and I've coffee,

Soft tommy and succulent chops;

I've chickens and conies, and pretty polonies,

And excellent peppermint drops.

Then buy of your Buttercup--dear Little Buttercup;

Sailors should never be shy;

So, buy of your Buttercup--poor Little Buttercup;

Come, of your Buttercup buy!

BOAT.

Aye, Little Buttercup--and well called--for you're the

rosiest,

the roundest, and the reddest beauty in all Spithead.

BUT.

Red, am I? and round--and rosy! Maybe, for I have

dissembled well!

But hark ye, my merry friend--hast ever thought that beneath a

gay and

frivolous exterior there may lurk a canker-worm which is slowly

but

surely eating its way into one's very heart?

BOAT.

No, my lass, I can't say I've ever thought that.

Enter DICK DEADEYE. He pushes through sailors, and comes down

DICK.

I have thought it often. (All recoil from him.)

BUT.

Yes, you look like it! What's the matter with the man?

Isn't he

well?

BOAT.

Don't take no heed of him; that's only poor Dick Deadeye.

DICK.

I say--it's a beast of a name, ain't it--Dick Deadeye?

BUT.

It's not a nice name.

DICK.

I'm ugly too, ain't I?

BUT.

You are certainly plain.

DICK.

And I'm three-cornered too, ain't I?

BUT.

You are rather triangular.

DICK.

Ha! ha! That's it. I'm ugly, and they hate me for it; for

you all

hate me, don't you?

ALL

We do!

DICK.

There!

BOAT.

Well, Dick, we wouldn't go for to hurt any fellow

creature's

feelings, but you can't expect a chap with such a name as Dick

Deadeye to

be a popular character--now can you?

DICK.

No.

BOAT.

It's asking too much, ain't it?

DICK.

It is. From such a face and form as mine the noblest

sentiments

sound like the black utterances of a depraved imagination It is

human

nature--I am resigned.

RECITATIVE

BUT.

(looking down hatchway).

But, tell me--who's the youth whose faltering feet

With difficulty bear him on his course?

BOAT.

That is the smartest lad in all the fleet--

Ralph Rackstraw!

BUT.

Ha! That name! Remorse! remorse!

Enter RALPH from hatchway

MADRIGAL--RALPH

The Nightingale

Sighed for the moon's bright ray

And told his tale

In his own melodious way!

He sang "Ah, well-a-day!"

ALL

He sang "Ah, well-a-day!"

The lowly vale

For the mountain vainly sighed,

To his humble wail

The echoing hills replied.

They sang "Ah, well-a-day!"

All. They sang "Ah, well-a-day!"

RECITATIVE

I know the value of a kindly chorus,

But choruses yield little consolation

When we have pain and sorrow too before us!

I love--and love, alas, above my station!

BUT.

(aside). He loves--and loves a lass above his station!

ALL (aside). Yes, yes, the lass is much above his station!

Exit LITTLE BUTTERCUP

BALLAD -- RALPH

A maiden fair to see,

The pearl of minstrelsy,

A bud of blushing beauty;

For whom proud nobles sigh,

And with each other vie

To do her menial's duty.

ALL

To do her menial's duty.

A suitor, lowly born,

With hopeless passion torn,

And poor beyond denying,

Has dared for her to pine

At whose exalted shrine

A world of wealth is sighing.

ALL

A world of wealth is sighing.

Unlearned he in aught

Save that which love has taught

(For love had been his tutor);

Oh, pity, pity me--

Our captain's daughter she,

And I that lowly suitor!

ALL

And he that lowly suitor!

BOAT.

Ah, my poor lad, you've climbed too high: our worthy

captain's

child won't have nothin' to say to a poor chap like you. Will

she, lads?

ALL

No, no.

DICK.

No, no, captains' daughters don't marry foremast hands.

ALL (recoiling from him). Shame! shame!

BOAT.

Dick Deadeye, them sentiments o' yourn are a disgrace to

our

common natur'.

RALPH, But it's a strange anomaly, that the daughter of a man

who hails

from the quarter-deck may not love another who lays out on the

fore-yard

arm. For a man is but a man, whether he hoists his flag at the

main-truck

or his slacks on the main-deck.

DICK.

Ah, it's a queer world!

RALPH.

Dick Deadeye, I have no desire to press hardly on you,

but such

a revolutionary sentiment is enough to make an honest sailor

shudder.

BOAT.

My lads, our gallant captain has come on deck; let us

greet him

as so brave an officer and so gallant a seaman deserves.

Enter CAPTAIN CORCORAN

RECITATIVE

CAPT.

My gallant crew, good morning.

ALL (saluting). Sir, good morning!

CAPT.

I hope you're all quite well.

ALL(as before). Quite well; and you, sir?

CAPT.

I am in reasonable health, and happy

To meet you all once more.

ALL (as before). You do us proud, sir!

SONG--CAPTAIN

CAPT.

I am the Captain of the Pinafore;

ALL

And a right good captain, tool

You're very, very good,

And be it understood,

I command a right good crew,

ALL

We're very, very good,

And be it understood,

He commands a right good crew.

CAPT.

Though related to a peer,

I can hand, reef, and steer,

And ship a selvagee;

I am never known to quail

At the furry of a gale,

And I'm never, never sick at sea!

ALL

What, never?

CAPT.

No, never!

ALL

What, never?

CAPT.

Hardly ever!

ALL

He's hardly ever sick at seal

Then give three cheers, and one cheer more,

For the hardy Captain of the Pinafore!

CAPT.

I do my best to satisfy you all--

ALL

And with you we're quite content.

CAPT.

You're exceedingly polite,

And I think it only right

To return the compliment.

ALL

We're exceedingly polite,

And he thinks it's only right

To return the compliment.

CAPT.

Bad language or abuse,

I never, never use,

Whatever the emergency;

Though "Bother it" I may

Occasionally say,

I never use a big, big D--

ALL

What, never?

CAPT.

No, never!

ALL

What, never?

CAPT.

Hardly ever!

ALL

Hardly ever swears a big, big D--

Then give three cheers, and one cheer more,

For the well-bred Captain of the Pinafore!

[After song exeunt all but

CAPTAIN]

Enter LITTLE BUTTERCUP

RECITATIVE

BUT.

Sir, you are sad! The silent eloquence

Of yonder tear that trembles on your eyelash

Proclaims a sorrow far more deep than common;

Confide in me--fear not--I am a mother!

CAPT.

Yes, Little Buttercup, I'm sad and sorry--

My daughter, Josephine, the fairest flower

That ever blossomed on ancestral timber,

Is sought in marriage by Sir Joseph Porter,

Our Admiralty's First Lord, but for some reason

She does not seem to tackle kindly to it.

BUT, (with emotion). Ah, poor Sir Joseph! Ah, I know too well

The anguish of a heart that loves but vainly!

But see, here comes your most attractive daughter.

I go--Farewell!

[Exit.

CAPT.

(looking after her). A plump and pleasing person!

[Exit.

Enter JOSEPHINE, twining some flowers which she carries in a

small

basket

BALLAD JOSEPHINE

Sorry her lot who loves too well,

Heavy the heart that hopes but vainly,

Sad are the sighs that own the spell,

Uttered by eyes that speak too plainly;

Heavy the sorrow that bows the head

When love is alive and hope is dead!

Sad is the hour when sets the sun--

Dark is the night to earth's poor daughters,

When to the ark the wearied one

Flies from the empty waste of waters!

Heavy the sorrow that bows the head

When love is alive and hope is dead!

Enter CAPTAIN

CAPT.

My child, I grieve to see that you are a prey to

melancholy. You

should look your best to-day, for Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B., will

be here

this afternoon to claim your promised hand.

JOS.

Ah, father, your words cut me to the quick. I can esteem--

reverence--venerate Sir Joseph, for he is a great and good man;

but oh, I

cannot love him! My heart is already given.

CAPT.

(aside). It is then as I feared. (Aloud.) Given? And to

whom? Not

to some gilded lordling?

JOS.

No, father--the object of my love is no lordling. Oh, pity

me, for

he is but a humble sailor on board your own ship!

CAPT.

Impossible!

JOS.

Yes, it is true.

CAPT.

A common sailor? Oh fie!

JOS.

I blush for the weakness that allows me to cherish such a

passion.

I hate myself when I think of the depth to which I have stooped

in

permitting myself to think tenderly of one so ignobly born, but I

love

him! I love him! I love him! (Weeps.)

CAPT.

Come, my child, let us talk this over. In a matter of the

heart I

would not coerce my daughter--I attach but little value to rank

or

wealth, but the line must be drawn somewhere. A man in that

station may

be brave and worthy, but at every step he would commit solecisms

that

society would never pardon.

JOS.

Oh, I have thought of this night and day. But fear not,

father, I

have a heart, and therefore I love; but I am your daughter, and

therefore

I am proud. Though I carry my love with me to the tomb, he shall

never,

never know it.

CAPT.

You are my daughter after all. But see, Sir Joseph's

barge

approaches, manned by twelve trusty oarsmen and accompanied by

the

admiring crowd of sisters, cousins, and aunts that attend him

wherever he

goes. Retire, my daughter, to your cabin--take this, his

photograph, with

you--it may help to bring you to a more reasonable frame of mind.

JOS.

My own thoughtful father!

[Exit JOSEPHINE. CAPTAIN remains and ascends the poop-deck.

BARCAROLLE.

(invisible)

Over the bright blue sea

Comes Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B.,

Wherever he may go

Bang-bang the loud nine-pounders go!

Shout o'er the bright blue sea

For Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B.

[During this the Crew have entered on tiptoe, listening

attentive to

the song.

CHORUS OF SAILORS

Sir Joseph's barge is seen,

And its crowd of blushing beauties,

We hope he'll find us clean,

And attentive to our duties.

We sail, we sail the ocean blue,

And our saucy ship's a beauty.

We're sober, sober men and true

And attentive to our duty.

We're smart and sober men,

And quite devoid of fe-ar,

In all the Royal N.

None are so smart as we are.

Enter SIR JOSEPH'S FEMALE RELATIVES

(They dance round stage)

REL.

Gaily tripping,

Lightly skipping,

Flock the maidens to the shipping.

SAILORS.

Flags and guns and pennants dipping!

All the ladies love the shipping.

REL.

Sailors sprightly

Always rightly

Welcome ladies so politely.

SAILORS.

Ladies who can smile so brightly,

Sailors welcome most politely.

CAPT.

(from poop). Now give three cheers, I'll lead the way

ALL

Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah! hurray!

Enter SIR JOSEPH with COUSIN HEBE

SONG--SIR JOSEPH

I am the monarch of the sea,

The ruler of the Queen's Navee,

Whose praise Great Britain loudly chants.

COUSIN HEBE.

And we are his sisters, and his cousins and his

aunts!

REL.

And we are his sisters, and his cousins, and his

aunts!

SIR JOSEPH.

When at anchor here I ride,

My bosom swells with pride,

And I snap my fingers at a foeman's

taunts;

COUSIN HEBE.

And so do his sisters, and his cousins, and his

aunts!

ALL

And so do his sisters, and his cousins, and his

aunts!

SIR JOSEPH.

But when the breezes blow,

I generally go below,

And seek the seclusion that a cabin grants;

COUSIN HEBE.

And so do his sisters, and his cousins, and his

aunts!

ALL

And so do his sisters, and his cousins, and his

aunts!

His sisters and his cousins,

Whom he reckons up by dozens,

And his aunts!

SONG

-- SIR JOSEPH

When I was a lad I served a term

As office boy to an Attorney's firm.

I cleaned the windows and I swept the floor,

And I polished up the handle of the big front door.

I polished up that handle so carefullee

That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!

CHORUS

--He polished, etc.

As office boy I made such a mark

That they gave me the post of a junior clerk.

I served the writs with a smile so bland,

And I copied all the letters in a big round hand--

I copied all the letters in a hand so free,

That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!

CHORUS

- He copied, etc.

In serving writs I made such a name

That an articled clerk I soon became;

I wore clean collars and a brand-new suit

For the pass examination at the Institute,

And that pass examination did so well for me,

That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!

CHORUS

--And that pass examination, etc.

Of legal knowledge I acquired such a grip

That they took me into the partnership.

And that junior partnership, I ween,

Was the only ship that I ever had seen.

But that kind of ship so suited me,

That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!

CHORUS

- But that kind, etc.

I grew so rich that I was sent

By a pocket borough into Parliament.

I always voted at my party's call,

And I never thought of thinking for myself at all.

I thought so little, they rewarded me

By making me the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!

CHORUS

- He thought so little, etc.

Now landsmen all, whoever you may be,

If you want to rise to the top of the tree,

If your soul isn't fettered to an office stool,

Be careful to be guided by this golden rule--

Stick close to your desks and never go to sea,

And you all may be rulers of the Queen's Navee!

CHORUS

--Stick close, etc.

SIR JOSEPH.

You've a remarkably fine crew, Captain Corcoran.

CAPT.

It is a fine crew, Sir Joseph.

SIR JOSEPH.

(examining a very small midshipman). A British

sailor is a

splendid fellow, Captain Corcoran.

CAPT.

A splendid fellow indeed, Sir Joseph.

SIR JOSEPH.

I hope you treat your crew kindly, Captain

Corcoran.

CAPT.

Indeed I hope so, Sir Joseph.

SIR JOSEPH, Never forget that they are the bulwarks of

England's

greatness, Captain Corcoran.

CAPT.

So I have always considered them, Sir Joseph.

SIR JOSEPH.

No bullying, I trust--no strong language of any

kind, eh?

CAPT.

Oh, never, Sir Joseph.

SIR JOSEPH.

What, never?

CAPT.

Hardly ever, Sir Joseph. They are an excellent crew, and

do their

work thoroughly without it.

SIR JOSEPH.

Don't patronise them, sir--pray, don't patronise

them.

CAPT.

Certainly not, Sir Joseph.

SIR JOSEPH.

That you are their captain is an accident of birth.

I

cannot permit these noble fellows to be patronised because an

accident of

birth has placed you above them and them below you.

CAPT.

I am the last person to insult a British sailor, Sir

Joseph.

SIR JOSEPH.

You are the last person who did, Captain Corcoran.

Desire

that splendid seaman to step forward.

(DICK comes forward)

SIR JOSEPH.

No, no, the other splendid seaman.

CAPT.

Ralph Rackstraw, three paces to the front--march!

SIR JOSEPH (sternly). If what?

CAPT.

I beg your pardon--I don't think I understand you.

SIR JOSEPH.

If you please.

CAPT.

Oh, yes, of course. If you please. (RALPH steps forward.)

SIR JOSEPH.

You're a remarkably fine fellow.

RALPH.

Yes, your honour.

SIR JOSEPH.

And a first-rate seaman, I'll be bound.

RALPH.

There's not a smarter topman in the Navy, your honour,

though I

say it who shouldn't.

SIR JOSEPH.

Not at all. Proper self-respect, nothing more. Can

you

dance a hornpipe?

RALPH.

No, your honour.

SIR JOSEPH.

That's a pity: all sailors should dance hornpipes.

I will

teach you one this evening, after dinner. Now tell me--don't be

afraid--

how does your captain treat you, eh?

RALPH.

A better captain don't walk the deck, your honour.

ALL

Aye; Aye!

SIR JOSEPH.

Good. I like to hear you speak well of your

commanding

officer; I daresay he don't deserve it, but still it does you

credit. Can

you sing?

RALPH.

I can hum a little, your honour.

SIR JOSEPH.

Then hum this at your leisure. (Giving him MS.

music.) It

is a song that I have composed for the use of the Royal Navy. It

is

designed to encourage independence of thought and action in the

lower

branches of the service, and to teach the principle that a

British sailor

is any man's equal, excepting mine. Now, Captain Corcoran, a word

with

you in your cabin, on a tender and sentimental subject.

CAPT.

Aye, aye,

Sir Joseph (Crossing) Boatswain, in commemoration of this

joyous

occasion, see that extra grog is served out to the ship's company

at

seven bells.

BOAT.

Beg pardon. If what, your honour?

CAPT.

If what? I don't think I understand you.

BOAT.

If you please, your honour.

CAPT.

What!

SIR JOSEPH.

The gentleman is quite right. If you please.

CAPT.

(stamping his foot impatiently). If you please!

[Exit.

SIR JOSEPH.

For I hold that on the seas

The expression, "if you please",

A particularly gentlemanly tone implants.

COUSIN HEBE.

And so do his sisters, and his cousins, and his

aunts!

ALL

And so do his sisters, and his cousins, and his

aunts!

[Exeunt SIR JOSEPH AND

RELATIVES.

BOAT.

Ah! Sir Joseph's true gentleman; courteous and

considerate to the

very humblest.

RALPH.

True, Boatswain, but we are not the very humblest. Sir

Joseph

has explained our true position to us. As he says, a British

seaman is

any man's equal excepting his, and if Sir Joseph says that, is it

not our

duty to believe him?

ALL

Well spoke! well spoke!

DICK.

You're on a wrong tack, and so is he. He means well, but

he don't

know. When people have to obey other people's orders, equality's

out of

the question.

ALL (recoiling). Horrible! horrible!

BOAT.

Dick Deadeye, if you go for to infuriate this here ship's

company

too far, I won't answer for being able to hold 'em in. I'm

shocked!

that's what I am--shocked!

RALPH.

Messmates, my mind's made up. I'll speak to the

captain's

daughter, and tell her, like an honest man, of the honest love I

have for

her.

ALL

Aye, aye!

RALPH.

Is not my love as good as another's? Is not my heart as

true as

another's? Have I not hands and eyes and ears and limbs like

another?

ALL

Aye, Aye!

RALPH.

True, I lack birth--

BOAT.

You've a berth on board this very ship.

RALPH.

Well said--I had forgotten that. Messmates--what do you

say? Do

you approve my determination?

ALL

We do.

DICK.

I don t.

BOAT.

What is to be done with this here hopeless chap? Let us

sing him

the song that Sir Joseph has kindly composed for us. Perhaps it

will

bring this here miserable creetur to a proper state of mind.

GLEE!--RALPH, BOATSWAIN, BOATSWAIN'S MATE, and CHORUS

A British tar is a soaring soul,

As free as a mountain bird,

His energetic fist should be ready to resist

A dictatorial word.

His nose should pant and his lip should curl,

His cheeks should flame and his brow should furl,

His bosom should heave and his heart should glow,

And his fist be ever ready for a knock-down blow.

CHORUS

--His nose should pant, etc.

His eyes should flash with an inborn fire,

His brow with scorn be wrung;

He never should bow down to a domineering frown,

Or the tang of a tyrant tongue.

His foot should stamp and his throat should growl,

His hair should twirl and his face should scowl;

His eyes should flash and his breast protrude,

And this should be his customary attitude--(pose).

CHORUS

--His foot should stamp, etc.

[All dance off excepting RALPH, who remains, leaning pensively

against

bulwark.

Enter JOSEPHINE from cabin

JOS.

It is useless--Sir Joseph's attentions nauseate me. I know

that he

is a truly great and good man, for he told me so himself, but to

me he

seems tedious, fretful, and dictatorial. Yet his must be a mind

of no

common order, or he would not dare to teach my dear father to

dance a

hornpipe on the cabin table. (Sees RALPH.) Ralph Rackstraw!

(Overcome by

emotion.)

RALPH.

Aye, lady--no other than poor Ralph Rackstraw!

JOS.

(aside). How my heart beats! (Aloud) And why poor, Ralph?

RALPH.

I am poor in the essence of happiness, lady--rich only

in never-

ending unrest. In me there meet a combination of antithetical

elements

which are at eternal war with one another. Driven hither by

objective

influences--thither by subjective emotions--wafted one moment

into

blazing day, by mocking hope--plunged the next into the Cimmerian

darkness of tangible despair, I am but a living ganglion of

irreconcilable antagonisms. I hope I make myself clear, lady?

JOS.

Perfectly. (Aside.) His simple eloquence goes to my heart.

Oh, if

I dared--but no, the thought is madness! (Aloud.) Dismiss these

foolish

fancies, they torture you but needlessly. Come, make one effort.

RALPH

(aside) I will--one. (Aloud.) Josephine!

JOS.

(Indignantly). Sir!

RALPH.

Aye, even though Jove's armoury were launched at the

head of the

audacious mortal whose lips, unhallowed by relationship, dared to

breathe

that precious word, yet would I breathe it once, and then

perchance be

silent evermore. Josephine, in one brief breath I will

concentrate the

hopes, the doubts, the anxious fears of six weary months.

Josephine, I am

a British sailor, and I love you!

JOS.

Sir, this audacity! (Aside.) Oh, my heart, my beating

heart!

(Aloud.) This unwarrantable presumption on the part of a common

sailor!

(Aside.) Common! oh, the irony of the word! (Crossing, aloud.)

Oh, sir,

you forget the disparity in our ranks.

RALPH.

I forget nothing, haughty lady. I love you desperately,

my life

is in your hand--I lay it at your feet! Give me hope, and what I

lack in

education and polite accomplishments, that I will endeavour to

acquire.

Drive me to despair, and in death alone I shall look for

consolation. I

am proud and cannot stoop to implore. I have spoken and I wait

your word.

JOS.

You shall not wait long. Your proffered love I haughtily

reject.

Go, sir, and learn to cast your eyes on some village maiden in

your own

poor rank--they should be lowered before your captain's daughter.

DUET--JOSEPHINE and RALPH

JOS.

Refrain, audacious tar,

Your suit from pressing,

Remember what you are,

And whom addressing!

(Aside.) I'd laugh my rank to scorn

In union holy,

Were he more highly born

Or I more lowly!

RALPH.

Proud lady, have your way,

Unfeeling beauty!

You speak and I obey,

It is my duty!

I am the lowliest tar

That sails the water,

And you, proud maiden, are

My captain's daughter!

(Aside.) My heart with anguish torn

Bows down before her,

She laughs my love to scorn,

Yet I adore her!

[Repeat refrain, ensemble, then exit JOSEPHINE into cabin.

RALPH.

(Recit.) Can I survive this overbearing

Or live a life of mad despairing,

My proffered love despised, rejected?

No, no, it's not to be expected!

(Calling off.)

Messmates, ahoy!

Come here! Come here!

Enter SAILORS, HEBE, and RELATIVES

ALL

Aye, aye, my boy,

What cheer, what cheer?

Now tell us, pray,

Without delay,

What does she say--

What cheer, what cheer?

RALPH (to COUSIN HEBE).

The maiden treats my suit with scorn,

Rejects my humble gift, my lady;

She says I am ignobly born,

And cuts my hopes adrift, my lady.

ALL

Oh, cruel one.

DICK.

She spurns your suit? Oho! Oho!

I told you so, I told you so.

SAILORS and RELATIVES.

Shall { we } submit? Are { we } but slaves?

they they

Love comes alike to high and low--

Britannia's sailors rule the waves,

And shall they stoop to insult? No!

DICK.

You must submit, you are but slaves;

A lady she! Oho! Oho!

You lowly toilers of the waves,

She spurns you all--I told you so!

RALPH.

My friends, my leave of life I'm taking,

For oh, my heart, my heart is breaking.

When I am gone, oh, prithee tell

The maid that, as I died, I loved her well!

ALL (turning away, weeping). Of life, alas! his leave he's

taking,

For ah! his faithful heart is breaking;

When he is gone we'll surely tell

The maid that, as he died, he loved her well.

[During Chorus BOATSWAIN has loaded pistol, which he hands to

RALPH.

RALPH.

Be warned, my messmates all

Who love in rank above you--

For Josephine I fall!

[Puts pistol to his head. All the sailors stop their

ears.

Enter JOSEPHINE on deck

JOS.

Ah! stay your hand--I love you!

ALL

Ah! stay your hand--she loves you!

RALPH.

(incredulously). Loves me?

JOS.

Loves you!

ALL

Yes, yes--ah, yes,--she loves you!

ENSEMBLE

SAILORS and RELATIVES and JOSEPHINE

Oh joy, oh rapture unforeseen,

For now the sky is all serene;

The god of day--the orb of love--

Has hung his ensign high above,

The sky is all ablaze.

With wooing words and loving song,

We'll chase the lagging hours along,

And if {I find } the maiden coy,

we find

I'll } murmur forth decorous joy

We'll

In dreamy roundelays!

DICK DEADEYE

He thinks he's won his Josephine,

But though the sky is now serene,

A frowning thunderbolt above

May end their ill-assorted love

Which now is all ablaze.

Our captain, ere the day is gone,

Will be extremely down upon

The wicked men who art employ

To make his Josephine less coy

In many various ways. [Exit

DICK.

JOS.

This very night,

HEBE.

With bated breath

RALPH.

And muffled oar--

JOS.

Without a light,

HEBE.

As still as death,

RALPH.

We'll steal ashore

JOS.

A clergyman

RALPH.

Shall make us one

BOAT, At half-past ten,

JOS.

And then we can

RALPH

Return, for none

BOAT.

Can part them then!

ALL

This very night, etc.

(DICK appears at hatchway.)

DICK.

Forbear, nor carry out the scheme you've planned;

She is a lady--you a foremast hand!

Remember, she's your gallant captain's daughter,

And you the meanest slave that crawls the water!

ALL

Back, vermin, back,

Nor mock us!

Back, vermin, back,

You shock us!

[Exit DICK

Let's give three cheers for the sailor's bride

Who casts all thought of rank aside--

Who gives up home and fortune too

For the honest love of a sailor true!

For a British tar is a soaring soul

As free as a mountain bird!

His energetic fist should be ready to resist

A dictatorial word!

His foot should stamp and his throat should growl,

His hair should twirl and his face should scowl,

His eyes should flash and his breast protrude,

And this should be his customary attitude--(pose).

GENERAL DANCE

END OF ACT I

ACT II

Same Scene. Night. Awning removed. Moonlight. CAPTAIN

discovered

singing on poop deck, and accompanying himself on a

mandolin. LITTLE

BUTTERCUP seated on quarterdeck, gazing sentimentally at

him.

SONG--CAPTAIN

Fair moon, to thee I sing,

Bright regent of the heavens,

Say, why is everything

Either at sixes or at sevens?

I have lived hitherto

Free from breath of slander,

Beloved by all my crew--

A really popular commander.

But now my kindly crew rebel,

My daughter to a tar is partial,

Sir Joseph storms, and, sad to tell,

He threatens a court martial!

Fair moon, to thee I sing,

Bright regent of the heavens,

Say, why is everything

Either at sixes or at sevens?

BUT.

How sweetly he carols forth his melody to the

unconscious

moon! Of whom is he thinking? Of some high-born beauty? It may

be! Who is

poor Little Buttercup that she should expect his glance to fall

on one so

lowly! And yet if he knew--if he only knew!

CAPT.

(coming down). Ah! Little Buttercup, still on board?

That is

not quite right, little one. It would have been more respectable

to have

gone on shore at dusk.

BUT, True, dear Captain--but the recollection of your sad

pale

face seemed to chain me to the ship. I would fain see you smile

before I

go.

CAPT.

Ah! Little Buttercup, I fear it will be long before I

recover my accustomed cheerfulness, for misfortunes crowd upon

me, and

all my old friends seem to have turned against me!

BUT, Oh no--do not say "all", dear Captain. That were

unjust to

one, at least.

CAPT.

True, for you are staunch to me. (Aside.) If ever I

gave my

heart again, methinks it would be to such a one as this! (Aloud.)

I am

touched to the heart by your innocent regard for me, and were we

differently situated, I think I could have returned it. But as it

is, I

fear I can never be more to you than a friend.

BUT, I understand! You hold aloof from me because you are

rich and

lofty--and I poor and lowly. But take care! The poor bumboat

woman has

gipsy blood in her veins, and she can read destinies.

CAPT.

Destinies?

BUT.

There is a change in store for you!

CAPT.

A change?

BUT.

Aye--be prepared!

DUET--LITTLE BUTTERCUP and CAPTAIN

BUT, Things are seldom what they seem,

Skim milk masquerades as cream;

Highlows pass as patent leathers;

Jackdaws strut in peacock's feathers.

CAPT.

(puzzled). Very true,

So they do.

BUT.

Black sheep dwell in every fold;

All that glitters is not gold;

Storks turn out to be but logs;

Bulls are but inflated frogs.

CAPT.

(puzzled). So they be,

Frequentlee.

BUT.

Drops the wind and stops the mill;

Turbot is ambitious brill;

Gild the farthing if you will,

Yet it is a farthing still.

CAPT.

(puzzled). Yes, I know.

That is so.

Though to catch your drift I'm striving,

It is shady--it is shady;

I don't see at what you're driving,

Mystic lady--mystic lady.

(Aside.) Stern conviction's o'er me stealing,

That the mystic lady's dealing

In oracular revealing.

BUT.

(aside).Stern conviction's o'er him stealing,

That the mystic lady's dealing

In oracular revealing.

Yes, I know--

That is so!

CAPT.

Though I'm anything but clever,

I could talk like that for ever:

Once a cat was killed by care;

Only brave deserve the fair.

Very true,

So they do.

CAPT.

Wink is often good as nod;

Spoils the child who spares the rod;

Thirsty lambs run foxy dangers;

Dogs are found in many mangers.

BUT.

Frequentlee,

I agree.

Paw of cat the chestnut snatches;

Worn-out garments show new patches;

Only count the chick that hatches;

Men are grown-up catchy-catchies.

BUT.

Yes, I know,

That is so.

(Aside.) Though to catch my drift he's striving,

I'll dissemble--I'll dissemble;

When he sees at what I'm driving,

Let him tremble--let him tremble!

ENSEMBLE

Though a mystic tone { I } borrow,

you

You will } learn the truth with sorrow,

I shall

Here to-day and gone to-morrow;

Yes, I know--

That is so!

[At the end exit LITTLE BUTTERCUP

melodramatically.

CAPT.

Incomprehensible as her utterances are, I nevertheless

feel that

they are dictated by a sincere regard for me. But to what new

misery is

she referring? Time alone can tell!

Enter SIR JOSEPH

SIR JOSEPH.

Captain Corcoran, I am much disappointed with your

daughter. In fact, I don't think she will do.

CAPT.

She won't do, Sir Joseph!

SIR JOSEPH.

I'm afraid not. The fact is, that although I have

urged my

suit with as much eloquence as is consistent with an official

utterance,

I have done so hitherto without success. How do you account for

this?

CAPT.

Really, Sir Joseph, I hardly know. Josephine is of course

sensible of your condescension.

SIR JOSEPH.

She naturally would be.

CAPT.

But perhaps your exalted rank dazzles her.

SIR JOSEPH.

You think it does?

CAPT.

I can hardly say; but she is a modest girl, and her

social

position is far below your own. It may be that she feels she is

not

worthy of you.

SIR JOSEPH.

That is really a very sensible suggestion, and

displays

more knowledge of human nature than I had given you credit for.

CAPT.

See, she comes. If your lordship would kindly reason with

her and

assure her officially that it is a standing rule at the Admiralty

that

love levels all ranks, her respect for an official utterance

might induce

her to look upon your offer in its proper light.

SIR JOSEPH.

It is not unlikely. I will adopt your suggestion.

But soft,

she is here. Let us withdraw, and watch our opportunity.

Enter JOSEPHINE from cabin. FIRST LORD and CAPTAIN retire

SCENE--JOSEPHINE

The hours creep on apace,

My guilty heart is quaking!

Oh, that I might retrace

The step that I am taking!

Its folly it were easy to be showing,

What I am giving up and whither going.

On the one hand, papa's luxurious home,

Hung with ancestral armour and old brasses,

Carved oak and tapestry from distant Rome,

Rare "blue and white" Venetian finger-glasses,

Rich oriental rugs, luxurious sofa pillows,

And everything that isn't old, from Gillow's.

And on the other, a dark and dingy room,

In some back street with stuffy children crying,

Where organs yell, and clacking housewives fume,

And clothes are hanging out all day a-drying.

With one cracked looking-glass to see your face

in,

And dinner served up in a pudding basin!

A simple sailor, lowly born,

Unlettered and unknown,

Who toils for bread from early mom

Till half the night has flown!

No golden rank can he impart--

No wealth of house or land--

No fortune save his trusty heart

And honest brown right hand!

And yet he is so wondrous fair

That love for one so passing rare,

So peerless in his manly beauty,

Were little else than solemn duty!

Oh, god of love, and god of reason, say,

Which of you twain shall my poor heart obey!

SIR JOSEPH and CAPTAIN enter

SIR JOSEPH.

Madam, it has been represented to me that you are

appalled

by my exalted rank. I desire to convey to you officially my

assurance,

that if your hesitation is attributable to that circumstance, it

is

uncalled for.

JOS.

Oh! then your lordship is of opinion that married

happiness is not

inconsistent with discrepancy in rank?

SIR JOSEPH.

I am officially of that opinion.

JOS.

That the high and the lowly may be truly happy together,

provided

that they truly love one another?

SIR JOSEPH.

Madam, I desire to convey to you officially my

opinion that

love is a platform upon which all ranks meet.

JOS.

I thank you, Sir Joseph. I did hesitate, but I will

hesitate no

longer. (Aside.) He little thinks how eloquently he has pleaded

his

rival's cause!

TRIO

FIRST LORD, CAPTAIN, and JOSEPHINE

CAPT.

Never mind the why and wherefore,

Love can level ranks, and therefore,

Though his lordship's station's mighty,

Though stupendous be his brain,

Though your tastes are mean and flighty

And your fortune poor and plain,

CAPT.

and Ring the merry bells on board-ship,

SIR JOSEPH.

Rend the air with warbling wild,

For the union of { his } lordship

my

With a humble captain's child!

CAPT.

For a humble captain's daughter--

JOS.

For a gallant captain's daughter--

SIR JOSEPH.

And a lord who rules the water--

JOS.

(aside). And a tar who ploughs the water!

ALL

Let the air with joy be laden,

Rend with songs the air above,

For the union of a maiden

With the man who owns her love!

SIR JOSEPH.

Never mind the why and wherefore,

Love can level ranks, and therefore,

Though your nautical relation (alluding to CAPT.)

In my set could scarcely pass--

Though you occupy a station

In the lower middle class--

CAPT.

and Ring the merry bells on board-ship,

SIR JOSEPH

Rend the air with warbling wild,

For the union of { my } lordship

your

With a humble captain's child!

CAPT.

For a humble captain's daughter--

JOS.

For a gallant captain's daughter--

SIR JOSEPH.

And a lord who rules the water--

JOS.

(aside). And a tar who ploughs the water!

ALL

Let the air with joy be laden,

Rend with songs the air above,

For the union of a maiden

With the man who owns her love!

JOS.

Never mind the why and wherefore,

Love can level ranks, and therefore

I admit the jurisdiction;

Ably have you played your part;

You have carried firm conviction

To my hesitating heart.

CAPT.

and Ring the merry bells on board-ship,

SIR JOSEPH.

Rend the air with warbling wild,

For the union of { my } lordship

his

With a humble captain's child!

CAPT.

For a humble captain's daughter--

JOS.

For a gallant captain's daughter--

SIR JOSEPH.

And a lord who rules the water--

JOS.

(aside). And a tar who ploughs the water!

(Aloud.) Let the air with joy be laden.

CAPT.

and SIR JOSEPH. Ring the merry bells on board-ship--

JOS.

For the union of a maiden--

CAPT.

and SIR JOSEPH. For her union with his lordship.

ALL

Rend with songs the air above

For the man who owns her love!

[Exit JOS.

CAPT.

Sir Joseph, I cannot express to you my delight at the

happy

result of your eloquence. Your argument was unanswerable.

SIR JOSEPH.

Captain Corcoran, it is one of the happiest

characteristics

of this glorious country that official utterances are invariably

regarded

as unanswerable. [Exit SIR

JOSEPH.

CAPT.

At last my fond hopes are to be crowned. My only daughter

is to

be the bride of a Cabinet Minister. The prospect is Elysian.

(During this

speech DICK DEADEYE has entered.)

DICK.

Captain.

CAPT.

Deadeye! You here? Don't! (Recoiling from him.)

DICK.

Ah, don't shrink from me, Captain. I'm unpleasant to look

at, and

my name's agin me, but I ain't as bad as I seem.

CAPT.

What would you with me?

DICK

(mysteriously) I'm come to give you warning.

CAPT.

Indeed! do you propose to leave the Navy then?

DICK.

No, no, you misunderstand me; listen!

DUET

CAPTAIN and DICK DEADEYE

DICK.

Kind Captain, I've important information,

Sing hey, the kind commander that you are,

About a certain intimate relation,

Sing hey, the merry maiden and the tar.

BOTH

The merry maiden and the tar.

CAPT.

Good fellow, in conundrums you are speaking,

Sing hey, the mystic sailor that you are;

The answer to them vainly I am seeking;

Sing hey, the merry maiden and the tar.

BOTH

The merry maiden and the tar.

DICK.

Kind Captain, your young lady is a-sighing,

Sing hey, the simple captain that you are,

This very might with Rackstraw to be flying;

Sing hey, the merry maiden and the tar.

BOTH

The merry maiden and the tar.

CAPT.

Good fellow, you have given timely warning,

Sing hey, the thoughtful sailor that you are,

I'll talk to Master Rackstraw in the morning:

Sing hey, the cat-o'-nine-tails and the tar.

(Producing a

"cat".)

BOTH

The merry cat-o'-nine-tails and the tar!

CAPT.

Dick Deadeye--I thank you for your warning--I will at

once take

means to arrest their flight. This boat cloak will afford me

ample

disguise--So! (Envelops himself in a mysterious cloak, holding it

before

his face.)

DICK.

Ha, ha! They are foiled--foiled--foiled!

Enter Crew on tiptoe, with RALPH and BOATSWAIN meeting

JOSEPHINE, who

enters from cabin on tiptoe, with bundle of necessaries, and

accompanied by LITTLE BUTTERCUP.

ENSEMBLE

Carefully on tiptoe stealing,

Breathing gently as we may,

Every step with caution feeling,

We will softly steal away.

(CAPTAIN stamps)--Chord.

ALL (much alarmed). Goodness me--

Why, what was that?

DICK.

Silent be,

It was the cat!

ALL

(reassured). It was--it was the cat!

CAPT.

(producing cat-o'-nine-tails). They're right, it was the

cat!

ALL

Pull ashore, in fashion steady,

Hymen will defray the fare,

For a clergyman is ready

To unite the happy pair!

(Stamp as before, and Chord.)

ALL

Goodness me,

Why, what was that?

DICK.

Silent be,

Again the cat!

ALL

It was again that cat!

CAPT.

(aside). They're right, it was the cat!

CAPT.

(throwing off cloak). Hold! (All start.)

Pretty daughter of mine,

I insist upon knowing

Where you may be going

With these sons of the brine,

For my excellent crew,

Though foes they could thump any,

Are scarcely fit company,

My daughter, for you.

CREW.

Now, hark at that, do!

Though foes we could thump any,

We are scarcely fit company

For a lady like you!

RALPH.

Proud officer, that haughty lip uncurl!

Vain man, suppress that supercilious sneer,

For I have dared to love your matchless girl,

A fact well known to all my messmates here!

CAPT.

Oh, horror!

RALPH and Jos.

{ I } humble, poor, and lowly born,

He

The meanest in the port division--

The butt of epauletted scorn--

The mark of quarter-deck derision--

Have } dare to raise { my } wormy eyes

Has his

Above the dust to which you'd mould { me

him

In manhood's glorious pride to rise,

I am } an Englishman--behold { me

He is him

ALL

He is an Englishman!

BOAT.

He is an Englishman!

For he himself has said it,

And it's greatly to his credit,

That he is an Englishman!

ALL

That he is an Englishman!

BOAT.

For he might have been a Roosian,

A French, or Turk, or Proosian,

Or perhaps Itali-an!

ALL

Or perhaps Itali-an!

BOAT.

But in spite of all temptations

To belong to other nations,

He remains an Englishman!

ALL

For in spite of all temptations, etc.

CAPT.

(trying to repress his anger).

In uttering a reprobation

To any British tar,

I try to speak with moderation,

But you have gone too far.

I'm very sorry to disparage

A humble foremast lad,

But to seek your captain's child in marriage,

Why damme, it's too bad

[During this, COUSIN HEBE and FEMALE RELATIVES have entered.

ALL (shocked). Oh!

CAPT.

Yes, damme, it's too bad!

ALL

Oh!

CAPT.

and DICK DEADEYE. Yes, damme, it s too bad.

[During this, SIR JOSEPH has appeared on poop-deck. He is

horrified

at the bad language.

HEBE.

Did you hear him? Did you hear him?

Oh, the monster overbearing!

Don't go near him--don't go near him--

He is swearing--he is swearing!

SIR JOSEPH.

My pain and my distress,

I find it is not easy to express;

My amazement--my surprise--

You may learn from the expression of my eyes!

CAPT.

My lord--one word--the facts are not before

you

The word was injudicious, I allow--

But hear my explanation, I implore you,

And you will be indignant too, I vow!

SIR JOSEPH.

I will hear of no defence,

Attempt none if you're sensible.

That word of evil sense

Is wholly indefensible.

Go, ribald, get you hence

To your cabin with celerity.

This is the consequence

Of ill-advised asperity

[Exit CAPTAIN, disgraced, followed by

JOSEPHINE

ALL

This is the consequence,

Of ill-advised asperity!

SIR JOSEPH.

For I'll teach you all, ere long,

To refrain from language strong

For I haven't any sympathy for ill-bred

taunts!

HEBE.

No more have his sisters, nor his cousins,

nor his

aunts.

ALL

For he is an Englishman, etc.

SIR JOSEPH.

Now, tell me, my fine fellow--for you are a fine

fellow--

RALPH.

Yes, your honour.

SIR JOSEPH.

How came your captain so far to forget himself? I

am quite

sure you had given him no cause for annoyance.

RALPH, Please your honour, it was thus-wise. You see I'm only a

topman-

-a mere foremast hand--

SIR JOSEPH.

Don't be ashamed of that. Your position as a topman

is a

very exalted one.

RALPH.

Well, your honour, love burns as brightly in the

fo'c'sle as it

does on the quarter-deck, and Josephine is the fairest bud that

ever

blossomed upon the tree of a poor fellow's wildest hopes.

Enter JOSEPHINE; she rushes to RALPH'S arms

JOS.

Darling! (SIR JOSEPH horrified.)

RALPH.

She is the figurehead of my ship of life--the bright

beacon that

guides me into my port of happiness--that the rarest, the purest

gem that

ever sparkled on a poor but worthy fellow's trusting brow!

ALL

Very pretty, very pretty!

SIR JOSEPH.

Insolent sailor, you shall repent this outrage.

Seize him!

(Two Marines seize him and handcuff him.)

JOS.

Oh, Sir Joseph, spare him, for I love him tenderly.

SIR JOSEPH.

Pray, don't. I will teach this presumptuous mariner

to

discipline his affections. Have you such a thing as a dungeon on

board?

ALL

We have!

DICK.

They have!

SIR JOSEPH.

Then load him with chains and take him there at

once!

OCTETTE

RALPH.

Farewell, my own,

Light of my life, farewell!

For crime unknown

I go to a dungeon cell.

JOS.

I will atone.

In the meantime farewell!

And all alone

Rejoice in your dungeon cell!

SIR JOSEPH.

A bone, a bone

I'll pick with this sailor fell;

Let him be shown at once

At once to his dungeon cell.

BOATSWAIN, DICK DEADEYE, and COUSIN HEBE

He'll hear no tone

Of the maiden he loves so well!

No telephone

Communicates with his cell!

BUT.

(mysteriously). But when is known

The secret I have to tell,

Wide will be thrown

The door of his dungeon cell.

ALL

For crime unknown

He goes to a dungeon cell!

[RALPH is led off in

custody.

SIR JOSEPH.

My pain and my distress

Again it is not easy to express.

My amazement, my surprise,

Again you may discover from my eyes.

ALL

How terrible the aspect of his eyes!

BUT.

Hold! Ere upon your loss

You lay much stress,

A long-concealed crime

I would confess.

SONG--BUTTERCUP

A many years ago,

When I was young and charming,

As some of you may know,

I practised baby-farming.

ALL

Now this is most alarming!

When she was young and charming,

She practised baby-farming,

A many years ago.

BUT.

Two tender babes I nursed:

One was of low condition,

The other, upper crust,

A regular patrician.

ALL (explaining to each other).

Now, this is the position:

One was of low condition,

The other a patrician,

A many years ago.

BUT.

Oh, bitter is my cup!

However could I do it?

I mixed those children up,

And not a creature knew it!

ALL

However could you do it?

Some day, no doubt, you'll rue it,

Although no creature knew it,

So many years ago.

BUT.

In time each little waif

Forsook his foster-mother,

The well born babe was Ralph--

Your captain was the other!!!

ALL

They left their foster-mother,

The one was Ralph, our brother,

Our captain was the other,

A many years ago.

SIR JOSEPH.

Then I am to understand that Captain Corcoran and

Ralph

were exchanged in childhood's happy hour--that Ralph is really

the

Captain, and the Captain is Ralph?

BUT.

That is the idea I intended to convey, officially!

SIR JOSEPH.

And very well you have conveyed it.

BUT.

Aye! aye! yer 'onour.

SIR JOSEPH.

Dear me! Let them appear before me, at once!

[RALPH. enters as CAPTAIN; CAPTAIN as a common sailor. JOSEPHINE

rushes

to his arms

JOS.

My father--a common sailor!

CAPT.

It is hard, is it not, my dear?

SIR JOSEPH.

This is a very singular occurrence; I congratulate

you

both. (To RALPH.) Desire that remarkably fine seaman to step

forward.

RALPH.

Corcoran. Three paces to the front--march!

CAPT.

If what?

RALPH.

If what? I don't think I understand you.

CAPT.

If you please.

SIR JOSEPH.

The gentleman is quite right. If you please.

RALPH.

Oh! If you please. (CAPTAIN steps forward.)

SIR JOSEPH (to CAPTAIN).You are an extremely fine fellow.

CAPT.

Yes, your honour.

SIR JOSEPH.

So it seems that you were Ralph, and Ralph was you.

CAPT.

SO it seems, your honour.

SIR JOSEPH.

Well, I need not tell you that after this change in

your

condition, a marriage with your daughter will be out of the

question.

CAPT.

Don't say that, your honour--love levels all ranks.

SIR JOSEPH.

It does to a considerable extent, but it does not

level

them as much as that. (Handing JOSEPHINE to RALPH.) Here -- take

her,

sir, and mind you treat her kindly.

RALPH and JOS.

Oh bliss, oh rapture!

CAPT. and BUT.

Oh rapture, oh bliss!

SIR JOSEPH.

Sad my lot and sorry,

What shall I do? I cannot live alone!

HEBE.

Fear nothing--while I live I'll not desert you.

I'll soothe and comfort your declining days.

SIR JOSEPH.

No, don't do that.

HEBE.

Yes, but indeed I'd rather--

SIR JOSEPH (resigned). To-morrow morn our vows shall all be

plighted,

Three loving pairs on the same day united!

QUARTETTE

JOSEPHINE, HEBE, RALPH, and DEADEYE

Oh joy, oh rapture unforeseen,

The clouded sky is now serene,

The god of day--the orb of love,

Has hung his ensign high above,

The sky is all ablaze.

With wooing words and loving song,

We'll chase the lagging hours along,

And if { he finds } the maiden coy,

I find

We'll murmur forth decorous joy,

In dreamy roundelay.

CAPT.

For he's the Captain of the Pinafore.

ALL

And a right good captain too!

CAPT.

And though before my fall

I was captain of you all,

I'm a member of the crew.

ALL

Although before his fall, etc.

CAPT.

I shall marry with a wife,

In my humble rank of life! (turning to BUT.)

And you, my own, are she--

I must wander to and fro;

But wherever I may go,

I shall never be untrue to thee!

ALL

What, never?

CAPT.

No, never!

ALL

What, never!

CAPT.

Hardly ever!

ALL

Hardly ever be untrue to thee.

Then give three cheers, and one cheer more

For the former Captain of the Pinafore.

BUT.

For he loves Little Buttercup, dear Little

Buttercup,

Though I could never tell why;

But still he loves Buttercup, poor Little

Buttercup,

Sweet Little Buttercup, aye!

ALL

For he loves, etc.

SIR JOSEPH.

I'm the monarch of the sea,

And when I've married thee (to HEBE),

I'll be true to the devotion that my love

implants,

HEBE.

Then good-bye to his sisters, and his

cousins,

and his aunts,

Especially his cousins,

Whom he reckons up by dozens,

His sisters, and his cousins, and his aunts!

ALL

For he is an Englishman,

And he himself hath said it,

And it's greatly to his credit

That he is an Englishman!

CURTAIN

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

or, The Slave of Duty

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

MAJOR-GENERAL STANLEY

THE PIRATE KING

SAMUEL (his Lieutenant)

SERGEANT OF POLICE

MABEL, EDITH, KATE, and ISABEL (General Stanley's Daughters)

RUTH

(a Pirate Maid of all Work)

Chorus of Pirates, Police, and General Stanley's Daughters

ACT I

A rocky sea-shore on the coast of Cornwall

ACT II

A ruined chapel by moonlight

First produced at the Opera Comique on April 3, 1880

ACT I

(Scene.-A rocky seashore on the coast of Cornwall. In the

distance is a calm sea, on which a schooner is lying at anchor.

Rock L. sloping down to L.C. of stage. Under these rocks is a

cavern, the entrance to which is seen at first entrance L. A

natural arch of rock occupies the R.C. of the stage. As the

curtain rises groups of pirates are discovered -- some drinking,

some playing cards. SAMUEL, the Pirate Lieutenant, is going from

one group to another, filling the cups from a flask. FREDERIC is

seated in a despondent attitude at the back of the scene. RUTH

kneels at his feet.)

OPENING CHORUS

ALL:

Pour, O pour the pirate sherry;

Fill, O fill the pirate glass;

And, to make us more than merry

Let the pirate bumper pass.

SAMUEL:

For today our pirate 'prentice

Rises from indentures freed;

Strong his arm, and keen his scent is

He's a pirate now indeed!

ALL:

Here's good luck to Fred'ric's ventures!

Fred'ric's out of his indentures.

SAMUEL:

Two and twenty, now he's rising,

And alone he's fit to fly,

Which we're bent on signalizing

With unusual revelry.

ALL:

Here's good luck to Fred'ric's ventures!

Fred'ric's out of his indentures.

Pour, O pour the pirate sherry;

Fill, O fill the pirate glass;

And, to make us more than merry

Let the pirate bumper pass.

(FREDERIC rises and comes forward with PIRATE KING, who enters)

KING:

Yes, Frederic, from to-day you rank as a full-blown

member of our band.

ALL:

Hurrah!

FREDERIC:

My friends, I thank you all, from my heart, for your

kindly wishes. Would that I could repay them as they

deserve!

KING:

What do you mean?

FREDERIC:

To-day I am out of my indentures, and to-day I leave

you for ever.

KING:

But this is quite unaccountable; a keener hand at

scuttling a Cunarder or cutting out a White Star never

shipped a handspike.

FREDERIC:

Yes, I have done my best for you. And why? It was my

duty under my indentures, and I am the slave of duty.

As a child I was regularly apprenticed to your band.

It was through an error -- no matter, the mistake was

ours, not yours, and I was in honour bound by it.

SAMUEL:

An error? What error? (RUTH rises and comes forward)

FREDERIC:

I may not tell you; it would reflect upon my well-loved

Ruth.

RUTH:

Nay, dear master, my mind has long been gnawed by the

cankering tooth of mystery. Better have it out at

once.

SONG -- RUTH

RUTH:

When Frederic was a little lad he proved so brave and

daring,

His father thought he'd 'prentice him to some career

seafaring.

I was, alas! his nurs'rymaid, and so it fell to my lot

To take and bind the promising boy apprentice to a

pilot --

A life not bad for a hardy lad, though surely not a

high lot,

Though I'm a nurse, you might do worse than make your

boy a pilot.

I was a stupid nurs'rymaid, on breakers always

steering,

And I did not catch the word aright, through being hard

of hearing;

Mistaking my instructions, which within my brain did

gyrate,

I took and bound this promising boy apprentice to a

pirate.

A sad mistake it was to make and doom him to a vile

lot.

I bound him to a pirate -- you! -- instead of to a

pilot.

I soon found out, beyond all doubt, the scope of this

disaster,

But I hadn't the face to return to my place, and break

it to my master.

A nurs'rymaid is not afraid of what you people call

work,

So I made up my mind to go as a kind of piratical maid-

of-all-work.

And that is how you find me now, a member of your shy

lot,

Which you wouldn't have found, had he been bound

apprentice to a pilot.

RUTH:

Oh, pardon! Frederic, pardon! (Kneels)

FREDERIC:

Rise, sweet one, I have long pardoned you. (Ruth

rises)

RUTH:

The two words were so much alike!

FREDERIC:

They were. They still are, though years have rolled

over their heads. But this afternoon my obligation

ceases. Individually, I love you all with affection

unspeakable; but, collectively, I look upon you with a

disgust that amounts to absolute detestation. Oh! pity

me, my beloved friends, for such is my sense of duty

that, once out of my indentures, I shall feel myself

bound to devote myself heart and soul to your

extermination!

ALL:

Poor lad -- poor lad! (All weep)

KING:

Well, Frederic, if you conscientiously feel that it is

your duty to destroy us, we cannot blame you for acting

on that conviction. Always act in accordance with the

dictates of your conscience, my boy, and chance the

consequences.

SAMUEL:

Besides, we can offer you but little temptation to

remain with us. We don't seem to make piracy pay. I'm

sure I don't know why, but we don't.

FREDERIC:

I know why, but, alas! I mustn't tell you; it wouldn't

be right.

KING:

Why not, my boy? It's only half-past eleven, and you

are one of us until the clock strikes twelve.

SAMUEL:

True, and until then you are bound to protect our

interests.

ALL:

Hear, hear!

FREDERIC:

Well, then, it is my duty, as a pirate, to tell you

that you are too tender-hearted. For instance, you

make a point of never attacking a weaker party than

yourselves, and when you attack a stronger party you

invariably get thrashed.

KING:

There is some truth in that.

FREDERIC:

Then, again, you make a point of never molesting an

orphan!

SAMUEL:

Of course: we are orphans ourselves, and know what it

is.

FREDERIC:

Yes, but it has got about, and what is the consequence?

Every one we capture says he's an orphan. The last

three ships we took proved to be manned entirely by

orphans, and so we had to let them go. One would think

that Great Britain's mercantile navy was recruited

solely from her orphan asylums -- which we know is not

the case.

SAMUEL:

But, hang it all! you wouldn't have us absolutely

merciless?

FREDERIC:

There's my difficulty; until twelve o'clock I would,

after twelve I wouldn't. Was ever a man placed in so

delicate a situation?

RUTH:

And Ruth, your own Ruth, whom you love so well, and who

has won her middle-aged way into your boyish heart,

what is to become of her?

KING:

Oh, he will take you with him.

FREDERIC:

Well, Ruth, I feel some difficulty about you. It is

true that I admire you very much, but I have been

constantly at sea since I was eight years old, and

yours is the only woman's face I have seen during that

time. I think it is a sweet face.

RUTH:

It is -- oh, it is!

FREDERIC:

I say I think it is; that is my impression. But as I

have never had an opportunity of comparing you with

other women, it is just possible I may be mistaken.

KING:

True.

FREDERIC:

What a terrible thing it would be if I were to marry

this innocent person, and then find out that she is, on

the whole, plain!

KING:

Oh, Ruth is very well, very well indeed.

SAMUEL:

Yes, there are the remains of a fine woman about Ruth.

FREDERIC:

Do you really think so?

SAMUEL:

I do.

FREDERIC:

Then I will not be so selfish as to take her from you.

In justice to her, and in consideration for you, I will

leave her behind. (Hands RUTH to KING)

KING:

No, Frederic, this must not be. We are rough men, who

lead a rough life, but we are not so utterly heartless

as to deprive thee of thy love. I think I am right in

saying that there is not one here who would rob thee of

this inestimable treasure for all the world holds dear.

ALL:

(loudly) Not one!

KING:

No, I thought there wasn't. Keep thy love, Frederic,

keep thy love. (Hands her back to FREDERIC)

FREDERIC:

You're very good, I'm sure. (Exit RUTH)

KING:

Well, it's the top of the tide, and we must be off.

Farewell, Frederic. When your process of extermination

begins, let our deaths be as swift and painless as you

can conveniently make them.

FREDERIC:

I will! By the love I have for you, I swear it! Would

that you could render this extermination unnecessary by

accompanying me back to civilization!

KING:

No, Frederic, it cannot be. I don't think much of our

profession, but, contrasted with respectability, it is

comparatively honest. No, Frederic, I shall live and

die a Pirate King.

SONG -- PIRATE KING

KING:

Oh, better far to live and die

Under the brave black flag I fly,

Than play a sanctimonious part

With a pirate head and a pirate heart.

Away to the cheating world go you,

Where pirates all are well-to-do;

But I'll be true to the song I sing,

And live and die a Pirate King.

For I am a Pirate King!

And it is, it is a glorious thing

To be a Pirate King!

For I am a Pirate King!

ALL:

You are!

Hurrah for the Pirate King!

KING:

And it is, it is a glorious thing

To be a Pirate King.

ALL:

It is!

Hurrah for the Pirate King!

Hurrah for the Pirate King!

KING:

When I sally forth to seek my prey

I help myself in a royal way.

I sink a few more ships, it's true,

Than a well-bred monarch ought to do;

But many a king on a first-class throne,

If he wants to call his crown his own,

Must manage somehow to get through

More dirty work than e'er I do,

For I am a Pirate King!

And it is, it is a glorious thing

To be a Pirate King!

For I am a Pirate King!

ALL:

You are!

Hurrah for the Pirate King!

KING:

And it is, it is a glorious thing

To be a Pirate King.

ALL:

It is!

Hurrah for the Pirate King!

Hurrah for the Pirate King!

(Exeunt all except FREDERIC. Enter RUTH.)

RUTH:

Oh, take me with you! I cannot live if I am left

behind.

FREDERIC:

Ruth, I will be quite candid with you. You are very

dear to me, as you know, but I must be circumspect.

You see, you are considerably older than I. A lad of

twenty-one usually looks for a wife of seventeen.

RUTH:

A wife of seventeen! You will find me a wife of a

thousand!

FREDERIC:

No, but I shall find you a wife of forty-seven, and

that is quite enough. Ruth, tell me candidly and

without reserve: compared with other women, how are

you?

RUTH:

I will answer you truthfully, master: I have a slight

cold, but otherwise I am quite well.

FREDERIC:

I am sorry for your cold, but I was referring rather to

your personal appearance. Compared with other women,

are you beautiful?

RUTH:

(bashfully) I have been told so, dear master.

FREDERIC:

Ah, but lately?

RUTH:

Oh, no; years and years ago.

FREDERIC:

What do you think of yourself?

RUTH:

It is a delicate question to answer, but I think I am a

fine woman.

FREDERIC:

That is your candid opinion?

RUTH:

Yes, I should be deceiving you if I told you otherwise.

FREDERIC:

Thank you, Ruth. I believe you, for I am sure you

would not practice on my inexperience. I wish to do

the right thing, and if- I say if- you are really a

fine woman, your age shall be no obstacle to our union!

(Shakes hands with her. Chorus of girls heard in the

distance, "climbing over rocky mountain," etc.) Hark!

Surely I hear voices! Who has ventured to approach our

all but inaccessible lair? Can it be Custom House? No,

it does not sound like Custom House.

RUTH:

(aside) Confusion! it is the voices of young girls!

If he should see them I am lost.

FREDERIC:

(looking off) By all that's marvellous, a bevy of

beautiful maidens!

RUTH:

(aside) Lost! lost! lost!

FREDERIC:

How lovely, how surpassingly lovely is the plainest of

them! What grace- what delicacy- what refinement! And

Ruth-- Ruth told me she was beautiful!

RECITATIVE

FREDERIC:

Oh, false one, you have deceived me!

RUTH:

I have deceived you?

FREDERIC:

Yes, deceived me!

(Denouncing her.)

FREDERIC:

You told me you were fair as gold!

RUTH:

(wildly) And, master, am I not so?

FREDERIC:

And now I see you're plain and old.

RUTH:

I'm sure I'm not a jot so.

FREDERIC:

Upon my innocence you play.

RUTH:

I'm not the one to plot so.

FREDERIC:

Your face is lined, your hair is grey.

RUTH:

It's gradually got so.

FREDERIC:

Faithless woman, to deceive me,

I who trusted so!

RUTH:

Master, master, do not leave me!

Hear me, ere you go!

My love without reflecting,

Oh, do not be rejecting!

Take a maiden tender, her affection raw and green,

At very highest rating,

Has been accumulating

Summers seventeen, summers seventeen.

Don't, beloved master,

Crush me with disaster.

What is such a dower to the dower I have here?

My love unabating

Has been accumulating

Forty-seven year--forty-seven year!

ENSEMBLE

RUTH FREDERIC

Don't, beloved master, Yes, your former master

Crush me with disaster. Saves you from disaster.

What is such a dower to the Your love would be uncomfortably

dower I have here fervid, it is clear

My love unabating If, as you are stating

Has been accumulating It's been accumulating

Forty-seven year, forty-seven Forty-seven year--forty-seven year!

year! Faithless woman to deceive me, I

who trusted so!

Master, master, do not leave Faithless woman to deceive me, I

me, hear me, ere I go! who trusted so!

RECIT--FREDERIC

What shall I do? Before these gentle maidens

I dare not show in this alarming costume!

No, no, I must remain in close concealment

Until I can appear in decent clothing!

(Hides in cave as they enter climbing over the rocks and through

arched rock)

GIRLS:

Climbing over rocky mountain,

Skipping rivulet and fountain,

Passing where the willows quiver,

Passing where the willows quiver

By the ever-rolling river,

Swollen with the summer rain, the summer rain

Threading long and leafy mazes

Dotted with unnumbered daisies,

Dotted, dotted with unnumbered daisies,

Scaling rough and rugged passes,

Climb the hardy little lasses,

Till the bright sea-shore they gain;

Scaling rough and rugged passes,

Climb the hardy little lasses,

Till the bright sea-shore they gain!

EDITH:

Let us gaily tread the measure,

Make the most of fleeting leisure,

Hail it as a true ally,

Though it perish by-and-by.

GIRLS:

Hail it as a true ally,

Though it perish by-and-by.

EDITH:

Every moment brings a treasure

Of its own especial pleasure;

Though the moments quickly die,

Greet them gaily as they fly,

Greet them gaily as they fly.

GIRLS:

Though the moments quickly die,

Greet them gaily as they fly.

KATE:

Far away from toil and care,

Revelling in fresh sea-air,

Here we live and reign alone

In a world that's all our own.

Here, in this our rocky den,

Far away from mortal men,

We'll be queens, and make decrees--

They may honour them who please.

GIRLS:

We'll be queens, and make decrees--

They may honour them who please.

Let us gaily tread the measure, etc.

KATE:

What a picturesque spot! I wonder where we are!

EDITH:

And I wonder where Papa is. We have left him ever so

far behind.

ISABEL:

Oh, he will be here presently! Remember poor Papa is

not as young as we are, and we came over a rather

difficult country.

KATE:

But how thoroughly delightful it is to be so entirely

alone! Why, in all probability we are the first human

beings who ever set foot on this enchanting spot.

ISABEL:

Except the mermaids--it's the very place for mermaids.

KATE:

Who are only human beings down to the waist--

EDITH:

And who can't be said strictly to set foot anywhere.

Tails they may, but feet they cannot.

KATE:

But what shall we do until Papa and the servants arrive

with the luncheon?

EDITH:

We are quite alone, and the sea is as smooth as glass.

Suppose we take off our shoes and stockings and paddle?

ALL:

Yes, yes! The very thing! (They prepare to carry, out

the suggestion. They have all taken off one shoe, when

FREDERIC comes forward from cave.)

FREDERIC:

(recitative). Stop, ladies, pray!

GIRLS:

(Hopping on one foot) A man!

FREDERIC:

I had intended

Not to intrude myself upon your notice

In this effective but alarming costume;

But under these peculiar circumstances,

It is my bounden duty to inform you

That your proceedings will not be unwitnessed!

EDITH:

But who are you, sir? Speak! (All hopping)

FREDERIC:

I am a pirate!

GIRLS:

(recoiling, hopping) A pirate! Horror!

FREDERIC:

Ladies, do not shun me!

This evening I renounce my vile profession;

And, to that end, O pure and peerless maidens!

Oh, blushing buds of ever-blooming beauty!

I, sore at heart, implore your kind assistance.

EDITH:

How pitiful his tale!

KATE:

How rare his beauty

GIRLS:

How pitiful his tale! How rare his beauty!

SONG--FREDERIC

Oh, is there not one maiden breast

Which does not feel the moral beauty

Of making worldly interest

Subordinate to sense of duty?

Who would not give up willingly

All matrimonial ambition,

To rescue such a one as I

From his unfortunate position?

From his position,

To rescue such an one as I

From his unfortunate position?

GIRLS:

Alas! there's not one maiden breast

Which seems to feel the moral beauty

Of making worldly interest

Subordinate to sense of duty!

FREDERIC:

Oh, is there not one maiden here

Whose homely face and bad complexion

Have caused all hope to disappear

Of ever winning man's affection?

Of such a one, if such there be,

I swear by Heaven's arch above you,

If you will cast your eyes on me,

However plain you be, I'll love you,

However plain you be,

If you will cast your eyes on me,

However plain you be I'll love you,

I'll love you, I'll love, I'll love you!

GIRLS:

Alas! there's not one maiden here

Whose homely face and bad complexion

Have caused all hope to disappear

Of ever winning man's affection!

FREDERIC:

(in despair) Not one?

GIRLS:

No, no-- not one!

FREDERIC:

Not one?

GIRLS:

No, no!

MABEL:

(enters through arch) Yes, one!

Yes, one!

GIRLS:

'Tis Mabel!

MABEL:

Yes, 'tis Mabel!

RECIT--MABEL

Oh, sisters, deaf to pity's name,

For shame!

It's true that he has gone astray,

But pray

Is that a reason good and true

Why you

Should all be deaf to pity's name?

GIRLS:

(aside): The question is, had he not been

A thing of beauty,

Would she be swayed by quite as keen

A sense of duty?

MABEL:

For shame, for shame, for shame!

SONG--MABEL

MABEL:

Poor wand'ring one!

Though thou hast surely strayed,

Take heart of grace,

Thy steps retrace,

Poor wand'ring one!

Poor wand'ring one!

If such poor love as mine

Can help thee find

True peace of mind-

Why, take it, it is thine!

GIRLS:

Take heart, no danger low'rs;

Take any heart but ours!

MABEL:

Take heart, fair days will shine;

Take any heart--take mine!

GIRLS:

Take heart; no danger low'rs;

Take any heart-but ours!

MABEL:

Take heart, fair days will shine;

Take any heart--take mine!

Poor wand'ring one!, etc.

(MABEL and FREDERIC go to mouth of cave and converse. EDITH

beckons her sisters, who form a semicircle around her.)

EDITH

What ought we to do,

Gentle sisters, say?

Propriety, we know,

Says we ought to stay;

While sympathy exclaims,

"Free them from your tether--

Play at other games--

Leave them here together."

KATE

Her case may, any day,

Be yours, my dear, or mine.

Let her make her hay

While the sun doth shine.

Let us compromise

(Our hearts are not of leather):

Let us shut our eyes

And talk about the weather.

GIRLS:

Yes, yes, let's talk about the weather.

Chattering chorus

How beautifully blue the sky,

The glass is rising very high,

Continue fine I hope it may,

And yet it rained but yesterday.

To-morrow it may pour again

(I hear the country wants some rain),

Yet people say, I know not why,

That we shall have a warm July.

To-morrow it may pour again

(I hear the country wants some rain),

Yet people say, I know not why,

That we shall have a warm July.

Enter MABEL and FREDERIC

.During MABEL's solo the GIRLS continue chatter pianissimo, but

listening eagerly all the time.

SOLO--MABEL

Did ever maiden wake

From dream of homely duty,

To find her daylight break

With such exceeding beauty?

Did ever maiden close

Her eyes on waking sadness,

To dream of such exceeding gladness?

FREDERIC:

Ah, yes! ah, yes! this is exceeding gladness

GIRLS:

How beautifully blue the sky, etc.

SOLO--FREDERIC

.During this, GIRLS continue their chatter pianissimo as before,

but listening intently all the time.

Did ever pirate roll

His soul in guilty dreaming,

And wake to find that soul

With peace and virtue beaming?

ENSEMBLE

FREDERIC MABEL GIRLS

Did ever pirate Did ever maiden wake How beautifully blue

loathed From dream of homely the sky, etc.

Forsake his hideous duty,

mission To find her daylight

To find himself break

betrothed With such exceeding

To lady of position? beauty?

RECIT--FREDERIC

Stay, we must not lose our senses;

Men who stick at no offences

Will anon be here!

Piracy their dreadful trade is;

Pray you, get you hence, young ladies,

While the coast is clear

(FREDERIC and MABEL retire)

GIRLS:

No, we must not lose our senses,

If they stick at no offences

We should not be here!

Piracy their dreadful trade is--

Nice companions for young ladies!

Let us disap--.

(During this chorus the PIRATES have entered stealthily, and

formed in a semicircle behind the GIRLS As the GIRLS move

to go off, each PIRATE seizes a GIRL. KING seizes EDITH and

ISABEL, SAMUEL seizes KATE.)

GIRLS:

Too late!

PIRATES:

Ha, ha!

GIRLS:

Too late!

PIRATES:

Ho, ho!

Ha, ha, ha, ha! Ho, ho, ho, ho!

ENSEMBLE

(Pirates pass in front of (Girls pass in front of

Girls.) Pirates.)

PIRATES GIRLS

Here's a first-rate opportunity We have missed our opportunity

To get married with impunity, Of escaping with impunity;

And indulge in the felicity So farewell to the felicity

Of unbounded domesticity. Of our maiden domesticity!

You shall quickly be We shall quickly be

parsonified, parsonified,

Conjugally matrimonified, Conjugally matrimonified,

By a doctor of divinity By a doctor of divinity,

Who is located in this Who is located in this

vicinity. vicinity.

By a doctor of divinity, By a doctor of divinity,

Who resides in this vicinity, Who resides in this vicinity,

By a doctor, a doctor, a doctor By a doctor, a doctor, a doctor

of divinity, of divinity. of divinity, of divinity.

RECIT

MABEL:

(coming forward) Hold, monsters! Ere your pirate

caravanserai

Proceed, against our will, to wed us all,

Just bear in mind that we are Wards in Chancery,

And father is a Major-General!

SAMUEL:

(cowed) We'd better pause, or danger may befall,

Their father is a Major-General.

GIRLS:

Yes, yes; he is a Major-General!

(The MAJOR-GENERAL has entered unnoticed, on the rock)

GENERAL:

Yes, yes, I am a Major-General!

SAMUEL:

For he is a Major-General!

ALL:

He is! Hurrah for the Major-General!

GENERAL:

And it is, it is a glorious thing

To be a Major-General!

ALL:

It is! Hurrah for the Major-General!

Hurrah for the Major-General!

SONG--MAJOR-GENERAL

I am the very model of a modern Major-General,

I've information vegetable, animal, and mineral,

I know the kings of England, and I quote the fights

historical

From Marathon to Waterloo, in order categorical;

I'm very well acquainted, too, with matters

mathematical,

I understand equations, both the simple and

quadratical,

About binomial theorem I'm teeming with a lot o' news,

With many cheerful facts about the square of the

hypotenuse.

ALL:

With many cheerful facts, etc.

GENERAL:

I'm very good at integral and differential calculus;

I know the scientific names of beings animalculous:

In short, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral,

I am the very model of a modern Major-General.

ALL:

In short, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral,

He is the very model of a modern Major-General.

GENERAL:

I know our mythic history, King Arthur's and Sir

Caradoc's;

I answer hard acrostics, I've a pretty taste for

paradox,

I quote in elegiacs all the crimes of Heliogabalus,

In conics I can floor peculiarities parabolous;

I can tell undoubted Raphaels from Gerard Dows and

Zoffanies,

I know the croaking chorus from the Frogs of

Aristophanes!

Then I can hum a fugue of which I've heard the music's

din afore,

And whistle all the airs from that infernal nonsense

Pinafore.

ALL:

And whistle all the airs, etc.

GENERAL:

Then I can write a washing bill in

Babylonic cuneiform,

And tell you ev'ry detail of Caractacus's uniform:

In short, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral,

I am the very model of a modern Major-General.

ALL:

In short, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral,

He is the very model of a modern Major-General.

GENERAL:

In fact, when I know what is meant by "mamelon" and

"ravelin",

When I can tell at sight a Mauser rifle from a javelin,

When such affairs as sorties and surprises I'm more

wary at,

And when I know precisely what is meant by

"commissariat",

When I have learnt what progress has been made in

modern gunnery,

When I know more of tactics than a novice in a nunnery-

-

In short, when I've a smattering of elemental strategy,

You'll say a better Major-General has never sat a gee.

ALL:

You'll say a better Major-General, etc.

GENERAL:

For my military knowledge, though I'm plucky and

adventury,

Has only been brought down to the beginning of the

century;

But still, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral,

I am the very model of a modern Major-General.

ALL:

But still, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral,

He is the very model of a modern Major-General.

GENERAL:

And now that I've introduced myself, I should like to

have some idea of what's going on.

KATE:

Oh, Papa-- we---

SAMUEL:

Permit me, I'll explain in two words: we propose to

marry your daughters.

GENERAL:

Dear me!

GIRLS:

Against our wills, Papa--against our wills!

GENERAL:

Oh, but you mustn't do that! May I ask-- this is a

picturesque uniform, but I'm not familiar with it.

What are you?

KING:

We are all single gentlemen.

GENERAL:

Yes, I gathered that. Anything else?

KING:

No, nothing else.

EDITH:

Papa, don't believe them; they are pirates-- the

famous Pirates of Penzance!

GENERAL:

The Pirates of Penzance! I have often heard of them.

MABEL:

All except this gentleman (indicating FREDERIC), who

was a pirate once, but who is out of his indentures to-

day, and who means to lead a blameless life evermore.

GENERAL:

But wait a bit. I object to pirates as sons-in-law.

KING:

We object to major-generals as fathers-in-law. But we

waive that point. We do not press it. We look over it.

GENERAL:

(aside) Hah! an idea! (aloud) And do you mean to say

that you would deliberately rob me of these, the sole

remaining props of my old age, and leave me to go

through the remainder of my life unfriended,

unprotected, and alone?

KING:

Well, yes, that's the idea.

GENERAL:

Tell me, have you ever known what it is to be an

orphan?

PIRATES:

(disgusted) Oh, dash it all!

KING:

Here we are again!

GENERAL:

I ask you, have you ever known what it is to be an

orphan?

KING:

Often!

GENERAL:

Yes, orphan. Have you ever known what it is to be one?

KING:

I say, often.

ALL:

(disgusted) Often, often, often. (Turning away)

GENERAL:

I don't think we quite understand one another. I ask

you, have you ever known what it is to be an orphan,

and you say "orphan". As I understand you, you are

merely repeating the word "orphan" to show that you

understand me.

KING:

I didn't repeat the word often.

GENERAL:

Pardon me, you did indeed.

KING:

I only repeated it once.

GENERAL:

True, but you repeated it.

KING:

But not often.

GENERAL:

Stop! I think I see where we are getting confused.

When you said "orphan", did you mean "orphan",a person

who has lost his parents, or "often", frequently?

KING:

Ah! I beg pardon-- I see what you mean -- frequently.

GENERAL:

Ah! you said "often", frequently.

KING:

No, only once.

GENERAL:

(irritated) Exactly-- you said "often", frequently,

only once.

FINALE OF ACT I

GENERAL:

Oh, men of dark and dismal fate,

Forgo your cruel employ,

Have pity on my lonely state,

I am an orphan boy!

KING/SAMUEL: An orphan boy?

GENERAL:

An orphan boy!

PIRATES:

How sad, an orphan boy.

GENERAL:

These children whom you see

Are all that I can call my own!

PIRATES:

Poor fellow!

GENERAL:

Take them away from me,

And I shall be indeed alone.

PIRATES:

Poor fellow!

GENERAL:

If pity you can feel,

Leave me my sole remaining joy--

See, at your feet they kneel;

Your hearts you cannot steel

Against the sad, sad tale of the lonely orphan boy!

PIRATES:

(sobbing) Poor fellow!

See at our feet they kneel;

Our hearts we cannot steel

Against the sad, sad tale of the lonely orphan boy!

SAMUEL:

The orphan boy!

add KING: The orphan boy!

See at our feet they kneel;

Our hearts we cannot steel

Against the tale of the lonely orphan boy!

PIRATES:

Poor fellow!

ENSEMBLE

GENERAL (aside) GIRLS (aside) PIRATES

(aside)

I'm telling a terrible He is telling a terrible If he's telling

a

story story, terrible

story

But it doesn't diminish Which will tend to He shall die by

a death

my glory; diminish his that is gory

For they would have glory; Yes, one of the

taken my daughters Though they would have cruellest

Over the billowy waters, taken his slaughters

daughters That ever were

known in

Over the billowy waters, these

waters;

If I hadn't, in elegant It is easy, in elegant It is easy, in

elegant

diction, diction. diction,

Indulged in an innocent To call it an innocent To call it an

innocent

fiction, fiction, fiction

Which is not in the same But it comes in the same But it comes in

the same

category category category

As a regular terrible As telling a regular As telling a

regular

story. terrible story. terrible

story.

KING:

Although our dark career

Sometimes involves the crime of stealing,

We rather think that we're

Not altogether void of feeling.

Although we live by strife,

We're always sorry to begin it,

For what, we ask, is life

Without a touch of Poetry in it?

(all kneel)

ALL:

Hail, Poetry, thou heav'n-born maid!

Thou gildest e'en the pirate's trade.

Hail, flowing fount of sentiment!

All hail, all hail, divine emollient!

(all rise)

KING:

You may go, for you're at liberty, our pirate rules

protect you,

And honorary members of our band we do elect you!

SAMUEL:

For he is an orphan boy!

CHORUS:

He is! Hurrah for the orphan boy!

GENERAL:

And it sometimes is a useful thing

To be an orphan boy.

CHORUS:

It is! Hurrah for the orphan boy!

Hurrah for the orphan boy!

ENSEMBLE:

Oh, happy day, with joyous glee

They will away and married be!

Should it befall auspiciously,

Her (Our) sisters all will bridesmaids be!

(RUTH enters and comes down to FREDERIC)

RUTH:

Oh, master, hear one word, I do implore you!

Remember Ruth, your Ruth, who kneels before you!

PIRATES:

Yes, yes, remember Ruth, who kneels before you!

FREDERIC:

Away, you did deceive me!

PIRATES:

(Threatening RUTH) Away, you did deceive him!

RUTH:

Oh, do not leave me!

PIRATES:

Oh, do not leave her!

FREDERIC:

Away, you grieve me!

PIRATES:

Away, you grieve him!

FREDERIC:

I wish you'd leave me! (FREDERIC casts RUTH from him)

PIRATES:

We wish you'd leave him!

ENSEMBLE

MEN WOMEN

Pray observe the magnanimity Pray observe the magnanimity

We display to lace and dimity! They display to lace and

dimity!

Never was such opportunity Never was such opportunity

To get married with impunity, To get married with impunity,

But we give up the felicity But they give up the felicity

Of unbounded domesticity, Of unbounded domesticity,

Though a doctor of divinity Though a doctor of divinity

Is located in this vicinity. Is located in this vicinity.

(GIRLS and MAJOR-GENERAL go up rocks, while PIRATES indulge in a

wild dance of delight on stage. The MAJOR-GENERAL produces

a British flag, and the PIRATE KING, in arched rock,

produces a black flag with skull and crossbones. Enter

RUTH, who makes a final appeal to FREDERIC, who casts her

from him.)

END OF ACT I

ACT II

(Scene.-A ruined chapel by moonlight. Aisles C., R. and L.,

divided by pillars and arches, ruined Gothic windows at

back. MAJOR-GENERAL STANLEY discovered seated R.C.

pensively, surrounded by his daughters.)

CHORUS

Oh, dry the glist'ning tear

That dews that martial cheek,

Thy loving children hear,

In them thy comfort seek.

With sympathetic care

Their arms around thee creep,

For oh, they cannot bear

To see their father weep!

(Enter MABEL)

SOLO--MABEL

Dear father, why leave your bed

At this untimely hour,

When happy daylight is dead,

And darksome dangers low'r?

See, heav'n has lit her lamp,

The midnight hour is past,

And the chilly night-air is damp,

And the dews are falling fast!

Dear father, why leave your bed

When happy daylight is dead?

GIRLS:

Oh, dry the glist'ning tear, etc.

(FREDERIC enters)

MABEL:

Oh, Frederic, cannot you, in the calm excellence of

your wisdom, reconcile it with your conscience to say

something that will relieve my father's sorrow?

FREDERIC:

I will try, dear Mabel. But why does he sit, night

after night, in this draughty old ruin?

GENERAL:

Why do I sit here? To escape from the pirates'

clutches, I described myself as an orphan; and, heaven

help me, I am no orphan! I come here to humble myself

before the tombs of my ancestors, and to implore their

pardon for having brought dishonour on the family

escutcheon.

FREDERIC:

But you forget, sir, you only bought the property a

year ago, and the stucco on your baronial castle is

scarcely dry.

GENERAL:

Frederic, in this chapel are ancestors: you cannot deny

that. With the estate, I bought the chapel and its

contents. I don't know whose ancestors they were, but

I know whose ancestors they are, and I shudder to think

that their descendant by purchase (if I may so describe

myself) should have brought disgrace upon what, I have

no doubt, was an unstained escutcheon.

FREDERIC:

Be comforted. Had you not acted as you did, these

reckless men would assuredly have called in the nearest

clergyman, and have married your large family on the

spot.

GENERAL:

I thank you for your proffered solace, but it is

unavailing. I assure you, Frederic, that such is the

anguish and remorse I feel at the abominable falsehood

by which I escaped these easily deluded pirates, that I

would go to their simple-minded chief this very night

and confess all, did I not fear that the consequences

would be most disastrous to myself. At what time does

your expedition march against these scoundrels?

FREDERIC:

At eleven, and before midnight I hope to have atoned

for my involuntary association with the pestilent

scourges by sweeping them from the face of the earth--

and then, dear Mabel, you will be mine!

GENERAL:

Are your devoted followers at hand?

FREDERIC:

They are, they only wait my orders.

RECIT--GENERAL

Then, Frederic, let your escort lion-hearted

Be summoned to receive a gen'ral's blessing,

Ere they depart upon their dread adventure.

FREDERIC:

Dear, sir, they come.

(Enter POLICE, marching in single file. They form in line, facing

audience.)

SONG--SERGEANT

When the foeman bares his steel,

Tarantara! tarantara!

We uncomfortable feel,

Tarantara!

And we find the wisest thing,

Tarantara! tarantara!

Is to slap our chests and sing,

Tarantara!

For when threatened with -meutes,

Tarantara! tarantara!

And your heart is in your boots,

Tarantara!

There is nothing brings it round

Like the trumpet's martial sound,

Like the trumpet's martial sound

Tarantara! tarantara!, etc.

MABEL:

Go, ye heroes, go to glory,

Though you die in combat gory,

Ye shall live in song and story.

Go to immortality!

Go to death, and go to slaughter;

Die, and every Cornish daughter

With her tears your grave shall water.

Go, ye heroes, go and die!

GIRLS:

Go, ye heroes, go and die! Go, ye heroes, go and die!

POLICE:

Though to us it's evident,

Tarantara! tarantara!

These attentions are well meant,

Tarantara!

Such expressions don't appear,

Tarantara! tarantara!

Calculated men to cheer

Tarantara!

Who are going to meet their fate

In a highly nervous state.

Tarantara! tarantara! tarantara!

Still to us it's evident

These attentions are well meant.

Tarantara! tarantara! tarantara!

EDITH:

Go and do your best endeavour,

And before all links we sever,

We will say farewell for-ever.

Go to glory and the grave!

GIRLS:

For your foes are fierce and ruthless,

False, unmerciful, and truthless;

Young and tender, old and toothless,

All in vain their mercy crave.

SERGEANT:

We observe too great a stress,

On the risks that on us press,

And of reference a lack

To our chance of coming back.

Still, perhaps it would be wise

Not to carp or criticise,

For it's very evident

These attentions are well meant.

POLICE:

Yes, it's very evident

These attentions are well meant,

Evident, yes, well meant, evident

Ah, yes, well meant!

ENSEMBLE

Chorus of all but Police Chorus of Police

Go and do your best endeavour, Such expressions don't

appear,

And before all links we sever Tarantara,

tarantara!

We will say farewell for ever. Calculated men to cheer,

Go to glory and the grave! Tarantara!

For your foes and fierce and Who are going to their fate,

ruthless, Tarantara,

tarantara!

False, unmerciful, and In a highly nervous state--

truthless. Tarantara!

Young and tender, old and We observe too great a

stress,

toothless, Tarantara,

tarantara!

All in vain their mercy crave. On the risks that on us

press,

Tarantara!

And of reference a lack,

Tarantara,

tarantara!

To our chance of coming back,

Tarantara!

GENERAL:

Away, away!

POLICE:

(without moving) Yes, yes, we go.

GENERAL:

These pirates slay.

POLICE:

Tarantara!

GENERAL:

Then do not stay.

POLICE:

Tarantara!

GENERAL:

Then why this delay?

POLICE:

All right, we go.

ALL:

Yes, forward on the foe!

Yes, forward on the foe!

GENERAL:

Yes, but you don't go!

POLICE:

We go, we go

ALL:

Yes, forward on the foe!

Yes, forward on the foe!

GENERAL:

Yes, but you don't go!

POLICE:

We go, we go

ALL:

At last they go!

At last they really go!

(Exeunt POLICE. MABEL tears herself from FREDERIC and exits,

followed by her sisters, consoling her. The MAJOR-GENERAL

and others follow the POLICE off. FREDERIC remains alone.)

RECIT-FREDERIC

Now for the pirates' lair! Oh, joy unbounded!

Oh, sweet relief! Oh, rapture unexampled!

At last I may atone, in some slight measure,

For the repeated acts of theft and pillage

Which, at a sense of duty's stern dictation,

I, circumstance's victim, have been guilty!

(PIRATE KING and RUTH appear at the window, armed.)

KING:

Young Frederic! (Covering him with pistol)

FREDERIC:

Who calls?

KING:

Your late commander!

RUTH:

And I, your little Ruth! (Covering him with pistol)

FREDERIC:

Oh, mad intruders,

How dare ye face me? Know ye not, oh rash ones,

That I have doomed you to extermination?

(KING and RUTH hold a pistol to each ear)

KING:

Have mercy on us! hear us, ere you slaughter!

FREDERIC:

I do not think I ought to listen to you.

Yet, mercy should alloy our stern resentment,

And so I will be merciful-- say on!

TRIO--RUTH, KING, and FREDERIC

RUTH:

When you had left our pirate fold,

We tried to raise our spirits faint,

According to our custom old,

With quips and quibbles quaint.

But all in vain the quips we heard,

We lay and sobbed upon the rocks,

Until to somebody occurred

A startling paradox.

FREDERIC:

A paradox?

KING:

(laughing) A paradox!

RUTH:

A most ingenious paradox!

We've quips and quibbles heard in flocks,

But none to beat this paradox!

A paradox, a paradox,

A most ingenious paradox!

Ha! ha! ha! ha! Ha! ha! ha! ha!

KING:

We knew your taste for curious quips,

For cranks and contradictions queer;

And with the laughter on our lips,

We wished you there to hear.

We said, "If we could tell it him,

How Frederic would the joke enjoy!"

And so we've risked both life and limb

To tell it to our boy.

FREDERIC:

(interested) That paradox? That paradox?

KING and RUTH:

(laughing) That most ingenious paradox!

We've quips and quibbles heard in flocks,

But none to beat this paradox!

A paradox, a paradox,

A most ingenious paradox!

Ha! ha! ha! ha! Ho! ho! ho! ho!

CHANT--KING

For some ridiculous reason, to which, however, I've no desire to

be disloyal,

Some person in authority, I don't know who, very likely the

Astronomer Royal,

Has decided that, although for such a beastly month as February,

twenty-eight days as a rule are plenty,

One year in every four his days shall be reckoned as nine and-

twenty.

Through some singular coincidence-- I shouldn't be surprised if

it were owing to the agency of an ill-natured fairy--

You are the victim of this clumsy arrangement, having been born

in leap-year, on the twenty-ninth of February;

And so, by a simple arithmetical process, you'll easily discover,

That though you've lived twenty-one years, yet, if we go by

birthdays, you're only five and a little bit over!

RUTH:

Ha! ha! ha! ha!

KING:

Ho! ho! ho! ho!

FREDERIC:

Dear me!

Let's see! (counting on fingers)

Yes, yes; with yours my figures do agree!

ALL:

Ha! ha! ha! ho! ho! ho! ho!

FREDERIC:

(more amused than any) How quaint the ways of Paradox!

At common sense she gaily mocks!

Though counting in the usual way,

Years twenty-one I've been alive,

Yet, reck'ning by my natal day,

Yet, reck'ning by my natal day,

I am a little boy of five!

RUTH/KING: He is a little boy of five!

Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!

ALL:

A paradox, a paradox,

A most ingenious paradox!

Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! , etc.

(RUTH and KING throw themselves back on seats, exhausted with

laughter)

FREDERIC:

Upon my word, this is most curious-- most absurdly

whimsical. Five-and-a-quarter! No one would think it

to look at me!

RUTH:

You are glad now, I'll be bound, that you spared us.

You would never have forgiven yourself when you

discovered that you had killed two of your comrades.

FREDERIC:

My comrades?

KING:

(rises) I'm afraid you don't appreciate the delicacy

of your position: You were apprenticed to us--

FREDERIC:

Until I reached my twenty-first year.

KING:

No, until you reached your twenty-first birthday

(producing document), and, going by birthdays, you are

as yet only five-and-a-quarter.

FREDERIC:

You don't mean to say you are going to hold me to that?

KING:

No, we merely remind you of the fact, and leave the

rest to your sense of duty.

RUTH:

Your sense of duty!

FREDERIC:

(wildly) Don't put it on that footing! As I was

merciful to you just now, be merciful to me! I implore

you not to insist on the letter of your bond just as

the cup of happiness is at my lips!

RUTH:

We insist on nothing; we content ourselves with

pointing out to you your duty.

KING:

Your duty!

FREDERIC:

(after a pause) Well, you have appealed to my sense of

duty, and my duty is only too clear. I abhor your

infamous calling; I shudder at the thought that I have

ever been mixed up with it; but duty is before all --

at any price I will do my duty.

KING:

Bravely spoken! Come, you are one of us once more.

FREDERIC:

Lead on, I follow. (Suddenly) Oh, horror!

KING/RUTH: What is the matter?

FREDERIC:

Ought I to tell you? No, no, I cannot do it; and yet,

as one of your band--

KING:

Speak out, I charge you by that sense of

conscientiousness to which we have never yet appealed

in vain.

FREDERIC:

General Stanley, the father of my Mabel--

KING/RUTH: Yes, yes!

FREDERIC:

He escaped from you on the plea that he was an orphan?

KING:

He did.

FREDERIC:

It breaks my heart to betray the honoured father of the

girl I adore, but as your apprentice I have no

alternative. It is my duty to tell you that General

Stanley is no orphan!

KING/RUTH: What!

FREDERIC:

More than that, he never was one!

KING:

Am I to understand that, to save his contemptible life,

he dared to practice on our credulous simplicity?

(FREDERIC nods as he weeps) Our revenge shall be swift

and terrible. We will go and collect our band and

attack Tremorden Castle this very night.

FREDERIC:

But stay--

KING:

Not a word! He is doomed!

TRIO

KING and RUTH: FREDERIC

Away, away! my heart's on fire; Away, away! ere I expire--

I burn, this base deception to I find my duty hard to

do to-

repay.

day!

This very night my vengeance dire My heart is filled with

anguish dire,

Shall glut itself in gore. It strikes me to the

core.

Away, away! Away, away!

KING:

With falsehood foul

He tricked us of our brides.

Let vengeance howl;

The Pirate so decides.

Our nature stern

He softened with his lies,

And, in return,

To-night the traitor dies.

ALL:

Yes, yes! to-night the traitor dies!

Yes, yes! to-night the traitor dies!

RUTH:

To-night he dies!

KING:

Yes, or early to-morrow.

FREDERIC:

His girls likewise?

RUTH:

They will welter in sorrow.

KING:

The one soft spot

RUTH:

In their natures they cherish--

FREDERIC:

And all who plot

KING:

To abuse it shall perish!

ALL:

To-night he dies, etc.

(Exeunt KING and RUTH. FREDERIC throws himself on a stone in

blank despair. Enter MABEL.)

RECIT--MABEL

All is prepared, your gallant crew await you.

My Frederic in tears? It cannot be

That lion-heart quails at the coming conflict?

FREDERIC:

No, Mabel, no.

A terrible disclosure

Has just been made.

Mabel, my dearly-loved one,

I bound myself to serve the pirate captain

Until I reached my one-and-twentieth birthday--

MABEL:

But you are twenty-one?

FREDERIC:

I've just discovered

That I was born in leap-year, and that birthday

Will not be reached by me till nineteen forty!

MABEL:

Oh, horrible! catastrophe appalling!

FREDERIC:

And so, farewell!

MABEL:

No, no!

Ah, Frederic, hear me.

DUET--MABEL and FREDERIC

MABEL:

Stay, Fred'ric, stay!

They have no legal claim,

No shadow of a shame

Will fall upon thy name.

Stay, Frederic, stay!

FREDERIC:

Nay, Mabel, nay!

To-night I quit these walls,

The thought my soul appalls,

But when stern Duty calls,

I must obey.

MABEL:

Stay, Fred'ric, stay!

FREDERIC:

Nay, Mabel, nay!

MABEL:

They have no claim--

FREDERIC:

But Duty's name.

The thought my soul appalls,

But when stern Duty calls,

MABEL:

Stay, Fred'ric, stay!

FREDERIC:

I must obey.

BALLAD--MABEL

Ah, leave me not to pine

Alone and desolate;

No fate seemed fair as mine,

No happiness so great!

And Nature, day by day,

Has sung in accents clear

This joyous roundelay,

"He loves thee-- he is here.

Fa-la, la-la,

Fa-la, la-la.

He loves thee-- he is here.

Fa-la, la-la, Fa-la."

FREDERIC:

Ah, must I leave thee here

In endless night to dream,

Where joy is dark and drear,

And sorrow all supreme--

Where nature, day by day,

Will sing, in altered tone,

This weary roundelay,

"He loves thee-- he is gone.

Fa-la, la-la,

Fa-la, la-la.

He loves thee-- he is gone.

Fa-la, la-la, Fa-la."

FREDERIC:

In 1940 I of age shall be,

I'll then return, and claim you--I declare it!

MABEL:

It seems so long!

FREDERIC:

Swear that, till then, you will be true to me.

MABEL:

Yes, I'll be strong!

By all the Stanleys dead and gone, I swear it!

ENSEMBLE

Oh, here is love, and here is truth,

And here is food for joyous laughter:

He (she) will be faithful to his (her) sooth

Till we are wed, and even after.

Oh, here is love, etc.

(FREDERIC rushes to window and leaps out)

MABEL:

(almost fainting) No, I am brave! Oh, family descent,

How great thy charm, thy sway how excellent!

Come one and all, undaunted men in blue,

A crisis, now, affairs are coming to!

(Enter POLICE, marching in single file)

SERGEANT:

Though in body and in mind

POLICE:

Tarantara! tarantara!

SERGEANT:

We are timidly inclined,

POLICE:

Tarantara!

SERGEANT:

And anything but blind

POLICE:

Tarantara! tarantara!

SERGEANT:

To the danger that's behind,

POLICE:

Tarantara!

SERGEANT:

Yet, when the danger's near,

POLICE:

Tarantara! tarantara!

SERGEANT:

We manage to appear

POLICE:

Tarantara!

SERGEANT:

As insensible to fear

As anybody here,

As anybody here.

POLICE:

Tarantara! tarantara!, etc.

MABEL:

Sergeant, approach! Young Frederic was to have led you

to death and glory.

POLICE:

That is not a pleasant way of putting it.

MABEL:

No matter; he will not so lead you, for he has allied

himself once more with his old associates.

POLICE:

He has acted shamefully!

MABEL:

You speak falsely. You know nothing about it. He has

acted nobly.

POLICE:

He has acted nobly!

MABEL:

Dearly as I loved him before, his heroic sacrifice to

his sense of duty has endeared him to me tenfold; but

if it was his duty to constitute himself my foe, it is

likewise my duty to regard him in that light. He has

done his duty. I will do mine. Go ye and do yours.

(Exit MABEL)

POLICE:

Right oh!

SERGEANT:

This is perplexing.

POLICE:

We cannot understand it at all.

SERGEANT:

Still, as he is actuated by a sense of duty--

POLICE:

That makes a difference, of course. At the same time,

we repeat, we cannot understand it at all.

SERGEANT:

No matter. Our course is clear: we must do our best

to capture these pirates alone. It is most distressing

to us to be the agents whereby our erring fellow-

creatures are deprived of that liberty which is so dear

to us all-- but we should have thought of that before

we joined the force.

POLICE:

We should!

SERGEANT:

It is too late now!

POLICE:

It is!

SOLO AND CHORUS

SERGEANT:

When a felon's not engaged in his employment

POLICE:

His employment

SERGEANT:

Or maturing his felonious little plans,

POLICE:

Little plans,

SERGEANT:

His capacity for innocent enjoyment

POLICE:

'Cent enjoyment

SERGEANT:

Is just as great as any honest man's.

POLICE:

Honest man's.

SERGEANT:

Our feelings we with difficulty smother

POLICE:

'Culty smother

SERGEANT:

When constabulary duty's to be done.

POLICE:

To be done.

SERGEANT:

Ah, take one consideration with another,

POLICE:

With another,

SERGEANT:

A policeman's lot is not a happy one.

ALL:

Ah, when constabulary duty's to be done, to be

done,

A policeman's lot is not a happy one, happy one.

SERGEANT:

When the enterprising burglar's not a-burgling

POLICE:

Not a-burgling

SERGEANT:

When the cut-throat isn't occupied in crime,

POLICE:

'Pied in crime,

SERGEANT:

He loves to hear the little brook a-gurgling

POLICE:

Brook a-gurgling

SERGEANT:

And listen to the merry village chime.

POLICE:

Village chime.

SERGEANT:

When the coster's finished jumping on his mother,

POLICE:

On his mother,

SERGEANT:

He loves to lie a-basking in the sun.

POLICE:

In the sun.

SERGEANT:

Ah, take one consideration with another,

POLICE:

With another,

SERGEANT:

A policeman's lot is not a happy one.

ALL:

Ah, when constabulary duty's to be done, to be

done,

A policeman's lot is not a happy one, happy one.

(Chorus of Pirates without, in the distance)

A rollicking band of pirates we,

Who, tired of tossing on the sea,

Are trying their hand at a burglaree,

With weapons grim and gory.

SERGEANT:

Hush, hush! I hear them on the manor poaching,

With stealthy step the pirates are approaching.

(Chorus of Pirates, resumed nearer.)

We are not coming for plate or gold;

A story General Stanley's told;

We seek a penalty fifty-fold,

For General Stanley's story.

POLICE:

They seek a penalty

PIRATES:

Fifty-fold!

We seek a penalty

POLICE:

Fifty-fold!

ALL:

They (We) seek a penalty fifty-fold,

For General Stanley's story.

SERGEANT:

They come in force, with stealthy stride,

Our obvious course is now--to hide.

POLICE:

Tarantara! Tarantara! etc.

(Police conceal themselves in aisle. As they do so, the Pirates,

with RUTH and FREDERIC, are seen appearing at ruined window.

They enter cautiously, and come down stage on tiptoe.

SAMUEL is laden with burglarious tools and pistols, etc.)

CHORUS--PIRATES (very loud)

With cat-like tread,

Upon our prey we steal;

In silence dread,

Our cautious way we feel.

No sound at all!

We never speak a word;

A fly's foot-fall

Would be distinctly heard--

POLICE:

(softly) Tarantara, tarantara!

PIRATES:

So stealthily the pirate creeps,

While all the household soundly sleeps.

Come, friends, who plough the sea,

Truce to navigation;

Take another station;

Let's vary piracee

With a little burglaree!

POLICE:

(softly) Tarantara, tarantara!

SAMUEL:

(distributing implements to various members of the

gang)

Here's your crowbar and your centrebit,

Your life-preserver--you may want to hit!

Your silent matches, your dark lantern seize,

Take your file and your skeletonic keys.

POLICE:

Tarantara!

PIRATES:

With cat-like tread

POLICE:

Tarantara!

PIRATES:

in silence dread,

(Enter KING, FREDERIC and RUTH)

ALL

(fortissimo). With cat-like tread, etc.

RECIT

FREDERIC:

Hush, hush! not a word; I see a light inside!

The Major-Gen'ral comes, so quickly hide!

PIRATES:

Yes, yes, the Major-General comes!

(Exeunt KING, FREDERIC, SAMUEL, and RUTH)

POLICE:

Yes, yes, the Major-General comes!

GENERAL:

(entering in dressing-gown, carrying a light)

Yes, yes, the Major-General comes!

SOLO--GENERAL

Tormented with the anguish dread

Of falsehood unatoned,

I lay upon my sleepless bed,

And tossed and turned and groaned.

The man who finds his conscience ache

No peace at all enjoys;

And as I lay in bed awake,

I thought I heard a noise.

MEN:

He thought he heard a noise-- ha! ha!

GENERAL:

No, all is still

In dale, on hill;

My mind is set at ease--

So still the scene,

It must have been

The sighing of the breeze.

BALLAD--GENERAL

Sighing softly to the river

Comes the loving breeze,

Setting nature all a-quiver,

Rustling through the trees.

MEN:

Through the trees.

GENERAL:

And the brook, in rippling measure,

Laughs for very love,

While the poplars, in their pleasure,

Wave their arms above.

MEN:

Yes, the trees, for very love,

Wave their leafy arms above.

ALL:

River, river, little river,

May thy loving prosper ever!

Heaven speed thee, poplar tree,

May thy wooing happy be.

GENERAL:

Yet, the breeze is but a rover,

When he wings away,

Brook and poplar mourn a lover

Sighing ,"Well-a-day!"

MEN:

Well-a-day!

GENERAL:

Ah! the doing and undoing,

That the rogue could tell!

When the breeze is out a-wooing,

Who can woo so well?

MEN:

Shocking tales the rogue could tell,

Nobody can woo so well.

ALL:

Pretty brook, thy dream is over,

For thy love is but a rover;

Sad the lot of poplar trees,

Courted by a fickle breeze!

(Enter the MAJOR-GENERAL's daughters, led by MABEL, all in white

peignoirs and night-caps, and carrying lighted candles.)

GIRLS:

Now what is this, and what is that, and why does father

leave his rest

At such a time of night as this, so very incompletely

dressed?

Dear father is, and always was, the most methodical of

men!

It's his invariable rule to go to bed at half-past ten.

What strange occurrence can it be that calls dear

father from his rest

At such a time of night as this, so very incompletely

dressed?

(Enter KING, SAMUEL, and FREDERIC)

KING:

Forward, my men, and seize that General there! His

life is over. (They seize the GENERAL)

GIRLS:

The pirates! the pirates! Oh, despair!

PIRATES:

(springing up) Yes, we're the pirates, so despair!

GENERAL:

Frederic here! Oh, joy! Oh. rapture!

Summon your men and effect their capture!

MABEL:

Frederic, save us!

FREDERIC:

Beautiful Mabel,

I would if I could, but I am not able.

PIRATES:

He's telling the truth, he is not able.

KING:

With base deceit

You worked upon our feelings!

Revenge is sweet,

And flavours all our dealings!

With courage rare

And resolution manly,

For death prepare,

Unhappy Gen'ral Stanley.

MABEL:

(wildly) Is he to die, unshriven, unannealed?

GIRLS:

Oh, spare him!

MABEL:

Will no one in his cause a weapon wield?

GIRLS:

Oh, spare him!

POLICE:

(springing up) Yes, we are here, though hitherto

concealed!

GIRLS:

Oh, rapture!

POLICE:

So to Constabulary, pirates yield!

GIRLS:

Oh, rapture!

(A struggle ensues between Pirates and Police, RUTH tackling the

SERGEANTONIO

Eventually the Police are overcome and fall

prostrate, the Pirates standing over them with drawn

swords.)

CHORUS OF PIRATES AND POLICE

PIRATES POLICE

We triumph now, for well we You triumph now, for well we

trow trow

Your mortal career's cut short; Our mortal career's cut

short;

No pirate band will take its No pirate band will take its

stand stand

At the Central Criminal Court. At the Central Criminal

Court.

SERGEANT:

To gain a brief advantage you've contrived,

But your proud triumph will not be long-lived

KING:

Don't say you are orphans, for we know that game.

SERGEANT:

On your allegiance we've a stronger claim.

We charge you yield, we charge you yield,

In Queen Victoria's name!

KING:

(baffled) You do?

POLICE:

We do!

We charge you yield,

In Queen Victoria's name!

(PIRATES kneel, POLICE stand over them triumphantly.)

KING:

We yield at once, with humbled mien,

Because, with all our faults, we love our Queen.

POLICE:

Yes, yes, with all their faults, they love their Queen.

ALL:

Yes, yes, with all their faults, they love their Queen.

(POLICE, holding PIRATES by the collar, take out handkerchiefs

and weep.)

GENERAL:

Away with them, and place them at the bar!

(Enter RUTH)

RUTH:

One moment! let me tell you who they are.

They are no members of the common throng;

They are all noblemen who have gone wrong.

ALL:

They are all noblemen who have gone wrong.

GENERAL:

No Englishman unmoved that statement hears,

Because, with all our faults, we love our House of

Peers. (All kneel)

I pray you, pardon me, ex-Pirate King!

Peers will be peers, and youth will have its fling.

Resume your ranks and legislative duties,

And take my daughters, all of whom are beauties.

FINALE--MABEL, EDITH and ENSEMBLE

Poor wandering ones!

Though ye have surely strayed,

Take heart of grace,

Your steps retrace,

Poor wandering ones!

Poor wandering ones!

If such poor love as ours

Can help you find

True peace of mind,

Why, take it, it is yours!

ALL:

Poor wandering ones! etc.

END OF OPERA

PATIENCE

or, Bunthorne's Bride

Book by W.S. GILBERT

Music by ARTHUR SULLIVAN

First produced at the Opera Comique, London, on April 23, 1881.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

Officers of Dragoon Guards

COLONEL CALVERLEY Baritone

MAJOR MURGATROYD Baritone

LIEUT THE DUKE OF DUNSTABLE Tenor

REGINALD BUNTHORNE (A Fleshly Poet) Light Baritone

ARCHIBALD GROSVENOR (An Idyllic Poet) Baritone

MR. BUNTHORNE'S SOLICITOR Non-singing

Rapturous Maidens

THE LADY ANGELA Mezzo-Soprano

THE LADY SAPHIR Mezzo-Soprano

THE LADY ELLA Soprano

THE LADY JANE Contralto

PATIENCE (A Dairy Maid) Soprano

Chorus of Rapturous MAIDENS and Officers of DRAGOON GUARDS

ACT I--Exterior of Castle Bunthorne

ACT II--A Glade

ACT I

[Scene: Exterior of Castle Bunthorne, the gateway to which is

seen, R.U.E., and is approached by a drawbridge over a moat.

A rocky eminence R. with steps down to the stage. In front

of it, a rustic bench, on which ANGELA is seated, with ELLA

on her left. Young Ladies wearing aesthetic draperies are

grouped about the stage from R. to L.C., SAPHIR being near

the L. end of the group. The Ladies play on lutes, etc., as

they sing, and all are in the last stage of despair.]

No. 1. Twenty love-sick maidens we

(Opening Chorus and Solos)

Maidens, Angela, and Ella

MAIDENS

Twenty love-sick maidens we,

Love-sick all against our will.

Twenty years hence we shall be

Twenty love-sick maidens still!

Twenty love-sick maidens we,

And we die for love of thee!

Twenty love-sick maidens we,

Love-sick all against our will.

Twenty years hence we shall be

Twenty love-sick maidens still!

ANGELA

Love feeds on hope, they say, or love will die;

MAIDENS

Ah, miserie!

ANGELA

Yet my love lives, although no hope have I!

MAIDENS

Ah, miserie!

ANGELA

Alas, poor heart, go hide thyself away,

To weeping concords tune thy roundelay!

Ah, miserie!

MAIDENS

All our love is all for one,

Yet that love he heedeth not,

He is coy and cares for none,

Sad and sorry is our lot!

Ah, miserie!

ELLA

Go, breaking heart,

Go, dream of love requited!

Go, foolish heart,

Go, dream of lovers plighted;

Go, madcap heart,

Go, dream of never waking;

And in thy dream

Forget that thou art breaking!

MAIDENS

Ah, miserie!

ELLA

Forget that thou art breaking!

MAIDENS

Twenty love-sick maidens we,

Love-sick all against our will.

Twenty years hence we shall be

Twenty love-sick maidens still.

Ah, miserie!

ANGELA

There is a strange magic in this love of ours! Rivals as

we all are in the affections of our Reginald, the very

hopelessness of our love is a bond that binds us to one another!

SAPHIR

Jealousy is merged in misery. While he, the very

cynosure of our eyes and hearts, remains icy insensible -- what

have we to strive for?

ELLA

The love of maidens is, to him, as interesting as the

taxes!

SAPHIR

Would that it were! He pays his taxes.

ANGELA

And cherishes the receipts!

[Enter LADY JANE, L.U.E.]

SAPHIR

Happy receipts! [All sigh heavily]

JANE

[L.C., suddenly] Fools! [They start, and turn to her]

ANGELA

I beg your pardon?

JANE

Fools and blind! The man loves -- wildly loves!

ANGELA

But whom? None of us!

JANE

No, none of us. His weird fancy has lighted, for the

nonce, on Patience, the village milkmaid!

SAPHIR

On Patience? Oh, it cannot be!

JANE

Bah! But yesterday I caught him in her dairy, eating fresh

butter with a tablespoon. Today he is not well!

SAPHIR

But Patience boasts that she has never loved -- that love

is, to her, a sealed book! Oh, he cannot be serious!

JANE

`Tis but a fleeting fancy -- `twill quickly wear away.

[aside, coming down-stage] Oh, Reginald, if you but knew what a

wealth of golden love is waiting for you, stored up in this

rugged old bosom of mine, the milkmaid's triumph would be short

indeed!

[PATIENCE appears on an eminence, R. She looks down with pity on

the despondent Ladies.]

No. 2. Still brooding on their mad infatuation!

(Recitative)

Patience, Saphir, Angela, and Maidens

PATIENCE

Still brooding on their mad infatuation!

I thank thee, Love, thou comest not to me!

Far happier I, free from thy ministration,

Than dukes or duchesses who love can be!

SAPHIR

[looking up] `Tis Patience -- happy girl! Loved by a

poet!

PATIENCE

Your pardon, ladies. I intrude upon you! [Going]

ANGELA

Nay, pretty child, come hither. [PATIENCE descends.] Is

it true that you have never loved?

PATIENCE

Most true indeed.

SOPRANOS

Most marvelous!

ALTOS

And most deplorable!

I cannot tell what this love may be

(Solo)

Patience

PATIENCE

I cannot tell what this love may be

[L.C.] That cometh to all but not to me.

It cannot be kind as they'd imply,

Or why do these ladies sigh?

It cannot be joy and rapture deep,

Or why do these gentle ladies weep?

It cannot be blissful as `tis said,

Or why are their eyes so wondrous red?

Though ev'rywhere true love I see

A-coming to all, but not to me,

I cannot tell what this love may be!

For I am blithe and I am gay,

While they sit sighing night and day.

PATIENCE ALL

For I am blithe and I am gay, Yes, she is blithe and she is

gay,

Think of the gulf `twixt Yes, she is blithe and

them and me, she is gay,

Think of the gulf `twixt them, Yes, she is blithe and

and me, and she is gay,

Fal la la la la la la la la la la la la la la

la la la la la la la la la la la la,

and miserie! Ah, miserie!

[She dances across R. and back to R.C.]

PATIENCE

If love is a thorn, they show no wit

Who foolishly hug and foster it.

If love is a weed, how simple they

Who gather it, day by day!

If love is a nettle that makes you smart,

Then why do you wear it next your heart?

And if it be none of these, say I,

Ah, why do you sit and sob and sigh?

Though ev'rywhere true love I see

A-coming to all, but not to me,

I cannot tell what this love may be!

For I am blithe and I am gay,

While they sit sighing night and day.

PATIENCE ALL

For I am blithe and I Yes, she is blithe and she is

am gay, gay,

Think of the gulf `twixt Yes, she is blithe and she is

them and me, gay,

Think of the gulf `twixt Yes, she is blithe and she is

them and me, gay,

Fal la la la la la la la la la la la la la la

la la la la la la la la la la la la,

and miserie! Ah, miserie!

ANGELA

Ah, Patience, if you have never loved, you have never

known true happiness! [All sigh.]

PATIENCE

[C.] But the truly happy always seem to have so much on

their minds. The truly happy never seem quite well.

JANE

[coming L.C.] There is a transcendentality of delirium --

an acute accentuation of supremest ecstasy -- which the earthy

might easily mistake for indigestion. But it is not indigestion

-- it is aesthetic transfiguration! [to the others.] Enough of

babble. Come!

PATIENCE

[stopping her as she turns to go up C.] But stay, I

have some news for you. The 35th Dragoon Guards have halted in

the village, and are even now on their way to this very spot.

ANGELA

The 35th Dragoon Guards!

SAPHIR

They are fleshly men, of full habit!

ELLA

We care nothing for Dragoon Guards!

PATIENCE

But, bless me, you were all engaged to them a year ago!

SAPHIR

A year ago!

ANGELA

My poor child, you don't understand these things. A year

ago they were very well in our eyes, but since then our tastes

have been etherealized, our perceptions exalted. [to the others]

Come, it is time to lift up our voices in morning carol to our

Reginald. Let us to his door!

[ANGELA leading, the Ladies go off, two and two, Jane last, over

the drawbridge into the castle, singing refrain of "Twenty

love-sick maidens", and, as before, accompanying themselves

on harps, etc.]

No. 2a. Twenty love-sick maidens we

(Chorus)

Maidens

MAIDENS

Twenty love-sick maidens we,

Love-sick all against our will.

Twenty years hence we shall be

Twenty love-sick maidens still!

Ah, miserie!

[PATIENCE watches them in surprise, and, with a gesture of

complete bafflement, climbs the rock and goes off the way

she entered.]

[The officers of the DRAGOON GUARDS enter, R., led by the MAJOR.

They form their line across the front of the stage.]

No. 3. The soldiers of our Queen

(Chorus and Solo)

Dragoons and Colonel

DRAGOONS

The soldiers of our Queen

Are linked in friendly tether;

Upon the battle scene

They fight the foe together.

There ev'ry mother's son

Prepared to fight and fall is;

The enemy of one

The enemy of all is!

The enemy of one

The enemy of all is!

[On an order from the MAJOR they fall back.]

[Enter the COLONEL. All salute.]

COLONEL

If you want a receipt for that popular mystery,

[C.] Known to the world as a Heavy Dragoon,

DRAGOONS

[saluting] Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!

COLONEL

Take all the remarkable people in history,

Rattle them off to a popular tune.

DRAGOONS

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!

COLONEL

The pluck of Lord Nelson on board of the Victory--

Genius of Bismarck devising a plan--

The humour of Fielding (which sounds contradictory)--

Coolness of Paget about to trepan--

The science of Jullien, the eminent musico--

Wit of Macaulay, who wrote of Queen Anne--

The pathos of Paddy, as rendered by Boucicault--

Style of the Bishop of Sodor and Man--

The dash of a D'Orsay, divested of quackery--

Narrative powers of Dickens and Thackeray--

Victor Emmanuel -- peak-haunting Peveril--

Thomas Aquinas, and Doctor Sacheverell--

Tupper and Tennyson -- Daniel Defoe--

Anthony Trollope and Mister Guizot! Ah!

DRAGOONS

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!

COLONEL DRAGOONS

Take of these elements all A Heavy Dragoon,

that is fusible a Heavy Dragoon,

Melt them all down in a A Heavy Dragoon,

pipkin or crucible-- a Heavy Dragoon,

Set them to simmer, A Heavy Dragoon,

and take off the scum, a Heavy Dragoon,

And a Heavy Dragoon Is the residuum!

is the residuum!

COLONEL

If you want a receipt for this soldier-like paragon,

Get at the wealth of the Czar (if you can)--

The family pride of a Spaniard from Aragon--

Force of Mephisto pronouncing a ban--

A smack of Lord Waterford, reckless and rollicky--

Swagger of Roderick, heading his clan--

The keen penetration of Paddington Pollaky--

Grace of an Odalisque on a divan--

The genius strategic of Caesar or Hannibal--

Skill of Sir Garnet in thrashing a cannibal--

Flavour of Hamlet -- the Stranger, a touch of him--

Little of Manfred (but not very much of him)--

Beadle of Burlington -- Richardson's show--

Mister Micawber and Madame Tussaud! Ah!

DRAGOONS

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!

COLONEL DRAGOONS

Take of these elements all A Heavy Dragoon,

that is fusible a Heavy Dragoon,

Melt them all down in a A Heavy Dragoon,

pipkin or crucible-- a Heavy Dragoon,

Set them to simmer, A Heavy Dragoon,

and take off the scum, a Heavy Dragoon,

And a Heavy Dragoon Is the residuum!

is the residuum!

COLONEL

Well, here we are once more on the scene of our former

triumphs. But where's the Duke?

[Enter DUKE, listlessly, and in low spirits.]

DUKE

Here I am! [Sighs.]

COLONEL

Come, cheer up, don't give way!

DUKE

Oh, for that, I'm as cheerful as a poor devil can be

expected to be who has the misfortune to be a Duke, with a

thousand a day!

MAJOR

Humph! Most men would envy you!

DUKE

Envy me? Tell me, Major, are you fond of toffee?

MAJOR

Very!

COLONEL

We are all fond of toffee.

ALL

We are!

DUKE

Yes, and toffee in moderation is a capital thing. But to

live on toffee -- toffee for breakfast, toffee for dinner, toffee

for tea -- to have it supposed that you care for nothing but

toffee, and that you would consider yourself insulted if anything

but toffee were offered to you -- how would you like that?

COLONEL

I can quite believe that, under those circumstances,

even toffee would become monotonous.

DUKE

For "toffee" read flattery, adulation, and abject

deference, carried to such a pitch that I began, at last, to

think that man was born bent at an angle of forty-five degrees!

Great heavens, what is there to adulate in me? Am I particularly

intelligent, or remarkably studious, or excruciatingly witty, or

unusually accomplished, or exceptionally virtuous?

COLONEL

You're about as commonplace a young man as ever I saw.

ALL

You are!

DUKE

Exactly! That's it exactly! That describes me to a T!

Thank you all very much! [Shakes hands with the Colonel] Well,

I couldn't stand it any longer, so I joined this second-class

cavalry regiment. In the army, thought I, I shall be

occasionally snubbed, perhaps even bullied, who knows? The

thought was rapture, and here I am.

COLONEL

[looking off] Yes, and here are the ladies!

DUKE

But who is the gentleman with the long hair?

COLONEL

I don't know.

DUKE

He seems popular!

COLONEL

He does seem popular!

[The DRAGOONS back up R., watching the entrance of the Ladies.

BUNTHORNE enters, L.U.E., followed by the Ladies, two and

two, playing on harps as before. He is composing a poem,

and is quite absorbed. He sees no one, but walks across the

stage, followed by the Ladies, who take no notice of the

DRAGOONS -- to the surprise and indignation of those

officers.]

[Bunthorne, the Ladies following, comes slowly down L. and then

crosses the stage to R.]

No. 4. In a doleful train

(Chorus and Solos)

Maidens, Ella, Angela, Saphir, Dragoons, and Bunthorne

MAIDENS

In a doleful train

Two and two we walk all day--

For we love in vain!

None so sorrowful as they

Who can only sigh and say,

Woe is me, alackaday!

Woe is me, alackaday!

DRAGOONS

Now is not this ridiculous, and is not this

preposterous?

A thorough-paced absurdity -- explain it if you

can.

Instead of rushing eagerly to cherish us and foster us,

They all prefer this melancholy literary man.

Instead of slyly peering at us,

Casting looks endearing at us,

Blushing at us, flushing at us, flirting with a fan;

They're actually sneering at us, fleering at us,

jeering at us!

Pretty sort of treatment for a military man!

They're actually sneering at us, fleering at us,

jeering at us!

Pretty sort of treatment for a military man!

[Bunthorne, C.]

ANGELA

[R. of BUNTHORNE] Mystic poet, hear our prayer,

Twenty love-sick maidens we--

Young and wealthy, dark and fair,

All of county family.

And we die for love of thee--

Twenty love-sick maidens we!

MAIDENS

Yes, we die for love of thee--

Twenty love-sick maidens we!

BUNTHORNE

[crossing to L.] Though my book I seem to scan

In a rapt ecstatic way,

Like a literary man

Who despises female clay,

I hear plainly all they say,

Twenty love-sick maidens they!

[BUNTHORNE crosses to C.]

DRAGOONS

[to each other] He hears plainly all they say,

Twenty love-sick maidens they!

SAPHIR

[L. of BUNTHORNE] Though so excellently wise,

For a moment mortal be,

Deign to raise thy purple eyes

From thy heart-drawn poesy.

Twenty lovesick maidens see--

Each is kneeling on her knee!

[All kneel.]

MAIDENS

Twenty love-sick maidens see--

Each is kneeling on her knee!

BUNTHORNE

[going R.] Though, as I remarked before,

Any one convinced would be

That some transcendental lore

Is monopolizing me,

Round the corner I can see

Each is kneeling on her knee!

DRAGOONS

Round the corner he can see

Each is kneeling on her knee!

Now is not this ridiculous, and is not this preposterous?

A thorough-paced absurdity -- ridiculous!

preposterous!

Explain it if you can.

MAIDENS DRAGOONS

In a doleful train Now is not this ridiculous,

Two and two we walk all day, and is not this preposterous?

A thorough-paced absurdity--

None so sorrowful as they explain it if you can.

For we love in vain! Instead of rushing eagerly

None so sorrowful as they to cherish us and foster us,

They all prefer this

melancholy literary man.

Who can only sigh and say, Instead of slyly peering at us,

Casting looks endearing at us,

Blushing at us, flushing at us,

Flirting with a fan;

Woe is me, alackaday! They're actually sneering at us,

fleering at us, jeering at us!

Pretty sort of treatment for

a military man!

Woe is me, alackaday! They're actually sneering at us,

fleering at us, jeering at us!

Pretty sort of treatment for

a military man!

Twenty love-sick maidens we, Now is not this ridiculous,

and is not this preposterous?

They all prefer this melancholy

literary man.

And we die for love of thee! Now is not this ridiculous,

and is not this preposterous?

They all prefer this melancholy,

Yes, we die for love of thee! melancholy literary man.

Now is not this ridiculous,

and is not this preposterous?

COLONEL

[R.C.] Angela! what is the meaning of this?

ANGELA

[C.] Oh, sir, leave us; our minds are but ill-tuned to

light love-talk.

MAJOR

[L.C.] But what in the world has come over you all?

JANE

[L.C.] Bunthorne! He has come over us. He has come among

us, and he has idealized us.

DUKE

Has he succeeded in idealizing you?

JANE

He has!

DUKE

Good old Bunthorne!

JANE

My eyes are open; I droop despairingly; I am soulfully

intense; I am limp and I cling!

[During this BUNTHORNE is seen in all the agonies of composition.

The Ladies are watching him intently as he writhes. At last

he hits on the word he wants and writes it down. A general

sense of relief.]

BUN.

Finished! At last! Finished!

[He staggers, overcome with the mental strain, into the arms of

the COLONEL.]

COLONEL

Are you better now?

BUN.

Yes -- oh, it's you! -- I am better now. The poem is

finished, and my soul has gone out into it. That was all. It

was nothing worth mentioning, it occurs three times a day.

[Sees PATIENCE, who has entered during this scene.]

Ah, Patience! Dear Patience!

[Holds her hand; she seems frightened.]

ANGELA

Will it please you read it to us, sir?

SAPHIR

This we supplicate. [All kneel.]

BUN.

Shall I?

DRAGOONS

No!

BUN.

[annoyed -- to PATIENCE] I will read it if you bid me!

PATIENCE

[much frightened] You can if you like!

BUN.

It is a wild, weird, fleshy thing; yet very tender, very

yearning, very precious. It is called, "Oh, Hollow! Hollow!

Hollow!"

PATIENCE

Is it a hunting song?

BUN.

A hunting song? No, it is not a hunting song. It is the

wail of the poet's heart on discovering that everything is

commonplace. To understand it, cling passionately to one another

and think of faint lilies.

[They do so as he recites]

"OH, HOLLOW! HOLLOW! HOLLOW!"

What time the poet hath hymned

The writhing maid, lithe-limbed,

Quivering on amaranthine asphodel,

How can he paint her woes,

Knowing, as well he knows,

That all can be set right with calomel?

When from the poet's plinth

The amorous colocynth

Yearns for the aloe, faint with rapturous thrills,

How can he hymn their throes

Knowing, as well he knows,

That they are only uncompounded pills?

Is it, and can it be,

Nature hath this decree,

Nothing poetic in the world shall dwell?

Or that in all her works

Something poetic lurks,

Even in colocynth and calomel?

I cannot tell.

[He goes off, L.U.E. All turn and watch him, not speaking until

he has gone.]

ANGELA

How purely fragrant!

SAPHIR

How earnestly precious!

PATIENCE

Well, it seems to me to be nonsense.

SAPHIR

Nonsense, yes, perhaps -- but oh, what precious nonsense!

COLONEL

This is all very well, but you seem to forget that you

are engaged to us.

SAPHIR

It can never be. You are not Empyrean. You are not

Della Cruscan. You are not even Early English. Oh, be Early

English ere it is too late!

[Officers look at each other in astonishment.]

JANE

[looking at uniform] Red and Yellow! Primary colors! Oh,

South Kensington!

DUKE

We didn't design our uniforms, but we don't see how they

could be improved!

JANE

No, you wouldn't. Still, there is a cobwebby grey velvet,

with a tender bloom like cold gravy, which, made Florentine

fourteenth century, trimmed with Venetian leather and Spanish

altar lace, and surmounted with something Japanese -- it matters

not what -- would at least be Early English! Come, maidens.

[Exeunt Maidens, L.U.E., two and two, singing refrain of "Twenty

love-sick maidens we". PATIENCE goes off L. The Officers

watch the Ladies go off in astonishment.]

No. 4a. Twenty love-sick maidens we

(Chorus)

Maidens

[As the MAIDENS depart, the DRAGOONS spread across the stage.]

MAIDENS

Twenty love-sick maidens we,

Love-sick all against our will.

Twenty years hence we shall be

Twenty love-sick maidens still!

Ah, miserie!

DUKE

Gentlemen, this is an insult to the British uniform.

COLONEL

A uniform that has been as successful in the courts of

Venus as on the field of Mars!

No. 5. When I first put this uniform on

(Solo and Chorus)

Colonel and Dragoons

[The DRAGOONS form their original line.]

Song -- COLONEL

When I first put this uniform on,

I said, as I looked in the glass,

"It's one to a million

That any civilian

My figure and form will surpass.

Gold lace has a charm for the fair,

And I've plenty of that, and to spare,

While a lover's professions,

When uttered in Hessians,

Are eloquent ev'rywhere!"

A fact that I counted upon,

When I first put this uniform on!

Chorus of DRAGOONS

By a simple coincidence, few

Could ever have counted upon,

The same thing occurred to me,

When I first put this uniform on!

COL.

I said, when I first put it on,

"It is plain to the veriest dunce,

That every beauty

Will feel it her duty

To yield to its glamour at once.

They will see that I'm freely gold-laced

In a uniform handsome and chaste"--

But the peripatetics

Of long-haired aesthetics

Are very much more to their taste--

Which I never counted upon,

When I first put this uniform on!

CHORUS

By a simple coincidence, few

Could ever have reckoned upon,

I didn't anticipate that,

When I first put this uniform on!

[The DRAGOONS go off angrily, R.]

[Enter BUNTHORNE, L.U.E., who changes his manner and becomes

intensely melodramatic.]

No. 6. Am I alone and unobserved?

(Recitative and Solo)

Bunthorne

BUN.

[Up-stage, he looks off L. and R.]

Am I alone,

And unobserved? I am!

[comes down]

Then let me own

I'm an aesthetic sham!

[and walks tragically to down-stage, C.]

This air severe

Is but a mere

Veneer!

This cynic smile

Is but a wile

Of guile!

This costume chaste

Is but good taste

Misplaced!

Let me confess!

A languid love for Lilies does not blight me!

Lank limbs and haggard cheeks do not delight me!

I do not care for dirty greens

By any means.

I do not long for all one sees

That's Japanese.

I am not fond of uttering platitudes

In stained-glass attitudes.

In short, my mediaevalism's affectation,

Born of a morbid love of admiration!

[Tiptoes up-stage, looking L. and R., and comes back down, C.]

If you're anxious for to shine in the high aesthetic line as a

man of culture rare,

You must get up all the germs of the transcendental terms, and

plant them ev'rywhere.

You must lie upon the daisies and discourse in novel phrases of

your complicated state of mind,

The meaning doesn't matter if it's only idle chatter of a

transcendental kind.

And ev'ry one will say,

As you walk your mystic way,

"If this young man expresses himself in terms too deep for me,

Why, what a very singularly deep young man this deep young man

must be!"

Be eloquent in praise of the very dull old days which have long

since passed away,

And convince 'em, if you can, that the reign of good Queen Anne

was Culture's palmiest day.

Of course you will pooh-pooh whatever's fresh and new, and

declare it's crude and mean,

For Art stopped short in the cultivated court of the Empress

Josephine.

And ev'ryone will say,

As you walk your mystic way,

"If that's not good enough for him which is good enough for me,

Why, what a very cultivated kind of youth this kind of youth must

be!"

Then a sentimental passion of a vegetable fashion must excite

your languid spleen,

An attachment a la Plato for a bashful young potato, or a not-

too-French French bean!

Though the Philistines may jostle, you will rank as an apostle in

the high aesthetic band,

If you walk down Piccadilly with a poppy or a lily in your

medieval hand.

And ev'ryone will say,

As you walk your flow'ry way,

"If he's content with a vegetable love which would certainly not

suit me,

Why, what a most particularly pure young man this pure young man

must be!"

[At the end of his song, PATIENCE enters, L. He sees her.]

BUN.

Ah! Patience, come hither. [She comes to him timidly.] I

am pleased with thee. The bitter-hearted one, who finds all else

hollow, is pleased with thee. For you are not hollow. Are you?

PATIENCE

No, thanks, I have dined; but -- I beg your pardon -- I

interrupt you. [Turns to go; he stops her.]

BUN.

Life is made up of interruptions. The tortured soul,

yearning for solitude, writhes under them. Oh, but my heart is

a-weary! Oh, I am a cursed thing! [She attempts to escape.]

Don't go.

PATIENCE

Really, I'm very sorry.

BUN.

Tell me, girl, do you ever yearn?

PATIENCE

I earn my living.

BUN.

[impatiently] No, no! Do you know what it is to be heart-

hungry? Do you know what it is to yearn for the Indefinable, and

yet to be brought face to face, dally, with the Multiplication

Table? Do you know what it is to seek oceans and to find

puddles? That's my case. Oh, I am a cursed thing! [She turns

again.] Don't go.

PATIENCE

If you please, I don't understand you -- you frighten

me!

BUN.

Don't be frightened -- it's only poetry.

PATIENCE

Well, if that's poetry, I don't like poetry.

BUN.

[eagerly] Don't you? [aside] Can I trust her? [aloud]

Patience, you don't like poetry -- well, between you and me, I

don't like poetry. It's hollow, unsubstantial -- unsatisfactory.

What's the use of yearning for Elysian Fields when you know you

can't get `em, and would only let `em out on building leases if

you had `em?

PATIENCE

Sir, I--

BUN.

Patience, I have long loved you. Let me tell you a secret.

I am not as bilious as I look. If you like, I will cut my hair.

There is more innocent fun within me than a casual spectator

would imagine. You have never seen me frolicsome. Be a good

girl -- a very good girl -- and one day you shall. If you are

fond of touch-and-go jocularity -- this is the shop for it.

PATIENCE

Sir, I will speak plainly. In the matter of love I am

untaught. I have never loved but my great-aunt. But I am quite

certain that, under any circumstances, I couldn't possibly love

you.

BUN.

Oh, you think not?

PATIENCE

I'm quite sure of it. Quite sure. Quite.

BUN.

Very good. Life is henceforth a blank. I don't care what

becomes of me. I have only to ask that you will not abuse my

confidence; though you despise me, I am extremely popular with

the other young ladies.

PATIENCE

I only ask that you will leave me and never renew the

subject.

BUN.

Certainly. Broken-hearted and desolate, I go. [Goes up-

stage, suddenly turns and recites.]

"Oh, to be wafted away,

From this black Aceldama of sorrow,

Where the dust of an earthy to-day

Is the earth of a dusty to-morrow!"

It is a little thing of my own. I call it "Heart Foam". I

shall not publish it. Farewell! Patience, Patience, farewell!

[Exit BUNTHORNE.]

PATIENCE

What on earth does it all mean? Why does he love me?

Why does he expect me to love him? [going R.] He's not a

relation! It frightens me!

[Enter ANGELA, L.]

ANGELA

Why, Patience, what is the matter?

PATIENCE

Lady Angela, tell me two things. Firstly, what on

earth is this love that upsets everybody; and, secondly, how is

it to be distinguished from insanity?

ANGELA

Poor blind child! Oh, forgive her, Eros! Why, love is

of all passions the most essential! It is the embodiment of

purity, the abstraction of refinement! It is the one unselfish

emotion in this whirlpool of grasping greed!

PATIENCE

Oh, dear, oh! [beginning to cry]

ANGELA

Why are you crying?

PATIENCE

To think that I have lived all these years without

having experienced this ennobling and unselfish passion! Why,

what a wicked girl I must be! For it is unselfish, isn't it?

ANGELA

Absolutely! Love that is tainted with selfishness is no

love. Oh, try, try, try to love! It really isn't difficult if

you give your whole mind to it.

PATIENCE

I'll set about it at once. I won't go to bed until I'm

head over ears in love with somebody.

ANGELA

Noble girl! But is it possible that you have never loved

anybody?

PATIENCE

Yes, one.

ANGELA

Ah! Whom?

PATIENCE

My great-aunt--

ANGELA

Great-aunts don't count.

PATIENCE

Then there's nobody. At least -- no, nobody. Not

since I was a baby. But that doesn't count, I suppose.

ANGELA

I don't know. Tell me about it.

No. 7. Long years ago, fourteen maybe

(Duet)

Patience and Angela

PATIENCE

[R.] Long years ago -- fourteen, maybe,

When but a tiny babe of four,

Another baby played with me,

My elder by a year or more;

A little child of beauty rare,

With marv'lous eyes and wondrous hair,

Who, in my child-eyes, seemed to me

All that a little child should be!

[She goes to ANGELA, L.C.]

Ah, how we loved, that child and I!

How pure our baby joy!

How true our love -- and, by the bye,

He was a little boy!

ANGELA

Ah, old, old tale of Cupid's touch!

I thought as much -- I thought as much!

He was a little boy!

PATIENCE

Pray don't misconstrue what I say--

Remember, pray -- remember, pray,

He was a little boy!

ANGELA

No doubt! Yet, spite of all your pains,

The interesting fact remains -

He was a little boy!

BOTH

Ah, yes, in/No doubt, yet spite of all my/your pains,

The interesting fact remains--

He was a little boy!

He was a little boy!

[Exit ANGELA, L.]

PATIENCE

[R.C.] It's perfectly dreadful to think of the

appalling state I must be in! I had no idea that love was a

duty. No wonder they all look so unhappy! Upon my word, I

hardly like to associate with myself. I don't think I'm

respectable. I'll go at once and fall in love with... [As she

turns to go up R., GROSVENOR enters, R.U.E. She sees him and

turns back.] a stranger!

No. 8. Prithee, pretty maiden

(Duet)

Patience and Grosvenor

GROSVENOR

[up-stage, R. ] Prithee, pretty maiden -- prithee,

tell me true,

(Hey, but I'm doleful, willow willow waly!)

Have you e'er a lover a-dangling after you?

Hey willow waly O!

[coming down-stage]

I would fain discover

If you have a lover!

Hey willow waly O!

PATIENCE

[L.] Gentle sir, my heart is frolicsome and free--

(Hey, but he's doleful, willow willow waly!)

Nobody I care for comes a-courting me--

Hey willow waly O!

Nobody I care for

Comes a-courting -- therefore,

Hey willow waly O!

GROSVENOR

[C.] Prithee, pretty maiden, will you marry me?

(Hey, but I'm hopeful, willow willow waly!)

I may say, at once, I'm a man of propertee--

Hey willow waly O!

Money, I despise it;

Many people prize it,

Hey willow waly O!

PATIENCE

Gentle Sir, although to marry I design--

(Hey, but he's hopeful, willow willow waly!)

As yet I do not know you, and so I must decline.

Hey willow waly O!

To other maidens go you--

As yet I do not know you,

BOTH

Hey willow waly O!

GROS.

Patience! Can it be that you don't recognize me?

PATIENCE

[down L.] Recognize you? No, indeed I don't!

GROS.

Have fifteen years so greatly changed me?

PATIENCE

[turning to him] Fifteen years? What do you mean?

GROS.

Have you forgotten the friend of your youth, your

Archibald? -- your little playfellow? Oh, Chronos, Chronos, this

is too bad of you! [Comes down, C.]

PATIENCE

Archibald! Is it possible? Why, let me look! It is!

It is! [takes his hands.] It must be! Oh, how happy I am! I

thought we should never meet again! And how you've grown!

GROS.

Yes, Patience, I am much taller and much stouter than I

was.

PATIENCE

And how you've improved!

GROS.

[dropping her hands and turning] Yes, Patience, I am very

beautiful! [Sighs.]

PATIENCE

But surely that doesn't make you unhappy?

GROS.

Yes, Patience. Gifted as I am with a beauty which

probably has not its rival on earth, I am, nevertheless, utterly

and completely miserable.

PATIENCE

Oh -- but why?

GROS.

My child-love for you has never faded. Conceive, then,

the horror of my situation when I tell you that it is my hideous

destiny to be madly loved at first sight by every woman I come

across!

PATIENCE

But why do you make yourself so picturesque? Why not

disguise yourself, disfigure yourself, anything to escape this

persecution?

GROS.

No, Patience, that may not be. These gifts -- irksome as

they are -- were given to me for the enjoyment and delectation of

my fellow-creatures. I am a trustee for Beauty, and it is my

duty to see that the conditions of my trust are faithfully

discharged.

PATIENCE

And you, too, are a Poet?

GROS.

Yes, I am the Apostle of Simplicity. I am called

"Archibald the All-Right" -- for I am infallible!

PATIENCE

And is it possible that you condescend to love such a

girl as I?

GROS.

Yes, Patience, is it not strange? I have loved you with a

Florentine fourteenth-century frenzy for full fifteen years!

PATIENCE

Oh, marvelous! I have hitherto been deaf to the voice

of love. I seem now to know what love is! It has been revealed

to me -- it is Archibald Grosvenor!

GROS.

Yes, Patience, it is! [She goes into his arms.]

PATIENCE

[as in a trance] We will never, never part!

GROS.

We will live and die together!

PATIENCE

I swear it!

GROS.

We both swear it!

PATIENCE

[recoiling from him] But -- oh, horror!

GROS.

What's the matter?

PATIENCE

Why, you are perfection! A source of endless ecstasy

to all who know you!

GROS.

I know I am. Well?

PATIENCE

Then, bless my heart, there can be nothing unselfish in

loving you!

GROS.

Merciful powers! I never thought of that!

PATIENCE

To monopolize those features on which all women love to

linger! It would be unpardonable!

GROS.

Why, so it would! Oh, fatal perfection, again you

interpose between me and my happiness!

PATIENCE

Oh, if you were but a thought less beautiful than you

are!

GROS.

Would that I were; but candour compels me to admit that

I'm not!

PATIENCE

Our duty is clear; we must part, and for ever!

GROS.

Oh, misery! And yet I cannot question the propriety of

your decision. Farewell, Patience!

PATIENCE

Farewell, Archibald! [they both turn to go.]

[suddenly] But stay!

GROS.

Yes, Patience?

PATIENCE

Although I may not love you -- for you are perfection -

- there is nothing to prevent your loving me. I am plain,

homely, unattractive!

GROS.

Why, that's true!

PATIENCE

The love of such a man as you for such a girl as I must

be unselfish!

GROS.

Unselfishness itself!

No. 8a. Though to marry you would very selfish be

(Duet)

Patience and Grosvenor

PATIENCE

Though to marry you would very selfish be--

GROSVENOR

Hey, but I'm doleful -- willow willow waly!

PATIENCE

You may, all the same, continue loving me --

GROSVENOR

Hey willow waly O!

BOTH

All the world ignoring,

You'll/I'll go on adoring--

Hey, willow waly O!

[They go off sadly -- PATIENCE, L., GROSVENOR, R.U.E.]

No. 9. Let the merry cymbals sound

(Finale of Act I)

Ensemble

[Enter BUNTHORNE, crowned with roses and hung about with

garlands, and looking very miserable. He is led by ANGELA

and SAPHIR (each of whom holds an end of the rose-garland by

which he is bound), and accompanied by procession of

Maidens. They are dancing classically, and playing on

cymbals, double pipes, and other archaic instruments. JANE

last, with a very large pair of cymbals.]

[The procession enters over the drawbridge, BUNTHORNE being

preceded by the Chorus. They go R. and round the stage,

ending with BUNTHORNE down L.C., with ANGELA on his R.,

SAPHIR on his L., JANE up C.]

MAIDENS

Let the merry cymbals sound,

Gaily pipe Pandaean pleasure,

With a Daphnephoric bound

Tread a gay but classic measure,

Tread a gay but classic measure.

Ev'ry heart with hope is beating,

For, at this exciting meeting

Fickle Fortune will decide

Who shall be our Bunthorne's bride!

Ev'ry heart with hope is beating,

For, at this exciting meeting

Fickle Fortune will decide

Who shall be our Bunthorne's bride!

Let the merry cymbals sound,

Gaily pipe Pandaean pleasure,

With a Daphnephoric bound

Tread a gay but classic, classic measure,

Tread a gay but classic, classic measure,

A classic measure.

[DRAGOONS enter down R., forming a line diagonally up to up-

stage, C.]

Chorus of Dragoons

Now tell us, we pray you,

Why thus they array you--

Oh, poet, how say you--

What is it you've [optional -- you have] done?

Now tell us, we pray you,

Why thus they array you--

Oh, poet, how say you--

What is it you've done?

Oh, poet, how say you--

What is it you've done?

DUKE

[C.] Of rite sacrificial,

By sentence judicial,

This seems the initial,

Then why don't you run?

COLONEL

[R.C.] They cannot have led you

To hang or behead you,

Nor may they all wed you,

Unfortunate one!

DRAGOONS

Then tell us, we pray you,

Why thus they array you--

Oh, poet, how say you--

What is it you've done?

[optional -- Enter SOLICITOR.]

BUNTHORNE

Heart-broken at my Patience's barbarity,

By the advice of my solicitor

In aid -- in aid of a deserving charity,

I've put myself up to be raffled for!

[He introduces his solicitor.]

MAIDENS

By the advice of his solicitor,

He's put himself up to be raffled for!

DRAGOONS

Oh, horror! urged by his solicitor,

He's put himself up to be raffled for!

MAIDENS

Oh, heaven's blessing on his solicitor!

DRAGOONS

A hideous curse on his solicitor!

MAIDENS

Oh, heaven's blessing on his solicitor!

DRAGOONS

A hideous curse on his solicitor!

MAIDENS DRAGOONS

A blessing on his solicitor! A curse, a curse on his

solicitor!

[The SOLICITOR, horrified at the Dragoons' curse, rushes off, L.]

COLONEL

[R.C. BUNTHORNE up L., surrounded by the Ladies.]

Stay, we implore you,

Before our hopes are blighted;

You see before you

The men to whom you're plighted!

DRAGOONS

Stay, we implore you,

For we adore you;

To us you're plighted

To be united--

Stay, we implore you, we implore you!

DUKE

[C.] Your maiden hearts, ah, do not steel

To pity's eloquent appeal,

Such conduct British soldiers feel.

[Aside ] Sigh, sigh, all sigh! [They all sigh.]

To foeman's steel we rarely see

A British soldier bend the knee,

Yet, one and all, they kneel to ye--

[Aside ] Kneel, kneel, all kneel! [They all kneel.]

Our soldiers very seldom cry,

And yet -- I need not tell you why--

A tear-drop dews each martial eye!

[Aside ] Weep, weep, all weep! [They all weep.]

MAIDENS

&

DRAGOONS

Our/We soldiers very seldom cry,

And yet -- they/we need not tell us/you why--

ABOVE

&

DUKE

A tear-drop dews each eye/martial eye!

Weep, weep, all weep!

[The Solicitor re-enters]

BUNTHORNE

[coming briskly forward, L.C.]

Come, walk up, and purchase with avidity,

Overcome your diffidence and natural timidity,

Tickets for the raffle should be purchased with avidity,

Put in half a guinea and a husband you may gain--

Such a judge of blue-and-white and other kinds of pottery--

From early Oriental down to modern terra-cottary--

Put in half a guinea -- you may draw him in a lottery--

Such an opportunity may not occur again.

MAIDENS

Such a judge of blue-and-white and other kinds of

pottery--

From early Oriental down to modern terra cottary--

Put in half a guinea -- you may draw him in a lottery--

Such an opportunity may not occur again.

[MAIDENS crowd up to purchase tickets. DRAGOONS dance in single

file round stage, to express their indifference.]

DRAGOONS

We've been thrown over, we're aware

But we don't care -- but we don't care!

There's fish in the sea, no doubt of it,

As good as ever came out of it,

And some day we shall get our share,

So we don't care -- so we don't care!

[During this the GIRLS have been buying tickets, the Solicitor

officiating. At last JANE presents herself. BUNTHORNE

looks at her with aversion.]

BUNTHORNE

And are you going a ticket for to buy?

JANE

[surprised] Most certainly I am; why shouldn't I?

BUNTHORNE

[aside] Oh, Fortune, this is hard! [aloud]

Blindfold your eyes;

Two minutes will decide who wins the prize!

[GIRLS blindfold themselves.]

Chorus of MAIDENS

Oh, Fortune, to my aching heart be kind;

Like us, thou art blindfolded, but not blind!

Just raise your bandage, thus, [Each uncovers one eye.] that you

may see,

And give the prize, and give the prize to me! [They cover their

eyes again.]

BUNTHORNE

Come, Lady Jane, I pray you draw the first!

JANE

[joyfully] He loves me best!

BUNTHORNE

[aside] I want to know the worst!

[JANE puts her hand in bag to draw ticket. PATIENCE enters and

prevents her.]

PATIENCE

Hold! Stay your hand!

ALL

[uncovering their eyes]

What means this interference?

Of this bold girl I pray you make a clearance!

JANE

Away with you, away with you, and to your milk-pails go!

BUNTHORNE

[suddenly] She wants a ticket! Take a dozen!

PATIENCE

No! If there be pardon in your breast

For this poor penitent,

Who with remorseful thought opprest,

Sincerely doth repent;

If you, with one so lowly, still

Desire to be allied,

Then you may take me, if you will,

For I will be your bride!

[She kneels to Bunthorne.]

CHORUS

Oh, shameless one!

Oh, bold-faced thing!

Away you run--

Go, take your wing,

Oh, shameless one!

Oh, bold-faced thing!

Away you run--

Go, take your wing,

You shameless one!

You bold-faced thing!

[Bunthorne raises her.]

BUNTHORNE

How strong is love! For many and many a week,

She's loved me fondly, and has feared to speak

But Nature, for restraint too mighty far,

Has burst the bonds of Art -- and here we are!

PATIENCE

No, Mister Bunthorne, no -- you're wrong again;

Permit me -- I'll endeavour to explain!

True love must single-hearted be--

BUNTHORNE

Exactly so!

PATIENCE

From ev'ry selfish fancy free--

BUNTHORNE

Exactly so!

PATIENCE

No idle thought of gain or joy

A maiden's fancy should employ--

True love must be without alloy,

True love must be without alloy.

MEN

Exactly so!

PATIENCE

Imposture to contempt must lead--

COLONEL

Exactly so!

PATIENCE

Blind vanity's dissension's seed--

MAJOR

Exactly so!

PATIENCE

It follows, then, a maiden who

Devotes herself to loving you

Is prompted by no selfish view,

Is prompted by no selfish view!

MEN

Exactly so!

SAPHIR

[coming L. of BUNTHORNE]

Are you resolved to wed this shameless one?

ANGELA

[coming R. of BUNTHORNE]

Is there no chance for any other?

BUNTHORNE

[decisively] None! [Embraces PATIENCE]

[Exit PATIENCE and BUNTHORNE, L. ANGELA, SAPHIR, and ELLA take

COLONEL, DUKE, and MAJOR down, while GIRLS gaze fondly at

other Officers.]

SEXTET

(ELLA, SAPHIR, ANGELA, DUKE, MAJOR, COLONEL)

I hear the soft note of the echoing voice

Of an old, old love, long dead--

It whispers my sorrowing heart "rejoice"--

For the last sad tear is shed--

The pain that is all but a pleasure will change

For the pleasure that's all but pain,

And never, oh never, this heart will range

From that old, old love again!

[GIRLS embrace OFFICERS]

CHORUS

Yes, the pain that is all but a pleasure will change

For the pleasure that's all but pain,

And never, oh never, our hearts will range

From that old, old love again!

DUKE CHORUS

Oh, never, oh never Oh, never, oh never

our hearts will range our hearts, our hearts

will range

From that old, old love again!

SEXTET CHORUS

Oh, never, oh never, Oh, never, oh never our hearts,

our hearts will range Oh, never, our hearts will range

From that old, old From that old, old love

love again! again!

[The GIRLS embrace the Officers. Re-enter PATIENCE and

BUNTHORNE.

L.]

[As the DRAGOONS and GIRLS are embracing, enter GROSVENOR,

R.U.E., reading. He takes no notice of them, but comes

slowly down, still reading. The GIRLS are all strangely

fascinated by him. The Chorus divides, L. & R., and the

GIRLS are held back by the DRAGOONS, as they attempt to

throw themselves at GROSVENOR. Fury of BUNTHORNE, who

recognizes a rival.]

ANGELA

[R.C.] But who is this, whose god-like grace

Proclaims he comes of noble race?

And who is this, whose manly face

Bears sorrow's interesting trace?

CHORUS

Yes, who is this, whose god-like grace

Proclaims he comes of noble race?

GROSVENOR

[C.] I am a broken-hearted troubadour,

Whose mind's aesthetic and whose tastes are pure!

ANGELA

Aesthetic! He is aesthetic!

GROSVENOR

Yes, yes -- I am aesthetic

And poetic!

MAIDENS

Then, we love you!

[They break away from the DRAGOONS, and kneel to GROSVENOR.]

DRAGOONS

They love him! Horror!

BUNTHORNE

and

PATIENCE

They love him! Horror!

GROSVENOR

They love me! Horror! Horror! Horror!

ENSEMBLE

[all parts sung at the same time]

PATIENCE DUKE

List, Reginald, while I confess My jealousy I can't

express,

A love that's all unselfishness, Their love they openly

confess;

That it's unselfish, goodness knows, His shell-like ears he

does not close

You won't dispute it, I suppose! To their recital of

their woes.

ELLA, SAPHIR, ANGELA, JANE CHORUS

Oh, list while we a love confess Oh, list while we/they a

love confess

That words imperfectly express.

Those shell-like ears, ah, do not close That words imperfectly

express.

To blighted love's distracting woes!

ENSEMBLE

[all parts sung at the same time]

MAJOR, COLONEL & BUNTHORNE GROSVENOR

My jealousy I can't express, Again my cursed comeliness

Their love they openly confess! Spreads hopeless

anguish and

distress,

Their love they openly confess, Spreads hopeless anguish

and

confess! distress, distress!

MAIDENS DRAGOONS

Yes, those shell-like ears, ah, do Yes, his shell-like ears

not close he does not close

To blighted love's distracting To their recital of their

woes!

woes!

To blighted love's distracting woes, To their recital of their

woes,

their woes! their woes!

ENSEMBLE

[all parts sung at the same time]

PATIENCE DUKE

Ah! Ah!

And I shall love you, I shall love. His shell-like ears he

does not close

Your ears, ah, do not close! To love's distracting

woes!

Thy shell-like ears, ah, do not close Now is not this

ridiculous,

and is not this

preposterous?

To blighted love's distracting woes! A thorough-paced

absurdity,

explain it if you

can!

Thy shell-like ears, ah, do not close Now is not this

ridiculous,

and is not this

preposterous?

To blighted love's distracting woes! A thorough-paced

absurdity,

explain it if you

can!

To love's, to love's distracting woes! Explain, explain it if you

can!

love's woes! you can!

ELLA, SAPHIR, ANGELA, JANE MAIDENS

Oh, list while we our love confess Oh, list while we a love

confess

That words imperfectly express. That words imperfectly

express.

Thy shell-like ears, ah, do not close Those shell-like ears, ah,

do not

close

To love's distracting woes! To love's distracting

woes!

Thy shell-like ears, ah, do not close Those shell-like ears, ah,

do not

close

To blighted love's distracting woes! To blighted love's

distracting

woes!

Thy shell-like ears, ah, do not close Those shell-like ears, ah,

do not

close

To blighted love's distracting woes! To blighted love's

distracting

woes!

To love's, to love's distracting woes! To love's, to love's

distracting

love's woes woes! love's woes!

BUNTHORNE

MAJOR and COLONEL

My jealousy I can't express, My jealousy I can't

express,

Their love they openly confess. Their love they

openly confess.

His shell-like ears he does not close His shell-like ears he

does not close

To love's distracting woes! To love's distracting

woes!

His shell-like ears he does not close Now is not this

ridiculous,

and is not this

preposterous?

To blighted love's distracting A thorough-paced

absurdity,

woes! explain it if you

can!

His shell-like ears he does not close Now is not this

ridiculous,

and is not this

preposterous?

To blighted love's distracting A thorough-paced

absurdity,

woes! explain it if you

can!

To love's, to love's distracting woes! Explain, explain it if you

can!

love's woes! you can!

GROSVENOR MALE CHORUS

Again my cursed comeliness Oh, list while they a love

confess

Spreads hopeless anguish and That words

imperfectly express.

distress;

Thine ears, oh, Fortune, do not close His shell-like ears He

does not close

To love's distracting woes! To love's distracting

woes!

My shell-like ears I can not close Now is not this

ridiculous,

and is not this

preposterous?

To blighted love's distracting A thorough-paced

absurdity,

woes! explain it if you

can!

My shell-like ears I can not close Now is not this

ridiculous,

and is not this

preposterous?

To blighted love's distracting A thorough-paced

absurdity,

woes! explain it if you

can!

To love's, to love's distracting woes! Explain, explain it if you

can!

love's woes! you can!

[GROSVENOR makes a wild effort to escape up-stage; the GIRLS drag

him back and kneel as the curtain falls.]

END OF ACT I

ACT II

[SCENE -- A wooded glade, with a view of open country in the

background. The chorus of MAIDENS is heard singing in the

distance. JANE is discovered leaning on a violoncello,

which she has propped up on a tree-stump, L., and upon which

she will presently accompany herself. As the Chorus ends,

she speaks.]

No. 10. On such eyes as maidens cherish

(Opening Chorus)

Maidens

On such eyes as maidens cherish

Lest thy fond adorers gaze,

Or incontinently perish,

In their all-consuming rays!

Or incontinently perish,

In their all-consuming rays!

JANE

The fickle crew have deserted Reginald and sworn allegiance

to his rival, and all, forsooth, because he has glanced with

passing favour on a puling milkmaid! Fools! Of that fancy he

will soon weary -- and then, I, who alone am faithful to him,

shall reap my reward. But do not dally too long, Reginald, for

my charms are ripe, Reginald, and already they are decaying.

Better secure me ere I have gone too far!

No. 11. Sad is that woman's lot

(Recitative and Solo)

Jane

JANE

Sad is that woman's lot who, year by year,

Sees, one by one, her beauties disappear,

When Time, grown weary of her heart-drawn sighs,

Impatiently begins to dim her eyes!

Compelled, at last, in life's uncertain gloamings,

To wreathe her wrinkled brow with well-saved

"combings,"

Reduced, with rouge, lip-shade, and pearly grey,

To "make up" for lost time as best she may!

Silvered is the raven hair,

Spreading is the parting straight,

Mottled the complexion fair,

Halting is the youthful gait,

Hollow is the laughter free,

Spectacled the limpid eye,

Little will be left of me

In the coming bye and bye!

Little will be left of me

In the coming bye and bye!

Fading is the taper waist,

Shapeless grows the shapely limb,

And although severely laced,

Spreading is the figure trim!

Stouter than I used to be,

Still more corpulent grow I--

There will be too much of me

In the coming by and bye!

There will be too much of me

In the coming by and bye!

[Exit, L., carrying her violoncello.]

[Enter GROSVENOR, R., followed by MAIDENS, two and two, playing

on archaic instruments as in Act I. He is reading

abstractedly, as BUNTHORNE did in Act I, and pays no

attention to them.]

No. 12. Turn, oh, turn in this direction

(Chorus)

Maidens

Turn, oh, turn in this direction,

Shed, oh, shed a gentle smile,

With a glance of sad perfection,

Our poor fainting hearts beguile!

On such eyes as maidens cherish

Let thy fond adorers gaze,

Or incontinently perish,

In their all-consuming rays!

Or incontinently perish,

In their all-consuming rays!

[GROSVENOR sits, R.; they group themselves around him in a

formation similar to that which opens Act I.]

GROS.

[aside, not looking up] The old, old tale. How

rapturously these maidens love me, and how hopelessly! [He looks

up.] Oh, Patience, Patience, with the love of thee in my heart,

what have I for these poor mad maidens but an unvalued pity?

Alas, they will die of hopeless love for me, as I shall die of

hopeless love for thee!

ANGELA

Sir, will it please you read to us?

GROS.

[sighing] Yes, child, if you will. What shall I read?

ANGELA

One of your own poems.

GROS.

One of my own poems? Better not, my child. They will not

cure thee of thy love. [All sigh.]

ELLA

Mr. Bunthorne used to read us a poem of his own every day.

SAPHIR

And, to do him justice, he read them extremely well.

GROS.

Oh, did he so? Well, who am I that I should take upon

myself to withhold my gifts from you? What am I but a trustee?

Here is a decalet -- a pure and simple thing, a very daisy -- a

babe might understand it. To appreciate it, it is not necessary

to think of anything at all.

ANGELA

Let us think of nothing at all!

GROS.

[reciting]

Gentle Jane was as good as gold,

She always did as she was told;

She never spoke when her mouth was full,

Or caught bluebottles their legs to pull,

Or spilt plum jam on her nice new frock,

Or put white mice in the eight-day clock,

Or vivisected her last new doll,

Or fostered a passion for alcohol.

And when she grew up she was given in marriage

To a first-class earl who keeps his carriage!

GROS.

I believe I am right in saying that there is not one word

in that decalet which is calculated to bring the blush of shame

to the cheek of modesty.

ANGELA

Not one; it is purity itself.

GROS.

Here's another.

Teasing Tom was a very bad boy,

A great big squirt was his favourite toy

He put live shrimps in his father's boots,

And sewed up the sleeves of his Sunday suits;

He punched his poor little sisters' heads,

And cayenne-peppered their four-post beds;

He plastered their hair with cobbler's wax,

And dropped hot halfpennies down their backs.

The consequence was he was lost totally,

And married a girl in the corps de bally!

[The MAIDENS express intense horror.]

ANGELA

Marked you how grandly -- how relentlessly -- the damning

catalogue of crime strode on, till Retribution, like a poised

hawk, came swooping down upon the Wrong-Doer? Oh, it was

terrible! [All shudder.]

ELLA

Oh, sir, you are indeed a true poet, for you touch our

hearts, and they go out to you!

GROS.

[aside] This is simply cloying. [aloud] Ladies, I am

sorry to appear ungallant, but this is Saturday, and you have

been following me about ever since Monday. I should like the

usual half-holiday. I shall take it as a personal favour if you

will kindly allow me to close early to-day.

SAPHIR

Oh, sir, do not send us from you!

GROS.

Poor, poor girls! It is best to speak plainly. I know

that I am loved by you, but I never can love you in return, for

my heart is fixed elsewhere! Remember the fable of the Magnet

and the Churn.

ANGELA

[wildly] But we don't know the fable of the Magnet and

the Churn!

GROS.

Don't you? Then I will sing it to you.

No. 13. A magnet hung in a hardware shop

(Solo and Chorus)

Grosvenor and Maidens

GROSVENOR

A magnet hung in a hardware shop,

And all around was a loving crop

Of scissors and needles, nails and knives,

Offering love for all their lives;

But for iron the magnet felt no whim,

Though he charmed iron, it charmed not him;

From needles and nails and knives he'd turn,

For he'd set his love on a Silver Churn!

MAIDENS

A Silver Churn!

GROSVENOR

A Silver Churn!

His most aesthetic,

Very magnetic

Fancy took this turn--

"If I can wheedle

A knife or a needle,

Why not a Silver Churn?"

MAIDENS

His most aesthetic,

Very magnetic

Fancy took this turn--

"If I can wheedle

A knife or a needle,

Why not a Silver Churn?"

GROSVENOR

[He rises, going C.]

And Iron and Steel expressed surprise,

The needles opened their well-drilled eyes,

The penknives felt "shut up", no doubt,

The scissors declared themselves "cut out",

The kettles they boiled with rage, 'tis said,

While ev'ry nail went off its head,

And hither and thither began to roam,

Till a hammer came up and drove them home.

MAIDENS

It drove them home?

GROSVENOR

It drove them home!

While this magnetic,

Peripatetic

Lover he lived to learn,

By no endeavour

Can magnet ever

Attract a Silver Churn!

MAIDENS

While this magnetic,

Peripatetic

Lover he lived to learn,

MAIDENS

and

GROSVENOR

By no endeavour

Can magnet ever

Attract a Silver Churn!

[They go off in low spirits, R.U.E., gazing back at him from time

to time.]

GROS.

At last they are gone! What is this mysterious

fascination that I seem to exercise over all I come across? A

curse on my fatal beauty, for I am sick of conquests! [Goes R.]

[Enter PATIENCE, L. Stops L.C. on seeing GROSVENOR.]

GROS.

[Turns and sees her.] Patience!

PATIENCE

I have escaped with difficulty from my Reginald. I

wanted to see you so much that I might ask you if you still love

me as fondly as ever?

GROS.

Love you? If the devotion of a lifetime-- [seizing her

hand.]

PATIENCE

[indignantly] Hold! Unhand me, or I scream! [He

releases her.] If you are a gentleman, pray remember that I am

another's! [very tenderly.] But you do love me, don't you?

GROS.

Madly, hopelessly, despairingly!

PATIENCE

That's right! I never can be yours; but that's right!

GROS.

And you love this Bunthorne?

PATIENCE

With a heart-whole ecstasy that withers, and scorches,

and burns, and stings! [sadly] It is my duty.

GROS.

Admirable girl! But you are not happy with him?

PATIENCE

Happy? I am miserable beyond description!

GROS.

That's right! I never can be yours; but that's right!

PATIENCE

But go now. I see dear Reginald approaching.

Farewell, dear Archibald; I cannot tell you how happy it has made

me to know that you still love me.

GROS.

Ah, if I only dared-- [advancing towards her]

PATIENCE

Sir! this language to one who is promised to another!

[tenderly] Oh, Archibald, think of me sometimes, for my heart is

breaking! He is unkind to me, and you would be so loving!

GROS.

Loving! [advancing towards her]

PATIENCE

Advance one step, and as I am a good and pure woman, I

scream! [tenderly] Farewell, Archibald! [sternly] Stop there!

[tenderly] Think of me sometimes! [angrily] Advance at your

peril! Once more, adieu!

[GROSVENOR sighs, gazes sorrowfully at her, sighs deeply, and

exits, R. She bursts into tears.]

[Enter BUNTHORNE, followed by JANE. He is moody and

preoccupied.]

In a doleful train

(Solo)

Jane

JANE

In a doleful train

One and one I walk all day;

For I love in vain--

None so sorrowful as they

Who can only sigh and say,

Woe is me, alackaday!

BUN.

[seeing PATIENCE] Crying, eh? What are you crying about?

PATIENCE

I've only been thinking how dearly I love you!

BUN.

Love me! Bah!

JANE

Love him! Bah!

BUN.

[to JANE] Don't you interfere.

JANE

He always crushes me!

PATIENCE

[going to him] What is the matter, dear Reginald? If

you have any sorrow, tell it to me, that I may share it with you.

[sighing] It is my duty!

BUN.

[snappishly] Whom were you talking with just now?

PATIENCE

With dear Archibald.

BUN.

[furiously] With dear Archibald! Upon my honour, this is

too much!

JANE

A great deal too much!

BUN.

[angrily to JANE] Do be quiet!

JANE

Crushed again!

PATIENCE

I think he is the noblest, purest, and most perfect

being I have ever met. But I don't love him. It is true that he

is devotedly attached to me, but I don't love him. Whenever he

grows affectionate, I scream. It is my duty! [sighing]

BUN.

I dare say!

JANE

So do I! I dare say!

PATIENCE

Why, how could I love him and love you too? You can't

love two people at once!

BUN.

Oh, can't you, though!

PATIENCE

No, you can't; I only wish you could.

BUN.

I don't believe you know what love is!

PATIENCE

[sighing] Yes, I do. There was a happy time when I

didn't, but a bitter experience has taught me.

[BUNTHORNE, noticing that JANE is not looking at him, goes off

quickly up R. She turns, sees him, and runs after him.]

No. 14. Love is a plaintive song

(Solo)

Patience

PATIENCE

Love is a plaintive song,

Sung by a suff'ring maid,

Telling a tale of wrong,

Telling of hope betrayed;

Tuned to each changing note,

Sorry when he is sad,

Blind to his ev'ry mote,

Merry when he is glad!

Merry when he is glad!

Love that no wrong can cure,

Love that is always new,

That is the love that's pure,

That is the love that's true!

Love that no wrong can cure,

Love that is always new,

That is the love that's pure,

That is the love, the love that's true!

Rendering good for ill,

Smiling at ev'ry frown,

Yielding your own self-will,

Laughing your teardrops down;

Never a selfish whim,

Trouble, or pain to stir;

Everything for him,

Nothing at all for her!

Nothing at all for her!

Love that will aye endure,

Though the rewards be few,

That is the love that's pure,

That is the love that's true!

Love that will aye endure,

Though the rewards be few,

That is the love that's pure,

That is the love, the love that's true!

[At the end of ballad exit PATIENCE, L., weeping. Enter

BUNTHORNE, R., JANE following.]

BUN.

Everything has gone wrong with me since that smug-faced

idiot came here. Before that I was admired -- I may say, loved.

JANE

Too mild -- adored!

BUN.

Do let a poet soliloquize! The damozels used to follow me

wherever I went; now they all follow him!

JANE

Not all! I am still faithful to you.

BUN.

Yes, and a pretty damozel you are!

JANE

No, not pretty. Massive. Cheer up! I will never leave

you, I swear it!

BUN.

Oh, thank you! I know what it is; it's his confounded

mildness. They find me too highly spiced, if you please! And no

doubt I am highly spiced.

JANE

Not for my taste!

BUN.

[savagely] No, but I am for theirs. But I will show the

world I can be as mild as he. If they want insipidity, they

shall have it. I'll meet this fellow on his own ground and beat

him on it.

JANE

You shall. And I will help you.

BUN.

You will? Jane, there's a good deal of good in you, after

all!

No. 15. So go to him and say to him

(Duet)

Jane and Bunthorne

[Dance]

JANE

So go to him and say to him, with compliment ironical--

BUNTHORNE

Sing "Hey to you--

Good-day to you"--

And that's what I shall say!

JANE

"Your style is much too sanctified -- your cut is too

canonical"--

BUNTHORNE

Sing "Bah to you--

Ha! ha! to you"--

And that's what I shall say!

JANE

"I was the beau ideal of the morbid young aesthetical--

To doubt my inspiration was regarded as heretical--

Until you cut me out with your placidity emetical."

BUNTHORNE

Sing "Booh to you--

Pooh, pooh to you"--

And that's what I shall say!

Sing "Booh to you--

Pooh, pooh to you"--

And that's what I shall say!

JANE BUNTHORNE

Sing "Hey to you -- good-day to you"-- "Hey,

Sing "Bah to you -- ha! ha! to you"-- Good-day

Sing "Booh to you -- pooh, pooh to you"-- Bah.

And that's what you should say! ha! ha!

Sing "Hey to you -- good-day to you"-- "Booh,

Sing "Bah to you --ha! ha! to you"-- pooh-pooh

Sing "Booh to you"-- Bah.

And that's what you should say! And that's what I shall

say!

"Bah, bah," "Booh, booh,"

And that's what you should say! And that's what I shall

say!

"Booh, booh," "Bah, bah,"

And that's what you should say! And that's what I shall

say!

BUNTHORNE

I'll tell him that unless he will consent to be more

jocular--

JANE

Sing "Booh to you--

Pooh, pooh to you"--

And that's what you should say!

BUNTHORNE

To cut his curly hair, and stick an eyeglass in his

ocular--

JANE

Sing "Bah to you--

Ha! ha! to you"--

And that's what you should say!

BUNTHORNE

To stuff his conversation full of quibble and of

quiddity,

To dine on chops and roly-poly pudding with

avidity--

He'd better clear away with all convenient

rapidity.

JANE

Sing "Hey to you--

Good-day to you"--

And that's what you should say!

BUNTHORNE

Sing "Booh to you--

Pooh, pooh to you"--

And that's what I shall say!

JANE BUNTHORNE

Sing "Hey to you -- good-day to you"-- "Hey,

Sing "Bah to you -- ha! ha! to you"-- Good-day

Sing "Booh to you -- pooh, pooh to you"-- Bah.

And that's what you should say! ha! ha!

Sing "Hey to you -- good-day to you"-- "Booh,

Sing "Bah to you -- ha! ha! to you"-- pooh-pooh

Sing "Booh to you"-- Bah.

And that's what you should say! And that's what I shall

say!

"Bah, bah," "Booh, booh,"

And that's what you should say! And that's what I shall

say!

"Booh, booh," "Bah, bah,"

And that's what you should say! And that's what I shall

say!

[They dance off,

L.]

[Enter DUKE, COLONEL, and MAJOR, R. They have abandoned their

uniforms, and are dressed and made up in imitation of

Aesthetics. They have long hair, and other signs of

attachment to the brotherhood. As they sing they walk in

stiff, constrained, and angular attitudes -- a grotesque

exaggeration of the attitudes adopted by BUNTHORNE and the

young LADIES in Act I.]

[Enter DUKE.. enter MAJOR... enter COLONEL, Attitude. They walk

to C.]

No. 16. It's clear that mediaeval art

(Trio)

Duke, Major, and Colonel

ALL

It's clear that medieval art alone retains its zest,

To charm and please its devotees we've done our little best.

We're not quite sure if all we do has the Early English

ring;

But, as far as we can judge, it's something like this sort

of thing:

You hold yourself like this, [attitude]

You hold yourself like that, [attitude]

By hook and crook you try to look both angular and flat

[attitude].

We venture to expect

That what we recollect,

Though but a part of true High Art, will have its due

effect.

If this is not exactly right, we hope you won't upbraid;

You can't get high Aesthetic tastes, like trousers, ready

made.

True views on Medieavalism Time alone will bring,

But, as far as we can judge, it's something like this sort

of thing:

You hold yourself like this, [attitude]

You hold yourself like that, [attitude]

By hook and crook you try to look both angular and flat

[attitude].

To cultivate the trim

Rigidity of limb,

You ought to get a Marionette, and form your style on him

[attitude].

[Attitudes change in time to the music.]

COLONEL

[attitude] Yes, it's quite clear that our only chance of

making a lasting impression on these young ladies is to become as

aesthetic as they are.

MAJOR

[attitude] No doubt. The only question is how far we've

succeeded in doing so. I don't know why, but I've an idea that

this is not quite right.

DUKE

[attitude] I don't like it. I never did. I don't see what

it means. I do it, but I don't like it.

COLONEL

My good friend, the question is not whether we like it,

but whether they do. They understand these things -- we don't.

Now I shouldn't be surprised if this is effective enough -- at a

distance.

MAJOR

I can't help thinking we're a little stiff at it. It

would be extremely awkward if we were to be "struck" so!

COLONEL

I don't think we shall be struck so. Perhaps we're a

little awkward at first -- but everything must have a beginning.

Oh, here they come! 'Tention!

[They strike fresh attitudes, as ANGELA and SAPHIR enter, L.]

ANGELA

[seeing them] Oh, Saphir -- see -- see! The immortal

fire has descended on them, and they are of the Inner Brotherhood

-- perceptively intense and consummately utter.

[The OFFICERS have some difficulty in maintaining their

constrained attitudes.]

SAPHIR

[in admiration] How Botticelian! How Fra Angelican! Oh,

Art, we thank thee for this boon!

COLONEL

[apologetically] I'm afraid we're not quite right.

ANGELA

Not supremely, perhaps, but oh, so all -- but!

[to SAPHIR] Oh, Saphir, are they not quite too all -- but?

SAPHIR

They are indeed jolly utter!

MAJOR

[in agony] I wonder what the Inner Brotherhood usually

recommend for cramp?

COLONEL

Ladies, we will not deceive you. We are doing this at

some personal inconvenience with a view of expressing the

extremity of our devotion to you. We trust that it is not

without its effect.

ANGELA

We will not deny that we are much moved by this proof of

your attachment.

SAPHIR

Yes, your conversion to the principles of Aesthetic Art

in its highest development has touched us deeply.

ANGELA

And if Mr. Bunthorne should remain obdurate--

SAPHIR

Which we have every reason to believe he will--

MAJOR

[aside, in agony] I wish they'd make haste! [The others

hush him.]

ANGELA

We are not prepared to say that our yearning hearts will

not go out to you.

COLONEL

[as giving a word of command] By sections of threes --

Rapture! [All strike a fresh attitude, expressive of aesthetic

rapture.]

SAPHIR

Oh, it's extremely good -- for beginners it's admirable.

MAJOR

The only question is, who will take who?

COLONEL

Oh, the Duke chooses first, as a matter of course.

DUKE

Oh, I couldn't thank of it -- you are really too good!

COLONEL

Nothing of the kind. You are a great matrimonial fish,

and it's only fair that each of these ladies should have a chance

of hooking you. It's perfectly simple. Observe, suppose you

choose Angela, I take Saphir, Major takes nobody. [with

increasing speed] Suppose you choose Saphir, Major tales Angela,

I take nobody. Suppose you choose neither, I take Angela, Major

takes Saphir. Clear as day!

[The officers, with obvious relief, abandon their aesthetic

attitudes, and, with the Ladies, dance into position. L. to

R. 1st verse: Colonel with Angela; Duke with Saphir; Major

alone. 2nd verse: Colonel alone; Angela with Duke; Saphir

with Major. 3rd verse: Colonel with Saphir; Duke alone;

Angela with Major.]

No. 17. If Saphir I choose to marry

Quintet

Duke, Colonel, Major, Angela, and Saphir

DUKE

If Saphir I choose to marry,

I shall be fixed up for life;

Then the Colonel need not tarry,

Angela can be his wife.

MAJOR

In that case unprecedented,

Single I shall live and die--

I shall have to be contented

With their heartfelt sympathy!

ALL

He will have to be contented

With our/their heartfelt sympathy!

In that case unprecedented,

Single he/I will/shall live and die--

He/I will/shall have to be contented

With our/their heartfelt sympathy!

He/I will/shall have to be contented

With our/their heartfelt sympathy!

He/I will/shall have to be contented

With our/their heartfelt sympathy!

DUKE

If on Angy I determine,

At my wedding she'll appear,

Decked in diamond and ermine.

Major then can take Saphir!

COLONEL

In that case unprecedented,

Single I shall live and die--

I shall have to be contented

With their heartfelt sympathy!

ALL

He/I will/shall have to be contented

With our/their heartfelt sympathy!

In that case unprecedented,

Single he/I will/shall live and die--

He/I will/shall have to be contented

With our/their heartfelt sympathy!

He/I will/shall have to be contented

With our/their heartfelt sympathy!

He/I will/shall have to be contented

With our/their heartfelt sympathy!

[Positions at beginning of Verse 3: L. to R., COLONEL, ANGELA,

DUKE, SAPHIR, MAJOR]

DUKE

After some debate internal,

If on neither I decide,

Saphir then can take the Colonel,

[Hands her to the COLONEL.]

Angy be the Major's bride!

[Hands her to the MAJOR.]

In that case unprecedented,

Single I shall live and die--

I shall have to be contented

With their heartfelt sympathy!

ALL

He will have to be contented

With our/their heartfelt sympathy!

In that case unprecedented,

Single he/I will/shall live and die--

He/I will/shall have to be contented

With our/their heartfelt sympathy!

He/I will/shall have to be contented

With our/their heartfelt sympathy!

He/I will/shall have to be contented

With our/their heartfelt sympathy!

[They dance off, arm-in-arm, up-stage and off, L.U.E., the

COLONEL leading with SAPHIR.]

[Enter GROSVENOR, R.U.E.]

GROS.

It is very pleasant to be alone. It is pleasant to be

able to gaze at leisure upon those features which all others may

gaze upon at their good will! [Looking at his reflection in

hand-mirror.] Ah, I am a very Narcissus!

[Enter BUNTHORNE, L. moodily.]

BUN.

It's no use; I can't live without admiration. Since

Grosvenor came here, insipidity has been at a premium. Ah, he is

there!

GROS.

Ah, Bunthorne! Come here -- look! Very graceful, isn't

it!

BUN.

[taking hand-mirror] Allow me; I haven't seen it. Yes, it

is graceful.

GROS.

[taking back the mirror) Oh, good gracious! not that --

this--

BUN.

You don't mean that! Bah! I am in no mood for trifling.

GROS.

And what is amiss?

BUN.

Ever since you came here, you have entirely monopolized the

attentions of the young ladies. I don't like it, sir!

GROS.

My dear sir, how can I help it? They are the plague of my

life. My dear Mr. Bunthorne, with your personal disadvantages,

you can have no idea of the inconvenience of being madly loved,

at first sight, by every woman you meet.

BUN.

Sir, until you came here I was adored!

GROS.

Exactly -- until I came here. That's my grievance. I cut

everybody out! I assure you, if you could only suggest some

means whereby, consistently with my duty to society, I could

escape these inconvenient attentions, you would earn my

everlasting gratitude.

BUN.

I will do so at once. However popular it may be with the

world at large, your personal appearance is highly objectionable

to me.

GROS.

It is? [shaking his hand] Oh, thank you! thank you! How

can I express my gratitude?

BUN.

By making a complete change at once. Your conversation

must henceforth be perfectly matter-of-fact. You must cut your

hair, and have a back parting. In appearance and costume you

must be absolutely commonplace.

GROS.

[decidedly] No. Pardon me, that's impossible.

BUN.

Take care! When I am thwarted I am very terrible.

GROS.

I can't help that. I am a man with a mission. And that

mission must be fulfilled.

BUN.

I don't think you quite appreciate the consequences of

thwarting me.

GROS.

I don't care what they are.

BUN.

Suppose -- I won't go so far as to say that I will do it --

but suppose for one moment I were to curse you? [GROSVENOR

quails.] Ah! Very well. Take care.

GROS.

But surely you would never do that? [In great alarm]

BUN.

I don't know. It would be an extreme measure, no doubt.

Still--

GROS.

[wildly] But you would not do it -- I am sure you would

not. [Throwing himself at BUNTHORNE's knees, and clinging to him]

Oh, reflect, reflect! You had a mother once.

BUN.

Never!

GROS.

Then you had an aunt! [BUNTHORNE affected.] Ah! I see

you had! By the memory of that aunt, I implore you to pause ere

you resort to this last fearful expedient. Oh, Mr. Bunthorne,

reflect, reflect! [Weeping]

BUN.

[aside, after a struggle with himself] I must not allow

myself to be unmanned! [aloud] It is useless. Consent at once,

or may a nephew's curse--

GROS.

Hold! Are you absolutely resolved?

BUN.

Absolutely.

GROS.

Will nothing shake you?

BUN.

Nothing. I am adamant.

GROS.

Very good. [rising] Then I yield.

BUN.

Ha! You swear it?

GROS.

I do, cheerfully. I have long wished for a reasonable

pretext for such a change as you suggest. It has come at last.

I do it on compulsion!

BUN.

Victory! I triumph!

No. 18. When I go out of door

(Duet)

Bunthorne and Grosvenor

[Each one dances around the stage while the other is singing his

solo verses.]

BUNTHORNE

When I go out of door,

Of damozels a score

(All sighing and burning,

And clinging and yearning)

Will follow me as before.

I shall, with cultured taste,

Distinguish gems from paste,

And "High diddle diddle"

Will rank as an idyll,

If I pronounce it chaste!

BOTH

A most intense young man,

A soulful-eyed young man,

An ultra-poetical, super-aesthetical,

Out-of-the-way young man!

GROSVENOR

Conceive me, if you can,

An ev'ryday young man:

A commonplace type,

With a stick and a pipe,

And a half-bred black-and-tan;

Who thinks suburban "hops"

More fun than "Monday Pops,"--

Who's fond of his dinner,

And doesn't get thinner

On bottled beer and chops.

BOTH

A commonplace young man,

A matter-of-fact young man--

A steady and stolidy, jolly Bank-holiday,

Every-day young man!

BUNTHORNE

A Japanese young man--

A blue-and-white young man--

Francesca di Rimini, miminy, piminy,

Je-ne-sais-quoi young man!

GROSVENOR

A Chancery lane young man--

A Somerset House young man,--

A very delectable, highly respectable

Three-penny-bus young man!

BUNTHORNE

A pallid and thin young man--

A haggard and lank young man,

A greenery-yallery, Grosvenor Gallery,

Foot-in-the-grave young man!

GROSVENOR

A Sewell and Cross young man,

A Howell & James young man,

A pushing young particle -- "What's the next

article?"--

Waterloo House young man!

BUNTHORNE GROSVENOR

Conceive me, if you can, Conceive me, if you can,

A crotchety, cracked young man, A matter-of-fact young man,

An ultra-poetical, super-aesthetical, An alphabetical,

arithmetical,

Out-of-the way young man! Every day young man!

Conceive me, if you can, Conceive me, if you can,

A crotchety, cracked young man, A matter-of-fact young man,

An ultra-poetical, super-aesthetical, An alphabetical,

arithmetical,

Out-of-the way young man! Every day young man!

[GROSVENOR dances off, L.U.E. ]

BUN.

It is all right! I have committed my last act of ill-

nature, and henceforth I'm a changed character.

[Dances about stage, humming refrain of last air. Enter

PATIENCE, L. She gazes in astonishment at him.]

PATIENCE

Reginald! Dancing! And -- what in the world is the

matter with you?

BUN.

Patience, I'm a changed man. Hitherto I've been gloomy,

moody, fitful -- uncertain in temper and selfish in disposition--

PATIENCE

You have, indeed! [sighing]

BUN.

All that is changed. I have reformed. I have modelled

myself upon Mr. Grosvenor. Henceforth I am mildly cheerful. My

conversation will blend amusement with instruction. I shall

still be aesthetic; but my aestheticism will be of the most

pastoral kind.

PATIENCE

Oh, Reginald! Is all this true?

BUN.

Quite true. Observe how amiable I am. [Assuming a fixed

smile]

PATIENCE

But, Reginald, how long will this last?

BUN.

With occasional intervals for rest and refreshment, as long

as I do.

PATIENCE

Oh, Reginald, I'm so happy! Oh, dear, dear Reginald, I

cannot express the joy I feel at this change. It will no longer

be a duty to love you, but a pleasure -- a rapture -- an ecstasy!

BUN.

My darling! [embracing her]

PATIENCE

But -- oh, horror! [recoiling from him]

BUN.

What's the matter?

PATIENCE

Is it quite certain that you have absolutely reformed -

- that you are henceforth a perfect being -- utterly free from

defect of any kind?

BUN.

It is quite certain. I have sworn it.

PATIENCE

Then I never can be yours! [crossing to R.C.]

BUN.

Why not?

PATIENCE

Love, to be pure, must be absolutely unselfish, and

there can be nothing unselfish in loving so perfect a being as

you have now become!

BUN.

But, stop a bit. I don't want to change -- I'll relapse --

I'll be as I was -- interrupted!

[Enter GROSVENOR, L.U.E., followed by all the young LADIES, who

are followed by Chorus of DRAGOONS. He has had his hair

cut, and is dressed in an ordinary suit and a bowler hat.

They all dance cheerfully round the stage in marked contrast

to their former languor.]

No. 19. I'm a Waterloo House young man

(Solo and Chorus)

Grosvenor and Maidens

GROSVENOR

I'm a Waterloo House young man,

A Sewell & Cross young man,

A steady and stolidy, jolly Bank-holiday,

Everyday young man.

MAIDENS

We're Swears & Wells young girls,

We're Madame Louise young girls,

We're prettily pattering, cheerily chattering,

Every-day young girls.

BUN.

[C.] Angela -- Ella -- Saphir -- what -- what does this

mean?

ANGELA

[R.] It means that Archibald the All-Right cannot be all-

wrong; and if the All-Right chooses to discard aestheticism, it

proves that aestheticism ought to be discarded.

PATIENCE

Oh, Archibald! Archibald! I'm shocked -- surprised --

horrified!

GROS.

[L.C.] I can't help it. I'm not a free agent. I do it on

compulsion.

PATIENCE

This is terrible. Go! I shall never set eyes on you

again. But -- oh, joy!

GROS.

[L.C.] What is the matter?

PATIENCE

[R.C.] Is it quite, quite certain that you will always

be a commonplace young man?

GROS.

Always -- I've sworn it.

PATIENCE

Why, then, there's nothing to prevent my loving you

with all the fervour at my command!

GROS.

Why, that's true.

PATIENCE

[crossing to him] My Archibald!

GROS.

My Patience! [They embrace.]

BUN.

Crushed again!

[Enter JANE, L.]

JANE

[who is still aesthetic] Cheer up! I am still here. I

have never left you, and I never will!

BUN.

Thank you, Jane. After all, there is no denying it, you're

a fine figure of a woman!

JANE

My Reginald!

BUN.

My Jane! [They embrace.]

Fanfare

[Enter, R., COLONEL, MAJOR, and DUKE They are again in

uniform.]

COLONEL

Ladies, the Duke has at length determined to select a

bride!

[General excitement]

DUKE

[R.] I have a great gift to bestow. Approach, such of you

as are truly lovely. [All the MAIDENS come forward, bashfully,

except JANE and PATIENCE.] In personal appearance you have all

that is necessary to make a woman happy. In common fairness, I

think I ought to choose the only one among you who has the

misfortune to be distinctly plain. [Girls retire disappointed.]

Jane!

JANE

[leaving BUNTHORNE's arms] Duke! [JANE and DUKE embrace.

BUNTHORNE

is utterly disgusted.]

BUN.

Crushed again!

No. 20. After much debate internal

(Finale of Act II)

Ensemble

DUKE

[R.C.] After much debate internal,

I on Lady Jane decide,

Saphir now may take the Col'nel,

Angry be the Major's bride!

[SAPHIR pairs off with COLONEL, R., ANGELA with MAJOR, L.C.,

ELLA with SOLICITOR, L.]

BUNTHORNE

[C.] In that case unprecedented,

Single I must live and die--

I shall have to be contented

With a tulip or li-ly!

[BUNTHORNE, C., takes a lily from buttonhole and gazes

affectionately at it.]

SAPHIR, ELLA,

ANGELA, DUKE,

BUNTHORNE

and

COLONEL

He will have to be contented

With a tulip or li-ly!

ALL

In that case unprecedented,

Single he/I must live and die--

He will/I shall have to be contented

With a tulip or li-ly!

Greatly pleased with one another,

To get married we/they decide.

Each of us/them will wed the other,

Nobody be Bunthorne's Bride!

Dance

End of Opera

Iolanthe

or, The Peer and the Peri

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

EARL OF MOUNTARARAT

EARL TOLLOLLER

PRIVATE WILLIS (of the Grenadier Guards)

STREPHON

(an Arcadian Shepherd)

QUEEN OF THE FAIRIES

IOLANTHE

(a Fairy, Strephon's Mother)

FAIRIES:

CELIA

LEILA

FLETA

PHYLLIS

(an Arcadian Shepherdess and Ward of Chancery)

ACT I

An Arcadian Landscape

ACT II

Palace Yard, Westminster

ACT I

SCENE.

--An Arcadian Landscape. A river runs around the back of the

stage. A rustic bridge crosses the river.

Enter Fairies, led by Leila, Celia, and Fleta. They trip around

the stage, singing as they dance.

CHORUS

Tripping hither, tripping thither,

Nobody knows why or whither;

We must dance and we must sing

Round about our fairy ring!

SOLO--CELIA.

We are dainty little fairies,

Ever singing, ever dancing;

We indulge in our vagaries

In a fashion most entrancing.

If you ask the special function

Of our never-ceasing motion,

We reply, without compunction,

That we haven't any notion!

CHORUS

No, we haven't any notion!

Tripping hither, etc.

SOLO--LEILA.

If you ask us how we live,

Lovers all essentials give--

We can ride on lovers' sighs,

Warm ourselves in lovers' eyes,

Bathe ourselves in lovers' tears,

Clothe ourselves with lovers' fears,

Arm ourselves with lovers' darts,

Hide ourselves in lovers' hearts.

When you know us, you'll discover

That we almost live on lover!

CHORUS

Yes, we live on lover!

Tripping hither, etc.

(At the end of Chorus, all sigh wearily.)

CELIA.

Ah, it's all very well, but since our Queen banished

Iolanthe, fairy revels have not been what they were!

LEILA.

Iolanthe was the life and soul of Fairyland. Why, she

wrote all our songs and arranged all our dances! We sing her songs

and we trip her measures, but we don't enjoy ourselves!

FLETA.

To think that five-and-twenty years have elapsed since

she was banished! What could she have done to have deserved so

terrible a punishment?

LEILA.

Something awful! She married a mortal!

FLETA.

Oh! Is it injudicious to marry a mortal?

LEILA.

Injudicious? It strikes at the root of the whole

fairy system! By our laws, the fairy who marries a mortal dies!

CELIA.

But Iolanthe didn't die!

(Enter Fairy Queen.)

QUEEN.

No, because your Queen, who loved her with a

surpassing love, commuted her sentence to penal servitude for life,

on condition that she left her husband and never communicated with

him again!

LEILA.

That sentence of penal servitude she is now working

out, on her head, at the bottom of that stream!

QUEEN.

Yes, but when I banished her, I gave her all the

pleasant places of the earth to dwell in. I'm sure I never

intended that she should go and live at the bottom of a stream! It

makes me perfectly wretched to think of the discomfort she must

have undergone!

LEILA.

Think of the damp! And her chest was always delicate.

QUEEN.

And the frogs! Ugh! I never shall enjoy any peace of

mind until I know why Iolanthe went to live among the frogs!

FLETA.

Then why not summon her and ask her?

QUEEN.

Why? Because if I set eyes on her I should forgive

her at once!

CELIA.

Then why not forgive her? Twenty-five years--it's a

long time!

LEILA.

Think how we loved her!

QUEEN.

Loved her? What was your love to mine? Why, she was

invaluable to me! Who taught me to curl myself inside a buttercup?

Iolanthe! Who taught me to swing upon a cobweb? Iolanthe! Who

taught me to dive into a dewdrop--to nestle in a nutshell--to

gambol upon gossamer? Iolanthe!

LEILA.

She certainly did surprising things!

FLETA.

Oh, give her back to us, great Queen, for your sake if

not for ours! (All kneel in supplication.)

QUEEN

(irresolute) Oh, I should be strong, but I am weak!

I should be marble, but I am clay! Her punishment has been heavier

than I intended. I did not mean that she should live among the

frogs--and--well, well, it shall be as you wish--it shall be as you

wish!

INVOCATION--QUEEN.

Iolanthe!

From thy dark exile thou art summoned!

Come to our call--

Come, come, Iolanthe!

CELIA.

Iolanthe!

LEILA.

Iolanthe!

ALL

Come to our call, Iolanthe!

Iolanthe, come!

(Iolanthe rises from the water. She is clad in water-weeds. She

approaches the Queen with head bent and arms crossed.)

IOLANTHE.

With humbled breast

And every hope laid low,

To thy behest,

Offended Queen, I bow!

QUEEN.

For a dark sin against our fairy laws

We sent thee into life-long banishment;

But mercy holds her sway within our hearts--

Rise--thou art pardoned!

IOL.

Pardoned!

ALL

Pardoned!

(Her weeds fall from her, and she appears clothed as a fairy. The

Queen places a diamond coronet on her head, and embraces her. The

others also embrace her.)

CHORUS

Welcome to our hearts again,

Iolanthe! Iolanthe!

We have shared thy bitter pain,

Iolanthe! Iolanthe!

Every heart and every hand

In our loving little band

Welcomes thee to Fairyland,

Iolanthe!

QUEEN.

And now, tell me, with all the world to choose from,

why on earth did you decide to live at the bottom of that stream?

IOL.

To be near my son, Strephon.

QUEEN.

Bless my heart, I didn't know you had a son.

IOL.

He was born soon after I left my husband by your royal

command--but he does not even know of his father's existence.

FLETA.

How old is he?

IOL.

Twenty-four.

LEILA.

Twenty-four! No one, to look at you, would think you

had a son of twenty-four! But that's one of the advantages of

being immortal. We never grow old! Is he pretty?

IOL.

He's extremely pretty, but he's inclined to be stout.

ALL (disappointed). Oh!

QUEEN.

I see no objection to stoutness, in moderation.

CELIA.

And what is he?

IOL.

He's an Arcadian shepherd--and he loves Phyllis, a Ward

in Chancery.

CELIA.

A mere shepherd! and he half a fairy!

IOL.

He's a fairy down to the waist--but his legs are mortal.

ALL

Dear me!

QUEEN.

I have no reason to suppose that I am more curious

than other people, but I confess I should like to see a person who

is a fairy down to the waist, but whose legs are mortal.

IOL.

Nothing easier, for here he comes!

(Enter Strephon, singing and dancing and playing on a flageolet.

He does not see the Fairies, who retire up stage as he enters.)

SONG--STREPHON.

Good morrow, good mother!

Good mother, good morrow!

By some means or other,

Pray banish your sorrow!

With joy beyond telling

My bosom is swelling,

So join in a measure

Expressive of pleasure,

For I'm to be married to-day--to-day--

Yes, I'm to be married to-day!

CHORUS

(aside). Yes, he's to be married to-day--to-day--

Yes, he's to be married to-day!

IOL.

Then the Lord Chancellor has at last given his consent

to your marriage with his beautiful ward, Phyllis?

STREPH.

Not he, indeed. To all my tearful prayers he answers

me, "A shepherd lad is no fit helpmate for a Ward of Chancery." I

stood in court, and there I sang him songs of Arcadee, with

flageolet accompaniment--in vain. At first he seemed amused, so

did the Bar; but quickly wearying of my song and pipe, bade me get

out. A servile usher then, in crumpled bands and rusty bombazine,

led me, still singing, into Chancery Lane! I'll go no more; I'll

marry her to-day, and brave the upshot, be it what it may! (Sees

Fairies.) But who are these?

IOL.

Oh, Strephon! rejoice with me, my Queen has pardoned

me!

STREPH.

Pardoned you, mother? This is good news indeed.

IOL.

And these ladies are my beloved sisters.

STREPH.

Your sisters! Then they are--my aunts!

QUEEN.

A pleasant piece of news for your bride on her wedding

day!

STREPH.

Hush! My bride knows nothing of my fairyhood. I

dare not tell her, lest it frighten her. She thinks me mortal, and

prefers me so.

LEILA.

Your fairyhood doesn't seem to have done you much

good.

STREPH.

Much good! My dear aunt! it's the curse of my

existence! What's the use of being half a fairy? My body can

creep through a keyhole, but what's the good of that when my legs

are left kicking behind? I can make myself invisible down to the

waist, but that's of no use when my legs remain exposed to view!

My brain is a fairy brain, but from the waist downwards I'm a

gibbering idiot. My upper half is immortal, but my lower half

grows older every day, and some day or other must die of old age.

What's to become of my upper half when I've buried my lower half I

really don't know!

FAIRIES.

Poor fellow!

QUEEN.

I see your difficulty, but with a fairy brain you

should seek an intellectual sphere of action. Let me see. I've a

borough or two at my disposal. Would you like to go into

Parliament?

IOL.

A fairy Member! That would be delightful!

STREPH.

I'm afraid I should do no good there--you see, down

to the waist, I'm a Tory of the most determined description, but my

legs are a couple of confounded Radicals, and, on a division,

they'd be sure to take me into the wrong lobby. You see, they're

two to one, which is a strong working majority.

QUEEN.

Don't let that distress you; you shall be returned as

a Liberal-Conservative, and your legs shall be our peculiar care.

STREPH.

(bowing). I see your Majesty does not do things by

halves.

QUEEN.

No, we are fairies down to the feet.

ENSEMBLE.

QUEEN.

Fare thee well, attractive stranger.

FAIRIES.

Fare thee well, attractive stranger.

QUEEN.

Shouldst thou be in doubt or danger,

Peril or perplexitee,

Call us, and we'll come to thee!

FAIRIES.

Aye! Call us, and we'll come to thee!

Tripping hither, tripping thither,

Nobody knows why or whither;

We must now be taking wing

To another fairy ring!

(Fairies and Queen trip off, Iolanthe, who takes an affectionate

farewell of her son, going off last.)

(Enter Phyllis, singing and dancing, and accompanying herself on a

flageolet.)

SONG--PHYLLIS.

Good morrow, good lover!

Good lover, good morrow!

I prithee discover,

Steal, purchase, or borrow

Some means of concealing

The care you are feeling,

And join in a measure

Expressive of pleasure,

For we're to be married to-day--to-day!

Yes, we're to be married to-day!

BOTH

Yes, we're to be married, etc.

STREPH.

(embracing her). My Phyllis! And to-day we are to be

made happy for ever.

PHYL.

Well, we're to be married.

STREPH.

It's the same thing.

PHYL.

I suppose it is. But oh, Strephon, I tremble at the

step I'm taking! I believe it's penal servitude for life to marry

a Ward of Court without the Lord Chancellor's consent! I shall be

of age in two years. Don't you think you could wait two years?

STREPH.

Two years. Have you ever looked in the glass?

PHYL.

No, never.

STREPH.

Here, look at that (showing her a pocket mirror), and

tell me if you think it rational to expect me to wait two years?

PHYL.

(looking at herself). No. You're quite right--it's

asking too much. One must be reasonable.

STREPH.

Besides, who knows what will happen in two years?

Why, you might fall in love with the Lord Chancellor himself by

that time!

PHYL.

Yes. He's a clean old gentleman.

STREPH.

As it is, half the House of Lords are sighing at your

feet.

PHYL.

The House of Lords are certainly extremely attentive.

STREPH.

Attentive? I should think they were! Why did

five-and-twenty Liberal Peers come down to shoot over your

grass-plot last autumn? It couldn't have been the sparrows. Why

did five-and-twenty Conservative Peers come down to fish your pond?

Don't tell me it was the gold-fish! No, no--delays are dangerous,

and if we are to marry, the sooner the better.

DUET--STREPHON and PHYLLIS.

PHYLLIS.

None shall part us from each other,

One in life and death are we:

All in all to one another--

I to thee and thou to me!

BOTH

Thou the tree and I the flower--

Thou the idol; I the throng--

Thou the day and I the hour--

Thou the singer; I the song!

STREPH.

All in all since that fond meeting

When, in joy, I woke to find

Mine the heart within thee beating,

Mine the love that heart enshrined!

BOTH

Thou the stream and I the willow--

Thou the sculptor; I the clay--

Thou the Ocean; I the billow--

Thou the sunrise; I the day!

(Exeunt Strephon and Phyllis

together.)

(March. Enter Procession of Peers.)

CHORUS

Loudly let the trumpet bray!

Tantantara!

Proudly bang the sounding brasses!

Tzing! Boom!

As upon its lordly way

This unique procession passes,

Tantantara! Tzing! Boom!

Bow, bow, ye lower middle classes!

Bow, bow, ye tradesmen, bow, ye masses!

Blow the trumpets, bang the brasses!

Tantantara! Tzing! Boom!

We are peers of highest station,

Paragons of legislation,

Pillars of the British nation!

Tantantara! Tzing! Boom!

(Enter the Lord Chancellor, followed by his train-bearer.)

SONG--LORD CHANCELLOR.

The Law is the true embodiment

Of everything that's excellent.

It has no kind of fault or flaw,

And I, my Lords, embody the Law.

The constitutional guardian I

Of pretty young Wards in Chancery,

All very agreeable girls--and none

Are over the age of twenty-one.

A pleasant occupation for

A rather susceptible Chancellor!

ALL

A pleasant, etc.

But though the compliment implied

Inflates me with legitimate pride,

It nevertheless can't be denied

That it has its inconvenient side.

For I'm not so old, and not so plain,

And I'm quite prepared to marry again,

But there'd be the deuce to pay in the Lords

If I fell in love with one of my Wards!

Which rather tries my temper, for

I'm such a susceptible Chancellor!

ALL

Which rather, etc.

And every one who'd marry a Ward

Must come to me for my accord,

And in my court I sit all day,

Giving agreeable girls away,

With one for him--and one for he--

And one for you--and one for ye--

And one for thou--and one for thee--

But never, oh, never a one for me!

Which is exasperating for

A highly susceptible Chancellor!

ALL

Which is, etc.

(Enter Lord Tolloller.)

LORD TOLL.

And now, my Lords, to the business of the day.

LORD CH.

By all means. Phyllis, who is a Ward of Court, has

so powerfully affected your Lordships, that you have appealed to me

in a body to give her to whichever one of you she may think proper

to select, and a noble Lord has just gone to her cottage to request

her immediate attendance. It would be idle to deny that I, myself,

have the misfortune to be singularly attracted by this young

person. My regard for her is rapidly undermining my constitution.

Three months ago I was a stout man. I need say no more. If I

could reconcile it with my duty, I should unhesitatingly award her

to myself, for I can conscientiously say that I know no man who is

so well fitted to render her exceptionally happy. (Peers: Hear,

hear!) But such an award would be open to misconstruction, and

therefore, at whatever personal inconvenience, I waive my claim.

LORD TOLL.

My Lord, I desire, on the part of this House, to

express its sincere sympathy with your Lordship's most painful

position.

LORD CH.

I thank your Lordships. The feelings of a Lord

Chancellor who is in love with a Ward of Court are not to be

envied. What is his position? Can he give his own consent to his

own marriage with his own Ward? Can he marry his own Ward without

his own consent? And if he marries his own Ward without his own

consent, can he commit himself for contempt of his own Court? And

if he commit himself for contempt of his own Court, can he appear

by counsel before himself, to move for arrest of his own judgement?

Ah, my Lords, it is indeed painful to have to sit upon a woolsack

which is stuffed with such thorns as these!

(Enter Lord Mountararat.)

LORD MOUNT.

My Lord, I have much pleasure in announcing that

I have succeeded in inducing the young person to present herself at

the Bar of this House.

(Enter Phyllis.)

RECITATIVE--PHYLLIS.

My well-loved Lord and Guardian dear,

You summoned me, and I am here!

CHORUS OF PEERS.

Oh, rapture, how beautiful!

How gentle--how dutiful!

SOLO--LORD TOLLOLLER.

Of all the young ladies I know

This pretty young lady's the fairest;

Her lips have the rosiest show,

Her eyes are the richest and rarest.

Her origin's lowly, it's true,

But of birth and position I've plenty;

I've grammar and spelling for two,

And blood and behaviour for twenty!

Her origin's lowly, it's true,

I've grammar and spelling for two;

CHORUS

Of birth and position he's plenty,

With blood and behaviour for twenty!

SOLO--LORD MOUNTARARAT.

Though the views of the House have diverged

On every conceivable motion,

All questions of Party are merged

In a frenzy of love and devotion;

If you ask us distinctly to say

What Party we claim to belong to,

We reply, without doubt or delay,

The Party I'm singing this song to!

SOLO--PHYLLIS.

I'm very much pained to refuse,

But I'll stick to my pipes and my tabors;

I can spell all the words that I use,

And my grammar's as good as my neighbours'.

As for birth--I was born like the rest,

My behaviour is rustic but hearty,

And I know where to turn for the best,

When I want a particular Party!

PHYLLIS, LORD TOLL., and LORD MOUNT.

Though her station is none of the best,

I suppose she was born like the rest;

And she knows where to look for her hearty,

When she wants a particular Party!

RECITATIVE--PHYLLIS.

Nay, tempt me not.

To rank I'll not be bound;

In lowly cot

Alone is virtue found!

CHORUS

No, no; indeed high rank will never hurt you,

The Peerage is not destitute of virtue.

BALLAD--LORD TOLLOLLER.

Spurn not the nobly born

With love affected,

Nor treat with virtuous scorn

The well-connected.

High rank involves no shame--

We boast an equal claim

With him of humble name

To be respected!

Blue blood! blue blood!

When virtuous love is sought

Thy power is naught,

Though dating from the Flood,

Blue blood! Ah, blue blood!

CHORUS

When virtuous love is sought, etc.

Spare us the bitter pain

Of stern denials,

Nor with low-born disdain

Augment our trials.

Hearts just as pure and fair

May beat in Belgrave Square

As in the lowly air

Of Seven Dials!

Blue blood! blue blood!

Of what avail art thou

To serve us now?

Though dating from the Flood,

Blue blood! Ah, blue blood!

CHORUS

Of what avail art thou, etc.

RECITATIVE--PHYLLIS.

My Lords, it may not be.

With grief my heart is riven!

You waste your time on me,

For ah! my heart is given!

ALL

Given!

PHYL.

Yes, given!

ALL

Oh, horror!!!

RECITATIVE--LORD CHANCELLOR.

And who has dared to brave our high displeasure,

And thus defy our definite command?

(Enter Strephon.)

STREPH.

'Tis I--young Strephon! mine this priceless treasure!

Against the world I claim my darling's hand!

(Phyllis rushes to his arms.)

A shepherd I--

ALL

A shepherd he!

STREPH.

Of Arcady-

ALL

Of Arcadee!

STREPH.

Betrothed are we!

ALL

Betrothed are they--

STREPH.

And mean to be-

ALL

Espoused to-day!

ENSEMBLE.

STREPH. THE OTHERS.

A shepherd I A shepherd he

Of Arcady, Of Arcadee,

Betrothed are we, Betrothed is he,

And mean to be And means to be

Espoused to-day! Espoused to-day!

DUET--LORD MOUNTARARAT and LORD TOLLOLLER

(aside to each other).

'Neath this blow,

Worse than stab of dagger--

Though we mo-

Mentarily stagger,

In each heart

Proud are we innately--

Let's depart,

Dignified and stately!

ALL

Let's depart,

Dignified and stately!

CHORUS OF PEERS.

Though our hearts she's badly bruising,

In another suitor choosing,

Let's pretend it's most amusing.

Ha! ha! ha! Tan-ta-ra!

(Exeunt all the Peers, marching round stage with much dignity.

Lord Chancellor separates Phyllis from Strephon and orders her off.

She follows Peers. Manent Lord Chancellor and Strephon.)

LORD CH.

Now, sir, what excuse have you to offer for having

disobeyed an order of the Court of Chancery?

STREPH.

My Lord, I know no Courts of Chancery; I go by

Nature's Acts of Parliament. The bees--the breeze--the seas--the

rooks--the brooks--the gales--the vales--the fountains and the

mountains cry, "You love this maiden--take her, we command you!"

'Tis writ in heaven by the bright barbed dart that leaps forth into

lurid light from each grim thundercloud. The very rain pours forth

her sad and sodden sympathy! When chorused Nature bids me take my

love, shall I reply, "Nay, but a certain Chancellor forbids it"?

Sir, you are England's Lord High Chancellor, but are you Chancellor

of birds and trees, King of the winds and Prince of thunderclouds?

LORD CH.

No. It's a nice point. I don't know that I ever

met it before. But my difficulty is that at present there's no

evidence before the Court that chorused Nature has interested

herself in the matter.

STREPH.

No evidence! You have my word for it. I tell you

that she bade me take my love.

LORD CH.

Ah! but, my good sir, you mustn't tell us what she

told you--it's not evidence. Now an affidavit from a thunderstorm,

or a few words on oath from a heavy shower, would meet with all the

attention they deserve.

STREPH.

And have you the heart to apply the prosaic rules of

evidence to a case which bubbles over with poetical emotion?

LORD CH.

Distinctly. I have always kept my duty strictly

before my eyes, and it is to that fact that I owe my advancement to

my present distinguished position.

SONG--LORD CHANCELLOR.

When I went to the Bar as a very young man,

(Said I to myself--said I),

I'll work on a new and original plan,

(Said I to myself--said I),

I'll never assume that a rogue or a thief

Is a gentleman worthy implicit belief,

Because his attorney has sent me a brief,

(Said I to myself--said I!).

Ere I go into court I will read my brief through

(Said I to myself--said I),

And I'll never take work I'm unable to do

(Said I to myself-said I),

My learned profession I'll never disgrace

By taking a fee with a grin on my face,

When I haven't been there to attend to the case

(Said I to myself--said I!).

I'll never throw dust in a juryman's eyes

(Said I to myself--said I),

Or hoodwink a judge who is not over-wise

(Said I to myself--said I),

Or assume that the witnesses summoned in force

In Exchequer, Queen's Bench, Common Pleas, or Divorce,

Have perjured themselves as a matter of course

(Said I to myself--said I!).

In other professions in which men engage

(Said I to myself said I),

The Army, the Navy, the Church, and the Stage

(Said I to myself--said I),

Professional licence, if carried too far,

Your chance of promotion will certainly mar--

And I fancy the rule might apply to the Bar

(Said I to myself--said I!).

(Exit Lord

Chancellor.)

(Enter Iolanthe)

STREPH.

Oh, Phyllis, Phyllis! To be taken from you just as

I was on the point of making you my own! Oh, it's too much--it's

too much!

IOL.

(to Strephon, who is in tears). My son in tears--and on

his wedding day!

STREPH.

My wedding day! Oh, mother, weep with me, for the

Law has interposed between us, and the Lord Chancellor has

separated us for ever!

IOL.

The Lord Chancellor! (Aside.) Oh, if he did but know!

STREPH.

(overhearing her). If he did but know what?

IOL.

No matter! The Lord Chancellor has no power over you.

Remember you are half a fairy. You can defy him--down to the

waist.

STREPH.

Yes, but from the waist downwards he can commit me to

prison for years! Of what avail is it that my body is free, if my

legs are working out seven years' penal servitude?

IOL.

True. But take heart--our Queen has promised you her

special protection. I'll go to her and lay your peculiar case

before her.

STREPH.

My beloved mother! how can I repay the debt I owe

you?

FINALE--QUARTET.

(As it commences, the Peers appear at the back, advancing unseen

and on tiptoe. Lord Mountararat and Lord Tolloller lead Phyllis

between them, who listens in horror to what she hears.)

STREPH.

(to Iolanthe). When darkly looms the day,

And all is dull and grey,

To chase the gloom away,

On thee I'll call!

PHYL.

(speaking aside to Lord Mountararat). What was that?

LORD MOUNT.

(aside to Phyllis).

I think I heard him say,

That on a rainy day,

To while the time away,

On her he'd call!

CHORUS

We think we heard him say, etc.

(Phyllis much agitated at her lover's supposed faithlessness.)

IOL.

(to Strephon). When tempests wreck thy bark,

And all is drear and dark,

If thou shouldst need an Ark,

I'll give thee one!

PHYL.

(speaking aside to Lord Tolloller). What was that?

LORD TOLL.

(aside to Phyllis).

I heard the minx remark,

She'd meet him after dark,

Inside St James's Park,

And give him one!

CHORUS

We heard the minx remark, etc.

PHYL.

The prospect's very bad.

My heart so sore and sad

Will never more be glad

As summer's sun.

PHYL., IOL.

, LORD TOLL., STREPH.

The prospect's not so bad,

My/Thy heart so sore and sad

May very soon be glad

As summer's sun;

PHYL., IOL.

, LORD TOLL., STEPH., LORD MOUNT.

For when the sky is dark

And tempests wreck his/thy/my bark,

he should

If thou shouldst need an Ark,

I should

She'll him

I'll give thee one!

me

PHYL.

(revealing herself). Ah!

(Iolanthe and Strephon much confused.)

PHYL.

Oh, shameless one, tremble!

Nay, do not endeavour

Thy fault to dissemble,

We part--and for ever!

I worshipped him blindly,

He worships another--

STREPH.

Attend to me kindly,

This lady's my mother!

TOLL.

This lady's his what?

STREPH.

This lady's my mother!

TENORS.

This lady's his what?

BASSES.

He says she's his mother!

(They point derisively to Iolanthe, laughing heartily at her. She

goes for protection to Strephon.)

(Enter Lord Chancellor. Iolanthe veils herself.)

LORD CH.

What means this mirth unseemly,

That shakes the listening earth?

LORD TOLL.

The joke is good extremely,

And justifies our mirth.

LORD MOUNT.

This gentleman is seen,

With a maid of seventeen,

A-taking of his dolce far niente;

And wonders he'd achieve,

For he asks us to believe

She's his mother--and he's nearly five-and-twenty!

LORD CH.

(sternly). Recollect yourself, I pray,

And be careful what you say--

As the ancient Romans said, festina lente.

For I really do not see

How so young a girl could be

The mother of a man of five-and-twenty.

ALL

Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!

STREPH.

My Lord, of evidence I have no dearth--

She is--has been--my mother from my birth!

BALLAD.

In babyhood

Upon her lap I lay,

With infant food

She moistened my clay;

Had she withheld

The succour she supplied,

By hunger quelled,

Your Strephon might have died!

LORD CH.

(much moved).

Had that refreshment been denied,

Indeed our Strephon might have died!

ALL

(much affected).

Had that refreshment been denied,

Indeed our Strephon might have died!

LORD MOUNT.

But as she's not

His mother, it appears,

Why weep these hot

Unnecessary tears?

And by what laws

Should we so joyously

Rejoice, because

Our Strephon did not die?

Oh rather let us pipe our eye

Because our Strephon did not die!

ALL

That's very true--let's pipe our eye

Because our Strephon did not die!

(All weep. Iolanthe, who has succeeded in hiding her face from

Lord Chancellor, escapes unnoticed.)

PHYL.

Go, traitorous one--for ever we must part:

To one of you, my Lords, I give my heart!

ALL

Oh, rapture!

STREPH.

Hear me, Phyllis, ere you leave me.

PHYL.

Not a word--you did deceive me.

ALL

Not a word--you did deceive her.

(Exit

Strephon.)

BALLAD--PHYLLIS.

For riches and rank I do not long--

Their pleasures are false and vain;

I gave up the love of a lordly throng

For the love of a simple swain.

But now that simple swain's untrue,

With sorrowful heart I turn to you--

A heart that's aching,

Quaking, breaking,

As sorrowful hearts are wont to do!

The riches and rank that you befall

Are the only baits you use,

So the richest and rankiest of you all

My sorrowful heart shall choose.

As none are so noble--none so rich

As this couple of lords, I'll find a niche

In my heart that's aching,

Quaking, breaking,

For one of you two-and I don't care which!

ENSEMBLE.

PHYL.

(to Lord Mountararat and Lord Tolloller).

To you I give my heart so rich!

ALL

(puzzled). To which?

PHYL.

I do not care!

To you I yield--it is my doom!

ALL

To whom?

PHYL.

I'm not aware!

I'm yours for life if you but choose.

ALL

She's whose?

PHYL.

That's your affair!

I'll be a countess, shall I not?

ALL

Of what?

PHYL.

I do not care!

ALL

Lucky little lady!

Strephon's lot is shady;

Rank, it seems, is vital,

"Countess" is the title,

But of what I'm not aware!

(Enter Strephon.)

STREPH.

Can I inactive see my fortune fade?

No, no!

PEERS.

Ho, ho!

STREPH.

Mighty protectress, hasten to my aid!

(Enter Fairies, tripping, headed by Celia, Leila, and Fleta, and

followed by Queen.)

CHORUS

Tripping hither, tripping thither.

OF Nobody knows why or whither;

FAIRIES

Why you want us we don't know,

But you've summoned us, and so

Enter all the little fairies

To their usual tripping measure!

To oblige you all our care is--

Tell us, pray, what is your pleasure!

STREPH.

The lady of my love has caught me talking to another--

PEERS.

Oh, fie! young Strephon is a rogue!

STREPH.

I tell her very plainly that the lady is my mother--

PEERS.

Taradiddle, taradiddle, tol lol lay!

STREPH.

She won't believe my statement, and declares we must be

parted,

Because on a career of double-dealing I have started,

Then gives her hand to one of these, and leaves me

broken-hearted--

PEERS.

Taradiddle, taradiddle, tol lol lay!

QUEEN.

Ah, cruel ones, to separate two lovers from each other!

FAIRIES.

Oh, fie! our Strephon's not a rogue!

QUEEN.

You've done him an injustice, for the lady is his mother!

FAIRIES.

Taradiddle, taradiddle, tol lol lay!

LORD CH.

That fable perhaps may serve his turn as well as any

other.

(Aside.) I didn't see her face, but if they fondled one

another,

And she's but seventeen--I don't believe it was his

mother!

Taradiddle, taradiddle.

ALL

Tol lol lay!

LORD TOLL.

I have often had a use

For a thorough-bred excuse

Of a sudden (which is English for "repente"),

But of all I ever heard

This is much the most absurd,

For she's seventeen, and he is five-and-twenty!

ALL

Though she is seventeen, and he is four or

five-and-twenty!

Oh, fie! our Strephon is a rogue!

LORD MOUNT.

Now, listen, pray to me,

For this paradox will be

Carried, nobody at all contradicente.

Her age, upon the date

Of his birth, was minus eight,

If she's seventeen, and he is five-and-twenty!

PEERS and FAIRIES.

If she is seventeen, and he is only

five-and-twenty.

ALL

To say she is his mother is an utter bit of folly!

Oh, fie! our Strephon is a rogue!

Perhaps his brain is addled, and it's very melancholy!

Taradiddle, taradiddle, tol lol lay!

I wouldn't say a word that could be reckoned as

injurious,

But to find a mother younger than her son is very

curious,

And that's a kind of mother that is usually spurious.

Taradiddle, taradiddle, tol lol lay!

LORD CH.

Go away, madam;

I should say, madam,

You display, madam,

Shocking taste.

It is rude, madam,

To intrude, madam,

With your brood, madam,

Brazen-faced!

You come here, madam,

Interfere, madam,

With a peer, madam.

(I am one.)

You're aware, madam,

What you dare, madam,

So take care, madam,

And begone!

ENSEMBLE

FAIRIES

(to QUEEN). PEERS

Let us stay, madam; Go away, madam;

I should say, madam, I should say, madam,

They display, madam, You display, madam,

Shocking taste. Shocking taste.

It is rude, madam, It is rude, madam,

To allude, madam, To intrude, madam,

To your brood, madam, With your brood, madam,

Brazen-faced! Brazen-faced!

We don't fear, madam, You come here, madam,

Any peer, madam, Interfere, madam,

Though, my dear madam, With a peer, madam,

This is one. (I am one.)

They will stare, madam, You're aware, madam,

When aware, madam, What you dare, madam,

What they dare, madam-- So take care, madam,

What they've done! And begone!

QUEEN.

Bearded by these puny mortals!

(furious). I will launch from fairy portals

All the most terrific thunders

In my armoury of wonders!

PHYL.

(aside). Should they launch terrific wonders,

All would then repent their blunders.

Surely these must be immortals.

(Exit

Phyllis.)

QUEEN.

Oh! Chancellor unwary

It's highly necessary

Your tongue to teach

Respectful speech--

Your attitude to vary!

Your badinage so airy,

Your manner arbitrary,

Are out of place

When face to face

With an influential Fairy.

ALL

THE PEERS We never knew

(aside). We were talking to

An influential Fairy!

LORD CH.

A plague on this vagary,

I'm in a nice quandary!

Of hasty tone

With dames unknown

I ought to be more chary;

It seems that she's a fairy

From Andersen's library,

And I took her for

The proprietor

Of a Ladies' Seminary!

PEERS.

We took her for

The proprietor

Of a Ladies' Seminary!

QUEEN.

When next your Houses do assemble,

You may tremble!

CELIA.

Our wrath, when gentlemen offend us,

Is tremendous!

LEILA.

They meet, who underrate our calling,

Doom appalling!

QUEEN.

Take down our sentence as we speak it,

And he shall wreak it!

(Indicating

Strephon.)

PEERS.

Oh, spare us!

QUEEN.

Henceforth, Strephon, cast away

Crooks and pipes and ribbons so gay--

Flocks and herds that bleat and low;

Into Parliament you shall go!

ALL

Into Parliament he shall go!

Backed by our supreme authority,

He'll command a large majority!

Into Parliament he shall go!

QUEEN.

In the Parliamentary hive,

Liberal or Conservative--

Whig or Tory--I don't know--

But into Parliament you shall go!

ALL

Into Parliament, etc.

QUEEN

(speaking through music)

Every bill and every measure

That may gratify his pleasure,

Though your fury it arouses,

Shall be passed by both your Houses!

PEERS.

Oh!

QUEEN.

You shall sit, if he sees reason,

Through the grouse and salmon season;

PEERS.

No!

QUEEN.

He shall end the cherished rights

You enjoy on Friday nights:

PEERS.

No!

QUEEN.

He shall prick that annual blister,

Marriage with deceased wife's sister:

PEERS.

Mercy!

QUEEN.

Titles shall ennoble, then,

All the Common Councilmen:

PEERS.

Spare us!

QUEEN.

Peers shall teem in Christendom,

And a Duke's exalted station

Be attainable by Com-

Petitive Examination!

PEERS. FAIRIES and PHYLLIS.

Oh, horror! Their horror

They can't dissemble

Nor hide the fear that makes them

tremble!

ENSEMBLE.

PEERS FAIRIES, PHYLLIS, and STREPHON.

Young Strephon is the kind of lout With Strephon for your foe, no

doubt,

We do not care a fig about! A fearful prospect opens out,

We cannot say And who shall say

What evils may What evils may

Result in consequence. Result in consequence?

But lordly vengeance will pursue A hideous vengeance will pursue

All kinds of common people who All noblemen who venture to

Oppose our views, Opppose his views,

Or boldly choose Or boldly choose

To offer us offence. To offer him offence.

He'd better fly at humbler game, 'Twill plunge them into grief

and shame;

Or our forbearance he must claim, His kind forbearance they must

claim,

If he'd escape If they'd escape

In any shape In any shape

A very painful wrench! A very painful wrench.

Your powers we dauntlessly pooh-pooh: Although our threats you

now pooh-pooh,

A dire revenge will fall on you. A dire revenge will fall on you,

If you besiege Should he besiege

Our high prestige-- Your high prestige--

(The word "prestige" is French). The word "prestige" is French).

PEERS.

Our lordly style

You shall not quench

With base canaille!

FAIRIES.

(That word is French.)

PEERS.

Distinction ebbs

Before a herd

Of vulgar plebs!

FAIRIES.

(A Latin word.)

PEERS.

'Twould fill with joy,

And madness stark

The hoi polloi!

FAIRIES.

(A Greek remark.)

PEERS.

One Latin word, one Greek remark,

And one that's French.

FAIRIES.

Your lordly style

We'll quickly quench

With base canaille!

PEERS.

(That word is French.)

FAIRIES.

Distinction ebbs

Before a herd

Of vulgar plebs!

PEERS.

(A Latin word.)

FAIRIES.

'Twill fill with joy

And madness stark

The hoi polloi!

PEERS.

(A Greek remark.)

FAIRIES.

One Latin word, one Greek remark,

And one that's French.

PEERS. FAIRIES.

You needn't wait: We will not wait:

Away you fly! We go sky-high!

Your threatened hate Our threatened hate

We won't defy! You won't defy!

(Fairies threaten Peers with their wands. Peers kneel as begging

for merry. Phyllis implores Strephon to relent. He casts her from

him, and she falls fainting into the arms of Lord Mountararat and

Lord Tolloller.)

END OF ACT I

ACT II

Scene.--Palace Yard, Westminster. Westminster Hall, L. Clock

tower up, R.C. Private Willis discovered on sentry, R. Moonlight.

SONG--PRIVATE WILLIS.

When all night long a chap remains

On sentry-go, to chase monotony

He exercises of his brains,

That is, assuming that he's got any.

Though never nurtured in the lap

Of luxury, yet I admonish you,

I am an intellectual chap,

And think of things that would astonish you.

I often think it's comical--Fal, lal, la!

How Nature always does contrive--Fal, lal, la!

That every boy and every gal

That's born into the world alive

Is either a little Liberal

Or else a little Conservative!

Fal, lal, la!

When in that House M.P.'s divide,

If they've a brain and cerebellum, too,

They've got to leave that brain outside,

And vote just as their leaders tell 'em to.

But then the prospect of a lot

Of dull M. P.'s in close proximity,

All thinking for themselves, is what

No man can face with equanimity.

Then let's rejoice with loud Fal la--Fal la la!

That Nature always does contrive--Fal lal la!

That every boy and every gal

That's born into the world alive

Is either a little Liberal

Or else a little Conservative!

Fal lal la!

(Enter Fairies, with Celia, Leila, and Fleta. They trip round

stage.)

CHORUS OF FAIRIES.

Strephon's a Member of Parliament!

Carries every Bill he chooses.

To his measures all assent--

Showing that fairies have their uses.

Whigs and Tories

Dim their glories,

Giving an ear to all his stories--

Lords and Commons are both in the blues!

Strephon makes them shake in their shoes!

Shake in their shoes!

Shake in their shoes!

Strephon makes them shake in their shoes!

(Enter Peers from Westminster Hall.)

CHORUS OF PEERS.

Strephon's a Member of Parliament!

Running a-muck of all abuses.

His unqualified assent

Somehow nobody now refuses.

Whigs and Tories

Dim their glories,

Giving an ear to all his stories

Carrying every Bill he may wish:

Here's a pretty kettle of fish!

Kettle of fish!

Kettle of fish!

Here's a pretty kettle of fish!

(Enter Lord Mountararat and Lord Tolloller from Westminster Hall.)

CELIA.

You seem annoyed.

LORD MOUNT.

Annoyed! I should think so! Why, this

ridiculous protege of yours is playing the deuce with everything!

To-night is the second reading of his Bill to throw the Peerage

open to Competitive Examination!

LORD TOLL.

And he'll carry it, too!

LORD MOUNT.

Carry it? Of course he will! He's a

Parliamentary Pickford--he carries everything!

LEILA.

Yes. If you please, that's our fault!

LORD MOUNT.

The deuce it is!

CELIA.

Yes; we influence the members, and compel them to vote

just as he wishes them to.

LEILA.

It's our system. It shortens the debates.

LORD TOLL.

Well, but think what it all means. I don't so

much mind for myself, but with a House of Peers with no

grandfathers worth mentioning, the country must go to the dogs!

LEILA.

I suppose it must!

LORD MOUNT.

I don't want to say a word against brains--I've

a great respect for brains--I often wish I had some myself--but

with a House of Peers composed exclusively of people of intellect,

what's to become of the House of Commons?

LEILA.

I never thought of that!

LORD MOUNT.

This comes of women interfering in politics. It

so happens that if there is an institution in Great Britain which

is not susceptible of any improvement at all, it is the House of

Peers!

SONG--LORD MOUNTARARAT.

When Britain really ruled the waves--

(In good Queen Bess's time)

The House of Peers made no pretence

To intellectual eminence,

Or scholarship sublime;

Yet Britain won her proudest bays

In good Queen Bess's glorious days!

CHORUS

Yes, Britain won, etc.

When Wellington thrashed Bonaparte,

As every child can tell,

The House of Peers, throughout the war,

Did nothing in particular,

And did it very well:

Yet Britain set the world ablaze

In good King George's glorious days!

CHORUS

Yes, Britain set, etc.

And while the House of Peers withholds

Its legislative hand,

And noble statesmen do not itch

To interfere with matters which

They do not understand,

As bright will shine Great Britain's rays

As in King George's glorious days!

CHORUS

As bright will shine, etc.

LEILA.

(who has been much attracted by the Peers during this

song). Charming persons, are they not?

CELIA.

Distinctly. For self-contained dignity, combined with

airy condescension, give me a British Representative Peer!

LORD TOLL.

Then pray stop this protege of yours before it's

too late. Think of the mischief you're doing!

LEILA

(crying) But we can't stop him now. (Aside to Celia.)

Aren't they lovely! (Aloud.) Oh, why did you go and defy us, you

great geese!

DUET--LEILA and CELIA.

LEILA.

In vain to us you plead--

Don't go!

Your prayers we do not heed--

Don't go!

It's true we sigh,

But don't suppose

A tearful eye

Forgiveness shows.

Oh, no!

We're very cross indeed--

Yes, very cross,

Don't go!

FAIRIES.

It's true we sigh, etc.

CELIA.

Your disrespectful sneers--

Don't go!

Call forth indignant tears--

Don't go!

You break our laws--

You are our foe:

We cry because

We hate you so!

You know!

You very wicked Peers!

You wicked Peers!

Don't go!

FAIRIES. LORDS MOUNT. and TOLL.

You break our laws-- Our disrespectful sneers,

You are our foe: Ha, ha!

We cry because Call forth indignant tears,

We hate you so! Ha, ha!

You know! If that's the case, my dears--

You very wicked Peers! FAIRIES. Don't go!

Don't go! PEERS. We'll go!

(Exeunt Lord Mountararat, Lord Tolloller, and Peers. Fairies gaze

wistfully after them.)

(Enter Fairy Queen.)

QUEEN.

Oh, shame--shame upon you! Is this your fidelity to

the laws you are bound to obey? Know ye not that it is death to

marry a mortal?

LEILA.

Yes, but it's not death to wish to marry a mortal!

FLETA.

If it were, you'd have to execute us all!

QUEEN.

Oh, this is weakness! Subdue it!

CELIA.

We know it's weakness, but the weakness is so strong!

LEILA.

We are not all as tough as you are!

QUEEN.

Tough! Do you suppose that I am insensible to the

effect of manly beauty? Look at that man! (Referring to Sentry.)

A perfect picture! (To Sentry.) Who are you, sir?

WILLIS (coming to "attention").

Private Willis, B Company,

1st Grenadier Guards.

QUEEN.

You're a very fine fellow, sir.

WILLIS.

I am generally admired.

QUEEN.

I can quite understand it. (To Fairies.) Now here is

a man whose physical attributes are simply godlike. That man has

a most extraordinary effect upon me. If I yielded to a natural

impulse, I should fall down and worship that man. But I mortify

this inclination; I wrestle with it, and it lies beneath my feet!

That is how I treat my regard for that man!

SONG--FAIRY QUEEN.

Oh, foolish fay,

Think you, because

His brave array

My bosom thaws,

I'd disobey

Our fairy laws?

Because I fly

In realms above,

In tendency

To fall in love,

Resemble I

The amorous dove?

(Aside.) Oh, amorous dove!

Type of Ovidius Naso!

This heart of mine

Is soft as thine,

Although I dare not say so!

CHORUS

Oh, amorous dove, etc.

On fire that glows

With heat intense

I turn the hose

Of common sense,

And out it goes

At small expense!

We must maintain

Our fairy law;

That is the main

On which to draw--

In that we gain

A Captain Shaw!

(Aside.) Oh, Captain Shaw!

Type of true love kept under!

Could thy Brigade

With cold cascade

Quench my great love, I wonder!

CHORUS

Oh, Captain Shaw! etc.

(Exeunt Fairies and Fairy Queen, sorrowfully.)

(Enter Phyllis.)

PHYL.

(half crying). I can't think why I'm not in better

spirits. I'm engaged to two noblemen at once. That ought to be

enough to make any girl happy. But I'm miserable! Don't suppose

it's because I care for Strephon, for I hate him! No girl could

care for a man who goes about with a mother considerably younger

than himself!

(Enter Lord Mountararat and Lord Tolloller.)

LORD MOUNT.

Phyllis! My darling!

LORD TOLL.

Phyllis! My own!

PHYL.

Don't! How dare you? Oh, but perhaps you're the two

noblemen I'm engaged to?

LORD MOUNT.

I am one of them.

LORD TOLL.

I am the other.

PHYL.

Oh, then, my darling! (to Lord Mountararat). My own!

(to Lord Tolloller). Well, have you settled which it's to be?

LORD TOLL.

Not altogether. It's a difficult position. It

would be hardly delicate to toss up. On the whole we would rather

leave it to you.

PHYL.

How can it possibly concern me? You are both EarIs,

and you are both rich, and you are both plain.

LORD MOUNT.

So we are. At least I am.

LORD TOLL.

So am I.

LORD MOUNT.

No, no!

LORD TOLL.

I am indeed. Very plain.

LORD MOUNT.

Well, well--perhaps you are.

PHYL.

There's really nothing to choose between you. If one

of you would forgo his title, and distribute his estates among his

Irish tenantry, why, then, I should then see a reason for accepting

the other.

LORD MOUNT.

Tolloller, are you prepared to make this

sacrifice?

LORD TOLL.

No!

LORD MOUNT.

Not even to oblige a lady?

LORD TOLL.

No! not even to oblige a lady.

LORD MOUNT.

Then, the only question is, which of us shall

give way to the other? Perhaps, on the whole, she would be happier

with me. I don't know. I may be wrong.

LORD TOLL.

No. I don't know that you are. I really believe

she would. But the awkward part of the thing is that if you rob me

of the girl of my heart, we must fight, and one of us must die.

It's a family tradition that I have sworn to respect. It's a

painful position, for I have a very strong regard for you, George.

LORD MOUNT.

(much affected). My dear Thomas!

LORD TOLL.

You are very dear to me, George. We were boys

together--at least I was. If I were to survive you, my existence

would be hopelessly embittered.

LORD MOUNT.

Then, my dear Thomas, you must not do it. I say

it again and again--if it will have this effect upon you, you must

not do it. No, no. If one of us is to destroy the other, let it

be me!

LORD TOLL.

No, no!

LORD MOUNT.

Ah, yes!--by our boyish friendship I implore you!

LORD TOLL.

(much moved). Well, well, be it so. But,

no--no!--I cannot consent to an act which would crush you with

unavaillng remorse.

LORD MOUNT.

But it would not do so. I should be very sad at

first--oh, who would not be?--but it would wear off. I like you

very much--but not, perhaps, as much as you like me.

LORD TOLL.

George, you're a noble fellow, but that tell-tale

tear betrays you. No, George; you are very fond of me, and I

cannot consent to give you a week's uneasiness on my account.

LORD MOUNT.

But, dear Thomas, it would not last a week!

Remember, you lead the House of Lords! On your demise I shall take

your place! Oh, Thomas, it would not last a day!

PHYL.

(coming down). Now, I do hope you're not going to fight

about me, because it's really not worth while.

LORD TOLL.

(looking at her). Well, I don't believe it is!

LORD MOUNT.

Nor I. The sacred ties of Friendship are

paramount.

QUARTET--LORD MOUNTARARAT,

LORD TOLLOLLER, PHYLLIS, and PRIVATE WILLIS.

LORD TOLL.

Though p'r'aps I may incur your blame,

The things are few

I would not do

In Friendship's name!

LORD MOUNT.

And I may say I think the same;

Not even love

Should rank above

True Friendship's name!

PHYL.

Then free me, pray; be mine the blame;

Forget your craze

And go your ways

In Friendship's name!

ALL

Oh, many a man, in Friendship's name,

Has yielded fortune, rank, and fame!

But no one yet, in the world so wide,

Has yielded up a promised bride!

WILLIS.

Accept, O Friendship, all the same,

ALL

This sacrifice to thy dear name!

(Exeunt Lord Mountararat and Lord Tolloller, lovingly, in one

direction, and Phyllis in another. Exit Sentry.)

(Enter Lord Chancellor, very miserable.)

RECITATIVE--LORD CHANCELLOR.

Love, unrequited, robs me of my rest:

Love, hopeless love, my ardent soul encumbers:

Love, nightmare-like, lies heavy on my chest,

And weaves itself into my midnight slumbers!

SONG--LORD CHANCELLOR.

When you're lying awake with a dismal headache, and repose is

taboo'd by anxiety,

I conceive you may use any language you choose to indulge in,

without impropriety;

For your brain is on fire--the bedclothes conspire of usual

slumber to plunder you:

First your counterpane goes, and uncovers your toes, and your

sheet slips demurely from under you;

Then the blanketing tickles--you feel like mixed pickles--so

terribly sharp is the pricking,

And you're hot, and you're cross, and you tumble and toss till

there's nothing 'twixt you and the ticking.

Then the bedclothes all creep to the ground in a heap, and you

pick 'em all up in a tangle;

Next your pillow resigns and politely declines to remain at its

usual angle!

Well, you get some repose in the form of a doze, with hot

eye-balls and head ever aching.

But your slumbering teems with such horrible dreams that you'd

very much better be waking;

For you dream you are crossing the Channel, and tossing about in

a steamer from Harwich--

Which is something between a large bathing machine and a very

small second-class carriage--

And you're giving a treat (penny ice and cold meat) to a party of

friends and relations--

They're a ravenous horde--and they all came on board at Sloane

Square and South Kensington Stations.

And bound on that journey you find your attorney (who started that

morning from Devon);

He's a bit undersized, and you don't feel surprised when he tells

you he's only eleven.

Well, you're driving like mad with this singular lad (by the by,

the ship's now a four-wheeler),

And you're playing round games, and he calls you bad names when

you tell him that "ties pay the dealer";

But this you can't stand, so you throw up your hand, and you find

you're as cold as an icicle,

In your shirt and your socks (the black silk with gold clocks),

crossing Salisbury Plain on a bicycle:

And he and the crew are on bicycles too--which they've somehow or

other invested in--

And he's telling the tars all the particulars of a company he's

interested in--

It's a scheme of devices, to get at low prices all goods from

cough mixtures to cables

(Which tickled the sailors), by treating retailers as though they

were all vegetables--

You get a good spadesman to plant a small tradesman (first take

off his boots with a boot-tree),

And his legs will take root, and his fingers will shoot, and

they'll blossom and bud like a fruit-tree--

From the greengrocer tree you get grapes and green pea,

cauliflower, pineapple, and cranberries,

While the pastrycook plant cherry brandy will grant, apple puffs,

and three corners, and Banburys--

The shares are a penny, and ever so many are taken by Rothschild

and Baring,

And just as a few are allotted to you, you awake with a shudder

despairing--

You're a regular wreck, with a crick in your neck, and no wonder

you snore, for your head's on the floor, and you've needles and

pins from your soles to your shins, and your flesh is a-creep, for

your left leg's asleep, and you've cramp in your toes, and a fly on

your nose, and some fluff in your lung, and a feverish tongue, and

a thirst that's intense, and a general sense that you haven't been

sleeping in clover;

But the darkness has passed, and it's daylight at last, and the

night has been long--ditto ditto my song--and thank goodness

they're both of them over!

(Lord Chancellor falls exhausted on

a seat.)

(Enter Lords Mountararat and Tolloller.)

LORD MOUNT.

I am much distressed to see your Lordship in this

condition.

LORD CH.

Ah, my Lords, it is seldom that a Lord Chancellor

has reason to envy the position of another, but I am free to

confess that I would rather be two Earls engaged to Phyllis than

any other half-dozen noblemen upon the face of the globe.

LORD TOLL.

(without enthusiasm). Yes. It's an enviable

position when you're the only one.

LORD MOUNT.

Oh yes, no doubt--most enviable. At the same

time, seeing you thus, we naturally say to ourselves, "This is very

sad. His Lordship is constitutionally as blithe as a bird--he

trills upon the bench like a thing of song and gladness. His

series of judgements in F sharp minor, given andante in six-eight

time, are among the most remarkable effects ever produced in a

Court of Chancery. He is, perhaps, the only living instance of a

judge whose decrees have received the honour of a double encore.

How can we bring ourselves to do that which will deprive the Court

of Chancery of one of its most attractive features?"

LORD CH.

I feel the force of your remarks, but I am here in

two capacities, and they clash, my Lords, they clash! I deeply

grieve to say that in declining to entertain my last application to

myself, I presumed to address myself in terms which render it

impossible for me ever to apply to myself again. It was a most

painful scene, my Lords--most painful!

LORD TOLL.

This is what it is to have two capacities! Let us

be thankful that we are persons of no capacity whatever.

LORD MOUNT.

Come, come. Remember you are a very just and

kindly old gentleman, and you need have no hesitation in

approaching yourself, so that you do so respectfully and with a

proper show of deference.

LORD CH.

Do you really think so?

LORD MOUNT.

I do.

LORD CH.

Well, I will nerve myself to another effort, and,

if that fails, I resign myself to my fate!

TRIO--LORD CHANCELLOR, LORDS MOUNTARARAT and TOLLOLLER.

LORD MOUNT.

If you go in

You're sure to win--

Yours will be the charming maidie:

Be your law

The ancient saw,

"Faint heart never won fair lady!"

ALL

Never, never, never,

Faint heart never won fair lady!

Every journey has an end--

When at the worst affairs will mend--

Dark the dawn when day is nigh--

Hustle your horse and don't say die!

LORD TOLL.

He who shies

At such a prize

Is not worth a maravedi,

Be so kind

To bear in mind--

Faint heart never won fair lady!

ALL

Never, never, never,

Faint heart never won fair lady!

While the sun shines make your hay--

Where a will is, there's a way--

Beard the lion in his lair--

None but the brave deserve the fair!

LORD CH.

I'll take heart

And make a start--

Though I fear the prospect's shady--

Much I'd spend

To gain my end--

Faint heart never won fair lady!

ALL

Never, never, never,

Faint heart never won fair lady!

Nothing venture, nothing win--

Blood is thick, but water's thin--

In for a penny, in for a pound--

It's Love that makes the world go round!

(Dance, and exeunt arm-in-arm

together.)

(Enter Strephon, in very low spirits.)

[The following song was deleted from production]

Fold your flapping wings,

Soaring legislature.

Stoop to little things,

Stoop to human nature.

Never need to roam

members patriotic.

Let's begin at home,

Crime is no exotic.

Bitter is your bane

Terrible your trials

Dingy Drury Lane

Soapless Seven Dials.

Take a tipsy lout

Gathered from the gutter,

Hustle him about,

Strap him to a shutter.

What am I but he,

Washed at hours stated.

Fed on filagree,

Clothed and educated

He's a mark of scorn

I might be another

If I had been born

Of a tipsy mother.

Take a wretched thief,

Through the city sneaking.

Pocket handkerchief

Ever, ever seeking.

What is he but I

Robbed of all my chances

Picking pockets by

force of circumstances

I might be as bad,

As unlucky, rather,

If I'd only had,

Fagin for a father.

STREPH.

I suppose one ought to enjoy oneself in Parliament,

when one leads both Parties, as I do! But I'm miserable, poor,

broken-hearted fool that I am! Oh Phyllis, Phyllis!--

(Enter Phyllis.)

PHYL.

Yes.

STREPH.

(surprised). Phyllis! But I suppose I should say "My

Lady." I have not yet been informed which title your ladyship has

pleased to select?

PHYL.

I--I haven't quite decided. You see, I have no mother

to advise me!

STREPH.

No. I have.

PHYL.

Yes; a young mother.

STREPH.

Not very--a couple of centuries or so.

PHYL.

Oh! She wears well.

STREPH.

She does. She's a fairy.

PHYL.

I beg your pardon--a what?

STREPH.

Oh, I've no longer any reason to conceal the

fact--she's a fairy.

PHYL.

A fairy! Well, but--that would account for a good many

things! Then--I suppose you're a fairy?

STREPH.

I'm half a fairy.

PHYL.

Which half?

STREPH.

The upper half--down to the waistcoat.

PHYL.

Dear me! (Prodding him with her fingers.) There is

nothing to show it!

STREPH.

Don't do that.

PHYL.

But why didn't you tell me this before?

STREPH.

I thought you would take a dislike to me. But as

it's all off, you may as well know the truth--I'm only half a

mortal!

PHYL.

(crying). But I'd rather have half a mortal I do love,

than half a dozen I don't!

STREPH.

Oh, I think not--go to your half-dozen.

PHYL.

(crying). It's only two! and I hate 'em! Please

forgive me!

STREPH.

I don't think I ought to. Besides, all sorts of

difficulties will arise. You know, my grandmother looks quite as

young as my mother. So do all my aunts.

PHYL.

I quite understand. Whenever I see you kissing a very

young lady, I shall know it's an elderly relative.

STREPH.

You will? Then, Phyllis, I think we shall be very

happy! (Embracing her.)

PHYL.

We won't wait long.

STREPH.

No. We might change our minds. We'll get married

first.

PHYL.

And change our minds afterwards?

STREPH.

That's the usual course.

DUET--STREPHON and PHYLLIS.

STREPH.

If we're weak enough to tarry

Ere we marry,

You and I,

Of the feeling I inspire

You may tire

By and by.

For peers with flowing coffers

Press their offers--

That is why

I am sure we should not tarry

Ere we marry,

You and I!

PHYL.

If we're weak enough to tarry

Ere we marry,

You and I,

With a more attractive maiden,

Jewel-laden,

You may fly.

If by chance we should be parted,

Broken-hearted

I should die--

So I think we will not tarry

Ere we marry,

You and I.

PHYL.

But does your mother know you're--I mean, is she aware

of our engagement?

(Enter Iolanthe.)

IOL.

She is; and thus she welcomes her daughter-in-law!

(Kisses her.)

PHYL.

She kisses just like other people! But the Lord

Chancellor?

STREPH.

I forgot him! Mother, none can resist your fairy

eloquence; you will go to him and plead for us?

IOL.

(much agitated). No, no; impossible!

STREPH.

But our happiness--our very lives--depend upon our

obtaining his consent!

PHYL.

Oh, madam, you cannot refuse to do this!

IOL.

You know not what you ask! The Lord Chancellor is--my

husband!

STREPH. and PHYL.

Your husband!

IOL.

My husband and your father! (Addressing Strephon, who

is much moved.)

PHYLL.

Then our course is plain; on his learning that

Strephon is his son, all objection to our marriage will be at once

removed!

IOL.

No; he must never know! He believes me to have died

childless, and, dearly as I love him, I am bound, under penalty of

death, not to undeceive him. But see--he comes! Quick--my veil!

(Iolanthe veils herself. Strephon and Phyllis go off on tiptoe.)

(Enter Lord Chancellor.)

LORD CH.

Victory! Victory! Success has crowned my efforts,

and I may consider myself engaged to Phyllis! At first I wouldn't

hear of it--it was out of the question. But I took heart. I

pointed out to myself that I was no stranger to myself; that, in

point of fact, I had been personally acquainted with myself for

some years. This had its effect. I admitted that I had watched my

professional advancement with considerable interest, and I

handsomely added that I yielded to no one in admiration for my

private and professional virtues. This was a great point gained.

I then endeavoured to work upon my feelings. Conceive my joy when

I distinctly perceived a tear glistening in my own eye!

Eventually, after a severe struggle with myself, I

reluctantly--most reluctantly--consented.

(Iolanthe comes down

veiled.)

RECITATIVE--IOLANTHE (kneeling).

My lord, a suppliant at your feet I kneel,

Oh, listen to a mother's fond appeal!

Hear me to-night! I come in urgent need--

'Tis for my son, young Strephon, that I plead!

BALLAD--IOLANTHE.

He loves! If in the bygone years

Thine eyes have ever shed

Tears--bitter, unavailing tears,

For one untimely dead--

If, in the eventide of life,

Sad thoughts of her arise,

Then let the memory of thy wife

Plead for my boy--he dies!

He dies! If fondly laid aside

In some old cabinet,

Memorials of thy long-dead bride

Lie, dearly treasured yet,

Then let her hallowed bridal dress--

Her little dainty gloves--

Her withered flowers--her faded tress--

Plead for my boy--he loves!

(The Lord Chancellor is moved by this appeal. After a pause.)

LORD CH.

It may not be--for so the fates decide!

Learn thou that Phyllis is my promised bride.

IOL.

(in horror). Thy bride! No! no!

LORD CH.

It shall be so!

Those who would separate us woe betide!

IOL.

My doom thy lips have spoken--

I plead in vain!

CHORUS

OF FAIRIES (without). Forbear! forbear!

IOL.

A vow already broken

I break again!

CHORUS

OF FAIRIES (without). Forbear! forbear!

IOL.

For him--for her--for thee

I yield my life.

Behold--it may not be!

I am thy wife.

CHORUS

OF FAIRIES (without). Aiaiah! Aiaiah! Willaloo!

LORD CH.

(recognizing her). Iolanthe! thou livest?

IOL.

Aye!

I live! Now let me die!

(Enter Fairy Queen and Fairies. Iolanthe kneels to her.)

QUEEN. Once again thy vows are broken:

Thou thyself thy doom hast spoken!

CHORUS OF FAIRIES.

Aiaiah! Aiaiah!

Willahalah! Willaloo!

Willahalah! Willaloo!

QUEEN. Bow thy head to Destiny:

Death thy doom, and thou shalt die!

CHORUS OF FAIRIES.

Aiaiah! Aiaiah! etc.

(Peers and Sentry enter. The Queen raises her spear.)

LEILA.

Hold! If Iolanthe must die, so must we all; for, as

she has sinned, so have we!

QUEEN.

What?

CELIA.

We are all fairy duchesses, marchionesses, countesses,

viscountesses, and baronesses.

LORD MOUNT.

It's our fault. They couldn't help themselves.

QUEEN.

It seems they have helped themselves, and pretty

freely, too! (After a pause.) You have all incurred death; but I

can't slaughter the whole company! And yet (unfolding a scroll)

the law is clear--every fairy must die who marries a mortal!

LORD CH.

Allow me, as an old Equity draftsman, to make a

suggestion. The subtleties of the legal mind are equal to the

emergency. The thing is really quite simple--the insertion of a

single word will do it. Let it stand that every fairy shall die

who doesn't marry a mortal, and there you are, out of your

difficulty at once!

QUEEN.

We like your humour. Very well! (Altering the MS. in

pencil.) Private Willis!

SENTRY

(coming forward) Ma'am!

QUEEN.

To save my life, it is necessary that I marry at once.

How should you like to be a fairy guardsman?

SENTRY.

Well, ma'am, I don't think much of the British

soldier who wouldn't ill-convenience himself to save a female in

distress.

QUEEN.

You are a brave fellow. You're a fairy from this

moment. (Wings spring from Sentry's shoulders.) And you, my

Lords, how say you, will you join our ranks?

(Fairies kneel to Peers and implore them to

do so.)

(Phyllis and Strephon enter.)

LORD MOUNT.

(to Lord Tolloller). Well, now that the Peers are

to be recruited entirely from persons of intelligence, I really

don't see what use we are, down here, do you, Tolloller?

LORD TOLL.

None whatever.

QUEEN.

Good! (Wings spring from shoulders of Peers.) Then

away we go to Fairyland.

FINALE

PHYL.

Soon as we may,

Off and away!

We'll commence our journey airy--

Happy are we--

As you can see,

Every one is now a fairy!

ALL

Every, every, every,

Every one is now a fairy!

IOL.

, QUEEN, Though as a general rule we know

and PHYL. Two strings go to every bow,

Make up your minds that grief 'twill bring

If you've two beaux to every string.

ALL

Though as a general rule, etc.

LORDCH.

Up in the sky,

Ever so high,

Pleasures come in endless series;

We will arrange

Happy exchange--

House of Peers for House of Peris!

ALL

Peris, Peris, Peris,

House of Peers for House of Peris!

LORDS CH.

, Up in the air, sky-high, sky-high,

MOUNT.

, Free from Wards in Chancery,

and TOLL. I/He will be surely happier, for

I'm/He's such a susceptible Chancellor.

ALL

Up in the air, etc.

CURTAIN

PRINCESS IDA

or, Castle Adamant

libretto by William S. Gilbert

music by Arthur S. Sullivan

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

King Hildebrand

Hilarion (His son)

Hilarion's friends:

Cyril

Florian

King Gama

His sons:

Arac

Guron

Scynthius

Princess Ida (Gama's daughter)

Lady Blanche (Professor of Abstract Science)

Lady Psyche (Professor of Humanities)

Melissa (Lady Blanche's Daughter)

Girl Graduates:

Sacharissa

Chloe

Ada

Soldiers, Courtiers, "Girl Graduates," "Daughters of the Plough,"

etc.

ACT I

Pavilion in King Hildebrand's Palace

ACT II

Gardens of Castle Adamant

ACT III

Courtyard of Castle Adamant

ACT I.

SCENE.

Pavilion attached to King Hildebrand's Palace.

Soldiers and courtiers discovered looking out through

opera-glasses, telescopes, etc., Florian leading.

CHORUS AND SOLO (Florian)

"Search throughout the panorama"

Chorus:

Search throughout the panorama

For a sign of royal Gama,

Who to-day should cross the water

With his fascinating daughter--

Ida is her name.

Some misfortune evidently

Has detained them -- consequently

Search throughout the panorama

For the daughter of King Gama,

Prince Hilarion's flame!

Prince Hilarion's flame!

SOLO - Florian

Florian:

Will Prince Hilarion's hopes be sadly blighted?

Chorus:

Who can tell? Who can tell?

Florian:

Will Ida break the vows that she has plighted?

Chorus:

Who can tell? Who can tell?

Florian:

Will she back out, and say she did not mean them?

Chorus:

Who can tell?

Florian:

If so, there'll be the deuce to pay between them!

Chorus:

No, no -- we'll not despair, we'll not despair,

For Gama would not dare

To make a deadly foe

Of Hildebrand, and so,

Search through the panorama

For a sign of royal Gama,

Who today should cross the water

With his fascinating daughter--

Ida, Ida is her name.

(Enter King Hildebrand

with Cyril)

Hildebd:

See you no sign of Gama?

Florian:

None, my liege!

Hildebd:

It's very odd indeed. If Gama fail

To put in an appearance at our Court

Before the sun has set in yonder west,

And fail to bring the Princess Ida here

To whom our son Hilarion was betrothed

At the extremely early age of one,

There's war between King Gama and ourselves!

(aside to Cyril)

Oh, Cyril, how I dread this interview!

It's twenty years since he and I have met.

He was a twisted monster -- all awry----

As though Dame Nature, angry with her work,

Had crumpled it in fitful petulance!

Cyril:

But, sir, a twisted and ungainly trunk

Often bears goodly fruit. Perhaps he was

A kind, well-spoken gentleman?

Hildebd:

Oh, no!

For, adder-like, his sting lay in his tongue.

(His "sting" is present, though his "stung" is past.)

Florian:

(looking through glass)

But stay, my liege; o'er yonder mountain's brow

Comes a small body, bearing Gama's arms;

And now I look more closely at it, sir,

I see attached to it King Gama's legs;

From which I gather this corollary

That that small body must be Gama's own!

Hildebd:

Ha! Is the Princess with him?

Florian:

Well, my liege,

Unless her highness is full six feet high,

And wears mustachios too -- and smokes cigars----

And rides en cavalier in coat of steel----

I do not think she is.

Hildebd:

One never knows.

She's a strange girl, I've heard, and does odd

things!

Come, bustle there!

For Gama place the richest robes we own----

For Gama place the coarsest prison dress----

For Gama let our best spare bed be aired----

For Gama let our deepest dungeon yawn----

For Gama lay the costliest banquet out----

For Gama place cold water and dry bread!

For as King Gama brings the Princess here,

Or brings her not, so shall King Gama have

Much more than everything -- much less than nothing!

SONG (Hildebrand and Chorus)

"Now Hearken to my Strict Command"

Hildebd:

Now hearken to my strict command

On every hand, on every hand----

Chorus:

To your command,

On every hand,

We dutifully bow.

Hildebd:

If Gama bring the Princess here,

Give him good cheer, give him good cheer.

Chorus:

If she come here

We'll give him a cheer,

And we will show you how.

Hip, hip, hurrah! hip, hip, hurrah!

Hip, hip, hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!

We'll shout and sing

Long live the King,

And his daughter, too, I trow!

Then shout ha! ha! hip, hip, hurrah!

Hip, hip, hip, hip, hurrah!

For the fair Princess and her good papa,

Hurrah, hurrah!

Hildebd:

But if he fail to keep his troth,

Upon our oath, we'll trounce them both!

Chorus:

He'll trounce them both,

Upon his oath,

As sure as quarter-day!

Hildebd:

We'll shut him up in a dungeon cell,

And toll his knell on a funeral bell.

Chorus:

From his dungeon cell,

His funeral knell

Shall strike him with dismay!

Hip, hip, hurrah! hip, hip, hurrah!

Hip, hip, hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!

As up we string

The faithless King,

In the old familiar way!

We'll shout ha! ha! hip, hip, hurrah!

Hip, hip, hip, hip, hurrah!

As we make an end of her false papa,

Hurrah, hurrah!

(Exeunt all)

(Enter Hilarion)

RECITATIVE AND SONG (Hilarion)

"Today we meet"

RECITATIVE - Hilarion

To-day we meet, my baby bride and I--

But ah, my hopes are balanc'd by my fears!

What transmutations have been conjur'd by

The silent alchemy of twenty years!

BALLAD - Hilarion

Ida was a twelve-month old,

Twenty years ago!

I was twice her age, I'm told,

Twenty years ago!

Husband twice as old as wife

Argues ill for married life

Baleful prophecies were rife,

Twenty years ago,

Twenty years ago!

Still, I was a tiny prince

Twenty years ago.

She has gained upon me, since

Twenty years ago.

Though she's twenty-one, it's true,

I am barely twenty-two--

False and foolish prophets you

Twenty years ago,

Twenty years ago!

(Enter Hildebrand)

Hilarion:

Well, father, is there news for me at last?

Hildebd:

King Gama is in sight, but much I fear

With no Princess!

Hilarion:

Alas, my liege, I've heard,

That Princess Ida has forsworn the world,

And, with a band of women, shut herself

Within a lonely country house, and there

Devotes herself to stern philosophies!

Hildebd:

Then I should say the loss of such a wife

Is one to which a reasonable man

Would easily be reconciled.

Hilarion:

Oh, no!

Or I am not a reasonable man.

She is my wife -- has been for twenty years!

(Holding glass) I think I see her now.

Hildebd:

Ha! Let me look!

Hilarion:

In my mind's eye, I mean -- a blushing bride

All bib and tucker, frill and furbelow!

How exquisite she looked as she was borne,

Recumbent, in her foster-mother's arms!

How the bride wept -- nor would be comforted

Until the hireling mother-for-the-nonce

Administered refreshment in the vestry.

And I remember feeling much annoyed

That she should weep at marrying with me.

But then I thought, "These brides are all alike.

You cry at marrying me? How much more cause

You'd have to cry if it were broken off!"

These were my thoughts; I kept them to myself,

For at that age I had not learnt to speak.

(Exeunt Hildebrand

and Hilarion)

(Enter Courtiers)

CHORUS

"From the distant panorama"

Chorus:

From the distant panorama

Come the sons of royal Gama.

They are heralds evidently,

And are sacred consequently,

Sons of Gama, hail! oh, hail!

(Enter Arac, Guron, and Scynthius)

TRIO (Arac, Guron, Scynthius and Chorus)

"We are Warriors Three"

SONG - Arac

Arac:

We are warriors three,

Sons of Gama, Rex,

Like most sons are we,

Masculine in sex.

All Three:

Yes, yes, yes,

Masculine in sex.

Arac:

Politics we bar,

They are not our bent;

On the whole we are

Not intelligent.

All Three:

No, no, no,

Not intelligent.

Arac:

But with doughty heart,

And with trusty blade

We can play our part--

Fighting is our trade.

All Three:

Yes, yes, yes,

Fighting is our trade.

Bold and fierce, and strong, ha! ha!

For a war we burn,

With its right or wrong, ha! ha!

We have no concern.

Order comes to fight, ha! ha!

Order is obey'd,

We are men of might, ha! ha!

Fighting is our trade.

Yes -- yes, yes,

Fighting is our trade, ha! ha!

THE THREE PRINCIPALS CHORUS

Fighting is our trade, ha

ha! They are men of might, ha! ha!

Fighting is their trade.

Order comes to fight, ha! ha!

Order is obey'd!

Order comes to fight!

Ha, Ha!

Order is obey'd!

Fighting Fighting

is. Yes, yes, yes, is

Fighting is our trade, ha their

Ha! trade!

(Enter King Gama)

SONG (Gama)

"If you give me your Attention"

Gama:

If you give me your attention, I will tell you what I

am:

I'm a genuine philanthropist -- all other kinds are

sham.

Each little fault of temper and each social defect

In my erring fellow-creatures, I endeavour to correct.

To all their little weaknesses I open people's eyes;

And little plans to snub the self-sufficient I devise;

I love my fellow creatures -- I do all the good I

can--

Yet ev'rybody says I'm such a disagreeable man!

And I can't think why!

To compliments inflated I've a withering reply;

And vanity I always do my best to mortify;

A charitable action I can skillfully dissect;

And interested motives I'm delighted to detect;

I know ev'rybody's income and what ev'rybody earns;

And I carefully compare it with the income-tax

returns;

But to benefit humanity however much I plan,

Yet ev'rybody says I'm such a disagreeable man!

And I can't think why!

I'm sure I'm no ascetic; I'm as pleasant as can be;

You'll always find me ready with a crushing repartee,

I've an irritating chuckle, I've a celebrated sneer,

I've an entertaining snigger, I've a fascinating leer.

To ev'rybody's prejudice I know a thing or two;

I can tell a woman's age in half a minute -- and I do.

But although I try to make myself as pleasant as I

can,

Yet ev'rybody says I'm such a disagreeable man!

And I can't think why!

Chorus:

He can't think why!

He can't think why!

(Enter Hildebrand, Hilarion, Cyril and Florian)

Gama:

So this is Castle Hildebrand? Well, well!

Dame Rumour whispered that the place was grand;

She told me that your taste was exquisite,

Superb, unparalleled!

Hildebnd:

(Gratified) Oh, really, King!

Gama:

But she's a liar! Why, how old you've grown!

Is this Hilarion? Why, you've changed too--

You were a singularly handsome child!

(To Florian) Are you a courtier? Come, then ply your trade,

Tell me some lies. How do you like your King?

Vile rumour says he's all but imbecile.

Now, that's not true?

Florian:

My lord, we love our King.

His wise remarks are valued by his court

As precious stones.

Gama:

And for the self-same cause.

Like precious stones, his sensible remarks

Derive their value from their scarcity!

Come now, be honest, tell the truth for once!

Tell it of me. Come, come, I'll harm you not.

This leg is crooked -- this foot is ill-designed--

This shoulder wears a hump! Come, out with it!

Look, here's my face! Now, am I not the worst

Of Nature's blunders?

Cyril:

Nature never errs.

To those who know the workings of your mind,

Your face and figure, sir, suggest a book

Appropriately bound.

Gama:

(Enraged) Why, harkye, sir,

How dare you bandy words with me?

Cyril:

No need

To bandy aught that appertains to you.

Gama:

(Furiously) Do you permit this, King?

Hildebd:

We are in doubt

Whether to treat you as an honoured guest

Or as a traitor knave who plights his word

And breaks it.

Gama:

(Quickly) If the casting vote's with me,

I give it for the former!

Hildebd:

We shall see.

By the terms of our contract, signed and sealed,

You're bound to bring the Princess here to-day:

Why is she not with you?

Gama:

Answer me this:

What think you of a wealthy purse-proud man,

Who, when he calls upon a starving friend,

Pulls out his gold and flourishes his notes,

And flashes diamonds in the pauper's eyes?

What name have you for such an one?

Hildebd:

A snob.

Gama:

Just so. The girl has beauty, virtue, wit,

Grace, humour, wisdom, charity and pluck.

Would it be kindly, think you, to parade

These brilliant qualities before your eyes?

Oh no, King Hildebrand, I am no snob!

Hildebd:

(Furiously) Stop that tongue,

Or you shall lose the monkey head that holds it!

Gama:

Bravo! Your King deprives me of my head,

That he and I may meet on equal terms!

Hildebd:

Where is she now? (Threatening)

Gama:

In Castle Adamant,

One of my many country houses. There

She rules a woman's University,

With full a hundred girls, who learn of her.

Cyril:

A hundred girls! A hundred ecstasies!

Gama:

But no mere girls, my good young gentleman;

With all the college learning that you boast,

The youngest there will prove a match for you.

Cyril:

With all my heart, if she's the prettiest!

(To Florian) Fancy, a hundred matches -- all alight!--

That's if I strike them as I hope to do!

Gama:

Despair your hope; their hearts are dead to men.

He who desires to gain their favour must

Be qualified to strike their teeming brains,

And not their hearts. They're safety matches, sir,

And they light only on the knowledge box--

So you've no chance!

Florian:

And there are no males whatever in those walls?

Gama:

None, gentlemen, excepting letter mails--

And they are driven (as males often are

In other large communities) by women.

Why, bless my heart, she's so particular

She'll hardly suffer Dr. Watts's hymns--

And all the animals she owns are "hers"!

The ladies rise at cockcrow every morn--

Cyril:

Ah, then they have male poultry?

Gama:

Not at all,

(Confidentially) The crowing's done by an accomplished hen!

FINALE

(Gama, Hildebrand, Cyril, Hilarion, Florian

and Chorus of Girls and Men)

DUET (Gama and Hildebrand)

"P'raps if you Address the Lady"

Gama:

P'raps if you address the lady

Most politely, most politely--

Flatter and impress the lady,

Most politely, most politely,--

Humbly beg and humbly sue--

She may deign to look on you,

But your doing you must do

Most politely, most politely, most

politely!

All:

Humbly beg and humbly sue,

She may deign to look on you,

But your doing you must do

Most politely, most politely, most

politely!

Hildebd:

Go you and inform the lady,

Most politely, most politely,

If she don't, we'll storm the lady

Most politely, most politely!

(To Gama) You'll remain as hostage here;

Should Hillarion disappear,

We will hang you, never fear,

Most politely, most politely, most

politely!

All:

He'll [I'll] [You'll] remain as hostage here.

Should Hilarion disappear,

They [We] will hang me [you] never fear,

Most politely, most politely, most

politely!

(Gama, Arac, Guron and Scynthius are marched off in custody,

Hildebrand following)

RECITATIVE -- Hilarion

Come, Cyril, Florian, our course is plain,

To-morrow morn fair Ida we'll engage;

But we will use no force her love to gain,

Nature, nature has arm'd us for the war we

wage!

TRIO -- Hilarion, Cyril, and Florian

Hilarion:

Expressive glances

Shall be our lances,

And pops of Sillery

Our light artillery.

We'll storm their bowers

With scented showers

Of fairest flowers

That we can buy!

Chorus:

Oh, dainty triolet!

Oh, fragrant violet!

Oh, gentle heigho-let!

(Or little sigh).

On sweet urbanity,

Through mere inanity,

To touch their vanity

We will rely!

Cyril:

When day is fading,

With serenading

And such frivolity

We'll prove our quality.

A sweet profusion

Of soft allusion

This bold intrusion

Shall justify,

This bold intrusion

Shall justify.

Chorus:

Oh, dainty triolet!

Oh, fragrant violet!

Oh, gentle heigho-let!

(Or little sigh).

On sweet urbanity,

Through mere inanity,

To touch their vanity

We will rely!

Florian:

We'll charm their senses

With verbal fences,

With ballads amatory

And declamatory.

Little heeding

Their pretty pleading,

Our love exceeding

We'll justify!

Our love exceeding

We'll justify!

Chorus:

Oh, dainty triolet!

Oh, fragrant violet!

Oh, gentle heigho-let!

(Or little sigh).

On sweet urbanity,

Through mere inanity,

To touch their vanity

We will rely!

Sops:

Oh dainty Altos, Tenors, and

Basses:

triolet! Oh fragrant Oh

violet! Oh dain-

gentle ty

heigh-o-let! (Or tri-

little o-

sigh). let!

Hilarion & Cyril:

Oh dainty Chorus:

triolet! Oh fragrant Oh

violet (Add Florian) Oh fra-

gentle grant

heigh-o-let! (Or vi-

little o-

sigh). let!

Sops & Altos:

Tenors & Basses:

Oh dainty Oh dainty

triolet! Oh tri-

fragrant o-

violet let!

All:

Oh dainty triolet!

Oh fragrant violet!

(Re-enter Gama, Arac, Guron, and Scynthius heavily ironed, followed

by Hildebrand)

RECITATIVE

Gama:

Must we, till then, in prison cell be thrust?

Hildebd:

You must!

Gama:

This seems unnecessarily severe!

Arac, Guron

& Scyn: Hear, hear!

TRIO - Arac, Guron and Scynthius

For a month to dwell

In a dungeon cell:

Growing thin and wizen

In a solitary prison,

Is a poor look out

For a soldier stout,

Who is longing for the rattle

Of a complicated battle--

For the rum - tum - tum

Of the military drum

And the guns that go boom!

boom!

All:

The rum -- tum -- tum

Of the military drum,

Rum -- tum -- tum -- tummy tummy tummy tummy tum

Who is longing for the rattle of a complicated

battle--

For the rum tum tum

Of the military drum!

Prr, prr, prr, ra -- pum -- pum!

Hildebd:

When Hilarion's bride

Has at length complied

With the just conditions

Of our requisitions,

You may go in haste

And indulge your taste

For the fascinating rattle

Of a complicated battle--

For the rum - tum - tum,

Of the military drum,

And the guns that go boom! boom!

All:

The rum -- tum -- tum

Of the military drum,

Rum -- tum -- tum -- tummy tummy tummy tummy tum!

Who is longing for the rattle

Of a complicated battle

For the rum -- tum -- tum

Of the military drum!

Tum, prr -- prr -- prr ra -- pum, pum!

But til that time you'll [we'll] here remain,

And bail we [they] will not entertain,

Should she our [his] mandate disobey,

Your [Our] lives the penalty will pay!

But till that time you'll [we'll] here remain,

And bail we [they] will not entertain.

Should she our [his] mandate disobey,

Your [Our] lives the penalty will pay!

Should she our [his] mandate disobey,

Your [Our] lives the penalty will pay!

(Gama, Arac, Guron, and Synthius are

marched off.)

END OF ACT I

ACT II

SCENE

Gardens in Castle Adamant. A river runs across the

back of the stage, crossed by a rustic bridge. Castle

Adamant in the distance.

Girl Graduates discovered seated at the feet of Lady

Psyche

CHORUS OF GIRLS & SOLOS (Lady Psyche, Melissa and

Sacharissa)

"Towards the empyrean heights"

Chorus:

Towards the empyrean heights

Of ev'ry kind of lore,

We've taken several easy flights,

And mean to take some more.

In trying to achieve success

No envy racks our heart,

And all the knowledge we possess,

We mutually impart.

SOLO -- Melissa

Pray, what authors should she read

Who in Classics would succeed?

SOLO -- Psyche

If you'd climb the Helicon,

You should read Anacreon,

Ovid's Metamorphoses,

Likewise Aristophanes,

And the works of Juvenal:

These are worth attention, all;

But, if you will be advised,

You will get them Bowdlerized!

Chorus:

Ah! we will get them Bowdlerized!

SOLO -- Sacharissa

Pray you, tell us, if you can,

What's the thing that's known as Man?

SOLO -- Psyche

Man will swear and man will storm--

Man is not at all good form--

Is of no kind of use--

Man's a donkey -- Man's a goose--

Man is coarse and Man is plain--

Man is more or less insane--

Man's a ribald -- Man's a rake,

Man is Nature's sole mistake!

Chorus:

We'll a memorandum make--

Man is Nature's sole mistake!

And thus to empyrean height

Of ev'ry kind of lore,

In search of wisdom's pure delight,

Ambitiously we soar.

In trying to achieve success

No envy racks our heart,

For all we know and all we guess

We mutually impart!

And all the knowledge we possess,

We mutually impart,

We mutually impart, impart.

(Enter Lady Blanche. All stand up demurely)

Blanche:

Attention, ladies, while I read to you

The Princess Ida's list of punishments.

The first is Sacharissa. She's expelled!

All:

Expelled!

Blan.:

Expelled, because although she knew

No man of any kind may pass our walls,

She dared to bring a set of chessmen here!

Sach.:

(Crying) I meant no harm; they're only men of wood!

Blan.:

They're men with whom you give each other mate,

And that's enough! The next is Chloe.

Chloe:

Ah!

Blan.:

Chloe will lose three terms, for yesterday,

When looking through her drawing-book, I found

A sketch of a perambulator!

All:

(Horrified) Oh!

Blan.:

Double perambulator ...

All:

Oh, oh!

Blan.:

...shameless girl!

That's all at present. Now, attention, pray;

Your Principal the Princess comes to give

Her usual inaugural address

To those young ladies who joined yesterday.

CHORUS OF GIRLS

"Mighty maiden with a mission"

Girls:

Mighty maiden with a mission,

Paragon of common sense,

Running fount of erudition,

Miracle of eloquence,

Altos: We are blind and we

would see;

Sops:

We are bound, and would be free;

Girls:

We are dumb, and we would talk;

We are lame, and we would walk.

(Enter

the Princess)

Mighty maiden with a mission--

Paragon of common sense;

Running found of erudition--

Miracle of eloquence, of eloquence!

RECITATIVE & ARIA (Princess)

"Minerva! Oh, hear Me"

Princess:

Minerva! Minerva!

Oh, hear me:

Oh, goddess wise

That lovest light

Endow with sight

Their unillumin'd eyes.

At this my call,

A fervent few

Have come to woo

The rays that from thee fall,

That from thee fall.

Oh, goddess wise

That lovest light,

That lovest light,

Let fervent words and fervent thoughts be mine,

That I may lead them to thy sacred shrine!

Let fervent words and fervent thoughts be mine,

That I may lead them to thy sacred shrine,

I may lead them to thy sacred shrine, thy sacred

shrine!

Princess:

Women of Adamant, fair Neophytes--

Who thirst for such instruction as we give,

Attend, while I unfold a parable.

The elephant is mightier than Man,

Yet Man subdues him. Why? The elephant

Is elephantine everywhere but here (tapping her

forehead),

And Man, whose brain is to the elephant's

As Woman's brain to Man's - (that's rule of three),--

Conquers the foolish giant of the woods,

As Woman, in her turn, shall conquer Man.

In Mathematics, Woman leads the way;

The narrow-minded pedant still believes

That two and two make four! Why, we can prove,

We women -- household drudges as we are--

That two and two make five -- or three -- or seven;

Or five and twenty, if the case demands!

Diplomacy? The wiliest diplomat

Is absolutely helpless in our hands.

He wheedles monarchs -- Woman wheedles him!

Logic? Why, tyrant Man himself admits

It's a waste of time to argue with a woman!

Then we excel in social qualities:

Though man professes that he holds our sex

In utter scorn, I venture to believe

He'd rather pass the day with one of you,

Than with five hundred of his fellow-men!

In all things we excel. Believing this,

A hundred maidens here have sworn to place

Their feet upon his neck. If we succeed,

We'll treat him better than he treated us:

But if we fail, why, then let hope fail too!

Let no one care a penny how she looks--

Let red be worn with yellow -- blue with green--

Crimson with scarlet -- violet with blue!

Let all your things misfit, and you yourselves

At inconvenient moments come undone!

Let hair-pins lose their virtue: let the hook

Disdain the fascination of the eye--

The bashful button modestly evade

The soft embraces of the button-hole!

Let old associations all dissolve,

Let Swan secede from Edgar -- Gask from Gask,

Sewell from Cross -- Lewis from Allenby!

In other words, let Chaos come again!

(Coming down) Who lectures in the Hall of Arts to-day?

Blanche:

I, madam, on Abstract Philosophy.

There I propose considering, at length,

Three points -- The Is, the Might Be, and the Must.

Whether the Is, from being actual fact,

Is more important than the vague Might Be,

Or the Might Be, from taking wider scope,

Is for that reason greater than the Is:

And lastly, how the Is and Might Be stand

Compared with the inevitable Must!

Princess:

The subject's deep -- how do you treat it, pray?

Blan.:

Madam, I take three possibilities,

And strike a balance then between the three:

As thus: The Princess Ida Is our head,

the Lady Psyche Might Be, -- Lady Blanche,

Neglected Blanche, inevitably Must.

Given these three hypotheses -- to find

The actual betting against each of them!

Princess:

Your theme's ambitious: pray you bear in mind

Who highest soar fall farthest. Fare you well,

You and your pupils! Maidens, follow me.

[Exeunt Princess

and maidens.

Manet

Lady Blanche.

EXEUNT FOR PRINCESS IDA & GIRLS

"And thus to Empyrean Height"

Chorus:

And thus to empyrean height

Of ev'ry kind of lore,

In search of wisdom's pure delight,

Ambitiously we soar.

In trying to achieve success

No envy racks our heart,

For all we know and all we guess

We mutually impart!

And all the knowledge we possess,

We mutually impart,

We mutually impart, impart.

Blan.:

I should command here -- I was born to rule,

But do I rule? I don't. Why? I don't know.

I shall some day. Not yet, I bide my time.

I once was Some One -- and the Was Will Be.

The Present as we speak becomes the Past,

The Past repeats itself, and so is Future!

This sounds involved. It's not. It's right enough.

(Since 1935 the following song has been usually omitted)

SONG (Lady Blanche)

"Come, mighty Must!"

Blanche:

Come mighty Must!

Inevitable Shall!

In thee I trust.

Time weaves my coronal!

Go, mocking Is!

Go, disappointing Was!

That I am this

Ye are the cursed cause!

Ye are the cursed cause!

Yet humble second shall be first,

I wean

And dead and buried be the curst

Has Been!

Oh, weak Might Be!

Oh, May, Might, Could, Would, Should!

How pow'rless ye

For evil or for good!

In ev'ry sense

Your moods I cheerless call.

Whate'er your tense

Ye are imperfect all.

Ye have deceiv'd the trust I've shown

In ye!

Ye have deceiv'd the trust I've shown

In ye!

I've shown in ye!

Away! The Mighty Must alone

Shall be!

[Exit

Lady Blanche

[Enter Hilarion, Cyril, and Florian, climbing over wall, and creep-

ing cautiously among the trees and rocks at the back

of

the stage.]

TRIO (Cyril, Hilarion and Florian)

"Gently, gently"

All:

Gently, gently,

Evidently

We are safe so far,

After scaling

Fence and paling,

Here, at last, we are!

Florian:

In this college,

Useful knowledge

Ev'rywhere one finds,

And already,

Growing steady,

We've enlarged our minds

Cyril:

We learnt that prickly cactus

Has power to attract us

When we fall.

All:

When we fall!

Hilarion:

That nothing man unsettles

Like a bed of stinging nettles,

Short or tall.

All:

Short or tall!

Florian:

That bull-dogs feed on throttles--

That we don't like broken bottles

On a wall.

All:

On a wall!

Hilarion:

That spring-guns breathe defiance!

And that burglary's a science

After all!

All:

After all!

Florian:

A Woman's college! maddest folly going!

What can girls learn within its walls worth

knowing?

I'll lay a crown (the Princess shall decide it)

I'll teach them twice as much in half-an-hour

outside it.

Hilarion:

Hush, scoffer; ere you sound your puny thunder,

List to their aims, and bow your head in wonder!

They intend to send a wire

To the moon

Cyril &

Florian:

To the moon;

Hilarion:

And they'll set the Thames on fire

Very soon

Cyril &

Florian:

Very soon;

Hilarion:

Then they'll learn to make silk purses

With their rigs

Cyril &

Florian:

With their rigs.

Hilarion:

From the ears of Lady Circe's

Piggy-wigs

Cyril &

Florian:

Piggy-wigs.

Hilarion:

And weasels at their slumbers

They trepan

Cyril &

Florian:

They trepan;

Hilarion:

To get sunbeams from cucumbers

They've a plan

Cyril

& Florian: They've a plan.

Hilarion:

They've a firmly rooted notion

They can cross the Polar Ocean,

And they'll find Perpetual Motion,

If they can

All:

If they can.

These are the phenomena

That ev'ry pretty domina

Is hoping at her Universitee we shall see.

These are the phenomena

That ev'ry pretty domina

Is hoping at her Universitee we shall see!

Cyril:

As for fashion, they forswear it,

So they say

Hilarion &

Florian:

So they say;

Cyril:

And the circle -- they will square it

Some fine day

Hilarion &

Florian:

Some fine day;

Cyril:

Then the little pigs they're teaching

For to fly

Hilarion &

Florian:

For to fly;

Cyril:

And the niggers they'll be bleaching,

By and by

Hilarion &

Florian:

By and by!

Cyril:

Each newly joined aspirant

To the clan

Hilarion &

Florian:

To the clan

Cyril:

Must repudiate the tyrant

Known as Man

Hilarion &

Florian:

Known as Man.

Cyril:

They'll mock at him and flout him,

For they do not care about him

And they're "going to do without him"

If they can

All:

If they can!

These are the phenomena

That ev'ry pretty domina

Is hoping at her Universitee we shall see.

These are the phenomena

That ev'ry pretty domina

Is hoping at her Universitee we shall see!

Hilarion:

So that's the Princess Ida's castle! Well,

They must be lovely girls, indeed, if it requires

Such walls as those to keep intruders off!

Cyril:

To keep men off is only half their charge,

And that the easier half. I much suspect

The object of these walls is not so much

To keep men off as keep the maidens in!

Florian:

But what are these? (Examining some Collegiate robes)

Hilarion:

(looking at them) Why, Academic robes,

Worn by the lady undergraduates

When they matriculate. Let's try them on. (They do

so.)

Why, see -- we're covered to the very toes.

Three lovely lady undergraduates

Who, weary of the world and all its wooing -- (pose)

Florian:

And penitent for deeds there's no undoing -- (pose)

Cyril:

Looked at askance by well-conducted maids -- (pose)

All:

Seek sanctuary in these classic shades!

TRIO (Cyril, Hilarion and Florian)

"I am a maiden"

Hilarion:

I am a maiden, cold and stately,

Heartless I, with face divine.

What do I want with a heart, innately?

Every heart I meet is mine!

Every heart I meet is mine, is mine!

All:

Haughty, humble, coy, or free,

Little care I what maid may be.

So that a maid is fair to see,

Ev'ry maid is the maid for me!

(Dance)

Cyril:

I am a maiden, frank and simple,

Brimming with joyous roguery;

Merriment lurks in ev'ry dimple

Nobody breaks more hearts than I!

Nobody breaks more hearts, more hearts than

I

All:

Haughty, humble, coy, or free,

Little care I what maid may be.

So that a maid is fair to see,

Ev'ry maid is the maid for me!

(Dance)

Florian:

I am a maiden coyly blushing,

Timid am I as a startled hind;

Every suitor sets me flushing,

Every suitor sets me flushing:

I am the maid that wins mankind!

All:

Haughty, humble, coy, or free,

Little care I what maid may be.

So that a maid is fair to see,

Ev'ry maid is the maid for me!

Haughty, humble, coy, or free,

Little care I what maid may be.

So that a maid is fair to see,

Ev'ry maid is the maid for me!

[Enter the Princess, reading. She does not

see them.)

Florian:

But who comes here? The Princess, as I live!

What shall we do?

Hilarion:

(Aside) Why, we must brave it out!

(Aloud) Madam, accept our humblest reverence.

(They bow, then suddenly recollecting

themselves, curtsey.)

Princess:

(Surprised) We greet you, ladies. What would you

with us?

Hilarion:

(Aside to Cyril)

What shall I say? (Aloud) We are three students,

ma'am,

Three well-born maids of liberal estate,

Who wish to join this University.

(Hilarion and Florian curtsey again. Cyril bows

extravagantly,

then, being recalled to himself by Florian,

curtseys.)

Princess:

If, as you say, you wish to join our ranks,

And will subscribe to all our rules, 'tis well.

Florian:

To all your rules we cheerfully subscribe.

Princess:

You say you're noblewomen. Well, you'll find

No sham degrees for noblewomen here.

You'll find no sizars here, or servitors,

Or other cruel distinctions, meant to draw

A line 'twixt rich and poor; you'll find no tufts

To mark nobility, except such tufts

As indicate nobility of brain.

As for your fellow-students, mark me well:

There are a hundred maids within these walls,

All good, all learned, and all beautiful:

They are prepared to love you: will you swear

To give the fullness of your love to them?

Hilarion:

Upon our words and honours, Ma'am, we will!

Princess:

But we go further: Will you undertake

That you will never marry any man?

Florian:

Indeed we never will!

Princess:

Consider well,

You must prefer our maids to all mankind!

Hilarion:

To all mankind we much prefer your maids!

Cyril:

We should be dolts indeed, if we did not, seeing how

fair --

Hilarion:

(Aside to Cyril) Take care -- that's rather strong!

Princess:

But have you left no lovers at your home

Who may pursue you here?

Hilarion:

No, madam, none.

We're homely ladies, as no doubt you see,

And we have never fished for lover's love.

We smile at girls who deck themselves with gems,

False hair and meretricious ornament,

To chain the fleeting fancy of a man,

But do not imitate them. What we have

Of hair, is all our own. Our colour, too,

Unladylike, but not unwomanly,

Is Nature's handiwork, and man has learnt

To reckon Nature an impertinence.

Princess:

Well, beauty counts for naught within these walls;

If all you say is true, you'll pass with us

A happy, happy time!

Cyril:

If, as you say,

A hundred lovely maidens wait within,

To welcome us with smiles and open arms,

I think there's very little doubt we shall!

QUARTET (Princess, Cyril, Hilarion and Florian)

"The World is But a Broken Toy"

Princess:

The world is but a broken toy,

Its pleasure hollow -- false its joy,

Unreal its loveliest hue,

Alas!

Its pains alone are true,

Alas!

Its pains alone are true.

Hilarion:

The world is ev'rything you say,

The world we think has had its day.

Its merriment is slow.

Alas!

We've tried it, and we know,

Alas!

We've tried it and we know.

All:

Unreal its loveliest hue,

Its pains alone are true,

Princess:

Alas!

All:

The world is but a broken toy,

Its pleasure hollow -- false its joy,

Unreal its loveliest hue,

Alas!

Its pains alone are true,

Alas!

Its pains alone are true!

Florian:

Unreal its loveliest hue,

3 Men: Unreal its loveliest hue,

Princess:

Cyr. & Flor: A- Hilarion: Un-

Un- las! real its

loveliest hue

real--- Alas! Alas!

-----

---- its loveliest hue

All:

Alas!

Alas!

Its pains alone are true.

(Exit Princess. The three Gentlemen

watch her off.

Lady Psyche enters, and regards them with

amazement)

Hilarion:

I'faith, the plunge is taken, gentlemen!

For, willy-nilly, we are maidens now,

And maids against our will we must remain.

[All laugh

heartily.]

Psyche:

(Aside) These ladies are unseemly in their mirth.

(The gentlemen see her, and, in confusion,

resume their

modest

demeanour.)

Florian:

(Aside) Here's a catastrophe, Hilarion!

This is my sister! She'll remember me,

Though years have passed since she and I have met!

Hilarion:

(Aside to Florian) Then make a virtue of necessity,

And trust our secret to her gentle care.

Florian:

(To Psyche, who has watched Cyril in amazement)

Psyche! Why, don't you know me? Florian!

Psyche:

(Amazed) Why, Florian!

Florian:

My sister! (Embraces her)

Psyche:

Oh, my dear! What are you doing here -- and who are

these?

Hilarion:

I am that Prince Hilarion to whom

Your Princess is betrothed. I come to claim

Her plighted love. Your brother Florian

And Cyril came to see me safely through.

Psyche:

The Prince Hilarion? Cyril too? How strange!

My earliest playfellows!

Hilarion:

Why, let me look!

Are you that learned little Psyche who

At school alarmed her mates because she called

A buttercup "ranunculus bulbosus"?

Cyril:

Are you indeed that Lady Psyche, who

At children's parties, drove the conjuror wild,

Explaining all his tricks before he did them?

Hilarion:

Are you that learned little Psyche, who

At dinner parties, brought in to dessert,

Would tackle visitors with "You don't know

Who first determined longitude -- I do --

Hipparchus 'twas -- B. C. one sixty-three!"

Are you indeed that small phenomenon?

Psyche:

That small phenomenon indeed am I!

But gentlemen, 'tis death to enter here:

We have all promised to renounce mankind!

Florian:

Renounce mankind!? On what ground do you base

This senseless resolution?

Psyche:

Senseless? No.

We are all taught, and, being taught, believe

That Man, sprung from an Ape, is Ape at heart.

Cyril:

That's rather strong.

Psyche:

The truth is always strong!

SONG (Lady Psyche, with Cyril, Hilarion and Florian)

"A Lady Fair, of Lineage High"

Psyche:

A Lady fair, of lineage high,

Was loved by an Ape, in the days gone by.

The Maid was radiant as the sun,

The Ape was a most unsightly one,

The Ape was a most unsightly one--

So it would not do--

His scheme fell through,

For the Maid, when his love took formal shape,

Express'd such terror

At his monstrous error,

That he stammer'd an apology and made his 'scape,

The picture of a disconcerted Ape.

With a view to rise in the social scale,

He shaved his bristles and he docked his tail,

He grew mustachios, and he took his tub,

And he paid a guinea to a toilet club,

He paid a guinea to a toilet club--

But it would not do,

The scheme fell through--

For the Maid was Beauty's fairest Queen,

With golden tresses,

Like a real princess's,

While the Ape, despite his razor keen,

Was the apiest Ape that ever was seen!

He bought white ties, and he bought dress suits,

He crammed his feet into bright tight boots--

And to start in life on a brand-new plan,

He christen'd himself Darwinian Man!

But it would not do,

The scheme fell through--

For the Maiden fair, whom the monkey crav'd,

Was a radiant Being,

With brain far-seeing--

While Darwinian Man, though well-behav'd,

At best is only a monkey shav'd!

3 Men: For the Maiden fair, whom the monkey crav'd,

All:

Was a radiant being,

With a brain far-seeing--

While Darwinian Man, though well-behav'd,

At best is only a monkey shav'd!

(During this, Melissa has entered

unobserved;

she looks on in

amazement.)

Melissa:

(Coming down) Oh, Lady Psyche!

Psyche:

(Terrified) What! You heard us then?

Oh, all is lost!

Melissa:

Not so! I'll breathe no word!

(Advancing in astonishment to Florian)

How marvelously strange! and are you then

Indeed young men?

Florian:

Well, yes, just now we are--

But hope by dint of study to become,

In course of time, young women.

Melissa:

(Eagerly) No, no, no --

Oh, don't do that! Is this indeed a man?

I've often heard of them, but, till to-day,

Never set eyes on one. They told me men

Were hideous, idiotic, and deformed!

They are quite as beautiful as women are!

As beautiful, they're infinitely more so!

Their cheeks have not that pulpy softness which

One gets so weary of in womankind:

Their features are more marked -- and -- oh, their

chins!

(Feeling Florian's chin)

How curious!

Florian:

I fear it's rather rough.

Melissa:

(Eagerly) Oh, don't apologize -- I like it so!

QUINTET (Psyche, Melissa, Cyril, Hilarion and Florian)

"The Woman of the Wisest Wit"

Psyche:

The woman of the wisest win

May sometimes be mistaken, O!

In Ida's views, I must admit,

My faith is somewhat shaken O!

Cyril:

On every other point than this

Her learning is untainted, O!

But Man's a theme with which she is

Entirely unacquainted, O!

--acquainted, O!

--acquainted, O!

Entirely unacquainted, O!

All:

Then jump for joy and gaily bound,

The truth is found -- the truth is found!

Set bells a-ringing through the air--

Ring here and there and ev'rywhere--

3 Men: And echo forth the joyous sound,

All:

The truth is found -- the truth is found!

3 Men: And echo forth the joyous sound,

All:

The truth is found -- the truth is found!

And echo forth the joyous sound,

The truth is found -- the truth is found!

(Dance)

Melissa:

My natural instinct teaches me

(And instinct is important, O!)

You're ev'rything you ought to be,

And nothing that you oughtn't, O!

Hilarion:

That fact was seen at once by you

In casual conversation, O!

Which is most creditable to

Your powers of observation, O!

-servation, O!

-servation, O!

Your powers of observation, O!

All:

Then jump for joy and gaily bound,

The truth is found, the truth is found!

Set bells a-ringing through the air,

Ring here and there and ev'rywhere.

3 Men: And echo forth the joyous sound,

All:

The truth is found -- the truth is found!

3 Men: And echo forth the joyous sound,

All:

The truth is found -- the truth is found!

And echo forth the joyous sound,

The truth is found -- the truth is found!

(Exeunt Psyche, Hilarion, Cyril

and Florian,

Melissa going.)

(Enter

Lady Blanche.

Blanche:

Melissa!

Melissa:

(Returning) Mother!

Blanche:

Here -- a word with you.

Those are the three new students?

Melissa:

(Confused) Yes, they are.

They're charming girls.

Blanche:

Particularly so.

So graceful, and so very womanly!

So skilled in all a girl's accomplishments!

Melissa:

(Confused) Yes -- very skilled.

Blanche:

They sing so nicely too!

Melissa:

They do sing nicely!

Blanche:

Humph! It's very odd.

Two are tenors, one is a baritone!

Melissa:

(Much agitated) They've all got colds!

Blanche:

Colds! Bah! D'ye think I'm blind?

These "girls" are men disguised!

Melissa:

Oh no -- indeed!

You wrong these gentlemen -- I mean -- why, see,

Here is an etui dropped by one of them (picking up an

etui).

Containing scissors, needles, and --

Blanche:

(Opening it) Cigars!

Why, these are men! And you knew this, you minx!

Melissa:

Oh, spare them -- they are gentlemen indeed.

The Prince Hilarion (married years ago

To Princess Ida) with two trusted friends!

Consider, mother, he's her husband now,

And has been, twenty years! Consider, too,

You're only second here -- you should be first.

Assist the Prince's plan, and when he gains

The Princess Ida, why, you will be first.

You will design the fashions -- think of that--

And always serve out all the punishments!

The scheme is harmless, mother -- wink at it!

Blanche:

(Aside) The prospect's tempting! Well, well, well,

I'll try --

Though I've not winked at anything for years!

'Tis but one step towards my destiny--

The mighty Must! the inevitable Shall!

DUET (Melissa and Lady Blanche)

"Now Wouldn't you like to Rule the Roast"

Melissa:

Now wouldn't you like to rule the roast

And guide this University?

Blanche:

I must agree,

'Twould pleasant be,

(Sing hey, a Proper Pride!)

Melissa:

And wouldn't you like to clear the coast,

Of malice and perversity?

Blanche:

Without a doubt,

I'll bundle 'em out,

(Sing hey, when I preside!)

Both:

Sing hey!

Sing hoity toity! Sorry for some!

Sing marry, come up, and (my) her day will come!

Sing Proper Pride

Is the horse to ride,

And Happy-go-lucky, my Lady, O!

Blanche:

For years I've writhed beneath her sneers,

Although a born Plantagenet!

Melissa:

You're much too meek,

Or you would speak

(Sing hey, I'll say no more!)

Blanche:

Her elder I, by several years,

Although you'd ne'er imagine it.

Melissa:

Sing, so I've heard

But never a word

Have I e'er believ'd before!

Both:

Sing hey!

Sing hoity toity! Sorry for some!

Sing marry, come up, and her (my) day will come!

Sing, she shall learn

That a worm will turn.

Sing Happy-go-lucky, my Lady, O!

(Exit

Lady Blanche)

Melissa:

Saved for a time, at least!

(Enter Florian,

on tiptoe)

Florian:

(Whispering) Melissa -- come!

Melissa:

Oh, sir! you must away from this at once--

My mother guessed your sex! It was my fault--

I blushed and stammered so that she exclaimed,

"Can these be men?" Then, seeing this, "Why these--"

"Are men", she would have added, but "are men"

Stuck in her throat! She keeps your secret, sir,

For reasons of her own -- but fly from this

And take me with you -- that is -- no -- not that!

Florian:

I'll go, but not without you! (Bell) Why, what's

that?

Melissa:

The luncheon bell.

Florian:

I'll wait for luncheon then!

(Enter Hilarion with Princess,

Cyril with

Psyche, Lady Blanche and

ladies. Also

"Daughters of the Plough" bearing

luncheon.)

CHORUS OF GIRLS & SOLOS (Blanche and Cyril)

"Merrily Ring the Luncheon Bell"

Chorus:

Merrily ring the luncheon bell!

Merrily ring the luncheon bell!

Here in meadow of asphodel,

Feast we body and mind as well,

Merrily ring the luncheon

1st Sops: 2nd Sops:

bell! - - - --- bell! Oh merrily

Ring - - - --- ring the luncheon

oh, --- bell, Oh

ring, - - - --- merrily, merrily,

merrily,

Oh, --- merrily

Chorus:

Merrily ring the luncheon bell, the luncheon

bell!

Blanche:

Hunger, I beg to state,

Is highly indelicate.

This is a fact profoundly true,

So learn your appetites to subdue.

All:

Yes, yes,

We'll learn our appetites to subdue!

Cyril:

Madam, your words so wise,

Nobody should despise,

Curs'd with appetite keen I am

And I'll subdue it--

And I'll subdue it--

I'll subdue it with cold roast lamb!

All:

Yes -- yes--

We'll subdue it with cold roast lamb!

Merrily ring the luncheon bell!

Merrily ring the luncheon bell!

Oh

1st Sops: ring! - - - --- 2nd Sophs: merrily,

merrily,

Oh, merrily,

merrily

Chorus:

Merrily ring the luncheon bell, the luncheon

bell!

Princess:

You say you know the court of Hildebrand?

There is a Prince there -- I forget his name --

Hilarion:

Hilarion?

Princess:

Exactly -- is he well?

Hilarion:

If it be well to droop and pine and mope,

To sigh "Oh, Ida! Ida!" all day long,

"Ida! my love! my life! Oh, come to me!"

If it be well, I say, to do all this,

Then Prince Hilarion is very well.

Princess:

He breathes our name? Well, it's a common one!

And is the booby comely?

Hilarion:

Pretty well.

I've heard it said that if I dressed myself

In Prince Hilarion's clothes (supposing this

Consisted with my maiden modesty),

I might be taken for Hilarion's self.

But what is this to you or me, who think

Of all mankind with undisguised contempt?

Princess:

Contempt? Why, damsel, when I think of man,

Contempt is not the word.

Cyril:

(Getting tipsy) I'm sure of that,

Or if it is, it surely should not be!

Hilarion:

(Aside to Cyril) Be quiet, idiot, or they'll find us

out.

Cyril:

The Prince Hilarion's a goodly lad!

Princess:

You know him then?

Cyril:

(Tipsily) I rather think I do!

We are inseparables!

Princess:

Why, what's this?

You love him then?

Cyril:

We do indeed -- all

three!

Hilarion:

Madam, she jests! (Aside to Cyril) Remember where

you

are!

Cyril:

Jests? Not at all! Why, bless my heart alive,

You and Hilarion, when at the Court,

Rode the same horse!

Princess:

(Horrified) Astride?

Cyril:

Of course! Why not?

Wore the same clothes -- and once or twice, I think,

Got tipsy in the same good company!

Princess:

Well, these are nice young ladies, on my word!

Cyril:

(Tipsy) Don't you remember that old kissing-song

He'd sing to blushing Mistress Lalage,

The hostess of the Pigeons? Thus it ran:

SONG (Cyril)

"Would you know the Kind of Maid"

(During symphony Hilarion and

Florian try to

stop Cyril. He shakes them

off angrily.)

Cyril:

Would you know the kind of maid

Sets my heart aflame-a?

Eyes must be downcast and staid,

Cheeks must flush for shame-a!

She may neither dance nor sing,

But, demure in everything,

Hang her head in modest way,

With pouting lips, with pouting lips

that

seem to say,

"Oh kiss me, kiss me, kiss me, kiss me,

Though I die of shame-a!"

Please you, that's the kind of maid

Sets my heart aflame-a!

"Kiss me, kiss me, kiss me, kiss me,

Though I die of shame-a!"

Please you, that's the kind of maid

Sets my heart aflame-a!

When a maid is bold and gay,

With a tongue goes clang-a,

Flaunting it in brave array,

Maiden may go hang-a

Sunflow'r gay and holly-hock

Never shall my garden stock;

Mine the blushing rose of May,

With pouting lips, with pouting lips

that

seem to say,

"Oh kiss me, kiss me, kiss me, kiss me,

Though I die for shame-a!"

Please you, that's the kind of maid

Sets my heart aflame-a!

"Kiss me, kiss me, kiss me, kiss me,

Though I die of shame-a!"

Please you, that's the kind of maid

Sets my heart aflame-a!

Princess:

Infamous creature, get you hence away!

(Hilarion, Who has been with difficulty

restrained by

Florian during this song, breaks from him

and strikes

Cyril furiously on

the breast.)

Hilarion:

Dog! There is something more to sing about!

Cyril:

(Sobered) Hilarion, are you mad?

Princess:

(Horrified) Hilarion? Help!

Why, these are men! Lost! lost! betrayed, undone!

(Running on

to bridge)

Girls, get you hence! Man-monsters, if you dare

Approach one step, I --- Ah!

(Loses her balance and falls into

the stream)

Psyche:

Oh! Save her, sir!

Blanche:

It's useless, sir -- you'll only catch your death!

(Hilarion

springs in.)

Sach.:

He catches her!

Melissa:

And now he lets her go!

Again she's in his grasp--

Psyche:

And now she's not,

He seizes her back hair!

Blanche:

(Not looking) And it comes off!

Psyche:

No, no! She's saved!--she's saved! she's

saved!--she's

saved!

FINALE, ACT II

(Princess, Hildebrand, Melissa, Lady Psyche, Blanche,

Cyril, Hilarion, Florian, Arac, Guron, Scynthius and

Chorus of Girls and Men )

"Oh Joy! our Chief is Sav'd"

Girls:

Oh joy! our chief is sav'd

And by Hillarion's hand;

The torrent fierce he brav'd,

And brought her safe to land!

For his intrusion we must own

This doughty deed may well atone!

Princess:

Stand forth ye three,

Who-e'er ye be,

And hearken to our stern decree!

Cyril, &

Florian:

Have mercy, O Lady Hilarion:

Have

disregard your Mer--

oaths! cy!

Princess:

I know no mercy, men in women's clothes!

The man whose sacrilegious eyes

Invade our strict seclusion, dies.

Arrest the coarse intruding spies!

(They are arrested by the "Daughters of

the Plough")

Girls:

Have mercy, O lady -- disregard your oaths.

Princess:

I know not mercy, men in women's clothes!

(Cyril & Florian

are bound)

SONG -- Hilarion

Hilarion:

Whom thou has chain'd must wear his chain,

Thou canst not set him free,

He wrestles with his bonds in vain

Who lives by loving thee!

If heart of stone for heart of fire,

Be all thou hast to give,

If dead to my heart's desire,

Why should I wish to live?

Cyr & Flo:

Have Girls: Have

mercy, O Mer-

lady! cy!

Hilarion:

No word of thine -- no stern command

Can teach my heart to rove,

Then rather perish by thy hand,

Than live without they love!

A loveless life apart from thee

Were hopeless slavery,

Were hopeless slavery,

If kindly death will set me free,

Why should I fear to die?

Girls:

Have mercy!

Hilarion:

If kindly death

Girls:

Have mercy!

Hilarion:

will set me free,

If kindly death will set me free,

Why should I fear,

Why should I fear to die?

(He is bound by two of the attendants, the three gentlemen are

marched off.)

(Enter Melissa)

Melissa:

Madam, without the castle walls

An armed band

Demand admittance to our halls

For Hildebrand!

All:

Oh, horror!

Princess:

Defy them!

We will defy them!

All:

Too late -- too late!

The castle gate

Is battered by them!

(The gate yields. Soldiers rush in. Arac, Guron, and Scynthius are

with them, but with their hands handcuffed.

Men:

Walls and fences scaling,

Promptly we appear;

Walls are unavailing,

We have enter'd here.

Female exaceration.

Stifle if you're wise.

Stop your lamentations,

Dry your pretty, pretty

Girls:

Rend the air with wailing. Men: eyes!

Shed the shameful tear!

Man has enter'd here.

Walls are unavailing.

Girls:

Rend the Men: Walls and

air fences

with scaling,

wail------ Promptly we appear;

---------- Walls are unavailing.

ing. We have enter'd here.

Shed Female exe-

the cration.

shame- Stifle if

ful tear! you're wise.

Man Stop your lament-

has ation,

en- Dry your pret-

ter'd ty

here! eyes. O

Walls are stop your

un- lament-

a- ation,

vail- Dry your pretty pretty

ing. eyes! Female exe-

Man cration. Stifle

has if you're

en- wise. Stop your lament-

ter'd ation, Dry your pretty

here! eyes.

(Enter Hildebrand)

RECITATIVE

Princess:

Audacious tyrant, do you dare

To beard a maiden in her lair?

Hildebd:

Since you inquire,

We've no desire

To beard a maiden here, or anywhere!

Soldiers:

No, no. We've no desire

To beard a maiden here or anywhere!

SOLO -- Hildebrand

Hildebd:

Some years ago,

No doubt you know

(And if you don't I'll tell you so)

You gave your troth

Upon your oath

To Hilarion my son.

A vow you make

You must not break,

(If you think you may, it's a great mistake),

For a bride's a bride

Though the knot were tied

At the early age of one!

And I'm a peppery kind of King,

Whose indisposed for parleying

To fit the wit of a bit of chit,

And that's the long and the short of

it!

Soldiers:

For he's a peppery kind of King,

Whose indisposed for parleying

To fit the wit of a bit of chit,

And that's the long and the short of it!

Hildebd:

If you decide

To pocket your pride

And let Hilarion claim his bride,

Why, well and good,

It's understood

We'll let bygones go by--

But if you choose

To sulk in the blues

I'll make the whole of you shake in your shoes.

I'll storm your walls,

And level your halls,

In the winking of an eye!

For I'm a peppery Potentate,

Who's little inclined his claim to

bate,

To fit the wit of a bit of a chit,

And thats the long and the short of

it!

Soldiers:

For he's a peppery Potentate,

Whose indisposed for parleying,

To fit the wit of a bit of chit,

And that's the long and the short of it!

TRIO -- Arac, Guron & Scynthius

All 3: We may remark, though nothing can

Dismay us,

That if you thwart this gentleman,

He'll slay us.

We don't fear death, of course -- we're taught

To shame it;

But still upon the whole we thought

We'd name it.

(To each other)

Scynthius:

Yes!

Guron:

Yes!

Arac:

Yes!

All 3: Better p'r'aps to name it.

Our interests we would not press

With chatter,

Three hulking brothers more or less

Don't matter;

If you'd pooh-pooh this monarch's plan

Pooh-pooh it,

But when he says he'll hang a man,

He'll do it.

(To each other)

Scynthius:

Yes!

Guron:

Yes!

Arac:

Yes!

All 3: Devil doubt he'll do it.

Princess:

Be reassured, nor fear his anger blind,

His menaces are idle as the wind.

He dares not kill you -- vengeance lurks behind!

3 Knights: We rather think he dares, but never mind!

Hildebd:

I 3 Knights:

rather No!

think I No!

dare, but No!

never, never mind! never never mind!

Enough of

No,

parley no,

never nev-

as a er

spe- mind!

cial

No!

boon. no! never, never mind!

We give you till tomorrow

afternoon;

Hildebd:

Release Hilarion, then,

And be his bride

Or you'll incur the guilt of fratricide!

Princess:

To yield at once to such a foe

With shame we're rife;

So quick! away with him, although

He sav'd my life!

That he is fair, and strong, and tall

Is very evident to all,

Yet I will die,

Yet I will die, before I call myself his

Princess:

All Others:

wife! - --- Oh, yield at once, 'twere better

so,

- - - --- Than risk a strife!

And let the Prince Hilarion go.

He Saved thy life!

That Hi-

he is la-rion's

fair and fair,

strong and and

tall, strong and tall,

tall,

Is - - - - -

- - - - - - A

very worse mis-

evi- for-

dent to tune

all, might befall.

Yet

I will It's

die, will die before I call not so dreadful after all,

Myself his wife! To be his wife!

Though I am but a girl

Defiance thus I hurl

Our banners all

On outer wall

We fearlessly unfurl

(The Princess stands, surrounded by girls kneeling. Hildebrand and

soldiers stand on built rocks at back and sides of stage.

Picture.)

END OF ACT II ACT III

SCENE

-- Outer Walls and Courtyard of Castle Adamant. Melissa,

SachaRissa, and ladies discovered, armed with

battleaxes.

CHORUS

"Death to the Invader!"

Chorus:

Death to the invader!

Strike a deadly blow,

As an old Crusader

Struck his Paynim foe!

Let our martial thunder

Fill his soul with wonder,

Tear his ranks asunder,

Lay the tyrant low!

Death to the invader!

Strike a deadly blow,

As an old Crusader

Struck his Paynim foe!

Melissa:

Thus our courage, all untarnish'd,

We're instructed to display;

But to tell the truth unvarnish'd,

We are more inclined to say,

"Please you, do not hurt us,"

All:

"Do not hurt us, if it please you!"

Melissa:

"Please you let us be."

All:

"Let us be -- let us be!"

Melissa:

"Soldiers disconcert us."

All:

"Disconcert us, if it please you!"

Melissa:

"Frighten'd maids are we!"

All:

"Maids are we, maids are we!"

Melissa:

Please you,

All:

Do not hurt us;

Melissa:

Please you,

All:

Let us be.

Mel & Cho:

Frighten'd maids are we, frighten'd maids are we!

Melissa:

But 'twould be an error

To confess our terror,

So in Ida's name,

Boldly we exclaim:

Mel & Cho:

Death to the invader!

Strike a deadly blow,

As an old Crusader

Struck his Paynim foe!

(Flourish. Enter Princess, armed, attended by Blanche and Psyche.)

Princess:

I like your spirit, girls! We have to meet

Stern bearded warriors in fight to-day;

Wear naught but what is necessary to

Preserve your dignity before their eyes,

And give your limbs full play.

Blanche:

One moment, ma'am,

Here is a paradox we should not pass

Without inquiry. We are prone to say

"This thing is Needful -- that, Superfluous"--

Yet they invariably co-exist!

We find the Needful comprehended in

The circle of the grand Superfluous,

Yet the Superfluous cannot be brought

Unless you're amply furnished with the Needful.

These singular considerations are--

Princess:

Superfluous, yet not Needful -- so you see

The terms may independently exist.

(To Ladies) Women of Adamant, we have to show

That women, educated to the task,

Can meet Man, face to face, on his own ground,

And beat him there. Now, let us set to work;

Where is our lady surgeon?

Sach.:

Madam, here!

Princess:

We shall require your skill to heal the wounds

Of those that fall.

Sach.:

(Alarmed) What, heal the wounded?

Princess:

Yes!

Sach.:

And cut off real live legs and arms?

Princess:

Of course!

Sach.:

I wouldn't do it for a thousand pounds!

Princess:

Why, how is this? Are you faint-hearted, girl?

You've often cut them off in theory!

Sach.:

In theory I'll cut them off again

With pleasure, and as often as you like,

But not in practice.

Princess:

Coward! Get you hence,

I've craft enough for that, and courage too,

I'll do your work! My fusiliers, advance!,

Why, you are armed with axes! Gilded toys!

Where are your rifles, pray?

Chloe:

Why, please you, ma'am,

We left them in the armoury, for fear

That in the heat and turmoil of the fight,

They might go off!

Princess:

"They might!" Oh, craven souls!

Go off yourselves! Thank heaven I have a heart

That quails not at the thought of meeting men;

I will discharge your rifles! Off with you!

(Exit Chloe)

Where's my bandmistress?

Ada:

Please you, ma'am, the band

Do not feel well, and can't come out today!

Princess:

Why, this is flat rebellion! I've no time

To talk to them just now. But, happily,

I can play several instruments at once,

And I will drown the shrieks of those that fall

With trumpet music, such as soldiers love!

How stand we with respect to gunpowder?

My Lady Psyche -- you who superintend

Our lab'ratory -- are you well prepared

To blow these bearded rascals into shreds?

Psyche:

Why, madam--

Princess:

Well?

Psyche:

Let us try gentler means.

We can dispense with fulminating grains

While we have eyes with which to flash our rage!

We can dispense with villainous saltpetre

While we have tongues with which to blow them up!

We can dispense, in short, with all the arts

That brutalize the practical polemist!

Princess:

(Contemptuously) I never knew a more dispensing

chemist!

Away, away -- I'll meet these men alone

Since all my women have deserted me!

(Exeunt all but Princess, singing

refrain of

"Please you, do not hurt us",

pianissimo.)

Princess:

So fail my cherished plans -- so fails my faith--

And with it hope, and all that comes of hope!

Song - Princess

"I Built upon a Rock"

Princess:

I built upon a rock,

But ere Destruction's hand

Dealt equal lot

To Court and cot,

My rock had turn'd to sand!

I leant upon an oak,

But in the hour of need,

Alack-a-day,

My trusted stay

Was but a bruis-ed reed!

A bruis-ed reed!

Ah faithless rock,

My simple faith to mock!

Ah trait'rous oak,

Thy worthlessness to cloak,

Thy worthlessness to cloak!

I drew a sword of steel

But when to home and hearth

The battle's breath

Bore fire and death,

My sword was but a lath!

I lit a beacon fire,

But on a stormy day

Of frost and rime,

In wintertime,

My fire had died away,

Had died away!

Ah, coward steel,

That fear can un-anneal!

False fire indeed,

To fail me in my need,

To fail me in my need!

(Princess Sinks upon a rock. Enter Chloe and all the Ladies)

Chloe:

Madam, your father and your brothers claim

An audience!

Princess:

What do they do here?

Chloe:

They come

To fight for you!

Princess:

Admit them!

Blanche:

Infamous!

One's brothers, ma'am, are men!

Princess:

So I have heard.

But all my women seem to fail me when

I need them most. In this emergency,

Even one's brothers may be turned to use.

Gama:

(Entering, pale and unnerved) My daughter!

Princess:

Father! Thou art free!

Gama:

Aye, free!

Free as a tethered ass! I come to thee

With words from Hildebrand. Those duly given

I must return to blank captivity.

I'm free so far.

Princess:

Your message.

Gama:

Hildebrand

Is loth to war with women. Pit my sons,

My three brave sons, against these popinjays,

These tufted jack-a-dandy featherheads,

And on the issue let thy hand depend!

Princess:

Insult on insult's head! Are we a stake

For fighting men? What fiend possesses thee,

That thou has come with offers such as these

From such as he to such an one as I?

Gama:

I am possessed

By the pale devil of a shaking heart!

My stubborn will is bent. I dare not face

That devilish monarch's black malignity!

He tortures me with torments worse than death,

I haven't anything to grumble at!

He finds out what particular meats I love,

And gives me them. The very choicest wines,

The costliest robes -- the richest rooms are mine.

He suffers none to thwart my simplest plan,

And gives strict orders none should contradict me!

He's made my life a curse! (Weeps)

Princess:

My tortured father!

SONG (King GAMA with CHORUS of GIRLS)

"Whene'er I Spoke"

Gama:

Whene'er I poke

Sarcastic joke

Replete with malice spiteful,

This people mild

Politely smil'd,

And voted me delightful!

Now, when a wight

Sits up all night

Ill-natur'd jokes devising,

And all his wiles

Are met with smiles

It's hard, there's no disguising!

Ah! Oh, don't the days seem lank and long

When all goes right and nothing goes wrong,

And isn't your life extremely flat

With nothing whatever to grumble at!

Chorus:

Oh, isn't your life extremely flat

With nothing whatever to grumble at!

Gama:

When German bands

From music stands

Play'd Wagner imperfectly --

I bade them go--

They didn't say no,

But off they went directly!

The organ boys

They stopp'd their noise,

With readiness surprising,

And grinning herds

Of hurdy-gurds

Retired apologising!

Ah! Oh, don't the days seem lank and long

When all goes right and nothing goes wrong,

And isn't your life extremely flat

With nothing whatever to grumble at!

Chorus:

Oh, isn't your life extremely flat

With nothing whatever to grumble at!

Gama:

I offer'd gold

In sums untold

To all who'd contradict me--

I said I'd pay

A pound a day

To any one who kick'd me--

I've brib'd with toys

Great vulgar boys

To utter something spiteful,

But, bless you, no!

They would be so

Confoundedly politeful!

Ah! In short, these aggravating lads,

They tickle my tastes, they feed my fads,

They give me this and they give me that,

And I've nothing whatever to grumble at!

Chorus:

Oh, isn't your life extremely flat

With nothing whatever to grumble at!

(Gama Bursts into tears and falls sobbing

on a seat.)

Princess:

My poor old father! How he must have suffered!

Well, well, I yield!

Gama:

(Hysterically) She yields! I'm saved, I'm saved!

(Exit)

Princess:

Open the gates -- admit these warriors,

Then get you all within the castle walls.

(Exit)

(The gates are opened and the Girls mount the

battlements as the

Soldiers enter. Arac, Guron and Scynthius

also enter.)

Chorus of Soldiers

"When anger spreads his wing"

Chorus:

When anger spread his wing,

And all seems dark as night for it,

There's nothing but to fight for it,

But ere you pitch your ring,

Select a pretty site for it,

(This spot is suited quite for it,)

And then you gaily sing,

And then you gaily sing:

"Oh I love the jolly rattle

Of an orde-al by battle,

There's an end of tittle-tattle

When your enemy is dead.

It's an arrant molly-coddle

Fears a crack upon his noddle

And he's only fit to swaddle

In a downy feather-bed!

Ladies:

For a Soldiers: Oh, I

fight's love the

a jolly

kind rattle

of Of an

thing orde-al by battle

That I There's an

love end of

to tittle

look tattle,

up- When your

on, enemy is dead.

So It's an

let arrant

us molly-

sing, coddle

Long Fears a

live crack upon

the his

King, noddle,

And his And he's

son only fit to

Hi- swaddle, In a

la- downy fea-

ri-on! ther bed!

(During this, Hilarion, Florian,

and Cyril are

brought out by the "Daughters of

the Plough".

They are still bound and wear

the robes.

Enter GAMA.)

Gama:

Hilarion! Cyril! Florian! dressed as women!

Is this indeed Hilarion?

Hilar.:

Yes, it is!

Gama:

Why, you look handsome in your women's clothes!

Stick to 'em! Men's attire becomes you not!

(To CYRIL and FLORIAN) And you, young ladies, will you please to

pray

King Hildebrand to set me free again?

Hang on his neck and gaze into his eyes,

He never could resist a pretty face!

Hilar.:

You dog, you'll find, though I wear woman's garb,

My sword is long and sharp!

Gama:

Hush, pretty one!

Here's a virago! Here's a termagant!

If length and sharpness go for anything,

You'll want no sword while you can wag your tongue!

Cyril:

What need to waste your words on such as he?

He's old and crippled.

Gama:

Aye, but I've three sons,

Fine fellows, young and muscular, and brave,

They're well worth talking to! Come, what d'ye say?

Arac:

Aye, pretty ones, engage yourselves with us,

If three rude warriors affright you not!

Hilar.:

Old as you are, I'd wring your shrivelled neck

If you were not the Princess Ida's father.

Gama:

If I were not the Princess Ida's father,

And so had not her brothers for my sons,

No doubt you'd wring my neck -- in safety too!

Come, come, Hilarion, begin, begin!

Give them no quarter -- they will give you none.

You've this advantage over warriors

Who kill their country's enemies for pay,--

You know what you are fighting for -- look there!

(Pointing to Ladies on the

battlements)

(Exit Gamma. Hilarion, Florian, and Cyril

are led off.)

SONG (Arac, Guron, Scynthius and Chorus)

"This Helmet, I Suppose"

Arac:

This helmet, I suppose,

Was meant to ward off blows,

It's very hot

And weighs a lot,

As many a guardsman knows,

As many a guardsman knows,

As many a guardsman knows,

As many a guardsman knows,

So off, so off that helmet goes.

Others:

Yes, yes, yes,

So off that helmet goes!

(Giving their helmets to

attendants)

Arac:

This tight-fitting cuirass

Is but a useless mass,

It's made of steel,

And weighs a deal,

This tight-fitting cuirass

Is but a useless mass,

A man is but an ass

Who fights in a cuirass,

So off, so off goes that cuirass.

Others:

Yes, yes, yes,

So off goes that cuirass!

(Removing

cuirasses)

Arac:

These brassets, truth to tell,

May look uncommon well,

But in a fight

They're much too tight,

They're like a lobster shell,

They're like a lobster shell!

Others:

Yes, yes, yes,

They're like a lobster shell.

(Removing

their brassets)

Arac:

These things I treat the same

(indicating leg pieces)

(I quite forget their name.)

They turn one's legs

To cribbage pegs--

Their aid I thus disclaim,

Their aid I thus disclaim,

Though I forget their name,

Though I forget their name,

Their aid, their aid I thus disclaim!

Others:

Yes, yes, yes,

All:

Their aid (we/they) thus disclaim!

(They remove their leg pieces and wear close-fitting shape suits.)

Enter Hilarion, Florian, and Cyril

(Desperate fight between the three Princes

and the three

Knights, during which the Ladies on the

battlements and

the Soldiers on the stage sing the

following chorus):

CHORUS DURING THE FIGHT

"This is our Duty"

Chorus:

This is our duty plain towards

Our Princess all immaculate,

We ought to bless her brothers' swords,

And piously ejaculate:

Oh, Hungary!

Oh, Hungary!

Oh, doughty sons of Hungary!

May all success

Attend and bless

Your warlike ironmongery!

Hilarion! Hilarion! Hilarion!

(By this time, Arac, Guron, and

Scynthius are

on the ground, wounded --

Hilarion, Cyril and

Florian stand

over them.)

Princess:

(Entering through gate and followed by Ladies,

Hildebrand, and Gama.)

Hold! stay your hands! -- we yield ourselves to you!

Ladies, my brothers all lie bleeding there!

Bind up their wounds -- but look the other way.

(Coming down) Is this the end? (Bitterly to Lady

Blanche)

How say you, Lady Blanche--

Can I with dignity my post resign?

And if I do, will you then take my place?

Blanche:

To answer this, it's meet that we consult

The great Potential Mysteries; I mean

The five Subjunctive Possibilities--

The May, the Might, the Would, the Could, the Should.

Can you resign? The Prince May claim you; if

He Might, you Could -- and if you Should, I Would!

Princess:

I thought as much! Then to my fate I yield--

So ends my cherished scheme! Oh, I had hoped

To band all women with my maiden throng,

And make them all abjure tyrannic Man!

Hildebd:

A noble aim!

Princess:

You ridicule it now;

But if I carried out this glorious scheme,

At my exalted name Posterity

Would bow in gratitude!

Hildebd:

But pray

reflect --

If you enlist all women in your cause,

And make them all abjure tyrannic Man,

The obvious question then arises, "How

Is this Posterity to be provided?"

Princess:

I never thought of that! My Lady Blanche,

How do you solve the riddle?

Blanche:

Don't ask me --

Abstract Philosophy won't answer it.

Take him -- he is your Shall. Give in to Fate!

Princess:

And you desert me. I alone am staunch!

Hilarion:

Madam, you placed your trust in Woman -- well,

Woman has failed you utterly -- try Man,

Give him one chance, it's only fair -- besides,

Women are far too precious, too divine,

To try unproven theories upon.

Experiments, the proverb says, are made

On humble subjects -- try our grosser clay,

And mould it as you will!

Cyril:

Remember, too

Dear Madam, if at any time you feel

A-weary of the Prince, you can return

To Castle Adamant, and rule your girls

As heretofore, you know.

Princess:

And shall I find

The Lady Psyche here?

Psyche:

If Cyril, ma'am,

Does not behave himself, I think you will.

Princess:

And you Melissa, shall I find you here?

Melissa:

Madam, however Florian turns out,

Unhesitatingly I answer, No!

Gama:

Consider this, my love, if your mama

Had looked on matters from your point of view

(I wish she had), why where would you have been?

Blanche:

There's an unbounded field of speculation,

On which I could discourse for hours!

Princess:

No doubt!

We will not trouble you. Hilarion,

I have been wrong -- I see my error now.

Take me, Hilarion -- "We will walk this world

Yoked in all exercise of noble end!

And so through those dark gates across the wild

That no one knows!" Indeed, I love thee -- Come!

Finale

"With joy abiding"

Princess:

With joy abiding,

Together gliding

Through life's variety,

In sweet society,

And thus enthroning

The love I'm owning,

On this atoning

I will rely!

Chorus:

It were profanity

For poor humanity

To treat as vanity

The sway of Love.

In no locality

Or principality

Is our mortality

It's sway above!

Hilarion:

When day is fading,

With serenading

And such frivolity

Of tender quality--

With scented showers

Of fairest flowers,

The happy hours

Will gaily fly!

The happy hours will gaily fly!

Chorus:

It were profanity

For poor humanity

To treat as vanity

The sway of Love.

In no locality

Or principality

Is our mortality

It's sway above!

1st Sops: In no lo- Others:

cality Or princi- Its

pality Is our mor- sway

tality It's sway a- a-

bove! bove!

Princess & With scented Others:

Hilarion:

showers Of fairest Its

flowers, The happy sway

hours will gaily a-

fly! bove!

All:

In no locality

Or principality

Is our mortality

Above the sway of love!

Curtain

THE MIKADO

or, The Town of Titipu

By William S. Gilbert

Music by Sir Arthur Sullivan

DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

THE MIKADO OF JAPAN.

NANKI-POO (his Son, disguised as a wandering minstrel, and in

love with Yum-Yum).

KO-KO (Lord High Executioner of Titipu).

POOH-BAH (Lord High Everything Else).

PISH-TISH (a Noble Lord).

Three Sisters--Wards of Ko-Ko:

YUM-YUM

PITTI-SING

PEEP-BO

KATISHA (an elderly Lady, in love with Nanki-Poo).

Chorus of School-girls, Nobles, Guards, and Coolies.

ACT I.--Courtyard of Ko-Ko's Official Residence.

ACT II.-- Ko-Ko's Garden

First produced at the Savoy Theatre on March 14, 1885.

ACT I.

SCENE.

--Courtyard of Ko-Ko's Palace in Titipu. Japanese nobles

discovered standing and sitting in attitudes suggested by

native drawings.

CHORUS OF NOBLES.

If you want to know who we are,

We are gentlemen of Japan:

On many a vase and jar--

On many a screen and fan,

We figure in lively paint:

Our attitude's queer and quaint--

You're wrong if you think it ain't, oh!

If you think we are worked by strings,

Like a Japanese marionette,

You don't understand these things:

It is simply Court etiquette.

Perhaps you suppose this throng

Can't keep it up all day long?

If that's your idea, you're wrong, oh!

Enter Nanki-Poo in great excitement. He carries a native guitar

on his back and a bundle of ballads in his hand.

RECIT.--NANKI-POO.

Gentlemen, I pray you tell me

Where a gentle maiden dwelleth,

Named Yum-Yum, the ward of Ko-Ko?

In pity speak, oh speak I pray you!

A NOBLE.

Why, who are you who ask this question?

NANK.

Come gather round me, and I'll tell you.

SONG and CHORUS--NANKI-POO.

A wandering minstrel I--

A thing of shreds and patches,

Of ballads, songs and snatches,

And dreamy lullaby!

My catalogue is long,

Through every passion ranging,

And to your humours changing

I tune my supple song!

Are you in sentimental mood?

I'll sigh with you,

Oh, sorrow, sorrow!

On maiden's coldness do you brood?

I'll do so, too--

Oh, sorrow, sorrow!

I'll charm your willing ears

With songs of lovers' fears,

While sympathetic tears

My cheeks bedew--

Oh, sorrow, sorrow!

But if patriotic sentiment is wanted,

I've patriotic ballads cut and dried;

For where'er our country's banner may be planted,

All other local banners are defied!

Our warriors, in serried ranks assembled,

Never quail--or they conceal it if they do--

And I shouldn't be surprised if nations trembled

Before the mighty troops of Titipu!

CHORUS

We shouldn't be surprised, etc.

NANK.

And if you call for a song of the sea,

We'll heave the capstan round,

With a yeo heave ho, for the wind is free,

Her anchor's a-trip and her helm's a-lee,

Hurrah for the homeward bound!

CHORUS

Yeo-ho--heave ho--

Hurrah for the homeward bound!

To lay aloft in a howling breeze

May tickle a landsman's taste,

But the happiest hour a sailor sees

Is when he's down

At an inland town,

With his Nancy on his knees, yeo ho!

And his arm around her waist!

CHORUS

Then man the capstan--off we go,

As the fiddler swings us round,

With a yeo heave ho,

And a rum below,

Hurrah for the homeward bound!

A wandering minstrel I, etc.

Enter Pish-Tush.

PISH.

And what may be your business with Yum-Yum?

NANK.

I'll tell you. A year ago I was a member of the

Titipu town band. It was my duty to take the cap round for

contributions. While discharging this delicate office, I saw

Yum-Yum. We loved each other at once, but she was betrothed to

her guardian Ko-Ko, a cheap tailor, and I saw that my suit was

hopeless. Overwhelmed with despair, I quitted the town. Judge

of my delight when I heard, a month ago, that Ko-Ko had been con-

demned to death for flirting! I hurried back at once, in the

hope of finding Yum-Yum at liberty to listen to my protestations.

PISH.

It is true that Ko-Ko was condemned to death for

flirting, but he was reprieved at the last moment, and raised to

the exalted rank of Lord High Executioner under the following

remarkable circumstances:

SONG--PISH-TUSH and CHORUS

Our great Mikado, virtuous man,

When he to rule our land began,

Resolved to try

A plan whereby

Young men might best be steadied.

So he decreed, in words succinct,

That all who flirted, leered or winked

(Unless connubially linked),

Should forthwith be beheaded.

And I expect you'll all agree

That he was right to so decree.

And I am right,

And you are right,

And all is right as right can be!

CHORUS

And you are right.

And we are right, etc

This stem decree, you'll understand,

Caused great dismay throughout the land!

For young and old

And shy and bold

Were equally affected.

The youth who winked a roving eye,

Or breathed a non-connubial sigh,

Was thereupon condemned to die--

He usually objected.

And you'll allow, as I expect,

That he was right to so object.

And I am right,

And you are right,

And everything is quite correct!

CHORUS

And you are right,

And we are right, etc.

And so we straight let out on bail

A convict from the county jail,

Whose head was next

On some pretext

Condemned to be mown off,

And made him Headsman, for we said,

"Who's next to be decapited

Cannot cut off another's head

Until he's cut his own off."

And we are right, I think you'll say,

To argue in this kind of way;

And I am right,

And you are right,

And all is right--too-looral-lay!

CHORUS

And you are right,

And we are right, etc.

[Exeunt

Chorus.

Enter Pooh-Bah.

NANK.

Ko-Ko, the cheap tailor, Lord High Executioner of

Titipu! Why, that's the highest rank a citizen can attain!

POOH.

It is. Our logical Mikado, seeing no moral

difference between the dignified judge who condemns a criminal to

die, and the industrious mechanic who carries out the sentence,

has rolled the two offices into one, and every judge is now his

own executioner.

NANK.

But how good of you (for I see that you are a

nobleman of the highest rank) to condescend to tell all this to

me, a mere strolling minstrel!

POOH.

Don't mention it. I am, in point of fact, a

particularly haughty and exclusive person, of pre-Adamite

ancestral descent. You will understand this when I tell you that

I can trace my ancestry back to a protoplasmal primordial atomic

globule. Consequently, my family pride is something

inconceivable. I can't help it. I was born sneering. But I

struggle hard to overcome this defect. I mortify my pride

continually. When all the great officers of State resigned in a

body because they were too proud to serve under an ex-tailor, did

I not unhesitatingly accept all their posts at once?

PISH.

And the salaries attached to them? You did.

POOH.

It is consequently my degrading duty to serve this

upstart as First Lord of the Treasury, Lord Chief Justice,

Commander-in-Chief, Lord High Admiral, Master of the Buckhounds,

Groom of the Back Stairs, Archbishop of Titipu, and Lord Mayor,

both acting and elect, all rolled into one. And at a salary! A

Pooh-Bah paid for his services! I a salaried minion! But I do

it! It revolts me, but I do it!

NANK.

And it does you credit.

POOH.

But I don't stop at that. I go and dine with

middle-class people on reasonable terms. I dance at cheap

suburban parties for a moderate fee. I accept refreshment at any

hands, however lowly. I also retail State secrets at a very low

figure. For instance, any further information about Yum-Yum

would come under the head of a State secret. (Nanki-Poo takes his

hint, and gives him money.) (Aside.) Another insult and, I

think, a light one!

SONG--POOH-BAH with NANKI-POO and PISH-TUSH.

Young man, despair,

Likewise go to,

Yum-Yum the fair

You must not woo.

It will not do:

I'm sorry for you,

You very imperfect ablutioner!

This very day

From school Yum-Yum

Will wend her way,

And homeward come,

With beat of drum

And a rum-tum-tum,

To wed the Lord High executioner!

And the brass will crash,

And the trumpets bray,

And they'll cut a dash

On their wedding day.

She'll toddle away, as all aver,

With the Lord High Executioner '

NANK. and POOH.

And the brass will crash, etc.

It's a hopeless case,

As you may see,

And in your place

Away I'd flee;

But don't blame me--

I'm sorry to be

Of your pleasure a diminutioner.

They'll vow their pact

Extremely soon,

In point of fact

This afternoon.

Her honeymoon

With that buffoon

At seven commences, so you shun her!

ALL

And the brass will crash, etc.

[Exit

Pish-Tush.

RECIT.--NANKI-POO and POOH-BAH.

NANK.

And I have journeyed for a month, or nearly,

To learn that Yum-Yum, whom I love so dearly,

This day to Ko-Ko is to be united!

POOH.

The fact appears to be as you've recited:

But here he comes, equipped as suits his station;

He'll give you any further information.

[Exeunt Pooh-Bah and

Nanki-Poo.

Enter Chorus of Nobles.

Behold the Lord High Executioner

A personage of noble rank and title--

A dignified and potent officer,

Whose functions are particularly vital!

Defer, defer,

To the Lord High Executioner!

Enter Ko-Ko attended.

SOLO--KO-KO.

Taken from the county jail

By a set of curious chances;

Liberated then on bail,

On my own recognizances;

Wafted by a favouring gale

As one sometimes is in trances,

To a height that few can scale,

Save by long and weary dances;

Surely, never had a male

Under such like circumstances

So adventurous a tale,

Which may rank with most romances.

CHORUS

Defer, defer,

To the Lord High Executioner, etc.

KO.

Gentlemen, I'm much touched by this reception. I can

only trust that by strict attention to duty I shall ensure a

continuance of those favours which it will ever be my study to

deserve. If I should ever be called upon to act professionally,

I am happy to think that there will be no difficulty in finding

plenty of people whose loss will be a distinct gain to society at

large.

SONG--KO-KO with CHORUS OF MEN

As some day it may happen that a victim must be found,

I've got a little list--I've got a little list

Of society offenders who might well be underground,

And who never would be missed--who never would be missed!

There's the pestilential nuisances who write for autographs--

All people who have flabby hands and irritating laughs--

All children who are up in dates, and floor you with 'em flat--

All persons who in shaking hands, shake hands with you like

that--

And all third persons who on spoiling tte--ttes insist--

They'd none of 'em be missed--they'd none of 'em be missed!

CHORUS

He's got 'em on the list--he's got 'em on the list;

And they'll none of 'em be missed--they'll none of

'em be missed.

There's the banjo serenader, and the others of his race,

And the piano-organist--I've got him on the list!

And the people who eat peppermint and puff it in your face,

They never would be missed--they never would be missed!

Then the idiot who praises, with enthusiastic tone,

All centuries but this, and every country but his own;

And the lady from the provinces, who dresses like a guy,

And who "doesn't think she waltzes, but would rather like to

try";

And that singular anomaly, the lady novelist--

I don't think she'd be missed--I'm sure she'd not he missed!

CHORUS

He's got her on the list--he's got her on the list;

And I don't think she'll be missed--I'm sure

she'll not be missed!

And that Nisi Prius nuisance, who just now is rather rife,

The Judicial humorist--I've got him on the list!

All funny fellows, comic men, and clowns of private life--

They'd none of 'em be missed--they'd none of 'em be missed.

And apologetic statesmen of a compromising kind,

Such as--What d'ye call him--Thing'em-bob, and

likewise--Never-mind,

And 'St--'st--'st--and What's-his-name, and also You-know-who--

The task of filling up the blanks I'd rather leave to you.

But it really doesn't matter whom you put upon the list,

For they'd none of 'em be missed--they'd none of 'em be

missed!

CHORUS

You may put 'em on the list--you may put 'em on the

list;

And they'll none of 'em be missed--they'll none of

'em be missed!

Enter Pooh-Bah.

KO.

Pooh-Bah, it seems that the festivities in connection

with my approaching marriage must last a week. I should like to

do it handsomely, and I want to consult you as to the amount I

ought to spend upon them.

POOH.

Certainly. In which of my capacities? As First Lord

of the Treasury, Lord Chamberlain, Attorney General, Chancellor

of the Exchequer, Privy Purse, or Private Secretary?

KO.

Suppose we say as Private Secretary.

POOH.

Speaking as your Private Secretary, I should say

that, as the city will have to pay for it, don't stint yourself,

do it well.

KO.

Exactly--as the city will have to pay for it. That is

your advice.

POOH.

As Private Secretary. Of course you will understand

that, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, I am bound to see that due

economy is observed.

KO.

Oh! But you said just now "Don't stint yourself, do it

well".

POOH.

As Private Secretary.

KO.

And now you say that due economy must be observed.

POOH.

As Chancellor of the Exchequer.

KO.

I see. Come over here, where the Chancellor can't hear

us. (They cross the stage.) Now, as my Solicitor, how do you

advise me to deal with this difficulty?

POOH.

Oh, as your Solicitor, I should have no hesitation in

saying "Chance it----"

KO.

Thank you. (Shaking his hand.) I will.

POOH.

If it were not that, as Lord Chief Justice, I am

bound to see that the law isn't violated.

KO.

I see. Come over here where the Chief Justice can't

hear us. (They cross the stage.) Now, then, as First Lord of

the Treasury?

POOH.

Of course, as First Lord of the Treasury, I could

propose a special vote that would cover all expenses, if it were

not that, as Leader of the Opposition, it would be my duty to

resist it, tooth and nail. Or, as Paymaster General, I could so

cook the accounts that, as Lord High Auditor, I should never

discover the fraud. But then, as Archbishop of Titipu, it would

be my duty to denounce my dishonesty and give myself into my own

custody as first Commissioner of Police.

KO.

That's extremely awkward.

POOH.

I don't say that all these distinguished people

couldn't be squared; but it is right to tell you that they

wouldn't be sufficiently degraded in their own estimation unless

they were insulted with a very considerable bribe.

KO.

The matter shall have my careful consideration. But my

bride and her sisters approach, and any little compliment on your

part, such as an abject grovel in a characteristic Japanese

attitude, would be esteemed a favour.

POOH.

No money, no grovel!

[Exeunt

together.

Enter procession of Yum-Yum's schoolfellows, heralding Yum-Yum,

Peep-Bo, and Pitti-Sing.

CHORUS OF GIRLS

Comes a train of little ladies

From scholastic trammels free,

Each a little bit afraid is,

Wondering what the world can be!

Is it but a world of trouble--

Sadness set to song?

Is its beauty but a bubble

Bound to break ere long?

Are its palaces and pleasures

Fantasies that fade?

And the glory of its treasures

Shadow of a shade?

Schoolgirls we, eighteen and under,

From scholastic trammels free,

And we wonder--how we wonder!--

What on earth the world can be!

TRIO.

YUM-YUM, PEEP-BO, and PITTI-SING, with CHORUS OF GIRLS

THE THREE.

Three little maids from school are we,

Pert as a school-girl well can be,

Filled to the brim with girlish glee,

Three little maids from school!

YUM-YUM. Everything is a source of fun. (Chuckle.)

PEEP-BO. Nobody's safe, for we care for none! (Chuckle.)

PITTI-SING. Life is a joke that's just begun! (Chuckle.)

THE THREE.

Three little maids from school!

ALL

(dancing). Three little maids who, all unwary,

Come from a ladies' seminary,

Freed from its genius tutelary--

THE THREE

(suddenly demure) Three little maids from school!

YUM-YUM. One little maid is a bride, Yum-Yum--

PEEP-BO. Two little maids in attendance come--

PITTI-SING. Three little maids is the total sum.

THE THREE.

Three little maids from school!

YUM-YUM. From three little maids take one away.

PEEP-BO. Two little maids remain, and they--

PITTI-SING. Won't have to wait very long, they say--

THE THREE.

Three little maids from school!

ALL

(dancing). Three little maids who, all unwary,

Come from a ladies' seminary,

Freed from its genius tutelary--

THE THREE

(suddenly demure) Three little maids from school!

Enter Ko-Ko and Pooh-Bah.

KO.

At last, my bride that is to be! (About to embrace

her.)

YUM.

You're not going to kiss me before all these people?

KO.

Well, that was the idea.

YUM (aside to Peep-Bo). It seems odd, doesn't it?

PEEP.

It's rather peculiar.

PITTI.

Oh, I expect it's all right. Must have a beginning,

you know.

YUM.

Well, of course I know nothing about these things; but

I've no objection if it's usual.

KO.

Oh, it's quite usual, I think. Eh, Lord Chamberlain?

(Appealing to Pooh-Bah.)

POOH.

I have known it done. (Ko-Ko embraces her.)

YUM.

Thank goodness that's over! (Sees Nanki-Poo, and

rushes to him.) Why, that's never you? (The three Girls rush to

him and shake his hands, all speaking at once.)

YUM.

Oh, I'm so glad! I haven't seen you for ever so long,

and I'm right at the top of the school, and I've got three

prizes, and I've come home for good, and I'm not going back any

more!

PEEP.

And have you got an engagement?--Yum-Yum's got one,

but she doesn't like it, and she'd ever so much rather it was

you! I've come home for good, and I'm not going back any more!

PITTI.

Now tell us all the news, because you go about

everywhere, and we've been at school, but, thank goodness, that's

all over now, and we've come home for good, and we're not going

back any more!

(These three speeches are spoken together in one breath.)

KO.

I beg your pardon. Will you present me?

YUM.

Oh, this is the musician who used--

PEEP.

Oh, this is the gentleman-who used--

PITTI.

Oh, it is only Nanki-Poo who used--

KO.

One at a time, if you please.

YUM.

Oh, if you please he's the gentleman who used to play

so beautifully on the--on the--

PITTI.

On the Marine Parade.

YUM.

Yes, I think that was the name of the instrument.

NANK.

Sir, I have the misfortune to love your ward,

Yum-Yum--oh, I know I deserve your anger!

KO.

Anger! not a bit, my boy. Why, I love her myself.

Charming little girl, isn't she? Pretty eyes, nice hair. Taking

little thing, altogether. Very glad to hear my opinion backed by

a competent authority. Thank you very much. Good-bye. (To

Pish-Tush.) Take him away. (Pish-Tush removes him.)

PITTI (who has been examining Pooh-Bah).

I beg your pardon,

but what is this? Customer come to try on?

KO.

That is a Tremendous Swell.

PITTI.

Oh, it's alive. (She starts back in alarm.)

POOH.

Go away, little girls. Can't talk to little girls

like you. Go away, there's dears.

KO.

Allow me to present you, Pooh-Bah. These are my three

wards. The one in the middle is my bride elect.

POOH.

What do you want me to do to them? Mind, I will not

kiss them.

KO.

No, no, you shan't kiss them; a little bow--a mere

nothing--you needn't mean it, you know.

POOH.

It goes against the grain. They are not young

ladies, they are young persons.

KO.

Come, come, make an effort, there's a good nobleman.

POOH.

(aside to Ko-Ko). Well, I shan't mean it. (with a

great effort.) How de do, little girls, how de do? (Aside.)

Oh, my protoplasmal ancestor!

KO.

That's very good. (Girls indulge in suppressed

laughter.)

POOH.

I see nothing to laugh at. It is very painful to me

to have to say "How de do, little girls, how de do?" to young

persons. I'm not in the habit of saying "How de do, little

girls, how de do?" to anybody under the rank of a Stockbroker.

KO.

(aside to girls). Don't laugh at him, he can't help

it--he's under treatment for it. (Aside to Pooh-Bah.) Never mind

them, they don't understand the delicacy of your position.

POOH.

We know how delicate it is, don't we?

KO.

I should think we did! How a nobleman of your

importance can do it at all is a thing I never can, never shall

understand.

[Ko-Ko retires and

goes off.

QUARTET AND CHORUS OF GIRLS

YUM-YUM, PEEP-BO, PITTI-SING, and POOH-BAH.

YUM, PEEP.

So please you, Sir, we much regret

and PITTI. If we have failed in etiquette

Towards a man of rank so high--

We shall know better by and by.

YUM.

But youth, of course, must have its fling,

So pardon us,

So pardon us,

PITTI.

And don't, in girlhood's happy spring,

Be hard on us,

Be hard on us,

If we're inclined to dance and sing.

Tra la la, etc. (Dancing.)

CHORUS OF GIRLS

But youth, of course, etc.

POOH.

I think you ought to recollect

You cannot show too much respect

Towards the highly titled few;

But nobody does, and why should you?

That youth at us should have its fling,

Is hard on us,

Is hard on us;

To our prerogative we cling--

So pardon us,

So pardon us,

If we decline to dance and sing.

Tra la la, etc. (Dancing.)

CHORUS OF GIRLS

. But youth, of course, must have its fling, etc.

[Exeunt all but

Yum-Yum.

Enter Nanki-Poo.

NANK.

Yum-Yum, at last we are alone! I have sought you

night and day for three weeks, in the belief that your guardian

was beheaded, and I find that you are about to be married to him

this afternoon!

YUM.

Alas, yes!

NANK.

But you do not love him?

YUM.

Alas, no!

NANK.

Modified rapture! But why do you not refuse him?

YUM.

What good would that do? He's my guardian, and he

wouldn't let me marry you!

NANK.

But I would wait until you were of age!

YUM.

You forget that in Japan girls do not arrive at years

of discretion until they are fifty.

NANK.

True; from seventeen to forty-nine are considered

years of indiscretion.

YUM.

Besides--a wandering minstrel, who plays a wind

instrument outside tea-houses, is hardly a fitting husband for

the ward of a Lord High Executioner.

NANK.

But---- (Aside.) Shall I tell her? Yes! She will

not betray me! (Aloud.) What if it should prove that, after

all, I am no musician?

YUM.

There! I was certain of it, directly I heard you

play!

NANK.

What if it should prove that I am no other than the

son of his Majesty the Mikado?

YUM.

The son of the Mikado! But why is your Highness

disguised? And what has your Highness done? And will your

Highness promise never to do it again?

NANK.

Some years ago I had the misfortune to captivate

Katisha, an elderly lady of my father's Court. She misconstrued

my customary affability into expressions of affection, and

claimed me in marriage, under my father's law. My father, the

Lucius Junius Brutus of his race, ordered me to marry her within

a week, or perish ignominiously on the scaffold. That night I

fled his Court, and, assuming the disguise of a Second Trombone,

I joined the band in which you found me when I had the happiness

of seeing you! (Approaching her.)

YUM.

(retreating). If you please, I think your Highness

had better not come too near. The laws against flirting are

excessively severe.

NANK.

But we are quite alone, and nobody can see us.

YUM.

Still, that don't make it right. To flirt is capital.

NANK.

It is capital!

YUM.

And we must obey the law.

NANK.

Deuce take the law!

YUM.

I wish it would, but it won't!

NANK.

If it were not for that, how happy we might be!

YUM.

Happy indeed!

NANK.

If it were not for the law, we should now be sitting

side by side, like that. (Sits by her.)

YUM.

Instead of being obliged to sit half a mile off, like

that. (Crosses and sits at other side of stage.)

NANK.

We should be gazing into each other's eyes, like

that. (Gazing at her sentimentally.)

YUM.

Breathing sighs of unutterable love--like that.

(Sighing and gazing lovingly at him.)

NANK.

With our arms round each other's waists, like that.

(Embracing her.)

YUM.

Yes, if it wasn't for the law.

NANK.

If it wasn't for the law.

YUM.

As it is, of course we couldn't do anything of the

kind.

NANK.

Not for worlds!

YUM.

Being engaged to Ko-Ko, you know!

NANK.

Being engaged to Ko-Ko!

DUET--YUM-YUM and NANKI-POO.

NANK.

Were you not to Ko-Ko plighted,

I would say in tender tone,

"Loved one, let us be united--

Let us be each other's own!"

I would merge all rank and station,

Worldly sneers are nought to us,

And, to mark my admiration,

I would kiss you fondly thus-- (Kisses her.)

BOTH

I/He would kiss you/me fondly thus-- (Kiss.)

YUM.

But as I'm engaged to Ko-Ko,

To embrace you thus, con fuoco,

Would distinctly be no giuoco,

And for yam I should get toko--

BOTH

Toko, toko, toko, toko!

NANK.

So, In spite of all temptation,

Such a theme I'll not discuss,

And on no consideration

Will I kiss you fondly thus-- (Kissing her.)

Let me make it clear to you,

This is what I'll never do!

This, oh, this, oh, this, oh, this,--(Kissing

her.)

TOGETHER.

This, oh, this, etc.

[Exeunt in opposite

directions.

Enter Ko-Ko.

KO.

(looking after Yum-Yum). There she goes! To think how

entirely my future happiness is wrapped up in that little parcel!

Really, it hardly seems worth while! Oh, matrimony!-- (Enter

Pooh-Bah and Pish-Tush.) Now then, what is it? Can't you see I'm

soliloquizing? You have interrupted an apostrophe, sir!

PISH.

I am the bearer of a letter from his Majesty the

Mikado.

KO.

(taking it from him reverentially). A letter from the

Mikado! What in the world can he have to say to me? (Reads

letter.) Ah, here it is at last! I thought it would come sooner

or later! The Mikado is struck by the fact that no executions

have taken place in Titipu for a year, and decrees that unless

somebody is beheaded within one month the post of Lord High

Executioner shall be abolished, and the city reduced to the rank

of a village!

PISH.

But that will involve us all in irretrievable ruin!

KO.

Yes. There is no help for it, I shall have to execute

somebody at once. The only question is, who shall it be?

POOH.

Well, it seems unkind to say so, but as you're

already under sentence of death for flirting, everything seems to

point to you.

KO.

To me? What are you talking about? I can't execute

myself.

POOH.

Why not?

KO.

Why not? Because, in the first place, self

decapitation is an extremely difficult, not to say dangerous,

thing to attempt; and, in the second, it's suicide, and suicide

is a capital offence.

POOH.

That is so, no doubt.

PISH.

We might reserve that point.

POOH.

True, it could be argued six months hence, before the

full Court.

KO.

Besides, I don't see how a man can cut off his own

head.

POOH.

A man might try.

PISH.

Even if you only succeeded in cutting it half off,

that would be something.

POOH.

It would be taken as an earnest of your desire to

comply with the Imperial will.

KO.

No. Pardon me, but there I am adamant. As official

Headsman, my reputation is at stake, and I can't consent to

embark on a professional operation unless I see my way to a

successful result.

POOH.

This professional conscientiousness is highly

creditable to you, but it places us in a very awkward position.

KO.

My good sir, the awkwardness of your position is grace

itself compared with that of a man engaged in the act of cutting

off his own head.

PISH.

I am afraid that, unless you can obtain a substitute

----

KO.

A substitute? Oh, certainly--nothing easier. (To

Pooh-Bah.) Pooh-Bah, I appoint you Lord High Substitute.

POOH.

I should be delighted. Such an appointment would

realize my fondest dreams. But no, at any sacrifice, I must set

bounds to my insatiable ambition!

TRIO

Ko-Ko Pooh-Bah Pish-Tush

My brain it teams I am so proud, I heard one

day

With endless schemes If I allowed A gentleman

say

Both good and new My family pride That criminals

who

For Titipu; To be my guide, Are cut in two

But if I flit, I'd volunteer Can hardly

feel

The benefit To quit this sphere The fatal

steel,

That I'd diffuse Instead of you And so are

slain

The town would lose! In a minute or two, Without much

pain.

Now every man But family pride If this is

true,

To aid his clan Must be denied, It's jolly for

you;

Should plot and plan And set aside, Your courage

screw

As best he can, And mortified. To bid us

adieu,

And so, And so, And go

Although Although And show

I'm ready to go, I wish to go, Both friend

and foe

Yet recollect And greatly pine How much you

dare.

'Twere disrespect To brightly shine, I'm quite

aware

Did I neglect And take the line It's your

affair,

To thus effect Of a hero fine, Yet I declare

This aim direct, With grief condign I'd take your

share,

So I object-- I must decline-- But I don't

much care--

So I object-- I must decline-- I don't much

care--

So I object-- I must decline-- I don't much

care--

ALL

To sit in solemn silence in a dull, dark dock,

In a pestilential prison, with a life-long lock,

Awaiting the sensation of a short, sharp shock,

From a cheap and chippy chopper on a big black block!

[Exeunt Pooh.

and Pish.

KO.

This is simply appalling! I, who allowed myself to be

respited at the last moment, simply in order to benefit my native

town, am now required to die within a month, and that by a man

whom I have loaded with honours! Is this public gratitude? Is

this--- (Enter Nanki-Poo, with a rope in his hands.) Go away,

sir! How dare you? Am I never to be permitted to soliloquize?

NANK.

Oh, go on--don't mind me.

KO.

What are you going to do with that rope?

NANK.

I am about to terminate an unendurabIe existence.

KO.

Terminate your existence? Oh, nonsense! What for?

NANK.

Because you are going to marry the girl I adore.

KO.

Nonsense, sir. I won't permit it. I am a humane man,

and if you attempt anything of the kind I shall order your

instant arrest. Come, sir, desist at once or I summon my guard.

NANK.

That's absurd. If you attempt to raise an alarm, I

instantly perform the Happy Despatch with this dagger.

KO.

No, no, don't do that. This is horrible! (Suddenly.)

Why, you cold-blooded scoundrel, are you aware that, in taking

your life, you are committing a crime which--which--which is----

Oh! (Struck by an idea.) Substitute!

NANK.

What's the matter?

KO.

Is it absolutely certain that you are resolved to die?

NANK.

Absolutely!

KO.

Will nothing shake your resolution?

NANK.

Nothing.

KO.

Threats, entreaties, prayers--all useless?

NANK.

All! My mind is made up.

KO.

Then, if you really mean what you say, and if you are

absolutely resolved to die, and if nothing whatever will shake

your determination--don't spoil yourself by committing suicide,

but be beheaded handsomely at the hands of the Public

Executioner!

NANK.

I don't see how that would benefit me.

KO.

You don't? Observe: you'll have a month to live, and

you'll live like a fighting-cock at my expense. When the day

comes there'll be a grand public ceremonial--you'll be the

central figure--no one will attempt to deprive you of that

distinction. There'll be a procession--bands--dead march--bells

tolling--all the girls in tears--Yum-Yum distracted--then, when

it's all over, general rejoicings, and a display of fireworks in

the evening. You won't see them, but they'll be there all the

same.

NANK.

Do you think Yum-Yum would really be distracted at my

death?

KO.

I am convinced of it. Bless you, she's the most

tender-hearted little creature alive.

NANK.

I should be sorry to cause her pain. Perhaps, after

all, if I were to withdraw from Japan, and travel in Europe for a

couple of years, I might contrive to forget her.

KO.

Oh, I don't think you could forget Yum-Yum so easily;

and, after all, what is more miserable than a love-blighted life?

NANK.

True.

KO.

Life without Yum-Yum--why, it seems absurd!

NANK.

And yet there are a good many people in the world who

have to endure it.

KO.

Poor devils, yes! You are quite right not to be of

their number.

NANK.

(suddenly). I won't be of their number!

KO.

Noble fellow!

NANK.

I'll tell you how we'll manage it. Let me marry

Yum-Yum to-morrow, and in a month you may behead me.

KO.

No, no. I draw the line at Yum-Yum.

NANK.

Very good. If you can draw the line, so can I.

(Preparing rope.)

KO.

Stop, stop--listen one moment--be reasonable. How can

I consent to your marrying Yum-Yum if I'm going to marry her

myself?

NANK.

My good friend, she'll be a widow in a month, and you

can marry her then.

KO.

That's true, of course. I quite see that. But, dear

me! my position during the next month will be most

unpleasant--most unpleasant.

NANK.

Not half so unpleasant as my position at the end of

it.

KO.

But--dear me!--well--I agree--after all, it's only

putting off my wedding for a month. But you won't prejudice her

against me, will you? You see, I've educated her to be my wife;

she's been taught to regard me as a wise and good man. Now I

shouldn't like her views on that point disturbed.

NANK.

Trust me, she shall never learn the truth from me.

FINALE

Enter Chorus, Pooh-Bah, and Pish-Tush.

CHORUS

With aspect stern

And gloomy stride,

We come to learn

How you decide.

Don't hesitate

Your choice to name,

A dreadful fate

You'll suffer all the same.

POOH.

To ask you what you mean to do we punctually appear.

KO.

Congratulate me, gentlemen, I've found a Volunteer!

ALL

The Japanese equivalent for Hear, Hear, Hear!

KO.

(presenting him). 'Tis Nanki-Poo!

ALL

Hail, Nanki-Poo!

KO.

I think he'll do?

ALL

Yes, yes, he'll do!

KO.

He yields his life if I'll Yum-Yum surrender.

Now I adore that girl with passion tender,

And could not yield her with a ready will,

Or her allot,

If I did not

Adore myself with passion tenderer still!

Enter Yum-Yum, Peep-Bo, and Pitti-Sing.

ALL

Ah, yes!

He loves himself with passion tenderer still!

KO.

(to Nanki-Poo). Take her--she's yours!

[Exit Ko-Ko

ENSEMBLE.

NANKI-POO. The threatened cloud has passed away,

YUM-YUM. And brightly shines the dawning day;

NANKI-POO. What though the night may come too soon,

YUM-YUM. There's yet a month of afternoon!

NANKI-POO, POOH-BAH, YUM-YUM, PITTI-SING,

and PEEP-BO.

Then let the throng

Our joy advance,

With laughing song

And merry dance,

CHORUS

With joyous shout and ringing cheer,

Inaugurate our brief career!

PITTI-SING. A day, a week, a month, a year--

YUM.

Or far or near, or far or near,

POOH.

Life's eventime comes much too soon,

PITTI-SING. You'll live at least a honeymoon!

ALL

Then let the throng, etc.

CHORUS

With joyous shout, etc.

SOLO--POOH-BAH.

As in a month you've got to die,

If Ko-Ko tells us true,

'Twere empty compliment to cry

"Long life to Nanki-Poo!"

But as one month you have to live

As fellow-citizen,

This toast with three times three we'll give--

"Long life to you--till then!"

[Exit

Pooh-Bah.

CHORUS

May all good fortune prosper you,

May you have health and riches too,

May you succeed in all you do!

Long life to you--till then!

(Dance.)

Enter Katisha melodramatically

KAT.

Your revels cease! Assist me, all of you!

CHORUS

Why, who is this whose evil eyes

Rain blight on our festivities?

KAT.

I claim my perjured lover, Nanki-Poo!

Oh, fool! to shun delights that never cloy!

CHORUS

Go, leave thy deadly work undone!

KAT.

Come back, oh, shallow fool! come back to joy!

CHORUS

Away, away! ill-favoured one!

NANK.

(aside to Yum-Yum). Ah!

'Tis Katisha!

The maid of whom I told you. (About to go.)

KAT.

(detaining him). No!

You shall not go,

These arms shall thus enfold you!

SONG--KATISHA.

KAT.

(addressing Nanki-Poo).

Oh fool, that fleest

My hallowed joys!

Oh blind, that seest

No equipoise!

Oh rash, that judgest

From half, the whole!

Oh base, that grudgest

Love's lightest dole!

Thy heart unbind,

Oh fool, oh blind!

Give me my place,

Oh rash, oh base!

CHORUS

If she's thy bride, restore her place,

Oh fool, oh blind, oh rash, oh base!

KAT.

(addressing Yum-Yum).

Pink cheek, that rulest

Where wisdom serves!

Bright eye, that foolest

Heroic nerves!

Rose lip, that scornest

Lore-laden years!

Smooth tongue, that warnest

Who rightly hears!

Thy doom is nigh.

Pink cheek, bright eye!

Thy knell is rung,

Rose lip, smooth tongue!

CHORUS

If true her tale, thy knell is rung,

Pink cheek, bright eye, rose lip, smooth tongue!

PITTI-SING. Away, nor prosecute your quest--

From our intention, well expressed,

You cannot turn us!

The state of your connubial views

Towards the person you accuse

Does not concern us!

For he's going to marry Yum-Yum--

ALL

Yum-Yum!

PITTI.

Your anger pray bury,

For all will be merry,

I think you had better succumb--

ALL

Cumb--cumb!

PITTI.

And join our expressions of glee.

On this subject I pray you be dumb--

ALL

Dumb--dumb.

PITTI.

You'll find there are many

Who'll wed for a penny--

The word for your guidance is "Mum"--

ALL

Mum--mum!

PITTI.

There's lots of good fish in the sea!

ALL

On this subject we pray you be dumb, etc.

SOLO--KATISHA.

The hour of gladness

Is dead and gone;

In silent sadness

I live alone!

The hope I cherished

All lifeless lies,

And all has perished

Save love, which never dies!

Oh, faithless one, this insult you shall rue!

In vain for mercy on your knees you'll sue.

I'll tear the mask from your disguising!

NANK.

(aside). Now comes the blow!

KAT.

Prepare yourselves for news surprising!

NANK.

(aside). How foil my foe?

KAT.

No minstrel he, despite bravado!

YUM.

(aside, struck by an idea). Ha! ha! I know!

KAT.

He is the son of your----

(Nanki-Poo, Yum-Yum, and Chorus, interrupting, sing Japanese words,

to drown her voice.)

O ni! bikkuri shakkuri to!

KAT.

In vain you interrupt with this tornado!

He is the only son of your----

ALL

O ni! bikkuri shakkuri to!

KAT.

I'll spoil----

ALL

O ni! bikkuri shakkuri to!

KAT.

Your gay gambado!

He is the son----

ALL

O ni! bikkuri shakkuri to!

KAT.

Of your----

ALL

O ni! bikkuri shakkuri to!

KAT.

The son of your----

ALL

O ni! bikkuri shakkuri to! oya! oya!

ENSEMBLE.

KATISHA. THE OTHERS.

Ye torrents roar! We'll hear no more,

Ye tempests howl! Ill-omened owl.

Your wrath outpour To joy we soar,

With angry growl! Despite your

scowl!

Do ye your worst, my vengeance The echoes of our festival

call

Shall rise triumphant over all! Shall rise triumphant over

all!

Prepare for woe, Away you go,

Ye haughty lords, Collect your

hordes;

At once I go Proclaim your woe

Mikado-wards, In dismal

chords

My wrongs with vengeance shall We do not heed their

dismal

be crowned! sound

My wrongs with vengeance shall For joy reigns everywhere

be crowned! around.

(Katisha rushes furiously up stage, clearing the crowd away right

and left, finishing on steps at the back of stage.)

END OF ACT I.

ACT II.

SCENE.--Ko-Ko's Garden.

Yum-Yum discovered seated at her bridal toilet, surrounded by

maidens, who are dressing her hair and painting her face and

lips, as she judges of the effect in a mirror.

SOLO--PITTI-SING and CHORUS OF GIRLS

CHORUS

Braid the raven hair--

Weave the supple tress--

Deck the maiden fair

In her loveliness--

Paint the pretty face--

Dye the coral lip--

Emphasize the grace

Of her ladyship!

Art and nature, thus allied,

Go to make a pretty bride.

SOLO--PITTI-SING.

Sit with downcast eye

Let it brim with dew--

Try if you can cry--

We will do so, too.

When you're summoned, start

Like a frightened roe--

Flutter, little heart,

Colour, come and go!

Modesty at marriage-tide

Well becomes a pretty bride!

CHORUS

Braid the raven hair, etc.

[Exeunt Pitti-Sing, Peep-Bo, and

Chorus.

YUM.

Yes, I am indeed beautiful! Sometimes I sit and

wonder, in my artless Japanese way, why it is that I am so much

more attractive than anybody else in the whole world. Can this

be vanity? No! Nature is lovely and rejoices in her loveliness.

I am a child of Nature, and take after my mother.

SONG--YUM-YUM.

The sun, whose rays

Are all ablaze

With ever-living glory,

Does not deny

His majesty--

He scorns to tell a story!

He don't exclaim,

"I blush for shame,

So kindly be indulgent."

But, fierce and bold,

In fiery gold,

He glories effulgent!

I mean to rule the earth,

As he the sky--

We really know our worth,

The sun and I!

Observe his flame,

That placid dame,

The moon's Celestial Highness;

There's not a trace

Upon her face

Of diffidence or shyness:

She borrows light

That, through the night,

Mankind may all acclaim her!

And, truth to tell,

She lights up well,

So I, for one, don't blame her!

Ah, pray make no mistake,

We are not shy;

We're very wide awake,

The moon and I!

Enter Pitti-Sing and Peep-Bo.

YUM.

Yes, everything seems to smile upon me. I am to be

married to-day to the man I love best and I believe I am the very

happiest girl in Japan!

PEEP.

The happiest girl indeed, for she is indeed to be

envied who has attained happiness in all but perfection.

YUM.

In "all but" perfection?

PEEP.

Well, dear, it can't be denied that the fact that

your husband is to be beheaded in a month is, in its way, a

drawback. It does seem to take the top off it, you know.

PITTI.

I don't know about that. It all depends!

PEEP.

At all events, he will find it a drawback.

PITTI.

Not necessarily. Bless you, it all depends!

YUM.

(in tears). I think it very indelicate of you to

refer to such a subject on such a day. If my married happiness

is to be--to be--

PEEP.

Cut short.

YUM.

Well, cut short--in a month, can't you let me forget

it? (Weeping.)

Enter Nanki-Poo, followed by Go-To.

NANK.

Yum-Yum in tears--and on her wedding morn!

YUM.

(sobbing). They've been reminding me that in a month

you're to be beheaded! (Bursts into tears.)

PITTI.

Yes, we've been reminding her that you're to be

beheaded. (Bursts into tears.)

PEEP.

It's quite true, you know, you are to be beheaded!

(Bursts into tears.)

NANK.

(aside). Humph! Now, some bridegrooms would be

depressed by this sort of thing! (Aloud.) A month? Well,

what's a month? Bah! These divisions of time are purely

arbitrary. Who says twenty-four hours make a day?

PITTI.

There's a popular impression to that effect.

NANK.

Then we'll efface it. We'll call each second a

minute--each minute an hour--each hour a day--and each day a

year. At that rate we've about thirty years of married happiness

before us!

PEEP.

And, at that rate, this interview has already lasted

four hours and three-quarters!

[Exit

Peep-Bo.

YUM.

(still sobbing). Yes. How time flies when one is

thoroughly enjoying oneself!

NANK.

That's the way to look at it! Don't let's be

downhearted! There's a silver lining to every cloud.

YUM.

Certainly. Let's--let's be perfectly happy! (Almost

in tears.)

GO-TO. By all means. Let's--let's thoroughly enjoy

ourselves.

PITTI.

It's--it's absurd to cry! (Trying to force a

laugh.)

YUM.

Quite ridiculous! (Trying to laugh.)

(All break into a forced and melancholy laugh.)

MADRIGAL.

YUM-YUM, PITTI-SING, NANKI-POO, and PISH-TUSH

Brightly dawns our wedding day;

Joyous hour, we give thee greeting!

Whither, whither art thou fleeting?

Fickle moment, prithee stay!

What though mortal joys be hollow?

Pleasures come, if sorrows follow:

Though the tocsin sound, ere long,

Ding dong! Ding dong!

Yet until the shadows fall

Over one and over all,

Sing a merry madrigal--

A madrigal!

Fal-la--fal-la! etc. (Ending in tears.)

Let us dry the ready tear,

Though the hours are surely creeping

Little need for woeful weeping,

Till the sad sundown is near.

All must sip the cup of sorrow--

I to-day and thou to-morrow;

This the close of every song--

Ding dong! Ding dong!

What, though solemn shadows fall,

Sooner, later, over all?

Sing a merry madrigal--

A madrigal!

Fal-la--fal-la! etc. (Ending in tears.)

[Exeunt Pitti-Sing and

Pish-Tush.

(Nanki-Poo embraces Yum-Yum. Enter Ko-Ko. Nanki-Poo releases

Yum-Yum.)

KO.

Go on--don't mind me.

NANK.

I'm afraid we're distressing you.

KO.

Never mind, I must get used to it. Only please do it

by degrees. Begin by putting your arm round her waist.

(Nanki-Poo does so.) There; let me get used to that first.

YUM.

Oh, wouldn't you like to retire? It must pain you to

see us so affectionate together!

KO.

No, I must learn to bear it! Now oblige me by allowing

her head to rest on your shoulder.

NANK.

Like that? (He does so. Ko-Ko much affected.)

KO.

I am much obliged to you. Now--kiss her! (He does so.

Ko-Ko writhes with anguish.) Thank you--it's simple torture!

YUM.

Come, come, bear up. After all, it's only for a

month.

KO.

No. It's no use deluding oneself with false hopes.

NANK. and YUM.

What do you mean?

KO.

(to Yum-Yum). My child--my poor child! (Aside.) How

shall I break it to her? (Aloud.) My little bride that was to

have been?

YUM.

(delighted). Was to have been?

KO.

Yes, you never can be mine!

NANK. and YUM.

(simultaneously, in ecstacy) What!/I'm so

glad!

KO.

I've just ascertained that, by the Mikado's law, when a

married man is beheaded his wife is buried alive.

NANK. and YUM.

Buried alive!

KO.

Buried alive. It's a most unpleasant death.

NANK.

But whom did you get that from?

KO.

Oh, from Pooh-Bah. He's my Solicitor.

YUM.

But he may be mistaken!

KO.

So I thought; so I consulted the Attorney General, the

Lord Chief Justice, the Master of the Rolls, the Judge Ordinary,

and the Lord Chancellor. They're all of the same opinion. Never

knew such unanimity on a point of law in my life!

NANK.

But stop a bit! This law has never been put in

force.

KO.

Not yet. You see, flirting is the only crime

punishable with decapitation, and married men never flirt.

NANK.

Of course, they don't. I quite forgot that! Well, I

suppose I may take it that my dream of happiness is at an end!

YUM.

Darling--I don't want to appear selfish, and I love

you with all my heart--I don't suppose I shall ever love anybody

else half as much--but when I agreed to marry you--my own--I had

no idea--pet--that I should have to be buried alive in a month!

NANK.

Nor I! It's the very first I've heard of it!

YUM.

It--it makes a difference, doesn't it?

NANK.

It does make a difference, of course.

YUM.

You see--burial alive--it's such a stuffy death!

NANK.

I call it a beast of a death.

YUM.

You see my difficulty, don't you?

NANK.

Yes, and I see my own. If I insist on your carrying

out your promise, I doom you to a hideous death; if I release

you, you marry Ko-Ko at once!

TRIO.--YUM-YUM, NANKI-POO, and KO-KO.

YUM.

Here's a how-de-do!

If I marry you,

When your time has come to perish,

Then the maiden whom you cherish

Must be slaughtered, too!

Here's a how-de-do!

NANK.

Here's a pretty mess!

In a month, or less,

I must die without a wedding!

Let the bitter tears I'm shedding

Witness my distress,

Here's a pretty mess!

KO.

Here's a state of things

To her life she clings!

Matrimonial devotion

Doesn't seem to suit her notion--

Burial it brings!

Here's a state of things!

ENSEMBLE

YUM-YUM and NANKI-POO. KO-KO.

With a passion that's intense With a passion that's

intense

I worship and adore, You worship and adore,

But the laws of common sense But the laws of common

sense

We oughtn't to ignore. You oughtn't to

ignore.

If what he says is true, If what I say is true,

'Tis death to marry you! 'Tis death to marry

you!

Here's a pretty state of things! Here's a pretty state of

things!

Here's a pretty how-de-do! Here's a pretty

how-de-do!

[Exit

Yum-Yum.

KO.

(going up to Nanki-Poo). My poor boy, I'm really very

sorry for you.

NANK.

Thanks, old fellow. I'm sure you are.

KO.

You see I'm quite helpless.

NANK.

I quite see that.

KO.

I can't conceive anything more distressing than to have

one's marriage broken off at the last moment. But you shan't be

disappointed of a wedding--you shall come to mine.

NANK.

It's awfully kind of you, but that's impossible.

KO.

Why so?

NANK.

To-day I die.

KO.

What do you mean?

NANK.

I can't live without Yum-Yum. This afternoon I

perform the Happy Despatch.

KO.

No, no--pardon me--I can't allow that.

NANK.

Why not?

KO.

Why, hang it all, you're under contract to die by the

hand of the Public Executioner in a month's time! If you kill

yourself, what's to become of me? Why, I shall have to be

executed in your place!

NANK.

It would certainly seem so!

Enter Pooh-Bah.

KO.

Now then, Lord Mayor, what is it?

POOH.

The Mikado and his suite are approaching the city,

and will be here in ten minutes.

KO.

The Mikado! He's coming to see whether his orders have

been carried out! (To Nanki-Poo.) Now look here, you know--this

is getting serious--a bargain's a bargain, and you really mustn't

frustrate the ends of justice by committing suicide. As a man of

honour and a gentleman, you are bound to die ignominiously by the

hands of the Public Executioner.

NANK.

Very well, then--behead me.

KO.

What, now?

NANK.

Certainly; at once.

POOH.

Chop it off! Chop it off!

KO.

My good sir, I don't go about prepared to execute

gentlemen at a moment's notice. Why, I never even killed a

blue-bottle!

POOH.

Still, as Lord High Executioner----

KO.

My good sir, as Lord High Executioner, I've got to

behead him in a month. I'm not ready yet. I don't know how it's

done. I'm going to take lessons. I mean to begin with a guinea

pig, and work my way through the animal kingdom till I come to a

Second Trombone. Why, you don't suppose that, as a humane man,

I'd have accepted the post of Lord High Executioner if I hadn't

thought the duties were purely nominal? I can't kill you--I

can't kill anything! I can't kill anybody! (Weeps.)

NANK.

Come, my poor fellow, we all have unpleasant duties

to discharge at times; after all, what is it? If I don't mind,

why should you? Remember, sooner or later it must be done.

KO.

(springing up suddenly). Must it? I'm not so sure

about that!

NANK.

What do you mean?

KO.

Why should I kill you when making an affidavit that

you've been executed will do just as well? Here are plenty of

witnesses--the Lord Chief Justice, Lord High Admiral,

Commander-in-Chief, Secretary of State for the Home Department,

First Lord of the Treasury, and Chief Commissioner of Police.

NANK.

But where are they?

KO.

There they are. They'll all swear to it--won't you?

(To Pooh-Bah.)

POOH.

Am I to understand that all of us high Officers of

State are required to perjure ourselves to ensure your safety?

KO.

Why not! You'll be grossly insulted, as usual.

POOH.

Will the insult be cash down, or at a date?

KO.

It will be a ready-money transaction.

POOH.

(Aside.) Well, it will be a useful discipline.

(Aloud.) Very good. Choose your fiction, and I'll endorse it!

(Aside.) Ha! ha! Family Pride, how do you like that, my buck?

NANK.

But I tell you that life without Yum-Yum----

KO.

Oh, Yum-Yum, Yum-Yum! Bother Yum-Yum! Here,

Commissionaire (to Pooh-Bah), go and fetch Yum-Yum. (Exit

Pooh-Bah.) Take Yum-Yum and marry Yum-Yum, only go away and never

come back again. (Enter Pooh-Bah with Yum-Yum.) Here she is.

Yum-Yum, are you particularly busy?

YUM.

Not particularly.

KO.

You've five minutes to spare?

YUM.

Yes.

KO.

Then go along with his Grace the Archbishop of Titipu;

he'll marry you at once.

YUM.

But if I'm to be buried alive?

KO.

Now, don't ask any questions, but do as I tell you, and

Nanki-Poo will explain all.

NANK.

But one moment----

KO.

Not for worlds. Here comes the Mikado, no doubt to

ascertain whether I've obeyed his decree, and if he finds you

alive I shall have the greatest difficulty in persuading him that

I've beheaded you. (Exeunt Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum, followed by

Pooh-Bah.) Close thing that, for here he comes!

[Exit Ko-Ko.

March.--Enter procession, heralding Mikado, with Katisha.

Entrance of Mikado and Katisha.

("March of the Mikado's troops.")

CHORUS

Miya sama, miya sama,

On n'm-ma no maye ni

Pira-Pira suru no wa

Nan gia na

Toko tonyare tonyare na?

DUET--MIKADO and KATISHA.

MIK.

From every kind of man

Obedience I expect;

I'm the Emperor of Japan--

KAT.

And I'm his daughter-in-law elect!

He'll marry his son

(He's only got one)

To his daughter-in-law elect!

MIK.

My morals have been declared

Particularly correct;

KAT.

But they're nothing at all, compared

With those of his daughter-in-law elect!

Bow--Bow--

To his daughter-in-law elect!

ALL

Bow--Bow--

To his daughter-in-law elect.

MIK.

In a fatherly kind of way

I govern each tribe and sect,

All cheerfully own my sway--

KAT.

Except his daughter-in-law elect!

As tough as a bone,

With a will of her own,

Is his daughter-in-law elect!

MIK.

My nature is love and light--

My freedom from all defect--

KAT.

Is insignificant quite,

Compared with his daughter-in-law elect!

Bow--Bow--

To his daughter-in-law elect!

ALL

Bow--Bow--

To his daughter-in-law elect!

SONG--MIKADO and CHORUS

A more humane Mikado never

Did in Japan exist,

To nobody second,

I'm certainly reckoned

A true philanthropist.

It is my very humane endeavour

To make, to some extent,

Each evil liver

A running river

Of harmless merriment.

My object all sublime

I shall achieve in time--

To let the punishment fit the crime--

The punishment fit the crime;

And make each prisoner pent

Unwillingly represent

A source of innocent merriment!

Of innocent merriment!

All prosy dull society sinners,

Who chatter and bleat and bore,

Are sent to hear sermons

From mystical Germans

Who preach from ten till four.

The amateur tenor, whose vocal villainies

All desire to shirk,

Shall, during off-hours,

Exhibit his powers

To Madame Tussaud's waxwork.

The lady who dyes a chemical yellow

Or stains her grey hair puce,

Or pinches her figure,

Is painted with vigour

With permanent walnut juice.

The idiot who, in railway carriages,

Scribbles on window-panes,

We only suffer

To ride on a buffer

In Parliamentary trains.

My object all sublime, etc.

CHORUS

His object all sublime, etc.

The advertising quack who wearies

With tales of countless cures,

His teeth, I've enacted,

Shall all be extracted

By terrified amateurs.

The music-hall singer attends a series

Of masses and fugues and "ops"

By Bach, interwoven

With Spohr and Beethoven,

At classical Monday Pops.

The billiard sharp who any one catches,

His doom's extremely hard--

He's made to dwell--

In a dungeon cell

On a spot that's always barred.

And there he plays extravagant matches

In fitless finger-stalls

On a cloth untrue

With a twisted cue

And elliptical billiard balls!

My object all sublime, etc.

CHORUS

His object all sublime, etc.

Enter Pooh-Bah, Ko-Ko, and Pitti-Sing. All kneel

(Pooh-Bah hands a paper to Ko-Ko.)

KO.

I am honoured in being permitted to welcome your

Majesty. I guess the object of your Majesty's visit--your wishes

have been attended to. The execution has taken place.

MIK.

Oh, you've had an execution, have you?

KO.

Yes. The Coroner has just handed me his certificate.

POOH.

I am the Coroner. (Ko-Ko hands certificate to

Mikado.)

MIK.

And this is the certificate of his death. (Reads.)

"At Titipu, in the presence of the Lord Chancellor, Lord Chief

Justice, Attorney-General, Secretary of State for the Home

Department, Lord Mayor, and Groom of the Second Floor Front----"

POOH.

They were all present, your Majesty. I counted them

myself.

MIK.

Very good house. I wish I'd been in time for the

performance.

KO.

A tough fellow he was, too--a man of gigantic strength.

His struggles were terrific. It was a remarkable scene.

MIK.

Describe it.

TRIO and CHORUS

KO-KO, PITTI-SING, POOH-BAH and CHORUS

KO.

The criminal cried, as he dropped him down,

In a state of wild alarm--

With a frightful, frantic, fearful frown,

I bared my big right arm.

I seized him by his little pig-tail,

And on his knees fell he,

As he squirmed and struggled,

And gurgled and guggled,

I drew my snickersnee!

Oh, never shall I

Forget the cry,

Or the shriek that shrieked he,

As I gnashed my teeth,

When from its sheath

I drew my snickersnee!

CHORUS

We know him well,

He cannot tell

Untrue or groundless tales--

He always tries

To utter lies,

And every time he fails.

PITTI.

He shivered and shook as he gave the sign

For the stroke he didn't deserve;

When all of a sudden his eye met mine,

And it seemed to brace his nerve;

For he nodded his head and kissed his hand,

And he whistled an air, did he,

As the sabre true

Cut cleanly through

His cervical vertebrae!

When a man's afraid,

A beautiful maid

Is a cheering sight to see;

And it's oh, I'm glad

That moment sad

Was soothed by sight of me!

CHORUS

Her terrible tale

You can't assail,

With truth it quite agrees:

Her taste exact

For faultless fact

Amounts to a disease.

POOH.

Now though you'd have said that head was dead

(For its owner dead was he),

It stood on its neck, with a smile well-bred,

And bowed three times to me!

It was none of your impudent off-hand nods,

But as humble as could be;

For it clearly knew

The deference due

To a man of pedigree!

And it's oh, I vow,

This deathly bow

Was a touching sight to see;

Though trunkless, yet

It couldn't forget

The deference due to me!

CHORUS

This haughty youth,

He speaks the truth

Whenever he finds it pays:

And in this case

It all took place

Exactly as he says!

[Exeunt

Chorus.

MIK.

All this is very interesting, and I should like to

have seen it. But we came about a totally different matter. A

year ago my son, the heir to the throne of Japan, bolted from our

Imperial Court.

KO.

Indeed! Had he any reason to be dissatisfied with his

position?

KAT.

None whatever. On the contrary, I was going to marry

him--yet he fled!

POOH.

I am surprised that he should have fled from one so

lovely!

KAT.

That's not true.

POOH.

No!

KAT.

You hold that I am not beautiful because my face is

plain. But you know nothing; you are still unenlightened.

Learn, then, that it is not in the face alone that beauty is to

be sought. My face is unattractive!

POOH.

It is.

KAT.

But I have a left shoulder-blade that is a miracle of

loveliness. People come miles to see it. My right elbow has a

fascination that few can resist.

POOH.

Allow me!

KAT.

It is on view Tuesdays and Fridays, on presentation of

visiting card. As for my circulation, it is the largest in the

world.

KO.

And yet he fled!

MIK.

And is now masquerading in this town, disguised as a

Second Trombone.

KO., POOH.

, and PITTI. A Second Trombone!

MIK.

Yes; would it be troubling you too much if I asked you

to produce him? He goes by the name of----

KAT.

Nanki-Poo.

MIK.

Nanki-Poo.

KO.

It's quite easy. That is, it's rather difficult. In

point of fact, he's gone abroad!

MIK.

Gone abroad! His address.

KO.

Knightsbridge!

KAT.

(who is reading certificate of death). Ha!

MIK.

What's the matter?

KAT.

See here--his name--Nanki-Poo--beheaded this morning.

Oh, where shall I find another? Where shall I find another?

[Ko-Ko, Pooh-Bah, and Pitti-Sing fall on

their knees.

MIK.

(looking at paper). Dear, dear, dear! this is very

tiresome. (To Ko-Ko.) My poor fellow, in your anxiety to carry

out my wishes you have beheaded the heir to the throne of Japan!

KO.

I beg to offer an unqualified apology.

POOH.

I desire to associate myself with that expression of

regret.

PITTI.

We really hadn't the least notion--

MIK.

Of course you hadn't. How could you? Come, come, my

good fellow, don't distress yourself--it was no fault of yours.

If a man of exalted rank chooses to disguise himself as a Second

Trombone, he must take the consequences. It really distresses me

to see you take on so. I've no doubt he thoroughly deserved all

he got. (They rise.)

KO.

We are infinitely obliged to your Majesty----

PITTI.

Much obliged, your Majesty.

POOH.

Very much obliged, your Majesty.

MIK.

Obliged? not a bit. Don't mention it. How could you

tell?

POOH.

No, of course we couldn't tell who the gentleman

really was.

PITTI.

It wasn't written on his forehead, you know.

KO.

It might have been on his pocket-handkerchief, but

Japanese don't use pocket-handkerchiefs! Ha! ha! ha!

MIK.

Ha! ha! ha! (To Katisha.) I forget the punishment for

compassing the death of the Heir Apparent.

KO.

, POOH, and PITTI. Punishment. (They drop down on their

knees again.)

MIK.

Yes. Something lingering, with boiling oil in it, I

fancy. Something of that sort. I think boiling oil occurs in

it, but I'm not sure. I know it's something humorous, but

lingering, with either boiling oil or melted lead. Come, come,

don't fret--I'm not a bit angry.

KO.

(in abject terror). If your Majesty will accept our

assurance, we had no idea----

MIK.

Of course----

PITTI.

I knew nothing about it.

POOH.

I wasn't there.

MIK.

That's the pathetic part of it. Unfortunately, the

fool of an Act says "compassing the death of the Heir Apparent."

There's not a word about a mistake----

KO., PITTI.

, and POOH. No!

MIK.

Or not knowing----

KO.

No!

MIK.

Or having no notion----

PITTI.

No!

MIK.

Or not being there----

POOH.

No!

MIK.

There should be, of course---

KO., PITTI.

, and POOH. Yes!

MIK.

But there isn't.

KO., PITTI.

, and POOH. Oh!

MIK.

That's the slovenly way in which these Acts are always

drawn. However, cheer up, it'll be all right. I'll have it

altered next session. Now, let's see about your execution--will

after luncheon suit you? Can you wait till then?

KO., PITTI.

, and POOH. Oh, yes--we can wait till then!

MIK.

Then we'll make it after luncheon.

POOH.

I don't want any lunch.

MIK.

I'm really very sorry for you all, but it's an unjust

world, and virtue is triumphant only in theatrical performances.

GLEE.

PITTI-SING, KATISHA, KO-KO, POOH-BAH, and MIKADO,

MIK.

See how the Fates their gifts allot,

For A is happy--B is not.

Yet B is worthy, I dare say,

Of more prosperity than A!

KO., POOH.

, and PITTI. Is B more worthy?

KAT.

I should say

He's worth a great deal more than A.

ENSEMBLE:

Yet A is happy!

Oh, so happy!

Laughing, Ha! ha!

Chaffing, Ha! ha!

Nectar quaffing, Ha! ha! ha!

Ever joyous, ever gay,

Happy, undeserving A!

KO., POOH.

, and PITTI. If I were Fortune--which I'm not--

B should enjoy A's happy lot,

And A should die in miserie--

That is, assuming I am B.

MIK. and KAT.

But should A perish?

KO., POOH.

, and PITTI. That should be

(Of course, assuming I am B).

B should be happy!

Oh, so happy!

Laughing, Ha! ha!

Chaffing, Ha! ha!

Nectar quaffing, Ha! ha! ha!

But condemned to die is he,

Wretched meritorious B!

[Exeunt Mikado and

Katisha.

KO.

Well, a nice mess you've got us into, with your nodding

head and the deference due to a man of pedigree!

POOH.

Merely corroborative detail, intended to give

artistic verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing

narrative.

PITTI.

Corroborative detail indeed! Corroborative

fiddlestick!

KO.

And you're just as bad as he is with your cock--

and-a-bull stories about catching his eye and his whistling an

air. But that's so like you! You must put in your oar!

POOH.

But how about your big right arm?

PITTI.

Yes, and your snickersnee!

KO.

Well, well, never mind that now. There's only one

thing to be done. Nanki-Poo hasn't started yet--he must come to

life again at once. (Enter Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum prepared for

journey.) Here he comes. Here, Nanki-Poo, I've good news for

you--you're reprieved.

NANK.

Oh, but it's too late. I'm a dead man, and I'm off

for my honeymoon.

KO.

Nonsense! A terrible thing has just happened. It

seems you're the son of the Mikado.

NANK.

Yes, but that happened some time ago.

KO.

Is this a time for airy persiflage? Your father is

here, and with Katisha!

NANK.

My father! And with Katisha!

KO.

Yes, he wants you particularly.

POOH.

So does she.

YUM.

Oh, but he's married now.

KO.

But, bless my heart! what has that to do with it?

NANK.

Katisha claims me in marriage, but I can't marry her

because I'm married already--consequently she will insist on my

execution, and if I'm executed, my wife will have to be buried

alive.

YUM.

You see our difficulty.

KO.

Yes. I don't know what's to be done.

NANK.

There's one chance for you. If you could persuade

Katisha to marry you, she would have no further claim on me, and

in that case I could come to life without any fear of being put

to death.

KO.

I marry Katisha!

YUM.

I really think it's the only course.

KO.

But, my good girl, have you seen her? She's something

appalling!

PITTI.

Ah! that's only her face. She has a left elbow

which people come miles to see!

POOH.

I am told that her right heel is much admired by

connoisseurs.

KO.

My good sir, I decline to pin my heart upon any lady's

right heel.

NANK.

It comes to this: While Katisha is single, I prefer

to be a disembodied spirit. When Katisha is married, existence

will be as welcome as the flowers in spring.

DUET--NANKI-POO and KO-KO.

(With YUM-YUM, PITTI-SING, and POOH-BAH.)

NANK.

The flowers that bloom in the spring,

Tra la,

Breathe promise of merry sunshine--

As we merrily dance and we sing,

Tra la,

We welcome the hope that they bring,

Tra la,

Of a summer of roses and wine.

And that's what we mean when we say that a

thing

Is welcome as flowers that bloom in the

spring.

Tra la la la la la, etc.

ALL

Tra la la la, etc.

KO.

The flowers that bloom in the spring,

Tra la,

Have nothing to do with the case.

I've got to take under my wing,

Tra la,

A most unattractive old thing,

Tra la,

With a caricature of a face

And that's what I mean when I say, or I sing,

"Oh, bother the flowers that bloom in the spring."

Tra la la la la la, etc.

ALL

Tra la la la, Tra la la la, etc.

[Dance and exeunt Nanki-Poo, Yum-Yum, Pooh-Bah, Pitti-Sing, and

Ko-Ko.

Enter Katisha.

RECITATIVE and SONG.--KATISHA.

Alone, and yet alive! Oh, sepulchre!

My soul is still my body's prisoner!

Remote the peace that Death alone can give--

My doom, to wait! my punishment, to live!

SONG.

Hearts do not break!

They sting and ache

For old love's sake,

But do not die,

Though with each breath

They long for death

As witnesseth

The living I!

Oh, living I!

Come, tell me why,

When hope is gone,

Dost thou stay on?

Why linger here,

Where all is drear?

Oh, living I!

Come, tell me why,

When hope is gone,

Dost thou stay on?

May not a cheated maiden die?

KO.

(entering and approaching her timidly). Katisha!

KAT.

The miscreant who robbed me of my love! But vengeance

pursues--they are heating the cauldron!

KO.

Katisha--behold a suppliant at your feet!

Katisha--mercy!

KAT.

Mercy? Had you mercy on him? See here, you! You

have slain my love. He did not love me, but he would have loved

me in time. I am an acquired taste--only the educated palate can

appreciate me. I was educating his palate when he left me.

Well, he is dead, and where shall I find another? It takes years

to train a man to love me. Am I to go through the weary round

again, and, at the same time, implore mercy for you who robbed me

of my prey--I mean my pupil--just as his education was on the

point of completion? Oh, where shall I find another?

KO.

(suddenly, and with great vehemence). Here!--Here!

KAT.

What!!!

KO.

(with intense passion). Katisha, for years I have

loved you with a white-hot passion that is slowly but surely

consuming my very vitals! Ah, shrink not from me! If there is

aught of woman's mercy in your heart, turn not away from a

love-sick suppliant whose every fibre thrills at your tiniest

touch! True it is that, under a poor mask of disgust, I have

endeavoured to conceal a passion whose inner fires are broiling

the soul within me! But the fire will not be smothered--it

defies all attempts at extinction, and, breaking forth, all the

more eagerly for its long restraint, it declares itself in words

that will not be weighed--that cannot be schooled--that should

not be too severely criticised. Katisha, I dare not hope for

your love--but I will not live without it! Darling!

KAT.

You, whose hands still reek with the blood of my

betrothed, dare to address words of passion to the woman you have

so foully wronged!

KO.

I do--accept my love, or I perish on the spot!

KAT.

Go to! Who knows so well as I that no one ever yet

died of a broken heart!

KO.

You know not what you say. Listen!

SONG--KO-KO.

On a tree by a river a little tom-tit

Sang "Willow, titwillow, titwillow!"

And I said to him, "Dicky-bird, why do you sit

Singing Willow, titwillow, titwillow'?"

"Is it weakness of intellect, birdie?" I cried,

"Or a rather tough worm in your little inside?"

With a shake of his poor little head, he replied,

"Oh, willow, titwillow, titwillow!"

He slapped at his chest, as he sat on that bough,

Singing "Willow, titwillow, titwillow!"

And a cold perspiration bespangled his brow,

Oh, willow, titwillow, titwillow!

He sobbed and he sighed, and a gurgle he gave,

Then he plunged himself into the billowy wave,

And an echo arose from the suicide's grave--

"Oh, willow, titwillow, titwillow!"

Now I feel just as sure as I'm sure that my name

Isn't Willow, titwillow, titwillow,

That 'twas blighted affection that made him exclaim

"Oh, willow, titwillow, titwillow!"

And if you remain callous and obdurate, I

Shall perish as he did, and you will know why,

Though I probably shall not exclaim as I die,

"Oh, willow, titwillow, titwillow!"

(During this song Katisha has been greatly affected, and at the

end is almost in tears.)

KAT.

(whimpering). Did he really die of love?

KO.

He really did.

KAT.

All on account of a cruel little hen?

KO.

Yes.

KAT.

Poor little chap!

KO.

It's an affecting tale, and quite true. I knew the

bird intimately.

KAT.

Did you? He must have been very fond of her.

KO.

His devotion was something extraordinary.

KAT.

(still whimpering). Poor little chap! And--and if I

refuse you, will you go and do the same?

KO.

At once.

KAT.

No, no--you mustn't! Anything but that! (Falls on

his breast.) Oh, I'm a silly little goose!

KO.

(making a wry face). You are!

KAT.

And you won't hate me because I'm just a little teeny

weeny wee bit bloodthirsty, will you?

KO.

Hate you? Oh, Katisha! is there not beauty even in

bloodthirstiness?

KAT.

My idea exactly.

DUET--KATISHA and KO-KO.

KAT.

There is beauty in the bellow of the blast,

There is grandeur in the growling of the gale,

There is eloquent outpouring

When the lion is a-roaring,

And the tiger is a-lashing of his tail!

KO.

Yes, I like to see a tiger

From the Congo or the Niger,

And especially when lashing of his tail!

KAT.

Volcanoes have a splendor that is grim,

And earthquakes only terrify the dolts,

But to him who's scientific

There's nothing that's terrific

In the falling of a flight of thunderbolts!

KO.

Yes, in spite of all my meekness,

If I have a little weakness,

It's a passion for a flight of thunderbolts!

BOTH

If that is so,

Sing derry down derry!

It's evident, very,

Our tastes are one.

Away we'll go,

And merrily marry,

Nor tardily tarry

Till day is done!

KO.

There is beauty in extreme old age--

Do you fancy you are elderly enough?

Information I'm requesting

On a subject interesting:

Is a maiden all the better when she's tough?

KAT.

Throughout this wide dominion

It's the general opinion

That she'll last a good deal longer when she's

tough.

KO.

Are you old enough to marry, do you think?

Won't you wait till you are eighty in the shade?

There's a fascination frantic

In a ruin that's romantic;

Do you think you are sufficiently decayed?

KAT.

To the matter that you mention

I have given some attention,

And I think I am sufficiently decayed.

BOTH

If that is so,

Sing derry down derry!

It's evident, very,

Our tastes are one!

Away we'll go,

And merrily marry,

Nor tardily tarry

Till day is done!

[Exeunt

together.

Flourish. Enter the Mikado, attended by Pish-Tush and Court.

MIK.

Now then, we've had a capital lunch, and we're quite

ready. Have all the painful preparations been made?

PISH.

Your Majesty, all is prepared.

MIK.

Then produce the unfortunate gentleman and his two

well-meaning but misguided accomplices.

Enter Ko-Ko, Katisha, Pooh-Bah, and Pitti-Sing. They throw

themselves

at the Mikado's feet

KAT.

Mercy! Mercy for Ko-Ko! Mercy for Pitti-Sing! Mercy

even for Pooh-Bah!

MIK.

I beg your pardon, I don't think I quite caught that

remark.

POOH.

Mercy even for Pooh-Bah.

KAT.

Mercy! My husband that was to have been is dead, and

I have just married this miserable object.

MIK.

Oh! You've not been long about it!

KO.

We were married before the Registrar.

POOH.

I am the Registrar.

MIK.

I see. But my difficulty is that, as you have slain

the Heir Apparent----

Enter Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum. They kneel.

NANK.

The Heir Apparent is not slain.

MIK.

Bless my heart, my son!

YUM.

And your daughter-in-law elected!

KAT.

(seizing Ko-Ko). Traitor, you have deceived me!

MIK.

Yes, you are entitled to a little explanation, but I

think he will give it better whole than in pieces.

KO.

Your Majesty, it's like this: It is true that I stated

that I had killed Nanki-Poo----

MIK.

Yes, with most affecting particulars.

POOH.

Merely corroborative detail intended to give artistic

verisimilitude to a bald and----

KO.

Will you refrain from putting in your oar? (To

Mikado.) It's like this: When your Majesty says, "Let a thing be

done," it's as good as done--practically, it is done--because

your Majesty's will is law. Your Majesty says, "Kill a

gentleman," and a gentleman is told off to be killed.

Consequently, that gentleman is as good as dead--practically, he

is dead--and if he is dead, why not say so?

MIK.

I see. Nothing could possibly be more satisfactory!

FINALE

PITTI.

For he's gone and married Yum-Yum--

ALL

Yum-Yum!

PITTI.

Your anger pray bury,

For all will be merry,

I think you had better succumb--

ALL

Cumb--cumb.

PITTI.

And join our expressions of glee!

KO.

On this subject I pray you be dumb--

ALL

Dumb--dumb!

KO.

Your notions, though many,

Are not worth a penny,

The word for your guidance is "Mum"--

ALL

Mum--Mum!

KO.

You've a very good bargain in me.

ALL

On this subject we pray you be dumb--

Dumb--dumb!

We think you had better succumb--

Cumb--cumb!

You'll find there are many

Who'll wed for a penny,

There are lots of good fish in the sea.

YUM. and NANK.

The threatened cloud has passed away,

And brightly shines the dawning day;

What though the night may come too soon,

We've years and years of afternoon!

ALL

Then let the throng

Our joy advance,

With laughing song

And merry dance,

With joyous shout and ringing cheer,

Inaugurate our new career!

Then let the throng, etc.

CURTAIN.

RUDDIGORE

or, The Witch's Curse

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

MORTALS

SIR RUTHVEN MURGATROYD (disguised as Robin Oakapple, a Young Farmer)

RICHARD DAUNTLESS (his Foster-Brother, a Man-o'-war's man)

SIR DESPARD MURGATROYD, OF RUDDIGORE (a Wicked Baronet)

OLD ADAM GOODHEART (Robin's Faithful Servant)

ROSE MAYBUD (a Village Maiden)

MAD MARGARET

DAME HANNAH (Rose's Aunt)

ZORAH >and RUTH (Professional Bridesmaids)

GHOSTS

SIR RUPERT MURGATROYD (the First Baronet)

SIR JASPER MURGATROYD (the Third Baronet)

SIR LIONEL MURGATROYD (the Sixth Baronet)

SIR CONRAD MURGATROYD (the Twelfth Baronet)

SIR DESMOND MURGATROYD (the Sixteenth Baronet)

SIR GILBERT MURGATROYD (the Eighteenth Baronet)

SIR MERVYN MURGATROYD (the Twentieth Baronet)

and

SIR RODERIC MURGATROYD (the Twenty-first Baronet)

Chorus of Officers, Ancestors, Professional Bridesmaids, and

Villagers

ACT I

The Fishing Village of Rederring, in Cornwall

ACT II

The Picture Gallery in Ruddigore Castle

TIME

Early in the 19th Century

ACT I

SCENE.

The fishing village of Rederring (in Cornwall).

Rose

Maybud's cottage is seen L.

Enter Chorus of Bridesmaids. They range themselves in front of

Rose's cottage.

CHORUS OF BRIDESMAIDS.

Fair is Rose as bright May-day;

Soft is Rose as the warm west-wind;

Sweet is Rose as the new-mown hay--

Rose is queen of maiden-kind!

Rose, all glowing

With virgin blushes, say--

Is anybody going

To marry you to-day?

SOLO--ZORAH.

Every day, as the days roll on,

Bridesmaids' garb we gaily don,

Sure that a maid so fairly famed

Can't long remain unclaimed.

Hour by hour and day by day,

Several months have passed away,

Though she's the fairest flower that blows,

No one has married Rose!

CHORUS

Rose, all glowing

With virgin blushes, say--

Is anybody going

To marry you to-day?

ZORAH.

Hour by hour and day by day,

Months have passed away.

CHORUS

Fair is Rose as bright Mayday, etc.

(Enter Dame Hannah, from cottage.)

HANNAH.

Nay, gentle maidens, you sing well but vainly, for

Rose is still heart-free, and looks but coldly upon her many

suitors.

ZORAH.

It's very disappointing. Every young man in the

village is in love with her, but they are appalled by her beauty

and modesty, and won't declare themselves; so, until she makes

her own choice, there's no chance for anybody else.

RUTH.

This is, perhaps, the only village in the world that

possesses an endowed corps of professional bridesmaids who are

bound to be on duty every day from ten to four--and it is at

least six months since our services were required. The pious

charity by which we exist is practically wasted!

ZOR.

We shall be disendowed--that will be the end of it!

Dame Hannah--you're a nice old person--you could marry if you

liked. There's old Adam--Robin's faithful servant--he loves you

with all the frenzy of a boy of fourteen.

HAN.

Nay--that may never be, for I am pledged!

ALL

To whom?

HAN.

To an eternal maidenhood! Many years ago I was

betrothed to a god-like youth who woo'd me under an assumed name.

But on the very day upon which our wedding was to have been

celebrated, I discovered that he was no other than Sir Roderic

Murgatroyd, one of the bad Baronets of Ruddigore, and the uncle

of the man who now bears that title. As a son of that accursed

race he was no husband for an honest girl, so, madly as I loved

him, I left him then and there. He died but ten years since, but

I never saw him again.

ZOR.

But why should you not marry a bad Baronet of

Ruddigore?

RUTH.

All baronets are bad; but was he worse than other

baronets?

HAN.

My child, he was accursed.

ZOR.

But who cursed him? Not you, I trust!

HAN.

The curse is on all his line and has been, ever since

the time of Sir Rupert, the first Baronet. Listen, and you shall

hear the legend:

LEGEND--HANNAH.

Sir Rupert Murgatroyd

His leisure and his riches

He ruthlessly employed

In persecuting witches.

With fear he'd make them quake--

He'd duck them in his lake--

He'd break their bones

With sticks and stones,

And burn them at the stake!

CHORUS

This sport he much enjoyed,

Did Rupert Murgatroyd--

No sense of shame

Or pity came

To Rupert Murgatroyd!

Once, on the village green,

A palsied hag he roasted,

And what took place, I ween,

Shook his composure boasted;

For, as the torture grim

Seized on each withered limb,

The writhing dame

`Mid fire and flame

Yelled forth this curse on him:

"Each lord of Ruddigore,

Despite his best endeavour,

Shall do one crime, or more,

Once, every day, for ever!

This doom he can't defy,

However he may try,

For should he stay

His hand, that day

In torture he shall die!"

The prophecy came true:

Each heir who held the title

Had, every day, to do

Some crime of import vital;

Until, with guilt o'erplied,

"I'll Sin no more!" he cried,

And on the day

He said that say,

In agony he died!

CHORUS

And thus, with sinning cloyed,

Has died each Murgatroyd,

And so shall fall,

Both one and all,

Each coming Murgatroyd!

(Exeunt Chorus of Bridesmaids.)

(Enter Rose Maybud from cottage, with small basket on her arm.)

HAN.

Whither away, dear Rose? On some errand of charity,

as is thy wont?

ROSE.

A few gifts, dear aunt, for deserving villagers. Lo,

here is some peppermint rock for old gaffer Gadderby, a set of

false teeth for pretty little Ruth Rowbottom, and a pound of

snuff for the poor orphan girl on the hill.

HAN.

Ah, Rose, pity that so much goodness should not help

to make some gallant youth happy for life! Rose, why dost thou

harden that little heart of thine? Is there none hereaway whom

thou couldst love?

ROSE.

And if there were such an one, verily it would ill

become me to tell him so.

HAN.

Nay, dear one, where true love is, there is little

need of prim formality.

ROSE.

Hush, dear aunt, for thy words pain me sorely. Hung

in a plated dish-cover to the knocker of the workhouse door, with

naught that I could call mine own, save a change of baby-linen

and a book of etiquette, little wonder if I have always regarded

that work as a voice from a parent's tomb. This hallowed volume

(producing a book of etiquette), composed, if I may believe the

title-page, by no less an authority than the wife of a Lord

Mayor, has been, through life, my guide and monitor. By its

solemn precepts I have learnt to test the moral worth of all who

approach me. The man who bites his bread, or eats peas with a

knife, I look upon as a lost creature, and he who has not

acquired the proper way of entering and leaving a room is the

object of my pitying horror. There are those in this village who

bite their nails, dear aunt, and nearly all are wont to use their

pocket combs in public places. In truth I could pursue this

painful theme much further, but behold, I have said enough.

HAN.

But is there not one among them who is faultless, in

thine eyes? For example--young Robin. He combines the manners

of a Marquis with the morals of a Methodist. Couldst thou not

love him?

ROSE.

And even if I could, how should I confess it unto

him? For lo, he is shy, and sayeth naught!

BALLAD--ROSE.

If somebody there chanced to be

Who loved me in a manner true,

My heart would point him out to me,

And I would point him out to you.

(Referring But here it says of those who point--

to book.) Their manners must be out of joint--

You may not point--

You must not point--

It's manners out of joint, to point!

Ah! Had I the love of such as he,

Some quiet spot he'd take me to,

Then he could whisper it to me,

And I could whisper it to you.

(Referring But whispering, I've somewhere met,

to book.) Is contrary to etiquette:

Where can it be (Searching book.)

Now let me see--(Finding reference.)

Yes, yes!

It's contrary to etiquette!

(Showing it to Dame Hannah.)

If any well-bred youth I knew,

Polite and gentle, neat and trim,

Then I would hint as much to you,

And you could hint as much to him.

(Referring But here it says, in plainest print,

to book.) "It's most unladylike to hint"--

You may not hint,

You must not hint--

It says you mustn't hint, in print!

Ah! And if I loved him through and through--

(True love and not a passing whim),

Then I could speak of it to you,

And you could speak of it to him.

(Referring But here I find it doesn't do

to book.) To speak until you're spoken to.

Where can it be? (Searching book.)

Now let me see--(Finding reference.)

Yes, yes!

"Don't speak until you're spoken to!"

(Exit Dame Hannah.)

ROSE.

Poor aunt! Little did the good soul think, when she

breathed the hallowed name of Robin, that he would do even as

well as another. But he resembleth all the youths in this

village, in that he is unduly bashful in my presence, and lo, it

is hard to bring him to the point. But soft, he is here!

(Rose is about to go when Robin enters and calls her.)

ROBIN.

Mistress Rose!

ROSE.

(Surprised.) Master Robin!

ROB.

I wished to say that--it is fine.

ROSE.

It is passing fine.

ROB.

But we do want rain.

ROSE.

Aye, sorely! Is that all?

ROB.

(Sighing.) That is all.

ROSE.

Good day, Master Robin!

ROB.

Good day, Mistress Rose! (Both going--both stop.)

ROSE.

I crave pardon, I--

ROB.

I beg pardon, I--

ROSE.

You were about to say?--

ROB.

I would fain consult you--

ROSE.

Truly?

ROB.

It is about a friend.

ROSE.

In truth I have a friend myself.

ROB.

Indeed? I mean, of course--

ROSE.

And I would fain consult you--

ROB.

(Anxiously.) About him?

ROSE.

(Prudishly.) About her.

ROB.

(Relieved.) Let us consult one another.

DUET-ROBIN and ROSE

ROB.

I know a youth who loves a little maid--

(Hey, but his face is a sight for to see!)

Silent is he, for he's modest and afraid--

(Hey, but he's timid as a youth can be!)

ROSE.

I know a maid who loves a gallant youth,

(Hey, but she sickens as the days go by!)

She cannot tell him all the sad, sad truth--

(Hey, but I think that little maid will die!)

ROB.

Poor little man!

ROSE.

Poor little maid!

ROB.

Poor little man!

ROSE.

Poor little maid!

BOTH

Now tell me pray, and tell me true,

What in the world should the (young man\maiden) do?

ROB.

He cannot eat and he cannot sleep--

(Hey, but his face is a sight for to see!)

Daily he goes for to wail--for to weep--

(Hey, but he's wretched as a youth can be!)

ROSE.

She's very thin and she's very pale--

(Hey, but she sickens as the days go by!)

Daily she goes for to weep--for to wail--

(Hey, but I think that little maid will die!)

ROB.

Poor little maid!

ROSE.

Poor little man!

ROB.

Poor little maid!

ROSE.

Poor little man!

BOTH

Now tell me pray, and tell me true,

What in the world should the (young man\maiden) do?

ROSE.

If I were the youth I should offer her my name--

(Hey, but her face is a sight for to see!)

ROB.

If were the maid I should fan his honest flame--

(Hey, but he's bashful as a youth can be!)

ROSE.

If I were the youth I should speak to her to-day--

(Hey, but she sickens as the days go by!)

ROB.

If I were the maid I should meet the lad half way--

(For I really do believe that timid youth will

die!)

ROSE.

Poor little man!

ROB.

Poor little maid!

ROSE.

Poor little man!

ROB.

Poor little maid!

BOTH

I thank you, (miss\sir), for your counsel true;

I'll tell that (youth\maid) what (he\she) ought to

do!

(Exit ROSE.)

ROB.

Poor child! I sometimes think that if she wasn't

quite so particular I might venture--but no, no--even then I

should be unworthy of her!

(He sit desponding. Enter Old Adam.)

ADAM.

My kind master is sad! Dear Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd--

ROB.

Hush! As you love me, breathe not that hated name.

Twenty years ago, in horror at the prospect of inheriting that

hideous title, and with it the ban that compels all who succeed

to the baronetcy to commit at least one deadly crime per day, for

life, I fled my home, and concealed myself in this innocent

village under the name of Robin Oakapple. My younger brother,

Despard, believing me to be dead, succeeded to the title and its

attendant curse. For twenty years I have been dead and buried.

Don't dig me up now.

ADAM.

Dear master, it shall be as you wish, for have I not

sworn to obey you for ever in all things? Yet, as we are here

alone, and as I belong to that particular description of good old

man to whom the truth is a refreshing novelty, let me call you by

your own right title once more! (Robin assents.) Sir Ruthven

Murgatroyd! Baronet! Of Ruddigore! Whew! It's like eight

hours at the seaside!

ROB.

My poor old friend! Would there were more like you!

ADAM.

Would there were indeed! But I bring you good

tidings. Your foster-brother, Richard, has returned from

sea--his ship the Tom-Tit rides yonder at anchor, and he himself

is even now in this very village!

ROB.

My beloved foster-brother? No, no--it cannot be!

ADAM.

It is even so--and see, he comes this way!

(Exeunt together.)

(Enter Chorus of Bridesmaids.)

CHORUS

From the briny sea

Comes young Richard, all victorious!

Valorous is he--

His achievements all are glorious!

Let the welkin ring

With the news we bring

Sing it--shout it--

Tell about it--

Safe and sound returneth he,

All victorious from the sea!

(Enter Richard. The girls welcome him as he greets old

acquaintances.)

BALLAD--RICHARD.

I shipped, d'ye see, in a Revenue sloop,

And, off Cape Finistere,

A merchantman we see,

A Frenchman, going free,

So we made for the bold Mounseer,

D'ye see?

We made for the bold Mounseer.

CHORUS

So we made for the bold Mounseer,

D'ye see?

We made for the bold Mounseer.

But she proved to be a Frigate--and she up with her

ports,

And fires with a thirty-two!

It come uncommon near,

But we answered with a cheer,

Which paralysed the Parley-voo,

D'ye see?

Which paralysed the Parley-voo!

CHORUS

Which paralysed the Parley-voo,

D'ye see?

Which paralysed the Parley-voo!

Then our Captain he up and he says, says he,

"That chap we need not fear,--

We can take her, if we like,

She is sartin for to strike,

For she's only a darned Mounseer,

D'ye see?

She's only a darned Mounseer!"

CHORUS

For she's only a darned Mounseer,

D'ye see?

She's only a darned Mounseer!

"But to fight a French fal-lal--it's like hittin' of a

gal!

It's a lubberly thing for to do;

For we, with all our faults,

Why, we're sturdy British salts,

While she's only a Parley-voo,

D'ye see?

While she's only a poor Parley-voo!"

CHORUS

While she's only a Parley-voo,

D'ye see?

While she's only a poor Parley-voo!'

So we up with our helm, and we scuds before the breeze

As we gives a compassionating cheer;

Froggee answers with a shout

As he sees us go about,

Which was grateful of the poor Mounseer,

D'ye see?

Which was grateful of the poor Mounseer!

CHORUS

Which was grateful of the poor Mounseer,

D'ye see?

Which was grateful of the poor Mounseer!

And I'll wager in their joy they kissed each other's

cheek

(Which is what them furriners do),

And they blessed their lucky stars

We were hardy British tars

Who had pity on a poor Parley-voo,

D'ye see?

Who had pity on a poor Parley-voo!

CHORUS

Who had pity on a poor Parley-voo,

D'ye see?

Who had pity on a poor Parley-voo!

(HORNPIPE.)

(Exeunt Chorus.)

(Enter Robin.)

ROB.

Richard!

RICH.

Robin!

ROB.

My beloved foster-brother, and very dearest friend,

welcome home again after ten long years at sea! It is such deeds

as yours that cause our flag to be loved and dreaded throughout

the civilized world!

RICH.

Why, lord love ye, Rob, that's but a trifle to what

we have done in the way of sparing life! I believe I may say,

without exaggeration, that the marciful little Tom-Tit has spared

more French frigates than any craft afloat! But 'taint for a

British seaman to brag, so I'll just stow my jawin' tackle and

belay. (Robin sighs.) But 'vast heavin', messmate, what's

brought you all a-cockbill?

ROB.

Alas, Dick, I love Rose Maybud, and love in vain!

RICH.

You love in vain? Come, that's too good! Why,

you're a fine strapping muscular young fellow--tall and strong as

a to'-gall'n'-m'st--taut as a forestay--aye, and a barrowknight

to boot, if all had their rights!

ROB.

Hush, Richard--not a word about my true rank, which

none here suspect. Yes, I know well enough that few men are

better calculated to win a woman's heart than I. I'm a fine

fellow, Dick, and worthy any woman's love--happy the girl who

gets me, say I. But I'm timid, Dick; shy--nervous--modest--

retiring--diffident--and I cannot tell her, Dick, I cannot tell

her! Ah, you've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself,

and how little I deserve it.

RICH.

Robin, do you call to mind how, years ago, we swore

that, come what might, we would always act upon our hearts'

dictates?

ROB.

Aye, Dick, and I've always kept that oath. In doubt,

difficulty, and danger I've always asked my heart what I should

do, and it has never failed me.

RICH.

Right! Let your heart be your compass, with a clear

conscience for your binnacle light, and you'll sail ten knots on

a bowline, clear of shoals, rocks, and quicksands! Well, now,

what does my heart say in this here difficult situation? Why, it

says, "Dick," it says--(it calls me Dick acos it's known me from

a babby)--"Dick," it says, "you ain't shy--you ain't

modest--speak you up for him as is!" Robin, my lad, just you lay

me alongside, and when she's becalmed under my lee, I'll spin her

a yarn that shall sarve to fish you two together for life!

ROB.

Will you do this thing for me? Can you, do you think?

Yes (feeling his pulse). There's no false modesty about you.

Your--what I would call bumptious self-assertiveness (I mean the

expression in its complimentary sense) has already made you a

bos'n's mate, and it will make an admiral of you in time, if you

work it properly, you dear, incompetent old impostor! My dear

fellow, I'd give my right arm for one tenth of your modest

assurance!

SONG--ROBIN.

My boy, you may take it from me,

That of all the afflictions accurst

With which a man's saddled

And hampered and addled,

A diffident nature's the worst.

Though clever as clever can be--

A Crichton of early romance--

You must stir it and stump it,

And blow your own trumpet,

Or, trust me, you haven't a chance!

If you wish in the world to advance,

Your merits you're bound to enhance,

You must stir it and stump it,

And blow your own trumpet,

Or, trust me, you haven't a chance!

Now take, for example, my case:

I've a bright intellectual brain--

In all London city

There's no one so witty--

I've thought so again and again.

I've a highly intelligent face--

My features cannot be denied--

But, whatever I try, sir,

I fail in--and why, sir?

I'm modesty personified!

If you wish in the world to advance, etc.

As a poet, I'm tender and quaint--

I've passion and fervour and grace--

From Ovid and Horace

To Swinburne and Morris,

They all of them take a back place.

Then I sing and I play and I paint:

Though none are accomplished as I,

To say so were treason:

You ask me the reason?

I'm diffident, modest, and shy!

If you wish in the world to advance, etc.

(Exit Robin.)

RICH.

(looking after him). Ah, it's a thousand pities he's

such a poor opinion of himself, for a finer fellow don't walk!

Well, I'll do my best for him. "Plead for him as though it was

for your own father"--that's what my heart's a-remarkin' to me

just now. But here she comes! Steady! Steady it is! (Enter

Rose--he is much struck by her.) By the Port Admiral, but she's

a tight little craft! Come, come, she's not for you, Dick, and

yet--she's fit to marry Lord Nelson! By the Flag of Old England,

I can't look at her unmoved.

ROSE.

Sir, you are agitated--

RICH.

Aye, aye, my lass, well said! I am agitated, true

enough!--took flat aback, my girl; but 'tis naught--'twill pass.

(Aside.) This here heart of mine's a-dictatin' to me like

anythink. Question is, Have I a right to disregard its

promptings?

ROSE.

Can I do aught to relieve thine anguish, for it

seemeth to me that thou art in sore trouble? This

apple--(offering a damaged apple).

RICH.

(looking at it and returning it). No, my lass,

'tain't that: I'm--I'm took flat aback--I never see anything like

you in all my born days. Parbuckle me, if you ain't the

loveliest gal I've ever set eyes on. There--I can't say fairer

than that, can I?

ROSE.

No. (Aside.) The question is, Is it meet that an

utter stranger should thus express himself? (Refers to book.)

Yes--"Always speak the truth."

RICH.

I'd no thoughts of sayin' this here to you on my own

account, for, truth to tell, I was chartered by another; but when

I see you my heart it up and it says, says it, "This is the very

lass for you, Dick"--"speak up to her, Dick," it says--(it calls

me Dick acos we was at school together)--"tell her all, Dick," it

says, "never sail under false colours--it's mean!" That's what

my heart tells me to say, and in my rough, common-sailor fashion,

I've said it, and I'm a-waiting for your reply. I'm a-tremblin',

miss. Lookye here--(holding out his hand). That's narvousness!

ROSE

(aside) Now, how should a maiden deal with such an

one? (Consults book.) "Keep no one in unnecessary suspense."

(Aloud.) Behold, I will not keep you in unnecessary suspense.

(Refers to book.) "In accepting an offer of marriage, do so with

apparent hesitation." (Aloud.) I take you, but with a certain

show of reluctance. (Refers to book.) "Avoid any appearance of

eagerness." (Aloud.) Though you will bear in mind that I am far

from anxious to do so. (Refers to book.) "A little show of

emotion will not be misplaced!" (Aloud.) Pardon this tear!

(Wipes her eye.)

RICH.

Rose, you've made me the happiest blue-jacket in

England! I wouldn't change places with the Admiral of the Fleet,

no matter who he's a-huggin' of at this present moment! But,

axin' your pardon, miss (wiping his lips with his hand), might I

be permitted to salute the flag I'm a-goin' to sail under?

ROSE

(referring to book) "An engaged young lady should not

permit too many familiarities." (Aloud.) Once! (Richard kisses

her.)

DUET--RICHARD and ROSE.

RICH.

The battle's roar is over,

O my love!

Embrace thy tender lover,

O my love!

From tempests' welter,

From war's alarms,

O give me shelter

Within those arms!

Thy smile alluring,

All heart-ache curing,

Gives peace enduring,

O my love!

ROSE.

If heart both true and tender,

O my love!

A life-love can engender,

O my love!

A truce to sighing

And tears of brine,

For joy undying

Shall aye be mine,

BOTH

And thou and I, love,

Shall live and die, love,

Without a sigh, love--

My own, my love!

(Enter Robin, with Chorus of Bridesmaids.)

CHORUS

If well his suit has sped,

Oh, may they soon be wed!

Oh, tell us, tell us, pray,

What doth the maiden say?

In singing are we justified,

Hall the Bridegroom--hail the Bride!

Let the nuptial knot be tied:

In fair phrases

Hymn their praises,

Hail the Bridegroom--hall the Bride?

ROB.

Well--what news? Have you spoken to her?

RICH.

Aye, my lad, I have--so to speak--spoke her.

ROB.

And she refuses?

RICH.

Why, no, I can't truly say she do.

ROB.

Then she accepts! My darling! (Embraces her.)

BRIDESMAIDS.

Hail the Bridegroom--hail the Bride! etc.

ROSE (aside, referring to her book).

Now, what should a

maiden do when she is embraced by the wrong gentleman?

RICH.

Belay, my lad, belay. You don't understand.

ROSE.

Oh, sir, belay, I beseech you!

RICH.

You see, it's like this: she accepts--but it's me!

ROB.

You! (Richard embraces Rose.)

BRIDESMAIDS.

Hail the Bridegroom--hail the Bride!

When the nuptial knot is tied--

ROB.

(interrupting angrily). Hold your tongues, will you!

Now then, what does this mean?

RICH.

My poor lad, my heart grieves for thee, but it's like

this: the moment I see her, and just as I was a-goin' to mention

your name, my heart it up and it says, says it--"Dick, you've

fell in love with her yourself," it says; "be honest and

sailor-like--don't skulk under false colours--speak up," it says,

"take her, you dog, and with her my blessin'!"

BRIDESMAIDS.

Hail the Bridegroom--hail the bride--

ROB.

Will you be quiet! Go away! (Chorus makes faces at

him and exeunt.) Vulgar girls!

RICH.

What could I do? I'm bound to obey my heart's

dictates.

ROB.

Of course--no doubt. It's quite right--I don't

mind--that is, not particularly--only it's--it is disappointing,

you know.

ROSE (to Robin).

Oh, but, sir, I knew not that thou didst

seek me in wedlock, or in very truth I should not have hearkened

unto this man, for behold, he is but a lowly mariner, and very

poor withal, whereas thou art a tiller of the land, and thou hast

fat oxen, and many sheep and swine, a considerable dairy farm and

much corn and oil!

RICH.

That's true, my lass, but it's done now, ain't it,

Rob?

ROSE.

Still it may be that I should not be happy in thy

love. I am passing young and little able to judge. Moreover, as

to thy character I know naught!

ROB.

Nay, Rose, I'll answer for that. Dick has won thy

love fairly. Broken-hearted as I am, I'll stand up for Dick

through thick and thin!

RICH.

(with emotion). Thankye, messmate! that's well said.

That's spoken honest. Thankye, Rob! (Grasps his hand.)

ROSE.

Yet methinks I have heard that sailors are but

worldly men, and little prone to lead serious and thoughtful

lives!

ROB.

And what then? Admit that Dick is not a steady

character, and that when he's excited he uses language that would

make your hair curl. Grant that--he does. It's the truth, and

I'm not going to deny it. But look at his good qualities. He's

as nimble as a pony, and his hornpipe is the talk of the fleet!

RICH.

Thankye, Rob! That's well spoken. Thankye, Rob!

ROSE.

But it may be that he drinketh strong waters which do

bemuse a man, and make him even as the wild beasts of the desert!

ROB.

Well, suppose he does, and I don't say he don't, for

rum's his bane, and ever has been. He does drink--I won't deny

it. But what of that? Look at his arms--tattooed to the

shoulder! (Rich. rolls up his sleeves.) No, no--I won't hear a

word against Dick!

ROSE.

But they say that mariners are but rarely true to

those whom they profess to love!

ROB.

Granted--granted--and I don't say that Dick isn't as

bad as any of 'em. (Rich. chuckles.) You are, you know you are,

you dog! a devil of a fellow--a regular out-and-out Lothario!

But what then? You can't have everything, and a better hand at

turning-in a dead-eye don't walk a deck! And what an

accomplishment that is in a family man! No, no--not a word

against Dick. I'll stick up for him through thick and thin!

RICH.

Thankye, Rob, thankye. You're a true friend. I've

acted accordin' to my heart's dictates, and such orders as them

no man should disobey.

ENSEMBLE--RICHARD, ROBIN, and ROSE.

In sailing o'er life's ocean wide

Your heart should be your only guide;

With summer sea and favouring wind,

Yourself in port you'll surely find.

SOLO--RICHARD.

My heart says, "To this maiden strike--

She's captured you.

She's just the sort of girl you like--

You know you do.

If other man her heart should gain,

I shall resign."

That's what it says to me quite plain,

This heart of mine.

SOLO--ROBIN.

My heart says, "You've a prosperous lot,

With acres wide;

You mean to settle all you've got

Upon your bride."

It don't pretend to shape my acts

By word or sign;

It merely states these simple facts,

This heart of mine!

SOLO--ROSE.

Ten minutes since my heart said "white"--

It now says "black".

It then said "left"--it now says "right"--

Hearts often tack.

I must obey its latest strain--

You tell me so. (To Richard.)

But should it change its mind again,

I'll let you know.

(Turning from Richard to Robin, who embraces her.)

ENSEMBLE.

In sailing o'er life's ocean wide

No doubt the heart should be your guide;

But it is awkward when you find

A heart that does not know its mind!

(Exeunt Robin with Rose L., and Richard, weeping, R.)

(Enter Mad Margaret. She is wildly dressed in picturesque tatters,

and is an obvious caricature of theatrical madness.)

SCENA--MARGARET.

Cheerily carols the lark

Over the cot.

Merrily whistles the clerk

Scratching a blot.

But the lark

And the clerk,

I remark,

Comfort me not!

Over the ripening peach

Buzzes the bee.

Splash on the billowy beach

Tumbles the sea.

But the peach

And the beach

They are each

Nothing to me!

And why?

Who am I?

Daft Madge! Crazy Meg!

Mad Margaret! Poor Peg!

He! he! he! he! (chuckling).

Mad, I?

Yes, very!

But why?

Mystery!

Don't call!

Whisht! whisht!

No crime--

'Tis only

That I'm

Love-lonely!

That's all!

BALLAD--MARGARET.

To a garden full of posies

Cometh one to gather flowers,

And he wanders through its bowers

Toying with the wanton roses,

Who, uprising from their beds,

Hold on high their shameless heads

With their pretty lips a-pouting,

Never doubting--never doubting

That for Cytherean posies

He would gather aught but roses!

In a nest of weeds and nettles

Lay a violet, half-hidden,

Hoping that his glance unbidden

Yet might fall upon her petals.

Though she lived alone, apart,

Hope lay nestling at her heart,

But, alas, the cruel awaking

Set her little heart a-breaking,

For he gathered for his posies

Only roses--only roses!

(Bursts into tears.)

(Enter Rose.)

ROSE.

A maiden, and in tears? Can I do aught to soften thy

sorrow? This apple--(offering apple).

MARCO

(Examines it and rejects it.) No! (Mysteriously.)

Tell me, are you mad?

ROSE.

I? No! That is, I think not.

MARCO

That's well! Then you don't love Sir Despard

Murgatroyd? All mad girls love him. I love him. I'm poor Mad

Margaret--Crazy Meg--Poor Peg! He! he! he! he! (chuckling).

ROSE.

Thou lovest the bad Baronet of Ruddigore? Oh,

horrible--too horrible!

MARCO

You pity me? Then be my mother! The squirrel had a

mother, but she drank and the squirrel fled! Hush! They sing a

brave song in our parts--it runs somewhat thus: (Sings.)

"The cat and the dog and the little puppee

Sat down in a--down in a--in a----

I forget what they sat down in, but so the song goes!

Listen--I've come to pinch her!

ROSE.

Mercy, whom?

MARCO

You mean "who".

ROSE.

Nay! it is the accusative after the verb.

MARCO

True. (Whispers melodramatically.) I have come to

pinch Rose Maybud!

ROSE.

(Aside, alarmed.) Rose Maybud!

MARCO

Aye! I love him--he loved me once. But that's all

gone, fisht! He gave me an Italian glance--thus (business)--and

made me his. He will give her an Italian glance, and make her

his. But it shall not be, for I'll stamp on her--stamp on her-

-stamp on her! Did you ever kill anybody? No? Why not?

Listen--I killed a fly this morning! It buzzed, and I wouldn't

have it. So it died--pop! So shall she!

ROSE.

But, behold, I am Rose Maybud, and I would fain not

die "pop."

MARCO

You are Rose Maybud?

ROSE.

Yes, sweet Rose Maybud!

MARCO

Strange! They told me she was beautiful! And he

loves you! No, no! If I thought that, I would treat you as the

auctioneer and land-agent treated the lady-bird--I would rend you

asunder!

ROSE.

Nay, be pacified, for behold I am pledged to another,

and Lo, we are to be wedded this very day!

MARCO

Swear me that! Come to a Commissioner and let me have

it on affidavit! I once made an affidavit--but it died--it died-

-it died! But see, they come--Sir Despard and his evil crew!

Hide, hide--they are all mad--quite mad!

ROSE.

What makes you think that?

MARCO

Hush! They sing choruses in public. That's mad

enough, I think. Go--hide away, or they will seize you! Hush!

Quite softly--quite, quite softly!

(Exeunt together, on tiptoe.)

(Enter Chorus of Bucks and Blades, heralded by Chorus of

Bridesmaids.)

CHORUS OF BRIDESMAIDS.

Welcome, gentry,

For your entry

Sets our tender hearts a-beating.

Men of station,

Admiration

Prompts this unaffected greeting.

Hearty greeting offer we!

CHORUS OF BUCKS AND BLADES.

When thoroughly tired

Of being admired,

By ladies of gentle degree--degree,

With flattery sated,

High-flown and inflated,

Away from the city we flee--we flee!

From charms intramural

To prettiness rural

The sudden transition

Is simply Elysian,

So come, Amaryllis,

Come, Chloe and Phyllis,

Your slaves, for the moment, are we!

ALL

From charms intramural, etc.

CHORUS OF BRIDESMAIDS.

The sons of the tillage

Who dwell in this village

Are people of lowly degree--degree.

Though honest and active,

They're most unattractive,

And awkward as awkward can be--can be.

They're clumsy clodhoppers

With axes and choppers,

And shepherds and ploughmen

And drovers and cowmen,

And hedgers and reapers

And carters and keepers,

But never a lover for me!

ENSEMBLE.

BRIDESMAIDS. BUCKS AND BLADES.

So welcome gentry, etc. When thoroughly tired, etc.

(Enter Sir Despard Murgatroyd.)

SONG AND CHORUS--SIR DESPARD.

SIR D.

Oh, why am I moody and sad?

CH.

Can't guess!

SIR D.

And why am I guiltily mad?

CH.

Confess!

SIR D.

Because I am thoroughly bad!

CH.

Oh yes--

SIR D.

You'll see it at once in my face.

Oh, why am I husky and hoarse?

CH.

Ah, why?

SIR D.

It's the workings of conscience, of course.

CH.

Fie, fie!

SIR D.

And huskiness stands for remorse,

CH.

Oh my!

SIR D.

At least it does so in my case!

SIR D.

When in crime one is fully employed--

CH.

Like you--

SIR D. Your expression gets warped and destroyed:

CH.

It do.

SIR D.

It's a penalty none can avoid;

CH.

How true!

SIR D.

I once was a nice-looking youth;

But like stone from a strong catapult--

CH.

(explaining to each other). A trice--

SIR D.

I rushed at my terrible cult--

CH.

(explaining to each other). That's vice--

SIR D.

Observe the unpleasant result!

CH.

Not nice.

SIR D.

Indeed I am telling the truth!

SIR D.

Oh, innocent, happy though poor!

CH.

That's we--

SIR D.

If I had been virtuous, I'm sure--

CH.

Like me--

SIR D.

I should be as nice-looking as you're!

CH.

May be.

SIR D.

You are very nice-looking indeed!

Oh, innocents, listen in time--

CH.

We doe,

SIR D.

Avoid an existence of crime--

CH.

Just so--

SIR D.

Or you'll be as ugly as I'm--

CH.

(loudly). No! No!

SIR D.

And now, if you please, we'll proceed.

(All the girls express their horror of Sir Despard. As he

approaches them they fly from him, terror-stricken, leaving

him alone on the stage.)

SIR D.

Poor children, how they loathe me--me whose hands

are certainly steeped in infamy, but whose heart is as the heart

of a little child! But what is a poor baronet to do, when a

whole picture gallery of ancestors step down from their frames

and threaten him with an excruciating death if he hesitate to

commit his daily crime? But ha! ha! I am even with them!

(Mysteriously.) I get my crime over the first thing in the

morning, and then, ha! ha! for the rest of the day I do good--I

do good--I do good! (Melodramatically.) Two days since, I stole

a child and built an orphan asylum. Yesterday I robbed a bank

and endowed a bishopric. To-day I carry off Rose Maybud and

atone with a cathedral! This is what it is to be the sport and

toy of a Picture Gallery! But I will be bitterly revenged upon

them! I will give them all to the Nation, and nobody shall ever

look upon their faces again!

(Enter Richard.)

RICH.

Ax your honour's pardon, but--

SIR D.

Ha! observed! And by a mariner! What would you

with me, fellow?

RICH.

Your honour, I'm a poor man-o'-war's-man, becalmed in

the doldrums--

SIR D.

I don't know them.

RICH.

And I make bold to ax your honour's advice. Does

your honour know what it is to have a heart?

SIR D.

My honour knows what it is to have a complete

apparatus for conducting the circulation of the blood through the

veins and arteries of the human body.

RICH.

Aye, but has your honour a heart that ups and looks

you in the face, and gives you quarter-deck orders that it's life

and death to disobey?

SIR D.

I have not a heart of that description, but I have a

Picture Gallery that presumes to take that liberty.

RICH.

Well, your honour, it's like this--Your honour had an

elder brother--

SIR D.

It had.

RICH.

Who should have inherited your title and, with it,

its cuss.

SIR D.

Aye, but he died. Oh, Ruthven!--

RICH.

He didn't.

SIR D.

He did not?

RICH.

He didn't. On the contrary, he lives in this here

very village, under the name of Robin Oakapple, and he's a-going

to marry Rose Maybud this very day.

SIR D.

Ruthven alive, and going to marry Rose Maybud! Can

this be possible?

RICH.

Now the question I was going to ask your honour is-

-Ought I to tell your honour this?

SIR D.

I don't know. It's a delicate point. I think you

ought. Mind, I'm not sure, but I think so.

RICH.

That's what my heart says. It says, "Dick," it says

(it calls me Dick acos it's entitled to take that liberty), "that

there young gal would recoil from him if she knowed what he

really were. Ought you to stand off and on, and let this young

gal take this false step and never fire a shot across her bows to

bring her to? No," it says, "you did not ought." And I won't

ought, accordin'.

SIR D.

Then you really feel yourself at liberty to tell me

that my elder brother lives--that I may charge him with his cruel

deceit, and transfer to his shoulders the hideous thraldom under

which I have laboured for so many years! Free--free at last!

Free to live a blameless life, and to die beloved and regretted

by all who knew me!

DUET--SIR DESPARD and RICHARD.

RICH.

You understand?

SIR D.

I think I do;

With vigour unshaken

This step shall be taken.

It's neatly planned.

RICH.

I think so too;

I'll readily bet it

You'll never regret it!

BOTH

For duty, duty must be done;

The rule applies to every one,

And painful though that duty be,

To shirk the task were fiddle-de-dee!

SIR D.

The bridegroom comes--

RICH.

Likewise the bride--

The maidens are very

Elated and merry;

They are her chums.

SIR D.

To lash their pride

Were almost a pity,

The pretty committee!

BOTH

But duty, duty must be done;

The rule applies to every one,

And painful though that duty be,

To shirk the task were fiddle-de-dee!

(Exeunt Richard and Sir Despard.)

(Enter Chorus of Bridesmaids and Bucks.)

CHORUS OF BRIDESMAIDS.

Hail the bride of seventeen summers:

In fair phrases

Hymn her praises;

Lift your song on high, all comers.

She rejoices

In your voices.

Smiling summer beams upon her,

Shedding every blessing on her:

Maidens greet her--

Kindly treat her--

You may all be brides some day!

CHORUS OF BUCKS.

Hail the bridegroom who advances,

Agitated,

Yet elated.

He's in easy circumstances,

Young and lusty,

True and trusty.

ALL

Smiling summer beams upon her, etc.

(Enter Robin, attended by Richard and Old Adam, meeting Rose,

attended by Zorah and Dame Hannah. Rose and Robin embrace.)

MADRIGAL.

ROSE, DAME HANNAH, RICHARD, OLD ADAM with CHORUS

ROSE.

When the buds are blossoming,

Smiling welcome to the spring,

Lovers choose a wedding day--

Life is love in merry May!

GIRLS

Spring is green--Fal lal la!

Summer's rose--Fal la la!

QUARTET.

It is sad when summer goes,

Fa la!

MEN

Autumn's gold--Fah lal la!

Winter's grey--Fah lal la!

QUARTET.

Winter still is far away--

Fa la!

CHORUS

Leaves in autumn fade and fall,

Winter is the end of all.

Spring and summer teem with glee:

Spring and summer, then, for me!

Fa la!

HANNAH.

In the spring-time seed is sown:

In the summer grass is mown:

In the autumn you may reap:

Winter is the time for sleep.

GIRLS

Spring is hope--Fal lal la!

Summer's joy--Fal lal la!

QUARTET.

Spring and summer never cloy.

Fa la!

MEN

Autumn,toil--Fal lal la!

Winter, rest--Fal lal la!

QUARTET.

Winter, after all, is best--

Fal la!

CHORUS

Spring and summer pleasure you,

Autumn, aye, and winter too--

Every season has its cheer,

Life is lovely all the year!

Fa la!

(Gavotte.)

(After Gavotte, enter Sir Despard.)

SIR D.

Hold, bride and bridegroom, ere you wed each other,

I claim young Robin as my elder brother!

His rightful title I have long enjoyed:

I claim him as Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd!

CHORUS

O wonder!

ROSE

(wildly). Deny the falsehood, Robin, as you should,

It is a plot!

ROB.

I would, if conscientiously I could,

But I cannot!

CHORUS

Ah, base one! Ah, base one!

SOLO--ROBIN.

As pure and blameless peasant,

I cannot, I regret,

Deny a truth unpleasant,

I am that Baronet!

CHORUS

He is that Baronet!

ROBIN.

But when completely rated

Bad Baronet am I,

That I am what he's stated

I'll recklessly deny!

CHORUS

He'll recklessly deny!

ROB.

When I'm a bad Bart. I will tell taradiddles!

CHORUS

He'll tell taradiddles when he's a bad Bart.

ROB.

I'll play a bad part on the falsest of fiddles.

CHORUS

On very false fiddles he'll play a bad part!

ROB.

But until that takes place I must be conscientious--

CHORUS

He'll be conscientious until that takes place.

ROB.

Then adieu with good grace to my morals sententious!

CHORUS

To morals sententious adieu with good grace!

ZOR.

Who is the wretch who hath betrayed thee?

Let him stand forth!

RICH.

(coming forward). 'Twas I!

ALL

Die, traitor!

RICH.

Hold! my conscience made me!

Withhold your wrath!

SOLO--RICHARD.

Within this breast there beats a heart

Whose voice can't be gainsaid.

It bade me thy true rank impart,

And I at once obeyed.

I knew 'twould blight thy budding fate--

I knew 'twould cause thee anguish great--

But did I therefore hesitate?

No! I at once obeyed!

ALL

Acclaim him who, when his true heart

Bade him young Robin's rank impart,

Immediately obeyed!

SOLO--ROSE (addressing Robin).

Farewell!

Thou hadst my heart--

'Twas quickly won!

But now we part--

Thy face I shun!

Farewell!

Go bend the knee

At Vice's shrine,

Of life with me

All hope resign.

Farewell! Farewell! Farewell!

(To Sir Despard.) Take me--I am thy bride!

BRIDESMAIDS.

Hail the Bridegroom--hail the Bride!

When the nuptial knot is tied;

Every day will bring some joy

That can never, never cloy!

(Enter Margaret, who listens.)

SIR D.

Excuse me, I'm a virtuous person now--

ROSE.

That's why I wed you!

SIR D.

And I to Margaret must keep my vow!

MARCO

Have I misread you?

Oh, joy! with newly kindled rapture warmed,

I kneel before you! (Kneels.)

SIR D.

I once disliked you; now that I've reformed,

How I adore you! (They embrace.)

BRIDESMAIDS.

Hail the Bridegroom-hail the Bride!

When the nuptial knot is tied;

Every day will bring some joy

That can never, never cloy!

ROSE.

Richard, of him I love bereft,

Through thy design,

Thou art the only one that's left,

So I am thine! (They embrace.)

BRIDESMAIDS.

Hail the Bridegroom--hail the Bride!

Let the nuptial knot be tied!

DUET--ROSE and RICHARD.

Oh, happy the lily

When kissed by the bee;

And, sipping tranquilly,

Quite happy is he;

And happy the filly

That neighs in her pride;

But happier than any,

A pound to a penny,

A lover is, when he

Embraces his bride!

DUET--SIR DESPARD and MARGARET.

Oh, happy the flowers

That blossom in June,

And happy the bowers

That gain by the boon,

But happier by hours

The man of descent,

Who, folly regretting,

Is bent on forgetting

His bad baronetting,

And means to repent!

TRIO--HANNAH, ADAM, and ZORAH.

Oh, happy the blossom

That blooms on the lea,

Likewise the opossum

That sits on a tree,

But when you come across 'em,

They cannot compare

With those who are treading

The dance at a wedding,

While people are spreading

The best of good fare!

SOLO--ROBIN.

Oh, wretched the debtor

Who's signing a deed!

And wretched the letter

That no one can read!

But very much better

Their lot it must be

Than that of the person

I'm making this verse on,

Whose head there's a curse on--

Alluding to me!

Repeat ensemble with Chorus.

(Dance)

(At the end of the dance Robin falls senseless on the stage.

Picture.)

END OF ACT I

ACT II

Scene.--Picture Gallery in Ruddigore Castle. The walls are

covered with full-length portraits of the Baronets of

Ruddigore from the time of James I.--the first being that of

Sir Rupert, alluded to in the legend; the last, that of the

last deceased Baronet, Sir Roderic.

Enter Robin and Adam melodramatically. They are greatly altered

in appearance, Robin wearing the haggard aspect of a guilty

roue; Adam, that of the wicked steward to such a man.

DUET--ROBIN and ADAM.

ROB.

I once was as meek as a new-born lamb,

I'm now Sir Murgatroyd--ha! ha!

With greater precision

(Without the elision),

Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd--ha! ha!

ADAM.

And I, who was once his valley-de-sham,

As steward I'm now employed--ha! ha!

The dickens may take him--

I'll never forsake him!

As steward I'm now employed--ha! ha!

ADDITIONAL SONG

(Omitted after opening night.)

ROB.

My face is the index to my mind,

All venom and spleen and gall--ha! ha!

Or, properly speaking,

It soon will be reeking,

With venom and spleen and gall--ha! ha!

ADAM.

My name from Adam Goodheart you'll find

I've changed to Gideon Crawle--ha! ha!

For bad Bart's steward

Whose heart is much too hard

Is always Gideon Crawle--ha! ha!

BOTH

How dreadful when an innocent heart

Becomes, perforce, a bad young Bart.,

And still more hard on old Adam,

His former faithful valley-de-sham!

ROB.

This is a painful state of things, old Adam!

ADAM.

Painful, indeed! Ah, my poor master, when I swore

that, come what would, I would serve you in all things for ever,

I little thought to what a pass it would bring me! The

confidential adviser to the greatest villain unhung! Now, sir,

to business. What crime do you propose to commit to-day?

ROB.

How should I know? As my confidential adviser, it's

your duty to suggest something.

ADAM.

Sir, I loathe the life you are leading, but a good

old man's oath is paramount, and I obey. Richard Dauntless is

here with pretty Rose Maybud, to ask your consent to their

marriage. Poison their beer.

ROB.

No--not that--I know I'm a bad Bart., but I'm not as

bad a Bart. as all that.

ADAM.

Well, there you are, you see! It's no use my making

suggestions if you don't adopt them.

ROB.

(melodramatically). How would it be, do you think,

were I to lure him here with cunning wile--bind him with good

stout rope to yonder post--and then, by making hideous faces at

him, curdle the heart-blood in his arteries, and freeze the very

marrow in his bones? How say you, Adam, is not the scheme well

planned?

ADAM.

It would be simply rude--nothing more. But

soft--they come!

(Adam and Robin retire up as Richard and Rose enter, preceded by

Chorus of Bridesmaids.)

DUET--RICHARD and ROSE.

RICH.

Happily coupled are we,

You see--

I am a jolly Jack Tar,

My star,

And you are the fairest,

The richest and rarest

Of innocent lasses you are,

By far--

Of innocent lasses you are!

Fanned by a favouring gale,

You'll sail

Over life's treacherous sea

With me,

And as for bad weather,

We'll brave it together,

And you shall creep under my lee,

My wee!

And you shall creep under my lee!

For you are such a smart little craft--

Such a neat little, sweet little craft,

Such a bright little, tight little,

Slight little, light little,

Trim little, prim little craft!

CHORUS

For she is such, etc.

ROSE.

My hopes will be blighted, I fear,

My dear;

In a month you'll be going to sea,

Quite free,

And all of my wishes

You'll throw to the fishes

As though they were never to be;

Poor me!

As though they were never to be.

And I shall be left all alone

To moan,

And weep at your cruel deceit,

Complete;

While you'll be asserting

Your freedom by flirting

With every woman you meet,

You cheat--Ah!

With every woman you meet! Ah!

Though I am such a smart little craft--

Such a neat little, sweet little craft,

Such a bright little, tight little,

Slight little, light little,

Trim little, prim little craft!

CHORUS

Though she is such, etc.

(Enter Robin.)

ROB.

Soho! pretty one--in my power at last, eh? Know ye

not that I have those within my call who, at my lightest bidding,

would immure ye in an uncomfortable dungeon? (Calling.) What

ho! within there!

RICH.

Hold--we are prepared for this (producing a Union

Jack). Here is a flag that none dare defy (all kneel), and while

this glorious rag floats over Rose Maybud's head, the man does

not live who would dare to lay unlicensed hand upon her!

ROB.

Foiled--and by a Union Jack! But a time will come,

and then---

ROSE.

Nay, let me plead with him. (To Robin.) Sir Ruthven,

have pity. In my book of etiquette the case of a maiden about to

be wedded to one who unexpectedly turns out to be a baronet with

a curse on him is not considered. Time was when you loved me

madly. Prove that this was no selfish love by according your

consent to my marriage with one who, if he be not you yourself,

is the next best thing--your dearest friend!

BALLAD--ROSE.

In bygone days I had thy love--

Thou hadst my heart.

But Fate, all human vows above,

Our lives did part!

By the old love thou hadst for me--

By the fond heart that beat for thee--

By joys that never now can be,

Grant thou my prayer!

ALL

(kneeling). Grant thou her prayer!

ROB.

(recitative). Take her--I yield!

ALL

(recitative). Oh, rapture! (All rising.)

CHORUS

Away to the parson we go--

Say we're solicitous very

That he will turn two into one--

Singing hey, derry down derry!

RICH.

For she is such a smart little craft-

ROSE.

Such a neat little, sweet little craft--

RICH.

Such a bright little-

ROSE.

Tight little-

RICH.

Slight little-

ROSE.

Light little-

BOTH

Trim little, prim little craft!

CHORUS

For she is such a smart little craft, etc.

(Exeunt all but Robin.)

ROB.

For a week I have fulfilled my accursed doom! I have

duly committed a crime a day! Not a great crime, I trust, but

still, in the eyes of one as strictly regulated as I used to be,

a crime. But will my ghostly ancestors be satisfied with what I

have done, or will they regard it as an unworthy subterfuge?

(Addressing Pictures.) Oh, my forefathers, wallowers in blood,

there came at last a day when, sick of crime, you, each and

every, vowed to sin no more, and so, in agony, called welcome

Death to free you from your cloying guiltiness. Let the sweet

psalm of that repentant hour soften your long-dead hearts, and

tune your souls to mercy on your poor posterity! (Kneeling).

(The stage darkens for a moment. It becomes light again, and the

Pictures are seen to have become animated.)

CHORUS OF FAMILY PORTRAITS.

Painted emblems of a race,

All accurst in days of yore,

Each from his accustomed place

Steps into the world once more.

(The Pictures step from their frames and march round the stage.)

Baronet of Ruddigore,

Last of our accursed line,

Down upon the oaken floor--

Down upon those knees of thine.

Coward, poltroon, shaker, squeamer,

Blockhead, sluggard, dullard, dreamer,

Shirker, shuffler, crawler, creeper,

Sniffler, snuffler, wailer, weeper,

Earthworm, maggot, tadpole, weevil!

Set upon thy course of evil,

Lest the King of Spectre-land

Set on thee his grisly hand!

(The Spectre of Sir Roderic descends from his frame.)

SIR ROD.

Beware! beware! beware!

ROB.

Gaunt vision, who art thou

That thus, with icy glare

And stern relentless brow,

Appearest, who knows how?

SIR ROD.

I am the spectre of the late

Sir Roderic Murgatroyd,

Who comes to warn thee that thy fate

Thou canst not now avoid.

ROB.

Alas, poor ghost!

SIR ROD.

The pity you

Express for nothing goes:

We spectres are a jollier crew

Than you, perhaps, suppose!

CHORUS

We spectres are a jollier crew

Than you, perhaps, suppose!

SONG--SIR RODERIC.

When the night wind howls in the chimney cowls, and the bat in

the moonlight flies,

And inky clouds, like funeral shrouds, sail over the midnight

skies--

When the footpads quail at the night-bird's wail, and black dogs

bay at the moon,

Then is the spectres' holiday--then is the ghosts' high-noon!

CHORUS

Ha! ha!

Then is the ghosts' high-noon!

As the sob of the breeze sweeps over the trees, and the mists lie

low on the fen,

From grey tomb-stones are gathered the bones that once were women

and men,

And away they go, with a mop and a mow, to the revel that ends

too soon,

For cockcrow limits our holiday--the dead of the night's

high-noon!

CHORUS

Ha! ha!

The dead of the night's high-noon!

And then each ghost with his ladye-toast to their churchyard beds

takes flight,

With a kiss, perhaps, on her lantern chaps, and a grisly grim

"good-night";

Till the welcome knell of the midnight bell rings forth its

jolliest tune,

And ushers in our next high holiday--the dead of the night's

high-noon!

CHORUS

Ha! ha!

The dead of the night's high-noon!

Ha! ha! ha! ha!

ROB.

I recognize you now--you are the picture that hangs at

the end of the gallery.

SIR ROD.

In a bad light. I am.

ROB.

Are you considered a good likeness?

SIR ROD.

Pretty well. Flattering.

ROB.

Because as a work of art you are poor.

SIR ROD.

I am crude in colour, but I have only been painted

ten years. In a couple of centuries I shall be an Old Master,

and then you will be sorry you spoke lightly of me.

ROB.

And may I ask why you have left your frames?

SIR ROD.

It is our duty to see that our successors commit

their daily crimes in a conscientious and workmanlike fashion.

It is our duty to remind you that you are evading the conditions

under which you are permitted to exist.

ROB.

Really, I don't know what you'd have. I've only been

a bad baronet a week, and I've committed a crime punctually every

day.

SIR ROD.

Let us inquire into this. Monday?

ROB.

Monday was a Bank Holiday.

SIR ROD.

True. Tuesday?

ROB.

On Tuesday I made a false income-tax return.

ALL

Ha! ha!

1ST GHOST. That's nothing.

2ND GHOST. Nothing at all.

3RD GHOST. Everybody does that.

4TH GHOST. It's expected of you.

SIR ROD.

Wednesday?

ROB.

(melodramatically). On Wednesday I forged a will.

SIR ROD.

Whose will?

ROB.

My own.

SIR ROD.

My good sir, you can't forge your own will!

ROB.

Can't I, though! I like that! I did! Besides, if a

man can't forge his own will, whose will can he forge?

1ST GHOST. There's something in that.

2ND GHOST. Yes, it seems reasonable.

3RD GHOST. At first sight it does.

4TH GHOST. Fallacy somewhere, I fancy!

ROB.

A man can do what he likes with his own!

SIR ROD.

I suppose he can.

ROB.

Well, then, he can forge his own will, stoopid! On

Thursday I shot a fox.

1ST GHOST. Hear, hear!

SIR ROD.

That's better (addressing Ghosts). Pass the fox,

I think? (They assent.) Yes, pass the fox. Friday?

ROB.

On Friday I forged a cheque.

SIR ROD.

Whose cheque?

ROB.

Old Adam's.

SIR ROD.

But Old Adam hasn't a banker.

ROB.

I didn't say I forged his banker--I said I forged his

cheque. On Saturday I disinherited my only son.

SIR ROD.

But you haven't got a son.

ROB.

No--not yet. I disinherited him in advance, to save

time. You see--by this arrangement--he'll be born ready

disinherited.

SIR ROD.

I see. But I don't think you can do that.

ROB.

My good sir, if I can't disinherit my own unborn son,

whose unborn son can I disinherit?

SIR ROD.

Humph! These arguments sound very well, but I

can't help thinking that, if they were reduced to syllogistic

form, they wouldn't hold water. Now quite understand us. We are

foggy, but we don't permit our fogginess to be presumed upon.

Unless you undertake to--well, suppose we say, carry off a lady?

(Addressing Ghosts.) Those who are in favour of his carrying off

a lady? (All hold up their hands except a Bishop.) Those of the

contrary opinion? (Bishop holds up his hands.) Oh, you're never

satisfied! Yes, unless you undertake to carry off a lady at

once--I don't care what lady--any lady--choose your lady--you

perish in inconceivable agonies.

ROB.

Carry off a lady? Certainly not, on any account.

I've the greatest respect for ladies, and I wouldn't do anything

of the kind for worlds! No, no. I'm not that kind of baronet, I

assure you! If that's all you've got to say, you'd better go

back to your frames.

SIR ROD.

Very good--then let the agonies commence.

(Ghosts make passes. Robin begins to writhe in agony.)

ROB.

Oh! Oh! Don't do that! I can't stand it!

SIR ROD.

Painful, isn't it? It gets worse by degrees.

ROB.

Oh--Oh! Stop a bit! Stop it, will you? I want to

speak.

(Sir Roderic makes signs to Ghosts, who resume their attitudes.)

SIR ROD.

Better?

ROB.

Yes--better now! Whew!

SIR ROD.

Well, do you consent?

ROB.

But it's such an ungentlemanly thing to do!

SIR ROD.

As you please. (To Ghosts.) Carry on!

ROB.

Stop--I can't stand it! I agree! I promise! It

shall be done!

SIR ROD.

To-day?

ROB.

To-day!

SIR ROD.

At once?

ROB.

At once! I retract! I apologize! I had no idea it

was anything like that!

CHORUS

He yields! He answers to our call!

We do not ask for more.

A sturdy fellow, after all,

This latest Ruddigore!

All perish in unheard-of woe

Who dare our wills defy;

We want your pardon, ere we go,

For having agonized you so--

So pardon us--

So pardon us--

So pardon us--

Or die!

ROB.

I pardon you!

I pardon you!

ALL

He pardons us-

Hurrah!

(The Ghosts return to their frames.)

CHORUS

Painted emblems of a race,

All accurst in days of yore,

Each to his accustomed place

Steps unwillingly once more!

(By this time the Ghosts have changed to pictures again. Robin

is overcome by emotion.)

(Enter Adam.)

ADAM.

My poor master, you are not well--

ROB.

Old Adam, it won't do--I've seen 'em--all my

ancestors--they're just gone. They say that I must do something

desperate at once, or perish in horrible agonies. Go--go to

yonder village--carry off a maiden--bring her here at once--any

one--I don't care which--

ADAM.

But--

ROB.

Not a word, but obey! Fly!

(Exeunt Adam)

RECIT.

and SONG--ROBIN.

Away, Remorse!

Compunction, hence!.

Go, Moral Force!

Go, Penitence!

To Virtue's plea

A long farewell--

Propriety,

I ring your knell!

Come, guiltiness of deadliest hue!

Come, desperate deeds of derring-do!

Henceforth all the crimes that I find in the Times.

I've promised to perpetrate daily;

To-morrow I start with a petrified heart,

On a regular course of Old Bailey.

There's confidence tricking, bad coin, pocket-picking,

And several other disgraces--

There's postage-stamp prigging, and then thimble-rigging,

The three-card delusion at races!

Oh! A baronet's rank is exceedingly nice,

But the title's uncommonly dear at the price!

Ye well-to-do squires, who live in the shires,

Where petty distinctions are vital,

Who found Athenaeums and local museums,

With a view to a baronet's title--

Ye butchers and bakers and candlestick makers

Who sneer at all things that are tradey--

Whose middle-class lives are embarrassed by wives

Who long to parade as "My Lady",

Oh! allow me to offer a word of advice,

The title's uncommonly dear at the price!

Ye supple M.P.'s who go down on your knees,

Your precious identity sinking,

And vote black or white as your leaders indite

(Which saves you the trouble of thinking),

For your country's good fame, her repute, or her shame,

You don't care the snuff of a candle--

But you're paid for your game when you're told that your name

Will be graced by a baronet's handle--

Oh! Allow me to give you a word of advice--

The title's uncommonly dear at the price!

(Exit Robin.)

(Enter Despard and Margaret. They are both dressed in sober black

of formal cut, and present a strong contrast to their

appearance in Act I.)

DUET.

DES.

I once was a very abandoned person--

MARCO

Making the most of evil chances.

DES.

Nobody could conceive a worse 'un--

MARCO

Even in all the old romances.

DES.

I blush for my wild extravagances,

But be so kind

To bear in mind,

MARCO

We were the victims of circumstances!

(Dance.)

That is one of our blameless dances.

MARCO

I was once an exceedingly odd young lady--

DES.

Suffering much from spleen and vapours.

MARCO

Clergymen thought my conduct shady--

DES.

She didn't spend much upon linen-drapers.

MARCO

It certainly entertained the gapers.

My ways were strange

Beyond all range--

DES.

Paragraphs got into all the papers.

(Dance.)

DES.

We only cut respectable capers.

DES.

I've given up all my wild proceedings.

MARCO

My taste for a wandering life is waning.

DES.

Now I'm a dab at penny readings.

MARCO

They are not remarkably entertaining.

DES.

A moderate livelihood we're gaining.

MARCO

In fact we rule

A National School.

DES.

The duties are dull, but I'm not complaining.

(Dance.)

This sort of thing takes a deal of training!

DES.

We have been married a week.

MARCO

One happy, happy week!

DES.

Our new life--

MARCO

Is delightful indeed!

DES.

So calm!

MARCO

So unimpassioned! (Wildly). Master, all this I owe

to you! See, I am no longer wild and untidy. My hair is combed.

My face is washed. My boots fit!

DES.

Margaret, don't. Pray restrain yourself. Remember,

you are now a district visitor.

MARCO

A gentle district visitor!

DES.

You are orderly, methodical, neat; you have your

emotions well under control.

MARCO

I have! (Wildly). Master, when I think of all you

have done for me, I fall at your feet. I embrace your ankles. I

hug your knees! (Doing so.)

DES.

Hush. This is not well. This is calculated to

provoke remark. Be composed, I beg!

MARCO

Ah! you are angry with poor little Mad Margaret!

DES.

No, not angry; but a district visitor should learn to

eschew melodrama. Visit the poor, by all means, and give them

tea and barley-water, but don't do it as if you were

administering a bowl of deadly nightshade. It upsets them. Then

when you nurse sick people, and find them not as well as could be

expected, why go into hysterics?

MARCO

Why not?

DES.

Because it's too jumpy for a sick-room.

MARCO

How strange! Oh, Master! Master!--how shall I express

the all-absorbing gratitude that--(about to throw herself at his

feet).

DES.

Now! (Warningly).

MARCO

Yes, I know, dear--it shan't occur again. (He is

seated--she sits on the ground by him.) Shall I tell you one of

poor Mad Margaret's odd thoughts? Well, then, when I am lying

awake at night, and the pale moonlight streams through the

latticed casement, strange fancies crowd upon my poor mad brain,

and I sometimes think that if we could hit upon some word for you

to use whenever I am about to relapse--some word that teems with

hidden meaning--like "Basingstoke"--it might recall me to my

saner self. For, after all, I am only Mad Margaret! Daft Meg!

Poor Meg! He! he! he!

DES.

Poor child, she wanders! But soft--some one

comes--Margaret--pray recollect yourself--Basingstoke, I beg!

Margaret, if you don't Basingstoke at once, I shall be seriously

angry.

MARCO

(recovering herself). Basingstoke it is!

DES.

Then make it so.

(Enter Robin. He starts on seeing them.)

ROB.

Despard! And his young wife! This visit is

unexpected.

MARCO

Shall I fly at him? Shall I tear him limb from limb?

Shall I rend him asunder? Say but the word and--

DES.

Basingstoke!

MARCO

(suddenly demure). Basingstoke it is!

DES.

(aside). Then make it so. (Aloud.) My brother--I

call you brother still, despite your horrible profligacy--we have

come to urge you to abandon the evil courses to which you have

committed yourself, and at any cost to become a pure and

blameless ratepayer.

ROB.

But I've done no wrong yet.

MARCO

(wildly). No wrong! He has done no wrong! Did you

hear that!

DES.

Basingstoke!

MARCO

(recovering herself). Basingstoke it is!

DES.

My brother--I still call you brother, you observe--you

forget that you have been, in the eye of the law, a Bad Baronet

of Ruddigore for ten years--and you are therefore responsible--in

the eye of the law--for all the misdeeds committed by the unhappy

gentleman who occupied your place.

ROB.

I see! Bless my heart, I never thought of that! Was

I very bad?

DES.

Awful. Wasn't he? (To Margaret).

ROB.

And I've been going on like this for how long?

DES.

Ten years! Think of all the atrocities you have

committed--by attorney as it were--during that period. Remember

how you trifled with this poor child's affections--how you raised

her hopes on high (don't cry, my love--Basingstoke, you know),

only to trample them in the dust when they were at the very

zenith of their fullness. Oh fie, sir, fie--she trusted you!

ROB.

Did she? What a scoundrel I must have been! There,

there--don't cry, my dear (to Margaret, who is sobbing on Robin's

breast), it's all right now. Birmingham, you know--Birmingham--

MARCO

(sobbing). It's Ba--Ba--Basingstoke!

ROB.

Basingstoke! Of course it is--Basingstoke.

MARCO

Then make it so!

ROB.

There, there--it's all right--he's married you

now--that is, I've married you (turning to Despard)--I say, which

of us has married her?

DES.

Oh, I've married her.

ROB.

(aside). Oh, I'm glad of that. (To Margaret.) Yes,

he's married you now (passing her over to Despard), and anything

more disreputable than my conduct seems to have been I've never

even heard of. But my mind is made up--I will defy my ancestors.

I will refuse to obey their behests, thus, by courting death,

atone in some degree for the infamy of my career!

MARCO

I knew it--I knew it--God bless

you--(Hysterically).

DES.

Basingstoke!

MARCO

Basingstoke it is! (Recovers herself.)

PATTER-TRIO.

ROBIN, DESPARD, and MARGARET.

ROB.

My eyes are fully open to my awful situation--

I shall go at once to Roderic and make him an oration.

I shall tell him I've recovered my forgotten moral senses,

And I don't care twopence-halfpenny for any consequences.

Now I do not want to perish by the sword or by the dagger,

But a martyr may indulge a little pardonable swagger,

And a word or two of compliment my vanity would flatter,

But I've got to die tomorrow, so it really doesn't matter!

DES.

So it really doesn't matter--

MARCO

So it really doesn't matter--

ALL

So it really doesn't matter, matter, matter, matter, matter!

MARCO

If were not a little mad and generally silly

I should give you my advice upon the subject, willy-nilly;

I should show you in a moment how to grapple with the

question,

And you'd really be astonished at the force of my

suggestion.

On the subject I shall write you a most valuable letter,

Full of excellent suggestions when I feel a little better,

But at present I'm afraid I am as mad as any hatter,

So I'll keep 'em to myself, for my opinion doesn't matter!

DES.

Her opinion doesn't matter--

ROB.

Her opinion doesn't matter--

ALL

Her opinion doesn't matter, matter, matter, matter,

matter!

DES.

If I had been so lucky as to have a steady brother

Who could talk to me as we are talking now to one another--

Who could give me good advice when he discovered I was

erring

(Which is just the very favour which on you I am

conferring),

My story would have made a rather interesting idyll,

And I might have lived and died a very decent indiwiddle.

This particularly rapid, unintelligible patter

Isn't generally heard, and if it is it doesn't matter!

ROB.

If it is it doesn't matter--

MARCO

If it is it doesn't matter--

ALL

If it is it doesn't matter, matter, matter, matter,

matter!

(Exeunt Despard and Margaret.)

(Enter Adam.)

ADAM

(guiltily) Master--the deed is done!

ROB.

What deed?

ADAM.

She is here--alone, unprotected--

ROB.

Who?

ADAM.

The maiden. I've carried her off--I had a hard task,

for she fought like a tiger-cat!

ROB.

Great heaven, I had forgotten her! I had hoped to

have died unspotted by crime, but I am foiled again--and by a

tiger-cat! Produce her--and leave us!

(Adam introduces Dame Hannah, very much excited, and exits.)

ROB.

Dame Hannah! This is--this is not what I expected.

HAN.

Well, sir, and what would you with me? Oh, you have

begun bravely--bravely indeed! Unappalled by the calm dignity of

blameless womanhood, your minion has torn me from my spotless

home, and dragged me, blindfold and shrieking, through hedges,

over stiles, and across a very difficult country, and left me,

helpless and trembling, at your mercy! Yet not helpless, coward

sir, for approach one step--nay, but the twentieth part of one

poor inch--and this poniard (produces a very small dagger) shall

teach ye what it is to lay unholy hands on old Stephen Trusty's

daughter!

ROB.

Madam, I am extremely sorry for this. It is not at

all what I intended--anything more correct--more deeply

respectful than my intentions towards you, it would be impossible

for any one--however particular--to desire.

HAN.

Bah, I am not to be tricked by smooth words,

hypocrite! But be warned in time, for there are, without, a

hundred gallant hearts whose trusty blades would hack him limb

from limb who dared to lay unholy hands on old Stephen Trusty's

daughter!

ROB.

And this is what it is to embark upon a career of

unlicensed pleasure!

(Dame Hannah, who has taken a formidable dagger from one of the

armed figures, throws her small dagger to Robin.)

HAN.

Harkye, miscreant, you have secured me, and I am your

poor prisoner; but if you think I cannot take care of myself you

are very much mistaken. Now then, it's one to one, and let the

best man win!

(Making for him.)

ROB.

(in an agony of terror). Don't! don't look at me like

that! I can't bear it! Roderic! Uncle! Save me!

(Sir Roderic enters, from his picture. He comes down the stage.)

ROD.

What is the matter? Have you carried her off?

ROB.

I have--she is there--look at her--she terrifies me!

ROD.

(looking at Hannah). Little Nannikin!

HAN.

(amazed). Roddy-doddy!

ROD.

My own old love! Why, how came you here?

HAN.

This brute--he carried me off! Bodily! But I'll show

him! (about to rush at Robin).

ROD.

Stop! (To Rob.) What do you mean by carrying off

this lady? Are you aware that once upon a time she was engaged

to be married to me? I'm very angry--very angry indeed.

ROB.

Now I hope this will be a lesson to you in future not

to--

ROD.

Hold your tongue, sir.

ROB.

Yes, uncle.

ROD.

Have you given him any encouragement?

HAN.

(to Rob.). Have I given you any encouragement?

Frankly now, have I?

ROB.

No. Frankly, you have not. Anything more

scrupulously correct than your conduct, it would be impossible to

desire.

ROD.

You go away.

ROB.

Yes, uncle. (Exit Robin.)

ROD.

This is a strange meeting after so many years!

HAN.

Very. I thought you were dead.

ROD.

I am. I died ten years ago.

HAN.

And are you pretty comfortable?

ROD.

Pretty well--that is--yes, pretty well.

HAN.

You don't deserve to be, for I loved you all the

while, dear; and it made me dreadfully unhappy to hear of all

your goings-on, you bad, bad boy!

BALLAD--DAME HANNAH.

There grew a little flower

'Neath a great oak tree:

When the tempest 'gan to lower

Little heeded she:

No need had she to cower,

For she dreaded not its power--

She was happy in the bower

Of her great oak tree!

Sing hey,

Lackaday!

Let the tears fall free

For the pretty little flower

And the great oak tree!

BOTH

Sing hey,

Lackaday! etc.

When she found that he was fickle,

Was that great oak tree,

She was in a pretty pickle,

As she well might be--

But his gallantries were mickle,

For Death followed with his sickle,

And her tears began to trickle

For her great oak tree!

Sing hey,

Lackaday! etc.

BOTH

Sing hey,

Lackaday! etc.

Said she, "He loved me never,

Did that great oak tree,

But I'm neither rich nor clever,

And so why should he?

But though fate our fortunes sever,

To be constant I'll endeavour,

Aye, for ever and for ever,

To my great oak tree!'

Sing hey,

Lackaday! etc.

BOTH

Sing hey,

Lackaday! etc.

(Falls weeping on Sir Roderic's bosom.)

(Enter Robin, excitedly, followed by all the characters and Chorus

of Bridesmaids.)

ROB.

Stop a bit--both of you.

ROD.

This intrusion is unmannerly.

HAN.

I'm surprised at you.

ROB.

I can't stop to apologize--an idea has just occurred

to me. A Baronet of Ruddigore can only die through refusing to

commit his daily crime.

ROD.

No doubt.

ROB.

Therefore, to refuse to commit a daily crime is

tantamount to suicide!

ROD.

It would seem so.

ROB.

But suicide is, itself, a crime--and so, by your own

showing, you ought never to have died at all!

ROD.

I see--I understand! Then I'm practically alive!

ROB.

Undoubtedly! (Sir Roderic embraces Dame Hannah.) Rose,

when you believed that I was a simple farmer, I believe you loved

me?

ROSE.

Madly, passionately!

ROB.

But when I became a bad baronet, you very properly

loved Richard instead?

ROSE.

Passionately, madly!

ROB.

But if I should turn out not to be a bad baronet after

all, how would you love me then?

ROSE.

Madly, passionately!

ROB.

As before?

ROSE.

Why, of course.

ROB.

My darling! (They embrace.)

RICH.

Here, I say, belay!

ROSE.

Oh, sir, belay, if it's absolutely necessary!

ROB.

Belay? Certainly not!

FINALE

ROB.

Having been a wicked baronet a week

Once again a modest livelihood I seek.

Agricultural employment

Is to me a keen enjoyment,

For I'm naturally diffident and meek!

ROSE.

When a man has been a naughty baronet,

And expresses deep repentance and regret,

You should help him, if you're able,

Like the mousie in the fable,

That's the teaching of my Book of Etiquette.

CHORUS

That's the teaching in her Book of Etiquette.

RICH.

If you ask me why I do not pipe my eye,

Like an honest British sailor, I reply,

That with Zorah for my missis,

There'll be bread and cheese and kisses,

Which is just the sort of ration I enjye!

CHORUS

Which is just the sort of ration you enjye!

DES. and MARCO

Prompted by a keen desire to evoke

All the blessed calm of matrimony's yoke,

We shall toddle off tomorrow,

From this scene of sin and sorrow,

For to settle in the town of Basingstoke!

ALL

For happy the lily

That's kissed by the bee;

And, sipping tranquilly,

Quite happy is he;

And happy the filly

That neighs in her pride;

But happier than any,

A pound to a penny,

A lover is, when he

Embraces his bride!

CURTAIN

THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD

or, The Merryman and His Maid

Book by

W.S. GILBERT

Music by

ARTHUR SULLIVAN

First produced at the Savoy Theatre in London, England,

on October 3, 1888.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

SIRRICHARD CHOLMONDELEY [pronounced Chum'lee]

(Lieutenant of the Tower) Baritone

COLONEL FAIRFAX (under sentence of death) Tenor

SERGEANT MERYLL (of the Yeomen of the Guard) Bass/Baritone

LEONARD MERYLL (his son) Tenor

JACK POINT (a Strolling Jester) Light Baritone

WILFRED SHADBOLT

(Head Jailer and Assistant Tormentor) Bass/Baritone

THE HEADSMAN Non-singing

FIRST YEOMAN Baritone

SECOND YEOMAN Tenor

THIRD YEOMAN [optional] Baritone

FOURTH YEOMAN [optional] Tenor

FIRST CITIZEN Chorus

SECOND CITIZEN Chorus

ELSIE MAYNARD (a Strolling Singer) Soprano

PHOEBE MERYLL (Sergeant Meryll's Daughter) Mezzo-Soprano

DAME CARRUTHERS (Housekeeper to the Tower) Contralto

KATE (her Niece) Soprano

Chorus of YEOMEN of the Guard, GENTLEMEN, CITIZENS, etc.

SCENE: Tower Green

16th Century

ACT I

[Scene.-- Tower Green]

[Phoebe discovered spinning.

No. 1. When maiden loves, she sits and sighs

(INTRODUCTION and SONG)

Phoebe

PHOEBE

When maiden loves, she sits and sighs,

She wanders to and fro;

Unbidden tear-drops fill her eyes,

And to all questions she replies,

With a sad "Heigh-ho!"

'Tis but a little word--"Heigh-ho!"

So soft, 'tis scarcely heard--"Heigh-ho!"

An idle breath--

Yet life and death

May hang upon a maid's "Heigh-ho!"

When maiden loves, she mopes apart,

As owl mopes on a tree;

Although she keenly feels the smart,

She cannot tell what ails her heart,

With its sad "Ah, me!"

'Tis but a foolish sigh--"Ah, me!"

Born but to droop and die--"Ah, me!"

Yet all the sense

Of eloquence

Lies hidden in a maid's "Ah, me!"

Yet all the sense

Of eloquence

Lies hidden in a maid's "Ah, me!"

"Ah, me!", "Ah, me!"

Yet all the sense

Of eloquence

Lies hidden in a maid's "Ah, me!"

[PHOEBE weeps

[Enter WILFRED

WILFRED

Mistress Meryll!

PHOEBE

[looking up] Eh! Oh! it's you, is it? You may go

away,if you like. Because I don't want you, you know.

WILFRED

Haven't you anything to say to me?

PHOEBE

Oh yes! Are the birds all caged? The wild beasts all

littered down? All the locks, chains, bolts, and bars

in good order? Is the Little Ease sufficiently

comfortable? The racks, pincers, and thumbscrews all

ready for work? Ugh! you brute!

WILFRED

These allusions to my professional duties are in

doubtful taste. I didn't become a head-jailer because

I like head-jailing. I didn't become an assistant-

tormentor because I like assistant-tormenting. We

can't all be sorcerers, you know. [PHOEBE is annoyed]

Ah! you brought that upon yourself.

PHOEBE

Colonel Fairfax is not a sorcerer. He's a man of

science and an alchemist.

WILFRED

Well, whatever he is, he won't be one for long, for

he's to be beheaded to-day for dealings with the

devil. His master nearly had him last night, when the

fire broke out in the Beauchamp [pronounced Bee'cham]

Tower.

PHOEBE

Oh! how I wish he had escaped in the confusion! But

take care; there's still time for a reply to his

petition for mercy.

WILFRED

Ah! I'm content to chance that. This evening at half-

past seven-- ah! [Gesture of chopping off a head.]

PHOEBE

You're a cruel monster to speak so unfeelingly of the

death of a young and handsome soldier.

WILFRED

Young and handsome! How do you know he's young and

handsome?

PHOEBE

Because I've seen him every day for weeks past taking

his exercise on the Beauchamp [pronounced Bee'cham]

Tower.

WILFRED

Curse him!

PHOEBE

There, I believe you're jealous of him, now. Jealous

of a man I've never spoken to! Jealous of a poor soul

who's to die in an hour!

WILFRED

I am! I'm jealous of everybody and everything. I'm

jealous of the very words I speak to you-- because they

reach your ears-- and I mustn't go near 'em!

PHOEBE

How unjust you are! Jealous of the words you speak to

me! Why, you know as well as I do that I don't even

like them.

WILFRED

You used to like 'em.

PHOEBE

I used to pretend I like them. It was mere politeness

to comparative strangers.

[Exit PHOEBE, with spinning wheel

WILFRED

I don't believe you know what jealousy is! I don't

believe you know how it eats into a man's heart-- and

disorders his digestion-- and turns his interior into

boiling lead. Oh, you are a heartless jade to trifle

with the delicate organization of the human interior.

No. 1A. When jealous torments

(OPTIONAL SONG)

Wilfred

WILFRED

When jealous torments rack my soul,

My agonies I can't control,

Oh, better sit on red hot coal

Than love a heartless jade.

The red hot coal will hurt no doubt,

But red hot coals in time die out,

But jealousy you can not rout,

Its fires will never fade.

It's much less painful on the whole

To go and sit on red hot coal

'Til you're completely flayed,

Or ask a kindly friend to crack

Your wretched bones upon the rack

Than love a heartless jade,

Than love a heartless jade.

The kerchief on your neck of snow

I look on as a deadly foe,

It goeth where I dare not go

And stops there all day long.

The belt that holds you in its grasp

Is to my peace of mind a rasp,

It claspeth what I can not clasp,

Correct me if I'm wrong.

It's much less painful on the whole

To go and sit on red hot coal

'Til you're completely flayed,

Or ask a kindly friend to crack

Your wretched bones upon the rack

Than love a heartless jade,

Than love a heartless jade.

The bird that breakfasts on your lip,

I would I had him in my grip,

He sippeth where I dare not sip,

I can't get over that.

The cat you fondle soft and sly,

He layeth where I dare not lie.

We're not on terms, that cat and I.

I do not like that cat.

It's much less painful on the whole

To go and sit on red hot coal

'Til you're completely flayed,

Or ask a kindly friend to crack

Your wretched bones upon the rack

Than love a heartless jade,

Than love a heartless jade.

Or ask a kindly friend to crack

Your wretched bones upon the rack

Than love a heartless jade.

[Exit WILFRED. Enter people excitedly, followed by YEOMEN

of the Guard with SERGEANT MERYLL at rear.

No. 2. Tower warders, Under orders

(Double Chorus)

CROWD and YEOMEN, with Solo 2ND YEOMEN

CROWD

Tower warders,

Under orders,

Gallant pikemen, valiant sworders!

Brave in bearing,

Foemen scaring,

In their bygone days of daring!

Ne'er a stranger

There to danger--

Each was o'er the world a ranger;

To the story

Of our glory

Each a bold, a bold contributory!

YEOMEN

In the autumn of our life,

Here at rest in ample clover,

We rejoice in telling over

Our impetuous May and June.

In the evening of our day,

With the sun of life declining,

We recall without repining

All the heat of bygone noon,

We recall without repining

All the heat,

We recall, recall

All of bygone noon.

2ND YEOMAN This the autumn of our life,

This the evening of our day;

Weary we of battle strife,

Weary we of mortal fray.

But our year is not so spent,

And our days are not so faded,

But that we with one consent,

Were our loved land invaded,

Still would face a foreign foe,

As in days of long ago,

Still would face a foreign foe,

As in days of long ago,

As in days of long ago,

As in days of long ago.

YEOMEN

Still would face a foreign foe,

As in days of long ago.

CROWD

Tower warders,

Under orders,

Gallant pikemen, valiant sworders!

Brave in bearing, Foemen scaring,

In their bygone days of daring!

CROWD YEOMEN

Tower warders, This the autumn of our life

Under orders,

Gallant pikemen,

Valiant sworders

Brave in bearing, This the evening of our day;

Foemen scaring,

In their bygone days of daring!

Ne'er a stranger Weary we of battle strife,

There to danger

Each was o'er the world a ranger:

To the story Weary we of mortal fray.

Of our glory

Each a bold,

A bold contributory.

To the story This the autumn of our life.

Of our glory

Each a bold contributory! This the evening of our day,

Each a bold contributory! This the evening of our day.

[Exit CROWD. Manent YEOMEN Enter DAME CARRUTHERS.

DAME

A good day to you!

2ND

YEOMAN

Good day, Dame Carruthers. Busy to-day?

DAME

Busy, aye! the fire in the Beauchamp [pronounced

Bee'cham] last night has given me work enough. A dozen

poor prisoners-- Richard Colfax, Sir Martin Byfleet,

Colonel Fairfax, Warren the preacher-poet, and half-a-

score others-- all packed into one small cell, not six

feet square. Poor Colonel Fairfax, who's to die to-

day, is to be removed to no. 14 in the Cold Harbour

that he may have his last hour alone with his

confessor; and I've to see to that.

2ND

YEOMAN

Poor gentleman! He'll die bravely. I fought under him

two years since, and he valued his life as it were a

feather!

PHOEBE

He's the bravest, the handsomest, and the best young

gentleman in England! He twice saved my father's life;

and it's a cruel thing, a wicked thing, and a

barbarous thing that so gallant a hero should lose his

head-- for it's the handsomest head in England!

DAME

For dealings with the devil. Aye! if all were beheaded

who dealt with him, there'd be busy things on Tower

Green.

PHOEBE

You know very well that Colonel Fairfax is a student

of alchemy-- nothing more, and nothing less; but this

wicked Tower, like a cruel giant in a fairy-tale, must

be fed with blood, and that blood must be the best and

bravest in England, or it's not good enough for the

old Blunderbore. Ugh!

DAME

Silence, you silly girl; you know not what you say. I

was born in the old keep, and I've grown grey in it,

and, please God, I shall die and be buried in it; and

there's not a stone in its walls that is not as dear

tome as my right hand.

No. 3. When our gallant Norman foes

(SONG WITH CHORUS)

Dame Carruthers and Yeomen

DAME

When our gallant Norman foes

Made our merry land their own,

And the Saxons from the Conqueror were flying,

At his bidding it arose,

In its panoply of stone,

A sentinel unliving and undying.

Insensible, I trow,

As a sentinel should be,

Though a queen to save her head should

come a-suing,

There's a legend on its brow

That is eloquent to me,

And it tells of duty done and duty doing.

The screw may twist and the rack may turn,

And men may bleed and men may burn,

O'er London town and its golden hoard

I keep my silent watch and ward!

CHORUS

The screw may twist and the rack may turn,

O'er London town and all its hoard,

And men may bleed and men may burn,

O'er London town and all its hoard,

O'er London town and its golden hoard

I keep my silent watch and ward!

DAME

Within its wall of rock

The flower of the brave

Have perished with a constancy unshaken.

From the dungeon to the block,

From the scaffold to the grave,

Is a journey many gallant hearts have taken.

And the wicked flames may hiss

Round the heroes who have fought

For conscience and for home in all its beauty,

But the grim old fortalice

Takes little heed of aught

That comes not in the measure of its duty.

The screw may twist and the rack may turn,

And men may bleed and men may burn,

O'er London town and its golden hoard

I keep my silent watch and ward!

CHORUS

The screw may twist and the rack may turn,

O'er London town and all its hoard,

And men may bleed and men may burn,

O'er London town and all its hoard,

O'er London town and its golden hoard

I keep my silent watch and ward!

[Exeunt all but PHOEBE. Enter SERGEANT MERYLL.

PHOEBE

Father! Has no reprieve arrived for the poor

gentleman?

MERYLL

No, my lass; but there's one hope yet. Thy brother

Leonard, who, as a reward for his valour in saving his

standard and cutting his way through fifty foes who

would have hanged him, has been appointed a Yeoman of

the Guard, will arrive to-day; and as he comes

straight from Windsor, where the Court is, it may be--

it may be-- that he will bring the expected reprieve

with him.

PHOEBE

Oh, that he may!

MERYLL

Amen to that! For the Colonel twice saved my life, and

I'd give the rest of my life to save his! And wilt

thou not be glad to welcome thy brave brother, with

the fame of whose exploits all England is a-ringing?

PHOEBE

Aye, truly, if he brings the reprieve.

MERYLL

And not otherwise?

PHOEBE

Well, he's a brave fellow indeed, and I love brave

men.

MERYLL

All brave men?

PHOEBE

Most of them, I verily believe! But I hope Leonard

will not be too strict with me-- they say he is a very

dragon of virtue and circumspection! Now, my dear old

father is kindness itself, and----

MERYLL

And leaves thee pretty well to thine own ways, eh?

Well, I've no fears for thee; thou hast a feather-

brain, but thou'rt a good lass.

PHOEBE

Yes, that's all very well, but if Leonard is going to

tell me that I may not do this and I may not do that,

and I must not talk to this one, or walk with that

one, but go through the world with my lips pursed up

and my eyes cats down, like a poor nun who has

renounced mankind-- why, as I have not renounced

mankind, and don't mean to renounce mankind, I won't

have it-- there!

MERYLL

Nay, he'll not check thee more than is good for thee,

Phoebe! He's a brave fellow, and bravest among brave

fellows, and yet it seems but yesterday that he robbed

the Lieutenant's orchard.

No. 3A. A laughing boy

(OPTIONAL SONG)

Sergeant Meryll

MERYLL

A laughing boy but yesterday,

A merry urchin blithe and gay,

Whose joyous shout came ringing out

Unchecked by care or sorrow.

Today a warrior all sunbrown,

When deeds of soldierly renown

Are not the boast of London town,

A veteran tomorrow, today a warrior,

A veteran tomorrow!

When at my Leonard's deeds sublime,

A soldier's pulse beats double time,

And grave hearts thrill as brave hearts will

At tales of martial glory.

I burn with flush of pride and joy,

A pride unbittered by alloy,

To find my boy, my darling boy,

The theme of song and story,

To find my darling boy

The theme of song and story!

To find my boy, my darling boy,

The theme of song and story!

[Enter LEONARD MERYLL

LEONARD

Father!

MERYLL

Leonard! my brave boy! I'm right glad to see thee, and

so is Phoebe!

PHOEBE

Aye-- hast thou brought Colonel Fairfax's reprieve?

LEONARD

Nay, I have here a despatch for the Lieutenant, but no

reprieve for the Colonel!

PHOEBE

Poor gentleman! poor gentleman!

LEONARD

Aye, I would I had brought better news. I'd give my

right hand-- nay, my body-- my life, to save his!

MERYLL

Dost thou speak in earnest, my lad?

LEONARD

Aye, father-- I'm no braggart. Did he not save thy

life? and am I not his foster-brother?

MERYLL

Then hearken to me. Thou hast come to join the Yeomen

of the Guard!

LEONARD

Well?

MERYLL

None has seen thee but ourselves?

LEONARD

And a sentry, who took scant notice of me.

MERYLL

Now to prove thy words. Give me the despatch and get

thee hence at once! Here is money, and I'll send thee

more. Lie hidden for a space, and let no one know.

I'll convey a suit of Yeoman's uniform to the

Colonel's cell-- he shall shave off his beard, so that

none shall know him, and I'll own him as my son, the

brave Leonard Meryll, who saved his flag and cut his

way through fifty foes who thirsted for his life. He

will be welcomed without question by my brother-

Yeomen, I'll warrant that. Now, how to get access to

the Colonel's cell? [To PHOEBE] The key is with they

sour-faced admirer, Wilfred Shadbolt.

PHOEBE

[demurely] I think-- I say, I think-- I can get anything

I want from Wilfred. I think-- mind I say, I think-- you

may leave that to me.

MERYLL

Then get thee hence at once, lad-- and bless thee for

this sacrifice.

PHOEBE

And take my blessing, too, dear, dear Leonard!

LEONARD

And thine. eh? Humph! Thy love is newborn; wrap it up

carefully, lest it take cold and die.

No. 4. Alas! I waver to and fro

(TRIO)

Phoebe, Leonard, and Meryll

PHOEBE

Alas! I waver to and fro!

Dark danger hangs upon the deed!

ALL

Dark danger hangs upon the deed!

LEONARD

The scheme is rash and well may fail;

But ours are not the hearts that quail,

The hands that shrink, the cheeks that pale

In hours of need!

ALL

No, ours are not the hearts that quail,

The hands that shrink, the cheeks that pale

The hands that shrink, the cheeks that pale

In hours of need!

MERYLL The air I breathe to him I owe:

My life is his-- I count it naught!

PHOEBE

and LEONARD That life is his-- so count it naught!

MERYLL

And shall I reckon risks I run

When services are to be done

To save the life of such an one?

Unworthy thought! Unworthy thought!

PHOEBE

and LEONARD And shall we reckon risks we run

To save the life of such an one?

ALL

Unworthy thought! Unworthy thought!

We may succeed-- who can foretell?

May heav'n help our hope--

May heav'n help our hope,

farewell!

May heav'n help our hope,

Help our hope,

farewell!

[LEONARD embraces MERYLL and PHOEBE, and then exits. PHOEBE

weeping.

MERYLL

[goes up to PHOEBE] Nay, lass, be of good cheer, we

may save him yet.

PHOEBE

Oh! see, after-- they bring the poor gentleman from the

Beauchamp! [pronounced Bee'cham] Oh, father! his hour

is not yet come?

MERYLL

No, no-- they lead him to the Cold Harbour Tower to

await his end in solitude. But softly-- the Lieutenant

approaches! He should not see thee weep.

[Enter FAIRFAX, guarded by YEOMEN The LIEUTENANT enters,

meeting him.

LIEUT.

Halt! Colonel Fairfax, my old friend, we meet but

sadly.

FAIRFAX

Sir, I greet you with all good-will; and I thank you

for the zealous acre with which you have guarded me

from the pestilent dangers which threaten human life

outside. In this happy little community, Death, when

he comes, doth so in punctual and business-like

fashion; and, like a courtly gentleman, giveth due

notice of his advent, that one may not be taken

unawares.

LIEUT.

Sir, you bear this bravely, as a brave man should.

FAIRFAX

Why, sir, it is no light boon to die swiftly and

surely at a given hour and in a given fashion! Truth

to tell, I would gladly have my life; but if that may

not be, I have the next best thing to it, which is

death. Believe me, sir, my lot is not so much amiss!

PHOEBE

[aside to MERYLL] Oh, father, father, I cannot bear

it!

MERYLL

My poor lass!

FAIRFAX

Nay, pretty one, why weepest thou? Come, be comforted.

Such a life as mine is not worth weeping for. [sees

MERYLL] Sergeant Meryll, is it not? [to LIEUTENANT]

May I greet my old friend? [Shakes MERYLL's hand;

MERYLL begins to weep] Why, man, what's all this? Thou

and I have faced the grim old king a dozen times, and

never has his majesty come to me in such goodly

fashion. Keep a stout heart, good fellow-- we are

soldiers, and we know how to die, thou and I. Take my

word for it, it is easier to die well than to live

well-- for, in sooth, I have tried both.

No. 5. Is life a boon?

(BALLAD)

Fairfax

FAIRFAX

Is life a boon?

If so, it must befall

That Death, whene'er he call,

Must call too soon.

Though fourscore years he give,

Yet one would pray to live

Another moon!

What kind of plaint have I,

Who perish in July,

who perish in July?

I might have had to die,

Perchance, in June!

I might have had to die,

Perchance, in June!

Is life a thorn?

Then count it not a whit!

Nay, count it not a whit!

Man is well done with it;

Soon as he's born

He should all means essay

To put the plague away;

And I, war-worn,

Poor captured fugitive,

My life most gladly give--

I might have had to live,

Another morn!

I might have had to live,

Another morn!

[At the end, PHOEBE is led off, weeping, by MERYLL.

FAIRFAX

And now, Sir Richard, I have a boon to beg. I am in

this strait for no better reason than because my

kinsman, Sir Clarence Poltwhistle, one of the

Secretaries of State, has charged me with sorcery, in

order that he may succeed in my estate, which devolves

to him provided I die unmarried.

LIEUT.

As thou wilt most surely do.

FAIRFAX

Nay, as I will most surely not do, by your worship's

grace! I have a mind to thwart this good cousin of

mine.

LIEUT.

How?

FAIRFAX

By marrying forthwith, to be sure!

LIEUT.

But heaven ha' mercy, whom wouldst thou marry?

FAIRFAX

Nay, I am indifferent on that score. Coming Death hath

made of me a true and chivalrous knight, who holds all

womankind in such esteem that the oldest, and the

meanest, and the worst-favoured of them is good enough

for him. So, my good Lieutenant, if thou wouldst serve

a poor soldier who has but an hour to live, find me

the first that comes-- my confessor shall marry us, and

her dower shall be my dishonoured name and a hundred

crowns to boot. No such poor dower for an hour of

matrimony!

LIEUT.

A strange request. I doubt that I should be warranted

in granting it.

FAIRFAX

There never was a marriage fraught with so little of

evil to the contracting parties. In an hour she'll be

a widow, and I-- a bachelor again for aught I know!

LIEUT.

Well, I will see what can be done, for I hold thy

kinsman in abhorrence for the scurvy trick he has

played thee.

FAIRFAX

A thousand thanks, good sir; we meet again in this

spot in an hour or so. I shall be a bridegroom then,

and your worship will wish me joy. Till then,

farewell. [To GUARD] I am ready, good fellows.

[Exit with GUARD into Cold Harbour Tower]

LIEUT.

He is a brave fellow, and it is a pity that he should

die. Now, how to find him a bride at such short

notice? Well, the task should be easy! [Exit]

[Enter JACK POINT and ELSIE MAYNARD, pursued by a CROWD of

men and women. POINT and ELSIE are much terrified; POINT,

however, assuming an appearance of self-possession.

No. 6. Here's a man of jollity

(CHORUS)

People, Elsie, and Jack Point

CHORUS

Here's a man of jollity,

Jibe, joke, jollify!

Give us of your quality,

Come, fool, follify!

If you vapour vapidly,

River runneth rapidly,

Into it we fling

Bird who doesn't sing!

Give us an experiment

In the art of merriment;

Into it we throw

Cock who doesn't crow!

Banish your timidity,

And with all rapidity

Give us quip and quiddity--

Willy-nilly, O!

River none can mollify;

Into it we throw

Fool who doesn't follify,

Cock who doesn't crow!

Banish your timidity,

And with all rapidity

Give us quip and quiddity--

Willy-nilly, O!

POINT

[alarmed] My masters, I pray you bear with us, and we

will satisfy you, for we are merry folk who would make

all merry as ourselves. For, look you, there is humour

in all things, and the truest philosophy is that which

teaches us to find it and to make the most of it.

ELSIE

[struggling with 1ST CITIZEN] Hands off, I say,

unmannerly fellow! [she boxes his ears]

POINT

[to 1ST CITIZEN] Ha! Didst thou hear her say, "Hands

off"?

1ST

CITIZEN

Aye, I heard her say it, and I felt her do it! What

then?

POINT

Thou dost not see the humour of that?

1ST

CITIZEN

Nay, if I do, hang me!

POINT

Thou dost not? Now, observe. She said, "Hands off!

"Whose hands? Thine. Off whom? Off her. Why? Because

she is a woman. Now, had she not been a woman, thine

hands had not been set upon her at all. So the reason

for the laying on of hands is the reason for the

taking off of hands, and herein is contradiction

contradicted! It is the very marriage of pro with con;

and no such lopsided union either, as times go, for

pro is not more unlike con than man is unlike woman--

yet men and women marry every day with none to say,

"Oh, the pity of it!" but I and fools like me! Now

wherewithal shall we please you? We can rhyme you

couplet, triolet, quatrain, sonnet,rondolet, ballade,

what you will. Or we can dance you saraband, gondolet,

carole, pimpernel, or Jumping Joan.

ELSIE

Let us give them the singing farce of the Merryman and

his Maid-- therein is song and dance too.

ALL

Aye, the Merryman and his Maid!

No. 7. I have a song to sing, O!

(DUET)

Elsie and Point

POINT

I have a song to sing, O!

ELSIE

Sing me your song, O!

POINT

It is sung to the moon

By a love-lorn loon,

Who fled from the mocking throng, O!

It's a song of a merryman, moping mum,

Whose soul was sad, and whose glance was glum,

Who sipped no sup, and who craved no crumb,

As he sighed for the love of a ladye.

Heighdy! heighdy!

Misery me--lack-a-day-dee!

He sipped no sup, and he craved no crumb,

As he sighed for the love of a ladye!

ELSIE

I have a song to sing, O!

POINT

Sing me your song, O!

ELSIE

It is sung with the ring

Of the songs maids sing

Who love with a love life-long, O!

It's the song of a merrymaid, peerly proud,

Who loved a lord, and who laughed aloud

At the moan of the merryman, moping mum,

Whose soul was sad, and whose glance was glum,

Who sipped no sup, and who craved no crumb,

As he sighed for the love of a ladye!

Heighdy! heighdy!

Misery me--lack-a-day-dee!

He sipped no sup, and he craved no crumb,

As he sighed for the love of a ladye!

POINT

I have a song to sing, O!

ELSIE

Sing me your song, O!

POINT

It is sung to the knell

Of a churchyard bell,

And a doleful dirge, ding dong, O!

It's a song of a popinjay, bravely born,

Who turned up his noble nose with scorn

At the humble merrymaid, peerly proud,

Who loved a lord, and who laughed aloud

At the moan of the merryman, moping mum,

Whose soul was sad, and whose glance was glum,

Who sipped no sup, and who craved no crumb,

As he sighed for the love of a ladye!

Heighdy! heighdy!

Misery me--lack-a-day-dee!

He sipped no sup, and he craved no crumb,

As he sighed for the love of a ladye!

ELSIE

I have a song to sing, O!

POINT

Sing me your song, O!

ELSIE

It is sung with a sigh

And a tear in the eye,

For it tells of a righted wrong, O!

It's a song of the merrymaid, once so gay,

Who turned on her heel and tripped away

From the peacock popinjay, bravely born,

Who turned up his noble nose with scorn

At the humble heart that he did not prize:

So she begged on her knees, with downcast eyes,

For the love of the merryman, moping mum,

Whose soul was sad, and whose glance was glum,

Who sipped no sup, and who craved no crumb,

As he sighed for the love of a ladye!

BOTH

Heighdy! heighdy!

Misery me--lack-a-day-dee!

His pains were o'er, and he sighed no more,

For he lived in the love of a ladye!

Heighdy! heighdy!

Misery me--lack-a-day-dee!

His pains were o'er, and he sighed no more,

For he lived in the love of a ladye!

1ST

CITIZEN

Well sung and well danced!

2ND

CITIZEN

A kiss for that, pretty maid!

ALL

Aye, a kiss all round. [CROWD gathers around her]

ELSIE

[drawing dagger] Best beware! I am armed!

POINT

Back, sirs-- back! This is going too far.

2ND

CITIZEN

Thou dost not see the humour of it, eh? Yet there is

humour in all things-- even in this. [Trying to kiss

her]

ELSIE

Help! Help!

[Enter LIEUTENANT with GUARD. CROWD falls back

LIEUT.

What is the pother?

ELSIE

Sir, we sang to these folk, and they would have repaid

us with gross courtesy, but for your honour's coming.

LIEUT.

[to CROWD] Away with ye! Clear the rabble.

[GUARDS push CROWD off, and go off with them]

Now, my girl, who are you, and what do you here?

ELSIE

May it please you, sir, we are two strolling players,

Jack Point and I, Elsie Maynard, at your worship's

service. We go from fair to fair, singing, and

dancing, and playing brief interludes; and so we make

a poor living.

LIEUT.

You two, eh? Are ye man and wife?

POINT

No, sir; for though I'm a fool, there is a limit to my

folly. Her mother, old Bridget Maynard, travels with

us (for Elsie is a good girl), but the old woman is a-

bed with fever, and we have come here to pick up some

silver to buy an electuary for her.

LIEUT.

Hark ye, my girl! Your mother is ill?

ELSIE

Sorely ill, sir.

LIEUT.

And needs good food, and many things that thou canst

not buy?

ELSIE

Alas! sir, it is too true.

LIEUT.

Wouldst thou earn an hundred crowns?

ELSIE

An hundred crowns! They might save her life!

LIEUT.

Then listen! A worthy but unhappy gentleman is to be

beheaded in an hour on this very spot. For sufficient

reasons, he desires to marry before he dies, and he

hath asked me to find him a wife. Wilt thou be that

wife?

ELSIE

The wife of a man I have never seen!

POINT

Why, sir, look you, I am concerned in this; for though

I am not yet wedded to Elsie Maynard, time works

wonders, and there's no knowing what may be in store

for us. Have we your worship's word for it that this

gentleman will die to-day?

LIEUT.

Nothing is more certain, I grieve to say.

POINT

And that the maiden will be allowed to depart the very

instant the ceremony is at an end?

LIEUT.

The very instant. I pledge my honour that it shall be

so.

POINT

An hundred crowns?

LIEUT.

An hundred crowns!

POINT

For my part, I consent. It is for Elsie to speak.

No. 8. How say you, maiden, will you wed

(TRIO)

Elsie, Point, and Lieutenant

LIEUT.

How say you, maiden, will you wed

A man about to lose his head?

For half an hour

You'll be his wife,

And then the dower

Is your for life.

A headless bridegroom why refuse?

If truth the poets tell,

Most bridegrooms, 'ere they marry,

Lose both head and heart as well!

ELSIE

A strange proposal you reveal,

It almost makes my senses reel.

Alas! I'm very poor indeed,

And such a sum I sorely need.

My mother, sir, is like to die.

This money life may bring.

Bear this in mind, I pray,

If I consent to do this thing!

POINT

Though as a general rule of life

I don't allow my promised wife,

My lovely bride that is to be,

To marry anyone but me,

Yet if the fee is promptly paid,

And he, in well-earned grave,

Within the hour is duly laid,

Objection I will waive!

Yes, objection I will waive!

ALL

Temptation, oh, temptation,

Were we, I pray, intended

To shun, what e'er our station,

Your fascinations splendid;

Or fall, whene'er we view you,

Head over heels into you?

Head over heels, Head over heels,

Head over heels into you!

Head over heels, Head over heels,

Head over heels, Right into you!

Head over heels, Head over heels, etc.

Temptation, oh, temptation!

[During this, the LIEUTENANT has whispered to WILFRED

(who has entered) WILFRED binds ELSIE's eyes with a

kerchief, and leads her into the Cold Harbour Tower

LIEUT.

And so, good fellow, you are a jester?

POINT

Aye, sir, and like some of my jests, out of place.

LIEUT.

I have a vacancy for such an one. Tell me, what are

your qualifications for such a post?

POINT

Marry, sir, I have a pretty wit. I can rhyme you

extempore; I can convulse you with quip and

conundrum;I have the lighter philosophies at my

tongue's tip; I can be merry, wise, quaint, grim, and

sardonic, one by one, or all at once; I have a pretty

turn for anecdote; I know all the jests-- ancient and

modern-- past, present, and to come; I can riddle you

from dawn of day to set of sun, and, if that content

you not, well on to midnight and the small hours. Oh,

sir, a pretty wit, I warrant you-- a pretty, pretty

wit!

No. 9. I've jibe and joke

(SONG)

Point

POINT

I've jibe and joke

And quip and crank

For lowly folk

And men of rank.

I ply my craft

And know no fear.

But aim my shaft

At prince or peer.

At peer or prince-- at prince or peer,

I aim my shaft and know no fear!

I've wisdom from the East and from the West,

That's subject to no academic rule;

You may find it in the jeering of a jest,

Or distil it from the folly of a fool.

I can teach you with a quip, if I've a mind;

I can trick you into learning with a laugh;

Oh, winnow all my folly, folly, folly, and

you'll find

A grain or two of truth among the chaff!

Oh, winnow all my folly, folly, folly, and

you'll find

A grain or two of truth among the chaff!

I can set a braggart quailing with a quip,

The upstart I can wither with a whim;

He may wear a merry laugh upon his lip,

But his laughter has an echo that is grim.

When they're offered to the world in merry

guise,

Unpleasant truths are swallowed with a will,

For he who'd make his fellow,

fellow, fellow creatures wise

Should always gild the philosophic pill!

For he who'd make his fellow,

fellow, fellow creatures wise

Should always gild the philosophic pill!

LIEUT.

And how came you to leave your last employ?

POINT

Why, sir, it was in this wise. My Lord was the

Archbishop of Canterbury, and it was considered that

one of my jokes was unsuited to His Grace's family

circle. In truth, I ventured to ask a poor riddle,

sir-- Wherein lay the difference between His Grace and

poor Jack Point? His Grace was pleased to give it up,

sir. And thereupon I told him that whereas His Grace

was paid 10,000 a year for being good, poor Jack Point

was good-- for nothing. 'Twas but a harmless jest, but

it offended His Grace, who whipped me and set me in

the stocks for a scurril rogue, and so we parted. I

had as lief not take post again with the dignified

clergy.

LIEUT.

But I trust you are very careful not to give offence.

I have daughters.

POINT

Sir, my jests are most carefully selected, and

anything objectionable is expunged. If your honour

pleases, I will try then first on your honour's

chaplain.

LIEUT.

Can you give me an example? Say that I had sat me down

hurriedly on something sharp?

POINT

Sir, I should say that you had sat down on the spur of

the moment.

LIEUT.

Humph! I don't think much of that. Is that the best

you can do?

POINT

It has always been much admired, sir, but we will try

again.

LIEUT.

Well, then, I am at dinner, and the joint of meat is

but half cooked.

POINT

Why then, sir, I should say that what is underdone

cannot be helped.

LIEUT.

I see. I think that manner of thing would be somewhat

irritating.

POINT

At first, sir, perhaps; but use is everything, and you

would come in time to like it.

LIEUT.

We will suppose that I caught you kissing the kitchen

wench under my very nose.

POINT

Under her very nose, good sir-- not under yours! That

is where I would kiss her. Do you take me? Oh, sir, a

pretty wit-- a pretty, pretty wit!

LIEUT.

The maiden comes. Follow me, friend, and we will

discuss this matter at length in my library.

POINT

I am your worship's servant. That is to say, I trust

I soon shall be. But, before proceeding to a more

serious topic, can you tell me, sir, why a cook's

brain-pan is like an overwound clock?

LIEUT.

A truce to this fooling-- follow me.

POINT

Just my luck; my best conundrum wasted!

[Exeunt LIEUTENANT and POINT. Enter ELSIE from Tower, led

by WILFRED, who removes the bandage from her eyes, and

exits.

No. 10. 'Tis done! I am a bride!

(RECITATIVE AND SONG)

Elsie

ELSIE

'Tis done! I am a bride! Oh, little ring,

That bearest in thy circlet all the gladness

That lovers hope for, and that poets sing,

What bringest thou to me but gold and sadness?

A bridegroom all unknown, save in this wise,

To-day he dies! To-day, alas, he dies!

Though tear and long-drawn sigh

Ill fit a bride,

No sadder wife than I

The whole world wide!

Ah me! Ah me!

Yet maids there be

Who would consent to lose

The very rose of youth,

The flow'r of life,

To be, in honest truth,

A wedded wife,

No matter whose!

No matter whose!

Ah me! what profit we,

O maids that sigh,

Though gold, though gold should live

If wedded love must die?

Ere half an hour has rung,

A widow I!

Ah, heaven, he is too young,

Too brave to die!

Ah me! Ah me!

Yet wives there be

So weary worn, I trow,

That they would scarce complain,

So that they could

In half an hour attain

To widowhood,

No matter how!

No matter how!

O weary wives

Who widowhood would win,

Rejoice, rejoice, that ye have time

To weary in.

O weary wives

Who widowhood would win,

Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice,

that ye have time

O weary, weary wives, rejoice!

[Exit ELSIE as WILFRED re-enters.

WILFRED

[looking after ELSIE] 'Tis an odd freak for a dying

man and his confessor to be closeted alone with a

strange singing girl. I would fain have espied them,

but they stopped up the keyhole. My keyhole!

[Enter PHOEBE with SERGEANT MERYLL. MERYLL remains in the

background, unobserved by WILFRED.

PHOEBE

[aside] Wilfred-- and alone!

WILFRED

Now what could he have wanted with her? That's what

puzzles me!

PHOEBE

[aside] Now to get the keys from him.

[Aloud] Wilfred-- has no reprieve arrived?

WILFRED

None. Thine adored Fairfax is to die.

PHOEBE

Nay, thou knowest that I have naught but pity for the

poor condemned gentleman.

WILFRED

I know that he who is about to die is more to thee

than I, who am alive and well.

PHOEBE

Why, that were out of reason, dear Wilfred. Do they

not say that a live ass is better than a dead lion?

No, I didn't mean that!

WILFRED

Oh, they say that, do they?

PHOEBE

It's unpardonably rude of them, but I believe they put

it in that way. Not that it applies to thee, who art

clever beyond all telling!

WILFRED

Oh yes, as an assistant-tormentor.

PHOEBE

Nay, as a wit, as a humorist, as a most philosophic

commentator on the vanity of human resolution.

[PHOEBE slyly takes bunch of keys from WILFRED's waistband

and hands them to MERYLL, who enters the Tower, unnoticed

by WILFRED.

WILFRED

Truly, I have seen great resolution give way under my

persuasive methods [working with a small thumbscrew].

In the nice regulation of a thumbscrew-- in the

hundredth part of a single revolution lieth all the

difference between stony reticence and a torrent of

impulsive unbosoming that the pen can scarcely follow.

Ha! ha! I am a mad wag.

PHOEBE

[with a grimace] Thou art a most light-hearted and

delightful companion, Master Wilfred. Thine anecdotes

of the torture-chamber are the prettiest hearing.

WILFRED

I'm a pleasant fellow an' I choose. I believe I am the

merriest dog that barks. Ah, we might be passing happy

together--

PHOEBE

Perhaps. I do not know.

WILFRED

For thou wouldst make a most tender and loving wife.

PHOEBE

Aye, to one whom I really loved. For there is a wealth

of love within this little heart-- saving up for-- I

wonder whom? Now, of all the world of men, I wonder

whom? To think that he whom I am to wed is now alive

and somewhere! Perhaps far away, perhaps close at

hand! And I know him not! It seemeth that I am wasting

time in not knowing him.

WILFRED

Now say that it is I-- nay! suppose it for the nonce.

Say that we are wed-- suppose it only-- say that thou

art my very bride, and I thy cherry, joyous, bright,

frolicsome husband-- and that, the day's work being

done, and the prisoners stored away for the night,

thou and I are alone together-- with a long, long

evening before us!

PHOEBE

[with a grimace] It is a pretty picture-- but I

scarcely know. It cometh so unexpectedly-- and yet--and

yet-- were I thy bride--

WILFRED

Aye!-- wert thou my bride--?

PHOEBE

Oh, how I would love thee!

No. 11. Were I thy bride

(SONG)

Phoebe

PHOEBE

Were I thy bride,

Then all the world beside

Were not too wide

To hold my wealth of love--

Were I thy bride!

Upon thy breast

My loving head would rest,

As on her nest

The tender turtle dove--

Were I thy bride!

This heart of mine

Would be one heart with thine,

And in that shrine

Our happiness would dwell--

Were I thy bride!

And all day long

Our lives should be a song:

No grief, no wrong

Should make my heart rebel--

Were I thy bride!

The silvery flute,

The melancholy lute,

Were night-owl's hoot

To my low-whispered coo--

Were I thy bride!

The skylark's trill

Were but discordance shrill

To the soft thrill

Of wooing as I'd woo--

Were I thy bride!

[MERYLL re-enters; gives keys to PHOEBE, who replaces

them at WILFRED's girdle, unnoticed by him. Exit

MERYLL.

The rose's sigh

Were as a carrion's cry

To lullaby

Such as I'd sing to thee,

Were I thy bride!

A feather's press

Were leaden heaviness to my caress.

But then, of course, you see,

I'm not thy bride.

[Exit PHOEBE

WILFRED

No, thou'rt not-- not yet! But, Lord, how she woo'd; I

should be no mean judge of wooing, seeing that I have

been more hotly woo'd than most men. I have been woo'd

by maid, widow, and wife. I have been woo'd boldly,

timidly, tearfully, shyly-- by direct assault, by

suggestion, by implication, by inference, and by

innuendo. But this wooing is not of the common order;

it is the wooing of one who must needs me, if she die

for it!

[Exit WILFRED. Enter SERGEANT MERRILL, cautiously, from

Tower.

MERYLL

[looking after them] The deed is, so far, safely

accomplished. The slyboots, how she wheedled him! What

a helpless ninny is a love-sick man! He is but as a

lute in a woman's hands-- she plays upon him whatever

tune she will. But the Colonel comes. I' faith, he's

just in time, for the Yeomen parade here for his

execution in two minutes!

[Enter FAIRFAX, without beard and moustache, and dressed in

Yeoman's uniform.

FAIRFAX

My good and kind friend, thou runnest a grave risk for

me!

MERYLL

Tut, sir, no risk. I'll warrant none here will

recognise you. You make a brave Yeoman, sir! So-- this

ruff is too high; so-- and the sword should hang thus.

Here is your halbert, sir; carry it thus. The Yeomen

come. Now, remember, you are my brave son, Leonard

Meryll.

FAIRFAX

If I may not bear mine own name, there is none other

I would bear so readily.

MERYLL

Now, sir, put a bold face on it, for they come.

No. 12. Oh, Sergeant Meryll, is it true

(FINALE OF ACT I)

Ensemble

[Enter YEOMEN of the Guard

YEOMEN

Oh, Sergeant Meryll, is it true--

The welcome news we read in orders?

Thy son, whose deeds of derring-do

Are echoed all the country through,

Has come to join the Tower Warders?

If so, we come to meet him,

That we may fitly greet him,

And welcome his arrival here

With shout on shout and cheer on cheer,

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!

MERYLL

Ye Tower warders, nursed in war's alarms,

Suckled on gunpowder, and weaned on glory,

Behold my son, whose all-subduing arms

Have formed the theme of many a song and story!

Forgive his aged father's pride; nor jeer

His aged father's sympathetic tear!

[Pretending to weep]

YEOMEN

Leonard Meryll!

Leonard Meryll!

Dauntless he in time of peril!

Man of power,

Knighthood's flower,

Welcome to the grim old Tower,

To the Tower, welcome thou!

FAIRFAX

Forbear, my friends, and spare me this ovation,

I have small claim to such consideration;

The tales that of my prowess are narrated

Have been prodigiously exaggerated,

prodigiously exaggerated!

YEOMEN

'Tis ever thus!

Wherever valor true is found,

True modesty will there abound.

1ST YEOMAN Didst thou not, oh, Leonard Meryll!

Standard lost in last campaign,

Rescue it at deadly peril--

Bear it safely back again?

YEOMEN

Leonard Meryll, at his peril,

Bore it safely back again!

2ND YEOMAN Didst thou not, when prisoner taken,

And debarred from all escape,

Face, with gallant heart unshaken,

Death in most appalling shape?

YEOMEN

Leonard Meryll, faced his peril,

Death in most appalling shape!

FAIRFAX

[aside] Truly I was to be pitied,

Having but an hour to live,

I reluctantly submitted,

I had no alternative!

FAIRFAX

[aloud] Oh! the tales that are narrated

Of my deeds of derring-do

Have been much exaggerated,

Very much exaggerated,

Scarce a word of them is true!

Scarce a word of them is true!

YEOMEN

They are not exaggerated,

Not at all exaggerated,

Could not be exaggerated,

Ev'ry word of them is true!

3RD YEOMAN [optional] You, when brought to execution,

Like a demigod of yore,

With heroic resolution

Snatched a sword and killed a score.

YEOMEN

[optional] Leonard Meryll, Leonard Meryll

Snatched a sword and killed a score!

4TH YEOMAN [optional] Then escaping from the foemen,

Boltered with the blood you shed,

You, defiant, fearing no men,

Saved your honour and your head!

YEOMEN

[optional] Leonard Meryll, Leonard Meryll

Saved his honour and his head.

FAIRFAX

[optional] True, my course with judgement

shaping,

Favoured, too, by lucky star,

I succeeded in escaping

Prison-bolt and prison bar!

FAIRFAX

[optional] Oh! the tales that are narrated

Of my deeds of derring-do

Have been much exaggerated,

Very much exaggerated,

Scarce a word of them is true!

Scarce a word of them is true!

YEOMEN

[optional] They are not exaggerated,

Not at all exaggerated,

Could not be exaggerated,

Ev'ry word of them is true!

[Enter PHOEBE. She rushes to FAIRFAX. Enter WILFRED.

PHOEBE

Leonard!

FAIRFAX

[puzzled] I beg your pardon?

PHOEBE

Don't you know me? I'm little Phoebe!

FAIRFAX

[still puzzled] Phoebe? Is this Phoebe?

What! little Phoebe?

[aside] Who the deuce may she be?

It can't be Phoebe, surely?

WILFRED

Yes, 'tis Phoebe--

Your sister Phoebe! Your own little sister!

YEOMEN

Aye, he speaks the truth; 'Tis Phoebe!

FAIRFAX

[pretending to recognise her]

Sister Phoebe!

PHOEBE

Oh, my brother!

FAIRFAX

Why, how you've grown!

I did not recognize you!

PHOEBE

So many years! Oh, brother!

FAIRFAX

Oh, my sister!

BOTH

Oh, brother!/Oh, sister!

WILFRED

Aye, hug him, girl!

There are three thou mayst hug--

Thy father and thy brother and-- myself!

FAIRFAX

Thyself, forsooth?

And who art thou thyself?

WILFRED

Good sir, we are betrothed.

[FAIRFAX turns inquiringly to PHOEBE

PHOEBE

Or more or less--

But rather less than more!

WILFRED

To thy fond care

I do commend thy sister.

Be to her

An ever-watchful guardian-- eagle-eyed!

And when she feels (as sometimes she does feel)

Disposed to indiscriminate caress,

Be thou at hand to take those favours from her!

YEOMEN

Be thou at hand to take those favours from her!

PHOEBE

Yes, yes.

Be thou at hand to take those favours from me!

WILFRED

To thy fraternal care

Thy sister I commend;

From every lurking snare

Thy lovely charge defend;

And to achieve this end,

Oh! grant, I pray, this boon--

Oh! grant this boon

She shall not quit my sight;

From morn to afternoon--

From afternoon to night--

From sev'n o'clock to two--

From two to eventide--

From dim twilight to 'lev'n at night,

From dim twilight to 'lev'n at night

She shall not quit my side!

YEOMEN

From morn to afternoon--

From afternoon to 'lev'n at night

She shall not quit thy side!

PHOEBE

So amiable I've grown,

So innocent as well,

That if I'm left alone

The consequences fell

No mortal can foretell.

So grant, I pray, this boon--

Oh! grant this boon

I shall not quit thy sight:

From morn to afternoon--

From afternoon to night--

From sev'n o'clock to two--

From two to eventide--

From dim twilight to 'lev'n at night

From dim twilight to 'lev'n at night

I shall not quit thy side!

YEOMEN

From morn to afternoon--

From afternoon to 'lev'n at night

She shall not quit thy side!

FAIRFAX

With brotherly readiness,

For my fair sister's sake,

At once I answer "Yes"--

That task I undertake--

My word I never break.

I freely grant that boon,

And I'll repeat my plight.

From morn to afternoon-- [kiss]

From afternoon to night-- [kiss]

From sev'n o'clock to two-- [kiss]

From two to evening meal-- [kiss]

From dim twilight to 'lev'n at night,

From dim twilight to 'lev'n at night,

That compact I will seal. [kiss]

YEOMEN

From morn to afternoon,

From afternoon to 'lev'n at night

He freely grants that boon.

[The bell of St. Peter's begins to toll. The CROWD enters;

the block is brought on to the stage, and the HEADSMAN

takes his place. The YEOMEN of the Guard form up. The

LIEUTENANT enters and takes his place, and tells off

FAIRFAX and two others to bring the prisoner to execution.

WILFRED, FAIRFAX, and TWO YEOMEN exeunt to Tower.

CHORUS

The prisoner comes to meet his doom;

The block, the headsman, and the tomb.

The funeral bell begins to toll;

May Heav'n have mercy on his soul!

May Heav'n have mercy on his soul!

ELSIE

Oh, Mercy, thou whose smile has shone

So many a captive heart upon;

Of all immured within these walls,

To-day the very worthiest falls!

ALL

Oh, Mercy, thou whose smile has shone

So many a captive heart upon;

Of all immured within these walls,

The very worthiest falls.

Oh, Mercy, Oh, Mercy!

[Enter FAIRFAX and TWO YEOMEN from Tower in great

excitement.

FAIRFAX

My lord! I know not how to tell

The news I bear!

I and my comrades sought the pris'ner's cell--

He is not there!

ALL

He is not there!

They sought the pris'ner's cell--

he is not there!

FAIRFAX AND

TWO YEOMEN As escort for the prisoner

We sought his cell, in duty bound;

The double gratings open were,

No prisoner at all we found!

We hunted high, we hunted low,

We hunted here, we hunted there--

The man we sought with anxious care

Had vanished into empty air!

The man we sought with anxious care

Had vanished into empty air!

[Exit LIEUTENANT

WOMEN

Now, by my troth, the news is fair,

The man has vanished into air!

ALL

As escort for the prisoner

We/they sought his cell in duty bound;

The double gratings open were,

No prisoner at all we/they found,

We/they hunted high, we/they hunted low,

We/they hunted here, we/they hunted there,

The man we/they sought with anxious care

Had vanished into empty air!

The man we/they sought with anxious care

Had vanished into empty air!

[Enter WILFRED, followed by LIEUTENANT

LIEUT.

Astounding news! The pris'ner fled!

[To WILFRED] Thy life shall forfeit be instead!

[WILFRED is arrested

WILFRED

My lord, I did not set him free,

I hate the man-- my rival he!

MERYLL

The pris'ner gone-- I'm all agape!

LIEUT.

Thy life shall forfeit be instead!

MERYLL

Who could have helped him to escape?

WILFRED

My lord, I did not set him free!

PHOEBE

Indeed I can't imagine who!

I've no idea at all, have you?

[Enter JACK POINT

DAME

Of his escape no traces lurk,

Enchantment must have been at work!

ELSIE

[aside to POINT]

What have I done? Oh, woe is me!

PHOEBE

& DAME Indeed I can't imagine who!

I've no idea at all, have you?

ELSIE

I am his wife, and he is free!

POINT

Oh, woe is you? Your anguish sink!

Oh, woe is me, I rather think!

Oh, woe is me, I rather think!

Yes, woe is me, I rather think!

Whate'er betide

You are his bride,

And I am left

Alone-- bereft!

Yes, woe is me, I rather think!

Yes, woe is me, I rather think!

Yes, woe is me, Yes, woe is me, Yes, woe is me,

Yes, woe is me, I rather think!

ENSEMBLE

All frenzied with despair I/they rave,

The grave is cheated of its due.

Who is, who is the misbegotten knave

Who hath contrived this deed to do?

Let search, let search

Be made throughout the land,

Or his/my vindictive anger dread--

A thousand marks, a thousand marks

he'll/I'll hand

Who brings him here, alive or dead,

Who brings him here, alive or dead!

A thousand marks, a thousand marks,

Alive, alive or dead

Alive, alive or dead

Who brings him here, alive, alive, or dead.

[At the end, ELSIE faints in FAIRFAX's arms; all the YEOMEN

and CROWD rush off the stage in different directions, to

hunt for the fugitive, leaving only the HEADSMAN on the

stage, and ELSIE insensible in FAIRFAX's arms.

END OF ACT I

ACT II

[SCENE.-- The same-- Moonlight.]

[Two days have elapsed.]

[WOMEN and YEOMEN of the Guard discovered.

No. 13. Night has spread her pall once more

(CHORUS AND SOLO)

People, Yeomen, and Dame Carruthers

CHORUS

Night has spread her pall once more,

And the pris'ner still is free:

Open is his dungeon door,

Useless now his dungeon key.

He has shaken off his yoke--

How, no mortal man can tell!

Shame on loutish jailor-folk--

Shame on sleepy sentinel!

[Enter DAME CARRUTHERS and KATE

DAME

Warders are ye?

Whom do ye ward?

Warders are ye?

Whom do ye ward?

Bolt, bar, and key,

Shackle and cord,

Fetter and chain,

Dungeon and stone,

All are in vain--

Prisoner's flown!

Spite of ye all, he is free-- he is free!

Whom do ye ward? Pretty warders are ye!

WOMEN

Pretty warders are ye!

Whom do ye ward?

Spite of ye all, he is free-- he is free!

Whom do ye ward?

Pretty warders are ye!

MEN

Up and down, and in and out,

Here and there, and round about;

Ev'ry chamber, ev'ry house,

Ev'ry chink that holds a mouse,

Ev'ry crevice in the keep,

Where a beetle black could creep,

Ev'ry outlet, ev'ry drain,

Have we searched, but all in vain, all in vain.

WOMEN

Warders are ye?

Whom do ye ward?

MEN

Ev'ry house, ev'ry chink, ev'ry drain,

WOMEN

Warders are ye?

Whom do ye ward?

MEN

Ev'ry chamber, ev'ry outlet,

Have we searched, but all in vain.

WOMEN

Night has spread her pall once more,

And the pris'ner still is free:

MEN

Warders are we? Whom do we ward?

Whom do we ward?

Warders are we? Whom do we ward?

Whom do we ward?

WOMEN

Open is his dungeon door,

Useless his dungeon key!

ALL

Spite of us all, he is free, he is free!

MEN

Pretty warders are we, he is free!

Spite of us all, he is free, he is free!

WOMEN

Open is his dungeon door,

MEN

Spite of us all, he is free, he is free!

Pretty warders are we, he is free! He is free!

WOMEN

He is free! He is free!

Pretty warders are ye,

ALL

He is free! He is free!

Pretty warders are ye/we!

[Exeunt all.

[Enter JACK POINT, in low spirits, reading from a huge

volume

POINT

[reads] "The Merrie Jestes of Hugh Ambrose, No.

7863.The Poor Wit and the Rich Councillor. A certayne

poor wit, being an-hungered, did meet a well-fed

councillor.'Marry, fool,' quothe the councillor,

'whither away?' 'In truth,' said the poor wag, 'in

that I have eaten naught these two dayes, I do wither

away, and that right rapidly!' The Councillor laughed

hugely, and gave him a sausage." Humph! the councillor

was easier to please than my new master the

Lieutenant. I would like to take post under that

councillor. Ah! 'tis but melancholy mumming when poor

heart-broken, jilted Jack Point must needs turn to

Hugh Ambrose for original light humour!

[Enter WILFRED, also in low spirits.

WILFRED

[sighing] Ah, Master Point!

POINT

[changing his manner] Ha! friend jailer! Jailer that

wast-- jailer that never shalt be more! Jailer that

jailed not, or that jailed, if jail he did, so

unjailery that 'twas but jerry-jailing, or jailing in

joke-- though no joke to him who, by unjailerlike

jailing, did so jeopardise his jailership. Come, take

heart, smile, laugh, wink, twinkle, thou tormentor

that tormentest none-- thou racker that rackest not--

thou pincher out of place-- come, take heart, and be

merry, as I am!-- [aside, dolefully]-- as I am!

WILFRED

Aye, it's well for thee to laugh. Thou hast a good

post, and hast cause to be merry.

POINT

[bitterly] Cause? Have we not all cause? Is not the

world a big butt of humour, into which all who will

may drive a gimlet? See, I am a salaried wit; and is

there aught in nature more ridiculous? A poor, dull,

heart-broken man, who must needs be merry, or he will

be whipped; who must rejoice, lest he starve; who must

jest you, jibe you, quip you, crank you, wrack you,

riddle you, from hour to hour, from day to day, from

year to year, lest he dwindle, perish, starve,

pine,and die! Why, when there's naught else to laugh

at, I laugh at myself till I ache for it!

WILFRED

Yet I have often thought that a jester's calling would

suit me to a hair.

POINT

Thee? Would suit thee, thou death's head and cross-

bones?

WILFRED

Aye, I have a pretty wit-- a light, airy, joysome wit,

spiced with anecdotes of prison cells and the torture

chamber. Oh, a very delicate wit! I have tried it on

many a prisoner, and there have been some who smiled.

Now it is not easy to make a prisoner smile. And it

should not be difficult to be a good jester, seeing

that thou are one.

POINT

Difficult? Nothing easier. Nothing easier. Attend, and

I will prove it to thee!

No. 14. Oh! a private buffoon is a light-hearted loon

(SONG)

Point

POINT

Oh! a private buffoon is a light-hearted loon,

If you listen to popular rumour;

From morning to night he's so joyous and bright,

And he bubbles with wit and good humour!

He's so quaint and so terse,

Both in prose and in verse;

Yet though people forgive his transgression,

There are one or two rules that all family fools

Must observe, if they love their profession.

There are one or two rules,

Half-a-dozen, maybe,

That all family fools,

Of whatever degree,

Must observe if they love their profession.

If you wish to succeed as a jester, you'll need

To consider each person's auricular:

What is all right for B would quite scandalize C

(For C is so very particular);

And D may be dull, and E's very thick skull

Is as empty of brains as a ladle;

While F is F sharp, and will cry with a carp,

That he's known your best joke from his cradle!

When your humour they flout,

You can't let yourself go;

And it does put you out

When a person says, "Oh!

I have known that old joke from my cradle!"

If your master is surly, from getting up early

(And tempers are short in the morning),

An inopportune joke is enough to provoke

Him to give you, at once, a month's warning.

Then if you refrain, he is at you again,

For he likes to get value for money:

He'll ask then and there, with an insolent stare,

"If you know that you're paid to be funny?"

It adds to the tasks

Of a merryman's place,

When your principal asks,

With a scowl on his face,

If you know that you're paid to be funny?

Comes a Bishop, maybe, or a solemn D.D.--

Oh, beware of his anger provoking!

Better not pull his hair--

Don't stick pins in his chair;

He won't understand practical joking.

If the jests that you crack have an orthodox smack,

You may get a bland smile from these sages;

But should it, by chance, be imported from France,

Half-a-crown is stopped out of your wages!

It's a general rule,

Tho' your zeal it may quench,

If the Family Fool

Makes a joke that's too French,

Half-a-crown is stopped out of his wages!

Though your head it may rack with a bilious attack,

And your senses with toothache you're losing,

And you're mopy and flat--

they don't fine you for that

If you're properly quaint and amusing!

Though your wife ran away with a soldier that day,

And took with her your trifle of money;

Bless your heart, they don't mind--

they're exceedingly kind--

They don't blame you--as long as you're funny!

It's a comfort to feel

If your partner should flit,

Though you suffer a deal,

They don't mind it a bit--

They don't blame you--so long as you're funny!

POINT

And so thou wouldst be a jester eh?

WILFRED

Aye!

POINT

Now, listen! My sweetheart, Elsie Maynard, was

secretly wed to this Fairfax half an hour ere he

escaped.

WILFRED

She did well.

POINT

She did nothing of the kind, so hold thy peace and

perpend. Now, while he liveth she is dead to me and I

to her, and so, my jibes and jokes notwithstanding, I

am the saddest and the sorriest dog in England!

WILFRED

Thou art a very dull dog indeed.

POINT

Now, if thou wilt swear that thou didst shoot this

Fairfax while he was trying to swim across the river--

it needs but the discharge of an arquebus on a dark

night-- and that he sank and was seen no more, I'll

make thee the very Archbishop of jesters, and that in

two days'time! Now, what sayest thou?

WILFRED

I am to lie?

POINT

Heartily. But thy lie must be a lie of circumstance,

which I will support with the testimony of eyes,

ears,and tongue.

WILFRED

And thou wilt qualify me as a jester?

POINT

As a jester among jesters. I will teach thee all my

original songs, my self-constructed riddles, my own

ingenious paradoxes; nay, more, I will reveal to thee

the source whence I get them. Now, what sayest thou?

WILFRED

Why, if it be but a lie thou wantest of me, I hold it

cheap enough, and I say yes, it is a bargain!

No. 15. Hereupon we're both agreed

(DUET)

Point and Wilfred

BOTH

Hereupon we're both agreed,

All that we two

Do agree to

We'll secure by solemn deed,

To prevent all

Error mental.

POINT

You on Elsie are to call

With a story

Grim and gory;

WILFRED

How this Fairfax died, and all

I declare to

You're to swear to.

POINT

I to swear to!

WILFRED

I declare to,

POINT

I to swear to!

WILFRED

I declare to,

BOTH

I to swear to,/I declare to,

You declare to,/You're to swear to,

I to swear to,/I declare to.

BOTH

Tell a tale of cock and bull,

Of convincing detail full

Tale tremendous,

Heav'n defend us!

What a tale of cock and bull!

In return for your/my own part

You are/I am making, undertaking

To instruct me/you in the art

(Art amazing, wonder raising)

POINT

Of a jester, jesting free.

Proud position--

High ambition!

WILFRED

And a lively one I'll be,

Wag-a-wagging,

Never flagging!

POINT

Wag-a-wagging,

WILFRED

Never flagging,

POINT

Wag-a-wagging,

WILFRED

Never flagging,

BOTH

Never flagging,/Wag-a-wagging,

Wag-a-wagging,/Never flagging,

Never flagging,/Wag-a-wagging!

BOTH

Tell a tale of cock and bull,

Of convincing detail full

Tale tremendous,

Heav'n defend us!

What a tale of cock and bull!

POINT

What a tale of cock,

WILFRED

What a tale of bull!

POINT

What a tale of cock,

WILFRED

What a tale of bull!

BOTH

What a tale of cock and bull,

Cock and bull, cock and bull,

Heav'n defend us!

What a tale of cock and bull!

[Exeunt together.

[Enter FAIRFAX

FAIRFAX

Two days gone, and no news of poor Fairfax. The dolts!

They seek him everywhere save within a dozen yards of

his dungeon. So I am free! Free, but for the cursed

haste with which I hurried headlong into the bonds of

matrimony with-- Heaven knows whom! As far as I

remember, she should have been young; but even had not

her face been concealed by her kerchief, I doubt

whether, in my then plight, I should have taken much

note of her. Free? Bah! The Tower bonds were but a

thread of silk compared with these conjugal fetters

which I, fool that I was, placed upon mine own hands.

From the one I broke readily enough-- how to break the

other!

No. 16. Free from his fetters grim

(BALLAD)

Fairfax

FAIRFAX

Free from his fetters grim--

Free to depart;

Free both in life and limb--

In all but heart!

Bound to an unknown bride

For good and ill;

Ah, is not one so tied

A pris'ner still, a pris'ner still?

Ah, is not one so tied

A pris'ner still?

Free, yet in fetters held

Till his last hour,

Gyves that no smith can weld,

No rust devour!

Although a monarch's hand

Had set him free,

Of all the captive band

The saddest he, the saddest he!

Of all the captive band

The saddest, saddest he!

[Enter SERGEANT MERYLL

FAIRFAX

Well, Sergeant Meryll, and how fares thy pretty

charge,Elsie Maynard?

MERYLL

Well enough, sir. She is quite strong again, and

leaves us to-night.

FAIRFAX

Thanks to Dame Carruthers' kind nursing, eh?

MERYLL

Aye, deuce take the old witch! Ah, 'twas but a sorry

trick you played me, sir, to bring the fainting girl

to me. It gave the old lady an excuse for taking up

her quarters in my house, and for the last two years

I've shunned her like the plague. Another day of it

and she would have married me! [Enter DAME CARRUTHERS

and KATE] Good Lord, here she is again! I'll e'en go.

[Going]

DAME

Nay, Sergeant Meryll, don't go. I have something of

grave import to say to thee.

MERYLL

[aside] It's coming.

FAIRFAX

[laughing] I'faith, I think I', not wanted here.

[Going]

DAME

Nay, Master Leonard, I've naught to say to thy father

that his son may not hear.

FAIRFAX

[aside] True. I'm one of the family; I had forgotten!

DAME

'Tis about this Elsie Maynard. A pretty girl, Master

Leonard.

FAIRFAX

Aye, fair as a peach blossom-- what then?

DAME

She hath a liking for thee, or I mistake not.

FAIRFAX

With all my heart. She's as dainty a little amid as

you'll find in a midsummer day's march.

DAME

Then be warned in time, and give not thy heart to her.

Oh, I know what it is to give my heart to one who will

have none of it!

MERYLL

[aside] Aye, she knows all about that.

[Aloud] And why is my boy to take heed of her? She's

a good girl, Dame Carruthers.

DAME

Good enough, for aught I know. But she's no girl.

She's a married woman.

MERYLL

A married woman! Tush, old lady-- she's promised to

Jack Point, the Lieutenant's new jester.

DAME

Tush in thy teeth, old man! As my niece Kate sat by

her bedside to-day, this Elsie slept, and as she slept

she moaned and groaned, and turned this way and that

way-- and, "How shall I marry one I have never seen?"

quoth she-- then, "An hundred crowns!" quoth she--

then,"Is it certain he will die in an hour?" quoth

she-- then, "I love him not, and yet I am his wife,"

quoth she! Is it not so, Kate?

KATE

Aye, aunt, 'tis even so.

FAIRFAX

Art thou sure of all this?

KATE

Aye, sir, for I wrote it all down on my tablets.

DAME

Now, mark my words: it was of this Fairfax she spake,

and he is her husband, or I'll swallow my kirtle!

MERYLL

[aside] Is it true, sir?

FAIRFAX

[aside to MERYLL] True? Why, the girl was raving!

[Aloud] Why should she marry a man who had but an hour

to live?

DAME

Marry? There be those who would marry but for a

minute, rather than die old maids.

MERYLL

[aside] Aye, I know one of them!

No. 17. Strange adventure!

(QUARTET)

Kate, Dame, Carruthers, Fairfax and Sergeant Meryll

ALL

Strange adventure! Maiden wedded

To a groom she's never seen--

Never, never, never seen!

Groom about to be beheaded,

In an hour on Tower Green!

Tower, Tower, Tower Green!

Groom in dreary dungeon lying,

Groom as good as dead, or dying,

For a pretty maiden sighing--

Pretty maid of seventeen!

Seven-- seven-- seventeen!

Strange adventure that we're trolling:

Modest maid and gallant groom--

Gallant, gallant, gallant groom!--

While the funeral bell is tolling,

Tolling, tolling, Bim-a-boom!

Bim-a, Bim-a, Bim-a-boom!

Modest maiden will not tarry;

Though but sixteen year she carry,

She must marry, she must marry,

Though the altar be a tomb--

Tower-- Tower-- Tower tomb!

Tower tomb! Tower tomb!

Though the altar be a tomb!

Tower, Tower, Tower tomb!

[Exeunt DAME CARRUTHERS, MERYLL, and KATE.

FAIRFAX

So my mysterious bride is no other than this winsome

Elsie! By my hand, 'tis no such ill plunge in

Fortune's lucky bag! I might have fared worse with my

eyes open! But she comes. Now to test her principles.

'Tis not every husband who has a chance of wooing his

own wife!

[Enter ELSIE

FAIRFAX

Mistress Elsie!

ELSIE

Master Leonard!

FAIRFAX

So thou leavest us to-night?

ELSIE

Yes. Master Leonard. I have been kindly tended, and I

almost fear I am loth to go.

FAIRFAX

And this Fairfax. Wast thou glad when he escaped?

ELSIE

Why, truly, Master Leonard, it is a sad thing that a

young and gallant gentleman should die in the very

fullness of his life.

FAIRFAX

Then when thou didst faint in my arms, it was for joy

at his safety?

ELSIE

It may be so. I was highly wrought, Master Leonard,

and I am but a girl, and so, when I an highly wrought,

I faint.

FAIRFAX

Now, dost thou know, I am consumed with a parlous

jealousy?

ELSIE

Thou? And of whom?

FAIRFAX

Why, of this Fairfax, surely!

ELSIE

Of Colonel Fairfax?

FAIRFAX

Aye. Shall I be frank with thee? Elsie-- I love thee,

ardently, passionately! [ELSIE alarmed and surprised]

Elsie, I have loved thee these two days-- which is a

long time-- and I would fain join my life to thine!

ELSIE

Master Leonard! Thou art jesting!

FAIRFAX

Jesting? May I shrivel into raisins if I jest! I love

thee with a love that is a fever-- with a love that is

a frenzy-- with a love that eateth up my heart! What

sayest thou? Thou wilt not let my heart be eaten up?

ELSIE

[aside] Oh, mercy! What am I to say?

FAIRFAX

Dost thou love me, or hast thou been insensible these

two days?

ELSIE

I love all brave men.

FAIRFAX

Nay, there is love in excess. I thank heaven there are

many brave men in England; but if thou lovest them

all, I withdraw my thanks.

ELSIE

I love the bravest best. But, sir, I may not listen--

I am not free-- I-- I am a wife!

FAIRFAX

Thou a wife? Whose? His name? His hours are

numbered--nay, his grave is dug and his epitaph set up!

Come, his name?

ELSIE

Oh, sir! keep my secret-- it is the only barrier that

Fate could set up between us. My husband is none other

than Colonel Fairfax!

FAIRFAX

The greatest villain unhung! The most ill-favoured,

ill-mannered, ill-natured, ill-omened, ill-tempered

dog in Christendom!

ELSIE

It is very like. He is naught to me-- for I never saw

him. I was blindfolded, and he was to have died within

the hour; and he did not die-- and I am wedded to him,

and my heart is broken!

FAIRFAX

He was to have died, and he did not die? The

scoundrel! The perjured, traitorous villain! Thou

shouldst have insisted on his dying first, to make

sure. 'Tis the only way with these Fairfaxes.

ELSIE

I now wish I had!

FAIRFAX

[aside] Bloodthirsty little maiden!

[Aloud] A fig for this Fairfax! Be mine-- he will never

know-- he dares not show himself; and if he dare, what

art thou to him? Fly with me, Elsie-- we will be

married tomorrow, and thou shalt be the happiest wife

in England!

ELSIE

Master Leonard! I am amazed! Is it thus that brave

soldiers speak to poor girls? Oh! for shame, for

shame! I am wed-- not the less because I love not my

husband. I am a wife, sir, and I have a duty, and-- oh,

sir!-- thy words terrify me-- they are not honest-- they

are wicked words, and unworthy thy great and brave

heart! Oh,shame upon thee! shame upon thee!

FAIRFAX

Nay, Elsie, I did but jest. I spake but to try thee--

[Shot heard

[Enter SERGEANT MERYLL hastily

No. 18. Hark! What was that, sir?

(SCENE)

Elsie, Phoebe, Dame Carruthers, Fairfax. Wilfred, Point,

Lieutenant, Sergeant

MERYLL

Hark! What was that, sir?

FAIRFAX

Why, an arquebus--

Fired from the wharf, unless I much mistake.

MERYLL

Strange-- and at such an hour! What can it mean!

[Enter CHORUS excitedly

CHORUS

Now what can that have been--

A shot so late at night,

Enough to cause a fright!

What can the portent mean?

Are foemen in the land?

Is London to be wrecked?

What are we to expect?

What danger is at hand?

Let us understand

What danger is at hand!

[LIEUTENANT enters, also POINT and WILFRED

LIEUT.

Who fired that shot? At once the truth declare?

WILFRED

My lord, 'twas I-- to rashly judge forebear!

POINT

My lord, 'twas he-- to rashly judge forebear!

WILFRED

Like a ghost his vigil keeping--

POINT

Or a spectre all-appalling--

WILFRED

I beheld a figure creeping--

POINT

I should rather call it crawling--

WILFRED

He was creeping--

POINT

He was crawling--

WILFRED

He was creeping, creeping--

POINT

Crawling!

WILFRED

He was creeping--

POINT

He was crawling--

WILFRED

He was creeping, creeping--

POINT

Crawling!

WILFRED

Not a moment's hesitation--

I myself upon him flung,

With a hurried exclamation

To his draperies I hung;

Then we closed with one another

In a rough-and-tumble smother;

Col'nel Fairfax and no other

Was the man to whom I clung!

ALL

Col'nel Fairfax and no other,

Was the man to whom he clung!

WILFRED

After mighty tug and tussle--

POINT

It resembled more a struggle--

WILFRED

He, by dint of stronger muscle--

POINT

Or by some infernal juggle--

WILFRED

From my clutches quickly sliding--

POINT

I should rather call it slipping--

WILFRED

With a view, no doubt, of hiding--

POINT

Or escaping to the shipping--

WILFRED

With a gasp, and with a quiver--

POINT

I'd describe it as a shiver--

WILFRED

Down he dived into the river,

And, alas, I cannot swim.

ALL

It's enough to make one shiver,

With a gasp, and with a quiver,

Down he dived into the river;

It was very brave of him!

WILFRED

Ingenuity is catching;

With the view my King of pleasing,

Arquebus from sentry snatching--

POINT

I should rather call it seizing--

WILFRED

With an ounce or two of lead

I dispatched him through the head!

ALL

With an ounce or two of lead

He dispatched him through the head!

WILFRED

I discharged it without winking,

Little time I lost in thinking,

Like a stone I saw him sinking--

POINT

I should say a lump of lead.

ALL

He discharged it without winking,

Little time he lost in thinking.

WILFRED

Like a stone I saw him sinking--

POINT

I should say a lump of lead.

WILFRED

Like a stone, my boy, I said--

POINT

Like a heavy lump of lead.

WILFRED

Like a stone, my boy, I said--

POINT

Like a heavy lump of lead.

WILFRED

Anyhow, the man is dead,

Whether stone or lump of lead!

ALL

Anyhow, the man is dead,

Whether stone or lump of lead!

Arquebus from sentry seizing,

With the view his King of pleasing,

Arquebus from sentry seizing,

With the view his King of pleasing,

Wilfred shot him through the head,

And he's very, very dead!

And it matters very little

Whether stone or lump of lead,

It is very, very certain that

he's very, very dead!

LIEUT.

The river must be dragged-- no time be lost;

The body must be found, at any cost.

To this attend without undue delay;

So set to work with what dispatch ye may!

[Exit LIEUTENANT

ALL

Yes, yes,

We'll set to work with what dispatch we may!

[Men raise WILFRED, and carry him off on their shoulders.

ALL

Hail the valiant fellow who

Did this deed of derring-do!

Honours wait on such an one;

By my head, 'twas bravely done,

'twas bravely done!

Now, by my head, 'twas bravely done!

[Exeunt all but ELSIE, POINT, FAIRFAX, and PHOEBE.

POINT

[to ELSIE, who is weeping] Nay, sweetheart, be

comforted. This Fairfax was but a pestilent fellow,

and, as he had to die, he might as well die thus as

any other way. 'Twas a good death.

ELSIE

Still, he was my husband, and had he not been, he was

nevertheless a living man, and now he is dead; and so,

by your leave, my tears may flow unchidden, Master

Point.

FAIRFAX

And thou didst see all this?

POINT

Aye, with both eyes at once-- this and that. The

testimony of one eye is naught-- he may lie. But when

it is corroborated by the other, it is good evidence

that none may gainsay. Here are both present in court,

ready to swear to him!

PHOEBE

But art thou sure it was Colonel Fairfax? Saw you his

face?

POINT

Aye, and a plaguey ill-favoured face too. A very hang-

dog face-- a felon face-- a face to fright the headsman

himself, and make him strike awry. Oh, a plaguey, bad

face, take my word for it. [PHOEBE and FAIRFAX laugh]

How they laugh! "Tis ever thus with simple folk-- an

accepted wit has but to say "Pass the mustard," and

they roar their ribs out!

FAIRFAX

[aside] If ever I come to life again, thou shalt pay

for this, Master Point!

POINT

Now, Elsie, thou art free to choose again, so behold

me: I am young and well-favoured. I have a pretty wit.

I can jest you, jibe you, quip you, crank you, wrack

you, riddle you--

FAIRFAX

Tush, man, thou knowest not how to woo. 'Tis not to be

done with time-worn jests and thread-bare sophistries;

with quips, conundrums, rhymes, and paradoxes. 'Tis an

art in itself, and must be studied gravely and

conscientiously.

No. 19. A man who would woo a fair maid

(TRIO)

Elsie, Phoebe, and Fairfax

FAIRFAX

A man who would woo a fair maid,

Should 'prentice himself to the trade;

And study all day,

In methodical way,

How to flatter, cajole, and persuade.

He should 'prentice himself at fourteen,

And practise from morning to e'en;

And when he's of age,

If he will, I'll engage,

He may capture the heart of a queen,

the heart of a queen!

ALL

It is purely a matter of skill,

Which all may attain if they will.

But every Jack

He must study the knack

If he wants to make sure of his Jill!

If he wants to make sure of his Jill!

ELSIE

If he's made the best use of his time,

His twig he'll so carefully lime

That every bird

Will come down at his word,

Whatever its plumage and clime.

He must learn that the thrill of a touch

May mean little, or nothing, or much;

It's an instrument rare,

To be handled with care,

And ought to be treated as such,

Ought to be treated as such.

ALL

It is purely a matter of skill,

Which all may attain if they will:

But every Jack,

He must study the knack

If he wants to make sure of his Jill!

If he wants to make sure of his Jill!

PHOEBE

Then a glance may be timid or free;

It will vary in mighty degree,

From an impudent stare

To a look of despair

That no maid without pity can see!

And a glance of despair is no guide--

It may have its ridiculous side;

It may draw you a tear

Or a box on the ear;

You can never be sure till you've tried!

Never be sure till you've tried!

ALL

It is purely a matter of skill,

Which all may attain if they will:

But every Jack,

He must study the knack

If he wants to make sure of his Jill,

If he wants to make sure of his Jill!

But every Jack,

He must study the knack,

But every Jack,

Must study the knack

If he wants to make sure of his Jill!

Yes, every Jack,

Must study the knack

If he wants to make sure of his Jill!

FAIRFAX

[aside to POINT] Now, listen to me-- 'tis done thus--

[aloud] Mistress Elsie, there is one here who, as thou

knowest, loves thee right well!

POINT

[aside] That he does-- right well!

FAIRFAX

He is but a man of poor estate, but he hath a loving,

honest heart. He will be a true and trusty husband to

thee, and if thou wilt be his wife, thou shalt lie

curled up in his heart, like a little squirrel in its

nest!

POINT

[aside] 'Tis a pretty figure. A maggot in a nut lies

closer, but a squirrel will do.

FAIRFAX

He knoweth that thou wast a wife-- an unloved and

unloving wife, and his poor heart was near to

breaking. But now that thine unloving husband is dead,

and thou art free, he would fain pray that thou

wouldst hearken unto him, and give him hope that thou

wouldst one day be his!

PHOEBE

[alarmed] He presses her hands-- and whispers in her

ear! Ods bodikins, what does it mean?

FAIRFAX

Now, sweetheart, tell me-- wilt thou be this poor

goodfellow's wife?

ELSIE

If the good, brave man-- is he a brave man?

FAIRFAX

So men say.

POINT

[aside] That's not true, but let it pass.

ELSIE

If the brave man will be content with a poor,

penniless, untaught maid--

POINT

[aside] Widow-- but let that pass.

ELSIE

I will be his true and loving wife, and that with my

heart of hearts!

FAIRFAX

My own dear love! [Embracing her]

PHOEBE

[in great agitation] Why, what's all this? Brother--

brother-- it is not seemly!

POINT

[also alarmed, aside] Oh, I can't let that pass!

[Aloud] Hold, enough, Master Leonard! An advocate

should have his fee, but methinks thou art over-paying

thyself!

FAIRFAX

Nay, that is for Elsie to say. I promised thee I would

show thee how to woo, and herein lies the proof of the

virtue of my teaching. Go thou, and apply it

elsewhere! [PHOEBE bursts into tears]

No. 20. When a wooer goes a-wooing

(QUARTET)

Elsie, Phoebe, Fairfax, and Point

ELSIE

When a wooer Goes a-wooing,

Naught is truer Than his joy.

FAIRFAX

Maiden hushing All his suing--

Boldly blushing, bravely coy!

Bravely coy! Boldly blushing--

ELSIE

Boldly blushing, bravely coy!

ALL

Oh, the happy days of doing!

Oh, the sighing and the suing!

When a wooer goes a-wooing,

Oh the sweets that never cloy!

PHOEBE

[weeping] When a brother leaves his sister

For another, sister weeps,

Tears that trickle,

Tears that blister--

'Tis but mickle Sister reaps!

ALL

Oh, the doing and undoing,

Oh, the sighing and the suing,

When a brother goes a-wooing,

And a sobbing sister weeps!

POINT

When a jester Is outwitted,

Feelings fester, Heart is lead!

Food for fishes Only fitted,

Jester wishes He was dead!

Food for fishes Only fitted,

Jester wishes He was dead!

ALL

Oh, the doing and undoing,

Oh, the sighing and the suing,

When a jester goes a-wooing,

And he wishes he was dead!

Oh, the doing and undoing,

Oh, the sighing and the suing,

When a jester goes a-wooing,

And he wishes he was dead,

And he wishes he was dead!

[Exeunt all but PHOEBE, who remains weeping.

PHOEBE

And I helped that man to escape, and I've kept his

secret, and pretended that I was his dearly loving

sister, and done everything I could think of to make

folk believe I was his loving sister, and this is his

gratitude! Before I pretend to be sister to anybody

again, I'll turn nun, and be sister to everybody-- one

as much as another!

[Enter WILFRED

WILFRED

In tears, eh? What a plague art thou grizzling for

now?

PHOEBE

Why am I grizzling? Thou hast often wept for jealousy--

well, 'tis for jealousy I weep now. Aye, yellow,

bilious, jaundiced jealousy. So make the most of that,

Master Wilfred.

WILFRED

But I have never given thee cause for jealousy. The

Lieutenant's cook-maid and I are but the merest

gossips!

PHOEBE

Jealous of thee! Bah! I'm jealous of no craven cock-

on-a-hill, who crows about what he'd do an he dared!

I am jealous of another and a better man than thou--

set that down, Master Wilfred. And he is to marry

Elsie Maynard, the pale little fool-- set that down

Master Wilfred-- and my heart is wellnigh broken!

There, thou hast it all! Make the most of it!

WILFRED

The man thou lovest is to marry Elsie Maynard? Why,

that is no other than thy brother, Leonard Meryll!

PHOEBE

[aside] Oh, mercy! what have I said?

WILFRED

Why, what matter of brother is this, thou lying little

jade? Speak! Who is this man whom thou hast called

brother, and fondled, and coddled, and kissed!-- with

my connivance, too! Oh Lord! with my connivance! Ha!

should it be this Fairfax! [PHOEBE starts] It is! It

is this accursed Fairfax! It's Fairfax! Fairfax, who--

PHOEBE

Whom thou hast just shot through the head, and who

lies at the bottom of the river!

WILFRED

A-- I-- I may have been mistaken. We are but fallible

mortals, the best of us. But I'll make sure-- I'll make

sure. [Going]

PHOEBE

Stay-- one word. I think it cannot be Fairfax-- mind, I

say I think-- because thou hast just slain Fairfax. But

whether he be Fairfax or no Fairfax, he is to marry

Elsie-- and-- and-- as thou hast shot him through the

head, and he is dead, be content with that, and I will

be thy wife!

WILFRED

Is that sure?

PHOEBE

Aye, sure enough, for there's no help for it! Thou art

a very brute-- but even brutes must marry, I suppose.

WILFRED

My beloved. [Embraces her]

PHOEBE

[aside] Ugh!

[Enter LEONARD MERYLL, hastily

LEONARD

Phoebe, rejoice, for I bring glad tidings. Colonel

Fairfax's reprieve was signed two days since, but it

was foully and maliciously kept back by Secretary

Poltwhistle, who designed that it should arrive after

the Colonel's death. It hath just come to hand, and it

is now in the Lieutenant's possession!

PHOEBE

Then the Colonel is free? Oh, kiss me, kiss me, my

dear! Kiss me, again, and again!

WILFRED

[dancing with fury] Ods bobs, death o' my life! Art

thou mad? Am I mad? Are we all mad?

PHOEBE

Oh, my dear-- my dear, I'm well nigh crazed with joy!

[Kissing LEONARD]

WILFRED

Come away from him, thou hussy-- thou jade-- thou

kissing, clinging cockatrice! And as for thee, sir,

devil take thee, I'll rip thee like a herring for

this! I'll skin thee for it! I'll cleave thee to the

chine! I'll-- oh! Phoebe! Phoebe! Who is this man?

PHOEBE

Peace, fool. He is my brother!

WILFRED

Another brother! Are there any more of them? Produce

them all at once, and let me know the worst!

PHOEBE

This is the real Leonard, dolt; the other was but his

substitute. The real Leonard, I say-- my father's own

son.

WILFRED

How do I know this? Has he "brother" writ large on his

brow? I mistrust thy brothers! Thou art but a false

jade!

[Exit LEONARD.

PHOEBE

Now, Wilfred, be just. Truly I did deceive thee

before-- but it was to save a precious life-- and to

save it, not for me, but for another. They are to be

wed this very day. Is not this enough for thee? Come--

I am thy Phoebe-- thy very own-- and we will be wed in

a year-- or two-- or three, at the most. Is not that

enough for thee?

[Enter SERGEANT MERYLL, excitedly, followed by DAME

CARRUTHERS, who listens, unobserved.

MERYLL

Phoebe, hast thou heard the brave news?

PHOEBE

[still in WILFRED's arms] Aye, father.

MERYLL

I'm nigh mad with joy! [Seeing WILFRED] Why, what's

all this?

PHOEBE

Oh, father, he discovered our secret thorough my

folly, and the price of his silence is--

WILFRED

Phoebe's heart.

PHOEBE

Oh, dear, no-- Phoebe's hand.

WILFRED

It's the same thing!

PHOEBE

Is it?

[Exeunt WILFRED and PHOEBE.

MERYLL

[looking after them] "Tis pity, but the Colonel had to

be saved at any cost, and as thy folly revealed our

secret, thy folly must e'en suffer for it!

[DAME CARRUTHERS comes down] Dame Carruthers!

DAME

So this is a plot to shield this arch-fiend, and I

have detected it. A word from me, and three heads

besides his would roll from their shoulders!

MERYLL

Nay, Colonel Fairfax is reprieved.

[Aside] Yet, if my complicity in his escape were

known! Plague on the old meddler! There's nothing for

it--

[aloud]-- Hush, pretty one! Such bloodthirsty words ill

become those cherry lips!

[Aside] Ugh!

DAME

[bashfully] Sergeant Meryll!

MERYLL

Why, look ye, chuck-- for many a month I've-- I've

thought to myself-- "There's snug love saving up in

that middle-aged bosom for some one, and why not for

thee-- that's me-- so take heart and tell her-- that's

thee-- that thou-- that's me-- lovest her-- thee-- and--

and-- well,I'm a miserable old man, and I've done it--

and that's me!" But not a word about Fairfax! The

price of thy silence is--

DAME

Meryll's heart?

MERYLL

No, Meryll's hand.

DAME

It's the same thing!

MERYLL

Is it?

No. 21. Rapture, rapture

(DUET)

Dame Carruthers and Sergeant Meryll

DAME

Rapture, rapture

When love's votary,

Flushed with capture,

Seeks the notary,

Joy and jollity

Then is polity;

Reigns frivolity!

Rapture, rapture!

Joy and jollity

Then is polity;

Reigns frivolity!

Rapture, rapture!

MERYLL

Doleful, doleful!

When humanity

With its soul full

Of satanity,

Courting privity,

Down declivity

Seeks captivity!

Doleful, doleful!

Courting privity,

Down declivity

Seeks captivity!

Doleful, doleful!

DAME

Joyful, joyful!

When virginity

Seeks, all coyful,

Man's affinity;

Fate all flowery,

Bright and bowery,

Is her dowery!

Joyful, joyful!

Fate all flowery,

Bright and bowery,

Is her dowery!

Joyful, joyful!

MERYLL

Ghastly, ghastly!

When man, sorrowful,

Firstly, lastly,

Of to-morrow full,

After tarrying,

Yields to harrying--

Goes a-marrying.

Ghastly, ghastly!

DAME

Joyful, joyful!

MERYLL

Ghastly, ghastly!

DAME

Joyful, joyful!

MERYLL

Ghastly, ghastly!

DAME MERYLL

Joyful, joyful! Ghastly, ghastly!

Joyful, joyful, joyful! Ghastly, ghastly,ghastly!

Rapture, rapture Doleful, doleful!

When love's votary, When humanity

Flushed with capture, With its soul full

Seeks the notary, Of satanity,

Joy and jollity Courting privity,

Then is polity; Down declivity

Reigns frivolity! Seeks captivity!

Rapture, rapture! Doleful, doleful!

Joy and jollity Courting privity,

Then is polity; Down declivity

Reigns frivolity! Seeks captivity!

Rapture, rapture! Doleful, doleful!

Rapture, rapture! Doleful, doleful!

Rapture, rapture, Doleful, doleful,

Rapture, rapture! Doleful, doleful!

Joy and jollity Courting privity,

Then is polity; Down declivity

Reigns frivolity! Seeks captivity!

Rapture, rapture! Doleful, doleful!

[Exeunt DAME and SERGEANT MERYLL.

No. 22. Comes the pretty young bride

(FINALE OF ACT II)

Ensemble

[Enter YEOMEN and WOMEN

WOMEN

Comes the pretty young bride,

a-blushing, timidly shrinking--

Set all thy fears aside--

cheerily, pretty young bride!

Brave is the youth to whom thy lot

thou art willingly linking!

Flower of valour he--

loving as loving can be!

Brightly thy summer is shining,

Brightly thy summer is shining,

Fair as the dawn, as the dawn of the day;

Take him, be true to him--

Tender his due to him--

Honour him, honour him, love and obey!

[Enter DAME, PHOEBE, and ELSIE as Bride

PHOEBE, ELSIE

& DAME 'Tis said that joy in full perfection

Comes only once to womankind--

That, other times, on close inspection,

Some lurking bitter we shall find.

If this be so, and men say truly,

My day of joy has broken duly

With happiness my/her soul is cloyed--

With happiness is cloyed--

With happiness my/her soul is cloyed--

This is my/her joy-day

unalloyed, unalloyed,

This is my/her joy-day unalloyed!

ALL

Yes, yes, with happiness her soul is cloyed!

This is her joy-day unalloyed!

[Flourish. Enter LIEUTENANT

LIEUT.

Hold, pretty one! I bring to thee

News-- good or ill, it is for thee to say.

Thy husband lives-- and he is free,

And comes to claim his bride this very day!

ELSIE

No! No! recall those words-- it cannot be!

[all four blocks below sung at once]

KATE and CHORUS DAME CARRUTHERS and PHOEBE

Oh, day of terror! Oh, day of terror!

Oh, day of terror! Oh, day of terror!

Day of terror! The man to whom thou art

Day of tears! allied

Day of terror! Appears to claim thee

Day of tears! as his bride.

Who is the man who, The man to whom thou art

In his pride, allied

Claims thee as his bride? And claim me as his bride.

Day of terror! Day of terror!

Day of tears! Day of tears!

LIEUT., MERYLL, and WILFRED ELSIE

Come, dry these unbecoming tears,

Most joyful tidings greet

thine ears,

Come, dry these unbecoming tears, Oh, Leonard,

Most joyful tidings greet Oh,Leonard,

thine ears, Come thou to my side,

The man to whom thou art allied And claim me as

Appears to claim thee thy loving bride!

as his bride. Day of terror!

The man to whom thou art allied Day of tears!

Appears to claim thee

as his bride.

[Flourish. Enter COLONEL FAIRFAX, handsomely dressed,and

attended by other Gentlemen

FAIRFAX

[sternly] All thought of Leonard

Meryll set aside.

Thou art mine own! I claim thee as my bride.

ALL

Thou art his own!

Alas! he claims thee as his bride.

ELSIE

A suppliant at thy feet I fall;

Thine heart will yield to pity's call!

FAIRFAX

Mine is a heart of massive rock,

Unmoved by sentimental shock!

ALL

Thy husband he!

ELSIE

[aside] Leonard, my loved one-- come to me.

They bear me hence away!

But though they take me far from thee,

My heart is thine for aye!

My bruised heart,

My broken heart,

Is thine, my own, for aye!

Is thine, is thine, my own,

Is thine, for aye!

ELSIE

[To FAIRFAX] Sir, I obey!

I am thy bride;

But ere the fatal hour

I said the say

That placed me in thy pow'r

Would I had died!

Sir, I obey!

I am thy bride!

[Looks up and recognizes FAIRFAX

Leonard!

FAIRFAX

My own!

ELSIE

Ah! [Embrace]

ELSIE

&

FAIRFAX

With happiness my soul is cloyed,

This is our joy-day unalloyed!

ALL

Yes, yes!

With happiness their souls are cloyed,

This is their joy-day unalloyed!

With happiness their souls are cloyed,

This is their joy-day unalloyed,

Their joy-day unalloyed, unalloyed!

[Enter JACK POINT

POINT

Oh, thoughtless crew!

Ye know not what ye do!

Attend to me, and shed a tear or two--

For I have a song to sing, O!

ALL

Sing me your song, O!

POINT

It is sung to the moon

By a love-lorn loon,

Who fled from the mocking throng, O!

It's a song of a merryman, moping mum,

Whose soul was sad, and whose glance was glum,

Who sipped no sup, and who craved no crumb,

As he sighed for the love of a ladye.

ALL

Heighdy! heighdy!

Misery me--lack-a-day-dee!

He sipped no sup, and he craved no crumb,

As he sighed for the love of a ladye!

ELSIE

I have a song to sing, O!

ALL

What is your song, O!

ELSIE

It is sung with the ring

Of the songs maids sing

Who love with a love life-long, O!

It's the song of a merrymaid, peerly proud,

[optional-- nestling near,]

Who loved her lord, and who laughed aloud

[optional-- but dropped a tear]

At the moan of the merryman, moping mum,

Whose soul was sad, and whose glance was glum,

Who sipped no sup, and who craved no crumb,

As he sighed for the love of a ladye!

ALL

Heighdy! heighdy!

Misery me--lack-a-day-dee!

He sipped no sup, and he craved no crumb,

As he sighed for the love of a ladye!

Heighdy! heighdy!

Misery me--lack-a-day-dee!

He sipped no sup, and he craved no crumb,

As he sighed for the love of a ladye!

Heighdy! heighdy!

Heighdy! heighdy!

Heighdy! heighdy!

[FAIRFAX embraces ELSIE as POINT falls insensible at their

feet.

CURTAIN

THE GONDOLIERS

or, The King of Barataria

Libretto by William S. Gilbert

Music by Arthur S. Sullivan

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

THE DUKE OF PLAZA-TORO (a Grandee of Spain)

LUIZ (his attendant)

DON ALHAMBRA DEL BOLERO (the Grand Inquisitor)

Venetian Gondoliers:

MARCO PALMIERI

GIUSEPPE PALMIERI

ANTONIO

FRANCESCO

GIORGIO

ANNIBALE

THE DUCHESS OF PLAZA-TORO

CASILDA (her Daughter)

Contadine:

GIANETTA

TESSA

FIAMETTA

VITTORIA

GIULIA

INEZ (the King's Foster-mother)

Chorus of Gondoliers and Contadine, Men-at-Arms, Heralds and Pages

ACT I - The Piazzetta, Venice

ACT II - Pavilion in the Palace of Barataria

(An interval of three months is supposed to elapse between Acts I and II)

Time: 1750

MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT I

No. 1 "List and Learn"

Chorus of Contadine with Solos (Gondoliers, Antonio, Marco and Giuseppe)

No. 2 "From The Sunny Spanish Shore"

Entrance of Duke, Duchess, Casilda and Luiz

No. 3 "In Enterprise Of Martial Kind"

Song (Duke of Plaza-Toro)

No. 4 "Oh Rapture, When Alone Together"

Recitiative and Duet (Casilda and Luiz)

No. 5 "There Was A Time"

Duet (Casilda and Luiz)

No. 6 "I Stole The Prince"

Song (Don Alhambra, with Duke, Duchess, Casilda and Luiz)

No. 7 "But, Bless My Heart"

Recitative (Casilda and Don Alhambra)

No. 8 "Try We Lifelong"

Quintet (Duke, Duchess, Casilda, Luiz and Grand Inquisitor)

No. 9 "Bridegroom and Bride"

Chorus with Solo (Tessa) "When A Merry Maiden Marries"

No. 10 "Kind Sir, You Cannot Have The Heart"

Finale with Song (Gianetta)

Quartet (Marco, Giuseppe, Gianetta and Tessa) "Then One Of Us"

ACT II

No. 1 "Of Happiness The Very Pith"

Chorus of Men (with Marco and Giuseppe)

No. 2 "Rising Early In The Morning"

Song (Giuseppe with Chorus)

No. 3 "Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes"

Song (Marco)

No. 4 "Here We Are At The Risk"

Scena (Chorus of Girls, Quartet, Duet and Chorus)

No. 5 "Dance A Cachucha"

Chorus and Dance

No. 6 "There Lived A King"

Song (Don Alhambra, with Marco and Giuseppe)

No. 7 "In A Contemplative Fashion"

Quartet (Marco, Giuseppe, Gianetta and Tessa)

No. 8 "With Ducal Pomp And Ducal Pride"

Chorus of Men (with Duke and Duchess).

No. 9 "On The Day When I Was Wedded"

Song (Duchess)

No. 10 "To Help Unhappy Commoners"

Recitative and Duet (Duke and Duchess)

No. 11 "I Am A Courtier Grave And Serious"

Gavotte (Duke Duchess, Casilda, Marco and Giuseppe)

No. 12 "Here Is A Case Unprecedented"

Quintet and Finale (Marco, Giuseppe, Casilda, Gianetta, Tessa and Chorus)

ACT I

OVERTURE

Scene - the Piazzetta, Venice. The Ducal Palace on the right.

Fiametta, Giulia, Vittoria, and other Contadine discovered, each

tying a bouquet of roses.

Music No. 1 "List and Learn"

Chorus of Contadine with Solos (Gondoliers, Antonio, Marco and Giuseppe)

CHORUS OF CONTADINE

List and learn, list and learn,

List and learn, ye dainty roses,

Roses white and roses red,

Why we bind you into posies

Ere your morning bloom has fled.

By a law of maiden's making,

Accents of a heart that's aching,

Even though that heart be breaking,

Should by maiden be unsaid:

Though they love with love exceeding,

They must seem to be unheeding--

Go ye then and do their pleading,

Roses white and roses red!

List and learn,

List and learn, ye dainty roses,

Roses white and roses red,

Why we bind you into posies

Ere your morning bloom has fled.

List and learn, list and learn,

Roses white and roses red,

List and learn, list and learn,

Roses, Oh list, list and learn,

List and learn,

Oh, roses white and red!

FIAMETTA

Two there are for whom, in duty,

Ev'ry maid in Venice sighs--

Two so peerless in their beauty

That they shame the summer skies.

We have hearts for them, in plenty,

They have hearts, but all too few,

We, alas, are four-and-twenty!

They, alas, are only two!

We, alas!

CHORUS

Alas!

FIAMETTA

Are four-and-twenty,

They, alas!

CHORUS

Alas!

FIAMETTA

Are only two.

CHORUS

They, alas, are only two! Alas!

Now ye know, ye dainty roses,

Roses white and roses red,

Why we bind you into posies,

Ere your morning bloom has fled,

Now ye know, now ye know,

Roses white and roses red,

Roses, Oh now, now ye know,

Now ye know,

Oh roses white and red!

(During this chorus Antonio, Francesco, Giorgio, and other

Gondoliers have entered unobserved by the Girls--at first two,

then two more, then four, then half a dozen, then the remainder

of the Chorus)

FRANCESCO

Good morrow, pretty maids; for whom prepare ye

These floral tributes extraordinary?

FIAMETTA

For Marco and Giuseppe Palmieri,

The pink and flower of all the Gondolieri.

GIULIA

They're coming here, as we have heard but lately,

To choose two brides from us who sit sedately.

ANTONIO

Do all you maidens love them?

ALL

Passionately!

ANTONIO

These gondoliers are to be envied greatly!

GIORGIO

But what of us, who one and all adore you?

Have pity on our passion, we implore you!

FIAMETTA

These gentlemen must make their choice before you;

VITTORIA

In the meantime we tacitly ignore you.

GIULIA

When they have chosen two that leaves you plenty--

Two dozen we, and ye are four-and-twenty.

FIAMETTA and VITTORIA

Till then, enjoy your dolce far niente.

ANTONIO

With pleasure, nobody contradicente!

SONG--ANTONIO and CHORUS

For the merriest fellows are we, tra la,

That ply on the emerald sea, tra la;

With loving and laughing,

And quipping and quaffing,

We're happy as happy can be, tra la--

With loving and laughing, etc.

With sorrow we've nothing to do, tra la,

And care is a thing to pooh-pooh, tra la;

And Jealousy yellow,

Unfortunate fellow,

We drown in the shimmering blue, tra la--

And Jealousy yellow, etc.

FIAMETTA

(looking off). See, see, at last they come to make their choice--

Let us acclaim them with united voice.

(Marco and Giuseppe appear in gondola at back.)

CHORUS (Girls)

Hail, hail! gallant gondolieri, ben' venuti! Ben' venuti!

Accept our love, our homage, and our duty.

Ben' venuti! ben' venuti!

(Marco and Giuseppe jump ashore--the Girls salute them.)

DUET--MARCO and GIUSEPPE, with CHORUS OF GIRLS

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

Buon' giorno, signorine!

GIRLS

Gondolieri carissimi!

Siamo contadine!

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

(bowing). Servitori umilissimi!

Per chi questi fiori--

Questi fiori bellissimi?

GIRLS

Per voi, bei signori

O eccellentissimi!

(The Girls present their bouquets to Marco and Giuseppe, who are

overwhelmed with them, and carry them with difficulty.)

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

(their arms full of flowers). O ciel! O ciel!

GIRLS

Buon' giorno, cavalieri!

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

(deprecatingly). Siamo gondolieri.

(To Fiametta and Vittoria) Signorina, io t'amo!

GIRLS

(deprecatingly) Contadine siamo.

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

Signorine!

GIRLS

(deprecatingly). Contadine!

(Curtseying to Marco and Giuseppe) Cavalieri.

MEN

Gondolieri!

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

(deprecatingly) Poveri gondolieri!

MARCO, GIUSEPPE and MEN

Poveri gondolieri!

Buon' giorno, signorine!

GIRLS

Gondolieri carissimi!

Siamo contadine!

MARCO, GIUSEPPE and MEN

Servitori umilissimi!

MARCO
Per noi
questi fiori
Questi fiori
bellissimi!
MEN
Servitori umilissimi! Servitori umilissimi!

1ST SOPRANOS
Per voi
Bei signori,
O eccellentissimi!
MEN
Servitori umilissimi, umilissimi,

MARCO, GIUSEPPE and MEN

Signorine!

GIRLS

Contadine! Cavalieri!

MARCO, GIUSEPPE and MEN

Gondolieri!

ALL

Buon' giorno, Signorine!/Cavalieri!

DUET--MARCO and GIUSEPPE

We're called gondolieri,

But that's a vagary,

It's quite honorary

The trade that we ply.

For gallantry noted

Since we were short-coated,

To beauty devoted,

Giuseppe/Are Marco and I;

When morning is breaking,

Our couches forsaking,

To greet their awaking

With carols we come.

At summer day's nooning,

When weary lagooning,

Our mandolins tuning,

We lazily thrum.

When vespers are ringing,

To hope ever clinging,

With songs of our singing

A vigil we keep,

When daylight is fading,

Enwrapt in night's shading,

With soft serenading

We sing them to sleep.

We're called gondolieri, etc.

RECITATIVE--MARCO and GIUSEPPE

MARCO

And now to choose our brides!

GIUSEPPE

As all are young and fair,

And amiable besides,

BOTH

We really do not care

A preference to declare.

MARCO

A bias to disclose

Would be indelicate--

GIUSEPPE

And therefore we propose

To let impartial Fate

Select for us a mate!

ALL

Viva!

GIRLS

A bias to disclose

Would be indelicate--

MEN

But how do they propose

To let impartial Fate

Select for them a mate?

GIUSEPPE

These handkerchiefs upon our eyes be good enough to bind,

MARCO

And take good care that both of us are absolutely blind;

BOTH

Then turn us round--and we, with all convenient despatch,

Will undertake to marry any two of you we catch!

ALL

Viva!

They undertake to marry any two of us/them they catch!

(The Girls prepare to bind their eyes as directed.)

FIAMETTA

(to Marco). Are you peeping?

Can you see me?

MARCO

Dark I'm keeping,

Dark and dreamy!

(Marco slyly lifts bandage.)

VITTORIA

(to Giuseppe). If you're blinded,

Truly, say so

GIUSEPPE

All right-minded

Players play so!

(slyly lifts bandage).

FIAMETTA

(detecting Marco). Conduct shady!

They are cheating!

Surely they deserve a beating!

(replaces bandage).

VITTORIA

(detecting Giuseppe). This too much is;

Maidens mocking;

Conduct such is

Truly shocking!

(replaces bandage).

CHORUS (Girls)
You can spy, sir!
Shut your eye, sir!
You may use it by and by, sir!
CHORUS (Men)
Fie for shame
Fie for shame
Fie for shame

ALL

You can see, sir!

Don't tell me, sir!

That will do--now let it be, sir!

CHORUS OF GIRLS

My papa he keeps three horses,

Black, and white, and dapple grey, sir;

Turn three times, then take your courses,

Catch whichever girl you may, sir!

CHORUS OF MEN

My papa, etc.

ALL

My papa, etc.

(Marco and Giuseppe turn round, as directed, and try to catch the

girls. Business of blind-man's buff. Eventually Marco catches

Gianetta, and Giuseppe catches Tessa. The two girls try to

escape, but in vain. The two men pass their hands over the

girls' faces to discover their identity.)

GIUSEPPE

(guessing) I've at length achieved a capture!

This is Tessa! (removes bandage). Rapture, rapture!

CHORUS

Rapture, rapture!

MARCO

(guessing). To me Gianetta fate has granted!

(removes bandage) Just the very girl I wanted!

CHORUS

Just the very girl he wanted!

GIUSEPPE

(politely to Marco) If you'd rather change--

TESSA

My goodness!

This indeed is simple rudeness.

MARCO

(politely to Giuseppe) I've no preference whatever--

GIANETTA

Listen to him! Well, I never!

(Each man kisses each girl.)

GIANETTA

Thank you, gallant gondolieri!

In a set and formal measure

It is scarcely necessary

To express our pleasure.

Each of us to prove a treasure,

Conjugal and monetary,

Gladly will devote our leisure,

Gallant gondolieri.

Tra, la, la, la, la, la, etc.

TESSA

Gay and gallant gondolieri,

Take us both and hold us tightly,

You have luck extraordinary;

We might both have been unsightly!

If we judge your conduct rightly,

'Twas a choice involuntary;

Still we thank you most politely,

Gay and gallant gondolieri!

Tra, la, la, la, la, la, etc.

CHORUS OF GIRLS

Thank you, gallant gondolieri;

In a set and formal measure,

It is scarcely necessary

To express our pleasure.

Each of us to prove a treasure

Gladly will devote our leisure,

Gay and gallant gondolieri!

Tra, la, la, la, etc.

ALL

Fate in this has put his finger--

Let us bow to Fate's decree,

Then no longer let us linger,

To the altar hurry we!

(They all dance off two and two--Gianetta with Marco, Tessa with

Giuseppe.)

(Flourish. A gondola arrives at the Piazzetta steps, from which

enter the Duke of Plaza-toro, the Duchess, their daughter

Casilda, and their attendant Luiz, who carries a drum. All are

dressed in pompous but old and faded clothes.)

Music No. 2 "From the Sunny Spanish Shore"

Entrance of Duke, Duchess, Casilda and Luiz

DUKE

From the sunny Spanish shore,

The Duke of Plaza-Tor'--

DUCHESS

And His Grace's Duchess true--

CASILDA

And His Grace's daughter, too--

LUIZ

And His Grace's private drum

To Venetia's shores have come,

To Venetia's shores have come.

ALL

If ever, ever, ever

They get back to Spain,

They will never, never, never

Cross the sea again--

DUKE

Neither that Grandee from the Spanish shore,

The noble Duke of Plaza-Tor'--

DUCHESS

Nor His Grace's Duchess, staunch and true--

CASILDA

You may add, His Grace's daughter, too--

LUIZ

Nor His Grace's own particular drum

To Venetia's shores have come,

To Venetia's shores have come!

ALL

If ever, ever, ever

They get back to Spain,

They will never, never, never

Cross the sea again!

DUKE

At last we have arrived at our destination. This is

the Ducal Palace, and it is here that the Grand Inquisitor

resides. As a Castilian hidalgo of ninety-five quarterings, I

regret that I am unable to pay my state visit on a horse. As a

Castilian hidalgo of that description, I should have preferred to

ride through the streets of Venice; but owing, I presume, to an

unusually wet season, the streets are in such a condition that

equestrian exercise is impracticable. No matter. Where is our

suite?

LUIZ

(coming forward) Your Grace, I am here.

DUCHESS

Why do you not do yourself the honour to kneel when

you address His Grace?

DUKE

My love, it is so small a matter! (To Luiz.) Still,

you may as well do it. (Luiz kneels.)

CASILDA

The young man seems to entertain but an imperfect

appreciation of the respect due from a menial to a Castilian

hidalgo.

DUKE

My child, you are hard upon our suite.

CASILDA

Papa, I've no patience with the presumption of persons

in his plebeian position. If he does not appreciate that

position, let him be whipped until he does.

DUKE

Let us hope the omission was not intended as a

slight. I should be much hurt if I thought it was. So would he.

(To Luiz.) Where are the halberdiers who were to have had the

honour of meeting us here, that our visit to the Grand Inquisitor

might be made in becoming state?

LUIZ

Your Grace, the halberdiers are mercenary people who

stipulated for a trifle on account.

DUKE

How tiresome! Well, let us hope the Grand Inquisitor

is a blind gentleman. And the band who were to have had the

honour of escorting us? I see no band!

LUIZ

Your Grace, the band are sordid persons who required

to be paid in advance.

DUCHESS

That's so like a band!

DUKE

(annoyed) Insuperable difficulties meet me at every

turn!

DUCHESS

But surely they know His Grace?

LUIZ

Exactly--they know His Grace.

DUKE

Well, let us hope that the Grand Inquisitor is a deaf

gentleman. A cornet-a-piston would be something. You do not

happen to possess the accomplishment of tootling like a

cornet-a-piston?

LUIZ

Alas, no, Your Grace! But I can imitate a farmyard.

DUKE

(doubtfully) I don't see how that would help us. I

don't see how we could bring it in.

CASILDA

It would not help us in the least. We are not a

parcel of graziers come to market, dolt!

(Luiz rises.)

DUKE

My love, our suite's feelings! (To Luiz.) Be so

good as to ring the bell and inform the Grand Inquisitor that his

Grace the Duke of Plaza-Toro, Count Matadoro, Baron Picadoro--

DUCHESS

And suite--

DUKE

And suite--have arrived at Venice, and seek--

CASILDA

Desire--

DUCHESS

Demand!

DUKE

And demand an audience.

LUIZ

Your Grace has but to command.

DUKE

(much moved) I felt sure of it--I felt sure of it!

(Exit Luiz into Ducal Palace.) And now, my love--(aside to

Duchess) Shall we tell her? I think so--(aloud to Casilda) And

now, my love, prepare for a magnificent surprise. It is my

agreeable duty to reveal to you a secret which should make you

the happiest young lady in Venice!

CASILDA

A secret?

DUCHESS

A secret which, for State reasons, it has been

necessary to preserve for twenty years.

DUKE

When you were a prattling babe of six months old you

were married by proxy to no less a personage than the infant son

and heir of His Majesty the immeasurably wealthy King of

Barataria!

CASILDA

Married to the infant son of the King of Barataria?

Was I consulted? (Duke shakes his head.) Then it was a most

unpardonable liberty!

DUKE

Consider his extreme youth and forgive him. Shortly

after the ceremony that misguided monarch abandoned the creed of

his forefathers, and became a Wesleyan Methodist of the most

bigoted and persecuting type. The Grand Inquisitor, determined

that the innovation should not be perpetuated in Barataria,

caused your smiling and unconscious husband to be stolen and

conveyed to Venice. A fortnight since the Methodist Monarch and

all his Wesleyan Court were killed in an insurrection, and we are

here to ascertain the whereabouts of your husband, and to hail

you, our daughter, as Her Majesty, the reigning Queen of

Barataria! (Kneels.)

(During this speech Luiz re-enters.)

DUCHESS

Your Majesty! (Kneels.) (Drum roll.)

DUKE

It is at such moments as these that one feels how

necessary it is to travel with a full band.

CASILDA

I, the Queen of Barataria! But I've nothing to wear!

We are practically penniless!

DUKE

That point has not escaped me. Although I am

unhappily in straitened circumstances at present, my social

influence is something enormous; and a Company, to be called the

Duke of Plaza-Toro, Limited, is in course of formation to work

me. An influential directorate has been secured, and I shall

myself join the Board after allotment.

CASILDA

Am I to understand that the Queen of Barataria may be

called upon at any time to witness her honoured sire in process

of liquidation?

DUCHESS

The speculation is not exempt from that drawback. If

your father should stop, it will, of course, be necessary to wind

him up.

CASILDA

But it's so undignified--it's so degrading! A Grandee

of Spain turned into a public company! Such a thing was never

heard of!

DUKE

My child, the Duke of Plaza-Toro does not follow

fashions--he leads them. He always leads everybody. When he was

in the army he led his regiment. He occasionally led them into

action. He invariably led them out of it.

Music No. 3 "In Enterprise of Martial Kind"

Song-Duke of Plaza-Toro with Duchess, Casilda and Luiz

DUKE

In enterprise of martial kind,

When there was any fighting,

He led his regiment from behind--

He found it less exciting.

But when away his regiment ran,

His place was at the fore, O--

That celebrated,

Cultivated,

Underrated

Nobleman,

The Duke of Plaza-Toro!

ALL

In the first and foremost flight, ha, ha!

You always found that knight, ha, ha!

That celebrated,

Cultivated,

Underrated

Nobleman,

The Duke of Plaza-Toro!

DUKE

When, to evade Destruction's hand,

To hide they all proceeded,

No soldier in that gallant band

Hid half as well as he did.

He lay concealed throughout the war,

And so preserved his gore, O!

That unaffected,

Undetected,

Well-connected

Warrior,

The Duke of Plaza-Toro!

ALL

In every doughty deed, ha, ha!

He always took the lead, ha, ha!

That unaffected,

Undetected,

Well-connected

Warrior,

The Duke of Plaza-Toro!

DUKE

When told that they would all be shot

Unless they left the service,

That hero hesitated not,

So marvellous his nerve is.

He sent his resignation in,

The first of all his corps, O!

That very knowing,

Overflowing,

Easy-going

Paladin,

The Duke of Plaza-Toro!

ALL

To men of grosser clay, ha, ha!

He always showed the way, ha, ha!

That very knowing,

Overflowing,

Easy-going

Paladin,

The Duke of Plaza-Toro!

(Exeunt Duke and Duchess into Grand Ducal Palace. As soon as

they have disappeared, Luiz and Casilda rush to each other's

arms.)

Music No. 4 "O, Rapture, When Alone Together"

Recitative and Duet--Casilda and Luiz

BOTH

O rapture, when alone together

Two loving hearts and those that bear them

May join in temporary tether,

Though Fate apart should rudely tear them.

CASILDA

Necessity, Invention's mother,

Compelled me to a course of feigning--

But, left alone with one another,

I will atone for my disdaining!

Ah, well-beloved,

Mine angry frown

Is but a gown

That serves to dress

My gentleness!

LUIZ

Ah, well-beloved,

Thy cold disdain,

It gives no pain--

'Tis mercy, played

In masquerade!

Ah, well beloved!

BOTH

Ah, well-beloved, etc.

CASILDA

O Luiz, Luiz--what have you said? What have I done?

What have I allowed you to do?

LUIZ

Nothing, I trust, that you will ever have reason to

repent. (Offering to embrace her.)

CASILDA

(withdrawing from him). Nay, Luiz, it may not be. I

have embraced you for the last time.

LUIZ

(amazed) Casilda!

CASILDA

I have just learnt, to my surprise and indignation,

that I was wed in babyhood to the infant son of the King of

Barataria!

LUIZ

The son of the King of Barataria? The child who was

stolen in infancy by the Inquisition?

CASILDA

The same. But, of course, you know his story.

LUIZ

Know his story? Why, I have often told you that my

mother was the nurse to whose charge he was entrusted!

CASILDA

True. I had forgotten. Well, he has been discovered,

and my father has brought me here to claim his hand.

LUIZ

But you will not recognize this marriage? It took

place when you were too young to understand its import.

CASILDA

Nay, Luiz, respect my principles and cease to torture

me with vain entreaties. Henceforth my life is another's.

LUIZ

But stay--the present and the future--they are

another's; but the past--that at least is ours, and none can take

it from us. As we may revel in naught else, let us revel in

that!

CASILDA

I don't think I grasp your meaning.

LUIZ

Yet it is logical enough. You say you cease to love

me?

CASILDA

(demurely). I say I may not love you.

LUIZ

Ah, but you do not say you did not love me?

CASILDA

I loved you with a frenzy that words are powerless to

express--and that but ten brief minutes since!

LUIZ

Exactly. My own--that is, until ten minutes since,

my own--my lately loved, my recently adored--tell me that until,

say a quarter of an hour ago, I was all in all to thee!

(Embracing her.)

CASILDA

I see your idea. It's ingenious, but don't do that.

(Releasing herself.)

LUIZ

There can be no harm in revelling in the past.

CASILDA

None whatever, but an embrace cannot be taken to act

retrospectively.

LUIZ

Perhaps not!

[Cut from Chappell version:]

CASILDA

We may recollect an embrace--I recollect many--but we

must not repeat them.

LUIZ

Then let us recollect a few! (A moment's pause, as

they recollect, then both heave a deep sigh.)

[End of cut]

LUIZ

Ah, Casilda, you were to me as the sun is to the

earth!

[Cut from Chappell version:]

CASILDA

A quarter of an hour ago?

LUIZ

About that.

CASILDA

And to think that, but for this miserable discovery,

you would have been my own for life!

LUIZ

Through life to death--a quarter of an hour ago!

CASILDA

How greedily my thirsty ears would have drunk the

golden melody of those sweet words a quarter--well, it's now

about twenty minutes since. (Looking at her watch.)

LUIZ

About that. In such a matter one cannot be too

precise.

[End of cut]

CASILDA

And now our love, so full of life, is but a silent,

solemn memory!

LUIZ

Must it be so, Casilda?

CASILDA

Luiz, it must be so!

Music No. 5 "There Was A Time"

Duet (Casilda and Luiz)

LUIZ

There was a time--

A time for ever gone--ah, woe is me!

It was no crime

To love but thee alone--ah, woe is me!

One heart, one life, one soul,

One aim, one goal--

Each in the other's thrall,

Each all in all, ah, woe is me!

Ah, woe is me!

BOTH

Oh, bury, bury--let the grave close o'er

The days that were--that never will be more!

Oh, bury, bury love that all condemn,

And let the whirlwind mourn its requiem!

CASILDA

Dead as the last year's leaves--

As gathered flowers--ah, woe is me!

Dead as the garnered sheaves,

That love of ours--ah, woe is me!

Born but to fade and die

When hope was high,

Dead and as far away

As yesterday!--ah, woe is me!

BOTH

Oh, bury, bury--let the grave close o'er, etc.

(Re-enter from the Ducal Palace the Duke and Duchess, followed by

Don Alhambra del Bolero, the Grand Inquisitor.)

DUKE

My child, allow me to present to you His Distinction

Don Alhambra del Bolero, the Grand Inquisitor of Spain. It was

His Distinction who so thoughtfully abstracted your infant

husband and brought him to Venice.

DON ALHAMBRA

So this is the little lady who is so unexpectedly

called upon to assume the functions of Royalty! And a very nice

little lady, too!

DUKE

Jimp, isn't she?

DON ALHAMBRA

Distinctly jimp. Allow me! (Offers his hand. She

turns away scornfully.) Naughty temper!

DUKE

You must make some allowance. Her Majesty's head is

a little turned by her access of dignity.

DON ALHAMBRA

I could have wished that Her Majesty's access of

dignity had turned it in this direction.

DUCHESS

Unfortunately, if I am not mistaken, there appears to

be some little doubt as to His Majesty's whereabouts.

CASILDA

(aside). A doubt as to his whereabouts? Then we may

yet be saved!

DON ALHAMBRA

A doubt? Oh dear, no--no doubt at all! He is

here, in Venice, plying the modest but picturesque calling of a

gondolier. I can give you his address--I see him every day! In

the entire annals of our history there is absolutely no

circumstance so entirely free from all manner of doubt of any

kind whatever! Listen, and I'll tell you all about it.

Music No. 6 "I Stole the Prince"

Song (Don Alhambra, with Duke, Duchess, Casilda, and Luiz)

DON ALHAMBRA

I stole the Prince, and I brought him here,

And left him gaily prattling

With a highly respectable gondolier,

Who promised the Royal babe to rear,

And teach him the trade of a timoneer

With his own beloved bratling.

Both of the babes were strong and stout,

And, considering all things, clever.

Of that there is no manner of doubt--

No probable, possible shadow of doubt--

No possible doubt whatever.

ALL except DON ALHAMBRA

No possible doubt whatever.

DON ALHAMBRA

But owing, I'm much disposed to fear,

To his terrible taste for tippling,

That highly respectable gondolier

Could never declare with a mind sincere

Which of the two was his offspring dear,

And which the Royal stripling!

Which was which he could never make out

Despite his best endeavour.

Of that there is no manner of doubt--

No probable, possible shadow of doubt--

No possible doubt whatever.

ALL except DON ALHAMBRA

No possible doubt whatever.

DON ALHAMBRA

Time sped, and when at the end of a year

I sought that infant cherished,

That highly respectable gondolier

Was lying a corpse on his humble bier--

I dropped a Grand Inquisitor's tear--

That gondolier had perished.

A taste for drink, combined with gout,

Had doubled him up for ever.

Of that there is no manner of doubt--

No probable, possible shadow of doubt--

No possible doubt whatever.

ALL except DON ALHAMBRA

No possible doubt whatever.

DON ALHAMBRA

The children followed his old career--

(This statement can't be parried)

Of a highly respectable gondolier:

Well, one of the two (who will soon be here)--

But which of the two is not quite clear--

Is the Royal Prince you married!

Search in and out and round about,

And you'll discover never

A tale so free from every doubt--

All probable, possible shadow of doubt--

All possible doubt whatever!

ALL except DON ALHAMBRA

A tale free from every doubt, etc.

CASILDA

Then do you mean to say that I am married to one of

two gondoliers, but it is impossible to say which?

DON ALHAMBRA

Without any doubt of any kind whatever. But be

reassured: the nurse to whom your husband was entrusted is the

mother of the musical young man who is such a past-master of that

delicately modulated instrument (indicating the drum). She can,

no doubt, establish the King's identity beyond all question.

LUIZ

Heavens, how did he know that?

DON ALHAMBRA

My young friend, a Grand Inquisitor is always up to

date. (To Casilda) His mother is at present the wife of a highly

respectable and old-established brigand, who carries on an

extensive practice in the mountains around Cordova. Accompanied

by two of my emissaries, he will set off at once for his mother's

address. She will return with them, and if she finds any

difficulty in making up her mind, the persuasive influence of the

torture chamber will jog her memory.

Music No. 7 "But Bless My Heart"

Recitative (Casilda and Don Alhambra)

CASILDA

But, bless my heart, consider my position!

I am the wife of one, that's very clear;

But who can tell, except by intuition,

Which is the Prince, and which the Gondolier?

DON ALHAMBRA

Submit to Fate without unseemly wrangle:

Such complications frequently occur--

Life is one closely complicated tangle:

Death is the only true unraveller!

Music No. 8 "Try We Lifelong"

Quintet (Duke, Duchess, Casilda, Luiz, and Grand Inquisitor)

ALL

Try we life-long, we can never

Straighten out life's tangled skein,

Why should we, in vain endeavour,

Guess and guess and guess again?

LUIZ

Life's a pudding full of plums,

DUCHESS

Care's a canker that benumbs.

ALL

Life's a pudding full of plums,

Care's a canker that benumbs.

Wherefore waste our elocution

On impossible solution?

Life's a pleasant institution,

Let us take it as it comes,

Let us take it as it comes!

Set aside the dull enigma,

We shall guess it all too soon;

Failure brings no kind of stigma--

Dance we to another tune!

String the lyre and fill the cup,

Lest on sorrow we should sup.

String the lyre, fill the cup,

Lest on sorrow we should sup.

Hop and skip to Fancy's fiddle,

Hands across and down the middle--

Life's perhaps the only riddle

That we shrink from giving up! etc.

(Exeunt all into Ducal Palace except Luiz, who goes off in

gondola.)

(Enter Gondoliers and Contadine, followed by Marco, Gianetta,

Giuseppe, and Tessa.)

Music No. 9 "Bridegroom And Bride"

Chorus with Solo (Tessa) "When A Merry Maiden Marries"

CHORUS

Bridegroom and bride!

Knot that's insoluble,

Voices all voluble

Hail it with pride.

Bridegroom and bride!

We in sincerity,

Wish you prosperity,

Bridegroom and bride!

We in sincerity,

Wish you prosperity,

Bridegroom and bride!

Bridegroom and bride!

TESSA

When a merry maiden marries,

Sorrow goes and pleasure tarries;

Every sound becomes a song--

All is right, and nothing's wrong!

From to-day and ever after

Let our tears be tears of laughter.

Every sigh that finds a vent

Be a sigh of sweet content!

When you marry, merry maiden,

Then the air with love is laden;

Every flower is a rose,

Every goose becomes a swan,

Every kind of trouble goes

Where the last year's snows have gone!

TESSA and CHORUS

Sunlight takes the place of shade

When you marry merry maid!

(When a merry maiden marries,)

(Sorrow goes and pleasure tarries;)

Every sound becomes a song,

All is right and nothing's wrong!

TESSA

When a merry maiden marries,

Sorrow goes and pleasure tarries;

Every sound becomes a song--

All is right, and nothing's wrong!

Gnawing Care and aching Sorrow

Get ye gone until to-morrow;

Jealousies in grim array,

Ye are things of yesterday!

When you marry, merry maiden,

Then the air with joy is laden;

All the corners of the earth

Ring with music sweetly played,

Worry is melodious mirth,

Grief is joy in masquerade;

TESSA and CHORUS

Sullen night is laughing day

All the year is merry May!

(At the end of the song, Don Alhambra enters at back. The

Gondoliers and Contadine shrink from him, and gradually go off,

much alarmed.)

GIUSEPPE

And now our lives are going to begin in real earnest!

What's a bachelor? A mere nothing--he's a chrysalis. He can't

be said to live--he exists.

MARCO

What a delightful institution marriage is! Why have

we wasted all this time? Why didn't we marry ten years ago?

TESSA

Because you couldn't find anybody nice enough.

GIANETTA

Because you were waiting for us.

MARCO

I suppose that was the reason. We were waiting for

you without knowing it. (Don Alhambra comes forward.) Hallo!

DON ALHAMBRA

Good morning.

GIUSEPPE

If this gentleman is an undertaker, it's a bad omen.

DON ALHAMBRA

Ceremony of some sort going on?

GIUSEPPE

(aside). He is an undertaker! (Aloud.) No--a little

unimportant family gathering. Nothing in your line.

DON ALHAMBRA

Somebody's birthday, I suppose?

GIANETTA

Yes, mine!

TESSA

And mine!

MARCO

And mine!

GIUSEPPE

And mine!

DON ALHAMBRA

Curious coincidence! And how old may you all be?

TESSA

It's a rude question--but about ten minutes.

DON ALHAMBRA

Remarkably fine children! But surely you are

jesting?

TESSA

In other words, we were married about ten minutes

since.

DON ALHAMBRA

Married! You don't mean to say you are married?

MARCO

Oh yes, we are married.

DON ALHAMBRA

What, both of you?

ALL

All four of us.

DON ALHAMBRA

(aside). Bless my heart, how extremely awkward!

GIANETTA

You don't mind, I suppose?

TESSA

You were not thinking of either of us for yourself, I

presume? Oh, Giuseppe, look at him--he was. He's heart-broken!

DON ALHAMBRA

No, no, I wasn't! I wasn't!

GIUSEPPE

Now, my man (slapping him on the back), we don't want

anything in your line to-day, and if your curiosity's

satisfied--you can go!

DON ALHAMBRA

You mustn't call me your man. It's a liberty. I

don't think you know who I am.

GIUSEPPE

Not we, indeed! We are jolly gondoliers, the sons of

Baptisto Palmieri, who led the last revolution. Republicans,

heart and soul, we hold all men to be equal. As we abhor

oppression, we abhor kings: as we detest vain-glory, we detest

rank: as we despise effeminacy, we despise wealth. We are

Venetian gondoliers--your equals in everything except our

calling, and in that at once your masters and your servants.

DON ALHAMBRA

Bless my heart, how unfortunate! One of you may be

Baptisto's son, for anything I know to the contrary; but the

other is no less a personage than the only son of the late King

of Barataria.

ALL

What!

DON ALHAMBRA

And I trust--I trust it was that one who slapped me

on the shoulder and called me his man!

GIUSEPPE

One of us a king! [Together]

MARCO

Not brothers! [Together]

TESSA

The King of Barataria! [Together]

GIANETTA

Well, who'd have thought it! [Together]

MARCO

But which is it?

DON ALHAMBRA

What does it matter? As you are both Republicans,

and hold kings in detestation, of course you'll abdicate at once.

Good morning! (Going.)

GIANETTA and TESSA

Oh, don't do that! (Marco and Giuseppe stop him.)

GIUSEPPE

Well, as to that, of course there are kings and kings.

When I say that I detest kings, I mean I detest bad kings.

DON ALHAMBRA

I see. It's a delicate distinction.

GIUSEPPE

Quite so. Now I can conceive a kind of king--an ideal

king--the creature of my fancy, you know--who would be absolutely

unobjectionable. A king, for instance, who would abolish taxes

and make everything cheap, except gondolas--

MARCO

And give a great many free entertainments to the

gondoliers--

GIUSEPPE

And let off fireworks on the Grand Canal, and engage

all the gondolas for the occasion--

MARCO

And scramble money on the Rialto among the gondoliers.

GIUSEPPE

Such a king would be a blessing to his people, and if

I were a king, that is the sort of king I would be.

MARCO

And so would I!

DON ALHAMBRA

Come, I'm glad to find your objections are not

insuperable.

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

Oh, they're not insuperable.

GIANETTA and TESSA

No, they're not insuperable.

GIUSEPPE

Besides, we are open to conviction.

GIANETTA

Yes; they are open to conviction.

TESSA

Oh! they've often been convicted.

GIUSEPPE

Our views may have been hastily formed on insufficient

grounds. They may be crude, ill-digested, erroneous. I've a

very poor opinion of the politician who is not open to

conviction.

TESSA

(to Gianetta). Oh, he's a fine fellow!

GIANETTA

Yes, that's the sort of politician for my money!

DON ALHAMBRA

Then we'll consider it settled. Now, as the

country is in a state of insurrection, it is absolutely necessary

that you should assume the reins of Government at once; and,

until it is ascertained which of you is to be king, I have

arranged that you will reign jointly, so that no question can

arise hereafter as to the validity of any of your acts.

MARCO

As one individual?

DON ALHAMBRA

As one individual.

GIUSEPPE

(linking himself with Marco). Like this?

DON ALHAMBRA

Something like that.

MARCO

And we may take our friends with us, and give them

places about the Court?

DON ALHAMBRA

Undoubtedly. That's always done!

MARCO

I'm convinced!

GIUSEPPE

So am I!

TESSA

Then the sooner we're off the better.

GIANETTA

We'll just run home and pack up a few things (going)--

DON ALHAMBRA

Stop, stop--that won't do at all--ladies are not

admitted.

ALL

What!

DON ALHAMBRA

Not admitted. Not at present. Afterwards,

perhaps. We'll see.

GIUSEPPE

Why, you don't mean to say you are going to separate

us from our wives?

DON ALHAMBRA

(aside). This is very awkward! (Aloud.) Only for

a time--a few months. Alter all, what is a few months?

TESSA

But we've only been married half an hour! (Weeps.)

FINALE ACT 1

Music No. 10 "Kind Sir, You Cannot Have the Heart"

SONG--GIANETTA

Kind sir, you cannot have the heart

Our lives to part

From those to whom an hour ago

We were united!

Before our flowing hopes you stem,

Ah, look at them,

And pause before you deal this blow,

All uninvited!

You men can never understand

That heart and hand

Cannot be separated when

We go a-yearning;

You see, you've only women's eyes

To idolize

And only women's hearts, poor men,

To set you burning!

Ah me, you men will never understand

That woman's heart is one with woman's hand!

Some kind of charm you seem to find

In womankind--

Some source of unexplained delight

(Unless you're jesting),

But what attracts you, I confess,

I cannot guess,

To me a woman's face is quite

Uninteresting!

If from my sister I were torn,

It could be borne--

I should, no doubt, be horrified,

But I could bear it;-- (weeps)

But Marco's quite another thing--

He is my King,

He has my heart and none beside

Shall ever share it!

Ah me, you men will never understand

That woman's heart is one with woman's hand!

RECITATIVE--DON ALHAMBRA

Do not give way to this uncalled-for grief,

Your separation will be very brief.

To ascertain which is the King

And which the other,

To Barataria's Court I'll bring

His foster-mother;

Her former nurseling to declare

She'll be delighted.

That settled, let each happy pair

Be reunited.

MARCO, GIUSEPPE, GIANETTA, TESSA

Viva! His argument is strong!

Viva! We'll not be parted long!

Viva! It will be settled soon!

Viva! Then comes our honeymoon!

Viva! Viva! Viva!

(Exit Don Alhambra.)

Quartet (Marco, Giuseppe, Gianetta and Tessa)

GIANETTA

Then one of us will be a Queen,

And sit on a golden throne,

With a crown instead

Of a hat on her head,

And diamonds all her own!

With a beautiful robe of gold and green,

I've always understood;

I wonder whether

She'd wear a feather?

I rather think she should!

ALL

Oh, 'tis a glorious thing, I ween,

To be a regular Royal Queen!

No half-and-half affair, I mean,

No half-and-half affair,

But a right-down regular, regular, regular, regular Royal Queen!

MARCO

She'll drive about in a carriage and pair,

With the King on her left-hand side,

And a milk-white horse,

As a matter of course!

Whenever she wants to ride!

With beautiful silver shoes to wear

Upon her dainty feet;

With endless stocks

Of beautiful frocks

And as much as she wants to eat!

ALL

Oh, 'tis a glorious thing, I ween, etc.

TESSA

Whenever she condescends to walk,

Be sure she'll shine at that,

With her haughty stare

And her nose in the air,

Like a well-born aristocrat!

At elegant high society talk

She'll bear away the bell,

With her "How de do?"

And her "How are you?"

And "I trust I see you well!"

ALL

Oh, 'tis a glorious thing, I ween, etc.

GIUSEPPE

And noble lords will scrape and bow,

And double themselves in two,

And open their eyes

In blank surprise

At whatever she likes to do.

And everybody will roundly vow

She's fair as flowers in May,

And say, "How clever!"

At whatsoever

She condescends to say!

ALL

Oh, 'tis a glorious thing, I ween,

To be a regular Royal Queen!

No half-and-half affair, I mean,

But a right-down regular Royal Queen!

(Dance)

(Enter Chorus of Gondoliers and Contadine)

CHORUS

Now, pray, what is the cause of this remarkable hilarity?

This sudden ebullition of unmitigated jollity?

Has anybody blessed you with a sample of his charity?

Or have you been adopted by a gentleman of quality?

MARCO and GIUSEPPE (alternately)

Replying, we / sing

As / one indi- / -vidual,

As I / find I'm a / King,

To my / kingdom I / bid you all.

I'm a- / -ware you ob- / -ject

To pa- / -vilions and / palaces,

But you'll / find I re- / -spect

Your Re- / -publican / fallacies.

You'll / find I re- / -spect

Your Re- / -publican / fallacies.

CHORUS

As they know we object

To pavilions and palaces,

How can they respect

Our Republican fallacies?

SONG--MARCO and GIUSEPPE

MARCO

For every one who feels inclined,

Some post we undertake to find

Congenial with his frame of mind--

And all shall equal be.

GIUSEPPE

The Chancellor in his peruke--

The Earl, the Marquis, and the Dook,

The Groom, the Butler, and the Cook--

They all shall equal be.

MARCO

The Aristocrat who banks with Coutts--

The Aristocrat who hunts and shoots--

The Aristocrat who cleans our boots--

They all shall equal be!

GIUSEPPE

The Noble Lord who rules the State--

The Noble Lord who cleans the plate--

MARCO

The Noble Lord who scrubs the grate--

They all shall equal be!

GIUSEPPE

The Lord High Bishop orthodox--

The Lord High Coachman on the box--

MARCO

The Lord High Vagabond in the stocks--

They all shall equal be!

BOTH

For every one who feels inclined,

Some post we undertake to find

Congenial with his frame of mind,

Congenial with his frame of mind,

And all shall equal be.

Sing high, sing low,

Wherever they go,

Sing high, sing low,

Wherever they go,

Wherever they go, wherever they go,

They all shall equal be!

CHORUS

Sing high, sing low,

Wherever they go,

Sing high, sing low,

Wherever they go,

Wherever they go, wherever they go,

They all shall equal be!

The Earl, the Marquis, and the Dook,

The Groom, the Butler, and the Cook,

The Aristocrat who banks with Coutts,

The Aristocrat who cleans the boots,

The Noble Lord who rules the State,

The Noble Lord who scrubs the grate,

The Lord High Bishop orthodox,

The Lord High Vagabond in the stocks--

For ev'ryone who feels inclined,

Some post they undertake to find

Congenial with his frame of mind,

Congenial with his frame of mind,

And all shall equal be.

Then hail! O King,

Whichever you may be,

To you we sing,

But do not bend the knee.

Then hail! hail! O King.

Hail! O King, Hail! O King!

MARCO and GIUSEPPE (Recitative)

Come, let's away--our island crown awaits me--

Conflicting feelings rend my soul apart!

The thought of Royal dignity elates me,

But leaving thee behind me breaks my heart!

(Addressing Gianetta and Tessa)

GIANETTA and TESSA (Recitative)

Farewell, my love; on board you must be getting!

But while upon the sea you gaily roam,

Remember that a heart for thee is fretting--

The tender little heart you've left at home!

GIANETTA

Now, Marco dear,

My wishes hear:

While you're away

It's understood

You will be good

And not too gay.

To every trace

Of maiden grace

You will be blind,

And will not glance

By any chance

On womankind!

If you are wise,

You'll shut your eyes

Till we arrive,

And not address

A lady less

Than forty-five.

You'll please to frown

On every gown

That you may see;

And, O my pet,

You won't forget

You've married me!

And O my darling, O my pet,

Whatever else you may forget,

In yonder isle beyond the sea,

Do not forget, do not forget you've married me!

TESSA

You'll lay your head

Upon your bed

At set of sun.

You will not sing

Of anything

To any one.

You'll sit and mope

All day, I hope,

And shed a tear

Upon the life

Your little wife

Is passing here.

And if so be

You think of me,

Please tell the moon!

I'll read it all

In rays that fall

On the lagoon:

You'll be so kind

As tell the wind

How you may be,

And send me words

By little birds

To comfort me!

And O my darling, O my pet,

Whatever else you may forget,

In yonder isle beyond the sea,

Do not forget you've married me!

QUARTET.

Oh my darling, O my pet, etc.

(during which a "Xebeque" is hauled alongside the quay.)

CHORUS

Then away we/they go to an island fair

That lies in a Southern sea:

We know not where, and we don't much care

Wherever that isle may be.

THE MEN

(hauling on boat).

One, two, three, Haul!

One, two, three, Haul!

One, two, three, Haul!

With a will!

ALL

When the breezes are blowing

The ship will be going,

When they don't we shall/they will all stand still!

Then away we/they go to an island fair,

We know not where, and we don't much care,

Wherever that isle may be.

MARCO, GIUSEPPE, GIANETTA, TESSA and CHORUS

MARCO

Away we go

To a balmy isle,

Where the roses blow

All the winter while.

ALL

Away, away etc.

(hoisting sail)

ALL

Then away we/they go to an island fair

That lies in a Southern sea:

Then away we/they go to an island fair,

Then away, then away, then away,

Then away, away!

(The men embark on the "Xebeque." Marco and Giuseppe embracing

Gianetta and Tessa. The girls wave a farewell to the men as the

curtain falls.)

END OF ACT I

ACT II

SCENE--Pavilion in the Court of Barataria.

Marco and Giuseppe, magnificently dressed, are seated on two thrones,

occupied in cleaning the crown and the sceptre. The Gondoliers

are discovered, dressed, some as courtiers, officers of rank,

etc., and others as private soldiers and servants of various

degrees. All are enjoying themselves without reference to social

distinctions--some playing cards, others throwing dice, some

reading, others playing cup and ball, "morra", etc.

Music No. 1 "Of Happiness The Very Pith"

Chorus of Men (with Marco and Giuseppe)

ALL

Of happiness the very pith

In Barataria you may see:

A monarchy that's tempered with

Republican Equality.

BASSES

This form of government we find

The beau ideal of its kind--

TENORS

A despotism strict combined

With absolute equality!

With absolute equality!

ALL

Of happiness the very pith

In Barataria you may see:

A monarchy that's tempered with

Republican Equality.

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

Two kings, of undue pride bereft,

Who act in perfect unity,

Whom you can order right and left

With absolute impunity.

Who put their subjects at their ease

By doing all they can to please!

And thus, to earn their bread-and-cheese,

Seize every opportunity.

And thus, to earn their bread-and-cheese,

Seize every opportunity.

Ah! We act in perfect unity,

Ah! We act in perfect unity!

CHORUS

Of happiness the very pith, etc.

MARCO

Gentlemen, we are much obliged to you for your

expressions of satisfaction and good feeling--I say, we are much

obliged to you for your expressions of satisfaction and good

feeling.

ALL

We heard you.

MARCO

We are delighted, at any time, to fall in with

sentiments so charmingly expressed.

ALL

That's all right.

GIUSEPPE

At the same time there is just one little grievance

that we should like to ventilate.

ALL

(angrily) What?

GIUSEPPE

Don't be alarmed--it's not serious. It is arranged

that, until it is decided which of us two is the actual King, we

are to act as one person.

GIORGIO

Exactly.

GIUSEPPE

Now, although we act as one person, we are, in point

of fact, two persons.

ANNIBALE

Ah, I don't think we can go into that. It is a

legal fiction, and legal fictions are solemn things. Situated as

we are, we can't recognize two independent responsibilities.

GIUSEPPE

No; but you can recognize two independent appetites.

It's all very well to say we act as one person, but when you

supply us with only one ration between us, I should describe it

as a legal fiction carried a little too far.

ANNIBALE

It's rather a nice point. I don't like to express an

opinion off-hand. Suppose we reserve it for argument before the

full Court?

MARCO

Yes, but what are we to do in the meantime?

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

We want our tea.

ANNIBALE

I think we may make an interim order for double

rations on their Majesties entering into the usual undertaking to

indemnify in the event of an adverse decision?

GIORGIO

That, I think, will meet the case. But you must work

hard--stick to it--nothing like work.

GIUSEPPE

Oh, certainly. We quite understand that a man who

holds the magnificent position of King should do something to

justify it. We are called "Your Majesty"; we are allowed to buy

ourselves magnificent clothes; our subjects frequently nod to us

in the streets; the sentries always return our salutes; and we

enjoy the inestimable privilege of heading the subscription lists

to all the principal charities. In return for these advantages

the least we can do is to make ourselves useful about the Palace.

Music No. 2 "Rising Early In The Morning"

Song (Giuseppe with Chorus)

GIUSEPPE

Rising early in the morning,

We proceed to light the fire,

Then our Majesty adorning

In its workaday attire,

We embark without delay

On the duties of the day.

First, we polish off some batches

Of political despatches,

And foreign politicians circumvent;

Then, if business isn't heavy,

We may hold a Royal levee,

Or ratify some Acts of Parliament.

Then we probably review the household troops--

With the usual "Shalloo humps!" and "Shalloo hoops!"

Or receive with ceremonial and state

An interesting Eastern potentate.

After that we generally

Go and dress our private valet--

(It's a rather nervous duty--he's a touchy little man)--

Write some letters literary

For our private secretary--

He is shaky in his spelling, so we help him if we can.

Then, in view of cravings inner,

We go down and order dinner;

Then we polish the Regalia and the Coronation Plate--

Spend an hour in titivating

All our Gentlemen-in-Waiting;

Or we run on little errands for the Ministers of State.

Oh, philosophers may sing

Of the troubles of a King;

Yet the duties are delightful, and the privileges great;

But the privilege and pleasure

That we treasure beyond measure

Is to run on little errands for the Ministers of State.

CHORUS

Oh, philosophers may sing, etc.

GIUSEPPE

After luncheon (making merry

On a bun and glass of sherry),

If we've nothing in particular to do,

We may make a Proclamation,

Or receive a deputation--

Then we possibly create a Peer or two.

Then we help a fellow-creature on his path

With the Garter or the Thistle or the Bath,

Or we dress and toddle off in semi-state

To a festival, a function, or a fete.

Then we go and stand as sentry

At the Palace (private entry),

Marching hither, marching thither, up and down and to and fro,

While the warrior on duty

Goes in search of beer and beauty

(And it generally happens that he hasn't far to go).

He relieves us, if he's able,

Just in time to lay the table,

Then we dine and serve the coffee, and at half-past twelve or one,

With a pleasure that's emphatic,

We retire to our attic

With the gratifying feeling that our duty has been done!

Oh, philosophers may sing

Of the troubles of a King,

But of pleasures there are many and of worries there are none;

And the culminating pleasure

That we treasure beyond measure

Is the gratifying feeling that our duty has been done!

CHORUS

Oh, philosophers may sing, etc.

(Exeunt all but Marco and Giuseppe)

GIUSEPPE

Yes, it really is a very pleasant existence. They're

all so singularly kind and considerate. You don't find them

wanting to do this, or wanting to do that, or saying "It's my

turn now." No, they let us have all the fun to ourselves, and

never seem to grudge it.

MARCO

It makes one feel quite selfish. It almost seems like

taking advantage of their good nature.

GIUSEPPE

How nice they were about the double rations.

MARCO

Most considerate. Ah! there's only one thing wanting

to make us thoroughly comfortable.

GIUSEPPE

And that is?

MARCO

The dear little wives we left behind us three months

ago.

GIUSEPPE

Yes, it is dull without female society. We can do

without everything else, but we can't do without that.

MARCO

And if we have that in perfection, we have everything.

There is only one recipe for perfect happiness.

Music No. 3 "Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes"

Song (Marco)

MARCO

Take a pair of sparkling eyes,

Hidden, ever and anon,

In a merciful eclipse--

Do not heed their mild surprise--

Having passed the Rubicon,

Take a pair of rosy lips;

Take a figure trimly planned--

Such as admiration whets--

(Be particular in this);

Take a tender little hand,

Fringed with dainty fingerettes,

Press it, press it--in parenthesis;--

Ah! Take all these, you lucky man--

Take and keep them, if you can, if you can!

Take all these, you lucky man--

Take and keep them, if you can!

If you can!

Take a pretty little cot--

Quite a miniature affair--

Hung about with trellised vine,

Furnish it upon the spot

With the treasures rich and rare

I've endeavoured to define.

Live to love and love to live--

You will ripen at your ease,

Growing on the sunny side--

Fate has nothing more to give.

You're a dainty man to please

If you are not satisfied, not satisfied,

Ah! Take my counsel, happy man;

Act upon it, if you can, if you can!

Take my counsel, happy man;

Act upon it, if you can, if you can!

Take my counsel, happy man;

Act upon it if you can.

If you can, if you can.

Act upon it if you can, happy man, if you can!

(Enter Chorus of Contadine, running in, led by Fiametta and

Vittoria. They are met by all the Ex-Gondoliers, who welcome

them heartily.)

Music No. 4 "Here We Are At The Risk"

Scena (Chorus of Girls, Quartet, Duet and Chorus)

CHORUS OF GIRLS

Here we are, at the risk of our lives,

From ever so far, and we've brought your wives--

And to that end we've crossed the main,

And don't intend to return again! etc.

FIAMETTA

Though obedience is strong,

Curiosity's stronger--

We waited for long,

Till we couldn't wait longer.

VITTORIA

It's imprudent, we know,

But without your society

Existence was slow,

And we wanted variety--

BOTH

Existence was slow, and we wanted variety,

Yes, we wanted variety.

ALL

So here we are, at the risk of our lives,

And we've brought your wives--

And to that end, to that end, we've crossed the main,

And don't, don't intend to return again!

(Enter Gianetta and Tessa. They rush to the arms of Marco and

Giuseppe.)

GIUSEPPE

Tessa! [All embrace]

TESSA

Giuseppe! [All embrace]

GIANETTA

Marco! [All embrace]

MARCO

Gianetta! [All embrace]

TESSA and GIANETTA

TESSA

After sailing to this island--

GIANETTA

Tossing in a manner frightful,

TESSA

We are all once more on dry land--

GIANETTA

And we find the change delightful,

TESSA

As at home we've been remaining--

We've not seen you both for ages,

GIANETTA

Tell me, are you fond of reigning?--

How's the food, and what's the wages?

TESSA

Does your new employment please ye?--

GIANETTA

How does Royalizing strike you?

TESSA

Is it difficult or easy?--

GIANETTA

Do you think your subjects like you?

TESSA

I am anxious to elicit,

Is it plain and easy steering?

GIANETTA

Take it altogether, is it

Better fun than gondoliering?

BOTH

We shall both go on requesting

Till you tell us, never doubt it;

Everything is interesting,

Tell us, tell us all about it!

CHORUS

They will both go on requesting, etc.

TESSA

Is the populace exacting?

GIANETTA

Do they keep you at a distance?

TESSA

All unaided are you acting,

GIANETTA

Or do they provide assistance?

TESSA

When you're busy, have you got to

Get up early in the morning?

GIANETTA

If you do what you ought not to,

Do they give the usual warning?

TESSA

With a horse do they equip you?

GIANETTA

Lots of trumpeting and drumming?

TESSA

Do the Royal tradesmen tip you?

GIANETTA

Ain't the livery becoming!

TESSA

Does your human being inner

Feed on everything that nice is?

GIANETTA

Do they give you wine for dinner;

Peaches, sugar-plums, and ices?

BOTH

We shall both go on requesting

Till you tell us, never doubt it;

Everything is interesting,

Tell us, tell us all about it!

CHORUS

They'll go on requesting, etc.

BOTH with CHORUS

We shall both go on requesting, etc.

MARCO

This is indeed a most delightful surprise!

TESSA

Yes, we thought you'd like it. You see, it was like

this. After you left we felt very dull and mopey, and the days

crawled by, and you never wrote; so at last I said to Gianetta,

"I can't stand this any longer; those two poor Monarchs haven't

got any one to mend their stockings or sew on their buttons or

patch their clothes--at least, I hope they haven't--let us all

pack up a change and go and see how they're getting on." And she

said, "Done," and they all said, "Done"; and we asked old Giacopo

to lend us his boat, and he said, "Done"; and we've crossed the

sea, and, thank goodness, that's done; and here we are,

and--and--I've done!

GIANETTA

And now--which of you is King?

TESSA

And which of us is Queen?

GIUSEPPE

That we shan't know until Nurse turns up. But never

mind that--the question is, how shall we celebrate the

commencement of our honeymoon? Gentlemen, will you allow us to

offer you a magnificent banquet?

ALL

We will!

GIUSEPPE

Thanks very much; and, ladies, what do you say to a

dance?

TESSA

A banquet and a dance! Oh, it's too much happiness!

Music No. 5 "Dance A Cachucha"

Chorus and Dance

ALL

Dance a cachucha, fandango, bolero,

Xeres we'll drink--Manzanilla, Montero--

Wine, when it runs in abundance, enhances

The reckless delight of that wildest of dances!

GIRLS

To the pretty pitter, pitter, patter,

And the clitter, clitter, clitter, clatter--

Clitter, clitter, clatter,

Pitter, pitter, patter,

Clitter, clitter, clatter,

Clitter, clitter, clatter,

MEN

To the pretty pitter, pitter, patter,

And the clitter, clitter, clitter, clatter--

GIRLS

Pitter, pitter, pitter,

Patter, patter, patter, patter, we'll dance

ALL

Old Xeres we'll drink--Manzanilla, Montero;

For wine, when it runs in abundance, enhances

The reckless delight of that wildest of dances,

that wildest of dances, The reckless delight!

Dance a cachucha, fandango, bolero,

Xeres we'll drink--Manzanilla, Montero--

Wine, when it runs in abundance, enhances

The reckless delight of that wildest of dances!

Old Xeres we'll drink--Manzanilla, Montero;

For wine, when it runs in abundance, enhances

The reckless delight of that wildest of dances,

The reckless delight of that wildest of dances!

(Cachucha)

(The dance is interrupted by the unexpected appearance of Don

Alhambra, who looks on with astonishment. Marco and Giuseppe

appear embarrassed. The others run off, except Drummer Boy, who

is driven off by Don Alhambra.)

DON ALHAMBRA

Good evening. Fancy ball?

GIUSEPPE

No, not exactly. A little friendly dance. That's

all. Sorry you're late.

DON ALHAMBRA

But I saw a groom dancing, and a footman!

MARCO

Yes. That's the Lord High Footman.

DON ALHAMBRA

And, dear me, a common little drummer boy!

GIUSEPPE

Oh no! That's the Lord High Drummer Boy.

DON ALHAMBRA

But surely, surely the servants'-hall is the place

for these gentry?

GIUSEPPE

Oh dear no! We have appropriated the servants'-hall.

It's the Royal Apartment, and accessible only by tickets

obtainable at the Lord Chamberlain's office.

MARCO

We really must have some place that we can call our

own.

DON ALHAMBRA

(puzzled). I'm afraid I'm not quite equal to the

intellectual pressure of the conversation.

GIUSEPPE

You see, the Monarchy has been re-modelled on

Republican principles.

DON ALHAMBRA

What!

GIUSEPPE

All departments rank equally, and everybody is at the

head of his department.

DON ALHAMBRA

I see.

MARCO

I'm afraid you're annoyed.

DON ALHAMBRA

No. I won't say that. It's not quite what I

expected.

GIUSEPPE

I'm awfully sorry.

MARCO

So am I.

GIUSEPPE

By the by, can I offer you anything after your voyage?

A plate of macaroni and a rusk?

DON ALHAMBRA

(preoccupied). No, no--nothing--nothing.

GIUSEPPE

Obliged to be careful?

DON ALHAMBRA

Yes--gout. You see, in every Court there are

distinctions that must be observed.

GIUSEPPE

(puzzled). There are, are there?

DON ALHAMBRA

Why, of course. For instance, you wouldn't have a

Lord High Chancellor play leapfrog with his own cook.

MARCO

Why not?

DON ALHAMBRA

Why not! Because a Lord High Chancellor is a

personage of great dignity, who should never, under any

circumstances, place himself in the position of being told to

tuck in his tuppenny, except by noblemen of his own rank. A Lord

High Archbishop, for instance, might tell a Lord High Chancellor

to tuck in his tuppenny, but certainly not a cook, gentlemen,

certainly not a cook.

GIUSEPPE

Not even a Lord High Cook?

DON ALHAMBRA

My good friend, that is a rank that is not

recognized at the Lord Chamberlain's office. No, no, it won't

do. I'll give you an instance in which the experiment was tried.

Music No. 6 "There Lived A King"

Song (Don Alhambra, with Marco and Giuseppe)

DON ALHAMBRA

There lived a King, as I've been told,

In the wonder-working days of old,

When hearts were twice as good as gold,

And twenty times as mellow.

Good-temper triumphed in his face,

And in his heart he found a place

For all the erring human race

And every wretched fellow.

When he had Rhenish wine to drink

It made him very sad to think

That some, at junket or at jink,

Must be content with toddy.

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

With toddy, must be content with toddy.

DON ALHAMBRA

He wished all men as rich as he

(And he was rich as rich could be),

So to the top of every tree

Promoted everybody.

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

Now, that's the kind of King for me.

He wished all men as rich as he,

So to the top of every tree

Promoted everybody!

DON ALHAMBRA

Lord Chancellors were cheap as sprats,

And Bishops in their shovel hats

Were plentiful as tabby cats--

In point of fact, too many.

Ambassadors cropped up like hay,

Prime Ministers and such as they

Grew like asparagus in May,

And Dukes were three a penny.

On every side Field-Marshals gleamed,

Small beer were Lords-Lieutenant deemed,

With Admirals the ocean teemed

All round his wide dominions.

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

With Admirals all round his wide dominions.

DON ALHAMBRA

And Party Leaders you might meet

In twos and threes in every street

Maintaining, with no little heat,

Their various opinions.

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

Now that's a sight you couldn't beat--

Two Party Leaders in each street

Maintaining, with no little heat,

Their various opinions.

DON ALHAMBRA

That King, although no one denies

His heart was of abnormal size,

Yet he'd have acted otherwise

If he had been acuter.

The end is easily foretold,

When every blessed thing you hold

Is made of silver, or of gold,

You long for simple pewter.

When you have nothing else to wear

But cloth of gold and satins rare,

For cloth of gold you cease to care--

Up goes the price of shoddy.

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

Of shoddy, up goes the price of shoddy.

DON ALHAMBRA

In short, whoever you may be,

To this conclusion you'll agree,

When every one is somebodee,

Then no one's anybody!

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

Now that's as plain as plain can be,

To this conclusion we agree--

ALL

When every one is somebodee,

Then no one's anybody!

(Gianetta and Tessa enter unobserved. The two girls, impelled by

curiosity, remain listening at the back of the stage.)

DON ALHAMBRA

And now I have some important news to communicate.

His Grace the Duke of Plaza-Toro, Her Grace the Duchess, and

their beautiful daughter Casilda--I say their beautiful daughter

Casilda--

GIUSEPPE

We heard you.

DON ALHAMBRA

Have arrived at Barataria, and may be here at any

moment.

MARCO

The Duke and Duchess are nothing to us.

DON ALHAMBRA

But the daughter--the beautiful daughter! Aha!

Oh, you're a lucky dog, one of you!

GIUSEPPE

I think you're a very incomprehensible old gentleman.

DON ALHAMBRA

Not a bit--I'll explain. Many years ago when you

(whichever you are) were a baby, you (whichever you are) were

married to a little girl who has grown up to be the most

beautiful young lady in Spain. That beautiful young lady will be

here to claim you (whichever you are) in half an hour, and I

congratulate that one (whichever it is) with all my heart.

MARCO

Married when a baby!

GIUSEPPE

But we were married three months ago!

DON ALHAMBRA

One of you--only one. The other (whichever it is)

is an unintentional bigamist.

GIANETTA and TESSA

(coming forward). Well, upon my word!

DON ALHAMBRA

Eh? Who are these young people?

TESSA

Who are we? Why, their wives, of course. We've just

arrived.

DON ALHAMBRA

Their wives! Oh dear, this is very unfortunate!

Oh dear, this complicates matters! Dear, dear, what will Her

Majesty say?

GIANETTA

And do you mean to say that one of these Monarchs was

already married?

TESSA

And that neither of us will be a Queen?

DON ALHAMBRA

That is the idea I intended to convey. (Tessa and

Gianetta begin to cry.)

GIUSEPPE

(to Tessa) Tessa, my dear, dear child--

TESSA

Get away! perhaps it's you!

MARCO

(to Gianetta) My poor, poor little woman!

GIANETTA

Don't! Who knows whose husband you are?

TESSA

And pray, why didn't you tell us all about it before

they left Venice?

DON ALHAMBRA

Because, if I had, no earthly temptation would have

induced these gentlemen to leave two such extremely fascinating

and utterly irresistible little ladies!

TESSA

There's something in that.

DON ALHAMBRA

I may mention that you will not be kept long in

suspense, as the old lady who nursed the Royal child is at

present in the torture chamber, waiting for me to interview her.

GIUSEPPE

Poor old girl. Hadn't you better go and put her out

of her suspense?

DON ALHAMBRA

Oh no--there's no hurry--she's all right. She has

all the illustrated papers. However, I'll go and interrogate

her, and, in the meantime, may I suggest the absolute propriety

of your regarding yourselves as single young ladies. Good

evening!

(Exit Don Alhambra.)

GIANETTA

Well, here's a pleasant state of things!

MARCO

Delightful. One of us is married to two young ladies,

and nobody knows which; and the other is married to one young

lady whom nobody can identify!

GIANETTA

And one of us is married to one of you, and the other

is married to nobody.

TESSA

But which of you is married to which of us, and

what's to become of the other? (About to cry.)

GIUSEPPE

It's quite simple. Observe. Two husbands have

managed to acquire three wives. Three wives--two husbands.

(Reckoning up.) That's two-thirds of a husband to each wife.

TESSA

O Mount Vesuvius, here we are in arithmetic! My good

sir, one can't marry a vulgar fraction!

GIUSEPPE

You've no right to call me a vulgar fraction.

MARCO

We are getting rather mixed. The situation is

entangled. Let's try and comb it out.

Music No. 7 "In A Contemplative Fashion"

Quartet (Marco, Giuseppe, Gianetta and Tessa)

ALL

In a contemplative fashion,

And a tranquil frame of mind,

Free from every kind of passion,

Some solution let us find.

Let us grasp the situation,

Solve the complicated plot--

Quiet, calm deliberation

Disentangles every knot.

TESSA
I, no doubt, Giuseppe wedded--
That's, of course, a slice of luck
He is rather dunder-headed,
Still distinctly, he's a duck.
THE OTHERS
In a contemplative fashion,

And a tranquil frame of mind,

GIANETTA
I, a victim, too, of Cupid,
Marco married - that is clear.
He's particularly stupid,
Still distinctly, he's a dear.
THE OTHERS
Free from ev'ry kind of passion,

Some solution let us find,

MARCO
To Gianetta I was mated;
I can prove it in a trice,
Though her charms are overrated,
Still I own she's rather nice.
THE OTHERS
Let us grasp the situation,

Solve the complicated plot,

GIUSEPPE
I to Tessa, willy-nilly,
All at once a victim fell.
She is what is called a silly,
Still she answers pretty well.
THE OTHERS
Quiet calm deliberation,

Disentangles ev'ry knot!

MARCO
Now when we were pretty babies
Some one married us, that's clear--
THE OTHERS
In a contemplative fashion,

GIANETTA
And if I can catch her
I'll pinch her and scratch her
And send her away
with a flea in her ear.
THE OTHERS
And a tranquil frame of mind,

GIUSEPPE
He whom that young lady married,
To receive her can't refuse.
THE OTHERS
Free from ev'ry kind of passion,

TESSA
If I overtake her
I'll warrant I'll make her
To shake in her aristocratical shoes!
THE OTHERS
Some solution let us find,

GIANETTA
If she married your Giuseppe
You and he will have to part--
THE OTHERS
Let us grasp the situation,

TESSA
If I have to do it
I'll warrant she'll rue it--
I'll teach her to marry
the man of my heart!
If she married Messer Marco
You're a spinster, that is plain--
THE OTHERS
Solve the complicated plot,



Quiet calm deliberation

TESSA
No matter--no matter.
If I can get at her
I doubt if her mother will
know her again!
THE OTHERS
Disentangles ev'ry knot!

GIANETTA
No matter,
no matter,
If I can
get at her
etc.
TESSA
If I have
to do it
I'll warrant
she'll rue it!
etc.
MARCO
To Gianetta
I was mated
I can prove it
in a trice
etc.
GIUSEPPE
I to Tessa
willy-nilly
All at once
a victim fell
etc.

ALL

Quiet, calm deliberation

Disentangles every knot!

(Exeunt, pondering)

(March. Enter procession of Retainers, heralding approach of

Duke, Duchess, and Casilda. All three are now dressed with the

utmost magnificence.)

Music No. 8 "With Ducal Pomp And Ducal Pride"

Chorus of Men (with Duke and Duchess).

CHORUS

With ducal pomp and ducal pride

(Announce these comers,

O ye kettle-drummers!)

Comes Barataria's high-born bride.

(Ye sounding cymbals clang!)

She comes to claim the Royal hand--

(Proclaim their Graces,

O ye double basses!)

Of the King who rules this goodly land.

(Ye brazen brasses bang!)

DUKE

This polite attention touches

Heart of Duke

DUCHESS

And heart of Duchess

Who resign their pet!

DUKE

With profound regret.

DUCHESS

She of beauty was a model

DUKE

When a tiny tiddle-toddle,

And at twenty-one

DUCHESS

She's excelled by none!

DUKE

At twenty-one

DUCHESS

She's excelled by none!

At twenty-one

DUKE

She's excelled by none!

CHORUS

She comes to claim the Royal hand

(Proclaim their graces, O ye double-basses!

Of the King who rules this goodly land

Ye brazen brasses bang!)

DUKE

(to his attendants). Be good enough to inform His Majesty

that His Grace the Duke of Plaza-Toro, Limited, has arrived, and

begs--

CASILDA

Desires--

DUCHESS

Demands--

DUKE

And demands an audience. (Exeunt attendants.) And

now, my child, prepare to receive the husband to whom you were

united under such interesting and romantic circumstances.

CASILDA

But which is it? There are two of them!

DUKE

It is true that at present His Majesty is a double

gentleman; but as soon as the circumstances of his marriage are

ascertained, he will, ipso facto, boil down to a single

gentleman--thus presenting a unique example of an individual who

becomes a single man and a married man by the same operation.

DUCHESS

(severely). I have known instances in which the

characteristics of both conditions existed concurrently in the

same individual.

DUKE

Ah, he couldn't have been a Plaza-Toro.

DUCHESS

Oh! couldn't he, though!

CASILDA

Well, whatever happens, I shall, of course, be a

dutiful wife, but I can never love my husband.

DUKE

I don't know. It's extraordinary what unprepossessing

people one can love if one gives one's mind to it.

DUCHESS

I loved your father.

DUKE

My love--that remark is a little hard, I think?

Rather cruel, perhaps? Somewhat uncalled-for, I venture to

believe?

DUCHESS

It was very difficult, my dear; but I said to myself,

"That man is a Duke, and I will love him." Several of my

relations bet me I couldn't, but I did--desperately!

Music No. 9 "On The Day When I Was Wedded"

Song (Duchess)

DUCHESS

On the day when I was wedded

To your admirable sire,

I acknowledge that I dreaded

An explosion of his ire.

I was overcome with panic--

For his temper was volcanic,

And I didn't dare revolt,

For I feared a thunderbolt!

I was always very wary,

For his fury was ecstatic--

His refined vocabulary

Most unpleasantly emphatic.

To the thunder

Of this Tartar

I knocked under

Like a martyr;

When intently

He was fuming,

I was gently

Unassuming--

When reviling

Me completely,

I was smiling very sweetly,

I was smiling very sweetly,

Very sweetly.

Giving him the very best, and getting back the very worst--

That is how I tried to tame your great progenitor--at first!

Giving him the very best, and getting back the very worst--

That is how I tried to tame your great progenitor--at first!

But I found that a reliance

On my threatening appearance,

And a resolute defiance

Of marital interference,

And a gentle intimation

Of my firm determination

To see what I could do

To be wife and husband too

Was the only thing required

For to make his temper supple,

And you couldn't have desired

A more reciprocating couple.

Ever willing

To be wooing,

We were billing--

We were cooing;

When I merely

From him parted,

We were nearly

Broken-hearted--

When in sequel

Reunited,

We were equally delighted.

We were equally delighted, delighted.

So with double-shotted guns and colours nailed unto the mast,

I tamed your insignificant progenitor--at last!

So with double-shotted guns and colours nailed unto the mast,

I tamed your insignificant progenitor--at last!

CASILDA

My only hope is that when my husband sees what a shady

family he has married into he will repudiate the contract

altogether.

DUKE

Shady? A nobleman shady, who is blazing in the

lustre of unaccustomed pocket-money? A nobleman shady, who can

look back upon ninety-five quarterings? It is not every nobleman

who is ninety-five quarters in arrear--I mean, who can look back

upon ninety-five of them! And this, just as I have been floated

at a premium! Oh fie!

DUCHESS

Your Majesty is surely unaware that directly your

Majesty's father came before the public he was applied for over

and over again.

DUKE

My dear, Her Majesty's father was in the habit of

being applied for over and over again--and very urgently applied

for, too--long before he was registered under the Limited

Liability Act.

Music No. 10 "To Help Unhappy Commoners"

Recitative and Duet (Duke and Duchess)

DUKE

To help unhappy commoners, and add to their enjoyment,

Affords a man of noble rank congenial employment;

Of our attempts we offer you examples illustrative:

The work is light, and, I may add, it's most remunerative.

Small titles and orders

For Mayors and Recorders

I get--and they're highly delighted--

DUCHESS

They're highly delighted!

DUKE

M.P.'s baronetted,

Sham Colonels gazetted,

And second-rate Aldermen knighted--

DUCHESS

Yes, Aldermen knighted.

DUKE

Foundation-stone laying

I find very paying:

It adds a large sum to my makings--

DUCHESS

Large sums to his makings.

DUKE

At charity dinners

The best of speech-spinners,

I get ten per cent on the takings--

DUCHESS

One-tenth of the takings.

I present any lady

Whose conduct is shady

Or smacking of doubtful propriety--

DUKE

Doubtful propriety.

DUCHESS

When Virtue would quash her,

I take and whitewash her,

And launch her in first-rate society--

DUKE

First-rate society!

DUCHESS

I recommend acres

Of clumsy dressmakers--

Their fit and their finishing touches--

DUKE

Their finishing touches.

DUCHESS

A sum in addition

They pay for permission

To say that they make for the Duchess--

DUKE

They make for the Duchess!

Those pressing prevailers,

The ready-made tailors,

Quote me as their great double-barrel--

DUCHESS

Their great double-barrel--

DUKE

I allow them to do so,

Though Robinson Crusoe

Would jib at their wearing apparel--

DUCHESS

Such wearing apparel!

DUKE

I sit, by selection,

Upon the direction

Of several Companies bubble--

DUCHESS

All Companies bubble!

DUKE

As soon as they're floated

I'm freely bank-noted--

I'm pretty well paid for my trouble!

DUCHESS

He's paid for his trouble!

At middle-class party

I play at ecarte--

And I'm by no means a beginner--

DUKE

(significantly). She's not a beginner.

DUCHESS

To one of my station

The remuneration--

Five guineas a night and my dinner--

DUKE

And wine with her dinner.

DUCHESS

I write letters blatant

On medicines patent--

And use any other you mustn't--

DUKE

Believe me, you mustn't--

DUCHESS

And vow my complexion

Derives its perfection

From somebody's soap--which it doesn't--

DUKE

(significantly). It certainly doesn't!

We're ready as witness

To any one's fitness

To fill any place or preferment--

DUCHESS

A place or preferment.

We're often in waiting

At junket or feting,

And sometimes attend an interment--

DUKE

We enjoy an interment.

BOTH

In short, if you'd kindle

The spark of a swindle,

Lure simpletons into your clutches--

Yes; into your clutches.

Or hoodwink a debtor,

You cannot do better

DUCHESS

Than trot out a Duke or a Duchess--

DUKE

A Duke

BOTH

Or a Duchess!

(Enter Marco and Giuseppe.)

DUKE

Ah! Their Majesties. Your Majesty! (Bows with

great ceremony.)

MARCO

The Duke of Plaza-Toro, I believe?

DUKE

The same. (Marco and Giuseppe offer to shake hands

with him. The Duke bows ceremoniously. They endeavour to

imitate him.) Allow me to present--

GIUSEPPE

The young lady one of us married?

(Marco and Giuseppe offer to shake hands with her. Casilda

curtsies formally. They endeavour to imitate her.)

CASILDA

Gentlemen, I am the most obedient servant of one of

you. (Aside.) Oh, Luiz!

DUKE

I am now about to address myself to the gentleman

whom my daughter married; the other may allow his attention to

wander if he likes, for what I am about to say does not concern

him. Sir, you will find in this young lady a combination of

excellences which you would search for in vain in any young lady

who had not the good fortune to be my daughter. There is some

little doubt as to which of you is the gentleman I am addressing,

and which is the gentleman who is allowing his attention to

wander; but when that doubt is solved, I shall say (still

addressing the attentive gentleman), "Take her, and may she make

you happier than her mother has made me."

DUCHESS

Sir!

DUKE

If possible. And now there is a little matter to

which I think I am entitled to take exception. I come here in

state with Her Grace the Duchess and Her Majesty my daughter, and

what do I find? Do I find, for instance, a guard of honour to

receive me? No!

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

No.

DUKE

The town illuminated? No!

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

No.

DUKE

Refreshment provided? No!

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

No.

DUKE

A Royal salute fired? No!

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

No.

DUKE

Triumphal arches erected? No!

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

No.

DUKE

The bells set ringing?

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

No.

DUKE

Yes--one--the Visitors', and I rang it myself. It is

not enough! It is not enough!

GIUSEPPE

Upon my honour, I'm very sorry; but you see, I was

brought up in a gondola, and my ideas of politeness are confined

to taking off my cap to my passengers when they tip me.

DUCHESS

That's all very well in its way, but it is not

enough.

GIUSEPPE

I'll take off anything else in reason.

DUKE

But a Royal Salute to my daughter--it costs so

little.

CASILDA

Papa, I don't want a salute.

GIUSEPPE

My dear sir, as soon as we know which of us is

entitled to take that liberty she shall have as many salutes as

she likes.

MARCO

As for guards of honour and triumphal arches, you

don't know our people--they wouldn't stand it.

GIUSEPPE

They are very off-hand with us--very off-hand indeed.

DUKE

Oh, but you mustn't allow that--you must keep them in

proper discipline, you must impress your Court with your

importance. You want deportment--carriage--

GIUSEPPE

We've got a carriage.

DUKE

Manner--dignity. There must be a good deal of this

sort of thing--(business)--and a little of this sort of

thing--(business)--and possibly just a Soupcon of this sort of

thing!--(business)--and so on. Oh, it's very useful, and most

effective. Just attend to me. You are a King--I am a subject.

Very good.

Music No. 11 "I Am A Courtier Grave And Serious"

Gavotte (Duke, Duchess, Casilda, Marco and Giuseppe)

DUKE

I am a courtier grave and serious

Who is about to kiss your hand:

Try to combine a pose imperious

With a demeanour nobly bland.

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

Let us combine a pose imperious

With a demeanour nobly bland.

(Marco and Giuseppe endeavour to carry out his instructions.)

DUKE

That's, if anything, too unbending--

Too aggressively stiff and grand;

(They suddenly modify their attitudes.)

Now to the other extreme you're tending--

Don't be so deucedly condescending!

DUCHESS and CASILDA

Now to the other extreme you're tending--

Don't be so dreadfully condescending!

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

Oh, hard to please some noblemen seem!

At first, if anything, too unbending;

Off we go to the other extreme--

Too confoundedly condescending!

DUKE

Now a gavotte perform sedately--

Offer your hand with conscious pride;

Take an attitude not too stately,

Still sufficiently dignified.

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

Now for an attitude not too stately,

Still sufficiently dignified.

(They endeavour to carry out his instructions.)

DUKE

(beating time) Oncely, twicely--oncely, twicely--

Bow impressively ere you glide.

(They do so.)

Capital both, capital both--you've caught it nicely!

That is the style of thing precisely!

DUCHESS and CASILDA

Capital both, capital both--you've caught it nicely!

That is the style of thing precisely!

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

Oh, sweet to earn a nobleman's praise!

Capital both, capital both--we've caught it nicely!

Supposing he's right in what he says,

This is the style of thing precisely!

DUCHESS and CASILDA

Capital both, capital both--you've caught it nicely!

That is the style of thing precisely!

That is the style of thing, the style, the style of thing precisely!

(Gavotte. At the end exeunt Duke and Duchess, leaving Casilda

with Marco and Giuseppe.)

GIUSEPPE

(to Marco). The old birds have gone away and left the

young chickens together. That's called tact.

MARCO

It's very awkward. We really ought to tell her how we

are situated. It's not fair to the girl.

GIUSEPPE

Then why don't you do it?

MARCO

I'd rather not--you.

GIUSEPPE

I don't know how to begin. (To Casilda.)

Er--Madam--I--we, that is, several of us--

CASILDA

Gentlemen, I am bound to listen to you; but it is

right to tell you that, not knowing I was married in infancy, I

am over head and ears in love with somebody else.

GIUSEPPE

Our case exactly! We are over head and ears in love

with somebody else! (Enter Gianetta and Tessa.) In point of

fact, with our wives!

CASILDA

Your wives! Then you are married?

TESSA

It's not our fault.

GIANETTA

We knew nothing about it.

BOTH

We are sisters in misfortune.

CASILDA

My good girls, I don't blame you. Only before we go

any further we must really arrive at some satisfactory

arrangement, or we shall get hopelessly complicated.

FINALE ACT II

Music No. 12 "Here Is A Case Unprecedented"

Quintet and Finale (Marco, Giuseppe, Casilda, Gianetta, Tessa and Chorus)

ALL

Here is a case unprecedented!

Here are a King and Queen ill-starred!

Ever since marriage was first invented

Never was known a case so hard!

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

I may be said to have been bisected,

By a profound catastrophe!

CASILDA, GIANETTA, TESSA

Through a calamity unexpected

I am divisible into three!

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

I may be said to have been bisected!

CASILDA, GIANETTA, TESSA

I am divisible into three!

Through a calamity unexpected I am divisible into three!

ALL

O moralists all,

How can you call

Marriage a state of unitee,

A state of unitee,

Moralists all,

How can you call

Marriage a state of unitee!

Moralists all,

How can you call

Marriage a state of unitee!

Call marriage a state of union true,

CASILDA, GIANETTA, TESSA

One-third of myself is married to half of ye, or you!

MARCO and GIUSEPPE

When half of myself has married two-thirds of ye, or you!

(Enter Don Alhambra, followed by Duke, Duchess, and all the

Chorus.)

RECITATIVE--DON ALHAMBRA

Now let the loyal lieges gather round--

The Prince's foster-mother has been found!

She will declare, to silver clarion's sound,

The rightful King--let him forthwith be crowned!

CHORUS

She will declare, to silver clarion's sound,

The rightful King--let him forthwith be crowned!

(Don Alhambra brings forward Inez, the Prince's foster-mother.)

TESSA

Speak, woman, speak--

DUKE

We're all attention!

GIANETTA

The news we seek-

DUCHESS

This moment mention.

CASILDA

To us they bring--

DON ALHAMBRA

His foster-mother.

MARCO

Is he the King?

GIUSEPPE

Or this my brother?

ALL

Speak, woman, speak,

Speak, woman, speak.

RECITATIVE--INEZ

The Royal Prince was by the King entrusted

To my fond care, ere I grew old and crusted;

When traitors came to steal his son reputed,

My own small boy I deftly substituted!

The villains fell into the trap completely--

I hid the Prince away--still sleeping sweetly;

I called him "son" with pardonable slyness--

His name, Luiz! Behold his Royal Highness!

(Sensation. Luiz ascends the throne, crowned and robed as King.)

CASILDA

(rushing to his arms). Luiz!

LUIZ

Casilda! (Embrace.)

ALL

Is this indeed the King?

Oh, wondrous revelation!

Oh, unexpected thing!

Unlooked-for situation!

MARCO, GIANETTA, GIUSEPPE, TESSA

This statement we receive

With sentiments conflicting;

Our hearts rejoice and grieve,

Each other contradicting;

To those whom we adore

We can be reunited--

On one point rather sore,

But, on the whole, delighted!

LUIZ

When others claimed thy dainty hand,

I waited--waited--waited,

DUKE

As prudence (so I understand)

Dictated--tated--tated.

CASILDA

By virtue of our early vow

Recorded--corded--corded,

DUCHESS

Your pure and patient love is now

Rewarded--warded--warded.

ALL

Then hail, O King of a Golden Land,

And the high-born bride who claims his hand!

The past is dead, and you gain your own,

A royal crown and a golden throne!

FANFARE

(All kneel: Luiz crowns Casilda.)

ALL

Once more gondolieri,

Both skilful and wary,

Free from this quandary

Contented are we. Ah!

From Royalty flying,

Our gondolas plying,

And merrily crying

Our "preme," "stali!" Ah!

So good-bye, cachucha, fandango, bolero,

We'll dance a farewell to that measure--

Old Xeres, adieu, Manzanilla--Montero--

We leave you with feelings of pleasure!

Once more gondolieri,

Both skilful and wary,

Free from this quandary

Contented are we. Ah!

Ah! Once more gondolieri, gondolieri

Gondolieri, contented are we,

So good-bye, cachucha, fandango, bolero,

We'll dance a farewell to that measure--

Old Xeres, adieu, Manzanilla--Montero--

We leave you with feelings of pleasure!

With feelings of pleasure!

CURTAIN

UTOPIA LIMITED

or, THE FLOWERS OF PROGRESS

Music by Sir Arthur Sullivan

Libretto by William S. Gilbert

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

King Paramount, the First (King of Utopia)

Scaphio and Phantis (Judges of the Utopian Supreme Court)

Tarara (The Public Exploder)

Calynx (The Utopian Vice-Chamberlain)

Imported Flowers of Progress:

Lord Dramaleigh (a British Lord Chamberlain)

Captain Fitzbattleaxe (First Life Guards)

Captain Sir Edward Corcoran, K.C.B. (of the Royal Navy)

Mr. Goldbury (a company promoter; afterwards Comptroller of the

Utopian

Household)

Sir Bailey Barre, Q.C., M.P.

Mr. Blushington (of the County Council)

The Princess Zara (eldest daughter of King Paramount)

The Princesses Nekaya and Kalyba (her Younger Sisters)

The Lady Sophy (their English Gouvernante)

Utopian Maidens:

Salata

Melene

Phylla

ACT I

A Utopian Palm Grove

ACT II

Throne Room in King Paramount's Palace

First produced at the Savoy Theatre on October 7, 1893.

ACT I.

OPENING CHORUS

In lazy languor--motionless,

We lie and dream of nothingness;

For visions come

From Poppydom

Direct at our command:

Or, delicate alternative,

In open idleness we live,

With lyre and lute

And silver flute,

The life of Lazyland.

SOLO - Phylla.

The song of birds

In ivied towers;

The rippling play

Of waterway;

The lowing herds;

The breath of flowers;

The languid loves

Of turtle doves--

These simply joys are all at hand

Upon thy shores, O Lazyland!

(Enter Calynx)

Calynx:

Good news! Great news! His Majesty's eldest daughter,

Princess Zara, who left our shores five years since to go

to

England--the greatest, the most powerful, the wisest

country

in the world--has taken a high degree at Girton, and is

on

her way home again, having achieved a complete mastery

over

all the elements that have tended to raise that glorious

country to her present pre-eminent position among

civilized

nations!

Salata:

Then in a few months Utopia may hope to be completely

Angli-

cized?

Calynx:

Absolutely and without a doubt.

Melene:

(lazily) We are very well as we are. Life without a

care--every want supplied by a kind and fatherly monarch,

who, despot though he be, has no other thought than to

make

his people happy--what have we to gain by the great

change

that is in store for us?

Salata:

What have we to gain? English institutions, English

tastes,

and oh, English fashions!

Calynx:

England has made herself what she is because, in that fa-

vored land, every one has to think for himself. Here we

have no need to think, because our monarch anticipates

all

our wants, and our political opinions are formed for us

by

the journals to which we subscribe. Oh, think how much

more

brilliant this dialogue would have been, if we had been

accustomed to exercise our reflective powers! They say

that

in England the conversation of the very meanest is a

corus-

cation of impromptu epigram!

(Enter Tarara in a great rage)

Tarara:

Lalabalele talala! Callabale lalabalica falahle!

Calynx:

(horrified) Stop--stop, I beg! (All the ladies close

their

ears.)

Tarara:

Callamalala galalate! Caritalla lalabalee kallalale poo!

Ladies:

Oh, stop him! stop him!

Calynx:

My lord, I'm surprised at you. Are you not aware that

His

Majesty, in his despotic acquiescence with the emphatic

wish

of his people, has ordered that the Utopian language

shall

be banished from his court, and that all communications

shall henceforward be made in the English tongue?

Tarara:

Yes, I'm perfectly aware of it, although--(suddenly

present-

ing an explosive "cracker").

Stop--allow me.

Calynx:

(pulls it). Now, what's that for?

Tarara:

Why, I've recently been appointed Public Exploder to His

Majesty, and as I'm constitutionally nervous, I must

accus-

tom myself by degrees to the startling nature of my

duties.

Thank you. I was about to say that although, as Public

Exploder, I am next in succession to the throne, I

neverthe-

less do my best to fall in with the royal decree. But

when

I am overmastered by an indignant sense of overwhelming

wrong, as I am now, I slip into my native tongue without

knowing it. I am told that in the language of that great

and pure nation, strong expressions do not exist, conse-

quently when I want to let off steam I have no

alternative

but to say, "Lalabalele molola lililah kallalale poo!"

Calynx:

But what is your grievance?

Tarara:

This--by our Constitution we are governed by a Despot

who,

although in theory absolute--is, in practice, nothing of

the

kind--being watched day and night by two Wise Men whose

duty

it is, on his very first lapse from political or social

propriety, to denounce him to me, the Public Exploder,

and

it then becomes my duty to blow up His Majesty with

dynamite--allow me. (Presenting a cracker which Calynx

pulls.) Thank you--and, as some compensation to my

wounded

feelings, I reign in his stead.

Calynx:

Yes. After many unhappy experiments in the direction of

an

ideal Republic, it was found that what may be described

as a

Despotism tempered by Dynamite provides, on the whole,

the

most satisfactory description of ruler--an autocrat who

dares not abuse his autocratic power.

Tarara:

That's the theory--but in practice, how does it act?

Now,

do you ever happen to see the Palace Peeper? (producing

a

"Society" paper).

Calynx:

Never even heard of the journal.

Tarara:

I'm not surprised, because His Majesty's agents always

buy

up the whole edition; but I have an aunt in the

publishing

department, and she has supplied me with a copy. Well,

it

actually teems with circumstantially convincing details

of

the King's abominable immoralities! If this high-class

journal may be believed, His Majesty is one of the most

Heliogabalian profligates that ever disgraced an

autocratic

throne! And do these Wise Men denounce him to me? Not

a

bit of it! They wink at his immoralities! Under the

cir-

cumstances I really think I am justified in exclaiming

"Lalabelele molola lililah kalabalale poo!" (All horri-

fied.) I don't care--the occasion demands it. (Exit

Tarara)

(March. Enter Guard, escorting Scaphio and Phantis.)

CHORUS

O make way for the Wise Men!

They are the prizemen--

Double-first in the world's university!

For though lovely this island

(Which is my land),

She has no one to match them in her city.

They're the pride of Utopia--

Cornucopia

Is each his mental fertility.

O they make no blunder,

And no wonder,

For they're triumphs of infallibility.

DUET -- Scaphio and Phantis.

In every mental lore

(The statement smacks of vanity)

We claim to rank before

The wisest of humanity.

As gifts of head and heart

We wasted on "utility,"

We're "cast" to play a part

Of great responsibility.

Our duty is to spy

Upon our King's illicites,

And keep a watchful eye

On all his eccentricities.

If ever a trick he tries

That savours of rascality,

At our decree he dies

Without the least formality.

We fear no rude rebuff,

Or newspaper publicity;

Our word is quite enough,

The rest is electricity.

A pound of dynamite

Explodes in his auriculars;

It's not a pleasant sight--

We'll spare you the particulars.

Its force all men confess,

The King needs no admonishing--

We may say its success

Is something quite astonishing.

Our despot it imbues

With virtues quite delectable,

He minds his P's and Q's,--

And keeps himself respectable.

Of a tyrant polite

He's paragon quite.

He's as modest and mild

In his ways as a child;

And no one ever met

With an autocrat yet,

So delightfully bland

To the least in the land!

So make way for the wise men, etc.

(Exeunt all but Scaphio and Phantis. Phantis is pensive.)

Scaphio:

Phantis, you are not in your customary exuberant spirits.

What is wrong?

Phantis:

Scaphio, I think you once told me that you have never

loved?

Scaphio:

Never! I have often marvelled at the fairy influence

which

weaves its rosy web about the faculties of the greatest

and

wisest of our race; but I thank Heaven I have never been

subjected to its singular fascination. For, oh, Phantis!

there is that within me that tells me that when my time

does

come, the convulsion will be tremendous! When I love, it

will be with the accumulated fervor of sixty-six years!

But

I have an ideal--a semi-transparent Being, filled with an

inorganic pink jelly--and I have never yet seen the woman

who approaches within measurable distance of it. All are

opaque--opaque--opaque!

Phantis:

Keep that ideal firmly before you, and love not until you

find her. Though but fifty-five, I am an old campaigner

in

the battle-fields of Love; and, believe me, it is better

to

be as you are, heart-free and happy, than as I

am--eternally

racked with doubting agonies! Scaphio, the Princess Zara

returns from England today!

Scaphio:

My poor boy, I see it all.

Phantis:

Oh! Scaphio, she is so beautiful. Ah! you smile, for you

have never seen her. She sailed for England three months

before you took office.

Scaphio:

Now tell me, is your affection requited?

Phantis:

I do not know--I am not sure. Sometimes I think it is,

and

then come these torturing doubts! I feel sure that she

does

not regard me with absolute indifference, for she could

never look at me without having to go to bed with a sick

headache.

Scaphio:

That is surely something. Come, take heart, boy! you

are

young and beautiful. What more could maiden want?

Phantis:

Ah! Scaphio, remember she returns from a land where every

youth is as a young Greek god, and where such beauty as

I

can boast is seen at every turn.

Scaphio:

Be of good cheer! Marry her, boy, if so your fancy

wills,

and be sure that love will come.

Phantis:

(overjoyed) Then you will assist me in this?

Scaphio:

Why, surely! Silly one, what have you to fear? We have

but

to say the word, and her father must consent. Is he not

our

very slave? Come, take heart. I cannot bear to see you

sad.

Phantis:

Now I may hope, indeed! Scaphio, you have placed me on

the

very pinnacle of human joy!

DUET -- Scaphio and Phantis.

Scaphio:

Let all your doubts take wing--

Our influence is great.

If Paramount our King

Presume to hesitate

Put on the screw,

And caution him

That he will rue

Disaster grim

That must ensue

To life and limb,

Should he pooh-pooh

This harmless whim.

Both:

This harmless whim--this harmless whim,

It is as I/you say, a harmless whim.

Phantis:

(dancing) Observe this dance

Which I employ

When I, by chance

Go mad with joy.

What sentiment

Does this express?

(Phantis continues his dance while Scaphio vainly endeavors to

discover

its meaning)

Supreme content

And happiness!

Both:

Of course it does! Of course it does!

Supreme content and happiness.

Phantis:

Your friendly aid conferred,

I need no longer pine.

I've but to speak the word,

And lo, the maid is mine!

I do not choose

To be denied.

Or wish to lose

A lovely bride--

If to refuse

The King decide,

The royal shoes

Then woe betide!

Both:

Then woe betide--then woe betide!

The Royal shoes then woe betide!

Scaphio:

(Dancing) This step to use

I condescend

Whene'er I choose

To serve a friend.

What it implies

Now try to guess;

(Scaphio continues his dance while Phantis is vainly endeavouring

to

discover its meaning)

It typifies

Unselfishness!

Both:

(Dancing) Of course it does! Of course it does!

It typifies unselfishness.

(Exeunt Scaphio and

Phantis.)

March. Enter King Paramount, attended by guards and nobles, and

preced-

ed by girls dancing before him.

CHORUS

Quaff the nectar--cull the roses--

Gather fruit and flowers in plenty!

For our king no longer poses--

Sing the songs of far niente!

Wake the lute that sets us lilting,

Dance a welcome to each comer;

Day by day our year is wilting--

Sing the sunny songs of summer!

La, la, la, la!

SOLO -- King.

A King of autocratic power we--

A despot whose tyrannic will is law--

Whose rule is paramount o'er land and sea,

A presence of unutterable awe!

But though the awe that I inspire

Must shrivel with imperial fire

All foes whom it may chance to touch,

To judge by what I see and hear,

It does not seem to interfere

With popular enjoyment, much.

Chorus:

No, no--it does not interfere

With our enjoyment much.

Stupendous when we rouse ourselves to strike,

Resistless when our tyrant thunder peals,

We often wonder what obstruction's like,

And how a contradicted monarch feels.

But as it is our Royal whim

Our Royal sails to set and trim

To suit whatever wind may blow--

What buffets contradiction deals

And how a thwarted monarch feels

We probably will never know.

Chorus:

No, no--what thwarted monarch feels,

You'll never, never know.

RECITATIVE -- King.

My subjects all, it is your with emphatic

That all Utopia shall henceforth be modelled

Upon that glorious country called Great Britain--

To which some add--but others do not--Ireland.

Chorus:

It is!

King:

That being so, as you insist upon it,

We have arranged that our two younger daughters

Who have been "finished" by an English Lady--

(tenderly) A grave and good and gracious English Lady--

Shall daily be exhibited in public,

That all may learn what, from the English standpoint,

Is looked upon as maidenly perfection!

Come hither, daughters!

(Enter Nekaya and Kalyba. They are twins, about fifteen years old;

they

are very modest and demure in their appearance, dress and

manner.

They stand with their hands folded and their eyes cast down.)

CHORUS

How fair! how modest! how discreet!

How bashfully demure!

See how they blush, as they've been taught,

At this publicity unsought!

How English and how pure!

DUET -- Nekaya and Kalyba.

Both:

Although of native maids the cream,

We're brought up on the English scheme--

The best of all

For great and small

Who modesty adore.

Nek:

For English girls are good as gold,

Extremely modest (so we're told)

Demurely coy--divinely cold--

And that we are--and more.

Kal:

To please papa, who argues thus--

All girls should mould themselves on us

Because we are

By furlongs far

The best of the bunch,

We show ourselves to loud applause

From ten to four without a pause--

Nek:

Which is an awkward time because

It cuts into our lunch.

Both:

Oh maids of high and low degree,

Whose social code is rather free,

Please look at us and you will see

What good young ladies ought to be!

Nek:

And as we stand, like clockwork toys,

A lecturer whom papa employs

Proceeds to prussia

Our modest ways

And guileless character--

Kal:

Our well-known blush--our downcast eyes--

Our famous look of mild surprise.

Nek:

(Which competition still defies)--

Our celebrated "Sir!!!"

Kal:

Then all the crowd take down our looks

In pocket memorandum books.

To diagnose

Our modest pose

The Kodaks do their best:

Nek:

If evidence you would possess

Of what is maiden bashfulness

You need only a button press--

Kal:

And we will do the rest.

Enter Lady Sophy -- an English lady of mature years and extreme

gravity

of demeanour and dress. She carries a lecturer's wand in her

hand. She is led on by the King, who expresses great regard

and

admiration for her.

RECITATIVE -- Lady Sophy

This morning we propose to illustrate

A course of maiden courtship, from the start

To the triumphant matrimonial finish.

(Through the following song the two Princesses illustrate in

gesture

the description given by Lady Sophy.)

SONG -- Lady Sophy

Bold-faced ranger

(Perfect stranger)

Meets two well-behaved young ladies.

He's attractive,

Young and active--

Each a little bit afraid is.

Youth advances,

At his glances

To their danger they awaken;

They repel him

As they tell him

He is very much mistaken.

Though they speak to him politely,

Please observe they're sneering slightly,

Just to show he's acting vainly.

This is Virtue saying plainly

"Go away, young bachelor,

We are not what you take us for!"

When addressed impertinently,

English ladies answer gently,

"Go away, young bachelor,

We are not what you take us for!"

As he gazes,

Hat he raises,

Enters into conversation.

Makes excuses--

This produces

Interesting agitation.

He, with daring,

Undespairing,

Give his card--his rank discloses

Little heeding

This proceeding,

They turn up their little noses.

Pray observe this lesson vital--

When a man of rank and title

His position first discloses,

Always cock your little noses.

When at home, let all the class

Try this in the looking glass.

English girls of well bred notions,

Shun all unrehearsed emotions.

English girls of highest class

Practice them before the glass.

His intentions

Then he mentions.

Something definite to go on--

Makes recitals

Of his titles,

Hints at settlements, and so on.

Smiling sweetly,

They, discreetly,

Ask for further evidences:

Thus invited,

He, delighted,

Gives the usual references:

This is business. Each is fluttered

When the offer's fairly uttered.

"Which of them has his affection?"

He declines to make selection.

Do they quarrel for his dross?

Not a bit of it--they toss!

Please observe this cogent moral--

English ladies never quarrel.

When a doubt they come across,

English ladies always toss.

RECITATIVE -- Lady Sophy

The lecture's ended. In ten minute's space

'Twill be repeated in the market-place!

(Exit Lady Sophy, followed by Nekaya and

Kalyba.)

Chorus:

Quaff the nectar--cull the roses--

Bashful girls will soon be plenty!

Maid who thus at fifteen poses

Ought to be divine at twenty!

(Exeunt all but

KING.

)

King:

I requested Scaphio and Phantis to be so good as to favor

me

with an audience this morning. (Enter SCAPHIO and

PHANTIS.

)

Oh, here they are!

Scaphio:

Your Majesty wished to speak with us, I believe.

You--you

needn't keep your crown on, on our account, you know.

King:

I beg your pardon. (Removes it.) I always forget that!

Odd, the notion of a King not being allowed to wear one

of

his own crowns in the presence of two of his own

subjects.

Phantis:

Yes--bizarre, is it not?

King:

Most quaint. But then it's a quaint world.

Phantis:

Teems with quiet fun. I often think what a lucky thing

it

is that you are blessed with such a keen sense of humor!

King:

Do you know, I find it invaluable. Do what I will, I

cannot

help looking at the humorous side of things--for,

properly

considered, everything has its humorous side--even the

Palace Peeper (producing it). See here--"Another Royal

Scandal," by Junius Junior. "How long is this to last?"

by

Senex Senior. "Ribald Royalty," by Mercury Major.

"Where

is the Public Exploder?" by Mephistopheles Minor. When

I

reflect that all these outrageous attacks on my morality

are

written by me, at your command--well, it's one of the

funni-

est things that have come within the scope of my

experience.

Scaphio:

Besides, apart from that, they have a quiet humor of

their

own which is simply irresistible.

King:

(gratified) Not bad, I think. Biting, trenchant

sarcasm--the rapier, not the bludgeon--that's my line.

But

then it's so easy--I'm such a good subject--a bad King

but a

good Subject--ha! ha!--a capital heading for next week's

leading article! (makes a note) And then the stinging

little paragraphs about our Royal goings-on with our

Royal

Second Housemaid--delicately sub-acid, are they not?

Scaphio:

My dear King, in that kind of thing no one can hold a

candle

to you.

Phantis:

But the crowning joke is the Comic Opera you've written

for

us--"King Tuppence, or A Good Deal Less than Half a

Sover-

eign"--in which the celebrated English tenor, Mr.

Wilkinson,

burlesques your personal appearance and gives grotesque

imitations of your Royal peculiarities. It's immense!

King:

Ye--es--That's what I wanted to speak to you about. Now

I've not the least doubt but that even that has its

humorous

side too--if one could only see it. As a rule I'm pretty

quick at detecting latent humor--but I confess I do not

quite see where it comes in, in this particular instance.

It's so horribly personal!

Scaphio:

Personal? Yes, of course it's personal--but consider the

antithetical humor of the situation.

King:

Yes. I--I don't think I've quite grasped that.

Scaphio:

No? You surprise me. Why, consider. During the day

thou-

sands tremble at your frown, during the night (from 8 to

11)

thousands roar at it. During the day your most arbitrary

pronouncements are received by your subjects with abject

submission--during the night, they shout with joy at your

most terrible decrees. It's not every monarch who enjoys

the privilege of undoing by night all the despotic

absurdi-

ties he's committed during the day.

King:

Of course! Now I see it! Thank you very much. I was

sure

it had its humorous side, and it was very dull of me not

to

have seen it before. But, as I said just now, it's a

quaint

world.

Phantis:

Teems with quiet fun.

King:

Yes. Properly considered, what a farce life is, to be

sure!

SONG -- King.

First you're born--and I'll be bound you

Find a dozen strangers round you.

"Hallo," cries the new-born baby,

"Where's my parents? which may they be?"

Awkward silence--no reply--

Puzzled baby wonders why!

Father rises, bows politely--

Mother smiles (but not too brightly)--

Doctor mumbles like a dumb thing--

Nurse is busy mixing something.--

Every symptom tends to show

You're decidedly de trop--

All:

Ho! ho! ho! ho! ho! ho! ho! ho!

Time's teetotum,

If you spin it,

Gives it quotum

Once a minute.

I'll go bail

You hit the nail,

And if you fail,

The deuce is in it!

King:

You grow up and you discover

What it is to be a lover.

Some young lady is selected--

Poor, perhaps, but well-connected.

Whom you hail (for Love is blind)

As the Queen of fairy kind.

Though she's plain--perhaps unsightly,

Makes her face up--laces tightly,

In her form your fancy traces

All the gifts of all the graces.

Rivals none the maiden woo,

So you take her and she takes you.

All:

Ho! ho! ho! ho! ho! ho! ho! ho!

Joke beginning,

Never ceases

Till your inning

Time releases,

On your way

You blindly stray,

And day by day

The joke increases!

King:

Ten years later--Time progresses--

Sours your temper--thins your tresses;

Fancy, then, her chain relaxes;

Rates are facts and so are taxes.

Fairy Queen's no longer young--

Fairy Queen has got a tongue.

Twins have probably intruded--

Quite unbidden--just as you did--

They're a source of care and trouble--

Just as you were--only double.

Comes at last the final stroke--

Time has had its little joke!

All:

Ho! ho! ho! ho! ho! ho! ho! ho!

Daily driven

(Wife as drover)

Ill you've thriven--

Ne'er in clover;

Lastly, when

Three-score and ten

(And not till then),

The joke is over!

Ho! ho! ho! ho! ho! ho! ho! ho!

Then--and then

The joke is over!

(Exeunt Scaphio and

Phantis.)

King:

(putting on his crown again) It's all very well. I

always

like to look on the humorous side of things; but I do not

think I ought to be required to write libels on my own

moral

character. Naturally, I see the joke of it--anybody

would--but Zara's coming home today; she's no longer a

child, and I confess I should not like her to see my

Opera--though it's uncommonly well written; and I should

be

sorry if the Palace Peeper got into her hands--though

it's

certainly smart--very smart indeed. It is almost a pity

that I have to buy up the whole edition, because it's

really

too good to be lost. And Lady Sophy--that blameless type

of

perfect womanhood! Great Heavens, what would she say if

the

Second Housemaid business happened to meet her pure blue

eye! (Enter Lady Sophy)

Lady S.:

My monarch is soliloquizing. I will withdraw. (going)

King:

No--pray don't go. Now I'll give you fifty chances, and

you

won't guess whom I was thinking of.

Lady S.:

Alas, sir, I know too well. Ah! King, it's an old, old

story, and I'm wellnigh weary of it! Be warned in

time--from my heart I pity you, but I am not for you!

(going)

King:

But hear what I have to say.

Lady S.:

It is useless. Listen. In the course of a long and

adven-

turous career in the principal European Courts, it has

been

revealed to me that I unconsciously exercise a weird and

supernatural fascination over all Crowned Heads. So

irre-

sistible is this singular property, that there is not a

European Monarch who has not implored me, with tears in

his

eyes, to quit his kingdom, and take my fatal charms else-

where. As time was getting on it occurred to me that by

descending several pegs in the scale of Respectability I

might qualify your Majesty for my hand. Actuated by this

humane motive and happening to possess Respectability

enough

for Six, I consented to confer Respectability enough for

Four upon your two younger daughters--but although I

have,

alas, only Respectability enough for Two left, there is

still, as I gather from the public press of this country

(producing the Palace Peeper), a considerable balance in

my

favor.

King:

(aside) Damn! (aloud) May I ask how you came by this?

Lady S.:

It was handed to me by the officer who holds the position

of

Public Exploder to your Imperial Majesty.

King:

And surely, Lady Sophy, surely you are not so unjust as

to

place any faith in the irresponsible gabble of the

Society

press!

Lady S.:

(referring to paper) I read on the authority of Senex

Senior that your Majesty was seen dancing with your

Second

Housemaid on the Oriental Platform of the Tivoli Gardens.

That is untrue?

King:

Absolutely. Our Second Housemaid has only one leg.

Lady S.:

(suspiciously) How do you know that?

King:

Common report. I give you my honor.

Lady S.:

It may be so. I further read--and the statement is

vouched

for by no less an authority that Mephistopheles

Minor--that

your Majesty indulges in a bath of hot rum-punch every

morning. I trust I do not lay myself open to the charge

of

displaying an indelicate curiosity as to the mysteries of

the royal dressing-room when I ask if there is any

founda-

tion for this statement?

King:

None whatever. When our medical adviser exhibits

rum-punch

it is as a draught, not as a fomentation. As to our

bath,

our valet plays the garden hose upon us every morning.

Lady S.:

(shocked) Oh, pray--pray spare me these unseemly

details.

Well, you are a Despot--have you taken steps to slay this

scribbler?

King:

Well, no--I have not gone so far as that. After all,

it's

the poor devil's living, you know.

Lady S.:

It is the poor devil's living that surprises me. If this

man lies, there is no recognized punishment that is

suffi-

ciently terrible for him.

King:

That's precisely it. I--I am waiting until a punishment

is

discovered that will exactly meet the enormity of the

case.

I am in constant communication with the Mikado of Japan,

who

is a leading authority on such points; and, moreover, I

have

the ground plans and sectional elevations of several

capital

punishments in my desk at this moment. Oh, Lady Sophy,

as

you are powerful, be merciful!

DUET -- King and Lady Sophy.

King:

Subjected to your heavenly gaze

(Poetical phrase),

My brain is turned completely.

Observe me now

No monarch I vow,

Was ever so afflicted!

Lady S:

I'm pleased with that poetical phrase,

"A heavenly gaze,"

But though you put it neatly,

Say what you will,

These paragraphs still

Remain uncontradicted.

Come, crush me this contemptible worm

(A forcible term),

If he's assailed you wrongly.

The rage display,

Which, as you say,

Has moved your Majesty lately.

King:

Though I admit that forcible term

"Contemptible worm,"

Appeals to me most strongly,

To treat this pest

As you suggest

Would pain my Majesty greatly.

Lady S:

This writer lies!

King:

Yes, bother his eyes!

Lady S:

He lives, you say?

King:

In a sort of way.

Lady S:

Then have him shot.

King:

Decidedly not.

Lady S:

Or crush him flat.

King:

I cannot do that.

Both:

O royal Rex,

My/her blameless sex

Abhors such conduct shady.

You/I plead in vain,

I/you will never gain

Respectable English lady!

(Dance of repudiation by Lady Sophy. Exit followed by

King.)

March. Enter all the Court, heralding the arrival of the Princess

Zara,

who enters, escorted by Captain Fitzbattleaxe and four

Troopers, all

in the full uniform of the First Life Guards.

CHORUS

Oh, maiden, rich

In Girton lore

That wisdom which,

We prized before,

We do confess

Is nothingness,

And rather less,

Perhaps, than more.

On each of us

Thy learning shed.

On calculus

May we be fed.

And teach us, please,

To speak with ease,

All languages,

Alive and dead!

SOLO--Princess and Chorus

Zara:

Five years have flown since I took wing--

Time flies, and his footstep ne'er retards--

I'm the eldest daughter of your King.

Troop:

And we are her escort--First Life Guards!

On the royal yacht,

When the waves were white,

In a helmet hot

And a tunic tight,

And our great big boots,

We defied the storm;

For we're not recruits,

And his uniform

A well drilled trooper ne'er discards--

And we are her escort--First Life Guards!

Zara:

These gentlemen I present to you,

The pride and boast of their barrack-yards;

They've taken, O! such care of me!

Troop:

For we are her escort--First Life Guards!

When the tempest rose,

And the ship went so--

Do you suppose

We were ill? No, no!

Though a qualmish lot

In a tunic tight,

And a helmet hot,

And a breastplate bright

(Which a well-drilled trooper ne'er discards),

We stood as her escort--First Life Guards!

CHORUS

Knightsbridge nursemaids--serving fairies--

Stars of proud Belgravian airies;

At stern duty's call you leave them,

Though you know how that must grieve them!

Zara:

Tantantarara-rara-rara!

Fitz:

Trumpet-call of Princess Zara!

Cho:

That's trump-call, and they're all trump cards--

They are her escort--First Life Guards!

ENSEMBLE

Chorus Princess Zara and

Fitzbattleaxe

Ladies Oh! the hours are gold,

And the joys untold,

Knightsbridge nursemaids, etc. When my eyes behold

My beloved Princess;

Men And the years will seem

When the tempest rose, etc. But a brief day-dream,

In the joy extreme

Of our happiness!

Full Chorus:

Knightsbridge nursemaids, serving fairies, etc.

(Enter King, Princess Nekaya and Kalyba, and Lady Sophy. As the

King enters,

the escort present arms.)

King:

Zara! my beloved daughter! Why, how well you look and

how

lovely you have grown! (embraces her.)

Zara:

My dear father! (embracing him) And my two beautiful

little sisters! (embracing them)

Nekaya:

Not beautiful.

Kalyba:

Nice-looking.

Zara:

But first let me present to you the English warrior who

commands my escort, and who has taken, O! such care of me

during my voyage--Captain Fitzbattleaxe!

Troopers:

The First Life Guards.

When the tempest rose,

And the ship went so--

(Captain Fitzbattleaxe motions them to be silent. The Troopers

place

themselves in the four corners of the stage, standing at ease,

immovably, as if on sentry. Each is surrounded by an admiring

group of young ladies, of whom they take no notice.)

King:

(to Capt. Fitz.) Sir, you come from a country where

every

virtue flourishes. We trust that you will not criticize

too

severely such shortcomings as you may detect in our

semi-barbarous society.

Fitz.:

(looking at Zara) Sir, I have eyes for nothing but the

blameless and the beautiful.

King:

We thank you--he is really very polite! (Lady Sophy, who

has

been greatly scandalized by the attentions paid to the

Lifeguardsmen by the young ladies, marches the Princesses

Nekaya and Kalyba towards an exit.) Lady Sophy, do not

leave

us.

Lady S.:

Sir, your children are young, and, so far, innocent. If

they are to remain so, it is necessary that they be at

once

removed from the contamination of their present

disgraceful

surroundings. (She marches them off.)

King:

(whose attention has thus been called to the proceedings

of

the young ladies--aside) Dear, dear! They really

should-

n't. (Aloud) Captain Fitzbattleaxe--

Fitz.:

Sir.

King:

Your Troopers appear to be receiving a troublesome amount

of

attention from those young ladies. I know how strict you

English soldiers are, and I should be extremely

distressed

if anything occurred to shock their puritanical British

sensitiveness.

Fitz.:

Oh, I don't think there's any chance of that.

King:

You think not? They won't be offended?

Fitz.:

Oh no! They are quite hardened to it. They get a good

deal

of that sort of thing, standing sentry at the Horse

Guards.

King:

It's English, is it?

Fitz.:

It's particularly English.

King:

Then, of course, it's all right. Pray proceed, ladies,

it's

particularly English. Come, my daughter, for we have

much

to say to each other.

Zara:

Farewell, Captain Fitzbattleaxe! I cannot thank you too

em-

phatically for the devoted care with which you have

watched

over me during our long and eventful voyage.

DUET -- Zara and Captain Fitzbattleaxe.

Zara:

Ah! gallant soldier, brave and true

In tented field and tourney,

I grieve to have occasioned you

So very long a journey.

A British warrior give up all--

His home and island beauty--

When summoned to the trumpet call

Of Regimental Duty!

Cho:

Tantantara-rara-rara!

Trumpet call of the Princess Zara!

ENSEMBLE

Men Fitz. and Zara (aside)

A British warrior gives up all, etc. Oh my joy, my pride,

My delight to hide,

Let us sing, aside,

Ladies What in truth we feel,

Let us whisper low

Knightsbridge nursemaids, etc. Of our love's glad glow,

Lest the truth we show

We would fain conceal.

Fitz.:

Such escort duty, as his due,

To young Lifeguardsman falling

Completely reconciles him to

His uneventful calling.

When soldier seeks Utopian glades

In charge of Youth and Beauty,

Then pleasure merely masquerades

As Regimental Duty!

All:

Tantantarara-rara-rara!

Trumpet-call of Princess Zara!

ENSEMBLE

Men Fitz. and Zara (aside)

A British warrior gives up all, etc. Oh! my hours are gold,

And the joys untold,

When my eyes behold

Ladies My beloved Princess;

And the years will seem

Knightsbridge nursemaids, etc. But a brief day-dream,

In the job extreme

Of our happiness!

(Exeunt King and Zara in one direction, Lifeguardsmen and crowd in

opposite direction. Enter, at back, Scaphio and Phantis, who

watch

Zara as she goes off. Scaphio is seated, shaking violently,

and

obviously under the influence of some strong emotion.)

Phantis:

There--tell me, Scaphio, is she not beautiful? Can you

wonder that I love her so passionately?

Scaphio:

No. She is extraordinarily--miraculously lovely! Good

heavens, what a singularly beautiful girl!

Phantis:

I knew you would say so!

Scaphio:

What exquisite charm of manner! What surprising delicacy

of

gesture! Why, she's a goddess! a very goddess!

Phantis:

(rather taken aback) Yes--she's--she's an attractive

girl.

Scaphio:

Attractive? Why, you must be blind!--She's

entrancing--enthralling--intoxicating! (Aside) God

bless

my heart, what's the matter with me?

Phantis:

(alarmed) Yes. You--you promised to help me to get her

father's consent, you know.

Scaphio:

Promised! Yes, but the convulsion has come, my good boy!

It is she--my ideal! Why, what's this? (Staggering)

Phantis! Stop me--I'm going mad--mad with the love of

her!

Phantis:

Scaphio, compose yourself, I beg. The girl is perfectly

opaque! Besides, remember--each of us is helpless

without

the other. You can't succeed without my consent, you

know.

Scaphio:

And you dare to threaten? Oh, ungrateful! When you came

to

me, palsied with love for this girl, and implored my

assis-

tance, did I not unhesitatingly promise it? And this is

the

return you make? Out of my sight, ingrate! (Aside)

Dear!

dear! what is the matter with me? (Enter Capt.

Fitzbattleaxe

and Zara)

Zara:

Dear me. I'm afraid we are interrupting a tete-a-tete.

Scaphio:

(breathlessly) No, no. You come very appropriately. To

be

brief, we--we love you--this man and

I--madly--passionately!

Zara:

Sir!

Scaphio:

And we don't know how we are to settle which of us is to

marry you.

Fitz.:

Zara, this is very awkward.

Scaphio:

(very much overcome) I--I am paralyzed by the singular

radiance of your extraordinary loveliness. I know I am

incoherent. I never was like this before--it shall not

occur again. I--shall be fluent, presently.

Zara:

(aside) Oh, dear, Captain Fitzbattleaxe, what is to be

done?

Fitz.:

(aside) Leave it to me--I'll manage it. (Aloud) It's

a

common situation. Why not settle it in the English

fashion?

Both:

The English fashion? What is that?

Fitz.:

It's very simple. In England, when two gentlemen are in

love with the same lady, and until it is settled which

gentleman is to blow out the brains of the other, it is

provided, by the Rival Admirers' Clauses Consolidation

Act,

that the lady shall be entrusted to an officer of

Household

Cavalry as stakeholder, who is bound to hand her over to

the

survivor (on the Tontine principle) in a good condition

of

substantial and decorative repair.

Scaphio:

Reasonable wear and tear and damages by fire excepted?

Fitz.:

Exactly.

Phantis:

Well, that seems very reasonable. (To Scaphio) What do

you

say--Shall we entrust her to this officer of Household

Cavalry? It will give us time.

Scaphio:

(trembling violently) I--I am not at present in a

condition

to think it out coolly--but if he is an officer of

Household

Cavalry, and if the Princess consents---

Zara:

Alas, dear sirs, I have no alternative--under the Rival

Admirers' Clauses Consolidation Act!

Fitz.:

Good--then that's settled.

QUARTET

Fitzbattleaxe, Zara, Scaphio, and Phantis.

Fitz.:

It's understood, I think, all round

That, by the English custom bound

I hold the lady safe and sound

In trust for either rival,

Until you clearly testify

By sword and pistol, by and by,

Which gentleman prefers to die,

And which prefers survival.

ENSEMBLE

Sca. and Phan. Zara and Fitz

Its clearly understood all round We stand, I think, on safish

ground

That, by your English custom bound Our senses weak it will

astound

He holds the lady safe and sound If either gentleman is found

In trust for either rival, Prepared to meet his rival.

Until we clearly testify Their machinations we defy;

By sword or pistol, by and by We won't be parted, you and

I--

Which gentleman prefers to die, Of bloodshed each is rather

shy--

Which prefers survival. They both prefer survival

Phan.:

If I should die and he should live

(aside to Fitz.) To you, without reserve, I give

Her heart so young and sensitive,

And all her predilections.

Sca.:

If he should live and I should die,

(aside to Fitz.) I see no kind of reason why

You should not, if you wish it, try

To gain her young affections.

ENSEMBLE

Sca. and Phant. Fitz and Zara

If I should die and you should live As both of us are positive

To this young officer I give That both of them intend to

live,

Her heart so soft and sensitive, There's nothing in the case to

give

And all her predilections. Us cause for grave

reflections.

If you should live and I should die As both will live and neither

die

I see no kind of reason why I see no kind of reason why

He should not, if he chooses, try I should not, if I wish it,

try

To win her young affections. To gain your young

affections!

(Exit Scaphio and Phantis

together)

DUET -- Zara and Fitzbattleaxe

Ensemble:

Oh admirable art!

Oh, neatly-planned intention!

Oh, happy intervention--

Oh, well constructed plot!

When sages try to part

Two loving hearts in fusion,

Their wisdom's delusion,

And learning serves them not!

Fitz.:

Until quit plain

Is their intent,

These sages twain

I represent.

Now please infer

That, nothing loth,

You're henceforth, as it were,

Engaged to marry both--

Then take it that I represent the two--

On that hypothesis, what would you do?

Zara. (aside):

What would I do? what would I do?

(To Fitz.) In such a case,

Upon your breast,

My blushing face

I think I'd rest--(doing so)

Then perhaps I might

Demurely say--

"I find this breastplate bright

Is sorely in the way!"

Fitz.:

Our mortal race

Is never blest--

There's no such case

As perfect rest;

Some petty blight

Asserts its sway--

Some crumbled roseleaf light

Is always in the way!

(Exit Fitzbattleaxe. Manet

Zara.)

(Enter King.)

King:

My daughter! At last we are alone together.

Zara:

Yes, and I'm glad we are, for I want to speak to you very

seriously. Do you know this paper?

King:

(aside) Da--! (Aloud) Oh yes--I've--I've seen it.

Where

in the world did you get this from?

Zara:

It was given to me by Lady Sophy--my sisters' governess.

King:

(aside) Lady Sophy's an angel, but I do sometimes wish

she'd mind her own business! (Aloud) It's--ha!

ha!--it's

rather humorous.

Zara:

I see nothing humorous in it. I only see that you, the

des-

potic King of this country, are made the subject of the

most

scandalous insinuations. Why do you permit these things?

King:

Well, they appeal to my sense of humor. It's the only

really comic paper in Utopia, and I wouldn't be without

it

for the world.

Zara:

If it had any literary merit I could understand it.

King:

Oh, it has literary merit. Oh, distinctly, it has

literary

merit.

Zara:

My dear father, it's mere ungrammatical twaddle.

King:

Oh, it's not ungrammatical. I can't allow that.

Unpleas-

antly personal, perhaps, but written with an

epigrammatical

point that is very rare nowadays--very rare indeed.

Zara:

(looking at cartoon) Why do they represent you with such

a

big nose?

King:

(looking at cartoon) Eh? Yes, it is a big one! Why,

the

fact is that, in the cartoons of a comic paper, the size

of

your nose always varies inversely as the square of your

popularity. It's the rule.

Zara:

Then you must be at a tremendous discount just now! I

see a

notice of a new piece called "King Tuppence," in which an

English tenor has the audacity to personate you on a

public

stage. I can only say that I am surprised that any

English

tenor should lend himself to such degrading

personalities.

King:

Oh, he's not really English. As it happens he's a

Utopian,

but he calls himself English.

Zara:

Calls himself English?

King:

Yes. Bless you, they wouldn't listen to any tenor who

didn't call himself English.

Zara:

And you permit this insolent buffoon to caricature you in

a

pointless burlesque! My dear father--if you were a free

agent, you would never permit these outrages.

King:

(almost in tears) Zara--I--I admit I am not altogether

a

free agent. I--I am controlled. I try to make the best

of

it, but sometimes I find it very difficult--very

difficult

indeed. Nominally a Despot, I am, between ourselves, the

helpless tool of two unscrupulous Wise Men, who insist on

my

falling in with all their wishes and threaten to denounce

me

for immediate explosion if I remonstrate! (Breaks down

completely)

Zara:

My poor father! Now listen to me. With a view to

remodel-

ling the political and social institutions of Utopia, I

have

brought with me six Representatives of the principal

causes

that have tended to make England the powerful, happy, and

blameless country which the consensus of European

civiliza-

tion has declared it to be. Place yourself unreservedly

in

the hands of these gentlemen, and they will reorganize

your

country on a footing that will enable you to defy your

persecutors. They are all now washing their hands after

their journey. Shall I introduce them?

King:

My dear Zara, how can I thank you? I will consent to

any-

thing that will release me from the abominable tyranny of

these two men. (Calling) What ho! Without there!

(Enter

Calynx) Summon my Court without an instant's delay!

(Exit

Calynx)

FINALE

Enter every one, except the Flowers of Progress.

CHORUS

Although your Royal summons to appear

From courtesy was singularly free,

Obedient to that summons we are here--

What would your Majesty?

RECITATIVE -- King

My worthy people, my beloved daughter

Most thoughtfully has brought with her from England

The types of all the causes that have made

That great and glorious country what it is.

Chorus:

Oh, joy unbounded!

Sca., Tar., Phan (aside). Why, what does this mean?

RECITATIVE -- Zara

Attend to me, Utopian populace,

Ye South Pacific island viviparians;

All, in the abstract, types of courtly grace,

Yet, when compared with Britain's glorious race,

But little better than half clothed Barbarians!

CHORUS

Yes! Contrasted when

With Englishmen,

Are little better than half-clothed barbarians!

Enter all the Flowers of Progress, led by Fitzbattleaxe.

SOLOS -- Zara and the Flowers of Progress.

(Presenting Captain Fitzbattleaxe)

When Britain sounds the trump of war

(And Europe trembles),

The army of the conqueror

In serried ranks assemble;

'Tis then this warrior's eyes and sabre gleam

For our protection--

He represents a military scheme

In all its proud perfection!

Chorus:

Yes--yes

He represents a military scheme

In all its proud perfection.

Ulahlica! Ulahlica! Ulahlica!

SOLO -- Zara.

(Presenting Sir Bailey Barre, Q.C., M.P.)

A complicated gentleman allow to present,

Of all the arts and faculties the terse embodiment,

He's a great arithmetician who can demonstrate with ease

That two and two are three or five or anything you please;

An eminent Logician who can make it clear to you

That black is white--when looked at from the proper point

of

view;

A marvelous Philologist who'll undertake to show

That "yes" is but another and a neater form of "no."

Sir Bailey:

Yes--yes--yes--

"Yes" is but another and a neater form of "no."

All preconceived ideas on any subject I can scout,

And demonstrate beyond all possibility of doubt,

That whether you're an honest man or whether you're a thief

Depends on whose solicitor has given me my brief.

Chorus:

Yes--yes--yes

That whether your'e an honest man, etc.

Ulahlica! Ulahlica! Ulahlica!

Zara:

(Presenting Lord Dramaleigh and County Councillor)

What these may be, Utopians all,

Perhaps you'll hardly guess--

They're types of England's physical

And moral cleanliness.

This is a Lord High Chamberlain,

Of purity the gauge--

He'll cleanse our court from moral stain

And purify our Stage.

Lord D.:

Yes--yes--yes

Court reputations I revise,

And presentations scrutinize,

New plays I read with jealous eyes,

And purify the Stage.

Chorus:

Court reputations, etc.

Zara:

This County Councillor acclaim,

Great Britain's latest toy--

On anything you like to name

His talents he'll employ--

All streets and squares he'll purify

Within your city walls,

And keep meanwhile a modest eye

On wicked music halls.

C.C.:

Yes--yes--yes

In towns I make improvements great,

Which go to swell the County Rate--

I dwelling-houses sanitate,

And purify the Halls!

Chorus:

In towns he makes improvements great, etc.

Ulahlica! Ulahlica! Ulahlica!

SOLO -- Zara:

(Presenting Mr. Goldbury)

A Company Promoter this with special education,

Which teaches what Contango means and also Backwardation--

To speculators he supplies a grand financial leaven,

Time was when two were company--but now it must be seven.

Mr. Gold.:

Yes--yes--yes

Stupendous loans to foreign thrones

I've largely advocated;

In ginger-pops and peppermint-drops

I've freely speculated;

Then mines of gold, of wealth untold,

Successfully I've floated

And sudden falls in apple-stalls

Occasionally quoted.

And soon or late I always call

For Stock Exchange quotation--

No schemes too great and none too small

For Companification!

Chorus:

Yes! Yes! Yes! No schemes too great, etc.

Ulahlica! Ulahlica! Ulahlica!

Zara:

(Presenting Capt. Sir Edward Corcoran, R.N.)

And lastly I present

Great Britain's proudest boast,

Who from the blows

Of foreign foes

Protects her sea-girt coast--

And if you ask him in respectful tone,

He'll show you how you may protect your own!

SOLO -- Captain Corcoran

I'm Captain Corcoran, K.C.B.,

I'll teach you how we rule the sea,

And terrify the simple Gauls;

And how the Saxon and the Celt

Their Europe-shaking blows have dealt

With Maxim gun and Nordenfelt

(Or will when the occasion calls).

If sailor-like you'd play your cards,

Unbend your sails and lower your yards,

Unstep your masts--you'll never want 'em more.

Though we're no longer hearts of oak,

Yet we can steer and we can stoke,

And thanks to coal, and thanks to coke,

We never run a ship ashore!

All:

What never?

Capt.:

No, never!

All:

What never?

Capt:

Hardly ever!

All:

Hardly ever run a ship ashore!

Then give three cheers, and three cheers more,

For the tar who never runs his ship ashore;

Then give three cheers, and three cheers more,

For he never runs his ship ashore!

CHORUS

All hail, ye types of England's power--

Ye heaven-enlightened band!

We bless the day and bless the hour

That brought you to our land.

QUARTET

Ye wanderers from a mighty State,

Oh, teach us how to legislate--

Your lightest word will carry weight,

In our attentive ears.

Oh, teach the natives of this land

(Who are not quick to understand)

How to work off their social and

Political arrears!

Capt. Fitz.:

Increase your army!

Lord D.:

Purify your court!

Capt. Corc:

Get up your steam and cut your canvas short!

Sir B.:

To speak on both sides teach your sluggish brains!

Mr. B.:

Widen your thoroughfares, and flush your drains!

Mr. Gold.:

Utopia's much too big for one small head--

I'll float it as a Company Limited!

King:

A Company Limited? What may that be?

The term, I rather think, is new to me.

Chorus:

A company limited? etc.

Sca, Phant, and Tara (Aside)

What does he mean? What does he mean?

Give us a kind of clue!

What does he mean? What does he mean?

What is he going to do?

SONG

-- Mr. Goldbury

Some seven men form an Association

(If possible, all Peers and Baronets),

The start off with a public declaration

To what extent they mean to pay their debts.

That's called their Capital; if they are wary

They will not quote it at a sum immense.

The figure's immaterial--it may vary

From eighteen million down to eighteenpence.

I should put it rather low;

The good sense of doing so

Will be evident at once to any debtor.

When it's left to you to say

What amount you mean to pay,

Why, the lower you can put it at, the better.

Chorus:

When it's left to you to say, etc.

They then proceed to trade with all who'll trust 'em

Quite irrespective of their capital

(It's shady, but it's sanctified by custom);

Bank, Railway, Loan, or Panama Canal.

You can't embark on trading too tremendous--

It's strictly fair, and based on common sense--

If you succeed, your profits are stupendous--

And if you fail, pop goes your eighteenpence.

Make the money-spinner spin!

For you only stand to win,

And you'll never with dishonesty be twitted.

For nobody can know,

To a million or so,

To what extent your capital's committed!

Chorus:

No, nobody can know, etc.

If you come to grief, and creditors are craving

(For nothing that is planned by mortal head

Is certain in this Vale of Sorrow--saving

That one's Liability is Limited),--

Do you suppose that signifies perdition?

If so, you're but a monetary dunce--

You merely file a Winding-Up Petition,

And start another Company at once!

Though a Rothschild you may be

In your own capacity,

As a Company you've come to utter sorrow--

But the Liquidators say,

"Never mind--you needn't pay,"

So you start another company to-morrow!

Chorus:

But the liquidators say, etc.

King:

Well, at first sight it strikes us as dishonest,

But if its's good enough for virtuous England--

The first commercial country in the world--

It's good enough for us.

Sca., Phan., Tar. (aside to the King)

You'd best take care--

Please recollect we have not been consulted.

King:

And do I understand that Great Britain

Upon this Joint Stock principle is governed?

Mr. G.:

We haven't come to that, exactly--but

We're tending rapidly in that direction.

The date's not distant.

King:

(enthusiastically) We will be before you!

We'll go down in posterity renowned

As the First Sovereign in Christendom

Who registered his Crown and Country under

The Joint Stock Company's Act of Sixty-Two.

All:

Ulahlica!

SOLO -- King

Henceforward, of a verity,

With Fame ourselves we link--

We'll go down to Posterity

Of sovereigns all the pink!

Sca., Phan., Tar.: (aside to King)

If you've the mad temerity

Our wishes thus to blink,

You'll go down to Posterity,

Much earlier than you think!

Tar.:

(correcting them)

He'll go up to Posterity,

If I inflict the blow!

Sca., Phan.: (angrily)

He'll go down to Posterity--

We think we ought to know!

Tar.:

(explaining) He'll go up to Posterity,

Blown up with dynamite!

Sca., Phan.: (apologetically)

He'll go up to Posterity,

Of course he will, you're right!

ENSEMBLE

King, Lady Sophy, Nek., Sca., Phan, and Tar Fitz. and

Zara (aside)

Kal., Calynx and Chorus (aside)

Henceforward of a verity, If he has the temerity Who love

with all sincerity;

With fame ourselves we Our wishes thus to blink Their

lives may safely link.

link--

And go down to Posterity, He'll go up to Posterity And as for

our posterity

Of sovereigns all pink! Much earlier than they We don't

care what they think!

think!

CHORUS

Let's seal this mercantile pact--

The step we ne'er shall rue--

It gives whatever we lacked--

The statement's strictly true.

All hail, astonishing Fact!

All hail, Invention new--

The Joint Stock Company's Act--

The Act of Sixty-Two!

END OF ACT I

ACT II

Scene -- Throne Room in the Palace. Night. Fitzbattleaxe

discovered,

singing to Zara.

RECITATIVE -- Fitzbattleaxe.

Oh, Zara, my beloved one, bear with me!

Ah, do not laugh at my attempted C!

Repent not, mocking maid, thy girlhood's choice--

The fervour of my love affects my voice!

SONG -- Fitzbattleaxe.

A tenor, all singers above

(This doesn't admit of a question),

Should keep himself quiet,

Attend to his diet

And carefully nurse his digestion;

But when he is madly in love

It's certain to tell on his singing--

You can't do the proper chromatics

With proper emphatics

When anguish your bosom is wringing!

When distracted with worries in plenty,

And his pulse is a hundred and twenty,

And his fluttering bosom the slave of mistrust is,

A tenor can't do himself justice,

Now observe--(sings a high note),

You see, I can't do myself justice!

I could sing if my fervour were mock,

It's easy enough if you're acting--

But when one's emotion

Is born of devotion

You mustn't be over-exacting.

One ought to be firm as a rock

To venture a shake in vibrato,

When fervour's expected

Keep cool and collected

Or never attempt agitato.

But, of course, when his tongue is of leather,

And his lips appear pasted together,

And his sensitive palate as dry as a crust is,

A tenor can't do himself justice.

Now observe--(sings a high note),

It's no use--I can't do myself justice!

Zara:

Why, Arthur, what does it matter? When the higher

qualities

of the heart are all that can be desired, the higher

notes

of the voice are matters of comparative insignificance.

Who

thinks slightingly of the cocoanut because it is husky?

Be-

sides (demurely), you are not singing for an engagement

(putting her hand in his), you have that already!

Fitz.:

How good and wise you are! How unerringly your practiced

brain winnows the wheat from the chaff--the material from

the merely incidental!

Zara:

My Girton training, Arthur. At Girton all is wheat, and

idle chaff is never heard within its walls! But tell me,

is

not all working marvelously well? Have not our Flowers

of

Progress more than justified their name?

Fitz.:

We have indeed done our best. Captain Corcoran and I

have,

in concert, thoroughly remodeled the sister-services--and

upon so sound a basis that the South Pacific trembles at

the

name of Utopia!

Zara:

How clever of you!

Fitz.:

Clever? Not a bit. It's easy as possible when the

Admiral-

ty and Horse Guards are not there to interfere. And so

with

the others. Freed from the trammels imposed upon them by

idle Acts of Parliament, all have given their natural

tal-

ents full play and introduced reforms which, even in Eng-

land, were never dreamt of!

Zara:

But perhaps the most beneficent changes of all has been

ef-

fected by Mr. Goldbury, who, discarding the exploded

theory

that some strange magic lies hidden in the number Seven,

has

applied the Limited Liability principle to individuals,

and

every man, woman, and child is now a Company Limited with

liability restricted to the amount of his declared

Capital!

There is not a christened baby in Utopia who has not

already

issued his little Prospectus!

Fitz.:

Marvelous is the power of a Civilization which can trans-

mute, by a word, a Limited Income into an Income Limited.

Zara:

Reform has not stopped here--it has been applied even to

the

costume of our people. Discarding their own barbaric

dress,

the natives of our land have unanimously adopted the

taste-

ful fashions of England in all their rich entirety.

Scaphio

and Phantis have undertaken a contract to supply the

whole

of Utopia with clothing designed upon the most approved

English models--and the first Drawing-Room under the new

state of things is to be held here this evening.

Fitz.:

But Drawing-Rooms are always held in the afternoon.

Zara:

Ah, we've improved upon that. We all look so much better

by

candlelight! And when I tell you, dearest, that my Court

train has just arrived, you will understand that I am

long-

ing to go and try it on.

Fitz.:

Then we must part?

Zara:

Necessarily, for a time.

Fitz.:

Just as I wanted to tell you, with all the passionate

enthu-

siasm of my nature, how deeply, how devotedly I love you!

Zara:

Hush! Are these the accents of a heart that really

feels?

True love does not indulge in declamation--its voice is

sweet, and soft, and low. The west wind whispers when he

woos the poplars!

DUET -- Zara and Fitzbattleaxe.

Zara:

Words of love too loudly spoken

Ring their own untimely knell;

Noisy vows are rudely broken,

Soft the song of Philomel.

Whisper sweetly, whisper slowly,

Hour by hour and day by day;

Sweet and low as accents holy

Are the notes of lover's lay.

Both:

Sweet and low, etc.

Fitz:

Let the conqueror, flushed with glory,

Bid his noisy clarions bray;

Lovers tell their artless story

In a whispered virelay.

False is he whose vows alluring

Make the listening echoes ring;

Sweet and low when all-enduring

Are the songs that lovers sing!

Both:

Sweet and low, etc.

(Exit Zara. Enter King dressed as Field-Marshal.)

King:

To a Monarch who has been accustomed to the uncontrolled

use

of his limbs, the costume of a British Field-Marshal is,

perhaps, at first, a little cramping. Are you sure that

this is all right? It's not a practical joke, is it? No

one has a keener sense of humor than I have, but the

First

Statutory Cabinet Council of Utopia Limited must be

conduct-

ed with dignity and impressiveness. Now, where are the

other five who signed the Articles of Association?

Fitz.:

Sir, they are here.

(Enter Lord Dramaleigh, Captain Corcoran, Sir Bailey Barre, Mr.

Blushington, and

Mr. Goldbury from different entrances.)

King:

Oh! (Addressing them) Gentlemen, our daughter holds her

first Drawing-Room in half an hour, and we shall have

time

to make our half-yearly report in the interval. I am

neces-

sarily unfamiliar with the forms of an English Cabinet

Council--perhaps the Lord Chamberlain will kindly put us

in

the way of doing the thing properly, and with due regard

to

the solemnity of the occasion.

Lord D.:

Certainly--nothing simpler. Kindly bring your chairs

forward--His Majesty will, of course, preside.

(They range their chairs across stage like Christy Minstrels. King

sits center, Lord Dramaleigh on his left, Mr. Goldbury on his

right,

Captain Corcoran left of Lord Dramaleigh, Captain

Fitzbattleaxe right of

Mr. Goldbury, Mr. Blushington extreme right, Sir Bailey Barre

extreme

left.)

King:

Like this?

Lord D.:

Like this.

King:

We take your word for it that this is all right. You are

not making fun of us? This is in accordance with the

prac-

tice at the Court of St. James's?

Lord D.:

Well, it is in accordance with the practice at the Court

of

St. James's Hall.

King:

Oh! it seems odd, but never mind.

SONG -- King.

Society has quite forsaken all her wicked courses.

Which empties our police courts, and abolishes divorces.

Chorus:

Divorce is nearly obsolete in England.

King:

No tolerance we show to undeserving rank and splendour;

For the higher his position is, the greater the offender.

Chorus:

That's maxim that is prevalent in England.

King:

No peeress at our drawing-room before the Presence passes

Who wouldn't be accepted by the lower middle-classes.

Each shady dame, whatever be her rank, is bowed out

neatly.

Chorus:

In short, this happy country has been Anglicized

completely

Is really is surprising

What a thorough Anglicizing

We have brought about--Utopia's quite another land;

In her enterprising movements,

She is England--with improvements,

Which we dutifully offer to our mother-land!

King:

Our city we have beautified--we've done it willy-nilly--

And all that isn't Belgrave Square is Strand and

Piccadilly.

Chorus:

We haven't any slummeries in England!

King:

The chamberlain our native stage has purged beyond a

ques-

tion.

Of "risky" situation and indelicate suggestion;

No piece is tolerated if it's costumed indiscreetly--

Chorus:

In short this happy country has been Anglicized com-

pletely!

It really is surprising, etc.

King:

Our peerage we've remodelled on an intellectual basis,

Which certainly is rough on our hereditary races--

Chorus:

We are going to remodel it in England.

King:

The Brewers and the Cotton Lords no longer seek

admission,

And literary merit meets with proper recognition--

Chorus:

As literary merit does in England!

King:

Who knows but we may count among our intellectual

chickens

Like you, an Earl of Thackery and p'r'aps a Duke of

Dickens--

Lord Fildes and Viscount Millais (when they come) we'll

welcome sweetly--

Chorus:

In short, this happy country has been Anglicized

completely!

It really is surprising, etc.

(At the end all rise and replace their chairs.)

King:

Now, then for our first Drawing-Room. Where are the

Prin-

cesses? What an extraordinary thing it is that since

Euro-

pean looking-glasses have been supplied to the Royal bed-

rooms my daughters are invariably late!

Lord D.:

Sir, their Royal Highnesses await your pleasure in the

Ante-room.

King:

Oh. Then request them to do us the favor to enter at

once.

(Enter all the Royal Household, including (besides the Lord

Chamber-

lain) the Vice-Chamberlain, the Master of the Horse, the

Master

of the Buckhounds, the Lord High Treasurer, the Lord Steward,

the

Comptroller of the Household, the Lord-in-Waiting, the Field

Officer in Brigade Waiting, the Gold and Silver Stick, and the

Gentlemen Ushers. Then enter the three Princesses (their

trains

carried by Pages of Honor), Lady Sophy, and the

Ladies-in-Waiting.)

King:

My daughters, we are about to attempt a very solemn

ceremo-

nial, so no giggling, if you please. Now, my Lord

Chamber-

lain, we are ready.

Lord D.:

Then, ladies and gentlemen, places, if you please. His

Maj-

esty will take his place in front of the throne, and will

be

so obliging as to embrace all the debutantes. (LADY

SOPHY

much shocked.)

King:

What--must I really?

Lord D.:

Absolutely indispensable.

King:

More jam for the Palace Peeper!

(The King takes his place in front of the throne, the Princess Zara

on

his left, the two younger Princesses on the left of Zara.)

King:

Now, is every one in his place?

Lord D.:

Every one is in his place.

King:

Then let the revels commence.

(Enter the ladies attending the Drawing-Room. They give their

cards

to the Groom-in-Waiting, who passes them to the

Lord-in-Waiting,

who passes them to the Vice-Chamberlain, who passes them to

the

Lord Chamberlain, who reads the names to the King as each lady

approaches. The ladies curtsey in succession to the King and

the

three Princesses, and pass out. When all the presentations

have

been accomplished, the King, Princesses, and Lady Sophy come

forward, and all the ladies re-enter.)

RECITATIVE -- King

This ceremonial our wish displays

To copy all Great Britain's courtly ways.

Though lofty aims catastrophe entail,

We'll gloriously succeed or nobly fail!

UNACCOMPANIED CHORUS

Eagle High in Cloudland soaring--

Sparrow twittering on a reed--

Tiger in the jungle roaring--

Frightened fawn in grassy mead--

Let the eagle, not the sparrow,

Be the object of your arrow--

Fix the tiger with your eye--

Pass the fawn in pity by.

Glory then will crown the day--

Glory, glory, anyway!

Exit

all.

Enter Scaphio and Phantis, now dressed as judges in red and ermine

robes

and undress wigs. They come down stage melodramatically --

working together.

DUET -- Scaphio and Phantis.

Sca.:

With fury deep we burn

Phan.:

We do--

Sca.:

We fume with smothered rage--

Phan.:

We do--

Sca.:

These Englishmen who rule supreme,

Their undertaking they redeem

By stifling every harmless scheme

In which we both engage--

Phan.:

They do--

Sca.:

In which we both engage--

Phan.:

We think it is our turn--

Sca.:

We do--

Phan.:

We think our turn has come--

Sca.:

We do.

Phan.:

These Englishmen, they must prepare

To seek at once their native air.

The King as heretofore, we swear,

Shall be beneath our thumb--

Sca.:

He shall--

Phan.:

Shall be beneath out thumb--

Sca.:

He shall.

Both:

(with great energy)

For this mustn't be, and this won't do.

If you'll back me, then I'll back you,

No, this won't do,

No, this mustn't be.

With fury deep we burn...

Enter the King.

King:

Gentlemen, gentlemen--really! This unseemly display of

energy within the Royal precincts is altogether unpardon-

able. Pray, what do you complain of?

Scaphio:

(furiously) What do we complain of? Why, through the

innovations introduced by the Flowers of Progress all our

harmless schemes for making a provision for our old age

are

ruined. Our Matrimonial Agency is at a standstill, our

Cheap Sherry business is in bankruptcy, our Army Clothing

contracts are paralyzed, and even our Society paper, the

Palace Peeper, is practically defunct!

King:

Defunct? Is that so? Dear, dear, I am truly sorry.

Scaphio:

Are you aware that Sir Bailey Barre has introduced a law

of

libel by which all editors of scurrilous newspapers are

pub-

licly flogged--as in England? And six of our editors

have

resigned in succession! Now, the editor of a scurrilous

paper can stand a good deal--he takes a private thrashing

as

a matter of course--it's considered in his salary--but no

gentleman likes to be publicly flogged.

King:

Naturally. I shouldn't like it myself.

Phantis:

Then our Burlesque Theater is absolutely ruined!

King:

Dear me. Well, theatrical property is not what it was.

Phantis:

Are you aware that the Lord Chamberlain, who has his own

views as to the best means of elevating the national

drama,

has declined to license any play that is not in blank

verse

and three hundred years old--as in England?

Scaphio:

And as if that wasn't enough, the County Councillor has

or-

dered a four-foot wall to be built up right across the

proscenium, in case of fire--as in England.

Phantis:

It's so hard on the company--who are liable to be roasted

alive--and this has to be met by enormously increased

salaries--as in England.

Scaphio:

You probably know that we've contracted to supply the

entire

nation with a complete English outfit. But perhaps you

do

not know that, when we send in our bills, our customers

plead liability limited to a declared capital of

eighteenpence, and apply to be dealt with under the

Winding-up Act--as in England?

King:

Really, gentlemen, this is very irregular. If you will

be

so good as to formulate a detailed list of your

grievances

in writing, addressed to the Secretary of Utopia Limited,

they will be laid before the Board, in due course, at

their

next monthly meeting.

Scaphio:

Are we to understand that we are defied?

King:

That is the idea I intended to convey.

Phantis:

Defied! We are defied!

Scaphio:

(furiously) Take care--you know our powers. Trifle with

us, and you die!

TRIO -- Scaphio, Phantis, and King.

Sca.:

If you think that, when banded in unity,

We may both be defied with impunity,

You are sadly misled of a verity!

Phan.:

If you value repose and tranquility,

You'll revert to a state of docility,

Or prepare to regret your temerity!

King.:

If my speech is unduly refractory

You will find it a course satisfactory

At an early Board meeting to show it up.

Though if proper excuse you can trump any,

You may wind up a Limited Company,

You cannot conveniently blow it up!

(Scaphio and Phantis thoroughly baffled)

King.:

(Dancing quietly)

Whene'er I chance to baffle you

I, also, dance a step or two--

Of this now guess the hidden sense:

(Scaphio and Phantis consider the question as King continues

dancing

quietly--then give it up.)

It means complete indifference!

Sca. and Phan.:

Of course it does--indifference!

It means complete indifference!

(King dancing quietly. Sca. and Phan. dancing furiously.)

Sca. and Phan.:

As we've a dance for every mood

With pas de trois we will conclude,

What this may mean you all may guess--

It typifies remorselessness!

King.:

It means unruffled cheerfulness!

(King dances off placidly as Scaphio and Phantis dance furiously.)

Phantis:

(breathless) He's right--we are helpless! He's no

longer a

human being--he's a Corporation, and so long as he

confines

himself to his Articles of Association we can't touch

him!

What are we to do?

Scaphio:

Do? Raise a Revolution, repeal the Act of Sixty-Two,

recon-

vert him into an individual, and insist on his immediate

ex-

plosion! (Tarara enters.) Tarara, come here; you're the

very man we want.

Tarara:

Certainly, allow me. (Offers a cracker to each; they

snatch

them away impatiently.) That's rude.

Scaphio:

We have no time for idle forms. You wish to succeed to

the

throne?

Tarara:

Naturally.

Scaphio:

Then you won't unless you join us. The King has defied

us,

and, as matters stand, we are helpless. So are you. We

must devise some plot at once to bring the people about

his

ears.

Tarara:

A plot?

Phantis:

Yes, a plot of superhuman subtlety. Have you such a

thing

about you?

Tarara:

(feeling) No, I think not. No. There's one on my

dressing-table.

Scaphio:

We can't wait--we must concoct one at once, and put it

into

execution without delay. There is not a moment to spare!

TRIO -- Scaphio, Phantis, and Tarara.

Ensemble

With wily brain upon the spot

A private plot we'll plan,

The most ingenious private plot

Since private plots began.

That's understood. So far we've got

And, striking while the iron's hot,

We'll now determine like a shot

The details of this private plot.

Sca.:

I think we ought--(whispers)

Phan. and Tar.:

Such bosh I never heard!

Phan.:

Ah! happy thought!--(whispers)

Sca. and Tar.:

How utterly dashed absurd!

Tar.:

I'll tell you how--(whispers)

Sca and Phan.:

Why, what put that in your head?

Sca.:

I've got it now--(whispers)

Phan. and Tar.:

Oh, take him away to bed!

Phan.:

Oh, put him to bed!

Tar.:

Oh, put him to bed!

Sca.:

What, put me to bed?

Phan. and Tar.:

Yes, certainly put him to bed!

Sca.:

But, bless me, don't you see--

Phan.:

Do listen to me, I pray--

Tar.:

It certainly seems to me--

Sca.:

Bah--this is the only way!

Phan.:

It's rubbish absurd you growl!

Tar.:

You talk ridiculous stuff!

Sca.:

You're a drivelling barndoor owl!

Phan.:

You're a vapid and vain old muff!

(All, coming down to audience.)

So far we haven't quite solved the plot--

They're not a very ingenious lot--

But don't be unhappy,

It's still on the tapis,

We'll presently hit on a capital plot!

Sca.:

Suppose we all--(whispers)

Phan.:

Now there I think you're right.

Then we might all--(whispers)

Tar.:

That's true, we certainly might.

I'll tell you what--(whispers)

Sca.:

We will if we possibly can.

Then on the spot-- (whispers)

Phan. and Tar.:

Bravo! A capital plan!

Sca.:

That's exceedingly neat and new!

Phan.:

Exceedingly new and neat.

Tar.:

I fancy that that will do.

Sca.:

It's certainly very complete.

Phan.:

Well done you sly old sap!

Tar.:

Bravo, you cunning old mole!

Sca.:

You very ingenious chap!

Phan.:

You intellectual soul!

(All, coming down and addressing audience.)

At last a capital plan we've got

We won't say how and we won't say what:

It's safe in my noddle--

Now off we will toddle,

And slyly develop this capital plot!

(Business. Exeunt Scaphio and Phantis in one direction, and Tarara

in

the other.)

(Enter Lord Dramaleigh and Mr. Goldbury.)

Lord D.:

Well, what do you think of our first South Pacific

Drawing-Room? Allowing for a slight difficulty with the

trains, and a little want of familiarity with the use of

the

rouge-pot, it was, on the whole, a meritorious affair?

Gold.:

My dear Dramaleigh, it redounds infinitely to your

credit.

Lord D.:

One or two judicious innovations, I think?

Gold.:

Admirable. The cup of tea and the plate of mixed

biscuits

were a cheap and effective inspiration.

Lord D.:

Yes--my idea entirely. Never been done before.

Gold.:

Pretty little maids, the King's youngest daughters, but

timid.

Lord D.:

That'll wear off. Young.

Gold.:

That'll wear off. Ha! here they come, by George! And

with-

out the Dragon! What can they have done with her?

(Enter Nekaya and Kalyba timidly.)

Nekaya:

Oh, if you please, Lady Sophy has sent us in here,

because

Zara and Captain Fitzbattleaxe are going on, in the

garden,

in a manner which no well-conducted young ladies ought to

witness.

Lord D.:

Indeed, we are very much obliged to her Ladyship.

Kalyba:

Are you? I wonder why.

Nekaya:

Don't tell us if it's rude.

Lord D.:

Rude? Not at all. We are obliged to Lady Sophy because

she

has afforded us the pleasure of seeing you.

Nekaya:

I don't think you ought to talk to us like that.

Kalyba:

It's calculated to turn our heads.

Nekaya:

Attractive girls cannot be too particular.

Kalyba:

Oh pray, pray do not take advantage of our unprotected

inno-

cence.

Gold.:

Pray be reassured--you are in no danger whatever.

Lord D.:

But may I ask--is this extreme delicacy--this shrinking

sensitiveness--a general characteristic of Utopian young

ladies?

Nekaya:

Oh no; we are crack specimens.

Kalyba:

We are the pick of the basket. Would you mind not coming

quite so near? Thank you.

Nekaya:

And please don't look at us like that; it unsettles us.

Kalyba:

And we don't like it. At least, we do like it; but it's

wrong.

Nekaya:

We have enjoyed the inestimable privilege of being

educated

by a most refined and easily shocked English lady, on the

very strictest English principles.

Gold.:

But, my dear young ladies---

Kalyba:

Oh, don't! You mustn't. It's too affectionate.

Nekaya:

It really does unsettle us.

Gold.:

Are you really under the impression that English girls

are

so ridiculously demure? Why, an English girl of the

highest

type is the best, the most beautiful, the bravest, and

the

brightest creature that Heaven has conferred upon this

world

of ours. She is frank, open-hearted, and fearless, and

never shows in so favorable a light as when she gives her

own blameless impulses full play!

Nekaya Oh, you shocking story!

and

Kalyba:

Gold.:

Not at all. I'm speaking the strict truth. I'll tell

you

all about her.

SONG -- Mr. Goldbury.

A wonderful joy our eyes to bless,

In her magnificent comeliness,

Is an English girl of eleven stone two,

And five foot ten in her dancing shoe!

She follows the hounds, and on the pounds--

The "field" tails off and the muffs diminish--

Over the hedges and brooks she bounds,

Straight as a crow, from find to finish.

At cricket, her kin will lose or win--

She and her maids, on grass and clover,

Eleven maids out--eleven maids in--

And perhaps an occasional "maiden over!"

Go search the world and search the sea,

Then come you home and sing with me

There's no such gold and no such pearl

As a bright and beautiful English girl!

With a ten-mile spin she stretches her limbs,

She golfs, she punts, she rows, she swims--

She plays, she sings, she dances, too,

From ten or eleven til all is blue!

At ball or drum, til small hours come

(Chaperon's fans concealing her yawning)

She'll waltz away like a teetotum.

And never go home til daylight's dawning.

Lawn-tennis may share her favours fair--

Her eyes a-dance, and her cheeks a-glowing--

Down comes her hair, but then what does she care?

It's all her own and it's worth the showing!

Go search the world, etc.

Her soul is sweet as the ocean air,

For prudery knows no haven there;

To find mock-modesty, please apply

To the conscious blush and the downcast eye.

Rich in the things contentment brings,

In every pure enjoyment wealthy,

Blithe and beautiful bird she sings,

For body and mind are hale and healthy.

Her eyes they thrill with right goodwill--

Her heart is light as a floating feather--

As pure and bright as the mountain rill

That leaps and laughs in the Highland heather!

Go search the world, etc.

QUARTET

Nek.:

Then I may sing and play?

Lord D.:

You may!

Kal.:

Then I may laugh and shout?

Gold.:

No doubt!.

Nek.:

These maxims you endorse?

Lord D.:

Of course!

Kal.:

You won't exclaim "Oh fie!"

Gold.:

Not I!

Gold:

Whatever you are--be that:

Whatever you say--be true:

Straightforwardly act--

Be honest--in fact,

Be nobody else but you.

Lord D.:

Give every answer pat--

Your character true unfurl;

And when it is ripe,

You'll then be a type

Of a capital English girl.

All.:

Oh sweet surprise--oh, dear delight,

To find it undisputed quite,

All musty, fusty rules despite

That Art is wrong and Nature right!

Nek.:

When happy I,

With laughter glad

I'll wake the echoes fairly,

And only sigh

When I am sad--

And that will be but rarely!

Kal.:

I'll row and fish,

And gallop, soon--

No longer be a prim one--

And when I wish

To hum a tune,

It needn't be a hymn one?

Gold and Lord D.:

No, no!

It needn't be a hymn one!

All (dancing):

Oh, sweet surprise and dear delight

To find it undisputed quite--

All musty, fusty rules despite--

That Art is wrong and Nature right!

(Dance, and

off)

(Enter Lady Sophy)

RECITATIVE -- Lady Sophy.

Oh, would some demon power the gift impart

To quell my over-conscientious heart--

Unspeak the oaths that never had been spoken,

And break the vows that never should be broken!

SONG -- Lady Sophy

When but a maid of fifteen year,

Unsought--unplighted--

Short petticoated--and, I fear,

Still shorter-sighted--

I made a vow, one early spring,

That only to some spotless King

Who proof of blameless life could bring

I'd be united.

For I had read, not long before,

Of blameless kings in fairy lore,

And thought the race still flourished here--

Well, well--

I was a maid of fifteen year!

(The King enters and overhears this verse)

Each morning I pursued my game

(An early riser);

For spotless monarchs I became

An advertiser:

But all in vain I searched each land,

So, kingless, to my native strand

Returned, a little older, and

A good deal wiser!

I learnt that spotless King and Prince

Have disappeared some ages since--

Even Paramount's angelic grace--

Ah me!--

Is but a mask on Nature's face!

(King comes forward)

King:

Ah, Lady Sophy--then you love me!

For so you sing--

Lady S.:

(Indignant and surprise. Producing "Palace Peeper")

No, by the stars that shine above me,

Degraded King!

For while these rumours, through the city bruited,

Remain uncontradicted, unrefuted,

The object thou of my aversion rooted,

Repulsive thing!

King:

Be just--the time is now at hand

When truth may published be.

These paragraphs were written and

Contributed by me!

Lady S.:

By you? No, no!

King:

Yes, yes. I swear, by me!

I, caught in Scaphio's ruthless toil,

Contributed the lot!

Lady S.:

That that is why you did not boil

The author on the spot!

King:

And that is why I did not boil

The author on the spot!

Lady S.:

I couldn't think why you did not boil!

King:

But I know why I did not boil

The author on the spot!

DUET -- Lady Sophy and King

Lady S.:

Oh, the rapture unrestrained

Of a candid retractation!

For my sovereign has deigned

A convincing explanation--

And the clouds that gathered o'er

All have vanished in the distance,

And the Kings of fairy lore

One, at least, is in existence!

King:

Oh, the skies are blue above,

And the earth is red and rosal,

Now the lady of my love

Has accepted my proposal!

For that asinorum pons

I have crossed without assistance,

And of prudish paragons

One, at least, is in existence!

(King and Lady Sophy dance gracefully. While this is going on Lord

Dramaleigh enters unobserved with Nekaya and Capt.

Fitzbattleaxe. The

two girls direct Zara's attention to the King and Lady Sophy,

who

are still dancing affectionately together. At this point the

King kisses Lady Sophy, which causes the Princesses to make an

exclamation. The King and Lady Sophy are at first much

confused at

being detected, but eventually throw off all reserve, and the

four couples break into a wild Tarantella, and at the end

exeunt

severally.)

Enter all the male Chorus, in great excitement, for various

entrances,

led by Scaphio, Phantis, and Tarara, and followed by the

female

Chorus.

CHORUS

Upon our sea-girt land

At our enforced command

Reform has laid her hand

Like some remorseless ogress--

And made us darkly rue

The deeds she dared to do--

And all is owing to

Those hated Flowers of Progress!

So down with them!

So down with them!

Reform's a hated ogress.

So down with them!

So down with them!

Down with the Flowers of Progress!

(Flourish. Enter King, his three daughters, Lady Sophy, and the

Flowers

of Progress.)

King:

What means this most unmannerly irruption?

Is this your gratitude for boons conferred?

Scaphio:

Boons? Bah! A fico for such boons, say we!

These boons have brought Utopia to a standstill!

Our pride and boast--the Army and the Navy--

Have both been reconstructed and remodeled

Upon so irresistible a basis

That all the neighboring nations have disarmed--

And War's impossible! Your County Councillor

Has passed such drastic Sanitary laws

That all doctors dwindle, starve, and die!

The laws, remodeled by Sir Bailey Barre,

Have quite extinguished crime and litigation:

The lawyers starve, and all the jails are let

As model lodgings for the working-classes!

In short--Utopia, swamped by dull Prosperity,

Demands that these detested Flowers of Progress

Be sent about their business, and affairs

Restored to their original complexion!

King:

(to Zara) My daughter, this is a very unpleasant state

of

things. What is to be done?

Zara:

I don't know--I don't understand it. We must have

omitted

something.

King:

Omitted something? Yes, that's all very well, but---

(Sir

Bailey Barre whispers to Zara.)

Zara:

(suddenly) Of course! Now I remember! Why, I had

forgot-

ten the most essential element of all!

King:

And that is?---

Zara:

Government by Party! Introduce that great and glorious

element--at once the bulwark and foundation of England's

greatness--and all will be well! No political measures

will

endure, because one Party will assuredly undo all that

the

other Party has done; and while grouse is to be shot, and

foxes worried to death, the legislative action of the

coun-

try will be at a standstill. Then there will be sickness

in

plenty, endless lawsuits, crowded jails, interminable

confu-

sion in the Army and Navy, and, in short, general and

unex-

ampled prosperity!

All:

Ulahlica! Ulahlica!

Phantis:

(aside) Baffled!

Scaphio:

But an hour will come!

King:

Your hour has come already--away with them, and let them

wait my will! (Scaphio and Phantis are led off in

custody.)

From this moment Government by Party is adopted, with all

its attendant blessings; and henceforward Utopia will no

longer be a Monarchy Limited, but, what is a great deal

better, a Limited Monarchy!

FINALE

Zara:

There's a little group of isles beyond the wave--

So tiny, you might almost wonder where it is--

That nation is the bravest of the brave,

And cowards are the rarest of all rarities.

The proudest nations kneel at her command;

She terrifies all foreign-born rapscallions;

And holds the peace of Europe in her hand

With half a score invincible battalions!

Such, at least, is the tale

Which is born on the gale,

From the island which dwells in the sea.

Let us hope, for her sake

That she makes no mistake--

That she's all the professes to be!

King:

Oh, may we copy all her maxims wise,

And imitate her virtues and her charities;

And may we, by degrees, acclimatize

Her Parliamentary peculiarities!

By doing so, we shall in course of time,

Regenerate completely our entire land--

Great Britain is the monarchy sublime,

To which some add (others do not) Ireland.

Such at least is the tale, etc.

CURTAIN.

THE GRAND DUKE

or, THE STATUTORY DUEL

by W. S. Gilbert

DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

RUDOLPH

(Grand Duke of Pfennig Halbpfennig).

ERNEST DUMMKOPF (a Theatrical Manager).

LUDWIG

(his Leading Comedian).

DR. TANNHUSER (a Notary).

THE PRINCE OF MONTE CARLO.

VISCOUNT MENTONE.

BEN HASHBAZ (a Costumier).

HERALD.

----

THE PRINCESS OF MONTE CARLO (betrothed to RUDOLPH).

THE BARONESS VON KRAKENFELDT (betrothed to RUDOLPH).

JULIA JELLICOE (an English Comdienne).

LISA (a Soubrette).

Members of Ernest Dummkopf's Company:

OLGA

GRETCHEN

BERTHA

ELSA

MARTHA

Chamberlains, Nobles, Actors, Actresses, etc.

----

ACT I. Scene. Public Square of Speisesaal.

ACT II. Scene. Hall in the Grand Ducal Palace.

Date 1750.

First produced at the Savoy Theatre on March 7, 1896.

ACT I.

SCENE.

--Market-place of Speisesaal, in the Grand Duchy of Pfennig

Halbpfennig. A well, with decorated ironwork, up L.C. GRETCHEN,

BERTHA, OLGA, MARTHA, and other members of ERNEST DUMMKOPF'S

theatrical company are discovered, seated at several small

tables, enjoying a repast in honour of the nuptials of LUDWIG,

his leading comedian, and LISA, his soubrette.

CHORUS

Won't it be a pretty wedding?

Will not Lisa look delightful?

Smiles and tears in plenty shedding--

Which in brides of course is rightful

One could say, if one were spiteful,

Contradiction little dreading,

Her bouquet is simply frightful--

Still, 'twill be a pretty wedding!

Oh, it is a pretty wedding!

Such a pretty, pretty wedding!

ELSA.

If her dress is badly fitting,

Theirs the fault who made her trousseau.

BERTHA.

If her gloves are always splitting,

Cheap kid gloves, we know, will do so.

OLGA.

If upon her train she stumbled,

On one's train one's always treading.

GRET.

If her hair is rather tumbled,

Still, 'twill be a pretty wedding!

CHORUS

Such a pretty, pretty wedding!

CHORUS

Here they come, the couple plighted--

On life's journey gaily start them.

Soon to be for aye united,

Till divorce or death shall part them.

(LUDWIG and LISA come forward.)

DUET--LUDWIG and LISA.

LUD.

Pretty Lisa, fair and tasty,

Tell me now, and tell me truly,

Haven't you been rather hasty?

Haven't you been rash unduly?

Am I quite the dashing sposo

That your fancy could depict you?

Perhaps you think I'm only so-so?

(She expresses admiration.)

Well, I will not contradict you!

CHORUS

No, he will not contradict you!

LISA.

Who am I to raise objection?

I'm a child, untaught and homely--

When you tell me you're perfection,

Tender, truthful, true, and comely--

That in quarrel no one's bolder,

Though dissensions always grieve you--

Why, my love, you're so much older

That, of course, I must believe you!

CHORUS

Yes, of course, she must believe you!

CHORUS

If he ever acts unkindly,

Shut your eyes and love him blindly--

Should he call you names uncomely,

Shut your mouth and love him dumbly--

Should he rate you, rightly--leftly--

Shut your ears and love him deafly.

Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!

Thus and thus and thus alone

Ludwig's wife may hold her own!

(LUDWIG and LISA sit at table.)

Enter NOTARY TANNHAUSER.

NOT.

Hallo! Surely I'm not late? (All chatter

unintelligibly in reply.)

NOT.

But, dear me, you're all at breakfast! Has the

wedding taken place? (All chatter unintelligibly in reply.)

NOT.

My good girls, one at a time, I beg. Let me

understand the situation. As solicitor to the conspiracy to

dethrone the Grand Duke--a conspiracy in which the members of

this company are deeply involved--I am invited to the marriage of

two of its members. I present myself in due course, and I find,

not only that the ceremony has taken place--which is not of the

least consequence --but the wedding breakfast is half

eaten--which is a consideration of the most serious importance.

(LUDWIG and LISA come down.)

LUD.

But the ceremony has not taken place. We can't get a

parson!

NOT.

Can't get a parson! Why, how's that? They're three

a

penny!

LUD.

Oh, it's the old story--the Grand Duke!

ALL

Ugh!

LUD.

It seems that the little imp has selected this, our

wedding day, for a convocation of all the clergy in the town to

settle the details of his approaching marriage with the

enormously wealthy Baroness von Krakenfeldt, and there won't be a

parson to be had for love or money until six o'clock this

evening!

LISA.

And as we produce our magnificent classical revival

of Troilus and Cressida to-night at seven, we have no alternative

but to eat our wedding breakfast before we've earned it. So sit

down, and make the best of it.

GRET.

Oh, I should like to pull his Grand Ducal ears for

him, that I should! He's the meanest, the cruellest, the most

spiteful little ape in Christendom!

OLGA.

Well, we shall soon be freed from his tyranny.

To-morrow the Despot is to be dethroned!

LUD.

Hush, rash girl! You know not what you say.

OLGA.

Don't be absurd! We're all in it--we're all tiled,

here.

LUD.

That has nothing to do with it. Know ye not that in

alluding to our conspiracy without having first given and

received the secret sign, you are violating a fundamental

principle of our Association?

SONG--LUDWIG.

By the mystic regulation

Of our dark Association,

Ere you open conversation

With another kindred soul,

You must eat a sausage-roll! (Producing one.)

ALL

You must eat a sausage-roll!

LUD.

If, in turn, he eats another,

That's a sign that he's a brother--

Each may fully trust the other.

It is quaint and it is droll,

But it's bilious on the whole.

ALL

Very bilious on the whole.

LUD.

It's a greasy kind of pasty,

Which, perhaps, a judgement hasty

Might consider rather tasty:

Once (to speak without disguise)

It found favour in our eyes.

ALL

It found favour in our eyes.

LUD.

But when you've been six months feeding

(As we have) on this exceeding

Bilious food, it's no ill-breeding

If at these repulsive pies

Our offended gorges rise!

ALL

Our offended gorges rise!

MARTHA.

Oh, bother the secret sign! I've eaten it until

I'm quite uncomfortable! I've given it six times already

to-day--and (whimpering) I can't eat any breakfast!

BERTHA.

And it's so unwholesome. Why, we should all be as

yellow as frogs if it wasn't for the make-up!

LUD.

All this is rank treason to the cause. I suffer as

much as any of you. I loathe the repulsive thing--I can't

contemplate it without a shudder--but I'm a conscientious

conspirator, and if you won't give the sign I will. (Eats

sausage-roll with an effort.)

LISA.

Poor martyr! He's always at it, and it's a wonder

where he puts it!

NOT.

Well now, about Troilus and Cressida. What do you

play?

LUD.

(struggling with his feelings). If you'll be so

obliging as to wait until I've got rid of this feeling of warm

oil at the bottom of my throat, I'll tell you all about it.

(LISA gives him some brandy.) Thank you, my love; it's gone.

Well, the piece will be produced upon a scale of unexampled

magnificence. It is confidently predicted that my appearance as

King Agamemnon, in a Louis Quatorze wig, will mark an epoch in

the theatrical annals of Pfennig Halbpfennig. I endeavoured to

persuade Ernest Dummkopf, our manager, to lend us the classical

dresses for our marriage. Think of the effect of a real Athenian

wedding procession cavorting through the streets of Speisesaal!

Torches burning--cymbals banging--flutes tootling--citharae

twanging--and a throng of fifty lovely Spartan virgins capering

before us, all down the High Street, singing "Eloia! Eloia!

Opoponax, Eloia!" It would have been tremendous!

NOT.

And he declined?

LUD.

He did, on the prosaic ground that it might rain, and

the ancient Greeks didn't carry umbrellas! If, as is confidently

expected, Ernest Dummkopf is elected to succeed the dethroned

one, mark any words, he will make a mess of it.

[Exit LUDWIG with LISA.

OLGA.

He's sure to be elected. His entire company has

promised to plump for him on the understanding that all the

places about the Court are filled by members of his troupe,

according to professional precedence.

ERNEST

enters in great excitement.

BERTHA

(looking off) Here comes Ernest Dummkopf. Now we

shall know all about it!

ALL

Well--what's the news? How is the election going?

ERN.

Oh, it's a certainty--a practical certainty! Two of

the candidates have been arrested for debt, and the third is a

baby in arms--so, if you keep your promises, and vote solid, I'm

cocksure of election!

OLGA.

Trust to us. But you remember the conditions?

ERN.

Yes--all of you shall be provided for, for life.

Every man shall be ennobled--every lady shall have unlimited

credit at the Court Milliner's, and all salaries shall be paid

weekly in advance!

GRET.

Oh, it's quite clear he knows how to rule a Grand

Duchy!

ERN.

Rule a Grand Duchy? Why, my good girl, for ten years

past I've ruled a theatrical company! A man who can do that can

rule anything!

SONG--ERNEST.

Were I a king in very truth,

And had a son--a guileless youth--

In probable succession;

To teach him patience, teach him tact,

How promptly in a fix to act,

He should adopt, in point of fact,

A manager's profession.

To that condition he should stoop

(Despite a too fond mother),

With eight or ten "stars" in his troupe,

All jealous of each other!

Oh, the man who can rule a theatrical crew,

Each member a genius (and some of them two),

And manage to humour them, little and great,

Can govern this tuppenny State!

ALL

Oh, the man, etc.

Both A and B rehearsal slight--

They say they'll be "all right at night"

(They've both to go to school yet);

C in each act must change her dress,

D will attempt to "square the press";

E won't play Romeo unless

His grandmother plays Juliet;

F claims all hoydens as her rights

(She's played them thirty seasons);

And G must show herself in tights

For two convincing reasons--

Two very well-shaped reasons!

Oh, the man who can drive a theatrical team,

With wheelers and leaders in order supreme,

Can govern and rule, with a wave of his fin,

All Europe--with Ireland thrown in!

ALL

Oh, the man, etc.

[Exeunt all but ERNEST.

ERN.

Elected by my fellow-conspirators to be Grand Duke of

Pfennig Halbpfennig as soon as the contemptible little occupant

of the historical throne is deposed--here is promotion indeed!

Why, instead of playing Troilus of Troy for a month, I shall play

Grand Duke of Pfennig Halbpfennig for a lifetime! Yet, am I

happy? No--far from happy! The lovely English comdienne--the

beautiful Julia, whose dramatic ability is so overwhelming that

our audiences forgive even her strong English accent--that rare

and radiant being treats my respectful advances with disdain

unutterable! And yet, who knows? She is haughty and ambitious,

and it may be that the splendid change in my fortunes may work a

corresponding change in her feelings towards me!

Enter JULIA JELLICOE.

JULIA.

Herr Dummkopf, a word with you, if you please.

ERN.

Beautiful English maiden--

JULIA.

No compliments, I beg. I desire to speak with you

on a

purely professional matter, so we will, if you please, dispense

with

allusions to my personal appearance, which can only tend to widen

the

breach which already exists between us.

ERN.

(aside). My only hope shattered! The haughty

Londoner

still despises me! (Aloud.) It shall be as you will.

JULIA.

I understand that the conspiracy in which we are

all

concerned is to develop to-morrow, and that the company is likely

to elect you to the throne on the understanding that the posts

about the Court are to be filled by members of your theatrical

troupe, according to their professional importance.

ERN.

That is so.

JULIA.

Then all I can say is that it places me in an

extremely awkward position.

ERN.

(very depressed). I don't see how it concerns you.

JULIA.

Why, bless my heart, don't you see that, as your

leading lady, I am bound under a serious penalty to play the

leading part in all your productions?

ERN.

Well?

JULIA.

Why, of course, the leading part in this production

will be the Grand Duchess!

ERN.

My wife?

JULIA.

That is another way of expressing the same idea.

ERN.

(aside--delighted). I scarcely dared even to hope

for

this!

JULIA.

Of course, as your leading lady, you'll be mean

enough to hold me to the terms of my agreement. Oh, that's so

like a man! Well, I suppose there's no help for it--I shall have

to do it!

ERN.

(aside). She's mine! (Aloud.) But--do you really

think you would care to play that part? (Taking her hand.)

JULIA

(withdrawing it) Care to play it? Certainly

not--but what am I to do? Business is business, and I am bound

by the terms of my agreement.

ERN.

It's for a long run, mind--a run that may last many,

many years--no understudy--and once embarked upon there's no

throwing it up.

JULIA.

Oh, we're used to these long runs in England: they

are the curse of the stage--but, you see, I've no option.

ERN.

You think the part of Grand Duchess will be good

enough for you?

JULIA.

Oh, I think so. It's a very good part in

Gerolstein, and oughtn't to be a bad one in Pfennig Halbpfennig.

Why, what did you suppose I was going to play?

ERN.

(keeping up a show of reluctance) But, considering

your strong personal dislike to me and your persistent rejection

of my repeated offers, won't you find it difficult to throw

yourself into the part with all the impassioned enthusiasm that

the character seems to demand? Remember, it's a strongly

emotional part, involving long and repeated scenes of rapture,

tenderness, adoration, devotion--all in luxuriant excess, and all

of the most demonstrative description.

JULIA.

My good sir, throughout my career I have made it a

rule never to allow private feeling to interfere with my

professional duties. You may be quite sure that (however

distasteful the part may be) if I undertake it, I shall consider

myself professionally bound to throw myself into it with all the

ardour at my command.

ERN.

(aside--with effusion). I'm the happiest fellow

alive!

(Aloud.) Now--would you have any objection--to--to give me some

idea--if it's only a mere sketch--as to how you would play it?

It would be really interesting--to me--to know your conception

of--of--the part of my wife.

JULIA.

How would I play it? Now, let me see--let me see.

(Considering.) Ah, I have it!

BALLAD--JULIA.

How would I play this part--

The Grand Duke's Bride?

All rancour in my heart

I'd duly hide--

I'd drive it from my recollection

And 'whelm you with a mock affection,

Well calculated to defy detection--

That's how I'd play this part--

The Grand Duke's Bride.

With many a winsome smile

I'd witch and woo;

With gay and girlish guile

I'd frenzy you--

I'd madden you with my caressing,

Like turtle, her first love confessing--

That it was "mock", no mortal would be

guessing,

With so much winsome wile

I'd witch and woo!

Did any other maid

With you succeed,

I'd pinch the forward jade--

I would indeed!

With jealous frenzy agitated

(Which would, of course, be simulated),

I'd make her wish she'd never been created--

Did any other maid

With you succeed!

And should there come to me,

Some summers hence,

In all the childish glee

Of innocence,

Fair babes, aglow with beauty vernal,

My heart would bound with joy diurnal!

This sweet display of sympathy maternal,

Well, that would also be

A mere pretence!

My histrionic art

Though you deride,

That's how I'd play that part--

The Grand Duke's Bride!

ENSEMBLE.

ERNEST. JULIA.

Oh joy! when two glowing young My boy, when two

glowing

hearts, young hearts

From the rise of the curtain, From the rise of the

curtain,

Thus throw themselves into their Thus throw themselves

into

their parts, parts,

Success is most certain! Success is most

certain!

If the role you're prepared to endow The role I'm prepared

to

endow

With such delicate touches, With most delicate

touch-

es,

By the heaven above us, I vow By the heaven above us,

I

vow

You shall be my Grand Duchess! I will be your Grand

Duchess!

(Dance.)

Enter all the Chorus with LUDWIG, NOTARY,

and LISA--all greatly agitated.

EXCITED CHORUS

My goodness me! What shall we do ? Why, what a dreadful

situation!

(To LUD.) It's all your fault, you booby you--you lump of

indiscrimination!

I'm sure I don't know where to go--it's put me into such a

tetter--

But this at all events I know--the sooner we are off, the

better!

ERN.

What means this agitato? What d'ye seek?

As your Grand Duke elect I bid you speak!

SONG--LUDWIG.

Ten minutes since I met a chap

Who bowed an easy salutation--

Thinks I, "This gentleman, mayhap,

Belongs to our Association."

But, on the whole,

Uncertain yet,

A sausage-roll

I took and eat--

That chap replied (I don't embellish)

By eating three with obvious relish.

CHORUS

(angrily). Why, gracious powers,

No chum of ours

Could eat three sausage-rolls with relish!

LUD.

Quite reassured, I let him know

Our plot--each incident explaining;

That stranger chuckled much, as though

He thought me highly entertaining.

I told him all,

Both bad and good;

I bade him call--

He said he would:

I added much--the more I muckled,

The more that chuckling chummy chuckled!

ALL

(angrily). A bat could see

He couldn't be

A chum of ours if he chuckled!

LUD.

Well, as I bowed to his applause,

Down dropped he with hysteric bellow--

And that seemed right enough, because

I am a devilish funny fellow.

Then suddenly,

As still he squealed,

It flashed on me

That I'd revealed

Our plot, with all details effective,

To Grand Duke Rudolph's own detective!

ALL

What folly fell,

To go and tell

Our plot to any one's detective!

CHORUS

(Attacking LUDWIG.) You booby dense--

You oaf immense,

With no pretence

To common sense!

A stupid muff

Who's made of stuff

Not worth a puff

Of candle-snuff!

Pack up at once and off we go, unless we're anxious to exhibit

Our fairy forms all in a row, strung up upon the Castle gibbet!

[Exeunt Chorus. Manent LUDWIG, LISA,

ERNEST, JULIA, and NOTARY.

JULIA.

Well, a nice mess you've got us into! There's an

end of our precious plot! All up--pop--fizzle--bang--done for!

LUD.

Yes, but--ha! ha!--fancy my choosing the Grand Duke's

private detective, of all men, to make a confidant of! When you

come to think of it, it's really devilish funny!

ERN.

(angrily). When you come to think of it, it's

extremely injudicious to admit into a conspiracy every

pudding-headed baboon who presents himself!

LUD.

Yes--I should never do that. If I were chairman of

this gang, I should hesitate to enrol any baboon who couldn't

produce satisfactory credentials from his last Zoological

Gardens.

LISA.

Ludwig is far from being a baboon. Poor boy, he

could not help giving us away--it's his trusting nature--he was

deceived.

JULIA

(furiously) His trusting nature! (To LUDWIG.) Oh,

I should like to talk to you in my own language for five

minutes--only five minutes! I know some good, strong, energetic

English remarks that would shrivel your trusting nature into

raisins--only you wouldn't understand them!

LUD.

Here we perceive one of the disadvantages of a

neglected education!

ERN.

(to JULIA). And I suppose you'll never be my Grand

Duchess now!

JULIA.

Grand Duchess? My good friend, if you don't

produce

the piece how can I play the part?

ERN.

True. (To LUDWIG.) You see what you've done.

LUD.

But, my dear sir, you don't seem to understand that

the man ate three sausage-rolls. Keep that fact steadily before

you. Three large sausage-rolls.

JULIA.

Bah!--Lots of people eat sausage-rolls who are not

conspirators.

LUD.

Then they shouldn't. It's bad form. It's not the

game. When one of the Human Family proposes to eat a

sausage-roll, it is his duty to ask himself, "Am I a

conspirator?" And if, on examination, he finds that he is not a

conspirator, he is bound in honour to select some other form of

refreshment.

LISA.

Of course he is. One should always play the game.

(To NOTARY, who has been smiling placidly through this.) What

are you grinning at, you greedy old man?

NOT.

Nothing--don't mind me. It is always amusing to the

legal mind to see a parcel of laymen bothering themselves about a

matter which to a trained lawyer presents no difficulty whatever.

ALL

No difficulty!

NOT.

None whatever! The way out of it is quite simple.

ALL

Simple?

NOT.

Certainly! Now attend. In the first place, you two

men fight a Statutory Duel.

ERN.

A Statutory Duel?

JULIA.

A Stat-tat-tatutory Duel! Ach! what a crack-jaw

language this German is!

LUD.

Never heard of such a thing.

NOT.

It is true that the practice has fallen into abeyance

through disuse. But all the laws of Pfennig Halbpfennig run for

a hundred years, when they die a natural death, unless, in the

meantime, they have been revived for another century. The Act

that institutes the Statutory Duel was passed a hundred years

ago, and as it has never been revived, it expires to-morrow. So

you're just in time.

JULIA.

But what is the use of talking to us about

Statutory

Duels when we none of us know what a Statutory Duel is?

NOT.

Don't you? Then I'll explain.

SONG--NOTARY.

About a century since,

The code of the duello

To sudden death

For want of breath

Sent many a strapping fellow.

The then presiding Prince

(Who useless bloodshed hated),

He passed an Act,

Short and compact,

Which may be briefly stated.

Unlike the complicated laws

A Parliamentary draftsman draws,

It may be briefly stated.

ALL

We know that complicated laws,

Such as a legal draftsman draws,

Cannot be briefly stated.

NOT.

By this ingenious law,

If any two shall quarrel,

They may not fight

With falchions bright

(Which seemed to him immoral);

But each a card shall draw,

And he who draws the lowest

Shall (so 'twas said)

Be thenceforth dead--

In fact, a legal "ghoest"

(When exigence of rhyme compels,

Orthography forgoes her spells,

And "ghost" is written "ghoest").

ALL

(aside) With what an emphasis he dwells

Upon "orthography" and "spells"!

That kind of fun's the lowest.

NOT.

When off the loser's popped

(By pleasing legal fiction),

And friend and foe

Have wept their woe

In counterfeit affliction,

The winner must adopt

The loser's poor relations--

Discharge his debts,

Pay all his bets,

And take his obligations.

In short, to briefly sum the case,

The winner takes the loser's place,

With all its obligations.

ALL

How neatly lawyers state a case!

The winner takes the loser's place,

With all its obligations!

LUD.

I see. The man who draws the lowest card--

NOT.

Dies, ipso facto, a social death. He loses all his

civil rights--his identity disappears--the Revising Barrister

expunges his name from the list of voters, and the winner takes

his place, whatever it may be, discharges all his functions, and

adopts all his responsibilities.

ERN.

This is all very well, as far as it goes, but it only

protects one of us. What's to become of the survivor?

LUD.

Yes, that's an interesting point, because I might be

the survivor.

NOT.

The survivor goes at once to the Grand Duke, and, in

a

burst of remorse, denounces the dead man as the moving spirit of

the plot. He is accepted as King's evidence, and, as a matter of

course, receives a free pardon. To-morrow, when the law expires,

the dead man will, ipso facto, come to life again--the Revising

Barrister will restore his name to the list of voters, and he

will resume all his obligations as though nothing unusual had

happened.

JULIA.

When he will be at once arrested, tried, and

executed on the evidence of the informer! Candidly, my friend, I

don't think much of your plot!

NOT.

Dear, dear, dear, the ignorance of the laity! My

good

young lady, it is a beautiful maxim of our glorious Constitution

that a man can only die once. Death expunges crime, and when he

comes to life again, it will be with a clean slate.

ERN.

It's really very ingenious.

LUD.

(to NOTARY). My dear sir, we owe you our lives!

LISA (aside to LUDWIG).

May I kiss him?

LUD.

Certainly not: you're a big girl now. (To ERNEST.)

Well, miscreant, are you prepared to meet me on the field of

honour?

ERN.

At once. By Jove, what a couple of fire-eaters we

are!

LISA.

Ludwig doesn't know what fear is.

LUD.

Oh, I don't mind this sort of duel!

ERN.

It's not like a duel with swords. I hate a duel with

swords. It's not the blade I mind--it's the blood.

LUD.

And I hate a duel with pistols. It's not the ball I

mind--it's the bang.

NOT.

Altogether it is a great improvement on the old

method

of giving satisfaction.

QUINTET.

LUDWIG, LISA, NOTARY, ERNEST, JULIA.

Strange the views some people hold!

Two young fellows quarrel--

Then they fight, for both are bold--

Rage of both is uncontrolled--

Both are stretched out, stark and cold!

Prithee, where's the moral?

Ding dong! Ding dong!

There's an end to further action,

And this barbarous transaction

Is described as "satisfaction"!

Ha! ha! ha! ha! satisfaction!

Ding dong! Ding dong!

Each is laid in churchyard mould--

Strange the views some people hold!

Better than the method old,

Which was coarse and cruel,

Is the plan that we've extolled.

Sing thy virtues manifold

(Better than refined gold),

Statutory Duel!

Sing song! Sing song!

Sword or pistol neither uses--

Playing card he lightly chooses,

And the loser simply loses!

Ha! ha! ha! ha! simply loses.

Sing song! Sing song!

Some prefer the churchyard mould!

Strange the views some people hold!

NOT.

(offering a card to ERNEST).

Now take a card and gaily sing

How little you care for Fortune's rubs--

ERN.

(drawing a card).

Hurrah, hurrah!--I've drawn a King:

ALL

He's drawn a King!

He's drawn a King!

Sing Hearts and Diamonds, Spades and Clubs!

ALL

(dancing). He's drawn a King!

How strange a thing!

An excellent card--his chance it aids--

Sing Hearts and Diamonds, Spades and Clubs--

Sing Diamonds, Hearts and Clubs and Spades!

NOT.

(to LUDWIG).

Now take a card with heart of grace--

(Whatever our fate, let's play our parts).

LUD.

(drawing card).

Hurrah, hurrah!--I've drawn an Ace!

ALL

He's drawn an Ace!

He's drawn an Ace!

Sing Clubs and Diamonds, Spades and Hearts!

ALL

(dancing).

He's drawn an Ace!

Observe his face--

Such very good fortune falls to few--

Sing Clubs and Diamonds, Spades and Hearts--

Sing Clubs, Spades, Hearts and Diamonds too!

NOT.

That both these maids may keep their troth,

And never misfortune them befall,

I'll hold 'em as trustee for both--

ALL

He'll hold 'em both!

He'll hold 'em both!

Sing Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds, Spades and all!

ALL

(dancing). By joint decree

As {our/your} trustee

This Notary {we/you} will now instal--

In custody let him keep {their/our} hearts,

Sing Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds, Spades and all!

[Dance and exeunt LUDWIG, ERNEST, and

NOTARY

with the two Girls.

March. Enter the seven Chamberlains of the

GRAND DUKE RUDOLPH.

CHORUS OF CHAMBERLAINS.

The good Grand Duke of Pfennig Halbpfennig,

Though, in his own opinion, very very big,

In point of fact he's nothing but a miserable prig

Is the good Grand Duke of Pfennig Halbpfennig!

Though quite contemptible, as every one agrees,

We must dissemble if we want our bread and cheese,

So hail him in a chorus, with enthusiasm big,

The good Grand Duke of Pfennig Halbpfennig!

Enter the GRAND DUKE RUDOLPH. He is meanly and miserably dressed

in old and patched clothes, but blazes with a profusion of

orders and decorations. He is very weak and ill, from low

living.

SONG--RUDOLPH.

A pattern to professors of monarchical autonomy,

I don't indulge in levity or compromising bonhomie,

But dignified formality, consistent with economy,

Above all other virtues I particularly prize.

I never join in merriment--I don't see joke or jape any--

I never tolerate familiarity in shape any--

This, joined with an extravagant respect for

tuppence-ha'penny,

A keynote to my character sufficiently supplies.

(Speaking.) Observe. (To Chamberlains.) My snuff-box!

(The snuff-box is passed with much ceremony from the Junior

Chamberlain, through all the others, until it is presented

by the Senior Chamberlain to RUDOLPH, who uses it.)

That incident a keynote to my character supplies.

RUD.

I weigh out tea and sugar with precision mathematical--

Instead of beer, a penny each--my orders are emphatical--

(Extravagance unpardonable, any more than that I call),

But, on the other hand, my Ducal dignity to keep--

All Courtly ceremonial--to put it comprehensively--

I rigidly insist upon (but not, I hope, offensively)

Whenever ceremonial can be practised inexpensively--

And, when you come to think of it, it's really very

cheap!

(Speaking.) Observe. (To Chamberlains.) My handkerchief!

(Handkerchief is handed by Junior Chamberlain to the next in

order, and so on until it reaches RUDOLPH, who is much

inconvenienced by the delay.)

It's sometimes inconvenient, but it's always very cheap!

RUD.

My Lord Chamberlain, as you are aware, my marriage

with the wealthy Baroness von Krakenfeldt will take place

to-morrow, and you will be good enough to see that the rejoicings

are on a scale of unusual liberality. Pass that on. (Chamberlain

whispers to Vice-Chamberlain, who whispers to the next, and so

on.) The sports will begin with a Wedding Breakfast Bee. The

leading pastry-cooks of the town will be invited to compete, and

the winner will not only enjoy the satisfaction of seeing his

breakfast devoured by the Grand Ducal pair, but he will also be

entitled to have the Arms of Pfennig Halbpfennig tattoo'd between

his shoulder-blades. The Vice-Chamberlain will see to this. All

the public fountains of Speisesaal will run with Gingerbierheim

and Currantweinmilch at the public expense. The Assistant

Vice-Chamberlain will see to this. At night, everybody will

illuminate; and as I have no desire to tax the public funds

unduly, this will be done at the inhabitants' private expense.

The Deputy Assistant Vice-Chamberlain will see to this. All my

Grand Ducal subjects will wear new clothes, and the Sub-Deputy

Assistant Vice-Chamberlain will collect the usual commission on

all sales. Wedding presents (which, on this occasion, should be

on a scale of extraordinary magnificence) will be received at the

Palace at any hour of the twenty-four, and the Temporary

Sub-Deputy Assistant Vice-Chamberlain will sit up all night for

this purpose. The entire population will be commanded to enjoy

themselves, and with this view the Acting Temporary Sub-Deputy

Assistant Vice-Chamberlain will sing comic songs in the

Market-place from noon to nightfall. Finally, we have composed a

Wedding Anthem, with which the entire population are required to

provide themselves. It can be obtained from our Grand Ducal

publishers at the usual discount price, and all the Chamberlains

will be expected to push the sale. (Chamberlains bow and

exeunt). I don't feel at all comfortable. I hope I'm not doing

a foolish thing in getting married. After all, it's a poor heart

that never rejoices, and this wedding of mine is the first little

treat I've allowed myself since my christening. Besides,

Caroline's income is very considerable, and as her ideas of

economy are quite on a par with mine, it ought to turn out well.

Bless her tough old heart, she's a mean little darling! Oh, here

she is, punctual to her appointment!

Enter BARONESS VON KRAKENFELDT.

BAR.

Rudolph! Why, what's the matter?

RUD.

Why, I'm not quite myself, my pet. I'm a little

worried and upset. I want a tonic. It's the low diet, I think.

I am afraid, after all, I shall have to take the bull by the

horns and have an egg with my breakfast.

BAR.

I shouldn't do anything rash, dear. Begin with a

jujube. (Gives him one.)

RUD.

(about to eat it, but changes his mind). I'll keep it

for supper. (He sits by her and tries to put his arm round her

waist.)

BAR.

Rudolph, don't! What in the world are you thinking

of?

RUD.

I was thinking of embracing you, my sugarplum. Just

as a little cheap treat.

BAR.

What, here? In public? Really, you appear to have

no

sense of delicacy.

RUD.

No sense of delicacy, Bon-bon!

BAR.

No. I can't make you out. When you courted me, all

your courting was done publicly in the Marketplace. When you

proposed to me, you proposed in the Market-place. And now that

we're engaged you seem to desire that our first tte-

occur in the Marketplace! Surely you've a room in your

Palace--with blinds--that would do?

RUD.

But, my own, I can't help myself. I'm bound by my

own

decree.

BAR.

Your own decree?

RUD.

Yes. You see, all the houses that give on the

Market-place belong to me, but the drains (which date back to the

reign of Charlemagne) want attending to, and the houses wouldn't

let--so, with a view to increasing the value of the property, I

decreed that all love-episodes between affectionate couples

should take place, in public, on this spot, every Monday,

Wednesday, and Friday, when the band doesn't play.

BAR.

Bless me, what a happy idea! So moral too! And have

you found it answer?

RUD.

Answer? The rents have gone up fifty per cent, and

the sale of opera-glasses (which is a Grand Ducal monopoly) has

received an extraordinary stimulus! So, under the circumstances,

would you allow me to put my arm round your waist? As a source

of income. Just once!

BAR.

But it's so very embarrassing. Think of the

opera-glasses!

RUD.

My good girl, that's just what I am thinking of.

Hang

it all, we must give them something for their money! What's

that?

BAR.

(unfolding paper, which contains a large letter,

which

she hands to him). It's a letter which your detective asked me

to hand to you. I wrapped it up in yesterday's paper to keep it

clean.

RUD.

Oh, it's only his report! That'll keep. But, I say,

you've never been and bought a newspaper?

BAR.

My dear Rudolph, do you think I'm mad? It came

wrapped round my breakfast.

RUD.

(relieved). I thought you were not the sort of girl

to

go and buy a newspaper! Well, as we've got it, we may as well

read it. What does it say?

BAR.

Why--dear me--here's your biography! "Our Detested

Despot!"

RUD.

Yes--I fancy that refers to me.

BAR.

And it says--Oh, it can't be!

RUD.

What can't be?

BAR.

Why, it says that although you're going to marry me

to-morrow, you were betrothed in infancy to the Princess of Monte

Carlo!

RUD.

Oh yes--that's quite right. Didn't I mention it?

BAR.

Mention it! You never said a word about it!

RUD.

Well, it doesn't matter, because, you see, it's

practically off.

BAR.

Practically off?

RUD.

Yes. By the terms of the contract the betrothal is

void unless the Princess marries before she is of age. Now, her

father, the Prince, is stony-broke, and hasn't left his house for

years for fear of arrest. Over and over again he has implored me

to come to him to be married-but in vain. Over and over again he

has implored me to advance him the money to enable the Princess

to come to me--but in vain. I am very young, but not as young as

that; and as the Princess comes of age at two tomorrow, why at

two to-morrow I'm a free man, so I appointed that hour for our

wedding, as I shall like to have as much marriage as I can get

for my money.

BAR.

I see. Of course, if the married state is a happy

state, it's a pity to waste any of it.

RUD.

Why, every hour we delayed I should lose a lot of you

and you'd lose a lot of me!

BAR.

My thoughtful darling! Oh, Rudolph, we ought to be

very happy!

RUD.

If I'm not, it'll be my first bad investment. Still,

there is such a thing as a slump even in Matrimonials.

BAR.

I often picture us in the long, cold, dark December

evenings, sitting close to each other and singing impassioned

duets to keep us warm, and thinking of all the lovely things we

could afford to buy if we chose, and, at the same time, planning

out our lives in a spirit of the most rigid and exacting economy!

RUD.

It's a most beautiful and touching picture of

connubial bliss in its highest and most rarefied development!

DUET--BARONESS and RUDOLPH.

BAR.

As o'er our penny roll we sing,

It is not reprehensive

To think what joys our wealth would bring

Were we disposed to do the thing

Upon a scale extensive.

There's rich mock-turtle--thick and clear--

RUD.

(confidentially). Perhaps we'll have it once a year!

BAR.

(delighted). You are an open-handed dear!

RUD.

Though, mind you, it's expensive.

BAR.

No doubt it is expensive.

BOTH

How fleeting are the glutton's joys!

With fish and fowl he lightly toys,

RUD.

And pays for such expensive tricks

Sometimes as much as two-and-six!

BAR.

As two-and-six?

RUD.

As two-and-six--

BOTH

Sometimes as much as two-and-six!

BAR.

It gives him no advantage, mind--

For you and he have only dined,

And you remain when once it's down

A better man by half-a-crown.

RUD.

By half-a-crown?

BAR.

By half-a-crown.

BOTH

Yes, two-and-six is half-a-crown.

Then let us be modestly merry,

And rejoice with a derry down derry.

For to laugh and to sing

No extravagance bring--

It's a joy economical, very!

BAR.

Although as you're of course aware

(I never tried to hide it)

I moisten my insipid fare

With water--which I can't abear--

RUD.

Nor I--I can't abide it.

BAR.

This pleasing fact our souls will cheer,

With fifty thousand pounds a year

We could indulge in table beer!

RUD.

Get out!

BAR.

We could--I've tried it!

RUD.

Yes, yes, of course you've tried it!

BOTH

Oh, he who has an income clear

Of fifty thousand pounds a year--

BAR.

Can purchase all his fancy loves

Conspicuous hats--

RUD.

Two shilling gloves--

BAR.

(doubtfully). Two-shilling gloves?

RUD.

(positively). Two-shilling gloves--

BOTH

Yes, think of that, two-shilling gloves!

BAR.

Cheap shoes and ties of gaudy hue,

And Waterbury watches, too--

And think that he could buy the lot

Were he a donkey--

RUD.

Which he's not!

BAR.

Oh no, he's not!

RUD.

Oh no, he's not!

BOTH

(dancing).

That kind of donkey he is not!

Then let us be modestly merry,

And rejoice with a derry down derry.

For to laugh and to sing

Is a rational thing-

It's a joy economical, very!

[Exit

BARONESS.

RUD.

Oh, now for my detective's report. (Opens letter.)

What's this! Another conspiracy! A conspiracy to depose me!

And my private detective was so convulsed with laughter at the

notion of a conspirator selecting him for a confidant that he was

physically unable to arrest the malefactor! Why, it'll come

off! This comes of engaging a detective with a keen sense of the

ridiculous! For the future I'll employ none but Scotchmen. And

the plot is to explode to-morrow! My wedding day! Oh,

Caroline, Caroline! (Weeps.) This is perfectly frightful!

What's to be done? I don't know! I ought to keep cool and

think, but you can't think when your veins are full of hot

soda-water, and your brain's fizzing like a firework, and all

your faculties are jumbled in a perfect whirlpool of

tumblication! And I'm going to be ill! I know I am! I've been

living too low, and I'm going to be very ill indeed!

SONG--RUDOLPH.

When you find you're a broken-down critter,

Who is all of a trimmle and twitter,

With your palate unpleasantly bitter,

As if you'd just eaten a pill--

When your legs are as thin as dividers,

And you're plagued with unruly insiders,

And your spine is all creepy with spiders,

And you're highly gamboge in the gill--

When you've got a beehive in your head,

And a sewing machine in each ear,

And you feel that you've eaten your bed,

And you've got a bad headache down here--

When such facts are about,

And these symptoms you find

In your body or crown--

Well, you'd better look out,

You may make up your mind

You had better lie down!

When your lips are all smeary--like tallow,

And your tongue is decidedly yallow,

With a pint of warm oil in your swallow,

And a pound of tin-tacks in your chest--

When you're down in the mouth with the vapours,

And all over your Morris wall-papers

Black-beetles are cutting their capers,

And crawly things never at rest--

When you doubt if your head is your own,

And you jump when an open door slams--

Then you've got to a state which is known

To the medical world as "jim-jams"

If such symptoms you find

In your body or head,

They're not easy to quell--

You may make up your mind

You are better in bed,

For you're not at all well!

(Sinks exhausted and weeping at foot of well.)

Enter LUDWIG.

LUD.

Now for my confession and full pardon. They told me

the Grand Duke was dancing duets in the Market-place, but I don't

see him. (Sees RUDOLPH.) Hallo! Who's this? (Aside.) Why, it

is the Grand Duke!

RUD.

(sobbing). Who are you, sir, who presume to address

me in person? If you've anything to communicate, you must fling

yourself at the feet of my Acting Temporary Sub-Deputy Assistant

Vice-Chamberlain, who will fling himself at the feet of his

immediate superior, and so on, with successive foot-flingings

through the various grades--your communication will, in course of

time, come to my august knowledge.

LUD.

But when I inform your Highness that in me you see

the

most unhappy, the most unfortunate, the most completely miserable

man in your whole dominion--

RUD.

(still sobbing). You the most miserable man in my

whole dominion? How can you have the face to stand there and say

such a thing? Why, look at me! Look at me! (Bursts into

tears.)

LUD.

Well, I wouldn't be a cry-baby.

RUD.

A cry-baby? If you had just been told that you were

going to be deposed to-morrow, and perhaps blown up with dynamite

for all I know, wouldn't you be a cry-baby? I do declare if I

could only hit upon some cheap and painless method of putting an

end to an existence which has become insupportable, I would

unhesitatingly adopt it!

LUD.

You would ? (Aside.) I see a magnificent way out of

this! By Jupiter, I'll try it! (Aloud.) Are you, by any

chance, in earnest?

RUD.

In earnest? Why, look at me!

LUD.

If you are really in earnest--if you really desire to

escape scot-free from this impending--this unspeakably horrible

catastrophe--without trouble, danger, pain, or expense--why not

resort to a Statutory Duel?

RUD.

A Statutory Duel?

LUD.

Yes. The Act is still in force, but it will expire

to-morrow afternoon. You fight--you lose--you are dead for a

day. To-morrow, when the Act expires, you will come to life

again and resume your Grand Duchy as though nothing had happened.

In the meantime, the explosion will have taken place and the

survivor will have had to bear the brunt of it.

RUD.

Yes, that's all very well, but who'll be fool enough

to be the survivor?

LUD.

(kneeling). Actuated by an overwhelming sense of

attachment to your Grand Ducal person, I unhesitatingly offer

myself as the victim of your subjects' fury.

RUD.

You do? Well, really that's very handsome. I

daresay

being blown up is not nearly as unpleasant as one would think.

LUD.

Oh, yes it is. It mixes one up, awfully!

RUD.

But suppose I were to lose?

LUD.

Oh, that's easily arranged. (Producing cards.) I'll

put an Ace up my sleeve--you'll put a King up yours. When the

drawing takes place, I shall seem to draw the higher card and you

the lower. And there you are!

RUD.

Oh, but that's cheating.

LUD.

So it is. I never thought of that. (Going.)

RUD.

(hastily). Not that I mind. But I say--you won't

take an unfair advantage of your day of office? You won't go

tipping people, or squandering my little savings in fireworks, or

any nonsense of that sort?

LUD.

I am hurt--really hurt--by the suggestion.

RUD.

You--you wouldn't like to put down a deposit,

perhaps?

LUD.

No. I don't think I should like to put down a

deposit.

RUD.

Or give a guarantee?

LUD.

A guarantee would be equally open to objection.

RUD.

It would be more regular. Very well, I suppose you

must have your own way.

LUD.

Good. I say--we must have a devil of a quarrel!

RUD.

Oh, a devil of a quarrel!

LUD.

Just to give colour to the thing. Shall I give you a

sound thrashing before all the people? Say the word--it's no

trouble.

RUD.

No, I think not, though it would be very convincing

and it's extremely good and thoughtful of you to suggest it.

Still, a devil of a quarrel!

LUD.

Oh, a devil of a quarrel!

RUD.

No half measures. Big words--strong language--rude

remarks. Oh, a devil of a quarrel!

LUD.

Now the question is, how shall we summon the people?

RUD.

Oh, there's no difficulty about that. Bless your

heart, they've been staring at us through those windows for the

last half-hour!

FINALE

RUD.

Come hither, all you people--

When you hear the fearful news,

All the pretty women weep'll,

Men will shiver in their shoes.

LUD.

And they'll all cry "Lord, defend us!"

When they learn the fact tremendous

That to give this man his gruel

In a Statutory Duel--

BOTH

This plebeian man of shoddy--

This contemptible nobody--

Your Grand Duke does not refuse!

(During this, Chorus of men and women have entered, all trembling

with apprehension under the impression that they are to be

arrested for their complicity in the conspiracy.)

CHORUS

With faltering feet,

And our muscles in a quiver,

Our fate we meet

With our feelings all unstrung!

If our plot complete

He has managed to diskiver,

There is no retreat--

We shall certainly be hung!

RUD.

(aside to LUDWIG).

Now you begin and pitch it strong--walk into me abusively--

LUD.

(aside to RUDOLPH).

I've several epithets that I've reserved for you

exclusively.

A choice selection I have here when you are ready to begin.

RUD.

Now you begin

LUD.

No, you begin--

RUD.

No, you begin--

LUD.

No, you begin!

CHORUS

(trembling).

Has it happed as we expected?

Is our little plot detected?

DUET--RUDOLPH and LUDWIG

RUD.

(furiously).

Big bombs, small bombs, great guns and little ones!

Put him in a pillory!

Rack him with artillery!

LUD.

(furiously).

Long swords, short swords, tough swords and brittle ones!

Fright him into fits!

Blow him into bits!

RUD.

You muff, sir!

LUD.

You lout, sir!

RUD.

Enough, sir!

LUD.

Get out, sir! (Pushes him.)

RUD.

A hit, sir?

LUD.

Take that, sir! (Slaps him.)

RUD.

It's tit, sir,

LUD.

For tat, sir!

CHORUS

(appalled).

When two doughty heroes thunder,

All the world is lost in wonder;

When such men their temper lose,

Awful are the words they use!

LUD.

Tall snobs, small snobs, rich snobs and needy ones!

RUD.

(jostling him). Whom are you alluding to?

LUD.

(jostling him). Where are you intruding to?

RUD.

Fat snobs, thin snobs, swell snobs and seedy ones!

LUD.

I rather think you err.

To whom do you refer?

RUD.

To you, sir!

LUD.

To me, sir?

RUD.

I do, sir!

LUD.

We'll see, sir!

RUD.

I jeer, sir!

(Makes a face at LUDWIG.) Grimace, sir!

LUD.

Look here, sir--

(Makes a face at RUDOLPH.) A face, sir!

CHORUS

(appalled).

When two heroes, once pacific,

Quarrel, the effect's terrific!

What a horrible grimace!

What a paralysing face!

ALL

Big bombs, small bombs, etc.

LUD. and RUD.

(recit.).

He has insulted me, and, in a breath,

This day we fight a duel to the death!

NOT.

(checking them).

You mean, of course, by duel (verbum sat.),

A Statutory Duel.

ALL

Why, what's that?

NOT.

According to established legal uses,

A card apiece each bold disputant chooses--

Dead as a doornail is the dog who loses--

The winner steps into the dead man's shoeses!

ALL

The winner steps into the dead man's shoeses!

RUD.

and Lud. Agreed! Agreed!

RUD.

Come, come--the pack!

LUD.

(producing one). Behold it here!

RUD.

I'm on the rack!

LUD.

I quake with fear!

(NOTARY offers card to LUDWIG.)

LUD.

First draw to you!

RUD.

If that's the case,

Behold the King! (Drawing card from his sleeve.)

LUD.

(same business). Behold the Ace!

CHORUS

Hurrah, hurrah! Our Ludwig's won

And wicked Rudolph's course is run--

So Ludwig will as Grand Duke reign

Till Rudolph comes to life again--

RUD.

Which will occur to-morrow!

I come to life to-morrow!

GRET.

(with mocking curtsey).

My Lord Grand Duke, farewell!

A pleasant journey, very,

To your convenient cell

In yonder cemetery!

LISA

(curtseying).

Though malcontents abuse you,

We're much distressed to lose you!

You were, when you were living,

So liberal, so forgiving!

BERTHA.

So merciful, so gentle!

So highly ormamental!

OLGA.

And now that you've departed,

You leave us broken-hearted!

ALL

(pretending to weep). Yes, truly, truly, truly, truly--

Truly broken-hearted!

Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! (Mocking him.)

RUD.

(furious). Rapscallions, in penitential fires,

You'll rue the ribaldry that from you falls!

To-morrow afternoon the law expires.

And then--look out for squalls!

[Exit RUDOLPH, amid general

ridicule.

CHORUS

Give thanks, give thanks to wayward fate--

By mystic fortune's sway,

Our Ludwig guides the helm of State

For one delightful day!

(To LUDWIG.) We hail you, sir!

We greet you, sir!

Regale you, sir!

We treat you, sir!

Our ruler be

By fate's decree

For one delightful day!

NOT.

You've done it neatly! Pity that your powers

Are limited to four-and-twenty hours!

LUD.

No matter, though the time will quickly run,

In hours twenty-four much may be done!

SONG--LUDWIG.

Oh, a Monarch who boasts intellectual graces

Can do, if he likes, a good deal in a day--

He can put all his friends in conspicuous places,

With plenty to eat and with nothing to pay!

You'll tell me, no doubt, with unpleasant grimaces,

To-morrow, deprived of your ribbons and laces,

You'll get your dismissal--with very long faces--

But wait! on that topic I've something to say!

(Dancing.) I've something to say--I've something to

say--I've something to say!

Oh, our rule shall be merry--I'm not an ascetic--

And while the sun shines we will get up our hay--

By a pushing young Monarch, of turn energetic,

A very great deal may be done in a day!

CHORUS

Oh, his rule will be merry, etc.

(During this, LUDWIG whispers to NOTARY, who writes.)

For instance, this measure (his ancestor drew it),

(alluding to NOTARY)

This law against duels--to-morrow will die--

The Duke will revive, and you'll certainly rue it--

He'll give you "what for" and he'll let you know why!

But in twenty-four hours there's time to renew it--

With a century's life I've the right to imbue it--

It's easy to do--and, by Jingo, I'll do it!

(Signing paper, which NOTARY presents.)

It's done! Till I perish your Monarch am I!

Your Monarch am I--your Monarch am I--your Monarch am I!

Though I do not pretend to be very prophetic,

I fancy I know what you're going to say--

By a pushing young Monarch, of turn energetic,

A very great deal may be done in a day!

ALL

(astonished).

Oh, it's simply uncanny, his power prophetic--

It's perfectly right--we were going to say,

By a pushing, etc.

Enter JULIA, at back.

LUD.

(recit.). This very afternoon--at two (about)--

The Court appointments will be given out.

To each and all (for that was the condition)

According to professional position!

ALL

Hurrah!

JULIA

(coming forward). According to professional position?

LUD.

According to professional position!

JULIA

Then, horror!

ALL

Why, what's the matter? What's the matter? What's the

matter ?

SONG--JULIA. (LISA clinging to her.)

Ah, pity me, my comrades true,

Who love, as well I know you do,

This gentle child,

To me so fondly dear!

ALL

Why, what's the matter?

JULIA

Our sister love so true and deep

From many an eye unused to weep

Hath oft beguiled

The coy reluctant tear!

ALL

Why, what's the matter?

JULIA

Each sympathetic heart 'twill bruise

When you have heard the frightful news

(O will it not?)

That I must now impart!

ALL

Why, what's the matter?

JULIA.

Her love for him is all in all!

Ah, cursed fate! that it should fall

Unto my lot

To break my darling's heart!

ALL

Why, what's the matter?

LUD.

What means our Julia by those fateful looks?

Please do not keep us all on tenter-hooks-

Now, what's the matter?

JULIA.

Our duty, if we're wise,

We never shun.

This Spartan rule applies

To every one.

In theatres, as in life,

Each has her line--

This part--the Grand Duke's wife

(Oh agony!) is mine!

A maxim new I do not start--

The canons of dramatic art

Decree that this repulsive part

(The Grand Duke's wife)

Is mine!

ALL

Oh, that's the matter!

LISA

(appalled, to LUDWIG). Can that be so?

LUD.

I do not know--

But time will show

If that be so.

CHORUS

Can that be so? etc.

LISA

(recit.). Be merciful!

DUET--LISA and JULIA.

LISA.

Oh, listen to me, dear--

I love him only, darling!

Remember, oh, my pet,

On him my heart is set

This kindness do me, dear-

Nor leave me lonely, darling!

Be merciful, my pet,

Our love do not forget!

JULIA.

Now don't be foolish, dear--

You couldn't play it, darling!

It's "leading business", pet

And you're but a soubrette.

So don't be mulish, dear-

Although I say it, darling,

It's not your line, my pet--

I play that part, you bet!

I play that part--

I play that part, you bet!

(LISA overwhelmed with grief.)

NOT.

The lady's right. Though Julia's engagement

Was for the stage meant--

It certainly frees Ludwig from his

Connubial promise.

Though marriage contracts--or whate'er you call 'em--

Are very solemn,

Dramatic contracts (which you all adore so)

Are even more so!

ALL

That's very true!

Though marriage contracts, etc.

SONG--LISA.

The die is cast,

My hope has perished!

Farewell, O Past,

Too bright to last,

Yet fondly cherished!

My light has fled,

My hope is dead,

Its doom is spoken--

My day is night,

My wrong is right

In all men's sight--

My heart is broken!

[Exit

weeping.

LUD.

(recit.). Poor child, where will she go? What will she

do?

JULIA.

That isn't in your part, you know.

LUD.

(sighing). Quite true!

(With an effort.) Depressing topics we'll not touch upon--

Let us begin as we are going on!

For this will be a jolly Court, for little and for big!

ALL

Sing hey, the jolly jinks of Pfennig Halbpfennig!

LUD.

From morn to night our lives shall be as merry as a grig!

ALL

Sing hey, the jolly jinks of Pfennig Halbpfennig!

LUD.

All state and ceremony we'll eternally abolish--

We don't mean to insist upon unnecessary polish--

And, on the whole, I rather think you'll find our rule

tollolish!

ALL

Sing hey, the jolly jinks of Pfennig Halbpfennig!

JULIA.

But stay--your new-made Court

Without a courtly coat is--

We shall require

Some Court attire,

And at a moment's notice.

In clothes of common sort

Your courtiers must not grovel--

Your new noblesse

Must have a dress

Original and novel!

LUD.

Old Athens we'll exhume!

The necessary dresses,

Correct and true

And all brand-new,

The company possesses:

Henceforth our Court costume

Shall live in song and story,

For we'll upraise

The dead old days

Of Athens in her glory!

ALL

Yes, let's upraise

The dead old days

Of Athens in her glory!

ALL

Agreed! Agreed!

For this will be a jolly Court for little and for big! etc

(They carry LUDWIG round stage and deposit him on the ironwork of

well. JULIA stands by him, and the rest group round them.)

END OF ACT I.

ACT II.

(THE NEXT MORNING.)

SCENE.

--Entrance Hall of the Grand Ducal Palace.

Enter a procession of the members of the theatrical company (now

dressed in the costumes of Troilus and Cressida), carrying

garlands, playing on pipes, citharae, and cymbals, and

heralding the return of LUDWIG and JULIA from the marriage

ceremony, which has just taken place.

CHORUS

As before you we defile,

Eloia! Eloia!

Pray you, gentles, do not smile

If we shout, in classic style,

Eloia!

Ludwig and his Julia true

Wedded are each other to--

So we sing, till all is blue,

Eloia! Eloia!

Opoponax! Eloia!

Wreaths of bay and ivy twine,

Eloia! Eloia!

Fill the bowl with Lesbian wine,

And to revelry incline--

Eloia!

For as gaily we pass on

Probably we shall, anon,

Sing a Diergeticon--

Eloia! Eloia!

Opoponax! Eloia!

RECIT.

--LUDWIG.

Your loyalty our Ducal heartstrings touches:

Allow me to present your new Grand Duchess.

Should she offend, you'll graciously excuse her--

And kindly recollect I didn't choose her!

SONG--LUDWIG.

At the outset I may mention it's my sovereign intention

To revive the classic memories of Athens at its best,

For the company possesses all the necessary dresses

And a course of quiet cramming will supply us with the

rest.

We've a choir hyporchematic (that is, ballet-operatic)

Who respond to the choreut of that cultivated age,

And our clever chorus-master, all but captious criticaster

Would accept as the choregus of the early Attic stage.

This return to classic ages is considered in their wages,

Which are always calculated by the day or by the week--

And I'll pay 'em (if they'll back me) all in oboloi and drachm,

Which they'll get (if they prefer it) at the Kalends that

are Greek!

(Confidentially to audience.)

At this juncture I may mention

That this erudition sham

Is but classical pretension,

The result of steady "cram.":

Periphrastic methods spurning,

To this audience discerning

I admit this show of learning

Is the fruit of steady "cram."!

CHORUS

Periphrastic methods, etc.

In the period Socratic every dining-room was Attic

(Which suggests an architecture of a topsy-turvy kind),

There they'd satisfy their thirst on a recherche cold {Greek

word}

Which is what they called their lunch--and so may you if

you're inclined.

As they gradually got on, they'd {four Greek words)

(Which is Attic for a steady and a conscientious drink).

But they mixed their wine with water--which I'm sure they didn't

oughter--

And we modern Saxons know a trick worth two of that, I

think!

Then came rather risky dances (under certain circumstances)

Which would shock that worthy gentleman, the Licenser of

Plays,

Corybantian maniac kick--Dionysiac or Bacchic--

And the Dithyrambic revels of those undecorous days.

(Confidentially to audience.)

And perhaps I'd better mention,

Lest alarming you I am,

That it isn't our intention

To perform a Dithyramb--

It displays a lot of stocking,

Which is always very shocking,

And of course I'm only mocking

At the prevalence of "cram"!

CHORUS

It displays a lot, etc.

Yes, on reconsideration, there are customs of that nation

Which are not in strict accordance with the habits of our

day,

And when I come to codify, their rules I mean to modify,

Or Mrs. Grundy, p'r'aps, may have a word or two to say.

For they hadn't macintoshes or umbrellas or goloshes--

And a shower with their dresses must have played the very

deuce,

And it must have been unpleasing when they caught a fit of

sneezing,

For, it seems, of pocket-handkerchiefs they didn't know the

use.

They wore little underclothing--scarcely anything--or nothing--

And their dress of Coan silk was quite transparent in

design--

Well, in fact, in summer weather, something like the "altogether"

And it's there, I rather fancy, I shall have to draw the

line!

(Confidentially to audience.)

And again I wish to mention

That this erudition sham

Is but classical pretension,

The result of steady "cram."

Yet my classic lore aggressive

(If you'll pardon the possessive)

Is exceedingly impressive

When you're passing an exam.

CHORUS

Yet his classic lore, etc.

[Exeunt Chorus. Manent LUDWIG, JULIA, and LISA.

LUD.

(recit.).

Yes, Ludwig and his Julia are mated!

For when an obscure comedian, whom the law backs,

To sovereign rank is promptly elevated,

He takes it with its incidental drawbacks!

So Julia and I are duly mated!

(LISA, through this, has expressed intense distress at

having to surrender LUDWIG.)

SONG--LISA.

Take care of him--he's much too good to live,

With him you must be very gentle:

Poor fellow, he's so highly sensitive,

And O, so sentimental!

Be sure you never let him sit up late

In chilly open air conversing--

Poor darling, he's extremely delicate,

And wants a deal of nursing!

LUD.

I want a deal of nursing!

LISA.

And O, remember this--

When he is cross with pain,

A flower and a kiss--

A simple flower--a tender kiss

Will bring him round again!

His moods you must assiduously watch:

When he succumbs to sorrow tragic,

Some hardbake or a bit of butter-scotch

Will work on him like magic.

To contradict a character so rich

In trusting love were simple blindness--

He's one of those exalted natures which

Will only yield to kindness!

LUD.

I only yield to kindness!

LISA.

And O, the bygone bliss!

And O, the present pain!

That flower and that kiss--

That simple flower--that tender kiss

I ne'er shall give again!

[Exit,

weeping.

JULIA.

And now that everybody has gone, and we're happily

and comfortably married, I want to have a few words with my

new-born husband.

LUD.

(aside). Yes, I expect you'll often have a few words

with your new-born husband! (Aloud.) Well, what is it?

JULIA.

Why, I've been thinking that as you and I have to

play our parts for life, it is most essential that we should come

to a definite understanding as to how they shall be rendered.

Now, I've been considering how I can make the most of the Grand

Duchess.

LUD.

Have you? Well, if you'll take my advice, you'll

make

a very fine part of it.

JULIA.

Why, that's quite my idea.

LUD.

I shouldn't make it one of your hoity-toity vixenish

viragoes.

JULIA.

You think not?

LUD.

Oh, I'm quite clear about that. I should make her a

tender, gentle, submissive, affectionate (but not too

affectionate) child-wife--timidly anxious to coil herself into

her husband's heart, but kept in check by an awestruck reverence

for his exalted intellectual qualities and his majestic personal

appearance.

JULIA.

Oh, that is your idea of a good part?

LUD.

Yes--a wife who regards her husband's slightest wish

as an inflexible law, and who ventures but rarely into his august

presence, unless (which would happen seldom) he should summon her

to appear before him. A crushed, despairing violet, whose

blighted existence would culminate (all too soon) in a lonely and

pathetic death-scene! A fine part, my dear.

JULIA.

Yes. There's a good deal to be said for your view

of it. Now there are some actresses whom it would fit like a

glove.

LUD.

(aside). I wish I'd married one of 'em!

JULIA.

But, you see, I must consider my temperament. For

instance, my temperament would demand some strong scenes of

justifiable jealousy.

LUD.

Oh, there's no difficulty about that. You shall have

them.

JULIA.

With a lovely but detested rival--

LUD.

Oh, I'll provide the rival.

JULIA.

Whom I should stab--stab--stab!

LUD.

Oh, I wouldn't stab her. It's been done to death. I

should treat her with a silent and contemptuous disdain, and

delicately withdraw from a position which, to one of your

sensitive nature, would be absolutely untenable. Dear me, I can

see you delicately withdrawing, up centre and off!

JULIA.

Can you?

LUD.

Yes. It's a fine situation--and in your hands, full

of quiet pathos!

DUET--LUDWIG and JULIA.

LUD.

Now Julia, come,

Consider it from

This dainty point of view--

A timid tender

Feminine gender,

Prompt to coyly coo--

Yet silence seeking,

Seldom speaking

Till she's spoken to--

A comfy, cosy,

Rosy-posy

Innocent ingenoo!

The part you're suited to--

(To give the deuce her due)

A sweet (O, jiminy!)

Miminy-piminy,

Innocent ingenoo!

ENSEMBLE.

LUD. JULIA.

The part you're suited to-- I'm much obliged to you,

(To give the deuce her due) I don't think that would do--

A sweet (O, jiminy!) To play (O, jiminy!)

Miminy-piminy, Miminy-piminy,

Innocent ingenoo! Innocent ingenoo!

JULIA.

You forget my special magic

(In a high dramatic sense)

Lies in situations tragic--

Undeniably intense.

As I've justified promotion

In the histrionic art,

I'll submit to you my notion

Of a first-rate part.

LUD.

Well, let us see your notion

Of a first-rate part.

JULIA

(dramatically).

I have a rival! Frenzy-thrilled,

I find you both together!

My heart stands still--with horror chilled---

Hard as the millstone nether!

Then softly, slyly, snaily, snaky--

Crawly, creepy, quaily, quaky--

I track her on her homeward way,

As panther tracks her fated prey!

(Furiously.) I fly at her soft white throat--

The lily-white laughing leman!

On her agonized gaze I gloat

With the glee of a dancing demon!

My rival she--I have no doubt of her---

So I hold on--till the breath is out of her!

--till the breath is out of her!

And then--Remorse! Remorse!

O cold unpleasant corse,

Avaunt! Avaunt!

That lifeless form

I gaze upon--

That face, still warm

But weirdly wan--

Those eyes of glass

I contemplate--

And then, alas!

Too late--too late!

I find she is--your Aunt!

(Shuddering.) Remorse! Remorse!

Then, mad--mad--mad!

With fancies wild--chimerical--

Now sorrowful--silent--sad--

Now hullaballoo hysterical!

Ha! ha! ha! ha!

But whether I'm sad or whether I'm glad,

Mad! mad! mad! mad!

This calls for the resources of a high-class art,

And satisfies my notion of a first-rate part!

[Exit JULIA

Enter all the Chorus, hurriedly, and in great excitement.

CHORUS

Your Highness, there's a party at the door--

Your Highness, at the door there is a party--

She says that we expect her,

But we do not recollect her,

For we never saw her countenance before!

With rage and indignation she is rife,

Because our welcome wasn't very hearty--

She's as sulky as a super,

And she's swearing like a trooper,

O, you never heard such language in your life!

Enter BARONESS VON KRAKENFELDT, in a fury.

BAR.

With fury indescribable I burn!

With rage I'm nearly ready to explode!

There'll be grief and tribulation when I learn

To whom this slight unbearable is owed!

For whatever may be due I'll pay it double--

There'll be terror indescribable and trouble!

With a hurly-burly and a hubble-bubble

I'll pay you for this pretty episode!

ALL

Oh, whatever may be due she'll pay it double!--

It's very good of her to take the trouble--

But we don't know what she means by "hubble-bubble"--

No doubt it's an expression la mode.

BAR.

(to LUDWIG).

Do you know who I am?

LUD.

(examining her). I don't;

Your countenance I can't fix, my dear.

BAR.

This proves I'm not a sham.

(Showing pocket-handkerchief.)

LUD.

(examining it). It won't;

It only says "Krakenfeldt, Six," my dear.

BAR.

Express your grief profound!

LUD.

I shan't!

This tone I never allow, my love.

BAR.

Rudolph at once produce!

LUD.

I can't;

He isn't at home just now, my love.

BAR.

(astonished). He isn't at home just now!

ALL

He isn't at home just now,

(Dancing derisively.) He has an appointment particular,

very-

You'll find him, I think, in the town cemetery;

And that's how we come to be making so merry,

For he isn't at home just now!

BAR.

But bless my heart and soul alive, it's impudence

personified!

I've come here to be matrimonially matrimonified!

LUD.

For any disappointment I am sorry unaffectedly,

But yesterday that nobleman expired quite unexpectedly--

ALL

(sobbing). Tol the riddle lol!

Tol the riddle lol!

Tol the riddle, lol the riddle, lol lol lay!

(Then laughing wildly.) Tol the riddle, lol the riddle, lol

lol

lay!

BAR.

But this is most unexpected. He was well enough at a

quarter to twelve yesterday.

LUD.

Yes. He died at half-past eleven.

BAR.

Bless me, how very sudden!

LUD.

It was sudden.

BAR.

But what in the world am I to do? I was to have been

married to him to-day!

ALL

(singing and dancing).

For any disappointment we are sorry unaffectedly,

But yesterday that nobleman expired quite unexpectedly--

Tol the riddle lol!

BAR.

Is this Court Mourning or a Fancy Ball?

LUD.

Well, it's a delicate combination of both effects.

It

is intended to express inconsolable grief for the decease of the

late Duke and ebullient joy at the accession of his successor. I

am his successor. Permit me to present you to my Grand Duchess.

(Indicating JULIA.)

BAR.

Your Grand Duchess? Oh, your Highness! (Curtseying

profoundly.)

JULIA

(sneering at her) Old frump!

BAR.

Humph! A recent creation, probably?

LUD.

We were married only half an hour ago.

BAR.

Exactly . I thought she seemed new to the position.

JULIA.

Ma'am, I don't know who you are, but I flatter

myself I can do justice to any part on the very shortest notice.

BAR.

My dear, under the circumstances you are doing

admirably--and you'll improve with practice. It's so difficult

to be a lady when one isn't born to it.

JULIA (in a rage, to LUDWIG).

Am I to stand this? Am I

not

to be allowed to pull her to pieces?

LUD.

(aside to JULIA). No, no--it isn't Greek. Be a

violet, I beg.

BAR.

And now tell me all about this distressing

circumstance. How did the Grand Duke die?

LUD.

He perished nobly--in a Statutory Duel.

BAR.

In a Statutory Duel? But that's only a civil

death!--and the Act expires to-night, and then he will come to

life again!

LUD.

Well, no. Anxious to inaugurate my reign by

conferring some inestimable boon on my people, I signalized this

occasion by reviving the law for another hundred years.

BAR.

For another hundred years? Then set the merry

joybells ringing! Let festive epithalamia resound through these

ancient halls! Cut the satisfying sandwich--broach the

exhilarating Marsala--and let us rejoice to-day, if we never

rejoice again!

LUD.

But I don't think I quite understand. We have

already

rejoiced a good deal.

BAR.

Happy man, you little reck of the extent of the good

things you are in for. When you killed Rudolph you adopted all

his overwhelming responsibilities. Know then that I, Caroline

von Krakenfeldt, am the most overwhelming of them all!

LUD.

But stop, stop--I've just been married to somebody

else!

JULIA.

Yes, ma'am, to somebody else, ma'am! Do you

understand, ma'am? To somebody else!

BAR.

Do keep this young woman quiet; she fidgets me!

JULIA.

Fidgets you!

LUD.

(aside to JULIA). Be a violet--a crushed, despairing

violet.

JULIA.

Do you suppose I intend to give up a magnificent

part without a struggle?

LUD.

My good girl, she has the law on her side. Let us

both bear this calamity with resignation. If you must struggle,

go away and struggle in the seclusion of your chamber.

SONG--BARONESS and CHORUS

Now away to the wedding we go,

So summon the charioteers--

No kind of reluctance they show

To embark on their married careers.

Though Julia's emotion may flow

For the rest of her maidenly years,

ALL

To the wedding we eagerly go,

So summon the charioteers!

Now away, etc.

(All dance off to wedding except JULIA.)

RECIT.

--JULIA.

So ends my dream--so fades my vision fair!

Of hope no gleam--distraction and despair!

My cherished dream, the Ducal throne to share

That aim supreme has vanished into air!

SONG--JULIA.

Broken every promise plighted--

All is darksome--all is dreary.

Every new-born hope is blighted!

Sad and sorry--weak and weary

Death the Friend or Death the Foe,

Shall I call upon thee? No!

I will go on living, though

Sad and sorry--weak and weary!

No, no! Let the bygone go by!

No good ever came of repining:

If to-day there are clouds o'er the sky,

To-morrow the sun may be shining!

To-morrow, be kind,

To-morrow, to me!

With loyalty blind

I curtsey to thee!

To-day is a day of illusion and sorrow,

So viva To-morrow, To-morrow, To-morrow!

God save you, To-morrow!

Your servant, To-morrow!

God save you, To-morrow, To-morrow, To-morrow!

[Exit JULIA.

Enter ERNEST.

ERN.

It's of no use--I can't wait any longer. At any risk

I must gratify my urgent desire to know what is going on.

(Looking off.) Why, what's that? Surely I see a wedding

procession winding down the hill, dressed in my Troilus and

Cressida costumes! That's Ludwig's doing! I see how it is--he

found the time hang heavy on his hands, and is amusing himself by

getting married to Lisa. No--it can't be to Lisa, for here she

is!

Enter LISA.

LISA

(not seeing him) I really cannot stand seeing my

Ludwig married twice in one day to somebody else!

ERN.

Lisa!

(LISA sees him, and stands as if transfixed with horror.).

ERN.

Come here--don't be a little fool--I want you.

(LISA suddenly turns and bolts off.)

ERN.

Why, what's the matter with the little donkey? One

would think she saw a ghost! But if he's not marrying Lisa, whom

is he marrying? (Suddenly.) Julia! (Much overcome.) I see it

all! The scoundrel! He had to adopt all my responsibilities,

and he's shabbily taken advantage of the situation to marry the

girl I'm engaged to! But no, it can't be Julia, for here she is!

Enter JULIA.

JULIA

(not seeing him) I've made up my mind. I won't

stand it! I'll send in my notice at once!

ERN.

Julia! Oh, what a relief!

(JULIA gazes at him as if transfixed.)

ERN.

Then you've not married Ludwig? You are still true

to

me?

(JULIA turns and bolts in grotesque horror. ERNEST follows and

stops her.)

ERN.

Don't run away! Listen to me. Are you all crazy?

JULIA

(in affected terror) What would you with me,

spectre? Oh, ain't his eyes sepulchral! And ain't his voice

hollow! What are you doing out of your tomb at this time of

day--apparition?

ERN.

I do wish I could make you girls understand that I'm

only technically dead, and that physically I'm as much alive as

ever I was in my life!

JULIA.

Oh, but it's an awful thing to be haunted by a

technical bogy!

ERN.

You won't be haunted much longer. The law must be on

its last legs, and in a few hours I shall come to life

again--resume all my social and civil functions, and claim my

darling as my blushing bride!

JULIA.

Oh--then you haven't heard?

ERN.

My love, I've heard nothing. How could I? There are

no daily papers where I come from.

JULIA.

Why, Ludwig challenged Rudolph and won, and now

he's

Grand Duke, and he's revived the law for another century!

ERN.

What! But you're not serious--you're only joking!

JULIA.

My good sir, I'm a light-hearted girl, but I don't

chaff bogies.

ERN.

Well, that's the meanest dodge I ever heard of!

JULIA.

Shabby trick, I call it.

ERN.

But you don't mean to say that you're going to cry

off!

JULIA.

I really can't afford to wait until your time is

up.

You know, I've always set my face against long engagements.

ERN.

Then defy the law and marry me now. We will fly to

your native country, and I'll play broken-English in London as

you play broken-German here!

JULIA.

No. These legal technicalities cannot be defied.

Situated as you are, you have no power to make me your wife. At

best you could only make me your widow.

ERN.

Then be my widow--my little, dainty, winning, winsome

widow!

JULIA.

Now what would be the good of that? Why, you

goose,

I should marry again within a month!

DUET--ERNEST and JULIA.

ERN.

If the light of love's lingering ember

Has faded in gloom,

You cannot neglect, O remember,

A voice from the tomb!

That stern supernatural diction

Should act as a solemn restriction,

Although by a mere legal fiction

A voice from the tomb!

JULIA

(in affected terror).

I own that that utterance chills me--

It withers my bloom!

With awful emotion it thrills me--

That voice from the tomb!

Oh, spectre, won't anything lay thee?

Though pained to deny or gainsay thee,

In this case I cannot obey thee,

Thou voice from the tomb!

(Dancing.) So, spectre, appalling,

I bid you good-day--

Perhaps you'll be calling

When passing this way.

Your bogydom scorning,

And all your love-lorning,

I bid you good-morning,

I bid you good-day.

ERN.

(furious). My offer recalling,

Your words I obey--

Your fate is appalling,

And full of dismay.

To pay for this scorning

I give you fair warning

I'll haunt you each morning,

Each night, and each day!

(Repeat Ensemble, and exeunt in opposite directions.)

Re-enter the Wedding Procession dancing.

CHORUS

Now bridegroom and bride let us toast

In a magnum of merry champagne--

Let us make of this moment the most,

We may not be so lucky again.

So drink to our sovereign host

And his highly intelligent reign--

His health and his bride's let us toast

In a magnum of merry champagne!

SONG--BARONESS with CHORUS

I once gave an evening party

(A sandwich and cut-orange ball),

But my guests had such appetites hearty

That I couldn't enjoy it, enjoy it at all.

I made a heroic endeavour

To look unconcerned, but in vain,

And I vow'd that I never--oh never

Would ask anybody again!

But there's a distinction decided---

A difference truly immense--

When the wine that you drink is provided, provided,

At somebody else's expense.

So bumpers--aye, ever so many--

The cost we may safely ignore!

For the wine doesn't cost us a penny,

Tho' it's Pommry seventy-four!

CHORUS

So bumpers--aye, ever so many--etc.

Come, bumpers--aye, ever so many--

And then, if you will, many more!

This wine doesn't cost us a penny,

Tho' it's Pommry, Pommry seventy-four!

Old wine is a true panacea

For ev'ry conceivable ill,

When you cherish the soothing idea

That somebody else pays the bill!

Old wine is a pleasure that's hollow

When at your own table you sit,

For you're thinking each mouthful you swallow

Has cost you, has cost you a threepenny-bit!

So bumpers--aye, ever so many--

And then, if you will, many more!

This wine doesn't cost us a penny,

Tho' it's Pommry seventy-four!

CHORUS

So, bumpers--aye, ever so many--etc.

(March heard.)

LUD.

(recit.). Why, who is this approaching,

Upon our joy encroaching?

Some rascal come a-poaching

Who's heard that wine we're broaching?

ALL

Who may this be?

Who may this be?

Who is he? Who is he? Who is he?

Enter HERALD.

HER.

The Prince of Monte Carlo,

From Mediterranean water,

Has come here to bestow

On you his beautiful daughter.

They've paid off all they owe,

As every statesman oughter--

That Prince of Monte Carlo

And his be-eautiful daughter!

CHORUS

The Prince of Monte Carlo, etc.

HER.

The Prince of Monte Carlo,

Who is so very partickler,

Has heard that you're also

For ceremony a stickler--

Therefore he lets you know

By word of mouth auric'lar--

(That Prince of Monte Carlo

Who is so very particklar)--

CHORUS

The Prince of Monte Carlo, etc.

HER.

That Prince of Monte Carlo,

From Mediterranean water,

Has come here to bestow

On you his be-eautiful daughter!

LUD.

(recit.). His Highness we know not--nor the locality

In which is situate his Principality;

But, as he guesses by some odd fatality,

This is the shop for cut and dried formality!

Let him appear--

He'll find that we're

Remarkable for cut and dried formality.

(Reprise of March. Exit HERALD.

LUDWIG

beckons his Court.)

LUD.

I have a plan--I'll tell you all the plot of it--

He wants formality--he shall have a lot of it!

(Whispers to them, through symphony.)

Conceal yourselves, and when I give the cue,

Spring out on him--you all know what to do!

(All conceal themselves behind the draperies that enclose the

stage.)

Pompous March. Enter the PRINCE and PRINCESS OF MONTE CARLO,

attended by six theatrical-looking nobles and the Court

Costumier.

DUET--Prince and PRINCESS.

PRINCE.

We're rigged out in magnificent array

(Our own clothes are much gloomier)

In costumes which we've hired by the day

From a very well-known costumier.

COST.

(bowing). I am the well-known costumier.

PRINCESS.

With a brilliant staff a Prince should make a show

(It's a rule that never varies),

So we've engaged from the Theatre Monaco

Six supernumeraries.

NOBLES.

We're the supernumeraries.

ALL

At a salary immense,

Quite regardless of expense,

Six supernumeraries!

PRINCE.

They do not speak, for they break our grammar's laws,

And their language is lamentable--

And they never take off their gloves, because

Their nails are not presentable.

NOBLES.

Our nails are not presentable!

PRINCESS.

To account for their shortcomings manifest

We explain, in a whisper bated,

They are wealthy members of the brewing interest

To the Peerage elevated.

NOBLES.

To the Peerage elevated.

ALL

They're/We're very, very rich,

And accordingly, as sich,

To the Peerage elevated.

PRINCE.

Well, my dear, here we are at last--just in time

to

compel Duke Rudolph to fulfil the terms of his marriage contract.

Another hour and we should have been too late.

PRINCESS.

Yes, papa, and if you hadn't fortunately

discovered a means of making an income by honest industry, we

should never have got here at all.

PRINCE.

Very true. Confined for the last two years within

the precincts of my palace by an obdurate bootmaker who held a

warrant for my arrest, I devoted my enforced leisure to a study

of the doctrine of chances--mainly with the view of ascertaining

whether there was the remotest chance of my ever going out for a

walk again--and this led to the discovery of a singularly

fascinating little round game which I have called Roulette, and

by which, in one sitting, I won no less than five thousand

francs! My first act was to pay my bootmaker--my second, to

engage a good useful working set of second-hand nobles--and my

third, to hurry you off to Pfennig Halbpfennig as fast as a train

de luxe could carry us!

PRINCESS.

Yes, and a pretty job-lot of second-hand nobles

you've scraped together!

PRINCE

(doubtfully) Pretty, you think? Humph! I don't

know. I should say tol-lol, my love--only tol-lol. They are not

wholly satisfactory. There is a certain air of unreality about

them--they are not convincing.

COST.

But, my goot friend, vhat can you expect for

eighteenpence a day!

PRINCE.

Now take this Peer, for instance. What the deuce

do you call him?

COST.

Him? Oh, he's a swell--he's the Duke of Riviera.

PRINCE.

Oh, he's a Duke, is he? Well, that's no reason

why

he should look so confoundedly haughty. (To Noble.) Be affable,

sir! (Noble takes attitude of affability.) That's better.

(Passing to another.) Now, who's this with his moustache coming

off?

COST.

Vhy; you're Viscount Mentone, ain't you?

NOBLE.

Blest if I know. (Turning up sword-belt.) It's

wrote here--yes, Viscount Mentone.

COST.

Then vhy don't you say so? 'Old yerself up--you

ain't carryin' sandwich boards now. (Adjusts his moustache.)

PRINCE.

Now, once for all, you Peers--when His Highness

arrives, don't stand like sticks, but appear to take an

intelligent and sympathetic interest in what is going on. You

needn't say anything, but let your gestures be in accordance with

the spirit of the conversation. Now take the word from me.

Affability! (attitude). Submission! (attitude). Surprise!

(attitude). Shame! (attitude). Grief! (attitude). Joy!

(attitude). That's better! You can do it if you like!

PRINCESS.

But, papa, where in the world is the Court?

There is positively no one here to receive us! I can't help

feeling that Rudolph wants to get out of it because I'm poor.

He's a miserly little wretch--that's what he is.

PRINCE.

Well, I shouldn't go so far as to say that. I

should rather describe him as an enthusiastic collector of

coins--of the realm--and we must not be too hard upon a

numismatist if he feels a certain disinclination to part with

some of his really very valuable specimens. It's a pretty hobby:

I've often thought I should like to collect some coins myself.

PRINCESS.

Papa, I'm sure there's some one behind that

curtain. I saw it move!

PRINCE.

Then no doubt they are coming. Now mind, you

Peers--haughty affability combined with a sense of what is due to

your exalted ranks, or I'll fine you half a franc each--upon my

soul I will!

(Gong. The curtains fly back and the Court are discovered. They

give a wild yell and rush on to the stage dancing wildly,

with PRINCE, PRINCESS, and Nobles, who are taken by

surprise

at first, but eventually join in a reckless dance. At the

end all fall down exhausted.)

LUD.

There, what do you think of that? That's our

official

ceremonial for the reception of visitors of the very highest

distinction.

PRINCE

(puzzled) It's very quaint--very curious indeed.

Prettily footed, too. Prettily footed.

LUD.

Would you like to see how we say "good-bye" to

visitors of distinction? That ceremony is also performed with

the foot.

PRINCE.

Really, this tone--ah, but perhaps you have not

completely grasped the situation?

LUD.

Not altogether.

PRINCE.

Ah, then I'll give you a lead over.

(Significantly:) I am the father of the Princess of Monte Carlo.

Doesn't that convey any idea to the Grand Ducal mind?

LUD.

(stolidly). Nothing definite.

PRINCE

(aside) H'm--very odd! Never mind--try again!

(Aloud.) This is the daughter of the Prince of Monte Carlo. Do

you take?

LUD.

(still puzzled). No--not yet. Go on--don't give it

up--I dare say it will come presently.

PRINCE.

Very odd--never mind--try again. (With sly

significance.) Twenty years ago! Little doddle doddle! Two

little doddle doddles! Happy father--hers and yours. Proud

mother--yours and hers! Hah! Now you take? I see you do! I

see you do!

LUD.

Nothing is more annoying than to feel that you're not

equal to the intellectual pressure of the conversation. I wish

he'd say something intelligible.

PRINCE.

You didn't expect me?

LUD.

(jumping at it). No, no. I grasp that--thank you

very

much. (Shaking hands with him.) No, I did not expect you!

PRINCE.

I thought not. But ha! ha! at last I have escaped

from my enforced restraint. (General movement of alarm.) (To

crowd who are stealing off.) No, no--you misunderstand me. I

mean I've paid my debts!

ALL

Oh! (They return.)

PRINCESS

(affectionately) But, my darling, I'm afraid

that

even now you don't quite realize who I am! (Embracing him.)

BARONESS.

Why, you forward little hussy, how dare you?

(Takes her away from LUDWIG.)

LUD.

You mustn't do that, my dear--never in the presence

of

the Grand Duchess, I beg!

PRINCESS

(weeping) Oh, papa, he's got a Grand Duchess!

LUD.

A Grand Duchess! My good girl, I've got three Grand

Duchesses!

PRINCESS.

Well, I'm sure! Papa, let's go away--this is

not

a respectable Court.

PRINCE.

All these Grand Dukes have their little fancies,

my

love. This potentate appears to be collecting wives. It's a

pretty hobby--I should like to collect a few myself. This

(admiring BARONESS) is a charming specimen--an antique, I should

say--of the early Merovingian period, if I'm not mistaken; and

here's another--a Scotch lady, I think (alluding to JULIA), and

(alluding to LISA) a little one thrown in. Two half-quarterns

and a makeweight! (To LUDWIG.) Have you such a thing as a

catalogue of the Museum?

PRINCESS.

But I cannot permit Rudolph to keep a museum--

LUD.

Rudolph? Get along with you, I'm not Rudolph!

Rudolph died yesterday!

PRINCE and PRINCESS.

What!

LUD.

Quite suddenly--of--of--a cardiac affection.

PRINCE and PRINCESS.

Of a cardiac affection!

LUD.

Yes, a pack-of-cardiac affection. He fought a

Statutory Duel with me and lost, and I took over all his

engagements--including this imperfectly preserved old lady, to

whom he has been engaged for the last three weeks.

PRINCESS.

Three weeks! But I've been engaged to him for

the last twenty years!

BARONESS, LISA, and JULIA. Twenty years!

PRINCE

(aside) It's all right, my love--they can't get

over that. (Aloud.) He's yours--take him, and hold him as tight

as you can!

PRINCESS.

My own! (Embracing LUDWIG.)

LUD.

Here's another!--the fourth in four-and-twenty hours!

Would anybody else like to marry me? You, ma'am--or

you--anybody! I'm getting used to it!

BARONESS.

But let me tell you, ma'am--

JULIA.

Why, you impudent little hussy--

LISA.

Oh, here's another--here's another! (Weeping.)

PRINCESS.

Poor ladies, I'm very sorry for you all; but,

you

see, I've a prior claim. Come, away we go--there's not a moment

to be lost!

CHORUS

(as they dance towards exit).

Away to the wedding we'll go

To summon the charioteers,

No kind of reluctance we show

To embark on our married careers--

(At this moment RUDOLPH, ERNEST, and NOTARY appear.

All kneel in astonishment.)

RECITATIVE.

RUD.

, Ern., and NOT.

Forbear! This may not be!

Frustrated are your plans!

With paramount decree

The Law forbids the banns!

ALL

The Law forbids the banns!

LUD.

Not a bit of it! I've revived the law for another

century!

RUD.

You didn't revive it! You couldn't revive it!

You--you are an impostor, sir--a tuppenny rogue, sir! You--you

never were, and in all human probability never will be--Grand

Duke of Pfennig Anything!

ALL

What!!!

RUD.

Never--never, never! (Aside.) Oh, my internal

economy!

LUD.

That's absurd, you know. I fought the Grand Duke.

He

drew a King, and I drew an Ace. He perished in inconceivable

agonies on the spot. Now, as that's settled, we'll go on with

the wedding.

RUD.

It--it isn't settled. You--you can't. I--I--(to

NOTARY). Oh, tell him--tell him! I can't!

NOT.

Well, the fact is, there's been a little mistake

here.

On reference to the Act that regulates Statutory Duels, I find it

is expressly laid down that the Ace shall count invariably as

lowest!

ALL

As lowest!

RUD.

(breathlessly). As lowest--lowest--lowest! So

you're

the ghoest--ghoest--ghoest! (Aside.) Oh, what is the matter

with me inside here!

ERN.

Well, Julia, as it seems that the law hasn't been

revived--and as, consequently, I shall come to life in about

three minutes--(consulting his watch)--

JULIA.

My objection falls to the ground. (Resignedly.)

Very well!

PRINCESS.

And am I to understand that I was on the point

of

marrying a dead man without knowing it? (To RUDOLPH, who

revives.) Oh, my love, what a narrow escape I've had!

RUD.

Oh--you are the Princess of Monte Carlo, and you've

turned up just in time! Well, you're an attractive little girl,

you know, but you're as poor as a rat! (They retire up

together.)

LISA.

That's all very well, but what is to become of me?

(To LUDWIG.) If you're a dead man--(Clock strikes three.)

LUD.

But I'm not. Time's up--the Act has expired--I've

come

to life--the parson is still in attendance, and we'll all be

married directly.

ALL

Hurrah!

FINALE

Happy couples, lightly treading,

Castle chapel will be quite full!

Each shall have a pretty wedding,

As, of course, is only rightful,

Though the brides be fair or frightful.

Contradiction little dreading,

This will be a day delightful--

Each shall have a pretty wedding!

Such a pretty, pretty wedding!

Such a pretty wedding!

(All dance off to get married as the curtain falls.)

THE END