THE BLACK CROOK,
AN
ORIGINAL MAGICAL and SPECTACULAR DRAMA
IN FOUR ACTS
ORIGINAL MAGICAL and SPECTACULAR DRAMA
IN FOUR ACTS
By Charles M. Barras,
Author of "The Hypochondriac," "Modern Saint," "Fairy of Home," "Woman in White," "Bibio," "Injured Orphan," "The Great Goose Case," etc., etc., etc.
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BUFFALO:
ROCKWELL, BAKER & HILL, PRINTERS.
196 and 198 Washington Street.
1866.
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Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year eighteen hundred and sixty-three, by CHARLES M. BARRAS, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of New York.
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NOTICE.--This Drama, in the fabrication of its legend, the application of the language, and in it's Dramatical construction, is strictly original, and as such the author cautions all persons against infringement of his right, as defined by the law of copyright.
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
COUNT WOLFENSTEINRODOLPHE (a Poor Artist)
VON PUFFENGRUNTZ, (the Count's Steward)
HERTZOG-Surnamed the Black Crook, (an Alchymist and Sorcerer)
GREPPO, (his Drudge)
WULFGAR, (a Gypsey Ruffian)
BRUNO, (his Companion)
CASPER
JAN
AMINA, (bethrothed to Rodolphe)
DAME BARBARA, (her Foster-Mother)
CARLINE
ROSETTA
Villagers, Peasants, Choresters, Guards, Attendants, etc., etc.
IMMORTALS
Stalacta, (Queen of the Golden Realm)(Her Attendants)
Crystaline, / Rubyblossom, / Sapphira, / Emeraldine, Scintilla, / Amethysta, / Coralbud, / Garnet
Fairies, Sprites, Naiads, Submarine Monsters, etc., etc.
AMPHIBEA
Dragonfin, Stickleback, Hackletooth, Mulletmug,
Sharskin, Eeleye,
Splayfoot, Cuttlekonk
GNOMES
Golddust, Spangleneck, Nuggetnose, Smelterface,
Yellowscale, Pinchback.
INFERNALS
Zamiel, (the Arch-Fiend)Skuldawelp, (Familiar to Hertzog,)
Redglare (the Recording Demon,)
Skeletons, Apparitions, Demons, Monsters, etc., etc.
The scene is laid in and around the Hartz Mountains.--Time 1600.
Note.--Hertzog is a hideous deformity, with leaden complexion, humped-back, knotted limbs, crooked body and lame.
Von Puffengruntz is corpulent and rubicund.
Act 1st
Scene 1st-- A quiet valley at the foot of
the Hartz Mountains. Cottage of Dame Barbara
R. H. 3rd Ent. with practicable upper window
and balcony. Set tree beside cottages, at back
Set arbor L.H. 3rd ent. Broken water and
rustic stone bridge or long rocky trail
piece with platform from R to L backed
by an extended range of hills or mountain spurs
above which light clouds appear,
illuminated by the reflected light
of the moon. Shortly after rise of curtain the moonbeams grow faint and the ruddy
glow of the rising sun diffuses itself over the clouds and horizon.
MUSIC at rise of curtain--enter
Rodolphe, at back, R. H. He descends, comes
forward and after looking cautiously
around claps his hands three times beneath
the window. The upper window opens
and Amina appears on balcony.
Amina
Surely I heard his well-known signal.
Hist, who's there?
Rodolphe
Tis I, Rodolphe!
Amina
Rodolphe! Hush speak low, if my foster
mother still sleeps, I will join you.
(retires.)
(Music. Rodolphe goes upstage and
looks cautiously off, then comes down --
Amina enters from cottage.)
Amina
(Throwing herself into his arms)
Rodolphe!
Rodolphe
My own!
Amina
When did you return?
Rodolphe
'Twas past midnight: although wearied and
footsore I could not sleep until I had seen
you.
Amina
Oh, how wearily the days and nights have
passed since you left me! What kept you
so long?
Rodolphe
Ill fortune, Amina. After reaching Gottingen
and finding no purchaser for my picture
I heard that there was a wealthy traveller
at Cassel, collecting works of art.
I had but four silver florins in my
pocket yet I hopefully set out to meet
him. After journeying five whole days
I arrived at Cassel only to find that the
traveller had departed two days before.
Amina
And your beautiful picture -- upon which
so much of our future was built -- you
have brought it back?
Rodolphe
No. Crushed in my last hope to obtain
the means necessary to our union I
left it with a remorseless agent for a
pittance barely sufficient for subsistence
during my journey homeward, and here
I am without a single guilder in my pocket! And what is worse if I fail to redeem
my pledge at the end of two months it
is lost to me forever.
Amina
(Aside)
Poor, dear Rodolphe, he knows not
the worst--the heaviest blow is yet to come, How shall I break it to him? (Aloud)
Dear
Rodolphe, my great joy at seeing you
made me forget for a moment that which
I fear to tell you.
(The moonlight begins to fade and the horizon
grow ruddy with the rising sun.)
Rodolphe
Fear to tell me! Speak, what has happened?
Amina
Be calm and listen. Last week I attended
the festival of St. John, in company
with the other members of the village
choir. Upon raising my eyes after we
had finished the anthem I found a
dark, strange man gazing upon me.
A moment after he quitted the spot
I enquired who he was and learned that
it was the Count Wolfenstein, the all
powerful lord of this wide domain.
Rodolphe
Well.
Amina
Although I met his gaze but for a moment,
I felt that it boded evil to me--to us.
Rodolphe
Evil! Evil to us?
Amina
Yes, evil, Rodolphe, nor were my fears
idle, the next day brought him here to
our humble abode--he told my foster-
mother that he loved me.
Rodolphe
(Starting)
Loved!--You?Amina
Yes, and that we should no longer dwell in
obscurity--that we should be removed to the
castle--that masters should be provided for
my suitable education, and in a year
I should take the place of the late Countess
of Wolfenstein.
Rodolphe
And dame Barbara?----
Amina
Joyfully consented. This very day is set
apart for our removal. The escort will
be here at sunrise.
Rodolphe
And you, Amina, You?---
Amina
I supplicated, wept, remonstrated, but you
know, dear Rodolphe, I am powerless.
Rodolphe
(Vehemently)
By Heaven, you shall not go.Amina
Hush, be calm, dear Rodolphe.
(Dame Barbara appears on the balcony)
Rodolphe
I say you shall not! Were he twenty
times more potent I would oppose his
power to the last.
Barbara
Eh, what, varlet, hussey, only wait till
I get down!
(MUSIC she disappears
from balcony and enters from door--)
What, jade, ingrate! how dare you?
Is this your gratitude? Where is your
pride? Now, the most noble Countess
of Wolfenstein that is to be meeting
young men in secret and on the very
day of your bethrothal. Oh, if his high
mightiness the Count should find it out!Amina
But mother --
Barbara
Not a word-- how dare you? In with you,
into the house, I say!
(Forces her into the
cottage, closes the door, then turns to
Rodolphe)
So, beggar, you've come back
have you? How dare you show your
unlucky face here at such a time as
this! I had hoped you had fallen into
the hands of the conscript officers and
gone for a soldier, or better still, been
carried off by the demons of the Brocken.Rodolphe
And yet you see I've escaped both.
Hark ye, dame. I love Amina, she
loves me, you yourself promised that
she should be mine as soon as I could
command a hundred silver crowns.
Barbara
Pah, that was before I knew her value, but
now that I do know it and others know it
too, I've changed my mind. But where
are the hundred crowns?--Where's the for-
tune you were to get for your great pain-
ting? I warrant me you haven't got a
single groschen of it. Come, let me see the
hundred crowns.
Rodolphe
My picture is not yet sold.
Barbara
Ha, ha! Didn't I say so, not yet sold
eh? Here's a pretty fellow, that would
take a young girl from her comfortable
home, a good bed, sweet milk and
egg-pudding, to lodge her on pea-straw,
and feed her at best on black bread and
sour cheese. Oh, was there ever such villainy?
Rodolphe
Nay, but listen to me.
Barbara
Not a word; begone, do you think people of
quality have nothing to do but listen to
beggars complaints, and above all at such
a time as this? Begone, I say, this is
to be a festival day, the maidens of the
village will be here anon; the grand escort
will be here, headed by the Count's chamberlain,
Aye, and his Lordship the Count
himself will be here, to bear the Countess
that is to be and her right honorable
foster-mother that is to be to the Castle.
(Music)
Hark, here come the villagers
already: Out of the way I say.
(Pushes him rudely aside, goes up and
looks off RH--Rodolphe retires into
the arbor.)
(Enter lively from RH at back, female
villagers with garlands, followed by males,
two of whom bear a rustic chair, festooned
with flowers. They descend and come
forward, greeting the Dame. Females LH
males RH at back. The sun appears
above one of the spurs of the Mountains.)
Barbara
(Down RH)
Ah, you are early, friends.Carline
Yes, but not earlier than the sun, for see,
it is already peeping over the great toe
of the Brocken. But where's Amina?
Barbara
(Drawing herself up)
The Countess that is to
be is preparing to receive his lordship the
Count. But never mind her ladyship,
enjoy yourselves until she is ready. Here,
Casper, here I am, come with me and bring
some refreshments while I help to prepare
her ladyship (Goes into the cottage
followed by Casper and Jan. The two latter
re-enter with white cloth, wine, fruits,
etc. which they arrange on the table
beneath the tree)
Carline
Bless me, how grand Dame Barbara has
grown, to be sure. If she goes on at this
rate the wide halls of the grand old
Castle of Wolfenstein will be a world
too small to hold her. I hope this
piece of good fortune will not make
such a fool of dear 'Mina
Rosetta
I don't understand this, I thought 'Mina
was bethrothed to the handsome young
painter Rodolphe, what ever could
have become of him?
Carline
Oh, 'tis said he has gone for a soldier--
But come, while 'Mina is making
ready let us rehearse our Festival Dance.
(Music: Grand Garland Dance
by principals and full Ballet, during
which the Males gather around the table
and eat and drink. After dance, Barbara
re-enters extravagantly dressed, wearing a
monstrous cap ridiculously trimmed)
Barbara
There! Having completed her ladyships
toilet I have attended to my own, and,
if I know anything about dress, I flatter
myself that my appearance would do
honor to any occasion.
(Displays herself)
Carline
(Aside to Rosetta)
Mercy on us, was there
ever such a fright! Why she looks for
all the world like a great horned owl
dressed up in the cast-off finery of
a peacock. Ha, ha, ha, Did you ever?
Observe me tickle the old buzzard.
(Aloud and with affected admiration)
Why! Dame Barbara, is that you?Barbara
(Drawing herself up)
Of course it is, child.
Who else should it be?(Aside)
I knew
I should make them open their eyes.Carline
Why you've almost taken away my
breath. I declare, Dame, you're looking
gorgeous--so young and girlish too.
Indeed, if I were 'Mina--I beg pardon
I mean her ladyship, I wouldn't
care to have you in the way when
his lordship, the Count, arrives.
Barbara
And why not, pray?
Carline
Because I should consider you a
dangerous rival.
Barbara
Nonesense, girl, you don't think so?
Carline
Indeed, Dame Barbara, I was never more
serious in my life.
(Laughingly confers
with Rosetta and villagers)
Barbara
It's strange I never noticed it before, but
that girl Carline's a very sensible person.
(Music)
Ah, here comes the escort!
(All go up and look off RH. RODOLPHE glides
from the arbor into the cottage unobserved.)
ENTER from RH at back, and descending
Von Puffengruntz, bearing the wand of office,
He is preceeded by two servants of the
Count's household, as he comes down the
Male Villagers take off their caps and the
females curtsey
Von Puff
(LH, With pompous condescension)
Be
covered, good people, be covered; the air of
the valley is yet damp. We never insist
upon ceremony at the expense of health.
(Aside)
Ahem It is the true policy of
greatness to occasionally waive a point
of etiquette in dealing with inferiors.Barbara
What a courtly gentleman!
Von Puff
What an imposing female!
Barbara
(Curtseying)
Your Excellency is welcome.
Von Puff (Bowing)
I cannot be mistaken, I was just
about to inquire, but that stately presence
and graceful dignity tell me that I am
addressing Madam Barbara.Barbara
(Curtseying)
Oh, sir. (Aside)
How one's
manner will betray one, I always said I
belonged to a higher sphere.Von Puff
I come, Madam, by the Count's order to announce
that the cavalcade has arrived and is now
resting on the plateau, beyond the ravine.
His lordship will be here presently and in
person conduct your fair foster daughter
to her palfrey, that waits without, impatient
for the honor to be mounted by her.
Barbara
(Curtseying)
Oh, sir, his lordship is so considerate.
But may I inquire if I have
been thought of? And I also to be provided
with a becoming escort? Is there any palfrey
without impatient for the honor to be ridden
by me?Von Puff
That shall be my privilege
Barbara
(Astonished)
Eh!Von Puff
That is I have charged myself with the
especial honor of being your escort.
Barbara
(Curtseying very low)
Oh! Music
Von Puff
He comes! Room there for his lordship.
(Villagers range themselves to receive
the COUNT who enters RH at back,
crosses and comes down LH preceeded by
guards and followed by Wulfgar and
Bruno. When down Villagers shout
and wave their caps)
Wolfenstein
Salutation to the good dame Barbara.
Barbara
(Curtesying very low)
Oh, your lordship!Wolfenstein
And how fares your lovely charge?
Barbara
Well, may it please your lordship, quite
well, a little nervous from over-anxiety to
see your lordship, but that is quite natural
with us poor silly things. I suffered
dreadfully in that way when my poor
dear, dead and gone Christopher courted me.
Many and many a time---
Wolfenstein
(Impatiently interrupting her)
But the fair Amina,Barbara
Is quite ready and dying to see you--I will present her to
your lordship at once.
She is going into the cottage when
Rodolphe appears and comes forward, leading
Amina by the hand (CHORD)
Rodolphe
Allow me dame Barbara, to do the honors.
All the Villagers
Rodolphe!
(Picture of astonishment)
Rodolphe
My lord Count Wolfenstein, permit me,
Rodolphe Werner, a poor artist, to present
to you Amina, foster-daughter to dame
Barbara, a free maiden of the valley and
my affianced bride.
Wolfenstein
Who is this madman?
Barbara
N-n-n-n-n-n-nobody, your Lordship, that is
a poor, weak simpleton who imagines he
is betrothed to every girl in the village.
As your lordship truly says, a madman.
Von Puff
A madman! Mercy on us, we shall all
be murdered. Seize him, secure him, somebody,
everybody.
(MUSIC Wulfgar and
Bruno seize Rodolphe and after a struggle
overpower him. Amina screams, clings to
him for a moment then throws herself at
the Counts feet, he raises and passes her
to Barbara, then turns to guards)
Wolfenstein
Release him,
(They release him)
His misfortune
claims our pity. Let some of his fellows conduct
him hence and see that no harm come
to him. Rodolphe
(Defiantly)
My Lord Count---Wolfenstein
Begone, Sirrah!
Casper
Come, Rodolphe, come with me.
(aside)
Are
you indeed mad to brave the tiger in his
lair--(Leads him RH)
Come I say, this is
neither time nor place to right your wrong.
Be calm, I say, be calm.Rodolphe
(Shaking him by the hand)
You are right,
Casper, you are right. (Looks scornfully
at Wolfenstein)
Come, my friend, come.
(Exit RH 1st Ent. with Casper)
Wolfenstein
(Aside)
'Tis he, the lover. He braves me, too.
(Aloud)
Wulgar!
(Wulfgar advances)
(Apart to Wulfgar)
Track younder knave, take
Bruno with you. Seize him, but let no
eye see you, Place him in the secret vault
beneath the eastern wing. Once there--you
know the rest.
Wulfgar
(Nods meaningly)
I understand. (Gives sign
to Bruno and is going RH 1st Ent)
Wolfenstein
Stay, not now, it will be noted. When the procession
moves then steal away by the upper path
(Wulfgar nods, turns upstage and
confers with Bruno. Wolfenstein confers
with Von Puffengruntz at back.)
Barbara
(Leading Amina forward and aside to her)
Silence, on your life, not a word that you
have ever seen him before. If the Count were
to know---Mercy on me, I tremble to think
of it, there wouldn't be a head left on
any of our shoulders.(Birds heard singing till scene
closes)
Von Puff
(Waving his wand)
Let the procession move.(Music
Wolfenstein joins Amina, Villagers bring
foward the festooned chair from LHUE.
Wolfenstein assists Amina into the seat.
The chair is borne by four villagers. The
others form in procession. Wolfenstein
beside the chair, Von Puffengruntz pompously
leading Barbara by the hand.
Wulfgar + Bruno loiter behind and when
unobserved steal off R.H.U.E. The procession
after making the circuit of
the stage ascends the rocks LH and crosses
RH, the VILLAGERS singing the following
Chorus
Hark, hark, hark!
Hark, the birds with tuneful voices,
Vocal for our lady fair,
And the lips of op'ning flowers
Breathe their incense on the air,
Breathe their incense on the air.
See, see, see,
See the sun in orient splendor
Gilding every glittering spray ,
Busy weaving jewelled chaplets
For our lovely Queen of May,
For our lovely Queen of May.
Mark, mark, mark!
Mark the plumes of mighty Brocken
Waving in the fragrant air,
Proudly nodding salutation
To our charming lady fair,
To our charming lady fair.
Closed in when procession clears 1st grooves
Scene 2nd
A dark woody or rocky pass (in 1) Lights 1/2 down.
(Music Enter Wulfgar + Bruno RH)
Wulfgar
So, we've reached the pass a good five
minutes before him.
Bruno
But if he should cross the bridge?
Wulfgar
Aye, if, but he'll not. I watched him
from behind "The Devil's Hump" and saw
him part company with that lout at the
foot of the old cross. I tell you his path
lies this way.
(Crosses to LH)
Hark some
one comes. (Looks cautiously off)
Ha, I was
right, 'tis he, quick conceal yourself
and when I hood the hawk stand ready
to clip his claws.
(Music WULFGAR conceals himself LH
Bruno RH)
(Music Enter Rodoplhe LH)
Rodolphe
Deeper, let me plunge, deeper still into the
heart of the mountains: the light of the sun
falls like molten lead on my aching eyeballs.
My heart's on fire, my brain is in a
whirl, I strive to think, but thought becomes a chaos,
Am I awake or is this some horrible dream?
Water, water, my throat is flaming. Ha, yonder's
a rill trickling from the rock.
(Music. He is going R when Wulfgar
who has stolen from his concealment
throws a cloak over his head, while Bruno
at the same moment pinions his arms,
Rodolphe struggling violently
Wulfgar
Quick, quick, the cord, the cord: he has the
strength of a lion.
(Bruno draws a cord tightly over his
arms.)
So, away, away!
(Music. They
force Rodolphe off RH.)
Scene 3rd
(Study and laboratory of the Black Crook.
(in 2) Hertzog discovered LH, seated at
table poring over a large cabalistic book.
Greppo, pinched and starved asleep on stool
RC before a retort furnace in RH flat.
An antique lamp illuminates the characters
of the book upon the table, upon which
is a skull and hour-glass. Door on LH
flat. Transparent window in RH flat.
(Music at opening of scene.
Hertzog
(Rising in pain and with difficulty, he closes
the book and comes forward)
Vain, vain, some subtile spell is
hovering in the air that mocks my power
and makes the charms that once were potent
a jabbering idle sound. And shall I yield
to this Invisible? I, Hertzog, the Crook, whom
men call sorcerer. I, at whose name the
strong man trembles and the weak grows
faint. I whose life of long, laborious
years hath well nigh run its course, gleaning
dark knowledge in forbidden paths,
shall I now seek the light? My eyes
are old and dim and could not brave the
glare. No, no, I'll work new mines--new
mines, and plumb the depths of darker
mysteries still.
Greppo
(Snores loudly)
Hertzog
(Turning)
How now, knave?Greppo
(Starts from his sleep and uses the bellows
rapidly at the mouth of the furnace)
Hertzog
Come hither, varlet.
Greppo
Yes, master.
(Rises from stool, puts down
bellows and comes forward, yawning)
Hertzog
What, drone, sluggard, snoring again?
Greppo
N-n-n-no good master, no.
Hertzog
Out, lying knave; Did I not hear thee
snore?
Greppo
Snore? Aye, granted, but 'twas in thy service,
master, much fasting and long
watching caused this left rebellious eye
to wink, and so I snored to wake it up
again.
Hertzog
Bah! shuffling loon, thy drowsing comes of overfeeding.
Greppo
(Viewing himself)
Overfeeding? Look I if I were
overfed? A scanty chopin of weak sour beer
with one poor groschen's worth of musty beans
is all the banquet this shrunk belly knows
from week to week.
Hertzog
What, rogue, dost grumble?
Greppo
No, good master, no.
(Rumbling thunder)
Music. Tremolo piano
Hertzog
Ha, the night grows foul. 'Tis all the better,
Bring me my cloak and staff
(Thunder)
Greppo
(Bringing forward crutch stick and short,
black hooded cloak from nail on flat
They are here. (Places cloak on Hertzog's
shoulders
Hertzog
(Drawing the hood over his head)
So, now
thine own.
Greppo
My cloak: I have none, Master.
Hertzog
Thy cap.
Greppo
Mine?
Herzog
Thine.
(Thunder)
Greppo
Oh, Lord, what a night,
(Brings his cap
from peg beside the furnace)
Hertzog
Bring with thee yonder brazen casket.
Greppo
Th-the-the brazen casket?
Hertzog
Aye, echoing fool!
(Thunder)
Greppo
(Tremblingly goes to table and takes casket)
(Aside)
The devil's tool-chest (Aloud)
Whither
go we, dread master?Hertzog
To the Serpents' Glen.
(Loud thunder)
Greppo
(Starting)
Oh Lord, the Serpents Glen!
Beelzebub's favorite chapel, surely, good
master, you would not, and above all
on such a night as this?
(Thunder and lightning, the latter show-
ing itself in transparent window in
R.H. flat)
Hark how the tempest howls; Strong
pines are toppling down the mountain
sides. 'Twere certain death to go abroad
to night.
Hertzog
Silence, and follow.
(Goes toward door.
lightning and loud thunder)
Greppo
(Has made a movement to follow,
starts back trembling violently.)
Master, I cannot!
Hertzog
(Turning fiercely)
What, ingrate, do you
rebel?
Greppo
No, master, no, my spirit's willing, but
my legs are weak.
Hertzog
Wretch, did I not snatch thee drowning
from the whirling gulf, bind thy torn
limbs with rare medicaments and stanch
the current of thy ebbing life that fast
was running out?
Greppo
You did, good master, you did.
(Aside)
Out of the water into the fire.
Herzog
Begone!
(MUSIC forte. Throws upon the door in LH flat. LOUD
THUNDER & WIND. LIGHTNING. GREPPO starts back)
Fool, begone, I say.
(Seizes and hurls him toward the open door. HEAVY THUNDER
& LIGHTNING. GREPPO in doorway entreats. HERTZOG raises
his staff)
Away, away!
(THUNDER & LIGHTNING. HERTZOG & GREPPO exit )
Curtain
Act One - Scene Four
Scene: An apartment in the castle of Wolfenstein.
LOW THUNDER. Lights up.
Carline
(Enters RH)
Bless me, what a night to welcome her ladyship that is to be
to her new home. I declare the old castele trembles and
shakes like a great ship at sea.
(LOUD THUNDER)
Mercy on us, what a crash! But pshaw, why hsould I care how
the tempest rages without. Am I not safe within, and in rare
good luck too? Only to think that I should be chosen from
among all the girls in the village to become Amina's companion
and own particular waiting maid. Old Hagar, the gypsy fortune
teller whose palm I crossed with a new quarter florin
last week told me that good fortune awaited me, and sure enough,
here it is. Only to think of it, that I, Carline
Brenner , who for ten long years have been chained to a stupid
spinning wheel day an night should become confidential
companion to the future mistress of Wolfenstein. Was there
ever such good fortune? I declare, I am so happy I could
sing for a month.
(Introduced song and exit LH)
Curtain
Act One - Scene Five
Scene: A wild glen in the heart of the Brocken. Perilous
rocky pathway leading from above at back,
LH to R. Returning crosses over a rock 5 feet
high RH 3 exit, with set blasted tree back of it.
Large working Raven on limb and vampire doors
in trunk. Set rock-piece in center of stage,
opposite 2nd grooves, bearing a general resemblance
to a rude altar. Set trick plants with
serrated leaves R&L. The whole stage is much
broken up with rocky sets, leaving the center
back of the altar generally open--Lights down.
Music at opening. HERZOG appears above LH, followed
by GREPPO, making several efforts to turn
back is checked by HERZOG.
Greppo
(Coming forward LH when down)
Oh Lord, what a place.
(MUSIC. THE RAVEN croaks, flaps its wings and shows red
illuminated eyes. Greppo starts)
What's that?
(Turns)
'Twas the croaking of yonder mock-raven, did'st he ar, master?
'Tis an evil sign, let's begone.
Herzog
Silence, fool. Set down the casket.
(Goes up stage)
Greppo
I will.
(Sets the casket on ground LC)
Thank St. Michael, I'm rid of that pleasant companion. As I
have an empty belly and hope some day to have it filled, I
could swear before the Burgomaster that when we passed over
the bridge of Beelzebub's Nose I heard voices laughing inside
that very casket,-saw blue blazes come out of the keyhole
and smelt a strong smell of brimstone.
(MUSIC. RAVEN croaks as before)
(Looking around fearfully)
Oh Lord, Oh Lord, what a pleasant place for an uninterrupted
funeral. Ugh!Herzog
Knave.
Greppo
Master.
Herzog
Bring hither full.
Greppo
I obey.
(Aside)
Here's a chance, if I can only get out of this, may the Fiend
singe me if he catches me back. I'd rather be on the raging
flood than serve him an hour longer.
(Is about to ascend the rocks)
Herzog
Whither go now, varlet?
Greppo
For fuel, master. This around us is wet with the storm and
will not burn. As we came along I noted beneath the shelter
of a carg, hard by, many dry faggots. I will fetch them.
(Going)
Herzog
Come back.
(GREPPO groans & returns)
(Pointing RH2)
The dead branches of yon blasted larch will serve.
Greppo
But, master--
Herzog
Dolt, obey me.
Greppo
I'm gone.
(Groans and exits RH2)
(MUSIC. HERZOG goes slowly up
to set altar and smites it three times with his stick.
Blue flame issues from the top of the altar and continues
through the scene.)
(Re-enters with armload of faggots)
Here are the faggots, master.
Herzog
'Tis well. Feed yonder flame.
Greppo
A flame! How came we by a flame? I'll swear I brought no
tinder-box. More brimstone, I suppose. Oh Lord, oh Lord!
Herzog
Fool, do as I command.
Greppo
I fly.
(MUSIC. He goes slowly & timidly up to and behind altar
with faggots)
Now for some devil's cookery.
Herzog
So. Pluck me an inner leaf from yonder adder plant.
(Points to trick plant LH)
Greppo
I knew it. Vegetable broth.
(MUSIC. He approaches the plant LH and is about to
pluck it when it opens suddenly and discovers a
dwarf demon, around whose body in twined a huge green
serpent with flaming eyes, dostended jaws & forked
tounge. As the leaves open the head darts at Greppo
visciously. He starts back, uttering a cry of alarm-
the leaves closes)
Herzog
Ha!
(Stamps his foot angrily and points to the plant. Same business
as above with Greppo, demon serpent and plant.)
(Chafing)
So, so. Bring me the green flagon from yonder casket.
(MUSIC. GREPPO goes to casket LH and raises the lid
when fire flashes from the box. He starts back in an
agony of fear and crossing site upon the small set rock-piecs,
RH2, when flames shoot from the stone and springs
into the air, uttering a sharp cry of pain)
(Enraged)
Baffled at every turn! Begone, knave, thy presence mars my
work.
Greppo
Most willingly.
(Is about to ascend the rocks)
Herzog
Not there.
(GREPPO groans & returns)
Keep watch without from yonger crag that overhangs the gorge.
(Points RH1)
Should straggingly footsteps wend this way, give timely warning.
Greppo
(Aside)
Straggling footsteps! Straggling indeed to be abroad on such
a night, and least of all in such a place as this.
Herzog
Did'st hear me?
Greppo
I vanish
(Exit RH1) MUSIC. HERZOG describes a circle and figures
on the ground C with his stick, after which the end of
the stick ignites and burns with a faint blue flame.
He then describes figures in the air, during which latter
action he speaks)
Herzog
Skuldawelp, familiar, slave of my power, I invoke thee.
(MUSIC. A spectre in filmy draper with death's head,
luminous eyes, movable jaw and skeleton hands works on
from RHUE to C. Illuminated by light from calcium)
Skuldawelp
Your will.
Herzog
Break the malignant spells that thwart and mock me. Bind
fast my hidden enemies. Restore to me my lost power.
Skuldawelp
I cannot. An adverse spell has crossed me. My power is
spent. All that was mine is thine. Zamiel alone can serve
thee.
Herzog
(Thinking)
Zamiel
Skuldaewelp
Zamiel!--dismiss me.
Herzog
(Waving his staff)
Begone!
(MUSIC. SKULDAWELP glides off LH)
Zamiel! No, no. I dare not invoke his fearful aid.
(MUSIC tremolo piano)
I-I. Ha, what tremor's this? My blood grows very cold, my
limbs are failing, a film is gathering over my eyes.
(Falls C)
Can this be death? Death! No, no. I cannot, I will not
die. Save me, save, Zamiel, Zamiel!
(MUSIC forte. He drags himself toward the casket, seizes
it, rises with difficulty and totters to the altar, at
the foot of which he places the casket, opens it and
brings forth a packet containing four lesser packets
and begins the following incantation:)
By a bloody murder done
'Gainst a mother by her son!
(Casts red ingredient into the fire. Wild burst of
demoniacal Music. A huge green serpent with movable
jaw rises from flame behind the altar and strikes viciously
at Herzog. The Raven croaks, flaps its wings,
and shows its illuminated eyes. The leaves of the adder
plant open and disclose demons and serpents as before.
Skeleton forms appear above on rocks, pointing to Herzog.
MUSIC changes to tremolo piano. The adder plant
remains open during the remainder of the scene)
By the venomed tounge that 'stills
Poisoned slander till it kills.
(Casts green ingredient into the fire. WILD BLAST of
demoniacal MUSIC and same action as before. MUSIC changing
to tremolo piano)
By the thief with skulking tread,
Who breaks the grave and robs the dead.
(Casts blue ingredient into flame. WILD BLAST & SAME
BUSINESS AS BEFORE)
BY all the crimes men hate and fear,
Zamiel, master, now appear.
(Casts red ingredient into the fire)
Zamiel, appear, appear!
(WILD BLAST & SAME BUSINESS AS BEFORE, in addition to
which LOUD CRASHING THUNDER & VIVID LIGHTNING, the latter
showing in luminous forks in backing. Huge serpents
writhe to and fro across the stage. ZAMIEL, bearing a
sceptre around which is twined a green serpent, suddenly
appears from stump of blasted tree, with strong light
from calcium thrown upon him. He holds the picture a
moment before speaking. HERZOG kneeling down LH. MUSIC
stops)
Zamiel
Arise!
(HERZOG rises)
Why am I summoned?
Herzog
My life is waining. Give me to live, feed the still currents
of my sluggish veins, give me fresh charms and potencies.
Zamiel
Wherefore?
Herzog
Men hate and did they not fear--would despise me. I would
repay their hate with hate. I would live on, on, and in that
life rival thy dread power of evil.
Zamiel
What wilt thou give for such a boon?
Herzog
Whate'er thou wilt; give me but life and all I have is thine.
Zamiel
'tis not enough. What's thine is mine already.
Herzog
What else?
Zamiel
Listen. A soul younger, fresher, whiter than thine, must
on each recurring year be, by your arts, turned to my account.
Herzog
I hear, dread master, and will pay the price.
Zamiel
For every soul thus lost to good and gained to me a year's
new life is thine. A single soul, a single year, a hundred
souls, a hundred years. 'Tis with thyself to live forever.
Herzog
Forever?
Zamiel
Forever! But should the stroke of midnight fall a twelve-month
hence and no lost soul, by you betrayed within that
time, come wailing at my gates-- perdition closes on your dark
career. Is't a compact?
Herzog
It is.
(MUSIC. ZAMIEL waves his sceptre. THUNDER & LIGHTNING
A FIEND (red glare) rises through trap LH2, bearing a
large red book, pen and inkhorn.)
Zamiel
(Pointing to book)
Sign!(MUSIC. THUNDER & LIGHTNING. SHEETED SPECTRES rises
through trap at back and appear at L&R from behind rocks.
SKULDAWELPP reappears LH3, demons and skeletons appear
from R & L, all pointing at Herzog who takes the pen
and dips it in the horn. The pen ignites and flames
blue. He writes in the book, during which the raven croaks
flaps its wings, etc. Serpents writhe and demoniacal
laughter is heard outside and above. After he has signed
ZAMIEL waves his sceptre, gong sounds and Redglare
descends with book, etc., amid red fire. Music stops)
'Tis well. Listen, slave. Within a dungeon of the eastern
wing of gray and gloomy Wolfenstein there lies in chains a
youth called Rodolphe. His fortunes desperate, and desperate
souls, like drowning men, wil catch at straws. Begin with
him.
Herzog
Dread power, I hear thy mandate and thy will obey.
(Bows low before Zamiel)
MUSIC. THUNDER & LIGHTNING and all the action as before.
Red fire from behind altar and at the wings. REDGLARE
REAPPEARS RH2, pointing to Herzog. Winged serpents
appear above and firey dragon enters LH2, simultaneously
with which GREPPO very white with hair on
end rushes on RH1 as if to communicate something)
Greppo
Master, I--
(Is appalled at the sight before him, utters a loud cry,
falls upon his knees, clasping his hands and moving his
lips as if in prayer)
Quick Curtain
Act Two - Scene One
Scene: A subterranean vault beneath the castle of Wolfenstein.
Set floor RH2. Movable in upper part of
RH flat. Sliding stone panel in lower part of
LH flat. WULFGAR discovered chaining RODOLPHE
to wall of RH flat. MUSIC at rise of curtain.
Lights 1/2 down.
Wulfgar
There my fine fellow. I think you're both safe and comfortable.
No entreaties; neither light nor sound ever comes
here.
Rodolphe
Wretch.
Wulfgar
When you want exercise or change of air and you can manage
to get out of yonder little incumbrances-
(Pointing to chains)
- you can take it in the vault beneath. Yonder trap leads
to it. You may find it a little mouldy, and may stumble
over the skeleton of the last lodger, but that's nothing.
Any change is better than no change at all.
Rodolphe
Monster, begone.
Wulfgar
(Taking up lamp)
Oh certainly, anything to oblige. In the meantime, if your
exercise should give you an appetite and you should want
food, cry out for it. Cry loud and I won't come. Ha, ha ha.
Goodnight.
(Exits RH door. Lights down)
Rodolphe
Alone. So ends in darkness and in death all my bright dreams
of the future and must I perish thus--I who have but entered
the portal of life? No, no, it cannot be! I must, I will
burst these bonds.
(MUSIC. He makes an effort to break the chains)
'Tis vain, they defy even the strength of despair.
(Shuddering)
How awful is the chill of this noxious vault. Its very vapors
press upon my brow like the hand of death and freeze my very
marrow.
(MUSIC. HERTZOG enters with dark lantern through
sliding panel on LH flat)
(STARTING)
Who's there?
Hertzog
Thy friend.
Rodolphe
Who are you?
Hertzog
(Turning light upon himself)
Behold!
(CHORD)
Rodolphe
(Starting)
Hertzog, the Crook!
Hertzog
Aye, so men call me.
(Puts lantern off LH2)
Rodolphe
Ill-omened bird, what brings you here? Yet why should I ask?
You come the minister of death? 'tis well, 'tis merciful.
Begin your work.
Hertzog
Out, foolish boy. I serve no human master.
Rodolphe
Then why are you here?
Hertzog
I come to give thee liberty.
Rodolphe
Liberty!
Hertzog
Aye. Listen. I hate thine enemy. Thou lov'st a maid of whom
thou hast been robbed; would'st win her back? I have the
power to serve thee.
Rodolphe
Begone, tempter. I know your power and can gues sfrom whence it
comes. Men say you deal in dark and necromantic spells
that warp the senses and enthrall the soul.
Hertzog
Pah! Art thou, too, tainted with the vulgar fear that calls
philosophy-the natural working of great Nature's laws- a spell
of darkness? It is the light, weak boy, the light, which we
sage men, who waste our lives oe'r midnight lamps, glean from
dull vapors for the sluggards' use. Fools sneer the most
when least they understand and brand as foul what Nature stamps
as fair. Thy gains gall theee, let me loose them.
(He touches them with his staff; they fall to ground)
Rodolphe
(Coming forward)
What is your purpose?
Hertzog
Again I say to serve thee.
Rodolphe
How?
Hertzog
Listen, I will tell thee a seceret. She whom thou lovest is
of noble birth.
Rodolphe
Amina?
Hertzog
Aye, yet not Amina, but the only child and heiress of the
noble house of Wellenstein, stolen when but an infant by a
revengeful gypsy whom her father scourged and given to gabbling
Barbara.
Rodolphe
Amina noble?
Hertzog
Aye, and thou of humble birth, but gold can buy nobility--
nay more, can give thee power to cross thine enemy.
Rodolphe
Why talk to me of gold-to me, the poorest of the poor, whose
purse contains not half so much as one poor silver mark.
Hertzog
Thou'rt poor indeed, but thou art poor because thou wilt be
poor. 'Tis with thyself to shame the wealth of the mighty Croesus.
Rodolphe
How?
Hertzog
Hast thou not heard of glittering gold in massive piles fast
locked within these mountains?
Rodolphe
An idle tale, a senseless fable told by croning gossips.
A treasure often sought but never found and some do say 'tis
death to seek it.
Hertzog
I tell thee, boy, the story's true, this gold is palpable to
sight and touch, and mayt be garnered too, if thou art bold
enough.
Rodolphe
I'll hear no more! Thou'dst take advantage of my desperate
strait to work some juggle to entrap my soul. Begone I say,
begone!
Hertzog
And leave thee to thy doom?
Rodolphe
Aye.
Hertzog
And thy affianced bride--would'st thou so like a graven yield
her up onto thine enemy?
Rodolphe
Oh, agony!
Hertzog
'tis true she loves thee, but bethink thee, boy, she is but
woman and she may be won. Her noble birth is known to Wolfenstein
who means to wed her, and with her fortune to prop his
falling house. Already flattered by his serpent tounge, she
dries her tears and listens to his suit.
Rodolphe
'Tis false!
Hertzog
'Tis true!
Rodolphe
The proof?
Hertzog
Behold.
(MUSIC. He waves his staff; panel in upper part of RH
flat slides open, showing through gauze WOLFENSTEIN &
AMINA, the former clasping the hand and kneeling at the
feet of the latter whose face is averted. Picture strongly
lighted)
Rodolphe
(Starting forward)
By Heaven, he shall not!
Hertzog
(Interposing; waves his staff; panel closes)
Bravely said! Bravely said!
Rodolphe
(Turning quickly)
What dev'lish compact would you have me sign? Propose it
while my reason whirls and desperation aids your dam'd design.
If by the act I snatch her from his grasp, I'll pay the ransom
though it reach my soul.
(HERTZOG with face averted chuckles sardonically)
Come, philosopher or fiend, whate'er thou art; the price, I
say, the price.
Hertzog
Pah! I ask no compact. I would serve thee gratis. I but
demand that thou shalt serve thyself. Be rich and thou'lt be
powerful. In thy revenge upon thine enemy and mine, thou'lt
pay thy debt to me with interest.
Rodolphe
Where lies this wondrous treasure?
Hertzog
Listen. Amid the fastnesses of the Hartz beyond the outlet
of the Black Gorge lies a small lake whose waters few have
ever gazen upon, for vulgare fear and superstitious dread have
long since marked it for enchanted ground.
Rodolphe
I've heard the story.
Hertzog
Trace carefully its northern shore until a rock rising like
a wall bars further passage beneath a fringe of tangled vines
you'll find a boat concealed. Behold this talisman ring!
(Takes a large ring from his finger)
'Tis a magnet of wondrous power. When thou hast found the
boat step boldly in. This ring will guide thee safely to the
entrance of the goldern cavern within the compass of whose
glittering walls thy wondering eyes may feast on wealth far
greater than the coffers of the world can boast.
Rodolphe
Give me the ring.
Hertzog
'Tis thine.
(Gives ring)
Stay, thou'lt need a henchman.
(Stamps his foot)
Varlet, come forth.
(MUSIC. Panel on LH flat opens as before & GREPPO enters)
(Aside)
He too shall perish.
Greppo
Your will, Master?
Hertzog
To part with three.
Greppo
(Aside)
Oh, if this should be true.
(Aloud)
With me?
Hertzog
With thee, knave.
Greppo
Wherefore?
Hertzog
I weary with thine appetite.
Greppo
(Aside)
Here's a chance. Oh here is a chance if he but stick to it.
I must seem unwilling lest he repent.
(Aloud)
Dear master, I will reform, believe me, I will reform. Allowance
me to what would starve a mouse. Nay more, to pleasure
you, I will not eat at all. I'll live on air, but do not cast
me off.
Hertzog
I am resolved. Behold thy future master.
(To Rodolphe)
Thou'lt find him faithful but he breeds a famine. Take for
the present need this purse of gold.
(Offers purse; RODOLPHE by a gesture refuses it)>
Nay, when thou'rt rich thou canst repay it.
Rodolphe
(Taking purse)
Nay, more, if what you say be true, eternal gratitude---
Hertzog
Pah, you trifle time.
(Moves staff; panel opens)
Yonder lies your path; it is a glorious one. Begone.
Rodolphe
Farewell. Come, boy, come.
(MUSIC)
(Exits at panel. GREPPO, following turns to
entreat HERTZOG, who raises his staff threateningly.
GREPPO exits hurriedly at panel)
Hertzog
(Stands in opening and chuckling gazes after them)
The thought of vegeance stirs within his heart; the lust of
gold is rising in his soul, the path that leads to where 'tis
hoarded ends in death. He's mine, ha, ha! He's mine.
Curtain
Scene Two - Act Two
Scene: A lobby in the castle of Wolfenstein. Enter
BARBARA RH, followed by CARLINE.
Barbara
Don't talk to me, girl. Remember your station and consider
mine. Who Am I and what am I that I should be lodged in a
wing of the castle overlooking the dog kennels.
Carline
Your ladyship is quite right to revel and when I advised your
ladyship to calm yourself it was out of consideration for
your ladyship's eyes. Any little flurry does so spoil the
natural beauty of their expression.
Barbara
Carline, you're a good girl, you're a considerate girl and I
forgive you, but eyes or no eyes, I'll not be imposed upon.
Where's Mynheer Von Puffengruntz? Where's his lordship's
chamberlain?
Carline
(Looking LH)
Here he comes down the great stairway as full of flesh and
scant of breath as ever.
(Aside)
And as the waddling old porpoise appears to have a liquorice
tooth for this silly old buzzard I'll leave them to bill and
coo while I run off to comfort dear 'Mina who has passed the
whole night in tears for poor Rodolphe.
(VON PUFF enters LH. CARLINE curtseys and exits LH)
Von Puff
Eh, what! Madam Barbara, stirring so early! Why, bless my
soul, the mist of the mountain is yet hanging upon the turrets
of the castle.
Barbara
Then let it hang and be hanged to it. Stirring indeed! Haven't
I been stirring all night and wouldn't the seven sleepers have
been stirring all night too, if they had lodged where I did?
Von Puff
Surely nothing has had the audacity to disturb the quiet of
your chamber?
Barbara
Nothing? To begin with, do you call such a storm as that of
last night nothing? Why the thunder creashed over the castle
loud enough to wake the dead. That was bad enough, but only
to think that I, the right honorable foster mother that is
to be to her right honorable ladyship that is to be passing
the night in apartments overlooking a dog-kennel.
Von Puff
A dog-kennel?
Barbara
Aye, a kennel of great, savage hounds, fed late at night on
raw meat on purpose to give them the nightmare and make them
dream all night long of chasing wild boars in the forest.
Ugh! I shall never get their terrible yelping out of my head.
Von Puff
Believe me, my dear Madam Barbara, it is the first time the
brutes ever were known to have been unruly. I promise that
they shall be soundly punished and instantly removed. But
I too am criminal. The apartments were selected by me because
they command the best view of the mountains.
Barbara
But I don't want to look at the mountains. I got a glimpse
of it from one of the north windows last night during th e
storm and it looked for all the world like Beelzebub and his
imps were holding a jubileee there.
Von Puff
Enough, my dear Madam Barbara, enough. If the mountain is
unpleasant, it shall be removed. No, no! I mean you shall
be removed.
(Approaching her in a wheedling manner)
Will it please you to accompany me and choose for yourself?
Barbara
(Simperingly)
Really, Mynheer Von Puffengruntz, you have such mollifying
ways that--that--
Von Puff
(Taking her hand)
Oh-o-o.
Barbara
Would it be prudent? Dare I trust myself? We poor silly
things are so weak and you mean so naughty that--that--
(Leans her head upon his shoulder, looks up into his
face and sighs)
Von Puff
Confiding innocence, rely upon the honor of a Von Puffengruntz.
(Looks around, sighs, kisses her)
(BARBARA utters a faint scream and hiding her face
in her fan is led off LH by VON PUFF chuckling)
Curtain
Act Two - Scene Three
Scene: A wild pass in the Hartz mountains. MUSIC. Lights
down. Enter RH RODOLPHE & GREPPO, each bearing
an Alpine staff, GREPPO in improved condition.
Rodolphe
A strange weird place and one it seems not often tred by human
footsteps. I fear we've missed the way. What think you,
Master Greppo?
Greppo
Master Greppo! Master Greppo! He calls be Master Greppo!
Here's an honor and here's a master. Oh such a master, such
a liberal master as this stuffed belly, tight as any drum
with goodly provender and generous wine will testify.
(To Rodolphe)
What think I, princely master?
Rodolphe
Aye.
Greppo
Why since you honor me with consultation and give me leave to
think at all- a privilege grown rusty from great lack of use-
I say we're right and that the lake we seek is near at hand.
Rodolphe
Why think you so?
Greppo
Because just now I heard a bittern cry and twice ere that I
heard a marsh-frog croak, and as they're both accounted water-fowl,
'twere safe to say that we're near the water.
Rodolphe
Then ley us on.
(Crossing to LH)
Ere long the rising moon will pierce this veil of mist and
light us to our golden haven. Come.
(Exit LH)
Greppo
I follow
(Exit LH)
(Change very slowly--no whistle)
Curtian
Act Two - Scene Four
Scene: The grotto of golden stalactites. A grand an
comprehensive water cavern of gold, deeply perspective,
with stalactiform arched roof. Cut
wings, representing vistas, running parallel
and harmonizing with that of the main grotto,
the mouth of which (5 feet high by 5 feet wide)
discloses an open lake and distant shore at
back. Set transparent silver waters, in which
are seen sporting fishes and nondescript amphibea;
diminutive fairies asleep on the waters
of the grotto in golden shells. Set ground or
shore-piece, richly studded with gold and jewels.
Set masses of emerald and gold R, L, & C., upon
and at the foot of which are reclining gnomes
and amphibea. Fairies asleep in poses R & L.
The Moon, seen through the opening at the back and
over the distant shore of the lake, shows red
upon its face at the opening of the scene. MUSIC. Shortly
afterward, DRAGONFIN, who has been asleep
on a jewelled mass on the shore C, slowly awakens,
rises and stretches himself. Upon turning
he sees the red upon the face of the moon. MUSIC.
Dragonfin
(Uttering a cry of alarm)
Awake, awake!
(Music hurried. Gnomes and amphibea spring to their
feet; fairies and water nymphs enter hurriedly r & L;
diminutive fairies in shells and fairies poses
awaken)
Behold there's blood upon the face of the moon. Our queen's
in danger. To arms! To arms!
(MUSIC hurried. The sprites in the shells disappear
R & L. The gnomes , amphibea and fairies rush off R & L
and immediately re-enter armed. The first named with
knotted clubs and tridents, the fairies with javelins.
During the action the red disappears from the face of
the moon and it resumes its natural color.)
(Seeing the change)
Stay, 'tis past. Hark.
(STALACTA is heard singing beneath the waters. ALL
bend forward and listen)
(After song)
'Tis she, our queen.
(ALL kneel. MUSIC. STALACTA rises C from the water
and steps on shore, assisted by DRAGONFIN)
Stalacta
Arise, my loving subjects.
(ALL rise)
Dragonfin
Mistress, but now the light in yon great sapphire died out
and stains of blood flushed in the face of the pale moon.
You have scaped some deadly peril.
Stalacta
You are right. Listen all. Tonight while wandering in the
fastnesses of the Hartz without my protecting talisman, I
heedlessly trod within one of the charmed circles of our
enemy, the arch fiend Zamiel.
All
Ha!
Stalacta
On the instant I was transformed into a white dove with
shorn pinions. From beneath the rank leaves of an adder-plant
glided a huge serpent. Its eyes were burning coals,
its tongue a living flame. I was paralyzed with fear and
powerless to move. Nearer and nearer it came. I felt its
stifling breath displace the purer air. I saw its venomed
fangs glist'ning in the pale moonlight. Rising from out
its deadly coil itself, when suddenly a youth, a
mortal, strangely present in that wildwood spot, seeing the
danger of the trembling bird seized a dead bough, which
chance had fashioned like a holy cross, and smote the foul
thing dead. Then bore me safely from the charmed spot and
gave me life and liberty.
Dragonfin
Revenge, revenge on the minions of Zamiel.
(Goes quickly off RHUE)
All
Revenge, revenge!
Stalacta
Nay, let no thought other than of joy mingle with this happy
time. Remember, 'tis my natal hour, and I would have it, as
in the past, a festal one. Let the invisible harmonies of
this our realm breathe sweetest concord only. And you, bright
Crystalline, with your four sisters, chase with flying feet
the silver hours.
(Seats herself on bank C)
(MUSIC. The fairies form for
dance. After the first pose a loud prolonged warning note,
as if from a shell is heard outside at back.
all start in alarm and those hold tyhe attitude of listening.
The sound is repeated. Music hurried. The
pose is broken and the fairies, gnomes, and amphibea
the latter seizing their arms form an alarm on either
side. DRAGONFIN appears quickly through trap behind
1st set water and lands in front of ground piece. STALACTA
at the first sound springs to her feet)
Speak, what danger threatens?
Dragonfin
The sentinel shells, played upon by the watchful winds, give
alarm. Two daring mortals, armed with the enchanted magnet
of the Black Crook approach the secret entrance. Already
they have passed the white whirlpool in safety. They come
to despoil our realm of its glittering wealth.
Stalacta
Fear not the talisman they bear is powerless against the
spells that guard the portal.
All
Ho, ho, ho!
(Echoed without and above)
(MUSIC. Chorus by gnomes,
amphibea & fairies)
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice!
Sprites of the golden realm, rejoice.
Daring mortals mock our power,
Flushed with the drink that the heart makes bold,
Drunk with the thirst for the glittering gold,
They madly rush on the fatal hour.
Darks spells arise; smite their longing eyes
That they never may gaze on the glittering prize.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice!
Sprites of the golden realms rejoice!
Stalacta
My faithful subjects, your Queen commends the zeal with which
you would guard from mortal light our beautiful realm. But
ere these rash intruders perish I would gratify a strange desire.
Speed hence good Dragonfin. Catch me their shadows from
the bosom of the moon-lighted lake and cast them upon my faithful
mirror. I would look upon them ere they fade forever.
(MUSIC. DRAGONFIN prostrates himself before Stalacta,
springs into the water and disappears)
Begin the spell.
(MUSIC)
Chorus by fairies
Mortal shadows dimly cast
By the moonbeam's mystic ray
In the bosom of the lake
Hither, hither fly away,
Flitting through the silver sheen
Come at summons of our Queen.
Guardian spirits let them pass;
Cast their shadows on the glass.
(MUSIC. DRAGONFIN springs from the water, and after
prostrating himself before the Queen, rises and points
to the water. Fairies wave their wands. A small arched
headed frame of gold and coral stalactites rises center
at the distant entrance of the grotto, showing small
figures of Rodolphe & Greppo in boat, the former at
the prow gazing anxiously forward, the latter aft in
the attitude of paddling)
(STALACTA who had crossed down RH turns when the picture
is fully shown. CHORD.) (Starting)
Ha, 'tis he! He must not perish. Invisible spirits, avert
this peril.
Shades of mortals hovering near,
Join your masters; disappear.
(MUSIC. HURRY. The mirror & figures quickly sink)
Dragonfin, come hither. Fly with swiftest speed to the rock
beneath the waters of the guarded entramce. When the frail
bark which now approaches shall be rent assunder by the relentless
spells that guard our realm, be at your task to
snatch from death these daring mortals and bear them safely
hither.
ALL
(Starting forward inquiringly)
Mistress!
Stalacta
Nay, question me not, away, away.
Slaves of my power, obey, obey.
(MUSIC. HURRY. DRAGONFIN bows low, springs into
the water and disappears. MUSIC. A small boat with
two mechanical figures or small doubles of Rodolphe &
Greppo, as they appeared in the mirror, appears from
LH outside at the distance entrance of the cavern and
moves very slowly across. When it reaches the centre
of the opening it sinks at the sound of the gong and
flash of lightning at back. MUSIC. HURRY. All the
gnomes, amphibea, etc. utter exclaminations of delight
and indulge in extravagant antics, until checked by a
gesture from STALACTA. SOFT MUSIC. DRAGONFIN rises slowly
from water C, supporting on either side RODOLPHE
& GREPPO, the latter gasping violently for breath as
his head appears. They step on shore, RODOLPHE & GREPPO
lost in bewilderment. DRAGONFIN bows low before STALACTA.
The other amphibea & gnomes make a demonstration of
attack. STALACTA steps between)
Forbear! Who moves again 'till I alone command shall perish.
(They retire)
Rodolphe
(Rubbing his eyes)
Is this a phantasm--this glittering gold, yon flashing gems,
these strange fantastic shapes? Have I then passed the portal
of an unknown world or am I dreaming?
Stalacta
Welcome, brave mortal, to our bright domain. And you my subjects,
know and greet your Queen's preserver.
(MUSIC. Gnomes and amphibea cluster around Rodolphe
& Greppo, rolling at their feet and indulging in various
grateful antics, after which the fairies surround
them and evince their delight)
Rodolphe
(Still bewildered)
If this indeed be not a dream, tell me, bright being--you
whose simple motion seems to sway the moods and passions of
this elfin band, who art thou and where am I?
Stalacta
I am called Stalacta, queen of this dazzling realm. The glittering
wonders that assail thine eyes are not creations of
fantastic dreams but Nature's handiwork wrought with cunning
fingers in a bounteous mood.
Greppo
(Who has picked up a large mass of gold at back comes
forward)
'Tis true, master, 'tis true. Behold this shining nugget.
Stalacta
Who is thy droll companion?
Rodolphe
My simple henchman, a faithful guide and servitor.
Stalacta
I bid him welcome for his master's sake.
Greppo
Thanks, thanks, your resplendent majesty, thanks.
Rodolphe
You speak of service done; have we then met before?
Stalacta
Yes, once.
Rodolphe
Indeed! When?
Stalacta
This very night.
Rodolphe
Tonight?
Stalacta
Tonight, in the glen of fire, but not as now. Then a poor
weak, fluttering, charm-encompassed bird, you snatched me
from the jaws of death, broke the dark spell of transformation
and gave to me the priceless boon of liberty.
Rodolphe
I do remember--
Greppo
And so do I. Phew, how the sparks flew when master smashed
the head of the scaly monster. And such a smell of brimstone.
I do believe it was one of the Beelzebub's own imps in disguise.
Stalacta
Again thou art welcome. This is my natal hour. Wilt view the
sports of this our carnival?
Rodolphe
Most willingly.
Stalacta
And while the revels proceed thou shalt tell me thy story.
(MUSIC. Seats are brought forward by Amphibea RH1.
STALACTA & RODOLPHE sit. GREPPO disposes himself LH1,
amusing himself with DRAGONFIN, gnomes and amphibea,
who present him from time to time with nuggets of gold
and jewels which he thrusts into his pockets until they
become greatly distended, during which action the diminutive
sprites re-appear in shells on water floating
to and from fishing. The fairies form for dance. Grand
ballet action by principals and full corps de ballet,
during which the fishers in the shells are seen to catch
some small silver fish)
Greppo
(after the dance terminates)
Ha, ha, dancing; all very well in its way, but there's the
sport for me, fishing! Look, master, look; see the little
rougues hook the silly shiners. Oh, if there's one thing in
the world I love more than another its fishing--such fun to
feel the greedy rascals snap and see them wiggle. There's
another. Oh I can't stand it any longer; fishing's like
the measles, it's catching.
(Turning to amphibea & gnomes)
Would any of you handsome gentlemen oblige me with a spare
hook and line?
Dragonfin
(Nods assent and brings him rod and line)
Greppo
Well, upon my word, I'm very much obliged to your scaly
magnificence. I'll do as much for you someday. By the way,
is your amphibious majesty fond of fish?
(DRAGONFIN nods affirmatively)
What kind?
(DRAGONFIN indicates that he likes large ones)
Like large ones, eh? All right, I'll make you a present of
the first ten-pounder I catch.
(MUSIC. He fishes from the shore RC and catches two
small fishes, the last quite dimunitive. The amphibea
gnomes and fairies laugh boisterously as each fist is
drawn forth)
(GREPPO coming down crestfallen)
Pshaw, mere sprats and sardines. Not my kind at all. This
is too much like taking advantage of confiding innocence.
(To Dragonfin)
Couldn't your finny excellency oblige me with a more tempting
bait, something that would seduce some big, greedy, wiggly-waggly
fellow into taking a nibble?
(DRAGONFIN nods affirmatively. MUSIC. DRAGONFIN goes to
the margin of the water and draws out a large crab which
he places in the hand of Greppo. It seizes him by the
finger to the great delight of the amphibea, gnomes &
fairies. He struggles frantically to extricate himself
& is finally released by Dragonfin who baits the hook
with the crab and gives him the rod & line)
(GREPPO takes
DRAGONFIN apart confidentially)
I don't know about this. Excuse me for asking the question,
but, as an unprejudiced observer, don't you think this
style of bait more likely to bite the fish than the fish to
bite the bait?
(DRAGONFIN shakes his head and indicates a large fish
will take it)
All right, here goes then.
(MUSIC. He casts the line into the water. A moment
after it is violently seized and a frantic struggle
ensures, during which he is nearly drawn overboard
two or three times. Suddenly an amphibeous monster
spring from the water and pursues Greppo around,
off and on the stage to the great delight of the
amphibea, gnomes & fairies who indulge in boisterous
laughter. GREPPO in his terror throws himself at the
feet of STALACTA for protection. She rises and waves
her hand. The monster retires and is pacified by
DRAGONFIN)
(GREPPO comes forward)
Really, my fishy-fleshy friend, you must excuse me. I beg
ten thousand pardons. I hadn't the remotest idea in the world
that any of you bottle green gentlemen were lying around loose
in the bottom watching for a supper of raw crabs. Indeed I
hadn't.
(The monster growls and makes a start at him. MUSIC.
DRAGONFIN interposes and pacifies the monster by putting
him on the back, the taking his hand passes it into
that of Greppo.)
(GREPPO shakes monster's hand cordially)
All right, I accept your apology.
(Turning to Dragonfin)
Now you're what I call a true friend--a friend in need. You
stick by a fellow when he hasn't the courage to stick by himself.
This is the second time you've done me a service. Once
in saving me from too much water and now in saving me from
too much luck, and I'll let you see that I can be grateful.
You like fish?
(DRAGONFIN nods affirmatively)
(Passing the monster over to him)
Consider him yours.
(All the amphibea, gnomes & fairies laugh and go up)
Stalacta
(Rising & leading Rodolphe forward)
Thy story claims for thee my pity and my aid.
Rodolphe
And Hertzog, the Black Crook--
Stalacta
Is a vile sorcerer whose dark unhallowed spells were wrought
for thy destruction.
Rodolphe
How!
Stalacta
Beneath the entrance to this charmed spot lie intertwined
among the branches of the coraline whole hecatombs of human
bones, the whitened relics of adventurous mortals who like
thyself have sought this realm. Until tonight no human eye
has ever seen the dazzling splendor of this wondrous dome.
No human footsteps save thine own and his who follows thee
have ever pressed these sands of gold. Had not thy coming
been to me forshadowed and all my power been interposed to
snatch thee from the impending doom, thou too had'st joined
the hapless throng that mouldering lies beneath yon depths.
Rodolphe
Then is thy debt to me already paid.
Stalacta
Not so. I am still thy debtor and must ever be. Thou art
environed by danger and need the power of my protection. Return
into the outer world again; thy happiness is there. She
whom thou lov'st is worthy of thy love; therefore return.
Rodolphe
Amina, dear Amina!
Stalacta
In the secret cells of this cavern whose walls are solid gold
lie counteless hoards of richest treasure, gleaned for ages
by the tireless gnomes. In the crystal depths of these
waters sparkle gems richer by far than human eyes have ever
gazed upon. Of these thou shalt bear with thee the choicest.
Behold my gift.
(MUSIC. A jewelled stalactiform etagere with strong light
from calcium on it rises C in front of ground-piece
bearing upon its different shelves rich vases
filled with gold and various colored jewels which DRAGONFIN,
gnomes & amphibea remove, performing a series of
grotesque evolutions to marked Music. Etagere sinks--
after which MUSIC. STALACTA waves her hand; a golden
boat studded with jewels glides on from RH to RC)
This bark, protected by a potent spell shall bear thee safely
to yon neighboring shore. My faithful gnomes shall be the
treasure bearers. But ere we part, take thou this jewelled
circlet.
(Gives him a ring from her finger)
Should danger threaten as perchance it will, for baffled
malice has a thousand stings--press but thy lips upon the gem
and thou wilt find me by thy side.
(MUSIC. RODOLPHE kneels and kisses her hand)
(Raising him)
Farewell.
(MUSIC. RODOLPHE steps into the boat. GREPPO, bearing
a large mass of gold affectionately embraces Dragonfin,
shakes hands with the gnomes and amphibea, kisses the
fairies, bows low to Stalacta and gets into the boat.
A dolphin, glittering in green & gold, rises from behind
2nd or 3rd set waters with principal danseuse
bearing vase of treasure. Other dolphins float on
R & L with diminutive sprites bearing treasure. Copious
shower of gold, the other sprites on the water catching
the flakes in silver shells. Roses by gnomes, amphibea
& fairies. The whole scene brilliantly lighted.)
Slow Curtain
Act Three-Scene One
Scene: Six Months later. Illuminated gardens of
Wolfenstein by moonlight with terrace and illuminated
castle at back. This scene, standing
as it does, the entire act, should be
elaborate and beautiful. MUSIC AT RISE. Masqueraders
in ball costume discovered promending.
Grand Ballet divertissement, after which
the masquers gradually disappear at different
entrances. Enter from the terrace BARBARA,
masked, flauntingly dressed and carrying a
huge fan, followed by CARLINE.
Barbara
(Unmasking and coming forward)
Phew, what a relief. Thank the saints his Countship's birthday
comes but once a year. Another such festival would be
the death of me. Ah! I'm stewed, fried, boiled and roasted.
(Fans herself vigorously)
Carline
(Aside)
And still as tough as Dame Gretchen's gander that was twenty-one
last Easter.
(Aloud)
Why, Madame Barbara, I thought you enjoyed it.
Barbara
So I do, child, so I do, particularly the masquerading. One
has so many pleasant things whispered in one's ear, but I
can't say much for the waltzing. It's such a terrible
thing to take the starch out of one's linen.
Carline
La, Madame Barbara, what's a little starch? Nothing. If I
waltzed as gracefully as you--
(BARBARA makes a gesture of satisfaction)
--and has such an inviting waist--
(BARBARA pinches her waist)
--I'd keep at it until I was as limp as a boiled cabbage leaf.
Barbara
Then you--you think me graceful, eh?
Carline
(Aside)
As a hippopotamus.
(Aloud)
As a sylph. You were the envy of all the ladies and the admiration
of all the other sex. Did you notice the courtly
gentleman in the blue mask?
Barbara
He who danced so often with the lady Amina?
Carline
Yes, madame.
Barbara
And what of him?
Carline
Nothing, only he was frantic to get an introduction to you.
Barbara
No was he?
Carline
Yes indeed, Madame. And when his lordship the count engaged
the lady Amina for a moment, he turned to me, and slipping
a golden crown into my palm with one hand, pressing his heart
with the other, asked with a sweet sighing silvery voice,
trembling with emotion, "Who is that lovely being?"
Barbara
No! Did he?
Carline
Yes indeed, Madame.
(Aside)
The saints forgive me for lying.
(Aloud)
And Mynheer Von Puffengruntz, who overheard him, turned pea-green
with jealousy.
Barbara
(Fanning herself & pressing her hand upon her heart)
Be still, little trembler, be still. I declare, my silly
heart is fluttering like a poor little starling in a gold
cage.
Carline
(Aside)
More like a big buzzard in a steel trap.
Barbara
Carline, take my fan, child.
(Gives it)
The exertion will make my complexion too ruddy.
Carline
So it will, Madame, and ruddy complexions are not genteel.
Allow me.
(Fans her vigorously)
Barbara
Not so violent, girl. You'll disarrange my hair. Gently,
very gently, a sort of sportive zephyr.
Carline
I understand, Madame. You want a mild sort of tickling sensation--
something like one feels on one's neck when a gentleman
whispers in one's ear.
Barbara
(Languidly)
Ye-es.
(Sighs)
And he called me a-a-what did he call me?
Carline
A swan-like creature.
(Aside)
A goose.
Barbara
Oh.
(Sighs)
Who can he be, I wonder.
Carline
Nobody appears to know exactly, I heard his lordship the
Count whisper to the Baron von Puffengruntz that he suspected
the mysterious blue mask to be no other than the young prince
Leopold. Once, while dancing, his domino came open at the
breast and I saw a collar of jewels fit for an Emperor. However,
as everybody is to unmask at the grand banuqet, we will
then know all about him.
Barbara
Eh, what, the Prince Leopold?
Carline
So his lordship the Count thinks.
Barbara
Why he's already affianced as everybody knows, to the young
Princess Frederica.
Carline
Dear me, so he is. How unfortunate!
Barbara
Poor young man, how I pity him. What a terrible thing it is
to be of royal blood and not have the liberty to choose for
one's self. Heigho! I know it is a sad, cruel, wicked thing
to blight a young and budding affection, but as the right
honorable foster-mother that is to be of her right honorable
ladyship that is to be, I musn't encourage his highness in
a hopeless passion.
(Displays herself)
Von Puff
(Entering from terrace LH)
(At back, admiringly)
There she is! What a grace. What a dignity. What a walk.
(Coming foward LH)
Ah-a-a!Barbara
(Sighing)
There's another victim to love's cruel dart. My fan, child.
Carline
(Giving it)
Be careful, use it gently Madame; remember your complexion.
(Aside)
What a lovely couple--powder and puff.
Von Puff
(Aside)
What a golden opportunity.
(Aloud)
Young woman, as I left the grand hall I heard your mistress
asking for you.
Carline
(Aside)
Of course, I understand, cunning old walrus. May I reture,
Madame?
Barbara
Yes, certainly child, that is if her ladyship requires you.
(Coquettes with her dress, etc.)
Carline
(Aside)
I thought so, willing old pelican. She's beginning to preen
her feathers already. Never mind, I shall have another flirtation
with the prince's equerry, the drollest and most agreeable
fellow in the world, and such a rogue.
(Exit terrace LH)
(VON P FF LH gazes admiringly at Barbara and sighs)
Barbara
(RH casting sidelong glances at him)
Heigho! There he is. My charms tonight have completed the
conquest. He's fast bound in the bonds of rosy cupid. I see
a proposal in one eye and a marriage settlement in the other,
But I mustn't draw him in too suddenly. These men are like
trout, they must be played with a little.Von Puff
Full moon of the festival, why have you so cruelly robbed
the grand hall of your light, and left us to grope about in
the dull glimmer of the sickly stars.
Barbara
Don't talk to me about moonship and sickly stars, you heartless,
gay deceiver.
Von Puff
Deceiver!
Barbara
Deceiver. Didn't I see you gallivanting with the fraulein
Von Skragneck, the new Burgonmaster's daughter?
Von Puff
Politeness, my dear Madame Barbara, merely politeness, on my
honor. The fact is I-I had the misfortune to tread on the
lady's favorite bunion, and what you mistook for tenderness
was only an apology-an apology, believe me, my dear Madame
Barbara, only an apology.
Barbara
Oh, you men, you deceiving men, you are always ready with an
excuse.
Von Puff
On the honor of a Von Puffengruntz, I swear I speak the truth.
The fraulein Von Skragneck indeed! Haven't I got eyes? Ah,
cruel fair one, compared with her and all others, you are
the stately sunflower in a meadow of dandelions. As-as-as the
queen hollyhock in a garden of chickweed.
(MUSIC. Tremelo piano. DRAGONFIN ascends quickly
through trap behind low set plant RH2. He steps forward
& listens)
Barbara
It's coming at last, I know it's coming.
(Pressing her heart)
What a strange flutter. I hope I'm not going to faint. Dear
me, what weak silly creatures we are. I must nerve myself
for the trying occasion. How fortunate it is that I happen
to have my smelling salts about me.
(Draws flask from his pocket, turns back to Von Puff
and drinks)
Von Puff
She's moved. She's overcome with emotion, she turns to hide
her blushes. She yields, and now, like a conqueror, I'll
gather in the fruits of victory.
(He kneels with difficulty at the feet of Barbara, his
face half-averted, and is about to take her hand when
DRAGONFIN glides quietly back of and between them, extends
his left hand to Von Puff and takes Barbara's
in the other. Both sigh)
(Squeezing the hand of DRAGONFIN who shakes with suppressed
laughter)
Poor, frightened thing, how she trembles.
Barbara
Dear me, how strangely the tender passion affects him. He's
shaking like an aspen and his hand is as cold as ice.
Von Puff
Bewitching siren, listen to the voice of love.
Barbara
Oh, Mynheer Von Puffengruntz, how can you--
Von Puff
Don't call me Von Puffengruntz, call be Maximillian, call me
your Maximillian.
(Squeezes Dragonfin's hand; DRAGONFIN squeezes Barbara's)
Barbara
Oh, don't, you naughty man, you--you hurt my hand.
Von Puff
No, did I? Queen of love and beauty, then let me heal the
bruise.
(Kisses the hand of Dragonfin rapturously who, at the
same time, kisses Barbara's)
And now that I've healed it let me call it mine.
(Looks for the first time attentively at the hand,
continues inspection up the arm until he encounters
the grinning face of Dragonfin, when in speechless
terror he drops the hand, makes various floundering
attempts to regain his feet and exits hurriedly LH1)
Barbara
(Aside)
Shall I keep him a little longer with Cupid's dart sticking
in his bosom, or shall I end his misery.
(Aloud)
Ahem, you'll-you'll never be a haughty boy again?
(DRAGONFIN squeezes her hand)
And you'll promise never to tread on the froulein von Skragneck's bunion?
(DRAGONFIN SQUEEZES her hand)
(Aside)
Poor fellow, joy has made him speechless; he can only answer
with a squeeze of the hand.
(Aloud)
Well then, Maximillian, I'm yours.
(Falls into Dragonfins's arms, looks up into his face.
MUSIC. She uttrers a piercing scream and rushes off RH1)
(DRAGONFIN imitates & indulges in extravagant antics
until Music changes, when he starts, inclines his ear
to the ground & listens--rises, moves cautioously to RH1
starts, pointings off RH, shakes his clenched hand threateningly
& quickly disappears through trap RH)
Hertzog
(Entering RH1 hurriedly & disturbed)
Foiled, tricked, crossed in the hour of my victory. A life
desperately played for and fairly won snatched from the jaws
of death. He lives, my chosen victim lives, and flushed with
triumph and vast hoards of gold, stalks boldly forth to mock
mock. Oh curse the interposing power the stepped between us.
A withering palsy light upon her arm and blight and pestilence infect
the air she breathes! Oh impotent, on, driveling
fool. To work, to work. A soul once tampered with must
be pursued, not cast aside to tempt another. So runs the bond
to which I've sealed. 'Tis well, 'tis well. I'll track him
as the sleuth hound tracks the stag. He must be, shall be
mine.
(MUSIC. Exit hurriedly RH1. MUSIC. Re-enter masquers
RH back; they cross & disappear)
(Enter LH from terrace CARLINE, laughing immoderately,
followed by GREPPO, who is dressed in a smart but
outre livery)
Carline
No, no, Master Equerry, that won't do. You are very clever,
very droll and you tell very funny stories, but that last
joke is a trifle too much.
Greppo
But my dear Susetta--
Carline
But my dear Susetta--
Carline
(Laughing)
There, there. I knew you were not in earnest. My name's
not Susetta.
Greppo
Of course it isn't. It's- it's- what is it?
Carline
No it isn't "What-is-it"- -it's Carline.
Greppo
Of course it is, but you see I always mean Carline when I
say Suesetta. Therefore Susetta--that is my dear Carline, when
I tell you I love you--
Carline
(laughing)
I don't believe a word you say. Why you arrived here scarely
three hours ago, and you've already been making love to half
the girls in the castle.
Greppo
It's a mistake, my dear Susetta--I mean Carline, altogether
a mistake. I had my eye on you from the first, and any little
outside pleasantry you may have happened to notice was only
to get my hand in.
Carline
And this is only to keep it in, I suppose. No, no. I'm not
as simple as I look, and I tell you, clever master Equerry,
it won't do.
Greppo
But my dear Carline, allow me to tell you that I'm not an
equerry.
Carline
NO?
Greppo
(Drawing himself up)
I'm consulting secretary, confidential adviser, portable
treasury, and principal disbursing officer to his highness
the Prince.
(Aside)
Everybody takes matter for a Prince and it's no part of my
business to undeceive them. Besides if he isn't a Prince
he deserves to be and I ought to be his Prime Minister.
Carline
Dear me! Consulting Secretary?
Greppo
Consulting Secretary!
Carline
Confidential Adviser?
Greppo
Confidential Adviser!
Carline
Portable Treasury!
Greppo
Portable Treasury. Behold!
(Showing two glittering purses)
Here are two purses, my master's and my own. From this--
(Showing one nearly empty)
by the Prince's order came the gold I scattered among the
servants in the courtyard. With this
(Showing full one)
I intend to endow the maiden of my choice.
Carline
And you really mean--
Greppo
That you are she.
Carline
No.
Greppo
Yes.
Carline
I'm afraid to trust you.
Greppo
Allow me to make a deposit.
(Gives purse)
Carline
(Opening & admiring purse)
Oh, dear, you've taken my breath away.
Greppo
No, have I? Permit me to return it to you.
(Kisses her)
Now listen, my dear little Carline, I have a secret and as
there should be no secrets between man and wife--that is,
man and wife that are to be, I'm going to share it with you.
Carline
A secret, dear Greppo?
Greppo
Dear Greppo! Oh, say that again.
Carline
(With increased tenderness)
Well then, dear Greppo.
Greppo
Oh, thank you. You needn't repeat it again at present. That's
as much as I can stand 'till I get used to it.
Carline
Well, then, the secret.
Greppo
Yes. In the first place, do you love your mistress, Carline?
Carline
Love her? I'd die for her.
Greppo
No, no, no, no. I don't want you to go quite that far. I'm
not ambitious to be a widower before I've had my honeymoon.
Carline
Well, then, I love her dearly.
Greppo
That's better. And she loves my mas-- that is, young Rodolphe
the painter?
Carline
Better than her own life, poor lady.
Greppo
And would marry him but for this ruffianly Count Wolfenstein?
Carline
Yes--but the secret.
Greppo
(With caution)
Well, then, you must know--
(MUSIC)
Hark, somebody's coming.
(Enter from terrace LH RODOLPHE & AMINA. He is brilliantly
dressed, wearing a collar and other ornaments
of glittering jewels-blue mask & domino. AMINA also
wears mask & domino.)
Amina
Some one is here.
Rodolphe
Fear not; they are our own people.
(Comes forward with Amina)
Leave us, good Greppo, and take your companion with you.
Greppo
Yes, good master. Come along, Carline.
Carline
Surely I've heard that voice before?
Greppo
(Taking her arm)
Hush. That's the secret I was going to share with you, and
if you'll take a stroll with me in the ramble that leads to
the lover's paradise I'll tell you all about it.
Carline
Yes, dear Greppo.
Greppo
Oh, don't!
(MUSIC. They go off LH1)(RODOLPHE & AMINA unmask)
Amina
Oh, dear Rodolphe, is this a dream?
Rodolphe
What's past seems so, but day has dawned on our long clouded
night and thgis the awakeing.
Amina
Your story is indeed most wondrous. But on, dear Rodolphe,
I tremble for your life If you should be discovered the
vengeance of the ruthless Wolfenstein, backed by his horde
of fierce retainers would be terrible.
Rodolphe
Fear not, I will defend my right with my life. The same kind
power that interposed between me and destruction protect us
still. You shall be saved. All is ready for our flight.
On the border of the forest, beyond the boundary of the gardens,
swift horses are concealed. After midnight the moon
veiling her face behind the bracken, will cast a deep shadow
over the valley. When it is quiet I will be beneath your
window. The rest is easy. Carline and my faithful Greppo
will accompany us.
Amina
(Throwing her arms around him)
Oh, my Rodolphe, my more than life, coming this suddenly
from the darkness of my despair into the sunlight of this
new-born hope has dazzled me. My eyelids close. I cannot
look this great joy in the face. I fear to call it mine.
Rodolphe
Fear?
Amina
Fear with that fear that springs from woman's love.
Rodolphe
(Kissing her)
Be calm, sweet love, be brave, and all will yet be well.
(MUSIC. piano. LAUGHTER heard outside at back)
Hark, the masquers come this way. Let's mingle with the
throng.
(They mask & cross to LH1)
(MUSIC louder. Masquers enter LHR laughing & chatting
-remaining RH at back. While so engaged and after all
are on, MUSIC changes to hurry.) HERTZOG with drawn
sword enters hurriedly at terrace LH, followed by guards,
WOLFENSTEIN with drawn sword, WULFGAR, BRUNO & VON PUFF
with BARBARA, the two latter remaining on terrace.
HERTZOG down RH1 glaring on Rodolphe)
Wolfenstein
(C at foot of terrace steps)
Let no one stir; guard every avenue that leads from hence.
(To guests)
Bear with me, friends, there's treason in our midst.
All
Treason?
Wolfenstein
'Tis said a serf, a wretch, usurping the semblance of a noble
prince and bent on outrage has dared to mingle with this
goodly throng. If that be false to all I'll make amends for
this rude breaking in upon the general joy. If it be true
'tis fit we know it. Therefore I do command that all shall
here unmask.
Amina
Lost, lost.
All
Aye, let all unmask.
(All unmask. RODOLPHE in doing so, throws off his domino,
draws his sword, and places himself before Amina.
CHORD)
Wolfenstein
'Tis true; yield, audacious miscreant!
Rodolphe
Never, while life remains!
Wolfenstein
Upon him, guards, hew him to pieces!
(MUSIC. Ladies scream. AMINA faints and falls into
the arms of GREPPO who enters LH1. WOLFENSTEIN & GUARDS
are rushing upon Rodolphe.)
Greppo
The ring, master, the ring.
(Rodolphe kisses the ring. Foot, border and wing lights
flashed quickly up. STALACTA springs from LH1 in glittering
mail, with helmet, sword & shield, followed by
Dragonfin, armed with a trident. Fairies & nymphs as
Amazons with breast plates, helmets, shields and javelins.
LH1. Gnomes & amphibea with knotted clubs and tridents
form LH 2 & 3 and on terrace R & L. WOLFENSTEIN,
Guards and gentlemen shrink back appalled. HERTZOG
stands the embodiment of baffled rage. VON PUFF on
terrace faints and falls into the arms of BARBARA, who
fans him)
Quick curtain
Note--from the cue "Hew him to pieces.", the whole action
is hurried and simultaneous. Foot and stage lights flashed
quickly up when Rodolphe kisses the ring. When curtain drops
1st time, hold the picture to answer encore.
Act Four - Scene One
Scene: Six months later. An apartment in the castle
of Wolfenstein. MUSIC. Enter BARBARA RH.
Barbara
Alas that things ever fall so ill. 'Tis now siz months
since that never-to-be-forgotten night, and still no news
of the lost mistress of Wolfenstein. Nor yet of his lordship
who has sworn an oath never to return to the castle until
he has brought her back and revenged himself on the horrible
monster who has stolen her. And that graceless baggage Carline,
too, to go off at the same time, leavimng all the woes
of the household to fall on my poor shoulders. And then to
make matters worse, spells and witchcraft turn all things
upside down. The cows milk vinegar, the wells are dry, the
hens lay addled eggs---
Von Puff
(Entering RH with very red nose & tipay)
And all the wine's turned sour.
Barbara
(Looking ruefully at him)
There's another comfort. To think that I, the right honorable
foster-mother that was to have been to her right honorable
ladyship that was to have been, for whom many a young and
tender heart has sighed in vain, should ever have thrown herself
away upon a wine-butt.
Von Puff
Hic! A wine-butt, Madam Von Puffengruntz?
Barbara
Aye, a wine-butt, a beer barrel, a brute that hasn't drawn a
sober breath since the day after we were married, now more
than three months ago.
Von Puff
Hic! A beer-barrel?
Barbara
(Savagely)
I said a beer-barrel.
Von Puff
Hic! Certainly, of course, just whichever you please, my
dear, wine-butt or beer-barrel, it's all the same to me.
You know you will cackle.
Barbara
Cackle!
Von Puff
Hic! Cackle, my dear. You know I never have a moment's peace.
You're not even quiet when you're asleep. You snore, Madam
Von Puffengrunz, you snore, loud enough to split the drum
of my ear and rip up the seam up my nightcap.
Barbara
Snore, you wretch, I snore?
Von Puff
Hic! Yes, my dear, and have the nightmare. Hic! I don't
like a wife that snores and I hate a wife that has the nightmare.
In future I'm going to have separate apartments. Hereafter
I intend to sleep alone.
Barbara
Alone.
Von Puff
Hic! I said alone.
Barbara
Am I awake? Who and what do you take me for?
Von Puff
Hic! I took you for a gentle spice-a sort of seasoning
to the dull life I led here in the castle, but damn it, Madam,
you've turned out to be all the condiments in one, a bottom
layer of mustard, a top dressing of cayenne pepper and a subeterranean
lake of vinegar in the middle.
Barbara
(Enraged, approaching; he retreats around LH)
Cackle! Snore! Nightmare, separate apartments! Cayenne
pepper? You wretch! You sot, you villain. I'll Pepper you!
(Pulls his wig off)
There, take that and that and that.
(Beats him over the head with it 'till both off LH)
Curtain
Act Four - Scene Two
Scene: The retreat of Rodolphe in the forest of Bohemia.
MUSIC. Distant sound of hunter's horn.& echo.
RODOLPHE & AMINA enter LHUE, followed by GREPPO.
The former two are in hunting costume.
Rodolphe
(Throwing his spear and horn to Greppo)
I weary with the chase. Call together our people and bid
them lead our horses to where the forest path crosses the
brook- there we will join them.
Greppo
'Tis wisely resolved, good master. The sun declines, night
comes on apace and we are yet some three good miles from home.
Besides I'm hollow as a drum. Moreover, in early autumn venison
keeps not overlong and the fat haunch of yonder noble
buck cries out for speedy roasting. Pray do not tarry long.
(Exit LH2)
Rodolphe
Well, dear love, tomorrow ends the year of our probation.
Tomorrow, at the holy altar's foot, I call you mine.
Amina
Tomorrow! How brief the time and yet how long 'till then.
Oh, Rodolphe, will it come to us? There seems to be a lurking
danger in the air--a cloud between us and the coming light.
Rodolphe
Fear not. Here in the deep seculsion of our forest home we
are safe from all pursuit.
(Distant horn and echo at back LH)
Hark, 'tis Greppo calling in the huntsmen. Let's on to meet
him.
(MUSIC. They are crossing to RH when they are suddenly
confronted by HERTZOG, WOLFENSTEIN & WULFGAR, who enter
quickly RH2) (CHORD)
Wolfenstein
Ha, ha, ha! At last we meet!
Rodolphe
(Starting back and drawing his sword)
Fly, Amina, seek safety with our people. My arm shall bar
pursuit.
Amina
No, Rodolphe, we will die together.
Wolfenstein
Alive, take him alive! Yield!
Rodolphe
(Standing on his defense)
He who takes my sword must win it.
Hertzog
Put up thy blade; she whom thou would'st invoke is powerless
to aid.
Rodolphe
False wretch, but that another life hangs on the slender thread
of mine--though coward numbers swarmed on every side--I'd
try this issue with my single sword. But know thou still
art juggled with. The poower I once invoked is potent still.
(MUSIC. He kisses the ring. STALACTA springs from
thicket LH flat in glittering full armor, DRAGONFIN
on from LH2)
Behold, we meet on equal ground!
Wolfenstein
Though environed by a thousand fiends my hate would find a
way to reach you.
(MUSIC. Grand triple sword combat: RODOLPHE & WOLFENSTEIN:
DRAGONFIN & WULFGAR: STALACTA & HERTZOG.
WOLFENSTEIN & WULFGAR are slain. HERTZOG wounded and
dismayed flees RH2. AMINA, who during the combat has
knelt in prayer, throws herself into the arms of Rodolphe.
Both kneel at the feet of Stalacta. DRAGONFIN
indulges in grotesque exultation over the bodies of
Wolfenstein & Wulfgar)
Curtain
Scene 3rd
The Forest.
Enter RODOLPHE RH
supporting Amina.
Rodolphe
Look up, Amina, all danger's past. Courage, ere long, we'll
meet our people.
Amina
And you are safe?
Rodolphe
Safe! Come, poor trembling dove. Courage, courage.
(Exeunt)
(MUSIC) (Enter Hertzog, infuriate, RH)
Hertzog
Let one vast curse fill all the air! Am I then juggled with!
Malignant powers, obey your master's call. Viewless spirits
of evil, work now your direst spells! As toppling mountains
crush the mighty pines, crush thou the power that thwarts
and mocks me. Zamiel, mighty master, I invoke thy aid.
(MUSIC. THUNDER. Two fiends enter quickly R & L, bearing
lighted flambeaux)
Fiends
Your will?
Hertzog
Summon your infernal legions--pursue yon flying pair.
Fire the forest, girdle them with a belt of flame; close every
avenue of escape. Away, away!
(MUSIC. THUNDER. Fiends rush off LH, followed by
HERTZOG)
Curtain
Act Four - Scene Four
Scene: Burning forest. A grand & comprehensive conflagation
scene. Lights down. MUSIC at rise. Loud crackling
noise and red fire on both sides. RODOLPHE &
AMINA enter LH2 as they attempt to escape they are
driven back from R & L by fiends with flaming torches.
Amina
(In agony)
I burn! I suffocate!
Rodolphe
Courage, courage. The ring, the ring!
(He kisses the ring; Gong sounds; a rock opens in LH
flat disclosing a grotto of silver stalactites. They
quickly enter. HERTZOG & the fiends spring forward,
when STALACTA steps forward from the opening, holding
aloft a glittering cross. HERTZOG & the Fiends shrink
back)
Tableau
Curtain
Scene Five
Scene: The forest at night. Lights down. Sound of hunter's
horn and very faint echo. GREPPO enters RH)
Greppo
What's the use? Now what is the use? The oftener I call,
the fainter comes the answer. Here it is quite dark, Master
waiting for the horses and I wandering about like a jack o' lantern,
following the horn of some goblin huntsman. There's
some devil's work going on.
(Starting)
I beg his infernal Majesty's pardon; I hope I haven't said
anything to offend, but strange sights and sounds are in the
air. Birds that ought to have gone to roost an hour ago fly
screaming from tree to tree. The dismal screech-owl, from
his hole in the oak answers to the croak of the dreary
monk-raven and just now I saw a big fat buck scampering through
the forest with his tail on fire. Oh, dear, oh daer, what
fearful omens. And I'm to be married tomorrow. If anything
should happen to me--if my poor dear little Carline should
happen to be left a widow before she's made a wife--if I
should never taste--that is, if I should never know--Oh,
Lord, it won't bear thinking of. I'll try once more.
(Winds the horn. Echo without scarely audible)
Worse and worse. Oh Lord, Oh Lord. I want to go home.
(Exit LH)
Curtain
Act Four - Scene Six
Scene: Pandemonium. ZAMIEL in council, seated on an illuminated
throne of skulls & flame at back C. To
R & L of C, lesser thrones, that on the right
occupied by Redglare, with pen and open book, that
on the left by a secretary writing. At the foot of
the central throne two dwarf-demons, pages with
wands in attendance. MUSIC AT RISE. Fiends discovered
in a chorus of demoniacal yells and fiendish
laughter, dancing around a flashing chasm. After
the action is continued a brief time, ZAMIEL
waves his sceptre. Demons separate and form R & L.
Zamiel
'Tis well. Let silence reign awhile. How stands the record
of the dying year? Has every seed brought sinful fruit? Is
all the harvest gathered in--is every bond fulfilled?
Redglare
All!--All save one.
Zamiel
Who plays the laggard?
Redglare
One who sought to rival thy great power; Hertzog, the Black
Crook.
All the Fiends
Ho, ho, go.
(Echoed without and above, followed by a single wild
blast of infernal music)
Zamiel
If, when the brazen tongue of clamorous time, now trembling
on the midnight verge, proclaims the appointed hour, the
wail of the fresh soul by him betrayed, breaks on the air
of hell, let him be summoned.
(MUSIC. The demons utter a wild wail of delight and
resume the dance; the gong strikes twleve. At the first
stroke, the demons cease dancing and hold separate
pictures of exulatation. At the termination of each
stroke loud and continued thunder; demons utter a wild
cry. Zamiel rises and waves his sceptre. If possible
the scene breaks away and discloses vistas of Pandemonium
teeming with infernal life & wreaths of flame,
from which appear illuminated heads of demons, skeletons,
& nondescript monsters. Gong sounds. HERTZOG is dragged
on from RH2 by fiends and is dashed into the flaming
chasm. Demons howl and dance around until
Curtain
Act Four - Scene Seven
Scene: Subterranean gallery of emerald & crystal stalactites.
MUSIC AT RISE. Characteristic march. Grand procession
of amphibea & gnomes bearing in their arms and
upon their heads salvers and shells and quaint vases
filled with gold and jewels. They are followed by
Amazons in armor, led by Stalacta. They march from
L to R, doubling the march and varying the evolutions
'till the transformation is ready when they exit
RH and the scene breaks slowly away to
Scene Eight
MUSIC AT OPENING. An elaborate mechanical and scenical construction
of the realms of Stalacta, occupying the entire
stage. This scene must be of gradually developing and culminating
beauty, introducing during its various scenes, Stalacta,
the entire host of fairies, sprites, water nymphs,
amphibea, gnomes, etc., bearing treasure. Rodolphe & Amina,
Greppo & Carline. Calcium lights, brilliant fires and
Slow Curtain