Transcriber's Note: This version has been transcribed from the copy in the British Library's Lord Chamberlain's Archives. The copy was submitted to the Lord Chamberlain's Office in London by the DeWolf Hopper Opera Company on December 28, 1899 for production at The Comedy Theatre.
Act 1
Scene: Act 1 opens in Bokhara, a village in the Caucasian Mountains, under Russian rule.
As the curtain rises a fair is in progress.
Discovered: Russians - Persians - Marionettes show L. Small theatre R. The CHORUS have gathered around the marionette show and are applauding same, much to the disgust of KOREFF. After applause, chorus interspersed with hand clapping, hurrahs, etc.
The following dialogue, either to music or through the music which accompanies the marionette show. At cue enter JELIKOFF at back of small theatre. He rushes down.
Music No.1
CHORUS
Mountebanks, come waken from your dreaming
Golden dawn is breaking in the sky
Push and hustle
Noise and bustle
Is in keeping with the day
Palpitating hearts with hopes are teeming
For your posters one and all imply
You have new acts
And a few acts
Worth a fortune in their way
So beat the drum
Sound the horn
And let your barkers rend the air.
In crowds we come
On this morn
To see the country fair
Slim acrobats we adore,
But bearded ladies are a bore
The female with the iron jaw
We've seen enough of her
The pig that knows the alphabet
And plays backgammon and roulette,
And grinds "The day when you'll forget"
We want to see again.
SKOBELOFF
Good Morning
CHORUS
Good morning
SKOBELOFF
For your special information
I advance this declaration
My dramatic aggregation
Is a peach.
I have plays grotesque and funny
Some are English - therefore punny
So step up and pay your money
I beseech
spoken
My first will be the beautifully sentimental, though slightly problematic play, entitled "Alphonso, the Brave, and the fair Imogene."
CHORUS
We object.
SKOBELOFF
How will the strange adventures of Jack and the Bean -
CHORUS
We object.
SKOBELOFF
Cymbeline.
CHORUS
No.
SKOBELOFF
Alladrene.
CHORUS
No.
Enter BORIS as if trying to get away from someone.
SKOBELOFF
Something watery and wavy,
A panorama of the navy
A play that deals with scenes most martial
To soldiers buttons maids are partial.
CHORUS
Prince Boris shall select the play
His choice and wish we'll all obey.
BORIS
We'll have the story of the faithless
Knight and the philosophic maid,
She was a maid of sweet simplicitee.
CHORUS
Ah me.
BORIS
He was a knight of ancient familee.
CHORUS
Ah me.
He swore his heart was hers forever
And that he'd never
Their love ties sever
Her joy would be his one endeavour
But lack-a-day he left her all forlorn
And then she sighed
And softly cried
"Why was I born."
Love dies when wintry skies are gray
And dead and dying are the flowers
Love sighs, and if he's wise, He'll say,
The winter's gone, I'll wait for summer showers.
BORIS
The jilted maiden dries her weeping eyes
CHORUS
Ah me!
BORIS
A fool is she who for a false love sighs
CHORUS
Ah me!
BORIS
There came another gallant wooing
And softly cooing
And likewise suing
Her wedding ring she's fondly viewing
Which proves it's good to have philosophy,
If she had moped
Or misanthroped
She'd single be,
Love dies when wintry skies, etc.
BORIS
The philosophic play is told
And as the subject's rather old
We all are ready to behold
Your dancers brought from France,
You call them marvel of the age
The wonders of the present stage
Transcriber's NOTE: "present" has been crossed out - handwritten "modern"
The present continental rage
So let us see them dance.
SKOBELOFF
Suzette,
Googoo,
Clarette,
Yeauxbleux, zou, zou.
Chorus beat the drum, etc.
Dance of the Marionettes and dialogue of Koreff etc.
JELIKOFF
Good Koreff, where is our audience?
KOREFF
Over there.
points to marionette.
JELIKOFF
They do not appear to want us.
KOREFF
No.
JELIKOFF
Our art appears only to the select few.
KOREFF
Yes - very select and very few.
CHORUS
Applauding marionette show
Hurrah, Hurrah!
JELIKOFF
Shade of Thespis -- list to that.
Points to crowd.
KOREFF
Such applause ne'er greeted your efforts.
JELIKOFF
Think you I cater to yon noisy rabble -- We can play without an audience. --
KOREFF
We generally do --
Chorus applaud marionettes and give them money. Jelikoff and Koreff watch chorus gloomily
KOREFF
I have an idea -- watch me -- do as I do -- and we'll make money fast enough.
Takes off part of wardrobe. Jelikoff does the same. Koreff commences to dance and Jelikoff tries to imitate him. Queer imitations of acrobatic tricks to circus music. Chorus gradually attracted towards acting booth - move over gradually and begin to applaud dancers. Koreff stops dancing and goes round with hate -- collects money -- finally Jelikoff falls exhausted on ground as Koreff is counting money.
'Twas my idea -- it's my money --
Puts money in pockets - picks up wardrobe.
Bye Bye, Jelikoff.
Laughs at Jelikoff and exist L. triumphantly
JELIKOFF
Watches Koreff
Serves me right for deserting the Muse
Exit back stage
Transcriber's Note: Possible placement of Music No. 1d, which is not included in the script.
Chorus sings final stanza of opening chorus, dance, etc. etc. At end of number chorus walk about looking at sights etc.
Enter PRINCE BORIS followed by GOGOL and SOPHIA.
BORIS
Angrily
Uncle Gogol, am I never to be free from this spying system?
SOPHIA
We followed you for your own sake, Count Boris.
GOGOL
You were in dangerous company nephew.
BORIS
These mountain maids dangerous?
SOPHIA
Why not, some of them are quite pretty --
GOGOL
And we love you too well to allow you to forfeit your title and estate by marrying beneath you -- eh Sophia?
BORIS
Can't I speak to a pretty woman without proposing to her.
Ah --
Bows to lady, speaks to her up stage
GOGOL
The young fool is just obstinate enough to marry one of these nameless nobodies out of spite. I wish he would.
SOPHIA
You forget how much I love him.
GOGOL
And you forget his valuable inheritance which by edict of the Czar, I, his uncle and nearest of kin, inherit if he marries anyone beneath the rank of Princess. His father married a peasant girl and the Czar is bent on keeping up the lineage. Ha - ha, it's a splendid edict. He must marry a Princess, and what Princess would ever think of visiting these mountains and he can't travel without the Czar's premission - Ha, Ha.
SOPHIA
Sweetly
Are you walking this way dear Boris?
Points L
BORIS
No --
Takes out paper circular
I understand this man is going to ply his trade here and I wish to see him.
Sophia takes paper out of Boris' hand goes to read it, Gogol takes it from her
GOGOL
Reads
The only Demidoff - the great Demidoff, the Great and only Demidoff -- dealer in Black art - magic - and philters of sorts, sizes, shapes and sexes. Futures foretold without horoscopes, microscopes or telescopes.
Crushes paper
Bah, a Charlatan.
BORIS
He may furnish some amusement.
GOGOL
Is not this the fellow who just escaped being knouted for turning the Grand Duke's diamond ring into glass and was bastinaded for making a pudding in the turban of the Ameer of Afghanistan.
BORIS
The same
laughs
A pudding in the Royal Turban - ha ha - I'm curious to see the fellow --
Enter KATRINKA
Music No.2
KATRINKA
As the agent in advance of Demidoff the grand
Magician to the Czar
The only living star
Who keeps a private car
And band
I have the honour to announce he will be here to-day.
He ranks pre-eminent
Which is very evident
To almost any gent
We say
I hear his foot-fall's music coming near
Hurrah for Demidoff!
CHORUS
The Mastadonic Demidoff
KATRINKA
The man of mystery will now appear
Hurrah for Demidoff!
CHORUS
The unlaconic Demidoff
KATRINKA
Get your purses ready all
Same pride for short as tall
I hear my master call
Great Demidoff is here!
Transcriber's Note: The script indicates that Music No. 2b
"Pluto's Partner" was replaced with "Have you got that tired feeling?"
after the opening on Broadway and publication of the score by the
John Church Company. It was published under a separate cover, and is
digitized on the Library of Congress website. What is indicated in the
script is only the first verse, even though there is both a second verse
and chorus which were used in the show.
Enter DEMIDOFF
DEMIDOFF
Have you got that tired feeling
Does your heart go pit-a-pat
Do you feel your senses reeling
Till you don't know what you're at
When the breakfast bell is ringing
Do you wish to stay in bed
When you hear the birdies singing
Do you wish that you were dead
Do you read the Marriage Column
In a vacant sort of way
And say in accents solemn
Well at last she's caught that jay
Do you crave for cream and pickles
Though they always disagree
I'll bet a hundred nickles
You are yearning for a he
Enter KATRINKA, DRESSED AS A BOY -- she throws coloured circulars among the chorus, who eagerly grab for them.
Enter DEMIDOFF, drawing after him a four wheel caravan to which he is harnessed, caravan is placed C., between small theatre and marionette show.
During this song Katrinka blows Musette in wrong place till the end of the song, then Demidoff is so annoyed at being interrupted that he takes Musette. Musette made like a telescope, Demidoff takes it and flattens down, hands it back to her
DEMIDOFF
Good people. The hitherto hidden pages of the future are now open to public inspection.
With the assistance of Methusaleh's grandmother who is seated in yon caravan I can read the stars in seven
different languages including Sanskritt, Aulic, Plat Deautsch, Spanish and other dead languages. I can cast
horoscopes without a mould, make your fortune while you wait, and read your thoughts even before you yourselves
can think the thought that you are thinking.
Omnes fall back amazed
Suggest bus. here
DEMIDOFF
Such minor gifts as second sight, sleight of hand, conjuring and prestidigitation, I regard as only the a, b, c, of my profession -- per example: I take your watch.
Takes watch from Chorus man L., shows same to audience, closes it up in his hand, blows on hand
I don't even say - Tempus - fugit --
Slips watch into pocket
Dear me how time flies.
PEASANT
My watch. Give it me back.
DEMIDOFF
I gave it to you back -
Bus. turn man round - watch is hanging on back of his coat. Omnes laugh
A mere nothing -- a mere nothing -- that is only looking backward.
Points to peasant's back
What we would peer into is the future.PEASANT
Can you tell fortunes by hand?
DEMIDOFF
Angry at interruption
Certainly, all fortunes told by hand - I haven't a machine made fortune on the premises.
Takes hand
Your life-line is somewhat obscure - the addition of a little soap and water will make it much clearer. Ten kopecks please.
Peasant withdraws hand hastily.
Now -- to bridge that awful gulf 'twixt us and futurity -- Katrinket notify the seeress.
KATRINKA
Oh, what's the use?
DEMIDOFF
forgetting his grandiloquence
You notify that seeress!
KATRINKA
No, I won't!
DEMIDOFF
Katrinka leave my presence.
KATRINKA
What presents did you ever give me?
SOPHIA
Holding out her hand. Aside to Demidoff
Tell me - am I destined to remain single all my life?
DEMIDOFF
Looks at Sophia
I'm afraid you stand a royal chance --
Reads hand
If your face was your fortune you'd be permanently broke.
Looks closely at hand
Here are marriage lines.
SOPHIA
Joyfully
Ah ---
DEMIDOFF
Yes - but dear me - how unfortunate - they are your parents -
BORIS
I'll ask the knave a question.
Sophia hands Demidoff money
DEMIDOFF
Thanks - I'll give you change presently.
BORIS
Look you, fellow - can you tell me - by the stars - by incantation - or by deviltry of any sort - Am I to wed - what is my bride's station in life -- is she --
DEMIDOFF
One question at a time please. Prepare to gaze on the mighty Prophetess of Caucasia, the seeress of Tophet. Oh, mighty seeress -- what is the matrimonial future of this young gentleman. Hush --
With awe
Let no one breathe -- we are on the brink of the future.
KATRINKA
Look out you don't fall in.
ANNA
Bus. starts
He will marry.
BORIS
Aside
By St. Nicholas, a sweet voice for such a hag --
DEMIDOFF
What will be her station in life?
ANNA
She will be --
hesitates
DEMIDOFF
Well - that's easy - she will be his wife - won't she?
ANNA
Yes - Yes --
DEMIDOFF
Aside to Anna
What's the matter with you?
BORIS
Her name? Her name?
DEMIDOFF
The gentleman will please not crowd the seeress. The books of the future are not always written legibly -- The name might be blotted, you can't tell. Come speak!
ANNA
Bus.
I cannot --- I ---
Bus. broke up
DEMIDOFF
Seeing that Anna is affected
The book of the future is closed for the present.
Draws curtain of caravan
BORIS
Stop -- another question --
DEMIDOFF
Too late --
Chorus laugh at failure of trick. Open curtains. Anna is not visible
Possible placement of Music No. 3. Not included in script version.
After music no. Chorus, Gogol, Boris and Sophia exit
KATRINKA
To Jelikoff
Do you know you are taking the bread and butter out of my mouth-
JELIKOFF
Am I -- where is it -- I'm starving.
DEMIDOFF
As Anna leaves caravan
Here come back -- do you want to be seen?
ANNA
No, but I - I - I want to leave this wretched life --
DEMIDOFF
By what route -- poison, cold steel or water? By St. Nicholas you're an ambitious lot. Look at that black and blue pair over there --
points to Jelikoff
and you, instead of reading the future forget even the past and present --
ANNA
I could not deceive the young man.
Aside
DEMIDOFF
Deceive him, nonsense -- he wouldn't believe you if you did deceive him.
Transcriber's Note: Another possible placement of Music No. 3., as suggested by William Martin and Jerrold Fisher.
ANNA
Have you had breakfast, Jelikoff?
JELIKOFF
No --
Brightening up
DEMIDOFF
Then you can clear away.
KATRINKA
How do you like your new job?
Anna laughs
DEMIDOFF
Stop laughing -- matters are serious -- if I don't make a strike soon I'll have to shut up shop. Anna you must make a rich marriage.
ANNA
Rich marriage -- ha ha -- who would marry the seeress of Tophet --
GOGOL
Coming forward
I know a someone who would --
DEMIDOFF
The Deputy Governor!
Assuming his mysterious air
Would your Excellency like to peer into the future?
GOGOL
Looking at Anna
Rather a young seeress.
DEMIDOFF
You've got it upside down.
Bus.
GOGOL
Bus with paper
Your prospectus says something about showing a young man the woman he is going to marry -
DEMIDOFF
My famous cabinet trick nothing easier.
GOGOL
For a consideration I want you to produce in your cabin a Princess --
DEMIDOFF
Make it a Queen and I'll produce four
GOGOL
You will perform your trick and exhibit this girl as a counterfeit of the Princess Stephanie of, of....Rushkofski --
DEMIDOFF
Of what Kofski?
GOGOL
Rushkofski.
DEMIDOFF
Which kofski is that?
GOGOL
The Princess is dead and the title is extinct. I'll see that the girl is suitably attired. Boris will see her. She will afterwards appear as the real princess, and he will recognize her as the figure he saw in your Cabinet -- he may fall in love with her -- he may marry her.
ANNA
Bobbing out of cabinet
Glorious -- Glorious -- this is like a fairy tale.
DEMIDOFF
Yes, it's too much like a fairy tale -- how about his social position? Does he belong to my set?
GOGOL
He is my nephew.
DEMIDOFF
That's not a bad start. But why - doesn't he select his own bride?
GOGOL
Aside to Demidoff
He's bashful. I want him to get married - he thinks he must marry a Princess - a mental delusion of course -
Bus. Points to caravan
She will consent?
DEMIDOFF
She is with me. Father-in-law to a rich Prince. We shall be uncles.
Slaps him on the back
GOGOL
Resents this
I will send the necessary dresses at once and spread a report that the Princess is coming and fetch Prince Boris.
DEMIDOFF
Boris -- Borry - borrow -- there's a ring about that name that plays a delicious tattoo on the drum of my ear. Anna -- Anna you heard - our fortunes are made.
ANNA
Shakes her head
I don't like this marriage business - It's too sudden and I --
DEMIDOFF
What have you got to do with it? Anna, it would be a source of great joy to me if you'd mind your own business - why you were pleased at first.
ANNA
I've changed my mind.
DEMIDOFF
I'm glad of it -- the one you had was perfectly useless to you.
ANNA
I see - you're tired of me - you want to be rid of me
DEMIDOFF
Do you think I would desert you just because you made a rich marriage - You do me a gross injustice.
ANNA
But father marriage is a serious matter when you come to think of it.
DEMIDOFF
Then don't think of it. Look on the whole thing as a joke got up for the benefit of posterity -- Good gracious me, your mother married -- you can't do much worse than she did!
ANNA
Looks at Demidoff
No! I can't.
DEMIDOFF
And if you do as badly as she did, you'll do very well -
Anna laughs
I wish you'd stop that meaningless titter, our wealth and happiness are at stake.
ANNA
Supposing he won't have me.
DEMIDOFF
Suppose nothing -- The Deputy Governor is rich and will pay us well anyhow. You're always borrowing trouble.
ANNA
But --
DEMIDOFF
But what? With the exception of your sainted mother you are the most uncomfortable girl I ever met.
ANNA
Father --
At caravan
DEMIDOFF
Pettishly
Why I was born to be a father -- why was -- will you stop picking holesin that curtain?
Enter JELIKOFF and KATRINKA L. Jelikoff is eating an apple. Demidoff takes it away and eats it himself.
Ah, just in time -- I have work for you both.
JELIKOFF
Have you any dinner for us?
DEMIDOFF
How dare you talk of dinner at such a time as this -- I am about to perform a gigantic optical illusion. Listen -- Anna is to be the Princess Rushkofaki -- you, Katrinka, will be her page in waiting and you, Jelikoff, what can you be?
Suddenly
By the Great White Czar, we have no lady in waiting -- You, Jelikoff, must doff the buskin for the bustle.
JELIKOFF
Aye - I once did enact the Queen mother in an affair written by an alleged English poet - t'was called Hamlet - a stupid play but --
DEMIDOFF
Will the ghost walker in it. Didn't it? Will is won't in this unless you are careful.
KATRINKA
Why not let me be the lady in waiting?
DEMIDOFF
You?
KATRINKA
Yes - I - folks say I somewhat resemble a girl.
DEMIDOFF
Surveying her
Then folks must be blind.
KATRINKA
Angrily stamping her foot
It's you who are blind.
DEMIDOFF
Boy you are speaking to Demidoff -- the all-wise analyst of human character.
KATRINKA
True - I forgot -
Aside
The dear old bluff
Enter TWO SERVANTS with large basket
DEMIDOFF
What is that?
SERVANT
From his Excellency the Deputy Governor.
DEMIDOFF
Aside
He's kept his word, the Princess's wardrobe -- Put it in there, get into your new togs, we're going into Society.
Points to caravan, they place basket behind same and exit
Enter BORIS and GOGOL
BORIS
It's a clever trick if he can do it.
GOGOL
The knave says he can.
BORIS
Where is he - disappeared eh? Let's interview the seeress in his absence.
Tries to pull curtain of caravan but Gogol prevents him.
GOGOL
No, no Boris --
BORIS
If this Demidoff is going to show me my future bride I want to make sure there's no deception.
Enter SOPHIA L., hastily.
SOPHIA
Father, Boris -- have you heard the news?
BORIS
What news?
SOPHIA
There is a report among the villagers that the Princess Stephanie of Ruchkofski is here, or on her way here, -- is it true, have you seen her -- why does she come here --
BORIS
A Princess, eh? --- I wonder if she is young and beautiful.
SOPHIA
No, there's not a Princess in the Court of Russia who can claim to be even passably good looking.
GOGOL
She is evidently not here yet.
BORIS
Perhaps it's only village gossip. I'm going to take a look at that seeress if I --
Pulls curtain aside. Demidoff discovered smoking.
sold -- by St. Nicholas.
DEMIDOFF
No, sold by Demidoff, though I should call it more of a give away. To what am I indebted for the honour of this visit. Oh, yes I promised to do my great trick.
To Gogol
You want to see your bride that is to be.
GOGOL
I - no thanks -- I've had my cake and eaten it - this young gentleman -
BORIS
Laughs
Yes -- I -- of course it's a joke.
SOPHIA
Aside to Dem.
One thousand rubles if you show him my likeness.
DEMIDOFF
Cash?
SOPHIA
No -- but I --
DEMIDOFF
Madam, I do not sell my art --
Aside
I may sell my patrons, but not my art.
Aside - To the caravan as Sophia goes disconsolately over to Gogol and Boris.
Are you ready Anna? Then hurry up -- I must gain time.
Aloud
Now, sire, examine the caravan -- you will see that there is nothing inside but a few domestic data, and nothing outside but ourselves. There can be no possible way for a living being to enter without my knowledge -- no fire-escapes to climb up, no side doors to avoid municipal authority, or to quote an eminent literateur - there ain't no nuthin' --
BORIS
Is it visible to the naked eye?
DEMIDOFF
To the naked -- such a decollete expression - to the unclothed eye, yes.
ANNA
Back stage
Go ahead.
BORIS
What was that?
DEMIDOFF
Observe my ventriloquial powers -- Are you there Anna?
ANNA
Yes ---
DEMIDOFF
Are you sure?
ANNA
Of course I am.
BORIS
Wonderful!
DEMIDOFF
That's the way I deceived the Marajah of Punjaub -- great boy the Marajah - he was so impressed with my ventriloquial powers that he - that he conferred on me the order of the double epiglottis. I feel the propitious moment has arrived -- that we are on the brink of the unforseen, unfathomable future.
Music No. 4
DEMIDOFF
Caballa - Abdalla -
Hawoka - Sulon.
CHORUS
Hawoka - Sulon.
DEMIDOFF
Venus, Goddes of love, ope wide thy shell-like ears
And by the memory of thy loves
The cooing of the snowy doves
I, Demidoff, the great Mumbo-jumbo of the seers
Direct you
Expect you
By mystic sign and magic rite
To send his heart's delight
Of future years.
CHORUS
On wings of lightning she appears.
ANNA
Love's the pleasure, love's the pain
Love's the sickle, love's the grain
Love's the sunshine, love's the rain
Love is everything.
BORIS
Oh visions from the realms of light
My dream of love so fair, so sweet
Bright guiding star of summer night
without thee life is incomplete.
OMNES
Love's the pleasure, love's the pain
Love's the sickle, love's the grain
Love's the sunshine, love's the rain
Love is everything.
Calcium on caravan as curtain noiselessly opens discovering Anna in regal costume. Anna sings a few words to mystic strain. Boris takes it up - openly manifesting his admiration for Anna. He attempts to rush to her: he is prevented by Gogol and chorus. Calcium lights quickly taken off Anna and curtain drawn. Lights up Boris rushes to caravan draws aside curtain, but Anna and Demidoff have both disappeared. Chorus affrighted sing of magic. Boris expresses sorrow at the disappearance of such an angel of beauty, wonders who she is etc. etc., as chorus gradually disperse. Stage cleared leaving Boris seated at table R. looking glommily into space. Gogol at back watching him and Sophia watches obviously jealous of Boris' attitude.
GOGOL
A clever trick, eh?
BORIS
What grace! What beauty!
SOPHIA
Hah - an illusion at best, a painted face. Why it's often practised in Hindoostan, a clever sham.
BORIS
With a sigh
I wish it were real.
GOGOL
Rubbing his hands triumphantly
The young fool nibbles at the bait
BORIS
Musingly
My bride to be - he said -
Distant shouts off stage L. Gogol goes up, looks off L.
GOGOL
Aside looking at Boris
Now he'll swallow it hook and all -
Shouts nearer
SOPHIA
Why do they shout?
GOGOL
Looking off, describing the scene
A gaily dressed party of travellers are entering from the Plecknard. They are alighting --
SOPHIA
In consternation
Strangers?
GOGOL
Yes, two ladies, a page and a - courier.
SOPHIA
Goes up stage, looks off L.
Father - do you see - it's the same one - I'll swear -
Looks at Boris. Aside
He will see her --
GOGOL
No, you're mistaken - it can't be. Boris, - do you recognise...
SOPHIA
No - no - don't ask him.
BORIS
At table not noticing
I am going home. I shall petition the Czar to allow me to leave here. I --- Oh, why was I ever born? Exits sadly
Entrance music - Anna - Demidoff
Music No. 5
ANNA
When the wintry moon is bright
And the curtain of the night
Is illumined by the stars that shyly twinkle
When the frost is in the air
And the snow lies everywhere
There's no music like the sleigh bells merry tinkle
Hear the horses as the neigh
They are telling in their way
That we should be off before the moon retires for the night,
Here the jingle of the bells
Faintly echo in the dells
Ye ho, ready, yo ho steady, hear us shouting with delight
On, see the horses gaily speeding
On, over roads bedecked with snow
On, now our steeds are bravely leading
Over hill and dale we madly go.
CHORUS
On, see the horses gaily speeding
On, over roads bedecked with snow
On, now our steeds are bravely leading
Over hill and dale we madly go.
ANNA
Through the village on the hill
By the turnpike and the rill
Crackling o'er the ice that by our weight is bending
Turning for the homeward race
See the steed with carless grace
Through the snow drift in the valley softly wanding
Quick again away we speed
Each one trying for the lead
While the moon grows dim and dimmer as the shadows fill the night
Catch us if you can we cry
As like lightning we dash by
Yo ho ready, yo ho steady
Hear us shouting with delight
Oh, see the horse gaily speeding etc.
CHORUS
Oh see the horses gaily speeding etc.
After song and chorus
DEMIDOFF
The Princess Stephanie of Ruchofski is much moved by this friendly demonstration. Ah, do I not observe the Deputy Governor - Raseloff Gogol.
GOGOL
You do me the honour to recognize me.
DEMIDOFF
I do. The Czar once showed me a picture of you -
KATRINKA
No, it was me he showed it to -
DEMIDOFF
So he did, but I was there wasn't I --
Aside
I'll damage that boy yet -
To Anna
Your Highness allow me to present Raseloff Gogol, Deputy Governor of Bokhara.
Gogol bows
ANNA
Delighted
Raises veil
DEMIDOFF
Madam Jelikoff
Gogol bows
JELIKOFF
Delighted
Bows, nearly falls
A plauge on these skirts.
DEMIDOFF
Aside to Jelikoff
Her Highness will condescend --
KATRINKA
Permit me to introduce myself. I am Ivan Ivanowschefsky, page in waiting to Her Highness Princess Stephanie of Ruchkofski -
Pushes Jelikoff who nearly falls over
JELIKOFF
Tragically
Boy -
KATRINKA
There now don't you begin.
DEMIDOFF
Laughing to conceal anger
I'm afraid we have spoiled him - you see we love him so. I was about to say - Her Highness and suite will utilize your establishment -
GOGOL
Surprised
Live at my house -
DEMIDOFF
Her Highness will condescend to do so
Looks at Anna, Anna bows. Jelikoff bows and Katrinka bows
JELIKOFF
And by my haldom a right merry time we'll have.
GOGOL
My house is too small.
DEMIDOFF
We'll make it larger -- friends you may feast to your heart's content till sundown. The Deputy governor will pay the score -
Omnes shout
GOGOL
I -- no -- no --
DEMIDOFF
What, you refuse, then Her Highness will pay - come -
GOGOL
Aside to Demidoff
You'll ruin me!
DEMIDOFF
Aside
Princess come nigh
Offering his hand to Princess.
Enter BORIS
DEMIDOFF
Your Highness, the Deputy Governer anxiously awaits us.
BORIS
Carrying Paper
Uncle - here is my petition to the Czar
Anna lifts veil, Boris sees her.
DEMIDOFF
My, boy the Princess jokes are rated as astounding
ANNA
No, no I am
DEMIDOFF
A lady of the land.
Most likely, original placement of Music No. 6.
-- CURTAIN --
The Charlatan
ACT II
Transcriber's Note: Act II and III bear an English type writing service stamp and dramatically different formatting, suggesting these two acts were re-transcribed in London, whereas Act I bears no type writing stamp and could be a copy of the American version.
Transcriber's Note: The London script does not include Music No. 7: I am the Seventh Son.
Scene: Interior of Russian home. Portico L. window (trellis effect) R. Entrance C.R.F. and room extending off R. Caravan L.C. concealed by curtains. Church seen off R.C., etc., practical. Chorus to use same.
ENTER JELIKOFF R. pulling open curtains. Lights up Full.
JELIKOFF
Demidoff! Awake - awake.
Demidoff L.C. wakes up with start - looks round, suddenly looks at table, hurriedly feels in pockets - then grabs JELLIKOFF by the collar.
DEMIDOFF
Give me that money.
JELIKOFF
R.C.
What money?
DEMIDOFF
And then I woke up. Let me dream again. Why did you wake me up you old chump?
JELIKOFF
Do you forget that Prince Boris weds Anna today?
DEMIDOFF
Yes - yes, of course, but I -
Rubs forehead furiously
The loss of that hundred thousand has upset me - I had it - and it got away -
JELIKOFF
But why sleep here?
DEMIDOFF
Anna is in that room.
Points L.
And I must watch her till after the ceremony. She might tell Boris the truth -- the easiest money I ever --
JELIKOFF
Demidoff - I tire of this apparel, I --
DEMIDOFF
After the marriage you may return to your native garments.
JELIKOFF
That's all very well, but one of Gogol's friends, Captain Peshofki swears he will marry me.
DEMIDOFF
What have I to do with your amours - tell him you're married.
JELIKOFF
I did, and he swears he will kill my husband.
DEMIDOFF
Good.
JELIKOFF
Yes, but I told him - I told him that you - were my husband.
DEMIDOFF
Gets up
You bearded lady! Haven't I enough trouble with....
ENTER KATRINKA R.
Anna's marriage without bother about my own assassination!
To Katrinka
What do you want? I thought I had put you out.
KATRINKA
You did, but I came back - I want to talk to you.
Takes chair, sits down opposite Demidoff: takes out cigarettes, offer Demidoff one.
To JELLIKOFF
You can get out.
DEMIDOFF
Have you any more orders?
KATRINKA
Yes -
To JELLIKOFF
Shut the door after you.
JELIKOFF
As he EXITS
What a rude boy.
Exit R.
DEMIDOFF
Young man, are you aware that I am in my own house?
KATRINKA
Well, it won't be yours after I've got through with you, it will be ours. Now see here Demidoff I won't beat around the bust - but will make a straightforward proposition - Unless you take me into full partnership - I'll explode this fictitious fake about a Princess and you and your pretentions and ambitions will be sent sky ward ---
DEMIDOFF
Surveying Katrinka admiringly
Have you any sisters?
KATRINKA
Why?
DEMIDOFF
If you have I'd like to marry one of them - all I need is a wife with a four ply ball-bearing triple expansion nerve like yours and in six months I'd own Russia and have an option on the rest of Europe. Get out - and get out quick ...
Throws her out of chair
KATRINKA
L.
Do you know, Demidoff, I rather like you, and I hate to see you make an idiot of yourself.
Demidoff advance to him as if to strike him.
DEMIDOFF
Say, I'll knock -
KATRINKA
You don't dare -
DEMIDOFF
C. weakens, hesitates
Well, what if I don't - you're too small, you're - oh!
ENTER SOPHIA R. Demidoff Bus: bows to Sophia.
SOPHIA
R
Have you asked him?
KATRINKA
L
Yes - I -
SOPHIA
Demidoff you will promise - this marriage between your daughter and Prince Boris must not take place - think of me.
DEMIDOFF
Think of you - think of me. Don't I count - My sun is past meridian and I've got to fill a stocking for my old age - a rich son-in-law is good enought for me, thank you.
SOPHIA
But Demidoff, this marriage will ruin Boris.
DEMIDOFF
No, not quite, I'll allow him a small annuity -
Cross R
SOPHIA
But -
DEMIDOFF
R
It's no use your butting, I cannot come between these two young hearts, in the meantime I must get ready for the ceremony.
SOPHIA
C
Demidoff -
DEMIDOFF
No - where Anna's interests are concerned I am as adamantine concretion of immovable matter.
Stalks off R with tragic dignity.
KATRINKA
L
Isn't he lovely?
SOPHIA
My dear you're in love with him.
KATRINKA
Can I help it - he's such a colossal fraud.
SOPHIA
So are you - you'll make a charming pair. Boris will marry a beggar - he will lose his title and estates - suppose I warn him - no, he would not believe it - besides, father would never forgive me -
Suddenly
Katrinka, suppose another Princess Ruchkowski came to Bokhara, suppose you appear on the scene as the real Princess Ruchkowski - it will prevent the marriage.
KATRINKA
But -
SOPHIA
If you refuse, I tell everyone your sex, as a Princess you might attract Demidoff.
KATRINKA
You know then. Well I left home fascinated by Demidoff's magic art.
SOPHIA
I know all about it. Do you think you can deceive me as Anna and Demidoff have deceived each other.
KATRINKA
Clasp hands
Me, I see, yes. I'm to be the real Princess. I'll make Anna look like 30 Kopecks.
Cross R
ENTER ANNA in full white wedding dress DL. She is sad.
SOPHIA
Aside
Hush - come to my rooms, I will explain -
Aloud
How is your highness this morning - I trust your highness is well.
ANNA
Yes.
Aside
She is mocking me.
SOPHIA
Has your Highness any orders to issue?
ANNA shakes her head.
Perhaps your highness wishes to be alone -
ANNA nods affirmatively
To Katrinka
Come.
As they go towards DR, ENTER BORIS, he bows to them in a dignified manner and goes forward to greet Anna.
KATRINKA
Aside to Sophia
You're not 1-2-50 with him.
SOPHIA
Why I'm only 32 --
SOPHIA EXIIS door R followed by KATRINKA.
BORIS
R
The wedding guests will soon be here and in an hour we shall meet never to part again.
ANNA
L
In an hour we may part never to meet again.
BORIS
What do you mean? Stephanie, you love me?
ANNA
Crosses to chair.
Yes, but - I - I have forbodings of some impending danger.
Sits in chair.
BORIS
Love should drive such fears away.
Action at back of stage, CHORUS going into church
Music No. 8
BORIS
Before the twilight shadows change to tints of Misty grey
Before the glinting sunbeams on the waters cease to play
The bridal bells with sweetly sound the clanging roundelay
Proclaim the world that we are one
Together drifting on life's stream
The golden days of golden dream
With love that ever constant theme
Till the sands of time are run.
ANNA
The lilies of your love will die; the rose will lose its bloom
The darkness of a sunless time will fill your heart with gloom,
Tho' I should seek the dreary desolation of the tomb
You are my own, my earth my sun.
Together drifting on life's stream
The golden days a golden dream
With love the ever constant theme
Till the sands of time are run.
CHORUS
Outside
The Orange flower blossoms in the young brides hair
Will the wine be sweet
Will we taste the meat,
When the orange flower blossoms in the young bride's hair
The wine is sweet
We taste the meat
And bless the pair.
After music
BORIS
My Princess.
ANNA
No, no -- Oh Boris - could you forgive me if -
ENTER GOGOL DR
GOGOL
Ah, here you are Boris - I thought I would find you with the Princess Ruchkowski.
ANNA
I hate that name.
GOGOL
Well, you will soon change it for another - Come Boris, the guests were assembling in the church when I left.
ANNA
L
Boris - I must speak to you before the ceremony.
GOGOL
No, no - after -
Dragging Boris towards door.
After - I - I am sure your highness would not wish to keep everyone waiting -
Organ or choral effect off stage. Omnes listen.
The preliminary services have begun.
ENTER JELIKOFF R, dressed as a bridesmaid.
JELIKOFF
C
Come your highness your bridesmaids await us.
To Boris
And your two dozen best men are as impatient as if it were their wedding.
GOGOL
R
Go Boris -
Boris throws a kiss to Anna and rushes off R.
Gleefully
Victory - victory - at last -
To Jelifkoff
Madame where is Demidoff?
JELIKOFF
I was helping him to dress when a messenger came and he kicked me out -
GOGOL
Kicked you out?
JELIKOFF
Yes.
BUS
But I was too well protected for him to do much damage -
ENTER DEMIDOFF quickly, he is breathless.
DEMIDOFF
The game is up!
GOGOL
R
Up!
ANNA
C
Up!!
JELIKOFF
LC
UP!!!
DEMIDOFF
RC
One echo at a time please - yes -
To GOGOL
You've muddled up the whole business.
GOGOL
Muddled -
JELIKOFF
Mud.
DEMIDOFF
Yes - that will probably be our nom de plums in the future -
GOGOL
Be more explicit.
DEMIDOFF
I will - Do you know you have out-balanced Ballam's most asinine ass - do you know that the seven foolish virgins are wise old women compared to you - Do you know that - but what's the use of multiplying similes - it can all be conveyed in the expressive through inelegant term - chump
GOGOL
What has happened?
DEMIDOFF
Oh nothing - a mere trifle - the real Princess Stephanie of Ruchkowski has turned up - that's all - Oh we're not in the puree, oh dear no.
GOGOL
But there is no Princess Stephanie living.
DEMIDOFF
Well, up to date there are two of them. A courier has just informed she arrived last night - incognite - she has heard of this marriage and demands and explanation.
ANNA
Crosses to D.
Father, I am glad this has happened - I always hated deception.
Taken off orange blossoms and wreaths
DEMIDOFF
Child - you are stabbing your fond and devoted parent in the back - don't add to my vale of tears - this marriage must take place now, its our only chance. Whatever happens Prince Boris will protect papa.
BUS: fixes wreath all wrong
ANNA
It is cruel - cruel.
DEMIDOFF
Cruel - you love him - he loves you.
ANNA
Yes - but -
DEMIDOFF
Marriages are made in Heaven, a most respectable factory, and that relieves you of all responsibility.
ENTER PAGE R
PAGE
Your Excellency - the services have begun.
GOGOL
We come at once -
Waives page away. He EXITS.
DEMIDOFF
How dare they ring up the curtain without me - tell them to start over again.
To GOGOL
What about this extra layer of Princess?
GOGOL
The Czar must have conferred the title on someone. I never thought of that.
DEMIDOFF
I wish the Czar would mind his own business instead of mixing in our affairs -
To JELIKOFF
Take Anna to the church - we'll follow.
JELIKOFF takes ANNA's arm, half drags her to DR
ANNA
Father - one last appeal.
DEMIDOFF
My word is given to Gogol - if he will release me I will release you - Gogol - spare my child.
GOGOL BUS: waves his hand.
Must I ply - plea in vain - have a father's tears no weight with you?
GOGOL shakes his head and goes up to ANNA.
You see he has a heart of stone, and a head of wood.
JELIKOFF
Come little one - it will soon be over - it's only just like having a tooth pulled -
EXIT ANNA and JELIKOFF R
DEMIDOFF
After the wedding we'll see the Princess - you can tell her it was a joke - say we did it to win a bet.
GOGOL
No, you tell her.
DEMIDOFF
Why me -- Who am I that I should be selected for such a delicate macheveliian mission?
GOGOL
You are more diplomatic - more insinuating than me.
DEMIDOFF
Perhaps you are right - I might make an impression on her, a deep impression, who can tell - why should not I aspire to a Princess? Come -
Goes toward door
You have provided a wedding dinner for our guests.
GOGOL
Yes.
DEMIDOFF
No bargain counter - Dairy kitchen lunch, we must have the best the market affords - there's not a mean bone in my body.
They are about to EXIT door R. arm in arm when ENTER SOPHIA hastily.
SOPHIA
Father - Princess Stephanie of Ruchkowski is here, direct from Moscow. She demands an instant audience with the Princess's courier.
DEMIDOFF
What does she want to see me for?
SOPHIA
Boris' marriage must be delayed -
GOGOL
To Sophia
Yes, I'll delay it -
To Demidoff
Not if I know it - keep the Princess here until the ceremony's over.
ENTER PAGE R
PAGE
Her Imperial Highness, the Princess Stephanie of Ruchkowski.
ENTER KATRINKA dressed magnificently as the Princess same dress as ANNA Act 1. GOGOL is about to EXIT L.
DEMIDOFF
No - no, don't leave me here alone - I -
SOPHIA is following GOGOL off L.
Sophia -
EXIT SOPHIA laughing at DEMIDOFF.
DEMIDOFF
Not daring to look at her.
Your highness - I - we -
Looks at DL
The - Did you -- or - it's - a - it's a fine day, isn't it?
KATRINKA
Sternly
I am not here to discuss the weather.
DEMIDOFF
L
No - there are plenty of other things we can talk about - er - if we can only think of them. It is a fine day though - isn't it -
Laughs
The weather will keep bobbing up.
KATRINKA
R
I understand the Princess Ruchkowski -
DEMIDOFF
Ah, don't let us talk about ourselves - it smacks so of egotism -
Looks at her, starts.
----- who is it you remind me of?
KATRINKA
Sir!
DEMIDOFF
Pause
Did you speak?
KATRINKA
No, but I will. You are fictitious courier - to a still more fictitious Princess.
Seats herself.
DEMIDOFF
It was a joke - upon my word of honour as a gentleman - it was a joke.
Aside
I've met that face before, but where - where...
KATRINKA
A joke the Czar will punish most severly -
DEMIDOFF
It's Gogol's joke not mine - he's the Deputy Governor. He commanded and I obeyed.
KATRINKA
I should never have discovered it had I not be hunting for my brother Katrinket, who ran off with a travelling magician Demidoff.
DEMIDOFF
Katrinket? Dear little Katrinket your brother. Princess I thought there was an air of familiarity - behold in me your brother's dearest friend and bosom companion.
KATRINKA
Friend?
DEMIDOFF
Friend - benefactor - father -aye almost mother - Why Damon and Pythias were mortal enemies compared to us.
KATRINKA
You love him?
DEMIDOFF
I would cut off my left ear to please him. Ah, Princess, for his sake you will forgive Gogol's ill-timed humour.
KATRINKA
Yes, I may forgive Gogol, but I intend to have Demidoff flung into prison
Cross to L.
DEMIDOFF
Frightened
What for?
KATRINKA
My brother Katrinket has disappeared - killed perhaps by Demidoff -
DEMIDOFF
Kill Katrinket - me - why I couldn't kill a fly -
KATRINKA
So you are Demidoff - the high priest of black art.
Advances to him, threatening.
Where is my brother?
DEMIDOFF
He's on vacation.
KATRINKA
Where?
DEMIDOFF
I - he - he's vacated - that's all I know. Don't worry about him - he's all right.
Looks at her affectionately.
Ah, now I see why I loved him so.
Takes KATRINKA's hand.
KATRINKA
Why?
DEMIDOFF
Because he is the tinfoil - counterfeit, I mean counter-part of your own beautiful self -
KATRINKA
Snatches her hand away, indignantly.
How dare you -
DEMIDOFF
I dare anything for your sake -
Clasps her around waist.
Your beauty has metamorphised me into an ardent lover whose passion-sapped intellectual faculties are overwhelmingly saturated with a boisterous, burning, bubbling desire to become yours and yours alone.
KATRINKA
You win - Then thou will join me.
Music No. 9
KATRINKA & DEMIDOFF
The college man is rollicking frollicking all the live long day
The summery, summery girl is full of joy,
The bachelor is practical, tactical in his genial way
No frautical, autical words does he employ
The widow laughs most merrily, cheerily bubbling o'er with mirth,
No fearfully tearfully words she interlards
But the frappery, snappery, muttery, sputtery people of this earth,
Are the member of the matrimonial guards.
The long lean husband and his roly poly better half.
The plain dressed man whose wife looks like a circus lithograph.
The female nagger,
The chronic jagger,
All are marching to the music of a cry or laugh.
KATRINKA EXITS R.
ENTER JELIKOFF followed by PESHOFKI - JELIKOFF rushes to DEMIDOFF for assistance.
CAPTAIN
You are not for him - I have swear it?
DEMIDOFF
What's the matter?
CAPTAIN
You are 'usband of 'er - 'er whom I love -
Points to JELIKOFF.
DEMIDOFF
I don't follow you.
CAPTAIN
I am slav - I am soldier - I stab, I kill.
BUS: with sword.
DEMIDOFF
That's quite possible - but what am I to infer from that?
CAPTAIN
I love 'er -
Point to JELIKOFF
wife of you, if you shall stand in my way I will make of you a dead body.
DEMIDOFF
But my friend there are obstacles.
CAPTAIN
I care nothing for obstacles, I am slav, I am soldier, I stab, I kill.
DEMIDOFF
But you don't seem to understand - this is no lady -
CAPTAIN
Ah, you insult her. She is a perfect lady - yes.
JELIKOFF
I tried to explain but -
CAPTAIN
Fair Lady you love not him eh? No - well you shall love me - as for him, he shall die.
DEMIDOFF
Will you leave me then for a minute.
To JELIKOFF
You've got me into a nice mess haven't you?
JELIKOFF
It isn't my fault.
DEMIDOFF
Well, you get out of it the best way you can -
To CAPTAIN
Sir - I interpose no opposition - go ahead.
CAPTAIN
Ah - so you shall live
To JELIKOFF
And you shall fly wis me, is it not?
JELIKOFF
In a deep voice, pushes him back.
Stand back, are you bereft of your senses?
CAPTAIN
Ah, I am die of love
JELIKOFF
See here, this has gone far enough -
Takes CAPTAIN by arm, takes him up stage, talks earnestly to him in pantomime for five or six seconds, they then both look round at JELIKOFF, who is standing LC unconscious. CAPTAIN starts back as if struck, places hand to forehead.
CAPTAIN
Ah - I am craze - I thought 'is voice was terribly hoarse for a lady.
DEMIDOFF
Yes, that's a terrible horse on you - and I think if you'd stop smoking these...
BUS: with cigarettes
it would help some.
CAPTAIN
Ah, I cannot believe it -- it is a scheme of you to so separate us?
DEMIDOFF
Pish! Maluska!
JELIKOFF
Help.
Organ and Chorus off stage.
ENTER GOGOL
GOGOL
It is over - they're married - ha - ha -
BUS.
DEMIDOFF
Aside
The laugh is on the other foot
BUS.
Ha, ha -
Imitates him.
And now to congratulate my daughter. Father to Princess Alexandovitch - Husband to Princess Ruchkowski by the St. Nicholas. I shall be a Grand Duke before I know it ...
GOGOL
Fool your daughter is wedded to a pauper.
ENTER CHORUS
Music No. 10
Behind Scenes
CHORUS
Day of joy when young hearts are mated
Golden chains are linking soul to soul
Bride and groom, we pray you are fated
To be happy as the seasons roll.
ENTER wedding GUESTS etc.
SOPRANOS
While unrestricted bliss
To what we wish the pretty bride
Yes it is not amiss
If at this time we should confide
That we, quite young and fair,
Would single life forswear,
And join this happy pair.
Should you decide.
ANNA
The lillies of your love may die,
The rose my lose its bloom
To-day we're happy you and I,
The morrow may bring gloom.
Maid of the meadow ope thine eyes
Life is a dream of paradise
No constant fears
Bring coutless tears
Love's choicest wine
Is over thine.
Maid of the sunshine ope thine eyes
Life is a sweet surprise
Would I were the meadow maid
No daughter ruled by mystics hand
Oh fates in all you might arrayed
Oh tell what you have planned.
Bride of the sunshine I'd be
Bride of the summer breeze
Bride of the blue-tinted sea
Bride of the murmuring trees.
CHORUS
Speech - speech -
BORIS
Friends - dear friends I -
DEMIDOFF
Good!
BORIS
Friends - dear friends I -
DEMIDOFF
Aside to BORIS
Good, don't speak again. You're giving them a pain.
CAPTAIN
The grand Duke has arrive from the Moscow.
DUKE
Aside to KATRINKA
Oh shameless imposter this means your arrest.
Transcriber's Note: Music No. 10d, "It is a well established fact" (or the Ammonia Song, is not found in the London script.
After song EXIT OMNES except DUKE - DUCHESS, CAPTAIN and Russian soldiers.
DUKE
Signals curtain to be drawn.
Captain!
CAPTAIN
Your Imperial Highness.
DUKE
Inform the -
Sarcastically
Princess Stephanie of Ruchkowski - that as soon as her fainting fit is over I wish to see her here.
CAPTAIN salutes EXITS R.
The Princess Stephanie.
Bows to Grand Duchess
Ha ha!
DUCHESS
The imposter - what impertinence.
DUKE
I little thought that when his Imperial Majesty the Czar conferred on you the title and estates of the late Princess Ruchkowski woman that we should find a spurious imitation here - in our own mountain retreat.
DUCHESS
I wonder who she is.
ENTER DEMIDOFF
DEMIDOFF
The Princess is really unable.
Shouts and turns to L
DUKE
Well - I didn't send for you.
DEMIDOFF
No - I - I'm an accident - I mean -
Looks at soldiers, trembles.
I'm very glad your Highness didn't send for me - I -
Aside
I can hear the dungeon yawning for me - I must face it out -
Gaining courage.
Your highness - it was all a joke - a harmless little joke - and Anna borrowed the title intending to put it back - immediately - in fact we have returned it - The real Princess has forgiven us - and -
Dolefully
all is as merry as ha - ha -
A sickly laugh.
as a church bells -
DUKE
So the Princess has forgiven you.
Turns to the Grand DUCHESS
DEMIDOFF
Oh yes - Your Highness - and enters into the spirit of the joke with us - thought it was great fun - asked us to do it again - Oh the Princess is a cork - tres charmant - tres charmant - your Highness speaks French?
The Grand DUKE looks angrily at DEMIDOFF, who notices this and his spirits drop as he glances from the DUKE to the DUCHESS and sees they are frowning.
It was Gogol's idea your Highness.
DUKE
The Deputy Governor?
DEMIDOFF
Yes - Your Highness - Oh, he ought to know better, I warned him - but -
ENTER KATRINKA R.
Ah - at last - Your Highness.
To KATRINKA
You will explain to his Imperial Highness, the Grand Duke - but first permit me to introduce to you - Her Highness, the Princess Stephanie of Ruchkowski.
The DUCHESS rises indignantly, the DUKE signals her to remain quiet.
Princess, this is his Highness the Grand Duke -
DUKE
And who are you, Sir?
DEMIDOFF
Me? Why I'm -
To KATRINKA
Do you mind introducing me?
KATRINKA
No - no - I -
BUS: DEMIDOFF
DUKE
So - this is the Princess eh -
DEMIDOFF
The real thing - she will tell you it was with her consent we temporarily utilized the gognomen of Ruchkowski, eh, Princess?
KATRINKA
No - no - it is useless. Your Imperial Highness knows only too well that I -
DUKE
Ah - you acknowledge the fraud -
KATRINKA
Yes I -
DEMIDOFF
No you don't -
To DUKE
Your Royal Highness it was this way.
DUKE
Silence sir.
DEMIDOFF
I was only going to say -
DUKE
Silence or -
Motions to GUARDS, DEM: BUSINESS, makes signs intimating that it was her fault.
How came you to assume?
DEMIDOFF
She didn't assume - she is the real article. You see it was this way. My daughter Anna, the present Princess Alexandervitch, in a spirit of harmless levity accepted the title of Ruchkowski - with the permission of course, of the original hold of the stake, I mean the title -
TO KATRINKA
Eh, Princess?
Then to DUKE
Your Imperial Highness found it out - laughed merrily at the joke - forgave it - and all's well that ends well - eh?
Laughs heartily, looks around but no else laughs. The Grand DUKE does not respond to DEMIDOFF's flow of spirits and he gradually subsides.
DUKE
To GUARD
If that man interrupts again give him an inch of cold steel -
DEMIDOFF
Aside
This looks like a conspiracy to railroad me to the better land -
OFFICER BUS: with sword.
I was only soliloquizing!
ENTER ANNA and BORIS
DUKE
Ah, Boris -
BORIS
Your Highness
Salutes him to the Princess.
Your Highness' servant.
DUKE
I'm sorry to see you mixed up in this affair Boris.
DEMIDOFF
A man is so liable to be mixed up in his own wedding Your Highness -
Laughs lightly - the DUKE glares at him.
BORIS
Your Highness - permit me to introduce my newly wedded bride -
DUKE
Ah, congratulations -
BUS: bow to ANNA who returns salute.
You have conformed to the Czar's will I presume?
BORIS
I have - my wife was until an hour ago the Princess Stephanie of Ruchkowski -
DUKE
What?
DEMIDOFF
No - no - that's part of the joke - we don't want it dug up again -
Takes his arm and leads him away from DUKE.
For goodness sake don't - she has your name now - forget all about hers - let bygones be bygones -
DUKE
I didn't catch the name -
DEMIDOFF
Aside
Prepare to receive cavalry.
Braces himself.
BORIS
Until recently the Princess Stephanie of Ruchkowski -
DUKE
Indeed -
DUCHESS
How dare they!
DEMIDOFF
Aside
Oh this is double darrel Hades -
ENTER CAPTAIN, bringing in JELIKOFF followed by GOGOL and SOPHIA.
CAPTAIN
Your I'ghness - I can find no Princess but - I suspect this lady is something of what she does not look -
JELIKOFF
I am innocent -
DUKE
Perhaps you are the Princess Stephanie of Ruchkowski -
JELIKOFF looks at DEMIDOFF.
DEMIDOFF
Discovered at last. I knew the real culprit could not escape your Imperial Highness' penetrating eye.
DUKE
That makes three ladies -
DEMIDOFF
Up his sleeve so to speak.
Beats three jacks -
DUKE
Who is the guilty one?
Pause
DEMIDOFF
Aside
What! Unanimous silence.
DUKE
Come....speak....I'll give you two minutes to make up your minds which is the guilty one.
Music No. 11
DEMIDOFF
After due consideration
I have hit upon this plan
We'll deny the allegation
Points to GOGOL
Saying he's the guilty man.
ANNA
The opinion of your daughter
As the legal facts I scan
Is that we together ought to
Say Gogol's the guilty man.
JELLIKOFF
While your plan commands attention
Though I cannot tell you why
Have you thought that we should mention
We can prove an alibi.
KATRINKA
While I'll swear to anything you tell him
Still I have another plan
Sympathetic sobs from Ann would quell him
And indict that guilty man
So sob dear Anna
In a manner
To convict that man.
ALL
If we find the Duke won't listen
Then we'll try (Katrinka's/my little) plan
Tears in both (your/my) must glisten
Proving he's the guilty man.
DEMIDOFF, KATRINKA, ANNA and JELIKOFF BUS:
After consultation most intense
With naught of malice or propense
Our meeting's indiviudal sense
Is he's the guilty one.
GOGOL
What I - were not your highness here
This fellow I would thrash
I'd put an end to his career
Of lying, with the lash
My nephew headless of all consequences
Took that female for his lawful wife.
This charlatan with subtle inferences
Worked the scheme, so they are bound for life.
DEMIDOFF
How dare you speak of her who is a Princess
Someone hold me ere I strike him down
Your action Gogol without doubt convinces
Everybody that you are a blooming clown.
DUKE
Your conduct and your words are shady
The Princess is this noble lady
The real imported article at last.
BORIS BUS:
But why is he so sad and overcast.
Pointing to BORIS
BORIS
Anna wife - be true -
DEMIDOFF
Now Borry don't get angry and forsake her.
BORIS
Anna, who are you?
ANNA
The daughter of a travelling fakir.
CHORUS
Ha - ha -
They deride Anna - she shrinks.
The daughter of a fakir
Oh see the horses gaily speeding
On over roads bedecked with snow
On now our steeds are bravely leading
Over hill and dale we madly go.
BORIS
Stop though your ways are very dark
This time I've overreached the mark
You'll find this wedding is no lark
For I'm a beggar -
BUS: hands edict to Grand DUKE.
DUKE
Spoken through music.
Imperial Decree - Prince Boris - should he marry anyone below the rank of Princess shall forfeit his title and estates to the nearest of kin by command of Nicholas, Czar of all the Russians.
BUS: GOGOL
ANNA
Ah forgive me I knew not the sadness
That my life should entail upon thine
Tho' my soul is bereft of all gladness
I love thee with a passion devine.
BORIS
In my arms let me fold thee for ever
For my heart is ceaselessly thine
Hope foretells we shall never more sever
I love thee with a passion divine.
OMNES
Boshezar is chrani
Ssill rigi dershan nui
Zarst win na Slawyi na
Sla wu nam
Zarst win na slack wragan
Za prawa sslawnyi
Boshe zar is chrani
DEMIDOFF
Caballa Obdalla
Hawoka Sulon
Hawoka ... Sulon Chorus
DEMIDOFF
Venus Goddess of love ope wide thy shell like ears
And by the memory of thy loves
The cooing of thy snowy doves
I, Demidoff the great mumbo, jumbo of the seers
Direct you
Expect you
By mystic signs and magic rite
To take her from their sight.
CHORUS
On wings of lightning she appears
ANNA
Love's the pleasure, love's the pain
Love's the sickle, love's the grain
Love's the sunshine, love's the rain
Love is everything.
DEMIDOFF
Sad was the day when I came to this planet
Sadder the day when my daughter was born
The heart of the world is harder than granite
My poor suffering sould with anguish is torn.
CHORUS
Death and degradation to the cringing charlatan!
DEMIDOFF
T0 KATRINKA
You plainly see
They don't like me
I am a hated man
CHORUS
Death and degradation to the cringing charlatan!
DEMIDOFF
'Tis my belief
My days are brief
If they work out their plan.
CHORUS
Thoughts of dungeons deep and clammy
Fills his soul with woe
Tho' he'll sorrow
On the morrow
To Siberia he'll go,
BORIS and men draw swords rush on DEMIDOFF; when headed by CAPTAIN who push back BORIS and friends; DEMIDOFF tries to explain but is put under arrest. CAPTAIN reads warrant calling for PRINCESS STEPHANIE. BORIS points out KATRINKA, as the Princess, who is placed under arrest. JELIKOFF tries to escape but is arrested, DEMIDOFF, JELIKOFF, and KATRINKA hand-cuffed together and marched off with troops as:
CURTAIN
The Charlatan:
Act III
SCENE: The exterior of the Palace of the Grand Duke.
DISCOVERED: At rise of curtain, RUSSIAN SOLDIERS and COSSACKS, ANNA dressed as in Act 1.
Music No. 12
ANNA ENTER L after Music.
CHORUS
Why, who's this?
ANNA
LC, Aside.
If I can only find the Grand Duke and tell him all, surely he will restore Boris - his title and estates - the Grand Duke -
Transcriber's Note: Music No. 13 - Anna's solo "Oh, Sunlit Sea beyond the West" and the Reprise of "Seventh Son" was not found in the London production script.
Timidly
I want to see the Grand Duke -
CHORUS
The Grand Duke - she wants to see the Grand Duke, ha, ha -
Laughs and points at her.
ANNA
I've important business with him.
CHORUS
She has important business with the Grand Duke, ha, ha -
Points at her.
Ha - ha -
ANNA
Angrily - stamping her foot.
Do you call yourselves men?
CHORUS
Do we call ourselves men - ha - ha -
A SOLDIER
I'm a man and I'll prove it by kissing you.
Siezes hold of ANNA - the rest form a circle and dance around them - ANNA struggles - boxes SOLDIER's ears. OMNES dance around and laugh.
CHORUS MAN
The Captain.
OMNES
The Captain!!!
OMNES disperse rapidly and stand in military order as when curtain went up - ANNA rushes off L.I. and slams door.
ENTER CAPTAIN. OMNES salute - COSSAUKS BUS: with spears.
Murmurs louder - drums beat off stage - yells of mob or cries of "Down with the Charlatan etc." ANNA rushes off stage R as ENTER SOLDIERS with CARAVAN Cabinet which they place R.C. Soldiers keep mob back and finally push them out of gate. JELIKOFF and KATRINKA seat themselves R. They are handcuffed together.
SOLDIERS after closing gates C. stand up stage in twos and threes - then gradually disperse and EXIT C.D. One of the soldiers opens curtains of cabinet disclosing DEMIDOFF tied to cabinet - completely loaded with chains. Soldiers must be seen through gate C.
ALL Exit after:
DEMIDOFF
I want some air.
Takes a long breath as if relieved.
This may be exciting but I'm sure it's not healthy -
To a Soldier
Will you please tell the General of the Commissariat Department I want something to eat....I'm starving.
Soldiers take no notice.
I shall report you for incivility.
Sees JELIKOFF and KATRINKA at table.
Two SOLDIERS EXIT.
JELLIKOFF
- Katrinka - can't you get me a bite...I've already eaten part of this rope because it looked like sausage...
JELIKOFF
We have one or two troubles of our own.
KATRINKA
Not a wink of sleep all night ... He insisted on walking up and down the cell and of course I had to walk with him.
JELIKOFF
Does our trial take place to-day?
DEMIDOFF
Don't you think we've been tried enough - all I ask is to be found guilty and put out of my misery - If only Anna were here.
ENTER CAPTAIN, a soldier with a tray before him. CAPTAIN points over to L. where JELIKOFF is sitting then throw him a kiss and soldier places tray before him.)
CAPTAIN
To Soldier
Release them..
To JELIKOFF
When he shall be dead...
Points to DEMIDOFF
there shall be no more obstacle....eh?
DEMIDOFF
Still up stage in caravan.
I wonder if he's talking about me?
Soldier unfastens KATRINKA and JELIKOFF then EXIT.
JELIKOFF
Preparing to sit down and enjoy meal.
Oh this is something like.
DEMIDOFF
Anxiously.
What about me...don't I eat?
CAPTAIN
Silence...
DEMIDOFF
I'm bigger than he is ... I need more food -
As CAPTAIN laughs and EXITs R.
I'm turning into a vacuum I ...
Sees JELIKOFF making preparations to eat.
Thanks, I don't mind if I do -
Pause
Jelikoff I trust you are a gentleman.
KATRINKA stands looking on as if she would like to be invited. JELIKOFF goes on eating, takes no notice of others.
Jelikoff...In polite circles it is not considered good form to eat without asking those present to join you.
Groans, Pause.
Say will you stop smacking your lips ... I said it was not good form.
Sees that JELIKOFF does not notice him.
Say, give us a bite, will you?
JELIKOFF
To Katrinka.
Is he talking to me?
DEMIDOFF
Katrinka!
KATRINKA goes to him.
Are we watched?
KATRINKA
Looks around.
Only the sentry.
DEMIDOFF
Well, I'm going to make a break for the balance of that breakfast. Here's where I put prestidigitating to a practical purpose!
BUS: of pretending to wriggle out of ropes as trick.
R. at table - as he divides breakfast with KATRINKA.
Do you know it's one of the marvels of the present century what great big hogs little men can make of themselves.
KATRINKA
Perhaps we've tied him too tightly, he may be choking.
DEMIDOFF
Calls out.
Jelikoff stop choking -
Trumpet
KATRINKA
The Grand Duke is arriving.
DEMIDOFF
Let him arrive...We demand justice - Gogol has deceived me, his daughter Sophia has deceived you - and they have both deceived Jelikoff. The story of our wrongs is a perfect chain of sequential circumstances ... that reminds me we must let Jelikoff out to give evidence.
They go up stage, open curtains disclosing Jelikoff.
As they untie him.
You are the most troublesome individual who ever got entangled up in my horoscope....
JELIKOFF
Sir, if I ever get out of this place alive - I shall decline further association with you.
DEMIDOFF
R
Ingrate...you were starving when I found you.
JELIKOFF
C
I am starving now.
DEMIDOFF
But look at the meals you've had in the interim.
ENTER SOLDIERS headed by CAPT.P: they range themselves on steps of Palace. ENTER GRAND DUKE and DUCHESS, followed by BORIS, GOGOL, and SOPHIA.
Chairs are placed for GRAND DUKE RC. 2 soldiers guard Cabinet, four more arrange themselves by DEMIDOFF and KATRINKA under directions from CAPTAIN
NOTE: - As soon as DEMIDOFF hears and sees Soldiers ENTERING he goes back to cabinet and pretends to be struggling up to it. He is released during musical scene; as soon as he is released, which will be about end of musical number, he appeasls to DUKE.
MUSIC effect with chains - a sort of general denunciation of DEMIDOFF's crimes.
Your Imperial Highness I demand justice - I have been cruelly wronged -
GOGOL
Laughs
Wronged...You..
BORIS
Triple assassin -
DEMIDOFF
Why triple..isn't plain, simple assassin bad enough? Ah Borry my boy these are harsh words to use to father.
BORIS
Where is my wife?
DUKE
How should I know?
DEMIDOFF
You've had me trussed up in that cabinet like a toasted squab...she's probably off on her honeymoon alone - you know how independent women are in these days.
DUKE
I will find a means to make you tell the truth.
Signals to CAPTAIN who motions off stage R.
ENTER TWO BIG villanious looking MEN dressed like executioners, they carry various weapons of torture including thumbscrews - spiked collar - pincers, etc, etc.
DEMIDOFF
Frightened
Here - I'll tell the truth - without means - I'll -
Points to spiked collar.
What's that? Ah - now I know what Peshofki meant when he said I was going to get it in the neck.
Takes pincers, BUS:
Rather than wear that, I prefer to be pinched.
BORIS
Those tortures are trifling compared to what will follow -
DUKE
Merely a preliminary proceeding.
DEMIDOFF
Are there going to be any supplementary proceedings?
DUKE
Enough...what is your answer...to these charges of witchcraft and assassination.
DEMIDOFF
Da...
Beckons to JELIKOFF who comes trembling to his side, then to KATRINKA who also comes to him - they converse together - the others are not supposed to hear.
The GRAND DUKE, BORIS and GOGOL confer up stage.
Aside to JELIKOFF and KATRINKA.
We've got one chance in a million - the most infinitesimal flaw in any link of our chain of evidence will irretrievably ruin us.
KATRINKA
L
I'll stick by you old boy.
DEMIDOFF
You're all right but I'm afraid of this fellow...
To JELIKOFF
Can you remember anything?
JELIKOFF
R
Everything but...who did it?
DEMIDOFF
Who did it...Gogol...you two inch plank.
JELIKOFF
What did he do?
DEMIDOFF
What did who do?
JELIKOFF
Gogol?...
DEMIDOFF
Us...you hickory pated idiot...He did all that we are supposed to have done -
JELIKOFF
Did he...I thought we did?
DEMIDOFF
Go on - plead guilty - get it in the neck - get pinched.
Shakes head.
The old oaken bucket is a temple of profound thought compared to that...
Raps JELIKOFF on head.
sarcophagus of sawdust.
DUKE
Rapping septre on chair.
Come...what answer do you make to these charges?
Pause - DEMIDOFF, KATRINKA, and JELIKOFF look at each other.
DEMIDOFF
Now then all together...
After an effort - beats time.
"May it please your Imperial Highness"
Trip with BUSINESS.
GOGOL
It's a conspiracy...a collusion.
DUKE
Separate the prisoners.
BUSINESS of soldiers
Looking over paper.
Demidoff...you are required by this tribunal of justice to produce...the Princess Alexandovitch - your daughter Anna -
DEMIDOFF
All right I'll go and look for her -
BUSINESS the guards stop him.
BORIS
He has spirited her away.
DEMIDOFF
You're a - if my hands weren't tied I --
DUKE
Silence -
DEMIDOFF
No I am tongue tied --
DUKE
You are accused of spiriting away an old fortune telling sorceress.
DEMIDOFF
That was my daughter Anna -
BORIS
Your daughter?
DUKE
Enough - you will answer for these two lives with your head - now for the others --
DEMIDOFF
Oh! there are others, eh?...What a pity I haven't any more heads.
DUKE
What have you done with Jelikoff the tragedian?
GOGOL
Aside to JELIKOFF up stage.
If you wish to save your own life remain silent.
DEMIDOFF
jelikoff...oh, that's easy...
To Jelikoff
JELIKOFF
JELIKOFF up stage looks up, pretending he does no know DEMIDOFF.
DEMIDOFF
Jelikoff...
Louder
Jelikoff...supeak up
DUKE
It is useless - the man has disappeared...
DEMIDOFF
No, he hasn't - there he is.
Points to JELIKOFF
Speak, you are Jelikoff the comedian?
JELIKOFF
Tragedian!
DEMIDOFF
What's the difference...you're Jelikoff...come speak up.
JELIKOFF
Yes I ... that is ... I think I better not.
Looks helplessly at GOGOL then at DEMIDOFF.
CAPTAIN
...'E is 'usband of 'er...she would die for 'im.
JELIKOFF
No -yes.
DEMIDOFF
Looks around helplessly.
I'm through.
Takes collar from executioner, puts it on, finds it hurts - hands it back.
GOGOL
Aside to KATRINKA
Contradict Demidoff.
KATRINKA
Never - I said I would stand by him and I will.
GOGOL
Aside
But if you deny his story...they will think he is insane and his life will be saved.
KATRINKA
True!
DUKE
Reading Paper.
There is one more count in this indictment
DEMIDOFF
Laughing bitterly.
Count...why not make it a Prince or a Grand Duke...
DUKE
The boy - known as Katrinkat has disappeared, where is he?
DEMIDOFF
Laughs satirically.
Oh, this is simply wasting my time...these proceedings are degenerating into a species of entertainment known as hippodroming and my breath is too valuable to waste.
To KATRINKA
Just tell them Katrinket -
GOGOL
Aside to Katrinka
Remember!
KATRINKA
Shakes head - to OMNES.
His mind must be wandering.
DEMIDOFF
Looking around helplessly.
I guess it is - my head will be wandering around with it soon.
Sees GOGOL.
Gogol...it may sound like sarcasm but...I appeal to your sense of honour...
GOGOL waves him away.
Did you not lead me into this hapless mass of chaotic complication, did you not make me the quadruplex assassin - I appear to be?
GOGOL
I?
DEMIDOFF
Aye -
GOGOL laughs sardonically.
Jelikoff!
Appealing
JELIKOFF looks up and shakes head sadly as if sorry.
Katrinket!
KATRINKA looks at him, shakes her head sadly.
Boris!
BORIS waves him away.
Looks around>
Elected by an overwhelming majority...
As he takes instruments of torture from executioners.
To the victor belongs the spoils.
DUKE
Enough!
To KATRINKA AND JELIKOFF.
You two are free -
They are hustled out by soldiers.
As for yor Demidoff, you may prepare to meet your fate.
DEMIDOFF
What kind fate?
Music No. 14
CHORUS EXIT
CAPTAIN
Looks around.
You would escape is it?
DEMIDOFF
Is it what?
CAPTAIN
If you shall make a separation wis Madam Demidoff - you shall go - escape.
DEMIDOFF
Separation -- I'll make an assignment - deed of gift or Power of Attorney - anything.
CAPTAIN
And you will leave Bohkaria.
DEMIDOFF
Leave it ... I'll tear the entire map of Russia out of my Atlas and make you a present of it.
CAPTAIN
Points to D.L.
Take a door there - opposite the wall -
Points L
It leads to an alley - you see.
DEMIDOFF
No - I don't.
CAPTAIN
It leads to an alley --
DEMIDOFF
It must be a blind alley I don't see...
CAPTAIN
Points to D.L.I
There -- that door...
DEMIDOFF
Oh!
CAPTAIN
Wait there...you climb a tree - I will bring a uniform...
DEMIDOFF
And I shall be up a tree? Eh? Yes...I guess...I shall!
CAPTAIN
Go...I will watch...
Strolls up stage, talks to Sentries - obviously attracts their attention to something up stage.
DEMIDOFF
Going quietly towards DL.
Let me see...I must climb a blind alley till I come to a tree and then...
Looks off.
that form crouching in the doorway - It's Anna...Anna, 'tis I ...Demidoff...your poor perturbed parent...
ENTER ANNA
I'm so glad I...
Hysterically
I...ha...ha...I've found you...I've found you...
Then angrily
Where have you been?...How dare you lead me such a dance?
ANNA steps back.
No - don't go...don't go.
ANNA
I came to confess all to the Grand Duke - I was afraid of the soldiers and hid over there...
DEMIDOFF
Afraid...How can your father's daughter utter such a word...afraid of a paltry regiment of soldiers - I've been dancing on loaded dynamite all day and hain't flinched a muscle - but I'll show them...hush, go in there...
BUS: points to cabinet, goes up, stands at L of cabinet so taht CAPTAIN and 2 Sentries cannot see him -
ANNA EXITS into cabinet. CAPTAIN P: looks around, does not see DEMIDOFF.
CAPTAIN
He have gone.
To Soldiers
The prisoner have escape, sound alarm...
One of the soldiers beats a drum - pause.
You will find him up one tree in a - alley.
ENTER OMNES hurriedly.
Shoot him...shoot him..
To OMNES
Demidoff have escape ...
To Soldier
Shoot him - shoot him dead.
DEMIDOFF
Sauntering round cabinet so that OMNES can see him.
Yes...be very careful on that point - I don't want to be killed on the instalment plan.
DUKE
Captain, what's the meaning of this?
DEMIDOFF
It means your Royal Highness that although the alley may be blind, I am not...the Captain...
Points to Captain.
wanted me to escape so that he might make me a storage warehouse for bullets - but virtue is ever triumphant - and justice invariably poetic - as I propose to make...
Pointing to GOGOL
that arch-villian eat the indigestible fate he has prepared for me.
Noise off stage at gate...ENTER JELIKOFF and KATRINKET dressed in their original first Act costumes - they struggle with the soldiers and burst forward.
CHORUS ENTER
DUKE
What is it?
JELIKOFF
My Lord...My Lord...an injustice most foul -
KATRINKA
Points to DEMIDOFF.
He has committed no crime.
DUKE
Silence...who are they?
BORIS
The young page Katrinket and the tragedian Jelikoff - oh! if only SHE came back....
DEMIDOFF
The cat came back..why not she?...Your royal highness...I charge Rasselloff Gogol with attempting to defraud his nephew Boris of his title and estates -
GOGOL
How will you prove it?
DEMIDOFF
Anna herself shall testify...I suppose you all thought I spirited her away in earnest - ha - ha - an excellent compliment to my professional handiwork. Behold!
Part of Incantation No. during which the scenes appear in cabinet and are dimmed from view after which ANNA appears in the same costume as she first appeared in Act 1. After have them with tenor and soprano passages at end of which BORIS rushes to embrace her - she holds him out at arm's length.
ANNA
No - No...I am an imposter.
DUKE
At whose instigation did you assume at title?
ANNA
Points to GOGOL.
His!
GOGOL goes to EXIT.
DUKE
I shall investigate and if true will petition the Czar to restore you your title and estates...
GOGOL
Boris...
BORIS waves him away.
DEMIDOFF
Son-in-law- she is yours - with or without your title. Katrinket...kiss your daughter, the Princess Alexandrovitch.
KATRINKA
My daughter?
DEMIDOFF
Well, she will be when---
Kisses KATRINKA's hand, puts KATRINKA's hand through his arm.
JELIKOFF
To CAPTAIN in a deep voice.
Well - what is it?
CAPTAIN
I...
Stares at JELIKOFF.
Good'eaven...'e is not wife of 'im - no...good 'eaven.
Transcriber's Note: Music No. 15 was not found in the London production script.
CURTAIN