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Title: The sleeping beauty
Author: Theodora Du Bois
Release date: February 13, 2026 [eBook #77929]
Language: English
Original publication: US:
Credits: Mairi, Dori Allard, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SLEEPING BEAUTY ***
Transcriber’s Note: Italicized text is surrounded by underscores:
_italics_.
[Illustration: THE SLEEPING PALACE]
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY
A PLAY IN THREE ACTS
BY
THEODORA DU BOIS
AS PRODUCED BY THE
WORKSHOP PLAYERS OF YONKERS
_This play may be given with much PAGEANTRY,
if desired_
AMATEURS ARE GIVEN PERMISSION TO PRESENT THIS PLAY, BUT
NO PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE MAY TAKE PLACE
WITHOUT CONSENT OF THE AUTHOR.
ADDRESS: 171 RAVINE AVENUE, YONKERS, N. Y.
COPYRIGHT 1919, BY
THEODORA DU BOIS
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY[1]
A PLAY IN THREE ACTS
BY
THEODORA DU BOIS.
ACT I.
In the Second Best Throne Room of the King and Queen.
ACT II. (_Sixteen years later._)
Scene 1. Same as Act I.
Scene 2. In the Palace Attics.
Scene 3. Same as Act I.
ACT III. (_A hundred years later._)
Scene 1. Outside the Dragon-proof Hedge.
Scene 2. In the Second Best Throne Room of the King and Queen.
(The First Act takes twenty-four minutes to play, the Second Act
takes twenty-four minutes to play, and the Third Act takes fifteen
minutes to play.)
PEOPLE OF THE PLAY.[2]
The King.
The Queen.
The Princess.
The Prince.
Fairy of the Golden Isles.
Fairy of the Crystal Mountains.
Fairy of the Silver Rivers.
Fairy of the Sable Caves.
The Page. }
The Courtier. } Same person.
Attendant to Princess.
Gentlemen In Waiting to Prince.
ACT I.
_The curtain rises, showing the Second Best Throne Room of the King
and Queen. It may either be hung with softly draped curtains, or have
walls, representing gray rock, hung with old tapestries behind the
throne and on the side walls. There is one entrance at the right,
near the rear wall. In the center rear is a dais, and upon it a
divan. At the right of the dais, near the front of the stage, is a
chest. Opposite, at the left, is a cradle, with a small stool near
by._[3]
_The King is seated on the divan, which is the throne, half facing
the right wall, working out a plan of battle with toy knights on a
board. The Queen is seated on the chest, facing the audience. She is
surrounded by half opened parchments, and is scribbling in a hurried,
worried, manner, with a quill pen. Both she and the King are dressed
for the christening, and are wearing crowns._
QUEEN (_frantically_).
Oh dear, I’m having such an awful time!
KING (_not looking up_).
What’s that?
QUEEN.
Oh yes, you always say, “What’s that?”
Oh dear!
KING.
Yes, here my knights would make a charge.
QUEEN.
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, what can I do?
KING (_mildly_).
I’m sure I don’t know. What’s the matter dear?--
These knights would steal up in the dark, and then--
QUEEN (_interrupting crossly_).
And then they’d all be killed, I surely hope.
KING.
My dear, but what an odd remark to make.
QUEEN (_biting her pen_).
Well, you’d say odd things, too, if you were me.
KING (_reprovingly_).
“If you were _I_,” my dear, you should have said.
You are so careless in these little things,
I can’t imagine what your school was like.
QUEEN.
I never went to school, I’ve told you that.
A nice old wizard taught me everything.
KING (_not much interested_).
Ah, yes, arithmetic, and things like that--
QUEEN.
No, elementary magic! nothing dull
Like spelling, writing, and arithmetic.
We used to have a lesson every day:
Transforming things, stones into little cakes
With icing,--useful things like that _we_ learned. (_She turns back
to her work._)
Oh dear, I simply can not get this straight!
KING.
What is that you want to do my dear?
QUEEN.
I’m copying the baby’s Christening list
To give the steward--so he’ll know the names
Of all the people that I’ve asked to come.
And now I cannot read the names myself.
I wrote them in a hurry. I don’t know
Who is invited now--or who is not.
The thing is in a simply awful mess,
And now it’s getting late, and all the guests
Will be there in a minute! Dear, oh dear!
KING (_Gets up and comes to her side. He takes up the parchments
and puzzles over them_).
The writing is a bit like beetle tracks--
QUEEN.
Oh hurry, do, it’s really awfully late.
KING (_frowning_).
Let’s see whom you’ve asked first. What names are these?
QUEEN.
Those are my cousins, you remember them,
They gave us that enchanted silver bowl
When we were married.
KING.
Yes, oh yes, of course.
The Fairy of the Golden Isles--I see--
The Fairy of the Silver Rivers, and
The Fairy of the Crystal Mountains. Yes,
I do remember them now, perfectly.
Nice fairies, too. How stupid to forget.
Who are all these?
QUEEN.
They’re the more common guests
Who’ll just come in for tea this afternoon,
After our ceremonies all are through.
KING.
Ah, Cinderella and the Prince, I see.
Bluebeard? (_very angrily._) I don’t see why you asked that man!
QUEEN.
His wife is my _best_ friend.
KING (_with meaning_).
She won’t be, long.
Who’se this? Aladdin?
QUEEN.
Yes, he’s visiting.
KING.
King Cole--I hope _he_ comes. Perhaps he’ll stay
And smoke a pipe after the rest have gone. (_reading hurriedly._)
Fairy of hum te-hum-te-hum te-hum,
King of the hum te-hum te-hum te-hum,
Queen hum-te-de, King tum te tum te tum,
Te tum-te tum--King of the Pearly-gates.
Prince of the Pomegranate Garden-tum-te-tum--
My gracious, but you’ve surely asked a lot.
QUEEN (_proudly_).
Yes, it’s the biggest party ever held
In all the kingdoms. Baby should be proud. (_She looks in the
cradle._)
That all this great big party’s just for her,
Just for her Christening. Oh the sweetum’s thing.
See--see--the duckie!
KING.
Shsh--don’t wake her up. (_He looks at the list again._)
What’s this name here that seems to be scratched out?
QUEEN.
Why I don’t know, I’m sure. What can it be?
KING.
It looks like “Stable Calves”--it can’t be that,
Now can it? That’s an awfully funny name
It seems to me, for any fairy. Why,
The “Fairy of the Stable Calves”--Oh no!
I’m sure we don’t know anyone like that.
QUEEN (_recognizing it_).
I know--it’s “Fairy of the Sable Caves”!
KING (_amazed_).
Gadzooks! Aunt Fairy of the Sable Caves!
QUEEN (_sitting down on the edge of the dais in
horror_).
I’m ’fraid I’ve done a simply dreadful thing!
What shall I do! I wrote that name down last,
And scribbled it so badly, that, well, that
When I sent all my invitations off
I couldn’t read her name, and so I thought
That it was something that had been scratched out,
And so, and so--
KING (_angrily_).
Odds-bodkins! zounds! gadzooks!
Then do you mean she wasn’t asked at all?
QUEEN (_sulkily_).
Such language isn’t necessary dear.
KING (_half apologetically but still angry_).
Well, I forgot--I’m sorry--but my sweet,--
You didn’t send her invitation off?
Aunt Fairy of the Sable Caves left out!
Zounds, she’ll be simply raving when she hears!
Her temper’s worse than twenty bottles bees!
QUEEN (_going toward King_).
It’s just a social error, dear, that’s all.
I’m awfully sorry--’cause she is your aunt,
But then, to tell the truth, I never did,
I never could have liked her, very much.
KING.
She surely has a frightful temper. Zounds!
I wouldn’t have offended her for worlds!
It’s just your carelessness again my dear.
She may be very horrid over this.
If you would _only_ be more careful, pet.
QUEEN (_starting to weep_).
Oh yes, I’ll try. I truly will. Oh dear!
KING (_nervously walking up and down_).
I wonder if there’s anything to do.
A note apologizing? It’s too late.
Well, well. We’ll simply make the best of it.
(_Queen flings herself weeping on the divan._)
QUEEN.
Oh everything is just too horrible.
I’d rather be a rabbit or a toad,
Or anything alive (_sob_) except a queen.
KING (_trying to quiet her_).
There, there, my dear, there, there, now stop, you must.
You’ll wake the baby. Stop! your eyes will be
All red and puffy for the Christening.
Get up and put your crown on straight, at once.
And put some powder on your nose. Now come--
Or else you know you’ll be a perfect sight.
QUEEN (_sobbing_).
I am one anyway, so I don’t care.
KING (_frantically_).
Get up I say. Now do be sensible.
(_Page enters, bows with formality and stands at attention._)
PAGE (_in loud and even tones_).
Oh, great and glorious ruler of this realm,
Oh fair and beauteous queen of all the land,
A guest awaits, in thy reception hall,
And rests her from her journey.
KING.
What’s the name?
PAGE (_still at attention_).
“The Fairy of the Golden Isles,” oh king.
(_Queen jumps to her feet._)
QUEEN.
I haven’t even time to fix my hair (_she fixes it_).
You should have told me it was getting late. (_She dabs her face
with a little powder puff._)
My eyes look better now I think, don’t you?
KING (_takes a handkerchief and wipes a tear away from
the side of her cheek_).
There, that’s the last old tear--no one would know
You’d ever cried in all your life. That’s fine!
QUEEN.
Now, is my crown on straight?
KING.
Oh yes, it’s fine.
How is my collar? Is it very mussed?
QUEEN.
No, not a bit. (_She looks in cradle._) The baby’s still asleep.
Just see how sweet! (_She sits down primly on the divan._)
I think we’re ready now.
KING (_taking up the parchment list of names from the chest_).
Give this unto the steward, boy. But first
Announce the Fairy of the Golden Isles.
(_The Page bows and backs out. The King straightens the room up a
little._)
KING.
I’m sure I hope the banquet is all right.
QUEEN.
Everything came except the pomegranates,
And _rainbow_ fish instead of golden carp! (_Annoyed._)
KING.
Well, we can do without them, I suppose.
QUEEN.
I hope those young spring peacocks won’t be tough,
And that the Roc’s egg omelette isn’t flat.
KING (_Sits beside Queen on divan. In doing so he rests his hand
behind her, and then suddenly leaps to his feet_).
Ouch--Ouch! (_putting finger in mouth_.)
QUEEN (_anxious_).
Oh dear, whatever have you done?
KING (_mumbling_).
I’ve pricked it like the very mischief, dear.
QUEEN.
Pricked it--what on?
KING (_crossly_).
On something sharp, of course.
QUEEN.
Oh I’m so sorry! Let me see it, do.
KING.
It’s bleeding! Ouch!
QUEEN (_tearing her handkerchief_).
Here, do it up with this. (_She winds it around his finger._)
I wonder if that page has hidden tacks
Beneath our cushions.
KING (_fiercely_).
If he has--I’ll just--
(_Page enters and bows low. The King sits down suddenly._)
PAGE.
Oh great and gracious king of all this realm.
KING (_interrupting in a dreadfully fierce voice_).
Stop that--come here--no, nearer, on your knees. (_The Page obeys,
terrified._)
Tell me the truth now sirrah--did you put
Tacks underneath these cushions? If you did
I’ll send you to my deepest dungeon dark
Beneath the castle moat, and for a month,
Feed you on bread and water. Now, the truth!
PAGE (_terrified_).
Oh no great ruler; no, I never did.
KING.
Then tell me what it was that pricked my hand.
PAGE (_picking up from the divan beside the King, one of
the lead knights he had been manouvering at the beginning
of the play_).
Mayhap, oh king, you pricked your hand on this. (_He holds up the
little knight, and the King touches its spear gingerly._)
KING.
I guess that’s it. They’re spilled all over here.
The spear _is_ awfully sharp. Here, hide them quick.
Pick that one up before the guests arrive. (_He sweeps knights into
his hand and gives them to the Page._)
QUEEN.
Just stick them underneath the throne.
(_Page obeys._)
KING.
That’s right.
What was it now, you were about to say.
PAGE (_rising, but trembling_).
Oh kind and gracious ruler of this land,
Oh thrice fair beauteous and lovely queen,
The Fairy of the Golden Isles is now
Approaching, up the gold and marble stairs.
KING.
We will receive our cousin, with all joy.
PAGE (_backs out_).
I go, oh king, benign and bounteous.
KING (_to Queen_).
I only hope the baby stays asleep.
She’s apt to yell so awfully when she wakes.
PAGE (_standing at the door_).
The Fairy of the Golden Isles is come.
(_The Fairy of the Golden Isles enters, beautifully dressed, carrying
a golden ball on a cushion._)
(_She kneels before the King and Queen who kiss her solemnly on the
forehead._)
KING.
All welcome cousin, on this Christening day,
All welcome for our daughter and ourselves.
QUEEN.
All welcome cousin of the Golden Isles.
Our hearts dance like the golden blooms of spring
To see you here.
FAIRY OF THE GOLDEN ISLES.
And mine rejoices, too.
Sings, and is glad, like wind-kissed daisy fields.
Sings, and is glad on this glad Christening day.
QUEEN (_changing to an informal manner_).
Now don’t you want to see our baby?
Why!
How well you’re looking! What a lovely dress!
(_They all rise and look into the cradle, speaking rather low._)
FAIRY OF THE GOLDEN ISLES.
Oh what a darling! Why you never said
How awfully sweet she was.
QUEEN.
She _is_ quite sweet.
KING (_turning his moustache proudly_).
We seem to like her rather well, you know.
FAIRY OF THE GOLDEN ISLES.
Well, I should think you would (_to the Queen_).
She’s beautiful!
I think she looks exactly like you, dear.
QUEEN.
Oh no, she looks exactly like the king--
Except the beard--of course. (_Tweaks his beard._)
KING.
You flatter me.
(_Enter Page._)
PAGE.
Oh great and glorious ruler of this realm,
Oh fair and beauteous queen of all the land,
Oh radiant Fairy of the Golden Isles--
The Fairy of the Crystal Mountains comes.
QUEEN.
We will receive her here at once.
QUEEN.
Yes--yes.
(_Page bows and backs out._)
FAIRY OF THE GOLDEN ISLES.
My dear, your baby simply is too sweet!
PAGE (_reenters_).
The Fairy of the Crystal Mountains, sire.
(_Page goes out as the Fairy of the Crystal Mountains enters,
beautifully dressed, carrying the crystal globe of wisdom. She kneels
in front of the King and Queen. They kiss her on the forehead._)
KING.
All welcome cousin, on this Christening day.
All welcome for our daughter and ourselves.
QUEEN.
Thou of the Crystal Mountains--welcome thrice.
Our hearts dance like the crystal mists that waft
About your mountain tops, to welcome you.
FAIRY OF THE CRYSTAL MOUNTAINS.
Mine dances too, like glad nymphs in the mists,
Dances and sings on this glad Christening day. (_Changing her
manner, and getting up._)
Now let me see the baby, I can’t wait! (_All look in cradle._)
Oh what a darling! Isn’t she too, too dear!
She looks exactly like the King, I think.
FAIRY OF THE GOLDEN ISLES.
I think she looks exactly like the Queen.
(_Page enters._)
PAGE.
Oh great and glorious ruler of the realm,
Oh fair and beauteous queen of all this land,
Oh radiant Fairy of the Golden Isles,
Fair Fairy of the Crystal Mountains, lo
The Fairy of the Silver Rivers comes.
(_The Fairy of the Silver Rivers enters immediately, beautifully
dressed, bearing the mirror of beauty. She kneels before the King and
Queen who kiss her on the forehead._)
KING.
All welcome cousin, on this Christening day.
All welcome for our daughter and ourselves.
QUEEN.
All welcome--Fairy of the Silver Streams.
Our hearts dance like glad ripples on thy waves
To see thee here.
FAIRY OF THE SILVER RIVERS.
Mine dances, too, like sunlight on the waves,
Dances and sings, on this glad Christening day.--
And I have brought a gift to give thy babe.
FAIRY OF THE GOLDEN ISLES.
And so have I--
FAIRY OF THE CRYSTAL MOUNTAINS.
And I--
FAIRY OF THE GOLDEN ISLES.
I thought I’d wait
Until the others came, so we could dance
Our magic gift dance as we give our gifts.
FAIRY OF THE SILVER RIVERS.
Why, that’s a good idea--(_looks in cradle._)
How sweet she is!
I don’t know which I think she looks like more.
FAIRY OF THE GOLDEN ISLES.
Her mother.
FAIRY OF THE CRYSTAL MOUNTAINS.
No, her father.
FAIRY OF THE SILVER RIVERS.
Like you both.
My, she’s the loveliest baby that I’ve seen.
QUEEN (_smiling_).
I’m glad you like her. But I’d like to know
Just where you got your dresses. Why, my dears,
They’re wonderful! they’re simply exquisite!
FAIRY OF THE GOLDEN ISLES.
We got them for to-day--we think they’re nice.
KING.
I hate to interrupt this pleasant chat.
But all our other guests will be here soon.
FAIRY OF THE CRYSTAL MOUNTAINS.
And we must dance our dance and give our gifts. (_Goes to cradle._)
We’ll have to pull it out a little way,
It’s much too close against the wall to dance.
(_They pull the cradle to the center of the stage and begin
a slow dance about it._)[4]
FAIRY OF THE GOLDEN ISLES (_holds ball high in air_).
Lo--this golden glowing toy
Is the ball of mirth and joy,
As a Christening gift I leave thee.
Keep it, and no harm will grieve thee. (_She puts it in the cradle
and kisses the baby._)
FAIRY OF THE CRYSTAL MOUNTAINS (_holds up globe_).
Lo, this crystal globe, before
Thy feet I lay. Deep wisdom’s lore
Is hid therein--Long-bearded sages
Have sought this secret of the ages. (_She puts it in the cradle and
kisses the baby._)
FAIRY OF THE SILVER RIVERS (_holds up mirror_).
The mirror of beauty I give to thee,
Thy face will greet thee happily,
The fairest face in all the land--
(_Enter Page, running breathlessly._)
PAGE.
I crave thy pardon sire, but I fear!
KING.
What is the matter boy? What is all this?
What do you mean by interrupting us?
PAGE.
Another guest, a dreadful, cross, cross guest!
Her eyes are flashing--oh she’s coming now.
(_All listen in consternation to angry sounds without. The fairies
huddle together. The Queen edges close to the King. The Page,
trembling, scuttles to one side of the dais._)
QUEEN (_terrified_).
What can it be?
(_The Fairy of the Sable Caves rushes in the door like a whirlwind.
All the others open their mouths with astonishment and stand staring,
in a semicircle. She stands looking at them in derision._)
FAIRY OF THE SABLE CAVES.
Well, what’s the matter? Are you all struck dumb?
I s’pose you don’t remember who I am,
Or else perhaps you’re overcome with joy
At seeing me. Oh close your foolish mouths. (_They close their
mouths sheepishly._)
Well, since I’ve come, what have you got to say,
Now for yourselves?
KING (_with difficulty_).
We’re awfully sorry--it--
FAIRY OF THE SABLE CAVES (_disagreeably_).
Oh yes, of course, it was an oversight--
You “wouldn’t _mean_ to do it for the world”--
I know those old excuses all by heart.
It doesn’t change the matter--not a bit.
You’re giving a tremendous Christening,
And I, and I--you’ve simply “overlooked.”
No, I was not invited--not a word!
Left out! the Fairy of the Sable Caves!
While these poor silly, frilly fairies here, (_She points to three
Fairies who shudder and cling together._)
Are given posts of honor. Yes, that’s right.
You’re scared, I’m glad, no one can slight _me_ twice.
You’ll all be sorry, good and sorry, too.
Show me the baby.
QUEEN (_terrified_).
There she is, in there.
FAIRY OF THE SABLE CAVES.
That ugly baby! looks just like you both. (_looking at the King’s
hand._)
What’s that old rag around your finger for?
KING.
I pricked it, badly.
FAIRY OF THE SABLE CAVES.
Pricked it? Pricked it--humph!
QUEEN.
We’re very sorry, it was all my fault.
FAIRY OF THE SABLE CAVES.
It doesn’t matter now whose fault it was,
You should have thought of that before.
QUEEN.
Oh please!
FAIRY OF THE SABLE CAVES.
Oh you will rue the day you slighted me--(_She faces the audience,
waving her arms and weaving a spell._)
Oh evil spirits of the blackest night!
Oh ghosts and goblins, ghouls and specters drear--
Oh wraiths who haunt dim starlit country roads--
Demons and trolls who dwell in dungeon moats--
Come near[5]--come near and weave a spell with me,
Come near and make a Christening present drear,
A Christening present for this sleeping child.
KING (_starting forward_).
You shall not hurt my daughter! I forbid.
FAIRY OF THE SABLE CAVES.
Back, back, or I will turn you into stone. (_She compels him to step
back._)
Hark to the spell I lay upon this child:
For sixteen years these silly spells shall last--(_pointing to three
fairies._)
She shall be happy, wise, and beautiful--
Dance in the sunlight--sing and laugh and play--
And then--and then--draw near, ye elves of doom,
Draw near ye spirits of my cave’s deep gloom,
Upon a _distaff_ sharp your child shall prick
Her finger, till it bleeds; and pale and sick
She’ll grow--(_beckoning_) imps from my cobweb tangled sky!
Pale, wan, and ill and then your child will--
(_She stands triumphant while the others cower in fear._)
KING (_interrupting_).
No--oh no--not _that_--have mercy--oh--I pray!
FAIRY OF THE SABLE CAVES.
Good-bye, I hope you’ll have a pleasant day.
(_She laughs wildly and rushes out. The Queen flings herself sobbing
upon the King. The others recover a bit._)
FAIRY OF THE SILVER RIVERS (_comes forward toward Queen_).
Stop crying now, there’s something I can do.
Her power equals mine and so I can’t
Destroy her evil charms entirely.
But I can make them less, less, horrible.
Give me your hands. (_The three Fairies join hands over the
cradle._) Now close your eyes and wish.
Wish that the words I say will all come true.
The Princess shall not die, she shall not die,
But fall asleep instead, and sleep and sleep,
Sleep for a hundred years, until at last,
A prince shall break the spell by kissing her,
And she shall wake again to life and joy.
(_All drop hands and the tension is relaxed._)
KING (_mopping face with handkerchief_).
Well, I can’t tell you how obliged I am,
You’re too--too kind--I--well--I simply can’t.
QUEEN.
We have no words, we feel, far, far too much.
I don’t believe in evil spells at all,
Only in good ones, never bad ones.
(_To King_) But I’ll never have a distaff in this house.
KING.
We’ll be on the safe side. Ho page--attend! (_The Page hurriedly
comes before him._)
Proclaim to all my people in the land,
That from this time no distaff may be brought
Within my castle walls, on pain of death.
And he who disobeys me--dies at once.
PAGE.
I go--oh sire! (_He goes out._)
QUEEN (_frantically to King_).
Oh, I simply can’t
Go on and have the party after this.
KING.
You must, now pull yourself together, dear,
And make it a success; smile, grit your teeth!
QUEEN (_to Fairies_).
Don’t look so sad my dears, it’s over now,
We’ll all forget it for the afternoon.
PAGE (_entering_).
Oh great and glorious rulers of this realm,
The Christening guests await thee, all without.
KING.
Then let us go to them. Come on, my dear.
QUEEN (_goes to cradle_).
We’ll take the princess then. Come sweetums, come,
Come to your Christening, sweet. Come, everyone. (_The Page lifts up
the cradle, as he does so the Queen turns to the Fairies._)
Forget that wicked charm, it mustn’t spoil
Our lovely Christening party, and besides,
All evil spells are nonsense; so my dears,
We’ll simply _never_ think of it again.
(_The Page goes out bearing the cradle. The others follow in single
file. Queen, King and Fairies._)
Curtain.
ACT II. SCENE 1. (_Same as Act I. Sixteen years later._)
(_The curtain rises upon the same room. The only change is that now a
bench is in place of the cradle. The Princess, her Attendant, and the
Courtier, who is the Page of the first act, grown up, are sitting on
the dais steps. The Princess is in the middle. She is trying to play
a mandolin, and is doing very badly. The Courtier is much bored. He
and the Attendant have a little by-play behind the Princess’ back, as
she plays._)
PRINCESS.
There now, that’s right, I think, yes, yes, that’s right.
COURTIER.
Well, even yet--I hardly think that it’s--
ATTENDANT (_gently_).
I think you ought to strike the strings like this.
PRINCESS (_crossly_).
I think a princess ought to know the way.
COURTIER.
Oh yes, Your Highness owns the crystal globe
Of wisdom, and knows _everything_ on earth.
PRINCESS.
Oh fiddlesticks!
COURTIER.
And as for beauty--why
The morning star is but a homely thing,
A common little stupid point of light, (_He snaps his fingers as if
at the morning star_)
Compared to you. (_The Princess bends over her mandolin, much
absorbed in it, and the Courtier immediately tries to hold the
hand of the Attendant._)
PRINCESS (_meaning his flattery_).
Oh stop such foolishness.
COURTIER (_quickly removing his hand_).
And as for joy, the bubbling mirth of spring,
The glamorous delight of golden hours,
The soft, sweet, soothing scent of summer showers,
The radiant happiness--
PRINCESS.
Oh what a fib--
You know yourself that I am just as cross
As I can be to-day. I wish I knew
What was the matter with me. Oh, I wish
It were tomorrow. I have always longed
To have that birthday come: my seventeenth!
I wonder if I’ll feel much more grown up
Tomorrow. Well, at any rate I hope
I won’t feel quite so cross--You wish it, too,
I guess, poor dears--I’m sorry. (_She suddenly makes a most horrible
noise on the mandolin._)
COURTIER (_putting his hands over his ears_).
Please--oh please.
PRINCESS (_sternly_).
I think you’re very rude. You ought to like
Whatever I may do. (_Considering_) I think perhaps
I’ll have your head chopped off at once for that.
COURTIER (_on his knees_).
I humbly crave thy pardon, Highness, dear,
I pray thee, let me keep my head awhile--
At least a _little_ longer. I have tried
So long to get this moustache, worked _so_ hard,
I should be desolate if all that work
Were done in vain. And then, consider this--
My head would not be handsome on a pole.
PRINCESS.
I think you’re much too vain. Get up at once. (_He gets up, and the
Princess attempts to play something on the mandolin. They listen
attentively. She finishes and looks up for applause._)
What was I playing then? I love that piece.
COURTIER.
The death song of the Seven Kitchen Cats?
PRINCESS (_disgusted_).
No, no, it’s not. I wouldn’t speak at all
If every time I spoke I showed myself
As awfully stupid as you seem to be.
COURTIER.
We’re not all gifted as your Highness is.
PRINCESS.
That’s very clear. I s’pose it’s not your fault
That you’ve been born without the slightest ear
For music. Now the name of that piece was,
“Beneath thy turret window, love, I wait.”
COURTIER.
I crave thy pardon, Highness, my mistake.
PRINCESS.
Come on let’s stop--I’m awfully sick of this.
This is the dullest day I’ve ever known.
I wish it were tomorrow.
COURTIER (_feelingly_).
So do I. (_The Princess looks at him sternly and he hastily
continues._)
Your birthday, Highness, is a festal day--
The Kingdom and its subjects all rejoice--
To think that you were born to fill the world
With radiance--
PRINCESS (_in a towering rage_).
Gadzooks! odds-bodkins! now, this is enough!
ATTENDANT (_in horror_).
Your Highness, oh such language!
PRINCESS.
Well, papa
Says just those words, don’t interrupt me please.
He’s simply making fun of me, I know.
I can’t stand any more of this--Ho guards!
(_Courtier and Attendant throw themselves on floor._)
ATTENDANT.
Pray pardon him, oh Princess--think--just think
He does, amuse us--
COURTIER.
Yes, and I might spoil
If I should languish in a dungeon dark.
PRINCESS.
Get up, get up--I’m acting like a pig!
A perfect pig, and you’re just idiots.
I’m sure I hope the day will end without
My doing something simply horrible.
COURTIER (_ruefully_).
I’m sure _I_ hope so, too.
PRINCESS.
Well, please look out.
I think I’ll get my golden ball of joy--
We’ll try to have a little fun with that.
ATTENDANT.
I’ll get it for you.
COURTIER.
No, let me, let me.
PRINCESS.
Stay there and rest. You’d need it I should think.
(_She runs out. The others sink down with relief on the dais steps._)
ATTENDANT.
Why, in the name of heaven, do you say
Such awful things?
COURTIER.
What awful things, dear heart?
ATTENDANT.
You know, all that about her radiance?
Of course it makes her simply furious.
I thought that you were done for twice at least.
COURTIER.
I was a little nervous there myself.
When they begin to talk that regal stuff
You never know where they, or you, will end.
Yes, that’s the trouble with these kings and queens,
They get a little mad, perhaps, and then
They stick you in a dungeon, or perhaps
They cut your head off--just like this--(_Makes motion of cutting
off head._)
Oh, well--
The whims of Kings and things are passing strange! (_He makes a
nonchalant gesture._)
ATTENDANT.
But why, why do you say such silly things?
COURTIER.
A courtier’s business is to flatter kings--
That’s his excuse for being. Don’t you know,
They teach the pages flattery in school.
Why, it’s a course--I passed it very high.
ATTENDANT.
What nonsense!
COURTIER.
No, my dear--I’ll tell you why
I say such things. I mean them all for you.
I say them to the Princess with my lips
Because that’s proper etiquette--but oh
My heart is singing them aloud to you.[6]
(_He tries to kiss her--the Princess enters but does not see them._)
PRINCESS.
Come on now, here it is, let’s have a game.
(_They throw the ball._)
ATTENDANT.
Perhaps we’d better all go out and play,
We might break something here, I think.
PRINCESS.
No--no--
The sun’s too hot--my head aches--no, I won’t.
Besides it’s much more fun to play in here.
Much more exciting, just because we might
Knock something over. My I’d like a crash--
A good loud crashing smash.
(_To Courtier_) You throw too high,
It isn’t fair. (_He throws the ball off stage._)
There now, see what you’ve done!
(_All follow ball toward door. The Princess scrambles to catch it._)
ATTENDANT.
Oh, where’s it gone?
(_The Princess disappears out of the door and calls back._)
PRINCESS (_outside_).
It slipped out of my hands,
It’s dropped down in the courtyard,--hurry, do,
It’s rolling toward the fountain, stop it, quick. (_The Courtier
rushes out, and the Princess comes back and throws herself down
on the divan._)
Now, isn’t that a nuisance! What a day!
Just everything’s gone wrong, oh, what a bore!
The ball will probably stop up the drain,
And then papa will be so awfully cross.
ATTENDANT.
Perhaps it would amuse you if I brought
The magic mirror of your beauty.
PRINCESS.
No--of course I know I’m very beautiful,
So what’s the use of looking in the glass?
ATTENDANT.
I’m sure that it would never bore me so.
PRINCESS (_with unintentional unkindness_).
Perhaps not you. Oh well, then bring it on.
Why can’t we change our faces like our clothes.
You get so tired of the same old face. (_Attendant hands her the
mirror. The Princess gives a sudden scream._)
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, do I look like that?
ATTENDANT.
Like what--like what?
PRINCESS.
All queer and lumpy--oh--
What can have happened--oh how horrible--
I’m sure that I don’t look like that--oh no!!
ATTENDANT (_frightened, looking first at Princess then at
mirror_).
You don’t, you don’t--the mirror’s just gone bad,
The glass is sort of curdled.
PRINCESS.
So it is.
Like sour milk, how dreadful, take it, quick!
I never knew that glass could act like this--
It makes me feel quite seasick. Let’s go out.
ATTENDANT.
Perhaps you’d best lie down a little while
And take some wine, some of your father’s--do--
I’ll call your mother--
PRINCESS (_grabbing her_).
Stop it--no, you won’t.
She’d tell Papa--I wouldn’t have him know
For anything. He’d be so awfully cross
If anything has happened to that glass.
He’s always told me I must take such care
Of it--and of my ball and of the globe.
I s’pose I haven’t kept it clean enough--
Or something. Hide it underneath the throne--(_She does so._)
Perhaps a cool dark place will make it right.
Come on--let’s go and help fish out the ball--
I think the Courtier must have fallen in
The fountain, he’s been such a length of time.
(_Exit both. Enter King and Queen. Queen carries a chess board._)
KING.
Well, now, my dear, she’s almost seventeen,
And nothing’s happened yet. I think she’s safe.
Tomorrow is her birthday. I’d forget
That foolish prophesy if I were you.
QUEEN (_sits down on chest_).
Well, you’re a man. Of course you’d talk like that.
KING.
It isn’t likely now that such a thing
Could happen, dear. I think it was a bluff
To scare us all--and it’s so long ago--
I’m sure Aunt Fairy of the Sable Caves,
Has just forgotten all about the child.
QUEEN.
Oh well--of course, you men have just no nerves.
I shan’t feel safe until tomorrow’s come.
KING.
Why, if it were to happen, seems to me,
It would have happened long ago, my dear.
QUEEN.
Well, this has been a simply ghastly year,
I’ve hardly dared to let her from my sight,
For fear that frightful spell would just swoop down.
KING.
It surely has, my dear--and I’ll be glad--
More glad than I can say to have it end
Tomorrow--there’s no reason is there dear
Why you’re particularly worried now?
Has anything gone wrong?
QUEEN.
No, not at all.
Except the child seems very cross to-day--
And that’s not natural at all you know.
KING.
Oh well, perhaps she feels us worrying.
Her magic charms are perfectly all right
I hope.
QUEEN.
Oh yes--she had them all last night--quite safe.
The ball and globe and mirror.
KING.
Well, then, come on, let’s have a game of chess. (_They go up to
divan, sit down, and begin to play._)
I hear our next door kingdom’s much distressed
And ravaged by a dragon that’s appeared.
QUEEN.
No--you don’t say? Now isn’t that a shame!
I hope the nasty thing won’t come to ours.
KING (_about the chess_).
I’ve almost caught your queen now.
QUEEN (_listening_).
Here she comes.
(_Enter Princess with Courtier and Attendant. The two latter bow
formally to King and Queen, then stand at attention at either corner
of the dais. The Princess sits down on the divan beside the King,
rubs her face against his, and puts one arm around his neck. He
squirms._)
KING.
Well pet--where have you been? Excuse me, dear--
You know, I love your arm about my neck--
But really now--it’s just a little damp.
What can you have been doing with it, dear?
QUEEN (_worried_).
What, is it very wet? You may catch cold!
PRINCESS (_bored_).
Oh no, I won’t catch cold--it’s nothing--please--
Papa, it’s really hardly wet at all.
QUEEN.
How did you get your arm wet? It’s very odd.
PRINCESS.
Well, we’ve been dabbling in the fountain there,
And so my sleeve slipped in a bit--that’s all.
KING.
She probably was sailing little boats.
PRINCESS (_irritated_).
I’m not a child, Papa. Tomorrow I’ll
Be seventeen, please do remember that.
QUEEN.
Why were you playing in the fountain, dear?
You haven’t told us yet.
PRINCESS.
Oh, just because
Something of mine dropped in it. That was all.
KING.
And did you get it out again, my dear?
PRINCESS.
I didn’t, no. I think the yellow frog
Has swallowed it. It wasn’t anything
Especially important anyway. (_Courtier and Attendant
exchange glances._)
Now please don’t talk about it any more.
I wish that something nice would happen. Oh
It’s been a horrid day, just everything’s
Gone wrong, and I feel simply bored to death.
KING (_alarmed_).
Well, let’s do something then to cheer you up.
PRINCESS.
There’s not a thing to do--there never is.
QUEEN.
Let’s talk about your birthday presents then.
PRINCESS.
Oh, no, that’s such a bore. Tomorrow seems
As though it were a hundred years away.
(_The King and Queen start in consternation and horror and turn pale
if possible._)
QUEEN (_gasping_).
Oh don’t child; don’t--
KING (_sternly_).
Child, why did you say that?
PRINCESS (_yawning_).
Oh, I don’t know I’m sure--why such a fuss?
(_Languidly_) Come on let’s get my crystal globe and see
If there is anything at all in that
That is amusing. Courtier--get it, please.
(_He bows and goes out of the room._)
QUEEN.
Oh, do you think it wise, to-day I mean.
PRINCESS.
I’m sure I can’t see why it isn’t wise,
To look into my globe of wisdom now,
Or any other time.
QUEEN (_reluctantly_).
Well, as you wish.
(_Courtier enters with it, bows and places it on the dais in front of
the Royal Group._)
KING.
What shall we look for dear? You’d better choose.
PRINCESS (_kneeling in front of King and Queen and
looking in globe_).
I know what would be fun--let’s look ahead
And see the future. Take tomorrow first.
Show us tomorrow globe--now all look hard.
(_All are silent a minute gazing in globe._)
PRINCESS.
Show us tomorrow--quick you stupid thing--
It’s awfully queer and cloudy--sort of black--
I never saw it act that way before.
QUEEN (_nervously_).
Oh, why do you suppose it’s acting so?
KING (_with common sense_).
We simply are not in the proper mood,
No other reason.
PRINCESS.
No, it isn’t that.
It’s always clear, with pictures that are bright.
The future’s stupid anyway. Let’s look
At something in the past--my Christening--
QUEEN (_agonized_).
Oh no, not that to-day, not that to-day.
PRINCESS (_as a spoiled child_).
Oh fiddlesticks, why not. Ah here it is.
Yes, yes, here’s this same room--now this is clear--
Oh there you are, Papa, and there’s Mamma--
How funnily you’re dressed--the styles have changed
Since then Mamma. Oh who are these--these three
Quite lovely people?
QUEEN (_in a stifled voice_).
They’re the fairies, dear,
Who gave you your three lovely gifts you know.
Now, that’s enough my dear--let’s put it up.
PRINCESS.
No, no, I won’t. I want to see the rest.
Why who’se this coming in? A queer black thing,
She’s awfully angry, and you look so scared.
And see--the words she says are written out--
“Hark to the spell I lay”--
[Illustration: “LET’S LOOK AHEAD AND SEE THE FUTURE”]
KING.
Odds-bodkins! zounds!
(_He raises his scepter and smashes the crystal globe. The Queen and
Princess rise in horror and amazement._)
PRINCESS.
Papa--papa--how could you--oh papa!
You’ve broken it--my precious crystal globe.
How _could_ you--and you’ve spoiled the picture, too!
I think it’s just too bad (_she sobs_).
KING (_dominating the scene_).
My child, no more--
I am the king, no one may question me!
My power comes from heaven, that you know
As well as I. And if I choose to break
The crystal globes of all my subjects--then
Break them I will and none may question why--
Aye, if I choose, to go throughout the land
Into each kitchen of each home therein,
And with my scepter, sweep from off the shelves,
The crockery, and smash it on the floor--
And dance upon the fragments, even then
No one may question me, but must submit,
And with a gracious spirit, being glad
They have a king so wise and lenient.
Now take this little lesson to thy heart.
PRINCESS (_quite humbly, kneeling_).
Father, I will--thy word, of course, is law--
And I would not presume to question thee.
I crave thy pardon sire. (_To Courtier and Attendant_) Come along
(_She jumps to her feet._)
Let’s go up to the tower room and see
If any swallows’ eggs have hatched to-day.
(_The King mops his brow. As Princess, Attendant and Courtier are
about to go out, the Queen sees something sticking out from under the
throne. She takes it out and sees the magic mirror, spoiled._)
QUEEN (_in horror_).
My dear, your magic mirror--why, it’s spoiled!
PRINCESS (_pretending unconcern_).
I know, I found it out this afternoon
Just after I had lost my ball of joy
Down in the fountain--Isn’t it a shame.
(_She rushes out with Attendant and Courtier anxious to escape. The
King and Queen look at each other in horror._)
QUEEN (_in a whisper_).
The fairies’ charms are ruined--
KING (_in despair_).
And what next?
Curtain.
ACT II. SCENE 2.
(_The Attic near the tower room; a dim mysterious place; the fairy
of the Sable Caves, disguised in a cap and apron, is spinning in one
corner as the curtain rises._)
FAIRY OF THE SABLE CAVES (_chanting_).
Wind, wind, wind; the weary years roll by,
Wind, wind, wind; the time is drawing nigh,
Wind, wind, wind; the lagging moments creep.
Wind, wind, wind; the Princess soon shall sleep.
(_She stops and listens a moment, and hears the Princess’ voice
outside._)
PRINCESS (_outside_).
No, not a single swallow’s egg has hatched.
Oh--feel the wind blow on your face and see
The clouds race by.
COURTIER (_outside_).
Look down and see the knights.
PRINCESS (_outside_).
They look like tiny ants--we _are_ high up.
Come, let’s go down. Oh what’s that funny door?
COURTIER.
What door?
PRINCESS.
That little one, hid in the wall,
I’ve never seen it there in all my life.
I wonder where it leads to,--let’s explore.
COURTIER.
Oh, no, let’s not, let’s go down where it’s warm.
That probably leads in beneath the roofs--
Into the palace attics. Don’t go in,
There’s nothing there but dark and dust and bats.
PRINCESS (_outside_).
Ohee--that sounds exciting--come along.
ATTENDANT (_outside_).
Oh don’t let’s, Princess dear. It’s awfully dark.
PRINCESS (_outside_).
Oh fiddlesticks--come on.
FAIRY OF THE SABLE CAVES (_muttering to herself_).
Come on--come on.
(_The Princess steps in slowly, and wonderingly, the others
following. They do not at first notice the Fairy of the Sable Caves
who pays no attention to them but goes on spinning and winding her
distaff in the corner._)
PRINCESS (_almost whispering_).
My what a queer old place!
ATTENDANT.
Ouch--there’s a bat!
FAIRY OF THE SABLE CAVES (_chanting_).
Wind, wind, wind, the weary years roll by.
PRINCESS.
Shhh--shhh--what’s that? Some one is singing--Hush.
ATTENDANT.
Come, let’s go down--
PRINCESS.
No, let’s see who it is. (_She steals up nearer to the Fairy of the
Sable Caves._)
Good-day, old mother, may I watch thy work?
FAIRY OF THE SABLE CAVES (_not paying any attention_).
Wind, wind, wind; the time is drawing nigh. (_then suddenly starting
and looking at her._)
Hey--what you say? I’m getting deaf, my dear?
PRINCESS.
I asked if I might watch you at your work?
It’s fascinating. I have never seen
Such work before.
FAIRY OF THE SABLE CAVES.
What’s that you say? I’m deaf.
Come nearer, please.
PRINCESS (_shouting_).
Your work; I like your work!
FAIRY OF THE SABLE CAVES (_as though she misunderstood_).
No, no, there isn’t any bats up here.
PRINCESS (_shouting_).
Not bats, not bats--your work--I like your work.
Please tell me how you do it--it’s so strange.
FAIRY OF THE SABLE CAVES (_agreeably_).
Well, first you take it in your hand like this.
COURTIER (_to Attendant_).
What’s that?
ATTENDANT.
A distaff; why?
COURTIER.
Good heavens, no!!
The King’s command--Don’t touch it Princess, don’t.
FAIRY.
Just take it in your hand like this and wind.
COURTIER (_pulling Princess away_).
Don’t touch it!
PRINCESS (_enraged_).
Sir, how dare you!
COURTIER.
Princess, don’t, upon your life, your father--
PRINCESS (_imitating her father’s manner_).
Silence, sir--
I am the Princess, would you question me?
My power came from heaven, and I touch
Whatever I may please; no matter what (_Changes suddenly to the
manner of a child._)
My father says. So there!
COURTIER.
You’ll not touch this.
PRINCESS.
Report unto the executioner at once.
Such insolence!!
COURTIER.
It matters not, I care not if I die,
But you shall not!
(_He starts forward to prevent her taking the distaff._)
FAIRY (_to Courtier_).
Back, back, or I will turn you into stone--
Your arm is stone; you cannot move or speak. (_Courtier stands
motionless with arm upraised._)
(_To Princess._) Now take it in your hand and wind, and wind,
Wind, wind, wind, the lagging moments creep--
PRINCESS.
What fun, what jolly fun, this little thing
Must be quite new. I’d like to show mamma!
FAIRY.
Do take it down and show mamma,
And give your parents a surprise; a _nice_ surprise.
PRINCESS.
Oh thanks a thousand times. (_looking at Courtier_) Please let him
come.
I think he’s sorry now.
FAIRY.
He’ll be down soon,
Go on, my dear, go down.
PRINCESS.
Oh thank you, thanks. (_Exit, pulling the reluctant Attendant._)
FAIRY.
Wind, wind, wind, the Princess soon shall sleep.
Curtain.
ACT II. SCENE 3. Same as Scene 1.
(_The King is walking nervously up and down the room. The Queen is
sitting on the bench, sewing on an embroidery frame._)
KING (_pulling his moustache_).
I wish to goodness she’d come back. Dear me,
I’ve never known as long a day as this.
QUEEN.
Let’s try to think of something else. Let’s talk
Of something pleasant. Do you think, my dear,
That dragon in the kingdom next to ours
Will cross the border into this?
KING.
I don’t.
That new thorn hedge I’ve just had planted there
Will keep all dragons out--it’s dragon proof.
QUEEN (_gets up and walks to King_).
It’s awfully low.
KING.
Yes, but it’s awfully sharp.
QUEEN.
Oh see, it’s growing dusk!
KING.
Why, so it is,
The day is almost over.
QUEEN.
And she’s safe--
Yes, almost safe, I think.
(_The Princess dashes in behind the King. The Attendant follows._)
PRINCESS (_in the King’s ear_).
Booo!
KING (_jumping and turning around_).
Oh, my child,
Odds-bodkins how you frightened me. Dear me
My heart is going pit-a-pat with fear.
PRINCESS.
Oh you old timid thing to be a king.
Papa, mamma, what do you think I’ve found!
QUEEN (_interested and relieved now that the Princess has
returned in such good spirits_).
I can’t imagine dear--what have you found?
PRINCESS.
I’ve got it here behind my back. Just guess.
It’s something awfully interesting and strange.
Now, guess papa--just guess what it can be.
KING (_indulgently_).
Well, now--let’s see--a phoenix egg, perhaps,
Dropped in the tower.
PRINCESS.
No! Mamma you guess.
QUEEN.
A snow-white kitten with a golden tongue.
PRINCESS.
No--no--what foolish guesses! Now papa.
KING.
A talking gold finch--or a magic purse.
PRINCESS.
No, no, it’s none of these; now watch me, see--(_She jumps up to the
throne, stands before them and displays the distaff proudly._)
It’s quite the strangest thing I’ve ever seen.
(_All stand petrified with horror--a deep sigh escapes from the King
and Queen._)
KING-QUEEN.
A distaff!
QUEEN.
Oh my child; my little girl!
PRINCESS (_gaily_).
Why do you look so scared? It works like this. (_The King makes a
sudden leap to snatch it from her hand. As he does so, it
scratches her._)
Don’t, don’t, Papa--ouch, ouch, I’ve scratched my hand.
QUEEN.
Oh no--oh no!
KING (_as if frozen_).
She has my dear--she has.
Here bind it quickly. No this is the spell!
Alas, the spell.
PRINCESS.
Good gracious what a fuss.
It’s just a little tiny scratch; that’s all--
Why bother so? (_She sits down on divan._)
Dear me, I seem to be (_She yawns._)
Most awfully sleepy, and mamma you look
About to drop right off (_she stretches out_).
I think I’ll take
A little nap. Sweet dreams (_she dozes off_).
KING (_kissing her and arranging her dress comfortably_).
Sweet dreams, my dear--
(_He yawns--the Queen and Attendants yawn._)
QUEEN (_nodding_).
And I feel sleepy, too--I think that I--
(_She drops off to sleep._)
KING (_yawning_).
Attendant, go prepare the Princess’ bed.
I think perhaps she’ll sleep for rather long (_shivers_).
(_Courtier is heard calling from outside, then he dashes in._)
COURTIER.
Take it away from her my lord--She has
A distaff--Oh, I tried--A frightful spell
Held me--oh--oh, I’m not too late,--I’m not
Too late--I tried,--I tried,--but failed.--
(_He sinks down upon the floor, asleep, with his head in the lap of
the Princess’ Attendant._)
Curtain.
ACT III. SCENE 1.
(_Outside the thorn hedge that separates the palace of the Sleeping
Beauty from the world. A horn is heard off stage. Presently the
Prince enters with horn and spear. He stands in front of the hedge
and blows again, then calls._)
PRINCE.
Haloo--haloo.
ANSWER (_faintly_).
Haloo.
PRINCE.
Come on this way,
I’ve found a little clearing--come along.
(_Crackling outside and Gentleman in Waiting appears._)
GENTLEMAN.
Zounds, but I’m all scratched up--these beastly thorns
Are just like lion’s claws. Where are we now?
PRINCE (_shrugging his shoulders_).
Oh don’t ask me--I’m perfectly at sea--
GENTLEMAN.
It seems to me we’re more like in the woods.
PRINCE (_laughing_).
Ha--ha--you’re right--come on old boy, cheer up.
GENTLEMAN (_grumpily_).
Humph--what’s the use, we’re lost--we’ve got to starve.
We’ve followed this old claw thorn hedge all day,
The forest is as thick as banks of spears,
Solid--it is--our falcon’s blown away--
We didn’t get the stag we chased--gadzooks
My arm’s like ribbons on a maying pole.
PRINCE.
Oh well, cheer up, at least we’re still alive.
GENTLEMAN.
That’s just the trouble. If I weren’t alive
I wouldn’t know how beastly starved I am.
PRINCE (_sitting down comfortably with his back to the
hedge_).
I guess we’ll last a little longer.
GENTLEMAN.
Humph!
PRINCE (_feeling in his pouch_).
Look here, look here, I’ve got a bit of bread,
I brought it out to feed the falcon with.
Here take it if you’re hungry. (_He tosses it to Gentleman._)
GENTLEMAN (_glumly_).
No, sire, no--
PRINCE (_breaking it and taking much the smaller
piece_).
We’ll share it then. (_He feels again in his pouch._)
Why, here’s a piece of cheese!
GENTLEMAN (_starting to put it in his mouth_).
Good--good.
PRINCE.
Oh, no, it’s just a candle’s end.
GENTLEMAN.
Ugh! I was just about to eat it--bah!
PRINCE.
Here save it--we may have to eat it yet.
GENTLEMAN.
The bread is awfully dry--I wish I had
A good meat pastry now--
PRINCE.
With brown old ale!
(_Singing lustily._) Oh give me the good meat pies of old;
Oh give me the foaming ale,
And the flaming logs when the day grows cold
And at dusk the minstrel’s tale--
Oh give me a sword with a straight blue blade,
And the tourney’s clash and din--
And a merrie heart and unafraid,
And a princess fair to win!
Oh give--
[Music: THE PRINCE’S SONG.
F. FANCHER--
Maestoso--]
GENTLEMAN (_nervously_).
My lord, pray do you think it wise--
To sing--well, quite so loudly?
PRINCE.
Well, why not?
Think I’ll disturb the birds--or do you think
I’ll make them jealous? (_Stands up, takes off his hat and bows._)
Birds, I humbly crave thy pardons.
GENTLEMAN (_rising_).
No, my Lord--I only thought
That since we don’t know what is hidden there--
Your voice perhaps--
PRINCE.
Yes, I’ll admit my voice
May startle even dragons into rage.
GENTLEMAN (_in fear_).
Oh, no, don’t say you think there’s dragons there.
(_Pointing behind hedge._)
PRINCE.
I shouldn’t be surprised--big scaly ones.
GENTLEMAN (_putting an eye fearsomely to hedge_).
I don’t see any; oh let’s go away.
I wouldn’t want to meet a dragon--sire.
PRINCE.
You’re safe enough I think--the hedge seems high
And sharp enough to keep all dragons out. (_then seeing that the
Gentleman is truly terrified._)
Why I was only fooling you, old boy.
The only dragons live in minstrels’ tales--
There’s not one left alive these days. But still
There’s _something_ queer about these woods.
GENTLEMAN.
I know.
Too queer for me!
PRINCE.
Why all day long I’ve thought
Of those old minstrels’ tales I used to love
When I was just a little lad, and sat
Before the great log fire, listening,
So thrilled and frightened that I hardly breathed.
GENTLEMAN.
I always went to sleep when minstrels came (_sitting down_).
PRINCE.
And there was one tale that they used to tell
About this very forest, so they say,
That there was once a castle here, and all
The people in it were asleep: the King
And Queen, and even all the mice and rats
Were sleeping. And there was a Princess, too,
So beautiful she made your heart stand still.
I used to dream about her on those nights,
And wake and look across our battlements,
And vow I’d marry her when I grew up.
But those were minstrels’ tales--(_He sighs_)
Come on, wake up--(_He shakes Gentleman’s shoulder._)
I swear I’ll find a way inside the hedge.
GENTLEMAN.
Oh don’t--oh don’t, I’m sure it isn’t safe.
PRINCE (_nobly_).
Seek safety when we’re old, but while we’re young
We’ll seek adventure with courageous hearts!
GENTLEMAN (_sighing_).
All right my lord, you’re right--As usual.
But still I think that we were fools to come
And hunt here in these woods when everyone
Said it was dangerous.
PRINCE.
Old women’s talk! (_He searches up and down hedge._)
I wonder what’s behind it. Oh look here!
I see an opening I think--yes--yes--(_He crawls half through hedge,
his feet sticking back._)
It’s tiny--I can make it bigger though.
GENTLEMAN.
You’re fooling me again.
PRINCE.
I’m not I swear--(_He works at making hole bigger._)
GENTLEMAN.
Well, I believe you--for you never lie.
PRINCE.
Haloo--I’m through. Well, by my halidome!
GENTLEMAN.
What do you see?
PRINCE.
Well by my halidome!
GENTLEMAN (_terrified_).
What is it? Are you hurt my lord?
Come out (_he tries to pull the Prince back by his legs_).
PRINCE.
Good heavens, no--let go you idiot
You’ll pull my legs off--hi--let go I say.
(_Gentleman lets go--the Prince disappears and speaks from outside._)
GENTLEMAN.
A dragon’s got you! Oh, my lord--my lord.
PRINCE.
No, no, there’s not a sign of one--but oh
Come through, come quick, oh, oh, how wonderful:
A palace, gray and old, and everything
All grown around it, thick rank vines and trees--
And crumbling turrets, and a drawbridge, too,
All tumbling in, and there’s a green old moat.
Come, let’s explore the castle, hurry through.
(_The Gentleman in Waiting fearsomely scrambles through._)
Curtain.
ACT III. SCENE 2.
Same as Act II. Scene 3.
(_The tableau is the same, except that great cobwebs are about. The
King, Queen, Princess, and attendants are all sleeping quietly. It is
growing dusk. A thin thread of light comes in the door. The Prince
enters, carrying his candle. He comes slowly and quietly and looks
about in wonder. At first he does not see the Princess who is in deep
shadow. The Gentleman in Waiting follows him in fear._)
PRINCE.
Shhh--hush, go softly--
GENTLEMAN.
Are they dead, my lord?
PRINCE.
Asleep, I think. They’re breathing easily. (_Flashes his light on
Man at Arms in doorway._)
Look there, a spider’s web about his spear.
GENTLEMAN (_in scorn_).
Some soldier that! bound by a spider’s web.
PRINCE.
Asleep--the whole whole palace is asleep.
GENTLEMAN.
The roof is crumbling in up there, my lord.
PRINCE.
And see, a vine has grown between the stones.
(_Dreamily._) The dust is inches thick upon the floor--
How easily they breathe! How strange--how strange.
Is all this real--or am I in a dream?
I’ve stepped into some minstrel’s tale myself.
And all this glamour of enchantment deep,
The mystery, and silence, and the ache
Of wonder in my heart,--and I myself--
Are all just brilliant, colored words and thoughts,
Told for a moment on a winter’s night,
Told and forgotten e’re the fire dies.
GENTLEMAN (_touching him_).
See, there’s a fly asleep upon the wall.
PRINCE (_jumping_).
There are no flies in dreams, so this is real--
GENTLEMAN.
It’s real enough, my lord--come on, let’s go.
My spine feels just like icicles--come on.
PRINCE.
They’ve slept a long, long time, I think. Those clothes
Are like the ones they wore long, long ago--
I wonder if they’ve dreamed and what they’ve dreamed.
Yes, they’ve slept long enough.
(_He calls_) Wake up--wake up!
(_Silence._)
GENTLEMAN.
Oh come, come home, this is a dreadful place.
PRINCE (_calling again_).
Hi there--haloo--wake up (_he shakes the Courtier_).
GENTLEMAN.
They’re in a spell--
This place is haunted--come away my lord.
PRINCE.
I follow this adventure to the end--
GENTLEMAN.
I didn’t like those rows of men at arms
All sleeping in their armor in the halls,
Nor all the sleeping servants that we passed--
It’s dangerous I tell you--come away--
PRINCE.
Not yet, not yet, the old tales said there was
A princess.
GENTLEMAN (_looking at King_).
Well, here’s someone in a crown.
PRINCE.
Ah--there’s the king, the princess must be near.
GENTLEMAN (_disgusted_).
His crown’s all crooked.
PRINCE (_rebuking him_).
Still--he is a king (_he bows to the sleeping King as he passes
him_).
(_The Gentleman in Waiting stops before the Princess’ Attendant in
admiration. The Prince steps up on the dais, and holds his candle so
that the light, but not the grease, falls upon her face. He stands
silent a moment, gasps in wonder, then takes off his plumed hat
reverently._)
Oh wondrous one, the olden tales were true--
Thy beauty, oh, thy beauty floods my soul
With golden visions of eternal joy.
Here let me kneel and worship at thy shrine.
(_He kneels and kisses her--a long kiss. She slowly opens her eyes
and gazes at him. The others begin to awaken slowly._)
PRINCESS (_smiling at him dreamily_).
Do it again.
PRINCE (_kissing her hand_).
Beloved.
PRINCESS.
Who are you?
PRINCE.
I am thy prince.
PRINCESS (_half sitting up_).
My prince, my very own?
How glorious! I’ve dreamed that you would come--
PRINCE.
And I of you beloved--
PRINCESS.
But my dreams
Weren’t half as wonderful as you--not half!
(_Gradually the people awaken. The Queen sneezes loudly and suddenly,
and all but the Prince and Princess rise._)
QUEEN.
Kechew--kechew--what simply frightful dust!
Why there’s a cobweb in your crown--get out!
You nasty thing (_brushes off King’s crown_).
KING (_stretching_).
I think I’ve had a nap. How dark it is!
Open the casement, Courtier. (_The light grows brighter as Courtier
obeys._) I declare!
QUEEN.
Who are those strange young men I’d like to know!
(_The Prince’s Gentleman has been trying to kiss the Princess’
Attendant._)
ATTENDANT.
The brute! He tried to kiss me!
COURTIER (_to Gentleman_).
Here, get out! (_A scuffle ensues._)
KING.
Come, stop this most disgraceful row at once.
(_To Prince_) And who in thunder, sir, are you? And what,
What have you done?!!!
PRINCE.
I’ve kissed your daughter, sire (_All are horrified_).
KING.
And you admit it to my face! What, ho
My guards! You will repent this insult gross
At leisure in my deepest dungeon dark!
PRINCE.
Do with me as you will, I’ll gladly spend
My life in any dungeon that you choose,
To pay for that one kiss. The price is small.
QUEEN.
It’s surely very rude; I’m quite surprised.
KING.
Rude, rude!! Well, I should say! Perhaps you think
Because I just dropped off for forty winks,
That I’m so old and lazy that I can’t
Protect my daughter from such men as you.
PRINCESS.
Papa, papa, oh please don’t be so cross.
KING.
Please tell me how you two got through the hall.
What were my men all doing to allow
Intruders here? That’s what I’d like to know.
PRINCE.
They were all sleeping, sir, as we came past.
QUEEN.
Were they all sleeping, too? How very odd!
I think we must have eaten something queer
For lunch that made us all drop off to sleep.
Perhaps it was those canned pomegranate seeds.
KING.
What nonsense--to the dungeon, sir, you go.
PRINCESS.
Then I go too. I like him very much. (_She takes his hand proudly
and steps toward the front of the dais. As she does so she kicks
the distaff and it rolls into view._)
QUEEN.
Oh there’s that horrid distaff--throw it out.
I’m so afraid you’ll prick your finger, dear.
PRINCESS.
Why, so I did before I went to sleep--
KING.
Before we went to sleep--How long--how long, have we been sleeping?
PRINCE.
Oh, a hundred years or so, I think.
ALL.
It can’t be true!
KING.
The spell has passed, and we’re awake again!
Young sir, pray pardon me. I did not know,
I could not guess--it _seemed_ just like a nap.
PRINCESS.
Besides he’s always cross when first he wakes,
But usually he is a perfect dear.
PRINCE (_bowing_).
He is a perfect father anyway,
I should have done as he did had you been
My daughter, oh beloved. But I’m glad
You’re not.
KING.
Young sir, we owe our life to you.
Now that my rage has passed I see you are
Of noble birth--undoubtedly a prince.
Ask of me what you will, and it is yours.
For you have freed us from this dreadful spell,
And roused us from our hundred years of sleep.
PRINCE (_kneeling_).
I know I am unworthy, but I crave
Your daughter’s hand in marriage.
PRINCESS (_kneeling_).
Father, please--
I do, do like him!
QUEEN (_softly_).
Dear, he seems to be
A very fine young man.
KING.
I’m sure he is.
Rise son, I give my daughter unto you,
And half my kingdom shall be yours as well--[7]
QUEEN.
Come down into the banquet hall!!
PRINCE.
And dance
The dead dust of a hundred years away.
(_All exit joyously. The Prince and Princess lead. The King and Queen
follow. Then come the Courtier and the Princess’s Attendant, and the
others._)
Curtain.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] (See note 1 at end of play.)
[2] (See note 2 at end of play.)
[3] (See note 3 at end of play.)
[4] (See note 4 at end of play.)
[5] (See note 5. at end of play.)
[6] (See note 6. at end of play.)
[7] (See note 7.)
THE ADDITION OF PAGEANTRY.
Note 1. The Sleeping Beauty is a story especially suitable for Spring
presentation, since for many centuries and by many races its meaning
has been symbolic of the reawakening of nature. Winter, personified by
the Wicked Fairy, lays a spell upon Nature, causing her to fall into
a deep sleep. This may be dispelled only by the kiss of Spring, the
Prince of the fairy tale.
Note 2. The play as it stands may easily be expanded into a pageant by
the addition of more characters, and the interpolation of dances.
The extra characters may be:
Fairies attending the Fairy of the Golden Isles, the
Fairy of the Crystal Mountains, and the Fairy of the
Silver Rivers.
Evil Imps and Goblins to come at the summons of the
Fairy of the Sable Caves.
Pages, Minstrels, Ladies and Gentlemen in Waiting, Men
at Arms, Castle Attendants, Cooks, etc.
Note 3. If the play is presented as a pageant with many additional
characters, it is suggested that the action take place in the Best,
instead of the Second Best Throne Room of the King and Queen. The
Second Best Throne Room was rather small and therefore more appropriate
for the few characters of the original cast.
Note 4. The first dance may take place in the First Act, when the
three Fairies present their gifts to the baby Princess. As many fairies
as are desired may be used for this dance. See note 10 for all music.
Note 5. The second dance may be a dance of Imps and Goblins, also in
the First Act. They enter with a screaming rush at the words of the
Fairy of the Sable Caves:
“Demons and Trolls who dwell in dungeon moats,
Come near, come near--”
Then they join in a wild sinister dance. The Fairy of the Sable Caves
stops speaking until they finish the dance, then she continues with:
“Come weave a spell with me!”
They make their exit as she leaves the stage.
Note 6. The third dance may be in the Second Act when the Princess
brings in the Golden Ball. Ladies and Gentlemen in Waiting follow her
as she enters. They toss the ball back and forth slowly to music. The
extra dancers make their exit after the words, “It’s rolling toward the
fountain, stop it, quick!”
Note 7. The last dance takes place at the end of the play. Its
participants are the additional Pages, Minstrels, Jesters, Ladies and
Gentlemen in Waiting, Men at Arms, Castle Attendants, Cooks, etc.
If this dance is desired it will be necessary to insert a few lines
after the King’s speech ending:
“Rise Son, I give my daughter unto you,
And half my kingdom shall be yours as well.”
_INSERT._
QUEEN.
Call all the people of the palace here,
That they may all rejoice in this glad day.
COURTIER (_Goes to the door and calls_).
What ho! Attendants of the palace all
Your presence is desired by the Queen!
KING (_as they enter_).
Let there be revelry and mirth and joy.
The evil spell is broken, and here stands
Your future king!
QUEEN.
Come, minstrels, strike the lute
And let the clarion play.
PRINCESS (_clapping her hands joyfully_).
Let’s dance!
PRINCE.
Yes, dance
The dead dust of a hundred years away.
Note 8. If the play is too long with the suggested additions it is
possible to omit Scene 2, Act II., and Scene 1, Act III.
PROPERTIES.
Note 9. The most important properties are tapestries, the cradle,
crowns, headdresses, parchments, the Fairies’ gifts, swords, spears,
scepter--armor, if there are men at arms, the spinning wheel and
distaff.
The tapestries may be made by painting with house paints upon burlap.
Crowns, headdresses and armor may be made out of heavy buckram painted
with silver paint; the parchments, of strips of ordinary brown wrapping
paper, painted with white house paint, then roughly illuminated with
lines of gold paint, touches of green and red water colors added, and
then hand printed in heavy ink. The white paint must be put on thinly,
with a rotary movement of the brush.... The Crystal Globe of Wisdom may
be a crystal colored Christmas tree ornament.
For the last scene in the last act, an excellent effect is gained by
fastening great cobwebs of woven string across the front of the stage,
and by putting smaller ones over the sleeping figures. There is a
spider web pattern used in linen hand drawn work, which may be made
many times larger.
Note 10. Music for the Sleeping Beauty.
ACT I.
(1) Fairy Dance around the Cradle.
Minuet in G, Beethoven.
(Victor Record 17,934-B. Natalie and Victor Bashko.)
(2) Dance of Evil Imps.
Marche Slave, Tschaikowsky.
(Victor Record 70050. Victor Herbert’s Orchestra.)
Play first part only, slow movement--stopping before portion
is reached where old National Anthem is used.
(3) Music while the Fairy of the Silver River changes the spell.
Minuet in G--first part played softly.
(4) Exit--
Chanson Louis XIII and Pavane--Couperin-Kreisler.
(Victor Record 64,292. Fritz Kreisler.)
ACT II.
(1) Game with Golden Ball.
Paderewski’s “Minuet.”
(2) End--where Princess and Court go to sleep.
Minuet in G played softly.
ACT III.
Dance of Court.
Minuet--Boccherini (“Celebrated Minuet.”)
(Victor Record 64,614. Fritz Kreisler.)
Transcriber’s Notes
Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been silently
corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within the
text and consultation of external sources. Some hyphens in words have
been silently removed and some silently added when a predominant
preference was found in the original book. Some stage directions have
been reformatted to improve consistency.
Except for those changes noted below, all misspellings and inconsistent
spellings have been retained.
Page 16: replaced “turning his moustach” with “turning his
moustache”.
Page 25: replaced “it musn’t spoil” with “it mustn’t spoil”.
Page 26: replaced “ACT II.” with “ACT II. SCENE 1.”.
Second illustration: replaced “LETS LOOK AHEAD” with “LET’S LOOK
AHEAD”.
Page 48: replaced “the Princess’s Attendant” with “the Princess’
Attendant”.
Page 50: replaced “if your hungry” with “if you’re hungry”.
Page 50: replaced “it to attendant” with “it to Gentleman”.
Page 52: replaced two instances of “ATTENDANT” with “GENTLEMAN”.
Page 56: replaced “flys in dreams” with “flies in dreams”.
Page 65-66: replaced all variants of “Minuett” or “Minuette” with
“Minuet”.
Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_.
If you would like to see and hear the music, go to the HTML version of
this e-book.
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