PR 2878 .R6 S6 1877 Copy 1 A NEW TRAVESTY ROMEO AND JULIET, AS PRESENTED BEFORE THE University Club of kSt. Louis, 'J {^;y:-^t, JANUARY i6, 1877. ST. LOUIS: (I. I. JONES AND COMPANY 1877. A NEW TRAVESTY ON ROMEO AND JULIET, As presented before the University Club of St. Louis, Jannary i6, i8jy. OHAEAOTERS: EOxMEO, Mercutio, Juliet, Friar Laurence, Lord Capulet, Nurse, Tybalt, Apothecary, Chorus. ST. LOUIS: G. I. JONES AND COMPANY, 1877. 7? CoPYrwiGiiT, 1877, Bv ClIAS. C. SOULE. r-f." =^ I PROLOGUE [Rumor, attended by Chorus, discovered as the curtain rises.l Air—'' Kafoozalum." RuMOK — In ancient days there lived a bard, A man of note, who dramas wrote ; From all the centuries 'twere hard, And all the lands, to rake his peer — He made such perfect poetry That critics wink, and say they think Lord Bacon wrote, anonymously. The works of William Shak-es-peare. Cho. — Oh! oh! Bill Shak-es-peare, Bill Shak-es-peare, [Bill Shak-es-peare, Oh ! oh ! Bill Shak-es-peare, Judge Holmes doubts your identit)'. II. Rumor — Although his plays are very bright. For one who wro-te so long ago, Viewed in our nineteenth century light, His dramas no great shakes appear. In these fast telegraphic times. Some master mind we ought to find — Some one expert in matching rhymes. To modernize old Shak-es-peare. Cho.— Oh ! oh ! Bill Shak-es-peare, etc.. You're centuries behind the times. III. Not. to desert our race in need. Though modest men, we've taken pen. And spurred our Pegasus at speed, In rhythudc lists to break a spear. To-night fair Juliet's love intense, The wretched woe of Romeo, "With all the modern improvements, We reproduce from Shak-es-peare. Cho. — Lo ! lo ! Bill Shak-es-peare, etc.. Re-edited at great expense. ROMEO AND JULIET. SCENE I. Tyb.— Caps. — Tyb.— Caps.— Tyb.— A STREET IN VERONA. [Enter Tybalt and the Capulets, in cam^mign caps and capes, loith a transparency, '^ For Congress! Carl Capuletll Capulet and Re- Tliey march in to the air, ''Gallant 69th."] March on, my lads ! we'll take this narrow street, And if perchance the Montagues we meet, Of "joint discussion" they shall have their fill. We'll " bull-doze " 'em d. q. Aha ! We will I In this 'ere precinct we are two to one. If any rash descendant of a gun Dispute the figures, we will let him know Which party runs the ward ! h'm h'm ? Jes' sol As patriots we perambulate the ways So long as pedal patriotism pays. Our war cry is '' Reform and Capulet !" Therefore, re-form, and forward march ! You bet ! But stay ! methinks I apprehend a noise ! The Montagues approach ! be brave, my boys. Stand firm ! don't budge — for we can surely lam 'em ; They're public pests and peculators ! Caps. — Damn 'em ! \ Enter Mercutio and the Montagues, also in caps and capes, with a transparency, "For Congress! Michael Montague! Montague the People's Fnend!"] Merc. — Dress up ! dress up ! my stalwart men, And guide ye by the right ! Else will the villain Capulets Assert ye to be tight. Caps Tyb.- — 6 — A patriot's lire doth us inspire, We'll march both fast and far, For, when we to our hall retire, A lunch awaits ! Aha ! lu this parade we seek no aid From meretricious drum ; We ouly wish our thirst allayed With good old "Rye." Ynm, yum! Then, comrades dear, one rousing cheer For Montague essa}^. Free speech, free press, free lunch, free beer ! Now then, hip ! hip ! [very faintli/] — Hooray! Aha! the Capulets ! the hour has come ! Avaunt, base wretches ! rag-tag ! bob-tail I scum I What, scum ? Ilas't come to this extreme V Up guards and at 'em ! let the eagle scream I ! jia ! Ha ! ! Ha ! ! ! Ha!!!! Before we fight, brave sons of warlike pas, Suppose we raise a battle hymn to Mars 'i Not Ave ! If you intend sincerely to attack us, We '11 call upon a deity who'll Back-us. Oh ! oh ! Bacchus ! — Oh ! oh ! Bacchus ! [Each mayi draws a flask.'] — Let's take a whiff of whisky ! Drink it down ! — Let's take a whiff of whisky ! Drink it down ! Let's take a whiff of whisky, It will make us fighting frisky ! [down. Drink it down, drink it down, drink it down, down, Down it trickles, trickles, down it trickles, trickles^ Down it trickles into our very boots ! Caps. — Oh, take another nip, MoNTS.— Drink it down! MONTS Merc- Mo NTS Merc- MONTS. Merc— Tyb.— Caps.— MONTS.- Caps.— MONTS.- Merc— Tye.— Caps.— Mo NTS. - MoNTS Caps.- MONTS All— Caps. — Oh, take another nip, MoNTS. — Drink it down ! All — Oh, take another nip, and may the best man whip I Drink it down, drink it down, drink it down^ [down, down. Down it gurgles, etc. Meec. — Attention! company! and action front ! rjl seek a post where I can bear the brunt. l_Reti7XS to iheflies.'\ Tyb. — Advance, my gallant soldiers ! strike the foe ! If needed, I will be — six squares below. \_Retires.'\ Merc, [j^eeps ou^ — Now for the combat ! on ye brave ! Who rush to glory or the grave ! Tyb. [peeps out] — Come one, come all, this rock shall fly From its firm base as soon as I. [Montagues mid CAFVL'ETSjight to music. Enter Capulet briskly. 1 Air — "Stop, Boys, Stop." Cap. [sings'] — Stop, boys ! stop your little fighting, Rioting like this has no excuse. You must stop your little row. It's a thing I can't allow. And I tell you that I own the calaboose. [speaks] — Why all this fratricidal fray and fuss ? Tybalt ! Mercutio ! why should this be thus ? If such disorders should be common, why, sirs, I must apply for federal supervisors ! Such shocking rows and rumpuses as this yer / Will justify my mustering the militia ! I hereby read the riot act (in verse). And give you just — a fortnight — to disperse. If stili found fighting when that period's o'er. We will, — well, read the riot act once more. Arouse us at your peril ! So, beware ! Yours truly, Capulot, Esquire, Lord Mayor ! — 8 — Tyb. — Pardon us, sire ! Your rigliteous ire We deprecate, and agree to retire, I and the friar, our corps entire ; Will put up our swords, and speedily liie a- Way to enquire what penance dire Conduct like ours would best require ; And if any liar should foully aspire To say I am not a thorough compiler With all that your Honor may ever desire, I promise to hire a funeral pyre. And cremate the ass in the hottest of lire ; Till he leave this mire, to go up higher. And takes his place in the angelic choir, And— [All stop their ea}'S.'\ Cap. — Stop ! Stop, young man I Of such prolilic stuJff Two dozen lines are more than quantum suff'I What say you, friends, will you preserve the peace. Or shall I call a section of police V I pray ye, grant me this one little boon, And promise not to get upon another tear ; If so, I '11 ask you into yon saloon — Will ye swear to break the peace no more? All — We swear.' Air — "Soldiers' Chorus," from Faust. Cho. — No, sir, we never will tight any more, ^o, sir, we never will fight any more. No, sir, we never will tight any more, [any more. Never will light, never will tight, never will light Solo — If you will treat whenever we meet, AVe never will kick up a fuss in the street ; If you will treat whenever we meet — You bet your life. Beer's better than bickering; AV^hisky and sugar's about the thing: Here's hoping you'll often bring Us free toddy and sling. Cno. — No, sir, etc. Tyb. — If I correctly understood you, you alluded To some saloon; or, if you didn't, who did? "Cap.-- 'Twas I, sir; I shall be profoundly prond To walk across with you and treat the crowd. Air — *' Come, Oh, Come with me." ■Cap. — Come, oh, come with me. The tapster is waiting. Come, oh, come with me, The bottle's rotating, Come, oh, come with me. My bidding is free, And we will indulge in — A cup of iced tea. And do not pray be backward, 'Tis well understood That Hellery will trust me — My credit is good. All — Come, oh, come Avith him. The tapster is waiting ; Come, oh come with him. The bottle's rotating ; Come, oh, come with him. His bidding is free, And we will indulge in — A cup of iced tea. [Exei(7it all but Mercutio.] Merc. — And now my followers are safely caged Where they'll remain until the day is aged, Hobnobbing with their ancient enemies, I'll take a little time to tend to biz. These politics ! — these beastly politics — They get a fellow in a fearful fix, Just think of marching round a crowd like that In such a cape as this — and such a hat ! Yet 'tis the only way a man can thrust his Claim to a place as coroner or justice. This tedious round of marching and disjilay Is high ambition's only modern way. AYho comes ? — I hope he does not know me — oh ! [Enter Romeo.] 'Tis but my love-lorn kinsman llomeo. Why, howdy, Romy ! what do you bring for news ? KoM. — Dearest Mercutio, I have got the blues I — 10 — Duet. Aii — "Long, Long Ago." Rom. and Merc. — 1;"^!^ Romeo, ll\ Romeo. He^^s ^^^^^ sadly susceptible male, I'm He's ^^"^^^j Romeo. No other lover has e'er done what I did ; For wheu "^^ girl to eternity glided, jj bought some poison and just suicided. Rash Romeo, Romeo ! Please get your handkerchiefs ready for use. H?s ^^^^^^' he's 1^^^''^^ ' Sighs shall come copious, groans grow profuse, I'm He's ^^^^^^> Romeo ; For when you learn the depth of J^; woes. Tears will go weltering down every nose ; You'll shriek with a chorus of " ahs " and of '* ohs," Poor Romeo, Romeo ! Merc. — Well, Romeo ! who has caused these blues of thine ? Rom. — The fair, the chaste, the unexpensive Rosaline. ;^^EKC. — Unexpresslve, Shakespeare has'l in As you Like It. Ro3i. — Unexpensive is my word, and [ exactly strike it. My otlier llames have cost me heaps of cash. AYhenever I have felt a former '' smash," I've been obliged to send the girl bouquets, And pamper her in many costly ways — Candy and gloves, and jewelry and sich. To take her to the opera in a carriage, To court exactly as if I were rich, And not dependent for my grub on marriage ! Why! when 1 loved the beauteous Sophia, Merc, [aside]— 'Tis but a week since he was swearing bv her. — 11 EoM. — I kept a memoraudum of my follies, — What think you the sum total of the whole is ? During the thirteen days the fever lasted, I opera-ed and present-ed and repast-ed That loveliest of Verona's lovelj^ daughters Just ninety-seven dollars and three-quarters I Now Rosaline's content with mere devotion. If her admirer testilies emotion By keeping up a constant battery Of sighs, and prayers, and fervid flattery, She needs no presents — hasn't a desire But just to sit and listen by the fire. And so I push my courtship — whose expense, Thus far, has been six car-fares — thirty cents. Merc. — Oh, you '11 get tired of her within a week, And find some fairer face and fresher freak. Rom. — No, never ! 'Tis my last and truest love ; I swear it, by this dainty little glove ! Merc. — We '11 see, my fickle friend ! What, ho ! A sail ! It scuttles doAvn before a rattling gale ! lEnter Nurse, running, followed by Apothecary.] Air — "Little Brown Jug." Nurse — Gentle strangers, rescue me From this impmlent rowdee ! He spoke to me upon the street — A man I ne'er before did meet. Rom. and Merc. — Ha! ha! ha! who can it be? It is the old apothecaree ! - Ha ! ha ! ha ! whom do we see ? It is the old apothecaree ! Nurse — I told him plain to go away — He begged and prayed I'd let him stay ; I up and slapped his ugly face. Then ran away and he gave chase. Rom. and Merc. — Ha ! ha ! ha ! etc. Nurse — I beg of you, good gentlemen. Don't let him speak to me again ; For if he can't leave me in peace, I'll give him up to the police. \ — 12 — ItOM. and Merc. — lla! ha! ha! etc. Merc. — AVhat ! pill-coinpouuder, has it come to this ? Art thou accused of little gallantries ? And yet, thy choice becomes thee not so ill — A college boy would call this lass a pill ! But stay! If I recall aright the play, Shakespeare locates you oil* in Mantua, And doesn't introduce you, even there, Until the fifth act. How, sir, can you dare Intrude upon us in our opening scene V Apoth. — Mercutio, it's abominably mean For you and Romeo to want all the fun. And give us far more gifted actors none. You can't come that on me ; I claim the right To play a leading character to-night. If you don't like it — lump it! Shakespeare's dead, With his ideas wx're playing merry Ned. Merc. — Well, be it so ! If Itomeo don't stickle Upon his rights— I do not care a nickel. But tell us who this woman is, and why You woo an unwilling lass so zealously ? Apoth. — May't please your worships, I did idly wander, When I espied the lovely damsel yonder ; I saw, I loved — I tried to tell her so — I claim as good a right, I'd have you know. To sudden love affairs, as Romeo ! Sweet vision ! loveliest female in Verona, I only seek to be thy lawful owner! [quest : Rom. — Why, ma'am, you surely can't fmd fault with yon Of this good druggist we have made a conquest. Nurse — Indeed ! If so it be that he's sincere, I'll not be angry, though it seems so queer ! But can you tell me, sirs, where I can see The gallant Tybalt and his company ? Merc. — I saw them here anon. In soothing rhythm I would en(]uire what business you have with 'em ? Nurse- My master, Capulet, (whom you know, I ween,) Altho' he's awful rich, is awful mean. He keeps no servants, only me, the nurse, (And don't give me no decent wages, scurce ;) lie makes me do the work of half a score — — 13 — I cooks, and makes the beds, and tends the dooi% I dresses Missis, and her daughter Jule, (A peart, and proud, and pretty little fool,) I does the arrants, as I 'm doin' now ; I 've run a dozen miles, I vum and vow, Until I'm out of breath and out of patience A-worrying with his dratted invitations. Merc. — He gives a hop ? Nurse — To-night— a reg'lar blow out ! [Exeunt Nurse and Apothecary.] Merc. — Thank you — my friend and I but rarely go out, But since you ask us, we will both be there. Rom.— Tut! tut! Mercutio ! Merc. — This is my affair — 'Twill be a h. o. t. and we'll go to't. Rom. — But 'tisn't proper, and my party suit Is threadbare and all stained with ice and fruit. Merc. — Never you mind — just trust yourself to me, This Capulet's fair daughter you must see ; She 's pretty as a peach ; she'll take the shine Quite off your unexxDensive Rosaline. Rom. — I do protest ! Merc. — She 's not a girl to buck at ; I tell you she will have her little ducat ! Rom. — How so ? Merc. — The firm of Capulet and O'Rourke Made mints of money — Rom. — In what line ? Merc— In pork. He realized when pork was at its fattiest, And now a blamed aristocrat he ist. Rom. — Enough ! to see the maid I fairly yearn. Lead on ! sir ! Merc. — Hush ! the roysterers return. [Enter Montagues and Capulets.] Av — "Bowling Green." Cho. — We Caps and Monts, we had a fight. We fit all day and we fit all night ; Old Cap came and made us stop, And treated us to ginger-pop. — 14 — Bully for the old fellow-ow-ow, Bully for the old fellow, Old Cap came and made us stop, And treated us to ginger-pop ; A better feeling we've effected. Don't care a copper who's elected. Except that we will vote and bet For jolly old Judge Capulet. Bully for the old follow-ow-ow, etc. [Cu?'tain.'] SCENE II. JGarden hefore Capulet's house. Balconies right and left. Guests assembled.'] Ab' — ''Mermaid." Cho. — Oh, here we are, all ready for the fun, We're bound for a high old spree ; Oh, here we are, all ready for the fun, Whatever it may be ; For the light fantastic toe. Or the spirits fluid flow. [we bring, We will dance or we will sing, and good apertures All the supper we can find away to stow-OAv-ow, All the sujjper we can find away to stow. II. [feed, Then trot out your host, and your fiddles and your And begin this little party right away ! [feed, Then trot out your host, and your fiddles and your And do not keep us waiting till we're gray ; And be sure you don't forget Our whistles and our throats to wet, For we're generally allowed to be a dry old crowd Wherever we are known, Capulet-let-let, Wherever we are known, Capulet. \_Enter Capulet.] Cap. — Welcome, my friends, to this sequestered spot, 'Tis but a modest, unpretending cot ; My means, you know, are narrow, Guests [aside] — What a whopper ! Cap. — But with my friends I'd share my latest copper. These small impromptu hospitalities Are m}^ delight ; and this occasion is. Of all, the most delightful ; for I see — 16 — Around mc all the youth and chivalry Of proud Verona. Welcome ! once again. [Enter Apothecary.] Apoth. [aside] — I found at last a dry and roomy drain. And crept beneath the garden wall ; once here^ In such a motley mob, I do not fear Detection ; being in, they cannot find me out ; I'll boldly join the crowd and look about, Until I find my beauteous and bewitching- Young goddoes of the nursery and kitching. Cap. — Nurse! nurse! Apoth. — He calls her name. Cap.— Oh, nurse ! [Enter Nurse.] Nurse— Sir'ee ! I'm coming ! Apoth. — Ah, she comes ! 'tis she ! 'tis she ! Extract of sweetness ! Nurse — Gracious, let me be ! My master calls ! Apoth. — Grant me one little word. And say thou lov'st me ! Nurse— Don't be so absurd ! Wait till I've waited on Cap. — AVhcre are you, nurse ? Odds bodkins ! Zounds ! Dog-gone it ! Nurse — Hear him curse ! Here, sir ! what's wanted ? Cap. — AVhen you're called, come quicker ! Nurse — Goodness gracious me, the man's in liquor I Cap. — You go and say to Mrs. Capulet, We want her here to lead the opening set. [Exit Nurse. Enter Komeo and Mercutio.] Air — "CllAMlLVMBULI." KoM. and Merc, [to the yuests]— We trust you won't betray, Good friends, our little secret; We 've come to-night without invite, And here we mean to stay. 17 GrUESTS.- RoM. and Guests. — Cap.— NUESE- Cap.— NURSE- Cap.- Merc. Rom. — Cap.— Merc. Cap.— Rom. — -You've come to-night without invite, To tell on you would not be right, We'll not your trust betray, We'll not your trust betray. Merc. — Don't tell old Capulet, , 'Twould spoil our undertaking; / And such a freak takes so much cheek, It ought success to get. Yes ! such a freak takes so much cheek. We'll never let your secret leak, Xor tell old Capulet, Nor tell old Capulet. [EnfcT Nurse.] Well, where is Mrs. C. ? She won't come down ! Will not come down ? And why, I 'd like to know ? She says your company 's a noisy, low, Intemperate set of pot-house politicians — She'll not come nowhere near 'em. Great Omniscience, What awful ills connubial bliss is heir to ! I'd like to drag her down, but do not dare to ; Fetch Juliet, she '11 not turn up her nose At any sort of practicable beaux. [Exit Nurse.] There, Romeo, you see what brass will do — Now we are here, let's see the party through. Suppose we get an introduction to our host? Is that the kind of impudence you boast? Let's not put any friend to such a bother — We'll just waltz in and introduce each other. Judge Capulet, pray let me introduce you To my distinguished friend. Major Mercutio. I'm highly honored. Now you know me, you Should likewise know the gallant Colonel Romeo. Let me present him. Sir, your most obedient. Well, Cushe, what do you think of my expedient ? [They retii^e.'] — 18 — Cap. — All right, I s'pose ! Here, Tybalt, who iu thunder Are those two gay young fellows over yonder ? Tyb. — ]Methiuks I've seen their faces somewhere, sire ; I'll take the first occasion to enquire. \_Enter Nurse ayid Julikt.] Air — "Ever Be Happy." Oho. — Hail to the fairest of all Verona's fair, Hail to our pride and pet ! Sweeter than the sweetest, bright beyond compare, Lovely little Juliet ! Eyes all admire thee, hearts all desire thee. Universal worship thy loveliness coyipels ; Sweeter than the sw^eetest, bright beyond compare, Eest of Verona's belles I II. Hail to the greatest of all our heiresses, Sure of a million net. Richer than the richest, w^ith solid charms to bless, Golden little Juliet ! Younger sons bespeak thee, empty pockets seek thee, Universal longing thy afiluence impels, llicher than the richest, with solid charms to bless. Best of Verona's belles ! Cap. — 3Iy Juliet, gentlemen, my only che-ild ! She's just fourteen to-day — Nurse [aside]— Oh, draw it mild ! She's nearly thirty-four, or forty, may be! Cap. — My tender dove,(stand straight, you jade I) my baby, Embrace me, sweetest ! (mind, you little devil ! If I detect you tlirting at this revel, I'll lock you up a week on bread and water.) Now, Tybalt, lead the dancing with my daughter. Take partners, gentlemen, and form a set; We'll blunder through an oi)cniug minuet. — 19 — [Tybalt approaches to take Juliet, hut Komeo cuts in before him. Apothecary leads out the Nurse, and dancing cojmnences. Minuet : Air as in " Don Giovanni ;" words every alternate line.'] * # * * # Merc. — We need more belles and fewer beaux — Nurse — You're stepping on my toes — * # * * # Cap. — This dance I do not understand — ***** Juliet — Do not squeeze my hand — Air changes to " Higgins's Coterie." Juii. — Change the figure into a jigger — Strike a tune that has some vigor; Ihis walk-around of a minuet Won't answer for this set. Cho. — Join hands and form a line ; Step out with fire and fling ; March down the stage — ah ! isn't this fine — But it's mighty hard to sing. [death, But while we have any breath, we'll all be in at the And it's mighty lively dancing at Capulet's coterie. Apoth. [mojjping his brow] — This dancing may be fun for some, but I Prefer to take such fun vicariously. My friend, what time o' night in these gay upper Circles do they propose to trot out supper ? Merc. — About eleven Capulet feeds his guests ; His feeding, tho', is never food for jests. Apoth. — Why, Capulet's rich, he ought to gorge us well. Merc. — ^es, rich, but mean ; his supper is a sell — Hark what he says : Cap. — Now, friends, I rather guess you Are warm and tired with dancing ; to refresh you, I have a little foolish banquet toward. Fall to anon ! Apoth. — Whar says the ancient blowhard ? Merc. — He says fall to — go in, old chap, and try it ! / cannot stand the Dio Lewis diet ! Air — " Robin Adair." Merc— What have we here to eat ? Rom. — Bread in this dish ! — 20 — Merc. — Ain't tliat a plate of meat ? EoM. — Only salt fish ! All — Is this all we're to get ? Stingy old fraud, Camlet ! What a vile spread to set ! Bread and salt fish ! Merc. — What's in that jug- to drink V Rom. — Beer, by its looks ! Merc. — There is chanipairne, we think ? Rom. — Only Ike Cook's. All — Is this all we're to get? Stingy old fraud, Capulet ! What a vile spread to set ! Beer and Ike Cook's. Apoth. — Well, boys, this is a mighty light and source tea ; I don't feel hungry, but I'm very thirsty. Let's sample Cappy's beer, and when we're beery We'll try to get away with his Imperial. [all, Here's at 3"0u, Judge ! Cap. — I thank you, sir ! drink hearty ! Who is that old disreputable party? It seems to me there's lots of strangers here ! He has a powerful exhaust on beer ! Pray can I serve you, sir, with something more ? Tyb. — Uncle, I've found him out I I thirst for gore ! Cap. — Why, what's the matter ? Tyb.— Yonder gay young fool, Who's making love so openly to Jule, Is Romeo, the heir of Montague I Cap. — Aha I my rival's son ? It can't be true ! Tyb. — It is ! I'll face tlie villain and denounce him ! Cap. — Softly, good nephew, he's my guest ! Tyb. — I'll bounce him ! Cap. — No, no, not now ! Fill, gallant gentlemen ! Your healths I Tvii. — Oh, let me at him I Cap. — Once again ! (Peace ! Tybalt I) pray you fill your glasses high ! (I will not have it I) Jove ! but they are dry ! [Mercutio, Komeo, Juliet, and Guests, come fonoard. Capulet and Tybalt remain in reai'.l 21 Merc, [aside to Borneo] — That's it, my boy, I'm watching you, go in ! Direct assault is always sure to win. [to Juliet] — It strikes us all, my dear Miss Capulet, That you're a cool and consummate coquette. Ai} — Adapted from the "G-rande Duchesse." Jul. — You err when you call Juliet, All— Juliet ! Jul. — In the slightest degree a coquette. All — Coquette. Jul. — I will boldly assert I am less of a flirt Thau any one here ever met. And yet, if I e'er took a beau, I'd fancy your friend Romeo — Romeo ! Cho. — Romeo, Romeo, She 'd fancy the dashing Romeo, you know ; Romeo, Romeo, She 'd fancy our friend Romeo. Cap. — (Tybalt, you hush!) They 're getting set up, surely. I must break up the party prematurely. [go to ? What — nurse ! Oh, nurse ! Where did the old fool Why, bless my soul, the nurse has got a beau, too ! ^nd Juliet — I sadly fear that she's hit ! T YB.— I'll drink his blood ! Cap. — Oh, drink some beer, and cheese it ! Come, Jule ! Jul. — My father calls me, I must go ! Farewell, adieu, ta-(a, sweet Romeo! Rom. — Adieu but for an hour — ere you have laid you Adown to sleep, I'll come to serenade you. My sun is set ! — I'll go to Faust's and take An oyster stew, to keep myself awake. [Exit.] Cap. — Friends, I should like another waltz or redowa, But it is somewhat past our usual bed hour. I do not wish to hint, but still, you know, I really think 'tis time for you to go. Merc. — No, no, old chap, you can't come that on us ! We've just begun to get hilarious. 99 Yon go to beil, and take the girls away ; We frankly tell you we propose to stay ! Good-night, old boy I Cap. — Old boy! and I a judge! Juliet, leave the drunken fools and trudge ; With boozy bleep their revels soon will end off. [Exeunt Capulet, Juliet, afid Nurse.] Merc. — Say, boys, let's give the girls a proper send off! Ah' — " Good-Night, Ladies," Cho.— Good-night [htc], ladies! Good-night [hie], ladies ! Good-night [hie], ladies, 'F you're goin' to leave us [hie]. Sorry to see you've got to go, got to go, got to go,. Sorry to see you've got to go. Got to go to bed. Sorry to see you've got to go, got to go, got to go. Sorry to see you've got to go. Got to go to bed. Merc. — I shay, old feller [hie], I feel shleepy, too ! Apoth. — Jes' sho ! what [hie] you 'bserve is toorooly true,. Letsh take anozzer zrink and shing a shong ; Wha'sli that about we won't go home till mo'n'g? Cho. — We won't [hie] go home till morning, etc. [At end of choi-us all stagger and fall symmetrically. Apothecary at hack, others at sides, with legs projecting. In this position they singt the refrain niore and more faintly, fnally ending off in a snore.\ [Curtain.] SCENE III. [Before the curtain rises the following chorus is heard :^ Air — "Pull Dowx the Blixds." Cho. — Turn clown the gas, turn down the gas, 'Tis night in Yerona, turn down the gas ! Turn down the gas, turn down the gas; Simulate darkness and turn down the gas. yCurtain rises. Capulet's gai^den. Apothecary lyiyig at hack of stage. Guests' legs projecting at sides. Cats and dogs are heard.'] "Dream Chorus" of Sleepers. Air — "Du, Du Liegst Mir Im Herzen." [Snore, snore,'] we lie uneasy, [Snore, snore,] in our cold beds ; [Snore, snore,] 'tis growing freezy, We sliall get colds in our heads, [Snore, snore, snore, snore,] We shall get cokls in our lieads, [Snore, snore, snore, snore,] We shall get colds in our heads. [Enter Romeo.] E.OM. — Confound these logs ! The man that does the chores Has left old Capulet's wood-pile out o' doors. [Snores heard.] Great Scott I how loud fair Juliet's father snores ! If I can hear him here, outside, so plain, Poor Mrs. C., within, must get profane ; But p'r'aps she snores as well. Yes ! I detect A second snore, of feminine effect ; A second ? aye, a third ! can it be she ? Ah ! No ! I reprobate the vile idea — A Juliet could not snore. [Stumbles over Apothecary.] By Jove I I can't turn Without a trip ! I wish I'd brought a lantern. This is the house ; I wonder whether that is The gentle Juliet's balcony and lattice ? [ Whistles.'] — 24 — Apoth. i Rom.— Jul. — Rom.— Jul.— Jul.— Rom. — Jul.— Rom. — Duet— Cho.- JUL.— Rom.— Jul. — Rom. — Duet — \The Apothecary sits up and ?'ubs his eyes.l [yawn ! -" "We won't go home till "morning I" S'ciise my Tight ? Yes, sir, and asleep on Capiilet's lawn. One more of Fortune's singular reverses I I wondjr where my pretty little nurse is. Now if I only had a way to know it. her Chamber must be near here — I'll reconnoitre. [Juliet appears on balcony.^ She comes ! I feel as if all Heiiven had sprung a leak I Oh, would I were a number eight and three-quarters upon that hand, that I might touch that cheekl Who whistles ? Romeo, thy slave ! AVhat's that V 'Tis but the harmless necessary cat, (As Shakspeare says) the dog that bays the moon : AYith our new love all nature seems in tune. The animals who, inharmonious. Shriek their affection, sympathize with us. Air — " Bull-Dog." Oh. the bull-dog in the yard. And the tomcat on the roof; Oh, the bull-dog in the yard, And the tomcat on the roof. Oh, the bull-dog in the yard. And the tomcat on the roof. Are practicing the Highland lling. And singing opera bouffe. Barking bow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, Mewing miaow, yow, yow, yow, yow, yow, vow, Barking bow, wow, wow, wov/, wow, Mewing miaow, yow, yow, yow, yow. Bow, wow, wow — miaow, yow, yow. Bow, miaow, wow ! Says the tomcat to the dog. Oh, set your ears agog, Says the tomcat to the dog, Oh, set your ears agog. Says the tomcat to the dog. Oh, set your ears agog. For Jule 's about to tete-a-tcte AVith Romeo, incog. — 25 — {^Chorus as befo7'e.'] Jul. — Says the bull-dog to the cat, Rom. — What do you think they're at? Jul. — Says the bull-dog to the cat, Rom. — What do you think they're at ? Duet. — Says the bull-dog to the cat, What do you think they're at ? They're spooning in the dead of night, And Where's the harm in that ? Cho. — Barking bow, wow, etc. [Nurse appears at window, hack.'\ Nurse— What's all this row ? Apoth. — Oh, hush! my sweet, 'tis I, Thy fond and faithful Apo-the-ca-ry ! Jul. — Oh, Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo ? Rom. — Ill-timed conundrums why propound unto me ? Oh, I give it up ! Nurse— You drunken drug-concocter, quit ! Don't fool around here ; but just git up and git. Jul. — I love thee, Romeo ! Wilt thou marry me ? Rom. — I'd like to, but our politics don't agree. UL. — That's immaterial ; I do not care A copper who is President or Mayor — I only want a husband. Apoth. — Lovely creature, I wish my lips were long enough to reach your Too distant window ! Nurse — Well, as it appears Your lips won't reach, why don't you try your ears ? RoM. — My darling, let me make one brief enquiry — If I mistake not your respected sire, he Won't give }'ou any cash in hand, unless You marry as he wishes. Jul. — Romeo, I possess Two hundred thousand in my proper right. RoM. — Heart of my heart, I'll marry thee to-night ! Apoth. — Sweet spirit, hear my prayer ! Nurse — Your drunken tone Shows you should let sweet spirits, sir, alone I Jul. — No, not to-night — to-morrow will I go — 26 — To Friar Laurence, and be Mrs. Romeo. And dost thou love me V IloM. — Yes, by yodder bood. \Sneezes.]] Jul,. — Oh, swear dot by the bood, the idcodstadt bood. [Sneezes.] Apoth. — By bodel of all lovelidess, I wish you Would sbile upod by love — oh, ackersnish-oo I [Sleepers rouse, sit up, and sing softly to the air, "Marchln'G TiiRO*" Georgia."] Merc. — Seems to me I hear a noise. There's some one talking near; Let us through the midnight gloomt Diligently peer. To Und what dang'rous characters. Are loitering round here. Under the cover of the darkness. Cb.0. [softly]— Hullo! Hullo! We think we apprehend, Hullo! Hullo! A case of "Mutual Friend,'' Two souls with but a single thought^ Two hearts as one that blend, Under the cover of the darkness. [They rise and gather at back of stage.] Merc. — AVonder what it's best to do ? Should we interfere ? No, it's not our funeral. That is very clear ! But we ought to let them know AVe can overhear. Under the cover of the darkness. [They come forward and shout.] Cho.-- Hullo! Hullo! We think we apprehend, etc. Rom. — We are discovered ! Fiends and furies snatch me I Jul. — I'd faint, if Romeo were up here to catch me ! Rom. — Good friends, do not betray us ! Cap. [within] — What's that rumpus ? Jul. — My father ! » — 27 — EoM. — Now do the fates us sure encompass ! Oh, shield our secret ! [Cats.] Cap. [loithin] — This is too appalling ! Give me a boot-jack ! stop your caterwauling ! Rom. — Devise some lib to tell him if he comes, Some lie of lies, some hummiest of hums ! [Cats.] Merc. — We'll say the cats aroused us and we chased 'em ! Cap. [ivitht7i] — Now, Mrs. Capulet, just see me paste 'em ! [Appea7'S on balcony with boot-jack a)id candle. Tableau. Lights.] Air — " LiTORiA." Cap. — Why Juliet, how came you here ? Jul. — I came to chase those cats ! Cap. — Romeo, why do you appear ? Rom. — To hunt those blasted cats ! Cap. — You, gentlemen, why haunt my house ? Guests — Because your cats have haunted us ! Cap. — I thought you'd finished your carouse. Guests — We came back after cats ! Cho. — We've chased them here, we've chased them there. We've found at last their hidden lair. We tear and swear, but they don't care. Hang the rascals ! IScat ! ! Cap. — You talked to him, unless I err. Jul. — I only spoke to cats ! Cap. — And wer'n't you making love to her ? Rom. — Oh, no — I courted cats. Cap. — I thought I heard you try to sing. Guests — 'Twas cat-calls we were uttering. Cap. — All right, we'll all join in and fling All. — Missiles at the cats. Cho. — We've chased them here, etc. [Cu7'tain.] SCEXE lY. Friar Laurexce's cell ; hare walls — no furniture. Friar Laurence and chorus of Friars. Ai) — "Last Cigar," {'^Dearest May.") Fr. La. — Good-morning, gents, I'm glad to see A good array of friars ; Unusual solemnity This nuptial job requires. The pair we are about to splice Are genuine F. F. V.'s. We ought to get a handsome price — Are you prepared to please ? C!ho. of Friars— Oh, yes, we're here arrayed, In neat and nobby dress ; All due responses shall be made With sweet sonorousness. [Repeat.] Fr. La. — I very much regret, my reverend cronies, The private nature of these ceremonies ; So large a corps of clergymen would grace A stylish wedding in a swellier place. To match our turn-out, we should have, say, eight Superbly lovely bridesmaids; half a score Of gorgeous ushers posing 'round the door : A bang-up banquet ; floods of food, to wit : Oysters and salads — Friars— Don't allude to it. Fr. La. — I won't, if it disturbs the pious quiet Engeudered by our plain monastic diet. Listen ! methinks I can detect, my hearties, The footsteps of tiie high contracting parties. [Knockitig i-ight.] Air — " Doodah." Fr. La. — Some one's knocking at the door. Friars — Who's there? AVlio's there? — 29 — Fr. La. — Some one's kuocking at the door, Friars — Who's there ? Rom. [outside] — Romeo ? All — Here comes young Montague To wed his dearest foe — Come in, sir, we're ready for to put you through — Enter Romeo ! lEnter Romeo right.] Fr. La. — Good-morning, sir ; aren't you a little laggard ? Rom. — No, sir ! I'm sure I'm right — I time by Jaccard. Fr. La. — 'Tis well — I would not for the world the fact doubt ; One thing is plain — the bridegroom has'nt backed [out. [Knocking left.] Fr. La. — Some one's knocking at the door. Friars— Who's there ? Who's there ? Fr. La. — Some one's knocking at the door. Who's there ? Jul. [outside] — Juliet. All — And here's the blushing bride. The sweet Miss Capulet ; Come in — he's here, all ready to be tied — Enter Juliet ! [Enter Juliet left.] Fr. La. — Welcome, sweet child ! Aren't you a trifle late ? Jul. — Perhaps — my watch has stopped, I grieve to state. Fr. La. — No woman ever thinks her watch to wind— I'm glad to see you haven't changed your mind. Well, are you ready, children, for beginning? If so, we'll commence the needful chinning. Jul. — Go on, good father ! Rom. — Yes, pitch in ! Fr. La. — Yet stay ! Who gives this lovely damosel away ? Where are your witnesses ? AVe can't progress Without the usual appurtenances. • Rom. — I clean forgot ! What shall we do about 'em? Jul. — Can't we be married just as well without 'em? Fr. La. — Of course not. 'Twouldn't be one-half a show ; — 30 — Would it, my ghostly coadjutors? Frs.— No ! \_Knocking heard right and left-l Jul. — My father ! Rom. — ■ Just my blasted luck ! I'll bet It is the old paternal Capulet. Jul. — Oh, hide me, reverend friar ! Fr. La.— Hide you? Oh, hang! There's not a cupboard in my whole shebang. You see it all — there's no place here to hide. They're knocking— don't you hear ? — on either side. I have it ! Lucky sacerdotal features [ers. Are these long skirts— we'll hide behind the preach- [KoMEO and Juliet hide each behind a Friar. Friar Laurexce goes to door 7'ight.'] Fr. La. — Come in! [Enter Nurse.] -Nurse — Now, Parson Laurence, this is shocking, To keep parishioners so long a knocking. Excuse, your reverences, my imperence, I see you're holding district conference — I've come to find Miss Juliet, who took Herself away, while I was acting cook, Down the back alley, but I chanced to see her, And up and followed ; she is somewhere here. [Violent knocking left.'] Fr. La. — Come in, come in, thou most persistent pounder ! [Enter AroTiiECARY.] What do you want ? Apotpi. — Thank heaven, t have found her ! My sweet! my soul ! my own! my life's elixir! Nurse — Blessed if it ain't that dratted old i)ill mixer ! Parson, do you admit such characters as them ? Apoth. — Ain't I ixinller of the church? — Ahem ! Fr. La. — Peace to this trifling ! in this sanctuary A pun is instant death, therefore be wary ! But you are well arrived, for we are needing A witness to a kind of— law proceeding — Can you two keep a secret ? Nurse — I'm an ovster 1 — 31 — Apoth. — x\iicl I, as close as any first-class cloister. Pr. La. — Then let me tell yon [Leads them forioa^'d.'] Vm abont to marry — USTuRSE — What, yon ? and yon a priest ! Apoth. — The ancient Harry ! Tr. La. — Xo — no — ] am abont to marry two Of yonr acqnaintauces. l^URSE — Why, bless me ! Who ? Fr. La. — Come forth, my friends ! [Romeo and Juliet come out,'] These are the parties ! TN'uRSE — Jnliet I Apoth. — The serenader! Hasn't he grown cool yet? Nurse — You marry, and not tell yonr dear old nursey ? Fr. La. — Yes — you're to be a witness. -Nurse — Me ? "Why, mercy ! I ain't dressed nj) ! Fr. La. — I will not be denied ! Yon, sir, will have to give away the bride. Apoth. — Give her away ? Ask me to keep her secret, And then give her away ? Friar Laurence, I regret I cannot do it ! I'm not that kind of man ! IFr. La. — Don't be an ass ! I ask it, and yon can ! You see that line ? The nurse and you just toe it ! Now, holy brothers, are you ready ? Frs.— Go it ! Ah " RUM-STY-OH." Fr. La. — Do you each other's love endorse? All — Yes they do, yes they do ! Pr. La. — AYithont compunction or remorse? All — Yes, etc. Fr. La. — Do you persist in this w^ild course ? All — Yes, etc. IFr. La. — Till parted by a square divorce ? All — Yes, etc. — 32- II. Fr. La. — Do YOU two folks agree to wed ? All — Yes, etc. Fr. La. — To shut your eyes and go ahead ? All — Yes, etc. Fr. La.— To hang together like the old Ned? And hang until you're dead, dead, dead f All — Yes, etc. Rom. — A very short affair, it seems to me — Is that all ? Fr. La. — Yes, except the usual fee. Rom. — AYell, chalk it up behind the chapel door. Fr. La. — We don't give tick on weddings any more. Rom. — You'll have to now, old fellow, we are tied ; One thing you can do — you can kiss the bride ! [Friar Laurence kisses Juliet.] Fr. La. — That's good ! but not so good as cash. You'll see All future weddings shall be C. O. D. [Knocking right and left.'] What, more intruders ? Jul. — Hide us, pious friar ! Fr. La. — You know the only hiding place — retire ! [Romeo, Juliet, and others, hide behind Friars.] Pull in your dress, it's still in sight, my dear — Enter, whoever knocks. {Enter Tybalt and Mercutio Hght and left.'] Merc. — Is Romeo here? Rom. [to Friar] — Say no. Tyb. — Where is my cousin Juliet ? Jul. [to Friar]— Say don't know ! Fr. La. — Gentlemen, you both forget I have retired from life, and cannot know How the world's votaries may come and go — In quiet prayer I pass — Tyb. — Oh, hang your prayer, I pass it, too. I've just been made aware That Juliet, with that villain Romeo — Merc. — lie is my kinsman, I would have you know ! — 33 — Tyb. — A villain all the same — and you're another! Merc. — I'd fight you just as lief as not ! Tyb.— I'd ruther ! Fr. La. — Peace, gentlemen — remember where you are ! EoM. — Don't let 'em ! Jul. — Stop 'em ! Nurse — Watch ! Apoth. — St' boy ! Frs. — Beware ! Air — " Gens d'Armes Duet." Merc, [di^aivs] — Noay, rascal, thy passado ! Tyb. [ch^aws] — Have at thee, king of cats ! Fr. La. — Oh, cease this wild bravado ! Jul. [2^ops out] — Why will they have such spats ! Apoth. [^jjo^js out] — Pitch in ! you'll need a surgeon ! Nurse — Their rage you oughtn't urge on ! Fr. La.— Stop the fight ! All— Stop the fight ! Fr. La.— Stop the fight ! All— Stop the fight ! A murder will this verge on ! Merc. — I am dead ! All — He is dead ! Merc. — I am dead ! All — He is dead ! A murder 's committed ! Rom. [springs oict] — You wretch, you've killed my kinsman ! Tyb. — And I can kill you, too ! Afoth. [comes out] — Stand steady on your pins, man! Jul. [conies out] — Oh, this is sad to view ! Nurse — I don't know which to back up ! Fr. La. — Their carcasses they'll hack up ! Stop the fight ! All — Stop the fight. Fr. La.— Stop the fight. All— Stop the fight Another life they'll whack up. Tyb. — I am dead. All — He is dead. Tyb. — I am dead. All — He is dead. Another life is sped. J — 34 — Jul. — Ah, love, too long in this fell place we've tarried. First mine, and then my cousin's beauty you have Apoth. [feels Jlercutio] — [mar-red. No pulse ! no breath ! he's deader than a ducat. Nurse [over Tybalt]— He's very dead, and here's were he was stuck at ! Fr. La. — Well, Romeo, this is something of a scrape ! Rom. — You're right it is ! and how shall I escape ? Air — "Johnny Comes Marching Home." Fr. La.— What do you think he'd better do ? All. — Better get up and get ! Fr. La. — Isn't there any way out of the stew ? All — Better get up and get! Fr. La. — Couldn't he keep around and about ? Hold up his head and brazen it out ? All — He might do so, but we doubt — Better get up and get ! Fr. La. — Couldn't we put in an alibi ? All — Better get up and get ! Fr. La. — Couldn't he one or two jurymen buy ? All — Better get up and get ! Fr. La. — Don't you believe we could put in a plea Of emotional insanity ? All — That lacks novelty. Better get up and get ! Fr. La. — Couldn't he get a judge on his side ? All — Better get up and get ! Fr. La. — How's justifiable homicide? All — Better get up and get ! Fr. La. — We could cook up a deal of evidence To prove it a case of self-defence ! All — Lawyer's fees are a great expense ! Better get up and get. Fr. La. — I fear that they are right, good Romeo ! So osculate poor Mrs. R., and go ! Rom. — I'll start upon a hurried foreign mission, To some place out of reach of extradition! Farewell, 'tis but a little while, my honey ! Jul. — My husband I (sobs) can't you leave me any money I Rom. — Draw on me thro' the bank at Mantua. — 35 — Good-bye ! Fr. La. — Be gone, sir ! Rom.— . I bego ! Jul. — Ta, ta ! [Exit Romeo.] Poor Tybalt ! prematurely gone to glory ! Fr. La. — I mourn Mercutio, lachrymarum rore. Air. — "Massa's iisr the Cold, Cold Groui^d." Jul. — Both were elegantly tall, sirs ! Most devoted of our beaux. They were two such lovely waltzers — All the girls will mourn their close. Cho. — All of Verona's Belles will mourn their fates, They will miss such willing escorts, And such fluent tete-a-tetes. Fr. La. — Juliet ! a sudden consolation stirs me ! Tybalt, the late deceased, unless it errs me, Was only son. Jul. — He was ! Fr. La. — He being dead, You have his property inherited ! Jul. — That's so ! Fr. La. — Allow me a respectful caress. You are, dear Madam R., a bloated heiress ! Ai7 — "Yankee Doodle." Jul. — Yes, that's so, I'm rich as a Croe- Sus ever was, or Dido ; A happy girl I ought to be. An heiress and a bride, oh ! Chorus and Dance.— Now's the time to dance and sing. What care we for dead men ! Cash in hand's the only thing To make us honor-ed men. [Repeat.l \_Cartai7i.'\ SCENE V. [Street in Verona. Chorus of Apprentices to the Apothecary.] Air — "Dixie " I. Solo — I am the druggist's new apprentice, For mixing pills and squills my bent is. Cho. — I'm a gay, I'm a gay, I'm a gay apothecary. Solo — I am the lad who draws the soda AVith aromatic smile and odor. Cho. — I'm a gay, I'm a gay. I'm a gay apothecary. For calomel and senna, hurrah ! hurrah ! For ipecacuanha, hoys, We'll raise a loud hosannah. I want — to be — a tirst-class pharmaceutist, I want — to be— a first-class pharmaceutist. II. Solo — You want a medicine for cough in' ? I'll fix you up a dose of morphine. Cho. — I'm a gay, I'm a gay, I'm a gay apothecary. Solo — And if your baby has the colic. In laudanum I'll let it rollick. Cho. — I'm a gay, I'm a gay, I'm a gay apothecary. For calomel and senna, hurrah I hurrah I etc. \_E7iter Apothecary.] Apoth. — Young men, why fritter thus your time away? When tempting tinctures wait, and balsams gay. The stolid lad I would not give a flam for, AVho feels no joy in chamomile or camphor! In natures admirably constituted The spirit pants for quinine undiluted. Back to your labors ! diligently wrestle With spatula and minim, scale and pestle. Yet while the salts you mash and acids slop, Be sure to keep an eye upon the shop. [Excimi Apprentices.] — 37 — Now will I to my inmost den retire, Where all sweet odors poesy inspire. This madly seething brain will I immerse In scribbling sonnets to my charming nurse. [Exit Apothecary.] Air — " Drinking SoNG,"/ro?^z Girofle. Cho. [within] — Eeach me, my crony, a drachm of ammonia Carefully cull four scruples of sulphur, Pound at it louder — pound it to powder, Moisten it well with cod liver oil ! II. Sarsaparilla does'nt go ill a- Long with potassia — wormwood and cassia. Iodine's really a — kin to lobelia. All together will mix for a dose. III. Make it more placid, stir in an acid. When it is wetted — ah ! add assafoetida, Then you will see a pharmacopoeia All mixed up in one powerful pill. [Enter Komeo, disguised in red whiskers and green goggles.'] Rom. — I'm here, and so far safe. Even Juliet's eyes Could not detect me under this disguise. I wonder what has happened since my row. And what the coroner said, and where' s my frau ; I see no newsboys, but perhaps I can Find a Verona Globe-Republican At this apothecary's. Ho, within ! What ho ! Apoth. [tcithin] — Who raises such unnecessary din? We have no hoe within, young man, this 'ere house Is not an agricultural tool warehouse ! [ Wiihdi'aws.] — 38 — KoM. — Have you a morning paper ? He is gone — Who comes ? 'tis Juliet's nurse ! she looks forlorn. Hullo ! young woman ! Nurse — Don't be quite so free! Why, all the men are making up to me! Rom. — But don't you know me ? Nurse — Know you ! no ! not I ! I wouldn't know so hideous a guy — An odious red-haired Irishman. Good-bye ! Rom. — Stop but a moment, beautiful young peri — I am a stranger ; I Avould put a query ; Nurse — The gentleman's politer than he's pretty- Well, sir, what is it ? Rom. — I don't know your city. And want to find a friend. Can you tell where One Capulet lives ? NusRE— Which Capulet? Rom. — The mayor ! He has a daughter Juliet ! Nurse — He had her: Alas, poor thing ! no death could e'er be sadder ! Rom. — Who's dead ? Nurse — Juliet, the child of my affection. In taking arsenic for her complexion, She took too much, and now in heaven she's sainted. I laid her out — [Romeo shrieks and falls.'] My stars! the man has fainted {Enter Apothecary and Apprentices.] Air. — '* CO-CA-CHE-LUNK.." Nurse — Oh ! Mr. Man, this fellow has fainted ; He has gone off in a kind of a fit. It is a stroke of paralysis, ain't it ? Perliaps he has gone to the bottomless pit ! Cho. — Dose him with creosote, fill him with bromine, Rub his temples with alum and myrrh; Give him a pailful of cannabis Indica ; Croton oil his eyes will stir. — 39 — Nurse — Give me a sponge to bathe his forehead ; Give me a feather to tickle his nose ; Give me a — [to Apothecary.] Sir, your conduct is horrid ! — Mustard poultice to tie to his toes. Cho. — Dose him with creosote, etc. Apotii. — He's still unconscious — lovely angel, hear me ; [me ! Nurse — Shut up your mouth ; and don't you come so near He's breathing yet ; Apoth. — Yes, mum, he's not quite dead. Oh, do not say that all my hopes are fled ! Nurse — Oh, drat the man ! can't you hold up a minute ? He groans ; Apoth. — He'll soon be chipper as a linnet. My dearest little duckey ! Nurse — Oh, I wish you Would quit ! His eyes are open ! Apoth. — Let me kiss you ? Nurse — • Confound you, if you can't behave, I'll go ! Apoth. — Stay, I beseech you ! I'll do better ! Nurse— No I [Exit.'] EoM. [sits up] — Good friends, have you no medicine for woe ? Apoth. — Of course we have, a wonderful specific. If you will take it, you'll feel beatific. EoM.— wiiat is it ? Apoth. — Boys, his question do you hear ? Tell him about our famous panacea ! ^ir— "Beautiful Star." Solo — Rhubarb and tar is bound to be The universal remedy ; Children all cry for it — so does their ma. Cure for all sicknesses — rhubarb and tar ; Cure for all sicknesses — rhubarb and tar. Cho. — Khubarb and tar, rhubarb and tar ; [tar. Cure for all sicknesses — rhubarb, red rhubarb and RoM. — I want no kind of j)atent-medicine medley ; I want a poison, swift, and sure, and deadly I Apoth. — We cannot sell you poison, sir, unless Prescribed by some doctor or doctorcss. — 40 — EoM. — I want a close to kill a brood of rats That haunt my premises. ApoTir. — Oh, well, if that's The case, I'll sell ten grains of arsenic For six bits— that will kill them mighty quick. EoM. — For six bits I Too much ; I'll only give you four. The usual druggist's profits I will give — Ten times the cost, but not a nickel more ! Apoth. — Great goodness, man ! how do you think we live ? This arsenic costs millions to prepare. I ought to charge much higher, 'tis so rare ; I sell it thus for charity. Rom. — Oh, quits ! I'll give you not a cent beyond four bits. Apoth. — Well, take it ! but take also my advice : When you buy drugs, don't higgle at the price. EoM.— I will, I will— ahem ! {Whispers to his neighbor, '■'■Proynpt me." Apothecary — "Prompt him.^ All whisper, " Prompt hijn."1 Air — "Shool, Shool." Rom. — Now, Mr. Prompter, don't get vexed, I've studied hard to learn the text. But disremember what comes next ; Whisper loud and give the cue ! Cho. — Shoo, shoo ! you've lost your cue, Go to the prompter and start anew ; And when you get another start. Don't try again 'til you know your part. [Repeat. 1 Prom. — I'll take this potent poison and skedaddle, All [to Rom.] — I'll take this potent poison and skedaddle, Rom. — I'll take this potent poison and skedaddle Across the Styx, my own canoe to paddle. Juliet is dead, the lady that I tie to ; There's nothing left for me to do but die, too. Farewell, good gentlemen, your arsenic Will make me — no, my rats — uncommon sick. — 41 — ^ir— "Maid of Athens." EoM. — Gentle druggists, ere I start, Thanks I give with all my heart. For your aid in my distress ; Sirs, I wish you all success. Cho.— Gentle stranger, ere you go, Pay, oh, pay the sum you owe ; To escape the sheriff's writs. Pay us fifty cents — four bits. Rom. — Beg your pardon, I forgot. In my right mind I am not ; Here's the change to pay my scot, Take the stamps and let me trot. Cho. — Gentle stranger, we are square, You may to your rats repair. These four bits have rung their knell ; Gentle stranger, fare thee well. [Curtain.l I SCEKE VI. [A cemetery ; large tomb in the center, flanked by two fresh tombstones. Inscriptions : IN MEMORY OF JULIET, ONLY CHILD OF EBENEZER H. and LULU CAPULET. Born Aug. 4, 1833; Died Jan. ib, 1877. Aged 14. niC JACET DANIEL WEBSTER MERCUTIO. Obii Jan. 13, 1877. HERE LIES THE BODY OF H. CLAY TYBALT CAPULET. SLAIN IN BATTLE, Jan. 13, 1877. Enter procession of Friars, carrying Juliet on a bier, followed by Nurse.] Air — "Home by the Sea." Cho. — "We come through the gathering gloom, To bury our sweetest and best ; We come to the Capulet's tomb, To lay our young darling to rest. "VVe mourn for the fair Juliet ; "We mourn for her, silent and dead. Go slow, she is making us sweat. Go slow, she is as heavy as lead. Go slow, go slow, go slow, she is heavy as lead ! Go slow, go slow, go slow, she is heavy as lead ! II. "We're glad that the trip is so short — That the kirkyard's so near to the kirk ; These funeral lifts are no sport. But the gravest description of work, — 43 — We've come to the family lot, Yes this is her monument here ; Set the bier down, and come get a pot Of another variety of beer. Let us go, let us go, let us go get a glass of good beer ; Let us go, let us go, let us go get a glass of good beer. [Exeunt Friars.] IS'uRSE — Well, this is nice ! alone in such a place, With two fresh tombstones staring in my face ! I'm scared ; I shouldn't dare to look across 'em, Unless I knew that Jule was playing 'possum ! Poor child ! they wanted her to marry Paris. She doesn't care how many men she marries. But wants one husband fairly dead and buried, And his insurance to her credit kerried Before she takes another. Her old daddy Swore she should wed to-day the other laddie ; ^ So to gain time to hear from Romeo, Whose post-office address she didn't know, I bought a sleeping i)owder, which she took it, And I gave out as how she kicked the bucket ; — I hope the Friar will hurry up — 'twould be A little awkward if the crowd should see, Right in the middle of a powerful prayer, The corpse sit up and rub her eyes and stare ! Bless me ! I'm tired : I'll just sit down and wait, Folks come to funerals, like parties — late. ^Sits down and dozes-l [Enter 'Romeo. '\ HoM. — To be or not to be — oh, I forget, I'm playing Romeo, not Ham-u-let. About this time Paris I ought to slay, But can't, because he's not cast in our play. This is the place ; yonder the the tomb — ah me ! It is my love's sweet, silent self I see ! Oh, Juliet ! my wife ! I have consulted Good lawyers as to how thy death resulted. They tell me that, so far as they can ferret The law out, I cannot your wealth inherit ; And so of thee and fortune both bereft, — 44 — A pauper relict I will not be left. Thou loveliest girl I ever set my eyes on, One kiss, and then I'll get outside this pizon. Juliet, here's hoping ! True apothecary. Thy drugs are quick ; on this soft spot I'll die. \^Lies down and stretches out loith a groan, which arouses the Nurse,. who comes for 10 ard.'] Nurse — I'm mighty good so wide awake to keep ; Most other persons would have gone to sleep A sitting here so long. Mercy ! w^hat's that ? A man ? It's Romeo, all sprawled out flat ; He's dead, poor boy ; a case of suicide ; This little bottle shows just how he died. Oh, this will be a fearful blow to her, But 'tis a god-send to the coroner. [Enter Capulet, Friar Laurence, and Citizens, in crape. 1 Cap. — What's this ? another corpse ? Nurse — Your honor [sob], 'Tis Romeo! [sob] pizen! [sob] suicide! [sob] a. [goner I Air — "Upidek." Fr. La. — Oh, w^hat a dreadful jamboree. All — Very sad, very sad. Fr. La. — It is a regular massacre. All — Very sad indeed. Fr. La. — 'Tis bad enough to bury one ; Another don't increase the fun. Cho. — This kind of thing is very sad, very sad, very sad,. This kind of thing is very sad, Very sad indeed. {^Hayidker chiefs out, mioses blown rythrnically six beats.] Oh I oh ! oh ! This kind of thing is very sad, very sad, very sad,. This kind of thing is very sad, Very sad indeed. Fr. La. — It may be economical All — Very sad, very sad, Fr. La. — To give them both one funeral; All — Very sad indeed ; — 45 — Fr. La. — But either way I fear it will Augment the undertaker's bill. All — This kind of thing is very sad, etc. Oap. — But tell me, nurse, how came young Romeo here, And what has thrown the man so out of gear ? IN"URSE — The melancholy story you shall hear. Excuse me if I intersperse a tear ! ylir— " Gaudeamus." Nurse — This young lady and this young gent Loved each other clandestinely ; They didn't think you would consent, 'Cause their politics didn't agree ; And as their love just gushed in torrents, They went and got the Reverend Laurence To marry them immediately. All — To marry them immediately. Nurse — Before they had a chance to go. The chaps who own those tombstones grim, Came in and had an awful row, One killed the other, then he killed him, So out he lit, but ventured back And rashly took an arsenic snack, 'Cause his wife had doused her glim. All — 'Cause his wife had doused her glim. Nurse — I would explain " had doused her glim " to be A nautical expression, used at sea — It means, had died. Cap. — Yes, we knew that before. [more. Nurse — You did ? Then perhaps you'd like to know some She hasn't doused her glim ! Cap. — What's that you said? Nurse — I said she isn't dead I All — She isn't dead ? Nurse — You hear me ? No she's no more dead than we are ! Fr. [asi(?e]— She's weak about the occiput, I fear! Cap. — What mean you ? Set at rest the wild anxiety This fond heart feels. Speak, woman ! Nurse — I deny it 1 Am not a woman I Cap. — Tell me what you mean, eh ! Or I will strangle you — a la Salvini ! — 46 — Nurse — Please don't! Cap. — Then speak ! Nurse — Well ! this poor young lady- Obliged to keep her marriage sort o' shady, Was quite embarrassed when you tried to crowdher To marry Paris, so she took a powder That sent her ofl' to sleep. Cap. — This is confusing. Then she's not dead ? Nurse — Lud, no, she's only snoozing. Cap. — The little rascal ! only playing Quaker ; Come up, my friends, and help me try and wake her* Air — "Maryland." I wouldn't have j^ou think me gruff, But wake at once, my daughter; Your nap has lasted long enough. Rouse up. You really ought ter. All — To wake her up, to wake her up. Your way's too soporific; Let us unite with all our might, And give a yell terrific : Whoop ! Jul. [stirs] — Oh, let me be ! Oh, let me be ! I thought I gave you w^arning — Society girls you never see At breakfast in the morning. All — To wake her up, etc. Whoop ! Jul. [sits up] — Where am I, and who am I ? Cap. — I'm upset By all this, but I think you're Juliet. Fr. — And I would add that you're the principal Performer at a first-class funeral. Jul. — Methinks you married me awhile ago ! Fr. — I'm sorry for it, !Mrs. llomeo ! Jul. — Why sorry ? Fr. — Pardon the tear that copious flows Your husband up to heaven has turned his toes. Behold him ! Jul. — Romeo ! intoxicated ? Cap. — No, Jule, on arsenic he dissipated An " A 1 " widow you may now be rated ! —47 — Jul. — All, woe is me ! my husband ! Cap.— What a job! Fr. La. — Suppose we fetch a sympathetic sob ! [Enter Apothecary.] Apoth.— What's all this coil ? NuKSE — This gentleman has fed On too much arsenic, and he's dead. Apoth. — How long ago ? Cap. — Not fifteen minutes. Apoth.— Then He might perchance be brought to life again. Jul. — How say you ? Nurse — Oh, return him quick to life ! Apoth. — I will, if you'll consent to be my wife ! Jul. — Of course you will, won't you sweet nurse ? Nurse — Oh, yes ! (Aside) This is a promise given under duress. Apoth. — I'll get my instrument. Friar— I'll help ; is't bulky ? Apoth. — Oh, no, I have it right here, in my sulky. [Exit Apothecary.] Air — "Red, White and Blue." Jul. — Oh, fly on the wings of the breezes, And fetch in your tools on the jump, My heart with anxiet}^ freezes, And hangs in my throat like a lump. [Re-enter Apothecary t^i^^ garden squirt."] All— He is here with his little stomach pump. He is here with his little stomach pump. He can bring him to life, if he pleases. With the aid of his little stomach pump. Jul. — Success has attended your mission. And now all your skill you must hump ; Set up your machine in position. And do not let it slip up or slump. All — He is here with his little stomach pump. He is here with his little stomach pump. Behold what this noble physician Will do with his little stomach pump. Jul. — Hist, while he works ! disturb him not ! Apoth.— Oh, sho ! y — 48 — Is this the fellow they call Romeo ? Jul.— 'Tis he ! All — 'Tis he ! Apoth. — Then he don't need my aid. Jul. — Why so ? All — Why so ? Apoth. — Because, when I purveyed The arsenic he wanted " to kill mice," He tried to beat me down below my price ; At last, after a deal of fuss and talk, I took his money, but I sold him — chalk ! -Jul. — Then he's not poisoned ? Apoth. — Not materially. Just stir him up, my dear, and you will see. Jul. — Romeo, arouse thee ! Rom. — Yes'm. I arise. Fkiar — A miracle ! Cap. — Bad penny ! Nurse — Bless my eyes ! -Jul. — To celebrate this wonderful awaking, Good friends, let us indulge in merry-making ! [Tybalt and Mercutio sit up behind their tomhstojies.'] Air — "Adieu ! Adieu !" Tyb. and Merc. — Hold on, hold on, good friends, hold on a little bit ! For we respectfully submit That if you think Ave're going to lie here dead. You're very apt to be misled. All — Yes ; that's to be expected. If we'd had you both dissected, You would still have resurrected, Out of spite. Oh ! well ; there 'pears to be, whatever we may do. No way of getting rid of you ; And since you seem not dead enough to hurt, Crawl out, and shovel back the dirt ! Merc. — I should have said, — my tardy memory rouses, — When I was killed, " a plague o' both your houses." -Jul. — Don't say it now, a plague to us returned When your and Tybalt's ashes were un-urned ! My Romeo, happily resuscitated. — 49 — We were so quickly wed and separated, Our nuptial morn did not the chance allow — Suppose we have a swell reception now ? Apoth. — And why should loe not have a wedding, too ? Sweet angel ! make thy recent promise true ! Nurse— You didn't resurrect him ! how you talk ! Apoth. — No, but I saved his precious life with chalk ! Nurse — Well, if you're so persistent, I suppose There's no use in my following up my noes — So here's my hand ! Apoth. — And noio I'll have that kiss ! Rom.— a ditto, Juliet, would not come amiss. Ah — ''Louisiana Lowlands." Nurse— Oh, no, I can't allow it Before so many folks ! At least, I can't allow it Unless you tease and coax. And, then I am afraid That one would not suffice — Well, you may take one little one — My ! warn't it awful nice ? All — And we'll marry them in Verona, Verona, Verona ! And we'll marry them in Verona, oh ! Rom.— My dear little wife. As we've all come to life, And both of our ladies are married, Our friends here before us Would join in a chorus Of hisses and groans, if we tarried. Jul. — Yes, love ; 1 propose That we bring to a close This play, of its tragedy shorn. That so we may quell. With a timely farewell, Their plain inclination to yawn. Air — "Star-Spangled Banner." Jul. — Well, what do you think, Now our drama is done. Of our novel rendition of Shakespeare's old story ? — 50 — The best we cau claim Is to stir up some fun With our rollicking choruses sung con amove. And while we essay To be carelessly gay, Unite in our motto to laugh while we may ; And grant us one round of applause as you go, For the gentle Juliet and the rare Romeo ! All — And grant us one round of applause as you go, For the gentle Juliet and the rare Romeo ! LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 014 105 926 9 #