Class _£SL3£23 Book -ARJlZ CopightF /?Qd COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-KARL HANNO, REVISED EDITION. A Play of IV Acts WRITTEN BY- A. PAUL GABBERT. Where there is no strife there is no victory; Where there is no victory there is no satisfaction in life. » • > > j j j * ■-, H . PUBJUISHE1D BY THE AUTHOR. 1903. QUIKOY, ILLINOIS, ?<*>' Two i" O^rA/WfflU-r^irHiTWV % <\ ,K x2 W i 4 * a «. « ft 5 *• PREFATORY NOTE. IT is three years ago when I, as author, published the D. of D. I K. H. and that edition was not intended to go on the stage. But no sooner had the production become known then a uni- versal desire was expressed to see it played, and I owe it to this fact that I set to work, revised the edition, and prepared it for the stage. This production stands unique of its kind because of the peculiar treatment in the first act. Another peculiar fact is that the rivalry between the lovers is n >t settled by a cruel tragedy, but always by a skillful manoeuvery of the one outdoing the other in a most gratifying way. And this certainly should be looked upon as a beutiful accomplishment, for the reason th it the fair sex is naturally aversed to acts of bloodshedcing. AVith re- gard to the material used in this production I may frankly state that I found it convenient to choose my material out of the Spanish discovery. Now, all the events, or at least nearly all the t vents here on the scene, are events that actually took place in the Spanish history during the 16th and 17th century, with the excep- tion only that they did not follow in exactly the same order. We are not so much concerned about this, our object is moreover to bring the material into such play so as to teach us certain char- acters coupled with a skillful plot. Au 1 this is the real merit of a drama. The author was very careful not to bring in anything that looks absurd. Shiploals of gold, are reported, went from South America to Spain, and the fortune of K. H. and T. stanis to rea- son. And all the other happenings stand much more so to reason. But the author was obliged to resort to these peculiar means and figures with which to carry out the idea. The reason why the money is expressed in the American standard is because to maintain familiarity and the author ex- presses his desire that, if the company thinks it compatible, to have the actresses appear in the American make-up. • To all friends of this production, I remain ever, Respectfully, A. PAUL GABBERT, Quincy, Illinois. Author. The Drama of Destiny-Karl Hanoo A Plag of IV Acts. ACT I. [Scene: There is a cave 8 ft. icicle at the base of a mountain whose summit cannot be seen. Pretty well in the mouth of the cave is a plate of rock ly- ing flatly on the ground and lias a thickness of one foot and a diameter as great as the cave. Imme- diately to the left is a river 2 miles' wide and is sub- ject to great falls and rapids. The landscape across the river is hilly and covered with forests. Steep bluffs follow the other side of the river down whose course is from right to left and is bending somewhat away from the scene.] [To the left is enter or exit No. 1; and to the right is enter or exit No. 2. [a] [Karl Hanno is good looking and a man of high intellect. He wears a weary mustache with a dip under his underlip and resembles a Spaniard. He has a full face, complexion that of a Span- iard. Age 36, weight 175, height 5 ft. 10 in. He always conducts himself manly with manners es- sential to a gentleman.] [b] [H-is attire is an old hat, an old ragged shirt, pat- ched up trousers and his feet tied up with rags, but are for the most part exposed to bareness and he looks like a disappointed adventurer.] 6 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. [c] [Titus is good looking and a man of high intellect. He is affectionate, jolly and always pleasant be- sides being a fluent speaker. He wears a mus- tache and a dip under his underlip same us K. H. and resembles a Spaniard in complexion. Age 38, weight 115, height 5 ft. 9 in,] [d] [He attires in comparatively good clothes and he looks like a brisky adventurer.] [The curtain raises, Karl Hanno is sitting at the mouth of the cave,] KARL.- — (soliloquyzing) Life is short, but long are the days when life is in vain. With the future before me, I behold a gloomy picture, with no sign whatever for a brighter day, yet I am still young, and who knows but perhaps I might see something better in the days yet to come than what I have seen in the past — [He looks at his feet and jumps up.) Heavens! What is wrong with me ? No shoes on my feet, no coat to wear, and to make it complete, not a cent to my name. And yet, this world owes me for all of this. Therefore do I now refuse to serve her any longer. [He sets down again ] What next ? Ha ! Ha ! I shall go to the solitary and live henceforth the life of a hermit. I shall do this and then say to Motherearth: Motherearth ! Here is thy son that thou hast neglected ; as thou hast given immense treasures to others, by which means they enjoy the blessings of life, while I hardly make an existence. Motherearth ! Yes thou art the cause of my disappointments in life and the bond of my poverty is evidence against thee; therefore, shalt thou be punished to suffer my loss. And Motherearth will then say to me, THE DRAMA OF DESTINY--OAEL HANNO. 7 "My son: Thou art unfair with me concerning thy disappointments in life, and the art of thy reasoning is committing offence against me: For I am in no way responsible for thy unhappiness, and thy grievance cannot be removed here. Be- hold ! Man is the maker of his own destiny, and Providence provides for his lot." If Motherearth is right I shall find it out. [He jumps to his feet.] Once more I shalLface the Heavenly Powers; once more I shall bargain with Destiny; once more I am getting plucky. Plucky ! Plucky ! Plucky ! Yes, Plucky. (Enter No. 2: Titus. He carries a new pair of shoes and a coat.) Titus.- — Well, well, Karl ! I found you at last. Karl- — Well, well, good old friend, I thought you were lost and eaten up by Cannibals. Well, Titus, I am so glad to have you with me. How are you? {Thei/ shake hands.) T. — Very well, thank you, Karl. God bless your soul. A".- — Why not my pocketbook ? T. — I see a poverty-stricken man. A'.— Yes, yes, poverty-stricken ; and poverty is all that I can call my own. T. — And yet, how great are the chances of life ! A'. — Great ! Would to God it were true. Look it me : I have no shoes on my feet, no coat to wear, and not a cent to my name, and I am not to blame. T." — There is something wrong in Israel; explain that! K; — 0, it's always hard luck; that's all. T. — Crackerty, wreckerty, I have just invented a scheme that will knock any hard luck — K. — Let 's have it : quick ! quick ! quick ! 8 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. T. — Here it is: Hard luck always strikes its victim singlehanded — K. — Like me ! T. — Yes! You are struck with hard luck, and I am struck with prosperity. Now, when two such men combine and form a trust they get the dead grip on things — - it.— That suits me; but go on and finish! T.- — I have already finished. K. — Heavens! Are you fooling me? T.— Excuse me : The one that has more than his part- ner, he is to divide up with him until he sees bet- ter times. And that's the scheme. K. — Good ! It makes my ears ring. T.' — 0, I'll fix you up all right— and, here, now, is a new pair of shoes to put on your sore feet ; and here is a coat for you to wear, and here are $50 to put away in your pocket. This is half of my pos- session. Take it as I give it to you freely for God loveth the cheerful giver. {Karl is dazed over his kindness and takes the entire gift. The orchestra plays while he puts on the shoes, and coat, and pockets the money.) K.< — This, indeed, is an act of kindness and in itself grand. Among the thousands of living men around you, Titus, you have furnished an example that will prevail forever, like a shining star. But, to be short, Titus, I have nothing to give you in return. T. — Nothing in return? Nothing is expected, nothing is asked; only one thing: Permit me to lead you on to victory. K. — Why, certainly. Why, with all my soul. Titus, why not; can you? T.- — Just let us set down and have a little talk. (They set down.) THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-GAEL HANNO. 9 T. — Ha ! Ha ! Such is life here in South America. And what all it not done in the way of chasing after a fortune ? Ha ! Ha ! ({old here is more abundant than iron is in Spain. I presume you have knowl- edge of the fact that within twenty-five miles down the other side of this river there is an old city, formerly inhabited by a half civilized Indian tribe, but it was recently destroyed by an earth- quake, and is now deserted. Gold is piled up in there by the wholesale, and nobody claims it ex- cept who goes there and helps himself. K.- — Grand, isn't it. Whv, ves, I have knowledge of the fact. That's Crystal City. T.— Correct ! ii.— Question is how to get across this river. T. — O, that's nothing. K. — Nothing? Let us see: Right down there you be buried in the mud alive — ■ T,— That's right. K. — And right here we cannot cross on account of the falls and the rapids — T 7 .— That's right. K.- — And to go up above we have to scale mountains nearly straight up to the moon. TV- That's right. K. — Well, that knocks us out. T.— Out? Now suppose I have a way to get across this treacherous river without chancing anything : Would you follow me? K.- — To the ends of the earth if necessary. T.' — You are the man 1 want. Stay with me and I shall lead you on to victory, Karl. I have a pro- found secret to impart to you, and upon this secret is depending all of our earthly hope. Of course, I want something in return for this. It shall not ]q THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-GAEL HAXXO. cost you anything, only that we pledge to each other eternal friendship and mutual support in our endeavorenee for the highest attainments of life. Are you ready .' K. — Here I am. (They hoi It get up. K. raises his hand.) ''Upon my word of honor, I hereby solemnly promise you, Titus, eternal friendship and to share with you a common lot, and swear not to part from vou in our endeavornce for the highest attainments of life." T. — (He raises his hand) Upon my word of honor I hereby solemnly promise you, Karl H., eternal friendship and to share with you a common lot, and swear not to part from you in our endeavor- nce for the highest attainments of life." (Both set down again.) K- — Now let us have that secret ! T. — All right, sir! And right down in cash: I have already crossed this river once. A'.— What? T- — Yes. And I owe it all to the tigers and leopards. A'.' — It must be wonderful. T. — Wonderful? Why, yes, it was wonderful. Ah! that lonely night I shall never forget- — When the electric battery of the heavens was charging the earth with fire and brimstone* a severe hailstorm began raging horribly over the landscape knock- ing everything in sight. There was no escape ex- ec])! this here eave. 1 went in and shortly after it was rushed by tigers and loepards and they set in alter me on a violent chase — A'. — Good Moses — and then what;' 7'.— Well, they chased me clear through this cave to the other side of this river. THE DRAMA OF DESTINY- CARL HANNO. n K. — {He gets up) Titus, I believe every word of what you have said, but let me ask you one question: This is no fishstory, is it? T.—(He (jet sup) No! And that's a go. A'.- — Now, I can see great things and my once sinking hope is now rising like the bright morning star. I have always had an undying conviction that I shall see at least one moment in life in which I shall see all of my wishes answered — T.- — All right, all right. AH what we need is a plan and pop ! Goes the weasel — Set down, old boy ! \The\j set down again.] K.- — Now .let me see what you got. T. — Here, here, I have it already mapped out [shows on a paper] . We will go through this cave, and that will take us to the other side of this river. Next, there is a tributary, 500 feet wide; this we will swim across- — jT- — Yes, and take a good bath once. T. — That's all right — and twenty-two miles more and we will set down on the golden curbstones of Crystal City. Doesn't that look straight to you? K? — Why, yes. Why, that's easy. T.> — It wouldn't be but for this cave. K.' — I see. T. — Coming back we will do as we did before, except that all the gold that we can possibly carry we shall moor it across on the bottom of the smaller river — - • 2l. — But why go to such trouble? Why not do a little log rolling, construct a raft and ferry over, gold and all? T. — O, all the timber around here sinks to the bottom like iron — yes, it's all hard wood.- — Now we will take a suitable rope, say 1,000 feet long, tie both 12 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-GAEL HANNO. ends together, and stretch it double across the riv- er; one on each end of the rope, so as to have the river between us. Then tie a lump of gold to it and keep spinning it across the river until all is moored across. The scheme is genuine. K. — The scheme is genuine. Surely you need a partner'. T. — Ah ! It is you whom I choose for partner and to share in my fortune. It is but for sympathy for the sorely distressed and the love that I cherish in my bosom for you. K. — Most highly do I appreciate this undeserved kind- ness; and if I should be called upon, Titus, I lay down my life for you, Titus: I have something to tell you before we go. T.— Let's have it. K.- — Suddenly I feel so strange. I feel so isolate from all protection and safety, so doomed in the face of the immediate future ; yes, I feel the weight of Destiny bearing down upon my soul. It must mean something. I fear— 7\— -0, tot, tot, hush! That land of talk K.- — -Only this: Fortune is fickle, and in evidence of the fact that everything goes wrong with me k , I am afraid we may get into a box (they pose)- — well, if you can't take the hint, I so tell you that I am afraid ; the heavenly Powers may lay a trap for us, and something may happen. 7'.—" Behold the Power of Faith! A\ — Tell me : Is man the maker of his own destiny? T.— Yes! Man is the maker of his own destiny. K- — Have you a method for that? T. — I have. Abide by the laws of nature and you will secure success, and that which is above your con- trol, sway it by the Power of Faith — I am a man of ready reference., understand. THE DKAMA OF DESTINY--CABL EIANNO. 13 K.- — All right. You have the best chance now to show it. For my part, I could never make it work. What will Ave do for an attack of a host of tigers and leopards ; and how about swimming across that other river; and what about the things that- we cannot foresee? I tell you, I feel a little shaky about this. T. — Shaky? Understand, we are playing a game of which I deal the cards myself. Here they are : (Both get up. T. goes to entrance No. 2 and picks up two spears and a long, thin rope.') —Here are two spears for us, with which to slay the tigers and leopards; and here is a rope 1000 feet long, with which to moor the gold across the other river. We are also able swimmers, and the law T s of nature will not permit our sinking. All other things that we cannot foresee, charge them with the Power of Faith — The religious man says trust in God. Both mean the same thing, only one makes the shorter cut — 0, I'll fix you up all right. K.' — Hope you do a good job. T.- — Yes, you must be able to make your own destiny' — no one will do it for you. The master must be greater than the work that he is to accomplish. if.— And all things must come to a finish to accomplish their design. Now we are fixed up in good shape- Are you ready? T.- — I am, sir ! (Each one takes his spear and a long rope and they start.) (Concert) — Hip; Hip; Hip; Halleluliah ! Away we go onto the city of golden curbstones, marching through Georgia-r-hee- — hoh ! (They disappear in the care.) !4 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. (Enter: Destiny, Prince of Poverty^ Power of Accidents; Power of Evil, and the Power of Fescue. The light is turned down while they enter. They attire in long garments and re- semble spirits; Destiny in blue; Prince of Pov- erty in gray; Power of Accidents in black; Power of Evil in red. Destiny is seated on a rock at the mouth of the care, and he rises every time he speaks, while the others keep standing in front of him.) Destiny — The Council and judgment of the Heavenly Powers, on behalf of two men, is called to proceed- ings ! P. of Evil — Holy Destiny : 1, the Power of Evil, hereby bring to notice that two men, named Titus and Karl Hanno, are within this cave, and they are tresspassers on evil ground, of which I hold juris- diction. I ask for the prosecution of these men in the form that the timers and leopards devour them who are now closing in on them in the cave. Do they plead guilty? Destini;- — These men abide by the laws of nature, inas- much as they have provided themselves with dead- ly weapons ,with which to slay these beasts of prey, and their lot was fixed to be victorious over these beasts now closing in on them in the cave. Next ! P. of Ace. — [, the I\ of Accidents, hereby bring to no- tice that the men T. and K. IT. have at this moment wrecklessly thrown themselves into the river to swim across, and 1hey have thereby overstepped the bounds of safety, in consequence of which they are now going topsy-tnrvcy through a whirl-pool, THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CAUL 1IAXXO. 15 of which I hold jurisdiction. They have met with accidents and are peace disturbers. I ask for their punishment in the form that the river swallow them and drown their bodies. Are they guilty .' /).— It was foreseen that by this time these men would be able swimmers, and the laws of nature would not permit their sinking'. Consequently, their lot was fixed to reach the shore in safety. Next! Prince of Porofy— Holy Destiny: I, the Pr. of Poverty, hereby bring to notice that the men, T. and K. II., have decided to change their condition from pov- erty to wealth by means of snatching a fortune from Crystal City, and if successful my power is terminated over such men. I ask for their failure on the ground that there shall always be poor in this world. Shall thy be permitted success? 1J. — In view of the fact that the purpose of God is above the purpose of men their lot, in regard to success ,was fixed to suit a certain divine purpose in this their enterprise. What this purpose is be- longs to another chapter. Next ! P. of Rescue. — Holy Destiny— I, the P. of Rescue, here- by bring to notice that the men, T. and K. H., will carry off a load of gold to the extreme limit of their capacity, of which the consequence thereof will terminate in fate and destruction under con- ditions governed by natural laws. But as these men have charged the Power of Faith to ward off all evil consequences resulting from causes not foreseen, I move this case to go to a higher coun- cil. l>. — It was known that Titus had brought with him into this world a most powerful faith enabling him to sway supernatural forces, such as forcing a victory; hypnotism and the like. It was also 16 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. found that the policy of Titus would be satisfac- tory to the purpose of God, and according to these facts his lot was fixed for a safe return, including also his partner, K. H.., joined to him by a pledge of eternal friendship. The motion is carried. The case goes to a higher council. For the Maker of all things is a lover of life. This council is dissolved. (The light is turned down. Destiny and P. of Evil disappear.) . (Pr. of Poverty, P. of Aecidents and P. of Rescue remain.) [Enter: Power of Faith • P. of Good; Prince of Fools and Wisdom, all in blue. Power of Faith is seated and rises every time he speaks. All the others keep standing before him.) P. of Faith — To the council of the Higher Order: As the Power of Faith in my omnipotent charges, I have been commissioned and appointed by the Ex- ecutive to hold this council for the purpose to save two human lives from fate and destruction at a moment now close at hand. The men in question, Titus and Karl II., in consequence of strife for ex- istence, life and welfare, have committed them- selves to an act that will terminate in fate and destruction under conditions governed by natu- ral laws. They plead "not guilty." Even so, the Power of Fate and Destruction will continue his fatal tendencies all the same subject, however, to the laws of nature, which in all eases must take their regular course but which, again, must be rendered perfectly harmless in this case. As to this I charge all the Powers connected with this alfair to keep strictly in compliance with the statutes of the Higher Order as regards their functional charges according to the heavenly laws. THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. 17 Power;— (concert) All hail his omnipotence! P. of Faith*— The council is called to proceedings ! Pr. of Fools- — His Omnipotence : As the Prince of Fools with regard to the case of T. and K. H., I pray, what is the nature of their would be fate and de- struction? P. of Faith— het Wisdom explain the case! Wisdom"— (He goes upon the rod' plate in the cave) Right here is an abyss whose gorge is completely cov- ered with this rockplate. The weight of these men together with the 700 pounds of gold that they carry is 1100 pounds, which is 100 pounds more than this rockplate will hold up. Evidently they must pass over this rockplate with their load, and still not aware of the abyss underneath, the rock- plate will break outright under their feet. (He conies back.) P. of Faith- — The council is requested to devise means and ways by which to save these men . Prince of Fools, what hast thou to suggest"? P. of Fools — I suggest that they be made fools to the effect causing them to believe that it is better to be content with little than to trouble over so much. P. of Faith- — Ye cannot fool these men. P. of Poverty.- — I suggest an influence over these men to the effect causing them to disapprove of great wealth. They will then but fill their pockets for plenty of spending money and go on, and nothing- will happen to them. P. of Faith — Ye cannot try that on these men. They are to shrewd. Wisdon; — I have prepared a plan : Titus and Karl IT. are now returning from Crystal City with 700 pounds of gold fastened to their two spears, with plenty of strings, and are carrying it 18 THE DEAMA OF DESTINY-GAEL HANNO. Mb on their four shoulders. The gorge of this abyss is six feet ,their spears are ten; consequently the spears will be halted as they strike the edge of the gorge.. And right here is the point : Will the gold tear loose and leave the spears as they are halted by the edge of the gorge : the men can save them- selves by means of the spears; but will the gold not tear off and leave the spears at the point of the halt, than will the spears break outright, and men and all will go to the devil. P. of Faith — Better let the gold go to the devil and save the men. {Enter No. 2, a spirit in yellow.) Pr. of Vanity — I am the Prince of Vanity and I have come to make a plea for these men that their so hard earned fortune might be saved. What is a man without the odor of sweetness And what is a man without money? Life is to him like water filled with bitterness And he himself is like a bee without honey. Ye have the power to save 4 these men and their fortune also if ye will. P. of Faith- — Ours is the duty to save these 4 men; in their fortune we have no eoneern. Exit No. 2: Y unity.) Wisdom— -The gold then is doomed to be lost to save these men and all what is needed just empower the Power of Accidents to cause an accident to the strings, and nccidently let them find a rusty piece of wire to fasten it again and it is done. All shout— Amen ! I*, of Faith — 01' course these accidents must embrace a natural law: For these strings cannot super- naturally sever from the spears. Power of Acci- dents, tell us thy method ! THE DRAMA OF DESTINY -CARL HA.NNO. \g P. of Ace- — I shall cause the hungry grasshoppers to eat up the strings Avhile they are asleep. P. of Faith — This is sustained. Grasshoppers, when hungry, are bound to eat anything. That's natural. P. of Accidents is empowered to tend to the strings and the wire. (Power of Accidents disappears in the care.) P. of Re .cue. — His Omnipotence ! There was one point overlooked : When that rock will break under their feet these men will not be prepared for a sudden fall. They will be joking and laughing and their hold to the spears will not be effective. They must have a dead grip on the spears. P. of Faith — P. of Rescue is requested to give us his plan. It must embrace a natural law. P. of J?.-— I shall lock their hands to the spears by means of cramps as they fall. Cramps are natural. P. of Good — Let that be rejected: That's of an eveil nature. I am the Power of Good and I want to make a clean sweep of all the evils in this world. P. of Faith. — Evil against evil to keep the balance of power is a law of the Common Order; evil against evil that good might be forthcoming is a law of the Higher Order. Therefore let it exist in the sense of this interpretatior— Power of Rescue is empowered with his plan. (Enter: P. of Accidents out of the care.) P. of Ace.' — His Omnipotence : I report of having caused the hungry grasshoppers to eat up the strings, and as shrewd men, T. and K. EL sought to outdo the grasshoppers by means of wire. There is no wire to be found in South Amercia, but as they looked up they saw a bunch of rusty wire hanging up in the tree which had been carried over by a cyclone from the Yankee land. This rusty wire they took, fastened their 700 lbs of 20 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. gold to the spears; a good jerk and pop! goes the weasel. (Five long successive strokes are given to the targe hell, at every stroke the P. of Rescue takes a step forward to the rock plate.) P. of Rescue — (at the last stroke) Titus and Karl Hanno in sight ! ( P. of Faith- — This council is dissolved. Disappear! (The light is turned down while they disappear.) T. and K. H. (are heard singing) Highlee, highloo, highla ha, ha, ha! (Noio in sight. The gold hangs on the spears carried on their four shoulders.) Concert^- Hip ! Hip! Hip ! Honolulo hoe, hoh— whoa ! — Let us take a rest. (They lay their load down upon the edge of the rock plate ) T. — Hail Columbia glory halleluiah Stars Banner bangle Yankoedoodles from Tennessee, here we are; 700 lbs. of solid gold, $220,000 between us; Karl, I feel too big in my clothes — K- — O, I see aircastles all around me. Say, Tite, we can begin to think about something else. T • — Why sure : We will now move in the highest society and marry girls of our choice — Let's set down. (They set upon the rock plate.) K.' — Well it makes me smile- — no, that's not strong enough — It makes me feel like the happy man in the moon who thinks himself emperor of the earth. Ha! Ha! O you wouldn't mind telling you a little love story. T. — Why not? Don't make it too long. A'.— Too long? It didn't last long. Ha ! Ha !— Well, T had a little girj back there and I loved her on first sight. I knew she was poor. I was then a hack driver for a duke, fixed up in trim and style THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. 21 because he furnished me everything, and this my girl thought I was somebody. I asked her to marry me, telling her at the same time that I would give her my entire possession. She smiled and said, ''Yes, that's the kind of a man I want." I handed her 50c, telling her that that was my entire possession- — and it was in fact— "Oh no!" she said, "I don't want a 50c boy." Poor little girl, I will now give her $10,000 for her meanness. T.> — Why, why, what for? K.- — Just because she didn't marry me. T. — I don't see the point. K. — Understand I would not now have a fortune — yes, I felt a little sordid over it and I struck out with you for South America to hunt gold and we found it. Had she married me this would not be the case. Poor girl, I am going to give her $10,000 for her meanness. T.- — I think that's queer logic . K.— Well, it is. But aside from this I am so over- whelmed with our rapid success that sometimes I doubt the reality, as I thought it impossible to get across this treacherous river. But, be this as it is, Titus, I owe it all to you. T. — Yes. when I tell you anything you may know that I am not a-dreaming. Even am I not a-dreaming by saying that henceforth we shall be men of a bigger caliber; go back home and help make the history of Spain. K. — (He jumps on his feet) I can't swallow that. Titus, if you are not a-dreaming, tell me what are you a doing. T.' — I am making my own destiny, man ! W^hat do you think I am a doing? K. — I think you are counting chickens not hatched. 22 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. T.> — {He jumps on his feet) Well, God bless my soul, Karl, if I haven't as yet made a hero out of you I have it still to do. Behold the Power of Faith ! Let us go ! No use monkeying around here and solve riddles. K. — Well, by the holy smoke, I have lost our long rope. T.- — Let it go, we don't need it. K. — By jolly, it's too good a rope— just stay here, I'll find it. (He goes a piece back in the cave.) T.- — (soliloquizing) Hum! One wouldthink him to be a coward, but he is only not. He weighs every qeustion thoroughly and thinks twice. But he is a -little slower than I am. My speed is a mile a minute. He does well if he does it in two. But, be that as it is, every inch of him is a man capable for the work that we are to accomplish. (Karl comes bad.) — You did find it, didn't you? K. — Yes! But the hungry grasshoppers had a place for it. 7'.— Ha ! Ha ! I suppose they think we had something good to eat for them last night. That's it — Well, I am ready. [They pick up their load] [concert] Up she goes! T. — Are you ready? K. — Yes, go ahead so we get out of here. [The gold, fastened with wire to the spears, resting on their four shoulders suspends. They walk five feet apart in succession so that the spears project their shoulders at least two feet, they have also their hands fixed to the spears.] [They pass upon the rockplate joking and a laughing and down they go. The spears come to a sudden halt, the gold iears from the spears and goes jolting down the abyss while the men are swinging in its throat.] A".— For God sake, Titus, this is an abyss. THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CAE'L HA*(NO. 2 3 T.' — Well, take it cool and climb out ! < [They climb out and both are on top again.] K.' — There now is all our hard earned fortune gone to the devil. That is what has followed me up all my life and this time you have to suffer with me, Titus, is man the maker of his own destiny? T.«— (He poses a moment) Yes! Behold the Power of Faith ! K. — I charge thee, Power of Faith ! — When it comes to that, Carl Hanno budges for nothing. Where is that rope? You stay right here. [He loops the long rope around the spears and slips down. Titus stays on the top tending him. Karl cannot be heard talking.] T.~~ How deep is it, Karl?— Don't know?— Well, be careful. About how far down are you? {loud) What, 150 feet? (very loud) I can't hear you no more — (very loud) Karl! — O Karl! (Titus pulls up on the rope)- — He still hangs 1?o the rope, how- ever. [It is now raining, thundering and lightning. Two leopards rush into the cave and go for Titus. He slips down into the throat of the abyss. The leopards thrust their heads after him. He shoots them in the heads and both drop dead. He climbs out and is again on the top — Karl can be heard talking.] T. — Karl, can I help you any ? K. — I am almost exhausted. T. — Well, just hang to the rope. I'll pull you up! [Titus pulls him clear up, and out, and they are both again on top.] T. — Look here what time I had. These leopards, I laid them dead. K. — We both had our share. And now listen ! T. — With all my nerves. 24 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. K. — This is no natural abyss at all. This is a shaft of 200 ft. leading- down to a gold mine of very an- cient date— I found $150,000,000 worth of pure solid gold down there. This is all ours. Half mine, half yours. [The curtain drops slowly. The)} embrace cachothcr ivith the greatest affection, then both stand abreast holding up their hands.] K. and T.— (concert) Yes!— Man is the maker of his own destiny! End of Act I. THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL ILiNlNO. 25 ACT II. [Scene: It is a large white hall magnificently furnished. To the right is a large table and several costly chairs facing a number of seats to the left. The door to the left is enter, or exit No. 1 ; and the door to the right is enter, or exit No. 2.] [a] [Karl Hanno has changed from an adventurer to a stately looking gentleman with all manner of re- finement. He is in a costly attire: silk hat; long tailed coat, white waist and trousers with plenty of jewelry on his person. He is pleasant, sociable and always conducts himself manly and commands re- spect in addition of good looking.) [b] [Titus also has changed and. matches K. H. except that he wears a square cut coat and is the more fluent speaker. All the men on the scene are typical Spaniards of the higher class, so are the ladies. ] [c] [Miss Belle Hanno is a beautiful handsome lady in her best attire. She is graceful in looks and man- ners. She is attractive, sociable, and always con- ducts herself with the grace of a lady. Age 26; weight 135; height 5 ft. 7 in.] [The curtain raises. Belle leisurely walks across the floor from right to left with a parasol over her. She meets Karl H. half way across the floor, who is coming from the opposite direction.] K. — [to Belle] How do you do? [Belle takes it for an insult and passes on.] K.~-[He turns his face after her] Why, what's wrong? Belle- — [She turns her face to him] Excuse me. I do not know you, stranger. [She passes on.] K. — [He follows her] Why, sister Belle, I am your brother. Belle — [She turns and they face each other] Why, Karl, 26 'nil-: DBAMA OF DESTINY--CABL HANNO. is that yon? What a change! I thought you were lost. [They embrace eachother and kiss.] K- — How are you getting along, sister? Belle— Hard. Hard. I am a waitress here for $2 a we^K and you know I do not accept a tip and tnat makes it hard on me. K.* — All things are made new. The sad phase ot the past is disappearing from my view as the moment is noaring in which I shall see all of my wishes an- swered — Take a chair. Belle, set down! [ Both set down to the table. Karl writes on a piece of paper and hands it to her.] K - — Here, sister, is a draft for you on the Bank of France for #50,000. | She takes the draft and does not know what to make of it,] Belle. — What does this mean? K. — That means a fortune of which #50,000 don't amount to a drop in the bucket. Belle- — [She throws her arms around his neck.] Tell me, brother, how true that is. K.- — O, I and my best friend— Belle- — I am your best friend. A'.' — Well, I and Titus, a dear friend of mine, have been on a little exploit in South America. Gold is more plentiful there than iron is here in Spain. Just think : We have brought back with us #150,- 000,000 worth of gold between us which we found in an old deserted gold mine. Titus was to meet me here to wind up the rest of our business. Belle, There is a chance for you. He is a bachelor. There he comes now. [Enter No. 1: Titus, He carries a grip* Karl goes to meet him, takes him by the hand back to the table and introduces him to Jrfs sister. Then THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. 27 all three take seats around the table Karl be- tween the two.] K. — Now Titus, tell us all you know. T. — Well, I don't know anything exeept that in the last two weeks I spent #50.000,000. Zl.« — Belle, you have to get used to our dictionary- — Well, Titus, you really didn't spend it, did you? T. — Only in this way: I cornered nearly* all the food product in the country and I made a monopoly of all the manufacturing- plants. In a little while and I will have changed the conditions of the country. K. — Heavens! There will be nothing left for me to get the dead grip on things. T. — Plenty : Suppose war breaks out and you can fix them up with a loan. Belle. — O, I do not like to hear talk about war. Karl, are you not opposed to war? K.> — I am. But now, dear sister, I figure on the dollars and cents there is in it. 7\> — [bows] Excuse me, lady, we will not talk about w»ar~- Belk — Pardon me, your honor, I did not mean to inter- fere with your business. T.' — O, that is all right. And you are ever welcome to interfere with our business, and, ha ! ha ! we need . an advise such as a fairminded young woman is able to give us. Certainlv. Belle— Thank you. 7\« — With all my attention. O, I have nothing in view to speak of only this: Permit me to tell you that your brother and I have pledged to eachother eter- nal friendship — Belle. — O yes, I heard him mention his best friend- But I am interrupting yon — T.- — Not in the least, for the rest of my story was not so important. 28 THTE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. Belh- — 0, pray, be kind enough and finish it. I am not so hard to please. T. — Karl, do you object to us taking up all the time to ourselves? K. — no; no ! T. — Thanks: — Turning to our subject- — I shall not for- get to think of my best friends, sister. [He takes a little caset out of his grip.} Here, Miss Belle, I make you a present of this cascet containing '$50,000 worth of the costliest jewelry and to my wealth it does not amount to a drop in the bucket. [Belle is astonished.] Bellle — O, Mr. Titus, you are so kind, but this is more than I can accept, as I have nothing to return, for I am poor. T. — All the better. And you will enjoy it so much the more — K.' — Why, Belle, what are you afraid off Belle- — Nothing. T. — Well, here it is. You will please me to accept it and be happy, for I am happy when I can make others happy. Belle- — (), Mr. Titus, you are so kind, but I cannot feel happy over it when I must think that 1 can never return it. No, I cannot accept your costly present, as 1 have nothing to return, not even my love. K.—- Belle, come here! [Karl takes Belle to the side, Titus remains sitting at the table reading a paper.] A'.- — | aside] Why, Belle, what makes you act so foolish? ( Jan *t you love that man? Belie — Yes, he is so kind, I could not but love him. But I am engaged to a man — K. — Why, let him go. Belle^ -O, he will be miserable all his life. K — What do you care? They do you the same. THE DEAMA OF DESTINY-GAEL HANNO. 29 BeHc— But I gave him my solemn promise and that is binding me. K.' — Just give him cold feet, he'll travel. Belle — That would be the same as breaking my pledge. K.- — Why, you foolish girl. Take those costly jewelries so you have something to beautify you. Your lover hasn't got anything I know. Now will you take that present of his hands just to please me to ward off an offence to my friend? Belh- — Yes, I'll take that present. [They go back and take their seats at the table.] Belle— Yes, Mr. Titus, I will take that present. But I have a lover and I will marry soon. T. — What of it? You remain Karl's sister all the same, and the jewelry will be an additional stock to your beauty. Of course I did not know that you had a lover. K. — Why, Belle, Titus is the best man that ever you laid your eyes on. T. — Now Karl, don't be so fast- — Here my friend is your present. [They leave their scats] [Enter No. I Belle's lover. He is unnoticed.] [Belle takes the present, her lover sees it.] Belle. — 0, Mr. Titus, you are so kind. I shall remem- ber you til after death. [Her lover walks upon her from behind. Belle and Titus 7nake a long bote to each other. Her lover is very indignant about her doings whereupon he takes her by the hand and both leave] [Exeunt No. 2.] T. — Ha! Ha! This is the first chapter of my love ro- mance and it runs in the negative. K. — It does. And I regret it indeed that you came a moment too late for my sister. Titus, you don't feel sordid over it do you ? 30 THE DEAMA OF D3CSTINY--CAEL HANNO. T? — Sordid? No ! But I would like very much to be con- nected with you in the form of having your sister, Surely Ah! She is just what suits me* — Well yes I can wait maybe there is a trump yet that will play into my hand, who knows? [An alarm is given by the large bell mingled with loud cries.) ■ — War! War! War has been declared. [Titus and Karl rush to exit No. 1] Concert.— War ! War ! War ! Let it come ! What do we care when others fight the battles. Exeunt No. 1.] [Enter No. 1: six men. They represent bankers, all take seats to the left.] [Enter No. 2: an imposing figure in uniform, he is the premier. They all pay him respect as he enters whereupon he takes It is seat at the table facing the six men. Every speaker rises from his seat while he speaks.] Premier.- — To the great financiers. A royal order. In consequence of the sudden outburst of this war- things are rushing and the transaction of the busi- ness connected therewith is to assume a quick for- ward move direct to the point without the debat- ing clumsiness in the way of a decision. The state treasury is empty. It is the object of this meeting to effect a War-Loan of $50,000,000 to fight the Dutch on the land and on the sea to keep them out of South America. The loan must be furnished by the great financiers of our own coun- try so as to keep us free from foreign obligations. ( Proceed with your offers. Quick and short to the point. Who will be the first '! Gil. of H. — Ilis excellency! Prem.' — Chief of the banks! THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. 31 Oh. of B.~— Half of the banks in the country are bank- rupt and the other half can furnish no more than $10,000,000 in all. Prcm.' — Heavens! Is that right? But you ought to fur- nish the loan even should it come out of your own pockets. [Enter No. 1 : Karl II. and Titus. They take the back seats.} Ch. of B. — Yes, Yes, I understand. But our private pockets desire to keep free from foreign obliga- tions. [Titus and Karl talk into eachothers ears.) Prcm.- — Then we must apply to our common citizens. Ch. of i?.— Your honor: The banks have got all the money of the common citizens. I think this war has come at the wrong time. Prcm.- — Yes! But this is business of the government. What then — shall the government after all be driven to foreign obligations ? Remember the loan calls for $50,000,000. T. to K. H. — [aside] Now Karl let loose. Karl Hanno. — His Excellency. Prcm. — Respect your honor ! K. H.—I will furnish the loan of $50,000,000 out of my own pocket but I desire to have a private inter- view with the king. Prcm.- — This is a staggering statement and I am hardly prepared to believe the good story. Pray what is your name ? K. H. — My name is Karl Hanno. I am a descendent from the ruling family of once mighty Carthage who took possession of Spain. Prcm. — You have a good pedigree. Well you shall have your private interview with the king and that lets you out ye great financiers. [Exeunt No. 1: the si.r bankers.] 32 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. [The Premier pulls on a string and gives one stroke to the large bell — Karl H. introduces Titus to the Premier as' his friend and business partner. They bow. ] [Enter No. 2: two soldiers. They post themselves on each side of the door and salute the king as tie enters.] [Enter No. 2: the king in royal attire age 55; weight 160. He is very graceful and of royal self respect which he maintains throughout. They do him homage as he enters and he is introduced to K. H. and Tiff us by the Premier whereupon all four take seats around the table.] King.- — Present your wishes. Prem- — [he rises] His majesty is hereby informed that all the banks of our country can furnish no more than $10,000,000 toward the War-Loan. But this gentleman here Karl H. — [K. H. rises, bows, and sets down again] he offers to furnish the loan of $50,000,000 out of his own private wealth depend* ing, however on certain conditions for which rea- son he wishes an interview with the head of the government. His majesty, I should have mention- ed that his honor, Karl Hanno, is a descendent from the ruling family of once mighty Carthage who were the masters of Spain. [Be takes his seat.] King. — Your honor, Karl Hanno, [he rises and bows] Your worthyness and your patriotic devotion is appreciated by your king and sovereign in the highest terms. You are herewith invited to ex- press terms and conditions effecting a War-Loan. Keep your seat, speak freely without formality. It is now business understand. Karl. — sets doion] As it has so far pleased his majesty to accept my useful service regards furnishing the THE DEAMA OF DESTINY-GAEL HANNO. 33. War-Loan, I may briefly state to his majesty that I and Titus, my business partner have acquired a fortune in South America of $150,000,000 worth of pure gold between us and this we owe to nobody but to ourselves. But for fear that the sovereignty of Spain may lay claims to our find in South Amercia by reason of the Spanish discovery we have deposited our surplus gold in the Bank of France. King.'— You are shrewd men and sharpers, I find use for such men in my service. Karl. — [to Titus] So then we are all right yet — Now, my partner has already spent most of his for the benefit and the improvements of our country and I offer to furnish this loan myself on condition that the government gives me guarantee for the un- disturbed possession of my fortune and the War- Loan by me so furnished to be secured by govern- ment bonds ; rate of interest 2 per cent annually. Further: That the same guarantee securing me shall be extended to my business partner, Titus. Only upon these terms shall I be aole to furnish the War-Loan. King- — Premier is authorized to draw up papers and stipulate terms and conditions as agreed upon. Our empty treasury is here realty the dictator. Prem. ^-Here they are already for signature. [The king signs the papers and leaves. The soldiers salute. [Karl H. writes out a draft.} [Eweimt No. 2: king and soldiers.) K. — Here is a draft on the Bank of France for $50,000,- 000. Prem.' — And here are your government bonds. That closes the deal and now suppose we will go and 34 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. take a drink on that and get a little fresh air. [Exeunt No. 1 ; all three.] [Enter No. 2; five servants. They make arrangements for a reception, displace the chairs for a higher grade of furniture, a large table with chairs and two sofas and lea re.] [E.reunt No. 2.] [Enter No. 2: two soldiers take post at the door, They are followed by an orchestra and play an air last- ing 10 seconds, during which time the recep- ton party enters.] [Enter No. 2: King and his adjutant; Queen and her lady attendant, age SO; Mourine and her lady attendant, age 18. the duke of Olirars, and two young men aged 21 and SO. [a] [king, queen and Mourine are in royal attire. The others are in their best.] [b] ,\The duke is of a proud Spanish swell, age 28; weight 1 80, height 5 feet 11 inches. [c] [Mourine is the belle of beauty. She combines all the graceful clement* essential to a per- fect lady. She is sociable, handsome and ladylike but in all her movements she maintains a royal self respect, age 2'f. weight 125, height 5 ft. 6 in. King— [all are standing] My friends I take the pleasure of giving a reception in honor of our new friends KarJ Hanno and Titu£> — Here, adjutant, are two in- vitation cards, deliver same to Karl II and Titus. [Exit No. 1 adjutant.] [E.reunt No. 2; two soldiers.] King.— Now my friends; I have the honor to tell you that these two men are the greatest financiers in God's kingdom and not only that, but they seem to be the sharpest and the most shrewd individ- uals that ever I bargained with. This is especial- ly true of Karl Hanno a descendent of the ruling THE DEAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. 35 family of once mighty Carthage, the masters of an- cient Spain. I understand these men are bache- lors and Mourine, dear daughter, you want to be very careful not to make any goo goo eyes. Mourine.' — Pa dear: I should be happy to treat every- body like a lady. Durst I? King.— -Why dear, certainly ! But do not go too far in our sweet manoeuveries else they may make a case of it and lose their heads over you. Mourine.— Q pa, I am perfectly innocent. [Enter Nl: ad'utanh] Adj. — \ salutes] His majesty: they are coming. [Enter Xo. 1: K. and T. They are reeeiled by the Reo, orchestra.] K. and T- — [bow] His majesty: we shall be your hapy servants. Long live the king! King.~- Thank you, thank you. I shall be happy to have servants of your mettle. Moreover I should be pleased to have you enjoy a delightful moment in company with my family, and friends in the form of a reception given in your iionor. — Karl Hanno and Titus: This is her highness, my wife [bow] - — This is her highness Mourine Isabella my only child: She will next occupy the throne of Spain: [bow] and this is the duke of Olivars the greatest general of to-day but he is presently fill- ing a vacancy as state treasurer on account of death, [bony] all the rest are our closest friends, [bow]- — Now make yourselves at home. All shout. — Hip, Hip, Hip, hurrah for Louis Philip ! [The two lady attend nits serve drinks and cake and all set down to the large table. Mourine serves as waitress.] King.- — .Karl, have you any fojks? Karl. — Not at all except a sister, and Mr. Titus here has a mortgage on her. 35 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. King. — Thats right my friends, be jolly and enjoy yourselves. — Happy Titus, will you accept the office of state secretary? . T. — I accept the office- — Long live the king! King. — Have a drink on thai [all drink]. King.- — Karl H., will you accept the office of state treasurer? Karl.— I accept the office — Long live the king! King.- — I make this choice because you have money enough without stealing any [laughter] — Have a drink on that [all drink}. Karl. — His majesty, That was a flattering joke, all the samey, there shall be no empty treasury. I shall fill it out of my own pocket. King — I shall be thankful to you if you will do so with- out government bonds. I must take a drink on your health \he drinks). [Mourine passes cake around the table.] Mour. — \to Titus] Your honor: Will you have a cake? Titur- — -Thanks to her highness. Long live Mourine Isabella [both bote] . Mour~—\to K. IT.] Your honor: Will you have a cake? Karl — Thanks to her highness. Long live Mourine Isabella [both bow] . Karl^-My sister baked a cake lor the colonial secretary just like this one and she received the Degree of Honor. Mour. — I baked this one to pass examination and I re- ceived 0. K. | humor.] Duke — [to Mourine aside] You must not make such sweet manoeiweries. Karl — And her highness delights in serving the same? Mour. — Precisely: f and my attendant pulled straws and I drew my lot. | l/e/77/ jokes and laughter. The Rec. Orchestra plai/$ THE DEAMA OF DESTINY-CABL II ANNO. 37 and all join in dancing irilh happy faces lasting in all one minute, during which time the duke and K. B . become rivals* Mourine manifests her favor for K. H. and the duke is displeased and rest- less. An alarm is given by the large bell and they all lea re in a hurry and confusion except K. H. and Titus remain.] [Exeunt No. 2.] Karl. — That's a funny way of doing, running away and not say a word. Titus — Hiss ! Hiss ! That was an alarm. K.- — Better let us follow them. T. — 0, I know why you want to follow them. Well, Karl, I will not stand in your way. Give me your sister and that's all I desire. [Enter No. 2: adjutant.] Adj.- — The king sends an apology for having left in the hurry because of the alarm. [Exit No. 2 adj.] K.* — Well, this is our first experience with royalty and it is amusing Messenger— [standing in the door to the left] The king is requesting you gentlemen not to go away ! .. K. and T. — Thank you! [He goes back and shuts the door.] Clown— [Stands in the door to the right] The king sends word not to get out of patience, to wait. IT.— You tell your king we are getting sick and tired of waiting. Clown — Hum — yea ! [goes back and shuts the door.] K.' — Well, by the ho]y smoke what — Clown— [opens the door] The king sends word when- ever you get sick and tired he will send you the doctor, [goes back and shuts the door.] K. — Are thv taking us for suckers? 3s THE DKAMA OF DESTINY-GAEL HANNO. T.- — Hiss! I got it: The king wants to keep the iron hot and he sends his clown to keep us in good humor. 0, I hain't got that right yet — I believe the king wants to give you his daughter— That belle of beauty ha ! ha ! and you will be the happy man in the moon. K.' — Well, I wish I knew what to answer you on that and I would not be slow in telling you that my heart is revolutionized ever since I laid my eyes on that beauty. [Enter No. 2: adjutant.} Adj. — I have a special message for you. The king is requesting you gentlemen to wait a moment, as he wishes to communicate to you Karl H., a matter of a private affair through the premier. So do not get out of patience to wait. Remember: Just a moment. K. and T. — Thank you ! Thank you ! Thank you ! [Exit No. 2: adjutant.] jT.— Yes ! Yes ! Yes ! The king wants to give you his daughter. Karl, you are right in it. K. — I believe it. Only I think this: The good thing is coming too fast and it may run past of me. T. — What; run past? Let us weigh the facts: The War-Loan ; the reception ; her sweet manoeuveries, and now he wants to communicate to you a matter of a private affair. What more do you want? I saw through it right from the start. A'.— And she was so sweet and so lovely; so graceful and so pleasing that she alone seemed to be the belle of beauty. Titus, shake hands on that [ Shake hands.] T.- — Now, Karl, you know our interests will not cross eachother. Your sister is all I desire. And I will do all in my power and help you in getting to be the husband of our future queen. THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL BANHO. 39 K.- — That's a good deal to swallow, but it suits me. But what does not suit me? The good thing is coming too easy. T. — What do you care? All the better. Now when the premier steps in and lays the proposition of the king before you you will accept the offer, marry her and the thing is done — [aside] Well, now comes the premier— Well, let him come. [Enter No. 2: Premier.] Preni. — Gentlemen! K. and T. — Your honor. Prem.— I am charged by his majesty to communicate to you, Karl H., a matter of a private affair. K. — Yes, sir ! Something good ? P.— Good for the king — It has been the wish of the king to form a union between his daughter, Mou- rine Isabella, who will succeed him on the throne, and the duke of Olivars, chief of the general staff. The wedding of which is to take place on the 17th day of this month, June [Karl looks serious, Titus draws a long breath]. But there is an obstacle in the way of it which, if not removed, may prove serious to the duke as well as to the marriage itself. The matter stands thus : The duke had the bad fortune to become the presi- dent of the vast mining enterprise. He invested all the money that he had himself in addition to heavy loans besides amounting to in all $5,000,000, and. this was, for the most part, secured by the mines themselves. But very soon the mines were ex- hausted and the mining stock became a worthless item. The creditors have lost their securities and they now rush in on the duke and furiously de- mand their money. In order to avert public scandals his majesty asks you to furnish him a 4o THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. loan of $5,000,000, to set straight his intended son-in-law — King wishes to keep this matter private — What have you to reply? K.~~- I will furnish the loan of $5,000,000, rate of inter- est 2 per cent, secured by government bonds. Prem.' — Thank you. But for the government bonds I have to see the king, and you gentlemen wait here a few moments and amuse yourselves as best you may until I shall return with an answer from the king. [Exit No. 2.] [Karl and Titus look into eachothers face, then laugh out of full breath.] K. — Now, smarty, will that do you? T 7 .— There is something wrong in Israel. K.' — Something wrong in our heads— T.- — Pert ! That was a Spanish ruse — Laugh it off and be done with. K.' — It is a pity that after so many deeds of heroism we have lost our heads over the smiles of a pleasing beauty. T- — Wouldn't they rub their hands' over it if they knew it? K. — Wouldn't they though? But it will stay with us. T. — Sure. They shall never find it out. After all. This game is not yet played out, and maybe a trump will turn up and come into your hands that will knock everything topsy-turvy. Of course you love her. K.— Love her? Why yes I love her. But what under the sun do you suppose they honey eyed us so much for? T 7 .— O, I suppose they wanted to tickle us a little with royalty. That's all. K. — Just wait — 1,11 iix his clock: 1,11 tie him up by that loan and we will have the satisfaction to rub THE DRAMA OE DESTINY-CARL HANNO. 41 our hands over a pretty royal humiliation. "That's me." [Enter No. 2: Premier.] Prem.— Karl H. is requested to see the king. [Exit No. 2: Karl] Prem. — I am worried to death. The duke had sense enough to get into trouble, but he hasn't got sense enough to get out. T. — So then we shall have a royal wedding pretty soon, shall we not? Prem. — That's right. And I do not see why such must take place just now while the country is at war. There must be something pressing in the matter. I don't understand it. T. — yes, money matters are always pressing. How is his majesty fixed on government bonds? Prem. — How fixed? The king cannot give government bonds to secure a private loan uniess he goes to scheming on something. And that, I think, is the object of having a secret understanding with Karl H. I understand Karl H. is single yet. T. — Karl H. is single yet. And what of it? Prem. — Nothing at all. His mighty wealth is a puzzle to me and yet so young. T.—Q, not so young. How old do you think ? Prem.' — Perhaps 31 or#4. Mourine Isabella guessed his age at 24 or 25, as she is 24 herself. T. — She must have admired him. Prew;.— Perhaps she did. But the king is no match to bargain with Karl H. and I am afraid he will get his hands tied up. T.- — Not at all. Karl H. is too good to be shrewd in matters of that kind. ■ Prem.'— Too good? He is always after government 42 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. bonds. But excuse me. I am called off again. I am worried to death. Confounded. [Exit No. 2: Prem.] [Ener No. 2: Kabl.] K. — I've done it now — T.— What did you do ? K. — I tied up the king — T— What, tied him up by that loan? K.— That's right. T.- — That's what the premier was afraid about, but I let on you were not sharp enough for that. K. — And what about the premier? T. — He was worried to death. K - — Nothing to us. What did he say ? T. — Incidentally he said that Maurine guessed your age the same as hers— Karl, I believe you struck a blow at her. K. — Woul to God it were true. Perhaps he knew more ? T: — Well, if he did he was very careful not to speak on that subject. K — All the samey. Bnt what about the duke? T. — The duke? Ha! Ha! There must be something pressing in his case, the premier thought. But what about you and the king? K. — We have come to a secret understaanding — [aside] Well, now comes the premier. [Enter No. 2: Premier.] Pi-em.— Gentlemen ! K. and 7\— Your honor! Prem. — I am now authorized to close the deal regards that loan: Rate of interest 2 per cent; term ex- pires on, or any time before the close of the pres- ent war with the Dutch. Here are your govern- ment bonds for security [puts them on table]. THE DRAMA OF DESTINY- -CARE HANNO. 43 K. — And here is your draft on the Bank of France far .$5,000,000. [They take their papers.) Pre///.— That closes the deal, and now let us take an other drink on that and get a little fresh air. [Exeunt No. 1: All three.] [Enter No. 2: Mourine takes seat on the sofa.] Monr. — [soliloquizing] All gone? Yes, all gone. I have the best opportunity now to think' it all over. Ah ! There is something upon my heart over which I feel sorely perplexed- — I never knew what love was until that happy reception. [Somebody is knocking.] Hour. — [she jumps up]- — [Knocking again.} Mour.—- Come ! [Enter No. 1: An artist.] Art.' — [bows] Her highness! Mour.- — Your honor; What is it you wish? Art.— I should thank her highness to inform me whether a gentleman by the name of Karl H. has been here. Mour.- — Yes, your honor, I know the gentleman, but I am not able to state where he now is. Anything that I can do for you? Art. — Thanks. I am an artist, and said gentleman, K. H., had some pictures ordered which I have here now on delivery. Mour.— May I ask to let me see them? Art. — With the greatest pleasure, her highness, here they are. Mour- — [she looks at them] He is a typical gentleman and the picture is a success. Art. — Thanks for the compliment.' — Her highness: I will leave these pictures here in your care, and when he comes, may I ask you to please and hand them to him? 44 THE BEAM A OF DESTINY-CARL HAfrNO. Mour.-Sir, I am sorry I cannot please you, as -this would be entirely out of; etiquette, for 1 am not fa- miliar with the gentleman. How many of them have you? Art. — One dozen is what he ordered, but since he paid me an enormous price I thought I would give him one in the bargain for good luck and I have here thirteen. 'Monr. — Because Karl H. is a conspicuous iigure and a typical gentleman I wish to buy that extra picture for good luck. How much is one? Art. — We set no price for royalty. They pay us royal prices. Hour. — Here are $500 for that extra picture. Art.' — Here it is [he bows]. Ever thanks to her highness. Long live Mourine Isabella [he makes a long boir irf takes the other pictures with him]. Exit No. I,] Mour. — [alone] That is just what I have been wishing — -His picture [she gazes upon /Y I- — Is not that a pretty picture?- — The expression of his eyes tells of his affection. Just as I saw him at the reception 0, that duke ! I do feel sorely perplexed of not knowing what to do. I do not love him; he does not love me; he is unkind, unaffectionate; he speaks harsh and bossifiod, and Karl H. may love me neither. O, that duke. If I cannot marry love I prefer to stay single all my life. 0, there now comes the duke [she skips out], [Exit No. 2.] [Enter No. 1: The duke.] J)nhr. — Well — I thought she was here — Mourine! 0, Mourine! Mou-rine! Confounded, where did that duck go to anyhow? | He skips out after her. Exit No. 2.] [Enter No. I: Mourine.] THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-^CARL HANNO. 45 Mou/r.> — [soliloquising] Who will blame me? I do not like him. [Enter Xo. 2: Queen mother.} Queen — Why, dear child, the duke is hunting you. Mour.- — Let him come where I am. [The duke is heard hollowing] ~-"Mou-rine|" Queen- — There the duke is calling you now. Go and see what he wants. [Exit Xo. 2: Mourine] [Enter Xo. 1: The duke.] Duke — Queenmother: where is Maurine? Queen — She has just started to see you as you called. She went through that door [the right entrance]. [Exit Xo. 2: The duke.] [Enter Xo. 1: Mourine.] Queen — Ha ! He goes out of one door and. you come in through another. No wonder you do not find eachother. Mour.- — Ma: I think the duke and I do not match. I prefer to stay single all my life. He does not love me; he is unkind; he speaks harsh; already he thinks himself boss of me. I do not love him. [The duke is heard hollow m^]— -Mour-rine — Con- founded where are you ? * Mour* — You hear that, ma? Do you blame me? [The duke is heard hollowing] — Mou-rine! Mour.— Yes ! [Enter No. 2: Duke.] Duke. — Confounded, Mourine, where are you keeping yourself ? Mour.— 0, you don't love me. Duke.- — Why, sure I love you. Confounded yes. Mou- rine, I can die for you — I want to see you about arrangements for our wedding next Thursday. [Enter No. 2: King.] 46 THE DKAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. King- — Now, dear folks, I will announce the benedic- tion of Karl H. and Titus. Before they leave I thought it expedient for us to give them a last farewell. We owe lots to these men, especially to Karl H., as he has furnished the $5,000,000 to pay the debts for you, duke, besides of what he has done for the country. They will be here right away. Duke.- — Very well : For my part I like the ways of these men very much and they are typical gentle- men, but I shall be happy when they are gone. There has been something going wrong with Mourine ever since the reception- — Kinr;- — O hush! Don't make any disturbance. [Enter No. 1: Karl H. and Titus duly greeted.] Kar'—My royal friends : If we shall never meet again let this be our last farewell. [Mourine looks per- plexed.] We, Titus, and I, thank you for all your kindness, as you have made our stay the happiest and most amusing of anything that has trans- pired on us in the past. We shall remember his majesty, his royal family and all other friends as long as we live. Long live the king; Long, and happy live his" family . King. — Karl H. and Titus: Let it be known that you enjoy royal favor and friendship in a full measure. As such let us be merry and happy in this last moment of your farewell. Swing your minds freely as though you were among your own folks at home and we will do the same. Karl- — Thank you, thank you, Louis Philip— King. — My friends call me Louis Lip. Karl- — Thank you. Louis Lip, at home we all smoke. Have a cigar — thank you- — Duke, have a cigar- Thank you- — and Titus, what is mine is yours. Help yourself! THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. 47 King — Why, they are good. Titus- — We brought this tobacco from South America Karl' — Stop ! boys. I forgot to ask the ladies whether smoking is allowed. Mour.' — Yes ! Yes ! It is allowed. You are the first gentleman that ever respected us with this ques- tion. Karl — Her highness: I learned that from the Yankees. Mour.- — -[she delights] Your honor: Bring some over here. [Karl botes.] Duke — [to Mour., aside] You must not make such sweet manoeuverief.— Kar], I understand you are single yet? Karl— I am. I cannot suit the ladies. Duke — Can't? You suit my girl here more than what is convenient to me. Mour.' — Duke of Olivars : I beg respect my ladyship. Duke — Yes, yes, that 's right : something has gone wrong with you ever since that reception. Mour.~~0 Duke, I beg your jealousy. Whatever has gone wrong, I am innocent; so is this gentleman: For I have not spoken over a half of a doze/r words to him, and that only in your presence. Karl. — And I confirm her statement. If we love each other we do not know it. Moreover, I would feel convicted to rob a lover of his bride who are to be - married in a day or two, unless I have a reason to jsutify such an act. More I cannot say. Let the language of silence tell what my tongue is unable to utter. I [~Enter No. 1 : a messenger hands the duke a note. He reads and immediately leaves.] [Exeunt No. 1 duke and Mess.] Mour?— Ma, did you notice the duke looked quite seri- ous after reading the note. 48 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL II ANNO. King^ — My child, I should think he would have told you what it was about. > ■Hour's — Dear pa, he is not like a lover: He is unkind; he speaks harsh to me ; he does not love me ; al- ready he thinks himself boss of me. I do not love him. Karl — [he bows] Her ladyship Mourine : If I am anything, in your estimation, pardon me when I tell you that I have loved you from the moment I laid my eyes on you, and I shall never be happy without you. [King and queen arc surprised. J./ our. is deeply impressed.] Hour. — He that loves me is my love and my happiness. But I am tied down and am helpless. Let the lan- guage of silence tell what my tongue is not able to utter. Kinr- — My daughter, my child < I certainly love you. But it is too late now for you to make confessions. If there were any charges whatever against the duke for any improperness, either private or pub- lic, I would, in my capacity, as father and sover- clare the same "null and void." But here is nothing in the case that would justify my act. It would be a breach of faith ; a lowering of royalty ; a bad example before the people. So, the engage- ment must stand, and the marriase cannot be in- terfered with. My daughter, think of your duty. The dignity of royalty that is in the balance. Do not soil your belle of beauty! J/o//r — This is more than my soul can bear. [Enter No. 1: Dale looks serious and frightened.] King. — What is the matter, duke ; you look so ser- ious? /hike- — Let the language of silence tell what my. tongue is not able to utter. THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. 49 [Enter Xo. 1: Sheriff. He wears a big star.] Sheriff— His majesty, here is the sheriff: By the state marshal, I am authorized to cause the arrest of the Duke of Olivars wherever found, on the charge of an embezzlement of $5,000,000 of government money, used up by the duke in the New Mining enterprise while being the state treasurer. Duke of Olivars : You are commanded to follow me. [The duke is taken away by the sheriff.} King— So; is the duke a criminal before the law, and the engagement is hereby declared "Null and Void." [Karl H. and Mourme embrace each other in evidence of their being in love. The curtain drops.] End of Act II. ACT III. \ Scene: It is a small valley winding between mountains with a branch [water coarse] 50 feet wide running over leapmg rocks. 60 yards in the background to the left a bridge, leading from a castle this way, makes a connection with a stately little cot- tage to ttie right in the immediate foreground in front of which is a beautiful lawn with shade trees In front of this coftage is a' semi circle sofa with a lea nbaclc to it of S ft. high looking diagonally to the left this wag with u seating capacity of 12 and a stand in front of it. The cottage has two doors side by side and a partition between 7 ft. high. The left door is enter or e.rit No. h and to the right is enter or e.rit No. 2.] [a] [Karl H. has not changed his attire except his white trousers for black.] fb] [Titus has not changed his attire except his white trousers for black.) [c] [Mourine is the belle of beauty and has changed at- tire.) [d] [Miss Belle II. has changed attire and is robed in jewelry making her appear very beautiful and handsome. The others of the last scene hare not changed.] \The curtain raises. Karl II. and Mourine are seen walking with locked arms in the background. back and forth, while Belle is sitting in the sofa inspecting the jewel ru presented to her bi/ Titus.] Belief alone] That's just so pretty — he was so kinc'-- He was worthy all of my love if I had it THE DEAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. 51 to give. — 0, could I only get free again from that tyrant — [Titus raps on the cottage corner to attract Belle's attention.] Titus. — [bows] How do you do Miss Belle; are you not lonesome by yourself? Belle.— -[leaves her seat Why how do you do Mr. Titus. I have been wishing for you many a time. Won't you take a seat? T. — Take a seat? Why certainly [they take seats in the so /V/] — Perhaps I can tell you a few things that might interest yor — Belle. — Thank you. You are so kind. A woman's first estimation of a man is his kindness and I have learned to appreciate it. But I forgot you had something to tell mr — go ahead 7\— Miss Hannr— Belle — Excuse mo — ru-st enll me Belle. T. — Thank you- — Belle, 1 wish you had been there. We had great experience with royalty last time in Barcilona, and your brother played his cards so well that he made a clean sweep for a successful career in life — Belle- — That is good to start on. T. — Indeed — and just think: He is now on the main track to become the husband of our future queen — Belle— Well, I declare! T.' — Yes, he is engaged to Mourine Isabellr — and what is not impossible, by means of his future wife, Karl may become king of Spain. Belle- — Does she love him? T. — Love him ? Yes, she does love him. Belle — 0, these engagemento — I don't know — why don't he marry her? K7 THE DBAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. T. — Understand, there is a political reason ahead of it. Belle, how are you getting along with your lover? I know you are not married. .Belle — I have not much to say. I thought lots of that fellow; moreover, I was a poor girl, working for $2 a week, and as he had a little money to get mar- ried on ,1 accepted him. But he soon proved to be a betting man and a gambler— and this is what I have to tell you : Look here ! All this costly jew- elry which you gave me for a present, this he wants me now to sell it and give him the money so he can go and bet on a big horse race. T.— [excited] What? Belle- — 0, "yes; it is a straight story. And when I re- fused to do anything of the kind- — O, I do hate to tell the rest. T.— Belle \he hesitates] — —Belli Belle— -What is it, Mr. Titus? T- — There is no one here now to interfere with our conversation. I simply want to tell you that I have loved you ever since I laid my eyes on you. Can you return it? [She hesitates.] T. — Can you return my love? Bell' — I know I could.- T 7 .— Belle, my fortune is greater than you can realize, and you shall be the mistress in all things of mine for which I ask you to make my home the hap- piest place on earth. Can you? Belle — I could, and I would like to. T.— What binds you? Belle- — Pitty me. I have made an unhappy marriage. Yes, I am married. T.— [He gets up, turns his back] I have loved in vain. Belle, what made you marry him^ I would have THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CAUL ■ HANNO. 53 given you all the money that you desired when 1 first met you. {Sets down again] Belle— -When I first met you I had given him a solemn promise which I did not want to break. Could you still love me? T.- — With undying love, I could. How long have you been married to him ? Belle — Ten days. T.' — But there is no hope for us. Remember : Ours is a Catholic country, and they will not grant you a divorce. Belle — No hope for us? [Both leave their seats.] T.- — No hope for us; no divorce for you. It is done. Yet I love you intensely. [Karl and Mo urine stand behind them with locked arms. Karl draws their attention-, they have a hearty greeting. Karl introduces his sister to Mourine and they take seats in the sofa: Mourine first; Karl next; Belle next, and Titus next.] K.- — Sister Belle, how are you getting along with your lover ? B. — Brother, please ask Mr. Titus what he knows about it. JT.— How is it, Titus? 1 . — Why, she married that fellow. K.— She did? !F.— Yes, and he demands of her to sell the costly jew- elry I gave her for a present, give him the mony so he can go and bet on a big horse race. Belle hates to tell the rest. Z.— How is it, Belle? B.- — Why, brother, dear, he threatens to kill me if I keep this costly jewelry I got from Mr. Titus, and I made away and came to you men to protect me. [Belle's husband ivalkes right up in front of them. THE 1)KAMA OY DESTINY -CAKL HANNO. 54 draws a revolver on Belle and fires. Titus quickly throws himself in front of Belle and receives the shot, while Karl quickly jumps up and seizes the assassin's hands before he can fire another shot. Mourine, and especially Belle, show the greatest anxiety about Titus being hurt. An officer conies and takes care of the assassin.] T. — No! I am not hurt at all. [He opens his waist.] Look! here is the bullet that was fired. I always wear a bullet-proof shirt ; so does Karl. [Belle trhows her arms around Titus.] Mour. — You men are fully intitled to what you stand for. It seems as nothing can withstand your valor. Oh, valor, valor, this beautiful valor ! J5.— Oh, Titus, you have saved my life, I owe you all my love and more than I can give. And now I am free ! I am free. The law makes me free from that tyrant. [Enter: An officer.] Off. —Miss Belle Hanno : Once more you will go by your virgin name. Here is your divorce. T.- — [He locks arms with Belle.] Now, dear Belle, you shall be happy for the rest of the days of your life. You are mine forever, as I have laid down my life for you and saved your own. B.^Yes, you have laid down your life for me, and I owe you my life. Henceforth shall I make your Home the happiest place on earth, and life shall appear to us as though paradise never was lost. T.— That castle right across the branch, have you took notice of it? B. — O yes. It is a stately looking structure. T.- — That's my home. That's now yours as much as it is rpine. Noav let us go to that home and be happy. Karl, I thank you now for your sister. THE DRAMA OF DESTINY -CARL HANNO. 55 /v.— Yes, sir. You are a man who knows how to se- cure rapid success. [T. and Belle go to the castle wamng their handker- chiefs to each other.] Karl — I feel tired, Mourine. Let us be seated and en- joy a moment's rest. [They take seats in the sofa.) Yon know the story, how a man found his sweet- heart, is always an interesting subject, and we will find plenty of material for amusement in our short romance. Ah ! I forget myself in respect to your highness. All I think about is my sweet- heart, and I forgot that I am talking to our future queen. Vanity is set aside where love sways the, heart, and I just call you Mourine. Mour. — You could not please me any better. Just call me that, A\— Thank you, Mourine. Remember: For me to be happy is to please you. What can I do for you ? Mour.- — Love me, and I shall give you my throne, as life without love to me seems vile. I cannot see the power dominating my heart so completely, yet T know that I love with all my soul. At the recep- tion where I first caught sight of you I could not refuse the favorable appeals made by your manly duct to my admiration. But as matters then stood I stopped where I was. But to-day I behold the wonderful outcome of those amazing moments when my happiness laid in the balance of destiny — and poor old duke — Ha, ha, ha ! K. — Poor old duke, I pity him. He loved in vain. M. — But he never loved me. K. — Ah ! He never loved you. A trifier, a deceiver was he, and he got punished in the end- — and, ha ! ha i I wonder as to his embezzlement of the 5,000,000, whether he was not doomed to commit the act 55 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. just for the purpose of breaking up the engage- ment. M- — Of course, he was. And just think, 5,000,000, was considered a small price on the scales of our hap- piness. JL— Yes, and is it not singular when great things are used to serve a seemingly small purpose"? M? — It is. And the embezzlement of which the duke thought nothing only to serve his purpose, who can tell but what this very act may furnish a link in the history of our nation. But how sure he was, too, that now, after the loan was made, he could smooth it all up and evert public scandals. [Karl laughs.] What do you laugh at, Karl? K. — I am just a-laughing when one has fallen a victim to a belle of beauty : The reception ; the introduc- tion, and the ever conquering smiles abounding in your loveliness, all this had set me. ablaze, and I had lost my head over you. I thought it was all meant for me. You should have seen me when the premier stepped in with his private affair, and everything in my head went topsy-turvy. M.' — Why, Karl, that was too bad. K.—l simply mention this to show how intensely I loved you. M.' — I think you. have played your cards so well. No one of us could discern anything of the kind ; on the contrary, I was caused to wonder at your proud mind. I have seen cases that, when a man's love was at stake, they became generally quite small. K- — Ha! Tell me, Mourine, how then did I win your love? Let us have the point so others can copy from. M ~— Very simple: In the first place, you treated ev- erybody with like courtesy, and that goes far with THE DRAMA OV DESTINY-CARL HANNO. 57 the ladies. As a stranger, had you gave way to passions and tried to honey eye with me, it would have attracted everybody's attention, and I would have felt insulted. K.' — What if he loves her on first sight? M .- — Let them do as you did : When the right moment comes tell her that you love her. K. — Now, by the living God, this is the point! Ha! ha ! We are having quite a lovestory, and the more we get acquainted with each other, the more interesting is our company [she laughs] What are you laughing at, Mourine? M.— O I can't forget that duke. He had his fortune told just as smooth as a picture, and he kept still about it until the day was fixed for our wedding, when proudly he boasted to his friends that every- thing now between him and his Castilian girl was 0. K. K. — Yes, he got swell-headed. But go on ! M. — He boasted to his friends that lie would marry me, and that some day he would become king of Spain was a foregone conclusion. K. — Well, I declare. And how did he see it? M.~ — Upon the strength that a woman is not fit to rule and I would abdicate in his favor. £.-~Welr, did I ever— M.— Yes; and he believed all this because an old re- liable fortune-teller, an old woman, had told him so. Poor old duke, won't he now scorn the old woman ? K. — Won't he, though? And I am sure he paid her a good price. ilf ,—$10,000. K.- — -Good gracious! No wonder he couldn't pay his debts. .1/. — But nevertheless, had the old fortune-teller told 58 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. him the truth, his $10,000 would have brought him a splendid interest, don't you think? K- — yes, after a man gets to be a king he knows how to fill his pockets if he doesn't know anything else. But you didn't feel disposed to abdicate in favor of the duke, did you ? M. — Never! For in my estimation, a man whose men- tal faculties are devoted to things of the supersti- tious order is certainly not fit to rule over others. And I would regard it as criminal to do anything of the kind. 1 say it would be criminal. K- — [He rises from his seat.} Mourine Isabella, most sublime lady: I am impressed by your serenity as a virgin of superior craft; a will governed by a lofty mind ; and as a ruler compared to a worthy sovereign. Keep your throne to make happy your people, but give me your love, in which I shall see all of my wishes answered. [Mourine rises from her seat and throws her arms around Karl, who in the next moment looks towards the castle and sees Titus coming over the bridge in a rapid iralk. \ K- — Hello, Titus is coming this way in the hurry. Let us see what he wants. M. — He has news for us, I believe. Kl-r What is it, Titus? Titur — The duke was convicted to 30 years of impris- onment. A'— For the embezzlement of the 5,000,000? 7\— Yes. K— Well, that doesn't surprise me., Why, no. 1/. — O, I feel sorry for him. T.— Then, here is something, Karl, that will surprise you. The king has pardoned him—- — K. — And what next ? THE DRAMA OF DESTlNY-CARL HAN3S0. 59 T.— And he has given him command of the 4th army, lie mny now become the hero of the nation by means of great victories, and yon will have your hands full. M> — 1 wonder whether his fortune-teller knows any- thing about it? K.—[He snaps his finger.] Behold the Power of Faith! Enter No. 1 — (This means he comes out of the cottage and so on) Servant carries a stately chair to the stand; two soldiers post themselves at en- ter No. 1.] Enter Xo. 1: King and adjutant; queen and her at- tendant. They are duly saluted. The king occu- pies the chair, his adj. and the servant stand be- hind him; all the others remain standing in-front of the sofa before him.] King— To my servants! In the present war with the Dutch we have suf- fered a serious check. The Dutch have swept away our ships and vessels from the oceans, and we can- not keep them out of South America. We must now invade Holland itself, and duty is compelling your king and sovereign to take the field and punish the Dutch. I hereby appoint the queen as regent of the ragency to direct the affairs at home during my absence. Shouts: Long live the king; Hurrah for Louis Philip ! [Exeunt No. 1: All except Karl and T.] T. — Now, Karl, I should like to know the secret under- standing between you and the king, K.- — Very well. Listen: In order to give government bonds to secure a. private loan, he made it appear a public loan, pretending to establish a secret service fund for the war. T. — Well, that does not tie up the king to establish a secret service fund. 60 THE DKAMA OF DESTINY- GAEL HANNO. K. — Under pretence, understand. The secret serv- ice fund has never seen a dollar of it. T. — Yes, yes, I see through it. It's the same thing as an embezzlement. /v.— Yes; you see if I give him away, he will get into a box. T.— But how will you get your money back? A'. — He will force the Dutch to pay me back my money as a war indemnity. T 7 .— God pitty the Dutch. K. — 0, he is a schemer, all right. Bat he played him- self unmercifully into my hands of trusting this to my secret. Just wait here a little. I must go and tell my sweetheart something about this. She must know all my secrets. T. — You'll get over that. [Exit No. 1: [This means he gtes into the cottage and so on.] [Enter No. 2: Mourine and queen.} T- — Her highness. Queen- — Your honor. Where is Karl? T • — He has just left to see you. Q. — What was it about, do you know '! T- — It is something about the king. Qj — Not two days have faces alike. Would you won- der to see the king side with the duke, and would you wonder to sec the duke make himself the champion : T • — -Strictly, I would not. In tims of war there are many chances for a political schemer to make him- self conspicuous on the scene. But the duke is a long' ways yet from success. {). — | aS7/c hands him) Here is a message, if we should not be able to find Karl, hand it to him when he comes. Come, 1/onrine, let us go after him. [Exeunt No. g» Q. and M.] THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. 51 [Enter No. 1: Karl] T.- — Ah! A joke on you. They were here. K. — What, to see me 2 T.— Yes. K. — Why didn't you hold them here? What did they say? T.> — Ha ! The king and the duke are making googoo eyes. — Not two days have faees alike, so she thought. I think the duke is trying to make up for the lost. game. Here is a message she left for you. [Karl reads.] "To State Secretary:" "The first army of 40,000 are besieged by the Dutch. There is grave danger of their surrender. Send more troops." "Louis Philip." — There, now, duke, is your chance. T. — Karl, let me tell you, the duke has a good trump in his hand, and you will get your hands full. K. — 0, she hates him. T.' — Good ! And why does she hate him ? K. — Because she loves me. T. — And she told you so, did she ? K. — O, more than once : Love me and 1 shall give you my throne— T. — Said it, and meant it, did she? K. — Why, Titus, do you suppose a lady of her type does not mean what she says? Say, what about? Did they say they would be back? T. — No, they did not say they would. K. — Well, just wait here. I must go and hunt her up. I want to see her. [He goes,] T. — The other door if you want to follow them. \E.rit No. 2: Karl.] [Enter No. 1 : Q. and M.] T,— Now, he has just left again. Maybe I can call him. $2 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. [He opens the door No. 2] Hail ! Hail ! Karl, here they are- — He didn't hear me, but he will be right back, I know. M.' — 0, I am so anxious to see him. T. — Quickest way is to stay right here. Q.- — What did he think of that message! T. — There is a chance for the duke, he thought. [Belle has come from the castle and greets them.} Q. and M — [to Belle] Accept our congratulation. How do you like your new home ? B.- — Thank you, I am happy. My husband is the world for me. [To Titus] Come, dear, I want to see you a minute at the house. [Titus and Belle lock arms, ask to be excused, then then go to the castle.] M.— Ma, we will wait here until Karl comes? I must see him, what he thinks of this message. [Enter No. 2: Messenger.] Mess: — Her highness queen regent ai — Your honor: We understand the controversy arises from an intended marriage of which the king does not approve. Pr.- — Out of order! Domestic affairs are out of order. Cap. [aside] — What did you do?; Pr. [aside] — I turned the damper on him. Att. — -Your honor : As the attorney of the High Tribu- nal I demand that Mourine Isabella be permitted to speak. Her complaints must be heard before the cortes and be duly defended. This case con- cerns the people. e — Your honor: We demand that Mourine be called in and state her side of the case. Pr. — Overruled by the chair! Cap. [aside] — What did you do?; Pr. [aside] — I bull- dosed them. /■ — Your honor : I move that the cortes take a vote on that. [Universal erics] Let her speak! Let her speak! We all demand it. Pr.' — Order !^-Mourine is permitted to speak !— No ! No ! not permitted, we demand it. Pr.' — Order — Order ! — Mourine may speak. Cap. [aside] — What did you do that for?; Pr. [aside] — None of your business. *J2 THE DEAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. Cap. — [to Pr.] Well, you deum coward, inforce your order. [He strikes on the desk]— I say, No ! He pulls the rope, gives four short strokes to the large bell.] Cap. — Now we'll have some troops over here. We'll show you who runs these things. [Enter No. 3: Fire soldiers come marching abreast ivith bayonets over their shoulders. Five men slip upon them from behind and jerk the bayonets out of their hands and tell them il get out of here." Then they command the premier to pull that rope and the large bell sounds.] [Enter No. 1: Mourine.] [Exeunt No: 3: The five men.] ' . . [Shouts]— I jong live Mourine Isabella: The innocent beloved of the people ! Her highness may speak ! Mourine- — To the cortes : He that is at peace with himself and free from guilt before God and men he it is who is looking up to justice to be fair with the innocent. What else has been the policy of mine in all my life than to be in harmony with all that with which my re- sponsibility has to reckon. And even more than this : to make happy my people even at the cost of my own happiness. Cap. [aside]— That speech is a lie; Pr. [aside] 'Twas a lawyer that wrote it. ■ — But the policy of , mine is, to my regret, not rightfully understood by those whose own inter- ests are of more importance to them than is my happiness. Perhaps the one fault: Not to part with my rights and privileges is the cause of m y troubles; Properly do I speak of my engagement fHE.DEAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. 73 with Karl H., which was also sanctioned by my royal father himself. Even so, it has nevertheless settled the scheme of the duke of Olivars, who is coveting the throne, not me, but to satisfy the code I must be given him in marriage which by all rights and privileges I decidedly refuse to do. More it is not necessary to say, and the cortes will well understand the cause of my troubles and my rejection from the throne. ^Shouts] — Never! No, never! It shall never be done! Long live Mourine Isabella, the innocent beloved of the people ! [Exit No. 1: Moiirine.] Att.— Your honor: The cortes acknowledges the inno- cence of Mourine Isabella. And next we require to know the reason of the king's action if he has any. Pr.— Here it is : To all whom it may concern : "We, the king and the guardians of the constitution, have at all times watched the interest of the country and the welfare of the people for which reason we are presently involved in an affair concerning the safety of the throne. May it be known that Mourine Isabella is making common cause with her lover, Karl H , in view to concluding a union which in our opinion and judg- ment is against the safety of the throne and the interest of the country, and duty is compelling us to prevent this union. But as our efforts to that effect are proving a failure, our only alternative is to reject Mourine Isabella in favor of Princess Louisa, second niece of the king, who is also to form a union with the Duke of Olivars, that thereby the safety of the throne and the interests of the country may be secured." "Louis PhiupIV." Aft. — So is the safety of the throne and the interests of the country a reason of the king's action. Let '.us see : 74 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-GAEL HANNO. Presuming the duke will some day be the husband of our future queen. The duke has embezzled $5,000,000 of public money. Certainly, a man that robs the government of $5,000,000 is not to the interests of the country, and a man who is not to the interests of the country and who is so near to the throne is certainly not a safety for the throne. Consequently: The reason of the king's action, regards the duke, is without foundation. Now on the other hand: Presuming Karl H. will some day be the husband of our future queen. K. H. has furnished our gov- ernment $50,000,000 out of his own pocket to carry on a great war with the Dutch. Certainly such a man is to the interests of his country. And a man so devoted to the interests of his country and who is so near to the throne is certainly a safety for the throne. Consequently: The reason of the king's action has neither a foundation regards Karl H. And the fact that Mourine prefers an honest man to that of a criminal is perfectly justi- fied. — Pr. — Order! The cortes has no jurisdiction over do- mestic affairs. Att. — That's right — and the cortes is not concerned in whom she marries. But the cortes is concerned in the succession and cannot sanction the declara- tion. Pr. — But the Declaration can go into effect without the sanction of the cortes and is constitutional. Att.— Your honor : Here is the constitution. "Inheritance and Rights of Succession; Sec. V." "If the succession of an heir or heiress to the throne is ob- jected to by reason of an act that is without foundation, his or her rights of succession is guaranteed by the constitution, and neither the sovereign nor the cortes shall have power to reject such an or heiress to the throne." THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. 75 [Universal roar] — Hail, all Hail Mourine Isabella, the innocent beloved lady. Aft.- — Your honor: Here is the decision of the cortes: 'The Declaration of Disinheritance of Mour. Isa- bella is found b}^ the cortes unconstitutional, as the reason of the king's action is without foundation and the Declaration is declared "Null and void/' Here , premier, forward the decision to the king and state that we require an immediate answer. [He does so.] [Tlie premier gives two strokes to the large hell and then all leave.] [Exeunt No. 3.] [Enter No. 1: II on ri tie.] Mour. [alone on her knees] Pass me by, thou God of vengeance. Pass me by, ye angels dark. [Enter No. 3: Karl. He walks upon her behind and listens.] —Inflict on me not thy revenges, Spare my feeble mortal ark. When in this ark my soul's dear dwelling; Conflicting hours are daily swelling, Then pass me not thou God of grace. Reserve for me a little space. Pass thou not my mortal ark. AYhen I am struggling in the dark. [She gets up.] Karl — Why, my love, God bless you. [They embrace] Mour.—Q, I need strength. A'.' — But what of all these dark faces trying to beveil our happiness when Destiny has resolved upon a triumph in the end? Ah, sweetest love, cheer up ! After many storms there will be sunshine, for I have a conviction that I shall see at least One moment in life in which I shall see all of my wishes answered. And you 76 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. shall be happy as even I shall be and these amazing moments will soon give way and make room for the highest attainments of life. Mourine, believe in the truth : Man is the maker of his own destiny, but Providence provides for his lot. Mour. — 0, how the heart is soothed when in the hour of trial the soul turns again to thoughts most sub- lime. And he that is at peace with himself, how well fitted he is to overcome the attacks of the foe of life when in the moment of despair others are perishing. I was not so before. But the great teacher of life, and especially the events of the recent past, all this has trained my heart and my so-called highness is humbling down in submission before the throne of God. K. — Yes, It is not he who recognizes the teacher of life, but it is he who embraces thoughts most sublime conveying in the celestial word. He that over- comet h shall triumph, and he that draws strength from the fountain of everblessing shall overcome. Mour.^~ And I need strength to overcome these mo- ments. Yesterday the future queen, to-day the re- jected, and what am I now? K. — Cheer up, Mourine; Don't be so sorry. Who loves you more than I do? Look up to me. This game is not played out. You may see wonderful things in my performance when the opportunity has come. Mourine, I lay down my life for you. Mour.-l behold the greatness of your soul and I see the Blessing of all good is smiling upon your brow as though the moment is coming in which you shall see all of your wishes answered. Thrones, king- doms and empires fall short in weight when com- pared with these things of heavenly comfort. When shall the moment come ? THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. 77 K. — Perhaps soon. And when it does come the mo- ment will last forever, for these are things eternal. [The large hell gives three long strokes.] M. — There is the call for the cortes. K.' — Yes, and that means the answer of the king, and the Lord knows what may happen. You better go to the castle to be out of the way and I will call when we want you. Titus and I, we have laid our plans to the last finishing touch, and this time we will display a skill of crafty statesmanship. So good-by. [Exit No. 1: Mourine.] [Enter No. 2: Titus.] K. — Well, how did you succeed? T.- — I got it all fixed. Everything works on a string. They're coming. Well, let them come. K. — Heavens ! That little pony captain means business. He brings soldiers with him to keep us straight. T.— Behold the Power of Faith ! [Enter No. 3: Five soldiers with bayonets, headed by the captain, are stationed before the desk outside of the railing; two to the left, and two to the right, and one in the middle. The captain occu- pies his chair at the desk.] [Enter No. 3: The cortes occupy the chairs to the right, K. H. and Titus among them.] [The captain sounds the large bell.] [Enter No. 1: Premier. He is greeted by the cortes and takes his seat at the desk.] Pr. — [He rings the hand bell] To the cortes : The answer of the king has arrived and he insists upon the sanction of the Declaration. Att. — The cortes is in waiting to hear the answer. Titus — Your honor : The question is too important not to give it the fairest treatment by tfie cortes. Pr —-The sovereign considers it below his dignity to 78 THE DBAMA OF DESTINY-CAUL HANNO. treat with the cortes on a petty question of this kind. K. H.— And why? Pr. — And why? Because he sets forth that when an heir apparent is not a guarantee for the safety of the throne the right of such an heir is forfeited, and the king, under certain statutes, has power to set aside such an heir without the sanction of the cortes. Just as I have stated it last time myself. But this is really not the answer. Cap. [aside] — You made that up yourself; Pr. [aside] — No, I wrote it down. Att.- — Your honor: Let us have that answer. Pr. — Are you ready for it? Mind you it is a short one. K. H. — Yes! We are ready for anything. Hurah for Mourine Isabella ! Pr.- — Order ! Cap. — Don't you act so smart, you man up there. This time we are going to have some order. K. if.— -Thank you ! Give us that answer! Pr. — Here it is, are you all ready? [All roar] — Yes! Pr. — Here is the answer: "In less than five days I will enter Barcilona with the constitution fixed at the points of a 100,000 bayonets." "Louis Philip IV." [A tremendous uproar ensues. The cortes is storming on the Premier and the cap. — The captain com- mands the soldiers to charge, but the soldiers stand there like lifeless si a hies and the violent men seize the captain and the premier and dray them out of the hall. Shouts run wild, li Hurah for Mourine !" Cries are heard: li Kin the hanging l ax she thinks it is getting dark and after ./* — I say— No ! King. — [Speaks with affection] Bethink yourself, Mour- ine: I will give you a last chance — [he takes a little bell out of his pocket] I will give a tap to this little bell every second and if you will not give up at the seventh tap these soldiers will im- 8 6 THE DRAMA OF DESTINY --CAKL HANNO. mediately take you away to the place of execu- tion. [Belle and the exqueen arc watching behind the scene. J [The king taps the Utile bell every second while the Orchestra plays a soft and solemn air. When th* si.rlli [6*J tap is given, five hooks with handles ht ii tnrnst through the ceiling and pierce into the haversacks fastened on the back of the king and the four soldiers and they are jerked up two feet .from the floor suspending, ripping and tearing in the air. The soldiers drop their bayonets whereupon Karl II. and Titus drop down on the floor through the trap door. They pick up the bayonets. The soldiers are lowered to the floor and told to get out of there; K. H. and T. assur- ing the king that he shall not be hurt, tie his hands. He surrenders and is lowered to the floor and guarded. Belle and c.rqueea come from be- hind the scene.) Karl,- — Mis highness Louis Philip, you are dethroned by the cortes and Mourine Isabella is raised on the throne. ' , *:tfW! \Hc maintains his royal dignity and self respect.] King. — What are you going to do with me? Karl- — We shall forgive you. But you are to treat with your daughter as you are henceforth in her power. [They untie his hands Mourine and her father em bbace cuelt other and both weep.] Mour.~-Q, pa, you have caused me so much pain, but it is all forgiven you. King.— Oh my dearest daughter: I see you as an angel exalted in your serene innocence. Hence- forth I will never again interfere with your hap- • THE DRAMA OF DESTINY-CARL HANNO. 87 piness. And you men, Karl and Titus, you have furnished an example to show your superiority and greatness of a perfect soul. And now let it all be forgiven. Karl, I freely, voluntarily and with all my heart give you my blessing in the gift of my dearest daughter.. [Karl and Mourine lock arms and face the royal parents. I Karl. — Thank you kindest father and mother for the greatest of all.. As we have done in the past, so shall we do m the future to show the greatness of a perfected soul. 7'.— How true. We have now both got our wives against great odds without the barbaric act of tragedy and we love them intensely. [Karl H. and Mourine face Titus.] Karl. — Titus, this is the moment in which I see all of my wishes answered which for the most part I owe to 3^0 u, and now let us all be happy and cel- ebrate our jubilee in the Home Sweet Home. [The orchestra plays the air Home Sweet Home and they all join in dancing with happy faces lasting about one minute.] [Curtain drops.] END OF THE DRAMA OF DESTINY KARL HANNO. Written bv A. Paul Gabbert. OCT 26 1903 - - ■ ' CONGRESS . ,