PRINCE CHARMING A PLAY FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES PRINCE CHARMING OR THK ART OF (iOMiRNlNCi MHN A DRAMA IN FOIK ACTS, ADAPTED FROM A TRANSLATION OF THE FRENCH TALE EDOUARD LABOULAVli t'Ol'N KUill r. I'^xi^', B^ ANNK MOKK ALL KUiMTS Ol'' b'RODUCTION KESKKXKl) PRIC1-: iw i:\"rv-i'i\'i-: ck\ rs FOK TF.KMS OF I'l.K \l I^SK t.\ To DO IIIIS \'\.\\. WKII !•: Id ANXJ-: MORK, ToLo. Illixois ^1 < 1^^!,$^ DRAMATIS im:rs()xj<:. KiNC Bizarre, Ruler of the Kingdom of Wild Oats. Prince Charming, the King's Son. The Countess of Castro. Pazza, grand-niece to the Countess. Doctor Wieduwillst, Court Physician. Hafiz, Philosopher ^ Melchizadec, Priest V Tutors to the Princt.. PiAYONET, General J RACHiiir.rRG, Jailor. Mentiras, Servant. Charybdis, Servant. Tristram "^ JocuNDUS > Expert Physicians. guilleret j Doctor Truth. Gipsy. Tonto, a Page. Ti'^P9b-a06474 €CI.D 23943 PRINCE CHARMING. ACT 1. ScKNK 1. // room in the l\dacc. liutranccs u. l. and u. Tabic near rculrc. Settee at right. SeT'cral chairs. (King Bizarke //; cunsiiltation with the Tutors of the I'kince.) King Bizarke. No, Love is not blind, whatever the jioets may say. .Mas, it would be too happy not to see a jot! But it is the torment of him who loves to become, despite himself, the slave and accomplice of him who feels himself beloved. Rather than to see my son — the dying bequest of my idolized wife — rather than to see this beloved child in tears, I would give him my crown — an I could. ^\\ atYection renders me powerless. Yet, I must throw off this slavish affection. 1 must be the stern parent. iNIy son iintst be educated as becomes a King's son. He is a dolt, — an ass, — he knows nothing! B.WONET. Sire! Sire! You speak uitii undue vehemence! Prince Charming carries himself like a soldier. He rides like a riding-master. He fences to perfection. He dances enchantingly. He salutes the crowds in passing in a most ri)_\al manner — when he is in good humor. King Bizarre. True, true, good Bayonet ! Yet, with all these ac- complishments, he lives lawless and unconstrained. He is as stubborn as a nuile, as irascible as a turkey-cock, as dainty as a cat, and as idle as an adder, and he knows not even tlie alphabet. Melchizadec. Haliz, some- thing must be done ! Hafiz. Sire, though Prince Charming is as beautiful as the sun, — the sun itself has spots; and, as your Royal Highness in your wisdom descries, the Prince has taken a fancy that he ought to know everytiiing without studying. .Mei.chizaiiec. Alas, too true, \"ciur .Majesty! Hafiz. It is true also. Sire, that in your court governesses, servants and courtiers have repeated to him the maxim that "work was not made for kings." .and they tell liim lii.'il .i prince .always knows enough when he lavishes on poets and writers and artists a little of ihc moms which the people are only too happy to give him. King Biz.xkrk. Yes, yes, Haliz! 'Tis easy to rtccount lor his short- 4 PRINCE CHARM I X(.. comings, but yuur philosophy should offer something better than that if it is worth anything. The question is, what shall we do to bring the Prince to a better mind? AIelchizadec. Sire, Your Royal Highness well knows that all iiiy philosophy, and Latin, too, have stood for nothing against Prince Charm- ing's royal will. And Sir Bayonet's tactics and the philosophy of Hafiz, — all, alike, have been put to rout, and have left Prince Charming the master of the field, — a most accomplished prince, withal, but with no rnqre learn- ing than could be put in a nutshell ! .\las, Sire, I have nothing more t" ofifer. King Bizarre. Begone! all of you! Dolts! Asses! Why, forsooth, do I keep these vaunted wise men about me? (Tutors leave u. backing out in haste as the King berates them) Is there no one in the kingdom of Wild Oats who can devise a way to educate my son, willy-nilly? (Prince conies running gaily in, l., whipping a top) Boy! Ingrate ! Stupid! Why will you not learn? ]\Iust I have as my successor to the Kingdom of Wild Oats a dolt, — an ignoramus, whom the basest of flat- terers might easily deceive? (Shakes the lad). Prince Charming. (Frightened, hut protesting) But I don't want to learn, papa! Why must I learn? Hafiz knows, — and Melchizadec knows, —and Bayonet knows, and (between sobs) — what — they — know — is mine. It makes my head ache to stud}-, papa. — you know it does. And Mel- chizadec will say all the Latin in the books for me ; and Bayonet will tell me how to fight ; and Hafiz will write all my speeches for me. Papa, I won't, I won't! I hate the alphabet! {Bursts into a storm of tears) King Bizarre. (Relenting) There, there. Charming! One can't ex- pect the wisdom of years in your small pate. (Aside: Who shall teach him that these all, Hafiz, Melchizadec, Bayonet, — must go the way of all the world, and he must stand alone?) There, there, my son! (Pats him on the head and comforts him) Take this purse and divide it equally, among your good friends, the tutors. I was hasty with them just ntiw. ■ Say King Bizarre bids them spend it royally. Prince Charming. Thank you. papa! Thank you, papa! (Goes skipping out joyfully, v, zvaving the purse) (King sits dozvn at table and takes up cards, lays them out for a game. Enter Countes.s of Castro, r. King heaves a deep sigh) KiN(; BiZAKKi:. ("i)untess. yon see before you the most wretched of fathers and kings. I )espitr his natural grace, t li.-irniing is every day be- aming mure willful and vicious, Must I leave such an heir after me, and intrusl the lia])i)incss of my people tn a crowned fool? Countess. That is the way with nature; she aKvavs distributes her I'KIXCI-: CIIAK.MIXG. 5 gifts with ail impartial Iiaiul. Sliipidity and beauty go hand in hand, and wit and ugliness are seldom separated. I have an example of this in my own family. A few days ago a great grand-niece was sent to me, a child under ten years old. that has no other relative. She is as tawny as a frog, as scraggy as a spider, yet, withal, as cunning as an ape and as learned as a book. Judge for yourself. Sire! Here is the little monster, coming to salute you. (Meets Pazza entering, r. removes her hat and smooths her gown. Pazza at^proaches and curtsies to the king) King Bizarre. Who are you? (chucking her under the chin) Pazz.\. (Gravely) I am Donna Dolores Rosario Coral Concha Bal- thazara Alelchiora Gaspara y Todos Santos, daughter of the most noble knight Don Pasquale Bartolomeo Ffancesa dv Asiz y — King Bizarre. Enough ! I did not ask for your genealogy. We are witnessing neither your baptism nor your marriage. What are you com- monly called? Pazza. Sire, I am called Pazza. King Bizarre. And why are you called Pazza? Pazza. Because that is not my name. King Bizarre. That is strange! Pazza. No, it is natural. My aunt pretends that I am far too giddy for any saint to wish to own me for her god-daughter, and that is why she has given me a name that can offend no one in Paradise. King Bizarre. Well answered, my child. I see that you are not an an ordinary girl. The saints in Paradise are not always treated with such consideration. Since you know so much, tell me, what is a wise man? Pazz.\. .\ wis'e man. Sire, is one who knows what he says when he speaks, and what he does when he acts. King Bizarre. Upon my word, if my wise men were what you fancy them, I would make the Academy of Sciences my Council of State, and would give it my kingdom to govern. What is an ignorant man? Pazza. Sire, there are three kinds of ignorant men : he who knows nothing; he who talks- of what he does not know; and he who will le..irn nothing. All three are fit for nothing but to be burned or hanged. King Bizarre. That is a proverb. Do you know what proverbs are called? I'azza. Yes, Sire, they arc called the wisdom of the nations. King Bizarre. And why are they so called? Pazza. Because they are mad; they say whatever you please; they arc of all colors, to suit all tastes. Proverbs are like bells, which answer vcs 1)1" no. acc-didint; In the humnr dl" the listener. ( I'azz.\ .V(-(//.s' hcr.u-lf ini ihc fluor with her dull, and bcijins- l« ruck it to and fro in her arms, hnnimini/ softly) (i ■ I'RLXCE CHARMING. Countess. Well, Sire, what think you of this child? King Bizarre. She has too much wit. She will not live long. Pazza. {Looking up) Ah, Sire, you are not complimentary to my aunt; she is considerably older than I am. Countess. Hush, gipsy! {Smiling) Don't you know that nobody lec- tures kings? (King shuffles cards about. Cuuxte.ss adjusts Imf and z^'rap for Pazza.) King Bizarre. Countess, an idea has just struck me which is so strange I hardly dare tell it to you ; yet I have a violent wish to carry it out. I can do nothing, with my son. Reason has no power with the stubborn child. Who knows whether folly might not be more successful? If I thought so, I would make Pazza Charming's teacher. The intractable boj% who rejects all masters, might be defenceless before a child. The only objection is that no one will be of my opinion. Countess. Bah ! Everybody is so stupid that that is a proof that you are right, to think differently. Try it, Sire. ■ .King Bizarre. Ah Countess ! You are a wise woman; you dandled me on your knees when I was an infant, and you give me good advice in my old age. Let it be tried tomorrow. We shall see what the child's wit can accomplish where wise men have failed. . Countess. Sire, she is witty to the tips of her fingers. Curtain. Scene 2. Same. A'e.vt day. (P.\zza and Charming alone together arc gazing at each other sliyly.) P.^zz.v What is your name? Charming. {lira piqued tone) Those who know me call me "Your Highness," those who do not know me call me simply "My Lord," and everybody says "Sir" to me. Etiquette requires it. Pazza. What is etiquette? Ch.\rming. I don't know. When I want to shout and roll on the ground. I am told it is contrary to etiquette. Then I keep still and yawn for lack of amusement,— that is etiquette. Pazza.' Siiicc we are here to amuse ourselves, there is no etiquette needed. Speak to me as if I were your sister, and 1 will speak to you as if you were my l)rother. I will iml call son ".M\ L.ord." Charming. But vou don't know me. I'kl.WJ': ClIAKMIXG. 7 IV\ZZA. What does tliat niMttor? I will love \ou, that is lietter. 'J'hey say you dance beautifully. Teach me tn dance, will you? ( He teaches Iter the lalcsl step ) CH.\K>tiN(;. How well .\nii dance! \ on ha\e can.i;hl the steji direcllv. Fazza. It is because mui are a .nood teacher. .Vow it is my turn to teach you something. (Takes u/^ heaiilifnl picliirc book and shozcs (.'i[.\R.M i.\(_; pictures, in ■zcliicli lie is i/really inleresied) I'azza. Sec, here is the explanation oJ all the pictures, — read it. Chakming. I don't know hdw to read. Pazza. 1 will teach you. I will be your little tutor. Charming. No, I do not wish to read, ^ly masters tire me. Pazza. Verj- well, but I am not a master. See, here is A. Beautilul. great A. Say A. CHARjriNG. Xo, {frozi'iiiiuj } I will never say A. Pazza. Xot to please me? Charming. Xo, enough of this! T don't like people to differ from me. Pazza. Sir, a polite man never refuses ladies anything. Charmi.xg. I would refuse the devil in petticoats. (Tosses liis head.) I am tired of you. Let me alone. I don't love you any longer. Call me -.My Lord." Pazza. Aly Lord Charming, — or my charming lord, {angrily) you shall read, or I will know the reason why. Char.ming. I won't read I * Pazza. Will you not? One — two — three — Char.mixg. X'o — no — no — (Pazza giz'es him sharp box on the ear. Charming trembles, and then (jaces zmth intent look at Pazz.v until she gives a sudden start, lie re- gains his self-possession, and in a tremulous I'oice speaks.) Charming. Pazza, that is A. ^ Pazza. B. (pointing) Charming. B. Pazza. C. (pointing) Charming. C. (So on, with increasing rapidity, through the all^habet.) Pazza. Xow, sing it. Ch.\rming. A-b-c-d, e-f-g, h-i-j-k. 1-m-n-o-p, Q-r-s-t, u-w-v. These are all the letters, saving x-y-z. [\\zz.\. \^er\- good. Charming. Xow \iiu know your aliihabet, \ou shall learn to spell. Cn.vKMixc. {Sings as Pazza points, from another bonk) S rUlNCh: Cll A K.MING. B-a, ha: be. be; b-i. bi : ba. Iie. bi. P.-f.. bn: ba. l)e, bi, b.,; b-u. bu : b.i, be, bi. b.>. bil. D-a, da; d-e, dc ; d-i, di; etc. Pazza. Good, Charming, good! Now who shall say 1 am not a i^iMul teacher? Let us dance again. (Takiiu; hold of luiiids. Ilicy dtuirc as t'nc curtain falls) Curtain. I'RIXCK CHARMING. ACT II. ScKXE 1. Corridor in the castle. Entrances R. L. and u. Time — Sei'en years later. H.\fiz seated l. and Dr. Wikduwillst r. of table) Hafiz. And do you know. Dr. Wieduwillst, just how thi.s romance started, and when the Prince Charming — it is hard for me to learn to say King Charming, peace to the ashes of the good King Bizarre ! — I say, when did the Prince first become enamoured of our Queen Pazza? True, they were playmates together, but love is a different matter, and seems not oft to spring from the constant companionship of early youth. Wieduwillst. Ah, Hafiz, you could ask no one better prepared than I am to inform you on this matter, for it was I, Wieduwillst himself, who was close by when the news was broken to our good King Bizarre, — peace to his soul I Hafiz. Say on, good Doctor. Wieduwillst. Upon one day not long before his death, came Prince Charming to him, saying, ''Father I have long reflected on your wise words. You have often admonished me, "Xever forget that you owe everything to Pazza.' You gave me life, my father, but Pazza has done still more in awakening my mind and soul. I see but one way of paying the debt of my lieart. That is, to marry the woman to whom I am indebted for what I am. I come to ask you for Pazza's hand." Hafiz. I'll venture his majesty was surprised. Wieduwillst. The King was surprised, but not displeased. Indeed, Haliz. you know how dear to his heart the Countess' grand-niece has always been. "Mj^ dear child," he said, "this step does you credit. Pazza is not of royal blood. She is not the one whom, under different circum- stances, I should have chosen for your wife. But her virtues, her merit, and above all, the service which she has rendered us, make us forget idle prejudices. Pazza has the soul of a queen. She shall mount the throne with you. In the country of Wild Oats, wit and Inimor are held m sufficient estimation to win you forgiveness for what fools call a mis- alliance, and what T call a princely marriage. Happy is he who can choose an intelligent wife, capable of understanding and loving him. Tomorrow your betrothal shall be celebrated, and in two years your marriage shall take place." Hafiz. How like our gracious and just IJizarre, forsooth I \V'ir:iiuwiLLST. Those were the words of His Majesty, my dear H-.Tiz, 10 PRINCE CHARMING. and the betrothal was duly celebrated, as you know. Alas, that our good king was not permitted to live to see the fulfillment of those be- trothal vows, — to witness what our eyes have just seen — the most splen- did and gorgeous wedding that the kingdom of Wild Oats has ever be- held ! Hafiz. Truly said, Dr. Wieduwillst, it was a sight to dazzle eyes and w«rm hearts. What though the taxes were doubled ! Who could regret mone}' so nobly employed? Men have come from a hundred leagues round to gaze at our new king and his beautiful bride. Wieduwillst. Beautiful, indeed, Hafiz! Wondrous l>eautifull But think you what she was when she was first introduced to our king ! How has the chrysalis given birth to the butterfly ! Just a few years, and tlie frightful little girl of ten blossoms into the royal beauty I Was ever any- thing more graceful than the royal pair as they descended from the throne? Truly 'tis a rare union, and the Kingdom of Wild Oats is blessed in its sovereign. (Enter Bayonet l.) B.WONET. Oh, these dinners, and these liarangues. and those poems to bfe listened to by the hour! Glorious they arc, luit tedious to a man of war — sore tedious. Tomorrow, good friends, tomorrow is l*>ayonet's day! Tlien will tlie troops pass in review before the king and (|ueen, and Bayonet shall show what he can do for their majesties. Come. Hafiz. — come Wieduwillst.^ prepare for the morrow's festivities by rest and sleep. The hours wear away toward morn. {The three men zvitlidrcm.' r. ) (Enter King Charming, k. Ictuiin;/ Qcken Pazza ^_v the hand -n'ith cold politeness, as he slioxis her oi^cr the caslle. King slu}-:\-s hack a panel in the ivainseoting. showing a grated door leading off from the corridor into a dungeon ndth bars at the xcindow.)* Pazza. What is this? It looks like a prison. King. Yes (zcitli a terrible look), it is a prison which you will quit only for the grave. Pazza. My dear, you frighten me. (Smilingly) .\ni T a criminal without knowing it? Have I deserved your displeasure, tliat you threaten me with a dungeon ? * Note. This ma> 1>e managed witli a tapestry or curtain of some sort bung so that it conceals an ordinary duor, but can l)e easily shoved aside. This door may be slightly opened instead of using the grating. A grated window should lie shown opjiosite do slave! u<> IvAriiiMiu kg ) yoii li;nc forfeited your place of trust — yet — (hcsifatiitg) if she truly be a witch, wlio could keep her? We will say nothing of this in public, Rachimburg. You must lose your place — but sta\'. ((LV Rachimburg shows great dejection) you shall be warden of tlic royal castle. (Hands Iiini f^ursc) See that no one hears the particulars of her escape, Rachimburg. (Rachimburg prostralcs himself al the King's feet after pocketing the purse, but rises as Wieduwillst enters v. in great luiste and Ixin's loii< before the King.) VViEDUWii-LST. Sire! Your will? King. The Queen — -she has escaped, Wicduwillst — the Lord only knows how ! WiEDUWiLL.'^T. Alas! alack! "^'our Highness, this is terrible news! King. She is a mad woman at large — helpless, yet dangerous. Sum- mon the police, Wieduvvillst, — make thorough search. Let no stone be left unturned. The queen must be found. WiEDUWiLLST. At once. Your Highness! Trusty men shall be sent everywhere, and ( titoughtfiilly) spies shall be set upon the Countess, with your permission. Rachimburg shall — King. Rachimburg is no longer jailor. He must suffer for his negli- gence. WiEDUWiLLST. (Boiving) A just monarch, in truth ! King. But such a man is dangerous in idleness. He shall be warden of my castle. WiEDUWiLLST. Yet capable of clemency, withal ! Sire, I hasten to do your bidding. Search shall be made in every corner of the kingdom. (Enter CnARYBni.s l.. in great agitation, and boivs lour before the king) Charybdis. Sire, a fisherman seeks audience with your highness. He has information of sad import. King. Permit him to enter. Charybdis. Oh, Sire, be calm! Remember your Royal Highness' loyal subjects. To them the royal grief is a terrible calamity. (linter fisherman l.. followed by Wieduwillst and the Countes.s, the latter wringing her hands and sobbing. The fisherman has a draggled royal robe and mantle formerly worn by the queen. He silently lays them doivn before the king, n'ho is overcome.) King. (Leaning on Wieduwillst) Wieduwillst, question him. Wieduwillst. Where were these found, man, and how came you by them ? 14 PRINCE CHARMING. Fisherman. Sire, and Herr Doctor, — at day-break I, myself, found them on the sea-shore. WiEDUWiLLST. Alas, 'tis plain the poor woman has drowned herself. Countess. Oh, my Pazza ! my Pazza ! Curtain. 'kixcj-: niAKAiiNC. " jn ACT III ScKNE 1. Corridor in ihc castle. Time — 0)ie month after last scene. {Corridor v. brancltinjj off from the main one shores brilliant illumina- tion in the distance, and masked figures promenading from time to time. Charybdis discovered in foreground, transferring bottles from hamper to tray. Enter Mentiras v. with zvse of flo7i'ers.) Charybuis. Well, well, Alentiras. it seems but yesternight that you and I were busy as bees at the wedding, and but a horrid dream, all that has happened since. Mextikas. (Carefully putting dozvn the z'ase of flowers, goes and kneels by Charybdis) But, say, Charybdis, thirtk you truly that this is seemly — all this gayety and masking, so soon, alas, after the terrible mis- f orttme to our queen ? I tell you, Charybdis, it looks not well to me ! {.'^'haking his head mournfully) Charybiiis. (Softly) Sh — sh — Did you not read in the Court Gazette, Mentiras, "tis for the populace 'tis done? Lord Wieduwillst says, and so says the King, that the kingdom must not suffer on account of the great grief of the king. ( Mentiras continues shaking his head) Was it not a splendid funeral, Mentiras, and did we not mourn, from palace to hovel, according to all the rules prescribed by etiquette, the full three Aveeks of the first period? (Grozving enthusiastic) The mourning color, blue, was everywhere to be seen, — in draperies and cli>the&', — yes. and even fields and sky joined in, for was ever such a cloudless sky, and such a carpet of violets in the royal meadows, as last month? Mentiras. Yes, yes, Charybdis, but that this second period, when all should wear pink in memory of the dear queen — that this should be cut off seems to me a sore discourtesy to her late majesty. Charybdis. Not so. not so, Mentiras. It falls, as you know, upon our Carnival week. How could the kingdom of Wild Oats endure without Carnival week? 'Twas great, I say, to put his people above his personal griefs. And more — you know that editorial in the Court Gazette? 'Twas well put, indeed, after the council had decided that the queen was legally dead, and the king legally a widower, to entreat him in the voice of his people, to abridge a painful mourning and to marry again. 'Twas Wieduwillst, when he advised his majesty thus, that the king embraced, sobbing- and calling him his cruel friend. .And I hope the king will do 't. Mentiras, I do, indeed. JG PRINCE ClJAKiAUNG. Mentirus. Well, I don't. (Still shaking his head mounifully, he picks up the vase of flowers and goes off. Charyedis soon follows with his tray.) (Enter r. two masked figures and pass along this corridor L. — a couple promenading. Later, one solitary zvoinan masker enters u. and seats herself on a settee, meditatively. Gives signs of weariness, yawning. Gipsy costume disclosed beneath a domino. Presently a man in somber black domino enters and approaches the gipsy.) King. Fair mask, your place is nut here. Why are you not among the eager and curious crowd that is around the King, to dispute his smile and heart? Do you not know there is a crown to be gained there? Gipsy. I make no such pretensions. In this game of chance one runs the risk of taking the servant for the king. 1 am too proud to expose my- self to such a hazard. King. But if I show you the King? Gipsy. What could I say to him? 1 could not blame him without of- fence, nor praise him without flattery. King. You think much evil of him then? Gipsy. No, a little evil, and much good, — but what does it matter? (Opening fan, relapses into a reverie) King. Fair gipsy, I pray you, let me see the mouth that can give utter- ance to such kind and discerning words. The eyes your mask reveals could speak volumes, too, an they would. Unmask, fair gipsy, and make my confidence in the beauty that your mask conceals, a certainty. (Gipsy fans wearily, hut says nothing) You drive me to despair! Why this cruel silence? Gipsy. Because I know you. my lord. Your voice, which goes to tlie heart, — your language, your grace, all tell me who you are. (.Is king tries to detain her) Let me go, Prince Charming ! King. No, madam ! You alone have recognized me. You alone have understood me. To you belong my heart and kingdom ! Throw off that suspicious mask. (Ardently) This very instant we will return to the ball room, and I will present to the ignorant crowd the woman whom I ha\e the happiness not to displease. Say but one word, and all my people shall be at your feet. Gipsy. (Sadly) My lord, permit me to refuse an ofl'er which does nv- honor, and the memory of which I shall always preserve. T am am- bitious, I own. The time has been when I should have been proud to share your throne and name. But before all things T am a woman, and place all my happiness in love. I will nO't have a divided heart, should m\ ri\Ml 1)e only a memory. 1 am jealous even of the past. IM^IXCL: LllAR.MIXli. 17 KliNci. 1 have never loved in my life. There is a mystery connected with my marriage which I can reveal only to my wife, but I swear that r have never given away my heart. I love now for the first time. Gipsy. {Approaching the light) Show me >our hand, and let me see whether you have told the truth. {Studies lines in his hand) You are right, my lord, (sadly) you have never loved. But this does not appease my jealousy. Another woman has loved you before. These bonds are not broken by death. The queen still loves you. You belong to her. To accept a heart which is no longer at your disposal would lie sacri- legious and criminal in me. Farewell ! King. Madam, you do not know what you make me suffer. There are things which I would gladly bury in eternal silence, but which you force me to reveal. The queen never loved me : ambition alone dictated her conduct. Gipsy, That is not so. The queen loved you. King. No, madam, my father and I were the victims of a detestable intrigue. Gipsy. Enough I Respect the dead ! Do not slander them ! King. Madam, I assure j'ou, and none ever doubted my word, that the queen never loved me. She was a wicked woman. Gipsy. Ah ! King. Willful, violent, and jealous. Gipsy. If she was jealous, she loved you. Seek for proofs which have at least a shadow of probability I Do not accuse a heart which was wholly yours. King. {Excitedly) So far from loving me, the very night of my marriage she dared tell me to my face that she married me only for my crown. Gipsy. That is not true. {Raises her hand) King. I swear it ! Gipsy. You lie! {Boxes liiin on the ear) (King steps back, furious; blinded by the blow, he feels for his szvord, but finds only a knot of ribbons. Stumbles off blindly after the gipsy, who disappeared k. immediately after the blozv. but he takes the zvrong direction, l. Soon //Mrraj are heard, and couples are seen unmasking in the distance. Charybdis conies hurrying across the stage from v. zvith a tray. Mentiras oz'ertakcs him. and pokes him in tliQ ribs, jok- ingly, almost upsetting the fray, much to Chakyrdis' annoyance) Mentiras. Ha, ha, Cliarybdis, did you see it? My Lord Wieduwillst, indeed! Ha, ha ! Charybdis. The witches take thee. Mentiras, what's all this about? I Sets doiJi.ni tray and straightens things) Mkxtiras. Wore von not there? Did von miss it all, Charydis? Tv.'as IS PRINCE CHARMING. thus : The king came running in among the maskers. None knew him till ht sprang upon a chair, pulled off his mask and called out loudly "Ladies and gentlemen, day is approaching and pleasure is languishing. Let us revive mirth by a new caprice. Off with the masks. I set the example. Let all who love me follow.it." Charvbdi.s. But the pink rosettes ! 'Twas said that he who wore the brown velvet domino with the pink rosettes was King Charming. 'Twas so given out this morning and from Lord Wieduwillst it came, too. What higher authority could one have? Who nearer the King, Mentiras, or more like to know how be would disguise himself? Was it not the king, indeed ? Mentikas. There's where I have you, Charybdis ! Ha, ha I Our boasted Lord Wieduwillst outdid himself this time. True, he must have enjoyed it while it lasted. All the ladies vied to do him honor; but when the unmasking came — where was Wieduwillst? Ha, ha! The pink rosettes had hidden a modest man, indeed, — a very modest man. Had he wings on his feet he could not have disappeared more rapidly. Now, where is your Lord Wieduwillst? ( Pokes Charybdis again) Ha, ha! Ha, ha! {Helps Ciiarybdis off i^'iili tray, htKf/Iiiiig) And had the king not been so bent on seeing all the gipsies that the unmasking revealed, he, too, would have seen the great Lord Wieduwillst in flight,— all because of the pink rosettes. Ha, ha ! Ha, ha ! CHARYjiDis. (JJ\rnniigly) Sh — sb — (li.vciiiit AIentiras and Charybdis l. ISiiter King v.. fro>n ball room, met by R.\CHiMBURG, hurrying along the corridor, from v..) Raciiimburg. ( Trembling, and i<! { riiysh idiis siili'iiinly drjmil i,. Kim. muaius iiuliH cmil .) W'lKDiw u.LST. Sire, it is the unanimous opinion of these gentlemen that if you wish to be cured you must go to the Clear Waters, and abandon the affairs of state. Such a resohition appears to me unwortliy of your Royal Majesty. .\ great prince should sacrilice himself for his people — King. Enough! Spare me this worn out moralizing, and come to the conclusion. You really wish me to go — you are dying for me to do so, for my own interest of course. Draw up a decree i)lacing the regency in your hands, and I will sign it. WiKiirwii.LST. Sire, the decree is here in your portfolio; a good minister always has papers drawn up to suit whatever circumstances may arise. He never knows what may happen. (Charminc; takes nf a pen and cai-clcssly siijiis the doeunieiit. witlunif readiiii/, — then, sei.zcd -a'ith a ne:^' impulse, takes up the paper and reads.) King. What, no statement of reasons, nothing to assure the people of the kindness 1 bear them I Doctor, you are too modest. Tomorrow the decree shall be in the Gazette, with a statement from the hand of 3'our friend and master. Good-night! { Pisniissinf/ Wikduwiij.st l.) These gentlemen have tired me. (KrxG Chakmixg Sits moodily brooding. Enter Dr. Truth, l.) Dk. Truth. ( In a hiyh-pitclicd -t'oiec) Where are those knaves? Where are those ignorant fellows, those pedants, those illbred men that did not wait for me? Ah, so you are the patient? That is good. Pirt out your tongue. Quick, I am in a hurry. King. Who are you? Dr. Truth. I am Dr. Truth, the greatest doctor in the world, as you will soon see in spite of my modesty. Ask Wieduwillst. my pupil, who sent for me from the Land of Dreams. T cure everybody, even those who are not ill. Put out your tongue, that's right. Where is the opinion? (Pieks up a paper v.'hiclt the other doctors had left on the table) Very well. "Atony" — asinis. "Plethora" — asiiii. "Xervous'ness" — asinoruni. "Drink the Clear Waters" — asininuni. Do \ou know what is your disease? Tt is vexation and even worse. King. (Terrified) Do you see that? Dr. Truth. Yes, my son. it is written on your tongue. Dut I will cure you. It shall be done by tomorrow noon. King, ^>nlorrow ! All inv treasures shall — 33 PRINCE CHARMING. Dr. Truth. Silence, my son. What portfolio is that? The minister's?' Good! Sign these papers for me. (Taking papers from portfolio') King. They are blank decrees. What do you wish to do with them? Dr. Truth. They are my ordinances. Sign. (King sifpis) Well done, my son. Be obedient, and tomorrow noon you shall l)e as gay as a lark. First ordinance: If you would be at peace, appear at peace. I suppress six regiments. Second ordinance : A penny in a peasant's pocket is worth twenty in the king's treasury. I suppress one-fourth of the taxes. Third ordinance : Liberty is like the sunshine, it is the happiness and fortune of the poor. I throw open the political prisons and demolish the debtors' prisons. You are laughing, my son. It is a good sign when a patient laughs at his doctor. King. Yes, I am laughing to think of Wieduwillst's face tomorrow, on reading these ordinances in the Court Gazette. Enough of these follies, buffoon doctor ! Give me back the papers, and put an end to this farce. Dr. Truth. What is this? (taking up tlic decree of the regency) God forgive me ! It is an abdication ! What are you thinking of, King Charming? What! this inheritance, bequeathed to you by your fathers, — the people intrusted to you by God, — your name, your honor, — will you throw all these at the feet of an adventurer? Will you let yourself be dethroned and duped by a deceiver? Impossible! It does not suit me. I oppose it. Do you hear? King. What insolent fellow addresses his king in this way? Dr. Truth. Politeness is not in words. Charming, are you mad? Are you dreaming? Are you wholly without heart? King. This is too much. Begone, wretch, or I will throw you out of the window. Dr. Truth. Begone! No, not til! I have destroyed this mad and stupid document. See ! I tear your abdication in pieces and trample it under foot! (At this the King attempts to sci::c the doctor; they strug- gle and the lamp is overturned) Let me go. for heaven's sake, let me go ! You know not what you are doing. You are breaking my arm. (Noise of struggling, in the dark, ended by what sounds like a blozv on the King's ear) King. Help! Help! (Rachimburg enters slozvly r., bringing a light) Ktng. Where is that infernal doctor? I'KIWl-: CIIAKMIXC. )l-\ Rachimburc. It is more than an liour, Sire, since His Excellency quitted the palace. King. Who is talking of Wieduwillst ? Which way did the villain go that just insulted me? (Rachimburc. raises his eyes contritely and sighs) A man went out of the door that leads to your rooms. How did he enter, and where has he fled? RachIiMburc. Sire. I ha^e neither quitted my post, nor seen anyone. King. I tell you that a man was in this room a moment ;igo. Rachimhurc. Sire, Your Majesty is never mistaken. If a man was in this room, he is here still, unless he has flown through the window, nv Your Majesty has been dreaming. King. Fool! do I look like a man who has been dreaming.'' Did \ overturn this lamp? Did I tear these papers? Rachimburg. Sire, I am nothing but a worm of the earth, (ind for- l)id that 1 should contradict my sovereign. Your Majesty (U)e.s' not hire me to give him the lie. But this year strange dreams are epidemic. Xo one knows what he may do or suffer in his sleep. Only just now I was overtaken with sleep in spite of myself, and if I were not sure that I was dreaming, I should declare that an invisible hand boxed my ears twice, at which I awakened with a start. King. It was the spectre! Rachi.mi'.urg. Your Majesty is right. I am nothing but a simpleton, — it was the spectre. King. And I did not know her! Xeverthless, it was her voice and air. W'hat does this mean? Is it a new insult?' Is it a warning from heaven?' Does some danger threaten me? Xi> matter, I will remain in my kingdom. My friend, not a word of this: take this purse and keep a secret. Rachimburg. That makes three. Curtain. Scene 2. Same. Time — iic.rf moniiiic/. (King discovered, seated. Enter Rachimburg l.) Rachimburg. Sire ( frcsoitiufi lanje bouquet of fl<'wers). will His Majesty permit the humblest nf his servants tn express tn him the universal joy? (Sound of huccas heard, from zi'ithout) Your people are in- toxicated with love and gratitude. The taxes lessened ! The prisons opened! The army reduced! Sire, you are the greatest jirince in the worbl. Xevcr has the earth seen a ruler like you. Sire, show yourself at the b.alcony. Answer these cries of "llmrah for the king"! Smile on the people th;il bless you! 24 PRINCE CHARMING. (More huacas lieard. King steps from the room to balcony l., and is seen boz^'iny acknozdedginent of the people's cheers. Clock is heard to strike twelve as he steps back into the room, weeping zvith joy, over- come with the gratitude of his people. He sinks into a chair, as Rachimbukg icaits upon him. Enter Tonto, zifith letter zchich he presents to the King.) Tonto. Sire, a letter from Bayonet, — an officer brought it at full gallop ! King. [Reading) This is terrible news. The disbanded regiments have mutinied — under Wieduwillst ! They proclaim the downfall of the king, — and accuse him of terrible crimes. Numerous and well commanded, the insurgents approach the city. Bayonet intreats me to come instantly and take command. R.vcHiMBURG. At once. My Lord! This way, Sire. ToNTO. Oh, Sire, make haste ! {.Ill exeunt hastily, l. as curtain drops) Curtain. SciCNK :i. Bayonet's tent. {One entrance at rear.) Time — afternoon of same day. (Bayonet discovered, pacing to and fro impatiently. King enters and throzvs himself disconsolately into a chair. Tonto, having followed him. stands by. looking utterly disheartened.) Bayonet. Sire, permit me to speak to you with the frankness of an old soldier and the freedom of an old friend. The army is murmuring and hesitating; we must secure it or all is lost. The enemy is in sight: we must attack him. Five minutes sometimes decides the fate of empires ; it is so with us now. Do not wait till it is too late. (Enter Rachimburg) King. Very well. To horse! In an instant I will be with you. (Exit Bayonet) King. \\y good friends — Rachimburg. and Tonto. — quit a master who can do no more for you. T shall not dispute my wretched life with my enemies. Betrayed in friendship, and treacherously assassinated. T recog- nize in my misfortune the hand of God. It is in punishment of my crime. I killed the queen in my stupid vengeance : the hour has come to expiate my fault, and I am ready. Tonto. (Trying to smile) Sire, sliake off these sad ihoughts. If the queen were here, she would tell you to defend yourself. Believe me PULXc:K CllAki\IIN(i. 25 ( /,\'/.v//';/ / liis iiiusltirlir ) I ;itn ac([uainte(l with uumni. \\\\\- lliev i( kill flu- i|uecii : and pcrliaps sIk- is not s<> dead as \ on iinatfiiu-. KiNi;. What do you sax ? NOu are losing' your reason. ToNTd. I say there are wimien who die expressly to enraye their iuis- hands. Why should there not lie those who would rise from the dead to enrage them still more? Leave the dead, and think of the living who love you. You are a kin.n : tight like a king', and if necessary fall like a king. Bayonet. {Entering.) Sire, time presses I ToxTO. General, to horse I Let us go! {Exit Bavoxet) King. No, I will not giv I do not understand my feelings. I am not afraid of death. I am going to kill myself; nevertheless I will not fight. ToNTo. Sire, in heaven's name summon up your courage ! To horse I Great God, the prince will not Hsten to me ! (wringing his hands) We are lost I Cornel (taking hold of the King'.s eloak) Up, Sire! To horse, unhapp\' prince ! Save ymir kingdom — sa\e your people — sa\'c all that love you ! Coward! Look at me. T am nothing hut a child, }et I am ahout to die for you. Fight! Do not disgrace yourself. If you do not rise, I will insult you — L }'Our servant! You are a coward, do you hear? A coward! {Boxes his ears) King. (Draiciug his si^^'ord) 'S death! Before I die I will have the pleasure of punishing one subject at least! ( ToNTo makes his escape and is heard ontside) ToxTo. The King! my friends, the King! Sound the trumpets! For- ward ! (Exit King, in a blind rage, after Tonto) Rachimburg. {Gasing after them) By my pike, that is a good page! The king tnay thank me that he has so good a page. . . . (Goes to tent door) . . . Bravo! Bravo! The king is in a mighty fighting mood now \h. . . . the little Tonto leads all the troops, still shouting for the king. . . . His Majesty is close on Tonto's heels. . . . Hooray! Hooray! Tonto has disappeared in the ranks. The king is forced to forget everything Init the stress of the charge! . . . Ah, now he is a king indeed ! He rides like a god ! . . . Ah, the insurgents ! . . . How their weapons flash ! They come apace, but they never can withstand our troops. Oh! (turning from the door and sei::ing a zueapoii) that Rachimburg might use this good halberd! I would cleave that false doctor's head from his shoulders — thus — (suits action to the zvord). But no, — my king and my queen have other need of Rachimburg. 2(\ pkixci-: eiiAKMixG. ( lutlls to pickiiifi up ■:\.'t'apoii.\\ cloalcs. etc., that luivc been left in eon- fiiisio)! . . pauses in his 7C(>rk. nieditali'vely) . . Rachimburg, jailrif . . Rarbimbnr.!^, \\ arcUn nf tlir (aslli- . . Rachimburg. L'crs(-)iial allciKlant [u bis niajc-sty ! . . . and a purse witii every advance. . . . Rachimburg, what next? lie ready! [Sounds of battle in the distance give way to nearer sounds — elattcriny and z'oices. .Rachimburg ijocs to doar. steps outside, and is lieard from zuitlwut) Ho, comrades . . . What, the page? Bring him witiiin . . . {Enters, foUo-weu by soldiers bearing Toxni zcho lias been ■wounded) . . . There is a couch l^ebind the curtains. Place liim there . . . {As soldiers zvithdra:^' after placing Toxto on the conch, K. speaks to the last one) . . . Send a messenger at once for his aunt, the Countess of Castro. (Enter King, as Rachimburg comes from behind curtains) King. Is the page dead? Rach]m1!UR(-,. Xo, Sire, unfortunately for hnu. he is stiU h\ing. He is hopeless. I ordered him brought in here. .My Lord, and word sent to bis aunt, the Countess of Castro. King. Is he the Countess" nephew? T was never told of it. Rachimiukg. Your ]\lajesty has forgotten it. {Quietly) The poor child is fatally Avounded in the shoulder; be cannot recover. It would give him great happiness to see Your Majcst}' before he dies. ( Enter Countess) Countess. (Breathlessly) Oh. Sirt\ I have come in all baste to see my poor P — p — Tonto. \\ here is my poor, dear Tonto ! King. Lead us to him, Rachimburg. (Rachimburg drazvs back the curtains that conceal the couch, zvhere Tonto lies pale and bleeding — but able to raise his head in greeting, as the Knig and the Coitntess approach. Tonto. z^'ithnut mustache, keeps only one side of face to audience. ) Tonto. Sire ! King. What a miracle! This is the strangest wound I ever saw in my life. One side of Tonto's mustache is gone. Countess. Sire, the blade of the sword probably swept off one side. Xothing is so capricious as a sword wound, as every one knows. King. How strange! On one side it is Tonto, my page, my insolent subject, and on the other it is — it is you, my good angel and my savior: it is you. my poof Pazza ! ( Falls on his knees and sei.::es her hands and kisses them rezrrcntlv) 1^ R I XX E C H A R A 1 1 N G. 27 Pazza. Sire, my days are numbered, but before dying — '■ King. No, no, Pazza, you shall not die! Pazza. Before dying — I hope Your Majesty will forgixc the box on the ear which I gave you this daj-, in indiscreet zeal — King. Enougb ! I forgive you. After all, a throne and honor were well worth — what I received. >» Pazza. Alas, that is not all. King. What, is there anything more? Countess, (.-is Pazza scciiis to be faiiit'nui) Oh, sire I What have you done. My child is dying — King. My Pazza, you must not die. Speak, and be sure that I forgive you in advance all that you have done. Alas, it is I who have need of forgiveness. Pazza. Sire, the little doctor who took the liberty of boxing your cars — King. Was it j^ou that sent him? P.\zz.\. No, Sire. I. myself, was he. Ah, what would I not have done to save my King! It was I who, to save Your Majesty from the traitorous knaves that surrounded you, took the liberty of boxing your ears — King. Enough ! I forgive you, though the lesson was a hard one. Pazza. Alas, that is not all. King. (Rising) What! more? Pazza. Oh, aunt! I am dying! (Sinks back. Covntess supports her) King. (Very anxiously) Do you think she will recover. Countess? Countess. Bah ! No matter how ill a woman may be, happiness will bring her back from the brink of the grave. Kiss the queen, my nephew; it W'ill do her more good than all the doctors in the world. (King kisses Pazza, zvho gradually recovers. Countess zvithdrau's) Pazza. Sire, — the gipsy girl at the masked ball, who dared to box your cars — King. Was yourself, Pazza. Oh, I forgive you for that. I well de- served it. How could I doubt you, who are sincerity itself? But. now T think of it, do you remember the rash vow you made on the night of your marriage? You have kept your promise. It is for mc lo keep mine. Pazza, make haste to recover, and return to the castle, from which hap- piness fled with you. Pazza. I ba\ c a last l'a\or to ask ol' Ndur Majcst.\. RacbiniUurg was this day the witness of a scene fur uhicb I blnsli. and of which all must remain ignorant. I commend this lailhfnl scrv.uit to \otu- goodness. King. Racbimburg, take this \nu->v. and keep the secret, under penaU\ of ^•our bea