PS 635 .29 I B897 ** Performed for the Benefit of the Rhode Jslntu I ^ Homeopathic Hospital, of Provideure, R.I. Copy 1 GAME OF CHESS: A Powerfully J/^s- Constructed lowic Iprralic ||irckcii(ar BURLESQUE EXTRAVAGANZA, IN FOUR ACTS. BY George E. C. Buffington. PROVIDENCE : J. A. & R. A. Reid, Printers. 1875. |d Not to be played without permission of the holder of the Copyright. GAME OF CHESS: A Powerfully ifi's- Constructed foittic %\mi\t Ijieckiilar BURLESQUE EXTRAVAGANZA, IN FOUR ACTS, BY y' George E. C. Buffington, INTRODUCING IN GORGEOUS AND NOVEL COSTUMES THE Kings, Queens, Knights, Bishops, Castles, and JBaivns of the CHESS BO.A.I^x)- ;r-^ X 's i ''■■'•' C/;x«v >. •^ 1075 ^ , CO PROVIDENCE : ^"---i: J. A. & R. A. Reid, Printers. 1875. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year A. D., 1875, by Geokge E. G. BuFFiKGXON, in the Office of ihe Librarian of Congress, at Washington- o O c6 M GAME OF CHESS. -Q gV/ g* ^ Pi O^ -5 -a ^ V. 53 ^ 'O +j s ^ h ■ .9 > •73 . -U % "to ^ ^ B oT ^ M o •+3 O !=! ^ 'El fl ^. o lovi § •+3 O 1 ^-s O 1 1 O i '^^ g 1 02 ^ (J • rH C^ o 'o ^ t> Q ^ o > ^ . c3 rt 02 TMP92-0087i9 i^t>^d2rH^ S"^ g| ^ I I I 5 i i 2« s = § i.a is —T "3 CC (H (D •^~' t>- >-a ^ d d c3 d ^3^Mg 2 ^^dOO d (D ^J 1! II : I -.' ^ il I g^2 ^^ 0^^ ^ -S.2-^.^ g^. ^ 1^ S)^ W.2 ^ ^|S)£^'-| -^ Pi— I >% P^~t^ «3. d^c3<^ -» HM ^^ j_C3 _^ "^^P;- ^;^ CbJw ^"^"o ^o Oh/Sj ©""^-d ^ R ^ I I I I I a GAME OF CHESS. 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Fatal ^ § =2 5 o CO CO illed and w ;he next pei 1 o hek for i 11 :S ^ 1- c^ i III 1 < tie, in which t recuperated ■I- > yet sion! his d ^ 'r^ CD t? ^ ^ ^ "^ happ, ful col coursi o 5 i The ight dof CD 1 Har e fre 02 ^a N ^ :a ARGUMENT At some period, more or less remote, there lived in one of the most luxurious regions of Utopia a race of people peculiar to themselves, known as Chess. Their form of government was monarchical, but it possessed a singular law to the effect, that in the case of a plural birth, each child was an heir-apparent, and equally entitled to the throne, while the marriage of one necessitated the abdication of the other. Suffering the same distinctions of color as other mortals, they were divided in as many clans, each clan, however, maintaining its own king and cabinet. Dissensions and strife were common amongst them; in fact, they formed the principal amusement of the nation. At the commencement of our story, the aged and infirm rulers have considerately given up the ghost, leaving us a fresh lot to start with. The young white King, (Sciepccvick) has recently married, and of course is deeply in love with his beautiful bride. (Clienta). At the palace of the red King, (Gnottobougm) however, another picture is presented. The Queen. (Maria) is liis twin sister, and her Knight, (Sir Gryve) having fallen in love with her, the King is aware, that unless he can prevent the marriage, he must lose his crown. As the prospect is not particularly pleasing, he seeks his Bishop, (Pollio) upon whose advice he relies, and asks for counsel. This Bishop has enjoyed the confidence of the family for many years, but he iscrafty, ambitious, and like Wolsey, reach- ing for a higher position— secretly he would be King. Therefore, he counsels the young King advantageously — for his own ends. The latter becomes morose and cruel, threatening his sister's life if she should dare to marry, but both he and the Bishop labor under an erroneous impression, as the Queen does not reciprocate her Knight's passion. At the tournament given by the white King she becomes en- amored of the latter's Knight, (SirNaedham) and is equally be- loved by him, but fearing her brother's threats, and aware that the real facts would increase his anger, should he discover them, she is very unhappy. This fact does not escape the notice of her loyal subjects. who, being of sensitive natures, and quite unaccustomed to the brutal treatment they have received from the King, lay a plot to dethrone him, and thus free her. An accident reveals to them the Bishop's aspirations, and naturally indignant, they resolve to punish him by turning his o ARGUMENT. desires to their own purposes. They therefore acquaint him with their design, and iiiofeniously lead him to think that the King once out of the way they will place him upon the throne. They thus secure his alliance to the plot, which is now turned to murder, he believing that thus supported by the people, he can displace the Queen. At the dead of night the conspirators proceed to the King's bedchamber and are about to accomplish their bloody purpose, when they are surprised b}'^ their Queen, who having been awakened by the noise, rushes in, just in time to save her brother's life. Bewildered, she promises secrecy, and bids them depart just as the King awakens and demands the cause of her presence in his apaitment. Pointing to their retreating forms, she declares a band of masked ruffians sought his life, which he now owes to her. Touched with compassion, he offers to submit to her union with her Knight and abdicate in peace. Thinking it a favorable opportunity, and hoping that his grati- tude may overcome his prejudices, she tells him the true state of affairs. All his old anger quickly returns, he renews his threats upon her. and vows never to permit it. Shortly .ifreru'ards he discovers his Bishop's duplicity, and believing Sir Naedham to have been in league with him, he draws a dagger, and in a moment of rage attempts the white Knight's life. The host now interferes to protect his Knight, the red King is disarmed, while the challenge is quickly given, accepted, and the bloodless battle on the chess-board shows the victors and the vanquished. CHARACTERS REPRESENTED. RED. GNO TTOBOUGM The King BASS. MARIA The Queen SOPRANO. S I \i PARDOLPH Kinffs Knight BASS. Srii GRYVE Queen's Knight BARITONE. POLLIO Kinq's Bishop BARITONE. TARDO Queen's Bishop BARITONE. SCIEPCEVICK The King TENOR. CLIENT A .The Queen SOPRANO. SIR NAED HAM Kinq's Kniqht TENOR. SIR DULLE Queens Kniqht BARITONE. MORTAL ANDO King's Bishop BASS. NEBUSCO Queen's Bishop TENOR. Castles and Pawns as Chorus. (S)aTnc of (B}vc^^ Just before the curtain rises^ chorus of female voices, waltz move- ment in overture to '' Poet and Peasant.'''' Light, happy and gay are we, From care and sorrow free, O, thus may it ever be Day after day. Tra la, la. And repeat^ retarding, and exit. ACT I. SCENE l.— The gardens adjoining King Sciepcp:vick's i^aZace. Bustic seat. L. Enter [r, u. e.] Two Red Pawns, arm in arm. 1st Pawn. Well , here we are ; we've roamed the gardens through ; I'm nearly tired out, old boy. arn't you? 2d Paion. I am. So please you, let's be seated there. And tell me all you know of this affair. 1st Pawn. With all my heart. [They sit.^ Well, now, you see this King. Whose guests we are, thought it would be the thing To give an entertainment, a parade That would cast all his neighbors in the shade. The times are very bad, of course you know. But then he could afford to make a show, Throw open his house, send out bis invitations And let friend Humphreys superintend the rations. The idea pleased him, so he set about it And when he told his wife, (he had to shout it — She's slightly deaf and couldn't hear without it But interesting though, and don't you doubt it,) She seemed as pleased as any little kitten. Much more than fellows who have '•' got the mitten,"' And said she'd do the honors, never fear. 10 GAME OF CHESS. Although they'd not been married half a year, 'Twas rather soon, perhaps, to give a party. But wonders never cease you know, my hearty. We live in a fast age, the more's the pity. And pay a heavy bill to light the city. Towards something new the city council leans. 2d Pawn. Is't oil or tallow candles? \st Pawn. No. its Beans ! The husband wished to make an awful spread Let cost no matter what it w6uld per head. A very generous spirit filled his breast; But said his wife. I hardly think it best. If you should lose your hold and tumble down. You'll hurt your head and may be crack your crown, While if 3^ou start from olf the bottom round The ladder's top will liold you, when it's found. Allow me to suggest, an invitation Be given to the red clan of our nation. We'll hold a festival, a tournament. And sports both rare and new we will invent. He acquiesced, as all good husbands do ; We're here to see the sport, and help them through. [ TJiey rise and come down. 2d Pawn. Here comes two other pawns. 1st Pawn. Des^aionding creatures, The cruel marks of war are on their features. Enter TWO White Pawns, l. f. 1st White P. Good morning, friends, we're really glad to see you, Id White. You ain't agoing home to-morrow, be you ? 1st Bed. Wh}^ bless you, no, we came to see the fun, We'd stay forever, every mother's son ; This place is lovely — we are quite enchanted. 2c? White. I say, old boy, don't talk so loud. Its haunted. 1st White. His aunt did scare him when he was a boy. 1st Bed. His father's hope, \^To each other laughing . 2d Bed. Yes, and his mother's joy. 1st White And that's the reason he is now so foolish. 1st Bed. It strikes me it is getting rather coolish ; What say you to a dance, will you join in? 1st White. We niioht. but Bishop thinks it is a sin To dance ; he is so strict. 2d White. O, he is horrid, And yet his face is awful full and florid. GAME or CHESS. 11 2d Bed. Perhaps he's only strict when he is near you, For wheu he's quite alone— he does'nt fear you. WALTZ. Thousand and One Nights. As they are dancing.^ enter Mortalando. l. u. e. Mort. O, O, what are you doing, tell me quick, [They stojj; agitation of the ^Vhite Pawns, I seem to feel my flesh with needles prick ; You're dancing now before my very face ? I'll hasten to the church and state the case. [Going. 1st Bed. Ahem ! I say I — most reverend father I Mort. Sir? [Stops. 1st Bed. O, now I've hit it right. We might infer You meant to join us. Mort. So I did. but knock me, If these proceedings did'nt really shock me. 1st Bed. [Brings him down., and slipping his arm through the BISHOP'S.] Perhaps you think our pastime is all folly. 2d Bed. [Taking the bishop's disengaged arm.^ But we assure you that it's awful jolly. Mort. [Looking from one to the other. ^ It is. I never heard of such a thing. 1st Bed. You do not think it really wrong to sing? Mort. [Shaking his head slowly.^ No, but it leads to dancing as you see ; To avoid the one, [Pushes off one of the Pawns. You must from the other flee. [Pushes off the other. 1st Bed. My Christian friend, do you enjoy your life? Mort. I do. 2d Bed. Where did you get such Quaker notions? Mort. [Quietly.'] Oh, they grew. This breast has always been serene. 1st Bed. [ To audience.'] I doubt it. Mort. If such is life, I'll get along without it, [Going. 2d Bed. But stop. Don't get along so fast. Are yow sick? Now get a short turn back, [Jerking him round.^] and face the music. Mort. Young man ! I fear you do not know my station, I am a holy friar 1st Bed. Botheration ! I've got some fine old port, come, take a wink, Mort. Ha ! Ha ! Where's Packard, [ Then remembering himself] Sir, I never drink, My bark, sir, minds her helm, when in the lee, I never go for port when I'm at sea. 12 GAME OF CHESS. 1st Bed. O " that's too thin." But never mind, old rover. You'll want to see port 'fore the storm is over. 2d Bed. It seems to me your life would be more pleasant, If you would let us tempt you, Mort. Not at present. 1st Bed. Come join us. Just a harmless little dance Mort. I would'nt. not for all the gold in France. 1st White. O Bishop, do, we'll promise not to tell. Mort. And would you bid me walk the road to — [Drum. 1st Bed. Come, my good man, just throw aside your scruples And have a grain of nonsense with your pupils. 2d Bed. '* On with the dance, let joy be unconfined." 1st Bed. A pennyioeir/ht of fun at least you'll find. 2d Bed. An ou7ice prevention 's worth ^ pound of cure. 1st Bed. Try the Boston, and drop your Simon Pure. Mort. The follies of this life are not for us \^Aside.'] Except upon the sly 1st Bed. O that is worse. Mort. What say ? 1st Bed. I heard aright, you can't deceive me. 2d Bed. [ To audience.^ I thought as much. Mort. You mean you don't believe me ? 1st Bed. Of course I don't, we have a Bishop, too, He likes a merry life, and so do you. Mort. [ To White Pawns.] Well, pawns, your hands [taking them] And mind you keep it quiet, I'll take a step to show what I'm spry at. Dances with them to refrain of icaltz^ when enter SiR Gryve, a swell Knight, gotten up regardless, r. 3 e. Gryve. O my ! [Dances a few bars with the odd Pawn., then down.] I feel so '' full of light and love," [dancing ceases'] I'm hungry, too, conld pitch in to a dove., I'm not s^i- humbly c beo" Sir Pard. -{ ^ } your pardon. ~ And hope towards us your feelings Tardp. Pollio. Tardo. Pollio. Sir Pard. Tardo. Sir Pard. t ' J will not harden. GAME OF CHESS. 19 Sir Naed. Enough, my friends, there's nothino: now to frighten you. Pollio. [To Sir Naed."] You're in the dark, perhaps, and we'll enlignten you. I'll ask a single question, then proceed. Is't our Queen's hand you seek? Sir Naed. [After some hesitation.'] It is. Tardo. [Looking at each other.] Indeed ! Sir Pard. [//i surprise, speaking together.'] You heed I Pollio. Know then, that she can never married be; She single stays. It is the King's decree. He doesn't care to lose his crown, you see. Makes her his slave by keeping her thus/ree It is his will. Of course she must obey. \_Aside.'] If he swallows that. I'll calf for my back pay. Sir Naed. She has an equal right with him? Pollio. I know. Sir Naed. Then hasn't she a right to have a beau? Pollio. And see him vanish into their air oh. Dear, no, the King would quickly take his life Or her's. Sir Naed. Or her's ? Pollio. She'll never be a wife. [Sir Naedham imlks r. The others cluster together, L. and consult.'] Sir Naed. There is some trickery and meanness here, Won't let her marry? That is very queer Subjection by her peer ! It's usurpation ! It's a disgrace, a stain upon the nation. I love the maid, aye. better than my life, I'll make her free, and she shall be my wife. [ The others come forward. Pollio. To soothe your wounded heart, we would suggest Another plan. Perhaps you'll think it best. There is the Countess Naada. She's as fair As any one that you'll find anywhere. Sir Pard. Aristocratic, very. Sir Naed. That is true, But then her age. Tardo. She's only forty-two ! Male Quartette. Music composed expressly for this piece by Bobert Bonner.^ Esq. [ Without accompaniment.] We know a little beauty. A countess and a belle, A maiden fair, with jetty hair. Whose age 'twere hard to tell. 20 GAME OF CHESS. 3 Voices. 1st Tenor. 3 Voices. 1st Tenor. 3 Voices. 3 Voices. O, you would never guess it, For everybody tries. Just twice a year, without ii fear, She regularly dies. All covered are her wrinkles. Enameling beneath. Her lips so red, are quite as false As all her pearly teeth. This is a portion only Of all her little arts, If you're close by, and seem to pry, Just notice how she starts. r We'll let you in the secret j Knowni only to us few. This maiden fair, with jetty hair, t Is only forty-two. ( To such they recommend me, J It makes me rather blue, j A maiden fair, with jetty hair, [ And only fortj^-two. Then your attentions turn to her. I do not think she'll do ; Keep up your fortitude my boy. She's only forty-two. End of Act First. ACT II. SCENE l.—A room in King Soiepcevick's palace. Table emd four chairs, r. Enter c. D. MORTALANDO and Nebusco, carrying baskets of food and wine. They seat themselves at the table. Enter POLLio and Tardo, who are welcomed and seated also. Mort. A little time to ourselves now we'll have. It is a thing that even Bishops crave. [They arrange dishes, glass, (fcc, on the table.] Here is good health to all, [Holds up glass.] Companions bold. [ They drink. GAME OF CHESS. 21 Tardo. A song. Neb. Polly sings us the " Monks of Old." Song. Pollio. The Monks of Old. [ With the original words, chorus at end of each verse, after which Pollio comes down.} Pollio. Well, *•• here we are again " as you perceive. Sir Naedham loves Maria. I do believe. If she loves him, as possibly she may, I'll have to change my tactics right away. I've noticed some of late, that there's not been Congenial feelings 'twixtour Knight and Queen; But does she love Sir Gryve? Aye. there's the rub, I hardly think she does. ' She calls him " bub," And plays with him as if he were a toy. Or nothing more important than a boy. Now if she were to marry, don't you see The King would have to abdicate. But he Is young and just ascended to the throne. He's not much willing to give up his own. At least for her — he doesn't see the point, But if I get the chance then out of joint His nose shall go. I'll use my little wiles Here, [putting his hand on his hearts'] I am black, but here, [pointing to his face,] I'm always smiles. I want the throne myself— I would be King, Build new hotels and all that sort of thing, [A knock is heard,] When once upon that throne I'd banish fear. But how I'm going to get there's not so clear, O well, I'll watch and wait and be discreet Something will t^iiii up or I shall be beat. [Knocking heard again.] Somebody knocks, 'twont catch them napping. [Pointing over his shoulder to the other Bishops who have been put- ting away their bottles, (fee, in haste.] [Knocking.] Hear it? A rap will set them (w)rapping up their spirit. [MORTALANDO and Nebusco loith their baskets run off, R., acci- dentally hitting Pollio.] They're spiritualists as j^ou can see, For they can't go past without Joslin me. [Tardo comes down and takes Pollio's arm.] 22 GAME OF CHESS. Tarclo. Let's go before we're caught. Caught, O dear ! \_Exit, L. Enter c. d. a White Pawn. Pawn, No one answered my knock. [Looking round.] There's no one here. [Exit. Enter all, except Castles, arm in arm, colors sandwiched,, first the Pawns, then the Knights, then the Bishops, and lastly the Kings and Queens, all except Host and Hostess, r., they l. King S. Kind friends, we bid ,you welcome to our palace. We're neighboring clans and should live free from malice. From envy spite, and other jealous feelings, Our clanlj^ love should be shown in our dealings. And so for this I've brought you here together, To roam about and wear out j^our shoe leather. To eat and drink, to laugh and take 3'our ease. And to be just as merry as you please. Stroll from the wine vault up into the dome. Where'er you go, pray make yourselves at home. Duet— KixG^SciEPCEViCK and Queen Clienta. Music — " Nay., bid me not.'''' — Don Giovanni, King. Pray, make yourselves at home, then. While with us you do stay ; And kindly us remember When you have gone away. Queen, Give up all care and sorrow, Be happy while you may Let all be bright and merry On this our gala-day, On this our gala-day. King. The time we will pass gaily. Queen. We will promenade each day. King, Up and down Westminster street. Queen, Or ride in that '' one boss shay," Or ride in that •' one boss shay." King, Here then, here then. Pray make yourself at home, do. Queen. While with us you do stay. King. Of course you'll not regret Queen. Having a holiday. King. So make yourselves at home, then, Queen. While with us you do stay. GAME OF CHESS. 23 King. { The time will we pass ofaily. Queen, j We will promenade each day, King. j-Up and down Westminster Street, Queen. (^Or ride in that *' one hoss shay." King. Now this is our . " Queen. Proo:ramme. C Yes, clan and clan uniting. Both. < We will allow no tiohting-, ( But live in joy and peace. King. Come, friends. Queen. Yes, friends, our friends. King. Our friends. Chorus. Yes, clan and clan, &c. All except Kings and Queens, Sir Naedham, Pollio and Sir Gryve exeunt, CD. King G. [Stepping down to footlights. 1 Allow me to observe, now no one's round, A harder man than I am can't be found. When I ride out I drive a handsome span, As or any other man. I wear good clothes but never pay my bflls, I sponge the cloth and that my conscience stills. Go out of town on Sundays for a spree, With other people's mone}' making free. One daj last week I met a little boy, In Feftiherbed Lane, and he did me annoy, Bj^ sitting down and begging for a story. I stabbed liim, and thus made an alley gory. I don't like boys. I don't like anything But self and power. Well, happily I'm King; My supreme right there's no one to dispute, Except the one I keep down with my boot. [Clienta sits, L. Comic Song— King Gnottobougm. Music— " He Vowed He Never Would Leave 3/e." Yes, I know I'm a very bad man ; In a horn, you will mourn. When I tell you as plain as I can. They all wish I had never been born. I am noted for conduct severe, And I grow, as 1 know. Decidedly worse every year. Over which I am happy to crow. 24 GA^fE OF CHESS, But I set all the world at defiance. On my Bi«hop I place my reliance. Tudlecome. tucUecome. tutllecome, Tudlecame, tudlecome. tudlecome, tay. Now ray sister, Maria^ the tit, Has a beau, that is so. But then, if I a marriage permit, Rit^ht off of my throne must I go. But I'm not such a fool as to do All of that, for the brat. I have no tender feelings, it's true. For I am not that kind of a cat. So I set, &c. [Omit Tudlecome.'} Sir N. Mark me. I'll hinder you. Gryve. I'll get the wind of you. Maria. Do not be cruel I pray. King G. [Turning.'^ Thank you, you helped me out on the last line. Now p'raps you'll help me to a glass of wine, [ Waits.'] No wine. No\v why in the deuce do they refuse, eh? I wouldn't take enough to make me boosy, But just a little for my stomach's sake Of S— T— 1860— X, by DraTce" So bitter seems the world to me of late * Feel half inclined myself to take a mate ; I'll walk around a bit. Try to discover If some fair damsel does not want a lover. , [ Circulates himself. King S. [To his wife.'] My dear, [She being a little deaf does not at first hear him ; he raises his voice.] I wish that you were not that way. Clienta. Can't help it, love, what were you going to say? King S. I must absent myself. Clienta. O, please don't go. For when you're gone I am so lonesome. King. Pshaw ! I'll soon be back, I'm only going to pin a Little notice up about the dinner. Excuse me, friends, I merely wish to say Our dinner hour Is six o'clock each day. The dining room is just across the hall. And plenty large enough to seat you all. I'm going to leave you now in my wife's care. When the gong sounds I hope you'll all be there. [Exit, L. GAME UF CHESSv 25 POLLIO nnd Sir Gryve r», the others L» Gf^ve, O my, I feel so '' full of light and love," I'm hungry too, about this time, by Jove I'm always happy when I hear the dinner bell. [To Pollio^ poking him in tfie rib^.} And quite a$ much as you, old sinner. Pollio. WelK Gryve, I never get up hungry. Pollio. That is right. Gryve. You often get up with a happy tight. Clienta, [To Maria.'^ Why. what a handsome man your brother is, I think I never saw so fine a phiz. [Sir Naedham and Maria wnlk tip. King G. [Approaching her.] You^«rter me. Clienta. \ To King G.} A little louder, please. King G. 0. I perceive. I'll talk in shaipev kej^s. Clienta. [Drops fan.] Now that was purely accidental. King G. {Makes a bungle in p)icking it up.] Yes? Clienta. [Aside.] Not natuinl for him to stoop, I guess. King G. Ah. may I write a line, here is a space. Pollio. That's slightly out of character^ your grace. King G. [Savagely.'] No teaching, sir, of yours I want just now. Pollio. I wish he'd hold his tongue., I fear a row. Gryve. O my, '•• give us a resf." [King tvrites on fan. Pollio. [To Gryve.] I will, with pleasure, What will you have it in— a hushel measure? King G. [Handing back fan.] I nad no time to do it very neat, Nor much to say, but couldn't go offbeat. Clienta. [After reading.] A noble sentiment, my hand in token, [Offers hand.] That friejidship 'twixt our clans may ne'er be broken. King G. O what a plump, soft hand, I'd often make A lengthy run to dwell on such a shake. Pollio. These jokes on music are too dry, by far, The^^ make me want to see the double bar. Clienta. What is the time ? King G. It lacks of five, a quarter. [She does not hear him and he repeats louder. Clienta. O, I heard that. King G. Well, I should think you ought'er. Clienta. Well, then, we've time to take a little jaunt, [Bising.] We'll walk around the gardens. King G. [Aside.] O, I can't, I must make some excuse. What shall I say? Such yelling will bring on diptheri-a. t 26 GAME OF CHESS. [To Clwnta."] I'd like to go but I'm not very strong, Suppose instead, I sing a little song. [Queen hows assent. Song — King Gnottobougm— ilfwsic— '' Looking Back.''' Two years ago my father died ; _ To me he left his lands and crown, I'm now possessed of acres wide. Power, honor and renown. And long before he died did I In secret long his crown to wear, ^And often thought I'd lil