PR 9619.3 csMp^ NCESS MONA THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES ij.»X3B s»mx ammj '' PRINCESS MONA" A ROMANTIC POETICAL DRAMA BY E. COUNGEAU THREE ILLUSTRATIONS By D. H. Souter. WILLIAM BROOKS & CO. LTD. SYDNEY AND BRISBANE PR PRINCESS MONA. DRAMATIS PERSON.!:. PRINCE BORIS An Explorer SIR LIONEL MONTMORENCY' Secretary COUNT DE LONGUEVILI.E ] (" Companions to DON PEDRO GARCIA •• / "| PHnce Boris PRINCESS MONA Sole Possessor of the Island of Dreams CAMOOLA \n Attendant on Princess Mona GNOMUS An Earth Sprite IXVES. CHIEF BANUiT, COURT OFFICIALS, SOLDIERS, SAILORS, PEOPLE, DEMON, CHORUS. SCENES OF THE PLAY FIRST ACT. Scene i. The Seashore. Daybreak. SECOND ACT. Scene i. The Cryptic Pool. Noonday. Scene 2. The Cryptie Pool. Moonlight. THIRD .\CT. Scene i. Chamber of the Palace. Scene 2. Chamber of the Palace. Scene 3. Terrace of the Palace. 1423816 SCENARIO. A most beautiful yirl, princess mona. lives on an Island, of which she is the sole possessor, and is sur- rounded by natives, whoni she rules in a lovable and dig- nified manner. She sees very little of them, as she confines herself within a circle of beautiful country not far from the mountains and sea. camooi-A has told her that on attaining a certain age, gnomus (the Spirit of the Past) will reveal to her the story of her birth, of which she is at present in ignorance. The girl is now eighteen, and knows that her home is called THE ISLAND OF DREAMS. OM account of its barbaric loveliness. It is very difficult of approach, hence she con- verses witJi none but her subjects, who adore her for her beauty and courage. The PRINCESS has many heirlooms, left her by her mother, which she tvears or discards at her will. Far sur- passing all other gems is her magnificent (;irdle of PEARLS, with which she has an adventure. GNOMt's relates the tale of her birth. One day some marauders from afar ('indunesia^ arrive in a Junk, pursue the princess, seize her famous girdle. and escape with the precious booty. Later, a prince arrives to explore the Island, has a party with him, one of zvhicli plays the traitor, leading to a duel. A dramatic scene ensues, and the sequel is revealed in the last Act. The scene is laid in felix australts. Written October, 1916. E. COUNGEAU, Brisbane. FIRST ACT FIRST ACT SCENE I. -DAYBREAK. Seashore; mountains; a huge Nautilus Shell in the back- ground; foreground of overarching trees; tropic verdure, etc. [On the rising of the curtain a Nautilus Shell is seen closed. A group of elves, led by camoola, have been carefully guarding it through the darkness. At the sound of twittering birds, the elves softly sing.] EL\'Es' Chorus See yon bright magic wand Hath gilded the skit-s. And Aurora so fond All blushingly flies. Oh, soon 'twill be day, And folded away The dark mantle of Night ; While the spirit Delight Will broider a path All gleaming with mirth. Tra, la, la; tra, la. la. [Grand Dance of elves.] 6 PRINCESS MONA [kCt Chorus [as sun rises] Lo, the joyous morn is come; Gorgeous flame flowers rich with bloom We will weave to deck her form. Tra, la, la; tra, la, la. Our Princess is sleeping there; Never walked there one so fair, With her fairy feet all bare. Tra, la, la ; tra, la, la. [As chorus ceases the scene lightens. As the sun's rays touch the Nautilus Shell it very slowly opens, dis- closing the PRINCESS in soft pink light. The rest of the scene is in greens, blues, and greys.] Solo, PRINCESS MONA In dreams, fair dreams, one came to me From out the dewy wood. His face at first I could not see. Though by my side he stood ; But very soon the veiling haze Of golden vapours fled, And then I heard with sweet amaze A tender voice, which said : "Come with the Dawn, whose ro.=!cate plumes With diamond dews are laden ; Come where tlie Night Flower softly gleams, My beautiful Mist Maiden. Come, I am Love, true Love," he said; But when I woke, my Love had fled. I.] PRINCESS MONA Hynui to the Day I will kiss tlie lips of Day, Odorous of perfume, Ere mj' willing feet shall stray Where white lilies bloom. Golden bars aslant the sky Glisten o'er my head, Silver wavelets wantonly Lave my pearly bed. Come unto the amorous woods, Rest 'neath feathery palms. Where the rich, dim silence broods, Broken but by psalms. Chorus of ELVES Go we to the amorous woods, Rest 'neath feathery palms. Where the rich, dim silence broods Broken but by psalms. Pillowed on the velvet grass, Every Satellite Slumber till the shadows pass, Deepen into night. Then, within the forest glade, Just at midnight hour, We will keep the tryst we made With each pale moon flower. PRINCESS MONA [act They will ope their lovely lips For ambrosial dew ; Every little fairy sips, Lifting soft eyes, too. Chorus They will ope their lovely lips For ambrosial dew ; Every little fairy sips, Lifting soft eyes, too. Rhythmic Dance and Chorus of elves Let us, clasping hand in hand. Dance a caper o'er the sand, For we are a merry band. Tra, la, la ; tra, la, la. See the floating seaweed green. Soft and silken in its sheen. Fit for any fairy queen. Tra, la, la; tra, la, la. Fit for any fairy queen. Fit for our Princess, we ween. Tra, la, la ; tra, la, la. [Exit ELVE.s to beach; princess following, joins the ELVES. CAMOOLA enters wood, advances toward an im- mense granite boulder covered with moss and bole, and almost hidden in the undergrowth. She raps three times with a rod.] I.] PRINCESS MONA 9 CAMooLA fhants invocation From thy home within the earth, Gnomus, Gnomus, come thou forth. I would speak to thee. Appear ! [Enter gnomus, a;/ eartJi sprite, veiled in thin cloak. giving air of mystery. He carries a silver wand.] GNOMUS Would'st thou with me have speech, Camoola? CAMOOLA Thou did'st promise that thou would, When she came to womanhood. The truth declare. I have called thee to discuss What concerneth both of us; I invoked thee from the earth That the secret of her birth To that child thou should disclose. Ere she seeks again repose. Thou must tell her whence she came, Murmur softly her real name; Tell her what none else may know Of that mystic long ago. Gnomus, this is my request, 'Tis thy duty. Do thy best. 10 PRINCESS MONA f^CT GNOMUS I, who am the rightful guardian Of that lovely coy Sea Maiden, Will recount the years long vanished, Yet her joy I may see banished. demon's voice [off] Aye, vanished, banished, thou speakest truly. Ha, ha : ha, ha ! GNOMUS 'Tis that old malignant spirit. Influence of all ill. I fear it. But for her sake I will dare it. CAMOOLA Hush, the Princess comes to hear it. ['princess here returns from her bath. She sees CAMOOLA and gnomus, whom she knows as her protector. Advances towards gnomus] PRINCESS PRINCESS Gnomus, 1 am ever sad, But my dream hath Made me glad. Oh, that beautiful dream story Of my love so true; Till he really come, the glory Of the flowers and dew, i.J PRINCESS MONA All my jewels, all the splendour Of the stars and sea, All thy loving words so tender- Naught availeth me. 11 GNOMUS CAMOOLA GNOMUS For those loving words so tcna«-r, Twofold service will T render. Princess, darling of my bosom. Hath love come so soon ? Placid as a fair lake's chasm Till this very noon Was thy spirit. Now, some passion Shakes it as a storm. Lo, at mine own invocation, Gnomus's friendlv form. Yes, at thine own invocation, I will tell her of his passion. PRINCESS Oh, I know that every leaf. Every curling frond, Hath its little secret grief, Aching like a wound. 12 PRINCESS MONA [act So disconsolate am I, Had I downy wings, I would gather stars so high, Count those glorious things. E'en the music of the birds Seemeth not the same, But, like solemn haunting chords, Asketh me my name. GNOMUS And like solemn haunting chords I'll pronounce thy name. [gnomus whispers to camoola, then advances to PRINCESS, waving wand and chanting slowly.} From the earth I come with a message meant For thy tender ears alone ; Where dark rivers run and the rocks are rent. And mortals are ghosts in stone ; For I am GNOMUS, the old earth sprite, And I rule in a world so strange. Where great forest monarchs lie down in their might, And we merrily o'er them range. For good or for evil, for praise or for blame, Some will love thee, and some will hate, But one that loves truly shall learn thy name, When he comes to the Wishing Gate. 1.] PRINCESS MONA 13 For that Demon of old hath the key of Hate, And with vials of simmering wrath Will breathe dark thoughts and my deeds frustrate, Till Love in his strength come forth. demon's voice [off] Ha, ha ; ha. ha ! [princess is startled at hearing the demon voice.] GNOMUS Once, from out a coral Atoll, Where upon the waves thou floated, Lying as a pale Sea Lily Slumbers while the seas caress it, I beheld, and thee I rescued ; Helios took fair Oceana, Kissed her bare and blue-veined bosom Till his soul with passion trembling, Burned for love so pure and rare. L from out the Past, its Spirit, Seized that stately Nautilus, Stole it for thy Queenly Cradle, \\''atched thee grow so beauteous. By thy youth, sweet maid, I swear it. At thy birth 'twas I who named thee. List ; but winds and stars can hear it — "PRINCESS MONA, SOUL OF DAWN." 14 PRINCESS MONA [act TKIKCESS Husli ; tliy voice my spirit stirs, Soft, melodious, Sweetest music in mine ears. Chanting to me thus. I will love the wave's refrain For my Mother's sake; But I wait for love in vain, Till my heart doth break. GNOMUS Thou wer't sleeping when the morning Turned into the blackest noon. Seismic fires were smoking, burning, Blotting out the light of moon. That was at the wondrous birth throes Of thy Mother's agony. Only I and the old earth knows How she threw thee from the sea ; Now, as she, thou would'st a lover. Ah, but thou art beautiful. All too soon tliose wings shall cover Thee, and win thy youthful soul; Then when Love is crowned by Duty, Thou shalt grow to greater Beauty. PRINCESS While the birds at daybreak trill, Will Love come with golden laughter; i-I PRINCESS MONA Or when the Queen Moon walks after, As the dew her sweet eyes fill? That blue pavement star bestrewn, Oft I watch her softly pacing, Sometimes languishing, while lacing Her pearl fretted, turned-up shoon. Just as thou at night or noon, Dearest Moon, I am so lonely ; I w^ould ne'er be sad if only I were sure Love would come soon. 15 GNOMUS Love is a bewitching thief With radiant darts, Filching for his golden sheaf Young budding hearts. Beauty loveth solitude In guileless ruth, Just a dreamy interlude 'Twixt it and truth. PRINCESS I love flowers and they love me. And yon elves Talk of Love incessantly 'Tween themselves. 16 PRINCESS MONA GNOMUS I adjure thee. Love now waiteth, Ere three moons the earth embraceth, Thou shalt meet thy fate; Where the Grotto's pool clear shineth, Where a maiden fair reclineth, At the Wishing Gate. Look thou in the secret well, Bind thy jewelled zone, For this weird and mystic spell Is for thee alone,, [princess reclines on fern bank.] Trio, PRINCESS, CAMOOLA, GNOMUS. [act PRINCESS Soft the spirit of the wood Chants a tender stave, In a melancholy mood : "Thou thy friends must leave." Though thy lover bear thee hence, 'Tis but for a time; It will make no difference — We remain the same. GNOMUS Shielded shalt thou be from harm, If thou carry twain, I.] PRINCESS MONA 17 Opal Amulets to charm 'Gainst the power of pain. [gnomus here presents to the princess a pair of magni- ficent Opal Amulets, attached to chains, ivhich site winds around her arms.] PRINCESS Come hither, Elves, And feast your eyes; What gorgeous fires Within them lies. Here within this scented grove Gnomus tells me of my Love; Ere three times have passed the moon. Ere she casts three silver shoon, Ere she spins in tender trace Veils for each fair moon flower's face, Ropes of fairy pearls hath press't On the Water Lily's breast, I shall see my Love. Chorus of ELVES Lady of the big sea shell. Who hath Amulets. And a lover in the dell — One who ne'er forgets. 18 PRINCESS MONA [act We around thee now will dance Lest the Fates shall bind All of us by any chance To that Love who's blind. CAMOOLA GNOMUS Fare thee well, our fair Princess ; We will guard thy happiness, Watch thy budding loveliness. Soon shall I come again, And thou wilt wiser be; Love Cometh not at will, But ever loitereth he. Farewell, farewell ! [Exeunt camoola and gnomus.] Jewel , Song, princess My Mother gave me precious gems To clasp my long braids down ; But these rich fires like leaping flames Seems hearts entwined in one. I know not which to love the most, My girdle lustrous glows, And when I bind it round my waist It seems as if it knows That when my pulsing, longing breast Is yearning for real love, I.] PRINCESS MONA 19 My panting feelings unexpres't It seemeth to reprove. Oh, yes; I love each Amulet Like two red hearts that lie, Changing to green and amber, Yet I know not how, or why. [elves ['lace scarlet Hibiscus flozvcrs on her breast.} Fairest beauty, sweet Princess, Lily of the wilderness, Scarlet flowers we bring to bind Tresses blown by every wind. We will braid their silken flow That they trail o'er thy pale brow ; Kiss the blooms upon thy breast, Dance to thee while thou dost rest Grand Dance of the elves. [Enter sailors, who walk the shore cautiously until they come to the Nautilus Shell, which, on seeing, they know they are on the track of that which they covet. The PRINCESS and elves can see them from the wood, and at sight of the sailors examining the shell the elves cower down in the undergrowth. The princess conceals herself behind a tree, watching their proceedings, as a Junk, pro- pelled by oars, comes on left, while prominent at the prow is a bold and handsome chief of banditti, zvho steps ashore and encourages the sailors to plunder.] 20 PRINCESS MONA [act BANDIT After weeks of storm and toil, ' Now behold the calm. Lo, before thee lies the spoil In this isle of charm. Everywhere some treasure lies — Gold, and gem, and pearl; Each must seize the nearest prize Ere our sails unfurl. sailors' Chorus BANDIT Heigh, ho! over we go; This is the Island of Pearls, we know. Our Chief is wise, For here is the prize. Heigh, ho; heigh, ho! Behind are the rolling billows, Before us a balmy breeze, And heigh for we jolly fellows. And heigh for the laughing seas. They will fling white arms about us, These sirens who wait for toll, But they'll never be able to rout us, However the surges roll. I.] PRINCESS MONA 21 sailors' Chorus. Heigh, ho ! over we go ; This is the Island of Pearls, we know. Onr Chief is wise, For here is the prize. Heigh, ho; heigh, ho! CHIEF BANDIT Behold the "Nymph of the Girdle" ; Her jewels alone are worth a "King's ransom." [princess approaches.] CHIEF BANDIT I would ne'er desire to have Fairer gem than thou; But thy jewels thou must give, Or before the prow Thou must ride. In thy pride, As my Bride. PRINCESS What means this scene In my demesne? Would ye by stealth Take all my wealth ? 22 PRINCESS MONA [act BANDIT That musical voice Bids my heart rejoice. But why this alarm? I will do thee no harm. CHIEF BANDIT Jacinths from thy slim throat swing, Shimmering ropes of Orange Light; Opal Amulets as night Changing fires translucent fling. More magnificent than these, Thy Pearl Girdle wrought so fair Mocks the Moonstones in each ear Given thee by the amorous seas. PRINCESS Thou knowest far too much, But do not dare to touch. PRINCESS calls Camoola ! Gnomus ! BANDIT I can see thou knowest not What the old world hath forgot : Many a crowned head hath bent 'Neath the jewels thou hast lent. Many a snowy throat enshrined Pearls which did thv fair brow bind: I.] PRINCESS MONA 23 Once a star-eyed Queen so brown, Who could smile and who could frown, Placed a pearl in golden cup, Then dissolved and drank it up. That was one thy Mother gave. Which that Siren's soul did crave. rKlNCKSS Cease thy story, cease; Leave me here in peace. BANDIT Truly a surprise Are thy splendid eyes; Though thou art so proud. And in angry mood, Thou must grant me grace To look upon thy face. sailors' Chorus Heigh, ho ! over we go ; This is the Island of Pearls, we know. Our Chief is wise. For here is the prize. Heigh, ho; heigh, ho! [The PRINCESS, now very much alarmed, runs into wood. ivhere elves are watching. The banditti art' in pursuit. The PRINCESS sees them, and making a detour, she comes out upon the beach, follozved by the elves. The chief 24 PRINCESS MONA [act i.J BANDIT is close OH her heels, and catches hold of her, while the ELVES cling to princess, and in the melee her girdle falls to the ground. The chief seises it, signs to the other marauders to enter the Junk, and himself follows quickly with the precious girdle, banditti re-embark.] sailors' Chorus Heigh, ho ! over we go, Away from the Island of Pearls we know. Our Chief was wise, For we have the prize. Heigh, ho ; heigh, ho ; heigh, ho ! [Enter camoola, who, hearing the commotion, arrives as the SAILORS ivith long oars punt their vessel off, left.] END OF FIRST ACT— CURTAIN FALLS. [Curtain rises again, disclosijtg princess and camoola. CAMOOLA consoles the princess.] SECOND ACT SECOND ACT SCENE Is— NOONDAY. Background of lofty rocks; grotto at base; big clear pool in centre, on zvlitch are seen floating gleaming white water-UHcs; umbrella palms; acacia pendulum; tropi' cal forest scene; green glade in foreground. [On the rising of curtain in the second Act, the prinxess is seen reclining at the outer edge of pool, elves are inside the grotto with camoola, also gnomus. who is at far end of cave. The princess is robed in pea-green velvet skirt ivith overdress of fern leaves, same on bodice. Sandals of alligator skin; hair bound with scarlet Hibiscus flowers; wears all jewels e.vcept the lost Girdle.] Chorus and Dance of elves. Chorus See, she flusheth faintly, Like a spirit saintly, And her eyes of azure. Sparkling o'er with pleasure, Seek a lover there. 30 PRINCESS MONA [act [Enter GNOMUS from cave; waves wand and chants.] Princess, thou who knowest me, Look, and say what dost thou see In the Cryptic Pool? [princess leans over, looks into pool.] I behold my face, And that dream face, too. Melting into blue. Solo, PRINCESS I have sought thee. Happiness, Beneath the sun; Whose golden core doth Earth caress Till day is done; Where scintillating stars appear. Breathing of thee. As, quivering in the vault of air. They seem to see; Or where pearl-girdled proud Selene, With queenly grace, Climbeth the stairs of Heaven, serene, With smiling face; And where, in grove and woodland dell So sweetly meek. Shy, drooping, glimmering moon flowers dwell, Did I not seek? II.] PRINCESS MONA 31 Here at length I wait around In solitude, Where but echoes soft resound, By zephyrs wooed. Love, oh. Love, I would not lose Thou so dear; I can see two hearts enclose — Love must be near. GNOMUS From the snow-clad mountains, From the pearling fountains, Where Cybele's towers, Girt with ivied bowers, Rise majestically, O'er the Boreal Sea Cometh one so tender For this child of splendour. DEMON voice Love is but a frothy bubble — It will have its share of trouble; Ere it shapes each roseate hue, Death may enter into view. GNOMUS Heed it not. This evil spirit Powerful is, but do not fear it. Farewell, till Love shall come. [Exit GNOMUS.] 32 PRINCESS MONA [act [A distant sound is heard. Someone is approaching. The swishing of bending branches, and several dis- tinguished-looking men are seen sauntering tozuards the grotto. Enter the prince explorer and suite. They advance slozvly to the princess, %vho awaits thetn with graceful dignity.] PRINCE What rare delight that we should meet Such beauty in this wild retreat. Reveal thy inagic name to me, Thou lovely Wood Anemone. PRINCESS If thou comest o'er the water, Be the guest of Ocean's daughter. PRINCE My name is Boris, and I came, For thy fame Hath crossed three seas. But not thy name. PRINCESS Methought that none could know of one Who dwells alone With a few fairies, And for throne, the grass, And flowers for crown. ii.J PRINCESS MONA 33 DON PEDRO Here is beauty of a kind That we never left Ijehind — Dainty, shapely as a queen ; Calm and dignified in mien. [princess offers to prince one of her amulets iu token of friendship, which the prince accepts. princess then plucks a Water Lily, and fills it with water from the pool.] By this peerless fiery Opal, By this fragrant Lily's Cupful, Which I offer thee; By this limpid, crystal water, I, who am the only daughter Of the mournful sea, Welcome thee, and by such token Seal the words which I have spoken. [Presents Lily to i-ri.xck.] I have seen the dawn all brightening, I have seen the deep blue lightning, And the reddened cloudlets soaring Like an aerial fleet; 'M PRINCESS MONA [act Heard the mellow notes adoring, Quivering so sweet Of the messengers of gladness, Sometimes chasing all my sadness; Yet for one of those to-morrows, Which the old world ever borrows, I would suffer endless sorrows And would gladly greet. PRINCE By these lofty, tempest-riven Rocks that hide the very heaven ; By this lovely solitude, Where but nymphs have dared intrude, I will take this sparkling water, Lily-cupped, from Ocean's daughter. [prince bows low to the lovely girl. Drinks from lily, and returns it. elves file from grotto. Grand elfin Waltz and Chorus.] Come away, come away, Where woods are dim, And tender branches sway To some sweet hymn; Where rillets pour Their tribute o'er, Come away, come away. II.] PRINCESS MONA 35 Solo PRINCE Far from the hum of human bees That feed on honeyed flowers. Or press sweet chords upon life's keys Along the jewelled hours; The gilded pomp and empty show Lie buried in the years ; For me they have no glamour now, But splendour veiled in tears. PRINCE and PRINCESS For me they have no glamour now, But splendour veiled in tears. PRINCE Here in inviolable calm, Beneath the lucent gleam Of golden cloud and graceful palm, Is an exalting theme. The thrilling notes that grandly rise From Nature's saintly shrine Breathe forth that perfect equipoise Which dreamers deem divine. PRINCE and PRINCESS Breathe forth that perfect equipoise Which dreamers deem divine. 36 PRINCESS MONA [act PRINCE But thou, so chastel}^ innocent Of all that meaneth guile, Cloistered in thine own firmament, Dear Lone Star — on me smile. PRINCE and PRINCESS Cloistered in thine own firmament, Dear Lone Star — on me smile. PRINCESS I hear such music flow As golden rain On thirsty leaves, whicli grow Athirst again. PRINCE and PRINCESS As golden rain on thirsty leaves, Which grow athirst again. [Change of scene.] SCENE 2.— GROTTO BY MOONLIGHT. Full moon, princess at Grotto, has woven a garland of flowers, and placing it around her neck, sings, advanc- ing to centre af Stage. Solo, PRINCESS Love hath come like a star, That shineth so pure; 11.] PRINCESS MONA 37 From the realms of afar. It hath pierced the obscure. Far brighter than gems, So warm is its glow, I feel the long beams Are touching me now. For thee will I wear This garland of flowers, \Hcrc she looks into pool.] And again will I peer In the pool; and the powers That rule over Love May be with me for aye, For his presence did move My whole being to-day. [Exit to Grotto.] [Enter don pedro garcia, mho wishes to supplant the PRINCE, whom he knows is in love with the princess. He has left the prince and suite resting, and has taken ad- vantage of the opportunity to make love to the princess. On seeing him approach the Grotto, she calmly rises to greet him.] princess [to DON PEDRO] Has the Prince sent his ambassador with a message for me? 36 PRINCESS MONA [act DON PEDRO Thou art truly the most beautiful nymph that I have ever set eyes on, and I have seen many women, but none so exquisitely fair as thou. Solo, DON PEDRO GARCIA For love of thee my heart awakes, My pulses throb with life anew; This dull inertia swiftly breaks 'Neath light of moon and fall of dew. Listen ! Thy heart is like a brook That murmured sweet and low, Till Love a pebble took, And stirred its undine flow. Thou knowest nought of life, Thou Wild Rose, all alone, So far from scenes of strife, And nurtured by the Sun. Child, let me teach thee Love; Yon galaxy of stars Will see no passion move To music such as ours. My pulses throb to pain, Thy carmine lips to press; Let me not plead in vain — Give me but one caress. [don PEDRO here attempts to caress the princess, who pas- sionately repulses him.] II.] PRINCESS ^lONA 39 PRINCESS I will indeed confess To hate thine evil face, And as to thy caress, I count it a disgrace. I am a simple maid, Unused to thy rude way ; None else would thus have dared To say what thou did'st say. [boN PEDRO again attempts to caress her. She strikes him across the face with the garland.] PRINCESS "I will summon the Prince. How dare you thus forget yourself. Begone ! Begone ! [Enter prince and suitk. soldiers, etc.] Ho, ho ! Behold a knave In sorry plight. Thy passport ere thou leave Shall be a fight. DON PEDRO Ha, ha, my Prince, so I have awakened the little demon, Jealousy, have I ? Thou should'st have come a little earlier, and thou might have heard me declare my pas- sion to this shy Woodland Xyniph, who probably, but for you, would now be in my arms. 40 PRINCESS MONA [ACT PRINCE [furiously angry] Hold, thou double-dyed villain. Our person you insult. Thy very words proclaim the treachery of thy cult, thou fiend of the Netherworld. DON PEDRO [as PRINCE draivs his szvord] So thou wilt fight me. I am quite ready to fence and scar that face of thine. [prince and don pedro Garcia fence. At length the Spaniard falls wounded in the side.] princess [to PRINCE, chspiiig his arm] I beseech thee. Prince, let no more blood be shed, as thou lovest thy fame. PRfNCE I care not if I take his life. Yet for thy dear sake will I spare him. princess He has behaved very badly. Bear him away from my presence. PEDRO Life is a mask of deceit. [prince stands over don pedro] Hast thou had enough? 11.] PRINCESS MONA 41 PRINCESS Oh, let him go; I am the cause. PRINCE I'or thee my sword I sheathe. He hath enough, I trow. [As PON Pedro's injuries arc attended to, a chuckle from DEMON' voice is heard.] Ha. ha! PRINCE Now, thou villain, 1 am the victor, But thy life I spare for the sake of one Whom I love. It shall be spent in durance, And I vow that if ever thou cross My path again Thy life shall forfeit be. Do not attempt to return; Thine will be the risk. So, beware, beware, beware; I have warned thee. De Longueville, by my halidom, I'll make this place my home; So take that traitor back to Spain, And bring some people in thy train. 42 PRINCESS MONA [act DON PEDRO Thou'll find, mj' friend, that in the end, On life's great hinge. Turns my revenge — Revenge ! [As DON PEDRO is being removed, he maliciously glares at PRINCESS.] Forget thee ! Though I go to Spain. So distant, I may come again; And if I die, my voice shall be Echoed in rhythms of the sea. DEMON voice [off] The sea, the sea. We'll see. [Exetmt ATTENDANTS with DON PEDRO, whom they deport.] PRINCE This night of splendour Beneath the stars, Shall see surrender This heart of yours. The moon looks down With eyes so bright. Why have I grown So fond to-night ? Come, I will sing in the white moonlight. Ere I wish my love good night, good night. n.] PRINCESS MONA 43 I know not whether Fate hath led Me to thy side when Hope had fled ; I know not why my feet have strayed Into the heart of this wild glade. But, Spirit of the Starry Eyes, Where tremulous the soft dew lies, As a fair lily's fold conceals The hidden core that time reveals, So outwardly thy lovely form A semblance is of inward charm. Dear Love, thy Destiny is mine; So let me press my lips to thine. [They embrace.] PRINCESS [the Drcatn] I dreamt of thee when fell the night, And walked that pale Queen Moon ; The golden stars that hung in sight Whispered, "He will come soon." And then the rosy gates of dawn Swept open to my gaze, And Eos and his steeds were borne In clouds across the maze. And lo, he stooped o'er me and said, "Take this — with flowers entwine." I took a basket with two red, Red hearts, and one was mine. [elves come down stage,] 44 PRINCESS MONA [act Chorus of ELVES Red flowers, red hearts; Sweet hours, sweet hearts. Red hearts, red flowers ; Sweet hearts, sweet hours. Tra, la, la, la, la. PRINCE To pass with thee each precious day, To count the gleaming hours; In these Elj-sium groves to stray With Amaranthine flowers. Thine eyes two glorious lamps ashine. My life, my all, my hymn. Hath made my love a thing divine, By which e'en stars grow dim. PRINCESS To walk with thee the leafy maze, To hear of lands unknown. Where maidens pass their own sweet ways, And stately castles own, Were bliss indeed too fair to last. Ah, now, my heart awakes To thy caresses, and the past Long mystic silence breaks. PRINCE and PRINCESS, Duetto The silken strands of glittering thread Blent with the hues of rose, PRINCESS MONA 45 By Love and Patience numlicred. We'll weave till life shall close. And we will pass the long, sweet hours As strings of gleaming dreams, And count them as thou did'st the stars Beside the silver streams. Refrain Dreams and stars, stars and dreams. We will dwell beside the streams, And love shall guide, whose eyes ne'er dim, And life shall be one long, sweet h3'mn. Chorus of ELVES Hark ! The liquid notes From the sweet birds' throats Through the woodland floats; List ! the zephyr weaves Music from the leave.«! ; Spirits of the Grove, Fairies that we love. Come and dance away — See the branches sway. We have met to-night 'Neath the moon's pale light, For our Princess Dawn 46 PRINCESS MONA [act ii.l By her love is borne To the forest glade, Where her Prince hath made Her his Queen. \Grand elfin Waits.] END OF SECOND ACT. [Curtain lifted discloses prince and princess centre of stage; camoola and gnomus, elves, left; retinue soldiers, etc., ELVES, right.] THIRD ACT f3 »TCi-rT.«^lL m*i "'TTT^ THIRD ACT Chamber of Palace of Capital City. [Time has passed, five sons have been born to the PRINCE and PRINCESS, three of whom are coming to make their adieux prior to their departure for the "seat of War," which is declared in the "Boreal Seas." The door of the chamber opens, and enter the princes, preceded by MILITARY ATTENDANTS, and folloWed by the GENTLEMEN OF THE CHAMBER. Table in centre, prince reading despatches.] Military Chorus To sound of drum, To clash of arms, They come, thej' come. To war alarms, To muffled drum, To moan of drum, They come, they come. To roll of drum, To boom of drum, They come, they come. To sigh of drum, To dirge of drum, To wild alarms. They come, they come. To clash of arms, To crash of arms, To wild alarms. They come, they come. PRINCE Alas, 'tis true, the clarion calls Without mine old ancestral halls, And echoes through these rocky walls. R2 PRINCESS MONA [act The Furies, now convulsed with hate, Have opened wide Bellona's Gate, And we must rally ere too late. While Reason blushes at the word, That "Heathens only" draw the sword, Lo and behold, the great War Lord. YOUNG PRINCES We are ready for the foemen. For of Viking stock are we. And we know what our forefathers Did to gain the victory. We have read of all the battles Of that olden Boreal Sea; Heroes of the land and ocean. Who have fought for Liberty. PRINCESS Oh, I have dark, portentous fears — I cannot see thee for my tears. Go, write thy name upon the years. PRINCES [embracing princess] Responsive to that iron chime, Forth will we go with faith sublime. And we will write the "Song" of Time. .* I"] PRINCESS MONA 53 PRINCESS Sweet Spirits of Immortal Light, Allay my selfish fears, And guide our children's feet aright Along that path of tears. Let Hope spring ever in my heart, And breathe within mine ear, That nobly I may bear my part, Oh, hear a Mother's prayer. Duet, PRINCE and princess Because of thee, our every thought, As perfume-laden dew. Fresh as thy youth shall be enwrought With deeds that thou shalt do. And Love will guide thee o'er the deep, To fight and win, or die; Though rough thy pillow, soft thy sleep Till all Eternity. PRINCES.'i Oh, ask me not, my lips are mute. The moments quickly fly ; My heart is like a broken lute — I cannot say "Good-bye." God speed thee back to us again, Bearing our crest on high. Go, for my tears will fall like rain — I cannot say "Good-bye." [princess sinks into scat ; prince soothes her.] 54 PRINCESS MONA [act Martial Chorus Guard our Army and our Navy, Citadel and Fleet, VanquisTi all our foes, we pray Thee, Lord; if it be meet. May we ever be sustained In our darkest hour ; Grant that peace be e'er maintained By Thy Grace and Power. Lord, guide them o'er the main. Let them not fight in vain; Be Thou their Guide, And when life's storm is past, Safe in Thine arms at last May they be found. Glory and Honour be For ever rendered Thee ; Ever and ever more To Thee Whom we adore. Amen. [Exeunt princes and military attendants.] SCENE 2. Same Chamber; prince and princess alone, princess pale blue velvet trained gown ; jczveh en suite. III.] PRINCESS MONA 56 [Enter gentlemen of chamber from one door, followed by DESPATCH -BEARERS. Enter from opposite door two PAGES, bearing a casket, which they place on table, bow, and retire, despatch-bearers place despatches on table, bow, and retire, prince, seated at table, reads despatches, turns pale, passes hand over his brow.] princess What news, my Prince? prince Be still, dear Heart. There is a time When courage maketh us sublime; For man may chafe beneath the rod. But all is best that comes from God. princess Dear Love, I feel thy just reproof — I am so very weak. 'Tis long since they have left our roof — One word alone I seek. prince The message is very grave. princess Boris, it needs no words to tell That some misfortune hath befell. 56 PRINCESS MONA [act PRINCE Ah, that message from the portals Of the grave that shadows mortals, Shall I hear the music never Of their voices all aquiver? Bend that silver lily tender, Veiled with mist that grief will lend her; Hear her broken words outpouring. Deep impassioned thoughts adoring; Flashing, crossing, space defying, Listen to her ever sighing: "Dear eyes sealed for evermore." [prince here opens the casket, inspects the contents, closes it, regarding it sadly.] Solo, PRINCESS ("The Vision") It lay o'er my brooding spirit. It followed my waking dreams, That vision of Death all starlit. Whose pinions were golden flames. And it seemed to make no motion, , As it soared o'er the gleaming waves, Till it reached the blue rim of ocean, Where Night guards the western caves. I gazed till it vanished slowly. As though through a door ajar. Till the hush seemed stilly — holy, And above me shone a Star. III.] PRINCESS MONA 57 Oh, vision of Hope, whose fingers Clasp Faith in its close embrace; Dear, beautiful Star that lingers A flower in the bed of Space. PRINCE Dearest Heart, Their names are graven • On the "Years"; For they have given All they had. For which they fought. Lo, their gift Is "Star enwrought." [Here the prince leads the princess tu, and discloses contents of the casket. Princess looks into casket, then divesting herself of all her jewels, she hands them to the CHAMBERLAIN. PRINCESS then fakes the packet, kissing it reverently.] PRINCESS Who telleth of battles now? Who telleth of earth's deep woe? Who whispers of Glory more, In the crimson path of war? Doth the spirit of conquest prove The depth of a mother's love? Shall mortals for ever strive? Must the evil of greed survive? 58 PRINCESS MONA Shall we never forget the song, "Might is e'er right — Right wrong" Can Duty withdraw the dart That pierceth the loving heart? [act PRINCE Cease, my dearest, Cease to grieve; Do not thine Own self deceive. Solo, PRINCE Oh, life's sad music Hath deep, rich chords. With the soul for a reed. Though it breathe no words. Like strings of pearls In a holy shrine. Each gem a note On a lute divine. Oh, Love, life's song, Which is sweetest, flows To the tender measure The dreamer knows, With a thrilling cadenza In mortal ears. Where life's song endeth Are no more tears. m.] PRINCESS MONA o9 Refrain, prince and princess With a thrilling cadenza in mortal ears, Where life's song endeth are no more tears. [Enter camoola and gnomus.] CAMOOLA ' Princess, ere we depart, Gnomus would speak with thee. PRINCESS Hast thou come to bid farewell? GNOMUS Princess, I have e'er been watching. Viewed great empires long departed; Seen them marching to their grave. I have looked on Vice and Beauty, Vanity and all its trappings, Luxury and Splendour, vanished Down the Corridor of Ages. Will I not then guard thee truly? Thou wilt feel that sculptor. Sorrow, Chiselling thy features slowly, Veiling eyes of peerless lustre. Yet will sorrow turn to glory Radiant in the battle trenches. Like an angel, ever searching For the good amid the evil. PRINCESS MONA [act I am old, and, with Camoola, We must soon depart a season. Thou wilt see us both together At that solemn festival. Duct, CAMOOLA and gnomus We will see thee all so queenly. Ere we leave thee for the forest, For the forest where the gnomes Ever for thy steps are waiting, As in mirthful hours departed, When thy lover was the Wind. [Exeunt camoola and gnomus.] SCENE 3- Terrace of Palace; grand tout ensemble; occasion of formally naming the Capital City, which is now com- pleted, and which is to be publicly announced on the arriz'al of the PRiNcr: and princess On either side of the Terrace are floral emblems, tropical plants and flowers. Dais in centre of Terrace. Grouped around expectantly arc ladies, gentlemen, beautiful sylphs, statesmen, consuls, officers, soldiers, etc. in.] PRINCESS MONA 61 CURTAIN RISES SLOWLY. Chorus of SYLPHS From the womb of Ocean's splendour, Jewels pressed o'er regal brow. Veiled in mist which Morn doth lend her, Regal AUSTER standcth now. From her night of storm and anguish, Forth she comes a mighty Queen. Doth she falter? Doth she languish? Doth she on her children lean? No; she saith : "By Cross and Crown, Bless the sceptre we have won." [A fanfare of trumpets announce the arrival of the Royal party. As chorus ceases, a murmur of admiration is heard, and enter prince with princess leaning on his arm. All eyes are fi.red on the still very beautiful queen, who is attired in a robe of white satin, from which depends a train of royal purple velvet, borne by five pages. The princess (now queen mona^ wears but a single ornament, a coronet of magnificent scintillat- ing diamonds, forming the startling letters ANZAC, the present from her dead sons, contained in the casket. [prince and princess stand on dais.] 02 PRINCESS MONA [act PRINCES- Anzac is the "Song" of ages ; Bind with wreaths the battle rhyme, Score it deep upon life's pages, Chant the undying theme sublime. PRINCE Earth, intone the startling story. How its Heroes bought renown ; Cast its cloak of deathless glory Round this offspring of the sun. THE STORY OF ANZAC. Forged on the anvil of the giant, War, Each link of Anzac's chain for evermore With gleaming fires of blood-red hearts inset. And with eternal tears of mortals wet. Shall bind the scroll of cruel circumstance. And with illustrious deeds the page enhance; And as Achilles once the battle stayed, While olden Ilium honour duly paid To Hector's bones in purple pall enrolled. And reverently placed in urn of gold, Tellurian hosts, mutely with bended head 'Mid solemn hush lament their noble dead. How shall the muse begin the s'~>ulful theme, With paean rapturous or a mournful hymn? Oh, tune the lute, and the seolian wind Will breathe upon the strings as we unbind in.] PRINCESS MONA 63 The rustling leaves and read the burning words Scored in grand major, or sad minor chords. 'Neath skies whose splendour matched the fair Turquoise The swan-like barques released, with graceful poise Bore the new Argonauts from Auster's shore. Sons of the ocean. On their casques they bore Signets of empire, noble scions these Of that fair queen enthroned upon the seas. The bolt had fallen, all the cult of years That princely pearl dissolved in blood and tears. Reason had fled. On Duty's shoulders fell The herculean task of wrestling with Hell. Fearless, untrained, with Courage in each hand, Hot for the fray, they sought .lEgea's strand. Egypta's Delta soon behind them lay. And througTi the Cyclades they pressed their way. Thrilled at the loveliness of Orient isles, The portals 'oped where Dardanus e'er smiles. Ah, who would dream behind yon parapet And verdurous ridges that grim death was set? The dizzy steep their efforts first deride, Then with a bound they ford the swirling tide. A hail of fire from ambushed Moslems fall, Baptized uith blood, they scale that classic wall. There, dauntless, brave, they excavate the soil. And in dark burrows, human moles, they toil. 64 PRINCESS MONA ['act How hard they fight, fair youths and bronzed men, Right royal cubs from out a royal den. Lo, nineteen hundred and the year fifteen, ANZAC'S great name hath filmed upon Life's screen, And Boreas, raging with his frigid breath, Dealt fearful slaughter as he danced with Death. - The Sirdar came. With calm and stately mien Gravely he viewed the melancholy scene. A cryptic message. Every lip was sealed, And trembled lest the secret be revealed. The hour had come. The gem-bestudded sky Beheld that Silver Gondola float by, V/hile myriad troops, with rapid, noiseless feet, Clambered down jagged rocks to join the Fleet. Hands full and bootless, every nerve high-strung. They reached their goal, and from the beach they swung. The Turks deceived, the strategy complete. Alarmed, amazed, they watched the Great Retreat. They who have reared a Monument for aye. Whose dust shall ever be the poet's lay, To what emotional peaks the soul must rise, When we regard the noble sacrifice Made for the grandeur of a loftier state, To civilize the Globe and banish Hate. So sleep, dear Heroes, 'neath the Attic skies. Till God shall wipe the mist from mortal eyes. in.3 PRINCESS MONA «5 Choms, en viasse Hark, the grand refrain is swelling, Thrilling every ear; Lord of Hosts, within Thy Dwelling, Holy Spirit, hear. Though Earth's Empires all must crumble, Suns and Systems wane, In magnificence, though humble. Long may Auster reign. \0n either side of the wings now appear the British and Australian Flags, meeting over the heads of the PWNCE and PRINCESS.] PKINCE ['pointing to the Coronet of the princess] Strong in Faith which God doth give her, Hark, she names our Citadel. [Furore and salvo of Cheers and Hurrahs.] PSINCESS I pronounce our city — "A N Z A C." [Loud Hurrahs. Here the prince formally receives the KEYS OF CITADEL from MAYOR and GENTLEMEN appointed. Solemn dedication of the city is now completed.] NATIONAL ANTHEM. GRAND FINALE. CURTAIN. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Form L9-Series 4939 UCLA Young Research Library PR9619.3 .C832pr y L 009 511 145 6 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY A A 001 410 532