1997 C7E6 o GIFT OF tos.DeForest A.Rodecape rispin, Rival of His aster: a Comedy in ne Act: by Le Sage: ranslated by Barrett H. lark amuel French: Publisher 28-30 West Thirty-eighth Street : New York LONDON Samuel French, Ltd 26 Southampton Street, Strand PRICE rWENTY-PlVE CENTS. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/crispinrivalofhiOOIesarich THB WORLD'S BEST PLATS BY CELEBRATED EUROPEAN AUTHORS BARRETT H. CLARK GENERAL EDITOR Crispin, Rival of His Master: a Comedy in One Act: by Le Sage: Translated by Barrett H. Clark Samuel French: Publisher 28-30 West Thirfy-eighth Street : New York LONDON Samuel French, Ltd. 26 Southampton Street, Strand CI'' Copyright. 1915, BY SAMUEL FRENCH -^-^y^ ^ v^i^. v^ ^^f^^i^^ /y. i^/r^€^/u^ ALAIN-RENfi LE SAGE. Le Sage is one of the greatest figures in late seven- teenth and early eighteenth century French litera- ture. His novel, " Gil Bias ", is celebrated. In his few plays he shows a decidedly satirical bent ; in " Turcaret " especially, which is one of the first realistic studies of society and the money- question. " Crispin " is in a lighter vein, and is somewhat reminiscent of the adventures of Gil Bias. M203372 CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER PERSONS REPRESENTED. Monsieur Oronte A tradesman of Paris Madame Oronte His wife Angeliqije. .. .Their daughter, engaged to Damis Valere In love zvith Angelioue Monsieur Orgon Damis' s father Lisette Angelique's maid Crispin Valere's valet La Branche Damis' s valet Time '.' — Early eighteenth century. " Crispin Rival de son Maitre " was first per- formed, at Paris, in 1707- CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER Scene: — A street in Paris; Monsieur Oronte's hoii'ie at the hack, zvith an entrance. Entrances also right and left. Valere and Crispin are present. Valere. Ha there, you are, rascal ! Crispin. Now, don't let's get angry. Valere. Idiot ! Crispin. Please let us try to avoid person- alities. What have you to complain of? Valere. You ask me that ? You asked for leave of absence for a week, and I have seen nothing of you for the past month ! Is that the way for a valet to behave? Crispin. But, ^lonsieur, I serve you when you pay me my wages. It seems therefore that I have as good reason as you to complain. Valere. Where have you been ? Crispin. Making my fortune. I was in Tour- aine, with a friend of mine — on a little trip. Valere. What trip ? Crispin. A business matter my friend had to at- tend to. Valere. Well, you come back in the nick of time. I have no money, and you must surely be able to lend me some ? Crispin. No, Monsieur, we were unlucky. The fish saw the bait, but it refused to nibble. Valiere. You are a fine fellow indeed ! Listen to me, Crispin : I am willing to forgive you for the past, as I have great need of you now. 7 &':;qRl^Pm,:RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. Crispin. How kind and forgiving of you! Valere. I'm in the devil of an embarrassing situation ! Crispin. Are your creditors getting impatient? Has that fat tradesman who sold you thirty pistoles' worth of goods for a note of nine hundred francs sued you yet ? Valere. No. Crispin. I see. That generous marquise who paid for your last suit of clothes has perhaps found out that you and I were in partnership with the tailor ? Valere. No, Crispin, I have fallen in love. Crispin. Ah ha! And with whom, please? Valere. With Angelique, the only daughter of Monsieur Oronte. Crispin. I know her by sight. She's devilish good-looking. If I'm not mistaken, her father is a tradesman who lives just opposite here? And he's very rich, is he not? Valere. Yes, and he has three large houses in the best sections of Paris. Crispin. What an adorable girl she is ! Valere. He has plenty of ready money, too. Crispin. I know how your passion burns ! But how about the lady herself ? Does she know you are in love with her ? Valere. For the past week I have been allowed to visit the house, and I am convinced she has some liking for me. But yesterday, Lisette, her maid, told me a piece of news that casts me into the depths of despair. Crispin. And what did Lisette tell you? Valere. I have a rival. Monsieur Oronte has promised her hand to some fellow from the prov- inces. He is expected here any day to marry An- gelique. Crispin. And who may the rival be? Valere. I have no idea — ^yet. Lisette was called CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. 9 the moment she told me what I have just related to you, and I was forced to retire without learning the name. Crispin. So — and the three houses seem rather — hm — hypothetical ? Valere. Now run and find Lisette and talk the matter over. Then we shall make our preparations. Crispin. Leave everything in my hands. Valere. I shall wait at my house for you. (He goes out) Crispin. I'm tired of being a valet! Crispin, It is high time you v/ent into business for yourself ! (Enter La Branche.) La Branche. Crispin, on my soul ! Crispin. La Branche, on my honor ! — Delighted to see you. (They shake hands) Why, I haven't seen you for so long that I thought the courts had decreed your banishment. La Branche. I have had many a narrow escape since I last saw you, my friend ! Crispin. Tell me. La Branche. One night I stopped a man on the street — a foreigner; I wanted to ask him news of his country. The rascal didn't understand a word of French, and thought I was trying to rob him. He cried, Stop thief ! And I was arrested. I spent seven weeks in the Chatelet. Crispin. Seven v/eeks ! La Branche. I should have stayed much longer had it not been for a charming little lady who turned every thing unside down to get me liberated. Crispin. Friends are invaluable ! La Branche. That scrape set me thinking. Crispin. I should imagine so. You aren't so curious now about news from abroad, are you? La Branche. Heaven help me, no ! I'm now in service again. Are you busy as usual, Crispin? lo CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. Crispin. No, like you I am a free-lance. I've entered service again, but my master is without a sou and Vm none too satisfied. La Branche. Nor am I. I live at Chartres, and my master is a certain Damis. Nice fellow — likes plenty of good company, gam.bling, and wine. We have wonderful times together. He keeps me amused and out of mischief. Crispin. What an innocent life you lead ! La Branche. Yes, don't you agree? Crispin. Indeed I do! Tell me, La Branche, what are you doing in Paris? Where are you going now? La Branche. (Pointing to the house of Mon- sieur Oronte) To that house. Crispin. To Monsieur Oronte's house? La Branche. Llis daughter is going to marry Damis. Crispin. Angelique — and your master? La Branche. Monsieur Orgon, Damis's father, came to Paris two weeks ago — I was with him. We went to see Monsieur Oronte, who is an old friend, and they arranged this marriage. Crispin. Is it settled? La Branche. Yes, the contract has been signed by the two fathers and by Madame Oronte. The dov/ry, which is fixed at twenty thousand crowns — cash down — is all ready. They are now waiting only for Damis's arrival. Crispin. In that event, my master must seek elsewhere for his fortune. La Branche. Your master? Crispin. He is in love with Angelique ; but since Damis La Branche. Damis will never marry Angeli- que ; there is a minor detail Crispin. What is it? La Branche. While his father was marrying him here, he married himself at Chartres. CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER, ii Crispin. How is that? La Branche. He was in love with a young lady of good birth and education, and he married her. Crispin. That's different. La Branche. I have come here to take back the word of Monsieur Orgon. Crispin. Have you come to do that? La Branche. That's my reason. {He is about to go out when Crispin detains him) Crispin. One moment. La Branche. I have an idea. Tell me now, does your master know Mon- sieur Oronte ? La Branche. He has never seen him. Crispin. I have a scheme, then, if you care to help me — But, I imagine that after your adventure in jail, you haven't the courage? La Branche. No, no, tell me. A good sailor is never afraid of the sea, no matter how many times he has been wrecked. Tell me, what is your idea? Would you like to pass your master off as Damis, and have him marry ? Crispin. My master? Nonsense! I have some- one else in mind — far better suited to the girl. La Branche. Who? Crispin. Myself. La Branche. The devil ! You're right, though ; the idea is an inspiration. Crispin. I'm as much in love with her as my master is. La Branche. Good ! Crispin. I shall take the name of Damis. La Branche. Splendid ! Crispin. And marry Angelique. La Branche. You have my consent. Crispin. And the dowry shall be mine. La Branche. Magnificent ! Crispin. And I shall disappear before any questions are asked. 12 CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. La Branche. Explain that a little more care- fully. Crispin. Why ? La Branche. You talk of disappearing with the dowry, and I heard no mention of myself. Will you please make the necessary corrections? Crispin. We shall disappear together. La Branche. On those conditions, I am with you. The scheme is rather bold, I will say, but I feel my courage rising : I am ready for affairs on a grand scale. Where shall we hide the dowry? Crispin. Far away in the country somewhere? La Branche. I prefer it to be outside of France. What do you say ? Crispin. We'll see. Now tell me something about Monsieur Oronte. La Branche. He's a simple old tradesman. Crispin. And Madame Oronte? La Branche. Somewhere between twenty-five and sixty. Very much in love with herself, and so fickle that she agrees and disagrees at the same moment. Crispin. That's enough. Now we must have some clothes La Branche. You may use my master's. (Looking at Crispin) Yes, they will fit you. Crispin. He has a good figure ! La Branche. Sh! Someone is coming out of Monsieur's Oronte's house! Let's go to the inn for further deliberation. Crispin. I must first go to my master. I shall get him to keep away from Monsieur Oronte's house for a few days. I'll soon be with you. (He goes out one side, La Branche the other) (Enter Angelique from her house, follozved by Lisette. ) Angelique. Yes, Lisette, ever since Valere let CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. 13 me see he loved me, I have been eating my heart out. I know if I marry Damis I shall never spend a happy day. LiSETTE. Valere is indeed dangerous ! Angelioue. I am so unhappy ! What can I do? Tell me, Lisette? Tell me, I beg you. LiSETTE. I can only advise you to do one of two things : either forget Valere, or rebel against your father's authority. You love far too deeply to follow the first, and I hardly dare advise you to follow the other. It's very embarrassing. Angelioue. Lisette, what can I do? Lisette. One moment ; possibly I can reconcile your love and my conscience. • Let us find your mother. Angelique. What can v/e say to her ? Lisette. Tell her the whole truth. She likes flattery and affection : let us therefore be flattering and affectionate. She has your best interests at heart, and perhaps she will induce Monsieur Oronte to take back his word ? Angelique. You are right, Lisette, but I am afraid — (She hesitates) Lisette. Yes ? Angelique. You know my mother — she is so uncertain ! Lisette. Yes, she inclines to agree with the per- son who last spoke to her. Never mind, let us con- fide in her. {Seeing Madame Oronte coming in their direction) Here she is. Hide for the time being; when I want you I shall signal for you. (Angelique retires to the back of the stage. Enter Madame Oronte.) Lisette. My dear Madame Oronte ! I was just saying that you were one of the most kindly and amiable women in Paris ! Madame Oronte. Ah, you flatter me, Lisette! 14 CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. LiSETTE. Ah, IMadame ! A sharp-witted woman like yourself cannot think that I would flatter you? Madame Oronte. As a matter of fact, Lisette, I am not like other woman. I am always guided by reason in whatever I do. Lisette. I am fully aware of that. Madame Oronte. I am not at all capricious. Lisette. You are also the best mother in the world. I would wager that if you were to learn that your daughter had the slightest repugnance for Damis you would not allow her to marry him. Madame Oronte. I should not think of it ! My dear child ! But tell me, Lisette, has she any aver- sion to him ? Lisette. Well Madame Oronte. You must hide nothing from me! Lisette. Since you insist, Madame, I will say that she is ill at the idea of this union. Madame Oronte. Perhaps she is already in love? Lisette. That is to be expected, Madame. When a young girl despises the man her parents have chosen for her, it means that she is already in love. For instance, you told me that the first time Monsieur Oronte was thought of as a husband for you, you were in love with an officer who died at the Siege of Candy. Madame Oronte. That's so, and if the poor boy had lived I should never have married Monsieur Oronte. Lisette. Well, Mademoiselle is in the same posi- tion as you — before the Siege of Candy. Madame Oronte. And who is the fortunate man? Lisette. The young man who has been here so often recently. Madame Oronte. What? Valere? Lisette. Yes. CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. 15 Madame Oronte. Now I remember. How he looked at Angelique and me yesterday ! But are you positive, Lisette ? Is he in love with my daugh- ter, and not Lisette. (Beckoning to Angelique) Yes, Madame. He told me so himself, and asked me to come on his behalf and find out whether he might ask for Mademoiselle's hand in person. Angelique. (Coming down to Lisette and her mother) I beg your pardon, Madame, if you do not approve of my sentiments, but you know Madame Oronte. You know I am a good mother to you, and while a daughter should never show any signs of her feelings in the presence of her parents, I sympathize with you. Yes, I ap- prove of Valere. Angelique. I can't tell vou how I appreciate this ! Lisette. (To Madame Oronte) Now, you know, Madame, that Monsieur Oronte is accus- tomed to have his own ideas about things, and if you fail to insist Madame Oronte. Have no fear about that; I take the lovers under my protection. I promise that she shall marry no one else but Valere. (Catching sight of her husband) Here comes Monsieur Oronte. Just see how firm I can be ! (Enter Monsieur Oronte.) Madame Oronte. (To her husband) I am glad to see you. Monsieur ; you are just in time. I want to say that I don't agree to the marriage. Monsieur Oronte. Might I know, Madame, your reasons ? Why have you changed your mind ? Madame Oronte. I have someone else in mind for Angelique — a more advantageous match. Of course, he is not so rich as Damis, but he is a born gentleman. He makes up in nobility what he lacks in wealth. i6 CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. LiSETTE. (Aside) Good! Monsieur Oronte. (To his wife) I like Valere, and in spite of his poverty, I should will- ingly allow him to marry Angelique, but it is out of the question. Madame Oronte. How is that, may I ask? Monsieur Oronte. Do you expect me to break my word with Monsieur Orgon, an old friend of the family? Madame Oronte. Well Monsieur Oronte. Why offer him that insult ? Think of it, the contract is signed, every prepara- tion made, and we are only waiting for Damis. We have gone too far to retract. Madame Oronte. Of course, I had not thought of that. Monsieur Oronte. You are too reasonable, my dear, to oppose this marriage ! Madame Oronte. But I am not opposing it ! LisETTE. (Aside) Good Heavens! Is she a woman ? She doesn't even contradict ! Madame Oronte. You see, Lisette, I did what I could for Valere. Lisette. Really? You are a marvelous pro- tector ! Monsieur Oronte. (Seeing La Branche) There is Damis's valet. (Enter La Branche.) La Branche. Yotir very humble servant. Monsieur — Madame. (To Angelique) Ma- demoiselle Angelique! (To Lisette) Lisette. Monsieur Oronte. Well, La Branche, what news ? La Branche. Monsieur Damis has just arrived from Chartres. He is following me. Angelique. Oh, great Heavens ! Monsieur Oronte. (To La Branche) I was CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. 17 looking for him. But tell me, why did he not come straight to me? Why this ceremony with his father-in-law to-be? La Branche. Oh, Monsieur, he has no wash to appear at all familiar. He has the best manners of any man in France. Madame Oronte. Is he polite? La Branc he. And so virtu ous. Madame! Be- yond words^ r^Ionsieur Oronte. Is not Monsieur Orgon with him t La Branche. No, Monsieur. A painful attack of gout prevented his setting foot out of the house. Monsieur Oronte. Poor man ! La Branche. The attack came on on the eve of departure. Plere is a letter from him. {He takes a letter from his pocket and gives it to Orgon) Monsieur Oronte. {Reading the address) " To Monsieur Craquet, I)octor, in the Rue du Sepulcre " La Branche. {Taking hack the letter) That's not the one. Monsieur ! Monsieur Oronte. {Laughing) Ha, ha, ha! La Branche. {Pulling forth several letters from his pocket, and reading the addresses) I have a great many letters here — Let me see — no, not that ! Hm ! Nor this one !— Ah — " To Monsieur Oronte." Here it is. {He hands the letter to Monsieur Oronte) Llis hand was trembHng so that you v,m11 scarcely recognize the handwriting! Monsieur Oronte. No, I can't. La Branche. Gout is a fearful disease! Hea- ven preserve you from it. Monsieur, and you, Ma- dame, and Mademoiselle Angelique — and Lisette ! Monsieur Oronte. {Reading the letter) " I had fully intended to go with Damis, but I was pre- vented by an attack of gout. Still, as my presence in Paris is not imperative, and, not wishing to re- tard the marriage, I send you my son alone. Be a father to him. I leave everything in your hands. i8 CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. Your affectionate and humble servant, Orgon." (With a sigh) How I pity him! {Catching sight of Crispin, zuho wears Damis's clothes) Who is this young man ? Is that Damis ? La Branche. No other. {To Madame Oronte) What do you say, Madame? Is he not attractive ? AIadame Oronte. He's not homely, at least ! {Enter Crispin.) Crispin. {To La Branche) La Branche! La Branche. Monsieur? Crispin. {Pointing to Monsieur Oronte) Is this my honored father-in-law. Monsieur Oronte? La Branche. It is. Monsieur Oronte. {As he embraces Crispin) Welcome, my dear son-in-law. Crispin. I am truly happy to be able to stand in your presence and express to you my deepest grati- tude. {Looking toward Madame Oronte) This, no doubt, is the charming Mademoiselle Angelique? Monseeur Oronte. No, that is my wife. {Pointing to Angelique) Here is my daughter Angelique Crispin. What a handsome and distinguished- looking faniily ! Could I but marry mother and daughter ! Madame Oronte. How gallant ! {Aside to Lisette) He is clever, Lisette ! Crispin. {To Madame Oronte) My father w^as right when he said that Madame Oronte's beauty was beyond description. IVIadame Oronte. Dear me! Crispin. How I wish, he said, that she were a widow, and I might marry her ! Monsieur Oronte. {Laughing) I am deeply obliged ! Madame Oronte. {To Crispin) I think a CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. 19 great deal of yotir father. I am heart-broken that he was unable to come with you. Crispin. How heart-broken he was, not to be present for the ceremony ! He was looking for- ward with the keenest of pleasure to dancing with Madame Oronte ! La Branche. {To Monsieur Oronte) And he asks you to hasten the ceremony, for he is im- patient to have his daughter-in-law with him. Monsieur Oronte. Everything is prepared, and w^e have only to pay the dowry and get the priest. Crispin. {To Monsieur Oronte) Will you allow me a word with my valet ? {To 'La Branche) Go to the Marquis' — {Aside to La Branche) Get ready the coach and horses for to-night — un- derstand? — {Aloud) And convey to him my very best compliments. La Branche. {As he leaves) I fly ! Monsieur Oronte. {To Crispin) Tell me something, I pray, about your father. How is his law-suit proceeding ? Crispin. {Embarrassed) La Branche! Monsieur Oronte. What is the trouble ? Crispin. I forgot to tell something to La Branche. Monsieur Oronte. He will return shortly. Now, the law-suit ? Is it over yet ? Crispin. Thank Heaven, it is. Monsieur Oronte. Did you win? Crispin. Yes — and without costs. Monsieur Oronte. I am delighted to hear it. Madame Oronte. Heaven be praised ! Crispin. It was a very troublesome affair for him. He would rather have lost all his fortune than be put in the wrong about it. Monsieur Oronte. It must have cost a great deal? Crispin. It assuredly did, but Justice is a sub- lime institution, and one cannot pay too dear for it. 20 CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. Monsieur Oronte. Right! But it must have been very painful all the same. Crispin. Yes, his opponent was the greatest rascal imaginable. A man who Monsieur Oronte. Man? I thought it was a woman ? Crispin. Yes, but her affairs were in the hands of a scamp of a Norman ; he was her counsel. But you know, I dislike speaking of these disagreeable things. Let us discuss the wedding. Monsieur Oronte. Then come with us into the house. We can then see about the preparations. Crispin. {To Madame Oronte, offering his arm) Madame. Madame Oronte. (To her daughter) You are very much to be envied, my dear. Damis is delight- ful. (Monsieur and Madame Oronte go into their house, accompanied by Crispin.) Angelioue. What is to become of me? LiSETTE. You will become the wife of Mon- sieur Damis. Angelique. (Weeping) Ah, Lisette, you know how I feel. Can't you sympathize ? Lisette. (Weeping likezvise) Poor dear! Angelique. You won't leave me? Lisette. My heart is breaking! Angelique. Dear Lisette ! Lisette. Say no more. I'm so sorry that I'm afraid I might give you wicked advice, which you are sure to follow. (Enter Valere.) Valere. (At first not seeing Angelique) Why did Crispin ask me not to come here for several days? I fear he is up to some trick. This doubt is getting on my nerves. CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. 21 LiSETTE. {To Angelique, as she sees Valere) Here is Valere ! Valere. (Aside, as he catches sight of An- gelique) It's she! {To Angelique) My dear Angelique, tell me, what hope is there? An- gelique and Lisette zvipe their eyes) You are weeping ? Lisette. Yes, Monsieur, your rival is here. Valere. What? Lisette. He is to marry Angelique this very evening. Valere. Merciful Heaven! Lisette. Alas ! Valere. But tell me, Lisette, who is the happy rival ? Lisette. His name is Damis. Valere. Damis ? Lisette. He comes from Chartres. Valere. The only Damis I know in that district is the son of a Monsieur Orgon. Lisette. He is the one. Valere. If he is the only one to fear, I am re- assured. Angelique. How is that? Valere. Damis was married at Chartres a week ago. Lisette. Miraculous ! x\ngelique. {To Valere) You are surely jok- ing ? Damis is here, ready to marry me. Lisette. {To Valere) He is now in the house with Monsieur and Madame Oronte. Valere. But Damis is a friend of mine, and he wrote me a week ago. I have the letter at my house. Angelique. What does he say? Valere. That he was secretly married at Chartres — the girl is of noble birth. Lisette. Married secretly? We must look into 22 CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. this. Quick, go and get the letter, and lose no time about it. Valere. I shall return in a moment, {lie goes out) LiSETTE. This will at least delay the wedding. (As Monsieur Oronte enters from his house and sees Valere in the distance, she continues) There is Monsieur Oronte. I'll tell him the news, while you go to your mother. (Angelique goes into her house.) Monsieur Oronte. Valere has just been here, Lisette. Lisette. Yes, Monsieur, and he has informed me that Damis is married already : a woman of quality at Chartres. Monsieur Oronte. But how can that be, Lisette ? Lisette, Damis himself wrote the news to Valere. Monsieur Oronte. Ridiculous! Impossible! Lisette. No, Monsieur, I assure you; Valere has gone to get the letter, which he will read to you. Monsieur Oronte. I can't believe it ! Lisette. Aren't young people nowadays capable of doing anything? Monsieur Oronte. It is true, they aren't what they were in my day ! Lisette. How do we know that Damis is not one of those scoundrels who run after dowries. But if he is already married, this wedding will certainly get you into trouble. Monsieur Oronte. We must of course look into this. Lisette. Look into it? I should think so! It is your duty to do so ! Monsieur Oronte. You are right — (Catching sight of La Branche, who enters at the back) CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. 23 There is his valet. Go in, Lisette, and leave me alone with him. Lisette. (Aside, as she goes into the house) Good ! Monsieur Oronte. Come here, La Branche. You look like an honest man. La Branche. Oh, Monsieur, I try my best ! Monsieur Oronte. I am glad to hear it. Listen to me : your master seems to me a rather un- scrupulous fellow. La Branche. Ah, Monsieur, he is exceedingly popular. Monsieur Orgon assures you that in marrying him off he is assuring some thirty women of their peace of mind. Monsieur Oronte. Hm ! I hear he has married a woman of rank? La Branche. What's that? Monsieur Oronte. You must tell me the truth, young man. I know that Damis is married — he wedded a lady of quality a week ago at Chartres. La Branche. (Aside) Ouf! Monsieur Oronte. You see, I know the facts. You are a rascal ! La Branche. I, Monsieur? Monsieur Oronte. Yes, you. I'm going to punish you as an accomplice. La Branche. I declare I don't understand a word of what you say ! Monsieur Oronte. Do you still make believe 3^ou don't know? If you don't confess everything this instant, I'll put you into the hands of the law. La Branche. Do what you please, Monsieur, I have nothing to confess. Monsieur Oronte. You won't speak? (Call- ing) Hello, there! Officer! La Branche. One moment. Monsieur, don't make so much noise, I pray you. Let us discuss the question in an orderly and reasonable way. You say that my master was married ? 24 CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. Monsieur Oronte. He wrote that to one of his friends, a certain Valere. La Branche. Valere ? Ha, ha, ha ! Monsieur Oronte. What is the meaning of this ? La Branche. (Laughing) That's good! Monsieur Oronte. I fail to see the point. La Branche. Let me tell you. To begin with, Valere is in love with your daughter. Monsieur Oronte. I know that. La Branche. Lisette is in sympathy with her love, and has doubtless devised this plan to pre- vent your daughter's marriage with my master. Monsieur Oronte. Hm — well ? La Branche. Seeing my master arrive, they have simply circulated the report that he was al- ready married. Valere produces the false letter Monsieur Oronte. (In an undertone) Per- haps La Branche. Meantime Lisette and your daughter scheme a little, and behold Valere as your son-in-law ! Monsieur Oronte. That doesn't sound so un- reasonable ! La Branche. I know how wise you are. Mon- sieur, in these affairs ; you won't allow yourself to be deceived. Monsieur Oronte. Indeed I shan't. Valere is a rascal. Why, I doubt whether he even knows Damis ! La Branche. I doubt it, too! Ah, Monsieur, nothing escapes you ! Monsieur Oronte. True! (Seeing Crispin, who has entered) There is your master. — Ha, ha, ha ! He married ! The idea ! Ha, ha, ha ! La Branche. Pla, ha, ha, ha, ha ! (Enter Crispin.) CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. 25 Monsieur Oronte. {To Crispin, as he laughs) Think what they have been saying of you 1 You — you are already married ! Ha, ha ! Married secretly at Chartres ! Ha, ha ! La Branche. {Making signs to Crispin) Ha, ha, ha ! Crispin. Ha, ha, ha, ha ! What a capital joke ! Monsieur Oronte. Think of it! Crispin. I wonder who could have circulated so ridiculous a story ? La Branche. Monsieur says it was a certain Valere. Crispin. Valere? Who is Valere? La Branche. {To Monsieur Oronte) You see. Monsieur? He doesn't know him! {To Crispin) You remember — I told him he was your rival ? Crispin. Ah, now I remember. La Branche. A clever dog! Monsieur Oronte. {To Crispin) Damis, I have an offer to make you. How would you like to take my house in the Faubourg Saint-Germain instead of the twenty thousand crowns' dowry? It cost me eighty thousand to build. Crispin. Of course — well — ready money is more convenient, is it not? Monsieur Oronte. Yes — it is. Crispin. You see, I want to buy some attractive property in the neighborhood of Chartres. La Branche. {To Monsieur Oronte) You should see it. Monsieur. It is superb ! Crispin. {To Monsieur Oronte) It costs only twenty-five thousand crowns, and is worth at least sixty. La Branche. At least, Monsieur. Monsieur Oronte. Well, you can't allow an excellent opportunity like that to slip through your fingers. I have fifty thousand in reserve with which 26 CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. I was going to buy a chateau, but I shall be glad to let you have half that amount. Crispin. (Embracing Monsieur Oronte) How good you are, Monsieur ! I shall never forget this ! Ah, I^am La Branche. Monsieur is the prince of fathers- in-law. Monsieur Oronte. I shall now get the money for you. But I must consult my wife first. Crispin. Valere's creditors will all hang them- selves ! Monsieur Oronte. Let them ! I insist on your marrying my daughter in an hour's time. Crispin. Splendid ! La Branche. What a blow to Valere ! Ha, ha, ha! (Monsieur Oronte goes into his house.) Crispin. Valere must have seen Angelique. He knows Damis, too. La Branche. He does — intimately. Thanks to me, however, Monsieur Oronte thinks that Valere is playing a trick on him. We must get the dowry at once and then make away with it. Crispin. (Seeing Valere) The devil ! La Branche. The devil! (Enter Valere at the back, with a letter in his hand. ) Valere. (Seeing Crispin, but not recognizing him) Is that Damis? (Approaches Crispin and recognizes him) You ? ! Crispin. I. What the devil are you doing here? Did I not tell you to keep away? Now you will spoil all I have been doing for you. Valere. There is no use now, Crispin. I know who my rival is ; it is Damis. But there is nothing to fear, as he is already married. CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. 27 Crispin. Is Damis married? (Pointing to La Branche) But here is his valet; he will tell you the truth. Valere. Then has Damis lied? Why did he write this letter? (He unfolds the letter and reads) " Chartres. This is to inform you that I am married. The ceremony was secretly performed. I am coming to Paris very shortly and shall at that time give you further details. Damis." La Branche. Now I see it, Monsieur. At the time that letter was written my master was thinking of this marriage, but as a matter of fact, it did not take place. Valere. So he is not married after all? Crispin. No indeed! Valere. My dear friends, then help me ! Tell me, Crispin, what have you been planning? Why are you disguised? Crispin. Your rival has not yet appeared in Paris, but he will be here in a day or two. Mean- time I intend to dissuade Monsieur Oronte from the union. Valere. How ? Crispin. By passing myself off for Damis. I make myself appear extravagant, foolish, and I hope before long to make the entire family heartily sick of me. You know how Madame Oronte loves flattery? Well, I tell her things in a most blunt manner. I intend to be chased away by the old man, after inducing him to give his daughter to you. Valere. And where does Lisette come in ? Crispin. She is with us. Valere. Crispin, I shall be eternally grateful to you for this. And to you, too. La Branche. Now I must go. My fate is in your hands. Crispin. Hurry, though! (Valere goes out) Ah, I can breathe freely now. La Branche. That was a narrow escape. I was afraid Oronte might come any moment. 2S CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. Crispin. I, too. Now for success I Have you ordered the horses for to-night? La Branche. (Looking into the distance) Yes. Crispin. Good. I think we should drive straight for Flanders. La Branche. (Nervously, as he still strains his eyes) Flanders ? Yes, that's the best road. Crispin, What the deuce are you looking at? La Branche. I — think — it's he I Crispin. Who? La Branche. It's Orgon ! Crispin. Damis's father? La Branche. The same. Crispin. Curse his impudence ! La Branche. Everything seems to conspire to keep the dowry from us ! Crispin. He's coming this way! Oh, Lord! La Branche. We must stop him. Go to the inn and wait for me. (Crispin goes out) (Enter Monsieur Orgon.) Monsieur Orgon. (Not seeing La Branche) I wonder what Madame Oronte will say? La Branche. (Approaching him and bozving) Your most humble servant. Monsieur Orgon, Monsieur Orgon. Ah, La Branche. La Branche. We had no idea you were coming ! Monsieur Orgon. I left Chartrcs shortly after you, because I thought it wiser to speak to Monsieur Oronte myself. La Branche. Most honorable of you, I am sure. You are looking for Madame Oronte, are you not ? ]Monsieur Orgon. I am. La Branche. Then thank Providence for send- ing me in your way. Monsieur Orgon. Have you already seen her? La Branche. I have — I saw the whole family. ]\Iadame is furious with you. CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. 29 Monsieur Orgon. With me? La Branche. Yes. "What!" she said, "does Monsieur Orgon take back his pledged word ? Who would have believed it ? " Monsieur Orgon. Indeed ! La Branche. I could not make her listen to reason. She was actually out of her mind with rage. Monsieur Orgon. But what about Monsieur O route ? La Branche. He was not so violent. He only struck me twice. Monsieur Orgon. I am astonished. La Branche. Did you not explain everything ? La Branche. Everything. But if you take my advice. Monsieur, you will return at once to Chartres. Monsieur Orgon. (Taking a step in the direc- tion of Monsieur Orgon's house) No, La Branche, I must see them, and make clear La Branche. (Detaining him) Don't enter that house. Monsieur; I really cannot allow you to risk your life. Monsieur Orgon. You may be right. La Branche. Wait at least until to-morrow. They may be in a more tractable mood. Monsieur Orgon. You are right. Well, I'll follow your advice. La Branche. Do as you please ; you are master. Monsieur Orgon. No, no, I'll see them to- morrow. La Branche. I shall be with you soon. Monsieur. (Monsieur Orgon goes out.) La Branche. Now for Crispin. But — I don't see why I should divide that dowry with him ? But how can I get away from Crispin? ^He and Angelique must not leave Paris to-night — mean- time I can make off with the monev. 30 CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. (Enter Monsieur Oronte and Lisette. La Bran CHE leaves.) Lisette. I repeat, Monsieur, Valere is a man of honor, and you ought to Monsieur Oronte. I know you are intriguing for Valere, and I regret that you have thought of nothing better than that story of Damis's marriage. Lisette. Don't you beheve. Monsieur ? Monsieur Oronte. No, Lisette, I do not be- lieve. You may tell Valere for me that he will never be my son-in-law. (Monsieur Oronte goes out) Lisette. What does it all mean ? There is some- thing I don't know about ! Enter Valere. Lisette. Oh, Monsieur ? Valere. Well, Lisette? Lisette. Where have you been all the while, and where is the letter from Damis ? Valere. {Taking the letter from his pocket and shozving it to her) Here it is. Tell me, how are things going ? How is Crispin's plan ? Lisette. Crispin ? Who is he ? Valere. My valet. Lisette. I don't know him. Valere. Oh, Lisette! He told me you were working together, Lisette. I have no idea what you mean. Mon- sieur. Valere. Don't make me angry. (Enter Madame Oronte and Angelique.) Madame Oronte. (To Valere) Ah, Monsieur Valere, I must scold you. Does a man of honor forge letters ? CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. 31 Valere. I forge, Madame ? Who has been tell- ing tales about me? LiSETTE. {To Madame Oronte) Madame, someone has been circulating evil reports. Believe me, Monsieur is innocent. {Enter Monsieur Oronte and Monsieur Orgon) Now we shall find out everything. Monsieur Oronte. {To Monsieur Orgon) Someone has been playing us false here. Monsieur Orgon. We must clear it up, Mon- sieur. Monsieur Oronte. {To his wife) Madame, I have just met Monsieur Orgon. He has come to Paris to take back his word. Damis is married ! Angelique. {Aside) What is this? Monsieur Orgon. {To Madame Oronte) True, Madame, but when you learn the circum- stances, I am sure you will excuse Monsieur Oronte. {To his wife) I under- stand that, but what I cannot understand is that he says his son is still at Chartres. Monsieur Orgon. Of course he is. Madame Oronte. But there is a young man here who says he is your son. Monsieur Orgon. An imposter ! Monsieur Oronte. But La Branche, who is your son's valet, calls him master. Monsieur Orgon. La Branche, you say? The rascal ! Now I see ! He told me to stay away from here just now, and prevented me from coming in to see you. He said you were both furious with me, and that you maltreated him. Madame Oronte. Liar! Lisette. {Aside) I see everything now! Valere. {Aside) The traitor! Monsieur Oronte. Here they are now ! {Enter Crispin and La Branche) Crispin. {To Monsieur Oronte, not seeing Z2 CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER, Valere and Orgon) Well, Monsieur, is every- thing ready? {Seeing the others) The devil ! La Branche. Discovered! (La Branche and Crispin start to run off, hut Valere stops them) Monsieur Oronte. Hold them ! Now we have them, the scoundrels ! Valere, {Pointing to Crispin) Here is my valet, who tried to pass himself off as Damis. Madame Oronte. Heavens, his valet! Crispin. Now, Monsieur, you must not judge us on appearances ! Monsieur Orgon. {To La Branche) Is this the way you carry out my orders ? La Branche. Careful, Monsieur, you must not condemn us unheard. Monsieur Oronte. What can you say for your- selves ? Crispin. La Branche will explain. La Branche. You speak, Crispin. Crispin. Well, now I'll tell you everything. I pretended I was Damis in order to dissuade Mon- sieur and Madame Oronte from the intended mar- riage, and so do a good turn for my master. I was unfortunate to enough to create exactly the opposite effect to the one I intended. Monsieur Oronte. But you would have married my daughter ? Crispin. Oh, no, Monsieur; ask La Branche. Valere. You have no possible excuse. Since Damis was married, your trick was useless. Crispin. Well, ladies and gentlemen, if you insist on mxaking us out as scoundrels, at least you might treat us as such. We beg your forgiveness. {He kneels to Monsieur Oronte) La Branche. {Likewise kneeling) Pity us ! Crispin. Frankly, the dowry tempted us. Monsieur Oronte. You shall be punished. La Branche. I am sure Madame Oronte is tender-hearted ! CRISPIN, RIVAL OF HIS MASTER. 33 Crispin. The charming Madame Oronte v/ill not allow us to be punished ? Madame Oronte. {Moved — to her husband) The poor young men ! Forgive them. Monsieur Orgon. You are very lucky, I can tell you, to have Madame intercede for you ! Monsieur Oronte. I should like to see you sent to jail, but since my wife wishes it, I am willing to forget the past. To-day I shall give my daughter to Valere You may celebrate. And if you promise to be honest in the future I shall look after your interests and fortunes. Crispin. (Rising) Monsieur, we promise! La Branciie. (Also rising) Yes, Monsieur, we are so grieved over the failure of our enterprise, that we renounce henceforth all undertakings of the kind. Monsieur Oronte. You are clever, I must admit, but I advise you to put your cleverness to a better use in the future. Let me establish you both in business. (To La Branche) I know a splendid position for you. La Branche. I am extremely grateful. Mon- sieur. Monsieur Oronte. (To Crispin) I have picked out the granddaughter of a friend of mine for your wife. Crispin. I shall endeavor to prove myself worthy of the honor. Monsieur Oronte. Now let us go — here — the feast is ready in my house. (To Monsieur Orgon) I hope Monsieur Orgon will do me the honor of being a guest at my daughter's wedding ? Monsieur Orgon. With pleasure, as I shall have an opportunity of dancing with Madame Oronte. (He offers his arm to Madame Oronte, zvho takes it. They all pass into Monsieur Oronte's house) CURTAIN. THE WORLD'S BEST PLAYS By Celebrated European Authors A NEW SERIES OF AMATEUR PLAYS BY THE BEST AUTHORS, ANCIENT AND MODERN, ESPECIALLY TRANSLATED WITH HISTORICAL NOTES, SUG- GESTIONS FOR STAGING, Etc., FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND DRAMATIC CLUBS BARRETT H. CLARK General Editor ITH the immensely increased demand for new plays for purposes of production by amateurs W comes a correspondingly great demand for a care- ful selection of those plays which can b9 easily and well presented by clubs and colleges. The plays in the present series have been chosen with regard to their intrinsic value as drama and liter- ature, and at the same time to their adaptability to the needs and limitations of such organizations. The Series, under the personal supervision of Mr. Barrett H. Clark, instructor in the department of Dramatic Literature at Chautauqua, New York, assistant stage manager and actor with Mrs. Fiske (season 1912-1913), now comprises ten volumes, and fifteen more will make their appearance during the year. Eventually there will be plays from ancient Greece and Rome, Italy, Spain, France, Russia, Germany, and the Scandinavian countries, repre- sentative of some of the best drama of all ages and lands. Each volume is prefaced by a concise historical note by Mr. Clark, and with a few suggestions for staging. Plays Now Ready INDIAN SUMMER, a comedy in one act by Mkilhao and Halbvy. This little play, by two of the most famous writers of comedy of the last century, has been played at the Com6die Fran- caise at Paris for upwards of forty years, and remains one of the brightest and most popular works of the period. Pbicb 25 Cmrrs. ROSALIE, by Max Maurkt. A " Grand Guiffnol " comedy In one act, full of verve and clever dialogue. Rosalie, the stubborn maid, leads her none too amiable master and mistress into uncomfortable complications by ref using: to open the front door to a supposed guest of wealth and influence. Pbic* 25 Cents. MODESTT, by Paul Hkrvibtj. A delightful trifle by one of the most celebrated of living dramatisU. Pbicb 25 Cents. THE ART OF BEING BORED. {Lt Monde oU Von 8'Bnnuie)» a comedy in three acts by Edouard Paillbbon. Probably the best- known and most f reauently acted comedy of manners in the realm of nineteenth century French drama. It is replete with wit and comic situations. For nearly forty years it has held the stage, While countless imitators have endeavored to reproduce its fresh- ness and charm. Pricb 25 Cknts. A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL, by Anton TCHaKHori-, a comedy in one act, by one of the greatest of modern Russian writers. This little farce is very popular in Russia, and satirizes the peasants of that country in an amusing manner. Pbiob 25 Cbnts. THE GREBN COAT, by Alpbbd db Mussbt and Ehilb Augixb. A slight and comic character sketch of the life of Bohemian artists In Paris, written by one of France's greatest poets and one of her best-known dramatists. Price 25 Cbnts. THE WAGER, by Giusbppb Giacosa. This one act poetic comedy, written by the most celebrated dramatist of modem Italy, was the author's first work. It treats of a wager made by a proud young page, who risks his life on the outcome of a game of chess. Pricb 25 Cents. the: little shepherdess, a poetic comedy in one act, by Andre Rivoirk. A charming pastoral sketch by a well-known French poet and dramatist. Played with success at the Com^dle Francaise. Price 25 Cents. PHORMIO, a Latin comedy by Terence. An up-to-date version of tlie famous comedy. One of the masterpieces of Latin drama; the story of a father who returns to find that his son has married a slave girl. Phormio, the parasite-villain who causes the numerous comic complications, succeeds in unraveling the difficulties, and all ends happily. Price 25 Cents. THE TWINS, a Latin farce by Pi,auttj8, upon which Shake- speare founded his Comedy of Errors. Price 25 Cents. THE BOOR, by Anton Tchekoff. A well-known farce by the celebrated Russian master; it is concerned with Russian peasants, and portrays with masterly skill the comic side of country life. Price 25 Cents. THE BLACK PEARL, by Victorien Sardotj. One of Sardou's most famous comedies of intrigue. A house has, it is thought, been robbed. But through skilful investigation it is found that the ha%-oc wrought has been done by lightning. Price 25 Cents. CHARMING LEANDRE, by Theodore de Danville. The author of " Gringoire " is here seen In a poetic vein, yet the French- man's innate sense of humor recalls, in this satirical little play, the geniiis of Moliere. Price 25 Cents. THE POST-SCRIPTUM. by Emile Auqier. Of this one-act comedy Professor Brander Matthews writes: "... one of the brightest and most brilliant little one-act comedies in any language, and to be warmly recommended to American readers." Price 25 Cents. THE HOUSE OF FOURCHAMBAULT, by Emilb Augier. One of the greatest of recent French family dramas. Although the play is serious in tone, it contains touches which entitle it to a position among tlie best comedies of manners of the times. Pricb 25 Cents. THE DOCTOR IN SPITE OF HIMSELF, by MOLIERE. A famous farce by the greatest of French dramatists. Sganarelle has to be beaten before he will acknowledge that he Is a doctor, which he is not. He then works apparently miraculous cures. The play is a sharp satire on the medical profession in the 17th Century. Pbibe 25 Cents. BRIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER, by Capus. The first comedy in English of the most sprightly and satirical of present- day French dramatists. Price 25 Cents. CHOOSING A CAREER, by G. A. DE Caillavet. Written by one of the authors of "Love Watches." A farce of mistaken identity, full of humorous situations and bright lines. Prick 25 Cents. FRENCH WITHOUT A MASTER, by Tristan Bernard. A clever farce by one of the most successful of French dramatists. It is concerned with the difficulties of a bogus-interpreter who does not know a word of French. Price 25 Cents. PATER NOSTER, a poetic play in one act, by Francois COPPEE. A pathetic incident of the time of the Paris Commune, in 1871. Price 25 Cents. THE ROMANCERS, a comedy in three acts, by Edmond Ros- tand. New translation of this celebrated and charming little romantic play by the famous atithor of "Cyrano de Bergerac " and " Chantecler." Price 25 Cents. THE MERCHANT GENTLEMAN, (Le Bourgeois Gentil- homme), by Moliere. New translation of one of MoliSre's comic masterpieces, a play which is peculiarly well adapted to amateur production. Price 50 Cents. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY BERKELEY Return to desk from which borrowed. This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. JUN 1 9 1952 tU » ,^,,,rl 1954 m , 4Sep'56FH RECD LD US ^^z m nBcram .'(INS 13^ f^EC'D LD DEC 6 '63.Qpfn LD 21-95jn^ll,'50(2877sl6)476 1^203372 THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA UBRARY t