M iO 56C4 917 o 33 m O 3D 3> 33 -< LEROUX VAGABOND THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES PRICE 40 Ut-IN i o THEATRE TICKET OFFICE 111 BROADWAY. NEW YORK TRINITY BUILDING THE ONLY CORRECT AND AUTHORIZED EDITION RULLMAN'S Theatre Ticket Office 111 Broadway, New York City TELEPHONES RECTOR 8817, 8818, 8819 Official Publishers of OPERA LIBRETTOS AND PLAY BOOKS r % NEW YORK: G. SCHIRMEB ALL RIGHTS OF REPRODUCTION, TRANSLATION AND PUBLIC PERFORMANCE RESERVED FOR ALL COUNTRIES, IN- CLUDING NORWAY, SWEDEN AND DENMARK Copyright, 1907, by Choudens Copyright, 1917, by G. Schirmer G. S. 27962 |tfus»c LibralJ M So ARGUMENT Act I shows a glade on the outskirts of a forest, with cornfields beyond, in provincial France. The voice of the Vagabond, a tramp who has hired himself out as a harvest hand, is heard off-stage. Toinette, a village girl, preparing the mid-day soup for the harvesters, admits that she loves him. After the reapers have eaten and while they sleep, Francois, no longer young, but deeply in love with Toinette, begs her to marry him and, refused, reproaches her with her preference for his younger rival. The latter appears, is waited on by Toinette, and then Pierre, the wealthy farmer, sending off the girl, asks the Vagabond to stay and take charge of his farm. The latter promises to consider the offer, and recalls Toinette to discuss it with her. During the ensuing love-scene, she tries to coax him to settle down and marry her, but the confirmed wanderer shies at the idea of "taking root in the earth like a beet." Even Toinette's offer to go a-roaming with him falls on deaf ears. Finally, Toinette, who cries out that she has sacrificed her good name for his sake, is forcibly prevented by Francois from following him as he is seen far afield, seeking the open road for which his soul yearns. Act II takes place in a peasant interior of the humblest kind. Toinette has been married to Francois for some twenty years; and Toinet, her child by the Vagabond, has been brought up by Francois, with full knowledge, as his own son. The couple have fallen on evil days. Francois, sick, old, broken, is no longer able to work. Toinette tries to cheer him, but cannot deny either her own preoccupation or Toinet's distress. The sudden arrival of Aline, rich Pierre's daughter, leads to the discovery of its cause. She and Toinet love each other. Toinet, now entering, repeats threats and insults Pierre has just uttered. Fran- cois, indignant, bids Aline go tell her father to come and answer for his outrage, sending Toinet away at the same time. Pierre comes, abuses the honest couple, accusing them of scheming to give him a pauper son-in-law, and roundly declares him a bastard. Francois, staggering up to throttle Pierre, is felled by a stroke of paralysis. In Act III, before a crossroads tavern, the Vagabond meets Thomas and Martin, with whom he had harvested so many years ago. . From 3074*?16 them and from Catherine, Thomas's wife, he learns of the unhappy situation of Toinette and Francois. Their boy Toinet haunts the taverns, drowning his love's sorrow. He now appears on the scene, far from sober, and is induced by Catherine to go to sleep in the coach-house. The Vagabond, after agonized incredulity iias turned to joy, is convinced that Toinet is his own child. He meets the lad's wretched mother, come in search of him, obtains her forgiveness for the past, and promises to earn it by making Pierre withdraw his objections to the match, and rendering Toinet and his mother happy. He meets his son as a friend of his mother's "before you were born." Act IV, the interior of Frangois's cottage, makes clear that he has been successful. Frangois, gradually failing, is seated in his armchair as before. But Toinet, happily married to Aline, is about to take his young wife to midnight mass, for it is Christmas Eve. He bids his mother hurry, and friends and neighbors, crowding 'round the door, urge them to hasten. The Vagabond comes in, covered with snow, and the young folk go off; Toinette follows them, after telling the Vagabond she is sure that he will not run away to follow a wandering life again. After her departure, however, the Vagabond recalls with longing his years in the open, evoked by the distant song of the waits. Pierre enters, and tell- ing him that once poor Frangois has shuffled off his mortal coil, everyone hopes he will marry Toinette and settle down, hurries off to mass in his turn. The Vagabond is indignant at the implication that he would basely think of falling heir to Frangois's wife while eating his bread. But now the sick man himself, in a lucid interval, thanks the Vagabond for all the kindness to his family, tells him he is an honest man, and begs him to marry Toinette once he is gone. The Vagabond soothes him and he drowses off again. The waits come, sing their song and are given food and small coins by the Vagabond ; but he has grown more and more restless. The nostalgia of the open road is upon him. He loves all these dear ones in the cottage; but his love for the free life of the high- way is stronger. They will return in time to bid Frangois godspeed on his long journey; but the Vagabond will have gone. With a blessing and a Christmas wish for those whom he is leaving forever, he steps out into the night to take the chance of the road once more; while the chime of the Christmas bells, the chant of the choristers, and the distant singing of the waits, sound out over the snow. [4] PERSONNAGES toinette Aline Catherine Le Chemineau Toinet FRANgOIS Maitre Pierre Martin Thomas Soprano dramatique ou Mezzo Soprano Mezzo Baryton Tenor Baryton Basse Tenor Baryton Moissonneurs, Moissonneuses, Paysans, Paysannes, Enfants Au premier acte, une clairiere a l'oree d'un bois; au troisieme acte, un carrefour sur la grand'route. Au deuxieme et quatrieme actes, interieur de paysan a la tres humble aisance. Premiere representation au Theatre de l'Opera-Comique a. Paris Le 6 Novembre 1907 Direction de M. Albert Carre Chef d'Orchestre : M. F. Ruhlmann toinette Aline Catherine DISTRIBUTION Soprano dramatique ou Mezzo M mes Claire Friche-Chassevent Soprano Mathieu-Lutz Mezzo C. Thevenet et Sylva Le Chemineau Baryton Toinet Tenor Francois Baryton Maitre Pierre Basse Martin Tenor Thomas Baryton MM. Dufrane Salignac J. Perier Vieuille Cazeneuve Delvoye [5] CHARACTERS toinette Aline Catherine The Vagabond Toinet Francois Master Pierre Martin Thomas Dramatic Soprano or Mezzo Soprano Mezzo Baritone Tenor Baritone Bass Tenor Baritone Reapers and Peasants of both sexes; Children Act I. A glade on the outskirts of a wood. — Act III. A crossways on the highway. Acts II and IV. A peasant interior of the most humble sort [6] THE VAGABOND (LE CHEMINEAU) Lyric Opera in Four Acts ACTE PREMIER Une Clairiere a Voree d'un bois. A droite, au premier plan, un talus couronne d'une Iftaie; au pied du talus, un feu de cam- pagne en pierres seches; sur ce feu, une marmite; aupres du feu, une grosse pierre moussue pouvant servir de siege. A droite, au deuxieme plan, quelques arbustes, a Vom- bre desquels s'etendun tapis d'herbesformant un lit naturel. A gauche, au premier plan, un gros tronc d'arbre renverse; au deuxie- me plan, un grand chene dont les branches ombragent la clairiere. Au fond, a, plu- sieurs plans jusqii a Vhorizon, champs de bles, les uns debout, les autres coupes et en moyes. A Vhorizon, coteaux plantes de vignes, et un village a tuiles rouges avec un clocher bourguignon. del bleu in- cendie de soleil. Le plus chaud du jour de la moisson. Le rideau ne se leve quau milieu du second couplet. On voit Toinette occupee a soigner la soupe et a preparer les ecuelles. On devine a gauche les mois-' sonneurs dont le travail est rythme par la chanson du Chemineau. SCENE PREMIERE Le Chemineau, Toinette Le Chemineau La Jeannett' s'en va-t-aux champs, Coupe un' javell', coupe en marchant, Un beau monsieur par la s'amene, Lui dit : « J'voudrais ton etrenne.)) Coup' toujours et coupe encor ! Chaqu' javell' f'ra son tas d'or. La Jeannett' dit au monsieur : « Coupe un' javelle et coup's-en deux, Quand mem' tu s'rais l'nlleux d'la reine, (Rideau) ACT THE FIRST A glade on the outskirts of a wood. At the right front a slope crowned by a hedge; at the foot of the slope an open-air fire in a fireplace of field stones; on the fire a pot; near the fire a large mossy stone ichich serves as a seat. At the right, bach, a few trees shadowing a carpet of verdure which forms a natural bed. At the left front, a great overturned tree-trunk; at the back, a large oak-tree whose branches shade the glade. At the back of the stage, on various drops extending to the horizon, fields of corn, in part standing, in part cut and bound in sheaves. On the skyline, hills planted with grapevines, and a village with red roofs and a Burgundian church-tower. A blue sky flooded with sunlight. It is the hottest part of the day at harvest time. The curtain does not rise until the middle of the second stanza. Toinette is seen watching the soup and getting ready the bowls. The presence of the harvesters at the left, their work rhythmed by the Vag- abond's song, is divined. SCENE I The Vagabond, Toinette The Vagabond 'Twas Jeanette who sought the fields, Cut a sheaf, cut it as you walk. A pretty gentleman going that way Said to her: "I want a gift from you!" Keep on cutting and cut again! Every sheaf has a tassel of gold. Said Jeanette to the gentleman: "Cut a sheaf, cut two of them, And though you were the Queen's son himself, (Curtain rises) [7] 8 LE CHEMINEAU Tu n'auras pas mon etrenne. Coupe encore et coup' toujours ! Chaqu' javelle aura son tour. » Le beau monsieur dit: « J'suis le roi, Coup' deux javell' et coup's-en trois, Pour dev'nir rich', pour dev'nir reine, Gna qu'a m'donner ton etrenne. Coup' toujours et coupe encor! Chaqu' javell' f'ra son tas d'or. )) Toinette Ah! ce chemineau, comme il chante ! Par lui la besogne s'enchante. C'est le roi de la chanson, C'est Tame de la moisson. Le Chemineau L'grand gas cogne et le roi trinq', Coup' quat' javell' et coup's-en cinq, Toinette (reveusement) Est-il Dieu possible qu'il m'aime ! Le Chemineau Viv' la Jeannett' qui n'fut pas reine, Et moi qu'ai-z'eu son etrenne. Coup' toujours et coupe encor ! Chaqu' javell' f'ra son tas d'or. (Pendant ce dernier couplet, que chante an loin a la cantonade le Chemineau, on voit venir par le fond a gauche Francois, Thomas, Martin et les autres moissoii- neurs.) SCENE II Francois, Martin, Toinette, Le Chemineau, Thomas FRANgois (entrant) Ma foi, je suis las. You should not get a gift from me. Keep on cutting and cut again! Cut an every sheaf in turn." Said the pretty gentleman: "I'm the king! Cut two sheaves, cut three of them; Would you be rich, would you be my queen, You've only to give a gift to me. Keep on cutting and cut again! Every sheaf has a tassel of gold." Toinette Ah, that Vagabond, how he sings! He gives a charm to work, He's the king of song, He's the soul of the harvest. The Vagabond The knave he wins and the king he sips, Cut four sheaves, cut five of them, Toinette (dreamily) Can it be that he loves me? The Vagabond Long live Jeanette, who became no queen, And myself who had a gift of her. Keep on cutting and cut again! Every sheaf has a tassel of gold. (During the last stanza, which the Vagabond sings off-stage, appear at the left hack Francois, Thomas, Martin and other Reapers.) SCENE II Francois, Martin, Toinette, The Vag- abond, Thomas Franqois (entering) My word, but I'm weary. THE VAGABOND 9 Martin, Thomas, et les autres MOISSONNEURS Nous de merae. Martin On a faim. Thomas Et soif, s'il te plait. (Les autres Moissonneurs, se couchant.) On a son sac au complet. Toinette (les servant) Voici les ecuelles pleines. Et pour oublier vos peines Voici le barlet. Tous (en chamr) Vivent les ecuelles pleines ! Vive le barlet !... FRANgois (mangeant) Crane soupe ! Martin fipaisse et grasse. Thomas (buvant) Houm ! que c'est frais par ou ca passe ! Martin Quel bon somme on va faire apres ! (A partir de ce moment, tous, peu d peu, se coucheront et s'endormiront.) Toinette (a Frangois, avec admiration) Ah ! le Chemineau mene dur l'ouvrage. FRANgois (avec mepris) Oui, quand un faineant s'y met, c'est avec rage. Martin, Thomas and the other Reapers And we're the same. Martin We're hungry... Thomas And thirsty, if you please. (The other Reapers, reclining) We've had all we want of it. Toinette (serving them) Here, I've filled your bowls, And to make you forget your fatigue, Here's the broth. All Hurrah for the filled bowl! Hurrah for the broth! Francois (eating) It's a fine soup! Martin Thick and rich. Thomas (drinking) Hm, it feels good going down! Martin What a nice nap one can take after it ! (All, now, one after another, lie down and fall asleep) Toinette (to Francois, admiringly) Ah, the Vagabond is working hard. FRANgois (contemptuously) Yes, when a do-nothing works, he works madly. 10 LE CHEMINEAU Toinette (s'ecarte de lui, Vair boudeur) Pourquoi parles-tu mal de lui ? Francois (se rapprochant d'elle) En as-tu done de l'ennui, ma gentille ? Toinette (confuse) Helas ! oui. FRANgOIS Prends garde, la fille! Ces gens-la ne sont pas de la greffe a famille. Le Chemineau (tres loin) Coupe encore et coup' toujours! Chaqu' javelle aura son tour. FRANgois {continuant avec severite) Et tu te prends, je le vois, A la glu de sa voix... (Avec melancolie et une tendresse contenue.) Ah !... si tu savais, ma pauvre Toinette. Toinette Je sais, Frangois, je sais... Toi, brave, honnete, Ayant quelques ramasses, Plus d'une pour t'epouser te caline. Moi je ne suis qu'une orpheline, Et pourtant tu penses tout bas... (Elle suspend sa phrase, confuse.) Franc/OIS (vivement) A toi, oui done, pour me mettre en menage. (Avec anxiete.) Eh bien... ? Toinette (apres une hesitation) Eh bien ! je ne peux pas. Toinette (drawing away from him, sulkily) Why do you speak ill of him? Francois (drawing near her) Does it displease you, my sweet? Toinette (embarrassed) Alas, yes! FRANgois (severely) Take care, my girl! Such people are not the kind on which to graft a family. The Vagabond (far in the distance) Keep on cutting and cut again! Cut an every sheaf in turn. FRANgois (continuing as before) And he snares you, I notice, With the lure of his voice — (With restrained and tender melancholy) Ah, did you but know, my poor Toinette! Toinette I know, Frangois, I know — You're good, honest, you have a little saved, Many another flatters you, to gain you for a husband. But I, I am only an orphan; And yet, you think to yourself, secretly — (She ceases, embarrased) . FRANgois (quickly) Of you, and that's the truth, to make a home for me. (anxiously) Well? Toinette (after a moment's hesitation) Well — I cannot! THE VAGABOND 11 FRANgois (tristemeni) A cause de mon age. Toinette (gentiment) Non, vrai, ce n'est pas qa ! FRANgois (montrant le fond a gauche) A cause de lui qui passa ? Toinette Dame ! toi, je t'estime ; Puis-je t'epouser en 1'aimant ? FRANgois (avec une bonte rude) Tu crois 1' aimer seulement. Quand tu seras ma legitime, Tu ne songeras plus a. lui, Qui demain aura fui Vers quelque amour nouvelle, Comme il passe en chantant de javelle en javelle. Le Chemineau (a la cantonade plus prcs) Coupe encore et coup' toujours ! Chaqu' javelle aura son tour. FRANgois Apprends done, obstinee, Si tu ne m'entends pas, Que son refrain te dit ta destinee Et qu'il te fauchera comme le ble fauche la- bas. Toinette (avec terreur) Non ! non ! pas ce mauvais presage ! Franqois (la pressant) Alors, sois sage !... Dis-moi que tu m'entends. (Toinette secarte de lui comme avec hor- reur.) Francois (sadly) Because of my age? Toinette (kindly) Not so, it is not that! Francois (with a gesture toward the left back) Because of him who went by there? Toinette Well I esteem you; Could I marry you, loving him? FRANgois (with rough kindness) Bah! You only think you love him. When you're my lawful wife You'll think of him no more, Who by to-morrow will have flown To seek some new love, Just as he roams in passing from sheaf to sheaf. The Vagabond (his voice is heard closer by) Keep on cutting and cut again ! Cut an every sheaf in turn. FRANgois Learn from me, obstinate one, Though you will not listen to me, That this refrain speaks your destiny — He will cut you down as he reaps yonder grain. No, Toinette (terrified) no! not this evil omen! FRANgois (urgently) Then, be sensible! Say that you will listen to me — (Toinette draws away from him in horror) 12 LE CHEMINEAU Le Chemineau (s'approchant) L'grand gas cogne et le roi trinqu'. Coup' quat' javell' et coup's-en cinq. Viv' la Jeannett' qui n'fut pas reine, Et moi qu'ai-z'eu son etrenne ! Coup' toujours et coupe encor ! Chaqu' javell' f'ra son tas d'or. SCENE III Le Chemineau, Toinette, Les Moissonneurs Le Chemineau (arrive par le fond, d'une al- lure vive et gate) Ohe ! les sans courage ! Ohe ! les endormis !... On renacle a, l'ouvrage, On boit sans les amis, On s'emplit la bousille, On courtise la fille, Tandis que le bon drille, Suant sous son chapeau, Seul avec sa faucille, A chanter s'egosille, Comme un grillon qui grille, Du soleil plein la peau. Toinette (a couru vivement prendre sous nn buisson une gourde qxielle lui apporte.) Tiens, bois cette gourde plus fraiche. Thomas (reveille) Matin ! On te soigne. Le Chemineau (boit avidement) En effet. Toinette N' a-t-il pas plus que vous gorge seche A chanter tout le temps comme il fait ?. The Vagabond (approaching) The knave he wins, and the king he sips, Cut four sheaves, cut five of them. Long live Jeannette who became no queen, And myself who had a gift of her! Keep on cutting and cut again! Every sheaf has a tassel of gold. SCENE III The Vagabond, Toinette, The Reapers The Vagabond (coming up from rear of stage, gay and lively) Holloa! you spiritless fellows! Holloa! you sleepers! You give the go-by to your work, You drink without your friends, You eat your fill, You flirt with the girl, While this poor devil Must sweat hard, And alone with his sickle Must take it out in singing, Like a roasting cricket, Baked in the sun! Toinette (has quickly run to get a gourd from beneath a bush. She brings it him) Here, drink from this gourd ! It's fresher. Thomas (awake) You rascal! They take good care of you — The Vagabond (drinks with avidity) You're right! Toinette Is his throat not dryer than yours From singing right along as he has been doing? THE VAGABOND 13 Le Chemineau (gaiement, s'arretant de boire) Pas trop. J'en ai l'accoutumance, Ainsi que les oiseaux des bois. Quand j'ai fini je recommence, Et c'est tout pareil quand je bois. (II se remet a vider la gourde.) (Maitre Pierre est entre par le fond de droite pendant les demieres paroles du Chemi- NEAU.) SCENE IV Maptre Pierre, Francois, Le Chemineau, Les Moissonneurs Maitre Pierre (en s'avangant) Bois a ton aise, Bon chemineau. Tu boirais un tonneau Par ce temps de fournaise, Je ne m'en plaindrais pas. Plus tot, doublant le pas, Ma moisson sera faite. Francois (aux Moissonneurs) Ho! les gas, la fauoille au poing! Pour un qui manque on n'est pas en deroute. (lis le suivent vers le fond, a gauche.) Le Chemineau (pendant quils s'en vont) Le temps de casser la croute, On vous rejoint. (II se met a manger hdtivement.) Maitre Pierre (a voix basse) Oui, reste ! Ecoute. (II fait signe a Toinette de s'' 'eloigner par la droite. Elle lui obeit et sort en envoy ant au Chemineau un baiser, qu'il lui renvoie derriere le dos de Maitre Pierre.) The Vagabond (gaily, ceasing to drink) Not very. I'm used to it, Just like the woodland birds. Once I'm through, I begin again, And it's all the same to me when I drink. (He reapplies himself to emptying the gourd. Master Pierre has entered from the right back while The Vagabond is utter- ing the last ivords.) SCENE IV Master Pierre, Francois, The Vagabond, The Reapers Master Pierre (advancing) Drink at your ease, My good Vagabond. You might drink a barrel During this furnace weather, I would not complain. Working twice as fast, my harvest Will be gathered the sooner. Francois (to the Reapers) Ho there, boys, sickle in hand! If one be missing there's no harm done. ( They follow him toioard the left back) The Vagabond (as they go off) Just the time to take a bite, And I'll rejoin you. (He eats hastily) Master Pierre (in a low tone) Yes, wait! Listen! (He signs Toinette to go, to the right. She obeys and goes off, waving a kiss to the Vagabond, ivho returns it behind Master Pierre's back.) 14 LE CHEMINEAU SCENE V Maitre Pierre, Le Chemineau Maitre Pierre Dis-moi, bon chemineau, Mon grand' taur blanc Que tout le rnonde envie Et qui ralait la mort au flanc, Comment l'as-tu remis en vie, Si fort, si beau ? Dis-le-moi, bon chemineau! Le Chemineau (a la fois gognenard et mysterieux) Ho! ho! Ho! ho! Ho! ho! Ho! ho ! Tire lire la ou. laire, Tire lire la ou laire. Cest mon affaire. Oh! oh! Maitre Pierre Et mes brebis sans laine, Tout mon troupeau perdu, Avec quoi leur as-tu rendu La toison pleine ? Le Chemineau {meme jeu, en sifflotant) Hu! hu! Hu! hu! Hu! hu! Hu! hu! La ou laire tire lire, La ou laire tire lire, Faut-il le dire ? Hu! hu! Maitre Pierre Oui, oni, dis-le-moi, mon ami. Le Chemineau {meme jeu, riant) Hi! hi! Hi! hi! Hi! hi! Hi! hi! Qsl se fait; point ca ne se dit. Maitre Pierre Cest done des secrets de sorcier ? Le Chemineau {grave) He! he! He! he! SCENE V Master Pierre, The Vagabond Master Pierre Tell me, my good Vagabond, My big white bull That everybody envies me, Who lay with the death-rattle in his throat — How did you resurrect him In his strength and his beauty? Tell me, my good Vagabond! The Vagabond {roguishly and mysteriously at the same time) Hojio! Ho ho! Ho ho! Ho ho! Tra la la la la la lo! Tra la la la la la lo! That's for me to know! Ho ho! Master Pierre And my bare sheep, My flock that had lost its wool, What did you give them To make it grow again? The Vagabond {as before, whistling) Hoo hoo! Hoo hoo! Hoo hoo! Hoo hoo! Tra la la la la la la loo! Tra la la la la la la loo! Must I tell you? Hoo hoo! Master Pierre Yes, yes, tell me, my friend! The Vagabond {as before, laughing) Hee hee! Hee hee! Hee hee! Hee hee! 'Tis done, but is not told, you see. Master Pierre What are they then, sorcerer's secrets? The Vagabond {seriously) Ha ha! — Ha ha! THE VAGABOND MaItre Pierre Peux-tu me les vendre quand meme ? 15 Le Chemineau Non!... Je les donne a ceux que j'aime. Ma!tre Pierre Reste avec nous, tu m'aimeras. Sois mon premier gargon de ferme. Pour t'avoir, je te paierai gras. Tiens! Par an, cent pistoles ferme. Le Chemineau Cent pistoles ? Maitre Pierre Oui. Le Chemineau C'est un tas. Maitre Pierre Alors, on fait « tope,)) hein ? mon gas ? Le Chemineau (meme jen que plus haul) Ho! ho! Hu! hu! Hi! hi! He! he! Ah! ah! Maitre Pierre C'est-a-dire ?... Le Chemineau La ou laire tirelire! La ou laire tirelire! Malurette et malure, Malurette et malure, J'y reflechirai. (Le bousculant.) En attendant, fais-moi place nette! J'ai des choses a dire a Toinette. (Allant vers la droite au fond et appelant.) Eh! Toinette! Master Pierre At any rate, will you sell them to me? The Vagabond No, I give them to those I love. Master Pierre Stay with me, you'll grow fond of me. Take charge of my farm-hands. I'd pay well to get you. Ay, A hundred pistoles a year! The Vagabond A hundred pistoles? Master Pierre Yes. The Vagabond That's a lot of money. Master Pierre Well then, shake on it, eh, my boy? The Vagabond (same business as before) Ho ho! Hoo hoo! Hee hee! Ha ha! Ah ah! Master Pierre That's to say? — The Vagabond Tra la la la la la lo! Tra la la la la la lo! Twiddledee, twiddledum, Twiddledum, twiddledee, I'll think it over. (thrusting him aside) Meanwhile, get out! I've something to say to Toinette. (Going to back of stage, right, and calling) Oh! Toinette! 16 LE CHEMINEAU Maitre Pierre (a part) Laissons-les. Elle a de l'attrait. S'il pouvait en tenir pour elle, il resterait. (77 s'en va par le fond a gauche.) Le Chfmineau (a droite, appelant) Eh! Toinette! SCENE VI Toinette, Le Chemineau Toinette (arrivant par le fond) II est parti ? Le Chemineau Mais oui, Ma douce. Viens sur ce banc de mousse, Viens pres de moi, tout pres, Pour qu'a ton baiser frais Ma joie en toi refleurisse. Toinette Non; pas en ce moment. Le Chemineau Quel est done ton caprice ? Toinette (s'asseyant, suppliante) Te parler gravement. O mon aime, sois brave. Le Chemineau Mais, Toinette, rien n'est plus grave Qu'un gueux quetant la charite. Or, je la quete, en verite. Pourquoi me dire un non farouche ? Pourquoi, mechante, refuser A ce mendiant de baiser L'aumone de ta bouche ? {Tout en chantant, il Va attiree sur sa bouche.) Master Pierre (aside) I'll let him be. She's attractive. If he can stand it for her sake, he'll stay. (Exit left, back) The Vagabond (at the right, calling) Oh! Toinette! SCENE VI Toinette, The Vagabond Toinette (entering from back) Has he gone? The Vagabond Why yes, My sweet! Come, take this mossy bench. Come close to me, quite close, That in your dewy kisses My joy in you reflower. Toinette No, not this time — The Vagabond Well, what's your fancy now? Toinette (sitting down; appealingly) To talk seriously with you, my beloved, To ask you to be good. The Vagabond But, Toinette, there's no one better Than a beggar asking for charity ! I'm asking you for alms, and that's the truth. Why give me such a savage 'no'? Why be unkind and refuse This mendiant of kisses The charity of your lips? (While singing he has drawn her to his lips.) THE VAGABOND 17 Toinette (alanguie, puis melancolique) Ah! tu sais, mieux que nos garcons, Parler en mots jolis, cueillis dans tes chansons Et mon cceur pris par ta voix tendre Se grise au miel de les entendre. Mais le vent qui va frivolant Les emporte. Le Chemineau S'il les emporte d'un vol lent, Le reste, qu'importe ? Laisse-toi, si la chanson te plait, Cajoler jusqu'au dernier couplet. Profite du bonheur complet Que le hasard t'amene. C'est toujours ca de pris Sur la misere humaine. Toinette Helas! c'est un bonheur qui ment Que le notre. II va passer et j'en voudrais un autre Qui dure eternellement. Le Chemineau Par quel mystere ? Toinette Par celui qui reunit Deux oiseaux dans un seul nid. Ce bonheur-la, jamais il ne finit. (Insinuante) On aurait son foyer, son coin de terre... Mais d'ou vient que tu souris ? Le Chemineau C'est de me voir les pieds pris En vieux cheval a l'entrave ; De voir l'oiseau libre et fol Arreter soudain son vol Et s'enraciner au sol Comme une rave. Toinette (languorously, then sadly) Ah, you know how, better than do our boys, To speak sweet words such as you sing; And my heart, snared by your tender voice, Intoxicates itself with their honey; But the wanton wind that blows Carries them away. The Vagabond If the wind carries them slowly off, What matters the rest? Be at rest, and if you like the song, Cherish it to the very last line. The profit of perfect happiness, Which chance has brought you, Is always that much gained Over and above life's miseries. Toinette Alas, it is a happiness that lies, This happiness of ours; It is but passing, and I'd have one That lasts forever. The Vagabond Through what mysterious agency? Toinette Through Him who brings together Two birds within one nest. Such happiness can find no end. (insinuatingly) There would be one's hearth, one's bit of ground — But why do you smile? The Vagabond To see myself snared, Like some old hobbled horse; To see the wild, free bird Suddenly arrest his flight, And take root in the earth Like a beet! 18 LE CHEMINEAU Non, non, uon, non, non, non, Toinette, ma Toinon. Demande-moi tout, le ciel et la terre, Et de mettre une etoile a ton anneau ; Mais ne demande pas au Chemineau D'etre proprietaire. Toinette (inierdite) Pardon, pardon ! J'avais tort de rever ainsi. Non, tu n'es pas fait pour rester ici. Chacun doit suivre sa nature ; La tienne, c'est d'etre en chemin. Mais emmene-moi par la main, O mon beau coureur d'aventure ! Et j'irai n'importe ou, Mon bien-aime, mon fou, Si tu me laisses mettre Mes deux bras a ton cou, O mon maitre ! Le Chemineau (grave et triste) Helas !... Helas !... Ce serait te promettre, Pour de bons moments trop de mauvais pas, Trop de nuits sans lits, de jours sans repas, Ou le coeur se serre. Moi, mon euir est tanne par ce vent de misere ! A toi, bouton de rose, il serait hasardeux. Toinette (tres tendre) Non, mais brise d'avril, s'il souffle sur nous deux. Le Chemineau (s'alanguissant) Jamais mots de tendresse pareille N'ont plus doux caresse mon oreille, Non, jamais. Toinette Tu pourras, de tendresse aussi tendre, Tout de long de ta vie en entendre Desormais. No, no no no no no, Toinette, my Toinette! Ask what you will, the sky, the earth, That I should set a star in your ring, But do not ask the Vagabond To become a landed proprietor! Toinette (abashed) Forgive me, forgive me! I did wrong to dream it: Nay, you were not made to settle here. Each one should do as his own nature urges, And 'tis the open road that calls to you. But take my hand, lead me off, My brave seeker after adventures; I'll go with you no matter where, My love, my madman, If you'd but let me place These arms of mine about your neck, O my master! The Vagabond (seriously and sadly) Alas, alas! You'd have to barter For joy's brief moments, too many awkward steps, Too many bedless nights, days without rest, When the heart wearies. My skin is tanned by the wind of adversity : You, little rose-bud, dare not tempt its chill! Toinette (very tenderly) Nay, 'twere an April breeze, if breathing on us two. The Vagabond (icith languor) Never have such tender words Fallen with sweeter caress upon my ear — No, never! Toinette Such tenderness, if you will, May be yours to listen to for all Your life to come — THE VAGABOND 19 Le Chemineau (s'ecartant brusquement) O douceur lache ou je m'attarde ! J'en ai les pieds comme perclus. Si tu ne pars pas seul, prends garde ! Tu ne partiras plus. Toinette (le rejoignant) Que dis-tu, seul, a voix basse ? Le Chemineau (trouble, se ressaisissant) Que le temps passe, Et qu'il faut la-bas ma chanson Pour finir la moisson. Toinette (gaiement, le poussant vers la gauche) C'est vrai, paresseux, va vite ! (Elle se met a ranger les ecuelles.) Moi je range tout. Tra de ri de ra ! (Avec une joie d" enfant.) Ce soir ensemble on partira. Le Chemineau (de loin, avant de disparaitre) Pauvre petite ! SCENE VII Toinette (seule, rangeant) Et dire qu'on L'avait traite De vaurien ehonte ! Avec ce vaurien-la, moi, j'irai tete haute; Et pour lui j'ai faute sans remords de ma faute. SCF.NE VIII Maitre Pierre, Toinette, Le Chemineau (a la cantonade) Maitre Pierre (est revenu par le fond a gauche et a entendu les dernieres paroles de Toinette) Alors il sera ton epoux ? The Vagabond (drawing away brusquely) O cowardly volupty that stays my steps! It seems to have lamed my feet. — If you do not go alone, take heed, You will not go at all. Toinette (rejoining him) What is it you are saying to yourself? The Vagabond (controlling his agitation) Time's running on. And there below they need my song To finish with their reaping! Toinette (gaily, pushing him toward the left) 'Tis true, lazy-bones, hurry along! (She begins to replace the boivls) I'll put everything in order. Tra la, tra la di dey! (ivith childish joy) This evening we'll go away together! The Vagabond (going, before he disappears) Poor little thing! SCENE VII Toinette (at work) And to think that they call him A shameless good-f or-naught ! Beside such a good-for-naught I'd walk with pride ! For him I've sinned, without remorse for sin. 4 SCENE VIII Master Pierre, Toinette, the Vagabond (heard in the' distance) Master Pierre (He has returned from the back, left, and has heard Toinette's last words) Well, then, is he going to marry you? 20 LE CHEMINEAU Toinette (fierement) Dame oui, notre maitre, j'espere. Maitre Pierre Quel bonheur ! il reste chez nous, Et voila ma ferine prospere. Le Chemineau (an fond, a gauche, a la cantonade) Coup' toujours et coupe encor ! Chaqu' javell' f ra son tas d'or. Maitre Pierre Entends de quel coeur il moissonne Et dans Tor de sa voix l'or de mon ble qui sonne. scene IX FRANgois, Maitre Pierre, Toinette, Le Chemineau (a la cantonade) FRANgois (entrant par le fond a gauche) Maitre, tour est fait jusqu'au dernier brin Et sans l'autre avec son refrain. Toinette Tu mens ! Ecoute. Le Chemineau (au loin) Coupe encor et coup' toujours ! Chaqu' javelle aura son tour. FRANgois C'est qu'il est gai de se remettre en route. Toinette Lui !... Mais il ne s'en va pas ! FRANgois (montrant le fond a droite) Regarde la-bas, Passe le vieux saule, Toinette (proudly) Indeed, yes, I should hope so, my master! Master Pierre That's excellent! He'll stay with us, And now my farm shall prosper. The Vagabond (at the back, left, off-stage) Keep on cutting and cut again! Each sheaf has a tassel of gold. Master Pierre He's reaping with all his heart, 'Tis my golden grain that sings in his voice of gold. SCENE IX FRANgois, Master Pierre, Toinette, The Vagabond (heard in the distance) FRANgois (enters from the back, left) Master, all is done, down to the last straw, Without that fellow and his song! Toinette You lie! Listen — The Vagabond Keep on cutting and cut again! Cut an every sheaf in turn. FRANgois He's glad to get back to the road again. Toinette He? But he's not going! FRANgois (pointing toward the right, back) Look down yonder, Beyond the old willow THE VAGABOND 21 Au bord du chemin, Sa trique a la main, Son sac a l'epaule. Toinette (regardant) Non, ce n'est pas lui ! Maitre Pierre (regardant aitssi) Si, le mauvais drole, C'est lui qui s'enfuit. Toinette (voulant courir vers lui) Ah ! Chemineau ! FRANgois (la retenant) Tais-toi. Toinette (se debattant) Laisse-moi Qu'avec lui je m'en aille. Maitre Pierre Oui, laisse-la. FRANgois Suivre cette canaille ! Non, jamais !... Toinette (violemment) Je l'aime, entends-tu ! Je suis sans honte et sans vertu, Et pire encor qu'on ne suppose, La sienne, as-tu compris, sa chose. FRANgois (la tenant toujours) Ah ! dis ce que tu veux pour m'emplir de chagrin, Tu ne t'en iras pas avec ce malandrin. Toinette Si, si ! By the roadside, His cudgel in his hand, His bag over his shoulder — Toinette No! that is not he! Master Pierre (also looking) Yes, the scoundrelly fellow, 'Tis he who's running away! Toinette (attempting to run after him) Ah, Vagabond! FRANgois (holding her back) Be still! Toinette (as they struggle) Let me be! I am going away with him! Master Pierre Yes, leave her alone. FRANgois To follow that rascal? No, never : Toinette (violently) 1 love him, do you hear? I've neither shame nor virtue, I'm even worse than you may think, — I'm his, d'you understand, his creature! FRANgois (still holding her) Ah, say what you will to fill me with sorrow; Yet you shall not follow that rascal. Toinette Yes, yes! 22 Maitre Pierre Lache-la done. Tu vois bien qu'elle est folle LE CHEMINEAU Master Pierre Release her! Do you not see that she is mad? Toinette (a genoux, 'puis vautree a terre et sanglotant) La-bas... Je veux aller la-bas ! Oui, je suis folle, folle, folle, folle, folle ! Les fous, on ne les guerit pas. Franqois (la cdlinant) On les console. Le Chemineau (tres loin) Coupe encor et coup' toujours ! Chaqu' javelle aura son tour. (Rideau) Toinette (sinking to her knees, then flat on the ground, sobbing) Down there, I want to go down there! Yes, I am mad, mad, mad, mad, mad! And the mad cannot be cured. Franqois (caressing her) They can be consoled — The Vagabond (far in the distance) Keep on cutting and cut again! Cut an every sheaf in turn. ( Curtain) ACTE DEUXIEME Interieur de paysan a la ires humble aisance. A droite, au 'premier plan, aire large et pro- fond dans lequel on pent s'asseoir. Pres de Voire, tin grand fauteuil de malade ou Francois est assis, face an public. A sa gauche, tin petit meuble bas, servant a la fois de table et de siege. A gauche, au premier plan, porte et lucarne donnant sur la cour. En scene, grande table carree sur laquelle Toinette repasse du linge. Au fond, a gauche, haute ar moire-buffet; au milieu, porte donnant sur la cam- pagne; a droite, large fenetre a cintre ecrase, garnie de rideaux de cotonnade; plus a, droite, presque dans le coin de la chambre, horloge a gaine. SCENE PREMIERE Toinette, Francois Toinette {repassant et considerant Francois absorbs) Toujours la tete basse, A ruminer ton mal au coin du feu !... Sois patient, mon homme, un peu !... Le mal vient, le mal passe. Franqois A mon age il ne fait plus grace. Ah! quand on s'epousa, Voila vingt ans de ga, J'etais encor dur a la peine Malgre ma cinquantaine. Mais a, present, vieux et perclus, C'est bien fini, je n'en peux plus. Moi, jadis si plein de courage, Rester la fourbu, c'est honteux. ACT THE SECOND A peasant interior of the most humble sort. At the right front a large and deep hearth pro- vided with seats. Near the hearth a large arm-chair in which Francois, who is ill, is seated facing the audience. At his left, a small low piece of furniture which may be used either as a chair or a table. At the left front, a door and dormer-window fac- ing on the court. Downstage a large square table at which Toinette is ironing. At the back a high clothespress and cup- board; in the centre a door opening on the countryside; at the right a broad window with a low arch, hung with calico curtains; more to the right, almost in the corner of the room, a large clock. SCENE I Toinette, Francois Toinette (ironing, and observing the musing FRANgois) Always with drooping head He thinks of his illness in his chimney corner! Have a bit of patience, my man! Evil comes and evil goes. Francois But at my age it knows no mercy. Ah, when we married, Some twenty years ago, I was still inured to hardship In spite of my fifty years; But now, old and broken, That's all over, I'm at the end of my tether! I, once so full of courage, Lingering, foundered — it is shameful! [23] 24 LE CHEMINEAU Toinette (rangeant le linge dans Varmoire) Bah! notre Toinet en vaut deux Pour l'ouvrage. II t'y remplace aujourd'hui, Le bon gas, et grace a lui Nous nous tirons d'affaire. Toi qui nous donnas ce foyer, Tu n'as plus besoin d'y rien faire. C'est notre tour de t'y choyer. Tu nous y choyais naguere. Francois (tres tendrement) Ah ! notre cher fils, c'est pour lui, vraiment, Que j'ai le plus de tourment. Toinette Pour lui ?... Que veux-tu dire ? Francois II est triste, et je n'en connais pas la raison. (Avec attendrissement.) Autrefois, notre maison Se fleurissait de son rire ; C'etait un soleil bienfaisant Quand il ouvrait la porte ; Quand il rentre a, present, C'est du noir qu'il apporte. (Toinette fait des gestes de denegation.) Ne dis pas non ! Je sais bien que si. II a du chagrin. Toi, sa mere, aussi. Et de vous voir ainsi Tous deux lugubre mine, Viola qui plus que tout me mine. Pour le garder si fort, votre secret, C'est done qu'il est bien grave et qu'il m'ache- verait ? SCENE II Aline, Franqois, Toinette (Aline entre brusquement et se jette en pleurant dans les bras de Toinette.) Toinette (laying away her linen in the cup- board) Bah! Our Toinet can do Two men's work. He'll take your place now, the good lad, And, thanks to him, We'll get clear of our troubles. You, who made this home for us, Need no longer work for it; It is our turn now to spoil you, You who were spoiling us but lately. FRANgois (very tenderly) Ah, our dear son, 'tis on his account, To tell the truth, that I worry most. Toinette On his account? — What do you mean? Francois He is sad, and I know not why. (moved) Formerly the house Resounded with his laughter, It seemed as though a quick'ning ray of sun- light Entered when he opened the door. And now, when he comes in, He brings black shadows with him. (Toinette makes gestures of dissent) Do not deny it — I know that it is so! He is worried. And so are you, his mother. And to see you both thus With mournful faces, Undermines me more than aught else. If you guard this secret of yours so carefully, It must be a very grave one, one that will finish me! SCENE II Aline, Francois, Toinette (Aline enters suddenly, and throws herself weeping into Toinette's arms) THE VAGABOND 25 Aline Ah ! ma bonne Toinette !... Francois (se soulevant effare) Vous, ici ! La fille a Maitre Pierre ! A l'homrae qui me hait Depuis qu'il n'est plus mon maitre ! Et c'est ma femme qui dans ses bras la caline ! Aline Oh ! pardon ! mais je souffre tant ! Mon pere a l'instant Vient de tout connaitre, Et quand j'ai dit ne vouloir etre Qu'a celui que j'aimais, II m'a presque battue en criant : « Non, jamais ! )) (Dans un sanglot.) « Non, jamais » ! FRANgOIS Je dois rever, croyant que je devine. Vous aimez qui ? Aline Toinet. Franqois (accable) Bonte divine ! Toinette Tu sais maintenant pour quelle raison Le deuil etait dans ta maison. Francois II fallait m'en instruire Sitot que tu l'appris. Toinette (melancoliquement) C'est trop tard pour le dire Quand les coeurs se sont pris. Aline Ah, my dear Toinette! Francois (raising himself in affright) You, here! Master Pierre's daughter! The man who has hated me Ever since he ceased to be my master! And my wife embraces her with a caress! — Aline Forgive me! but I suffer so! My father has just chanced To discover everything; And when I told him I only wished to belong To the one I loved, He came near beating me, crying: 'No, never!' (with a sob) 'No, never!' Francois I must be dreaming, yet think I can divine- Whom do you love? Aline Toinet! Francois (overcome) God's mercy! Toinette Now you know the reason Of all the sorrow in your home. Franqois You should have told me As soon as you knew yourself. Toinette (sadly) It was too late to tell you, When their hearts had found each other. 26 LE CHEMINEAU Franqois Ou ? Quand ? TOINETTE Pourquoi chercher, mon horn me ? Quand on s'aime, on ignore comme. Aline Les bois ont des sentiers ; l'eglise a des re- coins. Toinette (tendre et maternelle) Mais ils pouvaient se joindre, et mieux, ils se sont joints. Aline On avait plus de peine et partant plus de fete. Toinette (avec line grande emotion) Bref, quand le gas m'a dit la chose, elle etait faite. •J Aline Nous etions engages par les derniers aveux. Toinette II ne me restait plus qu'a partager leurs voeux. Francois Croire, toi, comme cette innocente, Que jamais Maltre Pierre y consente, N'est-ce pas fou ? Toinette Je m'en disais autant ; Mais je suis mere et j'esperais pourtant !... SCENE III Toinet, Toinette, Francois, Aline (Toinet est entre sans etre va pendant la fi?i de la scene precedente.) Franqois Where? When? Toinette Why try to find out, my man? When we love, we know not how nor why. Aline There are paths in the woods — corners in the church — Toinette (with maternal tenderness) The less chance for their meeting, the oftener they met. Aline It was all the harder, yet all the greater joy! Toinette (with great emotion) In short, when the boy told me of it, it was done. pa a H w o o H Aline We are pledged to each other by the most sacred vows. Toinette There was naught for me to do but share their hopes. Francois Share this innocent's belief, if you will, But that Master Pierre will ever consent, Is it not a mad idea? Toinette That's what I told myself, But I am a mother and I hoped against hope! SCENE III Toinet, Toinette, Franqois, Aline (Toinet has entered unperceived during the close of the preceding scene) THE VAGABOND 27 TOINET Ah ! vous aviez tort, ma mere, et j'en pleure. Apprenez plutot ce que tout a l'heure II vient de me dire en nous insultant. Je rentrais des champs. Je le vois, je passe. (D'une voix farouche, entrecoupee de sanglots.) « Ecoute, Toinet, fait-il a voix basse, Tes parents et toi vous etes des gueux, Si vous comptez qu'Aline (Douloureux.) soit tienne. (Cruel et douloureux.) Je 1'aimerais mieux morte qu'avec eux. (Avec durete.) Dis-lui qu'avec moi vite elle revienne, Sinon, gare a vous !... J'ai votre secret !... » Puis, plus bas ancore et la bouche amere, Dans un grincement qui me dechirait : (( Dis-leur bien ca, hein. (Terrific.) Surtout a ta mere !... » Je n'ai pas compris. J'ai soif de savoir. (Toinette se prepare a parler.) Francois (lui imposant silence) Tais-toi, j'ai seul, en somme, Le droit et le devoir De parler a cet homme. (^4 Toinet, lui dSsignant la porte a gauche.) Va dans la cour, mon gas. (A Aline, en lui design ant la porte du fond, d'une voix grondante de colere.) Vous, rentrez de ce pas. Dites a votre pere Que sous mon toit j'espere Sa visite aujourd'hui ; Ou que sinon chez lui Je me ferai porter pour qu'il me satisfasse, Et qu'on s'explique net, nous et lui, face a. face !... (Toinet et Aline lui obeissant s'en vont a, pas lents, puis se retournant sur le seuil.) Toinet Ah, you were wrong, Mother, and I weep That I must tell you what, this very moment, He came and told me, insulting us. — Coming from the fields, I saw him, passed him by. (Savagely, his voice broken by sobs) 'Listen, Toinet', he said in a low voice, 'You and your parents are the merest beggars, And you are planning (sorrowfidly) To make Aline your own. I'd sooner see her dead than living with you. (harshly) Tell her to come back to me, and quickly! If not, beware ! — I know your secret ! ' — Then, lower still, with bitterness, And grinding his teeth until I shuddered : 'Be sure and tell them that, eh? — (ivith terror) Your mother in particular! ' — I did not understand. What could he mean? (Toinette prepares to speak) Francois (silencing her) Be still. 'Tis I alone, all said, Whose right it is, and duty, To speak to this man. (To Toinet, pointing to the door at the left) Go into the yard, my boy. (To Aline, showing door at back, in a voice fierce with rage) You, go back at once, And tell your father That I await his visit Beneath my roof to-day; Or, if he will not come, I'll be carried to him, to get me satisfaction, For an explanation, he and I, face to face! (Toinet and Aline obediently go off slowly, then turn at the threshold) 28 LE CHEMINEAU Toinet (du seuil) Helas ! nos pauvres amours, On va leur casser les ailes ! Aline (de meme) Ne crains rien pour nos amours, Si nos coeurs y sont fideles. Toinet Au vent noir des mauvais jours, Helas !... que deviendront-elles ? Aline Si nous nous aimons toujours, Nul ne pourra rien contre elles. Apres l'hiver les beaux jours ! (Avec emotion.) Et bientot, a, tire-d'ailes, Nous aurons de gais retours Comme en ont les hirondelles. Aline et Toinet (ensemble) Nous aurons de gais retours Comme en ont les hirondelles. (lis sortent, elle par le fond, lux a gauche.) SCENE IV FRANgOIS, TOINETTE Toinette (cdlinant FRANgois) La fievre est dans tes doigts, Mon pauvre homme, regarde ; N'en fais pas plus que tu ne dois, Prends garde ! Attends demain, ce n'est pas long. Demain, plus gaillard et d'aplomb, Tu pourras le confondre ; Mais, aujourd'hui, Laisse-moi seule aller vers lui Pour lui repondre. Toinet (from the threshold) Alas, our poor loves! Their wings are going to be broken! Aline (the same) Have no fear for our loves, If our hearts are but faithful to them. Toinet When borne on by an ill wind Alas, what will become of them? Aline If we keep on loving each other, Nothing can harm them. After winter come days of spring! (with feeling) And then, with fluttering wings, They will come gaily back to us As the swallows do. Aline and Toinet (together) They will come gaily back to us As the swallows do. (Exeunt, she at back, he to left) SCENE IV FRANgois, Toinette Toinette (fondling FRANgois) The fever's in your hands, My poor boy, see here; Do no more than you must! Take care of yourself! Wait for to-morrow, 'tis not long; To-morrow you'll feel better and easier: Then you can confound him. But to-day, Let me go to him alone And answer him. THE VAGABOND 29 SCENE V MaItre Pierre, Toinette, FRANgois Maitre Pierre (entrant brusquement) Alors, c'est vous qui m'en voulez ? Qu'avez-vous a dire ? Parlez ! Toinette (humblemenl) Maitre Pierre, je vous en conjure... Maitre Pierre (insolemment) Conjure ; mais, en attendant, Tiens ta langue, c'est plus prudent. FRANgois (calme) Pourquoi ce ton d'injure ?... Maitre Pierre (violemment) Est-ce avec des mots enjoleurs Qu'on fait la chasse aux voleurs ? Toinette et FRANgois (indignes) Nous, voleurs ! Maitre Pierre (de plus en plus violent) Oui, de ma fille, Que vous attirez chez vous, Ann qu'elle ait pour epoux Un va-nu-pieds qui nous pille. (Vociferant.) Pas tant que je vivrai, bon Dieu !... Tenez, jouons plutot franc jeu. Moi, pour empecher qu'on l'enjole Je ferai tout. (A Toinette, terrible, en insistent.) Tu m'entends ? Tout. Pour vous mater, vous et votre drole, J'irai, s'il le faut, jusqu'au bout. Reglez done votre conduite Sur mes desirs obeis. SCENE V Master Pierre, Toinette, FRANgois Master Pierre (entering brusquely) Well, 'tis you has a grudge against me? What have you to say? — Speak! Toinette (humbly) Master Pierre, I implore you — Master Pierre (insolently) Implore; but meanwhile, Hold your tongue, 'twould be more prudent. FRANgois Why this insulting tone? Master Pierre (violently) Do we hunt thieves With flattering words? Toinette, FRANgois (indignant) We, thieves? Master Pierre (more and more violent) Yes, stealing my daughter! You lure her here to your home In order to give her for a husband A beggar who'll plunder us! (shouting) Not while I live, by God! Wait a moment, let's be honest. I'll do anything To prevent his turning her head — (To Toinette, terribly, insistently) You understand me? Anything! To get you under, you and that rogue of yours, I will, if need be, go to the limit. So order your conduct According to my wishes — obey! 30 LE CHEMINEAU {Farouche, d'tine voix rauque.) Et decampez tout de suite Du pays. Francois (outre, formidable) Assez ! Assez ! Prenez la porte ! En voila trop que je supporte. Nous trait er en vaincus a genoux! Et vouloir nous chasser de chez nous, Comme si nous etions pour salir sa famille, Et comme si mon fils ne valait pas sa fille ! Maitre Pierre (ironiqne) Ah ! ah ! ah ! ah ! Ton fils !... Souviens-toi de jadis. Franqois Non ! non, de rien, d'aucune histoire. Ma Toinette a vecu de fagon meritoire. L'enfant est un saint du bon Dieu. C'est mon gas, c'est mon fils, c'est mon fieu ! Je 1' adore. Maitre Pierre Le secret qu'il ignore, Si vous ne partez pas sans retard, Je vais, moi, le lui apprendre, Et qu'on ne prend pas pour gendre Un batard. Toinette Pitie ! Maitre Pierre Non ! Non ! Je le repete, Je le crie a tue-tete : C'est un batard fcbatard ! batard ! Franqois (souleve) Ah ! lache ! Et ne pouvoir, moi, debout, tete haute !... Ah ! si mon poing le tenait ! (Savagely, with a hoarse voice) And get out of the country At once! Franqois (in terrible wrath) Enough! Enough! There's the door! This is too much to ask me to bear. He acts as if we were kneeling at his feet! And thinks to drive us out of our home, As though we might defile his family, As if my son were not worth his daughter! Master Pierre (icith irony) Ah, ah, ah, ah! Your son! — Do you recall that formerly — Franqois No, no! nothing, no gossip — My Toinette has lived an honest life. The child is a gift of the good God. He's my boy, my son, my image — I adore him! Master Pierre If you do not at once decamp, The secret that is hidden from him Will be revealed by me. I'll teach him that people want no bastard Sons-in-law! Toinette Mercy ! Master Pierre No! No! I repeat it, I'll shout it at the top of my voice: He's a bastard, a bastard, a bastard! Franqois (raising himself) Ah, coward! And I not able to stand, to raise my head! Ah, could I but lay hands on him — I THE VAGABOND 31 (7/ fait le geste d'etrangler et avarice a pas saccades vers Maitre Pierre, qui recule et qu'il prend a la cravate.) Je... Je... Ah !... (7/ tombe comme une masse avec un grand cri aux pieds de Maitre Pierre.) Toinette (s'agenouillant pres de lui) Moii Dieu! Maitre Pierre (se sauvant) Tant pis, c'est sa faute. Toinette (affolee, courant vers la porte de gauche) Toinet !... Au secours ! Toinet !... (Rideau) (He clenches his hand as though strangling some one and advances haltingly toward Master Pierre, who falls back.) I— I— Ah! (With a loud crij he falls like a stone at the feet of Master Pierre) Toinette (kneeling beside him) My God! Master Pierre (off) So much the worse, it's his own fault. Toinette (overcome with terror, running to door at left) Toinet !— Help !— Toinet ! (Curtain) ACTE TROISIEME Un carrefour sur la grand 'route. A droite, au •premier plan, une auberge avec une en- seigne ; et devant la parte, une table et trois chaises. A gauche, au premier plan, faisant face a V auberge, une remise ; et devant la parte, un billot de bois pour poser la provende des chevaux. Au fond, au milieu, a I ' entre-croisement des deux routes (qui s'enfoncent en diagonale, Vune a droite, V autre a gauche), un poteau indicateur. Du poteau a Vhorizon, champs laboures. A Vhorizon, meme paysage qu'au premier acte. SCENE PREMIERE Thomas, Martin, Catherine (Martin et Thomas sont attables a I 'auberge et servis par Catherine.) Martin Vous n'avez pas l'air gai, Ta femme ni toi !... Catherine Ah ! pauvres gens, quelle tristesse !... Francois, frappe d'un coup de sang !... Et leur gas a present, Qui depuis un mois, pour noyer sa peine, D'auberge en cabaret se traine. (Dans le fond, a droite, arrive, titubant, hirsute, debraille, les yeux hagards, le geste vague, Toinet.) ACT THE THIRD A crossroads on the highway. At the right, front, a tavern with a signboard; before the door a table and three seats. At the left front, facing the tavern, a coach-house; be- fore the door a block of wood on which to place the horses' fodder. At the back, centre, at the crossing of the two roads (which traverse each other diagonally, one running to the right, the other to the left), a signpost. From the signpost to the sky- line, fields in cultivation. On the skyline the same landscape as in Act I. SCENE I Thomas, Martin, Catherine (Martin and Thomas are seated at the table before the tavern. Catherine is waiting on them.) Martin You do not seem happy, You and your wife! Catherine Ah, those unhappy people! How sad! Frangois has had a stroke! And there's their boy, Who for the past month, to drown his sorrow, Drags himself from tavern to pot-house. (At the back, right, appears Toinet, staggering, unshaven, his dress disordered, his eyes wild, vaguely gesticulating.) [32] THE VAGABOND 33 SCENE II Thomas, Martin, Catherine, Toinet Thomas (apercevant Toinet) Tiens, justement le voici. Catherine (avec pitie, le regardant) Lui, jadis si beau, si brave, Le voir ainsi, les yeux creux, ce teint de rave ! Un vrai fantome !... Pauvre gas !... (Toinet fait un pas, se dirige vers la gauche, mais d'une marche indecise, et comme allant au hasard.) Eh ! Toinet, ou vas-tu ?... Toinet (dans V hebetude, s'arretant) Sais pas !... La-bas !... La-bas !... La-bas !... Vers l'ivresse noire Ou de la memoire Les chagrins s'en vont, (// est arrive en scene a gauche pres de la remise ouverte.) Puisqu'on y fait taire Leurs cris qu'on enterre Dans un trou sans fond !... Catherine (avec douceur, lui montrant la remise) Si vous dormiez un bon somme ? La ! C'est frais, calme, obscur, Vous y seriez comme chez vous, tout comme. Toinet Oh ! mieux ! Bien mieux ! pour sur !... Chez nous, tout marche a la malheure. On n'y dort plus. Le pere, jusqu'au cerveau, perclus !... La mere qui pleure, pleure, pleure !... Et moi, lache ! lache ! lache et mauvais, Qui pour boire et boire m'en vais !... SCENE II Thomas, Martin, Catherine, Toinet Thomas (seeing Toinet) Why, there he is himself. Catherine (pityingly, looking at him) He used to be so handsome, so steadv, And to see him thus, hollow-eyed, red-faced, A very ghost! — Poor fellow! (Toinet takes a step forward, walking un- certainly to the left and at random) Thomas (spoken) Ho there! Toinet, where are you going? Toinet (in a stupor, stopping) Don't know!... Down below! Down below! Down below! To black drunkenness, Where all sorrows Fade from recollection, (He has reached the left front, near the open coach-house) For there they hush up The cries of those who're buried In a bottomless pit! Catherine (kindly, pointing to the coach- house) Suppose you had a good sleep There! It's cool, quiet and dark within; It would be just like being home. Toinet Oh, better, much better, I'm sure! — Everything is going down-hill at home. I can no longer sleep there. My father, dead below the head! My mother, weeping, weeping, weeping! — And I, coward, coward that I am, and base, Out to drink and drink and drink! 34 LE CHEMINEAU (Dechirant et douloureux.) Oh ! dormir, dormir !... Rien qu'une heure !... Si je pouvais ! Catherine (le poussant vers la remise) Ici, vous pourrez. Laissez-vous faire. (Pousse par elle, il y entre en sanglotant, et elle Vy suit.) SCENE III Thomas, Martin Thomas Eh ! Martin, tu n'es plus joyeux ?... Martin (pleurant) Non, Thomas, et j'en ai les yeux Qui mettent de l'eau dans mon verre. Martin !. Thomas Martin Thomas ! Thomas J'en fais autant. Thomas !.. Martin Thomas Martin ! Martin Ah ! quelle histoire !. Thomas Q& n'est pas gai !... (torn and anguished) Oh, to sleep, to sleep! Only one hour! If I only could! Catherine (urging him toward the coach- house) There, you shall! Let me show you. Thrust along by her he enters, sobbing, Cathe r- ine after him) SCENE III Thomas, Martin Thomas Well, Martin, you're no longer so gay? Martin (weeping) No, Thomas, my eyes run over And the tears fall into my glass. Martin! Thomas! Thomas Martin Thomas It's the same with me. Thomas ! Martin! Martin Thomas Martin Ah, what a story Thomas It's not a merry one! THE VAGABOND 35 Martin C'est attristant. Thomas Et pas encourageant a boire ! Martin Thomas ! Thomas Martin ! Martin Veux-tu m'en croire ? Thomas Je veux, Martin ! Martin Eh bien ! Thomas, Buvons quand meme. Thomas {prenant son verre) Voire ! Martin {meme jen) Voire ! Thomas {port ant son verre ct la bouche) Buvons !... Martin {meme jeu) Buvons !... {De plus en plus lugubres, Us reposent leurs verres sur la table sans avoir bu.) &3 m Martin Je ne peux pas !. Thomas Je ne peux pas !. Martin It's depressing. Thomas One can't enjoy one's drink! Thomas! Martin Thomas Martin! Martin Will you take my word for something? Thomas I will, Martin! Thomas Well, Thomas, Let's drink just the same. Thomas {raising his glass) Your health! Martin {same) Your health! Thomas {bringing glass to his lips) I drink to you! Martin {same) I drink to you! (With ever-increasing gloom they replace their glasses on the table ivithout having drunk) S m a o Martin I cannot! Thomas I cannot! 36 LE CHEMINEAU (lis recommencent a se regarder d'un air lugubre en s'essuyant les yeux avec leur manche.) SCENE IV Le Chemineau, Martin, Thomas (Du cote gauche a la cantonade, arrive, encore lointain, mais se rapprochant pen a pen, la voix du Chemineau qui chante en marchant d'un pas allegre.) Le Chemineau (a la cantonade, en pleine voix) Chantez mitaine, Et repondez miton, A la fontaine On y boira, fiston, Un coup d'pictaine, Et ti ton taine, Un coup d'pictaine, Un coup d'picton !... Martin (se levant) Ah ! quelle aubaine ! Celui-la nous change de ton. Le Chemineau (a la cantonade plus pres) Chantez mitaine, Et repondez miton, A la fontaine On y boira, fiston, Deux coups d'pictaine, Et ti ton taine, Deux coups d'pictaine, Deux coups d'picton !... Martin (avec admiration) Matin ! Quel vent dans sa poitrine !... Thomas (vers la remise appelant d'une voix forte) II doit avoir soif !... Catherine !... ( They once more look at each other gloomily and wipe their eyes with their sleeves) SCENE IV The Vagabond, Martin, Thomas (From the left wing, off -stage, there is heard in the distance, but gradually drawing nearer, the voice of the Vagabond, who sings as he tramps merrily along) The Vagabond Sing hay-dee-day, And hay-dee-dee, At the fountain We will drink. We'll drink a draught, Sing hay-dee-dee, We'll drink a draught At the fountain's brink! Martin (rising) Ah, what a relief! He'll make us change our tune. The Vagabond (off-stage, nearer) Sing hay-dee-day, And hay-dee-dee, At the fountain We will drink. We'll drink a draught, Sing hey-dee-dee, And we'll drink two At the fountain's brink! Martin (admiringly) The rascal! He has a bellows in his chest! Thomas (turning to coach-house and calling loudly) He must be thirsty! Catherine! THE VAGABOND 37 SCENE V Catherine, Thomas, Le Chemineau, Martin (Catherine sort de la remise, quelle refer me et accourt.) Catherine Quoi ?... Thomas (lui tendant le picket) Prends la bouteille, et ris en versant, De toi bouche en fraise qui saigne ; C'est la meilleure enseigne ; A montrer au passant. (Martin s'est rassis en face de Thomas. lis tendent leurs verres a Catherine, qui, tournee de profit, tient la bouteille en fair, prete a verser et le sourire aux levres.) Le Chemineau (d la cantonade, encor tout pres) Chantez mitaine Et repondez miton, A la fontaine On y boira, fiston. (II parait a gauche, et traverse vivement le fond, sans voir le groupe, car il se dirige vers le poteau indicateur des chemins.) Trois coups d'pictaine, Et ti ton taine, Trois coups d'pictaine, Trois coups d'picton ! Catherine (deque, avec mepris) Bouh ! TJn chemineau ! J'ai ri pour des pommes !... Thomas (se levant) lis ont des sous parfois. (S'avangant) Eh !... l'homme !... SCENE V Catherine, Thomas, The Vagabond, Martin (Catherine comes out of the coach-house, shuts the door, and runs up) Catherine Well? Thomas (holding out the pitcher to her) Take the pitcher, and laugh when you pour, With your lips as red "as cherries; That's the best signboard To show the passer-by. (Martin has seated himself facing Thomas. They hold out their glasses to Catherine, who, her face seen in profile, holds the pitcher high, ready to pour, a smile on her lips.) The Vagabond (off-stage, still nearer) Sing hay-dee-day, And hay-dee-dee, At the fountain We will drink. (He appears at the left, and quickly traverses the back, without seeing the group, for he turns his steps toward the signpost.) We'll drink a draught, Sing hay-dee-dee, And we'll drink three At the fountain's brink! Catherine (put out, with contempt) Bah! A tramp! I've wasted my smiles! Thomas (rising) They're not without coin, at times. (going forward) Ho, there! You! 38 LE CHEMINEAU Le Chemineau (se retournant) Quoi ! les hommes ? Thomas On n'a pas soif ? Le Chemineau Si, mais, tu vois, (Retournant ses poches vides) Plus de soif que de sommes. Thomas (renfrogne) Ah ! Le Chemineau (le rejoignant) Alors .? Thomas (de plus en plus renfrogni) Alors ?... Rien !... Voila !... (Martin, Thomas et Catherine font semblant de ne plus voir le Chemineau.) Le Chemineau (se rapprochant de la table) Combien la bouteille, ce petit vin-la ? Catherine Dix sous ! Le Chemineau (sifflant, puis goguenard) Pft ! Et la politesse Sans doute, avec ? Catherine (meprisante) Quelle ?... Le Chemineau (gaiement) De se torcher le bee A celui de l'hotesse. Thomas (deboui et furieux) Dis done, Chemineau ! The Vagabond (turning round) What! Some one here? Thomas Arn't you thirsty? The Vagabond Why, yes, you see, (turning out his empty pockets) I'm more thirsty than prosperous. Thomas (with a wry face) Ah! The Vagabond (approaching him) W T ell? Thomas (still more distantly) Well? Nothing! That's all! (Martin, Thomas and Catherine make a pretense of no longer seeing The Vagabond.) The Vagabond (approaching the table) That wine there, how much a bottle? Catherine Ten sous! Thw Vagabond (whistling, then in a banter- ing manner) Hm! And you throw in The usual courtesy, of course? Catherine (disdainfully) Which courtesy? The Vagabond (gaily) That of crossing one's beak With that of the landlady. Thomas (rising furious) See here, you tramp! THE VAGABOND 39 Le Chemineau (railleur et de haul) Quoi done, las d'enfler ?... Thomas T'as le nez bien haut ! Le Chemineau {flair ant vers le 'picket) Pour mieux renifler. Catherine (serrant la bonteille conire elle) Pas mon vin, toujours ! Le Chemineau Mais si, la bourgeoise. (Tournant autour d'elle pour prendre la bon- teille.) Lui comme toi, je parierais Que tous les deux vous fleurez frais La fraise et la framboise. (II la prend par la taille et se met a la faire danser en chantant, tandis que Thomas court apres eux, et que Martin danse, au rythme de la chanson du Chemineau.) Cueillera, cueillerai La fraise et la framboise ! Cueillera, cueillerai, Je les cueille a mon gre, Et dans mon vin je les ecrase, Ah ! cueillera, je la cueille, cueillerai La fraise et la framboise ! (Catherine et Martin chantent avec Le Chemineau, qui termine la ronde en embrassant Catherine.) Martin (se tapant sur les cuisses) Ah ! le bon drille, mes enfants ! En sa faveur, moi, je me fends De la soupe qu'il a gagnee. Oh ! Catherine, et bien soignee, Puisqu'il a chasse mon chagrin !... Thomas (d Catherine qui hesite) Tu peux. The Vagabond (mocking, superior) What's the matter, you wind-bag? Thomas You carry your nose pretty high! The Vagabond (sniffing toward the pitcher) So I can smell the better. Catherine (holding the pitcher close) Not my wine, though! The Vagabond O yes, Mistress! (Sidling around her in order to seize the pitcher) Both of you, I'll wager, Both of you have a breath Like cherries and strawberries. (His arm around her waist, he forces her to dance, singing, ivhile Thomas runs after them, and Martin dances to the rhythm of The Vagabond's song.) I'll gather them, I'll gather them, Cherry and strawberry too, I'll gather them, I'll gather them, Whenever I choose so to do. And into my wine I'll crush them, Ah, I'll gather them, I'll gather them, Cherry and strawberry too. (Catherine and Martin sing with The Vagabond, who brings his round to a close by kissing Catherine.) Martin (slapping his thigh) Ah, a merry lad, my gossips! I'll resign the soup he has won In his favor, myself. O Catherine, make it a good one, Since he has driven away my sorrow ! Thomas (to Catherine, who hesitates) Yes, you may. 40 LE CHEMINEAU (Catherine entre dans la maison.) Un payeur premier brin. Martin (tendant la bouteille an Chemineau) En attendant, bois, boute-en-train. (Le Chemineau prend la bouteille et se met a boire a meme, lentement, dans Vattitude quit avail au premier acte en vidant la barlet. Martin la considere avec admiration.) Bravo, la gueule goguelue ! Ah ! 5a, voyons ! J'ai la berlue !... Plus je le regarde !... (Reconnaissant le Chemineau.) Mais oui ! On n'en fait pas deux eomme lui. $(Bas, a Thomas.) r Thomas ! j Thomas (meme jeu) Martin ! Martin (meme jeu) ficoute ! £11 lui parle a Voreille, en designant le Chemi- > neau qui continue toujours a boire lente- ment, vidant la bouteille. Thomas le considere, le reconnait a son tour. Tous deux, par gestes, en montrent leur joie.) Le Chemineau (retournant la bouteille vide et s'essuyant les levres de la main.) Bu !... Jusqu' a la derniere goutte. Martin (lui tapant amicalement sur Vepaule) }is done ? On s'est connu, nous et toi, dans les temps. Thomas (meme jeu) Voila vingt ans passes. (Catherine enters the tavern.) A fine paying customer. Martin (holding out the pitcher to The Vag- abond) Meanwhile, drink! Down with it! (The Vagabond takes the pitcher and drinks slowly, in the same pose as in Act I when emptying his bowl. Martin regards him with admiration) Well done, thirsty-throat! Ah! let's see! Oh, my poor eyes! The longer I look at him — (Recognizing The Vagabond) Of course! There could not be two of his kind. (In a low voice to Thomas) Thomas ! Thomas (same) Martin! Martin (as before) Listen ! (He whispers in his ear, pointing to The Vag- abond, who continues slowly draining the pitcher. Thomas studies him in turn and recognizes him. Both show their pleasure by gestures.) The Vagabond (turning up the empty pitcher, and wiping his lips ivith his hand) Gone! To the very last drop. Martin (patting his shoulder in a friendly manner) See here! Didn't we use to know each other, long ago? Thomas (same) Some twenty years back? THE VAGABOND 41 Le Chemineau (reposant le picket) Diable ! Vingt ans !... (S'asseyant a la table.) J'en ai fait, depuis sur ma route, Des pas, des pas, encor des pas !... Martin Mais tu nous reconnais ? Le Chemineau Non pas. Martin Voyons, souviens-toi !... C'est la, dans la plaine, Que tu chantais a perdre haleine. Le Chemineau Je ne me souviens pas. Ma memoire est trop pleine, J'en chante partout, des chansons. Thomas Tu eoupais les bles avec nos garcons. Le Chemineau Je ne me souviens pas. J'ai fait tant de moissons ! Martin Mais si, souviens-toi !... C'etait la Toinette... Le Chemineau (se levant brusquement) Ah ga ? Je me souviens. C'est different. (Avec regret et poesie.) Car j'ai connu par le monde, en courant, Plus d'une fille, ou blondine ou brunette ; Mais jamais a son gre Mon cceur a rencontre La pareille a Toinette. (Allant un peu vers le fond et regardant le pay- sage.) The Vagabond (setting down the pitcher) The devil! Twenty years! — (He sits down at the table) I've tramped a long ways since then, Miles and miles and miles! Martin But you remember us? The Vagabond Not at all. Martin Come, where's your memory! 'Twas there, in the fields That you sang at the top of your lungs. The Vagabond I don't remember it. My memory's too full, I sing my songs everywhere. Thomas You were reaping the corn with our boys. The Vagabond I don't remember. I've reaped so many harvests ! Martin But come, think a bit! There was Toinette! The Vagabond (rising suddenly) Ah, that? I remember. That's different. (With regret and poetic feeling) In my wanderings through the world I've known More than one girl, blond or brunette; But my heart never met One so much to its taste, One equal to Toinette. (Moving toward the back a few steps and look- ing out over the countryside) 42 LE CHEMINEAU Ici !... c'etait ici ! Oui !... oui ! Je reconnais l'endroit. (Les regardant.) Et vous aussi. (S'ecartant d'eux prets a parler, et dans une reverie melancolique.) Oh ! la claire image qui tremble. Au fond de mon ciel obscurci ! Doux reve auquel mil ne ressemble Parmi tous mes reves perdus ! Martin A quoi penses-tu ? Thomas De triste, il me semble ?... Le Chemineau (tristement) Je pense aux bles coupes, que nous coupions ensemble. Martin Ah ! dame ! c'est lointain ! Thomas Vingt-deux ans revolus ! Le Chemineau (meme jeu, s'asseyant) Des bles comme ceux-la je n'en couperai plus. (II a'assied, le front dans sa main, et s'absorbe dans ses souvenirs que Martin et Thomas nosent troubler. Apres un temps, il les interroge d'une voix hesitante et angoissee.) Le Chemineau Et Toinette ?... Elle vit, j'espere ? (Tons deux, de la tete, font signe que oui. La joie illumine le visage du Chemineau, qui reprend ensuite avec inquietude.) Heureuse ? Un sort prospere ? Here! It was here! Yes, yes! I recognize the place. (Looking at them) And you as well. (Drawing away from the two, about to speak, and with dreamy melancholy) Oh, that clear image that trembles In the depths of my clouded sky! Fair dream which none other resembles Of all my dreams lost and gone by! Martin Of what are you thinking? Thomas Something sad, I think. The Vagabond (sadly) I'm thinking of the sheaves we cut together. Martin Ah, well, that's long ago! Thomas Twenty-two years past! The Vagabond (same, sealing himself) I'll never cut sheaves like those again. (Seated, his head in his hands, he gives him- self up to his memories, Martin and Thomas not venturing to disturb him. After a while he questions them in a hesi- tant and agonized voice.) The Vagabond And Toinette? — She's living, I hope? (Both nod their heads affirjnatively. Joy radi- ates in The Vagabond's face, which again grows uneasy) Is she happy? Has she prospered? Martin C'est vrai, tu ne sais rien, depuis le temps ! Mariee !... THE VAGABOND 43 Martin It's true you've known nothing all this time! Le Chemineau (en un soupir douloureux, puis se reprenant.) Ah! Depuis longtemps? Thomas Depuis le premier des vingt ans Que loin d'ici tu te promenes. Martin £a s'est fait deux ou trois semaines Apres les bles coupes et toi parti. Le Chemineau (courageusement) Bien mariee ? Thomas Un bon parti. Martin Francois. Le Chemineau Je me rappelle ! Un pas jeune, econome ; L'air rude, mais, au fond, brave homme ; Elle a du pres de lui vivre heureuse, en effet ; (Avec melancolie.) Plus heureuse qu'avec... un autre !... (Encrgiquement.) Elle a bien fait. Thomas Sans compter que si Maftre Pierre... Martin S'etait montre d'humeur moins fiere... Thomas Leur'fils... She's married. The Vagabond (with a grievous sigh, then co?2trolling himself) Ah! Long? Thomas Since the first of those twenty years That you've been tramping, far from here. Martin She married two or three weeks After the harvest, and your leaving. The Vagabond (courageously) Is she well married? Thomas He was a good man. Martin Francois. The Vagabond I remember! Not young, a saver, A rough manner but at bottom, a good fellow; She ought to have been happy with him; (sadly) More so than with another. (energetically) She did well. Thomas Were it not for the fact that if Master Pierre — Martin Had not proved to be so proud — Thomas Their son — 44 LE CHEMINEAU k Le Chemineau (suffoque) lis ont un fils ? Martin (vivement) Subtil. Thomas {meme jeu) Bon travailleur. Martin (meme jeu) Gentil. Thomas (meme jeu) Robuste !... Le Chemineau (brusquement) Quel age a-t-il ? Martin Je ne sais trop au juste. Vingt et un ans, je crois. Thomas Du tout, dans les vingt-trois. Martin Vingt-deux, pas davantage ! Le Chemineau (debout, trouble au dernier point) Voyons ! je suis fou ! Cet enfant... Cet age !... Mais alors ?... Quelle idee, oh ! non ! non !... Et pourtant !... Martin A quoi penses-tu done ? Thomas D'encor plus attristant ? The Vagabond (choking) They have a son? Martin (quickly) A clever chap. Thomas (same) A good worker. Martin (as before) A likable fellow. Thomas (as before) Strong — The Vagabond (brusquely) How old is he? Martin I don't know exactly. About twenty-one, I think. Thomas Not at all, he is in his twenty- third year. Martin Twenty-two, no more! The Vagabond (rising, moved in the highest degree) Let me see! I'm insane! That boy — that age! But then? — What an idea, oh no, no! — And yet!— Martin What are you thinking about? Thomas Something still sadder? THE VAGABOND 45 Le Chemineau (avec une lyrique amertume) Je pense aux bles coupes qui ne sont pas les notres Et dont les epis murs font pain pour les autres. SCENE VI Les Memes, Catherine Catherine (sortant de la maison) C'est pret. Le Chemineau (a Thomas et Martin) Dites-moi, ce gas ?... Thomas (le poussant vers la maison) On te dira tout, a table... Martin Devant le vin delectable... Thomas Et la soupe qui n'attend pas. Martin (poussant Le Chemineau da7is la maison) A table! Thomas (mime jeu) A table, a table! Martin et Thomas A table! SCENE VII Catherine (seule. Elle va entr'ouvrir la porte de la remise oil elle regarde un instant) II dort toujours, Dieu merci! Mais sombre! Et la bouche amere!... The Vagabond (with lyric bitterness) I think of garnered sheaves that are not our own, And whose ripened grain is the bread of others. SCENE VI The Same, Catherine Catherine (coming out of the house) It's ready. The Vagabond (to Thomas and Martin) Tell me, this boy — ? Thomas (pushing him toward house) We'll tell you everything at the table. Martin Over some of this delectable wine. Thomas The soup will not keep hot. Martin (pushing The Vagabond into house) Come and eat! Thomas (same) Come and eat, eat! Martin and Thomas Come and eat! SCENE VII Catherine (alone) (She opens the door of the coach-house and glances in) He's still sleeping, praise God! But how gloomy his face! How bitter his mouth ! 46 LE CHEMINEAU (Revenant en scene) Ah! pour sa mere, Que de souci! SCENE VIII Catherine, Toinette Toinette (d la cantonade, au fond, d droite, d'une voix lointaine) Toinet! Catherine (ne sachant pas si elle a bien entendu) Je fais erreur, sans doute ! Toinette (merne jeu que plus haul, moins loin) Toinet! Catherine (allant an fond et regardant vers la droite) Mais, si!... Oui, la-bas, sur la route. Cest elle!... {Appelant a voix forte vers le fond, a droite.) Ici!... Venez ! II est ici. (Arrive en courant, Toinette, essouflee, nu- tete et les cheveux derouUs. Catherine la regoit dans ses bras. Toinette se laisse tomber assise sur la chaise, avec accablement.) Reposez-vous la, ma bonne Toinette. Toinette (se recoiffant, confuse) J'ai l'air d'une folle, a courir ainsi, (returning) Ah, what a cross For his mother! SCENE VIII Catherine, Toinette (Toinette, off-stage, back, to the right, her voice heard in the distance) Toinet! Catherine (unwilling to believe her ears) I must be mistaken! Toinette (as before, nearer) Toinet! Catherine (going upstage and looking to- ward the right) Tis she!— Yes, down yonder, on the road. 'Tis she ! (Calling out loudly, upstage, toward the right) Here! Here! — Come! He is here. (Toinette comes running up, out of breath, bare-headed, her hair undone. Cathe- rine takes her into her arms. Toinette sinks into a chair, overcome.) Rest there, my dear Toinette! Toinette (confused, replacing her hat) I know I must look like a madwoman, run- ning so, THE VAGABOND 47 Les cheveux au vent, le front sans cornette. Mais, que voulez-vous, c'est plus fort que moi. Quand la nuit se passe apres la journee, J'ai le cceur qui saute, et l'ame etournee, Et je pars, je cours, en le reclamant, (D'une voix coaverte de larmes et de sanglots.) Sans voir ou je vais, ni savoir comment. Catherine (avec douceur) Ne soyez plus inquiete ; II dort la! Calme. Rentre. (La conduisant vers la remise.) Toinette (apres avoir regards dans la remise) Helas! par terre! Vautre, Lui, mon gas, comme une bete. Ah! n'est-ce pas affreux, Une honte pareille ? (Resistant a Catherine qui vent Vemmener vers la maison.) J'attendrai cependant pres de lui qu'il s'eveille. Le malheureux ! C'est mon fils, voyez-vous, quand meme ; Mon petit, que j'aime et qui m'aime. (Elle entre dans la remise, dont Catherine referme le porte.) SCENE IX Catherine (seule, tristement) Et dire qu'on n'y peut rien!... Attendrir Mattre Pierre, Ce coeur de pierre... Par quel moyen ? SCENE X Thomas, Catherine, Martin, le Chemineau (Les trois homines sortent de la maison, d'abord Thomas et Martin qui se dirigent vers le fond a droite, puis le Chemineau qui vient s'asseoir, Voir sombre, sur le billot.) My hair flying, bare-headed. But what am I to do — I cannot help it. When night has followed day My heart begins to throb, and my soul's dizzy, And I'm off, running and calling him; (with a voice broken by tears and sobs) I don't know where I'm going, nor how. Catherine (kindly) Do not worry any more; He's sleeping there; safe and sound. (Leading her to the coach-house) Toinette (after having glanced inside) Alas, on the ground! Full-length, He my boy, like a beast. Ah, is it not terrible To suffer such shame? (Resisting Catherine's efforts to lead her to the house) But nevertheless, I'll watch by him till he wakes, Poor wretched boy! After all, he's my son, you see, My little one, whom I love, and who loves me. (She enters the coach-house, whose door is closed by Catherine) SCENE IX Catherine (alone, sadly) And to think that nothing can be done! Soften the heart of Master Pierre, That heart of stone — How could it be done? SCENE X Thomas, Catherine, Martin, The Vagabond (The three men come out of tlie house, first Thomas and Martin, who move upstage to the right; then The Vagabond, tvho seats himself gloomily on the wooden block.) 48 LE CHEMINEAU Thomas Femme, on s'en va, nous deux. (Montrant le Chemineau.) Lui, reste, Le temps que Toinet acheve sa sieste. Catherine Pourquoi? Martin Pour lui parler. Thomas C'est promis. Martin (s'en allant.) Au revoir! (Thomas et Martin sortent par le fond a droite.) Thomas Au revoir ! Le Chemineau A tantot, les amis !... SCENE XI Catherine, Le Chemineau (Pendant toute la scene suivante, le Chemineau, assis, reste pensif, absorbe, et meme quand il repond semble reflechir a autre chose.) Catherine Tu connais done Francois? Le Chemineau Sans doute. Thomas Wife, we two are going off. (Pointing to The Vagabond) He'll stay Till Toinet has had out his sleep. Catherine Why? Martin To talk to him. Thomas It's a promise. Martin (going off) See you again soon! (Thomas, and Martin off up-stage to the right) Thomas See you again! The Vagabond Good-bye, friends! SCENE XI Catherine, The Vagabond (During the whole of the following scene, The Vagabond remains seated, pensive, ab- sorbed, and, even when replying, as though his mind were busy with other things) Catherine Then you know Francois? The Vagabond Of course. THE VAGABOND 49 Catherine Et Mattre Pierre ? Le Chemineau Aussi ! (i7 Vinterrompt du geste au moment oil elle s'apprete a Vinterroger de nouveau) Je sais tout... Alors ici, Maitre Pierre, on le redoute? Catherine Oh! oui... Oui!... Mauvais tout plein! Le Chemineau (ironique) II n'est pourtant pas malin. Catherine Et toi, tu l'es? Le Chemineau Je suppose. Catherine (avec vivacite) Eh ! bien, trouve done quelque chose Pour tirer Toinet du tracas. Le Chemineau Peut-etre!... Qa, depend. Quand j'aurai vu le gas.. Catherine Si tu voyais sa mere aussi ?... Le Chemineau (tressaillant et vivement) Non, je prefere Ne pas la voir. Catherine (s'approchant) Pourquoi ? Le Chemineau (se detournant, sombre) C'est mon affaire. Catherine And Master Pierre? The Vagabond I know him, too! (He interrupts her with a gesture as she is about to renew her questions.) I know everything. — Here, it seems, Every one's afraid of Master Pierre? Catherine O yes, yes! He's full of ill-will! The Vagabond (ironically) And yet he is not clever. Catherine Well, are you? The Vagabond I suppose so. Catherine (eagerly) Well, then, find some way Of getting Toinet out of trouble. The Vagabond Perhaps! That depends. After I've seen the boy. Catherine And supposing you saw his mother, too? The Vagabond (quickly, shivering) No, I prefer Not to see her. Catherine (drawing close to him) Why? The Vagabond (turning away, sombrely) That's my business. 50 LE CHEMINEAU Catherine (eloignee de lui et a part) Tiens ! tiens ! Eh bien ! tu la verras. Mais si ! £a rend parfois des services, Ces gueux-la, petris de vices, Sorciers sentant le roussi. Si Maitre Pierre avait aux jambes celui-ci !... Ma foi !... risquons le coup, n'importe ! (Venant f rapper sur Vepaule du Chemineau.) Chemineau ! La, derriere cette porte, Dort Toinet. (Geste effare du Chemineau.) Parle-lui, tu peux. Je vais, moi, dans ma grange. Vous causerez seuls tous les deux, Sans que nul vous derange. (Le Chemineau est reste fige dans son attitude d'effarement, les regards braques fixement vers la porte de la remise.) (Catherine s'en va lentement par la gauche, derriere la maison, en montrant toujours du geste la porte de la remise.) SCENE XII Le Chemineau (seul) (Apres un temps, Le Chemineau se dirige vers la porte de la remise, d'un pas lent et saccade, comme un somnambule. La main sur le loquet, au moment d'entrer, il recule.) Voila que j'ai peur de le voir. Si c'etait mon enfant !... Savoir ! Mon enfant ! A moi ! Non ! mensonge ! A moi, le vagabond joyeux ! Alors, d'ou vient, lorsque j'y songe, Ce not de larmes dans mes veux ?... Oh ! quel reve. Un enfant ! Un etre En qui Ton sent qu'on va renaitre ! Oui ! qa doit parfumer le cceur ! Catherine (at some distance from him, aside) So, so! Well! you shall see her — indeed you shall! After all, they are sometimes of use, These beggars, steeped in vice, Warlocks with a taint of hell-fire! If Master Pierre has this fellow on his track ! — My word! — I'll risk it, at any rate! (Coming up to The Vagabond and clapping him on the shoulder) You, Tramp! There, behind yonder door, Toinet is sleeping. (The Vagabond makes a gesture of terror) You may speak to him. I'm going into the barn. You two can talk alone Without being disturbed. (The Vagabond still holds his terror-striclcen attitude, his eyes fixed on the door of the coach-house. Catherine goes off slowly to left, behind the house, still pointing at the door of the coach-house.) SCENE XII The Vagabond (alone) * (After a time The Vagabond moves with a slow and measured tread to the door of the coach-house, as though walking in his sleep. With his hand on the latch and about to enter, he starts back.) And so I am afraid to see him! — ■ If he were my child! — To know it! My child. My own! No, 'tis a falsehood! Mine, the merry vagabond's! Then how comes it that the thought Makes my eyes flood with tears? Ah, what a dream. A child! A being In whom one feels himself reborn! Yes, 'tis balm for the heart! THE VAGABOND 51 (S'arrachant a ce reve, et revenant vers la table.) Allons, vieux fou, bois la rancoeur De tes chimeres delirantes !... (Avec un desespoir lyrique.) Les nids ne sont pas faits pour les betes errantes. Quand meme ce serait ton gas, £tre un pere, tu ne peux pas ! (Prenant son chapeau et son baton, il va jusqu'au poteau ou il ramasse son baluchon quil jette sur son epaule.) Va, suis ton destin ! Chemineau, chemine ! (II fait quelques pas vers la droite au fond, puis jette par terre son baluchon, son baton et revient en scene avec energie.) Non ! non ! Tu n'es qu'une vermine De vouloir fuir... Tu dois le voir. Enfin, tu sais ton devoir, Et, si fort qu'il te tenaille, Tu vas le remplir, cette fois, canaille ! (Se prenant a, deux poings par le collet et comme s'il se trainait lui-meme de force vers la porte de la remise.) SCENE XIII Le Chemineau, Toinette Le Chemineau (ouvrant brusquement la remise) Toinet ! (// recule effare.) Elle ! (Toinette apparaxt, de dos, regardant vers le fond de la remise, puis en refermant la porte.) Toinette (se retournant, stupefaite) Toi ! (Elle s'ecroule sur le billot de bois.) Toi ! D'ou sort ce revenant ? Pourquoi ? Pour quel nouveau martyre, (Tearing himself away from his reveries, and returning to the table) Go to, old fool, drink in the rancor Of your delirious fancies! (With lyric despair) Nests are not built for wandering beasts. — Even though he were your boy, You are not fit to be his father! (Talcing his hat and stick, he goes as far as the signpost, where he picks up his bundle and slings it over his shoulder) Go, follow your fate! Tramp, keep on tramp- ing! (He takes a few steps to the right, back, then throws down his bundle and stick and walks back resolutely) No, no! None but vermin Would wish to run away. — You must see him! In a word, you know your duty! And, no matter how it distress you, This time you'll do it, scoundrel! (He grasps his collar with both hands, and acts as though he were forcibly dragging him- self to the door of the coach-house.) SCENE XIII The Vagabond, Toinette The Vagabond (brusquely opening the door) Toinet! (He falls back, frightened) She! (Toinette comes out, her back turned to him, looking into the back of the coach-house, then shutting the door.) Toinette (turning round, stupefied) You! (She sinks down on the block of wood) You! Whence comes this ghost? And why? To inflict some new martyrdom 52 LE CHEMINEAU Apres tout le mal qu'il m'a fait ? Parle ! Tu n'as done rien a dire ? Le Chemineau (humble, puis brave) Rien, Toinette, en effet, Sinon, que ce pauvre etre T'a fait du mal sans le savoir, Mais pour le reparer, veut te promettre De remplir son devoir. Toinette (desesperement) Va ! Le mal est irreparable ! Ah ! si tu connaissais notre sort miserable ! Le Chemineau (simplement) Je le connais. On me l'a raconte. Je passais; Je suis reste. Toinette (toute attendrie) Ah ! pour ce mot si brave et l'espoir qu'il me donne, Mon Chemineau, je te pardonne. T'en ai-je, helas ! jamais voulu ? Meme, au plus noir de ma detresse, Je me disais avec tendresse : Quand l'oiseau se sent pris a la glu, Effare, l'ceil hagard, l'aile folle, Au hasard, brusquement, il s'envole Vers le ciel grand ouvert devant lui ; C'est ainsi qu'oiseau libre et sauvage, S'affolant a l'horreur d'etre en cage, Mon aime loin de moi s'est enf ui. Ah ! pour t'excuser de la sorte, Avec quelle foi douce et forte Mon cceur au tien s'etait donne ! Si forte, qu'ayant pardonne, Tout de meme j'en serais morte Si notre fils n'etait pas ne ! Le Chemineau (suffoquant, le regard vers la remise) Notre... Mon fils !... After all the harm he has done me? Speak! Have you nothing to say? The Vagabond (humbly, then with courage) Nothing, Toinette, nothing, Save that this poor soul Has done you harm unknowing, And to undo it, promises you To do his duty. Toinette (desperately) Go! The harm can never be undone! Ah, if you knew our wretched lot! The Vagabond (simply) I know it. They told me of it. I was going by. But I have stayed. Toinette (altogether softened) Ah, because of that good word, and the hope it offers, My Vagabond, I forgive you. And have I ever, alas, blamed you? Even in the darkest hour of my distress I told myself, tenderly: When the bird feels himself snared, Frightened, wild-eyed, wings madly beating, He takes flight suddenly, at random, Toward the sky opening wide before him. Thus, like a bird of the wild, Lost in his terror of the cage, My love took flight far away from me. Ah, to be able thus to excuse you, With what a strong and tender faith My heart must have given itself to yours! A faith so strong, that though having forgiven, I would have died, notwithstanding, Had not our son been born! The Vagabond (choking, glancing toward the coach-house) Our — my son! THE VAGABOND 53 TOINETTE II te ressemble. Tu verras. Le Chemineau (avec passion) Tout de suite ! Ensemble. (Sur un geste suppliant de Toinette qui le retient.) Oh! ne crains rien !... Pas un mot qui pourrait Lui reveler notre secret ! Mais le voir! Le voir au plus vite ! Rallumer la joie en ses yeux ! Qa, je le puis; ca, je le veux. Moi, le vieux boute-entrain qu'on invite, Pour derider les fronts soucieux, Si mon metier est d'etre joyeux, C'est bien le moins, vingt dieux ! Que mon gas en profite. (7/ court a la porte de la remise, Vouvre, et a partir de ce moment jusqiialajin deVaete s' 'exalte de plus en plus d'un mouvement fievreux, avec une joie forcee, des sanglots Stouffes par du rire et -comme s'il voulait router Toinet, Toinette et lui-meme dans un tourbillon.) Ohe ! Toinet ! ohe !... du gas ! Quand finira ton somme ? Reveille-toi... N'entends-tu pas Qu'on te sonne le branle-bas ? SCENE XIV Toinet, Le Chemineau, Toinette Toinet (sortant de la remise, a sa mere) Quel est cet liomme? Le Chemineau (avec une emotion intense) Un qui vient de la-bas !... Un ami d'avant ta naissance. (Dans les sanglots et les rires.) Done, en pays de connaissance ! Embrassons-nous !... Toinette He looks like you. You'll see. The Vagabond (passionately) At once! Together. (In response to a suppliant gesture of Toinette, who holds him back) 0, do not fear! Not a word that might Reveal our secret to him! But to see him! To see him at once! To rekindle the light of joy in his eyes! That I can do! That I must do. 1, the old singing bird, who's invited To smooth the wrinkles on anxious brows. If making folks happy is my trade, The least I can do, by heaven, Is to work at it for my son's benefit. (He runs to the door of the coach-house, opens it, and thenceforward to the end of the act is carried away more and more by a feverish activity and forced joyousness, with sobs stifled by bursts of laughter; as though he would catch up Toinet, Toinette and himself in a whirlwind.) Ho there! Toinet! Ho there, my boy! When will you give over sleeping? Wake up! Don't you hear Them ringing the bells? SCENE XIV Toinet, The Vagabond, Toinette Toinet (coming out of the coach-house, to his mother) Who is this man? The Vagabond (with intense feeling) One who comes from down yonder! — A friend before you were born. (With sobs and laughter) And now, since we know each other! To my arms! 54 LE CHEMINEAU (Meme jeu de Toinet. Le Chemineau em- brasse Toinet dans une longue etreinte ou il etouffe des sanglots de joie.) Le Chemineau (meme pantomime pour la seconde etreinte) Encore un peu. (Se reculant pour admirer Toinet.) Ah! quel beau fieu ! Mais pourquoi cet air Nicodeme? Je le sais, ton Aline t'aime. Et toi, ce que tu ne sais pas, C'est que j'espere, Son mauvais pere, Le inettre au pas. (Toinet rit d'un large rire Spanoui.) Q& te fait rire? Tantirelire! Puisque tu ris La chose est faite. Allons, en fete, Les yeux fleuris, Toinet, Toinette, Le cceur content, Faites comme Le bonhomme Qui niene tout en chantant. (II Ventraine en gambillant et chantant parmi les larmes, suivi de Toinette extasiee.) Le Chemineau (riant et pleurant a la fin) Chantez mitaine, Et repondez miton, A la fontaine, On y boira, fiston, Un coup d'pictaine, Et ti ton taine, Un coup d'pictaine, Un coup d'picton ! (Rideau) (Same business on part of Toinet. The Vagabond holds Toinet clasped in a long embrace, stifling his sobs of joy.) The Vagabond (same pantomime during second embrace) Once more! (Falling back to admire Toinet) Ah, what a fine upstanding lad! But why this doubtful air? I know that your Aline loves you. And as for you, what you don't know Is what I hope To explain To that wicked father of hers. (Toinet laughs a great, happy laugh) That makes you laugh? Tra-la-la-la! Now you're laughing The matter's ended. Come, now rejoice, Gladness light your eyes, Toinet, Toinette, And content fill your hearts. Do as I do, The good fellow Who does everything with a song. (He draws them along, cutting capers and sing- ing amid his tears, followed by the ravished Toinette.) Sing hay-dee-day, And hay-dee-dee, At the fountain We will drink! We'll drink a draught, Sing hay-dee-dee, We'll drink a draught At the fountain's brink! (Curtain) ACTE QUATRIEME Meme decor qiiau Deuxieme Acte. Dans le grand fauteuil, faisant face maintenant a Voire oil rotit une oie, FRANgois est assis vu de trois quarts, presque en profit perdu. A la gauche de son fauteuil, une chaise basse. Le centre de la piece est occupee par la table garnie de dix converts, sans les chaises, sauf deux, une a gauche, une a, droite ; la table est deja servie a peu pres. L'horloge haute marque onze heures . el quelques minutes. SCENE PREMIERE Toinette, Aline, Francois, Toinet (Toinette, Aline et Toinet s'occupent a mettre la table. FRANgois est dans so?i fauteuil, tourne vers le feu.) Toinette Ah ! voila trois mois, qui l'eut cm, Que vous seriez sitot ma bru, Et que chez nous, ma chere fille, On feterait la Noel en famille ? (Allant cdliner Franqois et lui arrangeant la tete sur son oreiller.) Mon pauvre homme, quoique endormi Toujours a demi, En aura quand meme une douceur breve Comme dans un reve. Aline Pendant la messe de minuit Qui veillera sur lui ? ACT THE FOURTH Scene same as in Act II. Frangois is seated in a large armchair, now facing the hearth, where a goose is roasting. He sits turned in such wise that his profile is almost hidden. At the left of his armchair, a low chair. The middle of the room is occupied by a table laid for six, but with only two chairs, one at the left, one at the right. The meal is about ready to be served. The clock shows a few minutes past eleven. SCENE I Toinette, Aline, Francois, Toinet (Toinette, Aline and Toinet busy setting the table. Francois is in his armchair y turned toivard the fire.) Toinette Ah! three months ago who'd have thought You'd be my daughter-in-law so soon; And that here at home, dear girl, We'd have a family Christmas party? (Off to fondle Franqois and arrange his head on the pillow) My poor man! Though always Half-asleep, E'en he will gain a moment's pleasure, As though it were a dream! Aline Who'll stay to watch him During the midnight mass? [55] 56 LE CHEMINEAU SCENE II Les Memes, Le Chemineau Le Chemineau (blanc de neige est entre avant la fin de la scene prScede?ite.) Moi, parbleu! Qui done en doute ? C'est pour qsl que tout expres J'ai d'abord sur la grand'route Empli mes poumons d'air frais. Toinet (avec tine pointe d'ironie) Et de neige aussi, me semble ? Le Chemineau (avec une douce poesie) Oui, mais la neige neigeant, C'est beau, petit: ga ressemble, Tournoyant et voltigeant D'une aile blanche qui tremble, A des papillons d'argent. (D'un ton passionne.) Ah! ma grand'route! sur elle, Tout n'est-il pas beau toujours ? (Avec amertume.) Helas! voila tantot cent jours Que pour vous et pour vos amours J'ai cesse d'etre son fidele ! (Tristement.) Elle s'en plaint aux noirs instants Ou, triste et seul, je reve d'elle; Et je l'entends, ma pauvre belle, Qui me rappelle notre bon temps, Le temps ou dans une demeure Je n'etais pas pris a leurs glus, Le temps qui ne reviendra plus Et que je pleure. (II se laisse en sanglotani choir sur une chaise, pres de la table.) SCENE II The Same, The Vagabond The Vagabond (White with snow, he has entered before the close of the preceding scene.) I, of course! Who can doubt it? — I came to do so purposely; First I filled my lungs With fresh air on the highway. Toinet (with a touch of irony) And with snow as well, it seems? The Vagabond (with poetic tenderness) Aye, but the falling snow Is beautiful, my boy; Whirling and twirling, 'tis like The quivering white wings Of silver butterflies. (passionately) Ah, my open road, along your way, Is not all beautiful, always? (bitterly) Alas! 'tis now a hundred days or more Since I've become untrue To you, and to my love for you! (sadly) And in dark moments you reproach me, When sad and lonely I dream of you, And I hear your plaints, my poor love, That recall our happy days, The days ere I was caught And snared beneath a roof, The days that never will return — The days I weep — (Sobbing, he lets himself fall into a chair near the table) THE VAGABOND 57 SCENE III Les Memes, Martin, Thomas, Catherine, Les Chceurs (Aprcs un temps oil tous se taisent embarrasses, on entend derriere la porte des voix appelant.) Martin (frappant a la porte) Harne ! Harne ! les amis ! Thomas (ouvrant la porte) Peut-etre ils sont endormis. .Catherine Oubliez'-vous la promesse D'etre ensemble au domine ? (Les voisins et voisines arrivent et se gronpent au dehors devant la porte d 'entree dufond.) Catherine, Martin, Thomas et les Chceurs, ensemble. Harne ! Harne ! Pour quand est-ce ? Le premier coup de la messe A deja carillonne. Harne ! Harne ! Pour quand est-ce ? Harne ! Harne ! c'est sonne. (Ils s'en vont par la gauche.) SCENE IV Les Memes, moins Thomas, Martin, Catherine et les Chceurs (Pendant que le clvpur chantait, Toinet a vite mis sa limousine et son bonnet fourre. Toinette et Aline mettent leurs cape- lines et leurs mantes.) Toinet (entrainant Aline) Ho ! maman ! Faut pas qu'on lanterne. SCENE III The Same, Martin, Thomas, Catherine, the Choruses (After a pause filled by an embarrassed silence on the part of all, voices are heard calling behind the door.) Martin (knocking at the door) Hallo, hallo there, friends! Thomas (opening the door) Perhaps they've fallen asleep? Catherine Have you forgotten our agreement To come together this Sunday? (Neighbors, men and women, arrive and group themselves without, before the entrance door at the back.) Catherine, Martin, Thomas and the Choruses, together Hallo, hallo! When will you be ready? The first bell for mass Has already been rung. Hallo, hallo! When will you be ready? Hallo, hallo! The chimes have been rung. (Off to the left) SCENE IV The Same, without Thomas, Martin, Catherine and the Choruses (While the Chorus was singing, Toinet put on his rough coat and his fur cap. Toi- nette and Aline put on their capes and cloaks.) Toinet (carrying off Aline with him) Ho, Mamma! No time for trifling! 58 LE CHEMINEAU Aline (deja dehors, a Toinette. — lis s'en vont, elle et Toinette, par la gauche) Vite ! vite ! On vous attend. SCENE V Toinette, Le Chemineau Toinette (vers la droite en allumant la lanterne) J'allume la lanterne. Le Chemineau (se retournant) Ne reste done pas tant. Tu les fais geler en restant. Toinette (rentrant un peu) Tu les aimes done ? Le Chemineau (bourru) Mais sans doute. Toinette Et tu les quitterais, mauvais, Pour ta grand'route ! Non, bien siir. Aussi je m'en vais Sans avoir Fame en peine. Tu ne partiras plus, j'en suis certaine ! (Elle sort far le fond.) SCENE VI Le Chemineau (seul) Le Chemineau (toujours assis) Helas ! Je crois qu'elle a raison, Elle, et les enfants, et le vieux lui-meme, Et jusqu'a la maison, Helas ! oui, je les aime ! Aline (already without, to Toinette. — Going off, she and Toinet, to the left) Hurry, hurry! They're waiting for you! SCENE V Toinette, The Vagabond Toinette (going to the right and lighting lantern) I'll light the lantern. The Vagabond (turning round) Don't delay so long, They'll freeze waiting for you. Toinette (coming back a little) You're fond of them, eh? The Vagabond (peevishly) Why, of course! Toinette And you'd leave them, you rascal, For the open road! No, indeed you'd not. So I'm off With my soul at ease, For you'll not run away again, I'm sure! (Exit at back) SCENE VI The Vagabond (alone) The Vagabond (still seated) Alas! I'm afraid she's right. She and the children, and the old man himself, And even the house, Alas, yes, I love them! THE VAGABOND 59 SCENE VII Le Chemineau, Les Lugnots (a la cantonade) (Le Chemineau est absorbs dans ses pensees. De loin, a droite, vient, comme an murmure, le chant presque indistinct des Lugnots.) Lugnots, lugnots, la part a Dieu ! Les petiots vous la demandent. Vous qu'avez trop, donnez un peu A ceux qui n'ont ni pain, ni flambe. S'il vous plait, la part a Dieu ! SCENE VIII Le Chemineau (seul) Ah ! ce sont, par le village, Les petits lugnots quetant. (Avec melancolie.) J'en faisais autant a leur age. Et c'est de la qu'un jour m'est venu Le gout du libre vagabondage, L'essor vers le ciel de l'inconnu. (De plus en plus sombre, la tete dans ses mains.) Helas ! pauvre oiseau sauvage, C'est done vrai que tout finit, Et que la tiedeur d'un nid Va te mettre en cage ! SCENE IX Maitre Pierre, Le Chemineau (Maitre Pierre est entre, venant de la droite, pendant les derniers quatre vers du Che- mineau, quil a entendu.) Maitre Pierre (lui frappant sur Vepaule) Ne t'en plains pas. Le nid sera doux. Et pour que sa tiedeur soit plus douce, Moi-meme j'y mettrai de la mousse. SCENE VII The Vagabond, the Waits (off-stage) (The Vagabond is absorbed in his thoughts. From afar on the right, murmuringly, comes the indistinct singing of the Waits.) Waits, Waits, in God His name! We little ones you now implore, You who have plenty, to give of your store To those who have neither bread nor flame, If you please, in God His name! SCENE VIII The Vagabond (alone) Ah, it is the Waits Asking alms through the village. (sadly) I did the same thing at their age: And that's how, one day, I gained My liking for vagabond freedom, The urge toward the skyline of the unknown. (More and more gloomily, his head in his hands) Alas, poor captive wild bird, This time 'tis true that all's at an end, And that the warmth of a nest Has caged you! SCENE IX Master Pierre, The Vagabond (Master Pierre has entered from the right and heard the last four lines uttered by the Vagabond.) Master Pierre (clapping him on the shoulder) Do not complain. The nest will be soft, And to make it even softer still I'll put some moss in it myself. / 60 LE CHEMINEAU Puisque tu fus bon envers nous, Je veux t'en offrir recompense honnete, Le jour ou tu seras l'epoux De la Toinette. Le Chemineau Quoi ! tu penses ? Maitre Pierre Mais rien de mal. Chacun le dit, et c'est normal. Loin de t'en blamer, on t'en felicite. (Minuit sonne a Vhorloge.) Diable ! Minuit tapant ! Je me sauve vite... Nous en redirons deux mots en soupant. (II se sauve par la gauche, fermant la porte.) SCENE X Le Chemineau, Francois Le Chemineau (dans un grand trouble) Alors on croit ga ? Tout le monde ! Peut-etre meme a. la maison ? (Avec une indignation croissante.) Et tous ils me donnent raison ? Ah ! Ce serait immonde ! Moi, manger ce pain de Judas !... Non ! Non ! Jamais ! Je ne veux pas ! Francois (de son fauteuil avec une voix loin- taine.) Chemineau ! Le Chemineau Qui m'appelle ? Qu'est-ce ? FRANgois (insistant) Chemineau ! And since you've treated us so well, I'll make it up to you, as is but right, The day when you become The husband of Toinette. The Vagabond What, you think — ? Master Pierre Oh, nothing wrong! Every one says it, and it's natural. Far from blaming, I congratulate you. (The clock strikes midnight) The devil! The midnight chime! I'm off at once. We'll talk of it again at supper. (He hurries away to the left, closing the door) SCENE X The Vagabond, Franqois The Vagabond (alone, greatly agitated) Then they believe that? Everybody! Here at home as well, perhaps? (With increasing indignation) And they all think me in the right! Ah! it would be a dirty trick! I sharing their bread, to be such a Judas! No, no! Never! I will not! FRANgois (from his armchair, in a distant voice) Vagabond! The Vagabond Who's calling me? What is it? FRANgois (insisting) Vagabond! THE VAGABOND 61 Le Chemineau {revenant a lui) Ah ? toi, Francois ? Tu n'as plus chaud ? Oui, je vois, Et le feu baisse. Attends, je vais querir du bois. Franqois Non, reste ! Je suis a mon aise, Tourne-moi vers la lumiere. (Le Chemineau obeit, le mettant face au 'public) Bien ! Prends une chaise ! (Le Chemineau la prend et Vapproche de Frangois a, droite.) Assieds-toi ! Bien ! Ecoute. Tu m'entends ? (Le Chemineau, de la tete,fait signe que oui.) Sans en avoir l'air, depuis quelque temps Je comprends tout... (Le Chemineau veut Vinterrompre.) Laisse ! Laisse ! Ne m'interromps pas. C'est a peine dans ma faiblesse, Si je peux te dire tout bas Des choses qu'il faut quand meme Que je te dise avant 1'instant supreme. Et d'abord, merci ! (Le Chemineau fait le geste de quelquun qui ne merite pas cette gratitude.) Si ! Si ! Je sais comme Tu t'es conduit pour tous... ici. C'est bien, vois-tu ! C'est d'un brave homme ! J'en suis un aussi, Et done, ma volonte nette Est que tu prennes, Chemineau, (Dans un sanglot.) A mon doigt, cet anneau... (La voix s'eteint pen a peu jusqua la fin de la scene.) Pour epouser... Ah ! ce bruit dans ma tete ! Ce brouillard sur mes yeux !... Je... ne... The Vagabond (himself again) Ah, 'tis you, Frangois? You're feeling cold? Yes, I see, the fire's low. Wait, and I'll fetch some wood. Francois No, stay! I'm comfortable. Turn me round to the light. (The Vagabond turns him, so that he faces the audience) Good! Now get a chair. (The Vagabond fetches one and approaches Franqois from the right) Sit down! Good! Now listen. Can you understand me? (The Vagabond nods affirmatively) Without having shown it, for some time now I've understood everything — (The Vagabond attempts to interrupt him) Wait, wait! Do not interrupt me. My weakness barely lets me Talk to you in a low voice. But there are things which I must tell you, At all costs, before my last moment comes. And first of all, my thanks! (The Vagabond makes a gesture conveying deprecation of his gratitude) Yes, yes! Well I know How you've acted toward all of us — here. It's kind, d'you see. You've been an honest man, And I'm one, too, And so, it's my fixed wish That you take, Vagabond, (with a sob) This ring here, on my hand — (His voice dying gradually away to the close of the scene) To marry — Ah, this noise in my head-! This cloud before my eyes! — I— I— 62 LE CHEMINEAU Le Chemineau (sanglotant) Tais-toi, mon vieux !... (Lui arrangeant la tete sur Voreiller) La tete ainsi, c'est bien? Franqois Oui, mieux ! Le Chemineau Dors ! Dors ! Franqois (suppliant) Ne t'en va pas ! Le Chemineau (agenouille) Regarde. (La voix couverte de larmes) Je suis la. Ne crains rien ! Je te garde. SCENE XI Les Lugnots, Franqois, Le Chemineau (Les Lugnots apparaissent derriere les vitres de la fenetre sous la neige.) Les Lugnots Lugnots ! lugnots ! La part a Dieu ! Les petiots vous la demandent. Vous qu'avez trop, donnez un peu A ceux qui n'ont ni pain ni flambe, S'il vous plait, la part a Dieu !... Lugnots ! lugnots ! La part a Dieu !... N'nous la fait's pas trop attende. A rester la les pieds dans l'iau, Le froid des pieds nous monte aux jambes. S'il vous plait, la part a Dieu !... (Pendant le second couplet, Le Chemineau s'est leve, s'est approche de la table, a coupe un morceau de pore, Va mis dans un The Vagabond (sobbing) Not a word more, old man! (Adjusting his head on the pillow) The head so, is that right? Franqois Yes, that's better! The Vagabond Sleep, sleep! Franqois (supplicatingly) Don't go away! The Vagabond (kneeling) Look at me. (with tears in his voice) I'm here. Don't fear! I'll watch over you. SCENE XI The Waits, Franqois, The Vagabond (The Waits appear outside the window, in the snoiv) The Waits Waits, Waits, in God His name! We little ones you now implore, You who've plenty, give of your store To those who have neither bread nor flame, If you please, in God His name! Waits, Waits, in God His name! Don't keep us standing, but let us go! A-waiting here, our feet in the snow, The cold in our feet our legs will gain, If you please, in God His name! (During the second stanza The Vagabond has risen, gone to the table, cut a piece of pork, wrapped it in a hunch of bread, and has THE VAGABOND 63 quignon de pain, puis est alle ouvrir la porte devant laquelle viennent les Lugnots.) Le Chemineau (leur tendant le pain) Tenez, petits ! Le Plus Age des Lugnots Que Dieu vous en guerdonne ! Le Chemineau (montrant Franqois) Ce n'est pas moi, c'est lui qui vous le donne. Le Grand Lugnot (s'avangant) Ah! le pauvre vieux, dans le grand fauteuil ! Le Chemineau Oui, venez-la sous l'auvent, sur le seuil ! Vous aurez moins de neige a, la frimousse. Chantez pour lui !... Votre voix la plus douce. Le Chemineau et Les Lugnots (doucement) Lugnots ! lugnots ! La part a Dieu ! Dieu saura ben vous la rende, Quand nous ferons la guillanneu Aupres de lui tertous ensemble. S'il vous plait, la part a Dieu ! (Le Chemineau cherche dans ses poches et en a tire une poignee de sous.) Le Chemineau Tiens ! prends cor ca. Maigre est la somme, Tu n'en seras pas bien charge. Mais helas !... C'est tout ce que j'ai. Et bon Noel, mon petit homme ! Le Grand Lugnot Merci !... Merci !... Et bon Noel a vous aussi ! (lis s'en vont par la gauche et Le Chemineau referme la porte.) gone to the door, to which the Waits now come.) The Vagabond (holding out the parcel) Here, children! The Oldest Wait May God reward you! The Vagabond (pointing to Francois) 'Tis he who gives it you, not I. The Oldest Wait (coming forward) Oh, the poor old man in his big armchair! The Vagabond Yes, come here, under the penthouse, on the sill! You'll have less of the driving snow. Sing for him! — As sweetly as you can. The Vagabond and the Waits (softly) Waits, Waits! In God His name! God will give you good return When above we around Him turn All together, a-singing His fame, If you please, in God His name! (The Vagabond goes through his pockets and draws forth a handful of coppers) The Vagabond There, take that, too! It's not much, You'll not be loaded down with carrying it. But alas! — It's all I have, And a Merry Christmas, little man! The Oldest Wait Thanks! Thanks! We wish you a Merry Christinas as well ! (They go off to the left and The Vagabond closes the door) 64 SCENE XII Le Chemineau, Les Lugnots LE CHEMINEAU SCENE XII The Vagabond, the Waits (Pendant la scene suivante, on entendra en sourdine les chants de Veglise, les cloches annongant la fin de la messe, et la cantilene chantee plus loin, des Lugnots.) Le Chemineau, avec Francois Ah! bon Noel a toi, surtout, qui vas t'eteindre. Et tu l'auras, car c'est d'atteindre La fin de tes longs jours vecus en travaillant, Et de l'atteindre ainsi, bon cceur vaillant. (S'approchant de Francois, le considerant el lui touchant legerement le front.) Comme il dort ealme ! Plus de fievre ! Aucune angoisse a son front ! Ses cheris a temps reviendront Pour cueillir sur sa levre Son dernier baiser, son dernier soupir. Doucement il va s'assoupir Dans les bras des etres qu'il aime. Et ce sera le prix supreme, La noble fleur, D 'avoir use sa vie a soutenir la leur ! Ah! cette mort ne peut etre la mienne ! Rien que d'en rever l'aubaine C'est un reve de voleur !... (Farouche.) Moi, je suis un grenipille, Hors la loi, hors la famille, Un gueux qui doit mourir seul, Sans baisers et sans absoute, Et drape pour tout linceul Dans le vent de la grand'route. (Les cloches carillonnent plus fort. II va ouvrir la porte et regarde a gauche. A partir de ce moment, jusqu'a la fin, le bruit des cloches, le cantique de sortie de Veglise et la cantilene des Lugnots feront symphonie, suivant les dernieres paroles du Chemi- neau.) (During the following scene the chanting in the church, the bell-chimes announcing the end of the mass, and the distant song of the Waits, are heard softly sounding) . The Vagabond (with Francois) Ah, Christmas brings you joy, whose life-light flickers ! And 'twill be yours, for it means you're gain- ing The end of life's long day you've spent in labor, And you'll have reached your goal, good, valiant heart. (Approaching Francois, he looks at him and lightly touches his forehead) How calmly he sleeps ! No fever, No anguish mars his brow! His loved ones will return in time To know his farewell kiss, His parting sigh. Softly he will pass out, In the arms of those whom he loved. And that will be the prize supreme, The noble flower, Of a life used to sustain their own! Ah, such a death cannot be mine! Only to dream of such a gift, Would be to thieve in dreaming! (savagely) I, I'm a wanderer, Knowing no law, nor any ties of home. A beggar who must die alone, Without a kiss or absolution given, With nothing for my winding-sheet But the winds of the highway. (The bells chime out sonorously. He opens the door and looks out to the left. From now on to the end, the chime of the bells, the postlude chanted from the church, and the singing of the Waits sound together, suc- ceeding the Vagabond's last words.) THE VAGABOND 65 Le Chemineau On sort de l'eglise. (Vers Francois, du seuil) Adieu, vieux !... Tes chers aimes vont te fermer les yeux. (Avec un profond sanglot) Ah! je les aime aussi ! (En un cri dechirant) Toinette ! (En un cri plus dechirant encore) Mon gas ! (Se reprenant et resolument) Mais si je les revois, je ne pars pas, Et c'est de partir que ma vie est faite. (Lyriquement) Ah! qu'a leur souvenir lointain Tout mon cceur s'illumine ! (Dans une exaltation farouche et grandiose) Et toi, suis ton destin ! (II s'en va, les bras au del, dans la neige) Va, Chemineau, chemine ! (Rideau) The Vagabond They're leaving the church. (To Francois, from the threshold) Farewell, old man! Your dear ones come to close your eyes. (With a profound sigh) Ah, I love them, too! (With a heart-rending cry) Toinette! (With a cry still more intense) My boy! (Controlling himself, resolutely) But if I see them once more, I'll not go away, And going away is all my life. (lyrically) Ah, at their distant memory, All my heart will rejoice! (To himself, with grandiose and savage exalta- tion) And you, follow your fate! (Off, his arms raised skyward, through the snow) On, tramp, take the road! (Curtain) RULLMAN'S Theatre Ticket Office 111 Broadway, New York City TELEPHONES RECTOR 8817, 8818, 8819 Official Publishers of OPERA LIBRETTOS AND PLAY BOOKS In All Languages *: ***sm '\r 1&1 .<&£ «r -' 3) y>j ?» ^ sc ilr vurfg/Jmour In the days of Louis XV the great French painters loved to portray scenes of the luxury-loving Court in the exquisite gardens of Versailles. Yet, not even their skilful brushes could depict the ineffable charm of the lovely ladies of the Court — the subtle and delicate allurement of their perfume. Fleurs d' Amour — redolent of the divine fragrance of the gardens of old France — is a living memory of the charm of those famous beauties. Extraii, Eau de Toilette, Savon, Poudre, Sachet, Talc, Brilliantine. Send I Oc for a generous sample of Fleurs d' Amour. [?;. % ROGER &GALLET 25 WEST 32"? STREET NEW YORK sFLEURS p AMOUR m •% f^ocM*G* LLE V__Ee« CREATORS OF FLEURS DAMOUR AND OTHER RARE PERFUMES PARIS mlSm^ UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY A A 000187 749 7 UCLA - Music Library ML 50 L56C4 1917 MUSIC LIBRARY ML 50 L56C4 1917 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles DEC 1 ^ 1976 This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Form L9-Series 4939