tJ^ B6C6S ^ UC-NRLF $B 157 mfl 1^ IT [0 m GIFT OF L:rs^ DeForrest Rodecape A Christmas Tale: in One Act : by Maurice Bouchor: Translated by arrett H. Clark muel French: Publisher |28-30 West Thirty-eighth Street : New York LONDON Samuel French, Ltd. 2Ci SOUTHAMPTOX StRKET, STRANP PRICE TWENTY-FIVE CENTS, ^ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/christmastaleinoOOboucrich THE WORLD'S BEST PLATS BT CELEBRATED EUROPEAN AUTHORS BARRETT H. CLARK QENKRAU EDITOR A Christmas Tale: in One Act : by Maurice Vouchor: Translated by Barrett H. Clark Samuel French: Publisher 28-30 West Thirty-eighth Street : New York LONDON Samuel French, Ltd. 26 Southampton Street, Strand ,I1> 1.ci' COPl-RIGHT. 1915. BY SAMUEL FRENCH ^^.y^U^ iQ ^*t^. li^L ^^ih^U^ ^( (jU^ ^y4^ MAURICE BOUCHOR. Maurice Bouchor was born at Paris in 1855, Bouclior is a dramatic poet of rare inspiration and tragic depth. His best-known long plays, " Tobie," " Noel," and " Les Mysteres d'Eleusis," are, in the words of an eminent French critic, " among the most beautiful works of our time." " Conte de Noel " — " A Christmas Tale," here translated for the first time into English — is a charming little dramatic episode. It was first performed at the Comedie Franqaise, in Paris, in 1895. This play may be elaborately staged, but the de- tailed stage-directions need not be faithfully adhered to. The simplest of interiors and costumes may be used. 3 M203811 A CHRISTMAS TALE PERSONS REPRESENTED. Saint Nicholas Saint Rose Pierre Coeur A sculptor Jacqueline His zvife Rosette Their little girl, asleep in her cradle Scene :^-^ room in the home of Pierre Coeur, Paris. Time: — The Fifteenth Century. A CHRISTMAS TALE Scene : — A room of considerable size, serving at once as living-room and studio. Everything is simple, clean, and neat. To the right are wooden statues of various kinds, some painted in bright colors, but most of them unfinished. Strewn about the floor are pieces of zvood, large blocks, and the like, together zvith chisels and other implements. The statues of Saint Nicholas and Saint Rose — actors dressed to represent them — stand dozvn-stage to the right, close to each other. Saint Nicholas is an old man zvith a zvhiie beard, who zvears the rich costume of a bishop; Saint Rose, little more than a child, zvith roses in her hair, is dressed like a saint of Fra Angelico. There is a door to the right, just behind these statues. To the left is a large fire-place, in zvhich are dying embers; tzvo children's shoes lie on the hearth- stone. Nearby is the cradle — hung with cur- tains — in zvhich Utile Rose is sleeping. At the center of the stage is a table, zvith a meal set on it, and a chair on either side. Through a bay-wind ozv at the back are seen the silhouette of the cathedral of Notre Dame and the roofs of houses covered zvith snoiv. It is night, and a few stars are out. On the mantel above the fire-place burns a candle; two other candles, half -burnt, are on the table. As the curtain rises, Jacqueline is seated on a chair. She sits listening to a church bell zvhich strikes five. Then she rises. 5 '6 ''' A CHRISTMAS TALE. Jacqueline. — 'Tis five o'clock, and Pierre is still away. I thought I heard his step — but 'twas not his ! ]\Iy dear good husband, once so kind, neglects And leaves me all alone. Is it his fault ? What most I fear is that his weakness will Destroy him ! Now no doubt he sits and drinks In some low wine-shop : thus he spends his nights. My Pierre ! My genius ! Lord in Heaven, hear ! (She looks at Rosette's shoes by the hearth.) I fear he'll bring no presents for Rosette Her Christmas will be sad without her toys. He wanted so to buy some toy to make Her little eyes grow wide with wonder. See, The tiny shoes stand empty Christmas morn, And seem to say : " Has Christmas passed us by ? " (A pause.) He took his mantle with him, he was going To Notre Dame for midnight Mass. How tenderly He kissed me, when he told me, " Good night, dear!" I thought he would be hungry, so I put A goodly supper on the table, while the fire Glowed bright, and through the windows I could see The lights of Notre Dame, and hear the organ And the choir. My heart was light with joy At thought of his return, when we might talk And I might influence and make him good : I understand him and can soothe him well. Now statues occupy him more than I. For days and days his silence is unbearable (She looks at the statues of Saint Nicholas and Saint Rose.) Yet I am proud of these wood images A CHRISTMAS TALE. 7 My Pierre is no mere artisan or 'prentice ; He cuts a living face from living oak. 1 must stand back and silently admire, Stand mute with fear. His art is wife and child For him. How sad I am that the lost hours Spent at the inn cannot be mine ! Oh, God ! (She kneels before the statues.) Monsieur Saint Nicholas, Madame Saint Rose, You whom my Pierre has graven, pardon me If I dare speak to you — I suffer so ! You've always been so good, so kind to me ! Ah, Saints of Paradise, give back my Pierre. Comfort, console me, if you value him ! (She rises.) He's not yet home. I am so tired out ! (She goes to Rosette's cradle and looks at the sleep- ing child.) She sleeps a sound soft sleep. Oh, may God grant That I be spared you, little one, my sweet ! (She turns toward Saint Rose.) I give her to your keeping while I rest. To you, her patron saint. (She looks again at Rosette.) I dare not kiss her. She must sleep on in peace. — Now will I lay A pillow for her. (She carefully arranges the pillow in the cradle.) 8 A CHRISTMAS TALE. Sleep in peace, my dear! (A pause.) Shall I? Dare I? Yes, I must. {She kisses Rosette.) There, my child. (Slie sits in a chair at some distance from the cradle, closes her eyes, and is soon fast asleep. A moment later she speaks as in a dream.) I see her now the day she was baptized, I have not smiled so much since that glad time. My Pierre forgets me, spends his nights away In drinking {A rather long pause.) Dear Saint Nicholas, I pray, Oh, give me rest — make me forget awhile {The Statue of Saint Nicholas moves. A bright light floods the room. Saint Nicholas comes slozvly toward Jacqueline, and extends a hand to her.) t Saint Nicholas. — Poor creature ! Jacqueline. — What, was I asleep ? Protect me ! {She falls asleep again. Saint Nicholas looks at her, smiling benignantly, then turns to the statue of Saint Rose.) Saint Nicholas. — Rose, Rose! No answer from her! Rose, I'm speaking ! A CHRISTMAS TALE. 9 You hear me? Come to life! {He examines the statue, zvliich remains inanimate.) 'Tis surely she ! {He turns round facing the audience, ivhile the statue of Saint Rose begins to move. She quietly zvalks toivard Saint Nicholas and listens to him.) From Heaven have we come to save Jacques Coeur. He 'graved my image for the joy it gave him, No gain was his — and yet he leaves his wife ! I hope that we can save him Saint Rose. — Nicholas ? Saint Nicholas. — Ah, Rose! You're late. Saint Rose. — Because I've been to see The children who have never been baptized And giv'n them Christmas cakes, and flow'rs and kisses. Saint Nicholas. — Rut the angels all do that, my dear Saint Rose, And one of them stands guard before the gate. Saint Rose. — j\nd pray what difference does that make to me? Saint Nicholas. — But know you not it is forbidden? Saint Rose. — Yes But then I know another door. Saint Nicholas. — {Alarmed) Ah, Rose ! Saint Rose. — It's time, I say, these poor young souls below Breathed Heaven's air and played with angels Saint Nicholas. — 10 A CHRISTMAS TALE. Ah, You're daring, little Rose, you should be sent To play with dolls. The Lord forbids Saint Rose. — The Lord Is not so strict as you would have me think. Saint Nicholas. — I'll say no more, then. Tell me, now, where are The toys you should have brought — Where are they, Rose? Saint Rose. — I've given them already, to the poor! Saint Nicholas. — But here Saint Rose. — I pray you, be not angry with me. I'll go at once to Heaven and bring more. {She goes out.) Saint Nicholas. — By all the twelve Apostles, I declare She treats me like a grandpapa — Ah, well ! (He catches sight of the table.) Now what is this ? A supper ? Were I not Well nourished on the manna of the angels I should be hungry — aye, and thirsty too God bless this meal. Jacqueline. — {Half -asleep) Is that you, Pierre? Not yet Saint Nicholas. — Her heart is weary — sleep again, my child, I watch and will give comfort to your soul. I heard your prayer ere it left your lips. And Rose smiled through her tears. For you We've come to life. Sleep now, for greater joy Is soon to come to you. A CHRISTMAS TALE. ii (Jacqufxine sighs and then falls into a peaceful sleep. Enter Saint Rose, loaded down zvith toys.) Saint Rose. — Just see these toys ! Saint Nicholas. — (Looking at the toys) How Rosette's heart will beat ! (Saint Rose kneels before the hearth and lays the toys about her. She speaks the following lines as she arranges the toys.) Saint Rose. — Just see this green one ! You'll have to go in this shoe — Now, the other Here's Saint Cecilia playing on her organ, And here three angels. — Saint Medard, come here. And next to old Saint Anthony, a pig. And now this little cake, an angel made it With his Heav'n-bright hands ; celestial roses Are wreath'd upon it — leave it in the box ! Saint Nicholas. — That's all, I think? Saint Rose. — (Rising) They're pretty, are they not? Those little people all arranged so proudly? (Going to Rosette's cradle.) I'll look at her (She opens the curtains of the cradle.) How sweetly does she sleep! I wonder if I looked that way at three ? Saint Nicholas. — Ah, Rose, what vanity! Saint Rose. — That's true. — Enough ! (She pulls the curtains to.) 12 A CHRISTMAS TALE. Saint Nicholas. — Our presents will bring joy to them, I know. Saint Rose. — (Listening) I thought I heard ? Saint Nicholas. — What, Rose? Saint Rose. — Saint Nicholas. — Yes, I hear him too The father coming (Saint Nicholas and Saint Rose resume their statuesque attitude, standing in front of the hearth, hiding the toys. The bright light dies out. Enter Pierre. He has evidently been drinking.) Pierre. — : It's me — Ho, Jacqueline — it's not my fault ! I didn't really want to stay, but friends How late is it? (Without waiting for an anszver, and not seeing Jacqueline as she lies asleep, he falls heavily into a chair.) Ah, Saints of Heaven, help! I have not drunk so much since Trinity ! (He sees Jacqueline.) You're not in bed yet ? (He rises and goes to her.) Sleeping? Poor Jacqueline! After the Mass in Notre Dame I said: " Go home — don't see your friends — ^you'll drink too much A CHRISTMAS TALE. 13 You know that Jacqueline, your wife, will weep. Not home on Christmas Eve would be too bad." And yet I went to the inn (A pause.) Good Lord, what then? The rascals were amusing, and that Gringoire, The clever chap, a poet too, was there ; I could not get away. — Now to my saints- I rather like Saint Nick, and Rose too, she (He raises his head and to his surprise finds that the statues are not in their accustomed posi- tion.) They stood there when I left — I said Good-night The last thing to them (He looks around the room.) I'm bewitched, I know ! (Clasping his hands in terror.) Dear Saints of Heaven, show yourselves, I pray! (He noiv sees the statues.) Ah, now I see you, statues of my love, My masterpieces (Noticing their changed position.) Why, you've moved, I see ! Saint Nicholas. — 'Tis time to speak. (The light re-appears.) 14 A CHRISTMAS TALE. Pierre. — Dear Lord, how light it is ! The moonhght floods the room from end to end ! Saint Nicholas. — Pierre Coeur! Pierre. — (Trembling) Who spoke my name ? Saint Nicholas. — I. Pierre. — (Terrified) What, my statue? (Putting his Jmnd to his forehead and speaking to himself. ) And yet my eyes are open — who mocks me ? Saint Nicholas. — I am Saint Nicholas himself, Pierre Coeur. Pierre. — You are ?! (Falling to his knees.) Forgive me, oh forgive me, holy Saint ! (He hides his face in his hands.) Saint Nicholas. — Are you not filled with Shame, Pierre Coeur, to spend Your nights in drinking, while your poor wife sits And counts the hours by herself, alone? You kill your body and your soul with men \Vho fear nor God nor devil — you, a genius ! God made of you an artist and you seek To kill the gift that is not yours to kill. Pierre. — Oh, pardon me ! A CHRISTMAS TALE. 15 Saint Nicholas. — Then Jacqueline, your wife, Your child Rosette, you have forgot them. Pierre. — I? Saint Nicholas. — YouVe passed the night amid the fumes of wine, But did you bring your child a single toy ? Pierre. — {In despair) I did not ! Saint Nicholas. — When she wakes up in the morning And looks for toys and presents, she will find Nothing at all — not even one poor orange ! What will you tell her? That the Christ-child failed To come here, busied as he was with others' toys? Pierre. — Oh, pity me ! Saint Nicholas. — (Gently) Does that thought make you sober ? Come here, we have for you a sweet surprise. (Pierre rises.) If you will promise on your honor, Pierre, Never to drink as you have drunk to-night, I will repair your fault this instant. Come, I see you are repentant, tell me, novi' ? Pierre. — ( So! em nly ) T promise never to touch wine again ! Saint Nicholas. — (Good-naturedly) So much I would not ask of you. You may drink, but in moderation, that Is good and cheery, but with JacqueHne You must remain at home and drink. Pierre. — I will. Saint Rose. — I know he will. i6 A CHRISTMAS TALE. Pierre. — I've sinned ; my heart is torn. Saint Rose. — No sadness now, or I shall leave. Now see. {She shows him the toys.) Pierre. — What's this? (He goes to the fire-place, kneels and examines the toys, zvhich he admires.) Saint Nicholas. — (To Jacqueline, zvho is still asleep ) Saint Rose and I, while you were sleeping. Have taken care of you and yours. Awake, Dear Jacqueline, and let your heart be free. (Jacqueline opens her eyes, and rises.) Jacqueline. — Oh, dear Saint Nicholas, you have kept watch ! Saint Nicholas. — Saint Rose and I. Saint Rose. — (Pointing to Pierre) Look, Jacqueline, he is happy ! (Jacqueline sees Pierre, absorbed in examining the toys.) Jacqueline. — To you I owe this happiness. Saint Rose. Saint Rose. — I looked at dear Rosette ; that's my reward. Pierre. — (To himself) The angel who carved this knows well his trade. Saint Rose. — (To Jacqueline) Now speak to him. A CHRISTMAS TALE. 17 Pierre. {To himself) I should be proud myself Jacqueline. — You're home at last, Pierre ? (Pierre rises quickly, turns, sees his zvife, then looks at the floor, ashamed.) Pierre. — Yes, I just came in. Jacqueline. — {Pointing to the toys) But where did you find all these toys, my dear? i (Pierre is embarrassed and does not answer.) Saint Rose. — Poor Pierre, he's blushing ! Pierre. — Dear, I am ashamed. I have neglected you, while day by day You sat in silent sadness, saying nothing ; At night you waited for me while I drank too deep. When I came home you did not say a word. Not one reproach. I should fall to my knees And ask forgiveness. Dear dear wife, how cruel I was, and what I've made you suffer, dear Saint Rose. — One kiss means more to her than pardons asked. Jacqueline. — The past have I forgotten ; now I'm happy. Pierre. — You do forgive me, then ? You pardon me ? Jacqueline. — {Smiling) Oh, yes ! Pierre. — And will forget all else? Jacqueline. — I will. Pierre, doubt it not. i8 A CHRISTMAS TALE. Pierre. — My life from now on will Be spent in loving you. {He kisses Jacqueline's hands.) Saint Nicholas. — (To Saint Rose) ' Come Rose, they're tired ; See, daylight's coming, and they must have rest. Saint Rose. — (Looking at Pierre) See, Nicholas, he's crying ! Saint Nicholas. — Yes, in Heaven There is rejoicing ; love and hope have come Once more. The Christ is born and Mary sits Smiling at Him. Let peace be upon earth ! (Sounds of a choir are heard. After a few mo- ments, Saint Nicholas looks smilingly at Saint Rose.) We must return, Rose, to our places there. (They stand as statues where they stood at first.) God bless this place ! Farewell, and rest in peace ! (The light dies out and the music stops. The statues are immobile. Gradually the daylight creeps in at the zvindow. Pierre and Jacque- line azvake. They look about in astonishment, then look at the statues.) Pierre. — They stand there as before. They have not moved ! (Pierre and Jacqueline go to the statues, and kneel before them.) A CHRISTMAS TALE. 19 Jacqueline. — Dear saints, you've wiped away my tears. Pierre. — You have brought joy to this our humble home. Jacqueline. — {To Pierre) You'll keep your promise ? Pierre. — Yes, dear, it is sacred ! Jacqueline. — ril think no more about it. Pierre. — I could not Offend my friends the saints. Jacqueline. — See what I have for you. (She shozvs him the supper on the table.) Pierre. — The table set? Jacqueline. — It's simple, dear, but good, It's your reward. Pierre. — (Touched) My dearest Jacqueline ! Jacqueline. — You are not hungry, Pierre? Come, tell me, are you? Pierre. — This meal is blessed by Heaven ; I shall eat. But first, a kiss (He kisses her.) Jacqueline. — (Pointing to Rosette's cradle) We must speak softly, now ! (She takes a step tozvard the cradle, but Pierre de- tains her.) 20 A CHRISTMAS TALE. Pierre. — She sleeps as softly as a bird at night. Jacqueline. — Then let us eat at once, I want to be With our Rosette when first she wakens up ; Her joy must be ours too. Pierre. — It will. Sit down, And later, rest. Jacqueline. — We must not miss High Mass. Pierre. — (As they sit down at the table) No, we shall go together, and thank God For this our happiness. (The red of the rising sun has touched the towers of Notre Dame, zvhich are seen through the window at the hack.) CURTAIN. THE WORLD'S BEST PLAYS By Celebrated l^uropean Authors A NEW SERIES OF AMATEUR PLAYS BY THE BEST AUTHORS, ANCIENT AND MODERN, ESPECIALLY TRANSLATED WITH HISTORICAL NOTES, SUG- GESTIONS FOR STAGING, Etc., FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND DRAMATIC CLUBS * BARRETT H. CLARK General Editor ITH the immensely increased demand for new plays for purposes of production by amateurs W comes a correspondingly great demand for a care- ful selection of tiiose plays which can ba easily and well presented by clubs and collegres. The plays in the present series have been chosen with regard to their intrinsic value as drama and liter- ature, and at the same time to their adaptability to the needs and limitations of such organizations. The Series, under the personal supervision of Mr. Barrett H. Clark, instructor in the department of Dramatic Literature at Chautauqua, New York, assistant stage manager and actor with Mrs. Fiske (season 1912-1913), now comprises ten volumes, and fifteen more will make their appearance during the year. Eventually there will be plays from ancient Greece and Rome, Italy. Spain, France, Russia. Germany, and the Scandinavian countries, repre- sentative of some of the best drama of all ageg and lands. Each volume is prefaced by a concise historical note by Mr. Olarlt- and with a few suggestions for staging. Plays Nov Ready ITfDIAN SUMMER, a comedy in one act by Mxilh^o and Halevt. This little play, by two of the most f amom irriters of comedy of the last century, hajs been played at the GomSdie Fran- caise at Paris for upwards of forty years, and remains one of the brightest and most popular works of the period. Pbiob 25 C«irrs. ROSALIi;, by Max Maurbt. A " Grand Gui«Tiol " comedy in one act, full of rerve and clever dialogue. Rosalie, the stubborn maid, leads her none too amiable master and mistress into uncomfortable complications by refusing to open the front door to a supposed gue«t of wealth and influence. Pbicb 25 Csitts. MODESTY, by Paul Herviktj. A delightful trifle by one of the most celebrated of liring dramatists. Priob 25 Ckitts. THE ART OF BEING BORED, {Lt Monde oU I'on s^Ifnnuie), a comedy in three acts by Edouard Paillirow. Probably the best- known and most f reauently acted comedy of manners in the realm of nineteenth century French drama. It is replete with wit and comic situations. For nearly forty years it has held the stage, while countless imitators have endeavored to reproduce its fresh- ness and charm. Price 25 Cents. A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL, by Antow Tchekhoft, a comedy in cne act, by one of the greatest of modem Russian writers. This little farce is very popular in Russia, and satirizes the peasants of that country in an amusing manner. Pbios 25 Csirrs. THE GREEN COAT, by Alered de Mitssbt and Emilb Augies. A slight and comic character sketch of the life of Bohemian artists in Paris, written by one of France's greatest poets and one of her best-known dramatists. Prick 25 Cents. THE "WAGER, by Giuseppe Giaoosa. This one act poetic comedy, written by the most celebrated dramatist of modern Italy, was the author's first work. It treats of a wager made by a proud young page, who risks his life on the outcome of a game of cheas. Pbicb 25 Cents. THE LITTLE SHEPHERDESS, a poetic comedy In one act, by Andke Rivoike. A charming pastoi-al sketch by a well-known French poet and dramatist. Played with success at the Com^die Francaise. Piuce 25 Cents. PHORMIO, a Latin comedy by Terence. An up-to-date version of the famous comedy. One of the masterpieces of Latin drama: the story of a father who returns to find that his son has married a slave girl. Phormio, the parasite-villain who causes the numerous comic complications, succeeds in unraveliufir the diflSculties, and all ends happily. Price 25 Cents. THE TWINS, a Latin farce by Plautus, upon which Shake- speare founded his Comedy of Errors. Price 25 Cents. THE BOOR, by Anton Tohekoff. A well-known farce by the celebrated Russian master; It Is concerned with Russian peasants, and portrays with masterly skill the comic side of country life. Price 25 Cents. THE SLACK PEARL, by Victorien Sardoti. One of Sardou's most famous comedies of Intrigue. A house has, it is thought, been robbed. But through skilful investigation it Is found that the havoc wrought has been done by lightning. Price 25 Cents. CHARMING LE ANDRE, by Theodore de Banville. The author of " Gringoire " is here seen In a poetic vein, yet the French- man's innate sense of humor recalls, in this satirical little play, the genius of Moliere. Price 25 Cents. THE POST-SCRIPTUM, by Emile AuGiER. Of this one-act comedy Professor Brander Matthews writes: "... one of the brightest and most brilliant little one-act comedies in any language, and to be warmly recommended to American readers." Price 25 Cents. THE HOUSE OF FOURCHAMBAULT, by Emile Augier. One of the greatest of recent French family dramas. Although the play is serious In tone, it contains touches which entitle It to a position among the best comedies of manners of the times. Pricb 25 Cents. THE DOCTOR Ilf SPITE OF HIMSELF, by MOLIRRB. A famous farce by the greatest of French dramatists. Sganarelle has to be beaten before he will acknowledgre that he is a doctor, which he is not. He then works apparently miraculous cures. The play Is a sharp satire on the medical profession in the 17th Century. Pbibk 25 Cents. BRIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER, by Capus. The first comedy in English of the most sprightly and satirical of present- day French dramatists. Price 25 Cents. CHOOSIP7G A CAREER, by G. A. DB Caillavet. Written by one of the authors of " Love "Watches." A farce of mistaken identity, full of humorous situations and bright lines. Pbice 25 Cents. FRENCH WITHOUT A MASTER, by Tristan Bernard. A clever farce by one of the most successful of French dramatists. It is concerned with the difficulties of a bogus-interpreter who does not know a word of French. Price 25 Cents. PATER NOSTER. a poetic play in one act, by Francois CoppEE. A pathetic incident of the time of the Paris Commune, In 1871. Price 25 Cents. THE ROMANCERS, a comedy in three acts, by Edmond Ros- tand. New translation of this celebrated and charming little romantic play by the famous author of "Cyrano de Bergerac " and "Chantecler." Price 25 Cents. THE MERCHANT GENTLEMAN. (Le Bourgeois Gentil- homme), by MotiiERE. New translation of one of Molifire's comic masterpieces, a play which is peculiarly well adapted to amateur production. Price 50 Cents. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY BERKELEY Return to desk from which borrowed. This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. .^EC'D LD JAN2«ig58 iwi« m*n UOAM DEP"'"' LD ai-100ll>-ll,'49(B714e>ie)4Te Kfanv/t iGAYLOROl Syracui Stockt one act. JAN 9 19 /1 7 UQIX9 { XXi I ^)eci 2^460 ■7^ M2038il THE UNIVERSITY OF CAUFORNIA UBRARY /