THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE MACMILLAN COMPANY NEW YORK BOSTON CHICAGO DALLAS ATLANTA SAN FRANCISCO MACMILLAN & CO., LIMITED LONDON BOMBAY CALCUTTA MELBOURNE THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, LTD. TORONTO SWANHILD (Reproduced from the painting by Robert Reid) THE GARDEN OF PARADISE BY EDWARD SHELDON BASED ON " THE LITTLE MERMAID " BY HANS ANDERSEN fork THE MACMILLAN COMPANY All rights reserved Copyright by Edward Sheldon, May 1914. Copyright by Edward Sheldon, June 1914. Copyright by Edward Sheldon, November 1914. Copyright by Edward Sheldon, Ottawa, Canada, November 1914. Copyright by Edward Sheldon, Great Britain. COPYRIGHT, 1915 BY EDWARD SHELDON TO EMILY STEVENS CHARACTERS SEA-FOLK THE MERMAN EMPEROR THE EMPRESS DOWAGER, his mother THE PRINCESS THORA THE PRINCESS LONA [ his daughters THE PRINCESS SWANHILD J THE EMPEROR OF THE CRABS THE TURTLE RAJAH THE PRINCE OF THE JELLYFISH AND OF THE EASTERN SEA THE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD THE CHIEF MUSICIAN THE CHIEF COOK dignitaries of the Imperial Court THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES THE SEA WITCH THE DEVIL-FISH 1 THE SNAKE \ her creatures THE SHARK j SOLDIERS, COURTIERS, PAGES, SERVANTS, AND SUITES OF THE ROYAL GUESTS, SLAVES OF THE SEA WITCH AND OTHER HORRORS vii LAND-FOLK his comrades THE KING OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS LORD OTHO, his Chancellor JASPER VALENTINE RlNALDO SEBASTIAN BERTRAM ROLAND THE LORD HIGH ADMIRAL THE CAPTAIN or THE ROYAL SHIP THE STEERSMAN PETER JOHN \ sailors CHRISTIAN J THE KING S HERALD THE QUEEN or THE SOUTH THE PRINCE OF SPICELAND, her ambassador THE GRAND VIZIER MEDEA ORIANA ISOTTA ARIADNE MARIETTA ARMIDA EGLAMOUR, her page THE QUEEN S HERALD COURTIERS, LADIES-IN-WAITING, SOLDIERS, SAILORS, PRIESTS, PAGES, ETC., BELONGING TO BOTH COURTS viii her maids-of-honor SCENES SCENE I. Under the sea. The palace of the Merman Emperor. SCENE II. The open sea. SCENE III. The shore by the convent. SCENE IV. Under the sea. The cave of the Sea Witch. SCENE V. The Kingdom of the Blue Mountains. The royal palace. SCENE VI. The same. SCENE VII. Southland. The Queen s bower. SCENE VIII. The Queen s garden. SCENE IX. The bridal ship. Produced at the Park Theatre, New York, November 28, 1914, with the following cast: SEA-FOLK The Merman Emperor .... The Empress Dowager, His Mother The Princess Thora \ The Princess Lona > His Daughters The Princess Swanhild ) The Emperor of the Crabs The Turtle Rajah The Prince of the Jellyfish and of the East ern Sea The Captain of the Guards The Chief Cook The Master of Ceremonies The Chief Musician The Sea Witch Dignitaries of the Imperial Court LlTTLEDALE POWER JESSIE VILLARS MINNIE TERRY PHYLLIS THATCHER EMILY STEVENS LIONEL BRAHAM SHERIDAN BLOCK HARMAN CHESHIRE MURRAY KINNELL JOHN ROGERS CLARENCE FELTER ASHETON TONGE BLANCHE WALSH LAND-FOLK The King s Companions Sailors The King of the Blue Mountains Lord Otho, His Chancellor . . Jasper Valentine Rinaldo Sebastian Bertram Roland The Captain of the Royal Ship The Steersman .... Peter John Christian Eric The King s Herald The Queen of the Southland . . The Prince of Spiceland, Her Ambassador The Grand Vizier Medea Oriana Isotta Ariadne Marietta Armida Eglamour, Her Page The Queen s Herald Her Maids of Honor GEORGE RELPH ASHETON TONGE MURRAY KINNELL W. W. GEAR FRANK CONROY ALBERT BARRETT CLARENCE FELTER BENNETT KILPACK HUGH McCRAE SHERIDAN BLOCK JOHN ROGERS RICHARD HALE MAURICE ROBINSON CLIFFORD L. WALKER FRANK CONROY RENEE KELLY LIONEL B RAH AM HARRY NEVILLE ROSINA HENLEY ROSALIE MATHIEU AGNES DORNTEE EVA MICHNER HAZEL TURNEY EUPHEMIA FOWLER WILLIAM BROWN RICHARD HALE THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SCENE I Under the sea. Before the palace of the Merman Emperor. At left the palace. At right, under sea-trees, stand the im perial thrones. Between the palace and the thrones are three small garden plots. One is in the shape of a fish and a broken rocking-horse stands in the midst of its flowers; the second is in the shape of a mermaid and in its centre is a pilot s wheel; the third is round in shape, and the flowers twine about the marble statue of a youth, with head upraised. The Merman Emperor a stout, quaint little old gentleman with a long green beard is seated on his throne. On his head is a crown; he wears royal robes and carries a trident. He is a man to the waist and below that is a fish s tail. Be side him sits his mother, the Empress Dowager. She is very old and bent, with white hair under her crown. She knits quietly. Leaning against the cushions at their father s tail sit the two elder princesses, Thora and Lona. They have long green hair, coronets of pearls and beautiful glittering green tails. Back of the thrones stand a line of guards fish in brilliant uniforms, carrying muskets under their fins. Before the throne float the Captain of the Guard, a splendid sword-fish, looking as if he were dressed in shining armor, the Master of Ceremonies, a fat old porpoise gorgeously attired, and the Chief Musician, another fish, carrying his fiddle under one fin, his bow in the other. THE EMPEROR [Glancing at his notes.} The Chief Musician. V THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE CHIEF MUSICIAN [Coming forward.] Imperial Majesty? THE EMPEROR Is the orchestra ready? Are their harps and conch- shells tuned? THE CHIEF MUSICIAN August One, all is prepared. My fish await only your command to burst into harmony. And, O Mightiness, I myself have presumed to compose a new waltz in honor of the fifteenth birthday of the Princess Swanhild, the tune of which I beg leave to THE EMPEROR [Interrupting.] Start off the ball with it. [Looking at notes.] The Master of Ceremonies! [The Chief Musician retires backwards into the palace.] THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES Your Divinity deigns to address his unworthy slave? THE EMPEROR Make sure that all the guests have plenty of wine and are introduced to everybody. THE EMPRESS And see that the starfish and periwinkles engaged to illuminate the party are in the best of health. THE EMPEROR The Captain of the Guard! [The Master of Ceremonies bows and retires.] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 3 THE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD [Saluting.] Here, my Emperor. THE EMPEROR Keep a sharp watch for all outlawed whales, devil-fish, sharks and [Dropping his voice.] other creatures of the Sea Witch. THE EMPRESS [Mournfully.] My son, I said so once and I say so now we should have made sure of safety by inviting the Sea Witch to the ball! THE EMPEROR Ssh, Mother, be still! [To the Captain of the Guard.] You understand? THE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD My fish, O Majesty, have an eye in every scale, in every fin a sword! THE EMPEROR Quite so quite so! [The Captain of the Guard salutes and retires.] Now let us consider! Is everything ready? Nothing lying about? Everything clean and tidy [Sud denly.] Dear! Dear! Thora! Lona! THORA Yes, papa? LONA Yes, papa? THE EMPEROR Your gardens I 4 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE LONA Our gardens? THE EMPEROR Look at them ! Weeds choking up the paths, shells drop ping out of place, snails crawling over the flowers! THE EMPRESS Disgraceful! THORA Oh well, grandmamma, you seem to forget that Lona and I are grown-up now! LONA Grown-up and engaged to be married. THORA Far too old for such childish duties as picking snails off flowers! THE EMPEROR Well, if you are too lazy to keep your gardens free from weeds and snails, how in the sea do you expect to keep house for your husbands when you, Lona, have married the Prince of the Jellyfish and you, Thora, are the bride of the Turtle Rajah? THE EMPRESS [Knitting.] Those two unfortunate young fish how I pity them ! [A dozen or so little fish swim over the heads of the speakers and gather at a certain window in the palace.] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 5 THE EMPEROR I am pleased to observe that your little sister s garden is, on the contrary, most carefully tended. Look, nother! See how Swanhild has trained her flowers to grow about the statue! THE EMPRESS Very neat and pretty! LONA Swanhild enjoys digging in her garden! THORA She likes making mud-pies! LONA She even plays with dolls! THORA After all, she is nothing but a baby! [The window in the palace opens and Swanhild is seen, her mermaid doll under her arm. In her hand are several crusts of bread. She sits on the window-sill and talks softly to the fish.] THE EMPEROR She is fifteen years old to-day! This ball is to celebrate her coming-of-age. She is about to make her bow as mer maid princess to the kingdoms and the glories of the sea. SWANHILD [To the fish.} Good evening, you little darlings! Are you very hungry? Yes? That s nice because I ve saved all 6 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE my crusts from this morning s breakfast and a piece of cake from my tea! [Feeding them.] There! There! Oh, what a splendid supper we re having ! THE EMPRESS The dear child! I must put on her crown and oysters before the guests arrive. THE EMPEROR And we must give her our birthday presents, too. Where is she? THORA Off in some corner, I suppose. LONA Playing with her doll! THORA Or pretending that she is a human being! SWANHILD [Singing to herself as she feeds the fish.] Little fishes of the sea, Give my baby wishes three A cap of stars to bind his hair And shine about him everywhere [Breaking of to speak to the fish.] Oh! Oh! You mustn t be greedy! That wasn t meant for him, was it? Here catch this! So! [Singing.] A chain of jewels for his neck, The treasure of the sunken wreck THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 7 [Breaking of.] Stop it! You naughty fish! Give the little ones a chance! You re a glutton do you hear? that s what you are! A fat little glutton! Are you sorry? Will you never, never, never do it again? Well that s better ! THE EMPEROR [Below.] Swanhild! Swanhild! Where in the sea has that child gone to? SWANHILD [Singing.] And best of all things in this life, A little mermaid for his wife. THORA There she is! LONA Feeding those miserable minnows! THE EMPEROR Swanhild! SWANHILD [Singing.] Little fishes of the sea, Give my baby wishes three [Breaking off.] Oh, daddy, are you calling me? THE EMPEROR Indeed I am! Come here this minute! SWANHILD I m coming! [To the fish.] There that s all. Now swim away, sweethearts swim away! [They do so. She 8 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE picks up her doll, shoots out the window, and perches affec tionately on the arm of her father s throne.] Well, here I am! [She kisses the top of his head.] Now, what do you want? THE EMPEROR You little scollop! Who would ever think you were fif teen years old! SWANHILD Fifteen! Fifteen! Fifteen! Oh! Oh! How glad I am! THE EMPEROR But the fact remains, my dear. You are now grown-up. And so your grandmother and I give you these with our best love and our birthday compliments. [He gives her a small box.] SWANHILD Presents! May I open it now? [He nods. She does so.] O-oh! Just what I wanted! [She takes out a golden comb and mirror.] You darlings ! Thank you! Thank you! [She gives them both a hug and a kiss.] Look ! Thora! Lona! Aren t they magnificent? THORA [Taking comb.] Too magnificent for you, Swanhild! [She begins to comb her hair.] LONA [Taking the mirror.] Why, they are almost finer than ours! [She looks at herself in the mirror and straightens her crown.] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 9 SWANHILD Daddy, now that I am grown-up, can I go with Thora and Lona when they rise to the surface of the sea? Oh, can I? Tell me tell me quick! THE EMPEROR Of course you can. SWANHILD Oh! THE EMPEROR And you will sit on the rocks and comb your hair and sing as all well-brought-up young mermaids have done since time immemorial on arriving at the age of fifteen. SWANHILD [Suddenly.] Good-bye. THE EMPEROR Dear, dear! Where are you going? SWANHILD [Above him.] Up there! THE EMPEROR Come down! Come down! You must wait till sunset. That s the appointed time. And then, with proper cere mony, your sisters will conduct you. io THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD [Sinking.] Oh, I have waited so long! All my life has been a dream of the great world of men and the happy ones who live above the sea! THE EMPEROR Prut! How you talk! Are you not happy down here in the water? SWANHILD Yes yes ! I love you and grandmummy and Thora and Lona and my dolls and my fish. I love the blue trees and their golden fruit and the glittering sands. My own beautiful home. But oh! I m afraid I want more than just the things I can see and touch and love yes, dear, no matter how sweet those things may be! THE EMPEROR But what more is there? SWANHILD I cannot tell but I know it is very wonderful and I want to go up and up and up until THE EMPEROR Until what? SWANHILD Until I find it, dear. THE EMPRESS Mercy on us! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE n SWANHILD So that is why I made my garden round like the sun and filled it with red flowers, the color of the sun as it shines down here through the water. THORA [Slyly.] And is that why you set up in the midst of it the statue of the man which you found in that wreck? LONA With those two great ugly shanks instead of a tail! SWANHILD [To her doll.] They re laughing at us, dearest but we don t care ! Our long dream s over at sunset we re going to wake and lift our eyes and swim up to the air and the stars and the sky! [Kissing the doll.} Oh, my darling, darling child! I m the happiest little mermaid in the sea! [She swims round and round in a transport of joy, waving her doll, half -laughing, half-crying. The Chief Cook swims in distractedly from the palace. He is a fat red fish in cap and apron, carrying a huge ladle.] THE CHIEF COOK [As he enters.] Your Majesty a thousand pardons my intrusion a great catastrophe THE EMPEROR What is it quick! 12 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE EMPRESS Be calm, cook be calm ! THE Cooz The shepherd fish THE EMPEROR Yes yes! THE EMPRESS Well, cook? THE COOK He has broken into the cellar and drunk up all the wine for the banquet! THE EMPEROR Not an ? THE COOK Every bottle, your Majesty and swallowed the corks into the bargain! THE EMPRESS Deary me! THE EMPEROR The shark! He might have left a little! THE COOK And that is not the worst! Having drunk the wine, he forgot to fetch home the sea-cows. Being no sea-cows, there is no milk. Being no milk, there is no cream. Being no cream, there is no butter. And, without butter, how THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 13 can I make the pie of dolphins hearts and the tongues of angel-fish that your Majesty has commanded for the feast? THE EMPEROR No pie? THORA No pie ? LONA No pie ? THE EMPRESS Ssh! Do not fear, my children ! Trust your old grand mother ! She will bake that pie without butter or lose her tail in the attempt. Cook! Give us your arm! We go to the kitchen! [She takes the Cook s arm and they both swim of into the palace} THE EMPEROR [To the Captain of the Guard.] Quick, Captain ! Mount your fish on sea-horses and scatter over the prairies. There is no time to lose the cows must be found! Herald, climb the tower and blow three blasts on your conch-shell when you see the first guest coming from afar. I myself will go down to the cellar and search amid the ruins for bottles that the monster may have spared! [To himself.] Pie without butter dear! dear! Can such things be? [He swims into the palace, shaking his head.] THE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD [To his fish.] Carry arms! Present arms! Right- fin arms! To the stables forward swim! [They 14 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE swim off in military fashion, led by their captain. The three princesses are left alone] SWANHILD Thora, do you think do you think the air above the sea will hurt my doll? You know she has been delicate since she lost her arm. THORA [Glancing at Lona and smiling.} I m sure it will. SWANHILD Oh dear! LONA But you cannot play with that old doll any more. THORA Now that you are fifteen, Swanhild, you must give up those wretched toys at once. SWANHILD [Kissing her doll and whispering.} They say you can t go with me, sweetheart and I know just how you would have loved it, too. [She swims to her garden, kneels, and begins busily digging in the sand.} THORA What in the sea are you doing now? SWANHILD [Working away] You said I could not play with dolls any more. So I am burying the darling here in my garden, THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 15 and when I am old and married and have a little mermaid of my own, why, don t you see I can come here and pick a dear little doll for her right off the dolltree I planted so long ago! [She smooths of the little mound of sand.} LONA Was there ever such a simpleton? THORA And our family has always been so clever! SWANHILD Ah, don t be cross! Remember it s my birthday! Dear Thora dear Lona ! Will you do something to make me happy? Will you tell me just once more about the world up there the big world that I shall see so soon? THORA Why are you so interested in that stupid old world? LONA Always pestering and bothering us to tell you things about it! SWANHILD [Sighing.] Very well. [She turns away. Thora catches Lona s eye, points to Swanhild, then to their gardens, and makes a gesture of working.] LONA [To Swanhild, after nodding to Thora] Swanhild dear, considering it is your birthday, Thora and I will be good- natured and tell you anything you want 16 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD You darlings! THORA That is, if you will just pull up all the weeds and pick off all the snails and generally tidy up our gardens before papa comes back. SWANHILD Of course I will. Which shall I do first? LONA Mine. SWANHILD [Beginning to work on it.] Now tell me about the world. LONA [Swimming lazily about, posing, always looking at herself in the golden mirror.] Foolish child! Well, with what shall I begin? SWANHILD The flowers that are full of fragrance and the little fish that swim among the trees and sing/ LONA Ah, those are nothing! But listen to this! Last week I swam up a broad river which flows into the sea. I saw beautiful green hills and palaces and the sun was so hot I had to dive every minute or so to cool my face. At last I came to a tiny bay and what do you think I found there? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 17 SWANHILD [Transfixed.] Oh tell me! LONA A troop of little human beings [Breaking ojf.] But go on with your work or else I stop ! SWANHILD [Suddenly active.] I m working! See I m working! LONA Where was I? Oh yes little human beings running about on their funny white legs and actually swimming in the water! SWANHILD Yes go on! LONA And then a small black animal that the children called let me think! what was it? Rover? saw me and made a terrible noise and oh! how frightened I was! Why, my tail trembled so that I could hardly swim! It was only by sheer force of character that I managed to dive and make for the open sea. There was an adventure if you like! SWANHILD Green hills palaces! Lovely little human beings that run about on beautiful white legs! Oh, thank you, dear Lona look! your garden is all done! Not a single snail! [Going to the other garden.] Now, Thora, you tell me! Tell me what you love to do more than anything else when you go up there! i8 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THORA [Reclining, as she combs her hair.] The thing I dislike least is to rise up far from land, where you can see for miles around you and the sky is like a great glass dome. Then you can watch the dolphins turning somersaults so amusing! and the great whales squirting water through their noses! SWANHILD 0-oh! Aren t you afraid? THORA As if I couldn t swim faster than a whale! And then sometimes the sea is green and cold, and the icebergs float about, each one shining like a pearl and higher than the church towers built by men. SWANHILD [Pausing in ecstasy.] Oh, Thora! THORA Go on ! Keep weeding ! SWANHILD [Suddenly busy.] I am! THORA Often and often I ve climbed up on the biggest I could find. And all the passing ships have flown off like sea-gulls when they saw me lying there, with my long hair streaming in the wind! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 19 SWANHILD Thora, how glorious ! THORA Have you straightened all my shells? SWANHILD Yes every one. Oh, how could you leave such mar vels? How could you bear to say good-bye and come down again into the dull old sea ! LONA How young you are, Swanhild! THORA How little you understand life! LONA Never mind! THORA You ll soon learn that when a thing is no longer forbid den, its charm is gone. LONA When you can go anywhere, you don t mind staying at home. THORA And although, of course, it is great fun to race with ships when the wind is high LONA And to beat them, too! 20 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD [In delight.} Oh! Oh! LONA One decides in the course of a month or so that, on the whole, home is best. SWANHILD I ll never feel that way! I know! I know! [Suddenly, as she glances up.} Oh, look! What s that? [A chest, evi dently fallen overboard, appears from above, sinking slowly in circles. A school of little fish dart up to examine it] THORA A treasure chest! LONA What luck! THORA Come on! [They swim quickly up towards it, Swanhild following] LONA [To the fish.] Go away, you little fish! Shoo! [They swim away j frightened] THORA [Seizing one end of the chest] It s mine! LONA [Seizing the other end] It s mine! THORA I touched it first! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 21 LONA Oh, what a story! THORA Didn t I, Swanhild? SWANHILD But I saw it. Oh, won t you give me just a little of the treasure? LONA I ll tell you. We ll divide it equally! How s that? THORA Of course it really is all mine LONA Now ! Now ! THORA But I m willing to be generous. [The chest now rests on the bottom.] Is it locked? SWANHILD Yes, but the key s here. [She unlocks it.] So! f LONA Now open the lid! [They do so.] I m first, because I m oldest! SWANHILD Quick! 22 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THORA Begin! [Each swoops down in turn, plunges her hand into the chest, and swims off again in triumph, showing her prize.} LONA [Waving a long sailor s pipe.] Look ! Look ! THORA My turn! [As she comes up with a black bottle.] SWANHILD Is it good? THORA [Who has put the bottle to her mouth.] Ugh! Nasty! SWANHILD [Coming up with a crucifix.] See this! THORA What is it? LONA 7 don t know [Bringing up a knife.] Look out! I m going to cut off your tail ! [She pursues Thora with screams of laughter.] THORA [Bringing up a pack of cards.] Look at these! All red and black and oh! the splendid people who have heads both ways! [She scatters the cards through the water.] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 23 SWANHILD [Diving down and coming up with a flute.] What s this? Oh tell me quick ! LONA Blow in the holes [Swanhild does so and the flute sounds.] Did you hear that? SWANHILD [Breaking of.] Why, it s music! LONA [Dragging forth a long pair of sea-boots.] Thora, look! [She puts her arms into them.] I m a man! I m a man! THORA [Doing the same with a pair of red woolen stockings.] Just wait a moment! [As she puts them on her arms.] There! I am, too ! SWANHILD [Diving down.] I want to be a man! [At the chest.] Oh dear, it s empty! [Feeling about in it.] No no! [Draw ing out a pair of large, horn spectacles.] Do men wear these? LONA Put the ends over your ears. THORA [As Swanhild does so.] Look at her! Look at her! [She and Lona scream with laughter.] 24 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD [Laughing, too, as she peers through the spectacles.] Oh, how funny and big everything is ! Am I a man like you and Thora? LONA [Diving down.] Of course! We re all men now ! [Picking up an old pigskin-covered book from the bottom of the chest.] Here catch, my boy! [She throws it at Thora.] SWANHILD [Screaming.] Throw it to me! Throw it to me! [Thora does so.] Lona, are you ready? [She throws it to Lona. They are all three swimming, dodging, diving about, tossing the book from one to another like children playing ball.] THORA [As Swanhild misses the book and it falls in her garden.] Oh! Missed it! You silly! [She drops on the rocking-horse in her own garden, and begins to rock violently to and fro, screaming.] Getap! Getap! LONA [Swimming up to the pilot s-wheel in her garden.] Star board! Port! Ay, ay, sir! [She turns the wheel and shouts with laughter.] SWANHILD [Sinking to her own garden and putting her arms tenderly around the neck of the statue in its centre.] My dear my dear! [She kisses it. The doors to the palace open.] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 25 THORA [Slipping of her rocking-horse.] Sst! Grandmamma! [The three mermaids gather soberly in a row and curtsey deeply as the old Empress swims slowly in, carrying a small bag and a box under her arm.] THE EMPRESS I heard you, you naughty young cat-fish! Never dare to tell me again you are grown-up! THORA But, grandmamma THE EMPRESS Ssh! Be off with you! Go in and help lay the table for the banquet or are you too old for such simple occupa tions? LONA Just as you say, dear grandmamma. [She and Thora swim of together.] THE EMPRESS [To herself.] Lazy young good-for-nothings ! Times have changed since I was a little mermaid! [As Swanhild is about to follow her sisters.] Hi! Don t you go! SWANHILD [Turning at door.] Me, grandma? 26 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE EMPRESS [Sitting on her throne.] Yes, you, my small clam ! I have something to tell you. Come ! Sit here at my tail ! [Swan- hild obeys her. During the following scene the pale blue light of the submarine day changes to the pink glow of twilight. The sea is shot with -violet shadows. The red rays of the setting sun shine through the water upon the enthroned Em press and the little princess coiled at her side.] SWANHILD What is it, grandma? THE EMPRESS Ah, my dear, this is a happy day for my poor old heart! To see my own little minnow grown into such a blooming young mermaiden! Why, it seems only yesterday when I held you in my arms a tiny tadpole with a bald head and not so much as one scale on your little tail! Prut! how the years slip by! SWANHILD Dear grandma! THE EMPRESS If only your young mother had lived, I could not ask for more ! Ah well ! There are still plums in the pudding and I have you, my little smelt. See now it is time for you to dress as becomes your rank! Let me adorn you like your sisters! [She has opened the box and taken out a wreath of lilies, made of pearls and silver, which she now puts on Swanhild s head.] So! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 27 SWANHILD Won t won t it fall off when I dive and play? THE EMPRESS Of course. But princesses never do such things. They hold their heads straight and swim slowly. Put up your tail, little tadpole. [She opens her bag.] SWANHILD [Doing so.] Why, grandma? THE EMPRESS You ll see, my angel-fish. [She takes an oyster out of the bag and fastens it to the end of Swanhild s tail.] SWANHILD [With a little shriek.] Oh ! Stop it! THE EMPRESS Tut! Tut! When I was your age, I wore fifteen. [She fastens on another.] Don t wriggle! SWANHILD But it hurts so, grandma! THE EMPRESS You must endure the pain for the sake of the finery. Hold still! [She puts on another.} 28 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD [In spite of herself.] Ouch! [Recovering.] Grandma, do human beings live forever? Is it true they never die, as we die down here under the sea? THE EMPRESS No, my little shrimp! You are quite mistaken. Of course they die, and their lifetime is far shorter than our own. But in the end they have the best of it. For though, if lucky, we live three hundred years, when at last we die we turn into foam on the water and do not find so much as a grave among our dear ones. We have no immortal souls we have no life to come. Lift your tail higher, my tadpole. So! We are just like the green seaweed that, once cut down, can never revive again! SWANHILD And men? THE EMPRESS Men, on the other hand, have a soul that lives forever lives after the body has become dust. It rises through the clear air up to the shining stars ! Just as we rise from the water to the land above, so they float up to strange and beautiful shores which we shall never know! SWANHILD I would give all my three hundred years to be a human being for just one day, and afterwards to find that kingdom beyond the sky! THE EMPRESS Come, come! You must not be thinking about such things! After all, we are much better off than human THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 29 beings! [Taking an oyster from her bag.] See now! This is the last one! [Putting it on.] There! How pretty you look, child! SWANHILD What difference does that make if I must die, and float as foam on the water, and never hear the singing of the waves nor see the beautiful flowers or the red light of my dear, dear friend the sun? THE EMPRESS Tut! Tut! SWANHILD Oh, grandma, you who are so good and wise tell me! Is there no way for little mermaids to gain an immortal soul? THE EMPRESS None, my precious clam! SWANHILD What ? THE EMPRESS I mean none worth trying. SWANHILD There is a way, then! Tell me, grandma, tell me tell me quick! THE EMPRESS Hoity-toity! How eager we are! Can my little shrimp keep a secret? 30 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD Yes yes THE EMPRESS [Bending over and lowering her voice.] Well then, I re member my own grandmother telling me when I was a tiny mermaid and she had it from hers who ssh! bend closer! was a friend of the Sea Witch! SWANHILD The wicked Sea Witch who lives forever and knows everything? THE EMPRESS [Glancing about anxiously.] Ssh ! At all events, this is it! SWANHILD [Whispering.] Tell me! THE EMPRESS [Whispering.] If a human being so loved you that you were dearer to him than father or mother, if he loved you so much that he would let the priest join your hands in marriage and would vow to be faithful to you here and to all eternity SWANHILD Goon! THE EMPRESS Then into your body would come half his soul! SWANHILD Ah! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 31 THE EMPRESS And when your body died, your soul, with his, would fly to what mankind calls Paradise! SWANHILD Paradise ! THE EMPRESS But of course, my little sea-flower, all this can never be. SWANHILD Why? THE EMPRESS Why ? Listen to the tadpole! Because, my dear what is considered your greatest beauty down here in the sea SWANHILD My tail? THE EMPRESS Your tail the elegant slimness of which you inherit directly from myself! would up on earth be considered hideous! To be pretty there you must have two clumsy supports which they call what is it? legs! SWANHILD [Sighing.] Heigho ! [She looks down sadly at her tail.] THE EMPRESS [Affectionately] Little minnow with silver fins ! Come be gay! Let us hop, skip and jump during our three hun- 32 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE died years of life! It is surely a long enough time and at the end we [She is interrupted by the Emperor, who comes swimming out of the palace.] THE EMPEROR [Genially, as he enters] Well, mother? Have you told her the news? Was the little codfish pleased? Did she clap her little hands? Did she wag her little tail? Did she THE EMPRESS [Interrupting] Wait! Wait! The silly shrimp has been so busy asking questions about the earth and human be ings, that I have had no chance to say a word. THE EMPEROR [Seated on his throne] What? Then she knows nothing of her luck? THE EMPRESS No more than a blind oyster! SWANHILD Daddy! What is it? What is my luck? THE EMPEROR Come! Sit on my lap! [She obeys] So! [He pinches her ear and laughs] My little lump of ambergris! Do you know that you are very pretty? SWANHILD [Covering his mouth with her hand] Ssh! Now for the news! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 33 THE EMPEROR Well, what would my small frog say if I told her she was going to be married? SWANHILD Married ? THE EMPEROR Yes, and to no less a monarch than the Emperor of the Crabs! SWANHILD Not me! THE EMPEROR Who else? Have no fear it is all arranged! So you must be especially polite to him at the ball tonight, as he is several hundred years old and is coming only out of com pliment to you ! Well, what do you say? See now, mother ! The little frog is speechless with delight! THE EMPRESS No wonder! Empress of the Crabs! And she a tadpole of fifteen! SWANHILD But, grandma, I think I think that I am far too young to marry! THE EMPRESS Prut ! When I was your age not only was I married, but the mother of twins! SWANHILD But, Daddy dear I have seen him only twice! 34 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE EMPEROR That makes no difference! Consider how great he is! THE EMPRESS How rich! THE EMPEROR How splendid! SWANHILD I I m afraid of crabs! THE EMPEROR Does this mean you won t marry him? SWANHILD Oh, I can t I can t THE EMPEROR [In a rage.] Swanhild ! [Enter Thora and Lona from the palace.] THORA [Entering.] The table s set. LONA Is anything wrong? THE EMPEROR Wrong ! Your sister has been asked in marriage by the Emperor of the Crabs THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 35 LONA [Interrupting.] Thora! THORA My dear! THE EMPEROR And now the little bubble is refusing him! SWANHILD He s a dreadful, ugly, horrible old monster with red eyes and warts all over his claws and THE EMPEROR Silence! SWANHILD [Continuing.] And I don t care how great or rich or splendid he is, I wouldn t take him for all the treasure in the sea THE EMPEROR Silence, I say! SWANHILD [Rushing on.] Why, I d fifty hundred times rather die an old maid than marry any fish no matter who he is ! So there now! THE EMPEROR [Thundering] Be still! SWANHILD [Subsiding.] Well, I am. 3 6 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE EMPEROR So this is what comes of being a father! I give a child all my love, all my care, all my tenderness and in re turn she squirts black venom in my face like any squid! THE EMPRESS My son, my son THE EMPEROR But I am not finished with you yet, rebellious worm! No, you must bend your neck you must obey my will, or else, by my Empire, I shall tie you to that rock and pull your scales out one by one THORA Papa! THE EMPEROR And chop you into meat to feed the sharks! SWANHILD [Throwing her arms about the Empress s neck.] Grand ma ! THE EMPRESS There ! There ! THE EMPEROR [Furiously.] You eel! You toad! You wicked little mud-puppy! I tell you I [He is interrupted by a blast on the conch-shell from the herald above.] Is that the conch- THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 37 shell? [Another blast.] It is! The guests arrive! [A third blast.] THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES [Entering.] Oh, Mighty One - THE EMPEROR Angrily.] Quick! Quick! Let the starfish and the periwinkles light their lamps! THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES [Turning.] Miserable slaves, do you not hear the Im perial command? [Waving his fin.] Shine! [In answer to his gesture y from here, there, and everywhere, the starfish and periwinkles gleam through the water like strange and brilliant fireflies. They seem to grow more luminous as the rosy twi light fades; towards the end they illuminate the scene with a multitude of different colors.] THE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD [Swimming in followed by his fish.] Halt! Present arms! [They do so.] O Watery Majesty, the sea-cows are found! Even now they are being milked in the royal dairy! THE EMPEROR Good! THE EMPRESS My pie is saved! THE CHIEF MUSICIAN [Coming in followed by his musicians.] Will your Divinity 38 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE deign to suggest what airs shall be played at the approach of the royal guests? THE EMPEROR Their National Anthems stupid! And don t mix them up! THE HERALD [After blowing a blast on his conch-shell.] His Serene Transparency, the Prince of the Jellyfish and of the Eastern Sea! THORA [Clasping her hands] At last! THE EMPEROR [To the Chief Musician] Sst! Did you hear that? Well, begin ! [He swims in an agitated manner back to his throne, where he sits and looks dignified. The royal family follow his example. The fish orchestra plays a quasi-Chinese air, as, with his suite, the Prince enters. He is a languid, rose- colored young jellyfish, carrying a little fan, and supported by fish-slaves in Chinese costume. Behind him swims a slave with a large Chinese parasol] THE EMPEROR Ah, my dear boy! THE EMPRESS [Knitting] And how did you leave your father? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 39 THE JELLYFISH PRINCE [Kneeling with fan to brow.] Well. Quite well, I thank your Majesties [To his suite.] Bump your heads, bags of nothingness! [They do so.] THORA [Fondly.] Darling! How beautiful you are tonight! THE JELLYFISH PRINCE Of course. THORA May I kiss you, dear? THE JELLYFISH PRINCE If you do it gently. [She kisses him.] THE HERALD [After blowing another blast on his conch-shell.] His Royal Ferocity the Rajah of the Turtles! LONA [Her hand at her heart.] Ah, foolish heart, be still! [The fish-orchestra plays some very Oriental music, as the Turtle King enters, preceded by his attendants. He is a splendid big turtle, dressed as an Indian potentate.] THE EMPEROR Well, my lad, I m glad to see you! Been having good weather in your part of the sea eh? 40 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE TURTLE RAJAH [Bowing.] Perfect, sir I thank you. THE EMPRESS [Knitting.] And your journey has been comfortable? THE TURTLE RAJAH [Bowing.] Quite, ma am. Attacked nine times by sharks. Had some splendid fights! LONA Oh! Oh! Are you wounded? THE TURTLE RAJAH A slight dent in my top shell that is all. LONA Dearest, how brave you are! Always rushing into dan ger ! Always [From far away comes a strange and ominous sound, like the rattle of a terrible drum. All turn and listen. It is repeated nearer.] SWANHILD [Terrified.] Daddy, is it is it [A blast from the Herald s conch-shell.] THE HERALD [Announcing.] The Emperor of the Crabs! THE EMPEROR [In a loud whisper to the Chief Musician.] Go on ! Start up the Crab Battle-Song! [The orchestra, led by the Chief THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 41 Musician, bursts hurriedly into a quaint little tune. Mean while Swanhild has tried to swim away unbeknownst. He looks up just in time to see her escaping over his head.] THE EMPEROR [Seizing her by the tail.] Hil Come back here ! [Pulling her down.} You little devil-fish! So that s your game, is it? Now if I catch you again so much as moving the tip of your tail, I ll very soon see you have no tail to move! SWANHILD [Desperately] Daddy, don t make me marry him! Please! Please! I tell you I THE EMPEROR [Covering her mouth with his hand and turning angrily towards the Chief Musician] Sst! Sst! That isn t the Crab Battle-Song, you old flounder! That s the Red Herring Hymn! THE CHIEF MUSICIAN [Flurried] Oh! My mistake ! [He changes to the other. The terrible sound of the drum is heard again, very close. All prostrate themselves, except the royal family, who rise. The Emperor holds Swanhild tightly by the hand. Down the rocks, not swimming, but crawling backwards, come the guard of the Emperor, silver crabs, with black drap eries. They carry an old chest, covered with seaweed and barnacles. Then come four black sea-horses, caparisoned with black-and-silver trappings, drawing a closed shell. The horses stop, the shell opens, and the great, golden, wicked claws of the Crab Emperor rise up from within, one carrying the 42 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE sceptre and the other, the Imperial orb. His body follows. His shell is of gold and he trails a purple robe. On his head is a crown of diamonds. Beneath it, his eyes gleam red] THE MERMAN EMPEROR [Coming forward] Welcome, O my cousin of the Crabs! THE EMPRESS Power and peace and glory greet you! THE CRAB EMPEROR Where is my bride? THE MERMAN EMPEROR Here, O my cousin! Awaiting your approach with modest rapture! [To Swanhild, who is trying to hide behind the throne] Come out of that, you little squid! [To the Crab] Your splendor dazzles the poor child! [To Swan hild] Come out before I strangle you ! [He seizes her hand] SWANHILD [Under her breath] Oh, daddy daddy THE MERMAN EMPEROR [To the Crab] As you see, she is somewhat awkward and unaccustomed to ceremony. But if you take her training into your own claws, I venture to prophesy that she will do us all credit. [To Swanhild] Smile, you little serpent, smile! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 43 THE CRAB EMPEROR [Looking at Swanhild] You are right, my cousin. She will make a most alluring Empress! [Sensation in the Court] SWANHILD [As the Crab approaches her and her father retires.] Daddy! Don t leave me! [She clings to him] THE MERMAN EMPEROR [To the Crab] See how affectionate she is ! [To Swanhild] Let go, leech! THE CRAB [Removing his diamond crown and putting it on her head] Wear this for me! [Renewed sensation on the part of the Court. All whisper] THORA [To Lona] Oh look, my dear! LONA His diamond crown! SWANHILD Your Majesty, it is so heavy I oh, won t you take it back? [She holds it out to him] THE CRAB A lighter one shall be made in time for the wedding. [To his guards] The chest! [They carry it up] I heard it was your birthday, so I brought a little present from my 44 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE secret treasure-house. [To his guards.] Open it! [They do so.] Nothing much. A few jewels that is all. SWANHILD [With little cries of admiration and delight.] Oh! Oh! [She sinks down, lifting great handfuls of stones and letting them slide through her fingers.] Diamonds ! Sapphires ! Rubies ! THE MERMAN EMPEROR Magnificent! THE EMPRESS My precious angel-fish! THE CRAB [Approaching Swanhild.] See now, little bride! Are you not going to thank me? SWANHILD I do very much indeed THE CRAB Then suppose you show it, by giving me a kiss ! [He holds out his great claws to her.] SWANHILD [Shrinking back.] Please -*- if you don t mind THE MERMAN EMPEROR Little coward, do you think he ll eat you? [Pushing her forward.] There! [The Crab enfolds her in his claws.] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 45 SWANHILD [Scr earning and struggling.] Oh, let me go ! Let me go THE CRAB [Releasing her.] Come, come! What s this? Am I not your betrothed? THE MERMAN EMPEROR [Soothing.] Allow me, O cousin ! She is very young, very shy the warmth of your embrace has perhaps frightened her you know what little mermaids are! Give her time give her time! Soon she will feel as much at home in your claws as an oyster in its shell THE EMPRESS [Tactfully.] And meanwhile, my children, it is time for the ball to begin. Orchestra! Tune up! [To the Crab.] Will your Majesty lead off with the Princess Swanhild? [To the Jellyfish and the Turtle.] I need not tell you lads where to find partners ! [ They are already holding the hands of Thora and Lona.] Come here, my son, and dance with your poor old mother! [The orchestra plays a strange sort of waltz. The dance begins.] THE CRAB [To Swanhild, during the dance] My own little crayfish, do you think you can learn to love me? SWANHILD [Terrified.] Oh, your Majesty, you re hurting my hand! [The dance separates them] 46 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE CRAB [To Lona.] She is adorable, your little sister! LONA Yes, think how we are going to miss her! SWANHILD [To her father, whom she meets in the course of the measure.] Daddy, look where he pinched me! I can t stand it I can t THE MERMAN EMPEROR Ssh! Don t be a little fool! [Turning her round and passing her back to the Crab] Take her, dear cousin! [A black shadow moves slowly over the scene from above.] THORA [Pointing up] Look! What s that? [The music stops. All pause and gaze upwards. The shadow rests] LONA [Suddenly screaming] A whale! A whale! THE MERMAN EMPEROR Swim for your lives! [A panic ensues. Everyone darts for cover. The starfish and periwinkles go out quickly, one after the other] THE EMPRESS [Distractedly] Oh, my goodness! Oh, my goodness! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 47 THORA [To the Jellyfish.] Quick, darling ! Hide behind this rock ! THE TURTLE [Struggling with Lona.} Let me go! I am a soldier! LONA [Drawing him down] Never, never! He would eat you at a gulp! THE CRAB [Hunting for Swanhild.] Little bride! Little crayfish! Where are you? [By this time the last periwinkle has extin guished itself. It is quite dark.] THE VOICE OF THE MERMAN EMPEROR [In the darkness.] The Captain of the Guard! Captain! Captain ! THE VOICE or THE CAPTAIN Here, your Majesty! THE VOICE OF THE MERMAN EMPEROR Lead the attack ! Stab him in the gills ! It is our only chance! THE VOICE OF THE CAPTAIN In case I am swallowed, I commend my wife and family to your Majesty s care! [To his fish.] Ranks form! Right-fin arms ! Upward swim! 48 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE VOICE OF THE MERMAN EMPEROR Courage, my friends! Even now the enemy is being at tacked! Come, come! Stop crying! If we are to be eaten, let us be eaten bravely, as becomes great monarchs! THORA S VOICE [Screaming.] Oh! Oh! Something s swimming down! I saw it! LONA S VOICE Save me! Save me! THE VOICE OF THE CAPTAIN It is I, princess the Captain of the Guard! Have no fear! THE VOICE OF THE MERMAN EMPEROR Have you killed the whale? THE VOICE OF THE CAPTAIN Your Majesty, it is not a whale. It is a royal ship that furls her sails so that all on board may celebrate the birth day of their captain, the young king. SWANHILD S VOICE What king? THE VOICE OF THE CAPTAIN The King of the Blue Mountains so I heard the sailors say. [As the black shadow lightens.} Look! it is drifting on! [Instant change of mood. Everyone can be seen emerging THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 49 from his or her hiding-place. There is a buzz of talk and laughter.} THE EMPRESS Of course, my dears, I knew all the time it was not a whale! THE EMPEROR Hi! You starfish! You periwinkles! Go on! Shine! [They begin to come out again, timidly, one by one.} Look at the little cowards! Why, they haven t the backbone of an anchovy! [A laugh from the others. It is interrupted by the faint, sweet sound of a horn, far away, over their heads.} SWANHILD Hark! What is that? THE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD The horn they blow at sunset on the ship above. [Swan- hild hangs motionless, looking up. Meanwhile a great ship s anchor drifts slowly down.] THORA [Gaily.] Oh, look! look! look! LONA Come on ! Let s have a ride ! [They dart up to the anchor and seat themselves on its bars.} THE EMPRESS [Disapprovingly.} My dears! I forbid you! So THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THORA [As it drifts to the bottom.] Take care! LONA [Howling.] Oh! Oh! I pinched my tail ! THE EMPRESS Serves you right! [There is a burst of laughter and jeers from the others. The music is taken up again by the fish- orchestra. The couples are again formed. The dance goes on.] THE CRAB [To Swanhild.] What are you looking at, little bride? SWANHILD [Recalled to herself.] I, your Majesty? Oh, nothing THE CRAB The music has begun. Will you take my claw? SWANHILD [Swimming away from him.] Daddy! Daddy! It is time for me to go up there! THE CRAB [To Swanhild.] But surely you will finish this dance? THE MERMAN EMPEROR [To Swanhild.] Yes, yes just wait a bit! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 51 SWANHILD [Interrupting him.] Not a moment! [Appealing to the Empress.] Grandma! THE EMPRESS [To the Crab.] We rise up to the air for the first time at sunset on our fifteenth birthday an old family custom. I am sure you will understand. THE CRAB Well, well, ma am! Have it your own way. THE EMPRESS [Calling.] Thora! Lona! It is the hour to take your little sister on her first voyage to the world above. THORA [Stopping in her dance.] Oh bother! [To the Jellyfish.] Excuse me, dearest. LONA [To the Turtle.] I am so sorry! Never mind I won t be long. THORA Come on, Swanhild! THE MERMAN EMPEROR [To Thora.] Prut, my child! Have you forgotten the ceremony? [He claps his hands. The dance-music stops. Meanwhile a servant-fish has come out of the palace, carrying a tray of goblets, which he passes to the guests.] 52 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE MERMAN EMPEROR [On his throne.] Have you all some wine? Yes? Then will you join with me in drinking to three hundred years of happiness for our little daughter, and when she dies may her foam rest lightly on the waves! I give you the Princess Swanhild! [He drinks.] THE JELLYFISH, THE TURTLE, THE CRAB [Together.] Swanhild! [They drink.] THE OTHERS [With a roar.] The Princess Swanhild! [They all drink.] THE EMPRESS [Kissing her.] Bless you, my little clam! Now don t stay up there too long, the air is quite chilly sometimes and SWANHILD [Interrupting her.] Hark! [The horn is heard again, far of and sad. Swanhild listens with head raised.] THE EMPEROR Ring the great bell! Orchestra! The Birthday Song! [Thora and Lona gently take Swanhild s hands. She does not notice them. She still looks up.] Are you ready? THORA Yes. LONA Quite ready. THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 53 THE EMPEROR [Lifting his trident.] Rise! [The bell sounds. The fish- orchestra begins to play.] THORA AND LONA [Singing as they drift slowly upward.] Mermaid, mermaid, come with me, Night has fallen you are free All the glories of the sea Are yours, if you will follow me! THOSE LEFT BELOW [Singing.] Stars are glimmering, Sea-fires shimmering, Plunging, diving through the spray White arms gleaming, Long hair streaming, Over the waves and far away! THORA [Singing.] Little sister, hold my hand! LONA [Singing.] Follow me to Wonderland! [The three have disappeared.] THE VOICES OF THORA AND LONA [Coming from above and growing fainter and fainter.] Mermaid, mermaid, come with me, Night has fallen you are free All the glories of the sea Are yours [Their voices die away and are lost as the curtain falls.] SCENE II The open sea. It is a dead calm. The sun is setting. To the left is the prow, the fore-mast, and part of the deck of the ship. The figurehead is a mermaid. From the mast hangs the royal flag. At the prow is the pilot s wheel. Several sailors are working about the rigging, on the cross- trees and mast-head. They are furling the sails. Others are busy on the deck. All are talking and laughing among themselves as they work. A YOUNG SAILOR IN THE RIGGING [Singing as he works.} The sea is blue, the sky is clear, The good ship follows fast ANOTHER SAILOR [Interrupting him] Here, young nightingale! Haul up that rope! THE YOUNG SAILOR Ay, ay! [Continuing his song.} And soon I shall be home, my dear. And in your arms at last THE STEERSMAN [On the deck below, having blown his horn] Now, lads, busy with the anchor! 54 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 55 THE SAILORS [On the deck] Coming, sir, coming! [To each other] Pipe up, mates! [Singing as they drag forth the anchor] Down, down! Down, down! Down goes the anchor to the bottom of the sea THE STEERSMAN [To the sailors in the rigging] Hi, my men! What are you laughing at up there? A SAILOR Has not the King given us a drink of red wine from his own table? ANOTHER Look ! I have washed my shirt in honor of his birthday ! ANOTHER I have combed my beard! ANOTHER I have put on my red silk handkerchief! ANOTHER And I, my golden earrings! THE STEERSMAN Good! Good! But quick with your work! For his dinner is nearly done and you must not be lumbering up 56 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE the scuppers when he comes on deck! [The Steersman goes below.] ONE SAILOR [Singing gaily.] Sing hey! Sing ho! THE OTHERS [Joining him.] Sing loud as ever you can! There s a bowl of wine beyond the brine, And a kiss for every man! ONE SAILOR [After imitating loudly the sound of a kiss.] And a kiss for every man! [They all laugh and slap him on the back.] i A VERY OLD SAILOR Ay, ay! Sing and be merry! But the Black Reef is still before us, mates the reef that has swallowed so many ships and sent so many brave souls to their God. ONE SAILOR [Nudging another.] Listen to old Peter! ANOTHER The old crow s cawing again. A THIRD The Black Reef will go hungry this night. THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 57 A FOURTH Why, the sea is smoother than an old church-floor! PETER Ay, so it is. And the sky is clear. Yet my big toes are both red-hot with rheumatism, and that always means a change of weather. [There is a chorus of mocking laughter.] A SAILOR God help his big toes! ANOTHER Hark to the prophet! A THIRD v Hail, O wizard! PETER Laugh, my masters! Laugh while you may! But last night there were three circles round a gibbous moon and nine times running have I dreamed of skeletons! [The laughter stops. There is a sudden superstitious pause.] A SAILOR [Recovering himself.] Ah, go tell the fish your night mares! ANOTHER Away with him! ANOTHER Throw him overboard! [With gibes and laughter they drive the old man of.] 58 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE STEERSMAN [Appearing from below.] Is this how you work? Shame on you all! Clear the decks! Gather your musicians in the starboard bow ! Are the torches ready? A SAILOR Ay, ay, sir! THE STEERSMAN Quick ! The feast is over ! He is coming ! THE SAILORS [Singing as they work.] Sing hey! Sing ho! Sing loud as ever you can! There s a bowl of wine [From below comes the sound of men s laughter.] THE KING S VOICE FROM BELOW [Finishing the seamen s refrain.] " beyond the brine And a kiss for every man!" THE SAILORS The King! The King! [Their cry rises to a great shout as up the stairs, in frolic mood, burst the young King and his six companions, singing, shouting, laughing.] BERTRAM Saints above! What a sunset! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 59 RlNALDO Is the anchor down? THE KING Yes, we ll swim to the world s end when the stars come out! PETER [Stepping forward and bowing.] Your Majesty THE KING [Turning.] Yes, man. What is it? PETER Speaking for the crew as well as for myself myself who ll be seventy years old come Michaelmas and has sailed the seas since I was no taller than yonder marlin- spike and shipped my way through all the wonders and the marvels of the world [He is interrupted by a murmur from the sailors.] A SAILOR [Whispering.] Sst! Sst! The speech, man! PETER [Bewildered.] Where was I now? A SAILOR [Whispering.] I wish your" Majesty many happy re turns 60 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE PETER Many happy returns of this your birthday and a long reign and and A SAILOR [Prompting.] The most beautiful of princesses PETER The most beautiful of princesses for your bride. [A little pause.] There was more to the speech, your Majesty, but faith! I have forgotten the rest. [Tenderly.] God bless you just the same THE KING [Taking the old man s hand.] Thank you, Peter. And you, my men! Each one of you shall have a purse of gold when we come into port, [A cheer from the sailors.] And now sit down, my friends. [Clapping his hands.] Wine! And when we have drunk once more, then let the sailors sing! [Meanwhile, in the sea below, appear the heads of the three mermaids. The sunset light falls upon their white and drip ping arms. They do not see the ship.] THORA [Emerging.] Here we are! LONA You see it is just as we said THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 61 THORA Nothing much. [A pause.] LONA [To Swanhild.] Well, do you like it? SWANHILD [Looking up rapturously.] What is the great thing that shines like gold above us? THORA That is the sky. SWANHILD And what are the red and purple splendors that float so far away? LONA Those are clouds stupid! [Thora and Lona titter to each other.] SWANHILD [Pointing.] And oh! what are those beautiful fish that swim like a long white veil over the water? THORA Those are not fish. They are birds. LONA They are wild swans, flying towards the setting sun. 62 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD The sun ? [She turns and sees it. Its last long level rays strike her face.] My sun [On board the ship, behind her, the musicians begin to play.] Hark ! THE YOUNG SAILOR [Singing.] The odors of the twilight Sink upon the world, The banners of the evening, The sails of day are furled The first star of evening Trembles in the sky, Oh, darling, do you hear me? It is I! [As he sings Swanhild slowly turns and for the first time sees the ship. The last gleam of sunlight falls upon the King.] SWANHILD Look! Look! The statue in my garden THORA [Laughing.] You foolish tadpole! We are above the sea now! LONA That is a ship. Those are men. SWANHILD [Always gazing.] Men? Is that a man who is so so white and glorious? THORA Which one? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 63 SWANHILD He wears a golden crown. LONA Why, that s the King! SWANHILD [Whispering.] Oh, he is beautiful! LONA [Laughing.] Listen to the little minnow ! THORA [Imitating Swanhild.] " Oh, he is beautiful ! " [They both laugh and swim about. Meanwhile the sailors are laughing and dancing hornpipes on the deck above.} LONA How clumsily they dance up there! THORA One cannot be graceful on legs! LONA The sun has set. Look at that black cloud! THORA The water feels as if there were going to be a storm! [As they speak a change has come over the scene. The twi- "164 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE light deepens. Black clouds begin to roll up in the sky. An ominous light falls on the sea. In their revels those on the ship have not noticed it. But now a low mutter of thunder is heard, far away.} THE KING [Leaping to his feet] Hark! [The music and the dancing cease] Thunder! THE STEERSMAN And a yellow light on the horizon off our larboard bows. THE KING Wind? THE STEERSMAN I fear so, Majesty. JASPER Those clouds they rush and belly like black sails. Their edges are all torn. THE KING [To the sailors] Clear the deck! Up with the anchor! THE SAILORS Ay, ay, sir! [Singing as they draw up the anchor] Heave one! Heave two! Heave three and then once more! Then bend your back till you hear it crack And think of the girls ashore! THORA [In the water below] Come, dear, give me your hand. THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 65 LONA We really must go home. SWANHILD [Suddenly.] He smiled! Oh,Thora!Lona! He smiled at that old man ! THORA The Emperor of the Crabs is waiting. LONA You are to sit beside him at the feast. SWANHILD [Pointing at the ship] Do you know what he is doing? He has seen me he wants to race with me! Oh, what fun what fun! THORA Yes, he will race you LONA But the goal is the Black Reef eh, Thora? THORA Tomorrow there will be splendid pickings for our gar dens! [Thunder again. The storm is imminent.] THE KING [On the ship.] Haul in the mainsail! Quick! There is only a moment left! 66 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD [Clapping her hands.] See how they run! Hear them shout! They cannot wait to begin. [By this time it is quite dark. The ship is illuminated by the red glare of the torches, which also flickers on the white faces of the mermaids in the sea below.] THE STEERSMAN [At the wheel.] Now say a prayer and then each man to his place! SWANHILD [To the ship.] You should give me a start, because you re so big and I m so little. But I don t care I ll beat you yet! [Ranging herself on a line with the prow.] Now then, I m ready I m ready! THORA [To Swanhild.] Swanhild, if you insist on behaving like a silly flying fish, we are going home. LONA Good-bye. THORA Don t stay too late. LONA And if you get lost, any dolphin will show you the way. SWANHILD [To the ship.] Don t move! Oh ! Oh ! You re cheating ! We haven t said " One-two-three-go ! " yet ! I ll say it! I ll be perfectly fair! Just as soon as the storm breaks! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 67 THORA [To Lona.] Quite mad! LONA Come, dear ! [They put their arms about each other s necks and disappear under the water} SWANHILD What will the prize be, King O King? Will you will you kiss me if I win? Say "yes" THE STEERSMAN [On board, to the King.} Here it comes! Shall we tie the sheet? [The wind is heard whistling. The torches on the ship are blown out quickly.] THE KING [Shouting to make himself heard.} Yes yes! SWANHILD [In delight.} You will ? Remember then! THE KING [Shouting] Round with the yards or we shall be caught! SWANHILD [Screaming] One two three go! [There is a flash of lightning, a crash of thunder, then utter darkness. A long cry has gone up from the crew, which is lest in the howl of the hurricane. Constant flashes of light- 68 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE ning. In them the ship is seen, driving through the wind and rain, rolling and rocking in the enormous waves. Beside it, down in the water, swims the little mermaid, laughing and shrieking in a delirium of excitement] SWANHILD Oh! Oh! What a wonderful race! Thora! Lona! I m beating the ship ! O King, you re slow come on now faster! There that s better! But faster yet! [Screaming with delight as she dives through the breakers] I m a fish I m a fish I m a flying fish! Oh, what a wave! And here s another and on we go forever and ever and ever and ever [On the ship the Steersman is struck by a bolt of lightning and falls. The mermaid s voice has risen to a yell which is drowned in the terrific crash of thunder] THE KING [In the darkness] Steersman, where are you? A SAILOR t [As it lightens again.] The lightning struck him! ANOTHER He is blasted away THE KING [Gallantly.] Courage! Give me the helm, man ! Shorten the mainsail, put your trust in God, and if it blow scorpions and devils, we shall weather it yet ! [He stands at the wheel. About the decks the sailors work frenziedly.] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 69 SWANHILD [Singing as she lies on her back and cuts through the waves, the phosphorus dripping off her like millions of little stars.] Little fishes of the sea Give my baby PETER [On board the ship, suddenly spying her.] A-ah! Look there ! Look there ! We are led by demons OTHERS Where? What is it? SWANHILD [Singing and laughing.] stars to bind his hair And shine about him everywhere PETER [Pointing.] There off our starboard bows hark! It laughs! It sings! Do you not see the hell-fire shining? Wait ! Now now ! SWANHILD [Singing.] for his neck The treasure of the sunken wreck PETER [Calling to her.] Witch! Devil! I am an old man take me spare the King [He climbs up on the gunwale and stands, holding the shrouds.] 70 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE SAILORS Peter! Peter! What are you doing? PETER [Crossing himself.] Into Thy hands, O God [He leaps into the sea and disappears.] THE SAILORS Brave soul! God bless him ! OTHERS Is it satisfied? Is it gone? SWANHILD [Singing.] in this life A little mermaid THE SAILORS No it is there ! It is singing still VOICES [On the other side of the ship.] The Reef the Black Reef! A SAILOR [Heard above the rest.] We are lost! [In the lightning the rocks loom up grim and terrible. As they see them, a wail of terror rises from the crew. They all sink on their knees and begin to wring their hands and pray.] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 71 His COMPANIONS [To the King.] Port your helm! For God s sake! Port your helm! THE KING [Making a frantic effort to turn the wheel.] Too late! SWANHILD [Seen in the lightning, sitting triumphantly on one of the rocks.] I ve won! I ve won! So come and kiss me, dear! [There is a crash, a scream from the sailors. A flash of lightning. The King is seen struggling with the wheel. The waves break over the deck. The mast snaps and falls. The ship keels over on her side and goes down. Darkness. The cries of the drowning are heard. When it lightens again, the King is seen, lying in Swanhild s arms. He is half uncon scious. Her lips are pressed to his in a half -human, almost terrible embrace. Darkness. Thunder. The cries of the drowning die away. When it lightens again, she is still hold ing him.] SWANHILD [Deliriously.] My darling my beautiful THE KING [Seeing her for the first time.] Who are you? Are you death? SWANHILD No, I am only a little mermaid who did not understand! But now I do so put your arms around my neck shut 72 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE your eyes hold me close close ! I love you I am going to save you and then, dear human being, will you give me half your soul? [Still holding him she leaves the rock and plunges into the sea. Thunder. Darkness. When the next flash comes she is swimming through the waves, carrying his unconscious body in her arms. The storm con tinues as the curtain falls.] SCENE III The shore by the convent. At extreme right a group of cy presses, through which can be seen the deep blue sea. To right centre a little cove comes in, with a rocky shore. At left, a hill, on the top of which the white marble columns of the convent gleam in the sunlight. Down the hill winds an ancient stairway with broad, shallow steps. At centre is an apple-tree, pale and cloudy with blossoms. Beneath its branches is a small marble shrine and altar such as the ancients built to their gods. It is now in disrepair. Vines grow about it. On it is the broken statue of a boy. This image is old and covered with moss and lichens. Everywhere is the pale green of early spring. It is morning. Flowers are growing. Birds are singing. As the curtain rises the stage is empty. Then the face of the little mermaid is seen peeping anxiously over a seaweed- covered rock on the shore of the cove and looking about in search of strangers. Finding no one, she disappears, but returns almost immediately holding in her arms the drenched and unconscious body of the young King. SWANHILD [As she lays him on the ground.] There! You are safe I have brought you to the shore! Wake up, dear King there is no danger now ! [He does not move.] The storm is gone the sun is shining brighter than ten thousand peri winkles and hark ! the little fish are singing in the trees ! [Shaking his arm.] Come, you have slept too long! Sit 73 74 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE up and talk to me! Quick quick! Or I shall kiss both eyes until they open! You will not? Very well [She bends over and kisses him.] How cold you are! As cold as the statue in my garden and as white ! They say drowned men are cold and white [Suddenly.] Oh, King, you are not dead? No no! Wake up and speak to me my dearest one my darling one word one little word to show you live! [She buries her face in his shoulder. The bell of the convent begins ringing far away. Then first at a distance, but steadily growing nearer and interspersed with laughter and merry chatter.] THE YOUNG GIRLS [Singing.] A voice in the wind that blows From the land beyond the sea Has sung to every rose The song it sings to me [Swanhild raises her head and listens.] To the white rose on my breast f To the butterflies and bees, To the little birds that nest Among the apple-trees [Swanhild wipes the King s face with her hair, kisses him hastily and then hides behind a big, seaweed-covered rock where she can both see and hear.] THE GIRLS VOICES "7 bring you joy and sorrow, Rain and sunshine, everything, I shall have fled tomorrow I am Love! I am Spring!" [And, as they sing, the seven young girls come down the old THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 75 stairs running, jumping, and laughing, like children re leased from school.] ORIANA Medea, where is the ball? MEDEA Ariadne has it, ARIADNE [Throwing it.] Catch! [They toss about the ball, laughing and talking.] A DARK YOUNG GIRL [Who is picking flowers.] Girls! Girls! Have you for gotten this is our last day upon the Island? Our last chance to weave garlands for the chapel altar? Think what Sister Ermyngarde will say if we come back empty- handed! ORIANA [Playing ball.] Don t throw so high! ARIADNE [Screaming.] Catch it ! Catch it before it goes in the sea ! MEDEA [Clapping her hands.] Oriana! Here! My turn! [The game goes on.] THE DARK YOUNG GIRL Ariadne! Stop that game! Medea, put away that ball! Oriana! Marietta! Come here and help me pick these violets at once! 76 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE ORIANA [Whispering.] Pretend we don t hear her. [Calling aloud.] My turn! MEDEA [Throwing the ball.] There you are! ARIADNE Oh, missed it! Missed it! THE DARK GIRL [Pausing in her work.] Isotta! You surely aren t as lazy as the others? ISOTTA [Singing.] "I bring you joy and sorrow, Rain and sunshine, everything " [Breaking of.} Oh, I ve lost it! [She hunts for the ball.] ARIADNE There it is behind you! MEDEA [Picking it up.] "I shall have fled tomorrow " ORIANA [Finishing the song.] "I am Love " SWANHILD [In a long, wailing sigh.] Oh! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 77 THE DARK GIRL What is that? [All her companions stop suddenly and listen. A pause. The sigh dies away.} MEDEA Only the wind in the tree-tops! Who has the ball? ORIANA Ariadne! ARIADNE Catch! [Singing.] "I am Love/ I am Spring!" [The game and laughter are renewed.] SWANHILD [Sighing again.] Oh ! THE DARK GIRL There it is again! [They all stop and listen.] ISOTTA [Whispering.] Perhaps it is a fairy! ORIANA Or a tree-nymph! MARIETTA Or the Singing Flower! SWANHILD [Sighing again] Oh me! 78 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE DARK GIRL There! Did you hear that? You foolish girls, it is a human being in trouble and I am going to find him! [But the girls cling to her.} ARMIDA Oh no! ARIADNE Don t leave me! ORIANA [Beginning to cry] I m afraid! THE DARK GIRL Are you not ashamed to be such cowards? 7 am not afraid ARIADNE Oh yes, you are! THE DARK GIRL Well, even if I am, I can still be brave. Oriana, let me go. Marietta, take away your hands. [As she steps for ward.] It came from over here by these rocks [Swan- hild crouches down very low] There! You see! [Turning to the others] It is a shipwrecked sailor! [She kneels beside the young King s body and listens to his heart. The girls press forward and crowd about, uttering little cries of pity and wonder] ARIADNE Oh dear! MEDEA Is he dead? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 79 MARIETTA Somebody call Sister Ermyngarde. THE DARK GIRL His heart is beating. ARIADNE He lives! [Swanhild, behind her rock, clasps her hands with joy.] THE DARK GIRL [Interrupting them and rising.] Ssh! Come, help me carry him to the warm grass there beneath the altar. ISOTTA I ll take this arm. MARIETTA This foot belongs to me. ARMIDA The other s mine, then. ARIADNE Lady, what shall we do? THE DARK GIRL Put your arms around his waist [They do so.] So! Now gently gently, girls! [They lift and carry him over to the altar. Swanhild peers anxiously after them.] There! 8o THE GARDEN OF PARADISE ISOTTA The ground is hard. I ll just rest his head in my lap. ARIADNE No, in mine! ORIANA No, mine! THE DARK GIRL Ssh, girls ! Quarreling over the poor lad when he is still half dead? I blush for you ! Put his head in my lap so! Marietta, your handkerchief! [She begins to wipe his face very tenderly.] ARMIDA How handsome he is! ARIADNE Medea, what color do you think his eyes are? MEDEA Black! ORIANA I think they re blue. MARIETTA How did he find his way to our Island? ARIADNE Why, he was shipwrecked stupid! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 81 ISOTTA He must be one of those fishermen we see sail by at sun set. ORIANA He does not look like a fisherman to me! He looks like a MEDEA Well? ORIANA Like a fairy prince! [A burst of laughter from the others.] THE DARK GIRL [Looking up] You stand there gabbling like so many storks! If you can do nothing to help me bring him back to life, at least don t deafen him with chatter! ISOTTA [Dropping on her knees beside the King] I shall rub his hands. ARMIDA [Doing the same] I shall stroke his head! MARIETTA Come, Medea let us chafe his feet. [They gather about him] THE DARK GIRL [Sharply] Stand back! Don t crowd about so! Give him aur! Isotta, it does no good to have you hold his 82 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE hand, so drop it! Do you hear me? Drop it this minute! [The King moves and sighs.] MEDEA I heard him sigh! ORIANA His eyelids fluttered! ARMIDA He moved his arm! [Swanhild, in great excitement, is peering out from behind her rock, trying to see what is going on.] THE DARK GIRL [With a sudden cry.] A-ah! ISOTTA Lady! THE DARK GIRL [Pointing] There! Behind that rock! [They all turn and gaze. But Swanhild has disappeared in fright.] It s gone! MEDEA What was it? THE DARK GIRL Oh, I don t know! I think it was a a face ORIANA Holy Mary! THE DARK GIRL Marietta, go see if anything is there! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 83 MARIETTA [Recoiling.] What? I? THE DARK GIRL I would go myself if I did not have this man to nurse. MARIETTA But I do not dare! Let Armida THE DARK GIRL Quick! I command you! MARIETTA I [To Ariadne and Medea.] Then you come, too! [She takes their hands and, very timidly, they cross the stage, fol lowed by the others.] THE DARK GIRL Well? MARIETTA [Peeping timidly about the rocks.] There is nothing here. MEDEA Except a smell of seaweed and ARIADNE [Suddenly.] What s that? 84 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE MARIETTA [Looking out at sea.] Only the tail of some big fish. [To the Dark Girl.] Lady, you were dreaming ARMIDA [Returning.] Oh, he has moved again! ISOTTA He is better ORIANA Look! There is color in his cheeks [They all gather about him again.] THE DARK GIRL Very soon the bell will ring for our return. And where, pray, are the garlands we have come to gather? Run into the woods and set to work! [As they do not budge.] Well, don t you hear me? Be off! Be off, I say! ARMIDA But aren t you going to help us? THE DARK GIRL No. It is my duty to stay here and take care of this unfortunate sailor-boy. [The girls look at each other.] What are you smiling at? ISOTTA Nothing. A butterfly tickled my ear! [She bursts out laughing and runs of a little way. The others, also laughing, join her. They all put their heads together and there is much whispering.] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 85 THE DARK GIRL [Warningly.] I am waiting ! ISOTTA [Bowing low.] Lady, we obey. [The girls scatter, and, with sly gestures to each other, hide behind the rocks, and trees, and shrine, and peep out with dancing eyes. The dark girl, after glancing about to see if she is alone, bends over the King and tenderly kisses him on the forehead. At this her companions can contain themselves no longer; from their hiding-places they break into gales of laughter.] THE DARK GIRL [Furiously.] Go! Go before I [Still laughing they disappear into the woods. She looks after them until she is sure they have really gone, then kisses the King again, this time on the mouth. His eyes open. He comes to himself and sees her face above him.] THE KING [Bewildered.] Are you an angel? Am I in Paradise? THE GIRL [As she smiles and shakes her head] Not yet, sailor- boy. THE KING Who are you then? THE GIRL A poor girl that is all. 86 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE KING [Looking about him.] And was I cast up by the sea and did you find me? THE GIRL Yes, it was I. THE KING Was I alone? THE GIRL Yes all alone. THE KING [Looking towards the sea.} It was a dream then. THE GIRL What? THE KING I dreamed a mermaid held me in her arms and kissed cold Death away. THE GIRL Are you sure it was a mermaid? [A slight pause.} THE KING [Looking at her.] No, it was only a dream! Kiss me again! THE GIRL [Rising.] Please please THE KING [Taking her hand.] Or let me give you back your own! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 87 THE GIRL I beg you, sir THE KING Just one! THE GIRL You hurt my hand! THE KING Forgive me. THE GIRL I think your health is quite restored. [Slight pause.] THE KING What land is this? THE GIRL It is the Holy Island which our convent rules. THE KING Your convent? THE GIRL [Pointing.] There upon the hill. THE KING But you are not a Sister? THE GIRL [Laughing.] No. Do I seem so old? I am just one of the girls the Sisters teach. We came down here to weave our garlands for the chapel. Somehow the loveliest of all the flowers grow in this glade I wonder why! Oh, what violets! 88 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE KING Where? THE GIRL There by your feet. [He picks and gives them to her.} THE GIRL Thank you. [Sniffing them.} They are so sweet! But we are very wicked to be here at all. We are breaking a rule. THE KING [Pointing to the shore.} If you had not broken it, I might be lying there still. THE GIRL I know. But Sister Ermyngarde has forbidden us this glade. She says it is a dangerous spot. / think it is dan gerous, too! THE KING What do you fear? Me? As you see, I am only a poor sailor-boy and besides, I would not hurt you for the world ! THE GIRL No, it is not you. THE KING What is it then? THE GIRL [Whispering, as she points to the statue.} He! THE KING That broken image! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 89 THE GIRL Ssh! It is not a broken image. It is a god! THE KING How do you know? THE GIRL [Very serious.] Sister Ermyngarde told us. Listen! Long ago our convent on the hill was not a convent, but a heathen temple to a wicked heathen goddess. She had risen from the sea and she ruled over the whole island. And this was the shrine of her son. THE KING [Looking at it.] Her son? THE GIRL Yes, and in the old days the youths and maidens crowned his statue there with myrtle and put fresh violets on his altar and knelt before it and did him honor. And, in re turn, he kept them free and saved them from great pain. THE KING [Wistfully.] Great pain indeed! THE GIRL When our dear Lord was born, Sister Ermyngarde told us, the goddess died. But her son still lives and rages be cause he is forgotten and the green moss clambers up his shrine. So somewhere near he lurks among the flowers and tries to shoot his arrows into Christian hearts! 90 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE KING [Smiling.] Then let us crown him and do him honor while there is still time. For I am sure that he has seen us, and, if we wait, his vengeance will be swift. THE GIRL [Doubtful] Wouldn t it be wrong? I don t know what Sister Ermyngarde would say. You know he is a heathen god! THE KING Hark! I think I hear him there, behind the apple- tree stringing his bow! THE GIRL [In sudden terror, calling towards the apple-tree.] Oh wait wait! Just one moment before you shoot! [She rushes about quickly picking violets and dropping them into the loose folds of her robe. To the King, as she does so.] Tear off that myrtle growing about the shrine THE KING [Obeying her.] Here? THE GIRL Yes now twist it in a wreath \Calling towards the apple-tree.] We re working! We re working as hard as we can! A moment s mercy a few more violets [Run ning to the altar and piling it high with flowers.] There! There! See what I ve brought you! [To the King, who has taken one of the violets from the altar and is kissing it.] What are you doing? Those flowers belong to him! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 91 THE KING Ah, let me keep it! He will understand THE GIRL Crown him ! Crown him while there is time ! [The King puts the myrtle on the statue s head. A slight pause. She listens.] How still it is! THE KING Perhaps he is taking aim ! THE GIRL [Seizing the King and drawing him down beside her.] Quick! Come kneel and do him honor! [Holding out her hands.] O little god, forgive me if I cannot call you by your name it is not my fault it s Sister Ermyn- garde s I asked her and she said she had forgotten THE KING [Interrupting her.] Too late! I feel his arrow in my heart! [He takes her in his arms] THE GIRL [Gasping] He is angry because I cannot call him by his name what is his name? Oh, tell me tell me quick ! [The King kisses her.] THE KING Now do you know? [Slight pause.] 92 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE GIRL [Whispering.] Yes now I know [She buries her face on his breast. And just here, from behind the trees where they have been hiding, the other girls steal out carrying great boughs of apple-blossoms, garlands, and chains of -violets. With smiles and fingers at their lips, they tip-toe forward. When they are very near the kneeling pair, there is a burst of laughter, some shower them with flowers, others quickly hang garlands about their necks, others bind them with chains of violets. The couple start up in surprise, but they are caught and cannot escape. The convent bell starts ringing.} THE GIRLS [Singing] A voice in the wind that blows From the land beyond the sea Has sung to every rose The song it sings to me [As they sing, they lead the King and the Girl still bound with blossoms slowly up the stairs. His arm is about her her head is on his shoulder.} THE GIRLS [Singing.] "I bring you joy and sorrow, Rain and sunshine, everything, I shall have fled tomorrow I am Love " [They pass out as in a dream. From far away the song is still heard. At last the curtain falls.} SCENE IV Under the sea. The cave of the Sea Witch. At the back is the entrance. Through it, outside, can be seen the remains of a wrecked vessel, half-buried in the sand. The mast is broken. At the wheel stands a skeleton. Near it grows a polyp-tree, half -animal, half -plant. Its branches are like wriggling arms. Some hold skeletons; others, pieces of wrecked vessels. Inside the cave the light is strange and dim. In a recess of the wall is a caldron, resting upon bones. From beneath comes a red and sullen glare. About the caldron lie human skulls. As the curtain rises the Witch is sleeping on a heap of gold, surrounded by her treasures. She is strange and wicked and beautiful. About the cave crouch five hideous toads, also asleep. The Witch writhes on her heap of gold, moans as if oppressed by a great weight, struggles, beats the air with her hands and, finally, with a scream, awakes. THE WITCH [Muttering to herself.} I dreamed of God! Devil save us, what a nightmare! [Seeing the toads.} Up! Up! You lazy dirt! You wart-covered vermin! You horney-eyed good- for-nothings ! Awake! It is day! Begin your toil! [In terror they rise and hold out their hands to her as if begging for something} What? Hungry again? Why, I fed you last week! Are you nothing but bellies? Gluttons! Mon sters! You will eat me out of house and home! [Picking up a long bone.} What s this? Ah yes, he was a thin 93 94 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE man, but there s meat on him still. [To the toads.} Keep back! [Tossing the bone to them.} There! Now fight for him. [They quarrel and struggle for the bone} Rip! Tear! Claw! Munch! [She laughs} Go on! Go on, my pretties! Ah, who now would believe you, that once you were five little mermaids who sought for a human soul! [Changing her tone} Come, that s enough. Too much food will make you fat. [Again attacking them with her stick} Hi! Stop your guzzling! To work! To work! Cecily, sweep up the floor. Rosalys, put the kettle on to boil. Gertrude s day to scour the pots and pans. Elsa, my cherub ! where is the mirror? And now, you little Pearl of price, come comb my hair. [One toad squats before the Witch and holds up the glass. Another stands behind and combs her hair. The rest work busily} Ah, glory of the sea ! Ah, blinding loveliness ! [Looking closer into the glass} What s that? A wrinkle? Can it be that even / grow old? [To the load with mirror} Come closer, filth! [Looking at her image} Another here! Another there! And more [With a yell, as she snatches the mirror and dashes it to the ground.} Lies! Lies! I still am beautiful! [Suddenly.] Who s that? [A great green shark has slowly swum to the entrance of the cave. His mouth is open; in it he carries a chest} Ah, you, my shark! Come in! Come in! Now what have you brought me this morning? [The shark deposits the chest at her feet} An iron-bound chest! [She sniffs.} Either my nose deceives me or I smell gold. [She opens the lid} Ah, gold it is red gold like blood and fire [Plunging her arms into the contents} Welcome, my little darlings! My little sweethearts! [She brings up great handfuls of coins and lets them slip through her fingers} You have come to me from far away. But never mind I will take care of you I will cherish you I will love THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 95 you like a mother [She kisses and croons to the money.] So go to sleep again, my little .dears my pets sleep sleep [She softly closes the lid, and then turns to the shark.] You are a good and faithful servant. You may kiss my hand. [She holds out her hand. He touches it with his great, wide mouth] Farewell. The Devil speed you on your way. [The shark swims of.] Go, fetch my jewels! Twine emeralds in my hair hang rubies on my breast cover me! Cover me with stones and splendors for I am be ginning to grow old! [She shivers. The toads bring out the jewel-boxes and start to adorn her. A long sea-serpent swims into the cave, carrying in its mouth a branch, with leaves of silver and apples that shine like fire] My eyes are dim, but something glitters like a star [Seeing the visitor] Ah, snake of my heart! You have found them! They are mine at last three apples from the Tree of Happiness ! O loyal snake, you have served me well. I give you as reward what kings have died for kiss my lips! [The serpent obeys.] Begone! [The snake disappears. The Witch still holds the apples. They light up her face with a strange radiance.] Three apples from the Tree of Happi ness! [She smiles.] Hark! Where is that music? Or is it an old love-song running through my mind? Prut! How my heart aches! And something strange is choking me and all the hopes and dreams and visions, dead so long, rise up again and knock upon the door [With a cry.] Here! Take the apples! [She gives the branch to one of the toads. Then with a laugh] Pah ! What a fool I am ! I had forgotten that happiness is pain. [Suddenly] Is that a shadow? Something comes [A great octopus is seen slowly approaching. He carries in his tentacles the corpse of a man] You, my beloved! My slave of slaves! What do you cradle there in your soft arms? [The octopus lays the 96 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE corpse on the ground.] A man new-drowned and young [Suddenly.] Is it the young King of the Blue Mountains? Yes? Devil be praised! [Kneeling over the corpse.] O spirit, are you fled? Do you not linger still in this cold flesh? Stay stay a little moment, before you join in hell the founder of your dynasty. Bear him this message. Tell him the Sea Witch greets him the beauti ful young Witch who loved him and who begged him for a soul. Tell him that without it she lives on and reigns her glory and her loveliness endure. Time and eternity may fade but not her face. Tell him she took your life to prove she hates him still. [Bending over his face.] Why do you glare at me with your dead eyes and grin? Or do I fancy it? Come, let me look at you! [She lifts his head. The red glow falls upon it] Fires of damnation ! This is not the King ! [Picking up her stick and rushing on the octopus.} You fool you driveller you sack of ink ! Can you not choose between a king and sailor-boy? Away, you spawn ! Or I shall tear your arms off one by one and feed your carcass to my polyp- tree! [The octopus has swum away. She, having followed him to the entrance of the cave, now re turns and pushes the corpse aside with her feet. [ Pick up this carrion. [Three toads lift the corpse and carry it away.} Holy Devil, what a disappointment! [She yawns.] Ah, well [Calling.] Cecily! Elsa! The Book of Knowledge! Let us see what is going to happen to-day [The toads bring her the huge volume and squat submissively on the ground. The Witch rests the Book on their backs and begins to turn the leaves] " Charms Old and New " " Where to Dig for Treasure" "How to Raise the Dead" [Stopping.] "The Future!" [As one of the toads sneezes] Keep still, you brat! [Looking into the Book] Ah, Rosalys will break one of my best plates! [Glancing up] Careless THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 97 little reptile! I shall beat the warts from off her back! [Reading.] Um ! Gertrude will spill the soup [Glancing up.] Again? I told you I should fry your legs! [Reading.] Tut ! Tut ! I shall cut my finger with the carving-knife [Turning the page.] Am I to have no visitors? [Her atten tion struck.] Ah! A little mermaid is on her way here now the youngest daughter of the Merman Emperor ! She wants a soul. What? What? She has seen the King of the Blue Mountains [Her voice dies away. She reads on absorbed. Meanwhile, outside the cave, the arms of the polyp-tree have begun to writhe and reach with a slow and stealthy motion. The toads have glanced at each other and quietly hopped to the entrance. The polyp-tree grows more and more frantic, lashing and lunging, until finally Swanhild is seen, swimming down in a great fright and just avoiding the murderous tentacles.] SWANHILD [To the tree, as she tries to slip by into the cave.] Stop it! Stop it! Keep away [The toads hold up their hideous little hands and stand across the entrance as if entreating her to come no further.] SWANHILD [To the toads.] Let me by! Quick quick! Or the tree will catch me! [Her voice rises to a cry of terror.] \ THE WITCH [Reading hurriedly.] Wait! I am nearly done let me turn this page [She does so. Then, aflame with triumph:] Ah! She is mine! [She shuts the Book with a slam.] Wel come! Welcome, your Royal Highness! [Knocking aside 9 8 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE the toads] Out of the way, scum! [To Swanhild] Come in, my dear! [She takes her by the hand] Nothing pleases me more than visitors, particularly when they are as young and as pretty as yourself! [She leads her to a stool] There! Sit down and rest a bit. For I see that you are out of breath after your long swim. SWANHILD [Trembling] Oh dear oh dear THE WITCH What is it, sweetheart? SWANHILD That tree THE WITCH Tut ! Don t be frightened ! It cannot reach you here [Turning to the tree and snarling] Down, hellion, down! [The tree subsides. The Witch turns soothingly to Swanhild] You see, my pet? It was only trying to play! SWANHILD [Still trembling] But there was something terrible in one of its arms the skeleton of a little mermaid just like me THE WITCH Ah yes, I remember ! [Shaking her head sympathetically] Unfortunate episode I assure you I did my best to pre vent it, but the tree was very hungry and she was not er the best of swimmers. [Swanhild shudders] And THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 99 now, my little seal, what is it you want me to do for you? [^4 s Swanhild looks up at her, startled.] Oh, I am quite sure that such a beautiful princess has not swum all the way to the poor old Sea Witch for just a bit of gossip eh? [Smiling at her.] Come, come! I am as good-natured an old body as you could find in the whole sea. So give me your hand and lift those pretty green eyes and tell me all about it. SWANHILD [Hesitating.] I I THE WITCH Yes, my dear? SWANHILD I thought perhaps I mean I wonder if you see, I want THE WITCH [Winningly.] What does my sweetheart want? SWANHILD Oh, please don t look at me that way! THE WITCH [Patting her hand.] So so ! Shall I try to guess? Is it a silver robe with pearls as big as turtle-eggs all the way down the front? SWANHILD No THE WITCH No? Could it be a necklace of diamonds that would ioo THE GARDEN OF PARADISE shine through the water with the light of ten thousand starfish? SWANHILD No no THE WITCH Prut! What a bad guesser I am! Then perhaps you want to lose your fish s tail and have instead two stumps to walk upon like human beings. Eh? Eh? Am I not right? Have I not hit the lobster on the head, as the old saying goes? SWANHILD How did you know? THE WITCH [Slyly.] Oh, a little fish told me! And why do you seek a woman s form? [Swanhild is silent.] So that the young King of the Blue Mountains may fall in love with you? SWANHILD Yes THE WITCH And for your sake forget father and mother and cleave to you with his whole heart? SWANHILD Oh yes THE WITCH And let the priest join your hands and make you man and wife? SWANHILD [Enraptured.] Yes! Yes! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 101 THE WITCH So that he may give you half his soul? SWANHILD [Clasping her hands] And take me with him when he goes to Paradise! THE WITCH [Gathering Swanhild in her arms.} My child, my child! You are the sweetest little mermaid I have ever seen and do the royal family credit! Ah, youth youth! The perfume of the anemone the Parl ia life s oyster! How touching how moving it is! Why, my heart is melting like a jellyfish in the sunshine! [To a toad.] Gertrude, my darling a pocket-handkerchief! [The toad brings her one and behind it she laughs disagreeably] SWANHILD Will you help me, then? THE WITCH Tut, tut, your Highness! What a question! Has age a greater joy than guiding home the love-ships of the young? Help you? Of course I will! SWANHILD [In delight] Oh thank you thank you ! Now what must I do to lose my tail and turn into a woman? What is the first thing? Oh, dear, dear Sea Witch, tell me, please quick quick! 102 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE WITCH Patience! Give the eggs time to hatch, as the old saw has it! Remember, sprat, twas hurry killed the cat-fish! SWANHILD [Folding her hands.] Look! See how calm I am! I am calm as a clam! Now will you please tell me? Oh, if you do not tell me very soon, I think that I shall die! THE WITCH [Smiling and patting her on the head.] Come! Let us have no talk of dying! Now are you listening? SWANHILD [Breathless.] Oh yes yes! THE WITCH Well, I shall brew you a charm that shines like a star and bites like the tooth of a shark a charm so strong it would turn devils to angels and Heaven to Hell. On the night of the full moon, you must swim to the palace stairs and swallow it down. And then, as your green hair fades to gold, your tail will shrink, and change to what up there are called legs the loveliest little legs in all the world. SWANHILD Oh! Oh! THE WITCH And on them you will glide and float no dancing-girl will equal you! Your grace will be a proverb through the land. THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 103 SWANHILD [Clapping her hands] Oh, splendid ! Wonderful ! THE WITCH And wait! The King will find you and will fall in love with your sweet emerald eyes and lead you to the church and SWANHILD [Interrupting.] Marry me ? THE WITCH He is a man and you are beautiful. SWANHILD [Transported] Do you mean it ? THE WITCH [Sighing] Yes, this day next week will see you Queen of the Blue Mountains and as for the poor old Witch who helped you she will be quite forgotten. [She wipes her eyes] SWANHILD [Throwing her arms about the Witch s neck] No ! You must not say that! Why, I shall never forget you! How could I, when I owe you everything? THE WITCH Well, we shall see 104 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD [Eagerly coaxing.] And now, dear Witch sweet Witch the day is speeding by. Do you not think it better to brew the charm at once? THE WITCH Wait wait! What a hasty little mermaid you are, to be sure! No, my pet, there is something we have for gotten! SWANHILD What is it? Tell me quick! THE WITCH [Stroking her.] Although we are friends are we not? and I love you as if you were my own daughter, still times are hard and business is business! So before we go on dear! dear! what beautiful long hair you have! shall we first just settle the little matter of payment? SWANHILD Payment? THE WITCH Payment. [Slight pause.] SWANHILD Oh yes of course! I will give you all I can but I I m afraid it isn t very much. [Simply.] You see, being young, I am not extremely rich and all I have is birthday presents and and things like that [Sud denly.] Wait! I had forgotten! Why, I am rich! I have THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 105 a chest of jewels the Emperor of the Crabs gave me yester day! THE WITCH A chest of jewels! SWANHILD [Eagerly.] Yes, diamonds and sapphires and rubies and everything/ They are such beauties, too! Will that be enough? THE WITCH Far, far too much, my dear. Something simpler would suit me. SWANHILD My wreath of pearls ? [She takes it of and holds it out to the Witch.} THE WITCH [Refusing it.] No, still too much. SWANHILD [Hesitating] I have a golden comb and mirror that my daddy THE WITCH [Interrupting] No! No! SWANHILD [Slowly] Would you would you like my doll? THE WITCH Your doll! Ho ho! [She laughs] io6 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD But I have nothing more. THE WITCH [Good-humor edly.} So that is where the oyster pinches! Well, well do not despair ! As the old saying goes, there are still plums in the pudding! No, my sweetheart, what I want is the merest trifle and you can give it to me as easily as you flick your tail. It is nothing more nor less than a little promise. SWANHILD A promise? To do what? Tell me! THE WITCH Suppose our young King does not fall in love with you SWANHILD [Shrinking] Oh, please ! THE WITCH Come now, no agitation! You know as well as I do that he will! But just suppose, for the sake of argument, he is so blind as not to. SWANHILD [To herself] Oh ! Oh ! THE WITCH You must promise that at sunrise on the morning after his marriage with another are you listening? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 107 SWANHILD Yes. THE WITCH [Greed creeping into her voice.] At sunrise on the morning after his marriage with another, you will come down to me, \ and lose your human form, and serve me as my slave for ever. [Pause.] SWANHILD [In horror, pointing to the toads.] Be one of them? THE WITCH [Again smooth and deceitful] Come, it is not so bad! They are as happy as young porpoises at play. And why not? The work is light I am a gentle mistress and give them kind words, plenty to eat and a holiday twice a year. SWANHILD [Looking at them] And were they once little mermaids like me hunting for a soul? THE WITCH True, they were little mermaids that aspired but not like you. No indeed ! Not one of them was half so pretty ! Perhaps that is why the young men did not fall in love with them. But you need not worry, sweetheart you will have no trouble. SWANHILD [Still looking at the toads.] So that is why they tried to turn me away. Poor things poor little things! [The toads huddle together and stare at her sadly.] io8 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE WITCH [Sharply.] Well? [Swanhild starts and turns away.] Do you promise? SWANHILD [Bravely.] Yes. [The toads droop and hop away.] THE WITCH Wise little mermaid! You deserve your happiness! [Eagerly.] Is it a bargain eh? SWANHILD Yes. THE WITCH [Gaily.] Then let us be businesslike, my dear, and put it in writing. [Clapping her hands.] Cecily! Gertrude, my chicks! Bring pen and paper! [They obey.] Just a matter of form, your Highness, a little matter of form! Something to remind me of those sweet green eyes when they reflect God s glory in the heavens above. [Writing.] So so! How the pen squeaks! I have not used it since Gertrude came [To the toad.] do you remember, dear? What a mangey little mermaid you were ! Ah well ! [Writing.] / will go back to the Sea Witch and lose my woman s body and serve her as her slave forever. [Finishing.] There ! Now make a cross, my love. [She gives Swanhild the pen.] SWANHILD [About to sign.] Where? Here? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 109 THE WITCH A moment, sweetheart! Do you not think it would look prettier in red? SWANHILD [Pausing.] But the ink is black THE WITCH [Taking out her knife.] Prut! There is another sort of ink close by. Give me your arm ! [She seizes and cuts it.] SWANHILD [Startled.] Oh ! What have you done? THE WITCH [Gaily, as she dips the pen in the blood and gives it to Swan- hild.] There is your red ink, child! Now sign sign! [Swanhild does so. There is a rumble of thunder, very far away, and the light darkens.] A-ha ! My storm is on its way ! SWANHILD Here take the promise [Shivering.] How cold it is! THE WITCH [Putting the paper into her bosom.] Come and warm your self at my fire. SWANHILD Is that a fire? no THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE WITCH Yes, they are very rare down here and this one does not exactly belong to me. In fact, my dear, it is hell-fire so hot, that it has burnt a little hole through the bottom of the sea. I find it very convenient for cooking my dinner. [As Swanhild shrinks away.} What? Are you afraid of it? Never mind, my little sprat you shiver now, but soon you will warm yourself in the King s young arms! SWANHILD [Trembling] Give me the charm ! Quick! Quick! I I do not like it here I want to go away THE WITCH Well, well I, for one, will not stand in your path. [To the toads.} Go, little friends! Bring me what I need! [To Swanhild, with a leer] They know the contents of the potion well enough. They have all in their turn sat just where you are sitting now. [Sighing] It wrings my heart to think they were so plain ! SWANHILD [As the toads crowd about her] What are those jewels that glitter in their eyes? THE WITCH Tears, my child. It is all that is left of their womanhood. They weep with envy because they see another about to win what they themselves have lost. THE GARDEN OF PARADISE in SWANHILD There is no envy in their hearts I can feel that. Only sorrow or is it pity ? [The toads, as if finding themselves understood, put up their ugly hands in imploring attitudes.} THE WITCH [To Swanhild} Take care, my love! They may be going to bite! [Harshly, to the toads.] Cecily! Gertrude! Have I not told you what to bring me? Have you not heard me speak? What lingering still? [Falling upon them with a stick.} Away, you blobs of scum! You swollen filthi- ness! Be off! Be off, before I tear the black flesh from your rotting bones! [To Swanhild.} All for their good, my dear all for their good. A mother s firmness. It hurts me more than them [Cowering, the toads have hopped of to the cupboards and soon return with various bottles and boxes. The thunder growls again, very far away, and the color of the sea outside darkens. The cave is illuminated more and more by the fire, where the Witch now crouches.} Where are the snakes? [Finding the mop} Ah yes [Rub bing the inside of the caldron} There is nothing like cleanli ness! [To the toads.} Are you ready? [Taking a bottle from one and emptying it into the pot.} The blood of a man ! [Taking a box from another and tossing in the contents.} The foot of a child! [Kneeling and bending over the caldron, with a leer at Swanhild} Milk from my own white breast ! [Rising and coming towards her.} Quick, darling a single scale from your little tail ! [Returning, she drops it into the caldron} So ! [Steam begins to rise, and a strange murmur is heard} Hark! How it boils! It sounds like the weeping ii2 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE of a hundred crocodiles. [She picks up a great thigh bone.] Once to the left! Once to the right! Then stir the stew with all your might! [Singing as she stirs.] Blood of man that knows no rest, Black milk from my withered breast, Foot of child conceived in sorrow, Mermaid s joy that has no morrow! Boil and bubble through the storm, Give the fish a woman s form! Spells are doubling, Charms are bubbling, Hotter, hotter blow the fires! Hell is burning, She is turning Into what her heart desires! [She stops stirring and looks carefully into the pot. A pale light flickers over her face.] Come! It is shining already! [To Swanhild.] One moment more and it is done. [To the toads.] Quick! Jump, you imps! The apples from the Tree of Happiness! [They hastily bring her the branch.] And now, my love, shut your eyes cover your face. For as I dip each apple in the pot to cool the charm, the steam will rise and take on shapes it is not good for any little mermaiden to see. SWANHILD [Obeying her.] I will not look. Begin, dear Witch, begin! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 113 THE WITCH [Under her breath.} You fool [Taking the branch and plucking from it an apple.} O fruit of memories and tears! Make the charm sweet! [She drops the apple into the caldron. The steam rises in a cloud. There is a sound of weeping and of lamentation far away, as in a dream.} SWANHILD [Raising her head.} My sisters they are crying and calling to me THE WITCH \Warningly.} Take care! SWANHILD [Turning} Thora ! Lona ! Where are you ? [In the steam she sees the vision of her home under the sea, exactly as it was in Scene 1} Why, there is our palace and the blue trees my little garden and my statue [Like a child.} Oh, I want to go home! I want to go home THE WITCH Think of the home that waits for you beyond the stars! Think of the joys of Paradise! SWANHILD Paradise! [As the vision fades.] Thora Lona good-bye! Good-bye dear little garden good-bye ii 4 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE good-bye [// has gone. The steam clears away and the music ends} THE WITCH [Plucking the second apple] O fruit of anguish and of vain regrets! Make the charm sharp! [She drops the apple into the caldron. Again the steam rises. And in the cloud five little mermaids are seen holding out their arms towards Swanhild and wailing pitifully] THE FIRST LITTLE MERMAID There is no hope, Swanhild THE SECOND We, too, have sought for souls THE THIRD What lies before you is far worse than death THE FOURTH , Go! We beseech you! It is not yet too late THE FIFTH We know ! So take our .warning swim away SWANHILD Who are they? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 115 THE WITCH [Pointing to the five toads.] Fools who have tried and failed. SWANHILD [In terror.] But 7 may fail THE WITCH Hark! [The sound of harps and trumpets, infinitely dis tant, is heard and singing voices, exultant and sweet.] The souls that sing forever in the choirs of God ! SWANHILD Angels ? [In rapture.] Angels ? [To the mermaids in the vision.] Oh, do you hear? I cannot give them up! I must go on! [The little mermaids cover their faces with their hands and vanish. The music and the voices die away. The steam fades.] THE WITCH [Plucking the third apple.] fruit of tenderness and love that smiles! Make the charm bright! [She casts the apple in the caldron. For the third time the magic vapor rises. In it hangs a single face.] SWANHILD [Whispering.] How beautiful she is! Her eyes are speaking to me [To the Witch.] Is she some memory that I have forgotten? u6 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE WITCH Can you not guess? SWANHILD [Softly.] Is she is she my mother? [The Witch nods. Swanhild turns longingly to the vision} Oh, dear, dear mother whom I never knew! I have loved you and missed you all my life. And now when I need you most, you have come to help me. Oh, mother dear, I am all alone and I feel so little and so frightened ! Shall I swim home and stop my dreams and live a mermaid till I melt to foam? Or if I hope and dare oh, tell me ! shall I find at the end a soul? [The face in the vision slowly shakes its head and fades away.] SWANHILD [With a cry of fear.] Ah! She has spoken she has shown me the way! THE WITCH Where? SWANHILD Back to the sea! THE WITCH [To the toads] Quick! Quick! The woman s heart! [As she tosses it into the caldron] O shrine of passion and eternal pain! Make the charm strong! [The steam rises] SWANHILD [Swimming of] Good-bye [She is at the entrance to the cave] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 117 THE WITCH Wait, little mermaid! One look before you go! \Swan- hild turns. Amid the magic vapor stands the young King of the Blue Mountains, in all the radiance of his youth and beauty.} SWANHILD [In sudden terror.] Not you? You have not come to tempt me? O dear King, remember that I saved your life! Have pity on me now and let me go! [Wavering.] I am so weak I love you oh, can it be my mother did not know? [The sound of men s voices softly singing the old love-song is heard.} She never saw you! She never felt the glory shining from your eyes the power that draws me to your dear, dear arms the welcome I shall find upon your heart! See, darling all my doubts are gone! I love! I trust! God calls! My soul awaits! And you, beloved, are my path to Paradise! [The vision fades} THE WITCH [Filling a small flask with the contents of the caldron.} Good! That is the tune I like to hear! SWANHILD [Wildly.] The charm THE WITCH Look! [Holding it up] See how it twinkles! [Giving it to her] Guard it well! SWANHILD [Holding it close to her heart] The night of the full moon n8 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE WITCH On the palace stairs! SWANHILD [Laughing and trembling.] O Lord of Love! I come! I come ! [With one stroke 0} her tail she is out of the cave and gone] THE WITCH [With a scream of laughter, as she beats the toads with her stick.} Laugh! Dance! Rejoice! For a little comrade has started on her way ! [Singing.} Spells are doubling Charms are bubbling Hotter, hotter grow the fires! Hell is burning [And, as she sings, the curtain falls.] SCENE V The palace of the King of the Blue Mountains. An open terrace overlooking the sea. To left, the entrance to the palace. To right, a few broad steps leading to the water. Along the back are tall marble columns. Through them can be seen the blue of the sky and sea. Near the steps is a marble chair, facing the ocean. It is late evening. As the scene progresses, night falls. At the rise of the curtain the stage is empty. From within the palace comes the sound of music, mingled with occa sional laughter and young voices. There is a moment s pause. The laughter and the voices swell. The doors to the palace are flung open and the King strides out as if escaping from the revelry within. Behind him follow two of his young comrades, entreating him to stay. They are flushed and laughing. Their heads are crowned with roses 1 their long robes trail behind them. THE KING [Entering.] Away! Away where I can breathe! ROLAND [Entering.] Why do you leave us, sire, before the feast is done? THE KING I am not hungry, Roland. [The other young men enter from the palace. One or two of them carry goblets in their hands] 119 120 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE JASPER [Entering.] Where are you, sire? VALENTINE Master! Comrade! Tell us what is wrong? [They have gathered about him affectionately.] THE KING Wrong? Nothing! Only I am tired of lights and laughter I want to feel the night-wind on my face and hear the splashing of the little waves and lift my eyes to meet the benediction of the stars. BERTRAM But, sire, that is not all. JASPER Something is troubling you. VALENTINE Why, it is a fortnight since you have gone hunting! JASPER Hour after hour you sit alone here, gazing at the sea. SEBASTIAN We feel that somehow we have lost you. BERTRAM Sire, you are changed THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 121 THE KING [Smiling.] All this because I leave the banquet for a breath of air ! BERTRAM Oh, sire! As if it were tonight alone! ROLAND I saw it first when you came home from that island BERTRAM After the shipwreck, when we thought you lost. THE KING Can a man be quite the same when Death has lifted up his chin and looked into his eyes, and then smiled and passed on? ROLAND [Simply.] We, too, faced Death that night. RlNALDO Do you not trust us any more? SEBASTIAN You have shared your joys with all of us so long ah, comrade, be as generous with your grief! THE KING My own dear friends ! If it were some wound your love could heal some enemy your loyal swords could slay 122 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE YOUNG MEN [Eagerly.] Yes! Yes! THE KING I should have told you long ago. But ah! it is no wound no enemy. It is a dream that weighs upon my heart. THE YOUNG MEN [Gathering about his chair.] A dream? What does he say? A dream? THE KING Listen! [They are silent.] I dreamed I walked along an empty road. There was no sun the sky was grey and all about me rolled the grey rocks, like sullen waves that had been turned to stone. And there were a few wild, naked trees, which bent and whistled in the wind, and the dead leaves danced like witches, round and round. VALENTINE Were you alone, sire? THE KING Alone and tired ! For I dreamed I had been walking years and years and still my resting-place was far away. And then I know not why I raised my eyes and there against the storm cloud sailed a snow-white bird. And as I looked, it flew down to the dreary world and lit upon my shoulder and began to sing! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 123 ROLAND Was it God s dove? THE KING No, little Roland. Something sweeter still ROLAND Oh, sire! THE KING For as it sang to me, the clouds rolled back, the sun broke out, the sky was blue! The wind that was so cold grew soft and warm and filled with the fragrance of an enchanted spring. Those naked trees were misty with strange blossoms. At every step new flowers sprang up beneath my feet. And the bird sang on and on sweeter and wilder and louder ! And my loneliness and weari ness were gone, and my heart beat with a furious joy, and I seized that miracle with my two hands and pressed my face against its warm young breast! But oh! at my first kiss it flew away! It spread its wings and soared in circles higher higher till bird and song were lost amid the skies. And when at last I looked once more around me there were no flowers only grey rocks and the bare trees creaking in the wind, the empty road and at my feet one snow-white feather, like a little memory. [Pause.] That was my dream. And I awoke from it with bitter tears still wet upon my face and a bitter, bitter longing in my heart. VALENTINE But, sire, it was only a dream! i2 4 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE BERTRAM Why mourn for dreams when there are wine and roses? JASPER Forget the white bird and that empty road! Be your old self again! THE KING That is beyond me. [Rousing himself.] And yet for your sakes I will do my best. Come ! Back to the feasting ! We have stayed too long and [As he speaks the doors are opened and Lord Otho appears. He is an aged white-haired man, with a wise and beautiful face.] THE KING Who s there? LORD OTHO It is I your Chancellor. THE KING [To his friends.] Go! Take my place! Command new spices to be burnt, let slaves shower roses from on high! Call for fresh garlands wilder music stronger wine! The moon has not yet risen and the night is young! [He closes the doors. His laughter ceases. He stands for a mo ment in an attitude of despair.] LORD OTHO Are you not well, sire? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 125 THE KING [Recovering himself and smiling.] Well enough, my lord! Unless it be a sickness of the mind to sit alone here in my chair and wish for all the things that cannot be. LORD OTHO What things, sire? THE KING [Smiling as he points to the sea.} To turn those waters into purple wine to dredge the heavens with a net of stars who knows? Perhaps to be a sailor-boy and not the King. Dreams, my lord but lovely dreams! What brings you here? LORD OTHO Look, sire! do you see those little lights that dance within the bay? THE KING The ships? LORD OTHO The galleons that bear your embassy to the young Queen of the South. THE KING But I gave commands they should not sail till dawn ! LORD OTHO Tonight is the full moon. The tide is high. There is a fresh wind from the West. Let them weigh anchor and depart straightway! THE KING No no 126 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE LORD OTHO For twelve whole days you have kept them lingering in port. The sailors grow out of hand, the embassy itself is restless, on each ship the cry is heard, "Why do we wait?" And no one, sire, can answer save yourself. THE KING If they had sailed last year six months one month ago, with what joy should I have sped them on their way! LORD OTHO A month ago? But even then the Queen was in her convent, learning royal virtues. Remember, sire, how short the time, since she has come back to her kingdom and taken up the reins of government ! THE KING Is it then short? LORD OTHO No longer since than your disastrous shipwreck and God-given, miraculous escape. THE KING To me, each day has been a thousand years each night, eternity! LORD OTHO Can you not sleep, sire? THE KING I lie awake and listen for the first time to the world. Hark ! Do you hear the lapping of the little waves against THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 127 the stairs? They are murmuring, " We know! We under stand! " And the warm, salt wind upon your face, ruffling your hair? It whispers, "Life is short. Love is sweet. Alas!" See that planet hanging in the sky! Its splendor seizes me like some great silent song " Courage, O lonely heart. Be strong. And all is well. " LORD OTHO That star shines over Southland. THE KING This marriage must it be? LORD OTHO Ah, sire, you know it was your father s dying wish. With his last breath he begged you, when the time was ripe, to choose the daughter of his ancient enemy so that the old wars might cease forever and the land have rest. THE KING [In a sudden burst of grief.] O God, why was I born to sit upon a throne? LORD OTHO Sire! THE KING I could have been so happy as a fisherman! I could have worked so hard and laughed and sung, for in my mind would be the memory of sweet things past, yes, and the knowledge of sweeter things to come. 128 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE LORD OTHO Sire, I cannot bear to have you suffer! THE KING [Rising.] My Lord, let the ambassadors set sail. LORD OTHO [In triumph and delight.] There speaks my King! I hasten, sire, to tell them your command! [He goes into the palace. As he disappears, there is a shout from within. Valentine and Bertram come to the doors.] VALENTINE Sire, are you there? BERTRAM Comrade, you are not dreaming still? THE KING [Shaking of his mood] No ! What are dreams when the dancing-girls leap high! Quick quick, my friends! To the black eyes and the golden breasts that gleam behind their veils! [He throws both arms over their shoulders and gaily leads the way into the palace. The terrace is empty. Slowly the great moon rises from the sea. Over the side of the steps leading to the water appears the little face of Swanhild.] SWANHILD The moon is full. Are these the palace stairs? [She glances about her fearfully then raises herself higher, until at last she is sitting on the edge of the steps, her tail submerged in the water below] I have the charm. How it gleams THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 129 like a wicked eye that cannot sleep. It shines through my fingers it turns my flesh all blue. Perhaps it is a poison and will kill me straight perhaps it will change me to a snake or devil-fish [Shivering.] Oh, what a coward I am! Women are brave and I shall be a woman soon. But even then perhaps he will not love me he is so great and high and I am only a little mermaid perhaps he will see I have no soul and laugh at me ! Oh ! Oh ! And it will be too late to repent the Witch will rise and drag me to her cave and there forever I shall [Suddenly.] Hark! [She turns.] There is the great bell tolling down below [Suddenly] They have missed me they are hunting for me now ! [Calling.] Daddy! I hear you I am coming wait for me [She is just slipping back into the water when there is a burst of applause from within the palace, the doors are opened and the King reappears, rose-crowned, standing in the warm light, looking back at the feasters, laughing, clap ping his hands. She sees him and stops.] THE KING [Applauding, his voice is heard over the tumult.] Good! Good! You dance divinely, girl wear this for me! [He has torn the rose-garland from his head and now tosses it to someone within. There are renewed cheers and applause] THE VOICES Your health! The King s health! Drink! Drink! SWANHILD [Holding out her arms towards the sea] Daddy, forgive me. [Turning and raising the flask] O King, I pledge you, too! [She drinks] 130 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE A MAN S VOICE [Singing within the palace.} High as the stars above, Deep as the sea below, Wide as the world is love I love you so! [Pain has seized the little mermaid. The agony of her new birth shakes and racks her. Her face is twisted. Her eyes are closed. She is trying to rise. The King stands at the door way, listening to the singer within. The voice continues.] The long day is past, My arms ache with desire dearest, quench at last A soul on fire SWANHILD [With a cry of triumph.] Ah ! [She stands and sways. She is quite naked and has the legs and feet of a woman. Her long hair covers her like a mantle.] THE KING [Turning at her cry and seeing her] White bird, is it you? [She reels and stretches out her hands to him.] Not you ? [He rushes forward just in time to catch her as she falls, and, holding her high in his arms as he would a child, looks eagerly into her moonlit face. Then he shakes his head] No I was mad and yet and yet [She sighs and opens her eyes and smiles up at him] SWANHILD Lord! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 131 THE KING [Gently, still holding her in his arms.] Who are you? How came you here? SWANHILD [Adoringly] My own dear lord! THE KING [Putting her on her feet] Were you shipwrecked? Were you washed here by the waves? SWANHILD [Trembling and clinging to him] Oh! Oh! I am afraid! THE KING [Comforting her] I know. I, too, have lain half-dead upon an unknown shore. But you are safe now safe! I hold you close the danger is all gone. SWANHILD [Burying her face on his shoulder] My dearest, dearest lord THE KING [Stroking her hair] What is your name? [A little pause] SWANHILD Swanhild. THE KING From what land do you come, Swanhild? 132 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD I I have forgotten, lord. THE KING But whither are you bound? SWANHILD [Smiling.] To Paradise! [He laughs softly.] THE KING ^ Your wits have left you. Have you no father, no mother, no friends, no kinsmen? SWANHILD [Simply.] There in the sea. THE KING [Very tenderly.] Are they all lost? SWANHILD Yes all. [Her voice shaking.] I am alone. [He bends over and gently kisses her forehead.] THE KING Poor shivering child! SWANHILD [Gasping.] I cannot see! There is something hot and wet in both my eyes oh, lord, am I blind? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 133 THE KING [Smiling.] Blind? You are weeping that is all. Here let me wipe away your tears. [He does so.] But still they come and come! SWANHILD [Sobbing.] I I cannot help it, lord THE KING [Soothing and caressing her.] There, there, little found ling! I will take care of you. You shall be my page and wear the costliest silks and muslins and sleep on a velvet cushion at my chamber door. Do not fear I will keep you with me always. For you remind me a little of some one of someone whom I loved and lost. SWANHILD Dear lord! [A little pause.] THE KING [Lifting his head.] There is a cold wind rising from the sea. [Slipping of his robe.] Here put this about you [He throws it over her shoulders. It envelopes her completely.] Now let me lead you in and give you food and rest. [He moves towards the palace, but she does not follow. She stands looking out over the sea.] Why do you linger? SWANHILD Lord, I am saying good-bye to those I leave behind. [He comes up behind her and puts his arm about her.] i 3 4 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE KING [Wistfully.] I think, child, they are happier than we though they sleep tonight on coral beds, beneath the waves. [And, as he speaks, from far away, strange and sad, come the voices of her sisters.] THORA AND LONA [Singing.] Mermaid, mermaid, come with me, Night has fallen you are free All the glories of the sea Are yours, if you will follow me THE KING Hark! There are mermaids singing in the West! SWANHILD No, lord. The wind is rising nothing more. THE KING [Suddenly.] But look! What is that? SWANHILD Where? THE KING [Pointing towards the sea] There! White arms and the wringing of hands SWANHILD Only the foam in the moonlight. See it is gone. [The mermaids song has ended. From within the palace the THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 135 music is heard again. The King turns and looks down at Swanhild.] THE KING Little lost mariner! SWANHILD Lord, I am ready. THE KING [Putting his arm about her.} Come. [He leads her towards the palace] THE MAN S VOICE [Singing within.] High as the stars above, Deep as the sea below, Wide as the world is love [And, as he sings, the curtain falls.] SCENE VI The same scene. It is late afternoon. Towards right near steps is a low couch. At its head stands a tall brazier from which the smoke of incense slowly rises. There are mats and cushions spread about the stage. At centre is a reading-desk on which lies open a great book. The King is lying on the couch. At his feet sits Swanhild as his page, dressed like a boy. About them, stretched out lazily on the cushions or sitting on the steps, are the King s companions. Rinaldo and Sebastian are lying at full length, their chins on their hands, a chess-board between them. They play slowly. At the corner of the steps sits Bertram, with a long cord in his hand. He is fishing. Roland sits on a cushion, leaning his back against the reading-desk. His head has fallen. He is asleep. Valen tine holds a long, quaint, stringed instrument in his idle hands. Occasionally he strikes a note or two. Behind the reading-desk kneels Jasper. The open book is before him. As the curtain rises he is reading aloud. JASPER "... and there was a place where the hillside sloped and beneath the cypress- trees chill water fell. Here rushes grew and maidenhair and goat-wort, beloved by the slim- shanked Pan " [Roland snores] He sleeps again. Shall I awaken him? THE KING No. On with the lullaby. 136 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 137 JASPER [Reading.] "And here it was that Daphnis led Neraea of the April eyes, and in the noon-tide silence turned to her and said, Thy feet are white as new-born lambs, thy voice is like the honey-comb. Thy little ways, they are too sweet to tell. Come, let us lie here by the running water. It is love s hour. " SEBASTIAN [At the chess-board.] You played out of turn. RlNALDO No, you moved your Queen. SEBASTIAN Not I! It was this Pawn and that an age ago! THE KING Ssh! Go on, my Jasper. JASPER [Reading.] " But, as they lay and comforted one another, their doom approached. For Aphrodite, ever jealous of her faithless swain, spied them from afar and cried: *O cruel Daphnis, is it for this that I have cherished thee? Thou, who hast known my tenderness, know now my wrath! And she bade her son avenge his mother s wrong." BERTRAM [Fishing.] A bite! A bite at last! [Pulling in his line.] Come in, you little beggar! No use to struggle! There! I 3 8 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE Hooked through the jaw! [Holding up the fish.] Look, sire! SWANHILD [Leaping to her feet.} Throw it back! BERTRAM What ? SWANHILD [In agony] Throw it back into the water! It cannot breathe! Oh, it is suffering! Give it to me [She tries to take it] BERTRAM No no SWANHILD [To the King] Lord, command him! THE KING Give her the fish, Bertram. BERTRAM [Obeying sulkily] Take it! [To the King] I meant it for your supper, sire. SWANHILD [To the fish] Little darling, are you hurt? But there I will not keep you! Swim home and give them all my love ! [She kisses it and drops it into the sea. Then, kneeling at the edge of the terrace and looking over.] Good-bye good bye ! [She kisses her hand towards the sea below] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 139 THE KING Come, little soft heart! We are waiting! SWANHILD [Returning to her original position.] Forgive me, lord. THE KING Read on. JASPER "Quickly Love drew his bow and fitted to the string a silver-barbed arrow. Like summer lightning fell the shaft and pierced both brown and white breasts where they clung together. Shrill wailed the nymph and deep the herds man s groan. Then, as the dark stream flowed forth from their hearts and the grass on which they lay flushed red for pity, they kissed and murmured, We die, O beloved, but our love can never die! " [Valentine strikes a mournful chord, sings a few notes.] How can I read when he is bray ing, sire? VALENTINE I do not bray. I chant a requiem. THE KING Peace, Valentine! Till the tale is told! JASPER [Reading.] "And saying this, they closed their eyes. And from each drop of blood a wild-rose grew, and from each tear, a violet. Thus ended, in this life, the loves of i 4 o THE GARDEN OF PARADISE the herdsman, Daphnis, and the nymph, Neraea." [Clos ing the book.} A sad tale! RlNALDO And vilely told. [Playing] Check! My game! [Look ing up.} I like stories about dragons and hippogriffs SEBASTIAN Yes, and heroes with golden armour and a good stout sword [Looking down] Your move. BERTRAM Sebastian is right. This Daphnis fellow was nothing but a poor lovesick oaf. VALENTINE And that nymph what was her name, Jasper? A hussy, a gypsy if ever there was one! Living all alone in a tree bah! JASPER [To the sleeping Roland.} Awake, O snoring one! What? Do you slumber still? [Throwing a cushion at him.} Take that! ROLAND [Awaking suddenly.} I am not asleep. I can listen better with my eyes closed that is all. [A general laugh.] THE KING Then tell us how the story ended. THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 141 ROLAND Why, the goatherd married Madam Venus and together they lived happily ever [He is interrupted by a burst of laughter and a volley of cushions.] Enough ! Enough ! THE KING RINALDO Back to your dreams! VALENTINE A tribute to the poet! Together ROLAND [Rising.] Well, if he did not marry some lass, he pined away and died. And I, for one, am not sorry. Valentine, play us a tune! [Valentine begins to play on his lute.] THE KING [Turning to Swanhild.] And what did my little page think of the tale? Did she, too, find it somewhat sad? No, lord. SWANHILD THE KING [Gently mocking.] What? Could you not give one tear to those poor lovers and their untimely end? 142 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD No, lord. They only died. THE KING And is not death a sorrowful thing? SWANHILD [Simply.] Why, lord? Surely they went to Paradise. They are together there. So all is well. THE KING [A little bitterly.] Could even Paradise give back the happiness they tasted here and lost? SWANHILD Oh yes, dear lord! THE KING The sweetest of all sweet things, my little page, is human love. It is the wine we tread out of the grapes of life. And even when we have drunk deep of that enchanted vintage and the fire in our veins has told us we are not men, but gods even then it is a bitter thing to drop the empty cup, and die. But oh! little Swanhild, it is bitterer still to leave the cup un tasted, to close our eyes forever with no mem ories of that draught divine to carry to our graves the little love-words we have never said the desperate kisses we have never given the unawakened rapture in our hearts. [A silence.] Am I not right? Come, little found ling tell me what you think ! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 143 SWANHILD You will not laugh at me? THE KING No no. SWANHILD Lord, I know the dear, warm human love is sweet sometimes I think I know it far too well. It is a golden dream that melts into the night. But, lord, it does not die. Beyond the stars we find it once again a dream come true for all eternity. Ah, lord, I think that lovers are like children, meeting in the night. They feel a little hand touch theirs and hold it tight through all the lonely hours. And when the morning breaks, they turn and gaze in one another s eyes and for the first time see whom they kissed and clung to in the dark. And then, still hand in hand, they rise and walk through God s green garden, where the angels swim like birds around His throne. THE KING [Smiling.] Ah, happy child ! What do you know of love? SWANHILD Not much, my lord. And yet I sometimes think that I know all a woman can and more and more [Struck by a sudden thought the King leans over, lifts her chin, and looks into her face.] THE KING Who is he? 144 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD Lord, I I THE KING A countryman of mine? Someone I know? A member of my court? SWANHILD Please, lord THE KING One of the pages? Young rascals! I ve caught them making eyes at you ! No? I have it now ! The wandering poet who wrote two rondels and a sonnet on your ears! What? Not the poet? Then SWANHILD Dear lord, I beg you they will hear THE KING [Suddenly.] A-ha! So that is where the wind blows, is it? [Gaily, to his companions.] Go, gentlemen leave us for a space! We speak of solemn matters and must be alone! RINALDO [Smiling.] Come, Bertram. BERTRAM [Drawing in his line.] I had a nibble, too! VALENTINE Show me your new horse. THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 145 ROLAND He is Arabian cream-white fifteen hands tall. I bought him from SEBASTIAN I ll race you, Jasper, to the tower and back. JASPER [Yawning.] Hi-yi! Too hot! I m for a swim [And as they speak they wander of into the palace.] THE KING [As they disappear.] Well? Which one of them is he? SWANHILD Ah, lord, I beseech you do not THE KING [Inexorably.] Jasper? Bertram? Valentine? Rinaldo SWANHILD No no your comrades how could I think of them when [She stops suddenly.] THE KING What? Not one of my friends? Who is there left? SWANHILD [Whispering.] I am ashamed i 4 6 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE KING You will not say? SWANHILD Oh, lord, be merciful! THE KING Describe him. SWANHILD [Drooping.] I I cannot, lord THE KING You must. [Lifting her head.] Come look at me! There that is right! Now tell me all I ask. How old is he? SWANHILD [Timidly.] How old are you, my lord? THE KING Is that an answer? Quick when was the fellow born? SWANHILD The same year, lord, that you were. THE KING What does he look like? Is he tall? SWANHILD Yes, lord. THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 147 THE KING Taller than I? SWANHILD No, lord. About the same. THE KING [Smiling.] Sol My height as well as age! Has then this rascal nothing of his own? Is he er handsome? SWANHILD Oh, he is beautiful! THE KING [Mocking.] There speaks the woman! SWANHILD [Gazing at him adoringly.] His eyes are two blue jewels they shine like star-fish in the night. His hair is softer than the waving sea-moss. His mouth is coral. His skin is clear as amber the blood within shines redder than the red light of the sun THE KING [Interrupting her.] Enough! No need for more! I see him plain as my reflection in a glass. A lambkin! A lap- dog! A thing of meal and honey that curls its eyelashes and calls itself a man! SWANHILD [Quickly.] No no! You must not say such things! They are not true! Why, he is stronger than the mightiest whirlpool, as graceful as the dolphins when they dive and 148 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE play and leap into the air! He can be fiercer than the sword-fish, more terrible than any ravening shark yes, and tender, too as tender as the little waves that rock the baby mermaids to their rest. THE KING [With a smile.] Perfection moulded in the human form. SWANHILD [Suddenly timid again] Yes, lord. Ah, do not smile! THE KING [Tenderly] My child, if he were here, I think he would be smiling, too. SWANHILD [Vexed.] But it is so, I tell you! That is what he is! THE KING [Soothingly] I know, I know! [Half -mocking, half- wistful] And does he love you very much, this nameless nonpareil? SWANHILD I am not sure. Sometimes I think he loves me a little and sometimes not at all. But in my heart hope still is burning, lord, and, when I sleep, I dream of human joys and an immortal soul. THE KING Come come! However fine the fellow be, he shall not juggle with your young affections. No, by my king dom, he shall play the man and marry you THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 149 SWANHILD Dear lord THE KING And I myself will give the bride away. And then for your sake, dear, I ll make him let me think! what post about the Court is vacant? Ah, I have it! Lord High Guardian of the Royal Greyhounds! There! And all that I shall ask him in return is to let me talk sometimes to his young wife when I am sad or lonely. SWANHILD Lord, you are a great king, but here you can do nothing. If by some happy chance he stoops to me, my joy will never end. But if if he smiles and passes by, I shall not blame him. No, though I lose my soul, I shall love him just the same. [He does not answer.] Why, there are tears in your eyes! Lord, what is it? What is in your heart? THE KING My dear my dear SWANHILD Why do you look at me like that? You have never looked at me that way before. Oh, I think I am afraid THE KING Little maid, there is nothing to fear. I want to tell you something. SWANHILD Oh, lord 150 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE KING So many times I have been going to tell you, but something always happened. Why, only last night at the fountain you remember? The words were on my tongue when Valentine came blundering down the stairs. [Sud denly.] My dear, how white you grow! [Taking her hand.] And you are trembling, too ! SWANHILD It is for joy THE KING Ah, you have guessed my secret then. SWANHILD Yes no I do not dare tell me, my dearest lord let me hear it from your lips THE KING I, too, am in love. [Slight pause.] SWANHILD [Whispering.] Yes, lord. THE KING [Smiling.] "Yes, lord!" And is that all? Are you then satisfied? Have you no further care? SWANHILD What can I say? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 151 THE KING Ask me if she is beautiful and if I love her! SWANHILD Lord, is she is she beautiful? THE KING She is an angel with a woman s eyes. SWANHILD And do you love her? THE KING I would give my soul to call her mine! SWANHILD [In sudden rapture.] Then take her in your arms, lord kiss her hold her close THE KING Ah, child! If I only could! SWANHILD What stops you, dearest? Look! Is she not here? THE KING I would to God she were! [Pause.] 152 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD [Quietly.] Lord, who is this woman that you love? THE KING I do not know her name or what she is. That is my grief. SWANHILD Where did you meet? THE KING You know that I was shipwrecked not long since? SWANHILD I know. THE KING The waves had washed me to the Holy Isle and left me half-dead, lying on its shore. And there she found me. She had saved my life. I woke to find her dear eyes looking into mine her arms around me. Above us, in the apple- tree, a bird sang and she smiled. SWANHILD And then, lord? THE KING We were alone in Paradise! But the end came soon. It was too sweet to last ! SWANHILD [Tenderly.] Dear lord! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 153 THE KING The bell rang and the maidens led us to the convent. The nuns were kind and gave me bread and wine. All that day and the next, I slept and dreamed. But when at last I woke and asked for her, they answered she had gone! Yes, gone may God forgive them! and not one would say where ! It was no use to beg or to command they smiled when I told them I was King. And then, for the horror of the wreck was still upon me, my brain gave way. I cursed I threatened them I wept I raved until they put me in a little boat and sent me from their shore. SWANHILD And is that all? THE KING Yes all. The memory of her face beneath the apple- blossoms her kiss and this [He draws from his breast a locket, opens it, and shows it to Swanhild.] SWANHILD [Her voice trembling.] What is it, lord? It grows so dark I I cannot see [She bends to look.] THE KING One of the violets we offered at Love s shrine. [Sud denly.] Wait! Something fell upon my wrist! Why, child, you are not weeping? SWANHILD I, lord? No! It was only a drop of dew from the heavens above us. See the stars are coming. It will soon be night. 154 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE KING Give me your hand. SWANHILD [Obeying.] Yes, lord. THE KING [Smiling.] I put this ruby on your finger [Doing so.] There! It is a drop of blood from the bottom of my heart the depths that you have looked into tonight. Wear it until that lucky man you told me of shall take you in his arms and say, "Swanhild, I love you!" Then slip it off to make room for another and throw it far away. SWANHILD [Bursting into tears.] I I cannot bear it, lord it is too much too much THE KING [Astonished.] Why, Swanhild child what have I done to hurt you? There there ! Forgive me I did not mean it why, little friend, I would not hurt you for the world SWANHILD [Sobbing as she clings to him.] My lord my dearest, dearest lord THE KING [Still comforting her.] Have I said something careless that has wounded you? SWANHILD No no THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 155 THE KING [Tenderly.] Was it the ring? Why, child, you need not wear it if it makes you weep ! Come give it back to me ! SWANHILD No never I shall wear it always THE KING [As to a child.] What is it then? [Drawing her to him.] Put your head here so! [Soothingly.] Now tell me the trouble and let me kiss it all away! SWANHILD [Close to him.] Lord it is you THE KING Me? SWANHILD I am so sorry for you I cannot bear that you should be unhappy THE KING You foolish child! SWANHILD Or sad or lonely! I know so well, lord, what you need. THE KING And what is that? SWANHILD Someone to follow all the moods that sweep your soul like summer winds at sea. Someone to find her way down 156 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE to your secret garden and meet you there among the stars and flowers. Someone to turn your blood to ice and fire then hold you in her mother arms, and sing you fast asleep. THE KING A woman to love me that is what you mean. SWANHILD Yes, lord. THE KING I found and lost her. She comes to us but once. SWANHILD Are you sure? THE KING My child SWANHILD [Piteously as she takes his hand and kisses it.] Lord, look at me! I know that you are King and that I am only a poor little waif, cast up by the sea at your palace stairs. Riches and power and glory they are yours and I have nothing. Yet, lord, in spite of all, I have dared to lift mine eyes and [Just here, from out at sea, comes the boom of a gun. They listen, startled. Another follows .] What is that? [A third gun is heard.] THE KING [Rising.] Three guns the royal salute! [And, as he speaks, from inside the palace sound the answering trumpets. There are shouts. The doors burst open and his comrades in high excitement rush upon the scene.] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 157 VALENTINE A ship! SEBASTIAN A ship is coming down the bay! ROLAND Look, sire! Do you see her lights? BERTRAM They say she hails straight from the Southern Sea. ROLAND She bears the embassy from Southland to your Court. BERTRAM Your marriage offers then have been received. JASPER She brings to you the answer of the Queen. [Lord Otho enters from the palace.] LORD OTHO Sire THE KING Is it true? LORD OTHO A ship from Southland has entered port. Her prow is turned here to the palace stairs. Doubtless she bears on board the Queen s ambassador. 158 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE KING I am enfolded in a spider s web LORD OTHO Is it your pleasure, sire, to greet him as he disembarks or wait for him within the palace doors? THE KING [Kissing his locket.] White bird, good-bye LORD OTHO Your Majesty? THE KING [Turning to him.] Forgive me, lord. My mind is wander ing. Here! Let me learn my sentence here! LORD OTHO [To the slaves, who enter, laden, from the palace.] Quick! Quick! Bring cedar torches! Turn night to day! Hang all these columns with your wreaths and garlands until the marble blossoms like the rose! [The slaves run to and fro over the stage, carrying out his orders. Meanwhile the King s companions are at the back, looking of at the sea.] VALENTINE She has passed the sand bar! SEBASTIAN She is drawing near! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 159 ROLAND Hark! There is music on her decks! [Faint music gradually growing nearer.] LORD OTHO [To other slaves.] Run! Run! Heap incense on the fire and fill those silver lamps with perfumed oil. [To others.] What have you in those basins? Orange water? Sprinkle the floors then scatter them with fresh-cut sprigs of mint. BERTRAM [At back.] Look! Her crew are climbing up the masts! RINALDO Sire, they are cheering you! ALL THE YOUNG MEN [Cheering and waving.] Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! [The music and the shouting grow ever nearer and nearer.] LORD OTHO [To the pages.] Is that the King s chair? Good! But where are his royal robes, his crown, his sceptre? SWANHILD [Who has taken them from the pages and is herself putting them on the King.] I have them here. VALENTINE [Shouting.] Welcome! Welcome to our land! 160 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SEBASTIAN [Running to the King.} She comes, sire! THE KING Fate, I call these stars to witness I defy you still. [He sits in his great chair, as, with a burst of music and wild cheers, the galleon enters at the back and comes to rest. The decks are crowded with sailors, who shout and wave as they hang over the gunwale. Quickly the ship is made fast, a gangway is put in place, two sailors unroll a carpet down its length, and, as the King rises to his feet, the Ambassador steps proudly to the shore.} THE AMBASSADOR Sir, are you the King of the Blue Mountains? THE KING I am. THE AMBASSADOR [Prostrating himself.} Hail then, O lord of a thousand chariots! I bring you greetings from the Daughter of the Sun. THE KING May the years increase her riches and spread wide her fame. Happy are you, and happy are these your servants to stand within the orbit of her light. Come rise! These shores are yours and all I have is yours. And now farewell to compliment what says your Queen? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 161 THE AMBASSADOR Imperial Power, she has received with joy your embassy. Your gifts have dazzled her your offers struck her dumb. Here in my breast I bear her answer [As the King stretches out his hand] But first, I pray, accept proofs of her gratitude poor protestations of her deep regard. [Turning towards the ship and clapping his hands.} Come! Bring your burdens to the throne! [To the King] What little that the Queen can offer, lord, she bade us lay here at your royal feet. [Slaves run forth from the ship. They carry high in the air great baskets, heaped with flowers, which, as they kneel, they empty before the King, then run back to the ship] Star jasmine from the vines that frame her win dows wistaria that veils her palace walls. Pomegranate flowers as red as pigeon s blood, and sacred lilies, cut with a silver sickle by the light of the moon [More slaves appear from the ship, carrying on their heads gold platters piled with fruit. These, too, are laid before the King] Figs, too, and golden apricots. Dates from the palms that guard her desert wells. Blood oranges grown on ancient battlefields, and grapes each one a globe of purple wine. [And still the slaves come on, carrying more gifts, always laying them at the King s feet.] Fresh sandal-wood from her forest-covered hills and scented candles, made of wax and silver. Aloes and cinnamon in these coffers here, and there a box of cloves and frankincense. [To the slaves.] Unroll the carpets. [To the King] They are of magic colors and designs. A lump of ambergris, the ivory from a young male elephant. Bags filled with gold, the sifted treasure of her river-sands. [As the following appear] White peacocks from her royal garden, enchanted apes that talk and think like men, a negro king to be your 162 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE cup-bearer. [Kneeling.] And last of all, Divinity, this casket from my lady and my Queen. [In silence the King takes, opens, and draws from it a scroll. In silence he unfolds and reads it. A pause] LORD OTHO [Anxiously] Sire, we are waiting. THE KING [In a clear voice.] My lord, Her Majesty accepts our marriage offers. [A murmur of jubilation runs through the Court] LORD OTHO Now God be praised! [Turning to the Court] Where is the Captain of our fleet? THE CAPTAIN [Stepping forward] Here, my lord. LORD OTHO Pardon, I did not see mine eyes weep tears of joy. In the King s name, prepare the ship of state! THE KING [Protesting] My lord LORD OTHO [Continuing] At dawn tomorrow he will set sail for the South THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 163 THE KING [Rising.] No no wait! I command you LORD OTHO [Turning to him.] Sire, would you have it said you dal lied, before you journeyed forth to claim your bride? THE KING Tomorrow, then. [To the Ambassador, with a smile.} I am ashamed, my lord, to show my eagerness. Here, take this chain. [Putting it round his neck.] Not as mere recompense no jewels could repay you for the news you bring but as a pact of good-will between you and me, between your land and mine. THE AMBASSADOR [Kissing his hand.} O mighty one, I am your slave for ever. THE KING [Winningly.] No, not my slave my friend. [Music is heard from within the palace.] Music. The feast awaits you must not be delayed. Lord Otho, will you lead our guests within and act as host for their high entertainment? [To the Ambassador.} Forgive me if I do not follow you, but for a time I would be quite alone. As you can guess, lord, I have much to think of. So fare you well until we meet again! [The trumpets sound and, led by Lord Olho, the Ambassador goes into the palace, followed by his retinue and the Court. Only the King s comrades remain.] 164 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SEBASTIAN Are we again to feast without you? THE KING Yes. ROLAND But why? THE KING I am in no mood tonight for wine and roses. My thoughts, dear friends, are bent on other things. BERTRAM [Slyly.] On Southland, sire, for one? THE KING [With a great bitterness.] Yes Southland. [His com panions laugh. ] JASPER [Merrily.] They always said that lovers live on air! RlNALDO So? Let us leave him to his dinner then! SEBASTIAN To stalk beside a sea-nymph haunted shore and hymn his mistress to the jealous moon. ROLAND [At the door.] Come! I, for one, am hungry! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 165 BERTRAM Good night, O wild-eyed swain! [Still laughing, they go of into the palace. The King thinks he is alone.] THE KING [To himself.] Dear God! [Swanhild rises from where she has been crouching by his throne and timidly puts her hand on his shoulder] SWANHILD Lord, / am here. THE KING [Taking her hand] Then stay with me, sweet child. Do not leave me. I need you now. [A little pause] SWANHILD Lord, must you sail tomorrow? Must this thing be? THE KING It must. [He rises] Here take my sceptre and my crown. [She lays them on his chair] Unloose my robes for I am very tired. [She does so and they fall to the ground] Dear little page, what should I do without you? [With a sigh he throws himself on the divan] Now sing me some lullaby your mother sang, and let me sleep little and forget. [She picks up the long lute and sits on the ground, leaning her back against his couch] SWANHILD [Singing] Little fishes of the sea Give my baby wishes three. i66 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE A cap of stars to bind his hair And shine about him everywhere A chain of jewels for his neck, The treasure of the sunken wreck And best of all things in this life, A little mermaid for his wife. Little fishes of the sea, Give my baby [And, as she sings, the torches flicker and go out, and at last the curtain falls.] SCENE VII The Queen s bower. Through the loggia at the back can be seen the soap-bubble domes and spires of the city, and be yond the sea. At right is the entrance to the inner chamber. At left is the entrance to the rest of the palace. In the centre is aflat marble basin from which a slender jet of water rises and falls. Towards the right, facing the entrance door, is a broad throne of marble slightly raised from the ground. There are nightingales and canaries in cages. Two great scarlet macaws sit on ivory perches. At one of the windows at back kneels a maid-oj -honor, keeping watch over the sea. In and out of the Queen s rooms right run the other five, chattering, laughing, dragging chests, carrying great armfuls of clothes, robes, feathers, etc. They are recognizable as the girls of Scene III the shore by the convent. Directing them is the Queen the leader of the band in Scene III. She is busily engaged in packing her jewels and sorting her clothes.} THE QUEEN Where are my jewels? ARIADNE Armida has them. [To Marietta who is helping her carry in a chest.} Push it further there! THE QUEEN [To Armida.] Did you bring them all? 167 168 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE ARMIDA Yes. MEDEA And they are very heavy! THE QUEEN [Taking them.] Orb sceptre seven necklaces my emerald girdle ARMIDA Bracelets rings THE QUEEN The pearls? MEDEA I have them in my robe. [Suddenly.] Oh, Armida you stupid! ARMIDA Well? MEDEA You forgot the crown! [Armida dashes back into the inner room.} THE QUEEN [To Ariadne.] Is that the muslin worked with silver grapes? ARIADNE [Her arms filled with clothes.] Here? Yes THE QUEEN [Packing away the jewels in a big box.] Leave it behind THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 169 I m tired of it. Marietta! Some wool to wrap about these sapphires ! MARIETTA [Tossing her a cushion.] Will feathers do? [To Oriana.] Take care that brocade s dragging on the floor! THE QUEEN The sceptre s just too long. It won t go in. ORIANA We couldn t break that little hand off, could we? THE QUEEN [Shocked.] Of course not ! It wouldn t be a sceptre then. ARIADNE Here give it to me ! I ll do it up with the robe of state and put them in the bottom of this trunk. [Armida re- enters with crown.] ARMIDA I have it! It had rolled under the bed! THE QUEEN [Taking it.] You ve bent it. ARMIDA No, it always was a little queer. The ruby is so big it looks lopsided. THE QUEEN [Dusting it.] Girl, have you no respect? This is the lyo THE GARDEN OF PARADISE crown of Southland! Ariadne, wrap it with the sceptre [Tossing it.] Catch! ORIANA I don t see why you take it with you. MARIETTA They ll never let you wear it at the convent. MEDEA Why, Sister Ermyngarde would knock it off your head! THE QUEEN Ssh! Queens always travel with their crowns, and as for Sister Ermyngarde, why [But she is interrupted by the boom of cannon in the city, far below, and the faint sound of music. ISOTTA [At the window.] Oh! Oh! It s there it s coming! THE QUEEN [In terror.] What? Not the ship? ISOTTA Yes, out of the West ! From the land of the Blue Moun tains ! I see the white sails [There is a rush for the window among the maids-of -honor.] THE QUEEN [Ready to cry.] Ariadne! Marietta! Come back this minute! Medea! Oriana! Leave that window! Saints THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 171 preserve us, what are you thinking of? Do you not realize if he finds me I am lost? Look at those empty boxes nothing packed, nothing ready and you stand chatter ing like monkeys! Oh, it is too much you are heartless you don t care [They all gather round her.] ORIANA [Kissing her.] There! There! We have plenty of time MARIETTA It is quite far off MEDEA Just a speck on the ocean! ORIANA And we need but a moment to fill the trunks THE QUEEN [Still indignant.] I tell you you must do it carefully/ I will not have my dresses creased and wrinkled! Quick quick! [Calling.] Eglamour! [To Armida.] Where is he? ARMIDA [As she packs.] You bade him fetch Pandora from the garden. THE QUEEN But that was hours ago! [A little negro page, in gayest Oriental costume trousers, sash, and turban, comes toddling in, carrying under his arm a tiny white kitten.] 172 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE QUEEN [Running to him and snatching the kitten.] Eglamour! Where have you been? [To the kitten.] Pandora darling, come to mother! ARIADNE Eglamour! Bring me that white dress with the seed- pearls quick! MARIETTA Eglamour! Help me fold this train! ARIADNE Eglamour! That green hat or I ll box your ears! [He toddles silently about from one to the other, staggering under the weight of hats, furs, and brocades.] THE QUEEN [To the kitten.] Sweetheart! Precious! Why don t you purr? Don t you feel well? Did you eat a little lizard? ISOTTA [At the window.] The ship is getting bigger and nearer. I can see the royal standard just as plain ! THE QUEEN [Turning to the rest.] Oh, please be quick! Remember, the Vizier will bring the King up here the moment that he lands! MEDEA [Packing.] I know, and where shall we be then? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 173 THE QUEEN Caught trapped like mice unless you hurry! ARMIDA Have no fear. We shall be on board our own good ship ORIANA The ship that waits in secret for us at the garden stairs. MARIETTA Why, when the King arrives, we shall be rushing over the waves ARIADNE And every plunge of the bows will bring us nearer to the convent and the Holy Isle! THE QUEEN [Rapturously.] Escaped flown free! [Depositing the kitten on the throne.] Eglamour, give me those white gloves with the diamond clasp [She packs vigorously.] And won t the Sisters be amazed to see us! [To Armida, who has paused and is lost in meditation.] Well, Armida, what is it? ARMIDA Oh, nothing ! I was wondering THE QUEEN What? ARMIDA [.4 little timidly.] What Sister Ermyngarde will say. 174 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE [A pause. All the maids-of-honor cease packing and look at each other.] ORIANA She may not like it. ARIADNE; She may be angry ! MARIETTA You remember what she s like when she is angry? [They all shudder.] THE QUEEN [With bravado.] You little cowards! Still afraid of that old nutcracker? ORIANA [Shocked.] Oh! ARIADNE I wouldn t dare call her that! THE QUEEN Why not? I m not afraid of her! Oh, I know I used to be, but it was different back there. I was only an un educated school-girl then. Now I m a grown-up Queen! ARMIDA Perhaps Sister Ermyngarde won t see the difference. [ They all seem to think this probable.] THE QUEEN [Decidedly.] Then she ll have to learn. I m not going back in order to study algebra. [Grandly.] No, I return to THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 175 the convent to seek sanctuary and release from an odorous marriage MARIETTA Odious. THE QUEEN I said "odious." And if Sister Ermyngarde doesn t understand and tries to rap my knuckles, I [Drawing herself up.] I shall be forced, much against my will, to use severity. ORIANA [Much interested.] What will you do? ARIADNE Oh, tell us! MEDEA Please! [They all crowd round her.] THE QUEEN [Slowly, with great relish.] Well, I shall probably send home for an army and have her thrown into a dungeon rilled with snakes and toads and spiders! [The girls shiver.] ORIANA [Dazzled.] Sister Ermyngarde in a dungeon! MEDEA [With a long sigh of admiration.] Darling, you are as brave as a lion. 176 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE ARIADNE [Reverently.] I suppose it is being a Queen. THE QUEEN [Pleased.] Yes, Queens are always bold. We can t help it. We are made that way. Why, if ISOTTA [From the window, interrupting.] The ship is in the har bour! THE QUEEN [In sudden terror.] What? The harbour ? Saints in Heaven, we are lost! [They all begin packing feverishly.] Medea, for pity s sake be careful of the feathers on that hat ! Here wrap this girdle in that scarlet shawl ! One golden slipper where on earth s the mate ARIADNE Ah me! THE QUEEN Why do you sigh? ARIADNE That poor young King ! ARMIDA Think how he will suffer! THE QUEEN [Uncomfortably.] I cannot help it. THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 177 MEDEA And they say that he is handsome, too! [They have all stopped packing again.] THE QUEEN [With a fond smile.] Do they? Ah, but I ll wager he is not half as handsome as my own heart s dearest with his black hair and his blue eyes, his broad shoulders and his strong, white arms! [She falls into a reverie.] MARIETTA [Scornfully.] A sailor-boy! ARIADNE A shipwrecked vagabond! ARMIDA A bunch of old rags 1 THE QUEEN [Rousing herself.] What? ARMIDA [Hastily, holding up a dress.] I I said this cloth-of- silver is a bunch of rags. MEDEA [Dramatically.] Lady, kill me if you wish but do not ask me to call that fellow handsome! 1 78 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE ORIANA His nose was crooked ARIADNE He had a squint THE QUEEN [Passionately.] Silence! How dare you fling your insults at the man I love? [As one of them is about to speak] For I love him! Do you hear? I love him! And no matter how poor and nameless and forlorn he is, not one of you is fit to wipe the dust from his dear, darling feet! MEDEA [Sagely] You think so now, but wait till you come back from the Holy Isle. MARIETTA And are wooed by all the sovereigns of the earth. THE QUEEN I shall not come back from the Holy Isle. MEDEA You do not mean to stay there all your life? THE QUEEN No, but when winter s gone and spring is here again, I shall set sail and search the whole world for my dream my sailor-boy! And then when I have found him for I shall find him, never fear! I shall bring him home and marry him and crown him King my King! [Changing THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 179 her tone.} And if you girls so much as breathe one breath against him, I ll tell him yes, I will! and I shouldn t be surprised if he had you all beheaded ! [Just here, from the city below, come the sound of the bells and the distant cheering of the crowds.} ISOTTA [Turning from the window} The ship is at the landing- stage the gangway s down MARIETTA [More and more excited} The crowd s on board and now the Vizier s gone into the tent ORIANA [Rushing to the window} The King ARIADNE [Following her} Can you see him? ISOTTA He is slim and small! His hair is pale gold in the sun light! ARIADNE Does he wear his crown? ORIANA What is he doing? i8o THE GARDEN OF PARADISE ISOTTA I cannot see. There is a rain of flowers. Ah! now he is talking to the Vizier and now he mounts upon a milk- white horse the soldiers follow they have started they are off MARIETTA Oh, think of the poor dear when he finds you gone! ARIADNE [To the Queen] Lady - ARMIDA Wait just a moment MEDEA [More boldly} See him! ORIANA Tell him why you will not marry him ARMIDA And then he cannot help but understand! [The Queen considers} THE QUEEN [To Armida.] You think he should be told? ARMIDA [Enthusiastically.] Yes yes a thousand times! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 181 THE QUEEN [Calmly.] That settles it. When we have gone, you stay behind and tell him. [She resumes her packing.] ARMIDA It is too great an honor. [To Marietta.] My dear, I pass it on to you. MARIETTA [Recoiling.] I never should know what to say. Medea has the better claim. MEDEA What me? [Pushing forward Ariadne.] ARIADNE [In despair.] Oh heavens [Suddenly inspired.] Egla- mour! [They all clap their hands.] MEDEA [To Eglamour.] Come here, you brat! ARMIDA You can t go with us. ARIADNE You must stay behind MARIETTA And take a message to His Majesty! 1 82 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE MEDEA The King! ARMIDA [Shaking him with every letter.} K-I-N-G! [With a howl E glamour breaks away from them and, running to the Queen, buries his turbaned head in her skirts.] THE QUEEN [Comforting him.] There there, you little ostrich ! He won t eat you! [To the girls.] Bring pen and paper. [To Eglamour.] All you must do is make three bows and then kneel down and hold him out a letter. ISOTTA [From the window.] They ve passed the church they re in the market-place! THE QUEEN [To Armida, who brings her writing materials.} Quick ! [She sits on the step of the throne and takes up the pen.] Tell me what to say! [The girls gather about her.] ARIADNE [Dictating.] "0 Greatest Monarch in the World " THE QUEEN No no! I cannot start out with a lie! ARIADNE He is the greatest monarch in the world. THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 183 THE QUEEN He s no such thing. / am. MARIETTA [Hastily.] "Sweet Suitor for my Lily Hand" THE QUEEN That s silly. I shall put plain " Sir." [Writing.] "Sir, I cannot marry you." Is that enough? MEDEA No, you must tell him why. [Dictating.] "My heart is given to a youthful navigator." THE QUEEN Youthful what? MEDEA [Proudly.] Navigator. THE QUEEN How do you spell it? MEDEA [Faltering.] Two g s I think! THE QUEEN [Scornfully.] You think! [Writing.] "I love somebody else." [Closing her eyes and sighing] And what a some body! i8 4 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE ORIANA [Ironically.] Yes what indeed! THE QUEEN [Trying to box her ears.] Take that! [Writing.] "Forget me and, if you can, forgive." There that will do. Where are the wax and the royal seal? [She begins sealing the letter.] ISOTTA [In wild excitement at the window.] Oh! Oh! They have left the city! They are riding up the hill! Come, lady quick! You can see him plain as day [The Queen hesi tates a moment, then runs to the window and looks out.] THE QUEEN [Bitterly.] Is that what they would have me marry? ARIADNE [In disgust.] Why, he s a boy. ARMIDA His mouth s still dripping with his mother s milk. MEDEA Lady, we must fly! THE QUEEN [Rushing from the window] Quick ! Close the trunks and call the slaves! [Armida strikes a gong by the throne.] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 185 ARIADNE [Trying to force down a lid.] Isotta, stand on this. MARIETTA [To Oriana, who is on her trunk.] Jump, jump, my darl ing [Locking it.] There! THE QUEEN I ll take the keys. [She puts them on a large ring. Mean while, in answer to the clang of the gong, four huge black slaves have run in and prostrated themselves before the Queen.] Put these boxes on your shoulders and run like the west wind to the garden stairs! [The slaves begin lifting the various chests and coffers.] Now, Eglamour [As she speaks she picks him up and sets him down on the throne.] here is the letter. Are your hands quite clean? Remember it is for the gentleman in white. And don t you dare so much as stir from this throne till he comes! EGLAMOUR [Suddenly bursting into tears and howls.] A-a-a-ah ! THE QUEEN [Shaking him.] Be still! Be still, I say! Unless you stop that noise this minute, I ll I ll I ll cut off your ears and throw them to the crocodiles ! ORIANA [Rushing to the window.] They re at the drawbridge over it inside [A wild scramble ensues.] 186 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE QUEEN My cloak! My cloak! [Someone throws it over her and they all rush for the door left. Suddenly the Queen stops.} Please wait! Who fed the goldfish? [Silence.] I thought so! Nobody! [Rushing back] Where is the bread? [They all rush back] MEDEA [Seizing a loaf of bread.] Here ARMIDA Throw it in! THE QUEEN No, break it up how can they bite a loaf? There that s enough ! Now run! [They all turn again towards the door. Just here one of the birds begins to sing. Again the Queen stops] Oh, my canaries and my nightingales! I cannot leave them [Rushing back] Each bring a cage! [They do so.] Have we the bird-seed and the cuttlebone? ORIANA Hark! They re coming up the stairs! THE QUEEN [Rushing for the door.} Quick! Through the council chamber follow me ! [They all obey. This time the Queen is at the door, when she utters a cry.} Pandora! MARIETTA [Pushing on.} We must leave her THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 187 THE QUEEN [Running back.] Never! Where is she? [Wildly.] Puss puss puss puss ! [They all scatter and be gin looking for the kitten.} ARIADNE [Lifting up the kitten] I think I stepped on her! THE QUEEN [Seizing the kitten] My sweetheart my precious [To the rest] We still have time! Come! Fly! [Just as she reaches the door, followed by the rest, comes a solemn knocking on the other side. They all stand petrified] THE VIZIER S VOICE [Stern] Is Her Majesty within? [The slaves cower back, the maids-of-honor break in terror and try to hide behind the throne. The Queen opens her mouth and then shuts it again] THE VIZIER S VOICE [Very stern] Answer! Is Her Majesty there? THE QUEEN Don t roar. I heard you the first time. THE VIZIER S VOICE It is I, your Vizier. Let me in. THE QUEEN [Defiantly, to herself] So be it, then. [To Eglamour, who is sitting on the throne] Jump down. [To the girls] Come i88 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE out, my Amazons, and join the battle-ranks. [They obey. She sits on the throne.} Are your bows strung? Are your quivers full? Yes? Then, Eglamour, throw open wide the door! [He does so and the Vizier enters. He stops, takes one look at the slaves, carrying the trunks, the maids-of -honor , cloaked and laden, and the Queen, sitting on her throne, look ing very haughty, with a kitten under one arm and a cage of canaries under the other. [ THE VIZIER [Grimly.} So! May I ask where you were going? THE QUEEN [Very nonchalant} Oh, for a walk in the garden. THE VIZIER With your boxes and bags and canaries and kittens and gewgaws? [To the slaves.] Put down those trunks. [They obey.] THE QUEEN [Leaping to her feet.] I will not lie to you. You asked where I was going. Here is my answer. Back to the con vent on the Holy Isle! THE VIZIER For how long, may I ask? THE QUEEN [Politely.] As long as the King of the Blue Mountains is your guest in Southland. THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 189 THE VIZIER Madam, do you know what you are saying? THE QUEEN [Stamping her foot.] Yes, I m saying that I won t marry him I won t I won t I won t! He s a miserable ricketty, whey-faced baby ! A calf, a weanling that s never cut his teeth ! THE VIZIER His Majesty is a well-made, vigorous young man! THE QUEEN [Interrupting.] No perjury! I have seen him! THE VIZIER Where? When? THE QUEEN [Pointing to the window.] Now on his horse as he rode up to my palace. [The Vizier looks at her, then breaks into a laugh.] You laugh? By Heaven, sir, this is too much! [To the slaves.] Slaves, seize this man! THE VIZIER [Still laughing.] Wait, gracious lady a moment before you fling me into chains ! The King is on his ship he has not yet touched foot to land! THE QUEEN [Bewildered in her turn.] Then who rode up with you? igo THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE VIZIER A favorite page, who bears the royal messages and greetings. THE QUEEN [Delighted with a fresh opportunity for anger.] A page? A page ? THE VIZIER Listen, I beg ! This is no common page the King has sent you. She has the greatest honor in his Court. She is his friend, his confidante, his comrade THE QUEEN [Interrupting.] She? THE VIZIER [Stopping.] Have I not told you? She is a young girl. THE QUEEN His page a girl ? [Suddenly.] Why, then she is beautiful! THE VIZIER Yes, some might think so, but for myself I THE QUEEN [Interrupting him.] You say she brings a message from the King? THE VIZIER The secrets and the desires of his heart. [The Queen considers.] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 191 THE QUEEN [At last.] Well, I will see her since you ask it, sir. Go lead her in. THE VIZIER [Bowing low.] O miracle of virtue and of wisdom ! [Open ing the doors.] This way, sweet Excellency this way to Our Lady of a Thousand Camels! This way to the Ruler of the Land of Gold! [He holds the door. Swanhild en ters slowly and a little timidly, her eyes cast down, cap in hand. She bows.] THE QUEEN You wish to speak with me? SWANHILD O Daughter of the Stars! Great Queen! Divin [She raises her eyes. She sees the Queen for the first time. Her words die away. There is a pause.] THE QUEEN [Gently.] I hear. Continue. SWANHILD [Gazing at the Queen.] My master my master bade me lay here at your feet his his [Breaking of and putting her hand to her brow.} Madam, I am sure that I have seen your face before THE QUEEN [Smiling.] I fear I cannot say the same for you, and yet- 192 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD [Interrupting her, with a sudden cry.] Ah ! THE QUEEN What is it? SWANHILD [Hardly able to answer.] Lady one question! Did you ever live THE QUEEN Well? SWANHILD On the Holy Isle where the old nuns THE QUEEN [Gaily.] Of course ! I was brought up in their convent and my maids-of -honor, too. It is only a short time since we have come back. [Eagerly.] Why? Do you know it? Have you been there? SWANHILD [In a strange voice.] Yes, lady once [She almost falls.] THE QUEEN Look! Look! She is swooning quick, Armida! The wine! SWANHILD [Recovering herself.] A little dizziness the heat the ride to one fresh from the sea [To Armida, who has brought her a cup.] A thousand thanks I am myself again THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 193 THE QUEEN [Anxiously.] You are sure? SWANHILD Quite sure. [Lifting her head.] Lady, I bear a message from my dear, dear master. THE QUEEN A message? SWANHILD [Glancing at the rest.] Forgive me. It is for no ear but yours. THE QUEEN [To her maids.] Go in, my darlings. I will call you soon. [The girls disappear.] AKMXDA [Lingering.] The ship ? THE QUEEN [Smiling.] No fear the ship will wait! [To the Vizier.] You hear that, Vizier? THE VIZIER [Bowing.] Madam, I heard. But I still trust my Queen. [He goes out, left. Swanhild and the Queen are alone.] THE QUEEN [Confidentially.] Now what did he say? 194 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD [Burning her bridges behind her.] Madam, he loves you. THE QUEEN Does he? SWANHILD With all his mind, all his heart, all his soul! THE QUEEN [Sighing.] Ah me! SWANHILD [Slipping his ring of her finger and holding it out to the Queen.] And as a token of his high passion, madam, he sends you this. THE QUEEN [Taking it.] A ruby [She smiles and looks at it.] SWANHILD He told me it is a drop of blood from the depths of his heart the wounded heart that bleeds from love of you. THE QUEEN Sweet words [Suddenly remembering herself.] Ah, but no it is impossible ! How can he love me? He has never seen me! SWANHILD Dear Madam, you are wrong. He has. THE QUEEN [Thrilled.] Do you mean it? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 195 SWANHILD And from that moment he has been your slave. THE QUEEN [Clapping her hands.] Oh splendid! Wonderful! But how? Where? When? SWANHILD [Wistfully.] Ah, madam, you should ask him that not me. I dare not touch those sacred memories. THE QUEEN [Troubled.] But I shall not meet him. I am going away. SWANHILD Away? THE QUEEN [Running down from the throne.] Here take his ring! You must! I cannot wear it! SWANHILD Why? THE QUEEN [Fluttering.] Ah, do not ask me! But tell him I am grateful, and that I shall remember always what he said about the stone, I mean and that he must not grieve too much, that is because I I I am not worthy SWANHILD Madam, you weep! 196 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE QUEEN [Wiping her eyes.] It is for him. SWANHILD I think he is the luckiest man in all the world! THE QUEEN But wait you do not understand! Come sit beside me and I will confess. [She draws down Swanhild beside her on the steps of the throne.} SWANHILD Confess ? THE QUEEN Before you came I wrote it all out in a letter [Picking it up from the throne.} See! here it is! But now, dear, you must tell him SWANHILD Tell him what? THE QUEEN [Crying a little.} That I cannot marry him. SWANHILD No no! THE QUEEN It is true! You see I I I love somebody else [She buries her face in her handkerchief.} SWANHILD [After a slight pause.} Who is he? [Silence} Answer, madam. THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 197 THE QUEEN [Behind her handkerchief.} I cannot SWANHILD Poor little Queen ! [Putting her arm about her.} Come rest your head here on my shoulder, and shut your eyes, and whisper all your troubles in my ear. THE QUEEN [Obeying her.} You are so kind. I do not wonder that the King is fond of you. SWANHILD [Gently.] Ssh! [Stroking her hair.} Now when did it begin? THE QUEEN [In a small voice.] Last spring SWANHILD While you were at the convent? THE QUEEN Yes. SWANHILD [Tenderly.] Who was he? THE QUEEN A sailor. I never knew his name. I found him on the shore. He was half -drowned. [A pause.] 198 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD And then? THE QUEEN [Softly.] I brought him back to life under the apple- tree. [She stops again.] SWANHILD And then? THE QUEEN We gathered violets and put them on the old shrine I was afraid, I know and he laughed at me [She smiles to herself.] SWANHILD And then? THE QUEEN We knelt before the altar and we kissed each other and the next day I came back to my kingdom. SWANHILD Is that the end? THE QUEEN No. For I love him still. SWANHILD This marriage THE QUEEN [Quickly.] It is my Council s work. If you only knew how I have fought against it! But at last this morning I made up my mind. SWANHILD To do what, madam? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 199 THE QUEEN Run away. Look! There are my trunks and boxes. My ship is waiting I was just going when you came. [Throwing her arms about Swanhild s neck.] Oh, I am base and wicked I know that ! but somehow I cannot bear to have your master hate me! Tell him how miserable I am, just a poor, unhappy, driven girl who begs a little mercy before he shuts her from his heart and passes on. Oh, plead with him persuade him do your best! [Shyly, wiping her eyes.] Perhaps you, too, have loved some one and understand. [A pause.] SWANHILD [Still holding the Queen in her arms.] Madam THE QUEEN [Anxiously.] Yes? SWANHILD Will you meet the King? [The Queen tries to draw away, but Swanhild holds her.] Just once! I beg you! Tell him all you have told me and then if you wish it still why, say good-bye. THE QUEEN [Rising and retreating.] I cannot SWANHILD [Rising and following her.] Why? THE QUEEN I should not dare 200 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD You are no coward! THE QUEEN A man whom I have never seen ! SWANHILD Ah, madam think! You owe him something! THE QUEEN True! But still SWANHILD He loves you so! THE QUEEN I do not believe it! Does he really love me? SWANHILD Have I not told you? THE QUEEN Much? SWANHILD More than the sea loves the moon, madam. More than the earth loves the sun. More than the lost ones love the Paradise which they have longed for and will never find. THE QUEEN [With a little sigh.] As much as that? [Turning away.] They tell me he is ugly. THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 201 SWANHILD [Quickly.] Then, madam, they have lied. He is a young god fit to walk among the stars. THE QUEEN [With apparent carelessness.] So? What color are his eyes? SWANHILD Blue, madam. THE QUEEN [Pondering.] Blue. And his hair? A fiery red, as I re member. SWANHILD [Much injured.] No, madam black. THE QUEEN [Murmuring.] Black hair! [She considers.] And he is short of stature, is he not? SWANHILD [Proudly.] No, madam. He is tall and straight like a cypress-tree. THE QUEEN His arms. I I have heard that they are somewhat black and withered? SWANHILD Madam, they are as white as sea-foam and as strong as steel. 202 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE QUEEN Blue eyes black hair and strong, white arms ! It is a combination I think highly of. [She sighs again.] Ah me! My heart goes out to this young man [Hastily.] in pity. SWANHILD [Eagerly.] Then show it, madam! See him! THE QUEEN To what use, when I am pledged elsewhere? SWANHILD If he must lose you, will you not give him first one glimpse, one golden memory of your loveliness to light his lonely journey down the years? [There is a pause.] THE QUEEN [With a shrug.] So be it. [She sits on the throne.] SWANHILD [Kneeling and seizing her hands with a cry of joy.] Oh, dearest madam ! THE QUEEN Because you plead so sweetly that is all. SWANHILD [Looking up imploringly into her face.] And you will keep his ring? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 203 THE QUEEN t Until he comes and I can give it back. [Tenderly.] What is your name? SWANHILD Swanhild, dear madam. THE QUEEN My thanks, Swanhild. [She bends forward and kisses her.] SWANHILD [Rising.] God bless your Majesty and send you hap piness. Good-bye [She turns, quickly and blindly, and goes out. Left alone, the Queen looks at the ring, which she still holds and sighs. Then, jumping up, she strikes the gong, which stands by the throne. As she beats it, the maids-of- honor all run in from the door at right] THE QUEEN Quick open those trunks and coffers! Unpack my royal robes, my crown, my jewels! ISOTTA But, lady, our ship ORIANA Our journey to the Holy Isle THE QUEEN [Silencing them] Ssh ! Do as I bid you and be still! [She sits on her throne. The maids-oj -honor, utterly be wildered, begin obediently to open the trunks.} 204 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE ARIADNE [Mischievously, coming up behind the throne and speaking over the Queen s shoulder.} Poor sailor-boy! Is he so soon forgotten? THE QUEEN [With a start.} No, never! [Firmly] I love him ! [Then, in a different tone, as she slips the ring on her finger.} But I will behold this King [The curtain falls.} SCENE X The Queen s garden. A great flight of marble stairs leads to the palace door. On these stairs, in glittering display, is ranged the Queen s Court. The King s Herald, attended by his trumpeters and musicians, has just entered and stands facing the palace. THE KING S HERALD The King of the Blue Mountains and the Silver Snows, The Prince of the Sunset and the Western Isles, The Com mander of the Cohorts of the Blest, The Lord of Two Oceans and the Lands that Lie Between, God s Regent, and The Sultan of the Stars forthwith desires, in all solemnity, the Queen of Southland s license to draw nigh. [His trumpeters salute. Those of the Queen respond.] THE QUEEN S HERALD [From the stairs] The Queen of Southland and the Strands of Gold, The Anointed Nightingale of Heavenly Grace, The Horn of the New Moon, Pride of the Powers of Light, The Holy Serpent of the Southern Sea, The Flower of Fire, The Daughter of the Sun awaits with joy the com ing of the King. [He descends the stairs. The musicians begin to play and the King s retinue enter. It is a picturesque procession his guards, his sailors, his companions and, at the end, he himself in his golden armour, his crown on his bowed head, his long train carried by Swanhild] 205 206 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE VIZIER [Advancing to greet him.] Welcome, O King! Welcome, O Royal Conqueror from beyond the seas! All hail, O War Lord of the Western Hosts ! Southland acclaims you. Her groves, her valleys, and her vines acclaim you. Her hills shake with the thunder of your name. Give her strength, O King! Bless her, save her, feed her forever, and may the fruit of your body sit upon her throne ! [From within the palace comes the stroke of a great gong. There is another fanfare on the trumpets.] THE QUEEN S HERALD [Announcing.] The Queen! Her Sacred Majesty! The Queen! [All, save the King and Swanhild, fall on their knees. From within is heard the sound of distant music and girls voices, gradually growing nearer.] THE GIRLS [Within.] A voice in the wind that blows From the land beyond the sea Has sung to every rose The song it sings to me [The King, who has turned away, slowly raises his head and listens. Swanhild watches him. From out of the palace run little children, carrying baskets of flowers. The maids-of- honor, hand in hand, follow after, singing as they come.] To the white rose on my breast , To the butterflies and bees, To the little birds that nest Among the apple-trees THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 207 [The Queen appears at the palace door, wearing the jewels and veils and robes of state. She carries a great mass of flowers. She is very white and still. Her look is on the ground. She comes slowly to the head of the stairs. Then, at last, she raises her eyes and for the first time sees the King. The blossoms fall from her arms. They gaze at one another.} THE KING [Whispering] Is this a dream? Then, God, let me dream on! SWANHILD Give me your hand. [She leads him up the stairs and, taking a hand of the Queen, puts it in his.} THE KING [Hoarsely, as he falls on his knees.] White Bird THE QUEEN [Half -laughing, half-crying as she drops into his arms] My sailor-boy! THE GIRLS \Singing] "I bring you joy and sorrow, Rain and sunshine, everything / shall have fled tomorrow / am Love! I am Spring!" [And, as they sing, Swanhild, who stands above the kneel ing couple, turns and smiles at the distant sea. The curtain falls.} SCENE XI The bridal ship. Along the back runs the low gunwale beyond is the open sea. At the right, stairs lead to the high, old-fashioned poop. On this is a purple tent. At the left, a few steps lead to the prow. On this is the mast before it is the steersman s wheel. The whole ship is in festival attire. Stretched from the cross-yards of the mast, to the poop are long festoons of flowers , from which hang lanterns of warmly-colored silk. They glow like great golden oranges against the night-sky and the stars. On the deck be neath which is spread with carpets, cushions and great silken mats there is a slightly raised dais running along the gunwale at back. On this is a long narrow table, cov ered with damask, draped with garlands, loaded with pyramids of fruit, great golden plates, candelabra, goblets, and pitchers of wine. Side by side, at the centre of this table, against a background of the night and stars, sit the King and Queen. His com panions and her maids-of-honor sit with them. They are all flushed and radiant and crowned with roses. The warm light of the lamps above falls on their happy faces. Black slaves move to and fro, with dishes. On the forward deck, sitting on the stairs, etc., are the sailors and attendants, watching the feast. Musicians are stationed on the poop. The Steersman is at the wheel. Swanhild, still dressed as a boy, but in silvery splendor, stands behind the King s chair, serving her master and mistress. Other pages serve the girls and young men. 208 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 209 As the curtain rises a young sailor, standing on the poop above, is finishing a love-song. Everyone is listening to him. The King s arm is about the Queen, her head is on his shoulder. Some of the other young people have clasped hands. Even the slaves are crouched and still. THE YOUNG SAILOR [Singing] High as the stars above, Deep as the sea below, Wide as the world is love / love you sot [As the song dies away there is a general movement. Slaves run forward carrying a great platter on which is a boar s head. Swanhild takes it from them and presents it to the King and Queen who serve themselves. Then it is passed to the rest. Meanwhile:} THE KING [To the young sailor] Friend, where did you learn that song? THE YOUNG SAILOR I have forgotten, sire. From some girl long ago THE QUEEN [Wiping her eyes.] Poor girl! [Turning.] A cup of wine, Swanhild. [Swanhild pours it out] You have made me weep. [Offering him the goblet with a smile] Here take this as reward ! THE YOUNG SAILOR [Bowing as he accepts it] Your Majesty 210 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE KING A pledge! A pledge! What am I thinking of? [To Swanhild.] Quick, child! Fill up my goblet! [To the slaves.] Go fetch a cask of red wine! Broach it for the crew! THE SAILORS Red wine! Do you hear that, mates? A cask of wine! Red wine! Hurrah! Hurrah! God bless Your Majesty! [One or two dance a few steps in sheer delight. Meanwhile Swanhild and the other pages have filled the cups of the King and his guests. The slaves have run across the deck, carrying the cask, and have given it to the sailors, assembled on the fore-deck.] THE KING [Rising, his cup in hand] I have wept the night through to smile at break of day, After snows of winter, the miracle of May. After storm, the rainbow and after strife, the prize The journey is a long one that ends in Paradise. [Turning to the Queen] sun! O spring! rainbow! You are by my side, And I pledge an angel, when I pledge my bride! [He empties his cup . A cclamations . A II rise] THE SAILORS [On the forward deck] Good! Good! There s a tongue for you! My turn, mate! Here, give me a pull! So-ho! God save her Majesty! [They drink and shove among them selves] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 211 VALENTINE To the loveliest rose that ever bloomed this side of Fairy land! THE OTHER YOUNG MEN [Shouting.] Hail! Hail! Drink deep! [They drink.] ISOTTA [Mischievously.] To the Queen who stooped to wed a sailor-boy! THE GIRLS AND YOUNG MEN [Laughing and shouting.] A hit! A hit! Fie! Shame! How dare you? Look! She is blushing! Who was it? Isotta? Quick box her ears! THE KING [Laughingly to Swanhild.] Come, little Swanhild you must pledge her, too. SWANHILD I have no cup. THE KING [Gaily.] Take mine. [Holding up his hand to silence the laughter and shouts of the others] Hush! All of you! My little page drinks to the Queen. [There is silence.] SWANHILD [Rather shyly.] Dear lady and you, dear lord I I hope you will be happy all your lives and and when you die may your two souls fly up to God s bright garden and dwell forever in the sunlight of His smile. [She drinks amid kindly applause.] 212 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE KING [Smiling and clapping his hands.] Well said, my child well said! THE QUEEN [Affectionately.] Dear little friend [Swanhild respect fully kisses her outstretched hand.] Because you are my friend now, are you not? SWANHILD Yes, madam. THE QUEEN Then tell me something answer the riddle that has puzzled me all day. SWANHILD What is it, madam? THE QUEEN How did you know I was the girl who found him half- drowned on the Holy Isle? SWANHILD [Terrified.] How did I Madam, your cup is empty. Let me THE QUEEN [Detaining her.] Wait! You shall not go till you have answered. SWANHILD Madam, I beg you THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 213 THE QUEEN You will not tell me? [To the King.] Ah, dearest, make her speak! THE KING [Turning to Swanhild.] Yes, child. How did you know that she was she? Had you met her? Had you seen her before? You never told me. Come! Confess! SWANHILD [Palely.] Wait till tomorrow, lord. I I will tell you then. THE QUEEN [Smiling.] Is it a promise? SWANHILD [Smiling back at her.] Yes, madam. That is if I still am here. THE KING Here? Where should you be if not here? SWANHILD [With a terrified look over her shoulder.] Oh, I am afraid I am afraid THE KING [Surprised.] Of what, my dear? THE QUEEN [Sympathetically.] There there ! I understand. It is the sea. She has not sailed upon it much. It is so big and 2i 4 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE strange and black do I not know? I always was afraid of it at night! Why, I remember once I SWANHILD [Interrupting.] No, it is not that! How could I fear the sea? [More and more terrified.} But there are things lying hidden in its caves cold, slimy things that crawl and beckon and one is following behind this ship her wicked eyes are down there in the water she wants me she is waiting for the dawn [Clinging to the King.} Oh, save me, lord! Oh, do not let me go! THE KING [Soothing her} You foolish child! What rascal has been spinning you his yarns? True, there are mermaids, as all sailors know strange demons with long tails and crystal breasts and pearls for eyes. But it is men alone whose blood they long for whom they drag down to their silver caverns and their galleries of coral. They do not care for little maidens, child, like you you are too sweet for them! [Stroking her cheek.] There! Now are you satisfied? SWANHILD Yes, lord. THE KING You are not frightened any more? SWANHILD No, lord. THE KING [Lightly.] Brave child! Then kiss me [She obeys.] So! THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 215 [He claps his hands and calls.] Come, let us finish! What have we now? [The slaves run forward, carrying a peacock roasted whole, with tail outspread. There is a chorus of ad miration from the guests.] THE QUEEN [With a sigh.] Ah me! [She pauses, gazing above her, then takes the King s hand.} Dearest. Look up at the sky. [He does so.] It is so beautiful! Why has it never seemed so beautiful before? THE KING [Softly.] Do you not know? [She nestles against his shoulder.] THE QUEEN If I were to die tonight, I do not think I could be very sad. [She points above her.] I have seen this. I have loved you, dear. What is there more? THE KING [Kissing her.] Beloved! THE QUEEN [Dreamily.] See how the stars are glittering and trem bling! They are like eyes full of tears that never fall. [Very softly.] Perhaps God remembers it is our wedding- night and has told them to shine a little brighter for love s sake. THE KING My own! [She leans her head back on his shoulder, still gazing upwards.] 216 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE QUEEN Millions and millions great and small what are they, darling? Why did God put them there? THE KING [Smiling.] Who knows? The wise men say that each one is a world with men and women living and loving like ourselves. [Suddenly drawing her to him] Ah, but no man on any star has loved or will ever love as I love you! THE QUEEN I do not think that they are worlds. Sister Ermyngarde told us they were little holes in the sky, and their bright ness is the light of Heaven beyond. SWANHILD [Who has been listening breathlessly.} And will they al ways shine as they are shining now? THE KING Always, my child. SWANHILD [Smiling as she looks up at the sky.] Wherever I go I shall remember that. Somewhere above me the stars are shin ing and beyond is Paradise! [The King and Queen glance at one another , smiling at her earnestness.} THE KING Baby, how old are you? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 217 THE QUEEN [Taking Swanhild s hand and putting it to her cheek.} Ah, do not listen to him, dear. I understand. [As the slaves again run forward] Sherbet and sweetmeats candied fruits and flowers I love them all ! [Clasping her hands] Oh, what a night! [To the slaves] Quick! Call my dancing girls THE KING [Holding up a sweetmeat] Dear heart, do you see this? THE QUEEN A violet THE KING [Putting it to her mouth] I lay it on Love s altar THE QUEEN [Picking up another sweetmeat] Here take this sugared rose THE KING No no THE QUEEN [Trying to feed it to him] To pay you back! THE KING [Drawing back his head] It is too big [They laugh and struggle like children. Meanwhile the music has begun and on the deck before them circle the dancing girls] THE QUEEN [Calling his attention to them] Look, dear! They are so 218 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE lovely as lovely as white poppies in the wind. Their feet are silver birds. THE KING [Watching them.] Ah, but I have a little friend who would surpass them all ! THE QUEEN And who is that? THE KING [Smiling.] She stands behind your chair. THE QUEEN Swanhild? Swanhild can dance? THE KING [Nodding.] Like a little firefly glimmering in the night like a little moonbeam trembling on the waves. SWANHILD Dear lord THE QUEEN [Clapping her hands.] Oh, I must see her now! You lucky girl! Quick join the others! SWANHILD [Drawing back.] No THE KING Come, come, dear child! [To the Queen.] She is a little shy. THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 219 THE QUEEN For my sake ! SWANHILD Oh, I cannot THE QUEEN [Very winningly] Remember, dear it is my wedding- night. [A little pause.} SWANHILD Sweet madam, I obey. [She joins the others on the deck below.] THE KING Dance, little foundling, dance as you have never danced before as if this were your last night upon earth and even now you smelt the flowers of God! SWANHILD The flowers of God [Suddenly she reels] THE KING [Half -rising] Swanhild! THE QUEEN Child! VALENTINE She is ill! [The music has stopped. The dancers have gathered round her] SWANHILD [Pushing them back] No, it is nothing [Calling to the musicians in agony] Play I tell you play oh, play 220 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE [They do so. The dance begins. Gradually, one by one, the other girls drop out. Swanhild is alone. Her long hair loosens and falls about her, but she does not stop. From the bows and stern, the sailors are setting of fireworks. Rockets shoot up into the night, stars fall. Red and green fires bathe the deck with their strange radiance. She dances on. Ap plause breaks out among the guests and sailors. The King and the Queen rise to their feet the others follow. There are cries of enthusiasm and delight.} A SAILOR [Shouting.] Brave lass! RlNALDO O flame of fire! THE KING She swims and hovers in the air THE QUEEN A sea-gull skimming through the storm [She tosses a great handful of rose-petals over Swanhild, as, with a blaze of rockets, the dance ends and the little page crouches panting before her. The King and the rest follow the Queen s example. Swanhild is covered with flowers} THE KING Ah, wonder child! [Giving her his cup] Here drink this wine. [She does so.] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 221 THE QUEEN [Taking of a chain of pearls.] Wait, little Swanhild! [She gives it to Swanhild.} Wear these pearls for me. SWANHILD Dear madam [She hangs it around her neck.] THE KING [Putting his arm about the Queen] It is late. See, love our candles have burnt out and one by one the stars slip back into the bosom of the night. The sky is grey and a little wind has risen from the East hark! do you hear? It is whispering of the dawn SWANHILD [To herself.] The dawn. THE KING [To the Queen.] I have waited all my life for this one moment. THE QUEEN [Faintly.] So, dear, have I. THE KING Give me your hands. [She slowly obeys. He draws her to him with sudden passion.] Am I your flesh, your blood, your breath, your heart, your soul? THE QUEEN You are my husband, and I love you. 222 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE KING Come! [Meanwhile the girls and the young men have been busily whispering about something. Their heads are together. There is an occasional ripple of laughter. Now the result of their conference is made clear.] ISOTTA [Pointing to the King and Queen] Look! They are ready ARIADNE Where is the incense? Quick! SEBASTIAN The torches, Roland ARMIDA You are treading on my train BERTRAM Swanhild, she must do something, too. MEDEA Oh, let her follow with the flowers. JASPER Begin the song ! [Thus, as they laugh and frolic, they have formed their bridal procession. First walk the King s com panions, carrying torches; then the maids-of -honor , swinging censers to and fro. Then Swanhild, whom they have given a THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 223 great armful of blossoms and pushed into place. She drops her flowers before the bridal pair.} THE YOUNG MEN AND THE MAIDENS [Singing as they go.] Strew the bed with roses And spices of delight, Clash the golden cymbals Love reigns to-night! [Slowly they climb the stairs leading to the tent.] Above you in the Heavens Is one star that sings Below and all about you The beating of wings. [The girls and young men pass the tent and disappear, still singing. Only Swanhild lingers behind.] Draw the purple curtains And dim the tapers light, In silence and in darkness Love reigns to-night [The King and Queen are about to enter when Swanhild speaks.] SWANHILD Madam THE QUEEN [Turning and seeing her.] Yes, child what is it? [Swanhild silently holds out a rose.] For me? [She takes it.] SWANHILD It was the loveliest of them all. 224 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE QUEEN [Impulsively taking her in her arms.] You blessed inno cence! [She kisses her.] How cold your lips are! SWANHILD The the wine was cold. Good-night, dear madam. THE QUEEN [Going to the curtains.] Good-night, little sister. SWANHILD [Smiling.] The sweetest of all sweet dreams and golden days to come. [The Queen disappears within the tent.] THE KING [Holding out his hands to her.] My own dear child! [She kneels and kisses them.] SWANHILD Do not forget me, lord, in your great happiness. THE KING How could I, dear, when you have given it to me? [Suddenly.] Why, you are shaking! You are spent and weary. Go ! follow the maidens you must rest and sleep. SWANHILD Lord, may I not sleep as I used to here at your door? [He hesitates, glancing within the curtains.] It is for the last time. I beg you, lord do not turn me away THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 225 THE KING So be it then. But wait the dawn is cool. Put on my robe. [He lays it about her shoulders.} SWANHILD [Smiling up at him.} Again, lord. Do you remember? THE KING [Very tenderly} Little lost mariner [He bends and kisses her forehead} Good-night. [He goes to the tent} SWANHILD [Still kneeling} Good-bye. [As the curtains fall behind him, she silently throws up her hands and drops face-down upon the ground. She lies there motionless , broken by horror and despair. Meanwhile the sailors have been at work preparing the ship for the night. Softly humming their old chanty, they have taken down the lamps and the decorations, cleared the table, removed it, and made everything ship-shape} A SAILOR [Singing to himself} Oh, when we sailed I had no son As far as I could see THE STEERSMAN jjere set the jibs! Haul out the sheet to starboard! 226 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE SAILORS Ay, ay, sir. [Singing.] But now Pm home and the voyage is done I find that I have three THE STEERSMAN That will do the mainsail! Jump forward quick, you lubbers! Brace the yards! A SAILOR Here, you catch hold ! ANOTHER Easy, mates easy ! [A s they work the ropes.] There she goes! OTHER SAILORS [Singing.] Sing hey! Sing ho! Sing loud as ever you can There s a bowl of wine THE STEERSMAN Ssh! Be quiet, you fools! THE SAILORS Ay, ay, sir! [Finishing very softly.] beyond the brine And a kiss for every man! [Their work is done.] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 227 THE STEERSMAN Whose watch is it? THE SAILORS Not mine, sir. I watched last night, sir. [Pushing for ward an old sailor.] Here, Thomas! Come on, you swob! It is Thomas s turn, sir! Here he is, sir! THE STEERSMAN Your watch, my man? [The yawning sailors begin to curl up in the corners of the deck] THOMAS Ay, sir, but I be fair sleepy. Tis the wine, sir I do be thinking. THE STEERSMAN I ll take your turn and wake you at break of day. Be off ! THOMAS Why, thankee, sir. [He lies down by a coil of rope and is soon fast asleep.] THE STEERSMAN [To the sailor at the wheel] Give me the helm. THE SAILOR It is time my head is nodding THE STEERSMAN How do we lie? 228 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE SAILOR North to north-east as steady as the stars. The com pass points to [Suddenly breaking off and pointing out to sea.} Oh, hark, sir! Listen ! Do you hear it? THE STEERSMAN Hear what? THE SAILOR It sounds it sounds like the tolling of a great bell down there in the sea [They both listen.} THE STEERSMAN [Kindly} Come! You are tired of watching. Go to sleep. THE SAILOR [Shaken.} I will, sir. I need sleep. Good-night. THE STEERSMAN [At the helm} Good-night. [The sailor disappears. The deck is strewn with still, dark forms. The ship is very quiet. Over the sea the sky is grey and cold. Only the largest and brightest stars remain. It is the silence that precedes the dawn. At the helm the Steers man yawns. His head droops, straightens, droops again. His eyes close. He sleeps. Then, from far over the waters, comes the sound of singing voices, strange and sweet.] THE VOICES Mermaid, mermaid, come with me, Night has fallen you are free THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 229 [Outside the bridal tent, Swanhild lifts her head and listens.] All the glories of the sea Are yours if you will follow me [Swanhild rises very softly and comes down the stairs. On the deck she stands amid the sleeping sailors, listening. The voices sing on.] Stars are glimmering. Sea-fire shimmering, Plunging, diving through the spray [The Steersman stirs drowsily and opens his eyes.] White arms gleaming, Long hair streaming [He hears and listens.] Over the waves and far away [He turns suddenly and looks out to sea.] THE STEERSMAN [With a choked cry.] A-ah! [He drops the wheel and covers his face with his hands.] Christ have mercy [The song dies away. Swanhild, who has glided up to him, lays a soft hand on his shoulder. He starts in terror.] Who s that? SWANHILD I. THE STEERSMAN Do you see them? SWANHILD See whom? 230 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE STEERSMAN [Shuddering.] Witches and devils out there in the waves. SWANHILD I see two dolphins leaping that is all. THE STEERSMAN You did not hear a song? SWANHILD When? THE STEERSMAN Hark! [They listen.] SWANHILD It is the wind that whistles through the shrouds. THE STEERSMAN I could have sworn I saw two faces in the foam. SWANHILD You dreamed. THE STEERSMAN Pray Heaven I did! They only come when some poor soul must die. SWANHILD Look and be satisfied. % THE STEERSMAN I am afraid THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 231 SWANHILD You must [He turns his head towards the sea] There! Now are you content? THE STEERSMAN [Turning to the wheel and crossing himself] God save us all. SWANHILD I wish He could. THE STEERSMAN [Yawning] What s that? SWANHILD Nothing. Good-night. THE STEERSMAN [Drowsily] Good-night. No doubt it was the wine [He yawns again] The wine I drank the wine that that [His voice trails of. His head falls. He sleeps.] THE VOICES [Very sweet and near.] Mermaid, mermaid, come with me, Night has fallen, you are free SWANHILD [Leaning over the gunwale and calling softly] Sisters! Sisters, are you there? 232 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THE VOICES [Just beneath the ship] All the glories of the sea Are yours SWANHILD [Half -mad with excitement and delight] Thora! Lona! THE VOICES Swanhild! Swanhild! SWANHILD [Trembling and laughing] You have not forgotten me? THE VOICES Never, little sister! Never oh, never! SWANHILD Oh, come up here where I can touch you and kiss you! THE VOICES No no! We cannot! We are afraid of the men. SWANHILD But they are asleep, I tell you I am all alone. THE VOICES Are you sure, little sister? Will nobody see us? THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 233 SWANHILD No one, I swear it. So wait for a big wave then catch hold my hand. [Leaning over the gunwale.} Look! There it comes now, Thora, now! [There is a pause, a gurgle.] So! There you are! [And, as she speaks, Thora appears, perched on the gunwale, wet and white and dripping in the strange twilight.] THORA [Wailing.] Oh, it is true it is true! You are a human being SWANHILD [Pointing to the sailors.} Ssh! You will wake them! [Leaning out again.} Here comes the wave! Quick help me with Lona [And in a moment Lona appears beside her sister, sitting on the gunwale] SWANHILD At last! At last! [And gasping and desperate, full of little inarticulate murmurs and cries, they are suddenly all three in each other s arms.] SWANHILD [Smothered] My sweethearts my precious THORA AND LONA Oh, my shrimp little tadpole SWANHILD [Intoxicated] Your cheeks are cold and your kisses are salt ! Let me smell you and taste you you come from the sea! 234 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THORA AND LONA Little frog! Little clam! Oh, minnow of mine! [They cling to each other in a terrible embrace.] LONA Oh, Thora, look! There are two little pools of water in her eyes! THORA There are two little rivers running down her face! LONA [Touching Swanhild s cheeks.] They are hot THORA They are hurting her THORA AND LONA Oh, Swanhild! Little angel-fish! What is it? What is it? SWANHILD [Brokenly] Nothing. Just something foolish that women do when they are happy. Oh, talk to me tell me how is daddy? and grandmummy, too? Have they forgiven me? Have they missed me? And my gar den? My statue? My dear little fish? Do you feed them well? Do they come to my window? [And, as she speaks, she strokes their green tails and their wet white arms] Lona Thora ! You do not answer. How pale you are ! or is it the grey light? [She peers into their faces] No, you are changed what is it? [Suddenly] Oh, your hair your THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 235 hair! What have you done with your beautiful long hair? THORA We have sold it to the Sea Witch, so that we may help you, little sister, and save you from your fate. LONA Look! She has given us a knife. [Offering it to Swan- hild.} Here! Feel how sharp it is ! THORA Before the sun rises, you must plunge it in the young King s heart SWANHILD [With a cry] What ? LONA Ssh! Listen, my tadpole listen while there is time! THORA When his red blood spurts upon those hideous feet, they will join together and turn into a tail. LONA And oh! then once more you will be a mermaid THORA And dive into the waves and live three hundred glorious years before you turn into the white sea-foam. 236 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE LONA [Impatiently, holding out the knife.] Oh, take it take it! Do you not see that red cloud in the East? THORA The sun is rising. LONA The Witch is waiting. THORA Kill him LONA Kill him THORA Come back to us again ! SWANHILD [With horror.] No no LONA But think of the doom that waits for you down there ! THORA The cave the bones the snakes the hungry tree SWANHILD Stop! Stop! LONA Ah, darling, think of yourself forget the King. THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 237 SWANHILD [Wildly.] Forget? How can I? THORA Are there not others whom you have forgotten? Father and grandmother what of them, little sister? SWANHILD Please LONA They have grown so old since you went away. Every morning they swim out to their thrones, and sit the whole day looking up through the water, waiting and watching for your return. SWANHILD [Eagerly.] Oh, do they? LONA And all night long they keep a periwinkle shining in your window and the great bell ringing hark! do you hear it, dear? It is ringing to guide you home. SWANHILD Home ! THORA Ah, darling, you have been asleep and dreaming the sweetest dreams in all the world. LONA But they are only dreams a soul, a God, eternity only the radiant fancies of your baby mind. 238 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE THORA Lies lovely lies that have led you star-eyed to destruc tion. SWANHILD Oh, Thora Lona have mercy go away LONA The day is deepening! THORA Come! SWANHILD [Beside herself.] Oh, God please help me! LONA What? God listen to a little mermaid? THORA A creature that was born without a soul? SWANHILD He would my dear lord said He would THORA Her lord? LONA Her dear lord! [Looking at each other.] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 239 THORA [Bitterly.] Fool, he was mocking you! LONA You are his butt THORA His laughing-stock LONA A wretched joke of which he has grown tired! SWANHILD [Shrinking.] No no THORA [Seizing her.] A broken toy! A trumpery little doll LONA A thing that capers as he drinks his wine SWANHILD [With the savage cry of the outraged goddess whose love is scorned by a mortal.] Ah! Ah ! LONA [Half -terrified, half -exulting.] Oh, Thora, look! Her eyes they are green again! THORA There is blood and foam on her mouth. Swanhild! Little sister! 2 4 o THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD Give me the knife. LONA [As they press it upon her.] Here, little sword-fish. THORA Take it. LONA Hold it firm. THORA [Releasing her.] Strike deep, little sister. LONA One blow THORA And you are free! [And, as they speak, they slip over the side of the ship and disappear into the water. The eastern sky is red with the splendor of the daybreak. Swanhild slowly crosses the deck, the knife in her hand. She climbs the stairs. She draws open the long curtains that sur round the bridal bed. The rosy light of morning fills the tent. The King and Queen are sleeping in one another s arms. She stands above the bed and looks at them.] THE VOICES OF THORA AND LONA [From the sea.] Strike, little sister! Strike oh, strike! [Swanhild raises the knife. The King stirs in his sleep, smiles, and, with a murmured word, nestles his head down on the Queen s shoulder like a tired child.] THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 241 SWANHILD [Her hand dropping.] I cannot THORA AND LONA [In agony.] Oh! SWANHILD [Transfigured.] You said eternity, the soul and God were lies. It is not true. They live I have found them they are mine at last! Each one is but another name for love, and when we love we are in Paradise! Take back your knife. [Throwing it into the sea.} I do not need it now THORA AND LONA [Wailing.] Sister ! What have you done! Hark hark! Do you hear? [And from far away is heard the triumphant laughter of the Witch.] SWANHILD I hear. I am content. For come what may, I hold all Heaven in my heart. THORA AND LONA [With a strange cry.] Good-bye, little sister good bye good-bye [Their voices die away.] THE WITCH S VOICE [From the depths of the sea.] Little mermaid! Little mer maid ! Where are you? 242 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE SWANHILD [Facing the voice.} Here, O Sea Witch! I am ready I greet you! [Under the surface of the water, -vaguely at first and far away, the Witch appears. Her toads surround her. Her eyes are on Swanhild. She is smiling and beckoning.] THE WITCH [Her terrible, cracked -voice coming up faintly through the sea.] Poor little princess! You failed it is finished and over. [Swanhild has turned to the bridal bed. She is softly arranging the embroidered coverlet drawing it over the King s shoulders and tucking it in. Then she kneels and kisses him lightly on the forehead] SWANHILD [Whispering.] My own dear lord THE WITCH [Every moment growing more visible] Leave the young King. He will not help you now. You are lost you cannot escape you belong to me. Look at my chicks they are eager to welcome you, darling to tumble and play with you over a bone ho-ho ! a fine breast-bone that I dropped last night on the floor! [But Swanhild is not looking at her. Her anxious eyes are fixed far off, on the horizon. She is wailing for the sunrise, and now at last it comes. The first long level beam of light shoots out across the sea and strikes her face. She smiles and stretches out her hands] SWANHILD Oh, beautiful sun, whom I have loved so long since THE GARDEN OF PARADISE 243 first I saw you from the bottom of the sea ! I must go down and leave this man behind. But oh, dear sun! I would not find it hard if only I knew that you would bless him always show him the right way keep him well and strong. So that when once more I see you like a red flower through the waves, I can say "He is up there, helping my dear lord. He is giving him new strength, new light, new glory. He is shining all day on his happiness." Will you? Then answer! Prove that you have heard! [She has fallen on her knees. The sun s ray goes beyond her and strikes the King. She gives a cry of joy] Ah! You have taken him in your great arms! It is enough, dear sun I understand! Now I can go! God bless you, lord good-bye! [And as she finishes, she leaps into the sea and disappears] THE WITCH [Laughing in triumph and stretching out her claw-like hands] So, little mermaid! You are mine at last! Come! Let me rid you of your woman s form and then [Sud denly] Hark! [Far of, above her, is heard the faint sound of the seraph choir] What is that music? Is it the singing of the morning star? And louder still it rolls down from the sky. [She looks up] I hear I see them now the angels streaming through the gates of Heaven! [Wildly.] Go back! You cannot have her! She is mine! Come, little mermaid Swanhild slave, I command you! [But sky and sea have faded and in their place appear the golden stairs, flooded with a divine radiance, lined on both sides with an infinite number of angelic forms] I cannot see those stairs they blind they burn into my heart! [With a dreadful cry of rage and terror] Oh, save me! Look! they lead to the Great Throne! 244 THE GARDEN OF PARADISE Down! Down, my children! We have lost her! Love has given her a soul! [As she speaks, she and her satellites fade, sink, and are gone. And now, at the foot of the stairs, Swanhild appears. She is dressed in long white woman s robes that shine and glitter. On her head is a crown of stars.] SWANHILD The Witch is gone where am I? What has happened? [Touching her crown and garments.] Who dressed me in this shining light and put this crown of stars upon my hair? [Looking about her.] Why, I am dreaming this is not the sea ! And all those lovely people wearing robes like mine and crowns why, they are angels! Yet they do not hate me no, they smile they sing they welcome me! Oh, can it be [With a cry] Yes! Joy of joys! These stairs lead up to Paradise! [With ever-increasing emotion] I smell the flowers. I hear the birds. I see a Throne and Someone holding out His arms. Is it for me You wait? For me ? But I am just a little mermaid just a little creature born without a soul. [In sudden rapture] Oh, Lord, forgive me! You are right! I am Your own dear child! Look! Look! I run! I come! Oh, take me to Your heart! [And, laughing and weeping in a divine delirium, she mounts to her reward. The alleluias and hosannahs of the angels grow more distant. The heavenly vision fades, and she is gone. The sky is blue. The sea is calm. The sunlight falls upon the sleeping lovers.] THE END following pages contain advertisements of books by the same author or on kindred subjects. Romance: A Play BY EDWARD SHELDON AUTHOR OF "THE NIGGER," ETC. Cloth, Frontispiece, $1.25 net; postage extra Mr. Sheldon can be relied upon to provide drama that is not only good from a technical standpoint, but unusual in subject-matter. "The Nigger," which proved to be one of the sensations of the New Theatre s short career, is now followed by "Romance," a play more admirable, perhaps, in its construction, and of universal appeal. As a book the story has lost none of its brilliance; in fact, the sharpness of its character delineation, the intensity and reality of its plot, and the lyrical beauty of some of its passages are, if possible, more ap parent on the printed page than in the theatre. There is little doubt that the tremendous success which the drama made when foot-lighted is to be duplicated upon its appearance in this form. "It is full of literary flavor, delicate imagination and romantic truth, and it is one of the plays which go as well in print as they do on the stage, and vice versa." Syracuse Post Standard. "It is unique in its conception, bringing in two romances and two entirely different periods." Bookseller, Newsdealer and Stationer. "Those who have missed seeing one of the most delightful plays of recent years now have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the dainty sentiment, clean humor and delightful romance from whence the play took its title." Boston Post. "An excellent reading play . . . holds the fancy with the same tenacity as a story that it did as a swift moving scene upon the stage." Chicago Daily Tribune. "The play unites the setting and costumes of a romantic comedy with the deep emotion of a modern problem drama. Throughout it is the work of an artist." Continent. "The play is moving, dramatic, appealing. It is good to read, as it has been proved good to see." Duluth Herald. PUBLISHED BY THE MACMILLAN COMPANY Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York The Nigger : An American Play in Three Acts BY EDWARD SHELDON Attractively bound in decorated cloth covers Price, $1.25 net; postage extra One of the most vivid and thrilling dramas that has appeared in recent years. Headers who did not see the play will welcome this opportunity to become acquainted with a great work, while those who were fortunate enough to witness a performance may revive impressions and recollections at will in study or reading room. Mr. Sheldon, the well-known author of the famous drama "Salva tion Nell," has seized in this play upon one of the most tragic aspects of the race question in the South. The play turns upon the discovery of the taint of one drop of negro blood in the veins of the hero. 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