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Title: Martha - or, The Fair at Richmond
Author: Flotow, Friedrich von, Friedrich, W., 1820-1879
Language: English
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*** Start of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "Martha - or, The Fair at Richmond" ***
The Laurel Octavo Edition
Of Famous Operas
MARTHA
LIBRETTO
C. C. BIRCHARD & COMPANY
BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS
HIAWATHA'S
CHILDHOOD
OPERETTA IN ONE ACT
FOR UNCHANGED VOICES
_60 cents_
TEXT BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW
MUSIC BY BESSIE M. WHITELEY
FOR PERFORMANCE IN GRAMMAR AND HIGH SCHOOLS
TIME OF PERFORMANCE 40 MINUTES
_Awarded the Prize by "The National Federation
of Music Clubs' Competition," closing September 1,
1912, in the Operetta Class (Unchanged Voices)_
_Performed before the_
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF MUSIC CLUBS' CONVENTION,
_Chicago, Illinois, April 25, 1913;_
_under the direction of_
M. TERESA ARMITAGE
_who writes as follows:_
"Hiawatha's Childhood is an inspired little work and the best
thus far composed for education purposes. In fact if is worthy of
presentation as a curtain raiser in the leading Opera Houses. It is a
fine piece of musical art, and entirely practicable for schools (Grammar
and High Schools). The children love it, and the work, whether
given with or without action, makes a delightful impression."
C. C. BIRCHARD & COMPANY :: BOSTON, MASS.
LAUREL OCTAVO
MARTHA
OR
The Fair at Richmond
Text by
W. FRIEDRICH
Music by
FRIEDRICH VON FLOTOW
THE ENGLISH EDITED BY
M. LOUISE BAUM
THE MUSIC EDITED BY
GLEN CARLE
C. C. BIRCHARD & COMPANY
BOSTON MASS.
GEORGE E. LASK
MUSIC COLLECTION
COPYRIGHT, 1913
BY
C. C. BIRCHARD & COMPANY
Stanhope Press
F. H. GILSON COMPANY
BOSTON, U.S.A.
The Laurel Octavo Edition of Martha
is the outcome of extended and careful work, having for its aim
the presentation of a version of this opera which shall be adapted
primarily for use in schools.
It is suitable for performance in concert form as well as on the
stage with scenery and in costume.
Everything of value in the musical score has been retained in
the present edition. All dull and uninteresting numbers and tedious
unnecessary repetitions have been left out, while the valuable
music of the opera has been retained and the same has been
brought together into a harmonious whole.
The text has been revised and, where necessary, rewritten, and
is superior to the editions now current both in literary excellence
and in the valuable desideratum of "accents" and other adaptabilities
to musical utterance.
The Laurel Octavo Libretto of MARTHA supplies the dialogue,
stage directions and everything in which the copy for concert
purposes is lacking to make the Opera suitable for stage
representation.
Costumes may be obtained through the publishers.
Orchestration of this edition may be obtained from the publishers.
C. C. BIRCHARD & COMPANY
CONTENTS
NO. PAGE
1. "Bright as are the stars of heaven." Chorus, Nancy and
Lady Harriet 1
2. "Every heart with love inflaming." Nancy, Lady Harriet.
Duet 8
3. "Lovely cousin, I implore you." Sir Tristan, Lady Harriet,
Nancy and Chorus 13
3a. "Hither come, linger not." Chorus of servants 16
4. "Come, O maidens fair." Chorus 30
5. "O'er my life from boyhood tender." Lionel and Plunket.
Duet 44
6. "We Anne, Queen of England." Sheriff, Chorus of servants
and farmers 49
7. "See what grace they show." Lady Harriet, Nancy, Lionel,
Plunket. Quartet 60
8. "Come in, my pretty maidens." Lionel, Plunket, Lady
Harriet and Nancy 65
9. "That's the room I mean to give her." Plunket, Lionel, Lady
Harriet and Nancy. Quartet 73
10. "Come, your tasks await." Plunket, Nancy, Lionel and Lady
Harriet 84
11. "'Tis the Last Rose of Summer." Lady Harriet and Lionel.
Romance 98
11a. "Midnight chimes sound afar." Lady Harriet, Nancy, Lionel
and Plunket. Quartet 103
12. "Let's be off then, in a hurry." Lady Harriet, Nancy,
Sir Tristan. Trio 109
13. "Come, can you tell me." Tristan and Chorus of Courtiers 112
14. "All we ladies of the court." Ladies' Hunting Chorus 116
15. "Gay of heart, I have not known how to weep." Nancy. Aria 120
16. "O when she rose fair on my sight." Lionel and Chorus 125
17. "How audacious, rude and daring." Chorus and principals 129
18. "Heaven forgive this cruel scorning." Lionel, Lady
Harriet, Nancy, Plunket and Chorus 137
19. "When I first that hand did claim." Lionel and Lady
Harriet. Duet 145
20. "Now the April days returning." Lady Harriet and Lionel.
Duet and Chorus 152
MARTHA
ACT ONE.
(LADY HARRIET, _maid of honor to the queen, has grown listless and
pale, refusing to join in the court revels._ SIR TRISTAN, _an old
knight, makes love to her; she will have nothing to say to him,
and only asks to be let alone. She is tired of her conventional
life, and longs for some new and strange adventure. The curtain
rises on her richly furnished boudoir._ LADY HARRIET _is lying
listlessly on a couch or arm chair, before her dressing table._
NANCY _is putting finishing touches on her mistress' toilet. The
ladies in attendance are grouped near the door in center._)
NO. 1.
CHORUS. Bright as are the stars of heaven,
Sweet as any April flow'r,
Gay of heart, of gentle bearing,
Bless'd with beauty's radiant dower,
Why so sad and pale with languor
Grows thy face, O lovely maid?
Why our friendly circle shunning,
Dost thou sigh alone,
As were some dawning joy delayed?
Every splendid gift of fortune,
All that riches can impart,
Waits upon the maiden's pleasure,
Nothing wins her heart.
(NANCY _takes a bouquet of flowers from one of the ladies and offers
it to_ LADY H.)
NANCY. See these flowers Sir Tristan sent.
LADY HARRIET (_pushing flowers away_).
I've no heart for lovers' folly,
Every pleasure is at end.
CHO. Bright as are the stars of heaven, etc.
NANCY. Every splendid gift of fortune, etc.
LADY H. Ah, there's naught can win my sad and weary heart.
All your words are vain.
(_Ladies in waiting leave stage._)
(NANCY _holds hand mirror before_ LADY H.)
NO. 2.
NAN. Every heart with love inflaming,
You the Queen's gay court adorn,
Tho' from all a tribute claiming,
Think not love alone to scorn.
Pastimes for your pleasure framing,
We all labor night and day,
Sorrow still your soul is weighing,
All your thoughts to sadness bend,
If I fail in grief allaying,
In its spring your life will end.
LADY H. On my heart 'tis preying, (_she sits up_)
Love, wealth, fame, not weighing,
In its spring time my life will end.
There's naught that charm to life can lend.
(LADY H. _lies back languidly_.)
FOOTMAN (_enters, speaks_). Sir Tristan of Mickleford,
Member of the House of Lords, Knight honored--
LADY H. (_interrupting_). We'll spare you the rest.
(_Enter_ SIR TRISTAN _with flowers. Bows to the ladies, presents
flowers, which_ LADY H. _looks at carelessly and drops on table
beside her. He is an elderly beau very precise in manner. A few of
the ladies return, stealing on the stage to watch the scene,
remaining at rear._)
NO. 3.
TRISTAN (_sings_). Lovely cousin, I implore you,
Hear my suit and do not chaff.
I would say that I adore you--
LADIES (_near door_). He's too civil, though, by half,
He would make a mummy laugh.
(LADIES _leave stage again one by one_.)
TRISTAN. Dare I ask you--
LADY H. Don't be foolish.
TRIS. Dare I ask it you--O dear!
Would you deign--disdain--an offer--
LADY H. For my hand--
NANCY (_aside_). To box his ear!
(LADY H. _laughs aside with_ NAN.)
LADY H. Ah, Sir Tristan, he at least can make me smile!
NAN. Ah, Sir Tristan, he at least can make her smile.
TRIS. O, see already she is smiling,
Happy omen, well I know,
O, if mine could be this treasure,
Happy man were I, that's so!
LADY H. Ah, he can all my woe beguile.
What a funny old beau, Ah!
A funny beau.
TRIS. (_speaks_). Fair Cousin, may I ah--dare hope that you--er--will
so far condescend to me--uh--uh--as to go for a walk in the park?
LADY H (_indifferently_). Go fetch my fan!
TRIS. (_brings it._ LADY H. _fans violently_). Would it amuse you
to--er--er--let us say--go out for a row on the river?
LADY H. (_ignoring him, glances round_). It seems very chilly here.
Shut the window--there's a good man!
(TRISTAN _shuts it, trots back to her._)
TRIS. (_rubbing his hands_). Shall we go hunting, perhaps? It's a
capital day for it.
LADY H. (_fans herself violently again_). O, how close it is!
Air--give me air! Open the window.
TRIS. Why, I just closed it, at your command. (_Stands with
hands spread out in comical dismay._)
LADY H. (_impatiently_). Open it, open it--don't you hear?
Quick, air! (_very affectedly_).
(TRIS. _runs, trottingly, to open the window._)
NAN. (_aside_). My lord is running for the prize.
(_Here the song of the servants bound for Richmond fair is heard outside._)
NO. 3a.
CHO. (_singing_). Hither come, linger not,
Fate a home shall allot;
She who works and not shirks,
Finds her fun, when 'tis done.
LADY H. Hear them sing!
CHO. Hither come, take your pick,
We will serve through thin and thick,
Masters kind, come and bind,
If we find you to our mind.
NAN. It's quite amusing!
TRIS. Nonsense! you must be mad.
NAN. You do not find them funny?
TRIS. Servants ignorant and bad.
LADY H. Ah, but they are gay and happy!
NAN. O, the bound girls, I now remember!
This is Richmond market day.
Where the servants, flocking yearly,
Seek new masters, better pay.
TRIS. Stupid custom!
NAN. But 'tis an old one.
LADY H. (_goes to window_). I might join them.
What a thought!
How I'd like to go among them,
See such curious prizes bought!
TRIS. What a notion! What folly's this?
LADY H. Nancy, get the peasant costumes ready
That we wore at the fancy dress ball.
(NANCY _is busy at chiffonier at one side. Tosses bright colored
kerchief out._ LADY H. _picks it up and throws it over her head as
the singing goes on._)
TRIS. You'd degrade yourself like this?
LADY H. Just amuse myself, that's all.
Hurry Nancy, we must run,
Now at last I'll have some fun!
Martha (_curtseys_), Nancy (_curtseys_) and--old John!
(_Tosses her kerchief over_ TRISTAN'S _head, blinding him._ TRIS. _is
bewildered, kerchief hanging over one eye._)
TRIS. Who is John? What old John?
LADY H. Who but you?
You are old John!
TRIS. I? I old John?
No that's too much.
(_Snatches off kerchief and throws it down._)
LADY H. Sir Tristan, whene'er the fair we woo, sir,
With caprices we comply,
Else we see tears fall in showers,
See, dear John, these charming flowers--
(_Gives him flowers from his own nosegay. He kisses her hand, puts
flowers in coat._)
LADY H. Take them, nor my prayer deny!
(_lifts skirt at side and dances a step_).
With the village people dancing,
Nancy's partner you're enroll'd.
TRIS. No, in sooth I'm far too old.
LADY H. Stuff! In spite of years advancing,
Man can do all, if he's bold.
NAN. (_drags him about stage dancing_).
This way, that way, loosely hopping,
Each one jigging as he can,
Lumb'ring, stumbling, never stopping,
Mighty maze without a plan.
TRIS. Then, I must--
LADY H. I command it!
TRIS. But no, I can't.
LADY H. Your paces show!
TRIS. But my rank,--
NAN. How well you stand it!
That's well I vow.
(_They all dance and the ladies sing la-la-la._)
LADY H. Danced superbly!
NAN. What a figure.
TRIS. I shall soon be out of breath.
NAN. Come, more vigor! come, more vigor!
TRIS. This I'm sure will be my death.
LADY H. AND NAN. Come, old John, come, old John,
'Tis we who ask, so come along.
TRIS. This is too much! I, old John? What I?
(_All run off stage dancing_, TRISTAN _between the two ladies, who
drag him._)
_Curtain._
ACT TWO.
(_Curtain rises on Richmond market place. Stall around sides of stage
and back. In foreground, tables and benches; side show of some
funny sort. Tents at one side. Country folk walking about,
farmers and wives._)
NO. 4.
CHO. Come, O maidens fair,
Yes, come, but come with cheerful looks!
Handsome is as handsome does,
The rule that suits our books.
Hasten, hasten, cheerful maidens,
Do not linger on the way,
Soon the Hiring Fair will open
And advancing is the day.
Done! once the bargain is agreed to
Neither can undo it.
Done! faithful servants, kindly masters,
Neither then will rue it.
Neatness is the best of graces,
Smooth of hair come every one;
In a row all take your places,
Soon the choosing will be done.
If you'll be but quick and neat
And try to do your best,
You will find a happy home,
And the pay of your deserving. Come!
Find a home, yes, come.
(_Enter serving maids, arm in arm. Farmers go to meet them._)
SERVANTS' CHO. Hither come, linger not,
Fate a home will allot, etc.
FARMERS AND WIVES. Come this way, don't delay,
We have waited you many a day.
SERV. Oh, not now, but tomorrow,
We are tired, we are shy.
FARMERS. Handsome is that handsome does,
The best rule that ever was.
(_Farmers and wives try to bring servants into a line forward on
stage. The servants hold back._)
SERV. Since the day how we have run,
Now we shall know,
Just where each girl is going to go.
Now our journey's o'er and here we rest with you at last,
After many a mile so long and lone is over past.
(_Servants scatter about stage, some lying down as if to rest, as_
LIONEL _and_ PLUNKET _enter. They come on talking._ PLUNKET _is
dressed as a peasant farmer and carries a whip. Lionel is dressed
as a gentleman, but plainly._)
PLUNKET. Here is a jolly howdoyoudo. What a clatter they make!
The farmers are all going to engage servants for the coming year
out of this crowd of chattering hussies. It is a good thing to
take your time to choose, though, for once the bargain is made
you have to stick to it for at least a year. What do you say,
Lionel? Have you picked out your Betsy Ann?
LIONEL. Betsy Ann--what do you mean? (_He speaks absently,
slowly, and his demeanor throughout is one of dreamy abstraction.
He is very grave and pensive, altogether a young man who would
be likely to take a love affair very seriously and perhaps lose
his mental balance temporarily over it._)
PLUN. I mean our serving girl. You know mother put it in her will
that we must keep up the farm together. So now like two good
housewives we must fly around and choose a maid. Her name may
be Sally or Katy or Jane, but I shall call her Betsy Ann!
(_Laughs._)
LIO. I shall always remember your dear mother and be grateful.
PLUN. Yes, she was a good woman and a good mother, aye, a good
manager, too. She knew how to make the maids attend to their
work.
LIO. But she was kind. She was always so kind to me.
PLUN. Yes, she loved you. If you had been her own child she could
not have tended you more anxiously. You were a mere baby when
your father died and left you in our care. No one could help
trying to make up your loss to you, somehow. If I'd a mind I
might have been jealous of you. I was always the one who got
the scoldings. I suppose mother owed them to me, for I was her
own naughty boy!
LIO. You have always been a real brother to me, Plunket. No
helpless child could have had a happier fate than to find home
with you.
PLUN. You had no one but mother and me, old chap, don't you see?
What else could a fellow do but try to keep you heartened up a
little? (_Laughs with some embarrassment._)
LIO. And yet even now we do not know who I really am. We shall
never know, unless some day my father's ring (_lifts his hand_)
may serve to clear up the mystery at last. (_Sings._)
NO. 5.
LIO. O'er my life from boyhood tender,
You have watched with sheltering care,
You your all would fain surrender,
With the orphan child to share.
You fulfilled a father's duty,
When he left me to your love,
Ah, he heard my mother calling,
Heard her call from heaven above.
PLUN. Nor his rank nor name he told us,
Nor the secret dar'd unseal (_touches_ LIONEL'S _hand_),
This his ring one day shall tell it,
All the mystery yet reveal.
On your finger when he placed it,
"This may change his fate," he sighed,
"This my ring the Queen will honor
Should misfortune e'er betide."
LIO. Brother mine, 'mid courtly splendors
My vain longings ne'er shall rove,
Ah, no light on earth allures me,
Save the tender glow of love.
No strange joys I'd earn for yonder,
Peace and sweet content are here,
'Mid the fields are simple pleasures,
Calm affection, tried and dear.
(_A bell from the village church gives the signal for the fair to
begin. Sheriff enters pompously, the farmers and wives and
servants flock after him. He is dressed in wig, hat and robe.
He has a staff of office. A girl is pushed against him in the
crowd. He waves her back majestically, at arm's length and
speaks._)
SHERIFF (_speaks_) Let the rabble stand back. Room for the majesty
of the law. Ahem!
GIRL (_speaks pertly_). My, ain't he the big wig, though! (_Tweaks
at his wig from behind and pulls it partly off. His hat falls
off. She picks it up and runs._)
SHERIFF. Ouch! (_Grabs at wig with one hand and runs after the girl,
shaking his staff at her. Another girl gets in his way; they
dodge back and forth, till she puts her two hands, one each side
of his face and tries to kiss him._)
GIRL (_speaks_). There, there, old gentleman, don't feel so bad
over a bit of our fun!
(SHERIFF _ducks to avoid kiss and leaves wig in her hands_. _He runs
wildly about stage, clutching alternately at his bald head, and
at the wig, which the girls toss back and forth, while he tries
to snatch it. Finally one of the farmers catches it and restores
it to sheriff. He puts it on and some one brings him his hat._)
FARMER (_speaks_). Young hussies, you must do better than this when
you get to working for us. Behave yourselves, now!
SHERIFF (_much distressed, almost weeping with rage_). I bind you all
over to keep the peace on penalty of 10 shillings fine. (_Pounds
with his staff._) Does the majesty of the law mean naught to ye?
Silence (_they laugh_), you low bred populace. But what can one
expect from populace? Pah! They are beneath my notice. (_Looks
scornfully at them while music begins. A girl laughingly sticks
out her tongue at him. He glares at her. She does it again. He
looks hastily away and then back. She throws him a kiss, and all
the rest follow suit. He scowls, but his face gradually softens
into a smirk. The farmers drag the girls back into a line.
Sheriff unrolls a parchment, that he takes from pocket of his
big gown. He sings._)
NO. 6.
SHERIFF. We, Anne, Queen of England, greet ye!
(_Snatches off his hat, farmers do the same._)
Bonnets off, and mine likewise.
I no ceremony spare!
We hereby do recognize
Ev'ry contract good and sound
Made in Richmond market bound;
Every lass who here is hired,
Dating from this very day,
Till the year is full expired,
Must with her new master stay.
If he pay the money down
The bargain cannot be undone.
Have you heard?
CHO. We know, sir, it is so, sir.
SHER. Now you stand up in a row.
(_Servants stand in line; he arranges them._)
Tell us, Moll, what you can do.
(_One maid steps forward a little, bobs a curtsey._)
1ST MAID. I can darn, sir, I can sew, sir,
I can milk and I can mow, sir.
I can bake and mend and make
And garden beds I can weed and rake.
1ST FARMER (_steps forward_). All for just four pounds a year.
Well, at that she is not dear. (_Takes girl one side._)
SHER. (_to next girl_). Now, my lass, what can you do?
2D MAID (_curtseys_). I can mend, sir, sew a button,
On old socks new feet can put on,
I can roast and boil and stew,
Can churn and chop and also brew.
SHER. Five pounds a year,
'Tis for a song, now!
2D FARMER (_steps up and leads her aside_).
Here's my hand, done! Come along!
Sher. Come, it's your turn now to speak.
3D MAID (_curtseys_). I can clean, sir, I can scrub, sir,
I'm a good one at a tub, sir,
Yes, to every sort of work,
My hand I turn and never shirk.
SHER. Kitty Bell and Johnny Snell,
And Nelly Browne and Sally Towne.
CHO. OF SERVANTS. How to care for babes I know, sir,
Bless 'em, I do love 'em so, sir,
I can take the cows to graze, sir,
And of poultry know the ways, sir;
I can bake and boil and brew, sir,
I can sew on buttons, too.
MEN. I'm accustomed pigs to keep, sir,
Also, horses, cows and sheep, sir,
Pork and beef in brine I steep, sir,
Yes, and do the mowing cheap, sir;
I can dig a garden bed
And make a cabbage grow a head.
Ha, if you pay the cash,
We'll work just like a flash.
Ho, it's very clear,
All settled for a year.
Ho, now the deed is done,
We'll work like fun!
(_The servants flock around him as they sing and gather closer and
closer till he puts his hands over his ears and tries to get away
from them. They crowd around and sing into his face and over his
shoulders._)
SHER. _(with hands at ears_). Stop your cackling! You'll make me
deaf!
FARMERS. We are ready to choose, but one at a time, please.
(_Girls drop back into line; farmers move about among them_,
LIONEL _and_ PLUNKET _also, as if bargaining with them_. _Enter_
LADY HARRIET, NANCY _and_ TRISTAN _in peasant costume_.)
LADY H. Come on, John! Courage man! Nobody's going to hurt you!
NAN. Come, friend John! Don't look so scared. We'll take care of you!
TRIS. John? O, im-pos-si-ble! O, pre-pos-ter-ous! I don't like this
one bit. It is most unseemly. Yet--where beauty leads, love fain
must follow.
LADY H. How gay they all seem! They at least are happy.
TRIS. I know I am not! I never felt less jolly before (_plaintively_)
in all my life. (_Aside._) I feel as if I were going to cry.
(_Face works._)
(PLUNKET _and_ LIONEL _approach the three and stand at a short
distance, gazing at_ LADY H. _and_ NANCY.)
PLUN. Jove! There's a brace of darlings!
LIO. Yes, they are very pretty girls.
PLUN. Rather slim built for hard work, though.
LIO. They might do house work?
PLUN. Yes, they might serve indoors. I don't know--(_pauses_)
TRIS. See those clodhoppers! How they stare at you. O, do be
persuaded to leave this horrid, horrid place.
LADY H. _and_ NAN (_together_). No, indeed. We like it and we are
going to stay.
TRIS. I think those fellows are very suspicious looking characters.
A pair of rogues. Let's go (_urging them by taking their arms_).
LADY H. I'm not under your orders, sir. It is my pleasure to stay.
I'll do exactly as I choose!
TRIS. Well, I wash my hands of all responsibility. Don't say I
didn't warn you.
NAN (_sees that_ PLUNKET _and_ LIONEL _are watching her_). Those
lads have an eye for a good thing, though. (_To_ TRISTAN.)
We'll take all the blame. No one shall say that you led us
into mischief, poor dear!
LADY H. Yes, cousin, you are exonerated. Whatever happens, be it
upon my own rash head. But I will not go! (_Emphatically._)
PLUN. (_overhears last words_). You hear, sir? She will not go
with you. Don't annoy the girls any further. (_To girls._)
Call on us if he bothers you. (_To_ TRIS., _who looks daggers_.)
But cheer up! There are plenty more maids yonder. Hi, girls
(_turns to the servants_). Here's a chap wants a good maid,
and he looks as if he could pay well, too.
TRIS. Oh! what a beastly joke! He's taking liberties with me!
(_He looks scared and affronted._)
(LADY H. _and_ NANCY _laugh together over_ TRISTAN'S _plight as the
girls come forward and surround him_.)
ALL (_chattering_). I can mow, I can sew, I can reap, I can sweep,
I can bake and make, I can boil and stew, I can churn and
brew! (_All speak different lines from the part just sung and
make a great clatter and confusion._ TRISTAN _dodges among
them and runs off, the girls following him_.)
LADY H. He has taken refuge in flight!
NAN. Let's hope he won't forget us.
LADY H. (_nervously_). See those men. They are still looking at us.
NAN. They seem to have taken a fancy to us, that's plain.
PLUN. (_to_ LIONEL). One of them would be just what we want, I
think--the younger one, now. (_Nods at_ NANCY.)
LIONEL. It would never do to separate them. See how shy they are.
LADY H. (_to_ NANCY). That one seems quite bashful, doesn't he?
I wonder how such peasants talk?
NAN. Bad grammar, for one thing.
PLUN. (_to_ LIONEL). What are you afraid of? Go speak to them.
LIO. I'm afraid to.
PLUN. Silly noodle! Just watch me. (_Advances boldly as if to speak
to the ladies, stops suddenly and goes back._)
NAN. The big one is dumb, too; aren't they stupid! Let's go.
LADY H. (_turns to follow_ TRISTAN). I suppose we'd better--
(_Hesitates and looks back at the two men._)
PLUN. We must not let such a chance slip. Servant girls like those
are not found every day. I have taken a fancy to that big one
and I don't mean to let her get away. Courage, Plunket! (_He
advances again, again hesitates, and snapping his fingers at
himself, advances and speaks._) Wait a moment, girls! We've
decided we like you. If you're as smart as you look you can
have a good place with us for years.
LIO. Yes, for years and years!
LADY H. You mean as your servants?
PLUN. Of course! What else?
NAN. (_laughing_). Ha! ha! ha! what a joke!
LIO. What is there to laugh at?
PLUN. So long as they do their work, the more they laugh, the
better.
LADY H. _and_ NAN. Work! We!
PLUN. (_to_ NAN.). I'll give you the care of the geese and pigs and
chickens. (_To_ LADY H.) You shall have charge of the
garden--weed it, and gather potatoes and corn.
LIO. O come! that's too hard for her. Let her do housework--
PLUN. And darn our socks and mend our shirts? Very well. We'll
pay you fifty crowns a year. For extras there'll be a pint of
ale on Sundays and plum pudding on New Years.
LADY H. Who could refuse such a tempting offer? (_Laughs._)
NAN. Now I know what I am worth, at last! (_Laughs._)
PLUN. _and_ LIO. (_eagerly_). You agree?
LADY H. _and_ NAN. Yes! yes! We agree! (_They shake hands._)
PLUN. It's a bargain! Here's the money down!
(LADY H. _and_ NAN. _each put the money in their purse, laughing
together_.)
NO. 7.
LADY H. _and_ NAN. (_sing_).
See what grace they show in mien and bearing,
Of our sport, I'm bound, I say, to see the end;
Money's paid and we must keep our bargain,
Men so courteous never will offend.
LIO. _and_ PLUN.
Two young maids so well set up and charming,
Ne'er was city girl that equalled these of mine;
They are jewels, pretty, kind and cheerful,
Faith, I'll tell them so, and lose no time.
(_At close of quartette_ TRISTAN _comes back to stage, evidently
exhausted and much dishevelled; the servants follow him and
again surround him_.)
TRIS. Oh, I thought I had eluded them! Leave off! Here's money!
( _Throws a purse._) Plague on your crazy pack! (_The girls run
to divide the money._) Ho! what is this? (_He advances toward_
PLUNKET, _who has hold of_ NANCY'S _arm_.) You forget yourself!
Forbear!
PLUN. Who are you? What do you want? (_A tussel threatens between
the two men._ TRISTAN _backs down, afraid_.)
LADY H. There, there! it's all right! (_To_ TRISTAN.) We are ready
to go now. (_Takes his arm._)
PLUN. I'd like to see you! With my money in your purse! You stay
with us!
TRIS. Fellow! do you know who this is?
LADY H. (_aside to_ TRIS.) No! no! don't betray me! Think what a
scandal if this got to court! Don't you dare to tell them who
I am!
NAN. (_aside_). We should be disgraced forever. Rather die than
that!
TRIS. Well, come, then. It is time for me to insist. I require you
to come with me. (_Tries to lead them off._)
PLUN. (_interferes_). Not so fast! You belong here. These are my
maids, hired and cash paid in advance! Ask the sheriff!
SHERIFF (_who has approached during the altercation, after a long
confab with one of the other girls at one side_). Have you taken
the money?
LADY H. (_draws it out of her purse and flings it at_ LIONEL). Yes.
But there it is; I had forgotten it.
(LIONEL _picks it up and offers it back_. _She refuses it. He
insists._)
SHERIFF. You took it of your own free will and now it is a bargain.
You are bound to serve for one year. Highty, tighty! Do you
think you can play fast and loose with a master in that fashion?
No, no! Bound you are to him and with him you must go!
(_During final chorus_ PLUN. _drives up his horse and cart and the
two girls are handed into the cart_. _They drive away._ TRISTAN
_tries to follow, but is restrained by the crowd. If the horse
and cart cannot be had, the two girls may dodge about among the
crowd, the men following them, and run off at last, the men
chasing them_.)
NO. 7a. FINALE.
CHORUS.
Now our journey's o'er and here we rest with you at last,
After many a mile so long and lone is over past.
(_Curtain._)
ACT THREE.
(_The third act opens in the great hall of the farmhouse of_ LIONEL
_and_ PLUNKET. _At one side of stage at back is an outside door;
on the other side, a window with bench in front of it. Another
door is on the left. There are several chairs. A flight of stairs
goes up from the right side, back corner. Two spinning wheels
stand at rear, and farm tools hang about the walls._
_During the instrumental prelude the outside door opens and the two
men_, LIONEL _and_ PLUNKET, _enter, inviting the girls_, LADY H.
_and_ NANCY, _who are behind, to come in. They come in slowly,
hesitatingly, half afraid._)
NO. 8.
PLUN. _and_ LIO. (_sing_).
Come in, my pretty maidens,
We've reached our home, you see.
LADY H. _and_ NAN. O, we are in a pretty fix,
We only long to flee.
How safely to escape them
We'll seek from morn till mirk.
(_Girls sit down_). O, what a shabby dwelling,
O, how they'll make us work.
LIO. _and_ PLUN. Now, look alive!
Of work don't be afraid.
LADY H. _and_ NAN. There's no hope, I'm afraid.
We've come to the end of our jest at last.
NO. 9.
PLUN. (_points to door at left_).
That's the room I mean to give them.
LADY H. _and_ NAN. (_rising_).
Then good night, then good night.
(_Starting toward door._)
PLUN. What's that you say?
First put everything aright.
LADY H. O, with cold I'm all a-shiver!
NAN. O, I quake in every member.
LIO. Both to fainting, seem inclined.
PLUN. Why, to spoil them you've a mind.
NAN. This denouement is provoking.
PLUN. You've not told us your names yet, my maids.
LADY H. _and_ NAN. We!
LIO. Yes, obey!
PLUN. Obey at once, no joking.
LADY H. Martha is my name.
LIO. Martha?
LADY H. (_looks at him_). Yes.
PLUN. Now, tell yours.
NAN. (_aside_). Mad masquerading!
PLUN. Don't you know it?
NAN. Betsy Ann!
PLUN. Betsy Ann? I rather like it!
Come here, my girl: lend a hand then, will you, Betsy?
(_Pulls off his coat and offers it to her._)
Take my coat and hang it up.
NAN. Do't yourself!
PLUN. You lazy hussy!
LIO. Come, you frighten her by scolding.
Speak more gently, say like that--
Martha, take away my hat.
(_Holds it toward her._ MARTHA _stamps her foot, slaps hat out of his
hand and walks up stage_. _He, bewildered, hangs up his own hat._)
LIO. O, how have I offended? I cannot understand.
Yes, I'm awfully perplexed.
Why should she act so grand?
PLUN. Ah, what can be the matter?
I do not understand.
Some secret she is screening,
Her manner is so grand.
NAN. Ah, on my dignity I stand.
They give an order quite off hand!
LADY H. To tyranny I'll ne'er give in,
We'll fight them now, to win.
He thinks me strange and haughty
But on my right I stand,
Commanding I must withstand him,
Resist his harsh demand.
NO. 10.
PLUN. (_draws spinning wheels to center of stage_).
Come, your task awaits, the whirring wheel and spindle!
LADY H. _and_ NAN. Set us spinning? We're to spin?
LIO. Yes, of course.
PLUN. So begin.
How your claims to skill do dwindle.
LADY H. and NAN. Ha, ha, ha, spin, sir?
PLUN. (_imitating her laughter in anger_).
Ha, ha, ha, so set to work and spin your task!
What you here for, may I ask?
Just to hold your hands and chatter?
What's the matter?
NAN. What a clatter.
LIO. Pray be calm, now, they're afraid.
PLUN. Peace! Come, spin! we won't be cheated.
LADY H. _and_ NAN. How, sir?
LIO. What?
PLUN. Come, come.
(_Places chairs at spinning wheels._)
PLUN. Be seated. (_They sit._)
LADY H. _and_ NAN. 'Tis done.
PLUN. Good! Now then, proceed.
(_Imitating sound of spinning wheel._)
Thrum, thrum, thrum.
NAN. I can't, indeed.
LIO. Here's the distaff, firmly grasp it (_To_ LADY H.),
'Twixt your fingers seize the skein.
LADY H. Must we with wet fingers clasp it?
Turn it? No, I won't!
How so? In vain.
I cannot, I cannot.
Place yourself then at the wheel.
(_The two girls rise and the men sit one at each wheel._)
PLUN. We'll make it reel.
ALL. While the wheel is swiftly spinning
Round it thus the flax is roll'd,
But moistened just at the beginning,
That more firmly it may hold.
See the wheel so swiftly spinning,
To thread the flax is thinning.
(NANCY _suddenly throws_ PLUNKET'S _wheel over and runs off stage
by back door_, PLUNKET _after her_.)
(LADY H. _turns to follow_ NANCY. _Speaks._)
LADY H. Nan--Betsy Ann! O stay with me! Heavens, she's left me!
LIO. Martha, why are you going? Are you afraid to stay alone with me?
LADY H. Afraid? Of you? Oh, no. (_Smiles, but still hesitates._)
LIO. (_aside_). How could I ever have spoken harshly to her?
LADY H. (_aside_). Where _has_ Nancy gone?
LIO. Martha, I will never again ask any toil of you, or any service
that you dislike. Martha, I never saw any one before that seemed
to me so pretty and so sweet! Are all girls as lovely as you?
LADY H. Don't you know?
LIO. I never noticed a girl before.
LADY H. (_archly_). Where have your eyes been?
LIO. Dreaming, I guess. I feel as if I had just awakened to all the
beauty and joy there is in the world!
LADY H. Alas! and I feel as if I have already learned how shallow
are all earthly joys! (_Pensively._)
LIO. Poor little maid! You have had too hard a life. Such service
has burdened you with care too soon. Here you will never again
have to labor beyond your strength. I would myself do all
disagreeable tasks rather than require them of you.
LADY H. Oh, I am a good-for-nothing. I never did a real day's work
in all my life.
LIO. You must not scold yourself. Martha is my servant now, and I
would not exchange her for a dozen others.
LADY H. But can you not see that I am not worth my salt? I shall
only be an expense to you. I cannot earn a shilling a week. See
my hands. (_Shows them._) Do they look like useful members?
LIO. (_takes them in his hands_). So white and soft! Surely never
servant before had such pretty fingers. Not a spot of toil!
LADY H. And so of course they are of no use to you, and you will
not keep me here any longer. You will let them go--this useless
pair of hands?
LIO. I cannot let them go!
LADY H. (_tries to withdraw her hands_). But if I work they will
become hard and stained. I have never been taught--
LIO. Never worked before? Then I will teach you and share your every
task. What _can_ you do?
LADY H. I can sing a little.
LIO. And you can smile. (_He looks at her; her eyes fall._)
LADY H. Sing and smile! A working maid must do something more than
that.
LIO. If you will stay with me here and smile and sing, you shall
see how pleasant you will find it. You shall have no rough
tasks. You shall have only kindness and happiness. You shall
be like a sister in this house. These little hands will dispense
blessing and peace. (_Kisses them._)
LADY H. (_draws her hands away and walks to the door. He follows._)
Is it thus that masters treat a servant? (_With dignity._)
LIO. Forgive me! I have forgotten everything. O, would that your
station were different--or mine!
LADY H. (_turns back_). My station?--(_recollects herself_). But I
am only a serving lass! (_She laughs and returns down stage._)
LIO. And so you must do what I bid you. I require of you a song.
LADY H. Oh, I am too shy to sing.
LIO. (_takes the flowers from her dress_). I'll exchange this nosegay
for a song. (_Music of "Last Rose of Summer" may be played
softly here._)
LADY H. Ah! you jest.
LIO. No, I command!
LADY H. (_coldly_). Command, sir?
LIO. Nay, I entreat (_kneels, laughingly_).
(LADY H. _takes one of the flowers he offers, and plays with it as
she sings_. _He puts the other flowers presently into the breast
of his coat._)
LADY H. Ah, your entreaty I cannot withstand. (_Sings._)
NO. 11.
LADY H. (_sings_). 'Tis the last rose of summer,
Left blooming alone;
All her lovely companions
Are faded and gone.
No flower of her kindred,
No rosebud is nigh,
To reflect back her blushes
Or give sigh for sigh.
I'll not leave thee, thou lone one,
To pine on the stem,
Since the lovely are faded,
Go sleep thou with them.
Thus kindly I'll scatter
Thy leaves o'er the bed,
Where thy mates of the garden
Lie scentless and dead.
(_Aside._) His eyes betray he loves me,
Spite my lowly seeming lot,
My rank I must remember,
Ah, would 'twere all forgot.
His heart is true and loyal,
Tie me her loves alone,
O, would I were the lowly maid
He longs to make his own.
LIO. All my proud rank forgetting
For the maid I love alone,
I'd lift her from her low estate,
And make her all my own.
LIO. (_speaks_). Martha!
LADY H. Master!
LIO. My heart can no longer be denied. I have loved you from
the first moment I saw you yonder at Richmond market. Martha
(_takes her hand again_).
LADY H. Ah, no, no! (_Turns her face away._)
LIO. Love at first sight! First love at first sight!
LADY H. No more, no more! Oh, be silent!
LIO. Martha, I shall never love woman but you. (_Puts his arm
around her._)
LADY H. (_tries to escape_). Oh, I must go, I must go! (_Pulls
away._)
LIO. Stay and hear me. Stay--and be my wife!--
LADY H. Oh, what is he saying?
LIO. See, I am at your feet--in earnest now! (_Kneels._)
LADY H. (_aside_). Oh, how can I elude him? (_Begins to laugh._)
Don't think me heartless, but really (_affectedly_) to see you
kneeling there is so funny!
LIO. But when we are married all difference of birth and station
will be wiped out; you will forget that you were once my
servant; you will have in me forever a slave!
LADY H. (_is touched, and then begins to laugh hysterically again_).
Ha! ha! ha! This is ridiculous! If you only knew how funny you
are!
(PLUNKET _runs on dragging_ NANCY. LIONEL _rises and_ LADY H.
_runs toward_ NANCY _whom_ PLUNKET _swings on to the stage_.)
PLUN. There, my girl! Don't you try that game again! Where do you
suppose she was? the vixen! In the kitchen, smashing dishes,
bottles, glasses, everything she could lay her hands on! She
made me look lively, too, before I caught her. My eye!
NAN. If you don't let me go, I'll scratch it out!
PLUN. (_releasing her_). Jupiter! I believe you would! She has
spirit. I confess I like to see it.
NAN. Martha, Martha, what are we going to do? (_Twelve o'clock
strikes slowly as they speak._)
PLUN. Pooh! What ails you now? My patience is worn out! Get to bed,
you idle baggage! You are a hard case, that's easy to see.
(_Quartet follows._)
LADY H., NAN., PLUN. _and_ LIO. Midnight chimes sound afar!
LIO. If the maid her love refuse me,
Yet I pledge my faithful heart,
In her glance faint hope is smiling,
Bringing comfort ere here we part.
NAN. Of our foolish prank I'm weary,
Tho' in play 'twas fain begun;
Yet our childish trick is working
Pain and sorrow to every one.
So good night!
PLUN. Now good night and sleep in quiet,
Tho' you're fractious I am kind,
Naughty girls to work must settle,
Learn to mind.
Now good night, good night.
LADY H. That to wound his heart I'm fated
Fills my heart with pity and pain,
Ah, our mad caprice is working
Pain and sorrow, all in vain.
LIO. Though her love she refuse me,
Yet I pledge my faithful heart,
So good night, good night!
(_Girls go out and close door, before orchestral ending. Then the men
retire after locking the outer door. Girls open their door again,
peep out, run back, and shut door, etc.; then come out again,
watching with finger on lips for interruptions. They speak._)
LADY H. Nancy!
NANCY. My lady.
LADY H. This is our chance.
NANCY. What shall we do?
LADY H. What do _you_ say?
NAN. Can we escape so--all alone?
LADY H. We are locked in, besides.
NAN. What an awful time we are having!
LADY H. Awful day--aw-ful-ler night--the day was bad, but this is
worse. We _are_ in a scrape!
NAN. Still--those fellows might be worse! (_Looks at_ LADY H.
_slyly_.)
LADY H. (_with dignity_). They are well meaning.
NAN. (_archly_). And polite.
LADY H. If the Queen should hear of it!
NAN. Good bye us!
(_A noise is heard outside at window._)
LADY H. (_grasps_ NANCY _and they run across stage to their door_).
What is it? O who is coming?
NAN. Steps--a voice--help is near!
TRISTAN (_outside whispers loudly_). Cousin, cousin!
LADY H. Tristan! O joy! O horrors!
NAN. What will he think?
LADY H. He will scold us--and we deserve it. But he will save us!
(TRISTAN _enters through the window which girls help him open_.)
TRIS. Yes, here I am, faithful still. Cousin. (_Looks around._)
What a vulgar habitation! That I should live to see you in a
place like this. (_Shudders._)
NAN. Hush! You'll wake everybody up.
LADY H. Don't stop to preach. Just go.
TRIS. I have a carriage at the corner. Come, make haste.
(_They tiptoe about and sing._)
NO. 12.
LADY H. _and_ NAN. Hasten then, to fortune trust our lot,
Fare thee well, thou humble cot.
'Tis our only chance to fly,
We'll not stop to say good bye.
TRIS. Let's be off now in a hurry,
For their anger we'll not worry,
'Tis your only chance to fly,
We'll not stop to say good bye.
(_As the curtain falls they have all three climbed out of window._)
_Curtain._
ACT FOUR.
(_A forest. A small inn at left._ PLUNKET _and several of his farm
hands discovered sitting at table_. PLUNKET _rises and sings his
song, the men joining in chorus_.)
NO. 13.
PLUN. Come, can you tell me, read me the riddle,
What to our lordly British name
Gives power and fame--Come, say?
Ha, 'tis old porter, brown and stout,
None that is like it round about,
The Briton's pride, he'll aye confide,
In porter's power, whatever betide.
Yes, hurrah, hurrah for old English ale,
The friend in need who can never fail,
Hurrah,--tra, la, la, la, la, la!
Listen my lads and tell me truly
What in our land you most do prize?
What's worth your eyes? Come, say?
Ho! 'tis your nut-brown foaming beer,
See how it heaps the beaker here--
The Briton's pride, he'll aye confide, in porter's power,
whatever betide.
CHO. Yes, hurrah! hurrah for the old English ale, etc.
(_At close of chorus after_ PLUNKET'S _song, horns are heard
outside,--the opening strains of the next number. When it stops,
at end of second brace, he speaks._)
PLUN. Aha! the hunt is up. They told me the Queen would hunt today.
ONE OF MEN. Yes, with all her ladies. No doubt the men-folk will
follow, too!
PLUN. Start along, you, then. I'll go in and pay the score.
(_Men leave stage_, PLUNKET _enters the inn_.)
(_As music begins again the court ladies run on in hunting costume.
They wear short walking skirts, caps and high boots, perhaps, and
all carry long spears._ NANCY _is with them_. _She carries a
whip instead of a spear, and wears a long riding habit draped
up over high boots._)
NO. 14.
CHORUS. All we ladies of the court
Are lovers of sport of every sort;
Every hunting cry we know,
As hark tally ho, view tally ho!
We can handle dart and bow,
O yes, we can dart after a beau;
We can shoot and ride and row,
Can play at ball, dance at them all;
With rings and things we prancing go,
Ho ho! and tally ho! we know,
And how to catch a beau!
(_Girls stroll about stage and sit at table._ NANCY _comes forward
alone_.)
NO. 15.
NAN. (_sings_). Gay of heart, I have not known how to weep,
How to be sorry and wan;
Vigil to keep.
Yet alas, sighs are my portion and pain,
Tears that flow ever in vain,
Hindering sleep.
There's a voice speaks in my heart night and day,
What is the word soft it would say?
Ah, voice of love so true and deep,
Ah, soul of faith my answer keep.
Memory still calls one face to my heart,
O light of my life forever thou art;
O voice of love so true and deep,
Face so dear, light of my heart
Forever thou art.
(_She turns to the others who gather round her._)
NAN. Hunters fair, now beware,
Lest you fall into a snare.
Haste away, don't delay,
Lest you lose your pretty prey.
Love's a sprite soon takes flight,
Chance and change are his delight;
Use your eyes, win the prize,
Ere too soon he flies.
Love's a hunter, too, they say,
Draws his bow, alackaday!
Hit, we're fain to bear the pain,
Flight is vain.
CHORUS. Yes, Cupid blind,
Thy darts are swifter far than wind.
(_At end of chorus_ PLUNKET _re-enters from the inn_.)
PLUNKET. Halloo! There seems to be good game afoot here. I'll see
if I have any luck at the chase myself! (_Walks towards the
ladies._)
NAN. (_looking around_). Where can Lady Harriet be? She seems to
avoid society more than ever. She is very unhappy, and has been
so ever since--(_addresses_ PLUNKET) My good man, can you tell
me--(_stops in agitation_)
PLUN. What, Betsy Ann! You? In these togs!
NAN. (_distantly_). Well, my good man, what is it?
PLUN. I am not your good man! But you are my bad maid! Just you
wait! I'll make you pay for all the trouble you've given me.
What are you doing here in this masquerade?
NAN. Are you crazy?
PLUN. No use to pretend! I know you. Come along home with me!
NAN. (_shrieks as he seizes her wrist_). Help! Help!
PLUN. What a wicked little hussy you are!
NAN. What an impudent big clodhopper you are!
(_The ladies turn back towards_ NANCY.)
NAN. Here is game for you, girls. Let's see how he will like your
spears!
(_Ladies surround_ PLUNKET _and threaten him_.)
CHORUS (_speaking all together_). We'll give him a taste of our
spear points! He won't bother her long! At him, now! There's
safety in numbers! (_Repeating._)
PLUN. Gently, gently--Hold on! This is turning the tables in good
earnest. Ouch!!! Those remarks are a little too pointed for me.
(_Dodges._) I never expected to see myself run from a woman, but
here goes! (_He runs off, the ladies after him, shouting
incoherently, as above._ NANCY _enters inn_.)
(_Enter_ LIONEL. _He looks more absent-minded and dreamy than ever.
He seems dejected and ill. Murmurs to himself._)
LIO. I will detach thee from thy frail trembling stem. O thou
lovely rose of summer, thou shalt lie upon my heart, forever
more! (_Takes withered flower from his breast and kisses it,
then looks around him._)
Where am I? I feel that I am near her. Martha, Martha! thou
star of my heart! I see her before me, with her beautiful pure
smile, radiant in youth and sweetness. O Martha, I feel thee
near! (_Sings._)
NO. 16.
LIO. O, when she rose fair on my sight,
Radiant, lovely, like dawning light,
Flow'd all my heart forth to her own,
Tribute to beauty bright.
Joy reviv'd and my thought
Sang like woodlands after rain,
Hope for me shone again,
Lighting all my hours of pain.
Gladness made all my heart
Bright as meadows pearl'd with dew,
For I dream'd love's sweet dream
Ever old, yet young like dawn
And ever new!
O, when she rose, fair on my sight, etc.
Martha, Martha, must I lose thee,
Life has naught can peace restore!
Thou, my comfort, peace and pleasure,
Reft of thy sweet looks I die!
(_At the close of his song_ LIONEL _goes to the back of stage and
stands alone_. SIR TRISTAN _and_ LADY HARRIET _enter_.)
TRIS. The ladies are all out of sight. Why did you leave their
company, fair cousin?
LADY H. (_pointedly_). Because I wished to be alone!
TRISTAN. To remain alone--with me?
LADY H. With you?--(_laughs a little_) Alone or with you--it's
quite the same thing!--I am low-spirited, that is what I mean.
I don't want to see anybody.
TRIS. What should make you so sad?
LADY H. I am sure I know no more than you about it. It is a mystery
even to myself.
TRIS. But to remain alone in this secluded spot--is it quite--er--you
know--
LADY H. But it is exactly what I want. Good bye!
TRIS. But I will soon return--soon--soon--(_looks back anxiously
as he goes_)
LADY H. Oh, it is so good to be alone, with only my sad memories
for company! But if _he_ were only here--this loneliness were
sweet.
LIO. (_wanders down stage and sees her_). Ah! that voice!
LADY H. Oh, heaven--what do I see?--
LIONEL. A lady?--
LADY H. He is here, then--even as I said!
LIO. 'Tis she--even as I said--Martha, Martha!
LADY H. O, what shall I do now? How shall I elude him?--
LIO. O, Martha, you have come back to me--O, thank heaven, thank
heaven! It is Martha, her very self--Martha, who ran away from
me!
LADY H. O, how can I bear it! what a tragedy is this! To
find--again--and to lose!
LIO. Before mine eyes beheld thee, my heart recognized thee--
LADY H. Recognized me? Surely you are mistaken, sir!
LIO. No! Every line of your face is graven on my heart. I cannot
be wrong. It is Martha's voice that I hear. There can be no
mistake.
LADY H. You are dreaming!
LIO. If this be a dream, O let me never awake from it! Ah, I
would dream thus forever. Disturb not so sweet a slumber!
LADY H. O go, I beg you go!
LIO. No, no. In my dream let me take your hand, as I did once--do
you remember? Let me kiss it--thus--to tell my love.
LADY H. I can no longer tolerate such gross impertinence. Will
you go, sir?
LIO. Wherefore this pretence? Why do you disown me?
LADY H. Hence, peasant clown--begone!
LIO. I, a peasant? I, your master? Patience is thrown away on you!
I have been too gentle. Now I _command_ you to come instantly
with me! (_Takes her arm._)
LADY H. Tristan--help, help!
(TRISTAN _comes hurrying in, afterward followed by the others_.)
TRIS. What has alarmed you? Speak!
LADY H. Help me--save me from that fellow!
TRIS. Who dares to--
LIO. My lord, this is my servant, and I have a right to take her
hence.
TRIS. Listen to the brazen impudence of the fellow! It is really
too horrid, don't you know? It fairly makes me shudder. The
most unheard of audacity--Come here--all of you. (_Summoning
the rest. They sing._)
NO. 17.
CHO. How audacious, rude and daring,
To insult a lady so,
'Tis a scandal past declaring,
Off to jail the clown must go.
LADY H. Ah, 'tis agony and rapture,
That he loves me is too true,
I'm consenting to his capture,
O my heart, what can I do?
CHO. Insolent beyond expression
Thus upon our sports to break,
For his terrible transgression
Signal vengeance let us take.
LIO. Ah, 'tis agony and rapture,
Thus once more her face to view,
She's consenting to my capture,
Break, then, heart, what else canst do?
(PLUNKET _enters at close of chorus and sees_ LIONEL _held by men_.
_Sings._)
PLUN. Hold! Pray tell me what this means?
LIO. Come, defend me!
(NANCY _enters from inn_.)
NAN. What's occur'd?
LIO. Betsy, too?
PLUN. Betsy, too.
NAN. Don't be afraid, my lady.
LIO. Lady? Now all is clear.
All her charm, her kindly manner
Were caprice and cruel sport
To amuse a lady's leisure hour--
O, just heaven, how harsh thou art.
LADY H. Pity for this fellow asking
His free pardon let me crave;
In his brain is madness masking,
That is why his fancies rave.
CHO. (_starting back_). Madness? Madness?
LIO. O, what falseness!
NAN. O, poor creature!
PLUN. List, I pray.
TRIS. No, no, away.
TRIS. (_speaks_). Arrest that madman!
PLUN. _and_ LIO. Arrest him? Arrest me? (_He is seized._)
LADY H. O, this is agony! (_Aside._)
NAN. O, this is too hard! (_Aside._)
LIO. But she agreed to it--she pledged herself.
LADY H. (_aside_ to LIONEL). In the name of pity, be silent!
LIO. She accepted the earnest money. She bound herself to serve me
for a year.
CHO. (_laughing and chattering suddenly_). How absurd! Ha! ha! ha!
It really is too funny! (_Repeating._)
LADY H. O, but let him be treated kindly. It is plain that the poor
man is distraught. He is out of his senses. He does not know
what he is saying.
LIO. O cruel, O false!
NAN. (_aside_). Poor fellow.
PLUN. (_to_ LIONEL). A word with you.
TRIS. Away, varlet! (_Trumpets are heard outside._) The Queen is
approaching!
LIO. The Queen! Ah! her coming brings me hope! (_Takes ring from his
finger and gives it to_ PLUNKET.) This is the ring which my
father left for me. He told you that if I ever should be in
trouble this ring must be presented to the Queen. She will
recognize it and will send me aid at once. Now is the hour
which my father foresaw--O, unhappy day! Now is the hour to
redeem the pledge he left with us, the pledge of his honor
and mine. (_Turns to_ LADY H. _and gazes at her longingly_.)
As for you, how shall I bear the memory of your treachery?
(_Sings._)
NO. 18. FINALE.
LIO. Heav'n forgive this cruel scorning,
All my anguish pardon you,
You, my life's one best beloved,
Teach me hearts can prove untrue.
LADY H. Heav'n forgive my faithless heart,
Forgive my scorning,
All his anguish pardon me.
LIO. Cruel girl, does it add to your joy
To wound the heart that loves you well?
My wild grief, my deep despairing,
Must my love and madness tell.
CHO. Just rebuke of his offences,
Shall not cause so much dismay.
Off to prison let's despatch him,
So our sport no longer delay.
LADY H. Ah, I wound a heart that loves me well.
(_Curtain falls as_ LIONEL _is led off under arrest, and_ LADY H.
_steps into a sedan chair which has been brought on. Tableau._)
ACT FIVE.
(_Curtain rises on Richmond fair scene, set as before. The courtiers,
all dressed as farmers and maid servants, are standing about._)
NO. 18a.
CHO. I can sew, sir, I can scrub, sir,
I'm a good one at a tub, sir,
Yes, to every sort of work
My hand I turn and never shirk, etc. (_as before_).
(LADY HARRIET, NANCY _and_ PLUNKET _enter and come down front while
chorus sings_. LIONEL _enters from the other side and wanders
about among the booths, not looking at anything or anyone,
wrapped in a deep reverie. He is plainly distraught, utterly
unbalanced by the sad experience he has had._ LADY H. _and_
NAN. _are in their hunting costumes_.)
PLUN. Poor Lionel! He seems quite lost to me! He avoids me, seeks
solitude, or if he does approach his fellow men he utterly
ignores their presence, as now.
NANCY. Does he seem to have no moments when he knows you?
PLUN. Not so far. Ever since the Queen recognized the ring I gave
her and restored him to his rightful place and name as Earl of
Derby he seems to think he is no more himself. All the past is
wiped away from his thought and he wanders about in a daze or
dream.
LADY H. And I am the one who is to blame!
PLUN. Yes--and no. Nancy here did by me much what you did by Lionel,
but it did not drive me crazy. So after all it is partly Lionel's
strange nature that is to blame. He was always a queer lad,
sensitive to a fault.
NAN. Did you really think I meant the girls to stick their spears
into you? I was furious with them!
LADY H. It was my hope that if Lionel found himself again in the
midst of this familiar scene where first we met he might
recognize me and come to himself again.
NANCY. But not when you are in those clothes. This is the costume you
wore when you were so cruel to him.
LADY H. That is true. I had forgotten, in my zeal to get all the
rest of them ready. But here he comes. O, Lionel, don't you
know me? (_He repulses her._)
NO. 19.
LIO. When I first that hand did claim,
Was I not repulsed with laughter?
Did that hand not heavy chains
Heap upon me, heedless after?
No, this hand which yesterday,
But yesterday did drive me forth,
Though today 'tis kind again
Ah, to me 'tis nothing worth!
LADY H. O, he is cruel!
LIO. Love is turned to hate!
I thought her sent by heav'n to bless,
To shed around her happiness;
What deep and glowing ecstasy
Filled all my heart
When first she smiled on me!
LADY H. Oh, can these eyes, grown dim with grief,
And wan with tears, seek to betray you?
Oh, doubt me not, for I am thine.
LIO. I ne'er again can call thee mine!
Dead for aye my trust in thee
Hateful art thou grown to me!
(LIONEL _rushes off the stage_. LADY H. _sinks weeping into the arms
of_ NANCY.)
PLUN. Courage, my lady! I see in this very frenzy a hopeful change.
His apathy and indifference were far worse. At least you waked
him up. Better luck next time.
NAN. Go, my lady, and come back again in the simple little dress
of Martha. When he sees you so it will call up the old memories
and then--if you sing to him--surely his strange hallucination
will not continue. (LADY H. _goes off_.)
PLUN. Poor lass, my heart aches for her--or it would, if it were
not so busy aching for itself.
NAN. Yes, it is hardest of all for you--you have loved Lord Lionel
so long.
PLUN. To tell the truth I was not thinking wholly of Lionel, either!
NAN. (_demurely_). You have troubles of your own?
PLUN. You know very well what I mean!--I shall be so lonely when he
leaves me to go and live on his grand estates.--Will you think
of me sometimes, Miss Nancy, sitting all alone in my poor
farmhouse?
NAN. Ye-es, perhaps--I don't know. I shall think how you sit and
si-i-igh--like that. (_Sighs in mock-serious fashion._) Ah-h-h!
PLUN. You needn't laugh. It is a serious matter. I am very much
to be pitied.
NAN. If you could only--(_hesitates_)
PLUN. What is she going to say now, the witch? (_Aside._)
NAN. If you could--couldn't you get some one to come and live with
you--a friend, perhaps--or even--a wife--now! Just let your
imagination work a little.
PLUN. That's so, I _might_ get somebody to marry me! That would
be a good idea. I have a pretty neighbor--a farmer's daughter--
NAN. O, indeed! A farmer's daughter? A good steady girl, I've no
doubt, who would always do exactly what you told her. That's an
excellent idea. Marry her by all means!
PLUN. Will you dance at the wedding?
NAN. Certainly--and who with a lighter heart? Remember to send me an
invitation.
PLUN. No, I won't, you little minx!
NAN. Won't invite me?
PLUN. Won't marry her.
NAN. Why not?
PLUN. I am not in love with her.
NAN. But you will find plenty of other handsome lasses.
PLUN. The more I search, the less I find.
NAN. O, indeed. How unfortunate--for the girls!
PLUN. None of them suit me. You see, I had a maid once--a little
serving maid--the gayest, prettiest creature--but she ran away
from me--
NAN. Perhaps you were not kind to her?
PLUN. Kind, I? I was kindness itself! I was _too_ kind! I _killed_
her with kindness!
NAN. Well, that's the trouble, then. A girl needs a good firm
upstanding sort of a way, to keep her in her place. Don't be
too easy,--take my advice. But tell me about your servant.
PLUN. O, I don't know as she was so much, after all. But I found
her amusing. She was a well-meaning sort of creature, and
rather good looking, but she couldn't do a thing! She could
not knit or spin, she could only laugh and joke.--But ignorant
as she was, she knew one thing.
NAN. What was that?
PLUN. How to make me miss her!
NAN. Perhaps she misses you!
PLUN. (_starts toward her_). Nancy--my little Betsy Ann!
NAN. And though she does not know the things you say, though she is
a poor silly creature who never did a useful thing in all her
life--could she not learn?
PLUN. Don't torment me, girl. Do you mean what you say?
NAN. (_laughing at him_). Certainly I mean it. What clever girl
could not learn those things--if she really--
PLUN. Really--what?--
NAN. O, if it were worth while!
PLUN. O Nancy, is it worth while?--But no, we must not think of
ourselves while Lionel is in such a state--my poor Lionel!
Until he is right again my home is his.
NAN. (_walking off a little stiffly_). O, keep your old home! Nobody
wants it!
PLUN. (_goes after her and speaks in her ear_). I mean to keep
it--and you!
NAN. If you can!
PLUN. I can. A voice whispers in my heart!
NAN. What is the voice that whispers in your heart?
PLUN. It is the voice of love.
(LADY H. _returns in peasant costume. She goes up to the groups of
farmers and begins to arrange them in the old order. Speaks._)
LADY H. Arrange everything just as it was before. Bring the big
chair for the sheriff. Don't look at Lionel. Pretend to be all
occupied with the business of the day.
NAN. (_looking off_). Here he comes, with his sad and gentle look.
Sing to him, my lady.
(_Music begins with_ NANCY'S _speech_. LADY H. _sings_.)
NO. 20.
LADY H. Now the April day returning
Girds the earth with living green;
As the moon shines clearer, fairer,
Spring's new loveliness is seen.
Laughing flowers that gem the meadows,
With the stars in beauty vie,
While the nightingale with singing,
Tells his love to earth and sky.
LIO. Heaven! Martha's singing!
LADY H. (_approaches him timidly_). See, 'tis Martha.
CHO. See, he knows her! Sadly, but mildly
Meets her glances
And our advances.
(LIONEL _moves about among the supposed servants in wonderment_.)
(NANCY _steps from among them_.)
NAN. Now hither troop both young and old
The village clock the hour has told!
I can darn, sir, I can sew, sir,
I can milk and I can mow, sir,
I can bake and mend and make,
And garden beds can hoe and rake.
CHO. Yes, I can clean, sir, I can scrub, sir,
I'm a good one at the tub, sir (_etc., as before_).
PLUN. (_to_ LIONEL). Come, this way,
We'll choose a servant;
Come with me.
LIO. (_passes his hand over his brow in bewilderment_).
O, what is it?
PLUN. Why, the servants
Who at Richmond market gather.
Come, then, choose which one you'd rather.
(_They approach_ LADY HARRIET _and_ NANCY. LIONEL _stands and
gazes at_ LADY H. _He speaks._)
LIO. (_perplexed_). Martha, Martha! Is it you? Tell me that this
is indeed you! Tell me that it is no dream. We are together
at last!
LADY H. Lionel, I am Martha, and your humble, loving servant. You
know what has come to you, fortune and a splendid name. But
before I knew of this, my heart repented. I was ready to go to
you in your prison and claim you as my love. Then you were set
free without my aid--O wretched, cruel girl that I was! Lionel,
I am fairly punished for my worldly pride, my cruel impulse.
But life is hard for girls. Think how they might all have scorned
me if I confessed to having been a servant! But now I care for
nothing--only you.
LIO. Let all the past be forgotten. Joy smiles at last. At last
my dreams have all come true.
PLUN. (_to_ NANCY). And what can you do, you useless bit of baggage?
NANCY (_hums_). I can cook, sir, I can bake, sir,--
PLUN. (_laughing_). You are jesting. You are my own little
good-for-nothing.
NAN. If my master is obstinate--I can bring him to reason.
PLUN. You will suit me, after all. You will make an excellent
farmer's wife. Come along.
NAN. There! (_She boxes his ear._) Take that as an earnest.
LADY H. _sings_.
NO. 21. FINALE.
LADY H. Now the April days returning
Gird the Spring in living green.
LIO. As the moon shines clearer, fairer,
Spring's new loveliness is seen.
LADY H. _and_ LIO. While the nightingale with singing,
Tells his love to earth and sky,
Sounds at last love's hour of promise,
Hour of hope and nuptial joy.
CHO. Sounds at last love's hour of promise,
Hour of hope and nuptial joy.
_Curtain._
END.
_LOVE'S SACRIFICE_
_A Pastoral Opera In One Act
For Mixed or Unchanged Voices_
_Libretto by DAVID STEVENS_
_Music by GEORGE W. CHADWICK_
_Time of Performance, Thirty Minutes_
PRICE $1.00
_"I have been over 'Love's Sacrifice' with much interest. It is a
truly beautiful work and I am prepared to believe that, as you said,
it was written under inspiration. It is Chadwick in a new vein, a
little grand opera, and, so far as I am aware, the first of its kind
in the country. Please congratulate Mr. Chadwick on the truly
inspirational quality of the work." From a leading American
Composer._
_C. C. BIRCHARD & COMPANY_
_BOSTON_
SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY MUSIC
H-High; G-Grammar; L-Lower
THE LAUREL OCTAVO (Sheet Music) G &--
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Lewis and Maxwell $0.35
JUNIOR LAUREL SONGS Armitage
_Students' Edition_ .55
_Special Edition_ .55
_Teachers' Edition_ 2.00
LAUREL MUSIC READER Tomlins G &--
_Students' Edition_ .60
_Regular Edition_ .70
_Teachers' Edition_ 2.00
LAUREL SONG BOOK Tomlins 1.00
LAUREL SONGS FOR GIRLS Armitage
_Students' Edition_ .80
_Teachers' Edition_ 2.00
LAUREL UNISON BOOK FOR BOYS Armitage
_Students' Edition_ .60
_Teachers' Edition_ 2.00
ONE HUNDRED FOLK SONGS Gilbert .60
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_Students' Edition_ .65
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_Piano Edition_ .50
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_Piano Edition_ .60
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MELILOTTE (Operetta) Stevens .60 L G &--
MOTHER GOOSE ARABESQUE (Cantata) Tukey L &--
_Vocal Edition_ .15
_Piano Edition_ .50
PEACE PIPE (Cantata) Converse 1.00
PIED PIPER (Operetta) Whiteley H &--
QUEEN OF THE GARDEN (Operetta) Bullard .60 L G &--
SPRING RAPTURE (Cantata)
_Vocal Edition_ Gaul .20 G &--
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School editions of Carmen, Tannhauser, Martha, Bohemian Girl, Aida,
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MASTER MUSICIAN SERIES Earhart and Birge .20
MASTERPIECES OF DRAMATIC MUSIC (Selections from Standard Operas)
C. C. BIRCHARD & COMPANY, Boston, Mass.
* * * * *
Transcriber's Notes:
Punctuation corrected without comment. Archaic spellings retained.
The "Page" numbers in the Table of Contents do not refer to actual
pages but rather lines of dialog.
In Advertisment on last page, the right side of page was cut off,
last letter not discernible, replaced with em-dash.
*** End of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "Martha - or, The Fair at Richmond" ***
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