SWANWHITE. A violet you gave me—that was you—your soul! And now I drink you in—you're in my bosom, in my heart—you're mine!
PRINCE. And you are mine! Who is the rightful owner, then?
SWANWHITE. Both!
PRINCE. Both! You and I!—My rose!
SWANWHITE. My violet!
PRINCE. My rose!
SWANWHITE. My violet!
PRINCE. Iloveyou!
SWANWHITE.Youloveme!
PRINCE. Youloveme!
SWANWHITE.Iloveyou!
The stage grows light again. The rose on the table recovers and opens. The faces of theSTEPMOTHERand the three maids are lighted up and appear beautiful, kind, and happy. TheSTEPMOTHERlifts up her drowsy head and, while her eyes remain closed, she seems to be watching the joy of the two young people with a sunny smile.
The stage grows light again. The rose on the table recovers and opens. The faces of theSTEPMOTHERand the three maids are lighted up and appear beautiful, kind, and happy. TheSTEPMOTHERlifts up her drowsy head and, while her eyes remain closed, she seems to be watching the joy of the two young people with a sunny smile.
SWANWHITE. Look, look! The cruel one is smiling as at some memory from childhood days. See how Signe the False seems faith and hope embodied, how the ugly Tova has grown beautiful, the little Elsa tall.
PRINCE. Our love has done it.
SWANWHITE. So that is love? Blessed be it by the Lord! The Lord Omnipotent who made the world!
[She falls on her knees, weeping.
[She falls on her knees, weeping.
PRINCE. You weep?
SWANWHITE. Because I am so full of joy.
PRINCE. Come to my arms and you will smile.
SWANWHITE. There I should die, I think.
PRINCE. Well, smile and die!
SWANWHITE. [Rising] So be it then!
[ThePRINCEtakes her in his arms.
[ThePRINCEtakes her in his arms.
STEPMOTHER. [Wakes up; on seeing thePRINCEandSWANWHITEtogether, she strikes the table with the whip] I must have slept!—Oho! So we have got that far!—The Blue Room did I say?—I meant the Blue Tower!—There the prince is to sleep with the Duke of Exeter's daughter!—Maids!
The maids wake up.
The maids wake up.
STEPMOTHER. Show the prince the shortest way to the Blue Tower. And should he nevertheless lose his way, you may summon the Castellan and the Gaoler, the Equerry and the Constable.
PRINCE. No need of that! Wherever leads my course—through fire or water, up above the clouds or down in the solid earth—there shall I meet my Swanwhite, for she is with me where I go. So now I go to meet her—in the tower! Can you beat that for witchcraft, witch?—Too hard, I think, for one who knows not love!
[He goes out followed by the maids.
[He goes out followed by the maids.
STEPMOTHER. [ToSWANWHITE] Not many words are needed—tell your wishes—but be brief!
SWANWHITE. My foremost, highest wish is for some water with which to lave my feet.
STEPMOTHER. Cold or warm?
SWANWHITE. Warm—if I may.
STEPMOTHER. What more?
SWANWHITE. A comb to ravel out my hair.
STEPMOTHER. Silver or gold?
SWANWHITE. Are you—are you kind?
STEPMOTHER. Silver or gold?
SWANWHITE. Wood or horn will do me well enough.
STEPMOTHER. What more?
SWANWHITE. A shift that's clean.
STEPMOTHER. Linen or silk?
SWANWHITE. Just linen.
STEPMOTHER. Good! So I have heard your wishes. Now listen to mine! I wish that you may have no water, be it warm or cold! I wish that you may have no comb, of any kind, not even of wood or horn—much less of gold or silver. That's how kind I am! I wish that you may wear no linen —but get you at once into the closet there to cover up your body with that dingy sark of homespun! Such is my word!—And if you try to leave these rooms—which you had better not, as there are traps and snares around—then you are doomed—or with my whip I'll mark your pretty face so that no prince or king will ever look at you again!—Then get yourself to bed!
She strikes the table with her whip again, rises and goes out through the middle arch of the doorway; the gates, which have gilded bars, squeak and rattle as she closes and locks them.
She strikes the table with her whip again, rises and goes out through the middle arch of the doorway; the gates, which have gilded bars, squeak and rattle as she closes and locks them.
Curtain.
The same scene as before, but the golden gates at the rear are shut. The peacock and the doves are sleeping. The golden clouds in the sky are as dull in colour as the sea itself and the land that appears in the far distance.SWANWHITEis lying on the bed; she has on a garment of black homespun.The doors to the three closets are open. In each doorway stands one of the maids, her eyes closed and in one of her hands a small lighted lamp of Roman pattern.A swan is seen flying above the rosery, and trumpet-calls are heard, like those made by flocks of migrating wild swans.TheMOTHER OF SWANWHITE,all in white, appears outside the gates. Over one arm she carries the plumage of a swan and on the other one a small harp of gold. She hangs the plumage on one of the gates, which opens of its own accord and then closes in the same way behind her.She enters the room and places the harp on the table. Then she looks around and becomes aware ofSWANWHITE.At once the harp begins to play. The lamps carried by the maids go out one by one, beginning with that farthest away. Then the three doors close one by one, beginning with the innermost.The golden clouds resume their former radiance.TheMOTHERlights one of the lamps on the stand and goes up to the bed, beside which she kneels.The harp continues to play during the ensuing episode.TheMOTHERrises, takesSWANWHITEin her arms, and places her, still sleeping, in a huge arm-chair. Then she kneels down and pulls offSWANWHITE'Sstockings. Having thrown these under the bed, she bends over her daughter's feet as if to moisten them with her tears. After a while she wipes them with a white linen cloth and covers them with kisses. Finally she puts a sandal on each foot which then appears shining white.Then theMOTHERrises to her feet again, takes out a comb of gold, and begins to combSWANWHITE'Shair. This finished, she carriesSWANWHITEback to the bed. Beside her she places a garment of white linen which she takes out of a bag.Having kissedSWANWHITEon the forehead, she prepares to leave. At that moment a white swan is seen to pass by outside, and one hears a trumpet-call like the one heard before. Shortly afterward theMOTHER OF THE PRINCE,also in white, enters through the gate, having first hung her swan plumage on it.
The same scene as before, but the golden gates at the rear are shut. The peacock and the doves are sleeping. The golden clouds in the sky are as dull in colour as the sea itself and the land that appears in the far distance.
SWANWHITEis lying on the bed; she has on a garment of black homespun.
The doors to the three closets are open. In each doorway stands one of the maids, her eyes closed and in one of her hands a small lighted lamp of Roman pattern.
A swan is seen flying above the rosery, and trumpet-calls are heard, like those made by flocks of migrating wild swans.
TheMOTHER OF SWANWHITE,all in white, appears outside the gates. Over one arm she carries the plumage of a swan and on the other one a small harp of gold. She hangs the plumage on one of the gates, which opens of its own accord and then closes in the same way behind her.
She enters the room and places the harp on the table. Then she looks around and becomes aware ofSWANWHITE.At once the harp begins to play. The lamps carried by the maids go out one by one, beginning with that farthest away. Then the three doors close one by one, beginning with the innermost.
The golden clouds resume their former radiance.
TheMOTHERlights one of the lamps on the stand and goes up to the bed, beside which she kneels.
The harp continues to play during the ensuing episode.
TheMOTHERrises, takesSWANWHITEin her arms, and places her, still sleeping, in a huge arm-chair. Then she kneels down and pulls offSWANWHITE'Sstockings. Having thrown these under the bed, she bends over her daughter's feet as if to moisten them with her tears. After a while she wipes them with a white linen cloth and covers them with kisses. Finally she puts a sandal on each foot which then appears shining white.
Then theMOTHERrises to her feet again, takes out a comb of gold, and begins to combSWANWHITE'Shair. This finished, she carriesSWANWHITEback to the bed. Beside her she places a garment of white linen which she takes out of a bag.
Having kissedSWANWHITEon the forehead, she prepares to leave. At that moment a white swan is seen to pass by outside, and one hears a trumpet-call like the one heard before. Shortly afterward theMOTHER OF THE PRINCE,also in white, enters through the gate, having first hung her swan plumage on it.
SWANWHITE'S MOTHER. Well met, my sister! How long before the cock will crow?
PRINCE'S MOTHER. Not very long. The dew is rising from the roses, the corn-crake's call is heard among the grass, the morning breeze is coming from the sea.
SWANWHITE'S MOTHER. Let us make haste with what we have on hand, my sister.
PRINCE'S MOTHER. You called me so that we might talk of our children.
SWANWHITE'S MOTHER. Once I was walking in a green field in the land that knows no sorrow. There I met you, whom I had always known, yet had not seen before. You were lamenting your poor boy's fate, left to himself here in the vale of sorrow. You opened up your heart to me, and my own thoughts, that dwell unwillingly below, were sent in search of my deserted daughter—destined to marry the young king, who is a cruel man, and evil.
PRINCE'S MOTHER. Then I spoke, while you listened: "May worth belong to worth; may love, the powerful, prevail; and let us join these lonely hearts, in order that they may console each other!"
SWANWHITE'S MOTHER. Since then heart has kissed heart and soul enfolded soul. May sorrow turn to joy, and may their youthful happiness bring cheer to all the earth!
PRINCE'S MOTHER. If it be granted by the powers on high!
SWANWHITE'S MOTHER. That must be tested by the fire of suffering.
PRINCE'S MOTHER. [Taking in her hand the helmet left behind by thePRINCE] May sorrow turn to joy—this very day, when he has mourned his mother one whole year!
She exchanges the black feathers on the helmet for white and red ones.
She exchanges the black feathers on the helmet for white and red ones.
SWANWHITE'S MOTHER. Your hand, my sister—let the test begin!
PRINCE'S MOTHER. Here is my hand, and with it goes my son's! Now we have pledged them——
SWANWHITE'S MOTHER. In decency and honour!
PRINCE'S MOTHER. I go to open up the tower. And let the young ones fold each other heart to heart.
SWANWHITE'S MOTHER. In decency and honour!
PRINCE'S MOTHER. And we shall meet again in those green fields where sorrow is not known.
SWANWHITE'S MOTHER. [Pointing toSWANWHITE] Listen! She dreams of him!—Oh foolish, cruel woman who thinks that lovers can be parted!—Now they are walking hand in hand within the land of dreams, 'neath whispering firs and singing lindens—They sport and laugh——
PRINCE'S MOTHER. Hush! Day is dawning—I can hear the robins calling, and see the stars withdrawing from the sky—Farewell, my sister!
[She goes out, taking her swan plumage with her.
[She goes out, taking her swan plumage with her.
SWANWHITE'S MOTHER. Farewell!
She passes her hand overSWANWHITEas if blessing her, then she takes her plumage and leaves, closing the gate after her.The clock on the table strikes three. The harp is silent for a moment; then it begins to play a new melody of even greater sweetness than before.SWANWHITEwakes up and looks around; listens to the harp; gets up from the bed; draws her hands through her hair; looks with pleasure at her own little feet, now spotlessly clean, and notices finally the while linen garment on the bed. She sits down at the table in the place she occupied during the evening. She acts as if she were looking at somebody sitting opposite her at the table, where thePRINCEwas seated the night before. She looks straight into his eyes, smiles a smile of recognition, and holds out one of her hands. Her lips move at times as if she were speaking, and then again she seems to be listening to an answer.She points meaningly to the white and red feathers on the helmet, and leans forward as if whispering. Then she puts her head back and breathes deeply as if to fill her nostrils with some fragrance. Having caught something in the air with one of her hands, she kisses the hand and then pretends to throw something back across the table. She picks up the quill and caresses it as if it were a bird; then she writes and pushes the parchment across the table. Her glances seem to follow "his" pen while the reply is being written, and at last she takes back the parchment, reads it, and hides it in her bosom.She strokes her black dress as if commenting on the sad change in her appearance. Whereupon she smiles at an inaudible answer, and finally bursts into hearty laughter.By gestures she indicates that her hair has been combed. Then she rises, goes a little distance away from the table, and turns around with a bashful expression to hold out one of her feet. In that attitude she stays for a moment while waiting for an answer. On hearing it she becomes embarrassed and hides her foot quickly under her dress.She goes to the chest and takes out the chess-board and the chess-men, which she places on the lions skin with a gesture of invitation. Then she lies down beside the board, arranges the men, and begins to play with an invisible partner.The harp is silent for a moment before it starts a new melody.The game of chess ends andSWANWHITEseems to be talking with her invisible partner. Suddenly she moves away as if he were coming too close to her. With a deprecating gesture she leaps lightly to her feet. Then she gazes long and reproachfully at him. At last she snatches up the white garment and hides herself behind the bed.At that moment thePRINCEappears outside the gates, which he vainly tries to open. Then he raises his eyes toward the sky with an expression of sorrow and despair.
She passes her hand overSWANWHITEas if blessing her, then she takes her plumage and leaves, closing the gate after her.
The clock on the table strikes three. The harp is silent for a moment; then it begins to play a new melody of even greater sweetness than before.SWANWHITEwakes up and looks around; listens to the harp; gets up from the bed; draws her hands through her hair; looks with pleasure at her own little feet, now spotlessly clean, and notices finally the while linen garment on the bed. She sits down at the table in the place she occupied during the evening. She acts as if she were looking at somebody sitting opposite her at the table, where thePRINCEwas seated the night before. She looks straight into his eyes, smiles a smile of recognition, and holds out one of her hands. Her lips move at times as if she were speaking, and then again she seems to be listening to an answer.
She points meaningly to the white and red feathers on the helmet, and leans forward as if whispering. Then she puts her head back and breathes deeply as if to fill her nostrils with some fragrance. Having caught something in the air with one of her hands, she kisses the hand and then pretends to throw something back across the table. She picks up the quill and caresses it as if it were a bird; then she writes and pushes the parchment across the table. Her glances seem to follow "his" pen while the reply is being written, and at last she takes back the parchment, reads it, and hides it in her bosom.
She strokes her black dress as if commenting on the sad change in her appearance. Whereupon she smiles at an inaudible answer, and finally bursts into hearty laughter.
By gestures she indicates that her hair has been combed. Then she rises, goes a little distance away from the table, and turns around with a bashful expression to hold out one of her feet. In that attitude she stays for a moment while waiting for an answer. On hearing it she becomes embarrassed and hides her foot quickly under her dress.
She goes to the chest and takes out the chess-board and the chess-men, which she places on the lions skin with a gesture of invitation. Then she lies down beside the board, arranges the men, and begins to play with an invisible partner.
The harp is silent for a moment before it starts a new melody.
The game of chess ends andSWANWHITEseems to be talking with her invisible partner. Suddenly she moves away as if he were coming too close to her. With a deprecating gesture she leaps lightly to her feet. Then she gazes long and reproachfully at him. At last she snatches up the white garment and hides herself behind the bed.
At that moment thePRINCEappears outside the gates, which he vainly tries to open. Then he raises his eyes toward the sky with an expression of sorrow and despair.
SWANWHITE. [Coming forward] Who comes with the morning wind?
PRINCE. Your heart's beloved, your prince, your all!
SWANWHITE. Whence do you come, my heart's beloved?
PRINCE. From dreamland; from the rosy hills that hide the dawn; from whispering firs and singing lindens.
SWANWHITE. What did you do in dreamland, beyond the hills of dawn, my heart's beloved?
PRINCE. I sported and laughed; I wrote her name; I sat upon the lion's skin and played at chess.
SWANWHITE. You sported and you played—with whom?
PRINCE. With Swanwhite.
SWANWHITE. It is he!—Be welcome to my castle, my table, and my arms!
PRINCE. Who opens up the golden gates?
SWANWHITE. Give me your hand!—It is as chilly as your heart is warm.
PRINCE. My body has been sleeping in the tower, while my soul was wandering in dreamland—In the tower it was cold and dark.
SWANWHITE. In my bosom will I warm your hand—I'll warm it by my glances, by my kisses!
PRINCE. Oh, let the brightness of your eyes be shed upon my darkness!
SWANWHITE. Are you in darkness?
PRINCE. Within the tower there was no light of sun or moon.
SWANWHITE. Rise up, O sun! Blow, southern wind! And let thy bosom gently heave, O sea!—Ye golden gates, do you believe that you can part two hearts, two hands, two lips—that can by nothing be divided?
PRINCE. Indeed, by nothing!
Two solid doors glide together in front of the gates so thatSWANWHITEand thePRINCEcan no longer see each other.
Two solid doors glide together in front of the gates so thatSWANWHITEand thePRINCEcan no longer see each other.
SWANWHITE. Alas! What was the word we spoke, who heard it, and who punished us?
PRINCE. I am not parted from you, my beloved, for still the sound of my voice can reach you. It goes through copper, steel, and stone to touch your ear in sweet caress. When in my thoughts you're in my arms. I kiss you in my dreams. For on this earth there is not anything that can part us. Swanwhite. Not anything!
PRINCE. I see you, though my eyes cannot behold you. I taste you, too, because with roses you are filling up my mouth——
SWANWHITE. But in my arms I want you!
PRINCE. I am there.
SWANWHITE. No! Against my heart I want to feel the beat of yours—Upon your arm I want to sleep—Oh, let us, let us, dearest God—oh, let us have each other!
The swallows chirp. A small white feather falls to the ground.SWANWHITEpicks it up and discovers it to be a key. With this she opens gates and doors. ThePRINCEcomes in.SWANWHITEleaps into his arms. He kisses her on the mouth.
The swallows chirp. A small white feather falls to the ground.SWANWHITEpicks it up and discovers it to be a key. With this she opens gates and doors. ThePRINCEcomes in.SWANWHITEleaps into his arms. He kisses her on the mouth.
SWANWHITE. You do not kiss me!
PRINCE. Yes, I do!
SWANWHITE. I do not feel your kisses!
PRINCE. Then you love me not!
SWANWHITE. Hold me fast!
PRINCE. So fast that life may part!
SWANWHITE. Oh, no, I breathe!
PRINCE. Give me your soul!
SWANWHITE. Here!—Give me yours!
PRINCE. It's here!—So I have yours, and you have mine!
SWANWHITE. I want mine back!
PRINCE. Mine, too, I want!
SWANWHITE. Then you must seek it!
PRINCE. Lost, both of us! For I am you, and you are me!
SWANWHITE. We two are one!
PRINCE. God, who is good, has heard your prayer! We have each other!
SWANWHITE. We have each other, yet I have you not. I cannot feel the pressure of your hand, your lip's caress—I cannot see your eyes, nor hear your voice—You are not here!
PRINCE. Yes, I am here!
SWANWHITE. Yes, here below. But up above, in dreamland, I would meet you.
PRINCE. Then let us fly upon the wings of sleep——
SWANWHITE. Close to your heart!
PRINCE. In my embrace!
SWANWHITE. Within your arms!
PRINCE. This is the promised bliss!
SWANWHITE. Eternal bliss, that has no flaw and knows no end!
PRINCE. No one can part us.
SWANWHITE. No one!
PRINCE. Are you my bride?
SWANWHITE. My bridegroom, you?
PRINCE. In dreamland—but not here!
SWANWHITE. Where are we?
PRINCE. Here below!
SWANWHITE. Here, where the sky is clouded, where the ocean roars, and where each night the earth sheds tears upon the grass while waiting for the dawn; where flies are killed by swallows, doves by hawks; where leaves must fall and turn to dust; where eyes must lose their light and hands their strength! Yes, here below!
PRINCE. Then let us fly!
SWANWHITE. Yes, let us fly!
TheGREEN GARDENERappears suddenly behind the table. All his clothes are green. He wears a peaked cap, a big apron, and knee-breeches. At his belt hang shears and a knife. He carries a small watering-can in one hand and is scattering seeds everywhere.
TheGREEN GARDENERappears suddenly behind the table. All his clothes are green. He wears a peaked cap, a big apron, and knee-breeches. At his belt hang shears and a knife. He carries a small watering-can in one hand and is scattering seeds everywhere.
PRINCE. Who are you?
GARDENER. I sow, I sow!
PRINCE. What do you sow?
GARDENER. Seeds, seeds, seeds.
PRINCE. What kind of seeds?
GARDENER. Annuals and biennials. One pulls this way, two pull that. When the bridal suit is on, the harmony is gone. One and one make one, but one and one make also three. One and one make two, but two make three. Then do you understand?
PRINCE. You mole, you earthworm, you who turn your forehead toward the ground and show the sky your back—what is there you can teach me?
GARDENER. That you are a mole and earthworm, too. And that because you turn your back on the earth, the earth will turn its back on you. [He disappears behind the table.
SWANWHITE. What was it? Who was he?
PRINCE. That was the green gardener.
SWANWHITE. Green, you say? Was he not blue?
PRINCE. No, he was green, my love.
SWANWHITE. How can you say what is not so?
PRINCE. My heart's beloved, I have not said a thing that was not so.
SWANWHITE. Alas, he does not speak the truth!
PRINCE. Whose voice is this? Not that of Swanwhite!
SWANWHITE. Who is this my eyes behold? Not my Prince, whose very name attracted me like music of the Neck, or song of mermaids heard among green waves—Who are you? You stranger with the evil eyes—and with grey hair!
PRINCE. You did not see it until now—my hair, that turned to grey within the tower, in a single night, when I was mourning for my Swanwhite, who is no longer here.
SWANWHITE. Yes, here is Swanwhite.
PRINCE. No, I see a black-clad maid, whose face is black——
SWANWHITE. Have you not seen before that I was clad in black? You do not love me, then!
PRINCE. You who are standing there, so grim and ugly—no!
SWANWHITE. Then you have spoken falsely.
PRINCE. No—for then another one was here! Now—you are filling up my mouth with noisome nettles.
SWANWHITE. Your violets smell of henbane now—faugh!
PRINCE. Thus I am punished for my treason to the king!
SWANWHITE. I wish that I had waited for your king!
PRINCE. Just wait, and he will come.
SWANWHITE. I will not wait, but go to meet him.
PRINCE. Then I will stay.
SWANWHITE. [Going toward the background] And this is love!
PRINCE. [Beside himself] Where is my Swanwhite? Where, where, where? The kindest, loveliest, most beautiful?
SWANWHITE. Seek her!
PRINCE. 'Twould not avail me here below.
SWANWHITE. Elsewhere then! [She goes out.
ThePRINCEis alone. He sits down at the table, covers his face with his hands, and weeps. A gust of wind passes through the room and sets draperies and curtains fluttering. A sound as of a sigh is heard from the strings of the harp. ThePRINCErises, goes to the bed, and stands there lost in contemplation of its pillow in which is a depression showingSWANWHITE'Shead in profile. He picks up the pillow and kisses it. A noise is heard outside. He seats himself at the table again.The doors of the closets fly open. The threeMAIDSbecome visible, all with darkened faces. TheSTEPMOTHERenters from the rear. Her face is also dark.
ThePRINCEis alone. He sits down at the table, covers his face with his hands, and weeps. A gust of wind passes through the room and sets draperies and curtains fluttering. A sound as of a sigh is heard from the strings of the harp. ThePRINCErises, goes to the bed, and stands there lost in contemplation of its pillow in which is a depression showingSWANWHITE'Shead in profile. He picks up the pillow and kisses it. A noise is heard outside. He seats himself at the table again.
The doors of the closets fly open. The threeMAIDSbecome visible, all with darkened faces. TheSTEPMOTHERenters from the rear. Her face is also dark.
STEPMOTHER. [In dulcet tones] Good morning, my dear Prince! How have you slept?
PRINCE. Where is Swanwhite?
STEPMOTHER. She has gone to marry her young king. Is there no thought of things like that in your own mind, my Prince?
PRINCE. I harbour but a single thought——
STEPMOTHER. Of little Swanwhite?
PRINCE. She is too young for me, you mean?
STEPMOTHER. Grey hairs and common sense belong together as a rule—I have a girl with common sense——
PRINCE. And I grey hairs?
STEPMOTHER. He knows it not, believes it not! Come, maids! Come, Signe, Elsa, Tova! Let's have a good laugh at the young suitor and his grey hairs!
TheMAIDSbegin to laugh. TheSTEPMOTHERjoins in.
TheMAIDSbegin to laugh. TheSTEPMOTHERjoins in.
PRINCE. Where is Swanwhite?
STEPMOTHER. Follow in her traces—here is one!
[She hands him a parchment covered with writing.
[She hands him a parchment covered with writing.
PRINCE. [Reading] And she wrote this?
STEPMOTHER. You know her hand—what has it written?
PRINCE. That she hates me, and loves another—that she has played with me; that she will throw my kisses to the wind, and to the swine my heart—To die is now my will! Now I am dead!
STEPMOTHER. A knight dies not because a wench has played with him. He shows himself a man and takes another.
PRINCE. Another? When there is only one?
STEPMOTHER. No, two, at least! My Magdalene possesses seven barrels full of gold.
PRINCE. Seven?
STEPMOTHER. And more. [Pause.
PRINCE. Where is Swanwhite?
STEPMOTHER. My Magdalene is skilled in many crafts——
PRINCE. Including witchcraft?
STEPMOTHER. She knows how to bewitch a princeling.
PRINCE. [Gazing at the parchment] And this was written by my Swanwhite?
STEPMOTHER. My Magdalene would never write like that.
PRINCE. And she is kind?
STEPMOTHER. Kindness itself! She does not play with sacred feelings, nor seek revenge for little wrongs, and she is faithful to the one she likes.
PRINCE. Then she must be beautiful.
STEPMOTHER. Not beautiful!
PRINCE. She is not kind then.—Tell me more of her!
STEPMOTHER. See for yourself.
PRINCE. Where?
STEPMOTHER. Here.
PRINCE. And this has Swanwhite written——?
STEPMOTHER. My Magdalene had written with more feeling
PRINCE. What would she have written?
STEPMOTHER. That——
PRINCE. Speak the word! Say "love," if you are able!
STEPMOTHER. Lub!
PRINCE. You cannot speak the word!
STEPMOTHER. Lud!
PRINCE. Oh, no!
STEPMOTHER. My Magdalene can speak it. May she come?
PRINCE. Yes, let her come.
STEPMOTHER. [Rising and speaking to theMAIDS] Blindfold the prince. Then in his arms we'll place a princess that is without a paragon in seven kingdoms.
SIGNEsteps forward and covers the eyes of thePrincewith a bandage.
SIGNEsteps forward and covers the eyes of thePrincewith a bandage.
STEPMOTHER. [Clapping her hands] Well—is she not coming?
The peacock makes a rattling noise with his bill; the doves begin to coo.
STEPMOTHER. What is the matter? Does my art desert me? Where is the bride?
FourMAIDSenter from the rear, carrying baskets of white and pink roses. Music is heard from above. TheMAIDSgo up to the bed and scatter roses over it.Then comeTWO KNIGHTSwith closed visors. They take thePRINCEbetween them toward the rear, where they meet theFALSE MAGDALENE,escorted by two ladies. The bride is deeply veiled.With a gesture of her hand theSTEPMOTHERbids all depart except the bridal couple. She herself leaves last of all, after she has closed the curtains and locked the gates.
FourMAIDSenter from the rear, carrying baskets of white and pink roses. Music is heard from above. TheMAIDSgo up to the bed and scatter roses over it.
Then comeTWO KNIGHTSwith closed visors. They take thePRINCEbetween them toward the rear, where they meet theFALSE MAGDALENE,escorted by two ladies. The bride is deeply veiled.
With a gesture of her hand theSTEPMOTHERbids all depart except the bridal couple. She herself leaves last of all, after she has closed the curtains and locked the gates.
PRINCE. Is this my bride?
FALSE MAGDALENE. Who is your bride?
PRINCE. I have forgot her name. Who is your bridegroom?
FALSE MAGDALENE. He whose name may not be mentioned.
PRINCE. Tell, if you can.
FALSE MAGDALENE. I can, but will not.
PRINCE. Tell, if you can!
FALSE MAGDALENE. Tell my name first!
PRINCE. It's seven barrels full of gold, and crooked back, and grim, and hare-lipped! What's my name? Tell, if you can!
FALSE MAGDALENE. Prince Greyhead!
PRINCE. You're right!
TheFALSE MAGDALENEthrows, off her veil, andSwanwhitestands revealed.
TheFALSE MAGDALENEthrows, off her veil, andSwanwhitestands revealed.
SWANWHITE. [Dressed in a white garment, with a wreath of roses on her hair] Who am I now?
PRINCE. You are a rose!
SWANWHITE. And you a violet!
PRINCE. [Taking off the bandage] You are Swanwhite!
SWANWHITE. And you—are——
PRINCE. Hush!
SWANWHITE. You're mine!
PRINCE. But you—you left me—left my kisses——
SWANWHITE. I have returned—because I love you!
PRINCE. And you wrote cruel words——
SWANWHITE. But cancelled them—because I love you.!
PRINCE. You told me I was false.
SWANWHITE. What matters it, when you are true—and when I love you?
PRINCE. You wished that you were going to the king.
SWANWHITE. But went to you instead, because I love you!
PRINCE. Now let me hear what you reproach me with.
SWANWHITE. I have forgotten it—because I love you!
PRINCE. But if you love me, then you are my bride.
SWANWHITE. I am!
PRINCE. Then may the heavens bestow their blessing on our union!
SWANWHITE. In dreamland!
PRINCE. With your head upon my arm!
ThePRINCEleadsSWANWHITEto the bed, in which he places his sword. Then she lies down on one side of the sword, and he on the other. The colour of the clouds changes to a rosy red. The rose-trees murmur. The harp plays softly and sweetly.
ThePRINCEleadsSWANWHITEto the bed, in which he places his sword. Then she lies down on one side of the sword, and he on the other. The colour of the clouds changes to a rosy red. The rose-trees murmur. The harp plays softly and sweetly.
PRINCE. Good night, my queen!
SWANWHITE. Good morning, O my soul's beloved!—I hear the beating of your heart—I hear it sigh like billowing waters, like swift-flying steeds, like wings of eagles—Give me your hand!
PRINCE. And yours!—Now we take wing——
STEPMOTHER. [Enters with theMAIDS,who carry torches; all four have become grey-haired] I have to see that my task is finished ere the duke returns. My daughter. Magdalene, is plighted to the prince—while Swanwhite lingers in the tower—[Goes to the bed] They sleep already in each other's arms—you bear me witness, maids!
TheMAIDSapproach the bed.
TheMAIDSapproach the bed.
STEPMOTHER. What do I see? Each one of you is grey-haired!
SIGNE. And so are you, Your Grace!
STEPMOTHER. Am I? Let me see!
ELSAholds a mirror in front of her.
ELSAholds a mirror in front of her.
STEPMOTHER. This is the work of evil powers!—And then, perhaps, the prince's hair is dark again?—Bring light this way!
TheMAIDShold their torches so that the light from them falls on the sleeping couple.
TheMAIDShold their torches so that the light from them falls on the sleeping couple.
STEPMOTHER. Such is the truth, indeed!—How beautiful they look!—But—the sword! Who placed it there—the sword that puts at naught their plighted troth?
She tries to take away the sword, but thePRINCEclings to it without being wakened.
She tries to take away the sword, but thePRINCEclings to it without being wakened.
SIGNE. Your Grace—here's deviltry abroad!
STEPMOTHER. What is it?
SIGNE. This is not Lady Magdalene.
STEPMOTHER. Who is it, then? My eyes need help.
SIGNE. 'Tis Lady Swanwhite.
STEPMOTHER. Swanwhite?—Can this be some delusion of the devil's making, or have I done what I least wished?
ThePRINCEturns his head in his sleep so that his lips meet those ofSWANWHITE.
ThePRINCEturns his head in his sleep so that his lips meet those ofSWANWHITE.
STEPMOTHER. [Touched by the beautiful sight] No sight more beautiful have I beheld!—Two roses brought together by the wind; two falling stars that join in downward flight—it is too beautiful!—Youth, beauty, innocence, and love! What memories, sweet memories—when I was living in my father's home—when I was loved byhim, the youth whom never I called mine—What did I say I was?
SIGNE. That you were loved by him, Your Grace.
STEPMOTHER. Then I did speak the mighty word. Be-loved—so he named me once—"beloved"—ere he started for the war—[Lost in thoughts] It was the last of him.—And so I had to take the one I couldn't bear.—My life is drawing to its close, and I must find my joy in happiness denied myself! I should rejoice—at others' happiness—Some kind of joy, at least—at other people's love—Some kind of love, at least—But there's my Magdalene? What joy for her? O, love omnipotent—eternally creative Lord—how you have rendered soft this lion heart! Where is my strength? Where is my hatred—my revenge? [She seats herself and looks long at the sleeping couple] A song runs through my mind, a song of love thathewas singing long ago, that final night— [She rises as if waking out of a dream and flies into a rage; her words come with a roar] Come hither, men! Here, Steward, Castellan, and Gaoler—all of you! [She snatches the sword out of the bed and throws it along the floor toward the rear] Come hither, men!
Noise is heard outside; the men enter as before.
Noise is heard outside; the men enter as before.
STEPMOTHER. Behold! The prince, the young king's vassal, has defiled his master's bride! You bear me witness to the shameful deed! Put chains and fetters on the traitor and send him to his rightful lord! But in the spiked cask put the hussy. [ThePRINCEandSWANWHITEwake up] Equerry! Gaoler! Seize the prince!
TheEQUERRYand theGAOLERlay hands on thePRINCE.
TheEQUERRYand theGAOLERlay hands on thePRINCE.
PRINCE. Where is my sword? I fight not against evil, but for innocence!
STEPMOTHER. Whose innocence?
PRINCE. My bride's.
STEPMOTHER. The hussy's innocence! Then prove it!
SWANWHITE. Oh, mother, mother!
The white swan flies by outside.
The white swan flies by outside.
STEPMOTHER. Maids, bring shears! I'll cut the harlot's hair!
SIGNEhands her a pair of shears.
SIGNEhands her a pair of shears.
STEPMOTHER. [Takes hold ofSWANWHITEby the hair and starts to cut it, but she cannot bring the blades of the shears together]Now I'll cut off your beauty and your love! [Suddenly she is seized with panic, which quickly spreads to the men and the threeMAIDS] Is the enemy upon us? Why are you trembling?
SIGNE. Your Grace, the dogs are barking, horses neighing—it means that visitors are near.
STEPMOTHER. Quick, to the bridges, all of you! Man the ramparts! Fall to with flame and water, sword and axe!
ThePRINCEandSWANWHITEare left alone.
ThePRINCEandSWANWHITEare left alone.
GARDENER. [Appears from behind the table; in one hand he carries a rope, theDUKE'Shorn in the other] Forgiveness for those who sin; for those who sorrow, consolation; and hope for those who are distressed!
SWANWHITE. My father's horn! Then help is near! But—the prince?
GARDENER. The prince will follow me. A secret passage, underground, leads to the shore. There lies his bark. The wind is favourable! Come!
[TheGARDENERand thePRINCEgo out.SWANWHITEalone, blows the horn. An answering signal is heard in the distance. TheGAOLERenters with the spiked cask.SWANWHITEblows the horn again. The answer is heard much nearer.TheDUKEenters. He andSWANWHITEare alone on the stage.
[TheGARDENERand thePRINCEgo out.SWANWHITEalone, blows the horn. An answering signal is heard in the distance. TheGAOLERenters with the spiked cask.SWANWHITEblows the horn again. The answer is heard much nearer.
TheDUKEenters. He andSWANWHITEare alone on the stage.
DUKE. My own beloved heart, what is at stake?
SWANWHITE. Your own child, father!—Look—the spiked cask over there!
DUKE. How has my child transgressed?
SWANWHITE. The prince's name I learned, by love instructed—spoke it—came to hold him very dear.
DUKE. That was no capital offence. What more?
SWANWHITE. At his side I slept, the sword between us——
DUKE. And still there was no capital offence, though I should hardly call it wise—And more?
SWANWHITE. No more!
DUKE. [To theGAOLER,pointing to the spiked cask] Away with it! [ToSWANWHITE] Well, child, where is the prince?
SWANWHITE. He's sailing homeward in his bark.
DUKE. Now, when the tide is battering the shore?—Alone? Swanwhite. Alone! What is to happen?
DUKE. The Lord alone can tell!
SWANWHITE. He's in danger?
DUKE. Who greatly dares has sometimes luck.
SWANWHITE. He ought to have!
DUKE. He will, if free from guilt!
SWANWHITE. He is! More than I am!
STEPMOTHER. [Entering] How came you here!
DUKE. A shortcut brought me—I could wish it had been shorter still.
STEPMOTHER. Had it been short enough, your child had never come to harm.
DUKE. What kind of harm?
STEPMOTHER. The one for which there is no cure.
DUKE. And you have proofs?
STEPMOTHER. I've valid witnesses.
DUKE. Then call my butler.
STEPMOTHER. He does not know.
DUKE. [Shaking his sword at her] Call my butler!
TheSTEPMOTHERtrembles. Then she claps her hands four times together.TheBUTLERenters.
TheSTEPMOTHERtrembles. Then she claps her hands four times together.
TheBUTLERenters.
DUKE. Have made a pie of venison, richly stuffed with onions, parsley, fennel, cabbage—and at once!
TheBUTLERsteals a sidelong glance at theSTEPMOTHER.
TheBUTLERsteals a sidelong glance at theSTEPMOTHER.
DUKE. What are you squinting at? Be quick!
TheBUTLERgoes out.
TheBUTLERgoes out.
DUKE. [To theSTEPMOTHER] Now call the master of my pleasure-garden.
STEPMOTHER. He does not know!
DUKE. And never will! But he must come! Call, quick!
TheSTEPMOTHERclaps her hands six times.TheFLOWER GARDENERenters.
TheSTEPMOTHERclaps her hands six times.
TheFLOWER GARDENERenters.
DUKE. Three lilies bring: one white, one red, one blue.
TheGARDENERlooks sideways at theSTEPMOTHER.
TheGARDENERlooks sideways at theSTEPMOTHER.
DUKE. Your head's at stake!
TheGARDENERgoes out.
TheGARDENERgoes out.
DUKE. Summon your witnesses!
TheSTEPMOTHERclaps her hands once.SIGNEenters.
TheSTEPMOTHERclaps her hands once.
SIGNEenters.
DUKE. Tell what you know—but choose your words! What have you seen?
SIGNE. I have seen Lady Swanwhite and the prince together in one bed.
DUKE. With sword between?
SIGNE. Without.
DUKE. I can't believe it!—Other witnesses?
TheTWO KNIGHTSenter.
TheTWO KNIGHTSenter.
DUKE. Were these the groomsmen?—Tell your tale.
FIRST KNIGHT. The Lady Magdalene I have escorted to her bridal couch.
SECOND KNIGHT. The Lady Magdalene I have escorted to her bridal couch.
DUKE. What's that? A trick, I trow—that caught the trickster!—Other witnesses?
ELSAenters.
ELSAenters.
DUKE. Tell what you know.
ELSA. I swear by God, our righteous judge, that I have seen the prince and Lady Swanwhite fully dressed and with a sword between them.
DUKE. One for, and one against—two not germane.—I leave it to the judgment of the Lord!—The flowers will speak for him.
ELSA. [Enters] My gracious master—noble lord!
DUKE. What do you know?
ELSA. I know my gracious mistress innocent.
DUKE. O, child—so you know that! Then teach us how to know it too.
ELSA. When I am saying only what is true——
DUKE. No one believes it! But when Signe tells untruth, we must believe!—And what does Swanwhite say herself? Her forehead's purity, her steady glance, her lips' sweet innocence—do they not speak aloud of slander? And "slander" is the verdict of a father's eye.—Well then—Almighty God on high shall give his judgment, so that human beings may believe!
TheFLOWER GARDENERenters carrying three lilies placed in three tall and narrow vases of glass. TheDUKEplaces the flowers in a semicircle on the table. TheBUTLERenters with a huge dish containing a steaming pie.
TheFLOWER GARDENERenters carrying three lilies placed in three tall and narrow vases of glass. TheDUKEplaces the flowers in a semicircle on the table. TheBUTLERenters with a huge dish containing a steaming pie.
DUKE. [Placing the dish within the semicircle formed by the three flowers] The white one stands for whom?
ALL. [ExceptSWANWHITE.and theSTEPMOTHER] For Swanwhite.
DUKE. The red one stands for whom?
ALL. [Asbefore] The prince.
DUKE. For whom the blue one?
ALL. [Asbefore] The youthful king.
DUKE. Well, Tova—child who still has faith in innocence because you too are innocent—interpret now for us the judgment of the Lord—tell us the gentle secrets of these flowers.
ELSA. The evil part I cannot utter.
DUKE. I will. What's good I'll leave for you.—As the steam from the blood of the prurient beast rises upward—as upward the smell of the passionate spices is mounting—what see you?
ELSA. [Gazing at the three lilies] The white one folds its blossom to protect itself against defilement. That is Swanwhite's flower.
ALL. Swanwhite is innocent.
ELSA. The red one, too—the prince's lily—closes its head—but the blue one, which stands for the king, flings wide its gorge to drink the lust-filled air.
DUKE. You've told it right! What more is there to see?
ELSA. I see the red flower bend its head in reverent love before the white one, while the blue one writhes with envious rage.
DUKE. You've spoken true!—For whom is Swanwhite then?
ELSA. For the prince, because more pure is his desire, and therefore stronger, too.
ALL. [ExceptSWANWHITEand theSTEPMOTHER] Swanwhite for the prince!
SWANWHITE. [Throwing herself into her father's arms] O, father!
DUKE. Call back the prince! Let every trump and bugle summon him. Hoist sail on every bark! But first of all—the spiked cask is for whom?
All remain silent.
All remain silent.
DUKE. Then I will say it: for the duchess; for the arch-liar and bawd!—Know, evil woman, that though nothing else be safe against your tricks, they cannot conquer love!—Go—quick—begone!
TheSTEPMOTHERmakes a gesture which for a moment seems to stun theDUKE.
TheSTEPMOTHERmakes a gesture which for a moment seems to stun theDUKE.
DUKE. [Draws his sword and turns the point of it toward theSTEPMOTHER,having first seatedSWANWHITEon his left shoulder] A-yi, you evil one! My pointed steel will outpoint all your tricks!
TheSTEPMOTHERwithdraws backward, dragging her legs behind her like a panther.
TheSTEPMOTHERwithdraws backward, dragging her legs behind her like a panther.
DUKE. Now for the prince!
TheSTEPMOTHERstops on the balcony, rigid as a statue. She opens her mouth as if she were pouring out venom.The peacock and the doves fall down dead. Then theSTEPMOTHERbegins to swell. Her clothes become inflated to such an extent that they hide her head and bust entirely. They seem to be flaming with a pattern of interwoven snakes and branches. The sun is beginning to rise outside. The ceiling sinks slowly into the room, while smoke and fire burst from the fireplace.
TheSTEPMOTHERstops on the balcony, rigid as a statue. She opens her mouth as if she were pouring out venom.
The peacock and the doves fall down dead. Then theSTEPMOTHERbegins to swell. Her clothes become inflated to such an extent that they hide her head and bust entirely. They seem to be flaming with a pattern of interwoven snakes and branches. The sun is beginning to rise outside. The ceiling sinks slowly into the room, while smoke and fire burst from the fireplace.
DUKE. [Raising the cross-shaped handle of his sword toward theSTEPMOTHER] Pray, people, pray to Christ, our Saviour!
ALL. Christ have mercy!
The ceiling resumes its ordinary place. The smoke and fire cease. A noise is heard outside, followed by the hum of many voices.
The ceiling resumes its ordinary place. The smoke and fire cease. A noise is heard outside, followed by the hum of many voices.
DUKE. What new event is this?
SWANWHITE. I know! I see!—I hear the water dripping from his hair; I hear the silence of his heart, the breath that comes no more—I see that he is dead!
DUKE. Where do you see—and whom?
SWANWHITE. Where?—But I see it!
DUKE. I see nothing.
SWANWHITE. As they must come, let them come quick!
Four little girls enter with baskets out of which they scatter white lilies and hemlock twigs over the floor. After them come four pages ringing silver bells of different pitch. Then comes a priest carrying a large crucifix. Then, the golden bier, with the body of thePRINCE,covered by a white sheet, on which rest white and pink roses. His hair is dark again. His face is youthful, rosy, and radiantly beautiful. There is a smile on his lips.The harp begins to play. The sun rises completely. The magic bubble around theSTEPMOTHERbursts, and she appears once more in her customary shape.The bier is placed in the middle of the floor, so that the rays of the rising sun fall on it.SWANWHITEthrows herself on her knees beside the bier and covers thePrince'sface with kisses.All present put their hands to their faces and weep.TheFISHERMANhas entered behind the bier.
Four little girls enter with baskets out of which they scatter white lilies and hemlock twigs over the floor. After them come four pages ringing silver bells of different pitch. Then comes a priest carrying a large crucifix. Then, the golden bier, with the body of thePRINCE,covered by a white sheet, on which rest white and pink roses. His hair is dark again. His face is youthful, rosy, and radiantly beautiful. There is a smile on his lips.
The harp begins to play. The sun rises completely. The magic bubble around theSTEPMOTHERbursts, and she appears once more in her customary shape.
The bier is placed in the middle of the floor, so that the rays of the rising sun fall on it.
SWANWHITEthrows herself on her knees beside the bier and covers thePrince'sface with kisses.
All present put their hands to their faces and weep.
TheFISHERMANhas entered behind the bier.
DUKE. The brief tale tell us, fisherman——
FISHERMAN. Does it not tell itself, my noble lord?—The young prince had already crossed the strait, when, seized by violent longing for his love, he started to swim back, in face of tide and wave and wind—because his bark seemed rudder-less.—I saw his young head breast the billows, I heard him cry her name—and then his corpse was gently dropped upon the white sand at my feet. His hair had turned to grey that night when he slept in the tower; sorrow and wrath had blanched his cheeks; his lips had lost their power of smiling.—Now, when death o'ertook him, beauty and youth came with it. Like wreaths his darkening locks fell round his rosy cheeks; he smiled—and see!—is smiling still. The people gathered on the shore, awed by the gentle spectacle—and man said unto man: lo, this is love!
SWANWHITE. [Lying down beside the body of thePRINCE] He's dead; his heart will sing no more; his eyes no longer will light up my life; his breath will shed its dew on me no more. He smiles, but not toward me—toward heaven he smiles. And on his journey I shall bear him company.
DUKE. Kiss not a dead man's lips—there's poison in them!
SWANWHITE. Sweet poison if it bring me death—that death in which I seek my life!
DUKE. They say, my child, the dead cannot gain union by willing it; and what was loved in life has little worth beyond.
SWANWHITE. And love? Should then its power not extend to the other side of death?
DUKE. Our wise men have denied it.
SWANWHITE. Then he must come to me—back to this earth. O gracious Lord, please let him out of heaven again!
DUKE. A foolish prayer!
SWANWHITE. I cannot pray—woe's me! The evil eye still rules this place.
DUKE. You're thinking of the monster which the sunbeams pricked. The stake for her—let her without delay be burned alive!
SWANWHITE. Burn her?—Alive?—Oh, no! Let her depart in peace!
DUKE. She must be burned alive! You, men, see that the pyre is raised close to the shore, and let the winds play with her ashes!
SWANWHITE. [On her knees before theDUKE] No, no—I pray you, though she was my executioner: have mercy on her!
STEPMOTHER. [Enters, changed, freed from the evil powers that have held her in their spell] Mercy! Who spoke the sacred word? Who poured her heart in prayer for me?
SWANWHITE. I did—your daughter—mother!
STEPMOTHER. O, God in heaven, she called me mother!—Who taught you that?
SWANWHITE. Love did!
STEPMOTHER. Then blessed be love which can work miracles like that!—But, child, then it must also have the power to make the dead return out of the darkling realms of death!—I cannot do it, having not received the grace of love. But you!
SWANWHITE. Poor me—what can I do?
STEPMOTHER. You can forgive, and you can love—Well, then, my little Lady Almighty, you can do anything!—Be taught by me who have no power at all. Go, cry the name of your beloved, and put your hand above his heart! Then, with the help of the Supreme One—calling none but Him for helper—your beloved will hear your voice—if you believe!
SWANWHITE. I do believe—I will it—and—I pray for it!
She goes up to thePRINCE,places one of her hands over his heart, and raises the other toward the sky. Then she bends down over him and whispers something into his ear. This she repeats three times in succession. At the third whisper thePRINCEwakes up.SWANWHITEthrows herself at his breast. All kneel in praise and thanksgiving. Music.