SCENE III.—Interior of a room in a Japanese hotel. TableC., with faded white chrysanthemum on it. Chair up stage,C.Open portmanteau,L.Coats, etc.,R. 1 E.ENTERMiss Prendergast.Miss P.I am afraid all these expeditions will be too much for the young people. I intend looking over my dear boy’s wardrobe—I mean his lordship’s wardrobe. (CrossesL.) Maitland is an excellent servant, but I feel anxious about socks. Dear, dear! how untidy this portmanteau looks! (Kneels down by one.) Ah, this is a sock; there is a hole. (Produces thimble, etc., draws chair toL.of table.) No wonder he has a cold. Dear me! I would not allow any one to know it for the world, but the memory of a dear little boy is kept warm in my heart. (Hands rest in lap.) What dear, coaxing ways he had—how I loved the touch of his arms! Well, they say the heart of a woman at sixty-nine is the same as that of a young girl. Not (works briskly) that I am sixty. Far, far from it! I feel quite positive that Cecil believes I made this journey, consented to it, merely for her sake, and I am glad she should believe I faced deadly perils in order to chaperone her.Dear me (hands drop, spectacles fall), it is just two years ago since that terrible time in London when I found that all my money was gone—lost in the failure of that wicked gold-mining company. I think with shudders of my vulgar landlady and the daywhen I had barely a shilling left. My mid-day repast was a morsel of bread, a little tea. I was wondering hopelessly—God forgive me!—what to do, where to go. Then, the sudden clamor in the house, the loud voices (rises), Arthur, his lordship, burst into my room. He was excited. He caught hold of me and hugged me tight, and said, “You wicked old woman, G—” (they have always called me G—since the time Cecil was so naughty over that letter in the pictorial alphabet. G. stands for Grannie, and also for goose.) He said, “Go upstairs and put on your cap or your hat and come away with me. Maitland can pack your fal-lals. Cecil is waiting, so you must hurry.” I am afraid—well, yes, I certainly cried a little. (Wipes eyes with socks). Then he pushed me out of the room, and I heard him talking to the landlady in a very loud voice; she was trembling afterward. I was so upset that, after all, I carried my bonnet downstairs and he put it on with his own dear hands, and hugged me again. We drove off at once to their London house, and what a happy home they have made it!They will not hear of my leaving them, though things are not so bad as I feared. Some of my money was saved, so that I am not entirely dependent on my dear boy’s bounty. Then I knit all his socks, the best silk, and he assures me that I save him pounds; he had always paid 18s. a pair in Regent Street. Iniquitous robbery!I do not think I should really mind if I had not a farthing, for the little one I loved has grown into such a real nobleman. (Wipes eyes with socks.)ENTERCecilR.Cecil.Sentimentalizing over Arthur’s socks?Miss P.(starting and jumping up).I deplore these abrupt entrances—a—(agitatedly.) Is Arthur, is his lordship there?Cecil.His lordship is tearing along in a rickshaw, but her ladyship (curtsies), finding the heat oppressive, has returned to the hotel and the society of her beloved G.Miss P.(sinking back).Really, Cecil——Cecil(coming behind chair).My language was sufficiently correct to please even you. What are you doing in this untidy boy’s room? I suppose, like me, he has nowhere to keep his things, only a chair and a table obligingly supplied by the Police Station. (ComingR.of table.) Now, what is he doing with a dead chrysanthemum? Look at the stalk of it. Did you give it to him, G., dear? (Miss P.examines through glasses.) If you are engaged in a general tidying-up, I think this might bethrown away. (Drops flower in front of table.Miss P.picks it up.)Miss P.I was merely doing some—Why, dear me, I have no silk in my needle! (Holds up sock.)Cecil(coming in front of table and laughingly snatching sock).Just as I said, sentimentalizing over Arthur’s socks, the dear boy! (Miss P.recovers sock, continues working.) You see, he did not receive us with vials of wrath. I like the Princess Kiku, don’t you?Miss P.She has pretty, caressing manners, but their incessant bows and elaborate politeness try me.Cecil.I should have thought you would have revelled in it. However, here we are, but Arthur is no nearer finding the shipwrecked baby. Why can’t the foolish boy enjoy the money? He now intends to lay the whole thing before the Emperor, and he’ll send a—what do you call it—an edict or something through the land, and all the lost infants will assemble here. Won’t it be fun? Why, though, G. dear, how stupid of me! She won’t be a baby now. She will be as old as I am, twenty-three.Miss P.(precisely).An exact definition of age is unnecessary in a woman; it is sufficient for you to assert that you are of age, or that you have reached years of discretion—a little more reserve is advisable.Cecil.With you, G.? Why, you came to us when Arthur was only four, and he is five years older than I am, that——Miss P.(hastily).Cecil, my dear, I have dropped my needle.Cecil.It is sticking aggressively in that sock. I am jealous. Arthur has his man, and I have no maid; you don’t trouble about my wardrobe.Miss P.A woman should be at home with her needle. Ar—his lordship cannot darn socks, and though Maitland is as handy as all old soldiers, I could not trust him with silk ones.Cecil.Nobody knits me anything, I—am only a girl. (TurnsL.) G., dear, I smell (Miss P.starts)—I smell a whiff of real English tobacco; his lordship, having wearied of running coolies off their legs, has returned. You will be caught—G., dear, you will be caught—you will be caught! (Miss P.hurries across stage, dropping sock, etc.)[EXITL.Cecillaughs, and turns to follow as curtain falls.CURTAIN.
SCENE III.—Interior of a room in a Japanese hotel. TableC., with faded white chrysanthemum on it. Chair up stage,C.Open portmanteau,L.Coats, etc.,R. 1 E.
ENTERMiss Prendergast.
Miss P.I am afraid all these expeditions will be too much for the young people. I intend looking over my dear boy’s wardrobe—I mean his lordship’s wardrobe. (CrossesL.) Maitland is an excellent servant, but I feel anxious about socks. Dear, dear! how untidy this portmanteau looks! (Kneels down by one.) Ah, this is a sock; there is a hole. (Produces thimble, etc., draws chair toL.of table.) No wonder he has a cold. Dear me! I would not allow any one to know it for the world, but the memory of a dear little boy is kept warm in my heart. (Hands rest in lap.) What dear, coaxing ways he had—how I loved the touch of his arms! Well, they say the heart of a woman at sixty-nine is the same as that of a young girl. Not (works briskly) that I am sixty. Far, far from it! I feel quite positive that Cecil believes I made this journey, consented to it, merely for her sake, and I am glad she should believe I faced deadly perils in order to chaperone her.
Dear me (hands drop, spectacles fall), it is just two years ago since that terrible time in London when I found that all my money was gone—lost in the failure of that wicked gold-mining company. I think with shudders of my vulgar landlady and the daywhen I had barely a shilling left. My mid-day repast was a morsel of bread, a little tea. I was wondering hopelessly—God forgive me!—what to do, where to go. Then, the sudden clamor in the house, the loud voices (rises), Arthur, his lordship, burst into my room. He was excited. He caught hold of me and hugged me tight, and said, “You wicked old woman, G—” (they have always called me G—since the time Cecil was so naughty over that letter in the pictorial alphabet. G. stands for Grannie, and also for goose.) He said, “Go upstairs and put on your cap or your hat and come away with me. Maitland can pack your fal-lals. Cecil is waiting, so you must hurry.” I am afraid—well, yes, I certainly cried a little. (Wipes eyes with socks). Then he pushed me out of the room, and I heard him talking to the landlady in a very loud voice; she was trembling afterward. I was so upset that, after all, I carried my bonnet downstairs and he put it on with his own dear hands, and hugged me again. We drove off at once to their London house, and what a happy home they have made it!
They will not hear of my leaving them, though things are not so bad as I feared. Some of my money was saved, so that I am not entirely dependent on my dear boy’s bounty. Then I knit all his socks, the best silk, and he assures me that I save him pounds; he had always paid 18s. a pair in Regent Street. Iniquitous robbery!
I do not think I should really mind if I had not a farthing, for the little one I loved has grown into such a real nobleman. (Wipes eyes with socks.)
ENTERCecilR.
Cecil.Sentimentalizing over Arthur’s socks?
Miss P.(starting and jumping up).I deplore these abrupt entrances—a—(agitatedly.) Is Arthur, is his lordship there?
Cecil.His lordship is tearing along in a rickshaw, but her ladyship (curtsies), finding the heat oppressive, has returned to the hotel and the society of her beloved G.
Miss P.(sinking back).Really, Cecil——
Cecil(coming behind chair).My language was sufficiently correct to please even you. What are you doing in this untidy boy’s room? I suppose, like me, he has nowhere to keep his things, only a chair and a table obligingly supplied by the Police Station. (ComingR.of table.) Now, what is he doing with a dead chrysanthemum? Look at the stalk of it. Did you give it to him, G., dear? (Miss P.examines through glasses.) If you are engaged in a general tidying-up, I think this might bethrown away. (Drops flower in front of table.Miss P.picks it up.)
Miss P.I was merely doing some—Why, dear me, I have no silk in my needle! (Holds up sock.)
Cecil(coming in front of table and laughingly snatching sock).Just as I said, sentimentalizing over Arthur’s socks, the dear boy! (Miss P.recovers sock, continues working.) You see, he did not receive us with vials of wrath. I like the Princess Kiku, don’t you?
Miss P.She has pretty, caressing manners, but their incessant bows and elaborate politeness try me.
Cecil.I should have thought you would have revelled in it. However, here we are, but Arthur is no nearer finding the shipwrecked baby. Why can’t the foolish boy enjoy the money? He now intends to lay the whole thing before the Emperor, and he’ll send a—what do you call it—an edict or something through the land, and all the lost infants will assemble here. Won’t it be fun? Why, though, G. dear, how stupid of me! She won’t be a baby now. She will be as old as I am, twenty-three.
Miss P.(precisely).An exact definition of age is unnecessary in a woman; it is sufficient for you to assert that you are of age, or that you have reached years of discretion—a little more reserve is advisable.
Cecil.With you, G.? Why, you came to us when Arthur was only four, and he is five years older than I am, that——
Miss P.(hastily).Cecil, my dear, I have dropped my needle.
Cecil.It is sticking aggressively in that sock. I am jealous. Arthur has his man, and I have no maid; you don’t trouble about my wardrobe.
Miss P.A woman should be at home with her needle. Ar—his lordship cannot darn socks, and though Maitland is as handy as all old soldiers, I could not trust him with silk ones.
Cecil.Nobody knits me anything, I—am only a girl. (TurnsL.) G., dear, I smell (Miss P.starts)—I smell a whiff of real English tobacco; his lordship, having wearied of running coolies off their legs, has returned. You will be caught—G., dear, you will be caught—you will be caught! (Miss P.hurries across stage, dropping sock, etc.)
[EXITL.Cecillaughs, and turns to follow as curtain falls.
CURTAIN.
SCENE IV.—A room in the house ofSakara, who is seatedC.by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roofC.,R. 1 E.andL. 1 E.The room is made with plain screens.ItostandsR., down stage.Sakara.See, little Ito, there are books for excellent play-acting. (Itobows.) Are they not joy to eager eyes? See, here are coins, honorable coins. Place safely in girdle, O little Ito! (Child bows again before taking money.) No words, O grave and wise?Ito.The police with ropes in pockets go from dwelling to dwelling asking for blind boys.Sakara(scornfully).Afraid of the police?See, here is sacred charm; place also in girdle, O little Ito. (Child examines and bows.) Fear nothing, the gods protect. (Draws child beside her.) I see there are words in thy throat.Ito.Honorable lady in the garden was beautiful as a flower. (Looks up.) Why did she not love excellent play-acting, and I the best play-actor among children in many honorable dwellings?Sakara.Who said, O little Ito, venerated Lady did not like?Ito.The police. I fear not till lanterns are lit, and night-devils and evil spirits walk. I called out in honorable sleep; the kind mother heard. (Places book under arm.) If police put a rope round me I will say it was play-acting of Sakara, the wise lady.Sakara.Truly, the dog bites the hand that caresses it!Ito.Honorable meaning I do not understand. Play-acting of doctor or funeral exalted lady would have liked.Sakara.Fear not, O little Ito; all good comes to the friends of Sakara! Keep close mouth (child starts)lest.... Here hangs honorable sword, fear nothing, O little Ito (child draws nearer), the words on excellent blade, “There’s naught ’twixt heaven and earth a man need fear who carries this single blade!” Soon, O little Ito, manhood will come, strong, powerful manhood, and Sakara will fasten this sword herself to girdle of wise Ito.Ito.August lady is most honorably kind to little Ito; those in prison may not wear worthy swords! Will excellent charm keep away night-devils?Sakara.None can come. Have no fear, O Ito, and remember the words of Sakara—the mouth is the door of mischief. Keep close lips; excellent happiness will then come. Take honorable leave-taking, O wise Ito. I hear footsteps.Ito(bowing deeply, takingSakara’shand to his forehead).I thank thee, O most exalted and wise, for books and money. Honored words my foolish mind will keep, but I fear greatly night-devils.[EXITL.Sakara.It is the foot of O Mimosa San!ENTERMimosaR., carrying presents. Bows in doorway.Mimosa.O most exalted Sakara, I come with honorable presents in humble hands. Deign to accept, O most powerful. Tell me of noble health since last I worshipped thy eyebrow. (Sakarasits motionless.Mimosabowing.) I regret humble and unworthy feet should soil venerated chamber, and that one so poor, so foolishly weak, should cross excellent threshold! (Stands motionless.)Mimosa(hesitates, then bows, speaking louder).I come, O great and wise, after exalted custom of noble land with presents in humble hands, pleasant words on foolish tongue.Sakara(bows once).It has been said, O Mimosa San, that the mouth is the door of mischief. I have deep thoughts. I return honorable greeting. Deign to sit.Mimosa(bowing).Condescend to accept humble offering to great wisdom!Sakara.Wisdom—you love the folly of the Palace! He who touches vermilion becomes red. It is only the gravely thoughtful who pray the aid of Sakara.Mimosa.Am I, then, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, that you receive honorable greeting and poor unworthy presents with little excellent courtesy? I will leave offerings at exalted feet, and take away the burden of letting venerated eyes rest upon Mimosa! (Aside.) O Shinto, grant wisdom; to show eagerness is loss!Sakara.Nay, O Mimosa San, rest on humble floor; they shall lay honorable tea before you. What can the ignorance of Sakara do? Forgive seeming discourtesy. (Bows.) I twanged my bow on the box here, talking to spirits of the most exalted dead (Mimosashrinks) as to the evil coming to beautiful, beloved Japan.Mimosa.Will there be trembling of the catfish? Will honorable dwellings fall?Sakara(scornfully).Earthquake? or swift-moving fire? The humble servants of the great ones. That is nothing.Mimosa(rising).My excellent brother travels to the Shrine of Ise—could he bring thee charms? and let honorable prayers avert evil days?Sakara(rising).O Mimosa San, there is no escape from the nets of Heaven.Mimosa(tremblingly moves towardR.).Honorable leave-taking! Will most gracious favor chrysanthemum-viewing at the Palace with exalted presence?Sakara.My feet turn not again to the Palace; the absent get farther off every day!... Honorable minds (scornfully) will soon forget Sakara, who will sit (seats herselfC., draws bow along box) and commune with the spirits who protect Japan—exalted, powerful gods!Mimosa(advancing).I came with honorable presents in my hand——Sakara.Hai—you would give honey to eat!Mimosa(drawing nearer, though avoiding box).Nay, the small fox may borrow strength and wisdom from the powerful tiger. I came to sit humbly at thy feet——Sakara(twanging bow, laughs).Would foolish fox enter the tiger’s den? (Mimosashrinks.) After the swallowing, scalding is forgotten. (Turns toMimosa, who struggles to appear brave.) What think you, O Mimosa San, of poor, unworthy dwelling of the wise woman? Ignorantly speaking of bringing charms to one who makes charms—charms of long life, happiness, love, lasting beauty!Mimosa.I rob you, O Sakara, of honorable time. I——Sakara(beckonsMimosaC.).Stay, O Mimosa, foolish Mimosa. You came to learn wisdom sitting at the foot of Sakara. Condescend to remain. O Mimosa San, if you would be wise, honorably exalted, all good shall come from the doing of one little thing——Mimosa.Deign to name the very little thing, O most honorable?Sakara.A very little thing! Condescend to sit, O Mimosa. First with honorable kindness answer, have your eyes seen excellent venerated lotus-flower in the mud?Mimosa(with astonishment).Never, O Sakara; the sacred flower?Sakara(speaking impressively).Do my bidding and you shall never be trampled like a dead, forgotten flower. Neither shall you grow old, and love will never leave you! Death by drowning, or long, pain-giving illness shall not be yours. At a venerated age you shall fall asleep in the embracing arms of the gods. I know, O Mimosa San, that the most worshipful Toko has fastened the sprig of lime to thy father’s door and woos thee; the gods, the all-powerful, shall smile upon him also. (Rises slowly.) The terrible destroying earthquake, the swift-movingfire shall never touch you! Your joys shall last like the pine trees. You shall remain beautiful as the cherry blossom and as spotless. (Stands with folded arms looking atMimosa.)Mimosa.What can I all unworthy do to gain exalted happiness?Sakara(walking forward, keeping face fromMimosa).It is a very little thing, O Mimosa. You have come with courteous words to Sakara. Thy heart is not all folly, for the magnet can attract iron, but not stone. Do as I bid, beloved Japan shall venerate thee. Be honorable friend of wise, powerful Sakara, and you shall be protected by exalted gods, and the name of O Mimosa San shalllivewhen all else perishes. (CrossesR.)Mimosa(follows, bowing).Tell me, venerated will. Great is the good you promise, O powerful Sakara, when I do thy bidding. (Kneels.) Hear one humble little prayer.Sakara(turning, seizesMimosa’shands).Bring for one little day the charm of life from the Princess Kiku’s girdle.Mimosa.I to bring the charm of life from august Princess’s girdle?Sakara(dropsMimosa’shand, speaking quietly).Deign to see it is a very little thing.Mimosa.Verily, you hide the sword with a smile. What would you with venerated charm? Nay (Sakaraprepares to speak), nay, purse lips now, for you have spoken loud. (Lowering voice.) Hold the powerful charm, and exalted lady’s life is yours.Sakara(placidly).Fallen blossom does not return to the twig. All powerful Son of Heaven will forget her foolish fancies, and in beloved Japan all will excellently remain as it did in the days of honorable fathers—and—Mimosa——Mimosa(kneeling).Condescend to kill me, and spare her!Sakara.Never!Mimosa.Then the gods will shield, O most wicked! (Sakaralistens with amazement.) Mimosa will walk barefoot to every shrine. She will not do your bidding. (Sakarafolds arms.) Nay, I fear not. Prophets know nothing of themselves. Is there no one who would work you evil? no god whom you have angered?Sakara(raising hand).Peace, O most foolish. I am Sakara the wise. In my own house evil words? (Stands overMimosa.) Would the evil curse light on you, too? Thy mistress sent thee with tears and humble prayers. (Contemptuously.) As well cut a stick after the fight. Listen, O Mimosa! I, Sakara, speak these words. The curse of her fathers, the fathers of Japan, rests upon her. Those she loves(Mimosathrows out arms) shall wither, those she touches shall fail—when she wishes good evil shall come! I, Sakara——Mimosa(passionately).She shall not hear evil words. I shall not repeat.Sakara(contemptuously).Hearken, O very foolish little one—while you speak here her eyesreadthe words—the curse I have spoken. (Mimosacries out.) The all-powerful spirits commanded their willing servant Sakara to honorably write. Fear-giving wordswerewritten, carried by excellently swift messenger!Thou, (pointing),thoushalt see her fade and die—thou, thyself.Mimosa.See, I hold between me and thee my girdle of charms. I fear thee not. The gods will judge.Sakara(scornfully).Judge forthee?Mimosa.I will not buy happiness at the cost of another’s. Nay (Sakarasteps toward her) thou shalt not touch me or my charms! I am Mimosa, the swift-footed. (Springs back to doorR.) Remember, O most wise, wicked one (stands with outstretched hand), he who curses must look out for two graves!CURTAIN.
SCENE IV.—A room in the house ofSakara, who is seatedC.by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roofC.,R. 1 E.andL. 1 E.The room is made with plain screens.ItostandsR., down stage.
Sakara.See, little Ito, there are books for excellent play-acting. (Itobows.) Are they not joy to eager eyes? See, here are coins, honorable coins. Place safely in girdle, O little Ito! (Child bows again before taking money.) No words, O grave and wise?
Ito.The police with ropes in pockets go from dwelling to dwelling asking for blind boys.
Sakara(scornfully).Afraid of the police?See, here is sacred charm; place also in girdle, O little Ito. (Child examines and bows.) Fear nothing, the gods protect. (Draws child beside her.) I see there are words in thy throat.
Ito.Honorable lady in the garden was beautiful as a flower. (Looks up.) Why did she not love excellent play-acting, and I the best play-actor among children in many honorable dwellings?
Sakara.Who said, O little Ito, venerated Lady did not like?
Ito.The police. I fear not till lanterns are lit, and night-devils and evil spirits walk. I called out in honorable sleep; the kind mother heard. (Places book under arm.) If police put a rope round me I will say it was play-acting of Sakara, the wise lady.
Sakara.Truly, the dog bites the hand that caresses it!
Ito.Honorable meaning I do not understand. Play-acting of doctor or funeral exalted lady would have liked.
Sakara.Fear not, O little Ito; all good comes to the friends of Sakara! Keep close mouth (child starts)lest.... Here hangs honorable sword, fear nothing, O little Ito (child draws nearer), the words on excellent blade, “There’s naught ’twixt heaven and earth a man need fear who carries this single blade!” Soon, O little Ito, manhood will come, strong, powerful manhood, and Sakara will fasten this sword herself to girdle of wise Ito.
Ito.August lady is most honorably kind to little Ito; those in prison may not wear worthy swords! Will excellent charm keep away night-devils?
Sakara.None can come. Have no fear, O Ito, and remember the words of Sakara—the mouth is the door of mischief. Keep close lips; excellent happiness will then come. Take honorable leave-taking, O wise Ito. I hear footsteps.
Ito(bowing deeply, takingSakara’shand to his forehead).I thank thee, O most exalted and wise, for books and money. Honored words my foolish mind will keep, but I fear greatly night-devils.
[EXITL.
Sakara.It is the foot of O Mimosa San!
ENTERMimosaR., carrying presents. Bows in doorway.
Mimosa.O most exalted Sakara, I come with honorable presents in humble hands. Deign to accept, O most powerful. Tell me of noble health since last I worshipped thy eyebrow. (Sakarasits motionless.Mimosabowing.) I regret humble and unworthy feet should soil venerated chamber, and that one so poor, so foolishly weak, should cross excellent threshold! (Stands motionless.)
Mimosa(hesitates, then bows, speaking louder).I come, O great and wise, after exalted custom of noble land with presents in humble hands, pleasant words on foolish tongue.
Sakara(bows once).It has been said, O Mimosa San, that the mouth is the door of mischief. I have deep thoughts. I return honorable greeting. Deign to sit.
Mimosa(bowing).Condescend to accept humble offering to great wisdom!
Sakara.Wisdom—you love the folly of the Palace! He who touches vermilion becomes red. It is only the gravely thoughtful who pray the aid of Sakara.
Mimosa.Am I, then, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, that you receive honorable greeting and poor unworthy presents with little excellent courtesy? I will leave offerings at exalted feet, and take away the burden of letting venerated eyes rest upon Mimosa! (Aside.) O Shinto, grant wisdom; to show eagerness is loss!
Sakara.Nay, O Mimosa San, rest on humble floor; they shall lay honorable tea before you. What can the ignorance of Sakara do? Forgive seeming discourtesy. (Bows.) I twanged my bow on the box here, talking to spirits of the most exalted dead (Mimosashrinks) as to the evil coming to beautiful, beloved Japan.
Mimosa.Will there be trembling of the catfish? Will honorable dwellings fall?
Sakara(scornfully).Earthquake? or swift-moving fire? The humble servants of the great ones. That is nothing.
Mimosa(rising).My excellent brother travels to the Shrine of Ise—could he bring thee charms? and let honorable prayers avert evil days?
Sakara(rising).O Mimosa San, there is no escape from the nets of Heaven.
Mimosa(tremblingly moves towardR.).Honorable leave-taking! Will most gracious favor chrysanthemum-viewing at the Palace with exalted presence?
Sakara.My feet turn not again to the Palace; the absent get farther off every day!... Honorable minds (scornfully) will soon forget Sakara, who will sit (seats herselfC., draws bow along box) and commune with the spirits who protect Japan—exalted, powerful gods!
Mimosa(advancing).I came with honorable presents in my hand——
Sakara.Hai—you would give honey to eat!
Mimosa(drawing nearer, though avoiding box).Nay, the small fox may borrow strength and wisdom from the powerful tiger. I came to sit humbly at thy feet——
Sakara(twanging bow, laughs).Would foolish fox enter the tiger’s den? (Mimosashrinks.) After the swallowing, scalding is forgotten. (Turns toMimosa, who struggles to appear brave.) What think you, O Mimosa San, of poor, unworthy dwelling of the wise woman? Ignorantly speaking of bringing charms to one who makes charms—charms of long life, happiness, love, lasting beauty!
Mimosa.I rob you, O Sakara, of honorable time. I——
Sakara(beckonsMimosaC.).Stay, O Mimosa, foolish Mimosa. You came to learn wisdom sitting at the foot of Sakara. Condescend to remain. O Mimosa San, if you would be wise, honorably exalted, all good shall come from the doing of one little thing——
Mimosa.Deign to name the very little thing, O most honorable?
Sakara.A very little thing! Condescend to sit, O Mimosa. First with honorable kindness answer, have your eyes seen excellent venerated lotus-flower in the mud?
Mimosa(with astonishment).Never, O Sakara; the sacred flower?
Sakara(speaking impressively).Do my bidding and you shall never be trampled like a dead, forgotten flower. Neither shall you grow old, and love will never leave you! Death by drowning, or long, pain-giving illness shall not be yours. At a venerated age you shall fall asleep in the embracing arms of the gods. I know, O Mimosa San, that the most worshipful Toko has fastened the sprig of lime to thy father’s door and woos thee; the gods, the all-powerful, shall smile upon him also. (Rises slowly.) The terrible destroying earthquake, the swift-movingfire shall never touch you! Your joys shall last like the pine trees. You shall remain beautiful as the cherry blossom and as spotless. (Stands with folded arms looking atMimosa.)
Mimosa.What can I all unworthy do to gain exalted happiness?
Sakara(walking forward, keeping face fromMimosa).It is a very little thing, O Mimosa. You have come with courteous words to Sakara. Thy heart is not all folly, for the magnet can attract iron, but not stone. Do as I bid, beloved Japan shall venerate thee. Be honorable friend of wise, powerful Sakara, and you shall be protected by exalted gods, and the name of O Mimosa San shalllivewhen all else perishes. (CrossesR.)
Mimosa(follows, bowing).Tell me, venerated will. Great is the good you promise, O powerful Sakara, when I do thy bidding. (Kneels.) Hear one humble little prayer.
Sakara(turning, seizesMimosa’shands).Bring for one little day the charm of life from the Princess Kiku’s girdle.
Mimosa.I to bring the charm of life from august Princess’s girdle?
Sakara(dropsMimosa’shand, speaking quietly).Deign to see it is a very little thing.
Mimosa.Verily, you hide the sword with a smile. What would you with venerated charm? Nay (Sakaraprepares to speak), nay, purse lips now, for you have spoken loud. (Lowering voice.) Hold the powerful charm, and exalted lady’s life is yours.
Sakara(placidly).Fallen blossom does not return to the twig. All powerful Son of Heaven will forget her foolish fancies, and in beloved Japan all will excellently remain as it did in the days of honorable fathers—and—Mimosa——
Mimosa(kneeling).Condescend to kill me, and spare her!
Sakara.Never!
Mimosa.Then the gods will shield, O most wicked! (Sakaralistens with amazement.) Mimosa will walk barefoot to every shrine. She will not do your bidding. (Sakarafolds arms.) Nay, I fear not. Prophets know nothing of themselves. Is there no one who would work you evil? no god whom you have angered?
Sakara(raising hand).Peace, O most foolish. I am Sakara the wise. In my own house evil words? (Stands overMimosa.) Would the evil curse light on you, too? Thy mistress sent thee with tears and humble prayers. (Contemptuously.) As well cut a stick after the fight. Listen, O Mimosa! I, Sakara, speak these words. The curse of her fathers, the fathers of Japan, rests upon her. Those she loves(Mimosathrows out arms) shall wither, those she touches shall fail—when she wishes good evil shall come! I, Sakara——
Mimosa(passionately).She shall not hear evil words. I shall not repeat.
Sakara(contemptuously).Hearken, O very foolish little one—while you speak here her eyesreadthe words—the curse I have spoken. (Mimosacries out.) The all-powerful spirits commanded their willing servant Sakara to honorably write. Fear-giving wordswerewritten, carried by excellently swift messenger!Thou, (pointing),thoushalt see her fade and die—thou, thyself.
Mimosa.See, I hold between me and thee my girdle of charms. I fear thee not. The gods will judge.
Sakara(scornfully).Judge forthee?
Mimosa.I will not buy happiness at the cost of another’s. Nay (Sakarasteps toward her) thou shalt not touch me or my charms! I am Mimosa, the swift-footed. (Springs back to doorR.) Remember, O most wise, wicked one (stands with outstretched hand), he who curses must look out for two graves!
CURTAIN.
SCENE V.—A room made with screens in a Japanese house, opening, if possible, on to a veranda, up stageC. L. 1 E.andR. 1 E.Plenty of cushions, rugs and little low stools about the room.Yuki(downL.),Totmai(R.of entrance to veranda),Haru(L.of entrance to veranda), recline lazily.Totmai.O Haru, a bird flew past the window—a visitor comes; let us adorn our hair.Yuki.Is not the word of the Princess known? None may enter the gate. Watchful sentries would not even allow honorable dog to pass!Totmai(sinking back on cushions).Truly, O Yuki, I had forgotten. O Haru, deign with honorable kindness to tell excellent tale? (Harushakes head.) I would like one with a great, powerful and noble Prince who sends away trouble with swift sword! There, O Yuki, rapid one flew past again. Excellent message of its honorable flight I have never known to fail! (Sits upright.) Then, O most wise Yuki, in honorable cup of tea there was a tea leaf that stood upright. O Haru, come! (Harusits beforeTotmai, who arranges pins.)Yuki.I had foolishly forgotten. Here come the Princess andO Mimosa San. Smile gaily, O Totmai and O Haru. Exalted lady is sad enough. (All bow.)ENTERPrincessR.,Mimosafollowing.Princess.O poor maidens, has terrible evil come to you yet? You would come with me, foolish yet excellently loving hearts. Your honorable hands, brightly seeing eyes, excellent hearing, is all well? (ComesC.and looks eagerly from one to another.)Totmai(coming downR. C.with flowers in her hand).O most august Princess.Princess.Totmai, you forget. I will not be called Princess any longer. I am Kiku, the chrysanthemum, a fading flower!Totmai.O beloved lady, in sweet, health-giving country air all will be excellently well. We can dance, sing, honorably eat.Princess.Who can tell when the terrible curse falls?Totmai(bowing).All-powerful gods are good. From one excellently sweet as thou art no evil comes, O most worthily loved.Princess.My august uncle would know, O Mimosa, how long I tarry here with you for refreshment of sweet-smelling air full of the scent of fragrant flowers. Do you think the fair chrysanthemums at the Palace will fade without our loving care? O trouble-bringing—I forgot—they wither at my touch!Mimosa(taking flowers fromTotmai).Deign to hold honorable blossoms in venerated hands——Princess(moving away up stage onL.).Nay, I would not have dear ones die.Mimosa(crossing,TotmaifollowsPrincess).Condescend to listen to humble Mimosa—take them, O dear lady—deign to see I lay them against you.Princess(hesitatingly).They, the beautiful ones, die not now, but watch in an hour, before dark night comes—they will be dead!Mimosa(cheerfully).We will set honorable blooms in water (HaruandYukiarrange in vases on stool atL.), we will watch; deign to believe they will not fade. The people in the village hold happy festival. They pray humbly for august presence.Princess.O Mimosa—Igo among them?I?(Moving downR.) I hear again the cry, the terrible cry of the little child! “O Amairu, mercy—mercy—I see not, I am blind—blind!”Totmai(coming up to herR. C.).O Princess, my honorable father often excellently said: “Live under your own hat. Do well. Deign not to think what worthy neighbors say!”Yuki(L.).O Princess, the bird that flies upward does notruffle water. The gods are good and merciful, excellent charms are safe. O lady, forget!Mimosa(C.).Condescend to return to the Palace.Princess.Are these wise words, O Yuki, “Return to the Palace?” O Mimosa, heart would break if my touch brought evil to the august Son of Heaven. I will not weep. O kind ones, I will write words to my exalted uncle. Would thatyoureturned to the gay Palace.All(bowing).With you, O most excellently loved![PrincessEXITSR.,Mimosafollows.Yuki.If I had my way the whole trouble-bringing story should be laid before the august Emperor and truth threshed forth.Totmai.How, O Yuki?Yuki.The police, if I were Emperor, should bind Sakara!Haru(by curtainC.).The bird again!Totmai(back to first place).It must speak honorable truth; let us adorn our hair better. Sit here, O Haru. I will arrange beautiful fans.Yuki(crosses to veranda).Friends come not in the wilderness. The great white mountain, sacred though it be, I weary of it! Much would I give to hear the sound of feet on honorable path. (Steps onto veranda.)Totmai.Do excellent eyes see honorable visitors, O Yuki?Yuki.From the threshold I see only great lofty head of Fuzi—from the village there are sounds of music. O Totmai and O Haru (takes Japanese umbrella), let us forth to the spreading garden to hear honorable laughter. There is no need to be gloomy and sad, for the sun shines—and the gods hear prayers! Come![EXEUNTall by veranda.ENTERLady CecilL., followed byMiss Prendergast.Miss P.(gasping).Cecil, how can you be so lamentably, foolishly rash? People have been thrown into prison for bribing sentries. You walk in here as if you were the Mikado-ess of Japan! I knew that we should not escape without some grievous trouble. Come away! (PullsCecil, who looks around inquisitively.) Come away before they see us and it istoo late!Cecil.Dear G., don’t you like exploring expeditions? No? I remember, you prefer excavations. Didn’t Professor Anstruther discourse eternally on the excavation of antiquities? Think what a lovely day we have had! I contemplate taking my dear littlerickshaw man and his carriage back to London to be the sensation when we go home.Miss P.(sighing).To England? We shall never see our native land again—and you promised that we should be at home in time for the Sales!Cecil.So I did, but you wouldn’t like to leave poor Arthur lamenting alone, searching for the lost heiress? The Princess has left the Palace. She would have interested the Emperor for him. I must know if the villagers speak the truth and she is here. G., don’t you think things assume a darkly tragic air?Miss P.Dark and tragic, indeed!It is exactly what I have predicted!Ar—his lordship has offended, I feel sure he has offended innocently, and those horrid little policemen, looking as if they had come out of a pantomime or a box of toys, will take him off to prison. Then (tearfully) it will be your turn, through your headstrong folly. Cecil, I implore you not to look out from there—and I—in my old—ahem!—in the prime of life, will have to accompany you!Cecil(at veranda).G., dear, do come and look at this delicious view!Miss P.(remainingL.).I shall not stir from this spot!Cecil(running up to her).Nothing will happen, so don’t draw gloomy pictures about Arthur. Fancy, roped by these policemen, would one come for him, or two, or six? They are so painfully polite; one could not hurt their feelings by refusing. Think what pictures forPunch, what headlines for newspapers. (Puts an arm aroundMiss P.) Wouldn’t you like to be in history?Miss P.(emphatically).Certainly not, my dear! All gunpowder, conspiracies and plots! Do come away, Cecil, do!Cecil.There, you have moved and no catastrophe occurs. (Miss P.starts and returns to original position.) So sit down. Well, if you are so in love with that spot, move just an inch or two. I will put three or four of these charming cushions together. You will be so comfortable! (Miss P.sits reluctantly.) Do be a darling and like explorations as much as excavations. If it is the Princess, think what news for Arthur!Miss P.If the gossip Fuyijama tells us correctly, the Princess is a dangerous young woman.Cecil(sitting).I shall sit real Japanese fashion. Fancy, an enlightened, highly educated English lady listening to such superstitious tales!Miss P.It is all very well, but once you land yourself in prison nothing can be done to save you. I believe you would quite enjoy steeping Europe in bloodshed.Cecil(laughing).Europe? Oh, G., when I think of the geography you made me learn! There, I won’t tease any more. I want to see this poor little Princess. She is not a bit real Japanesy, you know she isn’t; and I will tell you a secret, and that is Arthur admires her very much.Miss P.(lifting hands in horror).Poor, innocent, misguided boy!Cecil.He is not going to ask a Japanese to marry him, but he gave me to understand he wished she had been English.Miss P.Beg him instantly to leave the country—tell him you are ill—the climate is affecting your reason, and we will start to-night!Cecil.In a little open boat? There is no mail steamer. Think how ill you were. Would you brave even an open boat for that boy? You need not be afraid of any terriblecontretemps. We Cavendishes have a little common-sense. Listen! what merry laughter. (Jumps up, helpsMiss P.to her feet.)Totmai(without).O Haru, did your eyes ever see the rickshaw tumble over and the man go sprawling on his face?ENTERJapanese girls from veranda, bow profoundly.Cecilalso bows.Miss P.nods stiffly.Three Girls(coming downR.).Welcome—honorable welcome!Cecil(aside).Oh, G., I wish I had an elastic backbone! (Advances.) The most exalted Princess, can I, ah—G., what is the right expression? Is it kiss her foot? No, it has something to do with eyes. I’ll try this—can I salute her eyelids?Yuki(bowing).The most exalted Princess would be honorably pleased to worship your eyebrow——Cecil.There, why didn’t I get it right?Yuki.She will not, O most distinguished, see any one.Cecil.I hope the—ah—the ah—shadow of the Princess has not grown less?All.Shadow? The most venerated is not a ghost.Cecil(sighing).Wrong again! G., do help me.Miss P.(clearly and emphatically).Tell the Princess a very great lady wishes to see her.Haru(bowing).She would wish to see one so very honorably old——Miss P.Cecil, my dear——Totmai(bowing).In our land we venerate the aged.Yuki(bowing).Thy head, O Most Ancient, resembles the snows of Fuzi——Miss P.(looking from one to the other).Cecil! (Gasps.)Cecil(smiling).In our land the people have white hair when they are—quite—young.Totmai.Oh, they are funny in your land—jolly little things! (Laughs.)Cecil.Now, I wonder who taught you that?Haru.O most worshipful, the great barbarian Englishman.Cecil.There, G., that’s your beloved Arthur. Do you mean the very tall Englishman, my brother?Totmai.The Princess has spoken of you, O most excellent. You are the lady who came with the most worshipful foreigner to the Palace. O Yuki will run instantly and tell O Mimosa San that you are here with the most venerated Ancient One.Miss P.(turning away).They are very ignorant, poor little things!Cecil(toTotmai).Would you tell me your name?Totmai(bowing).Totmai.Cecil.What do you find to do all day?Totmai.We dance, laugh, sing and care for honorable flowers, we read and work.Cecil.Quite like English girls! What do you read?Totmai(proudly).I have read the greater learning—the lesser learning—I know excellently the model letters—and there are many pleasure-giving stories about fairy princes and powerful soldiers.Cecil.I am afraid I am too old to care for fairy princes, but tell me——ENTERMimosaR., followed byYuki. Bows deeply.Mimosa.O great lady, the exalted Princess sleeps after much sorrow. We know not where her soul wanders. To call suddenly is evil-bringing.Cecil.I will come again. Let me see (triumphantly), worship her most exalted eyelash—no, I mean eyebrow——Mimosa(sorrowfully).The Princess, O most honorable and venerated, will see no one. She has wiped sad eyes with her kimono sleeve; and we are laughter-loving in Japan.Cecil(kindly).I hope—ah—happiness will return. We are leaving your beautiful country. (MovingC.) Mimosa—may I call you Mimosa?Mimosa(R. C., smiling).It is my humble name. Leaving beautiful Japan?Cecil.My brother, the barbarian, as you call him——Mimosa(earnestly).The most exalted stranger——Cecil.Came here to find a girl shipwrecked off the coast of Japan years ago (smiles atMiss P.), more than twenty years ago. The parents were drowned, but one of the sailors has always persisted that the baby was not drowned, but adopted by kind Japanese. All sorts of inquiries have been made. A great deal of money comes to her if she can be found, but my brother, who keeps it if no trace of her can be discovered, would not rest satisfied until he had visited Japan himself.Mimosa.Is it the treasure-flower of most worshipful Englishman that has been sadly lost?Cecil.Treasure-flower? What a sweet name! No, Mimosa. The great barbarian has no little barbarians!Miss P.Barbarian, indeed! One of the most enlightened and cultivated members of the powerful English aristocracy!Mimosa(bowing).We reverence your words, O Most Ancient. Treat an honorable old woman as thy mother (bows) we learn in our cradles. May you, O most venerated, grow more and more like the pine and the lobster!Miss P.(indignantly).Cecil, I am insulted! A lobster, indeed! Is my face heated?Cecil(quickly).No, no! Don’t look vexed. It means something immensely complimentary. See, they are bowing again.Mimosa.O most exalted, will you let honorable feet rest longer on unworthy floor while I see if most exalted Princess returns from the land of Sleep? Is it known to your powerful intelligence that the Princess fears a terrible curse?Cecil.We heard it, Mimosa.Mimosa.Would you, O most excellent, fear the touch of the Princess?Cecil.Fear? Not the least little scrap.Yuki.And you, O most honorable Ancient?Miss P.(snappishly).If you are addressing me, young woman, it is all nonsense. I shall be thankful to find myself safely out of this, and not in prison!Voice(calls).O Mimosa San!Girls.The Princess!ENTERPrincessR.Cecil.I have a horrible feeling that I should bow to the earth—kiss her feet, or something. Poor child, how sad she looks! Now, for a very low bow.Princess(seeing her, starts; she removesR.).Away, most exalted stranger—away, lest evil come—I am accursed! Away, O most venerable!Miss P.Are they all mad or blind?Cecil.We are not afraid—Princess—your Highness. (Crosses stage.)Princess.You are brave to come, most honorable lady—come not nearer. I—am—accursed. (Hides face.)Cecil.Accursed? (Advances impetuously.) Don’t look so sad, you poor little thing! (Miss P.expresses horror by many gesticulations.) I must talk plain English, not high-flown sentiment. Princess or not, I take both your hands and look into your pretty eyes.Princess(shrinking).Nay, the curse will fall upon you—those I touch, even the flowers.Mimosa(bowing).See honorable blossoms, august lady, as fresh and sweet——Princess(advancing slowly).Is this venerated truth?Cecil.Oh, don’t shrink like that. If you were in England I should give you a good hug—it is so comforting.Miss P.(crosses excitedly).You will certainly be in prison before night. The German Emperor does not call himself Son of Heaven and you talk to this——Princess(sadly).Is this most exalted lady with excellent hair as white as Fuzi afraid? Afraid of the curse?Cecil(aside).Now, G., be nice! If you are not I will tell Arthur.Miss P.(advancing hurriedly).No, my dear, I’m not afraid. Give me your hand. (Shakes heartily, then drops it hurriedly, glancing atCecil.)Princess.The English ways are strange, yet I like them. Still, O kind ones, Kiku’s heart is breaking!Mimosa(aside toCecil).Deign to beg august one to return to the Palace.Cecil(toPrincess).Dear lady, do not sorrow so. We are leaving Japan. (Princessraises head.) Could you not return to the Palace? You promised graciously to show me your chrysanthemums, and my brother would be so grateful for your help—he is hunting for a lost heiress. Dear Princess, return. (Miss P.sighs.)Princess.My honorable chrysanthemums would wither.[Yukilays flowers at feet ofPrincess, who looks down hesitatingly.Cecil.Dearest Princess, return.Princess.It is the cry of the child, the dear little honorable child: “Oh, I am blind—blind!” It echoes in my heart, rings in my ears! A child! O lady—a little treasure-flower!Cecil.It couldn’t be true, dear Princess. It couldn’t possiblybe true. It might have been a touch of sunstroke, but not blindness from your touch. These dear little hands could not hurt a fly. Be comforted, return. Something tells me you will be glad if you do. Dear lady, return!Princess(clasping hands).I am—accursed. My touch brought evil to a child. O powerful gods, be merciful to Kiku! Worshipful lady, though it tears my heart, I will show you my chrysanthemum garden, and help if I can the exalted foreigner.[The girls crowd round thePrincessandCecil, laughing excitedly and joyously and clapping hands.CURTAIN.
SCENE V.—A room made with screens in a Japanese house, opening, if possible, on to a veranda, up stageC. L. 1 E.andR. 1 E.Plenty of cushions, rugs and little low stools about the room.Yuki(downL.),Totmai(R.of entrance to veranda),Haru(L.of entrance to veranda), recline lazily.
Totmai.O Haru, a bird flew past the window—a visitor comes; let us adorn our hair.
Yuki.Is not the word of the Princess known? None may enter the gate. Watchful sentries would not even allow honorable dog to pass!
Totmai(sinking back on cushions).Truly, O Yuki, I had forgotten. O Haru, deign with honorable kindness to tell excellent tale? (Harushakes head.) I would like one with a great, powerful and noble Prince who sends away trouble with swift sword! There, O Yuki, rapid one flew past again. Excellent message of its honorable flight I have never known to fail! (Sits upright.) Then, O most wise Yuki, in honorable cup of tea there was a tea leaf that stood upright. O Haru, come! (Harusits beforeTotmai, who arranges pins.)
Yuki.I had foolishly forgotten. Here come the Princess andO Mimosa San. Smile gaily, O Totmai and O Haru. Exalted lady is sad enough. (All bow.)
ENTERPrincessR.,Mimosafollowing.
Princess.O poor maidens, has terrible evil come to you yet? You would come with me, foolish yet excellently loving hearts. Your honorable hands, brightly seeing eyes, excellent hearing, is all well? (ComesC.and looks eagerly from one to another.)
Totmai(coming downR. C.with flowers in her hand).O most august Princess.
Princess.Totmai, you forget. I will not be called Princess any longer. I am Kiku, the chrysanthemum, a fading flower!
Totmai.O beloved lady, in sweet, health-giving country air all will be excellently well. We can dance, sing, honorably eat.
Princess.Who can tell when the terrible curse falls?
Totmai(bowing).All-powerful gods are good. From one excellently sweet as thou art no evil comes, O most worthily loved.
Princess.My august uncle would know, O Mimosa, how long I tarry here with you for refreshment of sweet-smelling air full of the scent of fragrant flowers. Do you think the fair chrysanthemums at the Palace will fade without our loving care? O trouble-bringing—I forgot—they wither at my touch!
Mimosa(taking flowers fromTotmai).Deign to hold honorable blossoms in venerated hands——
Princess(moving away up stage onL.).Nay, I would not have dear ones die.
Mimosa(crossing,TotmaifollowsPrincess).Condescend to listen to humble Mimosa—take them, O dear lady—deign to see I lay them against you.
Princess(hesitatingly).They, the beautiful ones, die not now, but watch in an hour, before dark night comes—they will be dead!
Mimosa(cheerfully).We will set honorable blooms in water (HaruandYukiarrange in vases on stool atL.), we will watch; deign to believe they will not fade. The people in the village hold happy festival. They pray humbly for august presence.
Princess.O Mimosa—Igo among them?I?(Moving downR.) I hear again the cry, the terrible cry of the little child! “O Amairu, mercy—mercy—I see not, I am blind—blind!”
Totmai(coming up to herR. C.).O Princess, my honorable father often excellently said: “Live under your own hat. Do well. Deign not to think what worthy neighbors say!”
Yuki(L.).O Princess, the bird that flies upward does notruffle water. The gods are good and merciful, excellent charms are safe. O lady, forget!
Mimosa(C.).Condescend to return to the Palace.
Princess.Are these wise words, O Yuki, “Return to the Palace?” O Mimosa, heart would break if my touch brought evil to the august Son of Heaven. I will not weep. O kind ones, I will write words to my exalted uncle. Would thatyoureturned to the gay Palace.
All(bowing).With you, O most excellently loved!
[PrincessEXITSR.,Mimosafollows.
Yuki.If I had my way the whole trouble-bringing story should be laid before the august Emperor and truth threshed forth.
Totmai.How, O Yuki?
Yuki.The police, if I were Emperor, should bind Sakara!
Haru(by curtainC.).The bird again!
Totmai(back to first place).It must speak honorable truth; let us adorn our hair better. Sit here, O Haru. I will arrange beautiful fans.
Yuki(crosses to veranda).Friends come not in the wilderness. The great white mountain, sacred though it be, I weary of it! Much would I give to hear the sound of feet on honorable path. (Steps onto veranda.)
Totmai.Do excellent eyes see honorable visitors, O Yuki?
Yuki.From the threshold I see only great lofty head of Fuzi—from the village there are sounds of music. O Totmai and O Haru (takes Japanese umbrella), let us forth to the spreading garden to hear honorable laughter. There is no need to be gloomy and sad, for the sun shines—and the gods hear prayers! Come!
[EXEUNTall by veranda.
ENTERLady CecilL., followed byMiss Prendergast.
Miss P.(gasping).Cecil, how can you be so lamentably, foolishly rash? People have been thrown into prison for bribing sentries. You walk in here as if you were the Mikado-ess of Japan! I knew that we should not escape without some grievous trouble. Come away! (PullsCecil, who looks around inquisitively.) Come away before they see us and it istoo late!
Cecil.Dear G., don’t you like exploring expeditions? No? I remember, you prefer excavations. Didn’t Professor Anstruther discourse eternally on the excavation of antiquities? Think what a lovely day we have had! I contemplate taking my dear littlerickshaw man and his carriage back to London to be the sensation when we go home.
Miss P.(sighing).To England? We shall never see our native land again—and you promised that we should be at home in time for the Sales!
Cecil.So I did, but you wouldn’t like to leave poor Arthur lamenting alone, searching for the lost heiress? The Princess has left the Palace. She would have interested the Emperor for him. I must know if the villagers speak the truth and she is here. G., don’t you think things assume a darkly tragic air?
Miss P.Dark and tragic, indeed!It is exactly what I have predicted!Ar—his lordship has offended, I feel sure he has offended innocently, and those horrid little policemen, looking as if they had come out of a pantomime or a box of toys, will take him off to prison. Then (tearfully) it will be your turn, through your headstrong folly. Cecil, I implore you not to look out from there—and I—in my old—ahem!—in the prime of life, will have to accompany you!
Cecil(at veranda).G., dear, do come and look at this delicious view!
Miss P.(remainingL.).I shall not stir from this spot!
Cecil(running up to her).Nothing will happen, so don’t draw gloomy pictures about Arthur. Fancy, roped by these policemen, would one come for him, or two, or six? They are so painfully polite; one could not hurt their feelings by refusing. Think what pictures forPunch, what headlines for newspapers. (Puts an arm aroundMiss P.) Wouldn’t you like to be in history?
Miss P.(emphatically).Certainly not, my dear! All gunpowder, conspiracies and plots! Do come away, Cecil, do!
Cecil.There, you have moved and no catastrophe occurs. (Miss P.starts and returns to original position.) So sit down. Well, if you are so in love with that spot, move just an inch or two. I will put three or four of these charming cushions together. You will be so comfortable! (Miss P.sits reluctantly.) Do be a darling and like explorations as much as excavations. If it is the Princess, think what news for Arthur!
Miss P.If the gossip Fuyijama tells us correctly, the Princess is a dangerous young woman.
Cecil(sitting).I shall sit real Japanese fashion. Fancy, an enlightened, highly educated English lady listening to such superstitious tales!
Miss P.It is all very well, but once you land yourself in prison nothing can be done to save you. I believe you would quite enjoy steeping Europe in bloodshed.
Cecil(laughing).Europe? Oh, G., when I think of the geography you made me learn! There, I won’t tease any more. I want to see this poor little Princess. She is not a bit real Japanesy, you know she isn’t; and I will tell you a secret, and that is Arthur admires her very much.
Miss P.(lifting hands in horror).Poor, innocent, misguided boy!
Cecil.He is not going to ask a Japanese to marry him, but he gave me to understand he wished she had been English.
Miss P.Beg him instantly to leave the country—tell him you are ill—the climate is affecting your reason, and we will start to-night!
Cecil.In a little open boat? There is no mail steamer. Think how ill you were. Would you brave even an open boat for that boy? You need not be afraid of any terriblecontretemps. We Cavendishes have a little common-sense. Listen! what merry laughter. (Jumps up, helpsMiss P.to her feet.)
Totmai(without).O Haru, did your eyes ever see the rickshaw tumble over and the man go sprawling on his face?
ENTERJapanese girls from veranda, bow profoundly.Cecilalso bows.Miss P.nods stiffly.
Three Girls(coming downR.).Welcome—honorable welcome!
Cecil(aside).Oh, G., I wish I had an elastic backbone! (Advances.) The most exalted Princess, can I, ah—G., what is the right expression? Is it kiss her foot? No, it has something to do with eyes. I’ll try this—can I salute her eyelids?
Yuki(bowing).The most exalted Princess would be honorably pleased to worship your eyebrow——
Cecil.There, why didn’t I get it right?
Yuki.She will not, O most distinguished, see any one.
Cecil.I hope the—ah—the ah—shadow of the Princess has not grown less?
All.Shadow? The most venerated is not a ghost.
Cecil(sighing).Wrong again! G., do help me.
Miss P.(clearly and emphatically).Tell the Princess a very great lady wishes to see her.
Haru(bowing).She would wish to see one so very honorably old——
Miss P.Cecil, my dear——
Totmai(bowing).In our land we venerate the aged.
Yuki(bowing).Thy head, O Most Ancient, resembles the snows of Fuzi——
Miss P.(looking from one to the other).Cecil! (Gasps.)
Cecil(smiling).In our land the people have white hair when they are—quite—young.
Totmai.Oh, they are funny in your land—jolly little things! (Laughs.)
Cecil.Now, I wonder who taught you that?
Haru.O most worshipful, the great barbarian Englishman.
Cecil.There, G., that’s your beloved Arthur. Do you mean the very tall Englishman, my brother?
Totmai.The Princess has spoken of you, O most excellent. You are the lady who came with the most worshipful foreigner to the Palace. O Yuki will run instantly and tell O Mimosa San that you are here with the most venerated Ancient One.
Miss P.(turning away).They are very ignorant, poor little things!
Cecil(toTotmai).Would you tell me your name?
Totmai(bowing).Totmai.
Cecil.What do you find to do all day?
Totmai.We dance, laugh, sing and care for honorable flowers, we read and work.
Cecil.Quite like English girls! What do you read?
Totmai(proudly).I have read the greater learning—the lesser learning—I know excellently the model letters—and there are many pleasure-giving stories about fairy princes and powerful soldiers.
Cecil.I am afraid I am too old to care for fairy princes, but tell me——
ENTERMimosaR., followed byYuki. Bows deeply.
Mimosa.O great lady, the exalted Princess sleeps after much sorrow. We know not where her soul wanders. To call suddenly is evil-bringing.
Cecil.I will come again. Let me see (triumphantly), worship her most exalted eyelash—no, I mean eyebrow——
Mimosa(sorrowfully).The Princess, O most honorable and venerated, will see no one. She has wiped sad eyes with her kimono sleeve; and we are laughter-loving in Japan.
Cecil(kindly).I hope—ah—happiness will return. We are leaving your beautiful country. (MovingC.) Mimosa—may I call you Mimosa?
Mimosa(R. C., smiling).It is my humble name. Leaving beautiful Japan?
Cecil.My brother, the barbarian, as you call him——
Mimosa(earnestly).The most exalted stranger——
Cecil.Came here to find a girl shipwrecked off the coast of Japan years ago (smiles atMiss P.), more than twenty years ago. The parents were drowned, but one of the sailors has always persisted that the baby was not drowned, but adopted by kind Japanese. All sorts of inquiries have been made. A great deal of money comes to her if she can be found, but my brother, who keeps it if no trace of her can be discovered, would not rest satisfied until he had visited Japan himself.
Mimosa.Is it the treasure-flower of most worshipful Englishman that has been sadly lost?
Cecil.Treasure-flower? What a sweet name! No, Mimosa. The great barbarian has no little barbarians!
Miss P.Barbarian, indeed! One of the most enlightened and cultivated members of the powerful English aristocracy!
Mimosa(bowing).We reverence your words, O Most Ancient. Treat an honorable old woman as thy mother (bows) we learn in our cradles. May you, O most venerated, grow more and more like the pine and the lobster!
Miss P.(indignantly).Cecil, I am insulted! A lobster, indeed! Is my face heated?
Cecil(quickly).No, no! Don’t look vexed. It means something immensely complimentary. See, they are bowing again.
Mimosa.O most exalted, will you let honorable feet rest longer on unworthy floor while I see if most exalted Princess returns from the land of Sleep? Is it known to your powerful intelligence that the Princess fears a terrible curse?
Cecil.We heard it, Mimosa.
Mimosa.Would you, O most excellent, fear the touch of the Princess?
Cecil.Fear? Not the least little scrap.
Yuki.And you, O most honorable Ancient?
Miss P.(snappishly).If you are addressing me, young woman, it is all nonsense. I shall be thankful to find myself safely out of this, and not in prison!
Voice(calls).O Mimosa San!
Girls.The Princess!
ENTERPrincessR.
Cecil.I have a horrible feeling that I should bow to the earth—kiss her feet, or something. Poor child, how sad she looks! Now, for a very low bow.
Princess(seeing her, starts; she removesR.).Away, most exalted stranger—away, lest evil come—I am accursed! Away, O most venerable!
Miss P.Are they all mad or blind?
Cecil.We are not afraid—Princess—your Highness. (Crosses stage.)
Princess.You are brave to come, most honorable lady—come not nearer. I—am—accursed. (Hides face.)
Cecil.Accursed? (Advances impetuously.) Don’t look so sad, you poor little thing! (Miss P.expresses horror by many gesticulations.) I must talk plain English, not high-flown sentiment. Princess or not, I take both your hands and look into your pretty eyes.
Princess(shrinking).Nay, the curse will fall upon you—those I touch, even the flowers.
Mimosa(bowing).See honorable blossoms, august lady, as fresh and sweet——
Princess(advancing slowly).Is this venerated truth?
Cecil.Oh, don’t shrink like that. If you were in England I should give you a good hug—it is so comforting.
Miss P.(crosses excitedly).You will certainly be in prison before night. The German Emperor does not call himself Son of Heaven and you talk to this——
Princess(sadly).Is this most exalted lady with excellent hair as white as Fuzi afraid? Afraid of the curse?
Cecil(aside).Now, G., be nice! If you are not I will tell Arthur.
Miss P.(advancing hurriedly).No, my dear, I’m not afraid. Give me your hand. (Shakes heartily, then drops it hurriedly, glancing atCecil.)
Princess.The English ways are strange, yet I like them. Still, O kind ones, Kiku’s heart is breaking!
Mimosa(aside toCecil).Deign to beg august one to return to the Palace.
Cecil(toPrincess).Dear lady, do not sorrow so. We are leaving Japan. (Princessraises head.) Could you not return to the Palace? You promised graciously to show me your chrysanthemums, and my brother would be so grateful for your help—he is hunting for a lost heiress. Dear Princess, return. (Miss P.sighs.)
Princess.My honorable chrysanthemums would wither.
[Yukilays flowers at feet ofPrincess, who looks down hesitatingly.
Cecil.Dearest Princess, return.
Princess.It is the cry of the child, the dear little honorable child: “Oh, I am blind—blind!” It echoes in my heart, rings in my ears! A child! O lady—a little treasure-flower!
Cecil.It couldn’t be true, dear Princess. It couldn’t possiblybe true. It might have been a touch of sunstroke, but not blindness from your touch. These dear little hands could not hurt a fly. Be comforted, return. Something tells me you will be glad if you do. Dear lady, return!
Princess(clasping hands).I am—accursed. My touch brought evil to a child. O powerful gods, be merciful to Kiku! Worshipful lady, though it tears my heart, I will show you my chrysanthemum garden, and help if I can the exalted foreigner.
[The girls crowd round thePrincessandCecil, laughing excitedly and joyously and clapping hands.
CURTAIN.