ACT III
The Studio before dawn.Mee-Meelies asleep on a mat in front of the picture. Outside a shuffling step is heard, and a sheep-like coughing. A dull lantern-light passes along the street wall. Knocking.
The Studio before dawn.Mee-Meelies asleep on a mat in front of the picture. Outside a shuffling step is heard, and a sheep-like coughing. A dull lantern-light passes along the street wall. Knocking.
Mee.Who dat? [She shuffles up and goes to the door.] Josi-Mosi, dat you?
[Opens door.
Josi.Yesh, dat’sh me. [He enters.] Nobody up yet?
[He sets down lantern.
Mee.No, dey all asleep—so airly!... Say! you blought dat lill’ t’ing I tol’ you?
Josi.Yesh, I’ve got it!
Mee.[Exultantly.] Sha!
Josi.What you want it for, eh?
Mee.Ugh!... Meself of course!... Me sleep in here.... All de big live-long rats come in de night and wake me! Dey run on my toes,—dey sit on my face. Not nice t’ing dat, eh?
Josi.Have you got de money?
Mee.Yah! [Fumbles in sleeve.] Dere now! [Gives him the money.] No say dat all right?
Josi.[Counting it.] Dat’sh all right.
[He gives her a small phial.
Mee.Oh! dat all! Dat not e-nough! Dere’s plenty twenty hundred rats in here.... Take a lot of killing, dey will!
Josi.Dat ’ud kill five hundred, dat would!
Mee.Kill me too?
Josi.Kill de whole lot of you.
Mee.[Satisfied.] Ah!
Josi.So dey putyouto shleep in here now, eh? Dat boy Tikipu never been sheen again, I shuppose?
Mee.[Startled.] What for you ask me dat now?... No, he not come.
Josi.M’m. Reashon I ashk wash becosh dish is de very day he went—t’ree yearsh ago. Feasht of Lanternsh it wash. I’ve a reashon for remembering de date.
Mee.So?
Josi.It wash to-day.... What’sh dat? Who’s dat dere?
EnterOlangtsiin sleeping attire.
Mee.Ssh! It Mr. Olangtsi ... he velly often come like dat—to de picture. He not know anyt’ing about it when he wake up! Ssh!
Olang.Ugh! Ugh!... Yes, yes ... where was I?... I don’t want you, my dear!... Go away!... You ... you wouldn’t understand!... Gen ... gentle ... gentlemen pupils ... your immediate and polite attention!... On this very painful occasion, when I address you for the last time ... and this great picture of Wiowani’s which here stands before you ... for the last time ... I ask you, I ask you, for the last time ... your kind attention, gentlemen!... No, no, I am not forgetting myself, my dear, at all!... I am remembering what I once was, ... before you ... before you came and robbed me!... Yes, you did—you robbed me!... like a thief in the night: first you robbed me of my sleep, then of my liberty, then of my conscience ... and then, then of my art! Tikipu found out that for me!... And now everything is gone!
Josi.What’sh all dish mean?
Mee.He want Tikipu to come back, me t’ink. He velly unhappy!
Olang.What thief, what great thief in the night taught you to steal—like that?... Oh, thief, thief, little thief! give it to me, give it to me, I say.... There! There! ... that finishes it! ... that’s done, Tikipu, that’s done!
Mee.Oh!
[She begins to sob.
Olang.Don’t cry, Tikipu, it’s no use your cryinglike that!... Ah, that’s good, that’s good!—but you mustn’t paint like that any more ... it’s not ... it’s not possible. She won’t let you ... it doesn’t pay.... And if it doesn’t pay, it’s no good!
Josi.No, he’sh right dere: if it doesn’t pay, it’sh no good! You know, little Mish Mee-Mee, you going to have a new master to-day?
Mee.How you know dat? How you know dat?
Josi.’Cosh Idoknow:—it’s de right day for it. He knowsh dat too.
[Nods toOlangtsi.
Mee.Den you know velly foolish t’ing, Mr. Josi-Mosi, if you t’ink dat! Menothavenonew master! So dere!... Dis kill so many rat: it will killmetoo!
Josi.Mee-Mee, you give me dat back!
Mee.Noh!
Josi.Give it me back, I shay.
[He tries to take bottle.
Mee.Noh!
Josi.If you don’t give it me I—I——
Mee.Don’ youtouchme! Don’ you dare to comenearme!
Voice.[Without.] Yah-yah-yah-yah-yah-yah-eh?
[A quick step goes by and a wand taps along the wall.
Mee.[Relieved.] Ah!
Josi.What’sh dat!
Mee.De watchman. ‘Evellybody wake up!’ he say. You go!
Josi.You give me dat firsht!
[Pursues her.
Mrs. O.[Within.] Mee-Mee, Mee-Mee! You awake?
Mee.H’m, ya-ah!... Oh ye’es! Almost quite awake now!... You go!... You gott’n yo’ money—you go!
Mrs. O.[Within.] Get up then; come quick, I want you!
Olang.Eh? Eh? Yes, my dear, I’m coming! I’m coming!
Josi.Coshi! I must fetch Coshi!
Mee.Yah!
[ExitJosi-Mosiin haste.
Olang.Yes, yes, I was meaning to come. It was—it was only for the last time!
[ExitOlangtsiby staircase.
Enter by inner doorMrs. Olangtsiwith light and bridal costume.
Mrs. O.What are you doing—so slow when I call?
Mee.Only jus’ to open de door!
Mrs. O.Don’t want it open! Shut it! [Looks round suspiciously.] Who’s been in here?
Mee.It was a big rat dat would’n’ go out! Me told himyoucomin’: den he run on his hin’ legs, jus’ like a man!
[Starts to pull up blinds.
Mrs. O.Here! Begin to get yourself dressed, or you’ll be late!... There are your things.... [She lays bridal costume on chair.] Now attendto me, and learn how a Chinese bride should behave.
Mee.Be-have?
Mrs. O.In a quarter of an hour—are you attending?—the bridesmen and the bearers will be here with the palanquin. As soon as you hear them outside you are to run in there and lock the door.
Mee.Dat door?
Mrs. O.Yes; that door: there isn’t any other that I know of. Don’t lock it so much that they can’t force it without breaking it! I don’t want to be paying for repairs afterwards, you aren’t worth it!
Mee.Leave it open, den?
Mrs. O.Open? Fine sense of modestyyou’vegot! Please to recollect that you are a Chinese bride; you do as I tell you! Pull up that blind! Then, when they fetch you out, you must struggle,—d’you hear? Kick, bite, scratch; only mind you don’t tear the dress! Do it decently: give one of them a scratch on his face where it can be seen: that’ll be enough. If you show too much fight it looks like having too high an opinion of yourself. When they’ve put you into the palanquin and locked you in,—then you can do as you like.
Mee.So?
Mrs. O.Remember—the bride’s procession is to start at sunrise. Mind you are ready!
Mee.Hon’ble Mistless, at sunlise? Dat velly airly—dat not too soon, eh?
Mrs. O.Not if I say it’s the time you are to be ready by. When you want your bride-crown pinned on, come to me!
Mee.My blide-clown? Oh yes!... Say!... When dey put me in my lill’ chair-palanquin, will all de blin’s be down? No one to see me?
Mrs. O.Of course not. Who wants to see you? Here, go on and get dressed! You are wasting time.
[ExitMrs. O.
Mee.Yes: me wasting time! [Pulls up blind.] Silly dat!... Nobody want to see me?... No ... nobody! Oh! run, Mee-Mee! dere’s de worl’ wakin’! [She opens door and peeps out.] Oh, gleat, big worl’, wake up!—Mee-Mee say good-bye to you! Oh, de lazy sun, all down dere, you not come up yet!—Mee-Mee say good-bye to you!... And nex’ time dat he come, you tell Tiki, you tell Tiki—Mee-Mee gone jus’ ’cause she couldn’t wait fo’ him—any mo’!... Dat’s all!... You all been velly, velly nice to me!... Good-bye.
[She shuts the door, draws out phial and stands trembling, facing the thought of death. Crossing the stage she comes on the bridal array left byMrs. Olangtsi.
Oh! pletty, eh? Oh! Say! isn’t dat nice? What?... Quick, quick, Mee-Mee! [Shebegins to robe herself.] Yes, quick! Yes, quick! Yes, quick! [Puts on shoes.] Lef’, right, get dem all on! Dere! dat all right, eh? [Opens toilet-box and gets out mirror and paints.] Now, Mee-Mee, you got to make yo’self mos’ beautiful—because to-day, you say—yousayyou goin’ to be mallied to Tiki. And dat make you so glad, dat make you so happy, dat you laugh, an’ laugh, an’ laugh, till all de tears come into yo’ eyes! You velly silly little gel, you! [She dries her eyes and takes up mirror.] Look at yo’self! Hee-hee! [She turns the glass about and knocks on the back of it.] Mee-Mee? Mee-Mee? You round dere? Yourounddere?... Rightindere? [Turns it.] ’Course I is!—She in dere all de time! Catch her not? [She starts playing bo-peep with herself.] No ... no ... she dere, I say she dere!... He say once—he say, ‘silly lill’ gel know not’ing ’bout art!’ Ah, ha! Himself he know not’ing, not’ing—atall!... Himself!... Tiki, dat went away and never come back!
[She produces from hiding-place the shoes whichTikipuleft behind.
[Sings.]
Mee-Mee, Mee-Mee know not whereHe gone. He gone!He not here! He not dere!
Mee-Mee, Mee-Mee know not whereHe gone. He gone!He not here! He not dere!
Mee-Mee, Mee-Mee know not whereHe gone. He gone!He not here! He not dere!
Mee-Mee, Mee-Mee know not where
He gone. He gone!
He not here! He not dere!
[She looks into her powder boxes and at the shoes.
No use looking anywhere!He gone!Evelly day, sin’ dey sayHe gone an’ not come back,—Mee-Mee wait:—still he stay.Mee-Mee hope, Mee-Mee pray,All Mee-Mee’s hair gone grey!Dat’s a fac’!
No use looking anywhere!He gone!Evelly day, sin’ dey sayHe gone an’ not come back,—Mee-Mee wait:—still he stay.Mee-Mee hope, Mee-Mee pray,All Mee-Mee’s hair gone grey!Dat’s a fac’!
No use looking anywhere!He gone!Evelly day, sin’ dey sayHe gone an’ not come back,—Mee-Mee wait:—still he stay.Mee-Mee hope, Mee-Mee pray,All Mee-Mee’s hair gone grey!Dat’s a fac’!
No use looking anywhere!
He gone!
Evelly day, sin’ dey say
He gone an’ not come back,—
Mee-Mee wait:—still he stay.
Mee-Mee hope, Mee-Mee pray,
All Mee-Mee’s hair gone grey!
Dat’s a fac’!
[Looks at herself in glass, and continues talking.] Only jus’ now it don’ show—dat’s all why she can’t see it. [She puts out light. Within the house are heard the voices ofMr.andMrs. Olangtsiraised in altercation, andYunglangsticrying, ‘I don’t want to get up! I won’t get up!’AsMee-Meelistens her resolution is formed.] Don’ you waste time, Mee-Mee!—don’ you waste time! Soon dey come—to take you away from yo’self. You say not’ing to dat. You only behere—let demfindyou here, eh? Let dem see you not belong to dem at all. You belong ...all...to...yo’self... because Tiki have fo’gotten you! [She takes phial of poison from her breast.] Goo’-bye, Mee-Mee!... Goo’-bye ... goo’....
[While she is speaking the picture glows slowly into life. Under the rays of the lanternWiowaniis discovered seated, benignant of aspect. He plucks three times upon thestrings of his guitar. At the third soundMee-Mee’sattention is arrested: she shuffles the poison out of sight and turns her head.
Mee.[With childlike curiosity.] H’m?... How you come in dere?
Wio.
Years ago, when youth was spent,The door was open, so in I went.
Years ago, when youth was spent,The door was open, so in I went.
Years ago, when youth was spent,The door was open, so in I went.
Years ago, when youth was spent,
The door was open, so in I went.
Mee.Catch yo’ foot and trip, eh?... Say? is it all velly nice in dere?
Wio.
A matter of taste: the view is free;You can look for yourself and see.
A matter of taste: the view is free;You can look for yourself and see.
A matter of taste: the view is free;You can look for yourself and see.
A matter of taste: the view is free;
You can look for yourself and see.
Mee.[Doubtfully.] H’m! Is dere any one pletty in dere?
Wio.
Pretty’s a word that knows no rule,Here we have only the Beautiful.
Pretty’s a word that knows no rule,Here we have only the Beautiful.
Pretty’s a word that knows no rule,Here we have only the Beautiful.
Pretty’s a word that knows no rule,
Here we have only the Beautiful.
Mee.H’m!... H’m! ... notpletty?
[Wiowanishakes his head.
Mee.[Very satisfied.] Say?...Mepletty, you no t’ink?
Wio.
My eyes have grown too old to see,You’re too far off. Come nearer to me!
My eyes have grown too old to see,You’re too far off. Come nearer to me!
My eyes have grown too old to see,You’re too far off. Come nearer to me!
My eyes have grown too old to see,
You’re too far off. Come nearer to me!
Mee.[Advancing by degrees.] Hee-hee!... Hee-hee!... Tsz!
Wio.
Nearer. Nearer. Yes, that will do.Sit down! I’ve been waiting to talk to you.
Nearer. Nearer. Yes, that will do.Sit down! I’ve been waiting to talk to you.
Nearer. Nearer. Yes, that will do.Sit down! I’ve been waiting to talk to you.
Nearer. Nearer. Yes, that will do.
Sit down! I’ve been waiting to talk to you.
Mee.Ya-as ... of course.
[She squats on dais.
Wio.
Three years I’ve waited, while time has tarried.Mee-Mee, when are you going to get married?
Three years I’ve waited, while time has tarried.Mee-Mee, when are you going to get married?
Three years I’ve waited, while time has tarried.Mee-Mee, when are you going to get married?
Three years I’ve waited, while time has tarried.
Mee-Mee, when are you going to get married?
Mee.[Stiffly.] Not goin’ to get mallied.
Wio.
Oh, yes, you are! Tell the truth, Mee-Mee!Come now!—when is the day to be?
Oh, yes, you are! Tell the truth, Mee-Mee!Come now!—when is the day to be?
Oh, yes, you are! Tell the truth, Mee-Mee!Come now!—when is the day to be?
Oh, yes, you are! Tell the truth, Mee-Mee!
Come now!—when is the day to be?
Mee.[Reluctantly.] Well ... me’d bin hopin’ dey forget.... Dey not!... Las’ night de Mistless say—‘Mee-Mee!’ (like dat!) ‘you gettin’ yo’self leddy to mally to-mollow—first t’ing?’... [Her voice begins to quaver.] Me gettin’ meself leddynow.... Plesently she come: plesently she say—‘You wife, you not lill’ gel any mo’!’
Wio.And then?
Mee.And den? Ah! den me got to die!
Wio.Die? When?
Mee.Me got lill’ bottle of ‘come-wid-me’ in here! Hee-hee, hee-hee!... Me take it—so: me say to my beautiful new husban’—‘Yo’ health!—yo’ velly good health!’ Den me drink. Den me say—‘How nice!’ Den me die! Den he lef’ widower.... Oh! poo’ man!
Wio.
Oh! he’ll get over it, bit by bit!But what will Tikipu say to it?
Oh! he’ll get over it, bit by bit!But what will Tikipu say to it?
Oh! he’ll get over it, bit by bit!But what will Tikipu say to it?
Oh! he’ll get over it, bit by bit!
But what will Tikipu say to it?
Mee.Tikipu? Who say ‘Tikipu’? Who say? Who say?
Wio.
Oh, yes! It’s all very well for you:But what will it mean for Tikipu?
Oh, yes! It’s all very well for you:But what will it mean for Tikipu?
Oh, yes! It’s all very well for you:But what will it mean for Tikipu?
Oh, yes! It’s all very well for you:
But what will it mean for Tikipu?
Mee.Not’ing.... He fo’gotten me.
Wio.Oh ho?
Mee.He don’ care fo’ me.
Wio.Oh ho?
Mee.He don’ want me!
Wio.
He didn’t, you mean, when he went away?When he returns—perhaps he may!
He didn’t, you mean, when he went away?When he returns—perhaps he may!
He didn’t, you mean, when he went away?When he returns—perhaps he may!
He didn’t, you mean, when he went away?
When he returns—perhaps he may!
Mee.Ah, say? Ah, say? O gleat big beautiful wise man, you t’ink dat?
Wio.
And if he does—then, what about you?How can you hope to help Tikipu?
And if he does—then, what about you?How can you hope to help Tikipu?
And if he does—then, what about you?How can you hope to help Tikipu?
And if he does—then, what about you?
How can you hope to help Tikipu?
Mee.Ugh! Dat velly easy t’ing, if he really want me.... Me say here to myself sometimes, ‘Now, t’ink, Mee-Mee, t’ink Tiki come all back again! T’ink dat you am his wife!... Den he sit like dis, and he paint: an’ you—just sit-an’-wait! Plesently he paint—allwrong: got to be closs with somebody—of course! Den he closs wid you! an’ you—jus’ sit-an’-wait! Den he paint’bominable: got to beat somebody—beat you, eh? Den de picture come—allright!... Say, isn’t dat de way? What?
De man dat mallyme—Gleat artis’, see?
De man dat mallyme—Gleat artis’, see?
De man dat mallyme—Gleat artis’, see?
De man dat mallyme—
Gleat artis’, see?
Wio.
Yes, if he understands, maybe.Where did you learn all that, Mee-Mee?
Yes, if he understands, maybe.Where did you learn all that, Mee-Mee?
Yes, if he understands, maybe.Where did you learn all that, Mee-Mee?
Yes, if he understands, maybe.
Where did you learn all that, Mee-Mee?
Mee.It all inside of me!... Dat kind of t’ing come all of itself—me t’ink!
Wio.
Ah! That’s good! Well, some dayyouWill have to teach that to Tikipu.When he returns perhaps you’ll findTikipu with an absent mind.Wake him tenderly, take him in hand,Teach him! Then he will understand....There, run along! Yes, go your way;Deck yourself out in bridal array,Stick gold bodkins into your head,Dab your cheeks with patches of red,Paint your lips like petals of rose,Rub the powder-puff over your nose,Play the tricks that you know by heart,Colour your eyes, and call it ‘Art.’And when you stand, after all is done,Crowned like a bride in the sight of the sun,Then is your time—call Tikipu!And he, if he hears, will come to you!
Ah! That’s good! Well, some dayyouWill have to teach that to Tikipu.When he returns perhaps you’ll findTikipu with an absent mind.Wake him tenderly, take him in hand,Teach him! Then he will understand....There, run along! Yes, go your way;Deck yourself out in bridal array,Stick gold bodkins into your head,Dab your cheeks with patches of red,Paint your lips like petals of rose,Rub the powder-puff over your nose,Play the tricks that you know by heart,Colour your eyes, and call it ‘Art.’And when you stand, after all is done,Crowned like a bride in the sight of the sun,Then is your time—call Tikipu!And he, if he hears, will come to you!
Ah! That’s good! Well, some dayyouWill have to teach that to Tikipu.When he returns perhaps you’ll findTikipu with an absent mind.Wake him tenderly, take him in hand,Teach him! Then he will understand....There, run along! Yes, go your way;Deck yourself out in bridal array,Stick gold bodkins into your head,Dab your cheeks with patches of red,Paint your lips like petals of rose,Rub the powder-puff over your nose,Play the tricks that you know by heart,Colour your eyes, and call it ‘Art.’And when you stand, after all is done,Crowned like a bride in the sight of the sun,Then is your time—call Tikipu!And he, if he hears, will come to you!
Ah! That’s good! Well, some dayyou
Will have to teach that to Tikipu.
When he returns perhaps you’ll find
Tikipu with an absent mind.
Wake him tenderly, take him in hand,
Teach him! Then he will understand....
There, run along! Yes, go your way;
Deck yourself out in bridal array,
Stick gold bodkins into your head,
Dab your cheeks with patches of red,
Paint your lips like petals of rose,
Rub the powder-puff over your nose,
Play the tricks that you know by heart,
Colour your eyes, and call it ‘Art.’
And when you stand, after all is done,
Crowned like a bride in the sight of the sun,
Then is your time—call Tikipu!
And he, if he hears, will come to you!
[Wiowanivanishes into picture.
Mee.[Quietly surprised.] Say!... Funny picture dat! Mee-Mee, you been asleep?
Mrs.O. [Within.] Now Mee-Mee! Mee-Mee! Mee-Mee!
Mee.Oh! ya-as!
[She skurries round, collects her toilet-materials, and runs into house. Far away bridal music is heard. Within the picture goes a murmur of soft music.Wiowanireappears, leadingTikipuby the hand.Tikipusteps out of the picture as one walking in his sleep.
Wio.So you have come back to the world again!There’s dawn beginning white against the pane.What does life look like? Does the dream seem trueNow you have wakened from it, Tikipu?What? Not awake yet? Ah, soon from your brainAll this dead breath shall melt, as from the paneMelts the white frost! Now, if my labour stands,Yonder you hold it!—Go and wash your hands!—There’s too much paint upon them, and the stainOf midnight oils. Catch hold on life againEre it be flown! You know the tale that’s told,How to my door an Emperor came of oldAnd begged, but would not enter. Fortune’s clown,Burdened with power, he durst not lay it down!But there’s another tale, that’s yet to tell,Of one that came, and—loving peace too well,—Would not go out! Indolent and unmoved,Gifted with powers, he feared to have them proved!Chosen of gods, the gods he chose to cheat,And here sat lapped in rest with folded feet,A tranquil traitor, careless of his kind.Go—get you gone, and leave your dreams behind!Nay! What have you done yet to earn the restAnd peace wherein I dwell? Have your hands blestDull clay, or caused the mouldering dead to wake?Have you so starved, and striven, and toiled to makeYour vision true: and have you failed and tried,And failed and found—only to be deniedAnd stand at last a mark for all men’s scorn?And have you learned that faith is only bornOut of thick darkness,—hope out of despair,—Love out of hate,—and that the world proves fairOnly through this—the blindness of men’s eyes,Whereto all Beauty goes for sacrifice?Ah! though I speak with tongues, he understandsNothing at all! Go, go and wash your handsIn life, and live anew!...The world awaits you! Good-bye, Tikipu!
Wio.So you have come back to the world again!There’s dawn beginning white against the pane.What does life look like? Does the dream seem trueNow you have wakened from it, Tikipu?What? Not awake yet? Ah, soon from your brainAll this dead breath shall melt, as from the paneMelts the white frost! Now, if my labour stands,Yonder you hold it!—Go and wash your hands!—There’s too much paint upon them, and the stainOf midnight oils. Catch hold on life againEre it be flown! You know the tale that’s told,How to my door an Emperor came of oldAnd begged, but would not enter. Fortune’s clown,Burdened with power, he durst not lay it down!But there’s another tale, that’s yet to tell,Of one that came, and—loving peace too well,—Would not go out! Indolent and unmoved,Gifted with powers, he feared to have them proved!Chosen of gods, the gods he chose to cheat,And here sat lapped in rest with folded feet,A tranquil traitor, careless of his kind.Go—get you gone, and leave your dreams behind!Nay! What have you done yet to earn the restAnd peace wherein I dwell? Have your hands blestDull clay, or caused the mouldering dead to wake?Have you so starved, and striven, and toiled to makeYour vision true: and have you failed and tried,And failed and found—only to be deniedAnd stand at last a mark for all men’s scorn?And have you learned that faith is only bornOut of thick darkness,—hope out of despair,—Love out of hate,—and that the world proves fairOnly through this—the blindness of men’s eyes,Whereto all Beauty goes for sacrifice?Ah! though I speak with tongues, he understandsNothing at all! Go, go and wash your handsIn life, and live anew!...The world awaits you! Good-bye, Tikipu!
Wio.So you have come back to the world again!There’s dawn beginning white against the pane.What does life look like? Does the dream seem trueNow you have wakened from it, Tikipu?What? Not awake yet? Ah, soon from your brainAll this dead breath shall melt, as from the paneMelts the white frost! Now, if my labour stands,Yonder you hold it!—Go and wash your hands!—There’s too much paint upon them, and the stainOf midnight oils. Catch hold on life againEre it be flown! You know the tale that’s told,How to my door an Emperor came of oldAnd begged, but would not enter. Fortune’s clown,Burdened with power, he durst not lay it down!But there’s another tale, that’s yet to tell,Of one that came, and—loving peace too well,—Would not go out! Indolent and unmoved,Gifted with powers, he feared to have them proved!Chosen of gods, the gods he chose to cheat,And here sat lapped in rest with folded feet,A tranquil traitor, careless of his kind.Go—get you gone, and leave your dreams behind!Nay! What have you done yet to earn the restAnd peace wherein I dwell? Have your hands blestDull clay, or caused the mouldering dead to wake?Have you so starved, and striven, and toiled to makeYour vision true: and have you failed and tried,And failed and found—only to be deniedAnd stand at last a mark for all men’s scorn?And have you learned that faith is only bornOut of thick darkness,—hope out of despair,—Love out of hate,—and that the world proves fairOnly through this—the blindness of men’s eyes,Whereto all Beauty goes for sacrifice?Ah! though I speak with tongues, he understandsNothing at all! Go, go and wash your handsIn life, and live anew!...The world awaits you! Good-bye, Tikipu!
Wio.So you have come back to the world again!
There’s dawn beginning white against the pane.
What does life look like? Does the dream seem true
Now you have wakened from it, Tikipu?
What? Not awake yet? Ah, soon from your brain
All this dead breath shall melt, as from the pane
Melts the white frost! Now, if my labour stands,
Yonder you hold it!—Go and wash your hands!—
There’s too much paint upon them, and the stain
Of midnight oils. Catch hold on life again
Ere it be flown! You know the tale that’s told,
How to my door an Emperor came of old
And begged, but would not enter. Fortune’s clown,
Burdened with power, he durst not lay it down!
But there’s another tale, that’s yet to tell,
Of one that came, and—loving peace too well,—
Would not go out! Indolent and unmoved,
Gifted with powers, he feared to have them proved!
Chosen of gods, the gods he chose to cheat,
And here sat lapped in rest with folded feet,
A tranquil traitor, careless of his kind.
Go—get you gone, and leave your dreams behind!
Nay! What have you done yet to earn the rest
And peace wherein I dwell? Have your hands blest
Dull clay, or caused the mouldering dead to wake?
Have you so starved, and striven, and toiled to make
Your vision true: and have you failed and tried,
And failed and found—only to be denied
And stand at last a mark for all men’s scorn?
And have you learned that faith is only born
Out of thick darkness,—hope out of despair,—
Love out of hate,—and that the world proves fair
Only through this—the blindness of men’s eyes,
Whereto all Beauty goes for sacrifice?
Ah! though I speak with tongues, he understands
Nothing at all! Go, go and wash your hands
In life, and live anew!...
The world awaits you! Good-bye, Tikipu!
[Tikipuhas turned slowly away, gazing at his hands in a daze of grief and humility.Wiowanivanishes into the picture.
Re-enterMee-Mee,wearing her bridal crown.Tikipucontinues to move away.
Mee.Tiki! Tikipu!
Tiki.Why, Mee-Mee, is that you? What have you come for? It’s ... it’s very early, isn’t it?... Is any one up? Mee-Mee, what’s the matter? You are changed! What has happened since yesterday?
Mee.Since yes’day?
Tiki.It was ... it was yesterday, wasn’t it? Mee-Mee,—how long have I been away?
Mee.For t’ree year, Tiki—t’ree whole year.
Tiki.[Dumbfounded.] Three y——!
Mee.You ’shamed of yo’self, Tiki, eh? What for you come back now? H’m? Los’ yo’ way, I suppose!
Tiki.Yes, Mee-Mee, ... it’s strange!... I’ve ... I’ve lost my way!... Three years! And you are not married yet, Mee-Mee?
Mee.What dat matter to you, Mr. Tiki?... No ... not yet.... P’laps dat why you come ... to see me—mallied!... Well, den,—you jest in time!
Tiki.[Realising for the first timeMee-Mee’sbridal array.] Mee-Mee ... there’s something ... I ... don’t understand.
Mee.Ah ha! So you found dat out!
Tiki.It’s gone! Something’s gone,—something without which I can’t live! Gone!
Mee.Ah! I know what all de matter! I know! Dere! [She brings outTikipu’sshoes from hiding-place.] You lef’ yo’ gleat big shoes behin’! I keep dem quite safe all de time!
[She kneels, taps first one foot, then the other, and puts the shoes on his feet. He still stands dazed.
Tiki.Gone!... Oh! where shall I find helpnow?
Mee.Won’ Mee-Mee do? Won’ Mee-Mee do? [He stands disregarding her.] You not want me?... You not want me, Tiki?... Goo’-bye.... I’m going to be mallied to-day ... yes, to somebody! My Star say to-day, only to-day! ... ol’ maid if I don’ mally to-day!... Goo’-bye! Ah! Ah!
[She breaks into sudden tremblings and sobbings.Tikiputurns and looks at her earnestly: round her as she stands the light gradually grows bright. She stretches her hands pleadingly towards him for the last time.
Tiki.Mee-Mee! Mee-Mee! What have you done to yourself? Don’t look at me like that! Don’t look at me like that! Your eyes are beautiful, Mee-Mee! Shut them or I shall go blind!
Mee.Ah! It come! It come! Say, Tiki! you is wantin’ somebody to help you?
Tiki.My whole life is a want, Mee-Mee! If you come with me you will lose everything!
Mee.I got not’ing to lose, Tiki.
Tiki.You will be hungry!
Mee.I’ve been hungly for t’ree years, Tiki.
Tiki.Homeless—perhaps!
Mee.I never had a home, Tiki.
Tiki.Friendless!
Mee.Ah ha!
Tiki.Poor!—poorer than the poorest you have known. Look under this ... this robe.... [Bewildered, he finds that he is wearing a strange garment.] ... I have only my old rags. And you——
Mee.[Showing herself.] I jus’ de same!
Tiki.Often I shall neglect you, Mee-Mee: sometimes I may even forget you! For there is something I love more than you! If you come with me, it is to help me to find eyes more wonderful than your own, and a mistress whose bond-slave you also shall be!
Mee.She velly beautiful, Tiki?
Tiki.I have never seen her, Mee-Mee. But in your eyes I find the reflection of her face!
Mee.Den when I shut dem, you no see her—at all?
Tiki.Open them, Mee-Mee! Open your eyes!... Oh!... Mee-Mee!
[He surrenders himself utterly to her spell.They embrace.
Mee.Tiki ... is you awake?
Tiki.Yes! Awake at last!
Mee.You been asleep for t’ree years, eh? What you been dreaming of, Tiki?
Tiki.I was dreaming of you—all the time!
Mee.Dat true? Ah! What Mee-Mee made for! De man dat mally me—gleat artis’!
[As she clings to him, the song of the bridal procession is heard approaching. They start and listen.
Students.[Without.]
Is the lily on the lake?Is the bride wide awake?Here’s a party come to take her home!There’s a cosy bed to make,There’s a rosy cake to bake,And there’s honey, too, to take from the comb.
Is the lily on the lake?Is the bride wide awake?Here’s a party come to take her home!There’s a cosy bed to make,There’s a rosy cake to bake,And there’s honey, too, to take from the comb.
Is the lily on the lake?Is the bride wide awake?Here’s a party come to take her home!There’s a cosy bed to make,There’s a rosy cake to bake,And there’s honey, too, to take from the comb.
Is the lily on the lake?
Is the bride wide awake?
Here’s a party come to take her home!
There’s a cosy bed to make,
There’s a rosy cake to bake,
And there’s honey, too, to take from the comb.
Mee.Now dey comin’ fo’ me!
Tiki.They shan’t have you, Mee-Mee! Quick, let us go!
[Knocking is heard without.
Mee.No, no ... it too late now!... Go, hidee, Tiki, go hidee!
Tiki.In here!
[They run into pantry.
[EnterStudentsandApprentices,followed by bearers with hooded palanquin, which is set down, propped on stools, in the centre of the stage.
Chorus.
Oh, who will go inside?Oh, who will bring the bride,For the knot to be tied as it ought?Give a rat-tat-tat-tat-tat!If she doesn’t come for that,Then the naughty little cat must be caught!Phit! Phat! Miaow! Phit! Phat! Miaow!Then the naughty little cat must be caught!
Oh, who will go inside?Oh, who will bring the bride,For the knot to be tied as it ought?Give a rat-tat-tat-tat-tat!If she doesn’t come for that,Then the naughty little cat must be caught!Phit! Phat! Miaow! Phit! Phat! Miaow!Then the naughty little cat must be caught!
Oh, who will go inside?Oh, who will bring the bride,For the knot to be tied as it ought?Give a rat-tat-tat-tat-tat!If she doesn’t come for that,Then the naughty little cat must be caught!Phit! Phat! Miaow! Phit! Phat! Miaow!Then the naughty little cat must be caught!
Oh, who will go inside?
Oh, who will bring the bride,
For the knot to be tied as it ought?
Give a rat-tat-tat-tat-tat!
If she doesn’t come for that,
Then the naughty little cat must be caught!
Phit! Phat! Miaow! Phit! Phat! Miaow!
Then the naughty little cat must be caught!
New.Well, and which of all the blushing doors is the right one?
Lil.That’s the one!
Hiti.Tee-Pee, you and I are the adopted relatives: we’ve got to defend it!
[Takes up attitude of defence before door.
Hiti.
Scarecrows avaunt!I say ye shan’tIntrude! It’s rudeAnd most improper!
Scarecrows avaunt!I say ye shan’tIntrude! It’s rudeAnd most improper!
Scarecrows avaunt!I say ye shan’tIntrude! It’s rudeAnd most improper!
Scarecrows avaunt!
I say ye shan’t
Intrude! It’s rude
And most improper!
Tee.
Robbers, beware!This damsel fairWho steals,—by heelsHe comes a cropper.
Robbers, beware!This damsel fairWho steals,—by heelsHe comes a cropper.
Robbers, beware!This damsel fairWho steals,—by heelsHe comes a cropper.
Robbers, beware!
This damsel fair
Who steals,—by heels
He comes a cropper.
[Plants his foot inLilong’sstomach and floors him.
Lil.[From floor.]
Oh, put asideYour family pride!Our suit deniedDeride no more!
Oh, put asideYour family pride!Our suit deniedDeride no more!
Oh, put asideYour family pride!Our suit deniedDeride no more!
Oh, put aside
Your family pride!
Our suit denied
Deride no more!
Han.
Let her decideWith us to ride!
Let her decideWith us to ride!
Let her decideWith us to ride!
Let her decide
With us to ride!
All.
Come bride, bride, bride!Undo the door!...Bride! come along, bride! Door, door, door!
Come bride, bride, bride!Undo the door!...Bride! come along, bride! Door, door, door!
Come bride, bride, bride!Undo the door!...
Come bride, bride, bride!
Undo the door!...
Bride! come along, bride! Door, door, door!
Bride! come along, bride! Door, door, door!
Nau.Why, she hasn’t locked it!
New.Laws of Confucius! What a fuss all about nothing!
[They advance to the door.
Lil.Take care! She’ll scratch you! She’s waiting behind the door!
Han.Fetch her out! Nau-Tee, fetch her out!
[He pushesNau-Teeinto the inner chamber.
Hiti.Have his blood, Mee-Mee! Have his blood!
Nau.Why, she isn’t here at all!
Hiti.Her feet have beat a modest retreat!
Tee.You’d better have proof she is not in the roof!
[They all run in.
Students.[Within.]
In the roof? Fetch her out.Oh, there isn’t a doubtShe is somewhere about!
In the roof? Fetch her out.Oh, there isn’t a doubtShe is somewhere about!
In the roof? Fetch her out.Oh, there isn’t a doubtShe is somewhere about!
In the roof? Fetch her out.
Oh, there isn’t a doubt
She is somewhere about!
[Quick ascent of ladder is heard.
We are looking for proofThat she’s not in the roof.(Sing the catch of the cat and the mouse!)If she isn’t up there,Why then, I declare,She is hiding herself in the house.
We are looking for proofThat she’s not in the roof.(Sing the catch of the cat and the mouse!)If she isn’t up there,Why then, I declare,She is hiding herself in the house.
We are looking for proofThat she’s not in the roof.(Sing the catch of the cat and the mouse!)If she isn’t up there,Why then, I declare,She is hiding herself in the house.
We are looking for proof
That she’s not in the roof.
(Sing the catch of the cat and the mouse!)
If she isn’t up there,
Why then, I declare,
She is hiding herself in the house.
[MeanwhileTikipuandMee-Meehave been trying to steal to the street door: as each attempt fails they retreat precipitately. Immediately on exit ofStudents,Mee-Meeruns across to the door, reverses the key, and locks it from the outside.
Mee.Now, Tiki, quick, quick, quick!
[She throws off bride-dress on to floor.
Tiki.They are coming back, Mee-Mee!
Mee.No—not yet! Silly man—make me do it all! How you able to run and hide in all dis? [She pulls off his robe, uncovering the certificate which hangs down his back.] Oh! Tiki, dat what you stole? [Tikiputakes it and stares astonished, presently his wonder changes to laughter.] Tiki! don’ laugh like dat! You wastin’ time!
Tiki.
Oh! now I know what I have done!I’m a thief, Mee-Mee! I must run!Poor Yunglangtsi! There, let it stay!I’m a much bigger thief to-day:I’m stealingyou!
Oh! now I know what I have done!I’m a thief, Mee-Mee! I must run!Poor Yunglangtsi! There, let it stay!I’m a much bigger thief to-day:I’m stealingyou!
Oh! now I know what I have done!I’m a thief, Mee-Mee! I must run!Poor Yunglangtsi! There, let it stay!I’m a much bigger thief to-day:I’m stealingyou!
Oh! now I know what I have done!
I’m a thief, Mee-Mee! I must run!
Poor Yunglangtsi! There, let it stay!
I’m a much bigger thief to-day:
I’m stealingyou!
[Knocking at inner door.Tikiputhrows open the street door: the warm hues of dawn stream in.
Tiki.
Dawn, Mee-Mee, dawn! Look how the hands of lightReach up and lift the covering cowl of nightFrom the blush-blinded eyes of Heaven! And she,Heart-woken, and warm-footed o’er the sea,Her face a fountain of desires long stored,Goes kindling to the arms of her great lord!And lo! he comes rejoicing, and flings gold,Till all the earth is with his joy enrolled:And every life a mote in his glad beamsMelts forth to meet him, and, where’er light streams,Dance till it drowns! Ah, look! The sun, the sun! [Knocking.Shall we go, Mee-Mee?
Dawn, Mee-Mee, dawn! Look how the hands of lightReach up and lift the covering cowl of nightFrom the blush-blinded eyes of Heaven! And she,Heart-woken, and warm-footed o’er the sea,Her face a fountain of desires long stored,Goes kindling to the arms of her great lord!And lo! he comes rejoicing, and flings gold,Till all the earth is with his joy enrolled:And every life a mote in his glad beamsMelts forth to meet him, and, where’er light streams,Dance till it drowns! Ah, look! The sun, the sun! [Knocking.Shall we go, Mee-Mee?
Dawn, Mee-Mee, dawn! Look how the hands of lightReach up and lift the covering cowl of nightFrom the blush-blinded eyes of Heaven! And she,Heart-woken, and warm-footed o’er the sea,Her face a fountain of desires long stored,Goes kindling to the arms of her great lord!And lo! he comes rejoicing, and flings gold,Till all the earth is with his joy enrolled:And every life a mote in his glad beamsMelts forth to meet him, and, where’er light streams,Dance till it drowns! Ah, look! The sun, the sun! [Knocking.Shall we go, Mee-Mee?
Dawn, Mee-Mee, dawn! Look how the hands of light
Reach up and lift the covering cowl of night
From the blush-blinded eyes of Heaven! And she,
Heart-woken, and warm-footed o’er the sea,
Her face a fountain of desires long stored,
Goes kindling to the arms of her great lord!
And lo! he comes rejoicing, and flings gold,
Till all the earth is with his joy enrolled:
And every life a mote in his glad beams
Melts forth to meet him, and, where’er light streams,
Dance till it drowns! Ah, look! The sun, the sun! [Knocking.
Shall we go, Mee-Mee?
Mee.Yes! I go! I run!
[They run off, holding hands and laughing.
Nau.[Within.] Look here, New-Lyn, I say! She’s locked us in. Go round the other way.
[By the stairsStudentsandBearerscome running just as the door falls, broken from its hinges.
Hiti.