Chapter II: Part 2

[_Nix goes to the Queen and bows._]

QUEEN. I heard all from the castle window. I know the colt is yours.

NIX. I thank you, my Queen, I thank you!

QUEEN. Now you must show the king that colts cannot belong to oxen, never have belonged to oxen, and never will belong to oxen.

NIX. I will go to him at once! I will tell him--

QUEEN. Not so fast! I said you must show the king. He would not let you tell him. No one ever dares to tell things to a king.

NIX. How can I show him?

QUEEN. You must think out the way. I cannot help you more.

NIX. I thank you, my Queen, I thank you.

QUEEN. The king comes out to walk soon.

NIX. I will return to show him.

[_Nix bows to the Queen and goes. The_ KING _and_ PRINCE _come from the castle._]

QUEEN. 'Tis a pleasant day to walk, dear King.

KING. Oh, 'tis very, very pleasant.

[_Enter_ Nix _with a fishing-net. He throws out the net and draws it in._]

QUEEN. Why, look you what that foolish man is doing!

KING. He throws out his net and draws it in! He acts just as if he were fishing.

QUEEN. Let's ask what he is doing.

KING. Come here, you foolish fellow! Come here, I say!

(NIX _comes to the King, but goes on with his fishing._)

Now what are you doing, sir?

NIX. I am fishing, fishing, fishing.

KING. How can you fish where is no water?

NIX. Fish can be found on land if colts belong to oxen.

KING. What is that, sir?

NIX. If colts belong to oxen, then fish should swim in dust.

KING. Well, well, that may be true! What do you think, dear Queen?

QUEEN. I think with you--it may be true.

NIX (_fishing_). If colts belong to oxen, then I will always fish in dust.

KING. Well, well, I think you may be right, sir!

(_Pause. The King thinks deeply._)

Yes, I am now sure that you are right, sir. Go get your colt from Farmer Knave. Go with him, Prince, and see to it. Now come, dear Queen, we'll walk about together, for 'tis a very pleasant day, 'tis very, very pleasant.

THE WISE MEN OF GOTHAM

SCENE I

TIME: _one morning._ PLACE: _the highroad to Gotham._

* * * * *

HODGE. PODGE. NODGE. SCRODGE. KING. SOLDIERS.

* * * * *

[_Enter_ HODGE, PODGE, NODGE, _and_ SCRODGE; _each carries an ax and each chuckles to himself._]

HODGE. Well, the last tree is down!

PODGE. Down and across the road!

NODGE. Not a horse can get through them!

SCRODGE. How angry it will make the king! Ha, ha!

HODGE. He sent us word he would visit Gotham! Ha, ha!

PODGE. Ha, ha!

NODGE. Ha, ha!

SCRODGE. He would hang us if he knew we cut the trees!

HODGE. And let them fall across the road.

PODGE. He will not know. Not a Gotham man would tell him!

NODGE. Nor a Gotham woman!

SCRODGE. Nor a Gotham child!

HODGE. They have not forgotten what his last visit brought upon them.

PODGE. Everything he saw and liked, he took.

NODGE. And would not pay for it!

SCRODGE. His servants and his soldiers ate the town up.

HODGE. And would not pay for it!

PODGE (_looking off_). He is coming now! He is on the hill!

SCRODGE. He has his soldiers with him!

NODGE. He must not see us! Come!

[_They run off. Enter the_ KING _and_ SOLDIERS.]

KING. To think that I--a king--should have to walk!

FIRST SOLDIER. Shall I bring the horses up, your Majesty?

KING. Of what use? Look how the road from here is filled with trees!

SECOND SOLDIER. Just as it was back there!

KING. I know! It was done to keep me out of Gotham! I know!

(_To Third Soldier._)

Here, you!

THIRD SOLDIER (_saluting_). Yes, your Majesty.

KING. Get to Gotham, if you have to crawl.

THIRD SOLDIER. Yes, your Majesty.

KING. Tell these men of Gotham I shall come again.

THIRD SOLDIER. Yes, your Majesty.

KING. And when I do--and when I do--[_He stops._]

THIRD SOLDIER. Yes, your Majesty?

KING. And when I do, I'll have their noses!

THIRD SOLDIER. Yes, your Majesty.

KING. I'll have the Gotham nose of every Gotham man cut off his Gotham face!

THIRD SOLDIER. Yes, your Majesty.

KING. Go, now, and tell them that!

THIRD SOLDIER (_saluting)._ Yes, your Majesty.

[_He goes._]

KING. We will now return the way we came. (_He shakes his finger toward Gotham_,)

I'll have your noses, that I will!

[_He goes with his soldiers._]

SCENE II

TIME: _one month later._ PLACE: _a field near Gotham._

* * * * *

HODGE. PODGE. NODGE. SCRODGE. KING. SOLDIERS. OLD MEN OF GOTHAM. YOUNG MEN OF GOTHAM. PETER AND OTHER GOTHAM BOYS. POLLIE AND OTHER GOTHAM GIRLS.

* * * * *

[_The_ OLD MEN, _the_ YOUNG MEN, _and the_ CHILDREN _are in the field._]

AN OLD MAN. Well, the king's men have taken all the trees away.

A YOUNG MAN. A good month's work it made them, too!

ANOTHER OLD MAN. And now the king will come again!

PETER. And we shall lose our noses!

POLLIE. I do not wish to lose my nose!

[_Enter_ SCRODGE, _running._]

SCRODGE. The king is coming!

[_Enter_ HODGE, _running._]

HODGE. The king is coming!

[_Enter_ PODGE _and_ NODGE, _running._]

PODGE _and_ NODGE. The king is coming!

PETER. And we shall lose our noses!

POLLIE. Oh dear! Oh dear! I'll lose my nose!

CHILDREN. Oh dear! We'll lose our noses!

HODGE. Now get you back to Gotham, children! You will not lose your noses.

PODGE. Quick, now--before the king comes!

[_The children go, holding their noses._]

NODGE. Now, Gotham men, do you all know what to do?

OLD MEN. Aye! Aye!

YOUNG MEN. Aye! Aye!

[_All the men begin to work._]

PODGE. I think this will save our noses.

[_Enter the_ KING _and the_ SOLDIERS.]

KING. Is there a tree left on the road?

FIRST SOLDIER. We took them all away, Sire.

KING (to _a soldier._) Then go and get our horses. We will ride into this Gotham town. (_The soldier salutes and goes._)

Where do you roll these stones, old men?

AN OLD MAN. Uphill to help the sun rise.

KING. What! To help the sun rise?

OLD MAN. Yes, your Majesty.

KING. Don't you know that the sun will rise without help?

OLD MAN. Will it? Well, well! Who would have thought of that!

KING. You foolish fellows! Well, go on and roll your stones. Now tell me why you grunt, young men?

A YOUNG MAN. Oh, we do the grunting while our fathers do the work.

KING. Ha, ha! Well, go on and grunt. Now what are you men doing?

HODGE. There is a cuckoo here, your Majesty.

KING. What if there is a cuckoo there?

PODGE. We are building a wall around it, Sire?

KING. Why build a wall around it?

NODGE. To keep it from flying away.

KING. Ha, ha! Don't you know that the bird can fly over the wall?

HODGE. Well, well! Who would have thought of that!

NODGE. How very wise you are, Sire!

KING. You foolish fellows! Well, go on and build your wall.

(_Enter_ SCRODGE, _carrying a door on his back._)

Where are you going with that door?

SCRODGE. I am going on a journey, Sire.

KING. Why do you carry a door?

SCRODGE. I left my money at home, Sire.

KING. Why didn't you leave the door at home?

SCRODGE. I was afraid of thieves.

KING. Afraid of thieves! And you have taken down your door!

SCRODGE. If I have the door with me, they can't break it open to get in.

KING. You foolish fellow! Why didn't you leave your door at home and carry your money?

SCRODGE. Well, well! Who would have thought of that! How very wise you are, Sire!

KING. Ha, ha, ha! Well, go on and carry your door.

(_To Soldiers._)

These Gotham men are foolish. Does it not seem so to you?

SOLDIERS. Aye, Sire!

KING. I'll let them keep their noses. They knew no better than to cut down the trees. Come, we will go away and leave them.

[_King and Soldiers go._]

GOTHAM MEN. Ha, ha, ha!

THE TWO QUESTIONS

SCENE I

TIME: _when John was King of England._ PLACE: _King John's palace._

* * * * *

KING JOHN. ABBOT. KNIGHT. JESTER. LORDS AND LADIES.

* * * * *

[KING JOHN _sits on his throne. A_ KNIGHT _stands before him. Back of him are the_ LORDS, _the_ LADIES, _and the_ JESTER.]

KING. Now, what is this you say?

KNIGHT. I saw it all, your Majesty.

KING. You say one hundred men sit down to dine with him?

KNIGHT. Yes, your Majesty, every day.

KING. And fifty knights in velvet coats do wait on him?

KNIGHT. They bring him food on golden plates.

JESTER. Your Majesty does not eat on golden plates!

KING. I cannot afford it.

JESTER. Ha, ha! The king's Abbot lives better than the king!

KING. Be silent, Jester! Sir Knight, go bring this Abbot to me.

[_The Knight bows and goes._]

JESTER. The Abbot is the real king! Now who is John, ladies? Who is John, lords? Truly, who are you, John?

[_All laugh. Enter the_ KNIGHT _and_ ABBOT.]

KING. Abbot, I hear strange things about you.

ABBOT. Your Majesty! How can that be?

KING. 'Tis said that every day you have one hundred men to dine with you.

ABBOT. Oh, your Majesty, they are only friends.

KING. No matter who they are!

JESTER. 'Tis not their names! 'Tis what they eat!

LORDS. Ha, ha!

LADIES. Ha, ha!

KING. 'Tis said that fifty knights in velvet coats do wait on you!

ABBOT. Well, your Majesty, I--

KING (_interrupting)._ Do I have fifty knights to wait on me?

ABBOT. Well, your Majesty, I--

[_He stops in confusion._]

JESTER. Are eggs brought to us on golden plates? Not so! Not an egg!

KING. You spend more money, sir, than I do! How do you dare to do so?

ABBOT. 'Tis my own money, Sire--

KING. 'Tis not your money! Everything in this land belongs to me! You shall go to prison, sir!

ABBOT (_falling on his knees_). Oh, say not so, dear King! Oh, say not so!

KING. Well, I will let you off if you will answer me two questions.

ABBOT. Ask as many as you like, dear King.

KING. First, you must tell me how long I shall live.

[_The Abbot is silent._]

JESTER. Go on, John! Ask as many as you like!

KING. Then, Abbot, you must tell me what I think.

ABBOT. Your questions, Sire, are deep and hard.

KING. Answer them, or go to prison.

ABBOT. I pray you for some time to think!

KING. I will give you just two weeks. If you cannot answer then, I'll have your head cut off. And then I'll take your lands and palaces.

JESTER. And your knights and golden plates!

ABBOT (_in a trembling voice_). In two weeks I will return, Sire.

KING. Two weeks and not a day longer! Go!

SCENE II

TIME: _two weeks later; morning._ PLACE: _the Abbot's palace._

* * * * *

ABBOT. FIRST PROFESSOR. SECOND PROFESSOR. SHEPHERD.

* * * * *

[_The_ PROFESSORS _look through very large books._]

ABBOT. Look well for the answers, friends. Look long, look deep, look well.

FIRST PROFESSOR (_closing book_). I cannot find the answers here.

SECOND PROFESSOR (_closing book_). I cannot find them in my book.

ABBOT. Have you looked in other books?

FIRST PROFESSOR. We have looked in every book.

SECOND PROFESSOR. In every book, in every house, in every town.

ABBOT. Alas! Alas! What shall I do? What shall I do?

FIRST PROFESSOR. Go to the king and tell him all.

ABBOT. And then I'll lose my head!

SECOND PROFESSOR. Yes, I fear you'll lose your head.

FIRST PROFESSOR. I am sorry, Abbot, I wish that I might help you.

SECOND PROFESSOR. I am sorry too, friend Abbot. And I do wish the same.

ABBOT. You both have tried your best. Farewell.

(_The Professors bow and go._)

Alas! Alas! Alas! Alas!

[_Enter the_ SHEPHERD.]

SHEPHERD. Good-day to you, good Abbot!

ABBOT. Ah, Shepherd, I am glad to see you. How goes it in your village?

SHEPHERD. We do nothing there but laugh since your visit to us, sir. We laugh all day and half the night.

ABBOT. Now why do you do that?

SHEPHERD. Because, sir, I look so much like you. At least, they think so in our village.

ABBOT. Why, that is true, you do. Well, what can I do for you?

SHEPHERD. I have heard about the two questions, sir. I have come to help you.

ABBOT. How can you help me? Speak!

SHEPHERD. I will go to the king in your place. He will think that I am you.

ABBOT. Can you answer the two questions?

SHEPHERD. Only the king himself can say. Now give me your gown and cap and golden staff, dear Abbot.

ABBOT. Well, I will let you try.

(_Gives his gown and cap to the Shepherd, who puts them on and then takes the staff._)

You truly seem to be myself, good Shepherd!

SHEPHERD. I hope the king will think so.

ABBOT. Suppose he will not take your answers?

SHEPHERD. Then he will take my head.

ABBOT. No, good Shepherd, I'll take my own head up to him for that. Now go, and bear my blessing with you.

[_He lifts his hand. The Shepherd bows his head._]

SCENE III

TIME: _the same day; afternoon._ PLACE: _King John's palace._

* * * * *

KING JOHN. ABBOT (REALLY THE SHEPHERD). KNIGHT. JESTER. LORDS AND LADIES.

* * * * *

[_The_ KING _sits on his throne. The_ LORDS, LADIES, _and_ JESTER _stand near. Enter a_ KNIGHT.]

KNIGHT. The Abbot begs to see you, Sire.

KING. Ah, he has come, has he?

KNIGHT. Yes, your Majesty, he waits without.

KING. Bid him enter.

[_The Knight goes._]

JESTER. Will the Abbot take his head back with him? I'll give you two guesses, ladies! I'll give you two guesses, lords!

[_Enter the_ KNIGHT _and the_ SHEPHERD _dressed as the_ ABBOT.]

ABBOT. Your Majesty, I am here.

KING. Well, then, tell me how long I shall live.

ABBOT. Sire, you shall live till the day that you die, and not one day longer.

KING. Ha, ha! You are witty, Abbot. Now tell me what I think.

ABBOT. You think I am the Abbot, Sire. I am only his poor Shepherd. Behold!

[_He throws off his gown and cap._]

KING. Ha, ha, ha! Truly you are a witty fellow! I like you for it, that I do!

SHEPHERD. Then will you pardon the good Abbot, Sire?

KING. I will pardon the Abbot and let him keep his lands and knights, if you will stay and live here in my court.

JESTER. Yes, stay. Stay and help me jest!

SHEPHERD. I'll stay, and I'll jest whene'er I can. I thank you, King John, I thank you.

POCAHONTAS AND CAPTAIN SMITH

SCENE I

TIME: _a spring morning; three hundred years ago._ PLACE _: forest near Jamestown._

* * * * * POCAHONTAS. INDIAN WOMAN. INDIAN GIRLS. INDIAN BOYS.

* * * * *

[POCAHONTAS _and the_ INDIAN GIRLS _are playing in the forest. An_ INDIAN WOMAN _comes with bows and arrows._]

WOMAN. The deer go to the river! You must shoot them while they drink. Here are your bows and arrows.

A GIRL. I'll shoot a doe!

SECOND GIRL. I'll shoot a stag with horns!

THIRD GIRL. And I, a fawn!

WOMAN. Come, Pocahontas, and get your bow and arrows.

POCAHONTAS. I will not shoot at deer!

WOMAN. Ah, but you must. The braves have gone to watch the white men. So we must do the hunting. Come!

POCAHONTAS. I will not shoot at deer!

THIRD GIRL. She never shoots at them.

WOMAN. Why, what is this?

FOURTH GIRL. She only shoots at trees and sedges peeping from the water.

WOMAN. Now why do you not shoot at deer?

POCAHONTAS. They look at me so gently. I cannot bear to kill them.

FIRST GIRL. She will not kill anything.

SECOND GIRL. She will not even shoot a bird.

WOMAN. Can this be true?

POCAHONTAS. I will not kill the pretty things. This forest is their home, the same as it is ours.

WOMAN. Such talk I never heard before! The braves must know of this.

POCAHONTAS. No, no! They will tell my father!

WOMAN. Aye! Chief Powhatan must know.

POCAHONTAS. I beg you not to tell him!

THIRD GIRL. He will send her from his wigwam! Do not tell him!

FOURTH GIRL. He will send her alone into the forest! Do not tell him!

POCAHONTAS. Do not tell him!

WOMAN. Then take your bow and kill a deer.

POCAHONTAS. I will not! I have told you that! I cannot!

WOMAN. Powhatan shall know. Before the sun sets, Powhatan shall know.

[INDIAN BOYS _enter._]

FIRST BOY. The braves have brought a prisoner!

SECOND BOY. It is the white chief from the village!

THIRD BOY. They have taken him to Powhatan!

FOURTH BOY. Come, if you would see him!

WOMAN. I come! I come!

GIRLS. And I! And I! And I!

[_They go._]

SCENE II

TIME: _a little later._ PLACE: _Indian camp._

* * * * *

CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. MEDICINE MAN. CHIEF POWHATAN. POCAHONTAS. BRAVES, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN.

* * * * *

[CAPTAIN SMITH _stands before_ POWHATAN. He _holds a small compass in his hand._]

SMITH. Let me live, great chief! Let me live and you shall have my talking needle!

POWHATAN. Talking needle! What is that?

SMITH. It is this needle in this box. It talks whenever I wish it.

POWHATAN. What does it say?

SMITH. It tells me where to find the north. I turn the box this way,--I turn the box that way. But the needle always shows the north to me.

POWHATAN. Why, so it does! It is very strange and wonderful!

A BRAVE. Will it tell the north at night?

SMITH. In the darkest night it tells you.

ANOTHER BRAVE. Will it tell the north on water?

SMITH. On river or on lake it tells you.

POWHATAN. Come, show me how to make it talk.

SMITH. Will you let me go in peace?

POWHATAN. You shall live and go in peace.

MEDICINE MAN. Great chief, is it wise to let so wise a man go from us?

POWHATAN. Is it your wish to keep him here?

MEDICINE MAN. There is no place for such a wise man.

POWHATAN. What do you mean?

MEDICINE MAN. Let him go, or let him stay, he will only make more wise things.

POWHATAN. That is true.

MEDICINE MAN. Things too wise for Powhatan's braves. Things too wise for Powhatan.

POWHATAN. What is that? Things too wise for Powhatan!

MEDICINE MAN. The white man makes talking needles. This needle shows the north to him. Another needle may show him how to be chief in your place, Powhatan.

A BRAVE. Yes, yes! That is true!

ALL BRAVES. Yes, yes!

MEDICINE MAN. He is too wise to live, great chief!

BRAVES. Yes, yes, yes!

(_Pause._)

POWHATAN. Bind him to the ground, braves! Put his head on that stone there!

SMITH. Powhatan! I beg you--

POWHATAN. Take him, braves! Be ready with your war clubs!

[_The braves throw Captain Smith on the ground, and stand over him with uplifted clubs. Enter_ POCAHONTAS. _She runs to Captain Smith and kneels beside him, shielding his head with her arms. Enter_ WOMEN _and_ CHILDREN.]

POCAHONTAS. You shall not kill him!

POWHATAN. My daughter! Come away!

POCAHONTAS. You shall not kill him! You shall not kill him!

A WOMAN. Pocahontas!

A GIRL. Pocahontas! They will kill you!

SECOND GIRL. Pocahontas! Come away! Come away!

POCAHONTAS. I will not move!

MEDICINE MAN. Drag her away, braves! Drag her away, I say!

POWHATAN. Do not dare to touch her! Do you hear? Do not dare to touch her! The Great Spirit lives in the child! The Great Spirit has breathed His courage into her! Captain Smith, you shall live and go in peace. I, Powhatan, do say these words!

POCAHONTAS SAVES JAMESTOWN

SCENE I

TIME: _One evening; three hundred years ago._ PLACE: _Indian camp near Jamestown, Virginia._

* * * * *

CHIEF POWHATAN. BRAVES. MEDICINE MAN. WOMEN AND CHILDREN POCAHONTAS.

* * * * *

[POWHATAN, MEDICINE MAN, _and_ BRAVES _sit around the fire in council. The_ WOMEN _and_ CHILDREN, POCAHONTAS _among them, are near._]

POWHATAN. I speak, my children.

BRAVES. We hear, great chief.

POWHATAN. Who among you loves the white man?

(_There is silence._)

Again I ask, who among you loves the white man?

(_There is silence._)

MEDICINE MAN. The white men are not our friends, Chief Powhatan.

A BRAVE. They take our land from us.

SECOND BRAVE. They take our corn from us.

THIRD BRAVE. They will not let us fish in our own rivers.

MEDICINE MAN. They are too wise for Powhatan's children.

POWHATAN. They are too wise for Powhatan.

MEDICINE MAN. Not one should live in our great forests!

A BRAVE. We should not leave one white man in their village!

SECOND BRAVE. Nor a white woman!

THIRD BRAVE. Nor a white child!

POWHATAN. I think with you, my children. Your words are my words.

MEDICINE MAN. This night we should creep upon them!

BRAVES. Yes! Yes! Yes!

POWHATAN. This night it shall be done! Lie here and sleep, my braves, till midnight. Then we will rise and creep upon them. Women, take the children to the wigwams. Pocahontas, fill my quiver full of arrows. You may do this while I sleep. And now, silence.

SCENE II

TIME: _Midnight of same day._ PLACE: _Jamestown._

* * * * *

POCAHONTAS. CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. JOHN ROLFE. POWHATAN. MEDICINE MAN. BRAVES. SETTLERS.

* * * * *

[POCAHONTAS _enters, running. She knocks at the door of Captain Smith's cabin._]

SMITH (_within._) Who knocks?

POCAHONTAS. Pocahontas!

[CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH _comes from the cabin._]

POCAHONTAS. Powhatan is coming! He is coming with his braves! They come creeping while you sleep!

SMITH. What is this?

POCAHONTAS. They come to kill you and the women and the children!

SMITH. Rolfe, Rolfe, do you hear that?

[ROLFE _comes from the cabin._]

ROLFE. I heard! I'll go and warn the people!

SMITH. Tell them to run quickly to the fort!

ROLFE. I'll tell them!

[_He goes, running._]

SMITH. It is brave of you to warn us, Pocahontas.

POCAHONTAS. I could not bear to have the little children killed.

SMITH. You have saved them and their mothers and their fathers. Me, you have saved twice.

[_Pocahontas starts to go._]

POCAHONTAS. Good-by, white chief. I go now to my wigwam.

SMITH. Girl! Girl! You must not go! The braves will know you warned us!

POCAHONTAS. They will not know, white chief. At midnight they were to leave the camp. I will get back by that time.

SMITH. It is midnight now. They have missed you by this time, Pocahontas.

POCAHONTAS. What shall I do? What shall I do?

SMITH. You must stay with us.

POCAHONTAS. I cannot leave my father, white chief.

[_She starts to go._]

SMITH. You must not go! The braves will not let you live! I fear your father could not save you from them!

[_Enter_ ROLFE, _running._]

ROLFE. To the fort! To the fort! The Indians are upon us! To the fort!

SMITH. Come, Pocahontas! There is our fort across the road. You will be safe in there.

POCAHONTAS. How can I leave my father!

[_Enter_ MEN, WOMEN, _and_ CHILDREN, _running. They enter the fort._]

SMITH. Come, Pocahontas! Come!

[_He leads her into the fort just as the_ INDIANS _creep in from the forest. They see Pocahontas and rush at her, but Rolfe shuts the gates._]

BRAVES. Pocahontas! Pocahontas!

MEDICINE MAN. 'Tis Pocahontas who has warned them!

BRAVES. Yes, yes! 'Tis Pocahontas!

MEDICINE MAN. Do you hear that, Chief Powhatan?

POWHATAN. I hear.

A BRAVE. She has betrayed her own people!

SECOND BRAVE. We should never take her back to us!

THIRD BRAVE. We should not let her live!

MEDICINE MAN. Aye, braves, aye! We should not let her live! We will demand her from the white men!

BRAVES. Yes, yes!

MEDICINE MAN. Shall we offer them peace in return for Pocahontas?

BRAVES. Yes, yes, yes!

MEDICINE MAN. Do you hear that, Chief Powhatan?

[_There is a long pause._]

POWHATAN. Go, take the peace flag to them, and ask for Pocahontas.

[_The_ MEDICINE MAN _raises a white flag and goes to the fort. Captain Smith and many men come out._]

SMITH. Do you come to offer peace?

MEDICINE MAN. We offer peace, great chief, if you will give up Pocahontas.

SMITH. And what if we will not give her up?

MEDICINE MAN. We will make war upon you.

SMITH. We will not give her up.

MEDICINE MAN. Then not a man of you shall live! Nor a woman! Nor a child!

SMITH. Pocahontas is our friend. We will not give her up to you.

MEDICINE MAN. Shoot them, braves! Shoot them, as they stand there!

POWHATAN. Do not dare to shoot one arrow! I, Powhatan, speak.

(_To Smith._)

I see you are my daughter's friend, white chief.

SMITH. I am, and would be yours, if you would let me.

POWHATAN. Your white braves take our land from us.

SMITH. They shall pay you. As I am chief here, they shall pay you.

POWHATAN. Your white braves take our corn from us. They will not let us fish in our own rivers.

SMITH. I did not know such wrongs were done you. My braves shall pay for everything in full.

POWHATAN. Then there shall be peace between us. Bring the peace pipe, braves. We will smoke in friendship with our brothers.

SMITH. And Pocahontas will be pardoned? You will take her back as your own daughter?

POWHATAN. Pocahontas will be pardoned, white chief. She shall come and go, as she may please, between our wigwams and yours, my brother.

_[A brave comes with the peace pipe, which he gives to Powhatan, who hands it to Captain Smith._]

SMITH (_taking pipe_). 'Tis for eternal peace between us!

KING ALFRED AND THE CAKES

[Footnote: The teacher should explain that King Alfred was one of the most famous and best beloved kings of England, and that while he was king the Danes were trying to conquer England. At the time of the story, he had been defeated by the Danes, and was compelled to hide with a few followers in the forest to avoid falling into the hands of the enemy.]

TIME: _More than a thousand years ago._ PLACE: _a forest in England._

* * * * *

KING ALFRED. DANISH CHIEF. GOODWIFE. ENGLISH SOLDIERS. PRINCE. DANES.

* * * * *

[_A hut is at one side. Near by is a pile of burning fagots. The_ PRINCE _enters from the forest. He carries a great spear. He looks about; creeps to the hut and looks in the window; shows satisfaction; returns to the forest._]

PRINCE (_softly_). All is well. Enter!

(_Enter_ Two ENGLISH SOLDIERS _from forest. They carry large bows and wear quivers holding arrows._)

We are safe here, my men. Tell King Alfred that.

[_The first Soldier salutes and enters forest._]

SECOND SOLDIER. Danes may hide in the hut, Prince--

PRINCE (_shaking head_). There's only an old woman within.

[_Enter_ FIRST SOLDIER. _He holds the bushes and vines aside._]

FIRST SOLDIER. The king!

[_Enter_ KING ALFRED. _He is disguised as a beggar. He is young, manly, and courageous._]

PRINCE (_bowing)._ You can rest safely here, King Alfred.

KING. Do you think the Danes are still in pursuit?

PRINCE. No, your Majesty, I am sure we have escaped them this time.

SECOND SOLDIER. Besides, they would not know your Majesty dressed so.

KING (_anxiously_). Gentlemen, disguise yourselves as you have me.

PRINCE. That will not do, Sire. The Danes must not see you dressed as we are. 'Twill make you safer.

KING. Aye, but there's more danger for you dressed so. Come, be beggars now with me!

FIRST SOLDIER (_shaking head_). Our first thought is for you, Sire.

SECOND SOLDIER. Should you fall into the Danes' hands now, what will become of England?

KING. Why, she must fight again!

PRINCE, (_shaking head_). Our soldiers ran from the Danes to-day, and lost the battle to them!

KING. 'Tis because they fear these Danes as they do monsters,--monsters come to rob them,--to burn their homes,--to make them slaves!

SOLDIERS. Aye! Aye!

KING. If only I could turn their fear to rage and fierce, hot anger! Then England would not flee! She'd fight her foes and conquer!

SOLDIERS. Aye! Aye!

PRINCE. 'Tis for that great work you should save yourself, Sire! For that, you should wear the beggar's rags now!

[_Enter_ ENGLISH SOLDIERS _in great haste._]

THIRD SOLDIER. Sire, save yourself! The Danes still follow us!

FOURTH SOLDIER. They have crossed the river!

THIRD SOLDIER. They pursue your Majesty!

PRINCE. Go to the hut there, Sire. Let the Danes find you begging from the goodwife.

KING. But you, my men, where will you hide?

FIRST SOLDIER. We'll scatter, Sire.

KING. Then go, go at once! I'll await you here, if the Danes go on.

PRINCE (_saluting_). Farewell, my King!

SOLDIERS (_saluting_). Farewell, King Alfred, farewell!

[_They go. The King crosses to hut, and knocks at door, which is opened by the_ GOODWIFE. _She holds a wooden bowl and a large flat stone in her hands._]

GOODWIFE (_aside_). Another beggar, as I live!

(_Aloud, sharply_). Well, what do you want?

KING. A bite to eat, goodwife.

GOODWIFE. My cakes are not yet baked.

KING. I will wait, then.

GOODWIFE (_indignantly_). Well, and you will not, sir!

KING (_alarmed_). You will not drive me off, good woman!

GOODWIFE. And who are you, that you should sit by and wait, whilst I do all the work! And do you think you are the king, sir?

KING. No, no! I--

GOOD WIFE (_interrupting_). You'll fry the cakes yourself, sir! And that you will at once, sir! Go now and mend the fire, and lay this stone upon it.

[_The King takes the stone; crosses to the fire, and stirs it; places the stone on the burning wood. When the stone is hot, the Goodwife pours the batter from the bowl on the stone._]

GOODWIFE. Now watch these cakes while I'm within. And watch them well: rye cakes do burn while one is winking.

KING. I'll watch them carefully, goodwife.

(_The Goodwife enters hut. The King turns the cakes carefully, then sits on a log; he shows that his thoughts are far away._)

I _will_ drive them out! I _will!_

(_Pause._)

To-night I'll get my men together.

(_Pause._)

We will take them by surprise--at daybreak.

[_Enter the_ GOODWIFE; _she rushes to the fire._]

GOOD WIFE (_looking at cakes_). Burnt to cinders! Not one of them fit to eat!

KING. I am sorry--I--

GOOD WIFE (_interrupting)._ Oh, you good-for-nothing! I would like to beat you!

KING. What can I do to make it right?

GOODWIFE (_taking up a stick_). You'll mix more dough! More dough! Do you hear?

KING. I'll be glad to do it, Madam!

GOODWIFE (_flourishing stick_). In with you! Now in with you, and get to work!

[_The King enters the hut. Enter_ DANISH CHIEF _and_ DANES _from the forest. They carry spears and shields._]

GOODWIFE (_with fear; dropping stick_). The Danes!

CHIEF (_haughtily)._ Aye, Danes!

GOODWIFE. I have no silver! Not a piece, sir!

CHIEF. Burn the hut, men!

DANES. Aye! Aye!

[_They start toward the hut. The Goodwife falls on her knees before them._]

GOODWIFE. I pray you, spare my home!

CHIEF. We spare no home to any English. Do you not know that?

GOODWIFE. I've heard so--

FIRST DANE. We'll burn every home on English land before we go!

SECOND DANE. And drive every Englishman into the seas!

DANES. Aye! Aye!

GOODWIFE (_sobbing)._ I pray you--

CHIEF (_roughly)._ Come, get up! Get up and cease your weeping! I like it not. Get up, I say!

[_Goodwife rises, trembling with fear._]

CHIEF. Now listen; we will not burn your hut, if you will tell us what we wish to know.

GOODWIFE. I will tell you what I can--

CHIEF. Did King Alfred pass this way in flight?

GOODWIFE (_starting_). What? Our king in flight?

CHIEF (_angrily_). Come, no tears for him! Did he pass this way, I say?

GOODWIFE. No, my lord.

FIRST DANE. Do not believe her, chief! There's not an Englishman that would not hide him from us!

GOODWIFE (_forgetting her fear_). Aye, and die for him!

CHIEF (_angrily)._ Say not such words to me! I am your king that is to be!

DANES. Aye! Aye!

CHIEF. Go search within the hut, Danes!

[_Danes enter hut. They come out immediately bringing King Alfred._]

FIRST DANE. We found this man within, chief.

SECOND DANE. 'Tis only her husband, I think.

GOODWIFE (_indignantly_). _Husband_, say you?--that beggar!

CHIEF (_showing suspicion_). Ah, a beggar--!

GOODWIFE. Yes, my lord, he came but just before you.

FIRST DANE (_whispering_). Hear that, my lord,--just before us!

SECOND DANE (_whispering_). It may be King Alfred!

THIRD DANE (_whispering_). Disguised as a beggar, sir!

FOURTH DANE (_whispering_). 'Twould be safest to take him prisoner, my lord!

CHIEF (_nodding_). We'll take him with us to be certain.

GOODWIFE (_hearing this_). Yes, take him! 'Twould serve him right! He burnt my cakes just now!

CHIEF. What! Burnt your cakes?

GOODWIFE. Yes, my lord! And I'd have beaten him had not your lordship come.

CHIEF (_aside to Danes_). This cannot be the king.

FIRST DANE (_shaking head_). No king would fry cakes!

SECOND DANE (_shaking head_). He could not be made to fry them!

THIRD DANE (_shaking head_). Nor take a beating from a woman!

[_The Goodwife has crept up to listen; and so overhears this last remark._]

GOODWIFE. He wouldn't, eh? Ha, ha! Well, I sent him within to mix fresh dough! And I sent him with my stick, I did!

[_Flourishing stick._]

FOURTH DANE. Would you let a woman threaten you with a stick, my lord?

CHIEF (_proudly)._ Never! Besides, King Alfred would be dressed as are his princes and his soldiers. I have thought that from the first. Release the beggar!

[_Danes release King Alfred._]

CHIEF. Now listen, Danes! A hundred silver pieces will I give the man who makes King Alfred prisoner! Hear--all of you!--One hundred silver pieces!

DANES. Aye! Aye!

CHIEF (_to Goodwife and Alfred_). And when this Alfred's taken, to me you'll bend your English knees! To me, you English beggar! Now come, my men! To hunt King Alfred!

DANES (_going_). To hunt King Alfred! To hunt King Alfred!

[_They go. King Alfred smiles. The Goodwife looks after them, listening for a moment._]

GOODWIFE. May they never see a hair of his head!

(_Lifting up arms._)

May Heaven protect and save King Alfred!

KING (_growling_). You seem to love King Alfred--

GOODWIFE. I love the ground he treads on!

KING (_as before_). Of course,--'tis English ground!

GOODWIFE (_shaking head_). Not that--I love the air he breathes!

KING. Well--'tis English air.

GOODWIFE (_sharply)._ No, no! I love the king!--the king himself!

KING (_growling)._ Out upon King Alfred! Out upon him, I say!

GOODWIFE (_angrily)._ You are a traitor, sir!

KING. What has he done for England? He has lost every battle to the Danes! He is running from them now!

GOODWIFE. 'Tis no fault of his! If the king's men were as brave as he, there would not be a Dane on English land to-day!

KING (_still growling_). Well, I'm glad there's one that thinks so well of him!

GOODWIFE. You are a traitor and should be punished!

(_Taking up stick._)

I myself will do it!

[_Lifting stick. Enter the_ PRINCE _and_ ENGLISH SOLDIERS.]

PRINCE (_kneeling_). Your Majesty is safe!

GOOD WIFE (_aside_). What!--Your Majesty, they say!

SOLDIERS (_kneeling, joyfully_). King Alfred! King Alfred!

GOODWIFE (_aside)._ What!--King Alfred!--

KING. Rise, my Prince! Rise, my soldiers! Ah, I'm glad they did not find you!

[_He grasps their hands._]

GOODWIFE (_aside; showing fear_). It is--it is--the king!

KING. We'll fight again, my men! At daybreak we'll surprise them.

SOLDIERS. Aye! Aye!

KING. Goodwife, your king now thanks you.

GOODWIFE (_kneeling_). Oh, your Majesty, forgive me! forgive me!

KING (_gently_). Arise, goodwife.

GOODWIFE (_rising_). Alas the day I made you fry the cakes! Alas the day I would have beaten you!

KING. Nay, goodwife, 'twas that saved my life. I bless the day you made me fry the cakes! I bless the day you would have beaten me! (_Lifting his hand over her head._)

And you I bless, goodwife, for your loyalty to England and her king! Soldiers, salute this brave goodwife!

[_Soldiers form in a double line from door of hut, and hold their bows aloft to make an arch. The Goodwife passes up this lane, under the bows, and stands in door of hut. The King and the Prince salute her._]