Chapter V: Act II

(_A dark night. A dim moon casts a ruddy glow over a
narrow gorge covered with small bushes and hemmed in by
cliffs. The mountain mist, slightly stirred by the wind,
fills all the hollows with a milky shroud. In the midst
of the bushes, and on the bare hillocks, wherever one
looks, lie in heaps the bodies of dead warriors killed in
battle. Eagles and other birds of prey sit on the corpses
in flocks, flying away in fright at every gust of wind.
Two horses stand motionless with heads lowered over the
bodies of their masters. All is quiet, silent, and ominous.
There is heard in the distance the sound of the unsteady
footsteps of the discouraged army of KING DODON. In the
gorge, looking about and stopping, the warriors come down
in a file, two abreast._)

WARRIORS.

The silent night is whispering fearful things.
All is waste; only a flock of birds
Guard the bodies of the fallen.
The pallid disc of the moon
Has risen, and is like a funeral taper.
A mournful and dreary wind
Steals through the darkness;
Stumbling on the bodies,
It blows moaning over the dead.
At times it is silent; and again dejectedly
It presses close to the faces of the fallen,
And plucks at their sleeves.

(_Enter, riding their horses at a walk, KING DODON with
his old VOEVODA, plunged in gloomy thoughts, and stumble
against the bodies of both the PRINCES._)

KING DODON (_throwing himself upon the bodies of his sons_).

What terrible sight is this?
It is my sons! My own sons!
Without their helmets and their armour.
And both lie dead,--
The sword of each piercing the other.
Their horses wander o’er the meadows
Upon the grass trampled down
And red with blood.
Oh! Our support! My children!
Woe is me! Caught in a net
Are both my falcons.
O grief! My death is here.
Weep ye all, as Dodon does.
Let the deepest valleys groan
And the highest mountains shake with
Grief.

(_All sob._)

KING DODON (_pitifully_).

From henceforth I shall lead my army everywhere myself.
The young men enough have been
Exposed to the misfortunes of a martial life.

(_Renewed sobbing._)

POLKAN (_to DODON_).

Whatever has happened, it is past and done.

(_To the army._)

Friends! Let us stand up for Dodon;
Let us give the enemy a lesson!

WARRIORS.

We shall! That we shall!
If only we can find the enemy.

(_No answer. It begins to grow light. The mist rises
a little, and the outline of a tent is seen. The rosy
reflection of the dawn falls upon the bright, many coloured
patterns of the brocade flaps of the tent. All are amazed._)

KING DODON.

Good heavens! A tent!
All in patterns.

(_The first rays of the rising sun._)

(_The flaps of the tent move. The warriors hastily
disperse, leaving the cannon. From the tent emerges
with an easy but imposing gait a beautiful, bright-eyed
woman, accompanied by four female slaves with dulcimer,
rebec, reed, and a drum. She wears a long silk garment
of raspberry colour, plentifully adorned with pearls and
gold. On her head a white turban with a high feather. The
beautiful woman, as if she had noticed nothing, turns
towards the bright sun, raising her hands to it in prayer._)

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.

Answer me, bright orb of day!
Thou com’st to us from the East--
Hast thou visited my native land,
The country of fairy dreams?
Are the roses still glowing there
And the bushes of burning lilies?
Do the turquoise dragon-flies
Kiss the gorgeous leaves?
In the evening by the waters,
In the shy songs of the women and the maidens
Is there still that same intoxicating faintness,
The passionate dream of forbidden love?
Is the unexpected guest still welcomed--
Are there gifts prepared for him--
A modest feast--a secret look
Through the interfering veils?
When the blue night darkens,
Does the young mistress hasten to him
With a sweet avowal on her lips,
Having forgotten both fear and shame?

(_The song being ended THE QUEEN turns towards THE KING and
looks for a long time at him in silence._)

KING DODON (_quietly poking POLKAN with his elbow_).

That’s a song for you!

POLKAN (_with a wink_).

If the young mistress wishes to entertain us
It is possible for us to pass a little time here.

(_DODON gravely goes nearer to the QUEEN. POLKAN follows
him. The others remain at a distance, not daring to
approach._)

KING DODON.

Fair lady! Fear us not.
Be open with us in everything.
What is thy name? Who art thou?
And where is thy land?

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_modestly lowering her eyes_).

By your leave I am the
Virgin Queen of Shemakhan.
I am stealing like a thief
To conquer thy city.

KING DODON (_in astonishment, almost roughly_).

Thou art an amusing jester,
Wilful maiden.
To wage war, an army is necessary;
Without it, it’s a sorry business.

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.

In this thou art mistaken.
An army is not needful for a victory.
Beauty alone makes all bend low
Before her.

(_Claps her hands. Two more slaves come out of the tent
with silver pitchers and pour wine into goblets._)

I am glad of unexpected guests.
The goblets are full of the fiery juice of the vine;
They are frothing to the rim.

(_She bows and strikes the face of DODON who recoils in
distrust._)

Your Health!

KING DODON.

Thou shalt drink first,--
We after.

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.

I did not expect this.
Look in my eyes, which glow
Brighter than the dawn itself.
How could I, with such a heavenly look,
Regale the stranger with poison?

(_Smilingly she raises her eyelashes. DODON, in confusion,
drinks the wine. POLKAN does the same. The slaves who
brought the pitchers again appear, spread out a carpet in
their midst, and arrange pillows for them to sit on. At
a sign given by the VOEVODA, the warriors withdraw to a
distance, for a prolonged rest and to gather the bodies of
the slain. DODON, POLKAN, and THE QUEEN seat themselves.
The first two are perplexed and silent. THE QUEEN smiles
enigmatically._)

POLKAN (_making an effort, suddenly bows to THE QUEEN, trying to be easy in manner and agreeable_).

How has the Queen been pleased to
Pass the night?

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.

I thank thee, I slept not badly.
But at dawn something happened to me;
The air became intoxicating--
Moist, heavy, and spicy--
Like the aroma of night flowers,
Like the play of tangled dreams.
Someone unseen was breathing,
Oppressed by secret passion.
I heard a voice, tender as the air of Spring,
Teasing the ear with the words:
“Dearest! Let me go.”
Louder--softer--farther--nearer.

POLKAN (_with a smile_).

They will come. Do not grieve.

(_THE QUEEN arises in great emotion._)

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.

King! Drive away this monster!
I do not love thy Voevoda.

(_POLKAN is put out of countenance._)

KING DODON.

Why, indeed, old dotard,
Dost thou stare like an owl?
Thou seest the damsel is put to shame--
Still fears us men.
Away with thee! Go!
Behind the tent.

(_POLKAN gets up hurriedly and goes behind the tent, from
where his long beard is seen sticking out from time to
time. THE QUEEN moves her pillow close to DODON._)

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_almost in DODON’S ear_).

My business is with thee.

KING DODON (_still more confused by the danger of propinquity_).

Well, what is it?

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.

I should like to know for certain
If the virgin beauty of the Queen
Is really so brilliant;
Or is it empty talk.

(_Looks straight into DODON’S eyes._)

What sayest thou?

KING DODON (_hesitating_).

I … that is … in truth …

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.

Is that all?
Thou art to be pitied knowing
The Queen only in her garments.
I am not so bad without them.
When I go to sleep, I look a long time in the mirror.

(_Thoughtfully admiring herself. Becomes more and more
carried away._)

I throw off my garments,
And as a ray of sunlight in the mist
Falling on a silver statue
I shine within the tent.
I look and see if anywhere
There is a mole or any blemish on my body.
I remove the pearly fastenings, and
Wanton masses of hair,
Not embarrassed with any head-dress,
Pour forth in black torrent
Over my supple marble thighs.…
So that my sleep may be fresh and sweet
For the night, I sprinkle myself with dew.
On my breasts fall drops of liquid fire--
And I have breasts indeed!
They vie with glory of the southern roses--
Magnificent and firm--and they are
As white, light, and transparent as a dream.…
What is the matter, my friend? Art thou not
Thyself? Is thy little head turned?

KING DODON (_controlling himself_).

There is something the matter with my liver.

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.

Rubbish! I shall sing.
Listen to my song!

(_With a look commands her slaves to accompany her._)

“Dark and narrow
Is my gaily-decked tent;
Warm and soft is the carpet in it.…”
Dost thou wish, old man, to see
What is within?

KING DODON.

Why dost thou wish to offend us? You know
I am not old. These are not wrinkles, but----

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.

Ah! Why do I think of it--
Only to open the wound afresh?
My grief is as boundless
As the wide expanse of the blue sea.
O! Take my life!

(_through her tears_)

Where shall I find someone who will be able
To contradict me in everything;

(_as in a dream_)

Who will place a limit to my desires,
Firmly and masterfully?

KING DODON (_solemnly_).

Cease weeping, and rejoice,
Maiden Queen of Shemakhan.
Thou hast sought and found.
Thy life will now be bright.
I shall thwart thee and
Contradict thee in everything;
In fine--without unnecessary words--
I am ready to do all for thee.

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_in amazement_).

Me? Thwart?
I am very glad

(_joyfully_)

Such happiness! Such bliss!

(_Takes DODON by both hands, who is unutterably happy._)

And for this occasion let us dance,
Forgetting our exalted rank.

KING DODON (_in fear_).

’Tis true I have not danced from childhood.

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.

Well! Be once more a child.

KING DODON (_gloomily_).

I am not going to dance in the presence of people.

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.

Then, Polkan must be with me.
Here, Polkan! Come hither, my friend!

(_POLKAN sticks his head out from behind the tent, but
dares not to approach._)

KING DODON (_seeks a reconciliation_).

Do not get angry, darling!
Although I do not know how to dance,
I shall not spare myself.

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.

Well, let us begin. People, come hither!
Our Dodon is going to dance.

(_POLKAN and the Warriors cautiously draw near to the
carpet, stand in a circle and try not to look at DODON.
The female slaves begin a measured and graceful dance; THE
QUEEN with a tambourine joins in, slowly and light as air._)

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_dancing_).

At first I shall dance.
Having lowered my veil,
Modestly, languidly.--Now it is
Thy turn, Dodon. Come! Step in front
Like a turkey cock, full of conceit,
And sideways, as if by accident,
Knock up against me.

(_DODON dances as commanded and awkwardly jostles the
QUEEN._)

Good! I, striking my tambourine,
Shall fly away from thee,
Silently, supple as a little fish,
And then thou, a loathsome old crab,
Must try and catch me.

(_DODON dances again._)

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_angrily_).

Not that way! Thou hast the ways of a camel.
Don’t keep your heels out.

(_Dance becomes livelier._)

And now, wave your hand,
Turn around, take mincing steps;
Stamp thy feet until thou art ready to fall down;
Whilst I sit down here.

(_THE QUEEN sits to one side and laughs continually, amused
at DODON. DODON waves his hand despairingly and starts the
mad dance. Black boys run out from the tent and form a
circle around DODON. His strength exhausted, he falls down
on the carpet. The dance ends, and the black boys re-enter
the tent._)

KING DODON (_on his knees_).

Stop! I have no more strength.

(_Gets up._)

If I am so dear to thee,
Take me and all my Kingdom;
For all I have is thine, and likewise I myself.

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_disdainfully_).

What shall I do with thee?

KING DODON.

What shalt thou do? Eat sweetmeats--
Rest, and listen to fairy tales.…
Except birds’ milk,
Everything will be provided for my little darling;
I shall spare nothing.

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.

There is no reason to linger;
My preparations are made quickly.
Let us be on our way at once!

(_Out of the tent there come in an endless file, every
time moving apart the flaps of the tent, the slaves of THE
QUEEN, carrying looking-glasses, fans, coffers of precious
things, pitchers, carpets, etc. They array THE QUEEN. The
army also get ready to move._)

KING DODON.

Ho! A horse!
A golden chariot
To carry the Queen!

QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_standing beside DODON_).

I am ready. Ha, ha!

(_To her slaves._)

Sing the praises of the Bridegroom.

SLAVES.

Sisters! Who limps beside
The resplendent beauty?
He is a King by rank and dress--
But a slave--by body and soul.
With what shall we compare him?
Because of his rolling gait, he is like a camel!
Because of his wry face and odd ways,
He is like a real ape!
He is like a spectre!

(_They bring in the chariot._)

KING DODON (_beside himself with joy_).

Ho! Polkan! Sound the trumpets for
A victory!
I am going home with a bride!

(_Trumpets, and cries of the army._)

THE SOLDIERS.

Hurrah! Hurrah!
Hurrah!

CURTAIN.

TROISIÈME ACTE.

(_Journée chaude et ensoleillée; mais à l’est, un lourd
nuage noir avance lentement; l’air est chargé d’orage.
De temps en temps arrivent des messagers essoufflés, qui
apportent les dernières nouvelles. Ils montent l’escalier
et disparaissent à l’intérieur. Tout le monde attend
anxieusement l’arrivée du roi._)

LE PEUPLE.

J’ai grand peur amis!
Pourquoi?
Je l’ignore! Tiens-toi coi!
Nul malheur ne nous menace:
Voyez! Le coq d’or reste en place.
Il se prélasse au soleil.
Il ne donne point l’éveil.
Et le coq est de bon conseil!
Un nuage lourd d’orage
Apparaît à l’orient,
Noir, obscur, terrifiant!
Il pleuvra! Il grêlera!
Voici venir la tempête!
Oui, la tempête!

(_Au haut de l’escalier apparaît l’intendante AMELFA; tous
se précipitent vers elle._)

LE PEUPLE (_avec de grands saluts_).

Viens-tu rassurer nos cœurs?
Nos soldats sont-ils vainqueurs?
Ont-ils chassé les rebelles?
De l’armée quelles nouvelles?

AMELFA (_d’une voix saccadée_).

Ça ne vous regarde pas!
Détournez d’ici vos pas.

LE PEUPLE.

Grâce! l’attente est cruelle!

(_Plusieurs assistants s’approchent D’AMELFA et s’efforcent
de baiser le bas de sa robe. Elle les repousse._)

AMELFA.

Hé bien!

(_Pour se défaire d’eux._)

Voici les nouvelles:
Quatre rois sont restés sur le carreau:
Trèfle, pique, cœur, carreau.
Notre armée triomphe seule.
Dodôn sauva de la gueule
D’un dragon la jeune reine
Qu’en triomphe il vous ramène.

LE PEUPLE (_sans beaucoup de joie_).

Allégresse!
Mais les princes?
Il serait temps qu’ils revinssent!

AMELFA.

Ils ne vont pas revenir:
Notre roi les fit mourir.

LE PEUPLE (_avec effroi_).

Sa justice est implacable!
Étaient-ils donc bien coupables?

AMELFA (_avec indifférence_).

Ils sont mal tombés, voilà!

(_Sur un ton de menace._)

Votre tour bientôt viendra!

LE PEUPLE (_ils se grattent la nuque et sourient stupidement_).

Notre roi est seul le Maître!
Nous devons tous nous soumettre!

(_On entend le son des trompettes._)

AMELFA.

Ils viennent. Tournoyez, sautez!
Montrez votre loyauté
Par des bonds et des grimaces,
Mais n’espérez point de grâces!

(_Les menaçant du doigt, elle rentre dans le palais.
Dans la rue commence le cortège triomphal. D’abord, les
miliciens du roi, avec des airs importants et fanfarons;
puis, la suite de la REINE DE CHÉMAKHA, bariolée et
bizarre, comme sortie d’un conte oriental: certains
personnages n’ont qu’un œil, au milieu du front; d’autres
ont des cornes, d’autres des têtes de chiens. Géants,
nains. Éthiopiens grands et petits, esclaves voilées
portant des cassettes et des vaisseaux précieux. Cette
pompe insolite dissipe pour un instant l’anxiété du peuple.
Tous s’amusent comme des enfants.--Le cortège de la
reine._)

(_LE ROI et LA REINE apparaissent sur leur char doré. LE
ROI paraît vieilli. Il a perdu sa prestance majestueuse.
Son air est soucieux. Il regarde continuellement, avec
tendresse, LA REINE. Celle-ci s’est capricieusement
tournée de côté et trahit de temps en temps par ses gestes
brusques, un énervement caché. La foule se trémousse,
saute, tournoie, pousse de joyeuses acclamations._)

LE PEUPLE.

Soyez bienvenus! Hourra!
Longue vie à notre roi!
Hourra! Hourra!
Vois tes serviteurs fidèles,
Dévoués et pleins de zèle,
Prêts à t’obéir toujours,
Afin d’embellir tes jours.
Nous nous mettrons à quatre pattes
Pour te dilater la rate.
Nous nous flanquerons des coups.
Le spectacle sera doux.
Nous ne sommes sur la terre
Que pour t’obéir, te plaire,
Que pour être tes jouets,
Tes esclaves dévoués!

(_Sur le perron d’une des maisons apparaît L’ASTROLOGUE,
toujours vêtu de sa robe bleue et la tête couverte de son
bonnet.--Ayant aperçu L’ASTROLOGUE, LA REINE l’examine
longuement et avec attention.--LE ROI s’apprête à
descendre, mais LA REINE le retient, et, désignant du doigt
L’ASTROLOGUE._)

LA REINE (_d’un ton inquiet_).

Quel est donc ce personnage?
Il a l’air fort grave et sage.

(_La foule recule devant L’ASTROLOGUE et attend,
silencieuse. LA REINE observe toujours L’ASTROLOGUE. Coup
de tonnerre lointain._)

LE ROI DODÔN (_joyeux de reconnaître son vieil ami_).

Hé, bonjour, devin prudent,
Mon ami, mon confident!
Dis-nous, en ce jour propice,
Tes désirs, qu’ils s’accomplissent.

(_L’ASTROLOGUE traverse la foule et s’approche du char
royal. Il ne quitte point des yeux LA REINE._)

L’ASTROLOGUE.

Roi sublime, j’obéis!
Liquidons en bons amis.
Hier, en ta reconnaissance,
Tu promis sans réticence
D’exaucer mon premier vœu:
Voici donc ce que je veux:
Sans tarder tiens ta promesse,
Fais moi don de la princesse.

LE ROI DODÔN.

Par le diable! C’est ainsi?
Ma réponse, la voici:
L’insolence est par trop grande,
Polisson! je te commande
De vider sans plus ces lieux.
Chassez-moi d’ici ce vieux!

(_Les gardes entraînent le vieillard, qui se débat._)

L’ASTROLOGUE.

C’est donc la.…

LE ROI DODÔN (_furieux._)

Quoi, tu discutes?
Tu veux entamer la lutte?

(_Il lui applique un coup de sceptre sur la tête.
L’ASTROLOGUE tombe inanimé et rend l’esprit. Frémissement
dans l’assistance. Des nuages voilent le soleil; le
tonnerre gronde._)

LA REINE (_à part, éclate de rire_).

Hihihi! Hahahaha!
Que c’est drôle, tout cela!

(_DODÔN est fort troublé, mais il continue de regarder LA
REINE en souriant._)

LE ROI DODÔN (_avec une terreur superstitieuse_).

Juste avant le mariage!
C’est un bien mauvais présage.…
Ce sang… Un malheur s’ensuivra…

LA REINE (_sèchement_).

Hé bien, qui vivra verra,
Voilà tout!

LE ROI DODÔN (_tranquillisé et avec ivresse_).

Par nos caresses
Célébrons notre allégresse.

(_Il veut embrasser LA REINE, mais elle le repousse avec
fureur et dégoût_).

LA REINE.

Disparais, monstre hideux,
Toi et ton peuple odieux!
C’est assez! ton âme immonde
Trop longtemps souilla le monde.
Tu souris, vieux scélérat,
Mais ton châtiment viendra!

LE ROI DODÔN (_avec un sourire contraint_).

Ma princesse, tu plaisantes…

LA REINE.

Non, plus à l’heure présente.

(_Ils montent l’escalier._)

LA VOIX DU COQ.

Cocoricocou!
Je te percerai d’un coup.

CHŒUR.

Kchi! Kchi! Kchi! Kchi!

(_Subitement, LE COQ s’envole de sa flèche et voltige
au-dessus de la foule. Tous, épouvantés, agitent les bras
pour le chasser.--LE COQ donne un grand coup de bec sur la
tête du ROI, qui tombe mort. Épouvante générale: violent
coup de tonnerre.--Une obscurité complète se fait pour un
moment, durant lequel on entend le rire tranquille de LA
REINE._)

LA VOIX DE LA REINE.

Hihihihi! Hahahaha!

(_Quand la nuit s’est dissipée, on ne voit plus LA REINE,
ni LE COQ._)

LE PEUPLE (_avec stupéfaction_).

Où donc est la reine?
Envolée! Ah! notre âme est affolée.…

(_avec espoir._)

Mais le roi?

(_Tristement._)

Il est bien mort.
Quel invraisemblable sort.

(_Écrasé de douleur, LE PEUPLE entier entonne une
lamentation funèbre._)

Il est mort… O peine amère!
Notre prince! Notre père!
Notre seigneur sans pareil,
Qui brillait comme un soleil!
Il était prudent, sagace,
Paresseux, rêveur, bonasse!
Sa colère était terrible,
Sa fureur incoercible.
Il nous frappait comme un sourd
Plus souvent qu’à notre tour.
Mais l’orage enfin passé,
L’on pouvait se prélasser
Sous son ombre tutélaire;
Il était pour nous un père.

(_avec un profond désespoir._)

Quel terrible désarroi!
Qui va nous donner un roi?

(_Ils s’écroulent par terre et sanglotent._)

RIDEAU.