Chapter X: Act IV

[_Woods. A bare tree or branch placed here and there,
and hung with cotton for snow. If possible, stage
should be unlighted throughout act, and a light
thrown on the actors from the hall as they move
about. This is easily managed in a house which
has electric lights, for a small reflector may
be borrowed without difficulty. Gloomy music to
suggest winter._ WINTER _enters, dancing. The dance
is best left to the child to originate. It should
suggest the scattering of snow, the rush of wind
which blows the trees about, and the mischievous
joy of the_ FAIRY _in her work. When she has danced
off the stage, the_ SHINING PRINCE _enters. As he
represents the sun, his costume should be as bright
and sparkling as possible._]

PRINCE. [_Mournfully._] This is the gloomiest spot I ever chanced upon. For weeks, I’ve wandered here, and seen no waking thing. No birds to charm me with their songs, no flowers to cheer with fragrance sweet. The bare trees nod and whisper in their dreams, but I hear no murmuring brooks or waterfalls. Wild beasts meet I none. There’s some enchantment here. [_Determinedly._] But lonely though it be [_draws sword_], dangerous though it prove, I’ll press on, and if I can, I’ll break the spell that holds all life asleep. ’Twould be a joyous deed to rouse this gloomy forest into gladsome life again. [_Penetrates through forest to back of stage._]

[CURTAIN]