The Mortal Gods, and Other Plays

BOOKS BY OLIVE TILFORD DARGAN Published By CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS
NEW YORK CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SON'S 1912
Copyright, 1912, by Charles Scribner's Sons All rights reserved Published November, 1912
Scene: A vast room in the palace of Hudibrand. As the curtain rises the place is in darkness save for a circlet of gold apparently suspended in mid-air near the centre of the room. As the light increases, the outline of a man's figure becomes distinguishable, and the circlet is seen to be resting on his head. Gradually the rim of gold fades to invisibility, while the figure of the man and the contents of the room become clear to the eye. The man might be mistaken for an American citizen in customary evening dress. He is Hudibrand.
At the left are two entrances, upper and lower. Rear, left, large windows. The wall rear makes a right angle about centre, the apex of which is cut off by a window. Right of centre the room seems to extend endlessly rearward, and is arranged to suggest an upland grove in the delicate, venturing days of spring. The ground, rising a little toward right, is covered with winter moss and tufts of short silvered grass. The trees are young birch, slight maples in coral leaf, cornel in flower, and an occasional dark foil of cedar. A brooklet ripples down the slope and off rear. Birds chirp and flit, and now and then a breeze stirs the grove as if it were one tender body. The lights are arranged to give the effect of night or day as one wishes.
It is winter without, the climate of Assaria's capital city being similar to that of New York.
Double doors lower right, through which Count Dorkinski enters to Hudibrand.
Dor. Your majesty, Sir Borduc has arrived.
Hudi. Hot-shod. We'll let him cool.
Dor. Where shall he wait, My lord?
Dor. His Excellency calls, your majesty.
Hud. Which Excellency? They are thick as hops.