SCENE I
TIME: one spring; noon.
PLACE: an army camp on the banks of a large creek. A village is near by. To the south is a great forest.
| THE EMPEROR. |
| THE GENERAL. |
| THE CAPTAIN. |
| FIRST AIDE. |
| SECOND AIDE. |
| THE MAYOR'S WIFE AND SON. |
| THE RICH MERCHANT'S WIFE AND SON. |
| THE POOR WOODCUTTER'S WIFE AND HER SON, PIERRE. |
[An ante-room in the Emperor's tent is seen. Great curtains separate this room from the Emperor's room back. An AIDE waits in the ante-room. Enter the GENERAL from the Emperor's room.]
GENERAL (to the Aide). Have any yet come from the village? The Emperor would know.
AIDE. Yes, General. They wait without.
GENERAL. Bid them enter.
AIDE (crossing; speaking to those without). You will please enter.
[Enter the MAYOR'S WIFE and SON; the RICH MERCHANT'S WIFE and SON.]
GENERAL. You have come to see the Emperor?
THE LADIES. General, we have.
GENERAL. His Majesty wishes you to leave your sons here in camp until evening.
MAYOR'S WIFE. General, could you not tell us the Emperor's plans?
GENERAL. Yes, madam. The Emperor must march southward where the enemy is in camp. He wishes a guide who can lead him safely through this great forest.
RICH MERCHANT'S WIFE. We were told the Emperor would greatly honor the lad he chooses.
GENERAL. 'T is true, madam. The lad chosen will be made an aide.
MAYOR'S WIFE. I thought only princes were chosen for the Emperor's aides.
GENERAL. They have always been princes. This is a great opportunity for the lads of this village.
MAYOR'S WIFE. But how will the Emperor make a choice?
GENERAL. A test will be given every boy who comes. This test will prove his fitness to be guide.
[Enter an AIDE from Emperor's room.]
AIDE. General, the Emperor would see you.
[The General bows to the ladies and leaves.]
AIDE (turning to the ladies). The Emperor will receive you presently.
[Aide goes. Enter the POOR WOODCUTTER'S WIFE and SON.]
POOR WOODCUTTER'S WIFE (timidly). I heard the Emperor wanted a guide.
MAYOR'S WIFE. The Emperor only wants the boys of the best families, madam.
[Enter the EMPEROR, GENERAL, and CAPTAIN; they remain back; are not seen by the ladies.]
POOR WOODCUTTER'S WIFE (sighing). I suppose that is true, but Pierre is a smart boy. If the Emperor could only see him—
RICH MERCHANT'S WIFE (interrupting). The Emperor wants a boy with proud manners such as our boys have.
EMPEROR (indignantly). Fiddlesticks!
THE LADIES (bowing). Your Highness!
EMPEROR. Fiddlesticks and candles, I say!
POOR WOODCUTTER'S WIFE. I am sorry, your Majesty. I didn't know how it was. Come, Pierre.
[She turns to go.]
EMPEROR. Remain. Pierre shall have the test with the others. Ladies, you shall know whom I have chosen when the test is finished. I bid you good-day.
[The ladies bow and go.]
EMPEROR (turning to the boys). My lads, go through the forest southward, till you come to the river. You may then return. Captain, see that guards go with them. My lads, you must not speak the one to the other until I have again seen you. I must have your word on that. Do you promise?
BOYS. Sire, we promise.
EMPEROR. 'T is well. Captain, they are now in your charge. General, a word with you.
[The Emperor and General go into Emperor's room. The Captain leads the boys from the tent.]