THE STAG AND THE FAWN
SCENE I
TIME: last autumn.
PLACE: the forest.
THE STAG.
THE FAWN.
[The STAG and FAWN enter the forest.]
FAWN. Here is a pool!
STAG. We will stop and drink.
FAWN. I see your horns in the water, father.
STAG. Ah, yes!
FAWN. They look like a strong tree down there.
STAG. They are strong! And are they not beautiful, child?
FAWN. They make you very grand, dear father!
STAG. No king with his crown looks grander!
FAWN. I see your feet in the water, father.
STAG. Do not speak of my feet, child!
FAWN. Why not? They are small and slender.
STAG. But they look so weak. I do not like my feet at all. I wish they were different.
(A Hunter's horn is heard.)
Come, child, come!
SCENE II
TIME: an hour later.
PLACE: another part of the forest.
THE STAG.
THE FAWN.
THE HUNTER.
[The STAG is caught in a thicket by his horns. The FAWN looks at him pityingly.]
FAWN. A man is near! I hear him running!
STAG. I cannot free myself!
FAWN. Ah, if you only had no horns!
STAG. Or if they were only not so strong and not so grand!
FAWN. Your feet could save you then, dear father.
STAG. Go, child, and let your feet save you.
FAWN. I cannot bear to leave you, father!
STAG. Go save yourself! Go, go!
[The faun goes. The HUNTER enters.]
HUNTER. Aha! I have you now!