Montreal
Christmas, 1922.
CHARACTERS.
| Emma | A Daughter of Charles |
| Etta | Her Waiting-woman |
| Charles (Charlemagne) | King-Emperor |
| Eginhardt | Secretary and Director of Public Works |
| Albert | Count of the Palace |
| Hildebold | Archbishop |
| Ernst | A Charcoal-burner |
| Guta | His Wife |
| David | A Precocious Boy |
| Audulf } | |
| Herbert } | Courtiers |
| Courtiers, Wish-maidens, Elves. | |
Time: The beginning of the ninth century.
Place: Aquisgranum, the Capital of Frankland.
ACT I.
Scene.—Emma's boudoir. A door on the left leads to the palace courtyard; another, centre back, opens into private apartments, which have no other entrance. The room is furnished befitting the dignity of a princess. Emma, in gala-attire, has just returned from a great function in honour of the Calif Haroun-al-Rashid's ambassadors. Etta helps remove her cloak. The princess then throws herself on a couch, while Etta stands before her admiringly.
Emma. A moment's rest to gather memories
Of what this day has meant; those swarthy Eastern
Ambassadors! the gifts their king has sent. Etta. How beautiful you are! In Frankland, who
Approaches you in mind or character?
That's what the scholars say. The people though
Dwell on your loveliness. What plaudits when
You rode that bulky beast! the contrast! a Princess,
Alive with happiness. Emma. 'Twas wonderful
To mount so high, an elephant for steed,
To feel that heavy, ambling gait, to know
Such strength for mischief could be chained to work
Man's will. How kind of great Haroun to give
The King, my Father, this unwieldy proof
Of his affection; to teach such animals
Are real, not fabled monsters, as some of us
Have whispered! 'Twas tremulous that ride, up-perched
Above the marvelling throng; to feel myself,
A Frankish maid, upon that leathery
Ungainliness. An elephant in Europe!
Who'd have thought to see the day? But now
Unbind my hair. [In a low voice.] I think he will not come
Tonight. [A knocking is heard.] 'Tis he! but no, my Father's knock,
So tender yet so masterful. Thou may'st
Retire. I'll wait upon his royal pleasure,
Will then disrobe myself.
[Etta opens door on the left.