[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]
ACT V
[Palace garden. At center of background, Princess lies asleep on a couch. She is covered with a blanket of snow so that only her face is visible. The King and Queen are asleep in their chairs. The Page lies on the ground at the King’s feet. The Lords and Ladies are all asleep in various attitudes to the right. Stage is quite dark; brightens gradually as Prince enters. Mournful music, changing to something bright and spring-like. When the Princess awakes, all the light is turned on. The music suggests the call of birds.]
[Prince enters from front right followed by Spring, who remains shyly in the background. Looks about wonderingly.]
Prince. A court asleep! King, Queen, and courtiers. ’Tis plain that some enchanter here hath cast his spell. [Catches sight of Princess, tiptoes to couch, and stands beside her.] The loveliest maiden ever seen! Why does she sleep? Oh, waken, Lady Fair, and speak to me. I pray you, waken! [Gesture of despair.] What shall I do, she sleepeth still? [He looks at her a long time, bends closer and closer, finally drops on one knee, and kisses her.]
[Every one stirs and slowly awakens. Fairy Spring produces the transformation in the scenery. Princess, in dress of green, with flowers, slowly arises, keeping her eyes fixed on the Prince, who looks at her. Together they throw back the snow covering, showing the other side covered with flowers. They cast it onto the couch.]
Princess. [Softly.] ’Tis the Shining Prince of my dreams. [Prince and Princess continue to gaze at each other.]