{"collection":"myth-cosmogony","full_text_available":true,"graph_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/api/page/gutenberg_55423/graph","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/page/gutenberg_55423","id":"gutenberg_55423","license":"Public Domain (US)","rights_basis":"gutenberg_metadata_copyright_false","source":"gutenberg","source_url":"https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55423","summary":null,"tags":["Category: Mythology, Legends & Folklore","Category: Plays/Films/Dramas","FR Th\u00e9\u00e2tre","Operas -- Librettos"],"text":"LE COQ D\u2019OR\n\n                            (The Golden Cock)\n\n                                AN OPERA\n                            IN THREE ACTS BY\n                           N. RIMSKY-KORSAKOV\n\n                COPYRIGHTED, 1918, BY FRED RULLMAN, INC.\n\n                              PUBLISHED BY\n                           FRED RULLMAN, Inc.\n\n                                 AT THE\n                   THEATRE TICKET OFFICE. 111 BROADWAY\n                                NEW YORK\n\n\n\n\nTranscriber\u2019s Note\n\n\nThis book contains the text of the opera both in French and in English.\nThe original presented the two languages on alternating pages. This is\nimpractical to reproduce in an e-text. Instead, the acts alternate: Act 1\nin French, then in English, followed by Act 2, etc.\n\nIt seems obvious from the number of errors in the original text that it\nwas not checked by a fluent French speaker before publication. Accents\nand punctuation have been corrected without note. A fuller list of\nchanges made appears at the end of this text.\n\n\n\n\nARGUMENT.\n\n\nKing Dodon, a lazy and gluttonous ruler, is greatly worried by his\nwarlike neighbors. He seeks advice but his various advisers fail to\ncomfort him. Finally the Astrologer brings him a wonderful bird, the\nGolden Cock, who knows how to foretell events. The bird is placed on a\nspire in Dodon\u2019s capital and from hour to hour sends out from his high\nperch various messages which either send the crowd scurrying for their\nweapons, or cause it to scatter and return to its peaceful activities.\nThe bird suddenly sounds a war alarm. Dodon assembles his warriors and\nthey set out on their journey to the enemy\u2019s land.\n\nKing Dodon\u2019s army fares rather badly in an encounter with its foe. In the\nuncertain light of early morning his warriors retreat into a deep gorge\nwhere the ground is piled high with the bodies of the dead. Suddenly\nDodon and his generals descry a tent. It must be the headquarters of the\nenemy\u2019s chief.\n\nThey prepare the onslaught when suddenly there comes out of the tent\na beautiful young woman who sings a bold hymn to the sun in which she\ndilates complacently upon her own physical beauty. Dodon and his general,\nPolkan, are at once attracted and listen with pleasure while she tells\nthem that she intends to conquer Dodon\u2019s capital. Her task is only too\neasy. Dodon is ready and willing to give her anything she may desire,\neven Polkan\u2019s head.\n\nDodon and the strange Queen start for Dodon\u2019s capital: he will make her\nhis bride. Their honeymoon is not unmixed bliss; the young Queen compels\nher old husband to amuse her in ways which are not always as dignified\nas would beseem Dodon\u2019s position.\n\nThey quarrel. The Astrologer appears once more on the scene. He reminds\nthe King of his promise to give him anything he wishes in exchange for\nthe marvelous bird. The Queen herself is the price he demands. Dodon,\nindignant, strikes him with his scepter and he apparently falls dead.\nThen the bird flies down from the spire, pecks Dodon on the head and\nkills him. The Astrologer then resuscitates, informs the audience that\nthe whole story is a fable, and that only he and the Queen are real human\nbeings.\n\n\n\n\nDRAMATIS PERSONAE.\n\n\n    KING DODON.\n    AMELFA (_the Royal Housekeeper_).\n    PRINCE GUIDON.\n    THE ASTROLOGER.\n    PRINCE AFRON.\n    THE QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.\n    VOEVODA POLKAN.\n    THE GOLDEN COCK.\n\n\n\n\nLE COQ D\u2019OR\n\n\n\n\nPROLOGUE.\n\n\n          (_Devant le rideau appara\u00eet L\u2019ASTROLOGUE, une clef \u00e0 la\n          main._)\n\nL\u2019ASTROLOGUE (_au public_).\n\n    Par mon art cabalistique,\n    Par les lois que je pratique,\n    On va voir rena\u00eetre ici\n    Les h\u00e9ros d\u2019un vieux r\u00e9cit.\n    Pour vous d\u2019un conte tous les masques\n    Revivront, joyeux, fantasques.\n    Certes ce n\u2019est qu\u2019une fable,\n    Mais la morale en este louable.\n\n          (_Il dispara\u00eet._)\n\n\n\n\nACTE PREMIER.\n\n\n          (_Avant le lever du rideau, on pressent qu\u2019il va se passer\n          quelque chose de grave et de solennel. En effet, on voit\n          une vaste salle, dans le palais du ROI DOD\u00d4N, qui fut\n          jadis ma\u00eetre de tous les steppes de la Russie m\u00e9ridionale.\n          Le conseil royal est en s\u00e9ance. La salle est richement\n          orn\u00e9e de peintures, de sculptures, de dorures. Le vert,\n          le bleu, le jaune, couleurs favorites des sujets du ROI\n          DOD\u00d4N, pr\u00e9dominant, sur des bancs recouverts de brocart,\n          si\u00e8gent des seigneurs graves et barbas. Au milieu, sur un\n          tr\u00f4ne richement orn\u00e9 de plumes de paon, est DOD\u00d4N, couronne\n          en t\u00eate et v\u00eatu d\u2019un habit d\u2019apparat, jaune. Pr\u00e8s de lui\n          sont assis ses deux fils, APHR\u00d4N et GVID\u00d4N. Parmi les\n          conseillers le g\u00e9n\u00e9ral POLKAN, vieux soldat brutal._)\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_qui para\u00eet accabl\u00e9 de soucis_).\n\n    Chers sujets, le c\u0153ur troubl\u00e9,\n    Je vous ai tous rassembl\u00e9s\n    Pour vous apprendre, en personne,\n    Combien lourde est ma couronne.\n    Mon sort est triste! \u00e9coutez:\n    Jeune, j\u2019\u00e9tais redout\u00e9.\n    Sans scrupule, l\u2019\u00e2me fi\u00e8re,\n    Je portais au loin la guerre.\n    Maintenant, je suis bien vieux;\n    Les combats sont p\u00e9rilleux.\n    Or, mes ennemis se l\u00e8vent.\n    Ils m\u2019attaquent tous, sans tr\u00eave:\n    On dirait qu\u2019ils font expr\u00e8s!\n    Sans r\u00e9pit, nous restons pr\u00eats\n    A combattre.\n\n          (_Avec d\u00e9sespoir._)\n\n    Nous veillons au Nord: du tout,\n    C\u2019est du Sud qu\u2019il fond sur nous!\n    On est l\u00e0: tous ces sauvages\n    Viennent par la mar.\n    J\u2019enrage: On n\u2019a plus aucun r\u00e9pit,\n    J\u2019en sanglote de d\u00e9pit.\n    A ces maux est-il un rem\u00e8de?\n    Qu\u2019un de vous me vienne en aide.\n    Un conseil!\n\nUN SEIGNEUR (_avec h\u00e9sitation_).\n\n    Autrefois une vieille, par les f\u00eaves,\n    Savait expliquer les r\u00eaves.\n\nSECONDE SEIGNEUR.\n\n    Allons donc! Cette autre \u00e9tait\n    Bien meilleure, qui savait lire,\n    Dans le marc, et tout pr\u00e9dire.\n\nGVID\u00d4N.\n\n    Dans le ciel on peut trouver\n    Le sens de ce qu\u2019on a r\u00eav\u00e9.\n\nTOUS.\n\n    Par le marc, oui!\n    On explique par les f\u00eaves.\u2026\n    Tous les r\u00eaves.\n\n          (_La querelle devient acharn\u00e9e. Le ROI reste assis, pensif.\n          A ce moment appara\u00eet sur l\u2019escalier un vieil ASTROLOGUE.\n          Il porte un habit bleu, brod\u00e9 d\u2019\u00e9toiles d\u2019or, et un bonnet\n          d\u2019astrakan blanc. Sous son bras il tient un astrolabe et un\n          sac bigarr\u00e9. Tous, silencieux, le regardent. Il s\u2019approche\n          du ROI, \u00e0 pas compt\u00e9s, et salue jusqu\u2019\u00e0 terre. Puis il\n          s\u2019agenouille._)\n\nL\u2019ASTROLOGUE (_\u00e0 genoux_).\n\n    Fier Dod\u00f4n, salut \u00e0 toi!\n    Je fus, tel que tu me vois,\n    Conseiller du roi, ton p\u00e8re.\u2026\n    Or, je viens, comme nagu\u00e8re,\n    T\u2019offrir mon fid\u00e8le appui.\n    J\u2019ai appris, tous tes ennuis:\n    Ce coq d\u2019or, sur une lance,\n    Prouvera sa vigilance.\n    Prends-le donc, et crois moi bien:\n    Nul n\u2019aura meilleur gardien.\n    Lorsque tout sera paisible,\n    Tu le verras impassible.\n    D\u00e8s qu\u2019un noir danger poindra,\n    Sans tarder, il \u00e9tendra\n    Les ailes, dressera la t\u00eate\n    Et d\u2019une voix bien haute et nette.\n    Chantera: \u201cCocoricou!\n    Ouvrez l\u2019\u0153il et garde \u00e0 vous!\u201d\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_un peu incr\u00e9dule_).\n\n    A beau mentir qui vient de loin!\n    Montre-nous-le, n\u00e9anmoins.\n\n          (_Tous entourent avec curiosit\u00e9 L\u2019ASTROLOGUE, qui tire de\n          son sac un petit COQ D\u2019OR. Le COQ se d\u00e9bat entre ses mains\n          et crie._)\n\nLA VOIX DU COQ.\n\n    Cocori! cocorico!\n    R\u00e8gne et dors en ton lit clos!\n\n          (_Tous s\u2019\u00e9crient avec \u00e9tonnement._)\n\nLES SEIGNEURS.\n\n    Quel prodige!\n    Quel miracle! il dit vrai:\n    C\u2019est un oracle.\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N\n\n    Quel prodige! Quel miracle!\n\n          (_\u00c0 la foule, ga\u00eement._)\n\n    Je me trouve d\u00e9sormais\n    Invincible, c\u2019est bien vrai?\n\n          (_Aux domestiques._)\n\n    Plantez-le sur une pique,\n    Qu\u2019\u00e0 veiller vite il s\u2019applique.\n\n          (_\u00c0 L\u2019ASTROLOGUE._)\n\n    Je ne puis, en v\u00e9rit\u00e9\n    De ma dette m\u2019acquitter.\n    Mon estime, et c\u2019est justice,\n    R\u00e9compense ton service.\n\n          (_Solennellement._)\n\n    Et je jure d\u2019accomplir\n    Sans tarder tous tes d\u00e9sirs.\n\nL\u2019ASTROLOGUE.\n\n    Nul tr\u00e9sor ne sert au sage,\n    Les honneurs, pas davantage.\n    Ils attirent le souci;\n    Mais pour ton serment, merci!\n\n          (_L\u2019ASTROLOGUE salue jusqu\u2019\u00e0 terre, et se dirige vers la\n          sortie._)\n\nLA VOIX DU COQ (_du haut de la fl\u00e8che_).\n\n    Cocori! Cocorico!\n    R\u00e8gne et dors en ton lit clos!\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_pr\u00eate l\u2019oreille, et se prom\u00e8ne ga\u00eement, en se frottant les\nmains d\u2019aise_).\n\n    O d\u00e9lices! Plus de peines!\n    Gouverner tous mes domaines\n    Sans bouger, sans m\u2019\u00e9veiller,\n    Sauf pour rire et festoyer!\n    En avant les jolis contes,\n    Les jeux, les jongleurs, les danses!\n    Je vais oublier, sans honte,\n    La tristesse et les souffrances!\n\n          (_L\u2019intendante AMELFA para\u00eet \u00e0 la porte des chambres du\n          fond.--S\u2019\u00e9tirant au soleil._)\n\n    Ah, Soleil! Ta douce haleine\n    Rajeunit les bois, les plaines.\n    Vois fleurir les cerisiers.\u2026\n\n          (_Ind\u00e9cis._)\n\n    Dans ce coin, bien volontiers,\n    Je ferais un petit somme.\n\nAMELFA (_empress\u00e9e et avec une infinie sollicitude_).\n\n    Mais bien s\u00fbr! Voici les hommes\n    Qui t\u2019apportent ton grand lit.\n\n          (_Sur un signe d\u2019elle, les serviteurs se pr\u00e9cipitent dans\n          le palais et reparaissent, portant un grand lit d\u2019ivoire,\n          couvert de fourrures; ils le dressent au soleil. AMELFA\n          s\u2019approche de DOD\u00d4N; elle apporte un grand plateau charg\u00e9\n          de sucreries._)\n\n    N\u2019as-tu pas quelque appetit?\n    Mange donc ces confitures,\n    Quelques noix, ou bien des m\u00fbres!\n    Bois le cidre: il est tout frais,\n    Parfum\u00e9, mousseux, sucr\u00e9.\n    Ces fruits plein de miel, d\u2019amandes,\n    Et bien cuits au vin, t\u2019attendent.\n    Chasse donc tous les soucis,\n    T\u00e2te des pruneaux farcis.\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_b\u00e2ille et s\u2019installe \u00e0 port\u00e9e du plateau_.)\n\n    Hum.\u2026 J\u2019accepte.\u2026 Mais prends garde,\n    Mon aimable babillarde,\n    Qu\u2019un pesant sommeil soudain\n    N\u2019interrompe mon festin.\n\n          (_Le ROI a fini sa collation, et regarde du c\u00f4t\u00e9 du lit.\n          AMELFA arrange les oreillers et rabat les couvertures._)\n\nAMELFA.\n\n    Dors un peu sur cette couche\n    Viens, je chasserai les mouches\n    Loin de ton auguste front.\n\nLA VOIX DU COQ.\n\n    Cocori! Cocorico!\n    R\u00e8gne et dors en ton lit clos!\n\n          (_DOD\u00d4N ne plut plus r\u00e9sister au sommeil. Il se couche\n          et s\u2019endort sans plus, avec autant d\u2019insouciance qu\u2019un\n          enfant. L\u2019intendante, pench\u00e9e au dessus du lit, chasse les\n          mouches._)\n\nDES GARDIENS (_dans les coulisses_).\n\n    R\u00e8gne et dors en ton lit clos!\n\n          (_Les GARDIENS, font l\u2019appel, d\u2019une voix somnolente, mais\n          bient\u00f4t ils succombent \u00e0 la douceur enchanteresse du\n          sommeil de midi. Tous dorment profondement, sauf AMELFA.\n          La capitale enti\u00e8re est possible. Seules les mouches\n          infatigables bourdonnent autour du lit royal, que le soleil\n          continue d\u2019\u00e9clairer d\u2019une lumi\u00e8re \u00e9gale et douce._)\n\nAMELFA.\n\n    Tous s\u2019endorment, tous sommeillent.\n    Cher printemps! paix sans pareille!\n\n          (_Elle s\u2019accoude au lit du ROI et s\u2019endort \u00e0 son tour.\n          DOD\u00d4N, dans son r\u00eave, sourit comme \u00e0 une belle inconnue._)\n\nLA VOIX DU COQ.\n\n    Cocori! Cocoricou!\n    Ouvrez l\u2019\u0153il et garde \u00e0 vous!\n\n          (_Trompettes dans la coulisse.--Bruit. Des gens courent.\n          Des trompettes sonnent de divers c\u00f4t\u00e9s. Des chevaux\n          henissent. La foule se pr\u00e9cipite autour du palais. Sur les\n          visages interloqu\u00e9s se lit une terreur profonde._)\n\nLA FOULE (_dans la rue_).\n\n    Le coq a donn\u00e9 l\u2019alarme!\n    Courez tous, prenez les armes!\n    Oh! Malheur, calamit\u00e9!\n    Le royaume est d\u00e9vast\u00e9.\n\nPOLKAN (_accourant_).\n\n    Roi puissant, ma voix t\u2019appelle!\n    Vois ton g\u00e9n\u00e9ral fid\u00e8le!\n    Ah! R\u00e9veille toi! Malheur!\n\n          (_AMELFA va se cacher pr\u00e9cipitamment._)\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_encore \u00e0 moiti\u00e9 endormi_).\n\n    Quel est donc ce bruit, Seigneur!\n\nPOLKAN.\n\n    L\u2019ennemi sur nous s\u2019avance!\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_se l\u00e8ve en b\u00e2illant_).\n\n    Hein? Quoi donc?\n    Quelle d\u00e9mence.\u2026\n    Est-ce le feu dans mon palais?\n\nPOLKAN.\n\n    Foin du vieux niais!\n    Notre coq a chant\u00e9, il tourne et s\u2019agite.\u2026\n    Tous nos gens ont fui. Viens vite!\n\nLA VOIX DU COQ.\n\n    Cocori! Cocoricou!\n    Ouvrez l\u2019\u0153il et garde \u00e2 vous.\n\n          (_DOD\u00d4N regarde le COQ._)\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_au peuple_).\n\n    Bien! Va pour la guerre, enfants!\n    H\u00e2tez-vous, courez aux camps.\n    Faites vite, qu\u2019on s\u2019empresse!\n    Mais d\u2019abord, ouvrez les caisses.\n\nLE PEUPLE (_docilement_).\n\n    Nous serons ob\u00e9issants!\n\n          (_DOD\u00d4N s\u2019assied sur son tr\u00f4ne. Des chambres int\u00e9rieures du\n          palais sortent pr\u00e9cipitamment APHR\u00d4N et les SEIGNEURS, tous\n          arm\u00e9s. GVID\u00d4N arrive et, tout en courant, boucle le\n          ceinturon de son \u00e9p\u00e9e.--Il embrasse trois fois chacun de\n          ses fils, qui partent, maussades, suivis des SEIGNEURS.--On\n          entend le bruit de l\u2019arm\u00e9e qui s\u2019\u00e9branle._)\n\nLA VOIX DU COQ (_lorsque tout s\u2019est calm\u00e9 on entend la voix du COQ._)\n\n    Cocoricou! R\u00e8gne et dors en ton lit clos!\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N.\n\n    Joli Coq, je te rends gr\u00e2ce.\n\n          (_LE ROI DOD\u00d4N, AMELFA, les gardes s\u2019endorment d\u2019un sommeil\n          calme et profond._)\n\nGARDES (_dans la coulisse_).\n\n    R\u00e8gne et dors, en ton lit clos!\n\n          (_Le r\u00eave de DOD\u00d4N se pr\u00e9cise._)\n\nLA VOIX DU COQ.\n\n    Cocori! Cocoricou!\n    Ouvrez l\u2019\u0153il, et garde \u00e0 vous!\n\n          (_De nouveau s\u2019entendent des cris, des pas pr\u00e9cipit\u00e9s.\n          Des trompettes sonnent. La foule, en grand d\u00e9sordre, se\n          rassemble dans la rue, devant le palais. Trompettes dans la\n          coulisse._)\n\nLE PEUPLE (_dans la rue_).\n\n    Ah, tout est perdu! Alerte!\n\n          (_Ils restent tous ind\u00e9cis, n\u2019osant r\u00e9veiller le\n          roi.--Trompettes dans la coulisse._)\n\n    Notre roi qui dort!\n    Oui, certes! Quel malheur!\n    Vite \u00e0 genoux!\n    Comment faire? Sauvons-nous!\n    Et Polkan reste introuvable!\n\nPOLKAN (_se pr\u00e9cipite, suivi de seigneurs en armes. AMELFA va se cacher\npr\u00e9cipitamment._)\n\n    Un destin cruel nous accable,\n    Sors enfin, oui, sors de ce doux repos!\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_r\u00e9veill\u00e9 en sursaut_).\n\n    Ah! toujours mal \u00e0 propos!\n\nPOLKAN.\n\n    Dans la ville tous s\u2019irritent\n    Et l\u00e0-haut, ton coq s\u2019agite,\n    Clame \u00e0 pleine voix son chant\n    Et regarde le levant.\n    Nous ne sommes pas en nombre;\n    L\u2019avenir me para\u00eet sombre.\n    Fais donner les v\u00e9t\u00e9rans!\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_se frotte les yeux et b\u00e2ille_).\n\n    Oui! Je vais venir, attends.\n\n          (_Il s\u2019approche de la balustrade et regarde en l\u2019air._)\n\nLA VOIX DU COQ.\n\n    Cocori! Cocoricou!\n    Ouvrez l\u2019\u0153il et garde \u00e0 vous!\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_d\u2019un ton plaintif_).\n\n    Le coq d\u2019or nous met en garde.\n    En avant! Que nul ne tarde.\n    Chers amis marchons, vaillants,\n    Au secours de nos enfants!\n\n          (_Il se pr\u00e9pare sans empressement; les domestiques\n          apportent en h\u00e2te son \u00e9quipement couvert de poussi\u00e8re et de\n          rouille. AMELFA regarde le ROI avec tristesse._)\n\n    Mon armet! Puis, ma cuirasse.\n    Ouf! L\u2019\u00e9troite carapace!\n    Cherchez-moi mon bouclier,\n    Le beau rouge; un baudrier.\u2026\n\nLA VOIX DU COQ.\n\n    Cocoricou! Ouvrez l\u2019\u0153il et garde \u00e0 vous!\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_examinant son bouclier_).\n\n    Mais il est rong\u00e9 de rouille!\n    Mon carquois en vain je fouille.\n\n          (_Il est pr\u00eat \u00e0 partir._)\n\n    Et j\u2019\u00e9touffe. Allons toujours.\u2026\n    Oh! Ce glaive, qu\u2019il est lourd!\n\n          (_soufflant._)\n\n    Bah! Tant pis. Venez, fid\u00e8les!\n    Qu\u2019on m\u2019aide \u00e0 monter en selle.\n\nLA VOIX DU COQ.\n\n    Cocoricou! Ouvrez l\u2019\u0153il et garde \u00e0 vous!\n\n          (_De nombreux domestiques, soutenant DOD\u00d4N par les\n          aisselles, lui font descendre l\u2019escalier, au bas duquel\n          l\u2019attend un cheval blanc. Le peuple p\u00e9n\u00e8tre graduellement\n          dans le palais._)\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_menace du doigt le Coq_).\n\n    Fi, quel importun coq d\u2019or\n    Qui me trouble ainsi quand je dors.\n\n          (_Sur l\u2019escalier._)\n\n    Est-il doux?\n\nDEUXI\u00c8ME SEIGNEUR.\n\n    Comme un mouton!\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N.\n\n    C\u2019est parfait alors: partons!\n\nAMELFA (_d\u2019une voix d\u00e9sesp\u00e9r\u00e9e_).\n\n    Mais, doux sire, t\u2019en aller \u00e0 jeun?\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N.\n\n    Va, je mangerai.\n\n          (_\u00e0 POLKAN_.)\n\n    A-t-on des vivres?\n\nLA VOIX DU COQ.\n\n    Cocoricoucou! Ouvrez l\u2019\u0153il et garde \u00e0 vous!\n\nPOLKAN.\n\n    Pour trois ans!\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N.\n\n    Officiers, allons, en route!\n\nAMELFA.\n\n    Partez donc demain matin!\n\n          (_DOD\u00d4N est \u00e0 cheval._)\n\nLE PEUPLE (_\u00e0 tue-t\u00eate_).\n\n    Gloire au roi Dod\u00f4n!\n    Hourra! Hourra! Hourra!\n    Ta valeur, chef intr\u00e9pide,\n    Fera fuir l\u2019ennemi perfide.\n    Mais surtout, sois bien prudent.\n    Ne te mets pas en avant!\n\n\nRIDEAU.\n\n\n\n\nTHE GOLDEN COCK\n\n\n\n\nPROLOGUE\n\n\n          (_THE ASTROLOGER appears before the curtain with a magic\n          key in his hand._)\n\nTHE ASTROLOGER (_to the audience_).\n\nI am a magician. By the occult sciences I am endowed with the\nextraordinary gift of evoking the shades, and in dead bodies breathing an\nenchanted life. Here before you will live again the droll masks of an old\nfairy tale. The tale\u2019s not true, but there\u2019s a hint in it; a lesson to\nall of you, good people.\n\n          (_Disappears._)\n\n\n\n\nACT I.\n\n\n          (_Before the curtain rises there is a feeling that\n          something extraordinarily important and solemn is to be\n          presented. And in fact one sees a vast hall in the palace\n          of the famous KING DODON during the sitting of the Council\n          of Boyars. The hall is richly ornamented with Russian\n          carving, gilded and painted, by which it is clearly evident\n          that green, blue, and yellow are the favorite colors of\n          KING DODON\u2019S people. On benches covered with brocade, the\n          Boyars are seated in a semicircle,--grave and bearded men.\n          Upon a throne in the middle, magnificently decorated with\n          peacock feathers, is seated KING DODON himself, wearing a\n          golden crown and in royal vestments of yellow. On either\n          side of him are the impatient Princes--his sons AFRON and\n          GUIDON. Amongst the Boyars is the old and rude VOEVODA[1]\n          POLKAN._)\n\n          [1] Voevoda--a head of the army.\n\nKING DODON (_appears overwhelmed with cares_).\n\n    I have summoned you hither, so that everyone\n    In the kingdom should know, what a burden it is\n    To the mighty Dodon to wear a crown.\n    So, listen, my friends!\n    From my youth up I have been redoubtable,\n    And time and time again I have daringly affronted\n    My neighbours.\n    But now I wish to rest from warlike deeds,\n    And seek repose.\n    As if on purpose a neighbour now is disturbing me\n    By unceasingly doing evil deeds.\n    In order to defend\n    The frontiers of my kingdom from attack\n    I must maintain a large Army.\n    We expect invasion from the North, and lo!\n    A force is coming from the South.\n    We have mastered these, but evil guests\n    Are coming from the sea,\n    So that I, Dodon, weep from very anger\n    And cannot sleep.\n    My life is so anxious. I desire advice and help.\n    Counsel me!\n\nONE BOYAR (_hesitatingly_).\n\n    \u2019Tis a pity our fortune-teller is dead.\n    She would have unravelled the question\n    By means of beans.\u2026\n\nSECOND BOYAR.\n\n    Beans? We had--it\u2019s a pity \u2019twas some time ago--\n    A better witch. She divined by dregs.\n\nGUIDON.\n\n    There was also one who knew\n    How to foretell things by the stars.\n\nCHORUS OF BOYARS.\n\n    Dregs are better.\n    The beans are more to be believed in.\n\n          (_The dispute becomes more violent. THE KING is in a state\n          of indecision. At this moment the very old ASTROLOGER\n          appears on the stairway, in a white hat and blue garment\n          with gold stars. Under his arms he carries an astrolabe and\n          bag. All follow the movements of the ASTROLOGER in silence,\n          who, with the short steps of an old man, approaches THE\n          KING and bows low before him._)\n\nTHE ASTROLOGER (_on his knees_).\n\n    Hail, Majesty! Sire!\n    Thy father knew me of old,\n    But we have not met until now.\n    Urged by my duty as a subject,\n    And having heard that Dodon\n    Was losing sleep by reason of his cares,\n    I have brought thee as a gift a bird.\n    Place it on a spire,\n    And my golden cock will be thy true watchman.\n    When all around is peaceful\n    He will remain quiet,\n    But if from any quarter\n    War threatens thee,\n    Or the invasion of an armed force,\n    Or any other unexpected misfortune,\n    In an instant my bird\n    Will raise his comb,\n    Will flap his wings, and\n    Turning in that direction,\n    Will begin to crow \u201cCock-a-doodle-do!\n    Beware!\u201d\n\nKING DODON (_still unbelieving_).\n\n    O! That\u2019s a fairy tale!\n    Take him out, and we shall have a look at him.\n\n          (_They all surround THE ASTROLOGER, full of curiosity. THE\n          ASTROLOGER takes out of his bag the cleverly-made Golden\n          Cock, who flaps his wings and crows._)\n\nVOICE OF THE BIRD.\n\n    Cock-a-doodle-do!\n    Reign, taking your ease!\n\n          (_Exclamations of delight._)\n\nTHE PRINCES AND THE BOYARS.\n\n    It is simply marvellous! Simply wonderful!\n    The old man told the truth.\n\nKING DODON\n\n    Marvelous! Wonderful!\n\n          (_with joy, to all_).\n\n    Is it true, that I from this time forth\n    Shall repel all my neighbours?\n\n          (_To the servants._)\n\n    Place him on a spire,\n    And he will guard my capital.\n\n          (_To THE ASTROLOGER._)\n\n    How shall I thank thee--\n    What can I promise thee--\n    For such a favour?\n    Besides my love and respect\n    I shall fulfill thy first wish\n    As if it were my own!\n\nTHE ASTROLOGER.\n\n    Gifts to the wise are not flattering;\n    Power--Riches--High Rank--\n    Create only enmity.\n    But love is dear to me!\n\n          (_THE ASTROLOGER bows to the earth and goes towards the\n          entrance._)\n\nVOICE OF THE BIRD (_from the spire_).\n\n    Cock-a-doodle-do!\n    Reign, and take your ease!\n\n          (_DODON walking up and down, rubbing his hands together\n          joyfully._)\n\nKING DODON.\n\n    What happiness! With folded hands\n    I shall reign, lying at my ease.\n    If I wish, I shall sleep,\n    And shall give orders not to be awakened.\n    I shall give commands to be amused\n    With fairy tales--\n    With combats--with jesters--and with dancing.\n    I shall forget forever\n    That in this world there are calamities.\n\n          (_The housekeeper AMELFA appears, standing on the threshold\n          of a door leading to the inner apartments._)\n\n          (_Stretching himself out in the sun._)\n\n    How gloriously warm the sun is!\n    It is the breath of Spring. All is becoming green.\n    The cherry trees are white as milk.\n\n          (_Looking about hesitatingly._)\n\n    I should like to take a nap in this nook,\n    And not to go into my bedroom.\n\nAMELFA (_clasping her hands in boundless devotion_).\n\n    B\u00e0tyushka! If thou dost wish\n    We shall turn the whole capital into a bedroom!\n\n          (_At a sign from her the servants rush to the palace and\n          carry out into the sun a bed of ivory with fur coverings.\n          AMELFA herself comes to him with a large tray filled with\n          delicacies._)\n\n    See that thou hast an empty tummy.\n    Taste a little of these Turkish pods;\n    Or some walnuts in honey.\n    Drink some cold kvass,\n    With mint, hops, ginger.\n    Or will it please the royal taste\n    To have some prunes stuffed with raisins\n    And dipped in wine?\n    Try and see if they are tasty.\n\n          (_DODON, yawning, sits down before the dishes._)\n\nKING DODON.\n\n    Oh well! All right! And whilst\n    I dally with the dishes, amuse me\n    So that I shall not fall asleep.\n\n          (_Having finished the delicacies, he glances at the bed.\n          AMELFA shakes up the pillow and arranges the bed._)\n\n    Lie down! I shall from the royal face\n    Drive off the annoying flies.\n\nVOICE OF THE BIRD.\n\n    Cock-a-doodle-do!\n    Sleep in thy regal bed!\n\n          (_DODON lies down, and instantly goes to sleep, as free\n          from care as a child. AMELFA drives away the flies, bending\n          over the bed. At first the guards sleepily call out to one\n          another the words: \u201cReign, lying at ease.\u201d Then the sweet\n          charm of the mid-day nap overcomes them. All except AMELFA\n          indulge in a long, sweet sleep. Silence reigns throughout\n          the capital. The indefatigable flies alone buzz about\n          DODON, and the everlasting sun shines as before with his\n          steady and welcome light._)\n\nAMELFA.\n\n    All are asleep! All are weary!\n    All tired by the breath of Spring!\n\n          (_She leans her elbows on the royal bed, and falls asleep\n          beside DODON, who smiles in his sleep, dreaming of some\n          wonderful beauty who never existed._)\n\nVOICE OF THE BIRD.\n\n    Cock-a-doodle-do!\n    Beware!\n\n          (_Uproar, and running to and fro. Horses neigh. Sound of\n          trumpets--sometimes here, sometimes there. People appear on\n          the street. Terrible fear is depicted upon their pitiful\n          faces._)\n\nPEOPLE ON THE STREET.\n\n    The bird is crowing! Get up!\n    Saddle your fleet horses!\n    Quickly! The enemy does not wait.\n    He will trample down the cornfields\n    And burn the villages.\n\nPOLKAN (_running in_).\n\n    Our King! Father of the people!\n    I am thy Voevoda.\n    Sire! Awake! A calamity is upon us.\n\n          (_The Housekeeper jumps up and hurriedly disappears._)\n\nKING DODON (_not quite awake_).\n\n    What is it?\n\nPOLKAN.\n\n    It must be that a strange foe is advancing.\n\nKING DODON (_getting up and yawning_).\n\n    Eh! What? What calamity?\n    Is my palace burning?\n\nPOLKAN.\n\n    Devil take him!\n    The bird is crowing, turning about on the spire.\n    Noise and hubbub throughout the capital.\n\nVOICE OF THE BIRD.\n\n    Cock-a-doodle-do!\n    Open your eyes and beware!\n\n          (_His own eyes assure DODON of the restlessness of the\n          bird._)\n\nKING DODON (_to the people_).\n\n    Well! My children. It is war.\n    We must have assistance.\n    No delay! Make haste!\n    Unlock your coffers quickly.\n\nPEOPLE ON THE STREET (_abasing themselves_).\n\n    We are yours, body and soul.\n\n          (_DODON sits on his throne. AFRON and the BOYARS rush in,\n          armed. GUIDON runs in, buckling his sword belt. DODON\n          kisses each of his sons thrice. The sons, much cast down,\n          go out with THE BOYARS. The noise of the departing army is\n          heard; then all is silent._)\n\nVOICE OF THE BIRD.\n\n    Cock-a-doodle-do!\n    Reign, taking your ease.\n\nKING DODON (_yawning_).\n\n    Dear bird! Many thanks.\n\n          (_DODON falls asleep; also AMELFA and the Guards. His\n          dreams about the wonderful beauty become more definite and\n          insistent._)\n\nVOICE OF THE BIRD.\n\n    Cock-a-doodle-do!\n    Beware!\n\n          (_Again noise and running to and fro. Trumpets. A terrified\n          crowd of people assemble at the Palace, not daring to awake\n          DODON._)\n\nPEOPLE ON THE STREET.\n\n    O! What misfortune! O, brothers, what evils!\n    Our King is fast asleep. All is quiet\n    In the palace. It is impossible to wake them.\n    What shall we do? What will become of us?\n    Where is Polkan, our Voevoda?\n\n          (_POLKAN rushes in with armed BOYARS. AMELFA runs away._)\n\nPOLKAN.\n\n    Sire! Father of thy people!\n    Sire! Another calamity!\n\nKING DODON (_leaping from the bed_).\n\n    Always at the wrong time!\n\nPOLKAN.\n\n    Noise and hubbub in all the capital,\n    And again the bird high up\n    On the spire is playing tricks,\n    Turning towards the East.\n    It seems the Army has not been successful.\n    I suppose it would be the thing\n    To call out the old men!\n\nKING DODON (_rubbing his eyes and yawning_).\n\n    Wait! I shall look for myself.\n\n          (_Goes to the balustrade and looks up at the roof._)\n\nVOICE OF THE BIRD.\n\n    Cock-a-doodle-do! Beware!\n\nKING DODON (_plaintively_).\n\n    The golden cock is flapping its wings not in vain;\n    A dangerous journey is before us.\n    Now, old man, we shall arise quickly\n    And go to help our children.\n\n          (_He gets ready without any animation._)\n\n    Where is my helmet? Bring my armour.\n\n          (_The servants quickly fetch the dusty and rusty arms and\n          invest DODON._)\n\n    My armour is too tight!\n    Look where my favourite red shield is hanging.\n\n          (_They fetch the shield._)\n\nVOICE OF THE BIRD.\n\n    Cock-a-doodle-do! Beware!\n\nDODON (_examining his shield._)\n\n    My shield is all eaten by rust;\n    And the quiver is empty of arrows!\n\n          (_Entirely armed._)\n\n    I can scarcely breathe! My old sword\n    Has become too heavy for the royal arm.\n\n          (_panting._)\n\n    There is nothing to be done;\n    Carry me and put me on my charger.\n\nVOICE OF THE BIRD.\n\n    Cock-a-doodle-do! Beware!\n\n          (A crowd of servants take him under the arms and carry him\n          to the staircase, where his white horse awaits him. The\n          people little by little penetrate into the palace.)\n\nDODON (_pointing his finger threateningly at the bird._)\n\n    O! If he had only kept that cock\n    Hidden in his bag!\n    Is the horse quiet?\n\nTHE BOYARS.\n\n    As a cow.\n\nKING DODON.\n\n    Just the horse for us!\n\nAMELFA (_in despair_).\n\n    Hast thou eaten something before thy\n    Journey, noble Sire?\n\nKING DODON (_seating himself on the horse_).\n\n    I can eat on the way.\n\n          (_To POLKAN._)\n\n    Are there provisions?\n\nVOICE OF THE BIRD.\n\n    Cock-a-doodle-do! Beware!\n\nPOLKAN.\n\n    Enough for three years.\n\nKING DODON.\n\n    Then let us start, Voevoda.\n\nAMELFA.\n\n    It would be better to start in the morning.\n\n          (_DODON mounts his horse._)\n\nPEOPLE (_exclaiming_).\n\n    It is the King! Our father! Hurrah!\n    Thou art going thyself. Hast thou not\n    Any Voevodas to lead the Army against\n    The enemy?\n    Take care of thyself,--\n    And stand well in the background all the time.\n\n\nCURTAIN.\n\n\n\n\nDEUXI\u00c8ME ACTE.\n\n\n          (_Nuit obscure. Les troubles rayons de la lune \u00e9clairent\n          de lueurs sanglantes un d\u00e9fil\u00e9 \u00e9troit, parsem\u00e9 de petits\n          buissons, et les roches escarp\u00e9es. Le brouillard de\n          montagne remplit toutes les cavit\u00e9s d\u2019un voile blanc. Parmi\n          les buissons ou sur les pentes nues des collines, gisent\n          les cadavres des guerriers: on les dirait p\u00e9trifi\u00e9s au\n          milieu de leur derni\u00e8re bataille. Des aigles et d\u2019autres\n          rapaces, en bandes, se sont abattus sur les corps; \u00e0\n          chaque coup de vent, ils s\u2019envolent, effar\u00e9s. Deux chevaux\n          se tiennent immobiles, la t\u00eate inclin\u00e9e sur les cadavres\n          de leurs ma\u00eetres, les fils de DOD\u00d4N. Tout est calme,\n          silencieux et mena\u00e7ant._)\n\n          (_On entend au loin un bruit de pas. C\u2019est l\u2019arm\u00e9e de\n          DOD\u00d4N qui avance, craintivement. Des guerriers paraissent,\n          suivant le d\u00e9fil\u00e9. Ils vont deux par deux, s\u2019arr\u00eatent, se\n          retournent._)\n\nLES SOLDATS.\n\n    Nuit \u00e9pouvantable et sombre!\n    Tout est calme: seuls, dans l\u2019ombre,\n    Les vautours veillent nos morts.\n    La lune pourpre sur leurs corps\n    Brille comme un cierge fun\u00e8bre.\n    Hou! Le vent, dans les t\u00e9n\u00e8bres,\n    Fait entendre un chant de deuil\n    Sur les cadavres sans cercueil.\n    Triste, il pleure; il geint sans tr\u00eave.\u2026\n    Sa voix retombe et puis s\u2019\u00e9l\u00e8ve.\n    Il agite doucement\n    Leurs cheveux, leurs v\u00eatements.\n\n          (_Le ROI DOD\u00d4N, tourment\u00e9 par de sombres pens\u00e9es, arrive au\n          pas avec son vieux g\u00e9n\u00e9ral. Ils tr\u00e9buchent contre les corps\n          des deux princes._)\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_se pr\u00e9cipitant sur les corps de ses fils_).\n\n    Quel spectacle abominable!\n    Mes deux fils!\u2026 Le sort m\u2019accable.\u2026\n    D\u00e9sarm\u00e9s, sanglants et froids,\n    Leurs yeux fixes pleins d\u2019effroi.\u2026\n    Ils se sont tu\u00e9s l\u2019un l\u2019autre!\n    Leurs vaillants coursiers arpentent\n    Le gazon souill\u00e9, les pentes\n    Que rougit le sang des n\u00f4tres.\u2026\n    Ah, douleur cruelle!\n    Mes fils! Mon espoir!\n    Quelle erreur mortelle\n    Put ainsi vous d\u00e9cevoir?\n    H\u00e9las, je n\u2019ai plus qu\u2019\u00e0 mourir:\n    Coulez, coulez mes larmes am\u00e8res!\n    Que la steppe solitaire\n    Nous entende tous g\u00e9mir.\n    Les rochers, les bois, la plaine\n    Compatiront \u00e0 notre peine.\n    Ah! Ah! Ah!\n\nCH\u0152UR (_tous sanglotent_).\n\n    Ah! Ah! Ah!\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_plaintivement_).\n\n    D\u00e9sormais\n    Je vous conduirai moi-m\u00eame:\n    C\u2019est piti\u00e9 que ceux qu\u2019on aime\n    Tombent ainsi, d\u00e9cim\u00e9s!\n    Ah!\n\n          (_Il pleure de nouveau._)\n\nPOLKAN (_\u00e0 DOD\u00d4N_).\n\n    Adieu paniers, vendanges sont faites!\n\n          (_Il se tourne vers l\u2019arm\u00e9e._)\n\n    Votre ma\u00eetre est opprim\u00e9:\n    Vos \u00e9p\u00e9es sont-elles pr\u00eates?\n\nCH\u0152UR.\n\n    L\u2019ennemi sera chass\u00e9!\n    Mais o\u00f9 diable est-il pass\u00e9?\n\n          (_Rien ne r\u00e9pond. Le jour commence \u00e0 poindre. Le brouillard\n          se disperse graduellement, et l\u2019on aper\u00e7oit, sortant de\n          terre une tente. Les rayons de l\u2019aurore se jouent sur les\n          arabesques de ses parois de brocart bigarr\u00e9.--Consternation\n          g\u00e9n\u00e9rale._)\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N.\n\n    Voyez donc, la belle tente!\n\n          (_Les premiers rayons du soleil paraissent; on voit remuer\n          les parois de la tente._)\n\n          (_Les canonniers s\u2019enfuient en d\u00e9bandade, abandonnant leur\n          pi\u00e8ce._)\n\n          (_De la tente sort une belle jeune femme \u00e0 la d\u00e9marche\n          leg\u00e8re, mais majestueuse. Elle est suivie de quatre\n          esclaves qui portent des instruments de musique: goussli\n          (psalterions), goudok (viole), chalumeau et tambour. Sa\n          longue robe de soie rouge est richement brod\u00e9e d\u2019or. Elle\n          porte un turban blanc, orn\u00e9 d\u2019une haute plume. Elle para\u00eet\n          ne rien voir, et, les bras lev\u00e9s comme pour la pri\u00e8re,\n          chante en s\u2019adressant au soleil qui brille._)\n\nLA REINE DE CH\u00c9MAKHA.\n\n    Salut \u00e0 toi, soleil de flamme!\n    Nous reviens-tu de l\u2019Orient,\n    Du doux pays cher \u00e0 mon \u00e2me,\n    De ses paysages souriants?\n    Ah! Parle-moi des fra\u00eeches roses\n    Et des buissons ardents des lys;\n    Des beaux oiseaux qui se reposent,\n    Aupr\u00e8s des lacs bord\u00e9s d\u2019iris!\n    Qui chantent aupr\u00e8s des lacs bord\u00e9s d\u2019iris!\n    Dis-moi: le soir, pr\u00e8s des fontaines,\n    Quand chaque belle entonne un chant\n    D\u2019extase ou d\u2019amoureuse peine\n    Qui monte au rouge firmament,\n    Voit-on toujours, sous leurs grands voiles,\n    Leurs yeux sourire au beau galant,\n    Qui, dans la nuit sem\u00e9e d\u2019\u00e9toiles,\n    Viendra d\u2019un pas furtif et lent?\n    Vient-on l\u2019attendre \u00e0 la fen\u00eatre,\n    L\u2019\u0153il attentif, le c\u0153ur tremblant?\n    A peine l\u2019a-t-on vu para\u00eetre,\n    Sait-on charmer l\u2019heureux amant?\n    Le c\u0153ur en flamme,\n    Sait-on charmer l\u2019amant, l\u2019heureux amant?\n\n          (_Ayant fini de chanter, elle se retourne vers le roi, et\n          le regarde longtemps sans rien dire._)\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_\u00e0 voix basse, et poussant POLKAN du coude_.)\n\n    Comme elle chante!\n    Qui peut-elle \u00eatre?\n\nPOLKAN (_de m\u00eame_).\n\n    Si d\u00e8s qu\u2019elle nous voit para\u00eetre\n    Son accueil est si charmant,\n    Allons-y pour un moment!\n\n          (_DOD\u00d4N s\u2019approche gravement de la reine. POLKAN le suit.\n          Les autres n\u2019osent point s\u2019approcher._)\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N.\n\n    N\u2019aie pas peur de nous, ma belle!\n    Dis-moi comment tu t\u2019appelles,\n    Quel est ton pays.\n    Dis-moi, Viens-tu seule ici?\n    Pourquoi?\n\nLA REINE DE CH\u00c9MAKHA (_timide, et les yeux baiss\u00e9s_).\n\n    Je suis libre, et seule ici.\n    De Ch\u00e9makha je suis la reine,\n    Et je viens de mes domaines\n    Pour soumettre ton pays!\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_avec stup\u00e9faction_).\n\n    Nous soumettre, sans vergogne?\n    Tu vas bien vite en besogne!\n    Sans arm\u00e9e tu nous vaincras,\n    Par la force de ton bras?\n\nLA REINE DE CH\u00c9MAKHA (_toujours avec timidit\u00e9_).\n\n    Ma pens\u00e9e n\u2019est point si folle:\n    Mon sourire, mes paroles,\n    Ma beaut\u00e9 me suffiront\n    Pour faire courber les fronts.\n\n          (_Elle frappe dans ses mains. De la tente sortent deux\n          esclaves qui portent des vaisseaux d\u2019argent, et remplissent\n          de vin des coupes._)\n\n    Pardonnez \u00e0 mon audace,\n    Mes chers h\u00f4tes: prenez place;\n    Par faveur, daignez go\u00fbter de ce vin.\n\n          (_Elle s\u2019incline et offre une coupe pleine au ROI DOD\u00d4N,\n          qui recule avec m\u00e9fiance._)\n\n    A vos sant\u00e9s!\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N.\n\n    Bois d\u2019abord, que nul m\u00e9compte\n    N\u2019en r\u00e9sulte.\n\nLA REINE DE CH\u00c9MAKHA.\n\n    N\u2019as tu pas honte?\n    Tiens, regarde dans mes yeux,\n    D\u2019un dessein si t\u00e9n\u00e9breux\n    Peux-tu m\u2019estimer capable?\n    Suis-je donc si ha\u00efssable?\n\n          (_Elle l\u00e8ve les yeux, en souriant. DOD\u00d4N, troubl\u00e9, boit,\n          et POLKAN suit son exemple. Les esclaves reviennent; elles\n          \u00e9tendent un tapis au milieu de la sc\u00e8ne, et disposent\n          autour trois coussins en guise de si\u00e8ges. Sur un signe de\n          POLKAN, les soldats, au fond de la sc\u00e8ne, s\u2019installent\n          commod\u00e9ment. On enl\u00e8ve les cadavres. DOD\u00d4N, POLKAN et la\n          reine s\u2019assoient. Les deux hommes sont tout d\u00e9contenanc\u00e9s.\n          La reine a un sourire \u00e9nigmatique._)\n\nPOLKAN (_reprenant courage, et se penchant brusquement vers la reine,\navec l\u2019intention d\u2019\u00eatre aimable_).\n\n    Avez-vous la nuit derni\u00e8re\n    Bien dormi?\n\nLA REINE.\n\n    Merci! Hum gu\u00e8re.\u2026\n    Pas trop mal.\u2026\n    Mais, au matin,\n    Je me r\u00e9veillai soudain\n    L\u2019air plus chaud et plus languide\n    Vint troubler mes sens timides;\n    Un parfum d\u2019\u00e9tranges fleurs\n    Enivra mon pauvre c\u0153ur.\u2026\n    A travers la nuit obscure,\n    J\u2019entendis un lent murmure.\u2026\n    Toi, qu\u2019appelle mon amour,\n    Viens! oh, viens, oh!\n\nPOLKAN (_jovial_).\n\n    Il viendra un de ces jours.\n\nLA REINE (_bondissant de son si\u00e8ge_).\n\n    Sire, chasse ce vieil homme\n    Ses propos grossiers m\u2019assomment.\n\n          (_POLKAN para\u00eet d\u00e9concert\u00e9._)\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N.\n\n    Tu me pousseras \u00e0 bout!\n    Tu es l\u00e0 comme un hibou,\n    Et tous tes discours stupides\n    G\u00eanent cette enfant timide.\n    N\u2019as tu pas compris?\n    Va-t\u2019en dans un coin, et puis attends!\n\n          (_POLKAN se l\u00e8ve, docile, et va derri\u00e8re la tente, d\u2019o\u00f9 \u00e0\n          chaque moment il sort un peu son nez et sa longue barbe. La\n          reine rapproche son coussin de celui de DOD\u00d4N._)\n\nLA REINE (_presque \u00e0 l\u2019oreille de DOD\u00d4N_).\n\n    Viens me dire quelque chose.\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_plus d\u00e9contenanc\u00e9 que jamais_).\n\n    Quoi donc? parle!\n\nLA REINE.\n\n    Mais je n\u2019ose.\u2026\n    Bah! R\u00e9ponds la v\u00e9rit\u00e9:\n    On me vante ma beaut\u00e9,\n    On m\u2019accable de fadaises;\n\n          (_Elle regarde DOD\u00d4N bien dans les yeux._)\n\n    Qu\u2019en dis-tu?\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_b\u00e9gayant_).\n\n    Hein. Oui \u2026 vraiment \u2026 Certes\u2026\n\nLA REINE.\n\n    Quel beau compliment!\n    Tu me vois sous mes parures:\n    Je suis belle, j\u2019en suis s\u00fbre,\n    Par moi m\u00eame.\n    Et tous les soirs\n    Je le vois dans mon miroir,\n\n          (_Comme \u00e9prise d\u2019elle m\u00eame, et avec une animation\n          croissante._)\n\n    Quand j\u2019ai fait tomber ces robes\n    Dont l\u2019\u00e9toffe te d\u00e9robe\n    La splendeur de mes attraits,\n    Quand mon corps d\u2019argent para\u00eet.\u2026\n    Au milieu de cette tente\n    Je me vois, resplendissante.\u2026\n    Je d\u00e9noue mes longs cheveux,\n    Dont le flot tumultueux,\n    Comme un noir torrent, s\u2019\u00e9planche\n    Sur le marbre de mes hanches,\n    Et me fait un lourd manteau\n    Pour rafra\u00eechir la peau\n    Je m\u2019asperge de ros\u00e9e,\n    Dont les perles iris\u00e9es\n    Se r\u00e9pandent sur mes seins.\n    Que n\u2019en vois-tu le pur dessin!\n    Ils sont frais comme la rose,\n    Fermes, tendres, blancs et roses,\n    Si doux, si clairs, si transparents.\u2026\n    Tu parais un peu souffrant?\n    Aurais-tu mal \u00e0 la t\u00eate?\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_avec effort_).\n\n    Non.\u2026 C\u2019est au foie.\u2026 \u00c7a s\u2019arr\u00eate!\n\nLA REINE.\n\n    Ce n\u2019est rien. Je vais chanter:\n    Tu n\u2019auras qu\u2019\u00e0 m\u2019\u00e9couter.\n\n          (_Fait silence._)\n\n          (_D\u2019un coup d\u2019\u0153il elle ordonne aux esclaves d\u2019accompagner\n          son chant._)\n\n    \u201cViens dans l\u2019ombre, viens dans l\u2019ombre\n    De ma tente aux rideaux lourds.\n    Marche, glisse, marche, glisse\n    Sur mes tapis de velours!\u201d\n    Veux tu venir sous ma tente,\n    Beau vieillard?\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N.\n\n    Tu ris, m\u00e9chante!\n    Beau vieillard?\n    Je n\u2019ai pourtant\n    Que tout au plus.\u2026\n\nLA REINE.\n\n    Ah! pourquoi me souvenir?\n    Mon malheur ne peut finir\n    Un destin cruel m\u2019accable,\n    Vivre m\u2019est insupportable.\n\n          (_\u00c0 travers ses larmes._)\n\n    O\u00f9 trouver quelqu\u2019un qui ose\n    Me contredire en toute chose,\n\n          (_Encore comme en r\u00eave._)\n\n    Me soumettre \u00e0 son d\u00e9sir,\n    Me dominer?\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_solennel_).\n\n    Quel plaisir de te contenter, ma belle!\n    Celui que tes v\u0153ux appellent\n    Est ici, devant tes yeux.\n    Tu auras des jours joyeux.\n    Je veux \u00eatre despotique,\n    Et te tourner en bourrique.\u2026\n    En un mot, je suis tout pr\u00eat,\n    Tu n\u2019auras aucun regret!\n\nLA REINE (_abasourdie_).\n\n    En bourrique?\n    Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!\n\n          (_D\u2019un ton gai._)\n\n    Quel d\u00e9lice!\n    O, le merveilleux service!\n\n          (_Dans l\u2019exc\u00e8s de sa joie, elle saisit les deux mains de\n          DOD\u00d4N._)\n\n    Crois \u00e0 ma reconnaissance!\n    J\u2019en suis folle! Saute, Danse!\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_effray\u00e9_).\n\n    Mais je ne sais plus danser!\n\nLA REINE.\n\n    Danse comme en ton jeune \u00e2ge.\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_f\u00e2ch\u00e9_).\n\n    Non! tous ces gens-l\u00e0 m\u2019agacent.\n\nLA REINE.\n\n    Bien: Polkan prendra ta place.\n    H\u00e9, Polkan! Danse avec moi!\n\n          (_POLKAN avance la t\u00eate, mais n\u2019ose point bouger de sa\n          cachette._)\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_conciliateur_).\n\n    Non! pardonne \u00e0 mon \u00e9moi.\n    Quoique gauche pour la danse,\n    Je veux bien, par complaisance.\u2026\n\nLA REINE.\n\n    Commen\u00e7ons! Allons, venez!\n    Dod\u00f4n va vous fasciner.\n\n          (_Timidement, POLKAN et les guerriers s\u2019approchent du tapis\n          et forment le cercle; ils s\u2019efforcent de ne point regarder\n          DOD\u00d4N. Les esclaves entament un air de danse lente. Un\n          tambourin \u00e0 la main, la reine avance, gracieuse et l\u00e9g\u00e8re._)\n\nLA REINE (_Elle danse_).\n\n    Sous mon voile, je m\u2019avance,\n    Je te fais la r\u00e9v\u00e9rence,\n    Fort timidement. Puis \u00e0 toi:\n    Viens ici, d\u2019un pas courtois,\n    Mais sans crainte, l\u2019air bravache,\n    Et retrousse en vainqueur tes moustaches.\n    Puis, encore trois pas en avant.\n\n          (_DOD\u00d4N danse selon ces indications et arrive aupr\u00e8s de la\n          reine._)\n\n    Bien!\n    Tu viens l\u00e0, me suivant.\n    Je m\u2019\u00e9chappe, vagabonde,\n    Comme un poisson d\u2019or, sous les ondes,\n    Fuit le venimeux crapaud\n    Qui lui court apr\u00e8s.\n\n          (_DOD\u00d4N danse de nouveau.--Se f\u00e2chant._)\n\n    Mauvais travail!\n    Rentre les talons, de gr\u00e2ce!\n    Cambre-toi, la t\u00eate en place!\n    Agite ton \u00e9ventail,\n    Et montre-toi plus dispos!\n\n          (_La danse devient plus anim\u00e9e._)\n\n    Je m\u2019assieds; rien ne te g\u00eane:\n    Tourne jusqu\u2019\u00e0 perdre haleine!\n\n          (_DOD\u00d4N, agitant les bras avec d\u00e9sespoir, commence une\n          danse fr\u00e9n\u00e9tique. La reine s\u2019est assise \u00e0 un bout du tapis;\n          elle rit aux \u00e9clats en voyant les pirouettes de DOD\u00d4N.--De\n          petits n\u00e8gres sortent de la tente et se rangent autour de\n          DOD\u00d4N.--Ext\u00e9nu\u00e9, DOD\u00d4N se laisse tomber sur le tapis. Les\n          musiciens cessent de jouer. Les petits n\u00e8gres s\u2019enfuient._)\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_se dressant sur les genoux_).\n\n    C\u2019est assez!\n    Je veux souffler!\n\n          (_Debout._)\n\n    Belle enfant, si je te plais,\n    Viens r\u00e9gner sur mon empire:\n    Tous mes biens pour ton sourire!\n    Prends mon royaume;\n    Prends, je t\u2019en fais don!\n\nLA REINE (_avec d\u00e9dain_).\n\n    Bah! mais qu\u2019y ferais-je donc?\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N.\n\n    Quoi? H\u00e9 bien: manger et boire,\n    Dormir, \u00e9couter des histoires,\n    Obtenir de ton amant\n    Tout.\u2026 oui, tout sauf le merle blanc!\n    Tu verras: l\u2019on s\u2019y goberge.\n\nLA REINE.\n\n    \u00c7\u00e0 partons, et faisons h\u00e2te\n    Je veux voir des ciels nouveaux.\n    Vite, en marche!\n\n          (_De la tente sortent des esclaves qui portent des miroirs,\n          des \u00e9ventails, des bijoux, des tapis. Ils aident la reine\n          \u00e0 se pr\u00e9parer pour le voyage. Dans le camp de DOD\u00d4N, m\u00eame\n          agitation._)\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N.\n\n    Mes chevaux! Mon char dor\u00e9!\n    Prenez les r\u00eanes!\n    Viens pr\u00e8s de moi, ma souveraine.\n\nLA REINE (_se pla\u00e7ant \u00e0 c\u00f4t\u00e9 de DOD\u00d4N_).\n\n    Je suis pr\u00eate. Avancez!\n    Chantez la gloire du fianc\u00e9!\n\nLES ESCLAVES DE LA REINE.\n\n    O, mes s\u0153urs, l\u2019\u00e9trange histoire!\n    Notre reine, qui l\u2019escorte?\n    Un vieillard aux jambes tortes!\n    La couronne d\u2019or qu\u2019il porte\n    Cache mal son front d\u2019esclave.\n    O, cet air p\u00e9dant et grave!\n    Il est tout pareil \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e2ne,\n    Lourd d\u2019esprit, et dur de cr\u00e2ne.\n    Comme un singe il gesticule.\n    Mon Dieu, qu\u2019il est ridicule!\n    Son aspect hideux effare.\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_ne se contenant plus_).\n\n    H\u00e9, Polkan! Sonnez, fanfares!\n    Je suis fianc\u00e9: victoire!\n\n          (_Fanfares; les soldats crient. Le cort\u00e8ge s\u2019\u00e9branle._)\n\nLES SOLDATS.\n\n    Hourra! Hourra! Hourra! Hourra!\n\n\nRIDEAU.\n\n\n\n\nACT II.\n\n\n          (_A dark night. A dim moon casts a ruddy glow over a\n          narrow gorge covered with small bushes and hemmed in by\n          cliffs. The mountain mist, slightly stirred by the wind,\n          fills all the hollows with a milky shroud. In the midst\n          of the bushes, and on the bare hillocks, wherever one\n          looks, lie in heaps the bodies of dead warriors killed in\n          battle. Eagles and other birds of prey sit on the corpses\n          in flocks, flying away in fright at every gust of wind.\n          Two horses stand motionless with heads lowered over the\n          bodies of their masters. All is quiet, silent, and ominous.\n          There is heard in the distance the sound of the unsteady\n          footsteps of the discouraged army of KING DODON. In the\n          gorge, looking about and stopping, the warriors come down\n          in a file, two abreast._)\n\nWARRIORS.\n\n    The silent night is whispering fearful things.\n    All is waste; only a flock of birds\n    Guard the bodies of the fallen.\n    The pallid disc of the moon\n    Has risen, and is like a funeral taper.\n    A mournful and dreary wind\n    Steals through the darkness;\n    Stumbling on the bodies,\n    It blows moaning over the dead.\n    At times it is silent; and again dejectedly\n    It presses close to the faces of the fallen,\n    And plucks at their sleeves.\n\n          (_Enter, riding their horses at a walk, KING DODON with\n          his old VOEVODA, plunged in gloomy thoughts, and stumble\n          against the bodies of both the PRINCES._)\n\nKING DODON (_throwing himself upon the bodies of his sons_).\n\n    What terrible sight is this?\n    It is my sons! My own sons!\n    Without their helmets and their armour.\n    And both lie dead,--\n    The sword of each piercing the other.\n    Their horses wander o\u2019er the meadows\n    Upon the grass trampled down\n    And red with blood.\n    Oh! Our support! My children!\n    Woe is me! Caught in a net\n    Are both my falcons.\n    O grief! My death is here.\n    Weep ye all, as Dodon does.\n    Let the deepest valleys groan\n    And the highest mountains shake with\n    Grief.\n\n          (_All sob._)\n\nKING DODON (_pitifully_).\n\n    From henceforth I shall lead my army everywhere myself.\n    The young men enough have been\n    Exposed to the misfortunes of a martial life.\n\n          (_Renewed sobbing._)\n\nPOLKAN (_to DODON_).\n\n    Whatever has happened, it is past and done.\n\n          (_To the army._)\n\n    Friends! Let us stand up for Dodon;\n    Let us give the enemy a lesson!\n\nWARRIORS.\n\n    We shall! That we shall!\n    If only we can find the enemy.\n\n          (_No answer. It begins to grow light. The mist rises\n          a little, and the outline of a tent is seen. The rosy\n          reflection of the dawn falls upon the bright, many coloured\n          patterns of the brocade flaps of the tent. All are amazed._)\n\nKING DODON.\n\n    Good heavens! A tent!\n    All in patterns.\n\n(_The first rays of the rising sun._)\n\n          (_The flaps of the tent move. The warriors hastily\n          disperse, leaving the cannon. From the tent emerges\n          with an easy but imposing gait a beautiful, bright-eyed\n          woman, accompanied by four female slaves with dulcimer,\n          rebec, reed, and a drum. She wears a long silk garment\n          of raspberry colour, plentifully adorned with pearls and\n          gold. On her head a white turban with a high feather. The\n          beautiful woman, as if she had noticed nothing, turns\n          towards the bright sun, raising her hands to it in prayer._)\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.\n\n    Answer me, bright orb of day!\n    Thou com\u2019st to us from the East--\n    Hast thou visited my native land,\n    The country of fairy dreams?\n    Are the roses still glowing there\n    And the bushes of burning lilies?\n    Do the turquoise dragon-flies\n    Kiss the gorgeous leaves?\n    In the evening by the waters,\n    In the shy songs of the women and the maidens\n    Is there still that same intoxicating faintness,\n    The passionate dream of forbidden love?\n    Is the unexpected guest still welcomed--\n    Are there gifts prepared for him--\n    A modest feast--a secret look\n    Through the interfering veils?\n    When the blue night darkens,\n    Does the young mistress hasten to him\n    With a sweet avowal on her lips,\n    Having forgotten both fear and shame?\n\n          (_The song being ended THE QUEEN turns towards THE KING and\n          looks for a long time at him in silence._)\n\nKING DODON (_quietly poking POLKAN with his elbow_).\n\n    That\u2019s a song for you!\n\nPOLKAN (_with a wink_).\n\n    If the young mistress wishes to entertain us\n    It is possible for us to pass a little time here.\n\n          (_DODON gravely goes nearer to the QUEEN. POLKAN follows\n          him. The others remain at a distance, not daring to\n          approach._)\n\nKING DODON.\n\n    Fair lady! Fear us not.\n    Be open with us in everything.\n    What is thy name? Who art thou?\n    And where is thy land?\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_modestly lowering her eyes_).\n\n    By your leave I am the\n    Virgin Queen of Shemakhan.\n    I am stealing like a thief\n    To conquer thy city.\n\nKING DODON (_in astonishment, almost roughly_).\n\n    Thou art an amusing jester,\n    Wilful maiden.\n    To wage war, an army is necessary;\n    Without it, it\u2019s a sorry business.\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.\n\n    In this thou art mistaken.\n    An army is not needful for a victory.\n    Beauty alone makes all bend low\n    Before her.\n\n          (_Claps her hands. Two more slaves come out of the tent\n          with silver pitchers and pour wine into goblets._)\n\n    I am glad of unexpected guests.\n    The goblets are full of the fiery juice of the vine;\n    They are frothing to the rim.\n\n          (_She bows and strikes the face of DODON who recoils in\n          distrust._)\n\n    Your Health!\n\nKING DODON.\n\n    Thou shalt drink first,--\n    We after.\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.\n\n    I did not expect this.\n    Look in my eyes, which glow\n    Brighter than the dawn itself.\n    How could I, with such a heavenly look,\n    Regale the stranger with poison?\n\n          (_Smilingly she raises her eyelashes. DODON, in confusion,\n          drinks the wine. POLKAN does the same. The slaves who\n          brought the pitchers again appear, spread out a carpet in\n          their midst, and arrange pillows for them to sit on. At\n          a sign given by the VOEVODA, the warriors withdraw to a\n          distance, for a prolonged rest and to gather the bodies of\n          the slain. DODON, POLKAN, and THE QUEEN seat themselves.\n          The first two are perplexed and silent. THE QUEEN smiles\n          enigmatically._)\n\nPOLKAN (_making an effort, suddenly bows to THE QUEEN, trying to be easy\nin manner and agreeable_).\n\n    How has the Queen been pleased to\n    Pass the night?\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.\n\n    I thank thee, I slept not badly.\n    But at dawn something happened to me;\n    The air became intoxicating--\n    Moist, heavy, and spicy--\n    Like the aroma of night flowers,\n    Like the play of tangled dreams.\n    Someone unseen was breathing,\n    Oppressed by secret passion.\n    I heard a voice, tender as the air of Spring,\n    Teasing the ear with the words:\n    \u201cDearest! Let me go.\u201d\n    Louder--softer--farther--nearer.\n\nPOLKAN (_with a smile_).\n\n    They will come. Do not grieve.\n\n          (_THE QUEEN arises in great emotion._)\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.\n\n    King! Drive away this monster!\n    I do not love thy Voevoda.\n\n          (_POLKAN is put out of countenance._)\n\nKING DODON.\n\n    Why, indeed, old dotard,\n    Dost thou stare like an owl?\n    Thou seest the damsel is put to shame--\n    Still fears us men.\n    Away with thee! Go!\n    Behind the tent.\n\n          (_POLKAN gets up hurriedly and goes behind the tent, from\n          where his long beard is seen sticking out from time to\n          time. THE QUEEN moves her pillow close to DODON._)\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_almost in DODON\u2019S ear_).\n\n    My business is with thee.\n\nKING DODON (_still more confused by the danger of propinquity_).\n\n    Well, what is it?\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.\n\n    I should like to know for certain\n    If the virgin beauty of the Queen\n    Is really so brilliant;\n    Or is it empty talk.\n\n          (_Looks straight into DODON\u2019S eyes._)\n\n    What sayest thou?\n\nKING DODON (_hesitating_).\n\n    I \u2026 that is \u2026 in truth \u2026\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.\n\n    Is that all?\n    Thou art to be pitied knowing\n    The Queen only in her garments.\n    I am not so bad without them.\n    When I go to sleep, I look a long time in the mirror.\n\n          (_Thoughtfully admiring herself. Becomes more and more\n          carried away._)\n\n    I throw off my garments,\n    And as a ray of sunlight in the mist\n    Falling on a silver statue\n    I shine within the tent.\n    I look and see if anywhere\n    There is a mole or any blemish on my body.\n    I remove the pearly fastenings, and\n    Wanton masses of hair,\n    Not embarrassed with any head-dress,\n    Pour forth in black torrent\n    Over my supple marble thighs.\u2026\n    So that my sleep may be fresh and sweet\n    For the night, I sprinkle myself with dew.\n    On my breasts fall drops of liquid fire--\n    And I have breasts indeed!\n    They vie with glory of the southern roses--\n    Magnificent and firm--and they are\n    As white, light, and transparent as a dream.\u2026\n    What is the matter, my friend? Art thou not\n    Thyself? Is thy little head turned?\n\nKING DODON (_controlling himself_).\n\n    There is something the matter with my liver.\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.\n\n    Rubbish! I shall sing.\n    Listen to my song!\n\n          (_With a look commands her slaves to accompany her._)\n\n    \u201cDark and narrow\n    Is my gaily-decked tent;\n    Warm and soft is the carpet in it.\u2026\u201d\n    Dost thou wish, old man, to see\n    What is within?\n\nKING DODON.\n\n    Why dost thou wish to offend us? You know\n    I am not old. These are not wrinkles, but----\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.\n\n    Ah! Why do I think of it--\n    Only to open the wound afresh?\n    My grief is as boundless\n    As the wide expanse of the blue sea.\n    O! Take my life!\n\n          (_through her tears_)\n\n    Where shall I find someone who will be able\n    To contradict me in everything;\n\n          (_as in a dream_)\n\n    Who will place a limit to my desires,\n    Firmly and masterfully?\n\nKING DODON (_solemnly_).\n\n    Cease weeping, and rejoice,\n    Maiden Queen of Shemakhan.\n    Thou hast sought and found.\n    Thy life will now be bright.\n    I shall thwart thee and\n    Contradict thee in everything;\n    In fine--without unnecessary words--\n    I am ready to do all for thee.\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_in amazement_).\n\n    Me? Thwart?\n    I am very glad\n\n          (_joyfully_)\n\n    Such happiness! Such bliss!\n\n          (_Takes DODON by both hands, who is unutterably happy._)\n\n    And for this occasion let us dance,\n    Forgetting our exalted rank.\n\nKING DODON (_in fear_).\n\n    \u2019Tis true I have not danced from childhood.\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.\n\n    Well! Be once more a child.\n\nKING DODON (_gloomily_).\n\n    I am not going to dance in the presence of people.\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.\n\n    Then, Polkan must be with me.\n    Here, Polkan! Come hither, my friend!\n\n          (_POLKAN sticks his head out from behind the tent, but\n          dares not to approach._)\n\nKING DODON (_seeks a reconciliation_).\n\n    Do not get angry, darling!\n    Although I do not know how to dance,\n    I shall not spare myself.\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.\n\n    Well, let us begin. People, come hither!\n    Our Dodon is going to dance.\n\n          (_POLKAN and the Warriors cautiously draw near to the\n          carpet, stand in a circle and try not to look at DODON.\n          The female slaves begin a measured and graceful dance; THE\n          QUEEN with a tambourine joins in, slowly and light as air._)\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_dancing_).\n\n    At first I shall dance.\n    Having lowered my veil,\n    Modestly, languidly.--Now it is\n    Thy turn, Dodon. Come! Step in front\n    Like a turkey cock, full of conceit,\n    And sideways, as if by accident,\n    Knock up against me.\n\n          (_DODON dances as commanded and awkwardly jostles the\n          QUEEN._)\n\n    Good! I, striking my tambourine,\n    Shall fly away from thee,\n    Silently, supple as a little fish,\n    And then thou, a loathsome old crab,\n    Must try and catch me.\n\n          (_DODON dances again._)\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_angrily_).\n\n    Not that way! Thou hast the ways of a camel.\n    Don\u2019t keep your heels out.\n\n          (_Dance becomes livelier._)\n\n    And now, wave your hand,\n    Turn around, take mincing steps;\n    Stamp thy feet until thou art ready to fall down;\n    Whilst I sit down here.\n\n          (_THE QUEEN sits to one side and laughs continually, amused\n          at DODON. DODON waves his hand despairingly and starts the\n          mad dance. Black boys run out from the tent and form a\n          circle around DODON. His strength exhausted, he falls down\n          on the carpet. The dance ends, and the black boys re-enter\n          the tent._)\n\nKING DODON (_on his knees_).\n\n    Stop! I have no more strength.\n\n          (_Gets up._)\n\n    If I am so dear to thee,\n    Take me and all my Kingdom;\n    For all I have is thine, and likewise I myself.\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_disdainfully_).\n\n    What shall I do with thee?\n\nKING DODON.\n\n    What shalt thou do? Eat sweetmeats--\n    Rest, and listen to fairy tales.\u2026\n    Except birds\u2019 milk,\n    Everything will be provided for my little darling;\n    I shall spare nothing.\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.\n\n    There is no reason to linger;\n    My preparations are made quickly.\n    Let us be on our way at once!\n\n          (_Out of the tent there come in an endless file, every\n          time moving apart the flaps of the tent, the slaves of THE\n          QUEEN, carrying looking-glasses, fans, coffers of precious\n          things, pitchers, carpets, etc. They array THE QUEEN. The\n          army also get ready to move._)\n\nKING DODON.\n\n    Ho! A horse!\n    A golden chariot\n    To carry the Queen!\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_standing beside DODON_).\n\n    I am ready. Ha, ha!\n\n          (_To her slaves._)\n\n    Sing the praises of the Bridegroom.\n\nSLAVES.\n\n    Sisters! Who limps beside\n    The resplendent beauty?\n    He is a King by rank and dress--\n    But a slave--by body and soul.\n    With what shall we compare him?\n    Because of his rolling gait, he is like a camel!\n    Because of his wry face and odd ways,\n    He is like a real ape!\n    He is like a spectre!\n\n          (_They bring in the chariot._)\n\nKING DODON (_beside himself with joy_).\n\n    Ho! Polkan! Sound the trumpets for\n    A victory!\n    I am going home with a bride!\n\n          (_Trumpets, and cries of the army._)\n\nTHE SOLDIERS.\n\n    Hurrah! Hurrah!\n    Hurrah!\n\n\nCURTAIN.\n\n\n\n\nTROISI\u00c8ME ACTE.\n\n\n          (_Journ\u00e9e chaude et ensoleill\u00e9e; mais \u00e0 l\u2019est, un lourd\n          nuage noir avance lentement; l\u2019air est charg\u00e9 d\u2019orage.\n          De temps en temps arrivent des messagers essouffl\u00e9s, qui\n          apportent les derni\u00e8res nouvelles. Ils montent l\u2019escalier\n          et disparaissent \u00e0 l\u2019int\u00e9rieur. Tout le monde attend\n          anxieusement l\u2019arriv\u00e9e du roi._)\n\nLE PEUPLE.\n\n    J\u2019ai grand peur amis!\n    Pourquoi?\n    Je l\u2019ignore! Tiens-toi coi!\n    Nul malheur ne nous menace:\n    Voyez! Le coq d\u2019or reste en place.\n    Il se pr\u00e9lasse au soleil.\n    Il ne donne point l\u2019\u00e9veil.\n    Et le coq est de bon conseil!\n    Un nuage lourd d\u2019orage\n    Appara\u00eet \u00e0 l\u2019orient,\n    Noir, obscur, terrifiant!\n    Il pleuvra! Il gr\u00ealera!\n    Voici venir la temp\u00eate!\n    Oui, la temp\u00eate!\n\n          (_Au haut de l\u2019escalier appara\u00eet l\u2019intendante AMELFA; tous\n          se pr\u00e9cipitent vers elle._)\n\nLE PEUPLE (_avec de grands saluts_).\n\n    Viens-tu rassurer nos c\u0153urs?\n    Nos soldats sont-ils vainqueurs?\n    Ont-ils chass\u00e9 les rebelles?\n    De l\u2019arm\u00e9e quelles nouvelles?\n\nAMELFA (_d\u2019une voix saccad\u00e9e_).\n\n    \u00c7a ne vous regarde pas!\n    D\u00e9tournez d\u2019ici vos pas.\n\nLE PEUPLE.\n\n    Gr\u00e2ce! l\u2019attente est cruelle!\n\n          (_Plusieurs assistants s\u2019approchent D\u2019AMELFA et s\u2019efforcent\n          de baiser le bas de sa robe. Elle les repousse._)\n\nAMELFA.\n\n    H\u00e9 bien!\n\n          (_Pour se d\u00e9faire d\u2019eux._)\n\n    Voici les nouvelles:\n    Quatre rois sont rest\u00e9s sur le carreau:\n    Tr\u00e8fle, pique, c\u0153ur, carreau.\n    Notre arm\u00e9e triomphe seule.\n    Dod\u00f4n sauva de la gueule\n    D\u2019un dragon la jeune reine\n    Qu\u2019en triomphe il vous ram\u00e8ne.\n\nLE PEUPLE (_sans beaucoup de joie_).\n\n    All\u00e9gresse!\n    Mais les princes?\n    Il serait temps qu\u2019ils revinssent!\n\nAMELFA.\n\n    Ils ne vont pas revenir:\n    Notre roi les fit mourir.\n\nLE PEUPLE (_avec effroi_).\n\n    Sa justice est implacable!\n    \u00c9taient-ils donc bien coupables?\n\nAMELFA (_avec indiff\u00e9rence_).\n\n    Ils sont mal tomb\u00e9s, voil\u00e0!\n\n          (_Sur un ton de menace._)\n\n    Votre tour bient\u00f4t viendra!\n\nLE PEUPLE (_ils se grattent la nuque et sourient stupidement_).\n\n    Notre roi est seul le Ma\u00eetre!\n    Nous devons tous nous soumettre!\n\n          (_On entend le son des trompettes._)\n\nAMELFA.\n\n    Ils viennent. Tournoyez, sautez!\n    Montrez votre loyaut\u00e9\n    Par des bonds et des grimaces,\n    Mais n\u2019esp\u00e9rez point de gr\u00e2ces!\n\n          (_Les mena\u00e7ant du doigt, elle rentre dans le palais.\n          Dans la rue commence le cort\u00e8ge triomphal. D\u2019abord, les\n          miliciens du roi, avec des airs importants et fanfarons;\n          puis, la suite de la REINE DE CH\u00c9MAKHA, bariol\u00e9e et\n          bizarre, comme sortie d\u2019un conte oriental: certains\n          personnages n\u2019ont qu\u2019un \u0153il, au milieu du front; d\u2019autres\n          ont des cornes, d\u2019autres des t\u00eates de chiens. G\u00e9ants,\n          nains. \u00c9thiopiens grands et petits, esclaves voil\u00e9es\n          portant des cassettes et des vaisseaux pr\u00e9cieux. Cette\n          pompe insolite dissipe pour un instant l\u2019anxi\u00e9t\u00e9 du peuple.\n          Tous s\u2019amusent comme des enfants.--Le cort\u00e8ge de la\n          reine._)\n\n          (_LE ROI et LA REINE apparaissent sur leur char dor\u00e9. LE\n          ROI para\u00eet vieilli. Il a perdu sa prestance majestueuse.\n          Son air est soucieux. Il regarde continuellement, avec\n          tendresse, LA REINE. Celle-ci s\u2019est capricieusement\n          tourn\u00e9e de c\u00f4t\u00e9 et trahit de temps en temps par ses gestes\n          brusques, un \u00e9nervement cach\u00e9. La foule se tr\u00e9mousse,\n          saute, tournoie, pousse de joyeuses acclamations._)\n\nLE PEUPLE.\n\n    Soyez bienvenus! Hourra!\n    Longue vie \u00e0 notre roi!\n    Hourra! Hourra!\n    Vois tes serviteurs fid\u00e8les,\n    D\u00e9vou\u00e9s et pleins de z\u00e8le,\n    Pr\u00eats \u00e0 t\u2019ob\u00e9ir toujours,\n    Afin d\u2019embellir tes jours.\n    Nous nous mettrons \u00e0 quatre pattes\n    Pour te dilater la rate.\n    Nous nous flanquerons des coups.\n    Le spectacle sera doux.\n    Nous ne sommes sur la terre\n    Que pour t\u2019ob\u00e9ir, te plaire,\n    Que pour \u00eatre tes jouets,\n    Tes esclaves d\u00e9vou\u00e9s!\n\n          (_Sur le perron d\u2019une des maisons appara\u00eet L\u2019ASTROLOGUE,\n          toujours v\u00eatu de sa robe bleue et la t\u00eate couverte de son\n          bonnet.--Ayant aper\u00e7u L\u2019ASTROLOGUE, LA REINE l\u2019examine\n          longuement et avec attention.--LE ROI s\u2019appr\u00eate \u00e0\n          descendre, mais LA REINE le retient, et, d\u00e9signant du doigt\n          L\u2019ASTROLOGUE._)\n\nLA REINE (_d\u2019un ton inquiet_).\n\n    Quel est donc ce personnage?\n    Il a l\u2019air fort grave et sage.\n\n          (_La foule recule devant L\u2019ASTROLOGUE et attend,\n          silencieuse. LA REINE observe toujours L\u2019ASTROLOGUE. Coup\n          de tonnerre lointain._)\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_joyeux de reconna\u00eetre son vieil ami_).\n\n    H\u00e9, bonjour, devin prudent,\n    Mon ami, mon confident!\n    Dis-nous, en ce jour propice,\n    Tes d\u00e9sirs, qu\u2019ils s\u2019accomplissent.\n\n          (_L\u2019ASTROLOGUE traverse la foule et s\u2019approche du char\n          royal. Il ne quitte point des yeux LA REINE._)\n\nL\u2019ASTROLOGUE.\n\n    Roi sublime, j\u2019ob\u00e9is!\n    Liquidons en bons amis.\n    Hier, en ta reconnaissance,\n    Tu promis sans r\u00e9ticence\n    D\u2019exaucer mon premier v\u0153u:\n    Voici donc ce que je veux:\n    Sans tarder tiens ta promesse,\n    Fais moi don de la princesse.\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N.\n\n    Par le diable! C\u2019est ainsi?\n    Ma r\u00e9ponse, la voici:\n    L\u2019insolence est par trop grande,\n    Polisson! je te commande\n    De vider sans plus ces lieux.\n    Chassez-moi d\u2019ici ce vieux!\n\n          (_Les gardes entra\u00eenent le vieillard, qui se d\u00e9bat._)\n\nL\u2019ASTROLOGUE.\n\n    C\u2019est donc la.\u2026\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_furieux._)\n\n    Quoi, tu discutes?\n    Tu veux entamer la lutte?\n\n          (_Il lui applique un coup de sceptre sur la t\u00eate.\n          L\u2019ASTROLOGUE tombe inanim\u00e9 et rend l\u2019esprit. Fr\u00e9missement\n          dans l\u2019assistance. Des nuages voilent le soleil; le\n          tonnerre gronde._)\n\nLA REINE (_\u00e0 part, \u00e9clate de rire_).\n\n    Hihihi! Hahahaha!\n    Que c\u2019est dr\u00f4le, tout cela!\n\n          (_DOD\u00d4N est fort troubl\u00e9, mais il continue de regarder LA\n          REINE en souriant._)\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_avec une terreur superstitieuse_).\n\n    Juste avant le mariage!\n    C\u2019est un bien mauvais pr\u00e9sage.\u2026\n    Ce sang\u2026 Un malheur s\u2019ensuivra\u2026\n\nLA REINE (_s\u00e8chement_).\n\n    H\u00e9 bien, qui vivra verra,\n    Voil\u00e0 tout!\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_tranquillis\u00e9 et avec ivresse_).\n\n    Par nos caresses\n    C\u00e9l\u00e9brons notre all\u00e9gresse.\n\n          (_Il veut embrasser LA REINE, mais elle le repousse avec\n          fureur et d\u00e9go\u00fbt_).\n\nLA REINE.\n\n    Disparais, monstre hideux,\n    Toi et ton peuple odieux!\n    C\u2019est assez! ton \u00e2me immonde\n    Trop longtemps souilla le monde.\n    Tu souris, vieux sc\u00e9l\u00e9rat,\n    Mais ton ch\u00e2timent viendra!\n\nLE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_avec un sourire contraint_).\n\n    Ma princesse, tu plaisantes\u2026\n\nLA REINE.\n\n    Non, plus \u00e0 l\u2019heure pr\u00e9sente.\n\n          (_Ils montent l\u2019escalier._)\n\nLA VOIX DU COQ.\n\n    Cocoricocou!\n    Je te percerai d\u2019un coup.\n\nCH\u0152UR.\n\n    Kchi! Kchi! Kchi! Kchi!\n\n          (_Subitement, LE COQ s\u2019envole de sa fl\u00e8che et voltige\n          au-dessus de la foule. Tous, \u00e9pouvant\u00e9s, agitent les bras\n          pour le chasser.--LE COQ donne un grand coup de bec sur la\n          t\u00eate du ROI, qui tombe mort. \u00c9pouvante g\u00e9n\u00e9rale: violent\n          coup de tonnerre.--Une obscurit\u00e9 compl\u00e8te se fait pour un\n          moment, durant lequel on entend le rire tranquille de LA\n          REINE._)\n\nLA VOIX DE LA REINE.\n\n    Hihihihi! Hahahaha!\n\n          (_Quand la nuit s\u2019est dissip\u00e9e, on ne voit plus LA REINE,\n          ni LE COQ._)\n\nLE PEUPLE (_avec stup\u00e9faction_).\n\n    O\u00f9 donc est la reine?\n    Envol\u00e9e! Ah! notre \u00e2me est affol\u00e9e.\u2026\n\n          (_avec espoir._)\n\n    Mais le roi?\n\n          (_Tristement._)\n\n    Il est bien mort.\n    Quel invraisemblable sort.\n\n          (_\u00c9cras\u00e9 de douleur, LE PEUPLE entier entonne une\n          lamentation fun\u00e8bre._)\n\n    Il est mort\u2026 O peine am\u00e8re!\n    Notre prince! Notre p\u00e8re!\n    Notre seigneur sans pareil,\n    Qui brillait comme un soleil!\n    Il \u00e9tait prudent, sagace,\n    Paresseux, r\u00eaveur, bonasse!\n    Sa col\u00e8re \u00e9tait terrible,\n    Sa fureur incoercible.\n    Il nous frappait comme un sourd\n    Plus souvent qu\u2019\u00e0 notre tour.\n    Mais l\u2019orage enfin pass\u00e9,\n    L\u2019on pouvait se pr\u00e9lasser\n    Sous son ombre tut\u00e9laire;\n    Il \u00e9tait pour nous un p\u00e8re.\n\n          (_avec un profond d\u00e9sespoir._)\n\n    Quel terrible d\u00e9sarroi!\n    Qui va nous donner un roi?\n\n          (_Ils s\u2019\u00e9croulent par terre et sanglotent._)\n\n\nRIDEAU.\n\n\n\n\nCONCLUSION.\n\n\n          (_L\u2019ASTROLOGUE, \u00e9cartant le rideau, se pr\u00e9sente._)\n\nL\u2019ASTROLOGUE (_aux spectateurs_).\n\n    Nobles spectateurs, mes fr\u00e8res,\n    Ce d\u00e9nouement sanguinaire\n    Ne doit point vous \u00e9mouvoir.\n    Ceux que vous venez de voir\n    N\u2019\u00e9taient que de vains fant\u00f4mes.\n    Sachez que dans le royaume\n    De Dod\u00f4n, la reine et moi,\n    \u00c9tions seuls humains\u2026 voil\u00e0!\n\n          (_Il salue et dispara\u00eet._)\n\n\n\n\nACT III.\n\n\n          (_Stifling heat. Although the sun is shining, a heavy black\n          cloud is creeping from the East and the air is charged with\n          a presentiment of a dreadful thunderstorm. From time to\n          time runners, out of breath, enter, ascend the staircase\n          and disappear within the palace. All await the royal\n          cortege in vague alarm._)\n\n\nPEOPLE (_amongst themselves_).\n\n    It is dreadful! What is it?\n    I don\u2019t know myself. There\u2019s nothing to fear;\n    Nothing bad will happen to us.\n    You see the golden cock is not beating his wings,\n    And is sticking up in the sun!\n    He warms his back and keeps silent.\n    If there was any misfortune he would awaken.\n    Look at that sullen, heavy cloud\n    Coming up from the East.\n    It carries evil in its dark depths.\n    There will be rain in the city;\n    Yes, and with thunder, even hail as well.\n\n          (_The Royal Housekeeper, AMELFA, appears on the upper steps\n          of the stairway. All rush towards her._)\n\nPEOPLE (_bowing_).\n\n    Be kind! Honoured mother,\n    And tell us if the Army is safe.\n    Are we to have peace, or misfortune?\n    You know. There were runners.\n\nAMELFA (_curtly_).\n\n    There were. Only it is no affair of yours.\n    Away with you! That is all I have to say.\n\nPEOPLE.\n\n    Be merciful! Our hearts are sore.\n\n          (_Many of them run to AMELFA and try to kiss the hem of her\n          dress. She pushes them away._)\n\nAMELFA.\n\n    Go away!\n\n          (_Wishing to get rid of them._)\n\n    Here\u2019s the news!\n    You see, there are four Kings--\n    Hearts, Spades, Clubs, and Diamonds;\n    Our King has conquered them.\n    He has saved from the Dragon\u2019s jaws\n    A Royal Maiden.\n    She will be our Queen!\n\nPEOPLE (_without any special joy_).\n\n    Well! We shall have a holiday!\n    But where are our hope--the Princes?\n\nAMELFA.\n\n    The King has put them in chains\n    And has punished them with a cruel death.\n\nPEOPLE (_shuddering_).\n\n    Ah! Heavy is the Royal hand!\n    What did they do?\n\nAMELFA (_indifferently_).\n\n    They had bad luck.\n    Something awaits you, too!\n\n          (_threateningly._)\n\nPEOPLE (_scratching their heads and stupidly smiling_).\n\n    We are yours, body and soul;\n    If we are beaten we have deserved it.\n\n          (_A sound of trumpets is heard._)\n\nAMELFA.\n\n    They are coming! Jump like goats--\n    Turn somersaults for very joy.\n    Greet the King loudly--\n    But do not expect mercy.\n\n          (_Threatening them once again with her finger, AMELFA\n          enters the palace. The triumphant procession begins to pass\n          by. First come the Royal Warriors, on foot and mounted,\n          with faces puffed up with pride. Then the suite of THE\n          QUEEN of SHEMAKHAN, of as many colours and as fantastic as\n          those in Eastern fairy tales. There are giants and dwarfs,\n          people with one eye in the middle of their forehead, people\n          with horns, with heads like a dog, negros and negro boys,\n          female slaves covered with veils carrying coffers and\n          precious plate. The curious splendour of the procession\n          disperses for a time the weight of expectation. All become\n          as gay as children._)\n\n          (_The golden chariot appears with the KING and QUEEN. THE\n          KING has aged somewhat, has become restless, has lost his\n          majestic carriage, and all the time looks fondly into the\n          eyes of the haughty QUEEN. THE QUEEN capriciously turns\n          away, expressing her secret impatient irritation by jerky\n          movements. The People move about, jump, turn somersaults,\n          and shout a joyful welcome._)\n\nPEOPLE (_shouting_).\n\n    Long life to thee! Hurrah!\n    May thou have every good thing!\n\n          (_Begin to sing._)\n\n    \u201cWe are thy faithful servants,\n    Who kiss the Royal feet.\n    We are glad to serve thee,\n    To amuse thee with our foolishness,\n    To box for thee upon a holiday,\n    To bark, to crawl on all fours,\n    So that thy hours may flow quickly\n    And may bring sweet sleep.\n    Without thee we should have no\n    Reason for existing;\n    For thee we were born\n    And for thee we have had children.\u201d\n\n          (_The ASTROLOGER appears in the portico of one of the\n          houses, in the same blue garment and high hat. Having\n          observed the ASTROLOGER, the QUEEN looks at him long and\n          steadfastly. THE KING, wishing to descend, is stopped by\n          the QUEEN, who points out the ASTROLOGER to him._)\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_uneasily_).\n\n    Who is that standing there in the white hat\n    And with hair as white as a swan?\n\n          (_The crowd parts before the ASTROLOGER, and is dumb with\n          expectation. The QUEEN follows his movements._)\n\nKING DODON (_delighted to see his old acquaintance_).\n\n    Ah! It\u2019s thou, my wise man,\n    My benefactor and father!\n    What hast thou to say to us on this festal occasion?\n    Come nearer! What dost thou ask of us?\n\n          (_The ASTROLOGER wends his way through the crowd to the\n          chariot, not taking his eyes off the QUEEN._)\n\nASTROLOGER.\n\n    Great King! It is I.\n    Let us settle matters as friends.\n    Dost thou remember that in return for an obligation\n    Thou didst swear, in transports of delight, to fulfil\n    My first wish as if it were thy own?\n    Give the maiden to me--\n    The Queen of Shemakhan.\n\nKING DODON (_trying to bring THE ASTROLOGER to his senses_).\n\n    What! Has the devil got into thee?\n    Or hast thou lost thy senses?\n    What has got into thy head?\n    Away with thee, before I injure thee!\n    Drag the old man away!\n\n          (_The guards drag THE ASTROLOGER away. He resists._)\n\nASTROLOGER.\n\n    Is it to be thus?\n\nKING DODON (_raging_).\n\n    Art thou going to argue again?\n    I shall show thee how to argue with me!\n\n          (_Strikes him on the forehead with his sceptre. He falls\n          down dead. All the people shudder. The sun goes behind a\n          cloud and a clap of thunder is heard._)\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_laughing to herself_).\n\n    Ha! Ha! Ha! I am not afraid of sin.\n\n          (_DODON very agitated, but still smiles fondly upon THE\n          QUEEN._)\n\nKING DODON (_superstitiously_).\n\n    I hope it will not bring misfortune\n    On the eve of marriage!\n    It is not good to shed blood upon a wedding day!\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (_curtly_).\n\n    There will be a scuffle at the banquet--\n    That is all.\n\nKING DODON (_tranquilly, in a caressing tone_).\n\n    Let us kiss each other--\n    To drive away the evil omen!\n\n          (_DODON tries to embrace and kiss THE QUEEN. She, with\n          anger and aversion, pushes him away._)\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.\n\n    May thou perish, wicked monster!\n    And thy people!\n    How can the earth endure such as you?\n    Wait! Grey-headed babbler!\n    Thy death is not far off!\n\nKING DODON (_smiling pitifully_).\n\n    Thou art still joking, my dear!\n\nQUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN.\n\n    No! Already we have had a sorry jest.\n\n          (_They ascend the staircase. Suddenly the cock begins to\n          fly and circles above their heads. All wave him off with\n          their hands._)\n\nVOICE OF THE BIRD.\n\n    Cock-a-doodle-do!\n    I shall peck the old man on the crown of his head!\n\nCHORUS.\n\n    Sh! Sh! Sh! Sh!\n\n          (_THE COCK pecks DODON on the head, and he falls dead.\n          A clap of thunder. All struck dumb. For a moment total\n          darkness, in which is heard the quiet laugh of THE QUEEN.\n          When it grows light again neither QUEEN nor the bird is\n          seen._)\n\nPEOPLE (_to each other, in astonishment_).\n\n    Where is the Queen?\n    She has vanished\n    As if she had never been at all!\n\n          (_Hopefully._)\n\n    Is the King groaning?\n\n          (_Sadly._)\n\n    No! He is dead--if it is not all a dream!\n\n          (_Crushed by despair, the people finally break into\n          mournful sobbing._)\n\n    The King is dead! Our dear one is killed!\n    Our happy, our debonnair, and\n    Never-to-be-forgotten King!\n    Lord of Lords!\n    He was most wise,\n    And ruled the Kingdom with his\n    Hands folded, lying at his ease.\u2026\n    It\u2019s true! Our King in anger\n    Was like a thunderbolt from the heaven,\n    Which strikes at random,\n    Carrying destruction right and left,\n    But when the cloud is passed\n    The heavy air is fresher,\n    And the King, like the golden dawn,\n    Lightens all without distinction.\n\n          (_In perplexity._)\n\n    What will a new dawn bring?\n    How shall we live without a King?\n\n          (_They fall on their faces and weep inconsolably._)\n\n\nCURTAIN.\n\n\n\n\nEPILOGUE.\n\n\n          (_Moving apart the folds of the curtain, THE ASTROLOGER\n          looks out._)\n\nASTROLOGER (_to the audience_).\n\n    There! My story\u2019s ended;\n    But the bloody conclusion,\n    However sad it may be,\n    Need not disturb you.\n    Perhaps the Queen and I\n    Were the only living people in it;\n    The rest were--a delirium, a dream;\n    A pale spectre, nothing more.\u2026\n\n          (_Disappears._)\n\n\n\n\nTranscriber\u2019s Note\n\nListe des modifications au texte (and a few changes to the English too).\n\n\nActe premier\n\n\u201cviel\u201d -> vieil (un vieil ASTROLOGUE)\n\nSolonnellement -> Solennellement (_Solennellement._)\n\nchambre -> chambres (\u00e0 la porte des chambres du fond)\n\npaleis -> palais (les serviteurs se pr\u00e9cipitent dans le palais)\n\npr\u00e8picitamment -> pr\u00e9cipitamment (_AMELFA va se cacher pr\u00e9cipitamment._)\n\ns\u2019endorment d\u2019endorment d\u2019un sommeil -> s\u2019endorment d\u2019un sommeil\n\ne -> et (R\u00e8gne et dors)\n\ntrampettes -> trompettes (Des trompettes sonnent.)\n\ndacher pr\u00e9cipitament -> cacher pr\u00e9cipitamment (AMELFA va se cacher\npr\u00e9cipitamment.)\n\nlours -> lourd (Ce glaive, qu\u2019il est lourd!)\n\non -> en (allons, en route!)\n\n\nDeuxi\u00e8me acte\n\nlas -> les (on les dirait p\u00e9trifi\u00e9s)\n\npleine -> pleins (Leurs yeux fixes pleins)\n\nle -> la (la steppe solitaire)\n\n(deux fois) Saint-on -> sait-on (Sait-on charmer)\n\nl\u2019armant -> l\u2019amant (l\u2019amant, l\u2019heureux amant)\n\nAvant -> Ayant (Ayant fini de chanter)\n\nae -> de (DOD\u00d4N s\u2019approche gravement de la reine.)\n\nN\u2019ais -> N\u2019aie (N\u2019aie pas peur de nous)\n\nI -> De (De Ch\u00e9makha je suis la reine)\n\nFais -> Fait (_Fait silence._)\n\nviens l\u2019ombre -> viens dans l\u2019ombre\n\nsolonnel -> solennel (LE ROI DOD\u00d4N (_solennel_).)\n\nappallent -> appellent (Celui que tes v\u0153ux appellent)\n\nLe -> La (LA REINE (_abasourdie_).)\n\nbland -> blanc (tout sauf le merle blanc)\n\nta -> la (Chantez la gloire du fianc\u00e9!)\n\nfanc\u00e9 -> fianc\u00e9 (Je suis fianc\u00e9: victoire!)\n\n\nAct Two\n\nges -> gets (POLKAN gets up hurriedly)\n\ntht -> the (the blue sea)\n\n\nTroisi\u00e8me acte\n\nlours -> lourd (un lourd nuage noir avance lentement)\n\nA Gr\u00ealera -> Il gr\u00ealera (Il pleuvra! Il gr\u00ealera!)\n\nbariol\u00e9 -> bariol\u00e9e (la suite de la REINE DE CH\u00c9MAKHA, bariol\u00e9e et\nbizarre)\n\nrice -> rire (LA REINE (_\u00e0 part, \u00e9clate de rire_).)\n\nvera -> verra (H\u00e9 bien, qui vivra verra)\n\nParresseux -> Paresseux (Paresseux, r\u00eaveur, bonasse!)\n\nSo -> Sa (Sa col\u00e8re \u00e9tait terrible)\n\n\nAct Three\n\nWhat is? -> What is it? (It is dreadful! What is it?)\n\nchidren -> children (And for thee we have had children)","title":"Le Coq d'Or (The Golden Cock): An Opera in Three Acts","tradition":"myth-cosmogony","translated_text":null,"word_count":11635}