University of Virginia Library

ACT II.

Scene I.

The interior of the Piper's cave among the mountains. As curtain rises the plaintive music of the intermezzo blends into opening notes of the Sleeping Chorus, and the scene, gradually revealed through a transparency, discloses groups of sleeping Children, in whose midst sits the Piper with a weird red light on him, while looking up in his face, as if fascinated, is little Hans. Dim moonlight effect on children.
Chorus of Children,
sleeping.
We are weary of straying
We know not whither,
To the sound of the playing
Which drew us hither.
It is dark and dreary
In these caverns deep,
But we feel so weary
We fain must sleep!

Piper.
Sleep on! still sleep!
Be your slumbers deep!
Ye are mine to keep,
Though ye wake or sleep!

Children.
In our sleep we're dreaming
That still we hear him!
His eyes are gleaming—
We see and fear him!
Though he pinch and pain us,
In vain we weep,
For he who hath ta'en us
Still haunts our sleep.

Piper.
I haunt their sleep!
Through their dreams I creep!
They are mine to keep,
Though they wake or sleep!

Together.
Children.
He haunts our sleep!
Through our dreams doth creep!
We are his to keep,
Though we wake or sleep!

[Music of Chorus dies away, and as the vision fades the scene changes to

Scene II.

Exterior of the Piper's cave among the mountains, with a distant view of Hamelin seen in the faint light of dawn.
Enter down path Liza and Men and Women.
Chorus of Men and Women,
entering.
Sad is the home where no little feet are falling,
Dark is the hearth where no children gather round,
Far, far away, we hear them faintly calling,
All through the night we have listen'd to the sound.
Children! children! come once more to bless us,
Children! children! smile and come again!
Twine your arms around us, kiss us and caress us,
Bring us back the gladness we weary for in vain.

Liza.
Look! now the Day shines o'er the mountains yonder,
Happy and bright now the sun begins to burn,
Still far away the little children wander,
Or sleep in the darkness, never to return!
Children! children! come again to bless us, etc.

Chorus.
Children! children! etc., etc.

[Sad music.
Enter down path Conrad.
Con.
Liza, what news?

Liza.
Recitative.
None, Conrad! All night long,
We've watch'd and listen'd, but have seen no sign.
Hither they came, lured by the Piper's playing,
Into the cavern, open'd to receive them,
They enter'd, and the mountain closed upon them.

[Chorus “Children! children!” repeated.
Con.

There is no hope, then! The little ones are
lost for ever! lost and dead!

Liza.

No, not dead! All night long we have heard
the faint sounds of their voices issuing from the
mountain. Listen! (The children's voices are faintly

heard in the cavern.)
They are prisoned there in a
living tomb.

Con.

Had your father acted like an honourable man,
this calamity would never have taken place. It is all
his doing. Look where he comes!

Sauerkraut.

Yes, there he comes. Truly, a pretty
Mayor for a city like Hamelin!

Enter Mayor.
Men.

Wretch!

Women.

Cheat! rogue! Bring us back our children,
or we will tear you limb from limb.

[All advance upon him.
Mayor.

Help! help!

Sauerkraut.

Yes, we'll help you! If I had my way
you should be sewn up in a sack, and thrown into the
river.

All.

Bring us back our children!

Mayor.

Give me time! I admit my fault, but I
did not suspect I was dealing with a fiend.

[Low subterranean thunder, and laughter off. All shrink away in terror.
Mayor.

Help! help!

[Falls on his knees.
Con.

Silence! There is but one way to save the
little ones. In the name of the whole city, you must
interview this mysterious being, and offer him compensation.

Mayor.

I interview him! All the saints forbid.

[Going.
Men.
(Seizing him).

Stay!

Con.

What, are you afraid? Then, by heaven, I'll
do it.

Mayor.

Do! and if you succeed, you shall have my
blessing and my daughter into the bargain.

Con.

That you promise?

Mayor.

That I promise.

[Laughter off repeated. All shrinking and crying.
Con.

Cowards, what is there to fear? If this being
is the very Prince of Evil himself, I'll confront him.
(Going up and knocking at rock.)
Within there!

Voice.
(Within.)

Who knocks?

Con.

I, Conrad the Cooper, of Hamelin!

Voice.

What seek you?

Con.

The wretch who robbed the city of its children!
The evil spirit who has made our homes
desolate.

Voice.

Beware!

[Low thunder.
Liza.
(Rushing to Conrad.)

Conrad! come back!
he will destroy you!

Con.
(Embracing her.)

Hush, dearest. Let him
destroy me if he wills! What is my life worth compared
to the happiness of a whole city? (Knocking

again).
Within there, I say! Man, spirit, devil—
whatever you are—answer and come forth!

[Crash and chord. The Piper appears on the threshold of the cavern. All shrink back crying but Conrad and Liza, who embrace and stand facing him.
Piper.
(Smiling diabolically).

Good morning!

Mayor.

Liza, my child, come hither.

Piper.

Who speaks? The wretch who broke his
word and refused me the wages I had fairly earned!

Mayor.

Sir, on my honour.

Piper.

Your honour? The honour of a Mayor!
Swindler, for all that has taken place, you only are to
blame.

Sauerkraut.

He is, the scoundrel!

All.

He is! He is! The villain!

[Threatening Mayor.
Piper.

Then why don't you throw him after the
rats into the river Weser?

[They groan.
Sauerkraut.

Do you hear that? Come, friends, let's
make a job of it.

All.

We will! we will!

Mayor.

No! no! Help! Mercy! (Falls on his

knees)
. Liza, plead for me. Tell them I repent.

Piper.

Too late!

Women.

Give us back our children, and this old
man shall be punished as he deserves.

Sauerkraut.

Yes, we'll look after that. Give us
back the little ones, and we'll soon polish off the
Mayor.

All.

We will.

Piper.

No; a bargain's a bargain. I shall keep the
little ones, unless—

Con.

Unless—

Piper.

Unless (looking at Liza)
the Mayor can
offer me a quid pro quo.

Mayor.

Anything—everything—except myself.

Piper.

Ha ha! I want something infinitely younger
and more charming. The fact is, I'm looking for a
wife.

[Laughter off.
Mayor.

A wife? Is that all? You shall have a
thousand.

Piper.

Thanks! One's good enough for me. Bring
me an acceptable bride, and you shall have back your
brats! But mind, I'm very particular. The wife I
want must be a perfect maiden—pretty, of course—
young and good-tempered, a first-rate cook, a good
needlewoman—in short, a paragon!

[Crash. He vanishes.
Con.

You hear?

A Woman.

Of course we hear; but it's out of the
question.

Con.

Will no one volunteer? It will only be one
woman the less, and the little ones will be saved.

A very ugly old Crone.

Well, I haven't long to live,
and if the gentleman really wants to marry—

[All laugh.
Con.

Absurd! You're seventy, if you're a day!
Come, girls, won't one of you save the city? Annchen,
what do you say?

Annchen.

I'd rather drown myself than marry a
monster like that!

Girls.

And I! and I!

A Man.

Besides, they've all got sweethearts.

Girls.

Yes, yes!

Con.

So you all refuse?

Girls.

Of course we do.

A Girl.

If you're so anxious to save the children,
why don't you offer him your own sweetheart?

Con.

My Liza! Heaven forbid! (To Liza, who

has sunk on stone, hiding her face.)
Courage, dearest!
There is nothing to fear! I will speak to this demon
again, and—

[Going up.
Mayor.

Stay, one moment! Will you leave this
little affair to me?

Con.

No, no; we've had enough of your meddling!

Sauerkraut.

Yes, we've done with you till we put
you in that sack.

Mayor.

But suppose I can get you out of the difficulty?
I always had a winning way with ladies.
(Goes to 1st Girl.)
Now look here, my dear, a man of
that kind often makes a good husband, and he's very
musical.

1st Girl.

Thank you, I don't care about that sort of
music.

Mayor.

Then you, my love. (Addressing another.)

They tell me he's got a beautiful place in Seringapatam.

2nd Girl.

I prefer to stay in Hamelin.

Mayor.
(Going to another.)

What do you say, dear?

You're not so young as you were, and it's a great
thing to be comfortably settled.

3rd Girl.

Go away, or I'll scratch you!

Crash. The Piper reappears.
Piper.

Well, what have you decided?

Con.

Nothing; no girl in her senses would marry
you!

Piper.

What is the objection? I am not exactly
beautiful, but I have pleasant manners; and, above all, I
am rich. If you really want the children back—

Women.

Yes, yes—give us our children!

Piper.

Not till you bring me a bride of whom I
approve.

Mayor.

My dear sir, you may choose for yourself.
We have a large assortment of every kind of bride on
hand. May I recommend you this one, warranted to
wear beautifully?

[Leads forward one of the women.
Piper.

Take her away! She's too fat!

Mayor.

Here is another, less open to that objection.

Piper.

Pshaw! a broomstick!

Mayor.

Then what do you say to this charming
person?

Piper.

Humph! not so bad. Step forward, young
woman. Have you ever been married before?

Mayor.
(Whispering.)

Say “never.”

Girl.

Never!

Piper.

Let me look at you. (Laughs.)
Ha, ha,
ha! Why, you've had two husbands, and one of them,

poor wretch, is still alive. (Girl screams and runs away.)

At your tricks again, Mayor! Don't try to impose
on me!

Girl.
(To other Girls, aside.)

I don't care. I'm not
afraid. (Stepping forward.)
If you really want to get
married—

Piper.

I do. What's your name?

Girl.

Deborah.

Piper.

Can you sew?

Girl.

Yes.

Piper.

And cook?

Girl.

Plain cooking.

Piper.

Amiable?

Girl.
(Tossing head.)

Oh, very!

[Laugh.
Piper.
(Laughing.)

Ha, ha, ha! Deborah Meerschaum,
the greatest slattern and the sharpest shrew in
Hamelin! Away with you! You won't suit me!

Girl.
(Tossing her head and retiring.)

Well, I'm
sure!

Mayor.

My dear sir, you're very difficult to please!

Piper.

I am. Listen, and you shall hear the sort of
wife I want.

Piper's
Song.

Piper.

Nothing but perfection will content me. And
besides, between ourselves, I've taken a fancy. Give
me your own daughter, and it's a bargain.

Liza.
(Springing up.)

Me? O Conrad!

Con.

Fear not, Liza.

Mayor.

My good man, what you ask is impossible!
My daughter is engaged!

Piper.

To Conrad the Cooper, to whom you yourself
have shown the door? Be it so. You've heard
my ultimatum. Either I marry your daughter, or the
children remain with me for ever.

All.

Mercy! mercy!

Piper.

And remember, not one of them will be able
to escape me. I can tease them and weary them, pinch
them black and blue, feed them on black bread and
cold water, or starve them altogether; send spiders,
rats, and daddy-longlegs to frighten them, and make
them study such hard lessons that they'll cry their eyes
out. If you refuse me your daughter's hand the
children will be mine for ever!

All.

Mercy! mercy!

Piper.

My mind's made up. It remains for the old
man and the girl herself to decide. And observe: I
won't take her without a dowry, and that dowry must
be the one thousand guilders of which you robbed me
yesterday.

Children's
Chorus, off.
Father, mother, we are weary,
All the golden light has fled;
In the dark it is so dreary,
And the cold earth is our bed.

Piper.
You hear? They call as from the grave,
'Tis yours to slay them or to save.

First Chorus,
repeated.
Children, children, come once more to bless us!
Children, children, come once more again!

Children,
off.
Father, mother, kiss us and caress us,
Take us back, nor let us plead and cry in vain!

Piper.

For the last time, decide. You refuse?
Then—

Liza.
(With a cry.)

Stay, I will consent!

Con.

No, no, you shall not!

Liza.

I must. What you said was true. It will be
only one woman the less, and the little ones will be
spared. (To Piper.)
I am ready; take me, I will be
yours!

Piper.

Agreed. What say you, Mayor?

Mayor.
(Trembling.)

If my daughter is willing—

Piper.

You've heard her say so. Now, away with
you! Fetch the dowry—good sound golden guilders,

mind, no paper money—and we'll arrange the whole
affair without delay.

[Points Mayor off. Music. People flock off with Mayor. Conrad and Liza remain. The Piper looks at them one moment, while Conrad makes an appealing gesture, then, with a laugh, vanishes into cavern.
Con.

Liza, my darling, reflect! Think of the love I
bear you! do not break my heart.

[Faint chorus of Children, repeated off, through her answer.
Liza.

Think of them! Think of the little ones
whom he has taken away. Listen, they are crying;
and I can save them! Yes, I will give my life for
theirs!

Con.

And I—what shall I do?

Liza.

Comfort yourself with the thought that I
died for them.

Con.
No, no! I cannot bear it! Liza, stay with me!

Duet. Conrad and Liza.
[At the end of song Liza sinks half kneeling, half fainting, at the mouth of cavern, while Conrad stands despairing, R. The Piper appears.
Recitative.
Piper.
Well, is my bride prepared?

Liza.
(Sobbing.)
Yes, I am ready.

Piper.
One kiss, then, on the lips, to seal the bargain.

Con.
(Drawing sword.)
Forbear to touch her, or this sword shall slay thee.

Piper.
(Uplifting hands.)
Do thou forbear, young man, to cross thy master.

[Conrad's sword falls from his grasp. The Piper lifts Liza gently, and leads her down, singing softly.
Here are lips as red as roses,
Eyes of tender violet blue;
Where this pretty head reposes
Youth should shine in brightest hue!
Tell me, child, if I should wed thee,
Wouldst thou tremble and repine?

Liza.
Yes, I shrink from thee and dread thee,
Yet, for their sakes, I'll be thine.
[Repeat.

Together.
Con.
Yes, her very soul doth dread thee,
Though, for their sakes, she'll be thine.

Together.
Piper.
Yes, her very soul doth dread me,
Though, for duty's sake, she's mine.

Piper.

Then you do not hesitate, though misery
may be your lot?

Liza.

No, no! Restore the little children, and I
consent.

Piper.
(Patting her head.)

Courage, my child!
Perhaps the Pied Piper is not so black as he is painted.
(To Conrad.)
As for you, young man, I owe you an
obligation. When the rogue of a Mayor cheated me
of my due, you alone offered to act like an honest man.
What can I do for you in return?

Con.

Kill me! Put me out of my misery for
ever!

Piper.
(Laughs.)

Ha, ha, ha! Wait a little, and we
shall see. First, let me inspect my bride's dowry,
which they are bringing me from the city.

Enter Girls and Men, Mayor and Citizens, with Men carrying bags of money.
Chatter-Chorus.
Sight of pity! from the city
Come they with their golden dower,
While the maiden, terror laden,
Mourns her bitter bridal hour.
See! he smiles with fiendish pleasure
On both money-bags and bride,
Yet he keeps a richer treasure
In the gloomy mountain side.

[During Chorus the Men lay money-bags at the Piper's feet.
Piper.

Is the gold all there?

Mayor.

It is, most worshipful sir.

Piper.

A thousand guilders.

Mayor.
(Bows.)

Piper.

If there be but the weight of one single
groschen missing, look to yourself.

Mayor.

On my honour.

Piper.

Your honour! Then the bargain is complete?

Mayor.

Excuse me, on our side, not on yours.

Piper.

Ha! you doubt me?

Mayor.
(Recoiling.)

By no means—only in matters
of business—

Piper.
Enough! I'll keep my word. Attend!

[Music. He plays on pipe. The Children's voices are heard coming nearer and nearer, growing more and more joyful.
Children.
Father, mother, we are waking!
Brightly shine the morning beams,
Overhead the clouds are breaking,
And we rise from happy dreams.
Fast through flowery garden closes
Sparkling bright with golden dew,
Up glad pathways strewn with roses,
We are hastening back to you!
Running after, with sweet laughter,
Pretty fays sing loud and clear;
Homeward straying, gladly playing,
Bright and happy, we are here!

[At end of Chorus the Cavern opens in a flood of light, and the Children, carrying flowers and garlands, trip on to the stage, and run to their kinsfolk. General happiness and embracing.
Recitative.
Hans.
(Lame boy of Act I., but without crutches.)
Look, Liza, look!
[Shows flowers.
By a golden brook
I found them growing, in the summer sun,
And I bathed my feet
In the waters sweet,
And was lame no more, but could leap and run!

[Leaps into her arms.
Chorus of Children.
Father, mother, we are waking!
Brightly shine the morning beams,
Overhead the clouds are breaking,
And we wake from happy dreams.

Recitative.
Liza.
Alas! alas!

[Sinks on bank, hiding her face.
Hans.
O Liza, you are weeping!
And we are all so glad; what is it, dear?

Liza.
'Tis like the hand of Death upon me creeping.
Look, look, he beckons, and I shrink in fear!

Piper.
Is the bride ready?

All.
The bride is ready!

Piper.
(To Mayor.)
And is this her marriage portion?

[Points to money-bags.
Mayor.
(Trembling.)
This is her marriage portion!

Piper.
(Taking Liza's hand.)
Upon your head, child, may all blessings shower. (To Conrad.)

Embrace the bride! she's yours—and there's her Dower!
I only tried your hearts with sore affliction,
To prove them true, and bring them benediction!

[With a cry of joy Conrad and Liza spring into each other's arms.
Piper.
(Smiling and beckoning to Children.)
Laugh, little ones, in merry acclamation!
And ring, ye bells, to swell the jubilation!

[Children surround him joyfully. General Chorus and valediction of Piper up to finale and general picture.
Piper.
So now you know that I'm not so low and spiteful as other pipers!
Though the tunes I play bring much dismay to wicked people and vipers!
I tune my mirth to the joy of Earth and love the little ones rarely—
The Piper, in short, is a decent sort of a fellow when treated fairly!

Chorus.
The Piper, in short, etc.

[Children laugh and clap hands.
Con.
May a thousand blessings be
On thy music and on thee!

Liza.
May our children's children bless
All thy love and gentleness!

Chorus.
May our children's children, etc.

Conrad, Liza, and Chorus.
Happy maidens and true lovers
Faery music ne'er makes sad;
Where the magic Piper hovers
Little children shall be glad.

[During above the Piper dances round stage while the Children follow, laughing and clapping hands. Bells ring in distance to final Chorus.
Children.
Children, children, follow after,
Where he flies with leap and bound;
Merry cries and rippling laughter
Greet him as he dances round!

Piper.
Ha, ha, ha!

Children.
(Clapping hands.)
Ha, ha, ha!

Piper.
(Going up stage.)
Good luck! good-bye!

All.
Good luck! good-bye!

Piper.
Though afar I now must wander,
Up the hills and o'er the streams,
From the Faery Land up yonder
Still I'll send you happy dreams!

Children.
Think of us where'er you wander,
Up the hills and o'er the streams,
From the Faery Land up yonder
Send us more such happy dreams!

[Piper waves hand and vanishes to chord. Children wave hands, embraced by their friends. Conrad and Liza embrace, C. To the sound of laughter and merriment and ringing bells the curtain falls.
Curtain.