K LiB4iAR!6 TT mi CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY THE ANNA S. GURLEY MEMORIAL BOOK FUND FOR THE PURCHASE OF BOOKS IN THE FIELD OF THE DRAMA THE GIFT OF William F. E. Gurley CLASS OF 1877 *935 DATE DUE M 6- W Cornell University Library PT 1817.B8P7 1915 Law-suit: 3 1924 026 169 700 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924026169700 The Law-Suit: a Comedy in One Act : by Roderich Benedix : Translated by Barrett H. Clark Samuel French: Publisher 28-30 West Thirty-eighth Street : New York LONDON Samuel French: Ltd. 26 Southampton Stbebt, Strand PRICE TWENTY-FIVE CENTS. THE WORLD'S BEST PLAYS BY CELEBRATED EUROPEAN AUTHORS BARRETT H. CLARK BENERAL EDITOR The Law-Suit: a Comedy in One Act : by Roderich Benedix : Translated by Barrett H. Clark Samuel French: Publisher 28-30 West Thirty-eighth Street : New York LONDON Samuel French: Ltd. 26 Southampton Street, Strand 3 >" ^> /yy-3 COPYRISHT. 1915, BY SAMUEL FRENCH Roderich Benedix (1811-1873) was one of the most popular and prolific of nineteenth century German dramatists. Benedix is ingenious, comic, witty, and his best plays — " Der Prozess," " Die Hochzeitsreise," " Der Dritte," and " Eigensinn " — are based upon the eternally human foibles and eccentricities which never change. " It is the partic- ular merit of Benedix's plays " says the editor of " Der Prozess " (Henry Holt & Company edition), " that they are thoroughly German ; the social con- ditions in the Germany of Benedix's time are, of course, not in all respects those of to-day. The characters are familiar types in the upper middle class, and they reveal their foibles, their eccentric- ities, their homely virtues in such a way that one has merely to know something of human nature, in whatever land, in order to understand them. There is exaggeration, to be sure, even to the point of caricature, but we are merely amused, never de- ceived." The present play presents no difficulties as to stag- ing or acting. The version here used is based upon the text of the Henry Holt annotated edition. THE LAW-SUIT. PERSONS REPRESENTED. SCHULZE 1 _ , Lehmann \ Country gentlemen Lohmeier A lawyer Kropp Jail warden Policeman Night-watchman Scenes: — (i) A street in a large provincial city in Germany; (2) a cell in the town jail. Time : — Mid-nineteenth century. , 4 * THE LAW-SUIT. ACT I. Scene : — The stage represents a small section of a street. To the right, an inn with doors and windows level with the street. A sign-board hangs above the door. It is night. As the curtain rises, enter Schulze and Lohmann, left. Schulze's pockets are crammed with documents of several kinds. Schulze. This is a mighty big town of yours ! I'll wager we've been walking about for at least three-quarters of an hour! Lohmeier. Here we are at last: this is your inn. Schulze. Good ! {He looks about) So it is. Herr Doktor, you've done me a great favor in com- ing here with me. I could never have found my way by day — much less by night. Lohmeier. Don't mention it, Herr Schulze, I haven't gone a step out of my way. But why are you stopping at such a second-rate inn — a man of your station ? .Schulze. Oh, this is good enough for a farmer. Lohmeier. {Flatteringly) Now, now, Herr Schulze, how can you say such a thing! You're a rich country gentleman ; you do business with many of the big people in town ! Schulze. Nothing of the sort ; let me stay here where I am. We've got to be careful with you city 5 6 THE LAW-SUIT. folks. To our faces you call us country gentlemen in order to natter us, behind our backs you laugh and call us silly farmers. If I went to one of your big hotels, where they charge a mark for a candle, I'd still be taken for a farmer, though I pay like a nobleman. No, no, I stay right here! This place was good enough for my father — God rest his soul ! • — and it's good enough for me. Lohmeier. Oh, fierr Schulze, you have a poor opinion of us town-people. You must admit there are exceptions? Schulze. My kind friend, my dear Doctor, my Worthy solicitor — not many. You're good for noth- ing in the city, and we in the country are no better. One man cheats another, and the one who's best at the game, wins out. Lohmeier. I hope you don't mean me ? Schulze. Now, don't be offended. You know, I'm feeling a little gay — that champagne was good — and I like to say right out what I think. I don't mean you — I like you — -all but your bills ! Ha, ha, old man, you do know how to make out bills! Lohmeier. My dear Herr Schulze, if you only knew how much worry and trouble and bother your law-suit has cost me — your adversary is awfully obstinate. Schulze. (Angrily) The rascal! Don't men- tion him or I'll lose my temper. That man has soured me for life. See here, Doctor, I could live in peace and quiet if it weren't for that scoundrel ! I have a good-sized income, healthy children, a fine wife : we never lack for anything — only Lehmanfl with his suit is worrying me to death. Lohmeier. And you're so obviously in the right. Schulze. So I am. My father often told me that the pond belonged to my grandfather — I've fished and bathed there as a youngster. And now here comes this Lehmann and contests my title to it. Lohmeier. It's outrageous. THE LAW-SUIT. 7 Schulze. But I won't give in. Even if it costs me house and home, I swear he'll never have his way. Lohmeier. Without the shadow of a doubt : right is right. Schulze. It's been going on for seven years now, and I've had more trouble and worry than the whole pond is worth. Lohmeier. Think how much greater your joy will be when you win the suit ! Schulze. That impudent fellow, Lehmann! He came ten years ago from foreign parts and bought the property of my neighbor, who had just died. I didn't think then that he would amount to much. These rovers are all good-for-nothings. A good self-respecting man sticks to his own soil, which his fathers tilled, and thinks as they did. Lohmeier. Ah, the younger generation! Schulze. Those fellows like Lehmann are never satisfied ; they can never stay in one place — there's some demon in them that keeps them moving from one place to another. Lohmeier. You're right : a rolling stone gathers no moss ! Schulze. So he settled on the property. At first we got along tolerably well; until one day he came to me and said that he intended to put up a mill and wanted me to give up my pond for that purpose. Of course, I refused. Our forefathers carried their grain nine miles to the bushmill to be ground, and why shouldn't we? Here comes this rascal and says that the pond is on his property, and then brings documents and maps and papers and I don't know what other trash and rubbish, and tries to make me give up my pond. Lohmeier. It's outrageous, I say! Schulze. But I'm sure the right man will win out. I'm an honest farmer, and an honest farmer 8 THE LAW-SUIT. is afraid of no law-suit, even if it lasts a century. Meantime, this Lehmann goes to law. Lohmeier. We'll serve him right! He'll build his mill somewhere else, and not get any water from your pond. Schulze. Water? He wouldn't get a jugful if he were dying of thirst and begged it on bended knees. Did you notice what a face he made at the hearing this morning ? But he won't catch me back- ing down. Lohmeier. Yes, sir, we'll stand our ground! Schulze. We'll get our decision soon, won't we, Herr Doktor? Lohmeier. Certainly, Herr Schulze, in four weeks at the outside. We must win ! Leave it to me. Schulze. And if we don't, we'll appeal, won't we? Lohmeier. It won't be necessary, because we're going to win. Schulze. Good, Herr Doktor, and I'll send you a nice fat pig besides your fee, the day I win the case. Lohmeier. I can taste that fine roast-pig al- ready ! Schulze. Well, good-night, Herr Doktor, I'm sleepy. It's midnight, and we country folks aren't used to staying out so late. You know, " Early to bed Lohmeier. — " and early to rise ! " Well, good- night, Herr Schulze, sleep well. I'll have your case won for you in four weeks. (Shakes hands and goes out) Schulze. Good-night, Herr Doktor ; my best re- gards to your wife. (He rings the door-bell of his hotel, stands waiting a moment, then at more fre- quent intervals, he rings it three times again, but no one answers) The devil ! (He knocks on the window, but, still getting no answer, he knocks THE LAW-SUIT. 9 harder and breaks it) What have I done?! {He tries to climb in through the broken window) {Enter a Night-watchman and a Policeman, left.) Night-watchman. {In an undertone) Sh! We'll catch him ! ( Schulze climbs through the zvindozv) Policeman. {Having crept up to Schulze, seiz- ing him) I guess we've got you, old man! Schulze. Eh? What's this? Night-watchman. You rascal — we want to hear nothing from you ! Schulze. What do you want with me? Policeman. You go to the station to-night — to- morrow morning you can explain to the judge. Schulze. But, why? Night-watchman. Do honest people prowl about this time of night breaking into houses? Schulze. But I live here ! Policeman. You do ? Since when do people go in through the window, then? Schulze. They wouldn't open the door. Night-watchman. Of course not : to people of your sort ! Schulze. But, listen to me ■ ! Night-watchman. What is there to listen to? If you're innocent, you can prove it in the morning. Schulze. But won't you listen to reason ? Here, now. {He feels in his pockets) Take this and leave me alone — where the devil did I leave my purse? Night-watchman. Ah ha, perhaps you left it in there and were going to get it ? Schulze. No, I must have left it in the restau- rant Policeman. Never mind that ! Forward, march ! Schulze. But first wake the porter, I tell you ! — • Night-watchman. No, we won't. Look at this 10 THE LAW-SUIT. broken window ! You're a housebreaker. March ! {He takes Schulze's arm) Schulze. But listen to me : I'm a country gentle- man — my name is Schulze. Policeman. Ha, ha, they're all country gentle- men named Schulze ! Night-watchman. Come, now. Policeman. Forward! {The Policeman takes Schulze's arm, and the two take him out, right) ACT II. Scene : — A cell in the jail. There is an entrance to the right and one to the left. Left, also, is a fire- place with a small fire in it. There is a small bed itp-stage to the right and one on the other side, opposite. These stand far enough from the walls to allow one easily to pass behind. Down-stage, on either side are small tables and plain zvooden chairs. As the curtain rises Kropp enters with a candle, followed by Lehmann. Kropp. Come in here ! Lehmann. {With his cloak in his hand — his pocket full of documents) But I tell you I am a country gentleman — my name is Lehmann, and I come from Ringsdorf. Kropp. Possibly ! Lehmann. I came to town to-day to see about a law-suit, and I Kropp. Possibly ! Lehmann. By what right have you arrested me ? Kropp. It was for your safety. See the Habeas- corpus act ! You were being robbed ! Lehmann. Don't you try to joke with me. I ask why I've been arrested ? THE LAW-SUIT. u Kropp. You were found loitering about in the streets ; you aren't a citizen of the town ; we don't know where you live ; and you can't prove Lehmann. I tell you, I'm a stranger here, and I was trying to find my way to the hotel ! Kropp. Possibly ! Lehmann. That might happen to anyone, but people aren't arrested for that, are they? Kropp. There's been far too many cases of burglary, and the police have been ordered to keep the strictest kind of watch. Lehmann. This is a fine city, I must say ! Kropp. That's right, ease your feelings ! You'll be quieter. Good-night ! {He starts to go) Lehmann. Stop ! Am I really going to stay here all night ? Kropp. Didn't you know that? The policeman did his duty, and I'm doing mine, you see? That's the way we do things in a well-ordered city ! Lehmann. {Laying his cloak on the bed) When shall I be freed? Kropp. I don't know. Lehmann. You don't?! Kropp. If you really are whom you say you are, and can prove it to the judge Lehmann. Let him look at these documents of mine ! Kropp. Then you'll be freed early in the morn- ing. If 3'ou're not, then you'll be tried, and, if found guilty, go to jail. That's the way we do things in a well-ordered city ! Lehmann. Do I look like a common thief ? Kropp. Looks don't count for much : a thief and an honest man look alike. Lehmann. {Presses the mattress) Damned hard ! Kropp. There are harder ones ! If you have a clear conscience you'll sleep well. 12 THE LAW-SUIT. Lehmann. There's another bed over there. Am I not to be alone here ? Kropp. Can't say. Next man who's arrested comes in here. Good-night! {He starts to go out) Lehmann. Hi, aren't you going to leave me a light? Kropp. Of course not. All lights are put out at nine. Lehmann. But if I pay? Kropp. Hm — what's that ? Well, it's against the rule! Lehmann. But I have cash here ? Kropp. You can have anything in the world for cash. Lehmann. There. {Giving him money) Take that, and bring me a bottle of wine and some supper, and leave me the candle. Kropp. {Laying the candle down on the table to the left) At once, Herr Lehmann. {He goes out. Lehmann sits in silence for a few moments, then he takes the documents from his pockets, takes off his coat, lays it over the documents and makes a pillow of it all. He lies down on the bed, covering himself with his cloak. After a moment he hears the key turn in the lock and sits up) Kropp. {Outside) No use arguing, I tell you. The police hand them over to me and I lock them up. That's the way we do things in an efficient city. Here — here's company for you. (Kropp brings Schulze into the cell) Schulze. Well, what the devil ! Kropp. That's right, curse away. It'll ease your mind. All the prisoners do it. {He goes out) Schulze. {Peering about, then laying his cloak on the other bed) Well — {He catches sight of Lehmann) So I'm not alone? Why — it's Leh- mann ! Lehmann. {Quickly) It's Schulze! {He THE LAW-SUIT. 13 springs from the bed and rushes to the door) Warden, police, officer ! Schulze. (Running behind his bed) Officer! Night-watchman ! Help ! ( The key is heard in the door) Lehmann. Thank Heaven! (Enter Kropp.) Kropp. What's this shrieking, eh? What's the matter ? Lehmann. I tell you, I refuse to be locked up with that man ! Schulze. (Coming from behind his bed) Give me another room ! Kropp. Well, I never ! Lehmann. This is out of the question — I cannot spend the night with that man ! Schulze. My life wouldn't be worth a pfennig! Kropp. Oho ! Lehmann. Nor mine. Schulze. You've got to separate us ! Kropp. Can't do it. Lehmann. What ! Schulze. You must ! Kropp. I've got my orders : the prisoners go by order, according to when they're arrested. This bed is number 7, and that number 8. Lehmann. But listen to me ! Schulze. I tell you, it's dangerous to have us in here together ! Kropp. Why ? Do you want to fight ? Schulze. He'll kill me ! Lehmann. He'll poison me ! Kropp. I can't do anything about it now. If it comes to murder, I'll make out a report, and the guilty one will come to trial. Justice must take its course. That's the way we do things in an efficient city. i 4 THE LAW- SUIT. Schulze. So we must stay together ? Kropp. Those are my orders. Schulze. On your head be it, then ! (Aside to Kropp) That's Lehmann, the lowest scoundrel in Ringsdorf ! Kropp. Indeed ? Lehmann. (Aside to Kropp) That's Schulze, the crookedest scamp in Ringsdorf ! Kropp. You don't say so? — Sleep well! (He starts to go) Lehmann. But listen to me ! Kropp. Oh, yes, your supper — I'll bring it at once. (He goes out. Both Lehmann and Schulze try to run out after him, then, as the door closes, each returns behind his bed) Lehmann. (Aside) This is the last straw! Schulze. (Aside) He might strangle me ! (After a moment's pause, re-enter Kropp with a tray on which are meat, sour pickles, and a bottle of wine. He lays these on Lehmann's table.) Kropp. There, Herr Lehmann. Lehmann. (Sitting down and eating) Whew, I'm hungry ! Schulze. (Aside) Hm, that smells good ! (To Kropp) Hello, there, old man, will you get me something to eat ? Kropp. (Holding out his hand) Yes, but hurry up — it's late. Schulze. (Searching his pockets) The devil! I left my purse at the restaurant ! Kropp. I'm sorry ! (He goes to the door) Schulze. Wait a moment ! I'll pay you in the morning, I tell you. Kropp. No ! Schulze. I tell you I come from Ringsdorf — my name is Schulze ! THE LAW-SUIT. 15 Kropp. What's that to me? Schulze. I tell you I'm an honest man. Kropp. Is that why you were arrested ? Schulze. What do you mean by that ? Kropp. Nothing, only I heard something about your breaking a window in the " Blue Angel ! " Schulze. I wanted to get in. Kropp. (Laughing) Of course you did! Schulze. The door was locked. Kropp. Of course. Schulze. And they wouldn't open it. Kropp. Of course not. \ Schulze. But you don't understand. Kropp. Perhaps not. — Good-night! Schulze. But be reasonable ! Kropp. I'd rather be tipped! It's against my principles to lend money. Ask your friend over there. Schulze. Nonsense ! Kropp. Well, I must be going. You can make as much noise as you like, but I'm going to bed. (He goes out) Schulze. (Striding back and forth and casting envious glances at Lehmann) Hm! that does smell tempting ! — Well, I can at least smoke a pipe. They say smoking makes you less hungry. (He takes a pipe and a tobacco pouch from his pocket. These, together with a box of matches, he lays on his table. He then fills and lights his pipe. After a moment:) I can't sleep, I'm so excited! Lehmann. (Pushing the remains of his meal to the edge of the table) Too late to eat. (He takes out his pipe and feels through his pockets) Schulze. (Aside) He hasn't eaten much ! Lehmann. (Aside) Left my tobacco pouch in the theater ! Schulze. (Aside) Sour pickles? Hm! (He looks intently at Lehmann's table) Lehmann. Stop it! A3 THE LAW-SUIT. Schulze. (Springing back) What's the matter ? Lehmann. Don't you dare come an inch nearer ! Schulze. I'm not going to eat you ! Lehmann. I know you! You want to hit me! Schulze. I think too much of my hands to do that! Lehmann. No, you always were too haughty to have anything to do with your neighbors ! You hobnob with city lawyers ! Schulze. Don't you? Aren't you trying to steal my fish-pond from me? Lehmann. The pond belongs to me ! Schulze. So you say ! Lehmann. It's been on my property for two hundred years ! Schulze. Oh, for longer than that! Didn't Adam make it? Lehmann. Later on, my forefathers got the title to it, anyway ! Schulze. My forefathers have owned it as long .as they could remember. Lehmann. I have the original purchase deed. Schulze. My great-grandfather was drowned in the pond ! Lehmann. You ought to have followed him ! Schulze. And my grandfather fell in three times when he was fishing. Lehmann. I have a map proving that it belongs on my property. Schulze. My father stocked it with carp. Lehmann. Wait till I get the judgment — then you'll have to give up the pond ! Schulze. Don't count your chickens — ! You'll get nothing but a bill for costs. Lehmann. I depend on my lawyer! Schulze. And I on mine ! Lehmann. Wait till I get the pond, and I'll let you drown yourself in it ! Schulze. The pond is mine, mine, mine ! THE LAW-SUIT. 17 Lehmann. (Makes for Schulze, then stops and returns to his side of the cell. He still holds his untight ed pipe in his mouth) Why did I forget my tobacco ! (Schulze blows larger smoke-clouds in Lehmann's direction. ) Schulze. Smoking doesn't stop your hunger! What fool said that ? Lehmann. Hm ! That smells delicious ! Schulze. Not smoking, are you, Lehmann? Lehmann. What's that to you? Schulze. I just thought you might like a pipeful of tobacco. Lehmann. Keep your tobacco! Schulze. Very well, I will ! (Both walk back and forth, so that after a moment each finds himself at the other side of the cell. Schulze fondly looks at the food on Leh- mann's table.) Lehmann. Schulze, are you hungry? Schulze. What's the matter with you ? Lehmann. I'm not going to eat anything more. Take some, if you like. Schulze. Well — have some tobacco? D'you think I'd take anything from you without paying for it? Lehmann. Then let's trade. Schulze. (Suspiciously, and again eyeing the food) I'm willing. (He begins to eat) Lehmann. (Goes quickly to Schulze's tobacco pouch and fills his pipe) Poor fellow! He's really hungry. (He goes toward Schulze) If you please, neighbor! (Schulze hands him a match with which he lights his pipe) Very good tobacco, neighbor, how much do you pay for it ? 18 THE LAW-SUIT. Schulze. One mark twenty-five a pound. Lehmann. Where did you buy it? Schulze. At Schuhmacher's ? Lehmann. Schuhmacher's? That rascal! Schulze. Careful — he's my son-in-law. Lehmann. I know, I know. Only there's a lot of gossip about me in his shop. Schulze. Who says so? Lehmann. I hear everything. Don't you and your friends gather together there every evening? Why, the way you all talk, I haven't a shred of reputation left. Schulze. But don't you and your friends gather together every evening at Raspelmeier's and gossip about me and my friends ? Lehmann. That's not true: we don't gossip. My friends talk about the law-suit and stand up for my right. Schulze. Your right? Why, half the town is on my side! Lehmann. And the other half on mine. {Goes quickly to his bed and brings the documents to Schulze) See, these speak volumes for me! Schulze. {Getting his documents, while he like- wise has laid on the bed) And these — look at these ! Lehmann. Here are reports from the monastery archives ' Schulze. Here are feudal grants ! Lehmann. Here are deeds of sale ! Schulze. Here are purchase contracts ! Lehmann. Here are affidavits. Schulze. And here are experts' reports. Lehmann. {Drawing forth more documents from his pockets) Here's my first complaint ! Schulze. {Doing likewise) Here's my reply ! Lehmann. Here's the first judgment ! Schulze. Here's the appeal ! Lehmann. Here's the report of the court of appeals ! THE LAW-SUIT. 19 Schulze. I have a copy of that report, too ! Lehmann. Here's the replication to your ap- peal! Schulze. Here's the rejoinder to your replica- tion! Lehmann. And here's — (He pulls a large sheet of paper from his breast pocket, looks at it and is silent) Schulze. Oh, I have one of those, too! (He takes a similar sheet of paper from his pocket. Both stand, silently waiting for the other to speak) Lehmann. Well, neighbor? Schulze. What's that you have? Dehmann. Has nothing to do with the case. Schulze. Oh, I thought it might be ? Lehmann. 'What. Schulze. Your lawyer's bill? Lehmann. Possibly it is. Isn't that what you have? Schulze. Possibly it is. But we'll soon see whose going to pay the costs ! Lehmann. We will! Schulze. We'll soon get the judgment. Lehmann. Let's wait for that. Schulze. Yes. But let me tell you one thing, Lehmann, we never really gossip about you. Lehmann. Oho! Schulze. No, neighbor, not what you would call real gossip I don't deny that we called you obstinate and pig-headed, quarrelsome and rude — but we never said a word touching your honor. Lehmann. And to tell you the truth, we never said anything downright mean about you. Of course, we said that you were hard and thick- skined, rather stupid and unreasonable, but your honor was never atacked. Schulze. Hm, I rather thought it was? Lehmann. No, word of honor. But, really, I 20 THE LAW-SUIT. thought I hadn't a shred of reputation left with your friends. Schulze. No, Lehmann, we didn't say a word about you except what I've just told you. Lehmann. Well, it only goes to prove that we haven't been told the truth. Schulze. There are so many people in this world that delight in carrying tales. Lehmann. (Shivering) It's terribly cold here ! The fire's out. Schulze. There's no more wood. Lehmann. Listen to me, neighbor: I saw what you had in your hand — your bill. Let me see it. Schulze. Will you show me yours ? Lehmann. (They exchange bills) There. Schulze. Hm ! Lehmann. Hm ! Schulze. Legal papers ! ' ' Lehmann. Procopia! •', Schulze. Postage! ! ''• Lehmann. Reports ! Schulze. Legal advice! Lehmann. First trial! Schulze. Witness fees ! Lehmann. Drawing up of documents ! Schulze. Reply. Lehmann. Appeal. Schulze. Recovery of judgment. Lehmann. Expenses to and from Ringsdorf. Schulze. Conference with Lehmann. Suma summarum Schulze. Stroma summarum Lehmann. This is stiff! Schulze. Isn't it ! Neighbor, this is costing you an awful pile of money ! Lehmann. Schulze, what is your pond worth, eh ? Schulze. It's worth— er— I don't know — I can't just say. THE LAW-SUIT. 21 Lehmann. As much as that bill amounts to? Schulze. Heaven preserve me, not an eighth as much! Lehmann. Neighbor, I have an idea. Schulze. What do you mean? Lehmann. Who's getting anything out of this suit? Schulze. The lawyers. Lehmann. Think of all that good money ! Schulze. It's a shame ! Lehmann. All because of your obstinacy. Schulze. And your greediness. Lehmann. But if you'd only given in at first Schulze. If you hadn't tried to build that mill — Lehmann. But my lawyer always insisted that I should hold out for my rights. Schulze. And Doctor Lohmeier told me never to give in an inch. Lehmann. How they must have laughed at us ! Schulze. What foolish peasants they must have thought us ! Lehmann. Neighbor? Schulze. Yes, neighbor? Lehmann. Wouldn't it be better ? Schulze. Say it. Lehmann. To settle it peacefully ? Schulze. Yes, settle it out of court ! Lehmann. If you like Schulze. And we'll build the mill together. Lehmann. Good — I agree! Schulze. And we'll own the pond together. Lehmann. Agreed! Whew! It's cold here ! Schulze. Throw some of the documents in the fireplace. We don't need them any more. Lehmann. Good ! {He throws some documents into the fireplace; the fire biases) Schulze. Lehmann, we've been stupid fools. Lehmann. To hold out so long 22 THE LAW-SUIT. Schulze. You know, I couldn't stand the sight of you for years, old man. Lehmann. Nor I you. Schulze. Yet you're a good fellow at bottom. Lehmann. You're not half so bad as I thought you. I began to feel sorry for you when you asked me for that tobacco a little while ago. Schulze. I didn't like to see you pulling away at that empty pipe ! Lehmann. And to see you so hungry — it really hurt me. Schulze. Lehmann, you may have the pond, if you like. Do whatever you like with it. Lehmann. No, no, we'll build the mill to- gether. — Schulze, I've had a wrong opinion of you : I thought you obstinate. Schulze. I thought you greedy. Lehmann. Forgive me! Schulze. Pardon me! Lehmann. Let's be friends. Schulze. For always. Lehmann. And these documents ? Schulze. Throw them into the fire. Lehmann. And the lawyers ? Schulze. Send them to the devil ! Lehmann. The law-suit? Schulze. Is over. Lehmann. Shake. {They shake hands and then embrace) Kropp. {Outside) It's just daylight, Herr Doktor. {Enter Kropp, followed by Lohmeier. Seeing Lehmann and Schulze embracing) Ha, they're killing each other ! Stop it ! Lohmeier. What's this? {To Schulze) I've just received your message, and I've come at once to bail you out. What's the trouble, Herr Schulze ? Schulze. Nothing — Lehmann and I have come to an understanding. Lohmeier. What ! THE LAW-SUIT. 23 Lehmann. The whole suit is amicably settled. Schulze. If we'd come together sooner, we'd have agreed sooner. Lehmann. We've thrown all our documents into the fire. Kropp. Now you may come up-stairs; Herr Doktor Lohmeier has proved your identity. You must see the chief officer up-stairs now. (Lehmann and Schulze go to their respective beds and put on their cloaks) Lohmeier. {Striking his cane angrily on the floor) If those two idiots hadn't been locked up to- gether the suit might have lasted another seven years ! And here I come like an ass, and free them ! Lehmann. Good morning. Schulze. Good morning, Doctor Lohmeier. {They go out) CURTAIN. THE WORLD'S BEST PLAYS By Celebrated European Authors A NEW SERIES OF AMATEUR PLAYS BY THE BEST AUTHORS, ANCIENT AND MODERN, ESPECIALLY TRANSLATED WITH HISTORICAL NOTES, SUG- GESTIONS FOR STAGING, Etc., FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND DRAMATIC CLUBS BARRETT H. CLARK General Editor ITH the immensely increased demand for new plays for purposes of production by amateurs W comes a correspondingly great demand for a care- ful selection of those plays which can bo easily and well presented by clubs and colleges. The plays in the present series hare been chosen with regard to their intrinsic value as drama and liter- ature, and at the same time to their adaptability to the needs and limitations of such organizations. The Series, under the personal supervision of Mr. Barrett H. Clark, Instructor In the department of Dramatic Literature at Chautauqua, New York, assistant stage manager and actor with Mrs. Fiske (season 1912-1913), now comprises ten volumes, and fifteen more will make their appearance during the year. Eventually there will be plays from ancient Greece and Koine, Italy, Spain, France, Eussia, Germany, and the Scandinavian countries, repre- sentative of some of the best drama of all ages and lands- Each volume is prefaced by a concise historical note by Mr. Clark, and with a few suggestions for staging. Plays Now Ready INDIAN SUMMER, a comedy in one act by Meilhac and Halevy. This little play, by two of the most f amous writers of comedy of the last century, has been played at the Com6die Fran- caise at Paris for upwards of forty years, and remains one of the brightest and most popular works of the period. Price 25 Cunts. ROSALIE, by Mai Maurby. A " Grand Guignol " comedy In one act, full of verve and clever dialogue. Rosalie, the stubborn maid, leads her none too amiable master and mistress Into uncomfortable complications by refusing to open the front door to a supposed guest of wealth and influence. Price 26 Cents. MODESTT, by Paul Hebvieu. A delightful trifle by one of the most celebrated of living dramatists. Price 25 Cents. TEE ART OF BEING BORED, (Le Monde oil Von s'Snnuie), a comedy in three acts by Edotjard Pailleron. Probably the best- known and most frequently acted comedy of manners in the realm of nineteenth century French drama. It is replete with wit and comic situations. For nearly forty years It has held the stage, while countless imitators have endeavored to reproduce its fresh- ness and charm. Price 25 Cents. A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL, by Anton TohiKhojtt, a comedy In one act, by one of the greatest of modern Russian writers. This little farce is very popular in Russia, and satirizes the peasants of that country in an amusing manner. Price 25 Cents. THE GKEEN COAT, by Alfred de Musset and Emile Augier. A slight and comic character sketch of the life of Bohemian artists In Paris, written by one of France's greatest poets and one of her best-known dramatists. Price 25 Cents. THE WAGER, by Giuseppe Giaoosa. This one act poetic comedy, written by the most celebrated dramatist of modern Italy, was the author's first work. It treats of a wager made by a proud young page, who risks his life on the outcome of a game of chess. Price 25 Cents. THE LITTLE SHEPHERDESS, » poetic comedy in one act, by Andre Rivoire. A charming pastoral sketch by a well-known French poet and dramatist. Played with success at the Comedie Francaise. Price 25 Cents. PHORMIO, a Latin comedy by Terence. An up-to-date version of the famous comedy. One of the masterpieces of Latin drama; the story of a father who returns to find that his son has married a slave girl. Phormio, the parasite-villain whocauses the numerous comic complications, succeeds in unraveling the difficulties, and all ends happily. Prioe 25 CentsP THE TWINS, a Latin farce by Plautus, upon which Shake- speare founded his Comedy of Errors. Price 25 Cents. THE BOOR, by Anton Tohekojt. A well-known farce by the celebrated Russian master; it is concerned with Russian peasants, and portrays with masterly skill the comic side of country life. Price 25 Cents. THE BLACK PEARL, by Victorien Sardou. One of Sardou'a most famous comedies of Intrigue. A house has, it is thought, been robbed- But through skilful investigation it is found that the havoc wrought has been done by lightning. Price 25 Cents. CHARMING LEANDRE, by Theodore de Banville. The author of " Gringoire " is here seen in a poetic vein, yet the French- man's innate sense of humor recalls. In this satirical little play, the genius of Moliere. Price 25 Cents. THE POST-SCRIPTTJM, by Emile Attgier. Of this one-act comedy Professor Brander Matthews writes : " . • • one of the brightest and most brilliant little one-act comedies in any language, and to be warmly recommended to American readers." Price 25 Cents. THE HOUSE OF FOUHCHAMBAULT, by Emile Attgier. One of the greatest of recent French family dramas. Although the play is serious in tone, It contains touches which entitle it to a position among the best comedies of manners of the times. Price Cents. & THE DOCTOR IN SPITE OF HIMSELF, by Moliehb. A famous farce by the greatest of French dramatists. Sganarello has to be beaten before he will acknowledge that he Is a doctor, which he Is not. He then works apparently miraculous cures. The play Is a sharp satire on the medical profession In the 17th Century. Prire 25 Cents. BBIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER, by CAPUS. The first comedy In English of the most sprightly and satirical of present- day French dramatists. Price ^ Cents. CHOOSING A CAREER, by G. A. de Caillavet. Written by one of the authors of " Love Watches." A farce of mistaken identity, full of humorous situations and bright lines- Price 25 Cents. FRENCH WITHOUT A MASTER, by Tristan Bernard. A clever farce by one of the most successful of French dramatists- It is concerned with the difficulties of a bogus-interpreter who does not know a word of French. Price 25 Gents. PATER NOSTER, a poetic play in one act, by Francois Coppee. A pathetic incident of the time of the Paris Commune, in 1871. Price 25 Cents. THE ROMANCERS, a comedy in three acts, by Edmond Kos- tand. New translation of this celebrated and charming little romautic play by the famous author of " Cyrano de Bergerac " and " Chantecler." Price 25 Cents. THE MERCHANT GENTLEMAN, (Le Bourgeois Gentil- homme), byMoLiERE. New translation of one of Moliere's comic masterpieces, a play which is peculiarly well adapted to amateur production. Price 50 Cents.