S^^B^SaS^SSS^!^5S?R^5&?;E^ LIBRARY ANNEX HMSi ^-^ 2 -•r* ,Ac.t^'-^''V fyxmll Wimvmxi^ ^iiux^ THE GIFT OF Pj^^j:ahudx...£. H.Waud^u^.. hzriZ.VQk ^■SLj^2.. 6s6l Cornell University Library PS 3503.R8895E9 1911 Actlna version of Henry. W., Savage's pro 3 1924 022 345 155 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/cu31924022345155 ACTING VERSION OF HENBYW SAVAGES @ PRODUCTION OF # EVERYWOMAN HER.I'ILGimAGE IN QpST OF LOVE A MODER>I MORALITY PLAY # a BY WALTER BROWNE NETW YORK THEH. K. FLY COMPANY ' PUBLISHERS I\.^n '5 I oG> Copyright, Junk, 1908, By Walter Browne. Henry W. Savage is the sole proprietor of the exclusive rights of the representation and performance of "Everywoman" in all languages. INTRODUCTION While "Everywoman" is absolutely a modern play as regards characterization, action and environments, it is fashioned after the model of the ancient morality plays, those products of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries of which "Everyman" is the best known example. While every character in "Everywoman" is symbolical of various abstract virtues, vices and conditions, I have endeavored to make them also concrete types of actual men and women of the present day. It was my object to present an allegory, in the shape of a stage play, sufficiently dramatic and soul-stirring in its story and action to form an attractive entertainment, quite apart from its psychological significance. "Everywoman" is intended to afford pleasure and entertainment to all classes of intelligent playgoers — hence the music, the songs, and choruses, the dances, the spectacular and scenic effects, and the realism of every- day life. It is not a sermon in disguise, neither is it a quixotic effort to elevate the stage. At the same time it is hoped that the play may be found to contain some clean and wholesome moral lessons. Since the days of chivalry, when knights clashed steel for their lady-loves and went on crusades to prove their INTRODUCTION prowess, while they remained secluded in cloisters or in moated castles, womankind, of which the title role of this play is intended to be a type, has grown more self- assertive and more bold. To every woman who nowadays listens to flattery, goes in quest of love, and openly lays siege to the hearts of men, this play may provide a kindly warning. To every man it may suggest an admonition, the text of which is contained in the epilogue to the play : "Be merciful, be just, be fair To Everywoman, everywhere. Her faults are many. Nobody's the blame." Walter Browne. New York, January, 1911. ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE Everywoman and her companions: Youth, Beauty and Modesty Frontispiece "We have engaged, at too high a price, a jade for leading parts. Everywoman is costly" .... 35 "Passion, I know thee now. Thou art not Love, the King" 60 "Behold your Queen! Men, ye shall how down and worship Everywoman" 65 New Year's Eve on Broadway 89 " 'Tis Time, the callhoy of the soul, who comes to warn us for owr final scene prepare" 98 "Wilt be my Queen?" in "God guard thee" 117 f Theatre managers CHARACTERS {In the order in which they appear") Nobody Youth \ Beauty >- Everywoman's companions Modesty ) everywoman Flattery Truth, a witch King Love the First Bluff Stuff Pert Flirt Dimples Curls Giggle )■ Chorus girls Shape Curves Smiles Sly Time, a callboy Wealth, a millionaire Witless, a nobleman -/ a. f i al _ U s P r t. ^ Conscience, Everywoman's handmaiden CHARACTERS Passion, a play actor Grovel ) „ „ y Servants Sneak ) Puff, a press agent Age Greed Self Vanity Vice, "Gay White Way" siren Law [ „ ,. Order \ Policemen Charity, a minister of the Gospel " Society women An important feature of "Everywoman" will be its musical equipment of twenty-six numbers, especially composed by George Whitefield Chadwick, one of the few Americans to achieve high standing as a symphonic writer. The numbers include three solos, a trio, four choruses, a male quartette, several dances, and incidental and entr'acte numbers. For the rendering of the score an orchestra of forty pieces will be employed. EVERYWOMAN CANTICLE I Scene: The scene is a room in Everywoman's home. It is comfortable and artistically furnished. At the hack are large win- dows, open to the ground, through which is seen a picturesque .garden in Spring attire. The room is in semi-darkness, hut the sun is seen rising above the hills beyond the garden. The light of early dawn illumines the zvindows, and gradu- ally grows to broad daylight, throughout the action. Left of room is a large open fireplace, with a chimney-seat. At the right an old-fashioned stairway leads to Everywoman's sleeping-room. A full- length cheval glass, or mirror, stands at left centre. A spinning-wheel R. Discovered: When the curtain divides. Nobody is dis- covered standing in centre of room. He wears an artistic costume, entirely unlike all existing or accepted fashions, and chiefly designed for comfort and convenience. Nobody is as handsome as he thinks himself, and a better actor than he is willing to admit. He speaks the following prologue: 8 EVERYWOMAN NOBODY • Good friends, and I have many such Who treat me well and love me much, To introduce myself I first make bold. I'm Nobody. A sorry wight, Who reads a woman's fate aright, For unto him her hidden thoughts are told. Whatever may be here portrayed, Remember but a simple maid Was Everywoman, in her early youth. If haply she be led astray 'Tis she the penalty must pay, And Nobody will know the bitter truth. I ask your patience for our play. Let Nobody your judgment sway, For Nobody knows what is just and fair. If it offend, mine be the blame ; And if it please you, just the same I promise you that Nobody will care. \The sun has risen, and a stream of sunshine illumines a path down the stage. Merry music and singing of birds is heard outside. Youth, Beauty and Modesty, three extremely pretty girls, dressed in simple robes of white, and linked together with garlands of roses, trip from the garden, through the windows, and down the sunlit path in Everywoman's home. They dance a graceful measure as they sing. Nobody hides his eyes to shut out the sight, and retires to an obscure corner as the maidens advance. ) EVERYWOMAN YOUTH, BEAUTY AND MODESTY Born of a sunbeam's purity, Beauty, Youth and Modesty. Three little winsome maidens we, Each of sunshine savors. Linked in a chain of roses, see Beauty, Youth and Modesty — Wouldn't you like to kiss all three ? Kisses go by favors. Beauty was made to be kissed, forsooth, That's a well established truth. And you may take your chance with Yesth. Let Nobody see, oh ! Still, after all, you'd best not try, Even though Nobody's nigh. Or Modesty will surely fly — Sweetest of the trio. Three little foolish fairies see. Beauty, Youth and Modesty; \ Though but her humble servants we, Everywoman heeds us. Soon as she rises from her rest. Each of us a welcome guest. We are the friends whom she loves best 5 Everywoman needs us. (Dance.) NOBODY Youth, Beauty, Modesty, prithee cease Your singing and your dancing. True it be lo EVERYWOMAN That Everywoman needs ye. True, your presence Makes joyous this, her home, even though I, Nobody, nightly intrude upon its privacy. But you have missions more deep than thus to dance Attendance on Everywoman. Youth, what bringest thou ? YOUTH I bring to Everywoman happiness. NOBODY Happiness ! Bah ! Thou bringest folly. Youth, and shouldst be garbed In cap and bells. Beauty, what bringest thou ? BEAUTY I bring her admiration, homage, joy. NOBODY Not so! Thou bringest, from her own sex, envy, hatred For Everywoman. And Modesty, what is thy mission, Modesty ? MODESTY In truth, I know not. I came with Youth and Beauty. NOBODY Cling close to their skirts, or they may give thee the slip. Have a care. Trust Nobody. EVERYWOMAN ii MODESTY Indeed, I do. NOBODY The night Is fled, and Everywoman, awaking from her slumbers, Doth illuminate some hitherto dark corner. (Everywoman laughs outside.) NOBODY List! As the song of the lark proclaimeth dawn. Doth Everywoman's laughter waken sunshine. Were I not Nobody, its joyous tones, with rapture Would thrill my soul. EVERYWOMAN {Appears at the head of the stairs, dressed in a clinging Grecian costume of white. Her hair hangs loosely down. She throws kisses through door. ) Farewell, sweet dreamland fairies, fare ye well. At dawn, see ! Everywoman flouts ye. In my dreams I thought myself a flower. And then, anon, I was a star, to whom men bowed in worship. Yet again, I thought myself a Queen. The dawn hath braver stories far to tell. For, see ! I am a woman ! — and to be A woman meaneth flower, star, Queen — And more, much more, besides. (Sees girls, who courtesy.) 12 EVERYWOMAN (^Joyfully') Ha! There ye are! {Coming downstairs) Welcome, sweet companions mine. Most lovingly Every- woman greets ye. Thou, sweet Youth, whom first I met at my mother's knee. {Taking Youth's hand) Dost know they say I stole thee from her, and that is why she did grow gray ? YOUTH Nay, Everywoman, to thyself be just. Thy mother mar- ried well, and she bore children. What further need had she of Youth? EVERYWOMAN But thou wilt never desert me, sweet Youth? Nor thou, my Beauty? {Taking Beauty's hand) But that I feared to offend these twain, I might call Beauty Everywoman's best friend, even though some have deemed thee fickle. {To Modesty) Modesty, come hither. {Takes Modesty's hands) Nay, do not hang thy head. Thou'rt welcome, though perchance thou camest to me somewhat later than thy companions. When wert thou born, sweet Modesty? modesty In truth, I know not; when or whence I came, I cannot tell. Nobody knows. EVERYWOMAN 13 EVERYWOMAN Nobody? That fellow here again! See how he turns away, as if to hide us from his ^;ht. {Earnestly) I hate Nobody ! MODESTY But why ? EVERYWOMAN Hush ! Let me tell ye a secret. {Gathering maids around her) Nobody is in love with me. BEAUTY {shocked) Oh ! That is truly terrible ! YOUTH Just think ! If Nobody should marry thee ! EVERYWOMAN I VOW that would be much against my will. In truth, me- thinks that while I have you, my Youth and Beauty, {placing an arm around each) I surely may escape a fate so horrible. Still, I am miser- able when Nobody is nigh. YOUTH And I! 14 EVERYWOMAN BEAUTY And I! MODESTY Yet I feel safe with him. EVERYWOMAN Thou'rt right. Modesty is safe with Nobody. Yet, when Nobody is nigh, what need hath Everywoman of Mod- esty? MODESTY Then prithee bid him go hence. EVERYWOMAN I will. {To Nobody) This, sir, is Everywoman's home, Which Nobody dares to enter uninvited. Nobody intrudes — {pointing to windows') Begone ! NOBODY {Coming down tragically.') Everywoman, {Girls utter little screams, and scatter.) There shall come a time when thou. Deserted by Youth, forsaken by Beauty, and with Modesty Forgotten, shalt know that Nobody is thy friend. There shall surely come a time when, worn And weary with worldly cares, thou shalt love Nobody. nVERYWOMAN 15 To thee a time shall come when, at thy cry For help, for comfort, Nobody shall come. When on this breast thine aching head shall rest ; When Nobody shall brush thy tears away. GIRLS {shudder) Ah! NOBODY {turning to Youth) Thou, Youth, Thy kisses shall lose their fragrance. Beware of Time. {To Beauty) Beauty ! Thy cheeks shall fade, when rose leaves fall. {To Modesty) Modesty ! Assassins lie in wait for thee. {Goes up stage) Remember — Nobody hath warned ye. Nobody hath spoken. Be sure 'tis true. {Exits.) EVERYWOMAN Bah! An arrant knave, that man. His threats absurd. Methinks I should have used a woman's weapons on his sneering face, but that thou, my Modesty, didst hold me back. youth My kisses grow less fragrant ! Stuff and nonsense ! i5 EVERYWOMAN BEAUTY My cheeks to fade ! Why, I positively blush to think of it ! MODESTY And treacherous death for me! How to escape it? EVERYWOMAN Methinks thou shouldst wear armor, Modesty, beneath thy gown, which, with its frills and furbelows, little be- tokens thy nature. Why, thou art dressed as gaily as thy gladsome companions. Fie, Miss Modesty! {Laughs; goes to spinning-wheel.) MODESTY {hiding her face on Beauty's breast) With shame I burn. beauty Nay, Everywoman, methinks thou chidest Our sister Modesty unjustly. Why should she mope? In sackcloth go, or wear a coat of mail ? youth Beauty is right. True Modesty, armed in purity, Need not be prim and prudish. {Goes to Everywoman) And thou, sweet Everywoman, If thou wouldst happy be, let gay Youth lead thee. There is thy mirror ; prithee, gaze in that. EVERYWOMAN 17 MODESTY {intercepting her) Nay, Everywoman, Modesty bids thee shun Thy mirror as thou wouldst a plague. EVERYWOMAN A plague, sayest thou, Miss Modesty ? I'd have thee know I have no fear to gaze upon myself. Come, Youth and Beauty, we at least will look Upon our fair reflections in the glass. While Everywoman hath such sweet companions Her mirror is her best and bravest friend. (Everywoman, Youth and Beauty pose before mirror.) How say ye, dears ? What think ye of my form ? YOUTH Divine ! EVERYWOMAN This pose, or that — which suits me best ? BEAUTY Where both are perfect, how is one to choose? EVERYWOMAN What of my face ? YOUTH 'Twould waken envy in an angel. EVERYWOMAN Then my hair ? l8 EVERYWOMAN BEAUTY Like threads of burnished gold. EVERYWOMAN How likest thou mine eyes? YOUTH iTwin lakes of loveliness. EVERYWOMAN [Fie, Youth ! But look ! Look in the mirror, once more. What marvel's this ? A stranger ! '(The surface of the mirror changes, and standing within the frame, Flattery is seen. He is gaily dressed as a courtier. The maidens stand spellbound, Youth and Beauty clinging to Everywoman. Modesty, behind her, places a shawl over her bosom.) flattery (bowing lowly, in smooth, persuasive tones, speaks) No stranger, I. When not on active duty. Attending my lord and master, King Love the First, Within the magic of a maiden's mirror I make my home. EVERYWOMAN Who art thou? FLATTERY My name is Flattery. EVERYWOMAN 19 MODESTY Oh! Everywoman, I pray thee, harken not to this man, For though his tongue be sweet, his heart is false. EVERYWOMAN Silence, fool! (bowing) Sir Flattery. What wouldst with me? And why my mirror, rather than any other, Hast thou been bold to haunt ? FLATTERY Ask Youth and Beauty. YOUTH Nay, I vow I know not Flattery. BEAUTY Nor I, forsooth. FLATTERY I come as Herald of King Love the First, A mighty monarch, whose power more potent is Than that of earthly rulers. This the missive which he bade me bring: "To Everywoman go, oh. Flattery," quoth he, "And bid her seek me where her fancy or Her whim shall best suggest my hiding place. To her then shalt thou tell how Love the First 20 EVERYWOMAN Would have her journey to his bright domain, That she may reign as Queen for evermore." Love awaits thee, Everywoman. He would have Thee sit beside him on his gilded throne. Dwell with him, a crown of bliss upon thy head. Love longs for thee! Oh, Everywoman, therefore go Out into the world and seek him. Seek thy King. Seek everywhere, for everywhere his throne Is raised. Great is his Kingdom ; — ^but beware ! Love's ways are strange. He travels incognito. (Vision begins to fade.) And now, farewell ! Thy mirror tells thee truly. Love awaits. Waits Everywoman. Seek him. Fare thee well. (He vanishes.) (The mirror again reflects the images of the maidens.) EVERYWOMAN {rapturously) Love awaits me ! Oh, look ! Sweet companions mine, (going to mirror) Am I not beautiful ? The mirror tells me so. Even though Flattery hath fled. Love would make me a queen. And should I keep His Majesty waiting? Nay. I will obey his Herald. I will seek him. MODESTY I pray thee, Everywoman, heed not the wiles of Flattery. Hast thou not heard that Flattery is false — a tool of the tempter ? EVERYWOMAN 21 EVERYWOMAN Stop thy prating. Modesty. What dost thou know of Love? I tell thee I will go. Come, Youth and Beauty. Ye shall be my companions in the quest. {She embraces them.) MODESTY Oh ! Mistress mine, this is the first time thou hast turned from me. EVERYWOMAN Forgive me, Modesty. For a moment I had forgotten how faithful and how sweet hath been thy friendship. {Bends over Modesty and kisses her.) Cheer up, for thou shalt surely share my pilgrimage. But Everywoman must obey when Love commands. BEAUTY And whither shall we seek this mighty monarch? > EVERYWOMAN [A.h! Where, indeed? YOUTH I have been told that Love is most readily found in the playhouses of the great cities. MODESTY Youth, thou art foolish! YOUTH Nay. In very truth, I have heard it said that Love is actually made by play actors — ^made from nothing at 22 EVERYWOMAN all. Conjured up, so to speak, as magicians summon mighty spirits, "with a few wondrous words. EVERYWOMAN '{vastly interested) Is that true? Sweet Youth, how dost thou know these marvellous things? BEAUTY Trust Youth to let no whisper of Love escape her. EVERYWOMAN Ah ! But is that Love, the King ? MODESTY No, Everywoman. Knowest thou not that there are many pretenders to his throne? EVERYWOMAN Many anxious to share it with him, I trow. 'Tis those whom he favors least that slander him. I sat in the garden yonder, at eventide, Absorbed in a volume of fairy lore, "The Kingdom Of Love," 'twas called, and as, entranced, I read. Idly kicking pebbles into a moss-grown well, A witch appeared. GIRLS (m awe) A witch ! EVERYWOMAN 23 EVERYWOMAN She must have been a witch, for she hobbled on crutches, and said uncanny things. YOUTH What said she? BEAUTY Prithee, tell us. Do. EVERYWOMAN "I am Everywoman's neglected neighbor," quoth she. "My name is Truth." MODESTY 'Tis said Truth liveth in a well. Thy wanton pebbles angered her. EVERYWOMAN She angered me. She dared to scoff at "Love's King- dom." Dared to say that maidens' hearts were oft- times wrecked, seeking its treacherous shores. MODESTY They say that Truth is a famous fortune-teller. EVERYWOMAN Why, yes. I have heard one hath but to peer into the fathoms of her well to see all manner of strange things. Oh! it will be fun! Come, let us consult with Truth. 24 EVERYWOMAN YOUTH Alas ! I fear it may be too late. As we traveled. Beauty and I, across thy garden, we heard Truth complain that her well was dry. BEAUTY "There is no home for Truth, nowadays," she moaned. "I am an outcast." EVERYWOMAN Hist! I will tell ye a secret. Modesty, stop thine ears, for I vow it is scandal I am about to tell. YOUTH AND BEAUTY Yes ! Yes ! Go on ! EVERYWOMAN Know ye not that Truth abides with Nobody? YOUTH How shocking! BEAUTY Let us then seek her in his abode. MODESTY Fie ! I'll not believe it. Oh ! Everywoman, abandon this mad pilgrimage in search of Love. It is more maid- enly that thou shouldst await his coming. Stay home with me. If king he really be, and would make thee his queen, he will not fail to find thee. EVERYWOMAN 25 EVERYWOMAN Silence! Thou hast prated enough. I love thee, Mod- esty, but if I am to be mated with a king, I know not if I shall have much need of thee. Youth, thou shalt be my guide. To the City we will go. MODESTY Thou wilt forsake thy Modesty ? EVERYWOMAN Heaven forbid! Nay! {To Modesty) Thou shalt come, too, if thou art not afraid. We will seek within the playhouses. There Youth and Beauty will surely be welcome, and. Modesty, we will try to smuggle thee in with us. With such companions, Everywoman cannot fail to find King Love the First. Come, {leading the way) let us away. NOBODY [{appears in their path to stop them. Holding up his hands, he cries') Pause, Everywoman! Thou are rushing to thy fate. I alone can save thee. EVERYWOMAN [Thou hast no power. Thou art Nobody. Let me pass. NOBODY [Wait a while. 26 EVERYWOMAN (Calls.) Truth ! Oh, Truth ! Come hither ! (Truth hobbles in at the window. She is an ugly old witch, on crutches, and she carries a whip with nine lashes.) NOBODY speak, Truth. TRUTH Everywoman, thou hast Hstened to Flattery. Nobody can save thee! Listen to Truth. EVERYWOMAN Art thou indeed Truth? I did not know thou were so old and ugly. On crutches, too ! Comes Truth with a nine-lashed whip ? What wouldst thou? Scourge me? TRUTH No. The lash of Truth is for self-inflicted torture. This crutch it were not necessary if Youth and Beauty would uphold Truth. {Girls sneer.) Listen! Everywoman longs for Love Love is born of Truth. I have a son EVERYWOMAK A son, thou! Is he a dwarf, then? Misshapen! crip- pled! The gnarled and crazy offspring of a witch? EVERYWOMAN 27 Love is a king, godlike in his manly perfection. Be- gone ! When I have need of thee, I'll come to thee. TRUTH Thou wilt come, and come alone. Flout Truth now, but beware the time when thou shalt seek Flattery in thy mirror, and find only Truth. Flattery hath cajoled thee, fooled thee. 'Tis his whim to play upon Every- woman's lack of wisdom. Turn to thy mirror once more. (Vision of Flattery again appears in the mirror.) TRUTH See! Flattery again smileth on thee. (EvERYWOMAN tums to mirror.) FLATTERY (in mirror) Love awaits thee. Seek thy king. TRUTH Now, look at me. Thou canst not see me now. EVERYWOMAN (looking at Truth.) 'Tis true. I hear her voice, but she has vanished. How strange ! TRUTH Not strange. Inevitable. When Flattery appeareth to Everywoman, ■28 EVERYWOMAN To her is Truth invisible. But Truth is strong. Patient, enduring and merciful, passing merciful, To those who, in their tribulations, turn to her. Truth is the only comfort of the world-weary. Truth hath spoken. Thou wilt hear her voice again. Pray, Everywoman, pray that it may not be too late. {at window) Ever)nvoman — ^wilt come? EVERYWOMAN" (hesitating) iYes, yes, — I FLATTERY Love awaits thee. TRUTH '{beckoning) Everywoman, wilt talk with Truth? EVERYWOMAN I hear thy voice — ^but I see thee not. TRUTH lYouth, Beauty — ^who will follow Truth? (Exits by window.) MODESTY I_I will (About to follow.)] EVERYWOMAN 2g BEAUTY {detaining Modesty) Be not so foolish. Truth is a witch — YOUTH {detaining Modesty) And most unpleasant at times. TRUTH {outside) Who will follow Truth? Who loves Truth rather than Flattery? NOBODY {sardonically) Nobody. {Exits after Truth.) EVERYWOMAN Come, sweet companions. Wherefore should we heed the croaking of a witch? Flattery is shapely and well formed, {bowing to Flattery) what then of the King whom he serves? FLATTERY King Love the First awaits thee. EVERYWOMAN Yes! yes! Then Everywoman goes in quest of Love. Youth, my daintiest gown lay out ; my most becoming hat. 30 EVERYWOMAN (Youth goes up stairway.) Beauty, wilt thou prepare such tricks of toilet as may make me look my best? (Beauty goes up stairway.') Modesty, rob the garden for a nosegay. Nay? Then just one little flower for my hair. Quick! quick! The King awaits. (Modesty goes into garden.) EVERYWOMAN Sir Flattery, wilt thou lead my soul, enraptured, Lead me to the place where Love is found ? .Where his stronghold? How may he be captured? Stands his palace on enchanted ground? By what token shall I recognize him ? Does he wait me with outstretched arins? Or perchance in slumber to surprise him. Will he awaken to a maiden's charms? See, I humbly bow my head before thee. Thank thee for the message thou dost bring. Lead Everywoman rightly, I implore thee; Lead her to Love — to Love the First, her King. {Kneels before Flattery in attitude ef prayer.) [(Truth enters at window with King Love dressed in Roman attire toga.) ^EVERYWOMANi 31 TRUTH Behold, my son, King Love, see ! At Flattery's feet she kneels. Thou art too late. She is lost. Everywoman who yields to Flattery is lost to thee, true Love. CURTAIN CANTICLE n Scene: The scene is a stage of a metropolitan the- atre, in the forenoon. The scenery and effects are grouped about it in disorder. A large artificial rock stands in the cen- tre of the stage. Discovered: Nobody and Bluff; latter at table writing. NOBODY Good friends, no doubt you are surprised to see. Within a modern city playhouse, me. It merely is a plan to show you here Another phase of Everywoman's career. Know ye, a special privilege this means ? Few are allowed to peep behind the scenes, Tho' "all the world's a stage." Still, you must know lYou are not here to see a puppet show. This is rehearsal time. The actors, they Are now themselves, and not the parts they play. Their masks are off. Their faces free from paint. Yet oftentimes the sinner acts the saint. I pray you, judge between them. Mark them well. If you should fail — why — nobody will tell. {Exit$.) 35 36 EVERYWOMAN (Stuff, theatre manager, enters L.) STUFF {approaching with outstretched arms) Ah, Bluff, my brother manager, I give thee greeting. BLUFF And I, good Stuff, exceedingly rejoice to see my part- ner's face enwreathed in smiles. {They shake hands.) STUFF It hath not rained o' nights within a month. Our coffers are full to overflowing, our success assured. There- fore, let us cut down expenses. BLUFF 'Tis well spoken. Thou hast rare managerial instinct, untrammeled by art. But where to begin? STUFF We have engaged, at too high a price, a jade for leading parts. Everywoman is costly. BLUFF But Everywoman is a star. STUFF Everywoman thinks she is. i With thy aid. Bluff, she hath risen to some eminence. Without it EVERYWOMAN 37 BLUFF Nay, Stuff. Although I will admit I have been of serv- ice to the wench, it is to a certain scribe, named Puff, that she owes her rapid rise. STUFF That fellow hath made more stars than there are in the heavens. Well, perhaps it were not safe to meddle with Everywoman. What about Ambition? BLUFF A clever actress she. STUFF Perhaps; but too earnest and too serious to be popular with a pleasure-loving public. Hast thou observed how thin she grows, and how ill clothed she is ? BLUFF .True; she draws no patronage, and therefore little pay. To cut her salary would be like taking nothing from nothing. We might cheapen Conceit. STUFF Conceit ! He who is ever ready to play each actor's part on emergency, or otherwise? Nay. Conceit is use- ful in a theatre. Rather will we lop off such heads in the chorus as displease us. Where is thy list? BLUFF 'Tis here. But let us first observe their paces. Then, at roll call, we may weed them out. 38 , EVERYWOMAN \ {Calls loudly) Lights, lights! Act One. Opening Chorus. (Bluff and Stuff stand R. and L. of stage. Chorus of girls, dressed in the typical costumes of conven- tional modern musical comedy, enter as they sing. Youth and Beauty are at each end of the line. Modesty is in the centre.) CHORUS Two and two, at its cue. Come the chorus into view. Sly of eye, not too shy. All to win our favors try. Young and gay, bald and gray, Not a man but does adore us: Pays his toll, sells his soul. For the merry, merry chorus. We sing, tra-la! and hey-down-derry. We laugh, ha! ha! with lips hlte cherry. We dance, we prance, we seem so merry, But some, perchance, are not so very. We know not what is before us. For life is short in the chorus. {Dance, after which chorus stands in line.)' BLUFF Ye will answer to your names. Flirt, Pert, Dimples, Shape, Curves, Smiles, Sly, Curls, Giggles, Youth, Beauty, Modesty. EVERYWOMAN 39 {As Bluff calls, each of the girls responds, saying "Here!") (Modesty remains silent, looking down.) STUFF Modesty! Modesty! Where are thou? PERT (to Modesty) Be not afraid, you little silly. FLIRT (to Modesty) Give 'em a sly wink, thus. Go on! BLUFF Speak up ! Where is Modesty ? (Flirt, and Pert, laughingly, taking Modesty by the arms and pushing her toward C.) flirt and pert Here she is, good sirs. (Bluff and Stuff go up to Modesty and critically ex- amine her through eyeglasses.) STUFF Humph! Methinks thou art a stranger here. How camest thou in the chorus ? MODESTY (proudly) I am the friend of Everywoman. 40 EVERYWOMAN {Girls giggle.) BLUFF A friend of Everywoman! A pretty qualification. ] suppose she brought thee hither. Did she? MODESTY She did. STUFF What airs these stars give themselves ! BLUFF {to Modesty) Thou art pretty enough, but too prim, and out of plact in the chorus. So get thee gone. modesty Nay, I pray thee ! Let me stay with Everywoman. stuff What canst thou do ? Play boys, in hose and doublet ? modesty Alas! No! no! BLUFF Pose on thy toes, in ballet skirts and tights ? modesty I fear me not. EVERYWOMAN 41 STUFF Perchance, thou canst elevate thy heels above thy head? MODESTY No, sirs; but I can sing very sweetly. BLUFF Sing ! In the chorus ? Bah ! Absurd ! STUFF {to girls) Doth anybody know this wench? YOUTH {stepping forward) May it please you, sirs. Modesty hath ever been my best companion. {Puts arm around Modesty.) BEAUTY {stepping forward) I, too, have cherished her. If she goes, I go with her. {Puts her arm around Modesty) YOUTH And I. BLUFF What's this ? Mutiny ! Your names ! Tell quickly ! YOUTH I am Youth. 42 EVERYWOMAN BEAUTY, And Beauty I. STUFF Youth and Beauty. Nay, but we must have ye, at least, in the chorus. We need ye, but not your rebellious friend; so, perforce, we must rob ye of your com- panion. Dimples, Curves, Shape, all — away with Modesty ! (Bluff seizes Youth, Stuff seises Beauty. Chorus girls surround Modesty, and hustle her toward rock in centre of stage. When they again separate, Mod- esty has vanished.) BLUFF {detaining Youth, who struggles and weeps) Nay, grieve not, little one, for the loss of thy prudish friend, and thou shalt on terrapin sup. Thou shalt sip sweet nectar with sages of the city, or with such gilded youths as would not brook that Modesty be thy chaperon. stuff {detaining Beauty, who struggles and weeps) In mighty motor cars shalt thou dash through the mid- night air, more cosily than if Miss Modesty were by thy side. Come, dry thy tears, and join thy gayer companions. Flirt, take charge of Beauty. EVERYWOMAN 43 BLUFF Pert, we commend Youth to thy keeping. Girls, keep Youth and Beauty with you, and you shall find favor with your managers. (Pert and Flirt take charge of Youth and Beauty. Chorus sings.) One by one, Beauty gone, Long forgotten, loved by none, Fading fast. Pleasures past, Goes the chorus home at last. (Exit Chorus J with Youth and Beauty.)' BLUFF {calling) Principals! Where are ous principals? STUFF Where, indeed! BLUFF What ho! Time! Time! thou antiquated callboy! (Time enters slowly and solemnly.) Oh ! There thou art, old Father Time ! STUFF Time hath summoned all manner of mummers to enact strange scenes on the stage of life, and rung down many tragic curtains. BLUFF Yet all must obey his call. 44 EVERYWOMAN {to Time) Go, find Ambition, arouse Passion, sumaaon Every- woman. Call Conceit. (Time exits. To Stuff) They say Time flies. This side of the footlights me- thinks he crawls. STUFF A plague upon our principals! Passion is a sluggard before high noon. Ambitioa is sick, and sleepeth. Conceit lingereth in his dressing-room. Every- woman followeth her own whims, and snappeth her fingers at punctuality. Come, Bluff, let us to lunch. BLUFF Aye ! They starve who wait on stars, and I am hungry. Come. EVERYWOMAN {speaks outside L.) Wealth, bid the chauffeur wait. Stage door? Certainly not! Am I not a star? My Lord Witless, to thy care I confide Hanky- Panky. Thou knowest the say- ing, "Lx)ve me, love my dog." BLUFF (to Stuff)" Here comes Everywonian, our star. STUFF (to Bluff) Our star! Egad! She twinkleth not, but flashes upon one like an entire constellation. EVERYWOMAN 45 EVERYWOMAN {outside) What sayest thou, Wealth? Thou wouldst see a stage, with all its gay trappings, exposed to the merciless light of day? Well, come along, then. -It's against the rules, but Everywoman's delight is to break the laws of conventionality.- {Enters, richly attired in modern furs and wraps. Her hair is dressed in the latest fashion.) (Wealth enters, smoking a big cigar. Witless enters, carrying a Boston terrier. Conscience, Everywom- an's handmaiden, enters, and stands aloof.) STUFF So, Every woman, thou art here at last? EVERYWOMAN {flippantly) Hello, Stufif! Hello, Bluff! Conscience- {turning) Where is my faithful handmaiden? Art a prey to stage fright, even at rehearsal time, little one? These are only managers. They'll not bite thee, girl. Here, take my gloves. {Gives gloves to Conscience.) STUFF I say, thou'rt here at last ! EVERYWOMAN At last ! In truth, I seem to be first. But if I am late — ' — 46 EVERYWOMAN STUFF Late! Thou art always late. EVERYWOMAN Then call the rehearsal off. Another day will do. Con- science, my gloves again. BLUFF {detaining her) Nay, stay! But who are these intruders whom thou bringest ? {to Witless) lYoung man, puppies are forbidden behind the scenes. STUFF {to Wealth) Smoking in theatres, by any but managers, is a heinous offence. EVERYWOMAN 'But these are friends of mine. BLUFF No matter. Outside the stage door alone may satellites dance attendance on a star. EVERYWOMAN Hist! Come hither, Bluff and Stuff. Dost thou not know Wealth ? The multi-millionaire ? The big one, he. Hast heard of Lord Witless, heir to a dukedom ? He fondles my dog. 'EVERYWOMAN 47. BLUFF Is't really Wealth? (doffing hat) Welcome, Wealth, thrice welcome. Wouldst inspect our humble playhouse? It is entirely at thy disposal. STUFF (to Witless, doffing hat) My lord, prithee, make thyself at home. Shall I sum- mon the ladies of the chorus for thy distinguished entertainment ? WITLESS (with blase drawl) No, thanks. I have no desire to make Everywomari jealous. STUFF A noble sentiment. And still some scoff at birth and breeding. BLUFF (to Wealth) Thou wilt observe these are the wings. EVERYWOMAN Most interesting to a prospective angel. Eh, Bluff? _ STUFF (to Witless) The footlights, these. 48 EVERYWOMAN EVERYWOMAN IWhose fascinating glamor oft scorches the wings of fool- ish young gadflies. So beware. {up C.) What's this? BLUFF A rock. WEALTH {tapping rock) Hollow, egad! BLUFF Take care, Wealth! Touch nothing on the stage, or thou wilt soil thy hands. EVERYWOMAN {aside to Bluff) - (More likely the touch of Wealth should soil the stage. WITLESS I'd no idea it was so beastly dingy behind the scenes. EVERYWOMAN (But thou hast only looked on the gilt and tinsel of life's stage, WEALTH (No carpet on the floor ! It is not meet that Ever5rwoman should drag her dainty garments through such dirt. EVERYWOMAN 49 EVERYWOMAN She must. That is the penalty an actress invariably pays. WEALTH But I, Wealth, would pave thy path with roses. EVERYWOMAN Like those made by pale-faced factory girls. BLUFF But, sire, when the play begins all here is elegance and brilliancy. STUFF We pride ourselves upon our lavish Mise-en-scene. WEALTH What's that? EVERYWOMAN The unreal glare and glitter which puts even sunshine to shame. The shams so cunningly devised that nature is outdone. But, there, Wealth and Witless, it is not meet that thou shouldst learn all the tricks — see the pitifully mean surroundings midst which Every- woman must earn her daily bread, much as it is be- hind the curtain of everyday life. Get ye gone ! WEALTH Wealth is at Everywoman's command. (Bowing and going.) so EVERYWOMAN WITLESS Witless obeys Everjnvoman. {Going.) EVERYWOMAN Oh, Wealth ! To-night I entertain. Wilt sup with me ? WEALTH Right heartily, if thou but promise that I shall foot the bill. EVERYWOMAN 'And thou, my Lord Witless ? WITLESS Charmed! charmed! EVERYWOMAN Bluff and Stuff, escort my friends to the door. (Bluff and Stuff bow Wealth and Witless ofF L.) STUFF • This way, my Lord ! BLUFF The exit is ill lighted and awkwardly designed. Have a care. Wealth, lest thou fall. (Wealth and Witless exit.) STUFF (aside to Bluff) If he but fall for our designs. Heaven help him, for he will speedily become EVERYWOMAN 51 What? An angel. BLUFE STUFF {Both exit.) EVERYWOMAN Conscience! Oh! there thou art, Conscience. Hie thee to my dressing-room. 'Tis stuffy, and unfit for habi- tation. Bring my toilet table here. I fain would beautify myself, for who can tell — he, the King whom I seek, may come to-day. (Conscience re-enters followed by Property Boy carry- ing table.) See to my hair, wench. The wind hath ruffled it. Canst sing to me? 'Tis said that Conscience hath a still, small voice, but oft 'tis wondrous sweet. Sing to me of a little star — a star that wanders through the night in search of love. {Sits in chair, takes off hat.) 52 EVERYWOMAN CONSCIENCE. (^sings) A little star crept out one night, And wondered at the full moon's light. With fear it twinkled, at first, but soon It grew as bold as the great big moon ; For not a cloud was in the sky. And as it shone down from afar. The heavens seemed to magnify The light of that little star. The little star looked down on Earth, Rejoicing in its heavenly birth. "Ye mortals," she cried, "now bend the knee. I bid ye bow, and worship me. For I am Queen of the realms above." And as it twinkled from afar. E'en little children learned to love The light of that little star. The little star, at dawn of day, Slowly began to fade away; Its life of glory just begun, It died beneath the blazing sun. But if a star a soul enshrines, Through Heaven's gate, ajar. Seeking there for Love, still shines The light of that little star. EVERYWOMAN 53 EVERYWOMAN There, that will do ; send Youth and Beauty to me. (Conscience exits, R.) In truth, it seemeth folly thus to daily leave the sunshine of life for the mockery of this dingy stage. Nay, not so. No greater art than acting, when 'tis linked with truth; no nobler structure than the stage; no mission in which Everywoman may engage more worthy and more holy when each part she plays is garbed by modesty. (Enter Youth and Beauty.) Ah ! — ^my Youth and Beauty ! But in tears 1 Why, what's the matter, sweet companions mine? Time hath not dealt harshly with ye ! What is it, then ? Have Bluff and Stuff dared offer slight to Youth and Beauty? YOUTH They have robbed us of Modesty. BEAUTY Spirited her away. EVERYWOMAN No ! Is it really true that Modesty, Our sweet companion, hath been banished hence? How went she, then, and whither? YOUTH That, alas ! we know not. 54 EVERYWOMANi BEAUTY As we pleaded in defence of her, Our wrists, our forms, were seized by iron hands. YOUTH Rude arms encircled our waists, and when again Our freedom came, we looked in vain for Modesty. EVERYWOMAN Not fitted even for a chorus girl! Why do the good and true play such small parts Upon the stage of life? I am a star. Success hath crowned my efforts in the art Which I have chosen. Fame is mine, and yet — Love's yet unfound. Oh ! Beauty, Youth, Companions sweet, who still are with me, bring, I pray ye, bring at once the mighty monarch Whom I seek. Everywoman must and will find Love. YOUTH Hast seen the actor, Passion? Hast noted how He gazes on thee? EVERYWOMAN Yes! YOUTH It may be him thou seekest? EVERYWOMAN True. Why, then, My quest is o'er. Well favored, is he not? He bears himself right royally. He sings divinely. EVERYWOMAN 55 YOUTH That's true. But 'tis for thee to judge. Hast felt Embarrassment in his presence? EVERYWOMAN Why, yes. My heart Leaps upward at his voice. His Hghtest touch Awakens strange emotions — longings, yearnings, Hitherto unknown. Comes Love like that? (Modesty, chained and imprisoned, is dimly seen, like a vision, within rock, C.) modesty No, Everywoman, no ! EVEltYWOMAN Hark ! Modesty speaketh. MODESTY Beware of Passion. Passion is not Love. EVERYWOMAN Sweet Modesty ! Then thou are near us still ? MODESTY Aye, while thou wilt. Though fettered and imprisoned. Banished by man, still shalt thou hear my voice. Oh, Everywoman, till thou thyself shalt say, Begone ! 56 EVERYWOMAN EVERYWOMAN {petulantly) Why art thou hidden? Why and where? Was I not ever wishful of thy company? Did I not hold thy judgment in respect ? Didst not advise me in the matter of dress, Which is nearest to the heart of Everywoman? Why play hide and seek, when I would fain Consult thee on my costume for our next play? If in truth thou watchest over me, tell mejhow Likest thou this? {Throws off' wrap, und appears in modem ballroom at- tire, decolette, and in the latest and most daring fash- ion, brilliantly bedecked with diamonds. Vision of Modesty fades away. Youth and Beauty take EvERYWOMAN^s hat amd wraps, murmuring admira- tion as she poses. Conscience enters with table, mirror, etc.) BEAUTY It is ravishingly beautiful. YOUTH !And so, in truth, art thou, O Everywoman! EVERYWOMAN Yet Modesty is silent. {To Youth) These to my dressing-room take. There thou'lt find rare flowers which Wealth hath sent me. And sweetmeats, too, from my Lord Witless. EVERYWOMAN 57 ^OUTH {to Beauty) We Are but young and pretty, still many pay us homage ; She is a star, therefore all men worship her. {Exeunt Youth and Beauty.) EVERYWOMAN Men worship me ! Yes, mere men. But Love, my King, where is he? PASSION {speaks outside) Now shall the unstemmed torrent of my desire Burst from its banks in floods of love and fire. EVERYWOMAN 'Tis he — Passion! How is it that I tremble when he comes nigh? My cloak — I would I had retained it. Not that I am cold. I bum. I will hide. {Tries to slip behind the rock.) (Passion enters. He is a conventional actor, of -fine physique. His voice is sweet and seductive, his ac- tions suggestive of suppressed strength. He wears a highwayman's mask.) passion Everywoman, come forth! Why hide At the approach of Passion? EVERYWOMAN {timidly) Art thou indeed King Love? S8 EVERYWOMAN PASSION It is for thee To find thy King. Dost know Love's voice — Love's lan- guage? How to maidens, when in sweet repose, He Cometh? On yonder rock recline while I My song rehearse. {Leading Everywoman to rock.f^ EVERYWOMAN Thou'rt sure, good sir, that this Is but rehearsing? PASSION Rehearsing, 'tis, in truth, And practice perfect makes the love-sick youtK. (Everywoman reclines at foot of the rock, centre. Modesty, as a vision, is dimly seen within the rock, sheltering Everywoman with outstretched arms.)^ (Passion sings.) The sun smiles on the virgin snow So tenderly and true, Each flake, beneath his loving glow. Becomes a drop of dew. The bee from flower the honey sips ; They meet in rapture mute. He steals the nectar from her lips, But leaves the luscious fruit. EVERYWOMAN. 59' Be I the sun, the snowflake thou. The dew a joyful tear; Be thou the flower, and I the bee, Thy love the honey clear. Come, let me fold thee in these arms, In ecstasy of bliss. Until thy heart, thy soul, thy charms. Shall melt in one sweet kiss. i_On his knees, at the foot of the rock, to which Mod- esty is bound, Passion stoops and kisses Eveky- WOMAN.) EVERYWOMAN (dreamily, with her arms around Passion )_ Art thou, in truth, my King? PASSION I am thy King. Thou art the Queen of Love. EVERYWOMAN Ah! Found at last! At last the arms of Love encircle me. And freely thus doth Everywoman yield The tribute of her womanhood. (Kisses Passion.) Oh! 'tis sweet To hear the voice of Flattery. To be acclaimed A victor in the wars which women wage. Sweet are a woman's triumphs! But how sweet. How doubly sweet, when she is vanquished! When 6o EVERYWOMAN She surrenders to the power, the prowess, the invincible force, The noble strength of Love, the conqueror ! Love, I am thine! {Kisses him.) MODESnr Everywoman, fare thee well ! PASSION- Some intruder. Didst thou not hear? (Vision of Modesty disappears.) EVERYWOMAN 'Tis Modesty. Modesty again warns me. And as she sighs "Farewell," there bums on my lips Passion's kisses. Kisses I craved. Ye gods! I had forgotten Modesty! PASSION. ■ Nay, heed her not. {Seeking to embrace her.) EVERYWOMAN Away ! I doubt thee. Fear thee, now. Art honest? Then why wearest thou a mask? Show me thy face. Thou'lt not ? Thus then I tearj Thy mask away. {Tears mask from Passion's face.) Passion, I know thee, now. Thou art not Love, the King. ThoU art a vile Canticle II — "Passion, 1 know thee now. Thou art not Love, the King.' EVERYWOMAN 6i And hideous thing, decked out to "strut and fret Thine hour upon the stage," and pose and prate. And when thy part is played, thy mischief done, To vanish, and be seen no more. Away ! Begone ! (Passion cringes off.) Thus the stain of Passion's kiss Shall Everywoman suffer when Modesty hath left her. O Love! True Love! Pure Love! The King of Kings ! The soul's sweet starlight ! Strength of the weak! Salvation of the doomed! The God of Everywoman! Come to me! Save me! (Ow knees.) (Conscience enters.) Ah, Conscience! Conscience, comfort me. (Conscience leans tenderly over her.\ CURTAIN Oi tti < u CANTICLE III Scene: Everywoman's apartments in the city. Night. Windows at back, heavily cur- tained. A crimson glow from electric lights, only dimly burning. A large sup- per table set at centre. Many bottles of wine on table. Chairs arranged around table. At right a large mirror. At left a couch. Several reclining chairs. Lux- urious furniture. 'Discovered : Grovel, in butler's livery, snoozes in arm- chair. Sneak, in footman's livery, helps himself to wine. Nobody discovered in C. of stage. NOBOiDY In Everywoman's boudoir, now awaiting her ; Her servitors are secretly berating her. (Clock Strikes twelve.) Behold ! Tis midnight. Thousands have applauded her, The homage of a new-found star accord her. She sups when others sleep. In gay society, Selected more by chance than with propriety, She still seeks Love. Absurd infatuation, Which looks for Love 'mid scenes of dissipation. 65 '66 EVERYWOMAN iWhen Modesty is lost, and sense of duty flies, Shall Everywoman weep; for then her beauty dies. {Exit.) [{The chug-chug of an automobile is heard outside. Grovel wakes, and squirms to the door. Sneak turns up the lights.) [(The rattle of an automobile outside is followed by peals of merry laughter. Grovel and Sneiak throw open the doors and bow low.) ^Everywoman enters on the arm of Wealth. She is in automobile costume. Her arms are filled with bou- quets and floral tributes. She laughs loudly.) [(Youth and Beauty, similarly clad, follow, with Age, whom Youth has in leading-strings, and Witless, who has his arm .around Beauty. She looks pale, and walks wearily.) [(Bluff, Stuff and Puff, with Self, Greed and Van- ity, follow in their wake. The latter three are women. All are in evening dress, the men having fur coats, automobile caps and goggles; the women, wraps and veils.) (Conscience, Everywoman^s maid, enters, and stands in the background.) everywoman My friends, I bid ye welcome to my home. Grovel and Sneak, see to these gentlemen. Conscience, remove my wraps. Ladies, I would not submit ye to the min- EVERYWOMAN 67 istrations of so clumsy a maid as mine. I doubt not Puff and Stufif and Bluff will aid ye in disrobing. {To Conscience.) There, girl, get thee gone ! (Conscience courtesies and exits.') WEALTH {He is obese and bloated. His head is bald. His nose big and bulbous. His eyes glare greedily. His voice is loud, his manner insolent. On his bosom big dia- monds sparkle. He keeps his hands thrust in his pockets.) Egad ! Thou'rt lucky, Everywoman, to have trained thy handmaiden, Conscience, so that she obeys so readily and vanishes so gracefully. EVERYWOMAN lAh ! Wealth, thou dost not know the jade hath company manners. When we are alone 'tis she who orders, I who serve. But let us be merry. Why, Youth! {laughing) Ha! ha! Wealth, doest observe Youth? She hath old Age in leading-strings! That's right, girl. Make him dance a fling. 'Tis right thou shouldst have thy fling. Whirl him around faster! So! Ha! ha! (Youth swings Age around, while the rest laugh bois- terously.) AGE. Thou madcap! 68 EVERYWOMAN {Panting.) Thou wilt be the death o' me. And yet, wilt love me, and I'll dance at mine own funeral. {Sinks exhausted into chair.") EVERYWOMAN Youth, ply him with wine. But where is Beauty? My -Lord Witless, what aileth her? WITLESS (a vapid, lisping hoy) I fear me this is a little too late for Beauty. Her cheek is pale, and she feeleth faint. {He is fanning Beauty, who reclines on a couch at left of stage.) EVERYWOMAN Poor tired child! {Gets wine and goes to Beiauty.)] I>rink this. SELF {aside to Vanity) An artful minx, that Beauty. What sayest thou, Vanity?! vanity {aside to Self) She faint, forsooth ! But a faint for effect. Eh, Greed ? GREED {to Self and Vanity) A trap to catch the men, my dears. Self, I have seen thee work it better. EVERYWOMAN 69 EVERYWOMAN {to Beauty) Art better now? (Beauty smiles wearily. Bluff, Stuff and Puff con- verse apart.) BLUFF I tell thee, Stuff, she hath the handling of his purse- strings. Everywoman can win wealth, if she will. STUFF 'Tis truly said. But how does that help us? We seek an angel, and I fear me he may not entirely fit the part. PUFF Angel! Nay, 'tis Ananias thou needest. Now, seest thou. This feast, I, Puff, the Press Agent will so decorate with frills of imagination that in the public writings it shall appear that monkeys sat at her board. BLUFF That's why we brought thee hither. PUFF That from her pie came forth nude dancing girls. Then shall people flock to see the woman who, thus enter- tains Wealth and Witless. STUFF Thou art indeed the Prince of Liars, Puff. (Shakes his hand.) ^o EVERYWOMAN EVERYWOMAN" (to Beauty) There, rest thou there a while. (Aloud) My friends, the feast awaits us. (Grovel and Sneak place dishes on the table.) EVERYWOMAN Bluff, wilt thou with Self be seated? Stuff, I give thee Greed for companion. Puff, with Vanity as thy mate, thou shouldst be happy. Age still clings to Youth. Wealth, wilt sit by me? WEALTH (not heeding) Witless, give me the fan. I'll tend on Beauty. WITLESS Nay ! Mine be the happy task. EVERYWOMAN How now? Am I, then, to sup alone? Is Beauty, ill though she be, more attractive than I? I am thy host, and I command Wealth and Witless to sit on either side of me. Conscience shall tend on Beauty. (Touches bell. Conscience enters.) EVERYWOMAN Conscience, the child is sick. I commend her to thy care. EVERYWOMAN 71 CONSCIENCE (^Kneels at Beauty's couch. The rest pair off, and sit at table. Grovel and Sneak open mine, fill glasses, etc. EvERYWOMAN and her guests eat, drink, and make merry. Amid the popping of corks and the laughter of the revelers Conscience sings at Beauty's couch.) (Sings) A flower was born in a garden fair. Sing hey! Sing ho! Ninny-nonny. She sported free, and the morning air Loved to steal a kiss of her perfume rare- Sing hey ! Sing ho ! For my bonny. But one there came at the noontide hour ; Sing hey ! Sing ho ! Laclc-a-day-dee ! He marked her beauty, he sought her bower Beneath the spell of her wondrous power, In a wanton whim, culled the pretty flower. Sing weep ! Sing woe ! For my Ladye. EVERYWOMAN (speaking through symphony between verses) Wealth, I vow Everywoman finds thee excellent com- pany. More wine for my Lord Witless. How fares sweet Youth? YOUTH Canst thou ask ? I have found candies. I am supremely happy. -72 EVERYWOMAN CONSCIENCE (sings) From garden fair she was torn away. Sing hey! Sing ho! Ninny-nonny! She hid, they say, in a gay bouquet; She pined in vain for the light of day. Sing hey ! Sing ho ! for my bonny. Her freshness gone, and her perfume fled. Sing hey! Sing ho! Lack-a-day-dee ! Her petals fall, and she droops her head; She seeks, in sorrow, her simple bed; At the dawn of the day she is cold and dead. Sing weep 1 Sing woe ! for my Ladye. PUFF I'll give thee a toast. (EvEEYWOMAN and guests hammer table and applaud.)] Here is to Youth — ^whom all men long to keep ! Here is to Age — ^to whom we all must creep! Here is to Wealth — a man's best friend, 'tis said ! Here is to Greed — ^by whom we all are led ! Here is to Bluff — with whom we seek to win! Here is to Vanity — we are all her kin! Here is to Self — the one we love the most ! And here is to Everywoman — our best-loved host. (All rise and drink.) OMNES Everywoman ! EVERYWOMAN 73 EVERYWOMAN I thank thee, for myself and for my merry companions. I would fain be more courteous to my guests, but it groweth late, and Everywoman hath a mission yet unfulfilled. • {Rising) Shall we adjourn? OMNES No ! no ! etc. ! WEALTH {taking Bluff aside) I prithee tell me. Bluff, what is the secret mission in which Everywoman engages? BLUFF She seeketh Love. WEALTH Seeketh Love, thou sayest ? Well, I will buy the bauble and bestow it on her. Is it a costly thing? BLUFF I have been told it is beyond all price. WEALTH Bah! Wealth can buy anything. Ho, Youth! Come hither ! Tell me, what is this Love that Everywoman seeketh ? 74 EVERYWOMAN YOUTH Love is a King. WEALTH iWell, I'll buy him. YOUTH Kings may not be bought. WEALTH Ho ! ho ! That is but the opinion of Youth. {To Stuff) Hist! Stuff! How can I get this thing called Love? STUFF Thou canst not get Love — {after extending hand) not so long as thou keepest thine hands in thy pockets. WEALTH That is my custom — when thy hands are near me Ha ! There is Age ! He hath much wisdom, though little wit. Age, a word in thine ear. AGE iWhat dost thou say? Speak louder. 'Tis said that money talks, yet Wealth speaks in a whisper to most men. WEALTH Thou knowest what Love is? EVERYWOMAN 75 AGE Aye ! Once on a time I did. But, alas ! nowadays Love is dead. WEALTH {aside) Love dead ! And Everywoman knows it not. Methinks I have an estimable idea. I, Wealth, will pose as Love, assume his title, take his name, and Every- woman will surely consent to be mine. EVERYWOMAN {coming forward) Come, friends, a parting drink. {All take glasses noisily. Grovejj and Sneak fill them.) WITLESS {intoxicated) Aye ! A bumper ! And I will sing a song. EVERYWOMAN {laughing) Boy, thou hast drunk from Circe's cup. AGE This wine makes old blood warm. {Throws kiss to Everywoman) EVERYWOMAN And thou hast vinegar in thy veins. {All laugh.) 76 EVERYWOMAN BLUFF I VOW this nectar makes our star shine brighter. EVERYWOMAN But dawn approaches, when all stars must cease to shine. Come, drink again, and then, I pray you all, begone. STUFF Not till we have crowned thee Queen of the Revels. BLUFF Everywoman is some man's queen. PUFF Everywoman is worthy of a throne. WEALTH Here, 'mid the fragments of a feast, will we enthrone her. {Places chair on centre of table.) OMNES Bravo ! Bravo ! {They seise Everywoman.)' EVERYWOMAN Nay ! I protest ! In furtherance of your own whims and conceits, ye handle Everywoman roughly. How wine staineth a man's ill-fitting garb of chivalry! Ye in- sist? Well, then, I'll mount my throne unaided. {Gets on table.) EVERYWOMAN TJ Behold your Queen ! Men, ye shall bow down and wor- ship Everywoman. Women, ye shall do her homage outwardly, though your souls be consumed with envy. (Men kneel and women bo-M before Everywoman.) OMNES Long live Everywoman! EVERYWOMAN My faithful subjects, I bid ye arise. OMNES {rising) A song! A song! A scene! A story! EVERYWOMAN Of what, shall I speak ? WEALTH We beseech your gracious majesty, tell of the King, thy consort. EVERYWOMAN I have no consort, still of a king I'll tell — 'King of the Revels. OMNES His name ! His name ! EVERYWOMAN Nay, that is a riddle for ye to guess. Who is it laughs when others weep? Listen! {Recites to music) 78 EVERYWOMAN The miser, he hides all his gold away, But do as he will, it grows less each day. Though its hiding-place nobody knows but his wife. Then who is it laughs at the strife ? Ho ! ho ! Be-elzebub ? Be-elzebub ! OMNES EVERYWOMAN' OMNES Be-elzebub! Ha! ha! Ho! ho! CONSCIENCE (singing over BEAUXY'si couch") Sing hey! Sing ho! Ninny-nonny! EVERYWOMAN The knight takes leave of his ladye love ; On the field of death he will kiss her glove. But the squire with her lily-white hand makes free. Then who is it chuckles in glee? Ho! ho! Be-ezlebub ? Be-ezlebub ! OMNES EVERYWOMAN OMNES [Be-ezlebub ! Ha ! ha ! Ho ! ho ! EVERYWOMAN 7g, CONSCIENCE Her freshness gone, and her perfume fled, Her petals fall, and she droops her head; At the dawn of day she is cold and dead. Sing weep ! Sing woe ! for my Ladye ! (While Conscience sings her last stanza all stand stock- still, the hilarity born of wine, and fostered by Ev- ERYwoMAN^s song, slowly fading from their faces. EvERYWOMAN sinks to her knees on the table and buries her face in her hands. The clock strikes five.) EVERYWOMAN (raising her head, her face pale, her hair disordered) Conscience ! Oh, Conscience ! Why wilt thou not sleep, Save such time as thy mistress doth? My friends. If friends ye be, I pray you, leave me now. The Queen of the Revel must submit herself To the ministrations of her wakeful handmaiden. Youth, assist me. (Descends from table.) BLUFF (to Stuff) A troublesome wench, that Conscience. stuff (to Bluff) Reminds me of my wife, who, even now, , I fear me, sitteth up for me. 8o EVERYWOMAN EVERYWOMAN Youth, let me lean On thee. Why, little one. Thy footsteps are unsteady? Too bad! too bad! I fear that Everywoman treateth her Youth unfairly. There, sit thee down and rest. Conscience, do thou Attend on Youth. {To guests') Good-night ! Good-night to all 1 (Bluff, Stuff, Puff, Age and Witless, each in turn kiss Everywoman's hand. Self, Greed and Vanity bow.) (All guests exit, except Wealth, who remains at the back, unnoticed, glaring unsteadily at Everywoman.) (Youth, in easy-chair, sinks to sleep.) everywoman At last I am alone with Youth and Beauty. Conscience, strip from my back these tawdry trappings. Help me disrobe. Nay, bring me first the gown Of purity I wore when first I set me out Upon my pilgrimage in search of Love. . (Conscience exits.) Oh, Love ! My King ! Still hidden from my view. Where are thou ? What thy name ? WEALTH {coming down) 'His name is Wealth. EVERYWOMAN 8i EVERYWOMAN Thou here? Begone! How darest thou thus intrude? WEALTH Thou seekest Love. Behold, I am thy King. Thy quest is o'er. Dost thou not know 'tis Wealth That Everywoman seeks? Here at thy feet I offer priceless gifts. {He kneels.) EVERYWOMAN Gifts, sayest thou? Gifts From Love? That's strange. Methought the King, when found Would stand erect, in noble attitude. Nor talk of gifts, nor pay a price, nor buy me. But command subjection to his will. I prithee rise, and if, by such strange means. Thou canst prove that Love and Wealth are one, I'll hear recital of thine offering. WEALTH {rising) A palace in Fifth Avenue ; a yacht ; A Newport cottage; a baronial hall In England; horses, autos, diamonds, gems To shame an Eastern potentate. From Paris, Gowns. Pearls from the Orient. A box Each season at the opera 82 EVERYWOMAN EVERYWOMAN And is it Love That proffers all these things ? I have been told His Majesty ate cottage fare, and lived On bread and cheese and kisses. Oh ! Well, tell. If Love in truth thou art, wouldst be my sole Companion when Youth and Beauty fled ? Wouldst walk contentedly with me when Time Our tottering footsteps led toward the grave? Answer in truth. WEALTH Egad ! If that be thy whim, I fain must tell thee, Everywoman, that Wealth Would wish thine attendant graces, Youth and Beauty, To remain with thee. EVERYWOMAN But in thy palace, on Thy yacht? Just thou and I alone? WEALTH Well, yes. Alone — save that thy Youth and Beauty be Not banished. EVERYWOMAN Morn, noon and night with Love — with thee. WEALTH With Love — ^with me. None else — save Youth and Beauty. EVERYWOMAN 83 EVERYWOMAN And when they leave Everywoman, when Time beckons, And they depart, as at Time's call they must? ■ WEALTH Depart ! Then would I seek them once again, And, with such arts as Wealth is master of, Decoy them back. For, truth to tell, both Youth And Beauty have ever been favorites in the kingly Court of Love. EVERYWOMAN Ah ! Now thy mask is off ; I know thee. Wealth. Thou'rt not a King.' Thou hast no throne to offer. Thou'rt but a Sultan vile, who, with rich gifts, Wouldst Everywoman, and Youth, and Beauty, and all such As pleased thee for a little while, withal. Lure into slavery within thine harem. Ha! Wretch! Brute ! WEALTH A vixen ! Well, I'll plead my suit with Youth. EVERYWOMAN" She sleeps. WEALTH Then Beauty will not flout me. EVERYWOMAN She Is sick. Begone! 84 EVERYWOMAN (Calling) What ho ! My servants ! Conscience ! (Grovel, Sneak and Conscience enter.) EVERYWOMAN Show Wealth the door. Open the windows wide. Give us the Hght of day. Let Heaven's breath Dispel this foul and irksome atmosphere. (Grovel and Sneak open windows. Daylight streams in, falling on Beauty.) I hate thee, Wealth ! I hate thee ! Get thee gone ! I hate myself. I hate the mockery, the shame Of such a life as this. Love liveth not here. Youth! Sweet Youth, awaken! Thou and I And Beauty will go hence. Go back to Truth. The witch, the fortune-teller, will lead us aright. Beauty, my Beauty, I will nurse thee, tend thee well. (Going toward Beauty.) CONSCIENCE (stopping Everywoman) Too late, too late ! EVERYWOMAN What meanest thou? CONSCIENCE Alas! that Conscience Must tell thee terrible tidings. "Beauty is lost To thee forever. EVERYWOMAN 85 EVERYWOMAN Beauty lost; CONSCIENCE She's dead. (Youth faints in arms of Conscience.)' EVERYWOMAN {horrified^ Dead ! Dead ! {Rushes to Beauty's couch and kisses her.y, Lips cold ! My Beauty gone ! Ah ! No ! It cannot be true ! CONSCIENCE Observe thy mirror, where Flattery was wont To dwell. EVERYWOMAN (Staggers across to mirror and gases in horrory (Truth is seen in the mirror.) That is not I — ^that hideous face ! {To mirror) I know thee ! Thou art Truth — ^belbved by Nobody. Back to thy well, thou witch, and drown thyself In water! {Hurls bottle at mirror.) Wine for me. For Everywoman. [Wealth is still with her. Wine for Wealth. {To Wealth) 86 EVERYWOMAN iWilt dance? See! Everywoman leads Wealth a merry dance. {Takes Wealth's hand. Both sing loudly and dance wildly.) Be-elzebub! Be-elzebub! Be-elzebub! Ha! ha! Ho! ho! CURTAIN UU'ltl .^*^ HJ J5 <; O '7 *f » CANTICLE IV Scene: A street. At R. C. a fashionable supper establishment^ with imposing entrance, and gaily illuminated "windows, with shades down. The street branches off up left, a portion of a church being just visible. Moonlight. Snow falls at inter- vals. Time: New Year's Eve. Broadway crowd effect and musical medley. Nobody enters after crowd has gradually gone off. NOBODY Ha ! ha ! Ho ! ho ! This is the Gay White Way, With good intentions paved, the poets say. "A Httle street in Heaven," so they tell. Trust Nobody. It leads direct to Hell. Here Everywoman, mayhap every man. Seeks solace or excitement. Futile plan. Poor foolish mortals ! Little do they know Here Nobody is happy. Ha ! ha ! Ho ! ho ! I, Nobody, must your forgiveness pray For showing decent folk the Gay White Way, Where all is artificial: Love a sham, 89 90 EVERYWOMAN Wisdom a wolf, and honesty a lamb. But still, while I your pardon humbly ask, Please recollect, mine is the unthankful task To bare the pitfalls, and the folly prove, When Everywoman goes in search of Love. I stay too long. All hours of day or night. On Gay White Way, 'tis rarely I'm in sight. And here comes Vice. Nobody recognizes The jade, who hath a million of disguises ; Close in her wake are fools, a motley crew; Pursuing them are rogues, and wantons, too; Wolf, vulture, serpent, lamb, pigeon and ass. So let the Gay White Way procession pass. (Nobody steps politely aside and exits, as Vice, disguised as an attractive young woman, trips on, singing and dancing.^ VICE Full of glee, follow me. Where's the moth loves not the bright light? Siren, I. Living lie. I'm the spirit of the White Light. FOOLS Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! We're the rising generation. Pa, you know, made the dough Which we blow in dissipation. CHORUS OF GIRLS Giddy girls, flaunting pearls. Decked in garments gay and gorgeous, EVERYWOMAN 91 Laughing loud, swell the crowd At all bacchanalian orgies. (Rogues, Gamblers, Stockbrokers, and other Vaga- bonds, enter, singing in chorus.) CHORUS We are crooks, but our looks And our manners are deceiving. Honest graft is our craft — Impolite to call it thieving. (Fools Hirt with Vice. Rogues, Vagabonds, etc., cross stage, each lifting his hat to Vice as he passes. The last one chucks her under the chin. One Fool resents this. A fight begins. Law and Order, in the uni- form of policemen, enter, and seise the combatants. The Fool gives Law money. The Rogue shows his card to Order, who touches his hat respectfully. The Rogue and Fool exit, arm in arm, in one direction, Law and Order march oif in the other. Snow begins to fall.) (EvERYwoMAN enters. She is shabbily dressed, and looks ill and emaciated. She clings to Youth.) YOUTH Oh ! Every woman ! Whither goest thou ? I fain would be thy shadow, but I feel My limbs are growing weak, and at my heart There lies a sickly fear lest Time, the callboy, 92 EVERYWOMAN Shouldst tear me from thee. Those there are who say That Time hath sworn to kill thy Youth, 'cause thou, O Everywoman, in wantonness, hath tried. Ever and anon, to kill Time. EVERYWOMAN Nay! Bear up. Cheer up, my Youth. Thou art my only hope. Without thine aid how can I seek to win The laurels I have lost? Thou knowest well, When Beauty died, the fickle friends who once Installed me as a star, forsook me, scorned me. Yet I still have thee, and Everywoman Loves her Youth more fondly year by year. Within these portals, where merriment unchecked Hath sway, we may find one who can restore Thy peace — my happiness. YOUTH Thou seekest Love? EVERYWOMAN I seek Well, what doth Everywoman seek Who knows not Love ? Whose quest hath been in vain ? 'Tis Wealth I seek. Nay, Youth, thou shalt not shrink From me. Dost recollect, at Beauty's grave Wealth bade me a cold good-by? Till then he was My slave. I owned him, body and soul. Now, thou And I will win him back again. EVERYWOMAN 95 YOUTH {shuddering) No! no! 'Twas Wealth caused all our woe! TRUTH {an old witch, hobbles on) Charity! Charity! I seek. EVERYWOMAN Now, Youth, behold! Here's Poverty. Let's question her, and see If Wealth or Poverty the kindlier be. {To Truth) Old woman, of thy wisdom, prithee, tell us What is true happiness? Where can it be found? TRUTH A myth — a mocking mirage. A poet's dream. The fleeting substance of a maniac's scheme. A will-o'-the-wisp is happiness. When sought, 'Tis ever out of reach; 'tis never caught. A timid, hunted hare — in its pursuit Woman becomes a wanton, man a brute. Yet happiness shall surely come apace To those who take no pleasure in the chase, I tell thee — ^warn thee, Everywoman, Youth, If happiness thou seekest, follow Truth. Charity! Charity, I seek. {She exits.) 94 EVERYWOMAN EVERYWOMAN She asketh alms, Poor wretch! Yet speaketh she of happiness As if akin to it — and she is pcor. Absurd! YOUTH Nay, Everywoman, art thou sure thou'rt right? Her cry was, "Qiarity, I seek." EVERYWOMAN A foolish quest. Along the Gay White Way, where 'tis unknown. YOUTH But was it merely Poverty that spoke Those wondrous words? {Looking off at Truth) Ah! Now I know that form. Hast thou forgotten how, long years ago, She dwelt within thy garden? Dost recall Her word of warning, ere thy quest for Love, Thy perilous pilgrimage, began? 'Twas Truth That spoke. Hath Everywoman forgotten Truth? EVERYWOMAN Truth? I know not Truth. YOUTH And yet, bethink ye. There was a time when we sought counsel with her. EVERYWOMAN 95 \ EVERYWOMAN Yes. Now I do recall. She was beloved By Nobody. Crippled,' distorted, though somewhat fair Of face. YOUTH Her voice was evtr sweet. EVERYWOMAN But not So sweet as the voice of Flattery. Dost recollect. She vanished when he spoke? Now he is mute. No more he smiles on me, no more he tells Of the king I seek. That night, when Beauty died, I to my mirror went. Where Flattery was wont to dwell I saw a face — not mine, not his. Oh, God ! 'Twas horrible! It maddened me. But now I under- stand. I looked on Truth. Truth haunts me, grins at me, lurks In my mirror, comes uninvited. Now in guise Of Poverty she comes. Ah ! Youth, sweet Youth, Hide me from Truth. I dare not, dare not face her. {Buries head in Youth's shawl.) {Chorus of merrymakers is heard within the supper- room.) CHORUS Sing a merry song to Venus, Qothe her in a garb of vine. Clink your glasses. Kiss your lasses. Love is ever born of wine. 96 EVERYWOMAN Fill a flowing bowl to Bacchus, Hail him as a god above. Burning kisses crown your bliss. Wine is ever sire to Love. {During chorus, Everywoman and Youth crouch on portico, listening.) (At the end of chorus the chimes of church bells are heard.) (Time enters stealthily, folding his cloak around him, and clutching a dagger in his hand. He stands aloof.) EVERYWOMAN Wealth is there. Didst thou not recognize His voice above the din ? YOUTH Oh, Everywoman! Hark! The church bells call to prayer. A New Year's born. Let us seek Truth. (Trying to draw Everywoman away.) EVERYWOMAN No. I must again win Wealth. YOUTH And what of Love? everywoman Well, what? Harken — (mocking chorus hysterically) EVERYWOMAN 97 "Clink your glasses. Kiss your lasses. Love is ever born of wine." YOUTH {pleadingly) Everywoman, come away. EVERYWOMAN {repulsing Youth) Hands off ! Thou, Youth, whose aid I counted on. Thou, too, wouldst leave me ? Well, I care not. Go ! If thou wilt. Get thee to church. I need Thee not. YOUTH Oh ! Everywoman ! EVERYWOMAN I tell thee go ! Thou art a puny thing. No fit companion, thou, For such as I. YOUTH But thou lovest me? EVERYWOMAN {turning angrily on Youth) No. 'Twas thou Didst first lead Everywoman astray. 'Twas thou 98 EVERYWOMAN ■ Didst tell her that the Love she sought might well Be found within the playhouses of the city. Thou, Youth. At thy prompting, I, Mistaking Passion for Love, lost Modesty. Why, Thou canting Youth, didst thou not gaily flirt With tottering old Age while Beauty lay a-dying? Thou renegade ! Thou hypocrite ! Get thee gone ! 'Tis time. (Goes to portico.) YOUTH (sees Time lurking near, and shudders) Ha! Thou'rt right. Tis Time, the callboy of the soul, Who comes to warn us for our final scene prepare. Well, I am ready. But Time, oh, stay thy hand Till I once more shall enter the holy church Where Charity, God's envoy and ambassador. In saintly stole and chasuble, freely granteth Absolution to Youth and Age alike. Everywoman, thou drivest me hence. Farewell! (Time glides away, beckoning. Youth follows. They exeunt.) (The doors of the supper-room are thrown open, and Wealth appears in portals, lighting a cigar.) ,--' r" EVERYWOMAN 'Tis Wealth. Now wisdom be my guide. No more The follies of Youth shall hamper me. I'll stand Aside, and meet him, as it seemeth, by accident. (Exits, R.) EVERYWOMAN 99 (A shomer of confetti covers Wealth, and a peal of women's laughter from the supper-room greets him as he turns.) (The Rogues and Vagabonds enter from either side, blowing horns, and expressing their joy at the birth of a new year by idiotic actions. They stand in line on either side of the supper-room portico, forming an aisle. From the portals Hock Greed, Self, Vanity, and other social moths and parasites; also Passion. The women pelt Wealth with confetti, and enmesh him in colored paper ribbons. All sing.) (Passion, solo; and Chorus.) PASSION {Sings) I sing in praise of Wealth The patron saint of Passion. The uncrowned king of every man, To every woman dear. Comes he by birth or stealth, 'Tis he who sets the fashion. Let woe take wing For Wealth can bring 'A happy and gay New Year. CHORUS A happy New Year ! A happy New Year ! To the multi-millionaire! We worship Wealth, And drink his health, lod EVBRYWOMAN So long as he's money to spare. A happy New Year ! A happy New Year ! And a life of merry good cheer ! Woman or man. Who knows Wealth, can Be sure of a happy New Year. PASSION 'Tis Wealth that crowns our joy, 'Tis Wealth that fills our glasses ; Wealth turns our water into wine. Uplifts us from our bier. In caste or hoi polloi 'Tis Wealth that wins our lasses; The King of Kings Is Wealth, who brings A happy and gay New Year. CHORUS "A happy New Year," etc. WEALTH Begone ! The feast is over. Who will call my carriage ? ROGUES AND VAGABONDS I — and I — and I {All exit hurriedly, L.) WEALTH Wealth bids, and all obey. (To women) Which of ye will ride with me ? EVERYWOMAN loi WOMEN AND CHORUS GIRLS I — and I — and I WEALTH Think ye Wealth packs his chariot like a public car? Begone ! Escorts await ye within. Wealth hath full accounting made. There's nothing left unpaid. So go! WOMEN AND GIRLS {Exeunt into supper-room, singing) 'A happy New Year! A happy New Year! (EvERYwoMAN enters, pensively, and seemingly preoccu- pied.) WEALTH A woman — and alone. Fitting sport for Wealth. {Intercepts Everywoman, and lifts his hat.) Good evening, little girl! everywoman Sir! {Starts indignantly.) {Looks at him, hesitates, then advances cordially.) Why ! — ^how f arest thou ? In truth, I'm glad to greet Thee once again. wealth Thou knowest me? everywoman Right well. Hast thou so soon forgotten? 102 EVERYWOMAN WEALTH No. Thou art Everywomaii. Egad ! But thou hast changed ! Thy cheeks are pale And shrunken. In thine eyes there is no flame. Thy form lacks grace and roundness. Then thy garb — « I see. Thou wouldst ask alms of me. Alack ! Thy time is all ill chosen. Others, to-night, Have ripped my purse asunder. Prithee, pass along. EVERYWOMAN What of those princely gifts, Love's offering ? "A palaces On Fifth Avenue. A yacht " WEALTH Pooh! pooh! EVERYWOMAN "With gems to shame an Eastern potentate " WEALTH Stand by! I know thee not. Ah! Who comes here? A woman — and alone. More fitting sport for Wealth. (Vice enters, L., pensive, and seemingly preoccupied.)] (Wealth intercepts Vice, and lifts his hat.) Good evening, little girl. VICE Sir! {starting indignantly) {She looks at him, hesitates, then advances cordially-y^ EVERYWOMAN 103 VICE Why ! — how f arest thou ? In truth, I'm glad to greet Thee once again. WEALTH Thou knowest me? VICE Right well. Hast thou so soon forgotten ? WEALTH Artful minx! I ne'er saw thee before. But still, thy cheeks Are plump and pink. Thine eyes flash tempting flame. Thy form alluring is. Wilt ride with me? (Wealth exits, R., with Vice on his arm.) EVERYWOMAN Thus man, for painted Vice, doth Everywoman forsake. I am alone. An outcast. Modesty lost to me. My Beauty dead. And Youth 'Tis Youth, sweet Youth! My Youth! Cruel Time hath slain her. Charity chants, and Conscience sings her requiem. {Four Acolytes, followed by four men, enter, march- ing solemnly down the street from up left, and hear- ing a bier, on which lies the body of Youth. Char- ity, a minister of the church, in robes of white, leads; Conscience, in black garb, follows.) 104 EVERYWOMAN CHARITY {chanting) Behold! Time heweth us down, even as the reaper, With his scythe, moweth the fairest flowers of the field. •CONSCIENCE {sings). Sing hey! Sing ho! Lack-a-day-dee ! CHARITY The budding lily sporteth gaily in the vernal sunshine. Time calleth the noontide scene, and the blossom rejoic- eth in the fullness of its beauty. Then night cometh, when all things must sleep. CONSCIENCE Sing hey! Sing ho! For my bonny. CHARITY But walk ye in righteousness. Follow Truth, and the King of Kings, The mighty Harvester of Humanity, shall glean ye for his garner. ' CONSCIENCE Sing weep! Sing woe! For my Ladye! (CharitYj bier bearers and Cossctei^ck exeunt, R.) EVERYWOMAN "Walk in righteousness ! ' Follow Truth \" Alas I That Everywoman should hear the voice of Charity EVERYWOMAN 105 Only when Youth and Beauty have departed! Was it a sin to seek for Love? If so, E'en sinners before the judgment seat may plead, In extenuation. {Kneeling in the snow) Ye gracious gods ! More merciful Than purblind mortals, judge not Every woman — ■ As the world doth judge her — ^harshly, and unheard. What wisdom hath she to guide her ? Youth and Beauty ? Sweet companions, but fragile, frail, and prone To foolish fancies. Modesty? Best of friends To Everywoman, but scorned by every man. Those her advisers. Even they not proof Against the insidious tongue of Flattery. If She fall — if one false step leads down the path To perdition — her Youth and Beauty dead, oh ! who Will lend a kindly hand to lead her back again? Ye gods of mercy! In the whole wide world Is there no hope for such a one? I cry For help ! Help ! Who will answer ? NOBODY (who has entered unobserved) Nobody ! EVERYWOMAN Who spoke ? That voice ! It warned me long ago. Speak on! I listen! NOBODY Everywoman, the time Flath come to thee when Nobody is thy friend. io6 EVERYWOMAN Thou lovest Nobody. Upon Nobody's breasv Shalt pillow thine aching head. Thy scalding tears With tenderness shall Nobody brush aside. (Nobody bends to embrace her) EVERYWOMAN (starting up in horror) Ah ! No ! no ! Don't touch me ! I hate thee! I hate Nobody! Help ! Help ! Is there no help, no other hope For Everywoman? Charity ! Charity ! TRUTH (hobbling on) EVERYWOMAN Ha! Truth! 'Tis Truth, sweet Truth. I know thee now. Welcome ! Welcome ! (Embracing Truth.) Why, Truth, how fair thou art ! I would that Everywoman wore thy features. If I speak falsely, scourge me! What? Thy whip Thou earnest no longer. Thou dost not need thy crutch? Give it to me. I am lame, crippled, fallen by the way. Within thine hand take mine. truth (offering hand) Wilt walk with Truth ? EVBRYWOMAN lo;; EVERYWOMAN Aye, that I will, For evermore. (EvERYWOMAN kisses hand of Truth.) (The church chimes ring again.) (EvERYwoMAN Walking with Truth.) Charity! Charity for Everywoman, I ask. (Truth leads Everywoman toward church.) (Organ peals, and surpliced choir files into church sink- ing.) CURTAIN CANTICLE V Scene: Everywoman's old home. The same as Scene I. It has a deserted appearance. The windows are closed. Night outside. Snow falling. The room is dark, save for the glow of a fire which turns cheer- ily on the hearth. A big lounging-chair is drawn up to the fireplace. Discovered : King Love the First is discovered loung- ing in chair. He sleeps. He wears no regal robe, but is simply clad. A crown) of thorns and roses, intermingled, lies at his feet. The mirror in which Flattery zms first seen is broken. NOBODY (^Enters, and speaks') In Everywoman's deserted home, Whence Flattery tempted her to roam, And filled her simple mind with thoughts accursed- While she is battling with life's storm, III 112 'EVERYWOMAN. Hugging the fire, to keep it warm, In cosy nook reclines King Love the First, Patience personified. But now His crown has fallen from his brow, And, weary with the vigil that he keeps. Though Everywoman may return. So long as household fires burn. E'en Love is merely mortal, and he sleeps. As chorus of this simple play. There's little left for me to say, And little left that Nobody can prove. Though Time may rob her of her Youth, If Everywoman is led by Truth, It follows she will surely waken Love. (Everywoman, led by Truth, ii)ho holds \ahft a lantern, passes the window.) NOBODY She comes. The soul within her breast, M wounded dove that seeks its nest. But knows not that its mate awaits it there. She comes. Truth sheds a hallowed light Upon her path. Good-night! Good-night! Let Nobody retire before its glare. {Exits.) ^EVERYWOMAN, 113 (Truth enters leading Every woman by the hand. Truth now stands erect, and, in spite of her witch's costume, is fair to see. Over her head she carries an old-fashioned kmtern, which shines brilliantly as a searchlight. Everywoman, gray-headed, and no longer beautiful, but with peaceful countenance, car- ries Truth's crutches.) TRUTH Everywoman, through the dismal night The light of Truth hath led thee, weak and worn, But with unfaltering steps. EVERYWOMAN Why, Truth! Hast led me home again? TRUTH There! Rest thee here a while. {Leads Everywoman to chair, R.) EVERYWOMAN (sitting) Thou wilt not leave me. Truth ? Ah ! Don't ! I fear To be alone. TRUTH It is not well thou shouldst. It is but right that unto Everywoman A mate, by Truth well chosen, should be brought. ii4 EVERYWOMAN, LOVE Who speaketh of Truth? {holding out arms) Mother ! TRUTH My son! My dearly beloved son! (Love and Truth embrace tenderly.) EVERYWOMAN {in astonishment') Thy son! I did not know TRUTH No. 'Tis not given For Everywoman, until her hair grows gray, To know that Love is ever bom of Truth ; That Truth is mother to Love. LOVE Though yet unknown to thee, when thou Didst dwell in this, thine house, I Thy neighbor was. Well, when thou didst leave it who more fittingly; Could keep aglow the embers on thy hearth? Could guard with care thy household goods ? Could leave The latchstring out and patiently await And see that kindly welcome were not wanting On thy return? Could Love such duties shirk? EVERYWOMAN' 115 EVERYWOMAN So thou art Love! Art thou indeed a King? King Love the First? Where is thy throne? LOVE Within thy heart, O Everywoman! EVERYWOMAN" Where is thy kingdom? LOVE In Everywoman's home. EVERYWOMAN Where is thy crown? LOVE At thy feet. EVERYWOMAN (picking up crown) Why, this is but a garland of briers and roses ! LOVE I fain would place it on thy brow. Wilt be my Queen ? EVERYWOMAN I am unworthy! Nay! Nay ! Let me at thy feet remain. Why, Love, How strong thou art! Love lifteth Everyworftan up. LOVE Wilt be ii6 EVERYWOMAN EVERYWOMAN Thy loyal subject. Thou shalt be My King. Oh, Love ! How noble thou art ! And how close thou boldest me ! Not that I mind, for I am thine — all tbine ! {They are about to kiss, when Modesty knocks at the door.) MODESTY {outside) Shelter ! Shelter, I crave ! TRUTH A benighted traveler knocks. LOVE We would be alone. TRUTH My son, the snow falls fast. The night is cold. Everywoman, what sayest thou? EVERYWOMAN I have Lovt, I have Truth. Henceforth, all who knock at my door. Shall find it opens unto happiness. Come in ! (Truth opens door. Modesty enters, agitated.) Modesty ! Thank God ! Thou hast returned to me. {Embraces her.) MODESTY I have escaped. They bound me, tortured me, sought to slay thy Modesty. Canticle V — "God guard thee." EVERYWOMAN 117* EVERYWOMAN Yes ! yes ! But in my heart I knew Right well thou wouldst return to me when Love, True Love, was found. TRUTH Love, my son, with me Till morn shalt thou abide. Everywoman at the church. Where, through Charity, sins and follies of mankind Find full forgiveness. Love and I will wait Thy coming. There shall Love the First, thy King, Crown Everywoman his Queen. Come, Love ! (Holds out hands.) MODESTY (extending arms) Everywoman, Come! 'Til morn. 'Til dawn. EVERYWOMAN (kissing Love)' LOVE (kissing Everywoman)' EVERYWOMAN AND LOVE God guard thee! (Everywoman ascends staircase with Modesty, looking back at Love. Love goes to door with Truth, look- ing back at Everywoman. ; As all exeunt. Nobody enters-.) ii8 EVERYWOMANi NOBODY The play is ended. This the cue. For Nobody to bid adieu. But first he'll ask you, in the author's name. Be merciful, be just, be fair To EveryTvoman, everywhere. Her faults are many. Nobody's the blame. CURTAIN ^1