»'W$. iimm,PMAS OF THE COLOR. I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.! * <&d*fi. T.S.. 4.3.5.. t\ I I UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, i (^r^^^^?^^ jfe Wfo/J&C / £W& Y. V t< V^v> > \ , x «y speech when he entered ? What on earth else was I doing then when not rehearsing my speech? You ask so strangely, William; by your intellect I supposed you — Enter Bank Clerk, astonished, looking on. Capt. {without turning to the door. Aside.) There she is, the old Vampire ! Now for a fitting conclusion for her benefit ! {aloud) As I said, William, you have only to fol- low the example of your lamented father to become a true gentleman of the color. The wise teachings of your dis- tinguished mother will guide you, and if my services can be of any benefit to you, you may freely command them. The knightly spirit of former ages has not died out, it 2 10 smoulders beneath the ashes of the conflagrated prejudices of caste and station, to ascend like the Phoenix to the sublime heights of everlasting glory ! — The shoe of your estimable mother reminds me of a trait of the knightly spirit of past times. Pass me the shoe of your estimable mother, William, {receiving it and handling it appropri- ately) To do homage to his lady-love the knight filled her shoe with wine or lager, (soda water not yet being invented or temperance societies either,) lowered one knee before her {imitating the description) and with the words, "My respects to you, my Lady-love," his left hand upon his breast, he drank the foaming contents of the shoe in long and grace- ful draughts. Bank Cleric, (laughing) Hah! hah! Captain, you are grand ! Hah ! hah ! Capt. {starting up. Throwing down the shoe) Thunder and lightning ! "Who's that ! It's the Bank Clerk ! {aside) Captain George Washington, you are an ass ! {aloud) Sit down, sir. I'll be at your service presently after having parted with this boy, to whom I just gave some theatrical lessons, {to William, coldly) Good-bye, W 7 illiam ! My respects to your mother. I'll call soon and bring the shoe with me. William, {aside) He calls me boy now, speaks of theat- rical lessons, and is anxious to get rid of me ! There is some secret between them both. I'll watch them, {aloud) Good-bye, Captain, and my thanks ! (going, but remain- ing within the door. Listening.) Bank Clerk. I just dropped in to tell you that our Bank has resolved not to keep the deposit of yours of $2000, bearing on its face the name of another person, and, as we have learned, the name of your — Capt. All right, sir ; I'll withdraw it. But — I would rather like — William, {aside) A deposit of $2000 in the Bank ? What a rich man the Captain is! I must tell this to my mother, {listening.) Bank Clerk. I will bring it myself to-morrow and you may give me the receipt then. Capt. All right, sir, you will find me at home to-mor- row. Bank Clerk. Good-bye, then. [exit.] Capt. {showing him to the door, perceives William) You sneaky little eaves-dropper, you are still here ? (W 7 illiam exit) Won't that give a rumpus! Now Captain George Washington, steel your nerves or you are lost ! {sitting down) As to Henry, I hate that fellow ! How so sensible 11 a girl as Josephine could give the preference to such a fel- low, is completely incomprehensible ! And I should give him the $2000 which have been sent to him from his father- land, and place him in a position to marry Josephine? No ! Never ! But the money shall assist me to gain favor with her, she is after all only a girl ! It is true she is a white girl, and I am — black! Black! Black indeed! How I hate the usual meaning of this word ! {rising from his bench) Colored! There was a time when they dared to call us "the colored people,'' while the "noble Indian" was, and still is, "the red man." Is he not colored 9 Is red no color ? And is white no color either ? — They say when you mix together all colors of the rainbow the com- pound will be white. Well, I will recognize the fact and allow that white is a color, but then I ask why were the white people not called the colored people? {with force) Tell me the reason why, sir! I will tell you why! What is white, what is red, what are all the colors of the rain-bow, what are all the colors of the Universe ! when you look at them in total darkness ? They are black, sir ! They are black, sirs! Al] become black — except black it- self! Black never changes if you look at it either by dav or night time, in light or darkness, it is black and remains black! By it all other colors are blotted out — all other colors naught! It is not a color then — no! It is "the color !" Look at the w 7 hite man in total darkness, is he white still? No! he is black. Look at the black man under any cir- cumstances whatever, hem! I will accept one for argument sake, he remains black ! He therefore is not a colored man or gentleman, but a man or gentleman of "the color!" Such were the arguments of the great Charles, such was his logic! {'pulling a little black figure from his pocket and looking at it devoutly) Great Charles! Thou wast onlv a white man, but thy heart was of the blackest hue, and what Nature has neglected, thy grateful posterity has re- stored ! Thy imposing figure, armed with those command- ing spectacles under the shade of those brushy eye-brow T s and grayish spit-curls, now stands, hewn in the blackest marble, in the Capitol of the Nation, on a pedestal, on the four fronts of which are engraved the four elements of thy character: toward the North, "Greatness," toward the South, "Littleness," toward the East, "Pomposity," toward the West, "Ridiculosity," and ample appropriation has been made for the services of a first rate boot- black to keep thee always under shining! Departed spirit of the Great Charles, although a white man, in thee we recognize and revere the First Gentleman of the Color. (Bubbing \2 the black figure with his sleeve, once more reverently looking at it, puts it in his pocket. Sitting doivn.) (knocks!) Come in! Enter Josephine. Josephine. Good evening, Captain! Where is Henry? Capt. {rising) Good evening, Josephine ! How happy I am to see you. Please be seated. Jos. Thank you, Captain; but where is Henry? Capt. Please sit down, I will tell you presently. A nice and lovely girl like you, who could command the af- fections of any gentleman she choose— Jos. Captain, I have repeatedly requested you to spare me your flattery. You know my relations to Henry ; it is not seemly for you to speak to me in this way, and just as improper for me to listen to you. But I will ascribe your words to your natural gallantry, and attach no im- portance to them. Now please tell me where Henry is. Capt. Henry is absent as usual at this time, and I sup- posed he had gone to you. Jos. What do you mean by saying "as usual at this time?" Capt. I mean by it that you think too much of him en- tirely. Listen! You are a sensible girl, and able to ap- preciate what I am going tell you. I am a gentleman, have influence, education, intelligence and money — more money than you think, and more than you would judge by my surroundings — and the desire to make you happy ! You thrust my suit aside, and throw yourself away, by your attachment to a poor starving wretch who will never be able to give you the position you deserve. Become mine, Josephine! (Grasps Josephines hand, which she en-> deavors to withhold.) {Enter Mrs. Col. Fancy, remains at the door obsenmig.] For Henry- — (he perceives Mrs. Fancy — pretending not hav- ing done so. Aside) Has hell leagued against me? The third surprise and the worst of all ! (aloud) For Henry I will care, he deserves my consideration. Compose your- self, Josephine, I do not doubt that your estimable mistress would have any objections. Jos. (astonished) I do not understand you. Capt. (signaling the presence of Mrs. Fancy. In low voice) Be still ! (aloud) Henry surely will return shortly. (whispering) He is arrested ! Jos. (crying) He is arrested and I shall be still? (ex- cited) Why should he be arrested, who has never injured any one, who is the soul of honor. 13 Copt, {pretending to see Mrs. Fancy just now) Mrs. Col. Fancy, my estimable friend, how happy I am that you come ! This girl is out of her wits because my journeyman is arrested ; I am at a loss what to do ! Mrs. Fancy, (approaching) So it seems, Captain, although the situation is rather suspicious, (to Josephine) Joseph- ine, what brings you here, and who gave you permission to neglect your work in order to steal into the house of a lonely bachelor? Capt. My most estimable friend — Mrs. Fancy, (sharply) Captain, you will allow her to answer for herself! Capt. (offering a chair) Will you please be seated, my most estimable friend, and I will in two words — Mrs. Fancy. Captain, for a young and unprotected widow as I am, who must guard with the utmost care her reputation and character, it appears too dangerous to ac- cept such familiarities in the abode of a gentleman who allows himself to be discovered in so strange a situation with a servant girl who seems to know nothing of propri- ety. Jos. Madam, I will freely answer your question. I came here to inquire for Henry — Capt. Having heard that he was arrested, (signaling Josephine) and I was — Mrs. Fancy. Allow her to answer for herself, Captain. Your anxiety to satisfy me appears somewhat strange, and I will not hope — Jos. (excitedly) I will not have it that my character should suffer and that my mistress should think — Capjt. (interruping) That I could be capable of any un- seemly or improper actions. Jos. The Captain is nothing to me; but he took the the liberty as he has often done before — Capt. (interrupting) That's right, Josephine! Tell the truth and let her think of me what she may, even though her natural tenderness of feeling and delicacy should be wounded ! Tell her all, Josephine, but never confide it to anyone in the world, no matter who, or I will know how to be revenged ; if not through you, Henry shall suffer ! Understand me well, your mouth must be sealed when you leave this house ! Tell your mistress then, how anx- ious I always was to hear of her welfare from you, how often I have taken the liberty to inquire of you about her doings, how I have shown so lively an interest in her that even you suspected me of false motives ! Tell her all ! — if her delicacy will allow her to hear it from the mouth of an attendant ! But beware ! 14 Mrs. Fancy, (during the Captain's speech sinks upon a chair and covers her eyes with her handkerchief . Tremulous) Go, Josephine dear, and never betray what the Captain has confided to you, it would kill me ! [low) Go ! Go! Capt. (threatening) Woe to you and Henry should you betray me ! Jos. (bewildered by the Captain s speech}) [F.rit.] Capt. (sinking upon his stool, his head, bending over the bench. Aside) Now I am exhausted and the trial is yet to come! Pluck! Pluck! Only this time be my ally, and T never will trouble thee again ! Let her commence the battle, (remaining in his position.) Mrs. Fancy, (remaining in her position. Aside) He is ashamed of being discovered, the poor man. His delicacy has been roughly handled, so he will make me believe. But I know him better. The whole thing was a sham, but he will find a match in me ! Let him commence the bat- tle, and if he does not pop the question presently, I will be a goose for life ! Capt. (aside) I wonder how long she will be silent, hap- ily she is only a woman. I can bide my time, my lady. Mrs. Fancy, (impatiently moving on her. chair.) Capt. (aside) She gets impatient, I knew it. Mrs. Fancy, (siglmig.) Capt. (aside) She fetches a sigh as big as her confounded shoe. Mrs. Fancy, (aside) He speaks to himself he is going to fire off. Capt. (aside) Had I only a means to shorten this con- founded situation — if somebody would only come, even that cracked footman or dear William, that sneaking lit- tle thief. He is surely around the house, and instructed to keep people off. There is my- bottle under the bench — if it was only filled ! Hah ! I have an idea! I see my way now — splendid by Jingo ! (cautiously reaching under the bench, fetching the bottle and hiding it in his lap. Aside) I am armed now, come on, my lady. Mrs. Fancy, (aside) My position becomes ridiculous, that awful wretch won't speak. — I know he plays the fool with me, but he will find how mistaken he is ! — I am suf- focating from repressed anger and indignation ! William will get impatient outside in waiting for the cue to rush in and greet his future father. 1 can stand it no longer ! That wretch won't move ! — {crying) I am bursting ! (springing up and approaching the Capt. Excited. Aloud) Captain, we have jeered long enough now, I think, let us come to business ! We are no longer children, and no fools 15 either, and understand each other completely ! — Get up, Captain! — Don't make a fool of yourse]f! — I say, look up, Captain! Face the music! Here I stand prepared for the consequences ! — You won't move, indeed ? — Think you, I am cheated so easily ! — Get up, I say, you can't bamboo- zle me by such fooleries! — {somewhat subsided) You are not such a fool as not to know that I may bring action against you for damages,, upon the evidence of Josephine, and my own testimony on the damnable means you resorted to in order to gain and deceive — the pure — and tender — affections of — a virtuous — and unprotected — daughter — of the land? — (in rage) I say, get up you wretch! (in great rage) Get up ! (striking him a bloiv with the fist. The bottle falls on the floor) What's that ! {picking up the bottle) It's empty ! (smells at the mouth of the bottle) Whiskey, as I live ! and (smells again) some other substance, (smells again. Shrieking) laudanum ! — Whiskeyand laudanum ! — I am not mistaken ! It's the favorite beverage of the blessed Colo- nel, my much beloved husbandl Enter William. William, (rushing upon Captain) My dear father ! (em- bracing him, tumbles with him upon the floor.) Mrs. Fancy, (pulling him from the floor) You fool, what are you doing, don't you see the beast is drunk? William. I rushed in, ma, when I heard the word " husband,'' the cue you gave me to do so. Mrs. Fancy. Never mind, William! come away from this detestable place ! (toward the Captain) And as to you, wretch, you shan't escape me, I will have my revenge! — [Exeunt Mrs. Fancy and William. Copt, (listening. Springing up and stealing toivard the door, which he locks. Coming forward, laughing) Hah! Hah! Hah! My smart and circumspect lady, have I bomboozled you ? Yes or no v Are you a match for me? Me, Captain George Washington? Hah! Hah! Hah! I never was in such great danger in my whole life, never so near mv utter destruction ! (shuddering) To imagine oneself the husband of this viper, this termagant, this vampire! (shuddering. Laughing) And an empty bottle has saved me ! Hah ! Hah ! Hah ! They say old Rome once was saved from destruction by geese, but who ever heard of an empty bottle having done such a deed? The Romans acknowledged their gratitude by treating their saviours with the greatest consideration, and so I will do, and never shall it suffer from want of food, (knocks) So you are there again, my circumspect lady! — It was all 16 perhaps only a sham of that wretch of a Captain — he was only playing the stone-drunk, — heh ? (knocks louder) You may knock till doomsday, my love, the Captain is stone- drunk, and if it needs be stone-dead, my lady of the pump! {knocks louder.) Henry, {from outside) Captain, are you in? It is me, Henry ! Capt. It is Henry ! {going to the door arid opening it with caution) Are you alone, Henry? — Henry, {from outside) Yes I am, why should I not be? Capt. Look about, Henry, nobody in sight? Henry, {from outside) No living soul whatever! Capt. {opening the door) Come in, Henry! Enter Henry, significantly looking at Captain. Capt. Never was gladder to see you than just now. Your presence inspires me with a consciousness of safety — Henry, {interrupting) You were afraid to be alone ! Capt. Safety for your person, Henry. You are in ray house now and no power on earth can harm you. My house is my castle, my stronghold — {knocks. Excited) Henry, quick! Lock the door ! Hurry up ! Should she force the door tell her you had found me dead, — stone-dead! {throwing himself on the floor in his former position.) Henry, {surprised) What's the matter with you, Cap- tain, — are you sick? Capt. {loiv) Lock the door, you rascal ! — I am stone- dead ! Henry, {shouting) He is crazy ! Help ! Help ! Capt. {exasperated) I'll kill you, you — Henry, {shouting. Running to the door) Help ! — Help ! — He will murder me ! — Capt. {jumping up, runs after him) You confounded rascal ! {retaining Henry with one hand, with other grasp- ing the door. Door op ens.) Enter Potomac and Tiber. Capt. and Henry, (surprised, part and move toward their benches) Who's that? — Capt. {aside) People of the highest distinction ! Capt. George Washington now is your time ! Potomac. We enter your abode in behalf of this young lady who needs a drink of water. Capt. (with grotesque dignity) No young lady has ever appealed to the chivalric spirit of Captain George Wash- ington in vain ! — {to Henry) Fetch me a glass of water from the table ! 17 Potomac, (observing all the doings of Capt. and Henry with great curiosity. Aside) Peculiar beings ! — Henry, (filling a tumbler, going to present it to Tiber) Here, my young lady! Capt. (with grotesque dignity) Pass it to me, Henry ! Henry, (surprised) The young lady wants it, I think. Capt. (as before) Pass it to me, Henry ! Henry, (aside) There it comes, he is crazy, (approach- ing Captain with great caution, passes the tumbler, retires. — Aside) What will come now, I wonder. Capt. (approaching Tiber with grotesque dignity — pre- senting the tumbler) My estimable young lady, Captain George Washington, the valiant occupant of this castle, is happy to be at your service, regretting only that he is not allowed the sublime privilege of doing humble homage to your excellent qualities, by drinking your health from the delicate capsules of your tiny bases. — ■ Henry, (aside) He is mad as a march hare ! — Capt. (to Henry) Fetch me the finest shoe from my at- telier, fill it with water and present it to me! — {to Tiber — wit It grotesque politeness) But he will avail himself of the present opportunity by indulging in it according to cir- cumstances. — Henry, (having taken Mrs. Fancy's shoe, filled it with water, presents it to Captain. Aside) He is mad, it would be dangerous to resist him. Capt. (receives the shoe without closely looking at it— bend- ing one knee before Tiber) I drink to your health and ever- lasting happiness, imagining it to be a more appropriate beverage, and the delicate capsule I was so free as to indi- cate. — (puts the shoe to his mouth and begins to drink. — Recognizing Mrs. Fancy s shoe, throws it down, bounds up. — Excited) Thunder and lightning ! — That cursed shoe again ! (to Henry) You confounded fellow, what did you do that for ?— Henry, (aside) I knew it would come ! — Potomac, (returning the tumbler) I thank thee and be- seech thee not to scold thy attendant. Ye, no doubt, meant to honor us according to your custom. Receive my thanks for it, thee and thy servant, and, as a token of our grati- tude, the assurance that, whatsoever ye may wish last, before midnight, shall be granted. — Fare ye well ! — [Exeunt Potomac and Tiber.] Capt. (confused) How! — What! — Who the devil are they? — What did he say? — (to Henry) Look out and see which way they go ! — (Henry exit) What strange people, and a sort of language I never heard before. "Whatsoever 3 18 ye may wish last before midnight, shall be granted." — He said "ye" and meant both of us, Henry and me. — Henry will surely forget it, but not I. (Henry entering) Which way did they go? — (aside) I would like to follow them if it was not for that confounded serpent of a widow. — Henry. They have disappeared without any traces. I went as far as the corner, but could catch no glimpses of them, (aside) I wonder if I was included in the offer of fulfilment of the last wish to-night. I must find it out from the Captain, but how ? Capt. (after some reflection) Henry, I wish to look myself after these strange people, come with me ! — [Exeunt Captain and Henry.] Scene III. — Evening. Moonlight. Some sparsely settled place north of Capitol Hill. Capitol in sight. — Enter- ing Potomac and Tiber — looking about. Potomac. No traces left of thy material existence, my daughter ! — And these long lines of structures — Tiber. Are the monuments of my downfall, built up on the heaps of earth and stones by which they have vaulted in my dominion. Potomac, (pointing out the direction) And there was Swampoodle ? Tiber. Yes, Father Potomac, it has disappeared en- tirely. Potomac, (pointing to the Capitol) And that monstrous edifice and all those numerous structures (pointing about) have been built up by the same mortal creatures such as tho>e two in yonder little house ? Tiber. Yes, Father Potomac. Potomac. When I think of their peculiar manners and their feeble appearance, I am at a loss how to account for their ability to accomplish such mighty and skillful works, which it seems only giants could create. Take for instance that slender structure near my banks yonder, the top of which disappears in the clouds, indicating an immeasurable height, — how could such puny creatures without being en- dowed with immortal powers execute it? Tiber. That structure, Father Potomac, is erected in memory of the greatest, best, and most beloved among these mortals : "The first in war— the first in peace — the first in the heart of his countrymen," — the Father of the Country ! Potomac. Tiber, what thou t el lest me impresses me with respect for these mortals. Undoubtedly they have erected this structure, the end of which reaches above the 19 clouds and is hidden from view, to indicate that their rev- erence for this great mortal is immeasurable. Tiber. I am sorry, Father Potomac, to rob thee of this illusion. That structure does not reach by any means as high as thou thinkest, it ends where thou imaginest it is en- veloped by the clouds. The completion of the work was abandoned from want of sympathy. Potomac, (angrily) These miserable, ungrateful wretches ! Is it thus they reverence the memory of that great man ? How little and contemptible they appear to me now ! (listening. The roar of an approaching railroad train is to be heard) What noise is that ? (looks in the corresponding direction) A long dark monster with fiery mouth and nos- trils, and glowing eyes, is approaching with lightning speed! Tiber, I fear it will cause disaster among the poor mortals. (whistle of engine) Hear his wrathful roaring ! — It is ap- proaching us, let us get out of the way, — although immor- tal I am still uncertain whether that monster be not pos- sessed of greater might than we ! (Potomac and Tiber stepping aside.- — The railroad train passes) Tiber, I have often heard this roaring, and monsters like this are con- stantly passing over that structure which the mortals have stretched across my waters yonder. Tiber. These monsters as thou callest them, are mere works of the mortals, constructed for services, the perform- ance of which exceeds the bodily strength of man, Potomac. Wonderful creatures these mortals. — How great and how little they appear! The more I learn of them, the more anxious I am to become better acquainted with them, in order to find out their real nature. Let us retire, and to-morrow by daylight continue our observa- tions. [Exeunt Potomac and Tiber.] Scene IV. — Night. Workshop as before. Captain and Henry working. Lamps on their benches. Capt. What you have told me of the spirits in the mountains of your home is sheer nonsense ! — Did you ever hear that those Gnomes have appeared in the present time, or that any traces of them were found ? Why did they appear hundreds of years ago and not since then ? Having died out, that cannot be, for you say they never die. Therefore — Henry. Could they not have emigrated to America as the witches did to Massachusetts ? — That the old gent was a Gnome, I am certain, and the young lady appeared equally suspicious. — 20 Capt Do you think Henry, that I did every thing to please them? Was I not polite and attentive toward them ? Henry, {significantly) Yes, — and that makes me rather anxious about you, Captain. Capt. (embarrassed) Anxious — about — me, — you say? — Why, Henry ? — Henry. You made love to the young lady very plainly, — suppose now she was a fairy. Do you not know,. Captain, that any one who makes love to a fairy must devote him- self to her and belong to her for his whole life ? Capt. (uneasy) I should not be much vexed at that, Henry. Henry. But suppose she was a witch and you had to follow 7 her to the place where pitch, brimstone and fire, — you know, Captain. Capt. (springing up) The devil I would! — Henry. But you must, for you made love to her ! — Did I not see it? — Capt. Henry, I did not! — Say, I did not! — Thunder and lightning! To escape the crawls of the devil of a widow and to fall instead into the fangs of the devil's dam! — Henry, say I did not ! — That's a good boy ! — Henry. Well, Captain, I am not so certain that you did, but why did the old gentleman offer you the realization of your last wish before midnight, if not in acknowledgment of your future relationship? Capt. (eagerly) Now I see, Henry, you are wrong,— for he included you in his offer, and you did not make love to the fairy either ! — How is that? Henry. Are yon certain he did? Capt. Upon my honor as a gentleman ! Henry. Then you made no love, Captain, I am sure ! There is no danger for you ! Capt. (after a short pause. Aside) Has the rascal mysti- fied me ? — (aloud) Have you ever heard of black fairies? Henry. No ! — Never in my whole life ! — Capt. Have you ever heard of a white fairy falling in love with a black man — Hem! — I will say with a gentle- man of the color ? Henry. No! — Never in my whole life ! — With a black man ! — Anything but that ! — Capt. (aside) The rascal ! — How he says that ! — Henry. But why do you question me thus? — Capt. To make you aware that my making love to her could not harm me. — But, Henry, it is time to retire, pre- pare your bed. It is 11 o'clock! — (the clock points to \\\) I am tired after all the trouble of the day, and as I in- tend to rise very early in the morning I will lie down on the sofa. Don't trouble yourself with preparing the bed for me, give me only a blanket. I will wind up the clock. {ivinds up the clock and puts the handback upon 11. Aside ) Now, my friend Henry, let not the right moment slip ! {lies down on the sofa, is hidden by the high arms of the sofa.) Henry, {having fetched from outside of the room an old mattress, bolster and blanket for himself and a blanket for the Captain which he throws over the latter, prepares his bed on the floor behind the table hidden by the table-cover. Aside) He says it's 11 o'clock, — that's a lie! I looked at the clock a good while ago, and it was a quarter after 11 then. The envious rascal has meddled with the clock to mislead me about the time, {aloud) Captain, it is really after 11 already. Have you wound up the clock ? — He does not answer, he is asleep already, {aside) He will make me believe it, the hypocrite, {aloud) I wonder whether he has forgotten it? {going to the clock advances the hand one quarter) Indeed he has done it. That's a wonder! Now I'll lay down — I am tired enough, {lies down after ex- tinguishing the lamp. Note. — The following soliloquies require that head and face of the speaking person appear before the imaginary sight of the reader, {before the sight of the audience.) Capt. {raising his head. Aside.) He has laid down at last, and in two minutes will be fast asleep. — Now, Captain George Washington, what are you going to wish ! — Rank and station ? — Poh ! — I am fast becoming by myself a great man ! — But riches! — That's the thing ! — A great fortune — and then? — Being a rich man, living in a four-story brown-stone-front, high-stoop house, — with shares in Seneca and Mariposa, — a six horse Buchu,— and servants to boot, — I wonder what Josephine would say then ? — Wealth!— Wealth!— That's the thing!— {listening) Henry is not asleep yet ! {listening) Perhaps the whole thing is a sham and the old gentleman was but jesting? — -Never mind ! It is an easy and pleasant entertainment to indulge in the sweetest wishes of the heart, {lies down.) Henry, {raising his head. Aside) I wonder whether he sleeps? — He wished me to miss the time, but it won't do! — It is now — let me see — exactly 11 minutes to 12. — Upon a wish I have settled! — I only wish my money had arrived from the fatherland, nothing else. — Then I could emigrate with Josephine from this cursed District to the far West and be happy for life ! — I wonder what that fellow is going to wish ! — With his abilities and his influence I would make my fortune in one day. {lies doivn.) 22 Capt. (raising his head. Aside) Wealth ! — Wealth ! — Great Wealth ! — With it I can buy anything my heart wishes — and Josephine too ! — To buy the affections of a girl is done often enough now a days; — it's not the right thing, I know, but how could I get Josephine otherwise, attached as she is to that stupid fellow. — He is completely incapable to appreciate his luck! — "Only one day in his place what happiness that would be." {lies down.) (Note. The performer of Captain repairs behind the scene to the couch of Henry, and takes his place upon the couch after Henry has done speaking.) Henry . ( raising his h ead. A side) W hy not ? — N o ! — No unjust money but my own! — That black fellow could be a contractor to-day if he was not so lazy. "But one day in his skin and I could make Josephine happy y {lies down.) The clock now points to 12. (Note. The performer of Henry repairs behind the scene to the sofa, taking the place o/*Captain. Thus a mutual trasformation is instituted.) Henry, (in the shape of the Capt., raising his head. — Aside) I wonder what he has wished ? — As for me I don't want anything but my own money! — That's the last I will think of now that midnight is near, (lies down?) Capt. (in the shape of Henry, raising his head. — Aside.) Yes !— Wealth !— Great Wealth !— That's the only thing I long for, and a life of splendor and ease — and pretty Jos- ephine! — And now as midnight is near I'll go to sleep. (lies down. After a small pause, raising his head. Aside.) Why not President of the United States?— No!— That I can become by myself! Am I not a native born citizen — Captain George Washington and a gentleman of the color? No! — Wealth can make me anything,, even a nobleman and Prince! — Therefore — wealth — (his head sinks down.) Tramsformaion of the scene. — Fantastic scenery. — Water bank. — Music. — Nymphs and inhabitants of Potomac River and Tiber, entering. — Dance. — The Nymphs cunningly dancing around Captain and Henry. — Grotesque water animals rallying them, etc. The whole representing a chaotic dream. — Tableau. 23 ACT II. Note, — It is to be kept in mind that in consequence of the mutual transformation, Henry now appears unconsciously in the shape of the Captain, as a gentleman of the color, and the Captain in the shape of Henry, as a white man. Scene I. — Morning. Workshop as in Act I. Captain and Henry asleep on their couches. Henry, {awaking. — Rubbing his eyes. — Stretching him- self) What a restless night, full of tormenting dreams. {looking around) How different everything seems ! — How heavy I feel ! — : — I must go to the pump to fetch fresh water and take a good washing to get my head clear. {rises. — Takes the pitcher from the table. Exit.) Capt. {raising ids head) I do not know how I feel! — My head is heavy and my muscles stiff, as if I had been on a spree yesterday. — I have been dreaming all sorts of things. — That I was a very rich man surrounded with all the luxuries of wealth, — then again a knight doing homage to his lady love, — No ! — That was a reality, by Jingo ! — A young lady and an old gentleman were in this very room, — and— yes ! — I presented a glass of water, and all that sort of thing. — But what did I dream?— The funniest things. Once for a short time 1 was President of the. United States, and — then — that — old gentleman w r ith his promises. — {rising from the sofa) My head is so heavy I must sit down. {sitting down at his working bench) Henry has gone for water. — Enter Henry. Henry. Good morning, Captain ! Up already? {puts the pitcher on the table, removes mattress, blankets and bolsters outside the door.) Capt. Yes, Henry, it was high time to get up, consider- ing the number of jobs we have to finish before night. {picking up Mrs. Fancy s shoe and throwing it over to the other bench) That confounded dancing shoe of her ladyship you may repair, I have seen so much of it — it disgusts me ! — Henry, {sitting down at his bench, opens a paper parcel containing some sandwiches. Eating) Yes sir, you should feel disgusted, considering — Capt. Considering the trick you played me, you rascal! Henry. Never mind, Captain, the lady was pleased by your courtesy. 24 Capt. (smiling) Was she? I guess she ought to be. But do you remember, Henry, how the old gentleman who was with her behaved? Henry. I don't remember well, but — I think — no, I cannot remember, indeed. How did he behave, Captain? Capt. You won't tell, you rascal, but never mind ! — You know it as well as I, he offered me the fulfillment of a wish — Henry. And me too! Capt. That I cannot remember ; — and did you make a wish ? Henry. I am not certain whether I did; — 1 fell asleep so suddenly that I cannot recollect what I did. Capt. The same with me. — The whole thing was a sham, I reckon. Henry, (aside) That's a big lie ! — (aloud) You don't think of your breakfast, Captain. Capt. That's so, Henry, (rises, goes to table, unlocks a dra/wer — taking a bottle and some eatables on « piece of paper. Puts them on his bench. Taking the pitcher from the table) I'll take a good wash before. [Exit.] Henry, (having finished his breakfast commencesio work — Starts. — Looks at his hands. — Excited) What's the matter with my hands! 1 never in my whole life. — What's the matter with my hands! — Have I worked in the devil's coal yard? (rubbing his hands in various ways) It will not come off! — Is it the fault of the water? Or— the fairy of yesterday? — Pshaw ? What the devil is the matter with my hands — ^jumping up. — Shrieking) It is Cholera Morbus! — I don't know, but I feel so strange, — my limbs are so stiff, — and my stomach ! — What's the matter with my stomach? — Have I caught cold? — Have I swal- lowed snakes and scorpions? — How is my pulse? (feels his pulse) It runs Dexter like ! — My head is so heavy — and my stomach — (feels his stomach and listens) No ! It is all right there! — Pshaw! — But imagination! (laughs) "Captain George Washington you are an ass," as the Capt. used to say. (sits down) Donner und Blitzen was ist mit meinen Haenden 9 — (looks at them contemplatively) Are they the hands of a white man? — No, they are not! — How strange I feel! (looks about, — rises,— walks to the other bench, — takes a hearty draught from the bottle and returns to his seat) Now I feel better ! — But what will the Captain say? — Pshaw! he won't find it out and I won't tell him. My stomach is all right now. — only my hands, [ will give them a good scrubbing and they will be all right too ! — The Captain returns. — But would'nt he jeer when he sees 25 my hands. {During the remainder of the scene a number of times he looks at his hands startltd by their appearance and is anxious to hide them from the sight of other persons near /dm.) Enter Captain, Capt. (putting the pitcher on the table. — Sits down at hi* bench, fetches the bottle, looks at the contents and to- ward Henry — Aside) Henry lias been at my bottle, I am sure, — he hides his face, the honest chap ! (going to put the bottle to his mouth, hesitates, — wipes the mouth of the bot- tle with his apron, — puts it to his mouth, drinks.— Stops drink- ing ivithout removing the bottle. — Then slowly removing the dottle — unconscious of spilling some of the contents, — contem- platively looking at his hand. — Aside) What's the matter with my hand? — And the other too! — White like sheep',* wool, — I mean like wool! — (manipulating the hands affect- edly in various manners) I cannot trust my eyes ! — It is the reflex of the bottle, (removing the bottle from one hand to the other) No ! It is not ! (rubs his eyes) No ! It is nature, a* I live, pure, innocent nature!— But how the devil can that be?—(medilatingly) I remember that for some time past it has seemed to me as though my hands were becoming even- day fairer, but to-day the change seems marvelous ! (during the remainder of the scene he affectedly shows hi* hands) And that white rascal spurns the idea that a fairy could fall in love with me? I guess I'll let him know a thing or two. (aloud) Henry, you spoke very insolently about the "black man 1 ' last night. How often shall I tell you there are no "black men' 1 in this enlightened commu- nity. There are no black men, sir! No colored men, sir! No colored people. No uncle or aunt, no Caesars, no Han- nibals, no Pompeys, sir! That's played out, sir ! — Henry. Don't grow warm, Captain, I meant no harm, you know. Enter Mrs. Col. Fancy and Josephine. Mrs. Fancy, (looking at the Captain. — Aside) There he site, the detestable villain, patronizing the bottle again ! I must stop that or he escapes me again. (Stealing toward the Captain snatches the bottle,) Capt. (startled. — Aside) Prince of demons! — It's her — I am done ! — Mrs. Fancy, (surprised) Is it you ? — (looking at Henry) There he sits ! (walking over to Henry.) Josephine, (meanwhile having appraoched Henry) Good morning, sir! (recognizing the Captain in him) Ah ! It ia you ? (looking to the Captain) Thi re he sits ! (walking over to the Captain.) 4 26 Uenry. (astonished) How is that? She wishes me good morning and walks to the Captain ? Mrs. Fancy (to Henry. — Cere- moniously) I should deem it a hap- py incident to find the gentleman at his ease after all the exc ting ac- cidents he has gone through. Henry, (astonished) How? — Mrs. Fancy. Is the gentleman to-day condescending enough to grant me an interview? Henry, (amazed) How? — Mrs. Fancy. I hope the gentle- man will pardon me when I suspect in the way he receives me, a new diplomatic trick to mystify me. Hy. (bewildered. Rises) How! — Mrs. Fancy, (putting her hand upon his shoulder and making him sit down) The gentleman would be mistaken should he think himself able to escape me now. Henry, (frightened) N — o ! — Mrs. Fancy, (surprised) How? Henry, (trembling , looking about) No!— Ma'm! Mrs. Fancy, (surprised) How? — Henry, (looking about. — Tremb- ling) No ! — Ma'm I Mrs. Fancy, (sharply) How? No, ma'm? Henry, (wildly) Yes, ma'm ! (aside) Mine God, she is mad ! How to escape her. (jumping up, is forcibly pushed down. ) Mrs. Fancy ( sneeringly) I should think, sir, you should know by this time that I am determined not to make a fool of myself by letting you off. No ! Sir t— No !— Never ! Henry, (aside) 1 must unite in her views, or I am done. She is dangerously crazy ! Mrs. Fancy. Josephine has told me all, and I know your abomina- ble rascality ! So? my fine gentle- man makes love to her behind my back? Henry. Why — yes. ma'm, — no madam ! But— Josephine loves me. Mrs. Fancy, (wrathful) You, wretch, have the impudence to tell me this in my free? Henry, (astonished) Why, — mad- am ? — Yes ! How r can it harm you ? Mrs. Fancy, (in great rage) How it can harm me? — You villain, to Jos. (to the Captain — Ceremon- iously) I am very happy to have hit upon the time when the gentle- man is not occupied on his usual private errands, (court esying.) Capt. (astonished) How — ? Ji s. You need not put on such astonished looks, — I know all ! Capt. (bewildered) How — ? Jos. Do not play the innocent, for I know that you are deceiving me. Capt. {collecting himself) I as- sure you that I meant honorably by you. Jos. Honorable does not mean when you give the same assurance to another. Capt. I think you must know that 1 would not care a snap fur her. Jos. So? — there is another then I Oh, me ! Miserable girl \ (crying) Capt. You know well, Joseph- ine, that she has made up her mind to catch me under any con- ditions, and that she will play all kinds of tricks to accomplish her object. Jos. (crying) How should 1 know that! — Have you ever told me one word of it ? Capt. I think, Josephine, you should have known it long since. Jos. And you never made love to her ?— Capt. Never, Josephine, upore my honor ! Jos. T am sure .\ou have never hinted to her that her affection for you is not unpleasant ! I am sure : you never did. (crying) Capt. Until I knew you, she may have thought that the feeling- was mutual, but since that time- — Jos. And this has been going on so long, and I knew nothing of it r Capt. You know, Josephine, to get rid of her is not so easy — Jos. You never told her of our relations? Capt. How could I dare, Jos- ephine, only think — Jos. (inrage) Where is she thaft •27 n-sk me thus after all those con- temptible tricks you played to make me believe in your affection ? Think of the scene with ray danc- ing shoe? Henry {alarmed) It is not my fault ! — He ordered me to fill it with water ! — Mrs. Fancy. Hovv?— (aside) it is a new trick to escape me, I am sure, and that huzzy participates in it ! — I will quickly ^and it out — (calls) -'Josephine P' — I may tear out her heart!— The vile wretch who would rob a poor girl of the only thing she could call her own ! — Cipt. Your passion blinds you ! Do you not see that she is still present? (poinding toward Mrs. Fancy — Anxiously) But compose yourself, this is not the right time — Jos. She?— My mistress ?^-Bnt never mjnd she shall— (answering) ''Yes, madam n Mrs. Fancy and Josephine meeting in middle of- scene. Capt. (aside) A storm is approaching and the lightning will strike my poor- head! Henry, (aside)- Am- 1 dreaming? — Jos. Madam, I am .told- — Mrs. Fancy, (interrupting. — Pointing to Henry) That man tells me you are in love with him — Jos. (excitedly runs toward Henry) Did he 1— Mrs Fancy, (aside) Now comes my time, but I must get rid of Henry, (walks to the Captain.) Jos. (to Henry) You contemptible coward ! You have told her that I am in love with you ! — Henry. But Josephine, dear, why should I not tell the truth !— Capt. (aside) Now I am done! — She comes! — Mrs. Fancy, (to Captain) Look here, my good man, you can do me a great favor by absenting yourself for half an hour. Capt. (astonished) How's that, madam? My estimable friend in- dulges in — Mrs. Fancy. Don't talk such !— I to will bear nonsense ! Begone now send Josephine presently you company. Capt. (astonished) That you will do? — Your generosity, my most estimable — Mrs. Fancy, (aside) The fellow is unwilling to go ! — 1 must get rid of him. (gives him a dollar.) (aloud) Here my man, to have a merry time besides ! Now begone. (walks toward Henry.) Capt. (amazed. — Looking at the dollar) Do I dream, or is it all reality ? — Things begin to alarm roe! — Jos. ( astonished. — ■ To Henry ) The truth? — He says he tells the truth, the cowardly hypocrite !~ Have I ever said or done anything that could give you the least ex- cuse to believe such utter impossi- bilities ?— Henry, (amazed. Aside) She is crazy too ! — (aloud) Josephine, how can you talk this way, after all that has passed between us ! — Jos. (crying) The fellow is crazy ! — Henry I move in a dream still, {looks at his hands. ) Jos. (crying) He is completely crazy ! — But I see now, — it is a trick of hers!-- (looking toward Mrs. Fancy. — Perceives her giving money to Captain — - Excited) Hah ! — What's that! — (in great rage moves toward Mrs. Fancy, meeting her in cen f re.) 28 Jos. (to Mrs. Fancy) Then it is you who have caused all this trouble by your sinful passion ! — Mrs. Fancy. Are you crazy, girl ? — You forget that I am your mistress ! — Jos. (in rage) Playing all Mich contemptible tricks io blind me and the world! — Mrs. Fancy, (in rage) You huzzy, you dare — Jos. (in rage) I am only a poor honest girl, but you are an old hypocritical — Mrs. Fancy, (grasping at her) I will murder you ! You — (Captain and Henry meanwhile having rncn from their benches.) Henry. (shouting) Help, Captain, she will murder her! — Capt. (shouting) Help, Henry, there will be a murder I (Captain and Henry bo f h hasten to part them, meet.— Look each other in the faces. — Recognizing themselves in one another — rebound. — -Look again, and with a fearful shriek fall to the floor as if dead) (Mrs. Fancy and Josephine affrighted , part and lock at the men on the floor.) Mrs. Fancy. What's that ! — -Is the whole world mad ! — Jos. (crying) My poor Henry I — He has been murdered ! Mrs Fancy, (shrieking) They have shot each other during our squabble! (frightened) Josephine, what a fearful deed ! — And we were present and will be put on the stand as witnesses— perhaps arrested as accessories, for they fought on our account ! — (falling on Josephine s neck. — Crying) Oh, Josephine, we are undone!— We will be hanged by the neck I — Come ! — Come ! — Come ! — {trie® to drag the resisting Josephine with her.) Jos. (crying) My poor, honest Henry — (Meanwhile both men beginning to give sigyis of life , — re- move, slowly crawling from each other to the side walls, — suddenly bounding up — anxious to reach the door, knock against one another, — with the shrieks u My Ghost!" they fall down again, near Mrs. Fancy and Josephine, who meanwhile had approached the door.) Jos. (shrieking) They are mad ! — They are mad ! — Mrs. Fancy (at first bewildered, then grasping Joseph- ine s arm. Fxcitcd) Josephine, — now I see it all ! — We are the victims of a low, contemptible conspiracy ! — {louder) I see it clearly now. — [in rage) It is a new trick of that abominable man, the Captnin ! — But I will have my re- venge, as sure as I am alive I — I will make an affidavit upon oath against him for breach of promise I— (aside) The 29 white rascal I will have arrested and tried ! — Come Jose- phine ! — [Drags Josephine out. Exeunt both.] Capt. (after a while cautiously raising his head and drop- ping it again. — Aside) It is still there ! — Henry, (cautiously raising his head and dropping it again. Aside) My ghost is there still ! — Capt. (raising his head) Still there! (moves slowly to the door.— Suddenly jumping up to pass the door is accosted Enter two Policemen. 1st Police, (taking hold of Capt.) Stop, friend !— You are Henry Klein, — we arrest you !— Capt. (excited) I am Captain George Washington !- — But — Well 1 Anything you want, only fetch me from this awful place ! — [Exeunt Policemen with Captain.} Henry, (slowly getting up) They have gone! — I am alone now (looking wildly about) and saved from this terrible sight! — What was that?— An apparition ?— Or flesh and blood in my own body ! — (slowly approaching his work- bench — sitting down) But how can it be my own body un- less a Siamese twin of mine. Nonsense ! I never was grown upon an other body as far as I can remember ! — And how can it be my body which I still have and feel, and I am no ghost either ! — (looks suddenly at his hands. — Jumping up) I am perhaps the devil himself! — Nonsense ! (knocks) (trembling) Come in ! — Enter Bank Clebk. Bank Clerk. Good morning, Sir ! — I have brought your deposit of $2,000. Henry. You are mistaken, sir. Bank Clerk. Labelled with the name of Henry Klein. Henry, (excited) That's me, sir ! Bank Clerk, (surprised, looking at Henry. Smiling) Oh, certainly ! — I understand ! Please give me your receipt in this book, (presenting a book and pen) Here, on this line ! Henry, [hesitating) But I can not write English. Bank Clerk, (smiling^ I understand !— Please make your three crosses then I — (Henry doing so) Now, sir, here is your deposit, (hands him a paper parcel) You will convince yourself that the seals are untouched.— Good morning, sir? [Exit Bank Clerk.] Henry, (beivildered. — Looking at the parcel) Can that be! Is it a dream or reality !— Or is it — "Yah ! Es ist Hexerey \" The packet will disappear when I open it,— or will fly away as a bat,— or stones as big as my head will be found so inside of it! — {looking at the Captains work-bench, — walks to it, fetches the bottle and empties it in long, eager draughts) Hah ! — I have courage now, any amount of courage ! — (returns to his bench — sitting down) Let me see now whether it will disappear and leave nothing but ashes and the smell of brimstone ! (The peculiarities of intoxication appearing and gradually increasing. — Looks at the packet contempla- tively. — Looks about. —Fetches hammer and cobbler s strap: — The packet on his knee, puts it under the strap, the hammer near at hand, cautiously opens the packet. — Pulls some green- backs out) Hundred ! — Hundred! — As I live ! — And they don't fly away either ! — And all my own money ! — Here it stands ? — Herr — Heinrich Klein, — Washington, — North Am — erica! — My own — honest mon — money !--I must put — it away — Hick! — The Cap — in — my boots, — my treasure — my all. (trying to put the packet in his boot Ids it fall. — attempts to pick it up, repeatedly catches instead Mrs. Fancy s shoe. — Pressing it with both arms to his breast) My own, My all. — (sinks upon his bench asleep.) Enter Josephine. Josephine, (cautiously approaching. — Aside) Henry is not here, but the Captain. I will ask him where Henry is. (aloud) Where is Henry, Captain 1 — He is drunk ! — (shaking Henry) Where is Henry ? Henry. Henry — Klei n Wash — Washington — North My money boot — fatherland lager Josephine. Hah! — What is it he means? — Money, — boot, — Henry Klein ? — Hah ! What's that ! {perceives the packet, picks it up, — reads) Henry's name is on it ! (opens the packet. — Crying) It is Henry's money ! — Henry's mon- ey I — And this wicked man bad it in his possession ! What shall I do! — It's Henry's money, I'll, take it and restore it to him !— -Quick !— Before he awakes! [Exit Josephine.] Henry. My — own — treasure — my — all — boot — shoe dancing shoe. Enter Mrs. Fancy. Mrs. Fancy, (cautiously approaching) He is there still, asleep and drunk, as I live !— threatening) Whether drunk or sober, asleep or awake, you shan't escape me ! — He got the deposit returned, I wonder where he has got the money. (eagerly searching his pocket, brings out some pennies and "various gimcracks) That's all I can find ! — He has hidden it somewhere. — Hah! — W T hat's that! — He has something clutched to his breast ! — There it is, I am sure ! — (vainly endeavoring to loosen his hands) I will open your fists, my 31 fine gentleman ! {talcing an instrument from the bench, — applying it) there is a parcel as sure as I live ! — Henry, (disturbed in his sleep) My — own — treasure, my all ! — No ! — don't — you — shan't — get — Mrs. Fancy, (eagerly) His treasure ? — His all ! — I will get it — [forces out the shoe. — Henry s arm sinking down. — Excited) What's that? — My own — dancing shoe! — (con- templatively looking at the shoe) His treasure? — His all — ? (smiling) Can] it be possible ?— No ! no ! No ? — Why no ? Poor man, perhaps I judged thee too sharply ! — - With all thy faults, there was hidden, perhaps, in thy in- nermost heart, a feeling for justice and fairness, — and the image of the being whose tenderness of heart — (crying) was so often — displayed — before thy — very eyes ! — Poor man ! I will put him aright ! ( gives Henry a more comfortable position) — (knocks) There is Mrs. Justice Smith ! — What must I do now ? — Come in ! Enter Mrs. Justice Smith, her Husband with Babe. Mrs. Justice. I meet you here, Mrs. Fancy, as agreed upon. Your sworn affidavit shall be acted upon, should my personal persuasion fail. — Where is your intended? — Mrs. Fancy. Here he lies, but I am sorry to say he is sick. Mrs. Justice. I hope not so sick as to be unable to an- swer some pertinent questions. Mrs. Fancy. I will support him, Mrs. Justice ! (She sits down beside Henry, puts her arm around his person, thus supporting the upper part of his back, and enabling her r bg a slight push, to cause a motion forward.) Mrs. Justice, (sitting down on a chair, which her husband has brought. — With great dignity) Captain George Wash- ington ! This respectable lady complains that, by means of the most persuasive and convincing actions, you have won her virtuous affection, — that, having gained the pos- session of her whole heart, you did not hesitate to boast- ingly present this fact to the profane sight of your fellow men, thus establishing the undeniable evidence of such re- lations between you and this respectable lady, which in ...an honest way can only lead to matrimony ; but that you, maliciously, feloniously, and shamelessly have attempted to disregard them, by throwing yourself in the arms of a white woman, — thus not only sacrificing your honor and diginity as a gentleman of the color and a gallant soldier, but also betraying the tender feelings of this virtuous wo- man ! — I herewith ask you, merely informally of course, but frankly, whether I have stated the case truly ? Mrs. Fancy (pushing Henry s head forward.) no Mrs. Justice. I rejoice to perceive your consent ! — Are you then still devoted to her? Mrs. Fancy (jmshing Henry s head forward.) Mrs. Justice. Then she is still Henry, (disturbed by a hard push, becoming slightly con- scious) My treasure — my — all — ! {clutching his arms up- on his breast and letting them fall again.) Mrs. Justice, (to Mrs. Fancy) My sweet friend, I see now the circumstances in reality. Your ardent love has mislead you ! — I sincerely congratulate yon, and expect to see you and your intended in my office to tie the knot. — Good-bye, my friend ! [Exeunt Mrs. Justice Smith, Husband with Babe.] Mrs. Fancy, (crying Oh! I knew his noble heart! — I knew it! (hugging him) Noble, high-minded man ! — But what shall I do now? To leave him alone would be dan- gerous. Who knows but he might escape me again when recovering from his stupor. I think I'll give nature a lift as I so often did in times past under equally trying cir- cumstances, [holding a smelling bottle under his nose. He struggles violently) I knew it would avail, (repeats with the same result.) Henry. No! Don't! — My treasure — my Mrs. Fancy. He is coming to himself, — he feels my sympathetic presence. Henry, (rubbing his eyes and somewhat sobering) My — treasure — Where am I! -That horrid voice Mrs. Fancy, (looking in his face — smiling) Be easy, my friend, you are with me. Henry, (starting up, — looking at his hand — shrieking) It is Hell itself ! [Henry Exit] Mrs. Fancy, (perplexed) Was it a trick ? — Was the whole thing a sham ? — Be it as it may, he shan't escape. [Exit] Scene II. — Police Court of the District of Columbia. Door and window to right, and door to left Mrs. Justice Smith presiding. District Attorney, Clerk, Crier, Bailiff. Husband and Babe to Mrs. Smith attending near the bench. Reporters of Republican, Chronicle, Evening Star, Capitol, in their usual places. Usual audience. Clerk. District versus Henry Klein, white ! Crier, (calling) District versus Henry Klein , white ! Enter Captain conducted to the bar by Policemen. S3 Mrs. Justice. The District will state the case! District Attorney. "May it please your Honor! — The prisoner at the bar, being a white man — " Capt. {interrupting) I am no white man, I am Cap — Mrs. Justice, (to Capt.) Silence! Dist. Atty. "May it please your Honor ! — The prisoner at the bar, being a white man, and — " Capt. {excited) I say I am no white man, I am Capt — Mrs. Justice, {to Capt.) Silence ! Prisoner at the bar. Dist. Atty. (continuing) "—and journeyman of — " Capt. (wildly) I am no journeyman either, I am Captain — Mrs. Justice, (to Capt.) I caution you, prisoner, that these repeated interruptions of the proceedings must be looked upon as contempt of the Court — Capt. May your Honor please! — My most estimable lady ! I am the prisoner at the bar as far — but not — Mrs. Justice, (continuing. — Sharply) Contempt of the Court, and treated as such! — The District Attorney will Droceed ! — X Enter Potomac and Tiber, mingling with the audience, and taking their places at the window to right. Attentively observing. Enter Josephine. Attempting to approach the Captain, is rudely elbowed bach by the audience. — Attempts by sig- nals to attract his attention. Dist. Atty. (continuing) " — and journeyman of Captain George Washington — " Capt. (excited ) That's me ! — Mrs. Justice, (sharply) No more interruptions, prisoner !- Dist. Atty. (continuing) " — our well known compatriot and distinguished fellow citizen ! — " Capt. (excited) That's me, Capt — Mrs. Justice. I am determined to maintain the dignity of the Court and will allow no more interruptions! Dist. Atty. (continuing) " — is accused of having, wil- fully, maliciously, and feloniously, assumed the qualities and immunities of a gentleman of the color, — " Capt. (shouting) That I am, and I am proud of it! — The— Mrs. Justice. The Bailiff will stand by the prisoner at the bar and be in readiness to gag him upon notice, which shall be given upon any further interruption ! — Dist. Atty. (continuing) " — a misdemeanor provided for by Act of Congress of July 4th, 1876, and to be summarily tried and corporally punished." — 5 Capt. (shouting) The whole thing is a fraud! — I — Mrs. Justice, (to Bailiff) Gag him! — (Bailiff attempting to gag Captain, accomplishes it after hard struggling.) Capt. (resisti?ig — Shouting) I say it is — a fraud ! — I am — Captain — Geo. Washington — a — rascal! — stop! — of the color! — Oh, departed — spirit — of the great — Charles, stand by me ! — Stop ! — I — (inarticulate cries. — Capt. is gag- ed and handcuffed) ( Laughter in the audience. ) Crier. Silence in the Court! (Captain moves frantically about.) Mrs. Justice. The prisoner at the bar will stand still or may expect to be manacled also ! — (to Dist. AtOy.) It is the opinion of the Court that no testimony is necessary for complainant. The accused has given incontrovertible evi- dence against himself, (to Capt.) Prisoner at the bar, what have you to say in your defence? Capt. (frantically moving about. — Suddenly motionless, — he perceives Josephine, who is signaling, and Potomac and Tiber. — Attempts to draw the attention of the Court to them.) Tiber, (to Potomac. — Low) It is time for us to retire, we attract attention. Potomac, (low) Let us tarry a little longer. Have no fear ! — Mrs. Justice. As the prisoner has nothing to say in his defence, the Court — Dist. Atty. May it please your Honor ! It appears to me that the prisoner desires to summon witnesses. Mrs, Justice. Is it so, prisoner? — (Capt. nods affirmatively.) Dist, Atty. May it please your Honor. Such being the case I would ask your Honor to allow him to be ungagged. Mrs. Justice. Bailiff, ungag the prisoner! (it is done.) Josephine, (approaching the bar. — Crying) I will be his witness ! — Capt. To convince the Court, that I am Captain George Washington — Jos. (to Capt.) Don't — Don't, Henry! — Do not talk in this way, it will harm us both, Henry! — Capt. (excited) Will you swear, girl, that 1 am Captain George Washington — Jos. (crying) How can I swear to that, Henry dear. Capt. (in rage) You won't ? You serpent that I warmed on my breast! — Get out of my sight, you Delilah, who would betray me to the Philistines! — 35 Jos. (crying) Henry ! — My dear Henry! — Mrs. Justice. Pat the witness on the stand and swear her in ! — Capt. (excited) No, — no! She is no witness of mine! — I do not know her ! — I never saw her in my whole life! — Jos. (crying) Don't Henry ! — Capt. (excited) The whole thing is a trick of that Vam- pire of a widow, I see it now! (pointing to Josephine) She has been bribed! — No! I don't know her, and I did not mean her either, but that old gentleman standing over there, (pointing to Potomac) I request his examination under oath ! He will testify — Mrs. Justice, (to Josephine) You may withdraw, girl! (Josepjhine removes to the door, crying) (to Capt.) You may thank the indulgence of the Court that after such a scene you are allowed to summon another witness, (to Crier) Call the witness I — (to Capt.) What's his name? — Capt. His name is not known to me ; he will tell his name himself. But I know him as a highly respectable gentleman, although a white man. Mrs. Justice. Crier, conduct the witness pointed out to the witness stand ! (to the audience) I adjourn the Court for two minutes. (Turns aside, takes Babe from Husbands arm. — AfUr a short nursing, returning it. — Faces the audience again.) ( MeanwJtile the Crier approaches Potomac, the performer of iv hie h character ?neanwhile had turned his face aside in order to adjust, without being noticed, a, black mask, — and leads him to the witness stand.) (Potomac on the witness stand turns his face to the pris- oner, appearing as Negro.) Capt. (looking amazed at Potomac. — Grasping his head. Exclaiming) It's a trick! — A sham! — A fraud! — The whole thing is a fraud ! — The whole world is mad! — Mrs. Justice. * Prisoner, is this the witness you wish to have examined? — Capt. (excited) No! — No! He is an imposter ! — A humbug ! — The devil himself! — All but my witness ! — Mrs. Justice. The gentleman may retire! — (Potomac returns to Tiber. — ) (to Capt.) Prisoner at the bar, the complaint against you being proved, the Court sentences you to receive twenty lashes on the bare back at the pub- lic whipping post! — Next case! — (Capt. led away by door to right, struggling violently.) Enter Henry by door left, furtively looking about, hiding himself among audience. 36 Clerk. District versus Benjamin — Mrs. Justice, (perceives Henry, — interrupting) Stop a moment! Captain George Washington, I want to see you. (Henry disregarding the summons, is pushed to the bar by audience.) Mrs. Justice. Your complaint I know ; you will be grat- ified to learn, however, that justice has already been done, and that the imposter suffers, at this very moment, the penalty of the law. Henry. Oh I thank your Honor most devoutly. Mrs. Justice. And now I must remind you of your duty as a gentleman and christian, to appear as soon as possible with your affianced in my private office, that I may tie the knot. . Henry, (with emotion) It is all out between us, your Honor ! She has changed her mind. Mrs. Justice. Impossible, Sir ! Was I not myself an eye-witness of her tenderness for you ? Impossible, I say ! Henry. I assure your Honor it is precisely as I said. She despises me now, and has shown it by word and deed. She loves another man, and that man is my own — Mrs. Justice. Horrible ! Your own — Henry. sad ! Despite his color and low, contempti- ble character, and after all the many proofs of our mutual affection ! Mrs. Justice. To the latter point I can testify myself. I know your feelings toward her. But I cannot imagine for what secret purpose she has suffered me to play the role I did, when admonishing you for your treacherous conduct. Henry, (astonished) How ? — I did not behave treacher- ous toward her, and love her still, notwithstanding her faithlessness. Mrs. Justice. She has evidently made me a party to some mysterious scheme which I will find out soon. You may go now, I'll see you soon. — The Clerk will call the roll! Miter Mrs. Fancy by door to right. Mrs. Fancy, (shouting) I'll have justice! I cry for justice ! (Henry, hearing Mrs. Fancy s voice, hides himself among the audience and manages to reach the door to left unnoticed.) Mrs. Fancy, (at the bar) Your Honor will render me justice ! Mrs. Justice. Of course I will! By your unexpected and somewhat unceremonious appearance you have spared 37 me a summons which I intended to issue. As you are present you may answer just as well. Mrs. Fancy. ( perceiving Henry at the door) There he is, the abominable monster ! {starts for the door ) [Henry exit ] Mrs Justice. Bailiff, bring her to the bar! {bailiff doing so in spite of her resistance.) Mrs. Fancy, (excitedly) The monster shall answer for his treachery ! (will start for the door, is held back by Bailiff.) Mrs. Justice, (sternly) Captain George Washington has made complaint that you have broken faith with him, and jilted him for a white man, his journeyman Henry ! His statements appear so creditable — Mrs. Fancy. Is it really possible ! Has the monster mystified even you, the most clever and enlightened wo- man that adorns the bar of the Country? (with animation) What a wonderful man! Mrs. Justice. What do you say to the complaint of the Captain. Is it true that you jilted him for his journey- man Henry, a white man ? Mrs. Fancy, (excitedly) I? — 1, a respectable and virtu- ous woman, — I, the widow of an honorable citizen and de- fender of the Country. — I should throw myself into the arms of a white wretch ? Enter Captain, led by two Policemen. Appears broken down in spirit and body. His movements are slow and apparently painful, one of his hands rubbing his back.) Capt. (perceiving Mrs. Fancy, starts. Aside) My cup is not yet full, alive I cannot escape her now ! (shudder- ing) Rather die than fall into her fangs! — Mrs. Justice, (to Capt.) You will answer some questions put to you, truthfully and fairly. Capt. Your Honor, my most estimable lady. I am aware of your questions, and will say thus. You are as w r ise a judge as Solomon was. Like the little innocent, I am claimed by two women, so you may halve me with the edge of the sword. I am done ! — Mrs. Fancy. What is the wretch talking? I claiming him ? Never has such a thought entered my mind and never will. Mrs. Justice. Mrs. Fancy, he affirms the alleged com- plaint, I am sorry to say. Mrs. Fancy. It is not so. it cannot be so ! Let me question him myself, your Honor, (to Capt.) Did I un- derstand you to imply that I was one of the women that claimed you ? 38 Capt. Can I take it for granted that Mrs. Fancy lays no claim upon me ? Mrs. Fancy. Is the rascal mad ? Mrs. Justice. She says she does not. Capt. Then I will answer fairly and truthfully any questions she may choose to put. Mrs. Fancy. Have I ever degraded myself so far as to show that you were an object of interest to me ? Capt (hiding himself behind Bailiff ') You have, madam. My most estimable friend ! — Mrs. Fancy, {excitedly) You contemptible wool- dyed liar, how can you say so ! Capt. Have you not lurked around the shop at all hours of the day ? Mrs. Fancy, (plunging upon Capt., held back by Bailiff 1 , in rage) You — ! You — ! — Capt Have I not always found you in my path and been followed by you like my own shadow? — Mrs. Fancy, (out of breath) You — ! You — ! — Capt. Did you not set your own brood upon me as a spy, in order to find out all my doings ? Mrs Fancy, (in greatest rage) You — ! Oh, I burst! — You— ! - Captain. Did you not eagerly seek for opportunities to be alone with me? Mrs. Fancy, (shrieking) He is raving ! — Put him in iron ! Pinch him to death ! — Tear off his flesh inch by inch ! (falling in a chair exhausted) He is — {littering inarticulately .) Captain. Did you not cherish the hope that I would pop the question, and did you not make the most shameful advances to cause the desired effect. Mrs. Fancy, (panting) Water ! Water ! — Mrs. Just Fetch her some water ! (a tumbler with water is put to her mouth, she drinks eagerly) I have heard enough, (to Capt) You may go now, but beware to appear again as an accused before me! — -I would not have believed such horrors and monstrosities was it not for Captain George Washington in whose veracity I have no doubt whatever. Capt. (animated) At last!--I knew I would be be- lieved ! Thanks to your Honor for your gracious acknowl- edgement, and should you ever need the services of your humble servant, Capt. George Washington will be happy to— Mrs. Just, (sternly) Begone now!— (Exit Capt.) Mrs. Fancy, you have put yourself in the most disgraceful situ- ation. That you have mystified me, I will pardon on ac- count of our former relations, but whether you deserve my pity you may judge for yourself. — Mrs. Fancy, {rising from the chair, wildly looking around) Then it was no dream ? And it is you who reproach me thus — who believe in these monstrous lies? — You, Madam ? Do you know me so little ? Mrs. Just, {agitated) Hold your peace, Mrs. Fancy ! How can you dare ? Mrs. Fancy, {sloivly and impressively speaking) You speak of our former relations and with the same breath hurl me below the level of your pity? — Oh, Madam, how can you! — Me? Her true and faithful nurse, although not more than a child myself when Ellen was an orphan baby ? — Me ? who was her trusted friend when Miss Ellen grew up, her faithful confidant in all the joys and afflictions of her maidenhood — and — Mrs. Just, {softly) Be silent, aunt Cora ! Mrs. Fancy, (blowly approaching Mrs. Just., and gradu- ally lowering her voice, when aside of Mrs. Just, speaking in whispers not understood by the public) and her trusted nurse again when Mrs. Smith needed nursing. — And who, in the whole, wide world was found worthy to be trusted when Mrs. Smith returned from her long journey abroad {she fetches, with a look of contempt upon Mr. Smith, the Baby, fondling it — sloivly sitting down aside of Mrs. Just — both the vjomen engaging in a low conversation of apparently tender character, fondling the Baby.) {Mrs. Just., during the speech of Mrs. Fancy gradually changing in her outer aspect, not without a visible inner struggle, from the stern and stately person as she appears throughout, to the true woman as Nature has designed her sex to be.) Bailiff, {after whispering with Dist. Attorney. — Calling) Silence in the Court ! — Mrs. Justice, {spring up — looking wildly around — appears as awaking from a dream and collecting her thoughts. Sternly) The Clerk will call the roll ! Clerk. District versus Benjamin F. Butler, white ! Crier, {calling) District versus Benjamin F. Butler, white ! JO ACT III. Scene I. — Pennsylvania Avenue. People constantly pass- ing, occasionally Masks. Enter Capt. furtively looking about. Capt. I have not seen it again yet it haunts me still ! — What has become of you, Captain George Washington ? Something you never were, a coward ! But am I really Captain George Washington? That is the question! {looking about) Streets and houses have not changed or the people either, only I have. And I am in the process of changing still ! They arrest me because I deny to be Henry Klein, they punish me because I assert I am my- self; when I left the Court-room the first time, it was to receive twenty lashes, when J was leaving the second time, Mrs. Justice Smith paid me a handsome compliment for my veracity, recognizing me as the man I really am, and again, when entering the street even my best friends did not know me. They passed by without even noticing me. There come Policemen, one is my old friend Newman, will he know me ? I wonder ! Enter 2 Policemen. 1st Pol. We can succeed only by chance, the rascal is too cunning. Capt. {aside) Who are they talking about ? 1st Pol. As he is an old friend of yours it must be hard for you to be on such an errand. 2d Pol. Why no ! An old acquaintance of mine he is, but not my friend. He is the greatest scoundrel living, and I am astonished indeed that Mrs. Justice Smith could believe a word of what he said about Mrs. Fancy. Capt. It is me they speak about, to be sure. I'll move nearer to find out whether tbey really take no notice of me. {does so.) 1st Pol. Was it Mrs. Justice Smith, herself, that gave you order to arrest him. 2d Pol. She herself. She said nothing but: — "Go for that lying rascal, Capt. George Washington, and bring him before me, dead or alive ; " but you should have seen how she said this. I should not be in his skin just now for any price in the world. Capt. {shuddering — aside) Dead or alive ! 2d Pol. I think we will move on, no use staying here longer. [Exeunt Pol.] 41 CapL Dead or alive !— They are watchiug for me to bring me before Mrs. Justice Smith, dead or alive, and did not notice me when I stood so near them ? And New- man so sharp-eyed a fox though ? (meditating) How is that? — (starting) By the spirit of the great Charles, I am invisible ! If not, would they not have seen me, knowing me so well ? Of course they would ! — The circumstances considered, it is the best thing that could happen. I ought not to be afraid now either of Mrs. Justice Smith nor of that ogre of a widow, even my own ghost cannot harm me now. Surely not ! Let me try some experiments. We have Carnival to-day, what fun I will have! (laughing — suddenly serious looking) To-day is Carnival? How is that, let me see? — Carnival indeed ! And I took him for my own ghost ! (laughing) If I ever was sold in my whole life it was here ! — And by Henry too ! — Who ever would have suspected that fellow of such a trick ! The rascal ! To imitate me and frighten me out of my wits by a mere mask ! (laughing) The thing is too good to get mad about ! I only wish my fine widow would encounter him, and in her eagerness would marry him right away ! She has shown some inclination for him and repudiated me in open Court, it needed only this to make me completely happy. — There he walks ! Enter Henry. Henry. I am wandering about like the Jew of old. Nowhere quiet and rest since Josephine's falsehood and that horrid apparition, (covering his face with his hands.) Capt. (aside) The mask ge*ts loose! Enter 2 Policemen. 2d Pol. (to Henry) My friend ! Mrs. Justice Smith wants to see you. I will accompany you, come ! Henry. Willingly ! — Oh, I know, I know ! She will restore Josephine to me, come! — [Exeimt Henry and 2 Police.] Capt. Is not that an audacious fellow ! I gain respect for him, I dare say. But I am much mistaken in Mrs. Justice Smith should he not have to pay dearly for his au- dacity. I will witness the fun invisibly. [Exit Capt.] Scene II. — Private office of Mrs. Justice Smith. Entrance to right. Desk and usual outfit. Mrs. Justice, sit- ting at her desk. Mrs. Fancy, William, Josephine, standing beside her. Henry standing in front of Mrs. Smith. 2 Policemen and a number of male and fe- male Citizens. Capt. arrnonq them in the foreground, b' 42 Mrs. Justice. Captain George Washington, — Henry, {interrupting) My name is Mrs. Justice. I desire not to be interrupted ! Captain George Washington,' — Henry. Henry Klein, your Honor! Mrs. Justice. I supposed that name might remind you that I know how to guard my authority which has been assailed by you already beyond measure ! You stated be- fore me in Court, when I reminded you of your duty as a gentleman and christian to appear with your affianced in this office that I might make you one, that she had turned her affections from you to another man. Henry. Alas! It is so, your Honor ! Mrs. Fancy, {excited) You inveterate — Mrs. Justice. Mrs. Fancy, will you please be quiet ! If not, I'll have nothing to do with the case. This I say once for all !— Mrs. Fancy. I will, your Honor. Mrs. Justice, {to Henry) You asserted furthermore that you loved her still, despite her supposed faithlessness. Henry. I did. Mrs. Fancy. Oh ! I knew his noble heart! Mrs, Justice. Mrs. Fancy ! — Mrs. Fancy. Mum, your Honor! Mrs. Justice. Has your opinion changed meanwhile? Henry. It has not, your Honor. Mrs. Justice. You love her still ? Henry. I do I Mrs. Fancy. The noble — —Mum ! Mrs. Justice. What would you say when learning that you had been mistaken and that she loves you still? Henry, {eagerly) I gladly would forgive her and be the happiest man on earth. Mrs. Fancy, {eagerly) Don't you see yet that you are mistaken ? Henry. No, madam. Mrs. Fancy. No? — He says no ! Away then with all restraint ! {plunging upon Henry) Take me, my beloved husband ! {embracing him. ) William. My dear father ! {embracing Henry also.) Henry, {endeavoring to shake them, off) Donner und Blit- zen ! Hell is loose against me ! {shakes William- off who falls on the floor crying.) Mrs. Fancy, {desisting. — stupified) What's that! Mrs. Justice, {angrily) What shall I think of that scene ! {to Henry) Will you explain? — Henry. I do not know what to think of it, it is a riddle to me. u Mrs. Fancy. Hah ! Even now he shuns me, the monster ! Mrs. Justice, (to Henry — sternly) Did you not tell me you loved her still ? Henry. I did, but — ■ Mrs. Justice. Did you not tell me, sir, you would gladly forgive her and be the happiest man on earth — Henry, {eagerly) I did, your Honor, I did, but — ■ Mrs. Justice. The happiest man on earth, could you be persuaded that you had been mistaken? Henry, (eagerly) I did, but — Mrs. Justice. But! Sir! But? What? Henry. I supposed you to mean not her, but — Mrs. Justice. Whom then ? Henry. Josephine. Mrs. Justice. He is mad ! Mrs. Fancy. It is a new trick, your Honor! A new trick of the abominable monster! Henry, (pointing toward Mrs. Fancy) I never loved her, never complained of her faithlessness, I never thought of her at all, but of Josephine, to whom I was engaged. Jos. He is mad, your Honor. I never was engaged to him, never loved him, never had any dealings with him, except some clandestine addresses on his part, which P con- sidered as insults and treated as such. Mrs. Fancy. And of which your Honor is cognizant! (pointing toward Henry) There he stands now, the mon- ster, in all his abominable baseness! Henry, (deeply affected by Josephine s speech. — Lowly) Is it Josephine that speaks thus? It cannot be! (with emotion) Josephine! How can you? — Mrs. Fancy. He is at his tricks again, your Honor. Mrs. Justice. He is evidently deranged in his mind. Jos. (to Henry) I am sorry indeed," but can I act other- wise, devoted as I am to another ? Henry, (deploringly lifting his hands) Josephine ! (his eyes fall upon his black hands) It is perdition ! (sinking down) Mrs. Fancy. It's an old trick of his ! Jos. The poor man ! Mrs. Justice. Lift him up and bring him home ! (to Mrs. Fancy) You are mistaken, Mrs. Fancy, the poor man is deranged. Mrs. Fancy, (anxiously) Are you certain, your Honor, that it is no trick of his? Mrs. Justice, (sternly) It is not! Mrs. Fancy. Then I will watch over him, the poor lonely man shall not perish from want of care. Henry is lifted from the floor and led out. Exeunt Henry and Mrs. Fancy.) 44 Mrs. Justice. Josephine slay, I'll speak to you, ansWei 1 me truthfully, girl ! Have you given him no reason what- ever for this strange infatuation ? Capt. (aside) Why the fool did not unmask is incompre- hensible to me! Jos. I assure your Honor, I never have. On the con- trary I have told him repeatedly, and he was aware of it, that my affections are devoted to another. Capt. (aside) Now is your time, Captain George Wash- ington ! {places himself in sight of Mrs. Justice) What fun I will have, invisible as I am. (makes faces lotcard Mrs. Justice — putting his fingers to his nose, etc.) Mrs. Just, (after a short mediteilimi) Then I can only pity him, although I have good reasons for the belief that he is not indifferent toward Mrs. Fancy. It is the strang- est thing I ever have witnessed, I never in my whole life saw — (perceiving the Captain s doings. In great agitation) such impudence and audacity ! Is the fellow mad ! Capt. (acting as before — aside) What fun ! Mrs. Just, (in rage) Is that fellow crazy ! (pointing tovmrd Capt.) Arrest him immediately ! Capt. (seized by 2 Police. — I y erplexed) How ? What ! They caught me by mistake, (tears loose — jumps to the other side of the room) Find me now when you can! (is seized by 2 Pols.) How's that ! Josephine, (crying) He is crazy, too ! — Mrs. Just. Arrest the fellow and bring him to-morrow before me. I'll make him an example to all men who dare defy the dignity of Mrs. Justice Smith ! — [Exeunt Capt. and 2 Pol.] Josephine, (crying) My poor boy [ — Scene III. Pennsylvania Avenue. A number of Masks on the scene and passing. Potomac and Tiber repeat- edly passing. Delineation of the Washington Carnival. Potomac and Tiber evince the greatest astonishment and seem bewildered ivhen surroundrd by all so?~ts of grotesque maslcs, who are jesting with them. Tiber. I am frightened, Father Potomac ! Potomac. Are these beings mortals ? — I am bewildered, my daughter ! Let us get away as quickly as possible ! (starts) Hah ! What do I see? [Enter Masks, representing inhabitants of the icater.] Potomac. Our element, also, has sent delegates to this strange assemblage ! (rallied by some of these Mash) They recognize us, Tiber, no doubt. 45 Enter Neptune on Chariot, arrayed in (he usual garb and surrounded by his attributes and followers, pass over the scene. [Exit Neptune.] Potomac, {excited) Hah !— It is He! Our Father Pos- eidon in all his glorious splendor ! — Tiber ! I know now the character of this assemblage ! It is a festival in honor of Neptune, such as were celebrated by the followers of Roman us, the mortal offspring of my Cousin Circe ; on the banks of thy name-sake Tiber, far beyond the columns of Hercules. The glorious Poseidon himself comes to honor it with his sublime presence, and all these strange crea- tures surely are inhabitants of his endless empire, who ap- pear to pay their humble devotion to their sovereign Lord. Come, Tiber, let us join them. There, he returns. Enter Neptune on Chariot, ivith Followers. Potomac, {drays Tiber toward Neptune s Chariot. Both bend their knees. Procession stops. — To Neptune) Great Father of the world of waters, graciously deign to receive the homage of thy humble son Potomachus, who, prompted by mere curiosity assumed the mortal garb to mingle w T ith those upon earth, and by doing so was fortunate enough to meet his sovereign Father. My daughter Tiber here begs to offer her homage with mine ! — Neptune, {with dignity) Thy homage, my son Potomakos, pleases me well, and I will not fail to remember thee favor- ably. As to thy daughter, I wish to give her a token of my good-will by inviting her to partake of my seat. (Tiber is lifted in the chariot. Profession moves on) Masks, {shouthig) Hurrah! — Bully for you !— Three cheers and a tiger for Potomac and Tiber ! — Hurrah ! — Potomac, {starting. — Shouting) I am sold ! Sold! {Pulls Tiber from the chariot and drags her to the front) Come, Ti- ber, come! I have enough of these mortals! Thou art right, they are neither strong in body or mind, but they are ingenious, and above all they can cheat even us immor- tals, for — they are "smart" ! [Exeunt Potomac and Tiber.] Scene IV.- — Night. Workshop as before. Lamps on the benches. Clock points to a few minutes to 12. Capt. and Henry lying by their benches asleep t their faces being turned aside, cannot be seen* Mrs. Fancy sit- ting by Henry and watching him. Josephine attend- ing Capt. *The performers of Capt. and Henry have reaseumed their proper char- acters. The faces are turned aside to hide this fart in accordance with the progress of the performance. 10 Mrs Fancy. I think, Josephine, we may leave them to themselves without danger. It is almost midnight and they will sleep in their present positions as well as in bed. Jos. Oh, I cannot leave my poor Henry alone while he suffers from the cruel treatment he has undergone. But for your kind interference he would have suffered still more! Mrs. Fancy. I appreciate your grief, Josephine, and will lend you my utmost aid and sympathy, and will stay here a little longer although the Captain may not need my care. Jos. I thank you sincerely, madam ! (The clock points to 12. — Capt. and Henry moving uneasily about in their sleep.) Mrs. Fancy. He is going to awake ! — I wonder wheth- er he will try to give me the slip again. (Putting her arm around Henry. ) Jos. He cannot sleep, my poor boy. I wish I could re- move him to the sofa. (Putting her arm around the Capt?) Capt. (groaning) I feel awful, — cannot move a limb ! Jos. I will assist you to the sofa, Henry. Capt. (aside) I am still dreaming! — I am Henry still. (Groaning.) Henry, (moving. — Jjow) How heavy I feel. Mrs. Fancy. Be easy, my friend, you are in my care. Henry. That horrid voice again! — lam still dreaming. Capt. (low) Where am I? — Is it Josephine who is with me? Jos. (softly) Yes, my poor boy. — Capt. (uneasy) Josephine? — Then it was no dream? — ■ What was it? — I saw — Henry, (low) That voice recalls to my memory hah! (aloud) The ghost ! Capt. ) (looking wildly at each other) No ! — it was a Henry. J dream ! — '[looking at their hands) It was a dream. Capt. (groaning) But my back ! (Putting his hand upon his back.) Mrs. Fancy and Josephine, (attempting to quiet their charges, perceive the change in their faces, — scream and run toward each other, — see their respective charges on opposite sides. — Shrieking) His ghost! — ( fall fainting to the floor.) Capt. ) (bounding up. — Shrieking) Ghost ! — Ghost : — Henry. / Where? — No !— —They are crazy !- Capt. (approaching Jos.) Josephine dear, what ails you ! Henry {forcing him back. — To Capt?) It's none of your business ! — (lifts Josephine up and leads her to Captain's bench) Be easy, Josephine, I am with you ! Capt. (attempting to get hold of Josephine and to force Henry away. — To Henry) You impudent fellow ! (to Jos.) Josephine it is me ! 47 Mrs. Fancy, {slowly rising) What's that? — He leaves me lying on the floor and is after Josephine after all, — the treacherous monster ! {approaching the Capt. behind his back.) Josephine, {coming to herself.— To Henry, softly) Is it you? — Henry. Yes it is me, Henry ! Capt. Yes, it is me, Josephine, dear, — Captain George Washington, gentleman of the color. Mrs. Fancy, {grasping the Captains shoulder, pulling him bach, — Excited) I will color you, you vile seducer ! — What have you to do with that girl ? — Capt. {excited) What can that be to you, Madam? — Did you not discard me and make love to that white man ? — Did yon not send me out of the room to be alone with him ? — Josephine, {springing up. — Excited) Yes, Madam ! Did you not make love to him? {pointing to Henry.) Mrs. Fancy, {pointing to Henry) I made love to him? — Capt. Yes, to him ! — And did yon not give me a dollar for that little service ? — Mrs. Fancy, {excited) To you, you coward ? — I gave the dollar to Henry ! Henry. That's a lie, Madam, you never gave me any- thing ! — Capt. {to Mrs. Forney) And did you not offer me Jose- phine's company, too !— Henry, (to Mrs. Fancy) And did I not always hear your horrid voice tingling about me when I was asleep ? — Josephine, (to Mrs. Fancy) And did you not use the most detestable tricks to mislead that honest boy ? ( point- ing to Henry) You treacherous woman ? — Mrs. Fancy, (bewildered) Hah! — It is a new conspiracy against me! — I see it all now ! — (crying) It is a new trick of that monster ! — (pointing to the Capt.) Of that base vil- lain ! — Hah! (rushes to Henrys work-bench and picks up Iter dancing shoe, then to the centre near the door, fronts the others, holding up the shoe — solemnly) Look at this and tremble ! Capt. (imeasy. — Aside) What does she mean by that cursed shoe of hers? — Henry, {uneasy. — Aside) What can she mean by that shoe ? When I tilled it with water, I did it upon the Cap- tain's command. Mrs. Fancy, (as above) Mrs. Justice Smith shall do me justice ! — (going.) Capt. (rushing after her) Stop, madam ! (rubbing his back.) Mrs. Fancy. What is your pleasure, Captain George Washington ? 4S ( 'apt. (uneasy) My estimable friend said — (rubbing his back.) Mrs Fancy, (solemnly) Mrs. Justice Smith shall do me justice ! (menacingly) Think of your treasure, — your all ! Henry, (excited) Hah! (moving his hand to his boot) My money ! — GapL i bewildered. — Aside.) What does she mean by that? Jos. (to Henry. — Whispering) He had it, but I took it away from him. Henry. Oh, Josephine! — It was not a dream then! (to Mrs. Fancy) I will go with you, Mrs. Fancy, to be your witness ! Jos. And so will I, Mrs. Fancy. Henry. The Captain is too dangerous a man ,( pointing to Jose p] due) to see him at liberty. Capt. (smiling) Cannot matters be amicably arranged ? (rabbin