B35 NO PLAYS EXCHANGBidiv ' 5aher'3 Edition or Plays RED CAP Price, 25 Cents B. yj. Pinero's Plays Price, 50 Bents Cacb TUI7 A M A 7r^MQ Farce in Three Acts, Seven males, five fe- llll!t AniALtKjPiiJ males. Costumes, modern; scenery, not difficult. Plays a full eveniug. THE CABINET MINISTER IfS. 'Si„f "ienX'; c^? tumes, modert" society; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. nAWnV ni^lf Farce in Three Acts. Seven males, four fe- UnViUl l/ll/H males. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two inte- riors. Plays two hours and a half. TOr f kV V ADH A?T!7Y Comedy in Foup' Acts. Fourmales, inli UAI LURU V£UL.A ten females. Costumes, modern; scenery, two interiors and an exterior. Plays a full evening. OIC UAYTCIT IIMT ADHITD Comedy in Four Acts. Nine males, nlO nUUoEa IVi UtiUILIX four females. Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. TUr UAUDV UADCI7 Comedy in Three Acts. Ten males, IflL nUDDI nURiJEi five females. Costumes, modern; scenery easy. Plays two hours and a half. IpiC Drama in Five Acts. Seven males, seven females. Costumes, ll\li3 modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. I AnV RniTMTIPITI Play in Four Acts. Eight males, seven LitiUl DUl/iliirULt females. Costumes, modern; scen- ery, four interiors, not easy. Plays a full evening. I FTTY T^^^iT^f*' ill Four Acts and an Epilogue. Ten males, five LiJCil i 1 females. Costumes, modern; scenery complicated. Plays a full . vening. THF M Al*?^Tl? ATP Farce in Thi-ee Acts. Twelve males, inCi Ifl^-iVBisJ 1 I\il. 1 fli four females. Costumes, modern; scenery, ali interior. Plays two hours and a half. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by . Walttt ^. |!?afeer & Companp No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts RED CAP A Play for Children in Two Acts By MARY WILLARD KEYES PLEASE NOTICE All amateur clubs or others who give stage presentations of this play must pay the author 1^5.00 royalty for each performance. Ad- dress on this subject Mary Willard Keyes, Wilton, Hillsboro Co., N. H. Professional rates on application. BOSTON WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 1916 RED CAP CHARACTERS Alicia, a girl of fourtee7t. Nancy, about the same age. Father Mountain. Lycinthia, a water nymph. Farael, guardian of the birds. Dorian, guardian of the little wild beasts* Dryad of the Beech. Dryad of the White Birch. Dryad of the Pine. Mirabel \ n /• - • Briar Rose I flower fairies. Fungus Dod ) , Fungus Tod Y^''''' Fire Sprite. Breeze. More dryads, elves and fairies can be introduced if desired ; or, by making slight alterations, the play can be given with only one of each. Some of the parts can be taken by either boys or girls. Copyright, 1916, by Mary Willard Keyes As author and proprietor y . <(ar/l All rights reserved. ©01.0 4 3 M.4y -4 1916 COSTUMES Alicia. Blouse and skirt. Nancy. Something that is too dressy to be suitable for moun- tain wear. Father Mountain. Ample gown and head covering of gray Lycinthia. Clinging draperies of pale green and white. Hair unbound. Dryads. Scant, sleeveless gowns of shades resembUng the color of the bark on their several trees. Hair loosely tied or dressed in c assic style with fillets. Each should wear a twig or branch from her own tree. Sandals. Fairies. Short gowns of leaf green or white; small white wings ; flower caps of pink ; pink sandals, wands. Elves. "Green jacket, red cap, and white owl's feather." Feinted shoes. Dorian. If this part is taken by a boy he may wear shirt and knickerbockers, and wide sash, all of brown ; if by a girl a tabard of burlap reaching to knees. A cape, sandals laced' to knees, long slender staff tipped with pine cone. Cap Farael. Similar costume of bluebird blue or any colors that suggest birds. OuiU in cap. Staff tipped with quills as an arrow IS feathered. ^ Breeze If a boy, shirt, knickerbockers and full cape; if a girl, tabard and cape. White and red would be effective coloring Fire Sprite. Long orange slip with flowing thin white draperies, long and full enough to be flung high and wide At- tach draperies to httle fingers by tapes so they can be extended hke wings. DANCE OF DRYADS AND BREEZE .1.^^"'^^^^?'^ motions of the trees in a high wind and try to imitate hem. The Dryad of the White Birch, for instance, might extend both arms to the right at shoulder height, droop head to right, and droppmg her fingers keep them in rapid motion to simulate the quivering of birch leaves at the same time swaying slightly from the waist The Dryad of the Beech might make motions from the wrists, while the Pine could sway her arms. Whichever one Breeze is nearest at any given moment should be the most active. Breeze should at times be very gentle and by fits very boisterous, especially with the Fire Sprite. t^^^wus, AFFECTION ATELT DEDICATED to the members of the original cast : Doris, Edith, Almus, Marion, Leonard, Howard, Florence, Grace, Adele, Ruth, Helen, Sydney, Charles, Emily and Joan PLEASE READ CAREFULLY The acting rights of this play are reserved by the author to whom ap- plication for its use should be addressed. Performance is strictly for- bidden unless her express consent has first been obtained, and attention is called to the penalties provided by law for any infringements of her rights, as follows : "Sec. 4966: — Any person publicly performing or representing any dramatic or musical composition for which copyright has been obtained, without the consent of the proprietor of said dramatic or musical composition, or his heirs and assigns, shall be liable for damages therefor, such damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars for every subsequent per- formance, as to the court shall appear to be just. If the unlawful performance and representation be wilful and for profit, such person or persons shall be guilty of a mis- demeanor, and upon conviction be imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year."— U. S. Revised Statutes, Title 60, Chap. 5 . Amateurs may obtain permission to produce it privately on payment in advance of a fee of five dollars (^5.00). Such payments should be made and all correspondence addressed to Mary Willard Keyes, Wilton, Hillsboro Co., N. H. Red Cap ACT I SCENE. — The scene is a small clearing on a mountainside. If possible there should be a white birch or a beech tree con- spicuous at the rear. There is a spring at right ce7itre. This can be made by sinking a pailful of ivater in the ground^ and arranging plants around the edge. There is a bird^s nest on a branch of a tree to the left. At left front is a small stool 7nade in sembla?ice of a toadstool and driven into the grou?id. At left rear is a baftk or rock large enough to lie on. The music for the song near the end of the play is found in the '^ St. Ale ho las Song Book,^' mider the title ^ * * Little Maid Margery, ' ' page jo. For production ijidoors, branches and evergreefis should be used, or a set of sylvan scenery. Red and yellow electric lights give the effect of a camp-fire. Caution. — It is not possible to use too much care in regard to the fire, (Fungus Dod seated on giant toadstool, a row of small toad- stools before him. He chafits singsong, touchi?ig each toadstool with little finger of left hand. Lycinthia asleep near spring. ) Fungus Dod. Spring from mud, And spring from mould ; Pale and rose And tawny gold ; Dainty flutings underneath, Scatter spore-dust in a wreath ; Best-made parts are out of sight ; Spring in thousands in a night. 6 RED CAP Enter Fungus Tod. Fungus Tod. I've scattered only forty thousand more Since yesterday. We need a three days* rain. Lycinthia {waking). Did you say rain, my little brother ? Elves (bobbing before her'). Greetings ! Fungus Tod. Dear lady water nymph, I said we need A soaking. But the spirits of the clouds Have flown so high along the sun's hot rays That I've not seen a single one on earth For these three weeks. No ! not since June came in. Lycinthia. Since June came in ? Why, then, elf, this must be, Or else to-morrow, our Midsummer Day. Fungus Tod. Midsummer Day it is. Elves {capering and turfiing somersaults). Hooray ! Hoo- ray ! LyCINTHIA. There's magic in the very air to-day, And soon the spirit of the mountain old Will visit us, beloved guardian ; And my companions, fairies, dryads, nymphs Will gather here, even as oft of old. Four times a year our council meeting comes ; Midsummer Day, mid winter, spring and fall When Grandsire Sun crosses the equinox. Enter Dorian, unperceivedy at rear. Ah ! well I love December. Then my streams Flow full, and chant sonorous symphonies Muffled to any ears but water nymphs'. And then I dance i' the moonlight on the snow, {Dances^ And wear a gown jewelled with patterned frost, And shake the spangling icicles, and laugh, For merry is December on the mountain. RED CAP *l Dorian {coming forward). Merry it is, but summer is more safe, Lycinthia. Yes, for your little beasts leave then no track When to my spring they come. Dorian. You are their friend. You never let it freeze. Lycinthia. Their little paws Make dainty characters upon the snow And hither all tracks lead. Winter is fair. But many of my friends are sleeping then — And I do love my friends. Lo ! here come two ! Enter the flower fairies, Mirabel and Briar Rose. Welcome, dear fairies ! {They trip up to her and she puts an arm around each.) Fairies. Hail ! beloved nymph ! Lycinthia. How does the laurel bloom, and the wild rose ? Mirabel. Pale in the shade, but rosy in the sun And very full and free my laurel blooms. Briar Rose. The fragrance lives in leaf and petal still But all my plants are clamoring for rain. Lycinthia. Whatever I can spare from spring and brook You and your friends shall have. Fairies. They give you thanks. {A crashing in the branches. Farael swings down from a branchy goes toward Dorian and assufnes threatetiing attitude.') Farael. Your beasts have been marauding everywhere And plundering nests of nestlings and of eggs. RED CAP Dorian. I'm sorry, Farael. They have to feed But yet I wish they did not need to hunt. Truly, I'm sorry Farael. What will you do beside being sorry, then ? That is the point. What are you going to do ? Dorian. As hitherto, I'll drive them from the nests ; I'll show them forage of another sort ; I'll punish them — admonish them, but still Farael. But still the thefts and murders will go on You think Dorian. Which of my creatures harms the most? Farael. Weasels and snakes are veritable pests But squirrels are the worst. There' re more of them. Dorian. I know. But just remember 'twas not I That gave their natures to them. Farael {taking from his cap a nesf). Look you here. Last night a mother bird nestled in peace Over her four blue eggs, the second brood. The first had hatched, but 'fore they flew away Some crafty brute of yours had feasted there. Then patiently she wove another nest, Again she brooded over precious eggs. But e'er they chipped the shell the birdlings four Were found by snake or weasel. That's but one Out of a thousand cases. Woe is me ! Dorian (taking nest). Poor mother robin ! True as I'm a king I would my subjects made not war on yours. But tell me, Farael, how can you be sure *Twas not a hawk or jay that robbed this nest? RED CAP Farael. I've seen no hawk on the mountain. For a week They've kept away. Squirrels are here in scores. Dorian. And let me tell you this. Your birds of prey Live on my baby squirrels and field mice. Let's call it quits. Farael. No ! for the balance swings Too heavily on my side, loaded with wrongs. Each year my birds grow less Dorian. Even so my beasts. Farael. And some there were that visited of old That never seek my kingdom nowadays ; So much less melody, so much less joy, So much less beauty on the mountainside. There's not a bird that flies within my realm So loathsome as a snake. Dorian. Poor unloved snakes ! 'Tis not their fault they're made to glide and coil, And have no pretty feathers, nor soft fur. 'Tis not my snakes that kill your birds by scores : It's men, and cats harbored by men, that steal Thousands of nestlings, hundreds of parent birds; And cats do not beneath my sceptre come. Watch you your owls that prowl i' the dark, and rob, Your butcher birds and eagles, hawks and jays, And keep them from my litde hungry beasts. Teach all your song birds how to build their nests Like orioles and tanagers. Should a snake Glide piously away from tempting feasts That meet him in the grass ? Will famished fox Sniff and pass by the little home i' the bush ? Go to ! You shall not slander my dear beasts. When you can tell me that your birds have learned To live on seeds alone, and never prey On winged insect, fish, or furry mouse. Then will I prison all my wild, shy things And fatten them on grain. Till that time come I beg you cease to scold. 10 RED CAP (Farael starts to strike Dorian with staff. Doriai!J guards himself. Fairies Mirabel and Briar Rose interpose their wands and elves Fungus Dod and Fungus Tod seize antagonists by their capes.) Enter Father Mountain. Father Mountain. My children, cease ! {They stop instantly arid kneel.') We'll have no brawling on Midsummer Day, Nor any day o' the year. I scarce recall A spectacle like this since men arrived And moose went northward to the wilderness Battling no longer on our mountainside. What was the cause ? Farael. Dear Father, 'twas my fault; And now my wrath has given place to shame And I deserve no less than banishment From our midsummer council, since I've spoiled The happiness of all with my complaints. Dorian. No, Father, pray you, do not banish him, For then our happiness were spoiled indeed. His heart is very sore for that his birds Do dwindle in their numbers year by year. And finding a mother robin only now The second time this year bereaved of young He blamed my squirrels, and for aught I know The little rascals red deserved the blame. Enter quietly the Three Dryads. If Mistress Beech would teach her twigs to bear Nuts in the spring each year, then would the nests Be safer. Dryad of Beech. Would I had such power, indeed ! Father Mountain. Tell me now, Farael, in the days of old Before men came, had you more subjects then ? Farael. Yea, many, many more, your worship knows. RED CAP II Father Mountain. The little beasts, perhaps, had other food ? Farael. The little beasts preyed then, as now, tho' more, For they, too, have diminished. Father Mountain. Is it fair For you to quarrel at this latter day For what has been their nature since all time ? Farael. Nay, sire, it was ill done. Father Mountain. Then join your hands. {They clasp hands.) Forbear recrimination for the wrongs Unsanctioned wrought in one another's realms, And 'gainst your common enemies make league. Now fairies, elves, and nymphs, and dryads all, We'll have our council by the light o' the moon Since Luna is full-orbed to-night. To-day Busy yourselves along the paths of men. Exert your charm. Reveal your loveliness. And make them feel the magic of the woods. Beauty and love our only weapons be. For when they love enough they'll cherish too. Still, if a dull and wanton soul come nigh Grasping our treasures but to cast away. Then, children, hide your wealth, confound his steps, Disgust and weary him. So he the less Shall feel desire to venture here again. But if by chance a kindred spirit come Among you, make your welcome warm, and give The freedom of the mountain. On this day You may unseal his eyes, and evermore He more than mortal vision shall retain. In three days rain will come and drench the soil, So be of cheer. All's well. Give notice round To all your comrades of the council hour. Here by the spring. Till evening then, adieu ! All. Hail, sire, and farewell ! We will obey. 12 RED CAP (Father Mountain goes out, followed by Dorian and, Farael, their arms over each other' s shoulder s, and the two elves tnimicking them. Lycinthia gives water into the hands of the Fairies, who sprinkle it around.) Enter Breeze, who drifts languidly across the stage ^ causing the Dryads to sway their arms and bodies. Dryad of Beech. Dear brother Breeze, stay with us for a while. Breeze. I may not now, but soon will pass again And bring you coolness from the upper air. \Extt, Dryad of Beech. I wish some mortal child would come this way. Dryad of White Birch. I fear them, I. Dryad of Pine. Why so? Dryad of White Birch. They strip my bark. Dryad of Pine. Shameful ! Dryad of Beech. And you the fairest of us all. Mirabel. I dread them, too, for thoughtlessly they tear My fragile blossoms with their greedy hands, Or pluck up rarest orchids by the roots So leaving none to gladden us again. Briar Rose. Not seldom, too, do they so little prize The flowers they have picked they cast them down And let them wilt in the sun. Dryad of White Birch. I've seen it done. Dryad of Beech. But yet not all will wantonly destroy. I've seen a child RED CAP 13 Enter the Elves in haste* Fungus Dod. I've seen a child. Fungus Tod. A girl ! She's coming to the spring to get a drink. Dryad of Birch. Which sort is she ? Fungus Dod. You'll see, for here she comes. Enter Nancy, running and gasping. Throws down a heap of flowers and flings herself on the ground^ tossing her hat aside. She neither hears nor sees the others. Nancy. That nasty little snake and that horrid bee! I perfectly loathe snakes and bees and I wish I'd killed them, but the snake wriggled away so fast I couldn't catch him. Enter Dorian and Farael from opposite sides. Farael. 'Twas I, young miss, that helped him to escape. Dorian. You, Farael ? I thank you from my heart. Farael. Oh, after all, the birds and snakes are cousins. 'Twas naught. Nancy. I thought there was a spring somewhere near here. Where can it be ? (She walks around trying to find it, hut Lycinthia stands always between her and it. One of the Elves trips Nancy up. All laugh silently.) Dryad of White Birch. Well done, my elf ! Dryad of Beech. 'Twas nimbly done ! Dryad of Pine. 'Twas rare ! For such as she cannot too seldom come. (Nancy flnds the spring,) 14 RED CAP Nancy. Oh, here is that old spring. What a little bit of water in it. {Drinks.') I wish Allie would hurry up. How that sting does burn I (Fungus Tod steals up aftd pulls a single hair.) Ow ! there's another bee ! I don't see him any- where, and it's stopped stinging, so I guess it was something else. I hate the woods in June. They're so full of creeping things and crawling things, and buzzing things and stinging things. (Fungus Dod pinches her leg.) Ow ! {Jumps up.) I said so ! {The Elves tickle her with grass from time to time.) Botheration ! I wish I had a chocolate sundae. What perfectly elegant birch bark ! (Dryad of White Birch clasps her hands to her breast i?i alarm.) While I'm waiting for Allie I'll just cut my initials on that. {She Jumps up, Fungus Tod trips her, Fairies catch her skirt with briars, Dorian places branch in her way, Dryad of White Birch kneels and clasps her tree. Nancy goes to further side of tree and pretends to be cutting her initials. The Dryads mourn, Elves and two Guardians shake their fists at Nancy.) Dryad of Beech. Dear sister, are you faint ? Dryad of White Birch. Only a little. She is not cutting deep. I do not bleed. I shall not suffer injury — only scars. Dryad of Pine. Alas ! how can the child disfigure so Your beautiful smooth bark ? And did you mark Another child comes soon ? Fungus Dod. She shall not come. I'll hinder her. Now for some pranks and fun ! (He capers off. Nancy comes forward, takes out an orange and sucks it, throws rind to one side. Dorian picks up her hat, examines the wing with which it is trii7imed, re- moves the wing and hands it to Farael and deposits hat among bushes.) Nancy. My ! how hot it is. Where on earth did I drop my hat? {She searches for it.) Well, if I've lost it, it will be perfectly rotten. I don't see the fun of going all alone up on a mountainside. I wish Allie would come. A-li-cia ! RED CAP 15 Echo. Licia ! (They call back and forth five or six times.) Nancy Some echo ! Dryad of Beech. The child that I have seen here many times, The one I was about to tell you of, I think her name's Alicia. DpiTAD OF Pine. Is it so ? Is she like this one here ? Dryad of Birch. You soon can judge. I think that all of you have seen her, too. (Nancy spies bird's nest.) Dryad of White Birch. All on guard ! Nancy. Oh, I say ! There's a bird's nest with something in it. If they're eggs, I'd like to take one. AHcia said it was against the law, but who'd ever know ? I wonder if I can't shin that tree? (Dorian and Farael stand on opposite sides of tree. Nancy starts to climb. Dorian pushes her foot so that it slips off. She repeats the attempt, and persists until she seems about to succeed. Then Farael suddenly hoots like an owl, and she falls, hurting herself. Dorian, from a short distance, snarls like a fox. Nancy is very much frightened.) See here. I can't stand this. I'm going to get out. {As she rims off the Fairies bewilder her by crossing branches before and behind her. She goes from side to side and fifially disappears at R. Fungus Tod follows. Dryads, Fairies a?id Water Nymphs chant. ^ Fairies and Water Nymphs. Alas the day When mortal child Wilful and wild Our haunts defiled In dull, unloving, wanton way. Her eyes are sealed, She comes to jeer, She's ruled by fear, And greed is here. Nature and love are not revealed. l6 RED CAP \ (Breeze enters and flits across the scene. FAtRiES sway from the ankles. Dryads from the waist, j^ycinthia ripples her hair. This continues for threk minutes. Reenter Fungus Dod.) Fungus Dod. \ This is a child of quite another kind. \ I lured her from the path to Gambol Brook \ And straightway felt ashamed. She fell in love With Ferny Dell and lingered there. Indeed, I scarce could tempt her back into the way. ^ Dryad of White Birch. And are you sure she will not gash our bark ? Fungus Dod. I'll vouch for her. Farael. Nor rifle any nests ? Fungus Dod. That she will not. I've seen her here before And so have you, and if you find I'm wrong In what I think of her, why, take your wand And change my mushrooms into toadstools. Look ! Enter Alicia. She turns as if gazing off at view, Alicia. I think I never saw the mountainside So beautiful. I've never come in June When all the leaves and mosses were so green. This is the nicest birthday that I've had. Dryad of Pine. Her birthday ! We will make it full of joy If she Dryad of Beech. Oh, don't say "if." You need no "if." A happy, happy birthday, dear Alicia ! Alicia. This little pine with budded twigs like candles For all the world is like a Christmas tree. (^She sees nest,) RED CAP 17 And here — upon my word — here is a present ! (Farael whistles, and Bird, from behind Alicia, cries, u Chick— chirr:') A nest ! Brave mother bird, don't be afraid. You mustn't think that I would hurt your babies. Mirabel. A happy, happy birthday, dear Alicia I All. A happy, happy birthday, dear Alicia ! Fungus Dod. Did I not tell you ? Mirabel. Sisters, did you note She speaks in verse like us ? Briar Rose. I noted it. She does not know she does But harmony is in her soul to-day ; She cannot help express the rhythm there. Alicia. 1 feel as if I had a pair of wings. I wonder why it is ? Oh, lovely world ! Oh, dear old mountain ! Pretty Lady Birch, I want to talk to you. (She throws her arms around the trunk of the birch tree and lays her cheek to the bark. Dryad of White Birch gently puts her arms aroufid Alicia. ) Dryad of White Birch. I'm here, my child. Alicia. I think you are a princess, and I want To be your little maid-in-waiting, please. Dryad of White Birch. You are my little friend, and I am yours. Alicia {feeling where Nancy has cut, and going around). Oh, what is this ! Oh, dear ! Oh, Najicy / How could you carve your name on Lady Birch ! That's a shame, dear princess. l8 RED CAP {She looks around, picks up orange peel, places flowers in the spring.^ It's easy to see who's been here. This is where we agreed to have lunch, and for my part I'm getting hungry. I wonder where she is ? Nan-cy ! Echo. Cy ! (They repeat the calls at intervals while Alicia spreads a cloth, unpacks a few dishes, a?id decorates all with ferns. She may sing a camp-fire sofig. Briar Rose leads and coaxes her ge fitly to one side, then parts the ferns to dis- play flowers,) Alicia. Oh, how sweet ! One-flowered pyrola ! Like three little white stars. {She sf?iells them.) I believe I'll just not tell Nancy, for she would be sure to want to pick them, and then they'd wither long before we were home, like the others, and maybe there wouldn't be any next year. Nan-cy ! Nancy {from a distance). Hi, there ! I'm coming. Enter Fungus Tod, and turns somersault. Alicia gathers fuel. Fungus Tod. Such sport ! Such sport ! Ha, ha ! She's mad clear through. I led her to the hemlock tangle yonder And there she fumed, and puffed, and tore her clothes; And then in mischief 1 beguiled her steps Into the spongy ground. Fungus Dod. What rare delight ! {Aside.) Only I'd rather be Alicia's guide. Fungus Tod. But then I heard this maiden call to her, And Nancy, in her anger, could not hear. So I relented. Briar Rose. And so here she comes. Enter Nancy, disheveled. Nancy. My gracious, Alicia, you were awfully slow. What was the matter with you ? RED CAP »9 Alicia. Nothing, Nancy. But I saw ever so many pretty things, especially a ledge covered with polypody, near the brook. I don't see why I never happened to find it before. I'll show it to you on the way down. Aren't you hungry? Nancy. You bet I am. (^She takes a piece of cake and eats it while Alicia is light i7ig fire and getting eggs ready to boil. Alicia sings the camp fire song, " Burn, Fire, Burn;' or ajiy appropriate song.) You're the greatest for saying poetry and singing. Do you know ? (^Name any popular song.) Alicia. No. What birds did you see ? Nancy. Only that one up there. I'm no bird fiend like you. Alicia. Or flowers? Nancy. Those in the spring. I don't know their names, but they're nothing special, I guess. I don't care about that sort of thing. Alicia. What are the things you do care about ? Nancy. Good shows — movies — parties. Give me some- thing doing. Alicia. I like those things once in a while, but I like other things, too. Nancy. I want to know I'm alive. Alicia. I should think the best way for a person to find out if he was alive or not would be to go off alone for a while in the country. If he stays in a whirl the whole time he can't tell whether he's alive himself or just being roused up by all that's going on around him. Mirabel. It's plain to see that you're alive, Alicia. Alive to Nature's beauty and its power. Briar Rose. She has some spirit, too. Dryad of Pine. She's not all dreams. Dorian. I like to see a tidy little maid. While t'other sits with empty hands and mind She builds a fire well. Mirabel. And let us hope That she'll be careful to extinguish it. 20 RED CAP Lycinthia. Remember now what Father Mountain said. These were his words, "If kindred spirit come Among you, make your welcome warm, and give The freedom of the mountain. On this day You may unseal his eyes." Do you not think Alicia is a kindred soul to us ? All. Yes! Yes! She is 1 She is ! Briar Rose. We'll give to her The freedom of the mountain. Mirabel. We'll unseal Those gentle eyes of brown, and they shall see Oh ! they shall see — wonders ! Briar Rose. And evermore They more than mortal vision shall retain. Lycinthia. Let's to the great pool where witch hazels grow And call the others there, and make a plan. Dryad of Pine. We've not had such a chance, if I am right, Since my most aged giant was a seedling. Lycinthia. Three hundred years ago an Indian maid Came to the spring each day. We loved her well, And she loved us, for we unsealed her eyes, Soon as the sun rose one Midsummer Day. {They begin to pass out.") Mirabel. Quequisquitch was our little mortal sister. And I should like another one right well, Dorian. Come away ! Farael. Come away ! Fungus Dod and Tod. Come away ! Lycinthia, Fairies and Dryads. We come ! We come ! [Exeunt, RED CAP 21 Nancy (who has been steadily eating). Well, I've had all I want. Let's go home. Alicia. Oh, Nancy ! When it's so beau Nancy. So bee-u-tiful, so heavenly, so wonderful I Trees, and trees and trees, and snakes and wasps and bugs ! Alicia. But you know papa won't come to meet us until five, and I think it's nicer up here where we can look off than down in the pasture, don't you ? Nancy (very much bored), I don't know that it makes much difference. Alicia. Let's carry the dishes to the brook to wash. Nancy. Have we got to wash them ? Alicia. I think I will, anyhow. Nancy. All right ! I'll come along. I might as well. (They pick up lunch baskets and inarch off, Nancy singing a popular song.) CURTAIN ACT II SCENE.— 5^;?^^ as m Act I (FiKE.'^VRUKcomes forward sleepily. Enter Breeze. Fire Sprite dances, remai?iing iiearly in one spot, waving her draperies and leaping. The fire begins to spread along carefully prepared lines. Great caution must be used with real flame. It is better to use electricity as sug- gested at opening of Scene i. Fart of the time Breeze and Fire Sprite dance together, the former whirling the latter, and wavi?tg her draperies. After about three min- utes enter Father Mountain. He frowns.") Father Mountain. A three weeks' drought, — a careless child — a breeze, And all my subjects, even Lycinthia, Leaving their posts unguarded. Peril is here Of conflagration that no power could stop. This were indeed a sad Midsummer Day If all my fays and dryads lost their homes, And I a blackened, lonely ruin kept. ( To Breeze.) Be off with you ! \Exit Breeze.) And Fire Sprite, subside. (Fire Sprite becomes quiet, and droops a little^ Yet I'll withhold my hand from further act And watch a while. Perhaps they will return. Enter Alicia, out of breath. She extinguishes fire. Fire Sprite sinks on the ground, drawing a gray veil over herself. Father Mountain smiles and goes out, Alicia. What a dreadful thing for me to do. I'm trem- bling all over. Enter Nancy. Nancy. What's the matter with you ? Alicia. The fire was beginning to spread. It might have caught the bushes and set the woods on fire. I thought of it just as I started back. 22 RED CAP 23 Nancy. Was that what made you tear off all of a sudden as if the goblins were after you ? Alicia. Yes. Nancy. Well, I don't see that it had done much harm. Alicia.* No, it hadn't. But it might have very soon. I am so thankful. Nancy. Well, I won't tell on you. And of course no one could blame me, for I'm not used to camping. Alicia. Of course I shall tell papa. (Pause.) But I don't believe I shall ever again forget. (All the Spirits, except Father Mountain, encircle the stage.) Nancy (yawniiig). What on earth are we going to do for the next two hours ? r t Alicia {timidly). I have an idea. It's a sort of game 1 made up that I play sometimes. Nancy. What's the game? You didn't bring a pack of cards in the basket, did you ? Alicia. It's not that kind of a game. Did you ever read that if you put ripe fern-seed in your shoes you become in- visible ? Nancy {laughing). That's a good one. Alicia. Let's get the fern-seed and play that we are invisible. (Spirits clap their hands softly, and the Elves caper.) Nancy. I didn't know ferns had any seed. That's only a fake, isn't it? , t„i , Alicia. No, indeed. They really do have seed. 1 11 show you. {Picks several ferns.) This is a brake and this is a lady fern. That's the seed. It's just ripe on this one. (Alicia takes off a shoe. Nancy watches her, smiling a little contemp- tuously, but presently follows suit. The Spirits whisper amofig themselves. Lycinthia speaks to each one, last of all to Fungus Tod. He creeps behind Alicia. Just as she reties her second shoe, having dropped fern-seed i?iside, Fungus Tod drops his little red cap on her head and hides. The Spirits withdraw a little. Alicia rises.) There ! Now I'm invis- ible. You must pretend you can't see me, Nancy. Nancy {with one shoe off, looks up, then frightened, Ju?nps to her feet; Alicia is invisible to her). Alicia, where are you ? 24 RED CAP Alicia {standing close beside her). You said that splen- didly, Nancy. It couldn't have been more natural. Nancy. But I cafi't see you. Alicia ! Alicia ! Come back quick. {She runs about looking behind trees.) Alicia {aside, while dancing about), I never dreamed she could do it so well. {To Nancy.) Nancy ! Nancy ! Where art thou? Let's make believe a tired traveler is coming up the path. We'll help him with his load," and all of a sudden we'll set a cup of water before him. (Nancy, in a pa?tic, throws herself down and begi?is to cry. It is only gradually that Alicia realizes the crying and fright are genui?ie. She then ru7is up, and while leaning over Nancy the little cap falls onto the ground.) Nancy dear ! You aren't really crying, are you ? Nancy. I think it's very unkind of you to play me such a trick. Alicia. What do you mean? I'm right here. I've been right here all along. Nancy {holding her tight). If you're such a prig as you pretend to be about being truthful I shouldn't think you'd talk like that. Alicia. I don't understand. Nancy. No, nor /don't understand. Alicia. It can't be true, about being invisible. Nancy. Of course it can't. Alicia. Besides, 1 saw you the whole time. {She sees the little cap and picks it tip.) Now what in the world can that be ? Nancy {screaming). Oh, now you're doing it again. Please don't. (Alicia, a look of wofider dawjiing in her eyes, drops the cap.) Alicia. Can you see me now? Nancy. This is too uncanny. Yes, I do. Alicia. Please don't be frightened. Watch me. I think I shall disappear again. {Puts on cap.) Do you see me? Nancy {grabbing hold of her). Alicia ! I feel you, but I can't see you. Isn't this awful ! It makes me dizzy. Now you're here again. (Nancy sits like a statue, eyes starting and mouth open, while Alicia cofitifiues alternately putting on and off the cap. After half a dozen ti)nes Fungus Dod creeps behind Nancy and stands tip just as Alicia makes a motion to put cap on Nancy's head. He snatches it.) RED CAP 25 Alicia. Now it's gone. Nancy ! There must be fairies here ! , r 1 Nancy (humbly'). Maybe there are. It makes me feel so creepy, Alicia. I never believed in such things. I shall always feel different now. Remter all the Spirits. Fungus Dod reaches over and presses cap into Alicia's hand, then stands visible before her, one fijiger held up in warning, the other laid on his lips. She sees him and starts. Mirabel and Briar Rose approach and wave wands over Nancy. Alicia sees them also. Alicia. You aren't afraid, are you, dear Nancy? Nancy. No, but I feel so sleepy, Alicia. I think I'll take a nap. {Her head droops and eyes close. Dorian and Farael come forward, lift and carry her to a bank at left rear, where she sleeps with her head on her arm. Lycinthia comes forward and puts her hand on Alicia's shoulder.) Lycinthia. We are your friends, Alicia. Have no fear. For, ever since you were a tiny child And climbed here first, holding your father's hand, We've watched you lovingly. No harm could come To you upon the mountain. Alicia. All these years ! How wonderful ! Dear — fairy, and how kind. Lycinthia. I am a water nymph, and all the brooks And all the springs upon the mountainside Are mine, or else my sisters'. {They sit down.) You may come, And though you see me not, be very sure That you are ever welcome to my streams. Refresh yourself as often as you will From my cool fountains ; tread the mossy bank With pink-veined sorrel and with gold-thread strewn ; Make friends with trout and minnows, caddises Whose houses I have seen of masonry Jeweled with quartz and garnet; plunge knee-deep 26 RED CAP Into my cooling pools, or where the stream Spreads fanwise over a broad, mossy rock Let your feet splash and play. In winter time Come back to know me in my snowy garb, But most of all, come often, dear Alicia. {She fills a leaf cup with water from spring.") Take from my hand this cup and drink the draught. Alicia (drinking). Oh, I will come, dear water nymph ! Lycinthia. These two Value your friendship. This is Farael Guardian of the birds. His brother here Is guardian of the little beasts. His name Is Dorian. Alicia (rising). Farael and Dorian. I love your birds And little furry beasts. I wish I knew Them better. Farael. So you shall. Dorian. Your eyes we touch And quicken them, though they were keen before. (Farael a^id Dorian touch her eyelids.) Now shall your eyes descry the shyest beasts And gaze on them, and never frighten them. Owls in the daytime you shall catch and hold, And find raccoons in hollow trees asleep ; Play with the foxes' young while mother fox Looks on without alarm ; touch porcupines Who will not drive their quills into your hand ; Track the wild weasels, feed from your own hand Rabbits, and members of the squirrel tribe. All this with one request I give to you ; Wear not their pretty pelts, but keep you warm With fleeces that their owners never miss. And for adornment Farael. Thai she little needs. RED CAP %^ Dorian. Choose what will cost no pain to living thing. Think you that you can promise ? Alicia. Yes, I do. Farael. I, too, can give you much, and in return I ask your help and loyalty, for I Sorely need friends. Alicia. Oh, let me be your friend 1 Farael. A hundred years ago these forests rang Both night and morning with the songs of birds. By many fold their numbers greater were Than they are now. Their natural enemies Flourished as now, and war was waged as now 'Twixt Dorian's subjects and my own, but yet From year to year their numbers scarcely changed. Then men came, swept the face of all this land, Destroyed our forest homes, brought hordes of cats And let them hunt unchecked, stealing by night Fledglings unnumbered in the nesting time. Now when my flocks fly south in autumn days I know that thousands never will return, Slaughtered by men for feathers and for food. Alicia. Ah ! what a shame ! Tell me what I can do. A little girl like me cannot do much, But all I can, I will. Farael. More than you think. The nests you find you faithfully can guard ; And you can tell your friends how we will help To free their crops of pests. They need us now As much as we need them, for only we Can really save the fruit and grain for them. Instead of tens we should have thousands here. But most of all, arouse in other hearts The love and thoughtfulness you feel yourself. Alicia {shaking her head). That isn't always easy, but I'll try. 2$ RED CAP Farael. So shall you know the songs and cries of birds, And shall divine where nests are hidden close; By shape, and flight, and twinkling flash of wings You'll name the bird that passes ; and your lore Shall ever be as health and joy to you. Alicia. Oh, what a present ! This is better far Than any thing that I could buy or own. A thousand, thousand thanks, dear Farael. Lycinthia. Here are the dryads of the trees you love, Alicia. Alicia. There are truly dryads, then ! Dryad of Beech. I am the beech. Dryad of White Birch. And I the birch. Dryad of Pine. And I Am sister Pine. Dryad of Beech. Sleep in our summer shade And find the gift of peace. Your whole hfe long Whenever you are weary, come to us For soothing and refreshment. We will weave Soft spells above you with our leaves and boughs And fill your mind with pictures. Alicia. So you do. When I am in the city, many times I think of your great trees, and long for them. Lycinthia. Here are two little friends you know so well I almost think that they your playmates be. Can you not guess their parts ? Alicia. I think I can. Are you not the fairies of the flowers ? Fairies. Truly, we are. RED CAP 29 Briar Rose. My name is Briar Rose. Mirabel. And Mirabel is mine. We are but two Of a large sisterhood, and many more Dwell in the fields and meadows down below. And some there are who have been banished To distant swamps, and secret unknown dells. For all their blossoms here, by human hands Were rifled, and they fled to mourn afar. Briar Rose. Our sister Mayflower is one of these. Though other fields she has, the fairies hope Her kingdom here will be restored to her, They long to see her so. Is it not strange To seize and so destroy the thing one loves ? {They glance at Nancy.) Alicia. When they do that they never really love. I'll help your sisters as I help the birds. For there is not a single flower that grows That is not beautiful. I love them all. Fungus Tod {turning a handspring). Toadstools and mushrooms ! Fungus is my name. Fungus Dod. Mushrooms and toadstools ! I am his brother ! Fungus is my name, too. {Stage whisper.) That's just for fun ! {They play leap frog, leaping once between remarks,) Fungus Tod. 'Twas I gave you my cap. Fungus Dod. I led you here When you were almost lost. Fungus Tod. He lost you, first. Fungus Dod. We are not pretty. Fungus Tod. But we do our work. 30 RED CAP Both. Perhaps they'd miss us if we went away. Alicia. I'm sure I should for one. I've always liked Your funny toadstools and your droll mushrooms. I thank you, little brothers, for to you I owe the happiest day in all my life. (The Elves bob,) Fairies, Dryads and Lycinthia. A happy, happy birthday, dear Alicia ! Farael, Dorian and Elves. And many happy birthdays after this, Alicia. You're all so kind, so kind. Lycinthia. Hush ! here he is. ( They part to sides. Etiter Father Mountain and comes to centre of stage. All inake obeisance.') The spirit of the mountain cometh here. The father of all dryads, nymphs and elves And truest friend to mortal children. All. Hail ! Father Mountain. I greet you all ! I see that you have found A kindred spirit in this mortal child. (71? Alicia.) Alicia! Alicia. Father Mountain ! Father Mountain. Come to me ! {She approaches and kneels. He raises her,) I knew you when you were a tiny child Smaller than Fungus here. Your father, too, Clambered my rocks when he was but a boy As once his father and his mother did, A merry, thoughtful pair, searching the ledges For. giant blueberries in late July. RED CAP 31 Three generations more I count behind, All ancestors of yours, and friends of mine. It is not strange, Alicia, if you love My mountain old. Alicia. Oh ! more than I can say ! Father Mountain. 'Tis but a day to me since white men came, And but a span I knew the Indian. For I am old; I know both cold and heat ; Cold of the glacier, heat of primal fire. Lonely it was in those long ages past, {He takes Lycinthia's hand and draws her to his side,) Ere my first daughter came to dwell with me, But lonely now no more. (Pause.) Alicia ! This is Midsummer Day, a magic hour You fell upon to come among us here. No other time could we unseal your eyes And let you gaze upon us. You have seen What ne'er a one has seen before, save one, A little Indian maid, three hundred years Gone from our sight. Recall her, Daughter Beech. Dryad of Beech. Quequisquitch ^ was a quiet, happy child. Merrier than Indian children wont to be. She wore a gown of deerskin, soft and brown, With beads and fringes gay. Her forehead smooth Was bound with a broad band of wampum white And purple. She could take the shredded bark And kindle with her rubbing sticks a fire Ere a thrush sang thrice. Baskets could she weave, And string a bow, cook cakes of golden corn, Concoct a savory broth, or thread a trail. She was the apple of her father's eye — A medicine man of mighty power, he — The comfort of her mother, and the joy 1 Robin. 32 RED CAP Of all who heard her sing or saw her smile, Around the camp-fire of Souhegan's tribe. To her, as now to you, we give for gift The freedom of the mountain. Alicia. I will try To use it like that little Indian girl. Father Mountain. The gift we give you do not misconceive. I' the scheme of things 'tis not allowed to us That we appear to mortals when we will. Save you come here Midsummer Day by chance Your eyes will not behold our forms again. Nor will your mind remember what has been. For never mortal child could long endure Life in two worlds at once. But you'll not lose The power we bestow, but more and more Learn Nature's ways and moods, and more and more Take joy and comfort from her. You will teach Others to love her, too. (Pause.) Have you a wish? Alicia. I wish that you could magic Nancy's eyes So that she, too, could see ind feel such things. Father Mountain. Alas ! we cannot enter at closed doors. You are the one to show her, and not we. Briar Rose. Be not disheartened ! Mirabel. Persevere ! Fungus Dod. She'll learn I Father Mountain. Bring here Alicia's crown. (Mirabel brings wreath she and Briar Rose have been workifig 071. Alicia kneels. ) Tho' jewels rare And precious metals sleep within my rocks, 'Tis not with such I crown your girlish brows. This wreath is but a token, for you spoke RED CAP 33 And hinted at a wondrous truth but now ; That no possession ever can compare With any power of the mind or soul. To know, to see, to feel, to think, to love, A thousandfold are better than " to have." Alicia. t • , i. t I'm sure that is the truth. I wish that 1 Knew how to speak ray love and thanks to you. Father Mountain. We understand. My children, sing a song. This once our music may be heard by her. (He places his hand on Alicia's head. She begifts to drowse.) Enter Breeze and Fire Sprite. ^vmiTS join hands, and in stately, graceful steps circle around Father Mountain and Alicia. Song. • •.. n Dryads and water nymphs, fairies and spirits all, Come to the council on Midsummer Day. Over the mountainside hasten to father dear, Brothers and sisters, from work and from play — Brothers and sisters, we gladly obey. Ring all the flower bells, tune the bird choruses j Breeze, in the branches sigh undertones deep. Sing to this mortal child music of fairyland. Sing to Alicia and lull her asleep. (AiACix falls sound asleep and sinks on the ground. Fairies pass out, humming the tune softly, leavi?ig the two girls and Father Mountain. After half a minute Nancv wakes, sits up, and rubs her eyes.') Nancy. After all, it's rather a lark to come up here on the mountain. I wouldn't mind staying and sleeping here to-night if we had the things. The sunrise would be awfully jolly. Somehow it makes town look pretty flat and dirty. I guess 1 will stay another week. There's something in getting used to a place. I can't live up to Alicia's ways, but she isnt stupid ; I'll say that for her. (Finds flowers in j//-/«^.) These are nice and fresh to take home, no thanks to me. There s that 34 RED CAP bird still on the nest. She's a brave little thing. I admire her grit. I wonder if I hadn't better wake Alicia. {Gives Alicia several gejitle pokes.) Alicia! Don't you think we'd better be scrambling ? Alicia. Yes, Nancy, I suppose so. I must have been asleep. Nancy. I had a nap, too. Alicia. Thank you for this pretty wreath, Nancy. Nancy. I don't remember making it, Alicia. I must have done it in ray sleep. Alicia. Are you ready ? Nancy {lingering ). Ye-es. Do you know, I believe I like it up here after all. I almost hate to go down. I don't seem to have that alone feeling any more. And I like the trees and things. Alicia {skipping about). I'm glad ! I'm glad ! If you feel that way we can come again and I can show you ever so many things — all my loveliest secrets ; birds' nests and flowers and hollow trees. Only you must never do the least bit of harm to any of them. Nancy. I promise. I wish now that I hadn't cut my ini- tials on that birch tree. How silly they look ! Can't I do any- thing to hide the place ? Alicia. I'm afraid not. Nancy. It'll grow over again and be all right, won't it? Alicia. No, never ! But I think Lady Birch will forgive you if you never do it again. Nancy {impulsively stretching out her arms to the birch tree). Forgive me, Lady Birch. Dryad of Birch {from behind). Forgiven, dear ! Nancy {turning to nest). Forgive me, mother bird ! Farael {fro?n behind). She does forgive. Nancy. Forgive me, pretty flowers, for picking you and throwing you away. Briar Rose {from grass at r.) We do ! Mirabel {from grass at l.). We do ! Alicia. I think we'd better go now. Nancy. All right ! I'm coming. Alicia {looking back). I'm going to come here again next year for my birthday. {A soft clapping of many hands from behind the scenes. Father Mountain smiles and extends his hands in bene- RED CAP 35 diction. The girls take hattds and run offy skipping and waviftg their baskets. Father Mountain follows slowly. ) {If the play is given indoors, or with a curtain outdoors , before the close all the non-huma7i characters may reenter aiid dance around Father Mountain, who stands at c. Each should dance in accordance with his or her charac- ter ; the Dryads, Farael, and Dorian with dignity ; Breeze aiid Fire Sprite madly ; Fairies merrily, arid Elves turning somersaults and play i?ig leapfrog.^ CURTAIN B. lU* Pincro's Plays Price, 50 Kecite each IIAin m A 1\IM17I ^^^^ ^" ^°^'' Acts. Six males, five females. IVllU-vnAlll^Eilj Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays two and a half hours. THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH Sr^ %^,T. males, five females. Costumes, modern^ scenery, all interiors. Plays a full evening. mDDniTT JP ATI? Pl^y ^^ Four Acts. Seven males, five r IvUr LiviA 1 El females. Scenery, three interiors, rather •laborate ; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. mC/^Orkni MICTDFQC Farce in Three Acts. Ninemales, OLnUULluliJ 1 I\ILi3iJ seven females. Costumes, mod- ern; Bcenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY ISt'"IaS,^J?e females. Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. ClirrrT T A\7CKinrD Comedyln Three Acts. Seven males, OVVEiEil LAYtillULIV four females. Scene, a single interior, costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. mTUITMnEDDniT Comedy in Four Acts. Ten males, 1 nU IN ULRdUL 1 nine females. Scenery, three interi- ors; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. mTIMrC Comedy in Four Acts. Six males, seven females. I liYIEid Scene, a single interior ; costumes, modern. PJays a full evening. Tur Xirr a VED CEY Comedy in Three Acts. Eight males, IHt WtAKLK OLA eight females. Costumes, modern; scenery, two interiors. Plays a full evening. A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE ^?vT^7aiS,fou^Temi;:i: Costumes, modern ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evemng. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by Walttv H. pafeer & Companp No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts LIBRARY OF CONGRESI 017 400 735 4 f C!)e Willmm 5^arrcn CDttton of Paps A^ TOII I IITP IT Comedy in Five Acts. Thirteen males, four A^ lUU MAI4 *» females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, va- ried. Plays a full evening. rAMIT T F I^rama in Five Acts. Nine males, five females. Cos- vAUllLflyCf tumes, modern ; scenery, varied. Plays a full evening. INAOMAV ^^y ^^ ^^® Acts. Thirteen males, three females. liiUvJll/U\ Scenery varied ; costumes, Greek. Plays a full evening. MAW ^TFIAKT Tragedy in Five Acts. Thirteen males, four fe- IuAI\l ^lUAnl males, and supernumeraries. Costumes, of the period ; scenery, varied and elaborate. Plays a full evening. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE S,X%'re!?eml?^l: c7£^S. picturesque ; scenery varied. Plays a full evening. RICHFT FFII ^^*y ^° ^^^^ Acts. Fifteen males, two females. Scen- erening. ery elaborate ; costumes of the period. Plays a full THP filVAT ^ Comedy in Five Acts. Nine males, five females. IlJLLf Ml ALtD Scenery varied; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER SiT,lf U? flJ^fief Ice^rvi^ ried ; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. TWELFTH NIGHT; OR, WHAT YOU WILL ']^Z%^JL', three females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, varied. Plays a fall evening. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by Salter i^. QBafter & Compant No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 6. J. PARKHILL Si CO., PRINTERS. BOSTON, U.S.A.