j-)-" YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY HANNELEA DREAM POEM QEI^AWr HAWPTMANS^C jiUTHOU OF "CHE SUS^KES^C BSLL liE3\CDE1lED IN'UO eNQLISH VE1iS6 j^S^CD 'P'ROSd CHji-RLeS HES^Tty ^eLTZEIi T>£C(yil4VED CA7i'DE3\C a'^Y 'DOUBLEDAY. VJGE & CO^KCVANY SKCMVIII HIS play is published by arrangement with Harrison Grey Fiske, sole owner of the publishing and acting rights by contract with Gerhart Hauptmann and Carl and Theodor Rosenfeld. In its present form it is dedi cated to the reading public only and no performance of it can be given without Mr. FiSKE'S permission. NOTE This version of Hannkle was used in the Spring of the year 1894, at the Fifth Avenue Theatre, New York, when the play was performed for the first time on the English-speaking stage, with the approval of Gbrhart Hauptmann, who was present. Characters HanneleGottwald (afterwards The Stranger), a Schoolmaster Sister Martha, a Deaconess T u L P E' H E t E (Hedwig) Pleschke Hanke S E I D E L , a IVoodcutttr B E R G E R , a Magistrate Schmidt, a Police Official Dr. Wachler Irimates of an Almshouse Apparitions Introduced During Hannele's Delirium Mattern (a Mason), supposed to be Hannele 's Father The Form of Hannele's Dead Mother A Great Dark Angel Three Angels of Light The Deaconess Gottwald Gottwald's Pupils Pleschke Hanke and other Paupers Seidel A Village Doctor Four Youths, clad in white Numerous Bright Angels, great and small Mourners Women, Etc . the 'Suffer little Children to come unto Me, and forbid m not. For of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." HANNELE Act I Scene — A room in the Almshouse of a village in the mountains. Bare walls. A door at centre, back. To the left of this door is a small window. Before the window are a rickety table and a bench. Near the table and to the left of it is a stove. To the right of the door is a pallet with a straw mattress and a few ragged coverlets. It is a stormy December evening. At the table, seated and singing a hymn which she reads from a hymn book, by the light of a tallow candle, sits Tulpe, an old, ragged pauper . The stage directions as to "right" and "left" are given from the actor's standpoint. Tulpe [Sings in a cracked, quavering voice] Jesus, lover of my soul, 4 HANNELE Act I. Let me to Thy bosom fly, While the waves of tr-ouble. . . . Enter Hedwig, familiarly known as Hete, a disreputable woman of about thirty, with curly hair. Round her head is wrapped a thick cloth. She carries a bundle under her arm. Her dress is light and shabby. Hete [Blowing on her fingers] Mercy on us, nice weather we 're havin'. [Drops her bundle on the table and goes on blowing her fingers, standing al ternately on each of her feet, which are shod in worn-out old boots] We ain't had such weather for an age. Tulpe What have yer got in there? Hete [Grinning and whining with pain, sits sn the bench by the stove and tries to take off her boots.] Oh, Lord! My blessed toes are just burnin'! HANNELE Act I. 5 Tulpe [Unties Hete's bundle, in which are seen a loaf, a packet of chicory, a bag of coffee, a few pairs of stockings, etc.] Ain't there nothin' for me in your bundle? Hete [At first too busy with her boots to mind Tulpe. Suddenly snatches at the bundle and collects its contents.] Tulpe! [One of Hete's feet is bare. She piles her belongings together a^nd carries them off to the pallet.] Now you 'd best leave my things alone — D'you think I 've been trampin' about and freezin' all the bones in my body for you, eh? Tulpe Ah, yer needn't make such a fuss about it, you fool! [Rises, closes her hymn book, and wipes it carefully with her skirt.] I don't want none of the rubbish you 've been beggin' for. Hete [ Hiding her property under the mattress ] Beggin'? I'd like to know who's done 6 HANNELE Act I most beggin' — you or me! You've done nothin' else all your life. And you 're no chicken, neither. Tulpe . Don't you fly out about it. We know the sort er life you 've led. Pastor told you what he thought of you, he did. I didn't tramp about the streets when / was a girl. / was respect'ble. Hete I s'pose that 's why you were sent to jail! Tulpe You '11 get there fast enough, don't you fear, my beauty. Just you let me get a ^ight of a gendarme, that 's all. I cotdd tell him a thing or two about you, 's sure 's yer live! Hete Oh, shut up! I don't care for your gen darmes. Let 'em come and see if I don't tell 'em somethin' as '11 make you feel uncom- fort'ble. Tulpe Yer can't say nothin' against me! HANNELE Act I. 7 Hete Oh, I can't, can't I? Who stole the over coat from the innkeeper's little boy, eh? [Tulpe makes as though to spit at Hete.] That 's what you call manners, I s 'pose? Yer shan't have nothin' now, just to spite yer. Tulpe Ah, go on 1 I would n't take anythin' from the likes er you, anyhow. Hete No, and you won't get nothin'. [Pleschke and Hanke appear outside the open door, against which they have been literally blown by the howling wind. Pleschke, a scrofulous, childish old man, in rags, bursts out laughing. Hanke, a good-for-nothing blackguard, blasphemes. They are seen to shake the snow off their hats and cloaks. Each carries a bundle.] Pleschke Lord, how it do blow! One er these 'ere nights, you see if the old shanty ain't smashed to bits! 8 HANNELE Act I. [At sight of the newcomers, Hete hur riedly drags her bundle from beneath the mattress, picks it up and runs past the men into the courtyard and up a flight of stairs.] Pleschke [Calling after Hete] Hey! HuUoa! Yer in a hurry! Wot are yer runnin' away fur? We won't hurt yer, will we, Hanke? Tulpe [Busy at the stove with a saucepan] Oh, she ain't right in her head. She thinks you '11 steal her bundle. Pleschke [Enters] Lord save us! That 's rough on us, that is! Evenin'! G'd evenin'! Good Lord, what weather! Hang me if I was n't a 'most blown off my feet! [Limps to the table, lays his bundle down, and wags his white-haired, feeble head at Tulpe. Pants from fa tigue, coughs and tries to warm himself. Meanwhile, Hanke enters, lays his beggar's bag against the door and shivers with cold as he puts fuel into the stove.] HANNELE Act I. g Tulpe Where er you been? Pleschke [Stuttering] Where — where have I been ? Quite a way, quite a way. Up in the hills. Tulpe Brought anjrthin' back? Pleschke Lots — lots of things. Th' priest giv' me this 'ere five-pfenniger, and down at th' inn they give me — er — give me — er — a bowl er soup Tulpe Hand it over, and I '11 warm it up. [Takes a pot out of the bundle, sets it on the table and stirs the contents of the saucepan.] Pleschke I — I 've got somethin' else in here — sausage. The butcher give it to me. Ay, the butcher. IO HANNELE Act I. Tulpe Where 's the money? Plesckhe Oh, the money 's all right. Here 's the money. Tulpe Give it t' me. I '11 take care of it for yer. Hete [Re-enters.] Yer blamed old fool, why d' yer let her have it? [She goes to the stove.] Tulpe You mind yer own business. Hanke Don't worry. He 's her sweetheart. Hete Saints alive! Hanke It 's only right he should bring her home a trifle now and then, ain't it? HANNELE Act I. ii Pleschke [Stammering] You — you ought — oughter know — bet ter, you ought. Can't yer leave a poor old man alone an' — n — not make game of him? Hete [Mimicking Pleschke] W — why d — don't yer 1 — let the poor old man alone? Pleschke, yer gettin' shaky. You won't last much longer. Pleschke [Threatening her with a stick] Y — you 'd best c — clear outer this ! Hete I 'd like to see you make me clear out. Pleschke Clear out! D' ye hear? Tulpe Catch her one on the head. It '11 do her good. Pleschke Clear out! 12 HANNELE Act I. Hanke Oh, drop it! Leave her alone. [Hete, taking advantage of Hanke's having turned his back to defend her from Pleschke, makes a grab at his bag and tries to steal some thing from, it. Tulpe sees her and shakes with laughter.] Hanke I don't see much to laugh about. Tulpe [Still laughing] He don't see nothin' to laugh at! Pleschke Oh, Lord, just look at her! Tulpe Yer'd best look arter yer bag, or maybe you '11 miss somethin'. Hanke [Turns and sees that he has been tricked] You would, would you, you devil! [Rushes afterHBTB.] Just you let me get at you! HANNELE Act I. 13 [Tramping of feet, as Hanke runs up the staircase after Hete. Smothered cries.] Pleschke Well, well, well ! She 's a smart 'un. [He laughs.] [Tulpe joins in his laughter, which is interrupted by the sound of the sud den opening and shutting of a door.] W — what was that? [Howling wind heard outside. Snow dashes against the window-panes. Then all is quiet for a moment. The schoolmaster, Gottwald, a man of two and thirty, with a dark beard, enters, carrying Hannele Mattern, a girl of about jvurteen. The child whimpers. Her long red hair streams over the schoolmaster's shoulders. Her face is pressed against his throat, her arms hang straight and li'mp. The rags in which she is clothed barely cover her. Gott wald takes no notice of Pleschke and Tulpe, carries the child in tenderly, and lays her on the bed, which stands on the right near the wall. He is followed by Seidel, a wood-cutter, who carries a lantern in one 14 HANNELE Act I hand. He also carries a saw, an axe, and a bundle of rags. On his grey head he wears a shabby old hat.] Pleschke [Staring stupidly at the newcomers] Hulloa, hulloa, huUoa ! W — what 's the matter? Gottwald [Laying his overcoat and some blankets over Hannele] Hot bricks, Seidel! Quick Seidel [To Tulpe] Don't stand there doin' nothin'. Heat some bricks. Look sharp! Tulpe What's the matter with the girl? Seidel I 've no time for talkin'. [Exit with Tulpe.] Gottwald [Trying to soothe Hannele] There, there, don't you fear. We '11 soon put you right. HANNELE Act I. 15 Hannele [Her teeth chattering.] I 'm afraid! I 'm afraid! Gottwald Fear nothing. We won't let any harm come to you. Hannele It 's father! It' s father! Gottwald Why, he 's not here, my dear. Hannele I 'm afraid of father. Oh, if he should come! Gottwald Ssh! Ssh! He won't come. [Hurried steps are heard on the staircase. Hete bustles in, with an iron grater in her hand.] Hete [Holding up the grater] Just look what Hanke 's got! [Hanke rushes in after Hete and tries to take the grater from her. She flings it into the middle of the room] 1 6 HANNELE Act L Hannele [Screams with terror.] He 's coming! He 's coming! [She half rises, leans forward, with anguish on her pale, sick, pinched little face, and stares at the place from which the noise comes. Hete dodges away from Hanke and runs into the back room. Hanke goes to pick up the grater.] Hanke [Astonished] I '11 give you a taste of it presently, you slut, you! Gottwald [To Hannele] [To Hanke.] It 's all right, my child. What are you doing here? Hanke What am / doin' here? Hete [Putting her head in at the back door] 'T ain't his! He stole it! HANNELE Act I. 17 Hanke [Threatening] You wait a bit! I '11 get even with you. Gottwald I beg you to be quiet. The child 's ill. Hanke [Picks up the grater and draws back abashed] Why, what 's the matter? Seidel [Enters with two bricks] These ought to do. Gottwald [Examining the bricks] Are they warm enough? Seidel Oh, they '11 warm her. [He puts one of the bricks under Hannele's feet.] Gottwald Put the other one there. [Points to another place.] 1 8 HANNELE Act I. Seidel She don't seem much warmer yet. Gottwald The chUd 's shivering vdth cold. Tulpe \has entered, following Seidel. Behind her enter Hete and Pleschke and several other paupers, who stand in the doorway whispering and fussing about inquisitively. Tulpe moves to the bed side and stands there with her arms a-kimbo.] Tulpe Brandy and hot water 'ud do her good. Seidel [Pulls out a flask. So do Pleschke and Hanke] There 's just a drop left. Tulpe [At the stove] Bring it here. Seidel Is the water hot? HANNELE Act L 19 Tulpe Scaldin'! Gottwald You 'd better put in a lump of sugar. Hete Where d' yer s'pose we 'd get sugar from? Tulpe Ah, shut up! Yer know yer 've got some stowed away. Hete Yer lie. I ain't got no sugar. [Laughs nervously.] Tulpe It 's you that 's lyin'. I saw yer bring it in. Seidel [To Hete] Run and get it, can't you? Hanke [To Hete] What are yer waitin' for? 20 HANNELE Act L Hete [Doggedly] Fetch it yerself. Pleschke Get the sugar! Hete Yer can get aU yer want at the grocer's. [Exit.] Seidel And if you don't get some at the grocer's, double quick time Well, you 'U see ! That's all I 've got to say. You won't want more nor I '11 give you, my lass. Pleschke [Who has been out, returns.] Ah, she 's a bad lot, she is. Seidel I 'd like to have the handlin' of her. I 'd take her down a bit, I would, if I was the Burgomaster. She's got no business to be in an almshouse — a great, big, healthy slut like her. Why don't she work? Pleschke H — here 's a — b — b — bit of sugar. HANNELE Act L 21 Hanke [Sniffing the aroma of the grog] 1 'd like to be ill myself, I would! [Schmidt enters with a lantern. His manner is important and impressive.] Schmidt Now then, make room there. The Judge '11 be here in a moment. [Berger, the magistrate, enters. His manner stamps him as a retired officer. He wears a short beard. Although his hair is grizzled, he seems still youthful and good-looking. He wears a well-cut, long overcoat. His cocked hat is set jauntily on his head. One of his character istics is a boyish swagger.] The Paupers Evenin', Judge. Evenin', Captain! Berger Evenin'. [Takes off his hat and cloak and puts them down with his stick. With a commanding gesture] Out with you, the whole lot of you! [Schmidt hustles The Paupers into the back room.] 22 HANNELE Act I. Berger Evenin', Schoolmaster. [Holds out his hand.] How are you getting on? Gottwald We 've just pulled the child out of the water! Seidel [Stepping forward] Excuse me. Judge. [Makes a military salute.] I was working later than usual down at t ' smithy. You see, I was puttin' a new clamp round my axe — and just as I was comin' out er — t ' smithy — down yonder by the pond, Judge — you know the big pond — it 's pretty nigh as big as a lake [Berger makes an impatient gesture.] Yes, Judge. Well, there 's a corner in that pond as never freezes over — I can call to mind when I was a boy Berger Never mind that. Go on with your story. Seidel [Saluting again] Yes, Cap 'n. Well — as I was sayin', I 'd just come out o' t' smithy and was standin', HANNELE Act L 23 in th' moonlight, when I heard some one cryin'. At first I thought it was only some one makin' believe, as you might say. But happenin' to look toward the pond, I saw somethin' in the water! Yes, Judge. Where it never freezes over. I called out to say I was a-comin', but she 'd fainted! Well, I just ran back and fetched a plank from t' smithy and laid it over the hole — and in a moment I had brought her safe to land again. Berger Bravo, Seidel. We don't hear that sort of tale every day. We hear more about quar relling and fighting, and head-breaking, down in the village . . . And then, I suppose, you brought her straight up here? Seidel Excuse me. Judge. It was the teacher Gottwald I happened to be passing by on my way home from a lecture. So I took her to my house first and got my wife to find some warm clothes for her. Berger What do you make of the aflfair? 24 HANNELE Act L Seidel [Hesitating] Well, you see — h'm. She 's Mattem's step daughter. Berger [Seems shocked.] That ragged little thing Mattem's step daughter? Seidel Ay. Her mother died six weeks ago. . . . There ain't rauch more to tell. She kicked and scratched because she thought I was her stepfather. Berger [Thinking of Mattern, mutters] The scoundrel! Seidel He 's bin sittin' at the inn, drinkin' hard, ever since yesterday. It takes a cask to fill him up, it does. Berger He '11 have a score to settle with me, for this job. [Bends over Hannele.] HANNELE Act L 25 Now, my child. Listen. You need n't cry about it. What 's the girl looking at me like that for? ... I won't hurt you. What 's your name? ... A little louder, please. I can't hear you [He rises.] The child seems very stubborn. Gottwald She 's only frightened . . Hannele! Hannele Yes, sir! Gottwald Do as the Judge bids you, child. Hannele Dear Lord, I 'm freezing! [Gasping] [Shivering] Seidel [Bringing in the grog] There. Take a drop o' this, my lass. Hannele [As before] Dear Lord, I 'm hungry! 26 HANNELE Act I. Gottwald [To the Magistrate] It 's no use. We can't make her drink. Hannele It hurts! Gottwald Where does it hurt you, little one? Hannele Oh, I 'm afraid! I 'm afraid! Berger Who 's frightening you, my dear? Come, come, now. Tell us all about it. Don't be afraid. What was that? — I can't understand a word you 're saying. Try and remember how it happened. Did your stepfather ill- treat you? — Did he beat you or lock you up or — tum you out into the street? — It 's hard to get anything out of her Seidel Ay! She ain't fond er chatterin'! Chop- pin' trees is easier nur makin' her talk. She 's as still as a mouse, she is. HANNELE Act L 27 Berger If we only had facts to go on — we might have the fellow locked up. Gottwald She 's terribly afraid of him. Seidel 'T ain't the first time, neither, as he 's been caught at this sort of game. Jest you ask the folks about him. They'll tell you what sort of man he is. It 's a wonder she wasn't killed years ago. Berger What has he done to her? Seidel Done? — Druv her out o' doors o' nights. That 's what he 's done to her. Sent her out a- beggin' in the snow. That 's what he 's done. And if she did n't bring him back enough to get him roarin' drunk, out she 'd have to go agen. That 's what he 's done. Many 's the night she 's froze and cried her eyes out, she has. Gottwald It was n't quite so bad while her mother lived. 28 HANNELE Act I. Berger Well, anyhow, we '11 have the man arrested. He 's a notorious drunkard. Now, my little maid, just look me straight in the face. Hannele [Imploringly] Oh please, please, please! Seidel 'T ain't no use you 're asking questions. You won't get nothin' out o' her. Gottwald Hannele! Hannele Yes, sir. Gottwald Do you know me? Hannele Yes, sir. Gottwald Who am I ? [Gently] HANNELE Act I. 29 Hannele Teacher, sir — Teacher Gottwald. Gottwald That 's right. We 're getting along famously. Now, my dear child, tell us all about it. Don't be afraid. How is it you did not stay at home instead of going down to the pond by the blacksmith's ? Eh ? Hannele I 'm afraid! I 'm afraid! Berger We '11 go away, and you can say all you have to say to the schoolmaster. Hannele [Shyly and mysteriously] He called me ! Gottwald Who called you, my dear? Hannele The Lord Jesus. Gottwald Where did the Lord Jesus call you? 30 HANNELE Act I. Hannele From the water. Gottwald Where? Hannele Why, from the bottom of the water. Berger I [Changing his mind and putting on his , ' overcoat] We 'd better have the doctor fetched. I daresay he 's not left the inn yet. Gottwald I have sent for one of the Sisters. The child needs very careful nursing. Berger I '11 go for the doctor at once. [To Schmidt] Bring the policeman to me at the inn, Schmidt. We '11 have the fellow locked up. Good-night, Schoolmaster. [Berger and Schmidt exeunt. Han nele falls asleep.] HANNELE Aa I. 31 Seidel [After a pause] He won't lock him. up. Not much. Gottwald Why not? Seidel He knows why, he does. Who 's the girl's father, eh? Gottwald Stuff, Seidel. That 's all gossip. Seidel All right. I knows what I knows. Gottwald You must n't mind what people say. Half are lies. — I only wish the doctor would make haste. Seidel [Softly] She won't get over it. You '11 see. [Enter Dr. Wachler, a grave-looking man of four-and-thirty.] Dr. Wachler Good evening! 32 HANNELE Act I. Gottwald Good evening, Doctor. Seidel [Helping the Doctor to take off his fur overcoat] Good evening, Herr Doctor. Dr. Wachler [Warming his hands at the stove] I should like another candle. [The sound of a barrel-organ comes from the adjoining room.] They must have lost their wits! Seidel [At the half -closed door of the back room] [ Can't you keep quiet in there? [Noise ceases. Seidel goes into the back room.] Dr. Wachler Herr Gottwald, I believe? Gottwald That is my name. HANNELE Act I. 33 Dr. Wachler I hear she tried to drown herself? Gottwald She saw no other way out of her troubles, poor child. [Short pause.] Dr. Wachler [Watching Hannele beside her bed] Has she been talking in her sleep? Hannele Millions and millions of stars! [Dr. Wachler and Gottwald watch the child. Through the window the moonlight streams on the group.] Why are you pulling at my bones? Don't! Don't! It hurts, oh, it does hurt so! Dr. Wachler [Carefully loosening the collar of Han nele's chemise] Her body is a mass of bruises! Seidel Ah, and that 's how her mother looked when she was put in her coffin! 34 HANNELE Act I. Dr. Wachler Shocking! Shocking! Hannele [In a changed, peevish voice] I won't go home. I won't ! I want to go to Dame Holie. — Let me go to the pond. — Let me go! — Oh, that dreadful, dreadful smell! — Father, you 've been drinking brandy again! — Hark! how the wind blows in the wood! — There was a storm in the hills this moming. — Oh, I do hope there won't be a fire. — Do you hear? Oh, what a storm! — It'll blow the tailor away, if he has n't put his goose in his pocket! [Enter Sister Martha.] Gottwald Good evening. Sister. [Sister Martha bends her head in response. Gottwald joins her at the back of the stage, where she is getting everything ready for nursing.] Hannele Where 's mother? In heaven? How far away it is! HANNELE Act I. 35 [She opens her eyes, stares about her in a dazed way, rubs her eyes slowly and says in an almost inaudible voice] Where am I? Dr. Wachler [Bending over her] You 're with friends, Hannele. Hannele I 'm thirsty. Dr. Wachler Water! [Seidel, who has brought in another can dle, goes out to get some water.] Dr. Wachler Does it pain you anjrsvhere? [Hannele shakes her head.] No. That 's first-rate. We '11 soon put you right. Hannele Please, sir, are you the doctor? Dr. Wachler Yes, my dear. 36 HANNELE Act I. Hannele Am I very, very ill? Dr. Wachler No, no! Not very ill. Hannele Are you going to make me well again? Dr. Wachler [Examining her quickly] Does that hurt? No! Does that? Ah, this is the place ! — Don't be frightened ! I won't hurt you. Is this where the pain is? Gottwald [Returning to the bedside] Answer the doctor, Hannele. Hannele [Earnestly, imploringly, tearfully] Oh, dear Teacher Gottwald ! Gottwald Come, come! Attend to what the Doctor says and answer his questions. [Hannele shakes her head.] No? Why not? HANNELE Act I. 37 Hannele Oh, do, do let me go to mother! Gottwald [Deeply moved — strokes her hair gently] Don't, don't say that, my child! [Short pause.] [The Doctor lifts his head, draws a long breath and reflects for a moment. Sister Martha has brought the lighted candle from the table and stands nearby, holding it.] Dr. Wachler [Beckons to Sister Martha] One moment. Sister. [The Doctor and Sister Martha retire to the table. The Doctor gives the Sister some instructions in an undertone. Gottwald glances at Hannele, the Sister, and the Doc tor alternately. He stands waiting, hat in hand.] [Dr. Wachler ends his quiet talk with Sister Martha.] I '11 look in again later on. I '11 have the medicine sent round. 38 HANNELE Act I. [To Gottwald] It seems they have arrested the man at the inn. Sister Martha Yes. So they say. Dr. Wachler [Putting on his overcoat. To Seidel] You 'd better come to the apothecary's with me. [The Doctor, Gottwald and Seidel take leave of Sister Martha quietly as they move toward the door.] Gottwald [In a casual way] What do you think of the case, doctor? [Doctor, Gottwald and Seidel exeunt.] [Sister Martha, who is now alone with Hannele, pours some milk into a bowl. Meanwhile, Hannele opens her eyes and watches her.] Hannele Have you come from Jesus? Sister Martha What did you say, dear? HANNELE Act I. 39 Hannele Have you come from the Lord Jesus? Sister Martha Why, Hannele, have you forgotten me? I 'm Sister Martha. Don't you remember coming to see us one day and praying and singing those beautiful hymns? Hannele [Nodding joyfully] Oh yes, yes. Such beautiful, beautiful hymns! Sister Martha I 've come to nurse you, in God's name, till you get well. Hannele I don't want to get well. Sister Martha [Bringing her the milk] The doctor says you must take a little of this milk, to make you strong again. Hannele [ Turns away ] I don't want to get well. 40 HANNELE Act I. Sister Martha Don't want to get well? That 's not sensi ble, my dear. There, let me tie your hair up. [She ties her hair.] Hannele [Crying quietly] I don't want to get well. Sister Martha Well, I declare! Why not? Hannele Oh, how I long to go to heaven. Sister. Sister Martha We all long for that, darling. But we must be patient and wait until God calls us, and then, if we repent of our sins Hannele [Eagerly] I do repent, Sister! Indeed, indeed I do! Sister Martha — and if we believe in the Lord Jesus Hannele I do believe in Him! HANNELE Act I. 41 Sister Martha Then you may wait in peace, my child. — Let me smooth your pillow for you. — ^There. Now go to sleep. Hannele I can't sleep. Sister Martha Oh yes, you can, if you try. Hannele Sister Martha! Sister Martha Well, dear? Hannele Sister! Are there any — any unpardon able sins? Sister Martha We won't talk about that nov/. You must not excite yourself. Hannele Please, please, please! Won't you tell me? 42 HANNELE Act I. Sister Martha Yes, yes. There are sins that God won't pardon — sins against the Holy Ghost! Hannele Oh, do you think I 've committed one? Sister Martha Nonsense. Why, only very, very wicked people, like Judas, who betrayed our Lord, could commit those sins. Hannele You don't know — you don't know. Sister Martha Hush. You must go to sleep. Hannele I 'm so afraid. Sister Martha You need not be. Hannele But if I have committed one? Sister Martha Oh, but you have n't. HANNELE Act I. 43 Hannele [Clings to the Sister and stares into the darkness.] Sister! Sister! Sister Martha Hush, dear, hush! Hannele Sister! Sister Martha What is it? Hannele He 's coming. Can't you hear him? Sister Martha I hear nothing. Hannele That 's his voice — outside! Hark! Sister Martha Whose voice? Hannele Father's! Father's! There he is! 44 HANNELE Act I. Sister Martha Where? I don't see him. Look! Where? Hannele Sister Martha Hannele At the foot of the bed! Sister Martha It 's only this coat and hat, darling. We '11 take the nasty things away and give them to Daddy Pleschke. And then I '11 bring some water and we '11 make a compress for you. You won't be afraid if I leave you alone for a few moments, will you? Lie quite still till I come back. Hannele Was it really only the coat and hat. Sister? How silly of me. Sister Martha Keep quite still. I '11 be back directly. [She goes out, but returns, as the court yard is pitch dark.] HANNELE Act I. 45 I '11 put the candle outside in the courtyard for a minute. [Shaking her finger tenderly at Hannele] Now mind! Keep still! [She goes out.] [It is almost dark in the room. As soon as the Sister has gone, the figure of Mattern, the mason, appears at the foot of the bed. He has a drunken and unkempt look, tangled red hair, and a shabby old soldier's cap. In his left hand he holds his tools. Round his right wrist is a cord. He stares threateningly at Hannele as if about to strike. A pale light envelopes the apparition and streams on to the bed. Hannele covers her face with her hands in terror. She writhes and moans piteously.] The Apparition [In a hoarse and exasperated voice] Where are you? Loafin' agen, as usual, eh? I '11 teach yer to skulk, you little devU, you. So you 've been tellin' tales, have you? Tellin' the folks I ill-uses you, eh? I beats you, eh? Aren't you ashamed to tell such lies? You ain't no child of mine. Get up, you lazy baggage. I don't want to have nothin' more to do with you. I 've half a 46 HANNELE Act I. mind to tum you out into the gutter. Get up and light the fire. D' ye hear? If I keeps you it 's out o' charity. Now then, up with you? You won't, won't you? Well then, look out [Hannele, with an effort, rises. Her eyes remain closed.- She drags herself to the stove, opens the stove- door, and falls senseless as Sister Martha returns with a lighted candle and a jug of water. The ap parition vanishes. Sister Martha staggers, stares at Hannele as she lies among the ashes, and exclaims] Sister Martha Saints alive! [She puts down the candle and the jug, hastens to Hannele, and lifts her from the floor. Hearing her cry, the inmates of the Almshouse rush in.] I just left her for a moment to fetch some water and she got out of bed. Here, Hedwig, give me a hand! Hanke You 'd best be careful, or you '11 hurt her. HANNELE Act I. 47 Pleschke It d — don't seem nat'ral to me, Sister. Someone must a-bewitched the girl. Tulpe That 's what 's wrong wi' her. Hanke [Loudly] She won't last long, she won't. Sister Martha [When with Hedwig's assistance she has put Hannele to bed again] That may be all very true, my good man, but you really must not excite the child. Hanke You 're makin' quite a fuss about her, ain't you? Pleschke [To Hanke] You 're a bad lot you are — a reg'lar out an' out bad lot. Ain't you got sense enough to know — as — as — sick folk must n't be excited? 48 HANNELE Act I. Hete [Mimicking him] S — sick folk must n't be excited Sister Martha I really must request you Tulpe Quite right, Sister. — You get out o' here! Hanke When we wants to go, we '11 go, and not before. Hete The stable 's good enough for the likes of us. Pleschke Don't you make no fuss — you '11 find a place to sleep in, you will. [The inmates of the Almshouse go out.] Hannele [Opens her eyes. She seems terrified.] Has he gone? Sister Martha They 've all gone, Hannele. Did they frighten you? HANNELE Act I. 49 Hannele [Still terrified] Has father gone? Sister Martha He has n't been here. Hannele Oh yes, he has. Sister! Sister Martha You dreamt it, my dear. Hannele [Sighing deeply] Oh, dear Lord Jesus! Dear, dear Lord Jesus! Won't you please, please, take me away from here! [Her tone changes.] "Oh, would He but come And guide my way home! I 'm worn and I 'm weary No more can I roam!" Yes, yes. I 'm sure He will. Sister, Sister Martha What, dear? Hannele He 's promised to take me to Him, Sister. so HANNELE Act I. Sister Martha H'm. Hannele [Coughs.] He 's promised. Sister Martha Who has promised? Hannele [Whispering mysteriously into the Sister's ear] The dear Lord — Gottwald! Sister Martha Get off to sleep again, Hannele, that 's a good girl. Hannele Is n't he handsome. Sister? Don't you think teacher 's handsome? His name is Heinrich! — Did you know that? What a beautiful name! [Ferveniiy] Dear, good, kind Heinrich! Sister, when I grow up, we 're going to be married! " And when the priest had made them one, The bride grew pink as heather; HANNELE Act I. 51 The bridegroom kissed her trembling lips, And off they rode together." He has such a lovely beard. [Entranced] And, oh, his head 's covered with such sweet white clover! — Hark! He's calling mei Don't you hear? Sister Martha Do go to sleep, my pet. No one is calling. Hannele It was the voice of — Jesus. Hark! He 's calling me again. Oh, I hear Him quite plainly. "Hannele!" " Hannele !" — Let us go to Him! Sister Martha When God calls He will find me ready! Hannele [Her head is now bathed in moonlight. She makes a gesture as though she were inhaling some sweet perfume.] Don't you smell them. Sister? 52 HANNELE Act I. Sister Martha No, Hannele. Hannele Lilacs ! [Her ecstasy increases.] Listen! Listen! [A sweet voice is faintly heard in the far distance.] Is that the angels singing? Don't you hear? Sister Martha Yes, dear, I hear. But now you must tum round and have a good long sleep. Hannele Can you sing that, too? Sister Martha Sing what, my child? Hannele "Sleep, darling, sleep!" Sister Martha Would you like me to? HANNELE Act I. 53 Hannele [Lies back and strokes the Sister's hand.] Mother, mother! Sing to me! Sister Martha [Extinguishes the light, bends over the bed, and softly intones the following verses to the accompaniment of dis tant music] "Sleep, darling, sleep! In the garden goes a sheep. [She sings the rest in darkness.] A little lamb with thee shall play. From dawn to sunset, all the day. Sleep, darling, sleep!" [Twilight fills the room. Sister Martha has gone. The pale and ghostly form of a woman appears and seats itself on the side of the bed. She is slightly bent and seems to rest on her thin bare arms. Her feet are bare. Her long white locks stream over her shoulders and onto the bed. Her face seems worn and wasted. Her sunken eyes, though closed, seem fixed on Hannele. Her voice sounds as the voice of one speaking in her sleep. Before she speaks, her lips are seen to move, as thougU it cost her a great effort 54 ' HANNELE Act I. to get the words out. She is prematurely aged. Her cheeks are hollow, and she is clad in niiserable clothes.] The Female Apparition Hannele ! Hannele [Her eyes, also, are closed.] Mother, dearest mother! Is it you? The Female Apparition It is I. — I have washed the feet of my Saviour vnth my tears, and I have dried them with my hair. Hannele Do you bring me good tidings ? The Female Apparition Yes! Hannele Have you come far? The Female Apparition Hundreds of thousands of miles, through the night! Hannele How strange you look, mother! HANNELE Act I. 55 The Female Apparition As the children of earth look, so I look! Hannele There are buttercups and daisies on your lips. Your voice rings out like music. The Female Apparition It is no true ring, my child. Hannele Mother, dear mother, your beauty dazzles me! The Female Apparition The angels in heaven are a thousandfold more radiant! Hannele Why are you not like them? The Female Apparition I suffered for your sake. Hannele Mother mine, won't you stay with me? The Female Apparition [Rising] I cannot stay! 56 HANNELE Act I. Hannele Is it beautiful where you have come from? The Female Apparition There the -wide meadows are sheltered from the -wind and storm and hail. God shields them. Hannele Can you rest there when you are tired? The Female Apparition Yes! Hannele Can you get food to eat there, when you are hungry ? The Female Apparition There is meat and fruit for all who hunger, and golden wine for those who thirst. [She shrinks away.] Hannele Are you going, mother? The Female Apparition God calls me! Hannele Does He call loudly? HANNELE Act I. 57 The Female Apparition He calls me loudly! Hannele My heart is parched within me, mother! The Female Apparition God will cool it with roses and with lilies. Hannele Mother, will God redeem me? The Female Apparition Do you know this flower I hold here in my hand? Hannele It 's golden sesame!* The key of heaven! The Female Apparition [Puts it into Hannele's hand.] Take it and keep it as God's pledge. Fare well! Hannele Mother! Mother, don't leave me! * In the German the flower is Himmelschlussel, that is " Key of heaven," but in English, cowslip. " Sesame " seems more appropriate and suggestive. — C. H. M. 58 HANNELE Act L The Female Apparition [Shrinks away] A little while and ye shall not see me, and again a little while and ye shall see me. Hannele I 'm afraid! The Female Apparition [Shrinking still farther away] Even as the snowdrifts on the hiUs are swept away by the winds, so shall thy troubles be lifted from thee. Hannele Don't go! The Female Apparition The Children of Heaven are as lightnings in the Night. Sleep! [The room gradually grows dark. Pretty voices of young children are heard singing the second verse of "Sleep, darling, sleep."] "Sleep, darling, sleep! Bright guests their vigils keep [A gold-green light suddenly floods the room. Three radiant Angels, crowned with roses, and having the forms of beautiful winged youths, appear and take up the song. In HANNELE Act I. 59 their hands they hold music. The Female Apparition has vanished.] The guests who guard thee thro' the night Are angels from the realms of Light. Sleep, darling, sleep!" Hannele [Opens her eyes and gazes rapturously at the Angels.] Angels! [Her joy and her amazement grow, but she seems still in doubt.] Angels!! [Triumphantly] Angels!!! [Short pause. Then the Angels sing the following strophes from the music in their hands.] First Angel The sunlight that glints on the mountain No gladness, or gold, had for thee. For thee there was sorrow and sadness In valley and forest and lea. Second Angel Thy hunger cried out to the reaper In vain, as he garnered the grain. 6o HANNELE Act I. For mUk thy poor lips went a-thirsting — They thirsted again and again. Third Angel The buds and the blossoms of springtide. In scarlet and purple arrayed. For others had savour and sweetness; And faded — as thou, too, must fade. [Brief pause.] First Angel From out of the darkness of space A greeting we bring. A message of love and of grace We bear on our wing. Second Angel In the hem of our raiment we bring thee The fragrance of May. The rose of the mom, newly bom, Illumines our way. Third Angel A glory of green and of glamour We leave in the skies. The splendour of God is reflected And shines in our eyes! The First Act Ends. Act II. The scene is as it was before tne appearance of the Angels. The Deaconess (Sister Martha) sits beside Hannele's bed. She lights the candle again and Hannele awakes. Her inward rapture is still shown in the expression of her face. As soon as she recognises Sister Martha she breaks into joyous talk. Hannele Sister! Sister Martha! Do you know who has been here? Angels! Angels, Sister! Sister Martha Aha! You 're -mde awake again. Hannele Yes, yes. Only think of it. [Impulsively] Angels! Angels! Real angels, from heaven, Sister Martha, with great, big wings! 6i 62 HANNELE Act II. Sister Martha What sweet dreams you must have had, dear. Hannele Why do you speak of dreams? Look, look! See what I have in my hand! [She holds out an imaginary flower to her.] Sister Martha What is it, dearest? Hannele Can't you see? Sister Martha H'm. Hannele Look at it. Sister. Only look! Sister Martha I see, dear. Hannele Smell how sweet it is! Beautiful! Sister Martha [Pretending to smell] HANNELE Act II. 63 Hannele Take care, take care. You '11 crush it. Sister Marth/ Oh no, I must n't do that, my dear. What do you call this wonderful flower? Hannele Why, golden sesame, of course! Sister Martha Oh! Hannele Of course it is. Can't you see? Bring the light here. Quick! Quick! Sister Martha Ah! Now I see. Hannele Is n't it beautiful? Sister Martha Yes, yes. But you must n't talk so much, my child. You must keep quite, quite still, or else the doctor will be angry. Now you must take the medicine he sent for you. 64 HANNELE Act II. Hannele , Oh, Sister, why will you worry so much about me? You don't know what has hap pened — do you, now? Who do you think it was gave me this lovely golden sesame? Guess, guess. — What's sesame for? Don't you know. Sister? Sister Martha Ssh! You can tell me all about it in the morning, when you are strong, and bright, and well again. Hannele I am well. [She tries to rise and puts her feet out of bed.] Sister Martha You must n't do that, Hannele, dear. Hannele [Waving her away, gets out of bed and walks a few steps.] Please — please do leave me alone. I must go away — away. [She starts and stares fixedly at something.] Oh, dear Lord Jesus ! HANNELE Act II. 65 [The figure of an Angel, clad in black and with black wings, appears. The Angel, is tall, majestic and beauti ful. In his hands he holds a long, wavy sword, the hilt of which is wrapped in crape. The Angel is seated near the stove. He is silent and serious. He gazes steadily and calmly at Hannele. A supernat ural white light fills the room.] Who are you? [Pause.] Are you an angel? [No answer.] Is it me you want? [No answer.] 1 am Hannele Mattern. Have you come for me? [Again no anstuer.] [During this incident, Sister Martha has stood looking on, perplexed and thoughtful, with folded hands. She slowly passes out of the room.] Has God made you dumb? Are you an angel? [No answer.] 66 HANNELE Act II. Are you one of God's good angels? [No answer.] Will you be kind to me? [No answer.] Are you an enemy? [No answer.] Why have you hidden that sword in the folds of your dress? [Silence.] I 'm so cold, so cold. Your look chills me. You 're icy cold. [Still silence.] Who are you? [No answer. Terror suddenly overmasters her. She screams and turns as if appealing for help to someone behind her.] Mother! Mother! [A figure, dressed like the Deaconess, but younger and more beautiful, and with great white wings, enters the room. Hannele hurries toward the figure, and clutches at her hand.] Mother, mother! There 's someone in the room! Deaconess Where? HANNELE Act II. 67 Hannele There — there! Deaconess Why do you tremble so? Hannele I 'm afraid. Deaconess Fear nothing. I am with you. Hannele My teeth are chattering. I can't help it, mother! He terrifies me! Deaconess Fear not, my child. He is your friend. Hannele Who is it, mother? Deaconess Do you not know him? Hannele Who is he? Deaconess He is Death! 68 HANNELE Act II. Hannele Death! [She stares fixedly and fearfully at the Angel for a moment.] Must it — must it be? Deaconess Death is the gate, Hannele! Hannele Is there no other, mother dear? Deaconess There is no other. Hannele Will you be cruel to me. Death? — He won't answer! Why won't he answer any of my questions, mother? Deaconess The voice of God has answered you already. Hannele Oh, dear Lord God, I have so often longed for this. But now — now I am afraid ! Deaconess Get ready, Hannele. HANNELE Act II. 69 Hannele For death, mother? Deaconess For death. Hannele [Timidly, after a pause] Shall I have to wear these ragged clothes, when they put me into the coffin? Deaconess God will clothe you. [She produces a small silver bell and rings it. In response there enters — silently, like all the following apparitions — a little humpbacked Village Tailor, carrying on his arm a bridal dress, a veil and a wreath. In one hand he has a pair of crystal slippers. He has a comi cal, see-saw gait, bows silently to the Angel and theDEACONESs, and lastly, and obsequiously, to Hannele.] The Village Tailor [Bobbing and bowing] Johanna Katherina Mattem, your most obedient. [Clears his throat.] 70 HANNELE Act II. Your father, his Excellency the Count, has done me the honour of ordering this bridal robe for you. Deaconess [Takes the dress from the Tailor and attires Hannele.] I will help you to put it on, Hannele. [Joyfully] Hannele Oh, how it rustles. Deaconess It 's white silk, Hannele. Hannele Won't the people be astonished to see me so beautifully dressed in my coffin! The Village Tailor Johanna Katherina Mattem [He clears his throat.] The village is full of it. [He clears his throat.] It 's full of the good luck your death is bringing you. [Clears his throat.] HANNELE Act II. 71 Your father, his Excellency the Count — [Co«g/j,s.] has just been talking to the Burgomaster about it. Deaconess [Puts wreath on Hannele's head] Lift up your head, you heavenly bride! Hannele [Trembling with childish pleasure] Oh, Sister Martha, I 'm so glad I am to die. [Breaking off suddenly and doubtfully] You are Sister Martha, are you not? Deaconess Yes, my child. Hannele No, no. You 're not Sister Martha. You are my mother! Deaconess Yes. Hannele Are you both of them? Deaconess The children of heaven are all one in God. 72 HANNELE Ad II. The Village Tailor If I may say so. Princess Hannele [He kneels to put on the slippers.] these slippers are the smallest in the land. Hedwig, and Agnes, and Liese, and Martha, and Minna, and Anna, and Kathe, and Gretchen, and the rest of them all have such very large feet. [He puts on the slippers.] But they fit you — they fit you! We've found the bride! Princess Hannele's feet are the smallest ! — Is there an)rthing else I can do for you? [Bows and scrapes.] Your servant. Princess. Your servant. [He goes.] Hannele Who would have dreamt it, mother? Deaconess Now you need not take any more of that nasty physic. Hannele No. Deaconess Soon you will be as bright and blithe as a lark, now, darling. HANNELE Act II. 73 Hannele Oh, yes! Deaconess Come, dear, and lie down on your death-bed. [She takes Hannele by the hand, leads her gently to the bed and waits while Hannele lies down.] Hannele Now I '11 soon know what death is, won't I ? Deaconess You will, Hannele. Hannele [Lying on her back and playing with an imaginary flower] I have a pledge here! Deaconess Press it closely to your breast. Hannele [Growing frightened again and glancing at the Angel] Must it — must it be? 74 HANNELE Act II. Deaconess It must. [Sounds of a funeral march heard in the remote distance.] Hannele [Listening] That 's Master Seyfried and the musicians announcing the funeral. [The Angel rises.] Oh, he 's getting up! [The storm outside gains strength. The Angel draws nearer to Hannele.] Sister ! Mother ! He 's coming to me ! Where are you? I can't see you! [Appealing to the Angel.] Make haste, thou dark and sUent spirit! [Speaking as though a heavy weight oppressed her.] He 's pressing me down! [The Angel solemnly lifts up his sword.] He '11 crush me to pieces ! [With anguish.] Help, Sister, help! [The Deaconess steps majestically be tween the Angel a'nd Hannele, and lays her hands protectingly on the child's heart. She speaks loftily, impressively and with authority.] HANNELE Act II. 75 Deaconess He dare not. I lay my consecrated hands upon thy heart. [The dark Angel vanishes. Silence.] [The Deaconess lapses into meditation and her lips move as if in prayer. The sound of the funeral march has continued through this scene. A noise as of many tramping feet is heard. The form of the schoolmaster, Gottwald, appears in the central doorway. The funeral march ceases. Gottwald is dressed in mourning and bears a bunch of lovely bluebells in his hand. He takes off his hat reverently, and on entering makes a gesture as though he would have silence. Behind him are ranged his pupils — boys and girls, in Sunday clothes. At the gesture of the Schoolmaster, they stop chattering, and seem afraid to cross the threshold. Gottwald approaches the Dea coness with a radiant look upon his face] Gottwald Good day. Sister Martha. Deaconess Grood day. Teacher Gottwald. 76 HANNELE Act II. Gottwald [Shakes his head sadly as he looks at Hannele] Poor little maid. Deaconess Why are you so sad, Teacher Gottwald? Gottwald Is she not dead? Deaconess Is that a thing to grieve over? She has found peace at last. I envy her. Gottwald [Sighing] Ay, she is free from care and sorrow now. It is all for the best. Deaconess [Looking steadfastly at Hannele] How fair she seems. Gottwald Yes, very fair. Death seems to have clothed her with beauty. Deaconess God has made her beautiful, because she loved Him. HANNELE Act II. 77 Gottwald Yes, she was always good and pious. [Sighs heavily, opens his hymn book, and peers into it sadly.] Deaconess [Peering into the same hymn book] We should not repine. We must be patient. Gottwald And yet my heart is heavy. Deaconess You do not mourn to know that she is saved ? Gottwald I mourn to think that two fair flowers have withered. Deaconess I do not understand you. Gottwald I have two faded violets in this book. How like they are to the dead eyes of my poor little Hannele. Deaconess They will grow bright and blue again in Heaven. 78 HANNELE Act II. Gottwald Oh, Lord, how long must we still wander in this vale of tears! [His tone changes abruptly. He becomes bustling and business-like. Produces a hymn book.] I thought it would be a good idea to sing the first hymn here — in the house — " Jesus, my Guide " Deaconess It is a beautiful hymn and Hannele Mat tern was a pious child. Gottwald And then, you know, when we get to the churchyard, we can sing, "Now lettest Thou thy servant." [He turns to the school children and addresses them.] Hymn No. 62 ! [Intones hymn, slowly beating time.] "Now let-test-Thou-thy-servant, De-pa-ar- art-in-peace " [The children chime in.] Children, have you all warm clothes on? HANNELE Act II. 79 It will be cold out yonder in the churchyard. Come in and take one last look at our poor Hannele. [The children enter and range themselves about the bed.] See how beautiful death has made the child. Once she was clad in rags. Now she wears silken raiment. She went bare-footed once. Now she has crystal slippers on her feet. Ere very long she will be taken to a house all built of gold, where she will never more know thirst or hunger. Do you remember how you used to mock at her and call her Princess Rag-Tag? — Now she is going away from us to be a real princess in heaven. If any of you have offended her, now is the time to beg for her forgiveness. If you do not, she will tell her Heavenly Father how unkind you were to her, and it will go hard with you. A Child [Stepping forward] Dear Princess Hannele, please, please for give me and don't tell God that I used to call you Princess Rag-Tag. All The Children [Together] We are all very, very sorry. 8o HANNELE Act II. Gottwald That 's right, children. Hannele will forgive you. Now, boys and girls, go inside and wait till I join you. Deaconess Come into the back room with me and I will tell you what you must all do if you want to join the bright angels some day, like Hannele. [She goes out. The Children follow. The door closes.] Gottwald [Alone "with Hannele. He lays his flowers at her feet.], My dear, dear Hannele, here are the violets I have brought you. [Kneels by the bedside. His voice trembles.] Do not forget me in your new felicity. [He sobs and lays his head against the folds of her dress.] My heart is breaking at the thought of part ing from you. [Voices are heard without. Gottwald rises and lays a covering over Han nele. Two aging women, dressed as if for a funeral, and with hand kerchiefs and yellow-edged hymn books in their hands, push their way into the room.] HANNELE Act II. 8i First Woman [Glancing round] We 're ahead of them all. Second Woman No, we ain't. There 's the Teacher. Good day. Teacher. Gottwald Good day. First Woman You 're takin' it to heart, Teacher. Well, weU, I allow she was a sweet child. My, what a busy little thing she was, to be sure. Second Woman Say, Teacher, we 've heard as how she killed herself. It ain't true, is it? [Appears] Third Woman T 'ud be a mortal sin ! Second Woman Ay, that it would. Third Woman The minister, he says, there ain't no pardon for it. 82 HANNELE Act II. Gottwald The Saviour said, " Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not." Fourth Woman [Enters] Dear, dear, what weather we 're havin'. We '11 all be froze, I guess, before we 've done. I hope the parson won't keep us long in the churchyard. The snow's a foot deep in the churchyard. Fifth Woman [Enters] Th' parson won't have no prayers read over her. He says as how consecrated ground ain't no place for the likes er her. Pleschke [Enters] Ha' yer heard the news? A grand stran ger 's bin to see the parson. He says that Mattem's Hannele 's a saint. Hanke [Hurrying in] They bringin' her a crystal coffin. Several Voices [Together] A crystal coffin! HANNELE Act II. 83 Hanke Reckon it '11 cost a pretty sum. Several Voices A crystal coffin! [Together] Seidel [Enters] Thur 's strange goin's on down in the vil lage. An angel 's bin thur — an angel as big 's a poplar, they do say. An' thur 's more of 'em down at th' blacksmith's — little uns, they be, no bigger nor babies. [Looking at Hannele.] She don't look like a beggar, she don't. Several Voices [Scattered] No, she don't look like a beggar — A crystal coffin ! — Did you ever hear the like! — And angels in the village! [Four Youths clad in white enter, bear ing a crystal coffin, which they put down close to Hannele's bed. They whisper to each other excitedly and curiously.] 84 HANNELE Vlrf 77. Gottwald [Slightly raising the cloth] Would you like to have a look at the dead child? First Woman [Peeping at Hannele] Just look at her hair. Why, if it ain't shinin' just like gold. Gottwald [Drawing the cloth completely from the body which is flooded with a pale light] Have you seen her silk dress and crystal slippers? [All utter exclamations of surprise, and draw back.] Several Voices [Confusedly] Lord, how beautiful! — Why, that ain't our Hannele! — That can't be Mattem's Hannele ! — Well, if it ain't wonderful! Pleschke She 's a saint, sure enough. [The Four Youths lay Hannele rever ently in the crystal coffin.] HANNELE Act II. 85 Hanke I told you there wouldn't be no buryin' for her. First Woman I reckon they '11 put her into the church. Second Woman I don't believe the girl 's dead a+ all. She looks too lifelike for that. Pleschke G — gi' me — gi' me — a feather. — We '11 soon see if she 's dead. — Just gi' me a feather [They give him a feather. He holds it before her lips.] It don't stir! The girl 's dead, sure enough, she is. There ain't no life left in her. Third Woman I 'd kinder like to give her this bit o' rose mary. [She puts a sprig into the coffin.] Fourth Woman She can have my lavender, too. 86 HANNELE Act II. Fifth Woman Why, where 's Mattem? First Woman Ay, where ' s Mattem? Second Woman Where he alius is, drinkin' down at th' inn. First Woman May be he don't know what 's happened? Second Woman He don't know nothin' when he 's full o' drink. Pleschke Wot? Ain't no one told him there 's a dead body in the house? Third Woman He might er found that out for hisself. Fourth Woman I 'm not accusin' anyone, I ain't. But it do seem odd the man who lolled the child, as you might say, should n't know nothin' about it. HANNELE Act II. 87 Seidel That 's what I say, and every one in th' village ud say the same. Why, she 's got a bruise on her as big as my fist. Fifth Woman He 's the devil's own child, is Mattem. Seidel I saw that there bruise when I was helpin' to put her to bed. I tell yer, it was as big as my fist. That 's what settled her business. First Woman He 's the man as done it. All [Whispering angrily to one another] That 's what he is. Second Woman I call him a murderer. All He 's a murderer, a murderer! [The drunken voice of Mattern, the mason, is heard without.] 88 HANNELE Act II. Mattern \Withoui\ Lemme in, d' ye hear. Lemme in! I ain't done no harm to nobody. \He appears in the doorway and bawls] Where are you hidin', you good-for-nothin' hussy? \He staggers] I '11 give you till I count five. Then look out. Now then. One — two — three — and one makes — Come out, damn you, you hussy What d' ye mean by makin' me lose my tem per? Lemme get a sight of you, that 's all, and I '11 break every bone in your body. [He stumbles, recovers and stares stupidly at the silent bystanders.] What are you starin' at me for? [No answer] What d' ye want? Devil take you all. I ain't done nothin' to the girl. Come out, d' ye hear? And mighty quick about it, too. [He chuckles to himself.] I know what I 'm about, if I have had a drop too much. What, you ain't gone yet [Savagely] Don't stand there glarin' at me or I '11 HANNELE Act II. 89 [A man wearing a long, shabby, brown robe enters. He is about thirty years old. His hair is long and dark. His face is the face of the schoolmaster, Gottwald. In his left hand he holds a soft hat. He has sandals on his feet. He seems weary and travel-stained. He interrupts the mason by laying his hand gently on his arm. Mattern turns round roughly. The stranger looks him steadily and calmly in the face.] The Stranger [Gently] Mattem, the mason, God's peace be with thee. Mattern Where do you come from? What do you want? The Stranger [Appealing] My feet are weary and blood-stained. Give me water wherewith to wash thern. The burning sun has parched my tongue. Give me wine, wherewith to cool it. No food has passed my lips since early morn. Give me bread, wherewith to still my hunger. 90 HANNELE Act II. Mattern It 's none of my business. If you 'd been working, like an honest man, instead o' trampin' up and down the country roads, you 'd be all right. I have to work for my livin'. The Stranger I am a workman. Mattern You 're a vagabond, you are. Honest work men don't starve. The Stranger For my work no man pays me. Mattern You 're a vagabond. The Stranger [Faintly, submissively, but pressingly] I am a physician. Hast thou not need of me ? Mattern Not I. I 'm not sick. No doctors for me. The Stranger [His voice trembling with emotion.] Mattern, the mason, bethink thee! Though HANNELE Aa II. 91 thou hast denied me water, I will heal thee. Though thou hast refused me bread, yet I can make thee well. God is my witness. Mattern Be off with you, d' ye hear? Be off. My bones are sound. I don't want nothin' to do with doctors. Will you clear out? The Stranger Mattem, the mason, bethink thee well. I will wash thy feet. I -will give thee wine. Thou shalt have sweet, white bread to eat. Set thy foot upon my head, and I will still heal thee, as God liveth. Mattern You won't go, won't you, eh? I '11 have to throw you out? The Stranger [Impressively] Mattem, the mason, dost thou not know what lies within this house? Mattern There ain't nothin' lyin' here but what belongs to the place, 'ceptin' you. Off you go, damn you! 92 HANNELE Aa II. The Stranger Thy daughter lies here, sick. [Simply] Mattern She don't want no doctors to cure her com plaint. She 's lazy. That 's wot 's the mat ter with her. I '11 cure her, and mighty quick, too, if she don't stop skulkin'. The Stranger [Loftily] Mattern, the mason, I come to thee as a messenger. Mattern A messenger? Who sent you, eh? The Stranger I come from the Father, and I go unto the Father. What hast thou done with His child? Mattern P'raps you know where she 's hidin ner- self better than I do. What are His children to me? He don't seem to trouble himself much about them. HANNELE Aa II. 93 The Stranger [Directly] There is one dead within these walls. Mattern [Sees Hannele, approaches the coffin silently, and looks inn, muttering] Where the devil did she get all them fine clothes and that ere crystal coffin? [The coffin-bearers whisper together angrily, "Murderer!" ''Murderer!" Mattern, softly and stammering] I — n-never did ye n-no harm. I was kind to you, I was. I did n't deny you nothin' [Brutally, to the Stranger] Wot d' yer want ? Come, speak out and ha' done with it? 'Tain't no business of mine. The Stranger Mattem the mason, hast thou nothing to say to me? [The coffin-bearers grow more and more excited, and frequent exclamations of "Murderer!" "Murderer!" are'heard.] Hast thou not sinned? Hast thou never dragged her from her sleep iat night and beaten her till she grew faint with pain and anguish? 94 HANNELE Aa II. Mattern [Frenzied with excitement] May Heaven strike me dead if I have! [Faint blue lightning and distant thunder] All [Scattered voices] It 's thundering! — Thunder in mid-winter! — He 's perjured himself ! — The murderer 's perjured himself! The Stranger [Gently and persuasively] Hast thou still nothing to confess, Mattem? Mattern [Panic-struck] Those whom the Lord loveth. He chasteneth. That 's what I did to the girl. I treated her as though she was my own child, I did. The Women [Rushing at him] Murderer! Murderer! Mattern She lied to me and cheated me. HANNELE Aa II. 95 The Stranger Is this the truth? Mattern So help me God ! [The golden sesame appears in Hannele's clasped hands. A mystic greenish- yellow light streams from it. The sight dismays Mattern, who re coils in terror.] The Stranger Mattem the mason, thou hast lied to me. All [Scattered voices] A miracle! A miracle! Pleschke The girl 's a saint, sure. He 's perjured his self, he has. Mattern [Shouting] I '11 go hang myself! [He presses his hands to his temples and goes.] 06 HANNELE Ad II. The Stranger [Advances to the coffin and turns to the bystanders, who draw back in awe of his now noble and imposing form.] Be not afraid! [He stops and presses Hannele's hand. Then in a gentle tone] The maiden is not dead. She sleepeth. [Earnestly] Johanna Mattem! [A golden-green light steals into the room. Hannele opens her eyes and, with the help of The Stranger's hand, rises, not yet daring to fix her eyes on him. She leaves the coffin and sinks upon her knees before The Stranger. The bystanders fiee in consternation. The Stranger and Hannele remain alone. The Stranger's shabby gown falls from his shoulders. Beneath it is a robe of white and gold.] The Stranger [Tenderly] Hannele! Hannele [With rapture, bending her head low] 'T is he! HANNBLlE Aall. ^7 The Stranger Dost thou know me? Hannele I have waited for thee. The Stranger Canst thou name my name? Hannele [Trembling with awe] Holy! Holy! Holy! "The Stranger I know thy sorrow and thy pain. Hannele I have longed for thy coming. TriE Stranger Arise ! Hannele ^hy dress is spotless. I am ashamed. The Stranger [Laying his right hand on Hannele's head] Thy shame I take from thee. [He lifts her face gently and touches her eyelids!] 98 HANNELE Aa II. 1 fill thine eyes with everlasting light. Thy soul shall be all sunshine. Eternal brightness shall be thine, from dawn till eve and then till dawn again. Receive all radiant things, and feast thine eyes on all the glories of the deep blue sea and azure sky and fair green trees, forever and forever. [He touches her ears.] Let thine ears be opened to the music of the millions upon millions of God's angels. [He touches her lips.] Thus do I loose thy stammering tongue and quicken it with the life of thine own soul and my soul, and the soul of God Almighty. Hannele [Trembling convulsively 'with rapture, tries to rise, but cannot. She sobs and buries her head in The Stranger's robe.] With these thy tears I cleanse thee from the dust and stain of earth. I will raise thee high above the stars of God. [The Stranger lays his hand on the child's head and speaks the lines fol lowing to the accompanying strains of soft music. As he speaks, the forms of many angels appear, crowd- HANNELE Aa II. 99 ing' through the doorway. Some are tall, some short. Some are radiant winged boys and girls. They swing incense - censors and strew flowers, and spread rich stuffs on the floor.] The Stranger The Realm of Righteousness is filled with light and joy. God's everlasting peace reigns there without alloy. [Harps are heard, at first played softly, then gradually swelling louder and louder.] Its mansions are marble, its roofs are of gold. Through its rivulets ripple wines ruddy and old. In its silver-white streets blow the lily and rose. In its steeples the chiming of joy-bells grows. The beautiful butterflies froHc and play On its ramparts, rich-robed in the mosses of May. Swans, twelve, soft as snow, ring them round in the sky, And their wings thrill the air with sweet sounds as they fly. And louder and louder the symphonies swell Till their resonance reaches from heav'n to hell. Forever and ever, through aeons unending, With music majestic their progress attending, IOO HANNELE Aa Tl. They soar above Zion and meadoW and sea, And their path is made lambent with mystery. The blessM below, in the regions of Light, Wander on, hand in hand, and rejoice in their flight. In the depths of the radiant, the ruby-red waves. Swan dives down after swan, as its plumage it laves. So they wash themselves clean in the clear, deep red Of the blood that the Lord, their dear Saviour, had shed. And they pass from the glory of flood and of foam. To the rest and the bliss of their heavenly home. [The Stranger turns to the Angels, who have ended their work. With timid joy they draw near and form a semi-circle round Hannele and The Stranger.] Bring hither finest linen, children mine — My fair, my pretty turtle-doves, come hither. Surround her weak and wasted little frame With comfort and with warmth, to keep her free From frost and fever, pain and weary woe. HANNELE Aa IL loi Be tender with her. Shield her from mde touch. And bear her swiftly up, on pinions light. Above the waving grasses of the lea. Beyond the shimmering wastes of moonlit space Beyond the meads and groves of Paradise, Into the cool and shade of boundless peace.] Then, while she rests upon her silken bed. Prepare for her, in alabaster bath, Water from motmtain brook, and purple wine, and milk of antelope. To wash away the stain of earthly ill ! From off the bushes break the budding sprays, Lilac and jessamine, with dew bent low, And let their moisture from the petals flow Softly upon her, as the showers in May. Take linen rare and fine, to dry her limbs With loving hands, as ye would lily-leaves. From jewell'd chalices pour the reviving wine. Pressed from the patient heart of fragrant fruit. Delight her lips with sweets, her heart delight With all the dazzling splendours of the mom. Enchant her eyes with stately palaces. Let humming-birds, in iris hues arrayed. From walls of malachite flash gold and green. Beneath her feet spread velvets, richly wrought. And strew her path with daffodils and tulips. I02 HANNELE Aa II. To fan ner cheek let palms in cadence sway And make her life unceasing holiday. Where the red poppies rear their beauteous heads And happy children dance to meet the day, Bid her repose, free now from tear and sigh. And witch her soul with gentle harmony. The Angels [Sing in chorus] We bear thee away to the Heavenly Rest, Lullaby, into the Land of the Blest, Lullaby, into the Land of the Blest! [The stage grows gradually dark, as the Angels sing. Out of the darkness the sound of their song is heard more and more faintly. Then the stage grows light. The interior of the Almshouse is seen, exactly as before the first apparition. Hannele — a poor, sick child, once more lies on the bed. Doctor Wachler bends over her, with a stethoscope. The Deaconess (Sister Martha) stands by, watching anxiously, and holding a candle in her hand. The Angels' song ceases.] HANNELE Aa II. 103 Dr. Wachler \Risin^ You are right! Deaconess Is she dead? Dr. Wachler [Sadly] She is dead. The Curtain Falls.