-

J/\l,

.
duvJ .

ACT ONE
The Marsovian
Paris.
The Salon of the Ambassador.

SCENE:

NO. 1 - OPENING SCENE

St. BriOJ!he
Now, ladies and gentlemen, really,
I think that the duty's mine
To spea{ our thanks to our hostess
But speaking - is not in my line.
And so I'll try, but very briefly
To e.x:press -what I want to chiefly
To the charming baroness
(CHORUS .curtsey)
Join in a hearty toast vdth
Chorus
Three timen three to Baroness Popoff
Rail her again 'Nith tb.:Vee times three.
(Glass Business - Hands up)
Natalie
(Comes to R.l downstairs c.)
I thnk you doubly for your kindness
That you so heartily express
It makes me proud both as your hostess
And as a true Ambassadoress
This party has a double meaning.
(CHORUS curtsey)
For when your pleasure you envise
You honor our sovereign His Highness.
(CHORUS curtsey)
Marsoviats great and noble Princeo
Your kind expressions will content him
For when I bid you come to d m ce
Unworthily I represent him
I'M Marso vi a here in Frm. ce.
Your kind expressions - etco --All & Chorus
we hope it will not discontent him
If we should bless the lucky chance
That sends you now to represent him
As Marsovia
(CHORUS curtsey)
here in Franceo

1-2

(JOLIDON coming down throu3h guests.

To Natalie n. A SERVANT mnounces
VISCOUNT de JOLIDON from off back)
Natsl ie

(R)

Now leave me.

Jolidon
But I shall find you again?
Natsl ie

Perhaps o

Jolidon

Alone?

Natalie

I don rt know.

Jolidon

Why donrt you know?

Natalie
That horrid Kadja is watching us.
What makes

Jolidon
you think so?
Natalie
I am suspicious of his back.

He has his back to us.

An Ambassador's wife -(OLGA to L.

Jolidon

ST. BROICrlli joins her) .

Should he above suspicion, I know.

Jolidon
Jl -//(
l::l("l ,. / I J-,

".--;,.

Don't

my hus snd

1
!,

. "- ':.. ,.1," .L>t,.".

..........

:,L'.C.r -:1 .. <.'

I an

.ic.ta..t.'

Be careful

.'/<,<>,.. r:c. /

l . ,, ,

Natalie
;rolidon

(Sighs and goes up)

(NATALIE looking nervously toward Kadja. His
left shoulder is smiling - sardonically. Fans
herself - turning to the guests. Enter NOVA KOVICH C)

a./.cc.( (

u'

......

..,..._....._.,-.,J

1-3

Nova Kovich
(A small, irate man - to OLGA who
is talking with st. Broiche R.)

Yes?

Olga
(Turning to him)
Nova Kovich

Youre flirting.

S t Bro i <;he

(X to 5)

Pardon.

(Awkwardly)
(Goes up to back c.)

Olga
(To Nova Kovich)
Why canrt you leave me alone?
You were

not alone.

well - leave

Nova Kovich
Thatrs the point.

me alone.

Olga
Now.

Nova Kovich
Donrt flirt - then.
(Leaving her - sees st. B roiche
and takes him off L.U.E.)
(OLGA moves L.)
Khadja
(crosses to NATALIE who is
coming down)
Did you notice that?
Natalie
What?

(R. C. )

Khadja
Whet a jealous fellow Nova Kovich is --Yes, isnrt he?

Natalie

Khadja
So different from his excellency,
Nat al i e
\ \'\
(With a nervous little laugh)
My husband has no reason for jealousy.
YJladja
But jealousy is always unreasonable.

.I

The

"}-?tr.!

A4.t-vl'-OC. . . . ..{ '

f)
. .
Y{

1-4

Of course--in a husband.
Where is His

Natalie

Khadja
EXcellency?

Natalie
He is hanging over the banisters.
(CAS GADA enters and tel ks to Guests and
joins Nata ie and Khadja)

Khadja
So athletic -- at his age.
watching f'or the widow?

Natalie
Khadja

The Widow?

. (CASCADA. joins them)

YES - The Widow.

Natalie
The bankerrs widow

cascada
(Who has joined them)
Is the charming widow coming here tonight?
Natalie
at the moment she is the queen of our diplomatic chessboardo
And the end of the game?

cascada

Natalie
Mate - for the Widow.
(Goes up - joins Jolidono
Comes down stage to t.)
cascade
For a pretty woman she is cleverer

than she looks.

Khadja
I an sure there is no harm in what she is saying now to M de Jolidon.
cascada
(Xes R of Khadja)
so we need not listen.
I will turn my back.
(To Jolidon)
I must sped< to you.
You make me so happy.

Khadja
Natalie

.rolidon

Now now.

Natalie
When we are alone. What are you writing on my fan?

Since you forbid me to

(Rises}
{Reading)
ft-I love you" o
(Earnestly)
Yes, I love you. -You are not to say it.
Thats why I wrote it.

Jolidon

1-5

I am writing three words.

Natalie

Jolidon

Natalie
Jolidon

(Music cue No. lA.

Ballroom music.

ENSBMBLE off)

Natalie
I ought to rub it out.
(Moving away - to cascade)
(Xes C)
May I --The next dance

easee-Qa
going to begin.
-?'-

M"'..)!

Natalie
I am not dancing just yet. I em waiting for the Widowo
(Turns up a little with JOLIDON - Xes to 1}
cascade
The Widow is a most important lady?
She ha.s twenty millions.

K..l-J.adj a
cascade

Twenty J

Khadja
Millionsl The daughter of a poor Marsovian farmer, she married
an animated money bag who left her a smiling widow a week
cascade
Is she thinking of marrying a Parisian?
Khadja
(to M. of Orchestra)
our host hopes noto
cascade

(To Khadja}
What has it to do with him?

..

1-6

Khadja.
Everything. As Marsovian Ambassador he has received orders from
our royal master that the Widcws millions must remain in our
own country and to me.rry the charming widow to a Marsovian has
become a question of international diplomacy.
(EXit KHADJ A 3 )
csscada
Demn diplomacys
(Exit CASC.ADA 3)
(Music through preceding scene)
is now

have gone off to dancing-room. The stage

blear of all, except NATALIE and JOLIDON)

(No. 2:

JOLIDON & NATALIE)

DUET:
11

A DUTIFUL WIFE)

(EXEUNT L.D.E. - BOTH)

(After duet - enter NISH R. with SERVANT)
Nish - 2 (on steps)
Inform his EXcellency that I have arrivedo
(Exit SERVANT 2)

'

(Enter KHADJA 3)
.Ah, Mr. Nish, 81 one.

Khadja
Why are you alone?
Nish

I will explain to his Excellency.

By all means.
certainly.
Of course.

Khadja
Uish
Khadja

Nish
Naturally - to IUS. E."{cellency himself.
Q!,lite right.

Khadja

Nish
To His EXcellency - and no one else.
Just

Khadja
SOc

nish
How long baa this thins
on? I an the confidential messenger
of his Escellency -- I
not abuse his confidence. He may abuse meo

A DUTIFUL WIFE
NATALIE.

We are alone, theres no one here!

JOLIDON.

Id wish to be so always, dear!

NATALIE.

JOLIDON.

NATALIE.

JOLIDON.

NATALIE.

JOLIDON.

Ive something I must say to you.

Theres something that I must tell you, too!
No, please!
I cannot listen to words like these!
Yet you can hear them, though I am still,
I long to say them, and I will,
I will!
That, dearest friend, is what I have dreaded.
Its time this was ended
Was ended?

NATALIE.

Its time you were wedded!

JOLIDON.

NATALIE.

A wife for me?

That cannot be.
For you are my love, the love for me!
I beg you, dear,
You will not tell me what I must not hear!
For I am a dutiful wife,
Another is lord of my life.
It brings but trouble and danger
To listen to love from a stranger.
My vows I can never recall,
So what is the end of it all,

But sorrow and peril and strife,

When I am a dutiful wife?
I lose if I love you, and what are you winning?
Ah, break off this folly while yet its beginning!
Take care, take care! My friend, beware!
And do not play
With fire today!
Stamp out the brand
Ere it is fanned,
Or from its sleep
The flame may leap!
Though it may be but a childish game,
Yet you may set your house aflame!
The blaze you start
May sear your heart!
Play not with fire then, friend,
Beware!
JOLIDON.

Yes, you are a dutiful wife.

It goes to my heart like a knife!
But spite of the bars that may sever,
I love you, and love you forever!
And though we are always apart,
The love will live on in my heart
Until I grow old in the strife,
While you are a dutiful wife!
I know there is peril, but yet I would dare it!
To lose you forever . . . Ah! How could I bear it!

NATALIE.

Take care, take care!

My friend, beware!
And do not play
With fire today.
Stamp out the brand
Ere it is fanned,
Or from its sleep
The flame may leap!
Though it may be but a childish game,
Yet you may set
your house

JOLIDON.

I mean to dare
I mean to dare,
Though duty bars the way.
But dutys call,
That is not all
Love has a word to say.
You will love me yet,
Take care,
Beware,

aflame!
The blaze you start
May sear your heart!
Play not with fire, then, friend,
Take care!

And in your heart

The flame will start!
For love will bid you dare,
And then you will
not care!

1-6

Khadja.
Everything. As Marsovian Ambassador he has received orders from
our royal master that the Widcws millions must remain in our
own country and to me.rry the charming widow to a Marsovian has
become a question of international diplomacy.
(EXit KHADJ A 3 )
csscada
Demn diplomacys
(Exit CASC.ADA 3)
(Music through preceding scene)
is now

have gone off to dancing-room. The stage

blear of all, except NATALIE and JOLIDON)

(No. 2:

JOLIDON & NATALIE)

DUET:
11

A DUTIFUL WIFE)

(EXEUNT L.D.E. - BOTH)

(After duet - enter NISH R. with SERVANT)
Nish - 2 (on steps)
Inform his EXcellency that I have arrivedo
(Exit SERVANT 2)

'

(Enter KHADJA 3)
.Ah, Mr. Nish, 81 one.

Khadja
Why are you alone?
Nish

I will explain to his Excellency.

By all means.
certainly.
Of course.

Khadja
Uish
Khadja

Nish
Naturally - to IUS. E."{cellency himself.
Q!,lite right.

Khadja

Nish
To His EXcellency - and no one else.
Just

Khadja
SOc

nish
How long baa this thins
on? I an the confidential messenger
of his Escellency -- I
not abuse his confidence. He may abuse meo

1-7

(Enter POPOFF)

(R.u.E. down steps)

Khadja
He probably will. Here he iso
(C. and L. EXit L.2.E.)
Popoff
(Offstage and as he enters)
Oh, here he is, is he? I am very glad to know that; I have been
anxiously awaiting his srri vel Well, well, where is the Prince?
I must explain.

Nish

Popoff
That will do; you have fm led to find the Prince --that is enougho
I thank Your Excellency.
so easily.
(GOing)

Nish
I didn't

think you would let me off

Popoff
In fact, I have scarcely begun. In
diplomacy, Mr. Nish, failure is a fact - explanation generally
fiction. You went to the Prince's house?
I have not finished.

He was not in his house.

Nish

Popoff
Then you went to Mademoiselle

I forget her name ---

Nish
He was not at home there.
Popoff
I have it on very good e uthority that he is usually very much
et home there.
Nish
But not this evening -- she advised me --Popoff
Never take advice from a woman, Mr. Nishl
Nish
scarcely a woman - a young girl about 19 or 19! - and about
the s arne around the waist. I took her advice.
Momentarily I
did, your Excellency.
Popoff
Remember that you are in the Diplomatic Service, on the lowest
rung of the ladder - a mere messenger of the Embassy - but
still in the Diplomatic Service. So you failed to find the Prince.
On this one occasion when his country has need of him - he cannot
be found -- simply because you fai 1 to find him
. Nish
Oh, I found him all right.
_

.. ,.---

1-8

Popoff
OH.
Nish
That is why I Sf "All right" - I found him.
Oh, you found him.

Popoff
Where?
Nish

At Maxims.

Popoff

Alone?

Nish
With several ladies - Well, when I sey "ladies" -- I should
say --females.
Popoff
wasting his time, I suppose?
Oh no, he was

Nish
rather busy.

And you gave

Popoff
him my message?

Nish
word for word. I told him. that his country was caL ling for
him and that you desired his presence at the Embassy at once.
Popoff
well, there is some sign of intelligence gleaning through the
fog. What did he say?
Nish
"Give my country my kind regards"--Ah, that

my Prince

Popoff

Nish
"---and tell it to go to the devil .. ''
Popoff
Oh - he did that, did he? He is anticipating our finish. And
to think that I should have selected this Prince -- this Don Juan-to be the husband of the charming widow - the possessor of her
Marsovian millions, and he will not come when he is called. He
Prefers Maxims. Does it astound you, Mr. Nish? Does it make
your senses reel? Does it, sir, does it? Why the devil donrt
you answer me?
Nish
I am but a clerk, your EXcellency.
I forgot myselfo

Popoff

l-9
Nish
Momentarily you did, your EXcellency.
Popoff
I said I did.

Nish
And I forgot to inform you that the Prince is comingo
(Business)
Popoff
What? Oh, he is coming, eh? What is the game -- sir, what
is your-rittle game?
,
What is your game, sir?

Popoff

canasta.
He promised

Nish

Nish
to leave Maxims after one more.

One more glass?

Popoff
Nish

Popoff
well I must haveAin condition to meet the Widow when she arrives,
so when he arrives,
{Xes R.2)
offer him some Hadacol. If he refuses, put him in a hammock
with a lump of ice in his lef't hand and recite to himo
What shall I recite?

Nish

Popoff
Donrt ask silly questions -- recite to him.
(EXits R.l.E.)
Nish
(Off 1 - loudly)
Whatts the matter?
(Exits R.1. E. )
(Twenty gentlemen, anongst them CASCADA and
BRIOCHE, hurry out of the ante-room across
the stage and through the chief door)
st. Brioche
Twenty millions.
(EXits quiekly R.2.E.)
The Widow.

cascada
The Widowo
(EXits quickly R.2.E)

1-10

(Enter GENTLEJ:IEN - form a rank

on each side)
(Enter SONIA R.)
{NO. 3 - SONG AND \.inunuo
,..TTA'!""\.'P ... t""'

Sto B.
cascade
Chorus:

l"t.n1'1.TTA \

i:>

.L.M./

were not in Marsovia.

{Hold picture)

cascade
(After song)
Madame, we have been counting

moments till your arrival.

Sonia
I know. It was like counting moneyo
so much money - you must forgive me.

People always count me as

(GENTLEMEN move to L.C. leavinr; entrm ce

clear for POPOFF)
Mey- I ask the favor ---

st. Brioche
cascada

Of a dance?

sonia
Oh yes, I don't mind whom I dBnce with.
(Bus, with program)
(MEN to R, grouping about cascada)

May I

Men
and I? --and I? --etc., etc. etco

sonia
Write your names plainly -- I like to know at least the names
of all the men who propose to me. I suppose you will all want
to propose to me?
All

Madarne.

sonia
Well, it will be quite refreshing if you donrt.
(Enter POPOFF and NATALIE C.P..U.E.)__e.-../..&-v //
Popoff
(R. C. )

My dear Madame - my wife and I--Natalie

Are delighted at the pleasure--Popoff
At the honor - of offering you a welcome.
(low bow)

IN MARSOVIA
SONIA.

Gentlemen, I pray!

CASCADA.

We cannot tear ourselves away!

SONIA.

CASCADA.

How polite you are!

From our evning star!

SONIA.

What things you say!

Stop it, pray!
No more now, kindly gentlemen!

ST. BRIOCHE.

Were dazzled by your beautys ray,

Groping blindly!
MEN.

Now, dont repeat it, pray!

You really are too good to me, you are!
I havent been in Paris long,
And when I meet a man,
Im always saying something wrong,
Im so Marsovian!
For when a man would wed a girl
In my own native land,
He doesnt call her Star and Pearl
And want to kiss her hand.
Says he, Let us get married now.
We are both growing big.
My father has a cow,
And your mother has a pig.
Thats how its done, you know,
For that is how we wed.
Theres nothing more that need be said,
But ask Papa and dear Mama,
Thats how we marry in Marsovia!
Ah!

Our heartfelt homage let us pay!

Before our ruling star,
Our fairest star!

Oh!

Ha ha!

ST. BRIOCHE and CASCADA.

Courting such as that

MEN (contd).

Thats how they go!

Is extremely flat.
We dont do it so.
SONIA.

Look out for money, then ask Papa,

When youre in Marsovia!

ST. BRIOCHE and CASCADA.

MEN.

When you are

married,
Tell us what then?

Tell us some more of your

women and men!
When they are married,
Well, what then?

SONIA.

With us a marriage is for life.

Really?

We dont admire divorce?

Truly?

If someone courts anothers wife,

He will be shot, of course.
And if a wife to other men
Should give a look or two,
Her husband takes a cudgel then,

If a wife is unruly?
Then
her husband
Thrashes her black

And beats her black and blue

Men are all the same,
I can see!

and blue!
Oh no!

ST. BRIOCHE and CASCADA.

If you married me,

SONIA.

You could beat your wives,

I fancy!

MEN.

Madame,

oh no!

ST. BRIOCHE and CASCADA.

Only try and see!

SONIA.

Ha ha ha ha ha!
ST. BRIOCHE and CASCADA.

Ah, I dont do so!

MEN.

Really, you know!

That is not so!

SONIA.

Just as we do in Marsovia,
As we do . . .
in

ST. BRIOCHE

A woman I could never strike!

CASCADA.

Marsovia.
Ha ha!

Ill let you beat me, if you like.

MEN.

Were not in Marsovia!

1-10

(Enter GENTLEJ:IEN - form a rank

on each side)
(Enter SONIA R.)
{NO. 3 - SONG AND \.inunuo
,..TTA'!""\.'P ... t""'

Sto B.
cascade
Chorus:

l"t.n1'1.TTA \

i:>

.L.M./

were not in Marsovia.

{Hold picture)

cascade
(After song)
Madame, we have been counting

moments till your arrival.

Sonia
I know. It was like counting moneyo
so much money - you must forgive me.

People always count me as

(GENTLEMEN move to L.C. leavinr; entrm ce

clear for POPOFF)
Mey- I ask the favor ---

st. Brioche
cascada

Of a dance?

sonia
Oh yes, I don't mind whom I dBnce with.
(Bus, with program)
(MEN to R, grouping about cascada)

May I

Men
and I? --and I? --etc., etc. etco

sonia
Write your names plainly -- I like to know at least the names
of all the men who propose to me. I suppose you will all want
to propose to me?
All

Madarne.

sonia
Well, it will be quite refreshing if you donrt.
(Enter POPOFF and NATALIE C.P..U.E.)__e.-../..&-v //
Popoff
(R. C. )

My dear Madame - my wife and I--Natalie

Are delighted at the pleasure--Popoff
At the honor - of offering you a welcome.
(low bow)

cascada

Your program?

1-11

sonia
Now, Your Excellency, tell me how
point out who they are.
(Bus, with cascade - gag)
(R. - Natalie R.c. - Sonia L.C.
Popoff 1. - cascada)
Popoff
Well, there are a few here a little off co lor -- I may s ey they
are no good - all lads of the village - commonly lr..nown as the
mob. I want you to meet some
our Marsovian people - some of
the choice ones. Ah, here they are, down in the wine list.
(JOLIDON enters R)
Natalie
(To Jolidon)
you must marry her.
(JOLIDON protests)
I insist upon it. Between us
All must be over --(To Sonia)
Madame, allow me to introduce M.
He wishes
r;.;

. .;.Ll

NaPalie
for a dsn ce.

_.

__ :_ !;:

(MUSIC HERE - 3A)

.. ,. :- .....
r.-.
-- _:_ _,

With pleasure.

...

: \

-' . J
=-

sonia
I believe:::,;t.fuere is a supper dance still vacant.

(BOYS sneak off)

Natalie
(To Jolidon)
You shall not have supper with her.
(Talks to him vehemently)
sonia

(Xes C)
Now I am ready to dance all night with anybody who likes.
(BOYS rush forwsrd)
Popoff
the
with you?
(Football game gag)
Natalie
(To Jolidon)
Offer her your arm --Yes, I insist.
(To Sonia)
Will you come into the ballroom?

1-12

Jolidan
(Offering her his arm)
May I--Natalie
No -- His .J::!,Xce.LJ.ency will conduct .Madame.
(To Jolidon)
You shall not have her hanging on your arm.
(Xes to R)
(JOLIDON bows and shrugs his shoulders)
Popoff
Will you allow me?
,
(Offering her his arm)
sonia
I went you and all your friends to come to my party tomorrow.
Popoff
(Taking her arm)
I must he.ve the first .dance, you know. My prerogative as
Ambassador.
(BOYS follow off, asking Madame for a dence)
..

(Arms and legs gag)

Exit "POPOFF _followed by MEN)

. . . . ,.

cascada
. ....... .
(Goin6 out - to st. Brioche}.,>
I t m going to marry her.
..... _.,.,.
....
',

So an Io
.... -

... ,....

.-

,._.__ ::.

st. Brioche
(Exit both C.)

-. -

(To Jolidon)
marry her.

You

But, my dear---

Jolidon

Natalie
You must be happy, and I must be a dutiful wife.
(2 steps - Tenderly)
Give me your arm.
I insist.

Jolidon
well, I'll marry hero
Natalie
At any rate, get engaged to hero
(&"\EUNT)
(Enger PRINCE DANILO - 2)
NO. 5 - SONG - DANILO
"MY FATHERLAND"

MAXIMS (My Fatherland)

DANILO.

My fatherland, it is for thee,

I ought to work from one to three.
Though as there isnt much to do,
I only come at half past two!
But working so exhausts a man,
And I take all the rest I can.
I need a sleep to put me right,
And thats why I sit up all night!
Im very busy at my club,
We have a hundred on the rub,
I lose a thousand of the best,
Then get the girls to take the rest.
I go off to Maxims
Where fun and frolic beams,
With all the girls I chatter,
I laugh and kiss and flatter!
Lo-Lo, Do-Do, Jou-Jou,
Clo-Clo, Margot, Frou-Frou!
For surnames do not matter.
I take the first to hand,
And then the corks go pop.
We dance and never stop.
The ladies smile so sweetly,
I catch and kiss them neatly:
Lo-Lo, Do-Do, Jou-Jou,
Clo-Clo, Margot, Frou-Frou!
Till I forget completely
My dear old fatherland.
Then I refresh my jaded brain
With little suppers and champagne.
And look into the ladies eyes,
Till they and I are close allies!
So in a glass of golden wine,
And entente cordiale I sign.
For I can do that sort of thing
As well as any other king!
Then I allow the lovely sex,
To wear my arms around their necks,
And give the waiter at the door
An order for a dozen more!
Im happy at Maxims,
Where fun and frolic beams!
With all the girls I chatter,
I laugh and kiss and flatter!

Lo-Lo, Do-Do, Jou-Jou,

Clo-Clo, Margot, Frou-Frou!
For surnames do not matter.
I take the first to hand,
And then the corks go pop.
We dance and never stop.
The ladies smile so sweetly,
I catch and kiss them neatly:
Lo-Lo, Do-Do, Jou-Jou,
Clo-Clo, Margot, Frou-Frou!
Till I forget completely
My dear old fatherland.

f.;-.!

--..,

... .

1-13

(After song re-enter NISH)

Danilo
Well, my dear Nish, here I am - at my countryrs call - but
where is my confounded country?
Nish
I could not announce your arrival to His Excellency becru se if I may say so -he was busily engaged with a lady -well,
when I say "busily"--All right, Nish.

Danilo
I 11 wait. You can go.

D :>

Nish
(Turnint, to go snd then turning back)
EXcuse me, Prince, what was the name of the lady vilth red hair
and superb figure?
Danilo

Lo-lo.

Nish

Lo-lo.
Eo Lo Hello - Lo--Lo--

nanilo

Nish
Hello - Hello - sounds like a telephone--(Making note in pocket-book End going)
N ishl

Danilo

(NISH stops and turns

Come here, Nishy.
(NISH appro aches Damilo. Business tar ing
Danilots hand and placing to head for support)
Donrt announce me for a little while. I must have a nap before
I talk business. I havenrt been to bed for three nights.
(Yawns)
Nish
You see, if I may say so, to be burning the candle at both ends.
Well, why not? Why not?
worth the candle?

Dmilo
Nishy, old boy - if the game is
lUsh

:From what I have seen of it, I should - if I may say so - say

it is. Excuse me, what was the name of the candle--r mem the
one with the golden hair and the superb figure.
Clo-clo.

Danilo
(Xes to sofa Ro)

1-14
Nish
Clo-clo.

(MBlcing note and then going on)

I wonder if that is her real name or merely a
de terre?
It
a pity -- if I may say so, to see a young gentleman
like you going on like this - spending all your time at the
club. Now wouldn't it be nicer -- to have a nice little home
a nice little wife, instead of the club. Now which would
sou prefer, on the one hand, a nice little wife, and in t:b,..,'t:<
.1
other hGnd, a club. I leave it to you . ,-
,[(! ..
. ' < ' '
l u-'? 1-+ f" . Dan i 10 1- r !(!:; , .> ; : ,___, I c {;; c rv' ;;:::
.;\ . , }-1 --tl";( ,., '

<

'l;.:,u leave it to me?

Well, I make...rJ..t....,,C-14.lbs. You are e good

Nish. --You are all jolly _good fellows. -

1 / c.

i.;.: . . . _

- 'thst

.1-i.;.-:/ h-:::::--

Ns

.:( ;[-=--

=.T

that up. Thmk you, Prince. By the way, what was

name of the one with the hair parted in the middle and
superb figure?
Danilo

Nish
thought they were extinct.
(Going)
Danilo
(sleepily)
t, Frou-Frou.
Nish
Is that the one with -- is ?Frou-Frou the one with -(HE sees that D.ANILO is fast asleep-l:-clo, Do-Do, Frou-Frou--Danilo

Nish
(Writing hurriedly)
- Jou-m ts a moment expecting more, then
ferring to note-book)
Do-Do, Frou-Frou, Margot, Jou-Jou-JA enters and sees him)
Khadja
doing?
Nish

ter NATALIE and JOLIDON C.)

-,

1-15

Natalie
(C. seeing Khadja is annoyed - then
enters quickly)
Oh, have you seen a fsn anywhere?
A fan?
I?

Khadja
Have you lost one?

Natalie
Of course not -- but someone has - please look for it.
Kha.:ij a

Here?
Here?

No, not here

Natalie
on the staircase.

Khadja
I will fir.1d it.
(Bows and exits 2).
Natalie
(To Jolidon)
1
He suspects. I'm sure of it. But it5tl not on the staircase
anyhow. I am sure - I left it in here.
musJi find it -you wrote "I love you" on it -- and now itsil.w lost. And so
shall I be, --if-- he finds it --find it-- at once.
I am looking everywhere.

Jolidon

Natalie
I believe
did leave it on the staircase.
get it before
{Goes"'"\ip steps meeting sonia c.)
Whatts the matter?

Sonia

Natalie
I have lost a fan - and I must find it.
Have you searched here?
Not thoroughly.

Sonia
Natalie

sonia
What ts that?
(DANILO snores - or murmurs
"Lo-Lo, Clo-Clo". SONIA
business handkerchief and face)
Scat I

Danilo
(SONIA looking over sofa,
recognizing Danilo)

Come and

1-16
Danilol

sonia
(Hand on chest - starts back)

Danilo
Yas ==what is it? Why
me alone? I'm dressing.
3 uu leave
No, noJ You cantt come - I'm bathing.
(Sees Sonia)
SoniaJ I beg your pardon, Madame, have you forgotten me?
Yes- I beg your
(Going R. )

sonia
<':>

v -r

Dmilo
Did you say my name - "Danilo"
(Follows her)

l.. E'';r

r?

/h.,; "'f7) /;.' {_')

t>

;2

:1

sonia
It is a long time since I have heard the name, so that I have
forgotten to pronounce it.
Danilo
I believe you said it when I wss asleep.
Well, now you are

Sonia
awake -- to the stern reality.

Danilo
The delightful reality - of seeing you here, in Paris.
sonia
(Going R.)
I am going to enjoy the delights of Paris - md freedom.

Yes.
' /

,._ .. _:.., . ,_.

But_.:yo:u. may marry agai. n.

likely.
I?

DO') ....4 lo

Sonia
Or do you think it would be foolish?

Danilo
Why should I?
(Going over to her)

sonia
Marriage is against your principles, isntt it?
practise to avoid it-- at the last_moment.

It is your

nanilo
(Appealing)
If it had rested with me, you would not now be the widow of
M. Sadoya, but my wife.
(Going over to Sonia at c.)
Sonia
If it had res ted with you?
Danilo
If it had res ted with meo

' '

1-17

sonia
(Goes and sits R. on arm of sofa)
Well, let it rest now -- that old story --we have had time to
forget it. At least I haveo
Danilo
(comes over to Sonia)
Come, now, thats hardly fair
it was my old uncle--Sonia
(Arm on sofa)
Let me see if I can remember the old uncle. Oh yes, he would
not allow his noble young nephew to bestow his aristocratic
e.ffections on a farmer's
So the young cavalry of'ficer
had to aristocraticaLly break his noble word ..t:JE
..
,.q-,; i,c".Pi
Danilo
Which did not brelk your heart J
Oh, noo

or-

Sonia
(Smiling)

Danilo
It soon found consolation. i.lery soon -- realy remarkably soon.
Yes,

Sonia
my ple-beian heart stood the shock wonderfully well.

Danilo
(Earnes t+,y)
"' /
. ,. . . ....., ?!v
Sonia -' ;;;,.:: t:"' ttj:: ,, 1'2 f';;?;i'?- (f':o;;
(Bows - still excusing himself)
Madame, you know that my leaving you was not my fru 1 t.
Sonia
(With a laugh)
Nor perhaps
misfortune.

mz

Danilo
(Bitterly)
No -- your good fortune was waiting for you, or at any rate,
your great fortune. You need not marry for money next time.
sonia
My reasons for marrying concern no one but myself.
Dm ilo
(Quickly. crosses to her)
And your next husband. He will reap the benefits of those reasons.
I had

many reasons--

Sonia

Danilo
Yes -- twenty millions.
(A gesture from her)
Oh, I know what your father - insisted - and

1-18

sonia
(crosses R)
Anyhow, I an rich - and a widow - with everything I wm to
T"\,..,,....,..;,-

J..JC::U..L.I..I.V

r:verything?
Yes, everything.
You are lucky.

sonia
Danilo

(A pause - xes to her)

Love?

sonia
Luckily I don't believe in love.
Dmilo
you believed in mine - onceo
I was a little fool.

Thank you.
But now--well?

Now---

Sonia
Dmilo
Sonia
Danilo

Sonia
well, now -- in view of my est&tes -- my houses -- my horses -my cows -- my pigs
Quite a menagerie.

Danilo

Sonia
And my millions -- I believe the noble old uncle would no longer
object to the nobel young nephew bestowing his affections on me -if it had rested with him.
Danilo
(Going to her)
And do you think th&t I---All men are alike.
( Cro s s e s L )
All other men mey- be

Sonie.

Danilo
but I'm not.

Sonia
When a man says to me "I love you" - I know he means my money.

1-19
Danilo
You class me with all other men?
sonta

You are ell alike.

Danilo

I, at any rste--(Angrily)

sonia
Yes, they ell say thato
Do they?

Danilo
I, at any rate, shall never say to you ni love you".
Sonia

Never?

(Going right up to him with upturned face)

Danilo
Never - never - never (Rushing away from her to R.)

son.ra---------------
comfortl

What a

But why not say it, if you wmt to?

\!

I,P,ontt want to.

sonia
It needntt lead to mything. I would ta.Kkee? e of th&t.

Dmilo

\So would I.

\ :,
' -.,
Sonia
\If I c,m rely on you. .
/

\Uou can.
,

....
.

tou

X
.

.... _ ..

./ sonia ...,,,
promise that yo).l-'will never
..

., __ \

to me "I love you".

Yes.

Danilo
You needn't be afraid of that.
Sonia

(Turns quickly and is going)

Prince

\i

.r.
\

1-20
Danilo

(Turning)
so that's how it is?

So you ce.n pronou..'1.ce my nan.e after all.

sonia
You are running away as if you were afraid.
Danilo

Afraid, of what?

Sonia

Of not being able to keep your promise.

D&nilo
,
(Softly)
And if I did say - what I have said I will not sey - what would
you say?
___!!hy

Sonia
men "ll.re ::a.i'ike-
- (A laugh)

tP,._$

Danilo
.

.'

'
.

__
s foo,l of.

/0 .
of' mys

.. Tf:::'AT

Sonia
It sounds like a declaration of war.

'-- p 1 c ;< of) &:h.CJt--1.;7

The gage of

Danilo

--

Sonia
Oh no - we shall be great friends . If we are not loverso
{Holdi-ng out her hand) .
..' ',
. a___
- .'
nanilo
{Kisses her hand, laughs, then turns to go,
stops and turns back,) _
.. --'" ""'-<_
that if I told you--tha-t---r-J.bved you--Sonia
But you have promised not to.
You would laugh at me._
Perhaps I would laugh.

Danilo
Sonia
Danilo

' \

All men are alike--Are they?

Sonia
Danilo
/ ./
You shall see l
r:::::- f.. \
(Upstage seven steps and stamp)

1-21

sonia
Yes --we shall seeJJ
(Stamping business.
Exit SONIA 5, R.U. DANILO 2 ssme

T'r

u I'

(Enter NOVAKOVICH R.3.E).

Nova Kovich
(C. EXcitedly)
EXcellency -- Excellency3
(Enter PCP0:2"F' C.L. NOVA KOVICH pulling him downstage)
Popoff
this? What have I ever done that I should be burdened
with a thing like this?
NOVD Kovich
I have found a .fan. I have a fan.
(Business of looking for fan)
Popoff
It must be a new complaint. What is the matter with you, sir?
Nova Kovich
Look --with a declaration of love on it.
Popoff
Tut, tut, man, they are all doing it tonight.

Its in the air.

Nova Kovich
That fan belongs to my wife.
(Head Business)
Popoff
There -- there you are - jumping to a conclusion -- snd you
mustntt jump at all. It isnt dignified.
Nova Kovich
Yes, yes, it can belong to no one but my wife. I know what
she is always doing behind my back, flirting, flirtine, flirting.
(Head Business. Crying)
Popoff
Will you stop it, sir. I m surprised at you, m d you a general
in the army.
(catching tears in his hand)
There, there.
(Enter NATALIE C. joyously)
(POPOFF sees her)
Ah, I am glad you have come, Natalie. Here I have a fan--(Aside)
Good heavensl Ml fanl

Natalie

1-22

Nova Kovich
That fan has "I love you" written on it.
Natalie

Really?

(Goes Right)

Popoff
(To Natalie)
It belongs to yot,
(Xes o Natalie R.c.)
Oh, no, really J

Natalie

Popoff
(Business aside)
I know it doesnt but say it does or he'll go home and beat
his wife. You unders tend? Sey it's yours.
(Aloud)
I'm sure it is your fan --look at it again.
Why, so it is.

Natalie
I recognize

Nova Kovich
Then who was it wrote "I love you" on it?
'lu 1
Natalie
Who wrote it? Why---(Business hesitatinb, crosses c.)

The DevilJ

Popof1'
What will she sey to that?

Natalie
Who else but my husband? When you gave it to meo
(Turns upstage)
Popoff
Of course when I gave it to you. Oh, what a wonderful woman.
(Aside)
What a liar - diplomat.
(To Nova Kovich. crosses c.)
Are you satisfied now? Is your mind at rest?
Nova Kovich
For the memento But- excuse me, I must go ald find my wife.
Who knovvs what she r s up to now? AhJ You rre lucky not have
married a flirto
Popoff
I am a judge of character. I knew what I was marrying.
Nove Kovich
And you trust her implicitly?
My

Popoff
sir, do you not see the likeness?
(Indicating himself)

caesarJ

caesarl

l-23

Nova Kovich
Yes, but caesar never brought his wife to Paris.
(Exits hurriedly L.3.E.)
"0
'"' .f' .p
J.'-',t-''-'

Poor old Nova Kovich. Look at him, out his wife does flirt.
Now give me that fan and Ill give it back to Madame Nova
Kovich myself on the quiet.
I can do that.

Natalie

Popoff
No, it wouldnt be nice for you lo do it. No, no -- it is
no job for a lady--(Puts fan in pocket and turns
to go. Enter JOLIDON 2)
My dear M. de Jolidon, ma;r I trust my wife to you.

(Bowing)
Popoff
What a wonderful liar -- diplomat -- What a wonderful woman--(Exits to L.U. over c. steps)
(Xes c.)
(To Jolidon)
The fan has been found.

Jolidon

How lucky.
My husband has it--The devil ..

Nataldle

Natalie
Jolidon

(Turns upstage)

Natalie
So, you see, you must get married
Jolidon
Ill propose this evening.
(Returnine; down s ta.ge)
Tomorrow will do.
(Exits 5)

Natalie

(Enter DANILO)
(Enter POPOFF)

for my

r ;.__.

-st
V

/v

.}-".
."""' ,

t' .1.0

/
;'

./

0 /,.....

D3.nilo
I suppose you want to see me?

Popoff
I do. 1naeea 1 do.
you don't look very well. Are
you cpi te comfy? ' Now let me see--how long have you been attached
to this legation?
(Sitting - DANILO R. of table,
POPOFF L.)
Danillo
Far too long - nearly four months.
Popoff

Ahl

Danilo
My attachments, as a rule, donrt last half as long.
Popoff'
You speak of your love affairs? I have heard of them. Oh you
desolate young dog. You have had many love affairs - How many
ladies are you on good terms with at the present moment?
Oh, around a half do zen.

Danilo

Popoff
Around half dozen. Six round young ladies at the same moment.
Oh you lucky young Lothario. And I venture to say that these
little love affairs have well nigh ruined you.
(DANILO yawns)
Danilo
How well you know
(Business of pulling chmrs, downste.ge)
(Sitting close together)
Popoff
My dear Prince, I can read a pretty woman like an open book.
(Business. Slaps DANILO on the knees)
So can Il

Danilo
(Returns the slap)

Popoff
Sir, do not forget your locom digna tarti - your locum dignum
tarte, sir. I'm a little rusty on my Latin but I believe
those are the words. As I was saying - I cm read a pretty
woman like an open book.
Dan ilo
Yes, and generally skip the introduction.

1-25

Popoff
Oh never do that--To skip the introduction would be to jump
to the conclusion. I was right. My perception was not at faulto
on the brink of ruin, eh? Am I right?
Danilo

Yeso
(Delighted.
Tired of life, eh?
Tired of everythingo

Popoff
To De.nilo)
Danilo

Popoff
GoodJ Goodl Careless of what becomes of you, eh?
for the future, eh?

No plans

Danilo

I mean to go to sleep_ -- and then to th'3 devil.

(Closing his eyes)

Popoff
well, before you take that trip, let me congratulate you - myself
and your country. Do you hear me? Wake up, I am congratulating
you.

Whs.t i'or?

("wearily)

Danilo

Popoff
You are the man for me - to undertake a delicate mission.
A

No work involved I hope?

Danilo

Popoff
No - No - pleasure - only pleasure.
well, what is it?
You must marry.
Marry?

Danilo
Popoff

Danilo
Do you call that pleasure?

Popoff
Well, the subject has never been thoroughly thrashed out. But
you must marry. Your country demands it of you, and you must
marry for the sake of your country.
My country?
And her twenty millions.

Danilo
Popoff

1-26

Whose twenty millions?

Danilo
Popoff

Madame Sodoye.

Danilo
(Jumps up from chair)
(crosses c.)

:Popoff
(Jumps up from chair)
What? Dont you dare to thwart me.
(Shac ing fist at DANILO and then
behind down to table}
I wont permit you or any other man
Prince -- Prince -Prince -- Donrt you dare thwa.rt me.

I'm not thwarting you.

Danilo

(Both to L.)

Popoff
(Po inti ng to R. )
Yes, you are. You thwerted me over there and now you are
thwarting me over here.
Danilo
She wonrt marry me, she wouldntt if I asked her.
{cro s s e s L )
Popoff
Then our country will be ruined. we are down at the heels,
sir -- I may say we are hanging by our boot-laces, and if you
do not come to the rescue,
beloved Marsovia will be ruined.

. W

fi.i4 7r S

,t:;': .!:;:",

.!.!.: y-,:-:,

r ,.,:;; ,:::

.:.:p

;;:;.;.:: 6

17':f..'cx:.. /3 L 5:-

/! i2c.'(/ ,-',J/5 'th' E:."""'' Dan ii'o :5 Well, I 11 prevent that ;-NQ!'t''f
1J.
....___or_
Popoff

You will?

--

r'C' L 1 r:

;J'Y::.c:- u

T'

Danilo
Yes, I'll get rid of them somehow.
Popoff
At last you are a diplomat. Thank you for that, my boy.
will not thwart me - he will not thwart me.
(EXits)
Chorus:

(Men)

Ladies Choice

Sonia:

I'm not a political lady

Etc.

cascade:

Then pra-,y elect me.

st.

Pray dontt reject meo

B:

He

ACT I FINALE
MENS CHROUS.

Ladies choice!
Thats the universal voice!
So, madame, may I demand
The highest honor of your hand?
One dancejust one alone
To call my very own!
Supremely happy I should be
If you had chosen me!

SONIA.

Gentlemen,
Though of course I like to dance with any,
What am I to say to ten?
I cannot take so many.
I had best sit out the dance,
Give the other girls a chance.
There are partners here in plenty!

ST. BRIOCHE.

Not with millions, sweet and twenty!

MEN.

(aside)
Theyre getting very pressing now,
I must put them off somehow
Yes, Ill put them off somehow.
Theyre like flies around the honey,
They shall not get the widows money.
CASCADA.

Only one! Just a single dance!

They say, dont you know this is wrong of you,

Its conduct that grieves us and pains.
If you do not dance, what are we to do
But go off and blow out our brains?

ST. BRIOCHE.

You women go in for a vote, they say,

And want to be equal with man.
And now that tonight is election day,
You wont give a vote when you can!

CASCADA.

Just a dance!

Then pray return me.

ST. BRIOCHE.

Then do not spurn me!

BOTH.

CASCADA.

Elector! May I ask your vote and voice?

Mind and plump for Cascada!

ST. BRIOCHE.

Give your vote to Saint Brioche!

BOTH.

I am the party deserving your choice!

CASCADA.

BASSES.

ST. BRIOCHE.

TENORS.

Mind and plump for Cascada!

Give your vote to Saint Brioche!

ALL MEN.

SONIA.

CASCADA.

Dont you plump for Cascada!

I am the party deserving your choice!

Im not a political lady,
I hate giving votes, and all that!
It makes a man do what is shady,
And ruins a womans best hat!
But now as youre all of you standing,
And say that you wont leave me still,
Ill do what you all are demanding:
You ask me to voteand I will!
Then pray return me!

ST. BRIOCHE.

Then do not spurn me!

SONIA.

I have to think before I give my voice!

Now in what direction
Shall I make my selection?
Who is the party deserving my choice?

Dont you vote for Saint Brioche!

CASCADA and BASSES.

Now in what direction

Shall I make selection?

Im up for election!
ST. BRIOCHE

and TENORS.
Look in my direction!

ALL MEN.
Who is the party deserving
I am the party deserving
my choice?
your choice!
Well, then, gentlemen,
You have been nominated for election:
Then Ill vote
The die is cast!
LADIES. (off)

Ladies choice! Ladies choice!

DANILO. (brings

in ladies)
Help has come to me at last!
Oh, come away, away! Music is calling,
With its magic charm enthralling!
To its ringing and singing
You lift your feet,
Follow the chime of the time
Of the waltzs beat!
Oh, come away, away!
Music is playing,
Linger not, vainly delaying,
Take your partner, choice is free!

1 LADY. (to

a man)
Will you please, Sir, dance with me?

(Both dance off.)

SONIA.

For the night of the ball will go by,

And the dawn will be cold in the sky.
Let us capture our joys as they fly,
Soon will they fade and die!
Theres a charm in the thrill of the strings,
Like the beat of the doves with their wings,
Then away! No delay!
Let us dance while we may,
For our pleasure will end with day!

LADIES.

ALL.

Take your partners. Dont delay!

Oh, come away, away!
Music is calling,
With its magic charm enthralling!
To its ringing and singing
You can lift your feet,
Follow the chime of the time of the waltzs beat.
Oh, come away, away!
Music is playing,
Dont you hear what it is saying?
To the dance, make no delaying!
Till the night shall be gone
Our dance goes on.

DANILO. (aside)

Not one of them must have her hand,

For that would grieve my fatherland.
I mean to make the game too hot
For flies around the honeypot!
CASCADA. (to

Sonia)
Madame, you have not spoken!

ST. BRIOCHE.

Give me a word as token.

SONIA.

Yes, now the time has come to choose.

DANILO. (aside)

Ill have to try some clever ruse.

SONIA.

Dear me! What shall I answer?

NATALIE. (with

Jolidon)
May I present you a dancer?

DANILO.

NATALIE.

Oh, confound! Another hanging round!

See him dance the polka.
Ive tried him, and I know.

He also knows the mazurka.

Ive tried him, and its so.
Hes even studied the cakewalk.
Ive tried him long ago!
And as a partner in a waltz,
Hes simply without any faults.
So pray return him,
And do not spurn him!
But kindly let him have your vote and voice!
Wont you plump for Jolidon!
Give your vote to Jolidon!
He is the partner deserving your choice!
CASCADA.

BASSES.

ST. BRIOCHE.

TENORS.

NATALIE.

MEN.

Wont you plump for Cascada?

Give your vote to Saint Brioche?

Another candidate waiting my choice!

JOLIDON.

SONIA.

Dont you vote for Jolidon!

Dont you vote for Jolidon!

Pray say, madame, your choice I am!

I rather think maybe

(sees Danilo)
If I must give my answer,
(aside)
My chosen partner will be he
Who doesnt seem to notice me!
(to Danilo)
Will you be my dancer?

DANILO.

I? No, madame, I do not dance!

SONIA.

In fact, you dont care for the chance?

DANILO.

Dont care? Oh, no!

My dance, you told me so!

{He is/I am} the party deserving

your choice!

SONIA.

I did! What then?

DANILO.

SONIA.

The dance is mine then, gentlemen.

I can do what I like with it,
As I think fit! Thats so?
Of course.

OTHERS.

DANILO.

MEN.

What does he mean?

This dance, for which I now express my thanks,
Is worth at least two thousand francs!
Yours the dance may be,
If youll give two thousand francs to me
For charity!
Two thousand francs?

CASCADA.

(to St. Brioche)

But for a dance?

DANILO.

MEN.

Its going, going . . .

No advance?
Two thousand francs!

ST. BRIOCHE.

(to Cascada)
He must be cracked!

DANILO.

(aside)
It only needs a little tact.

DANILO.

Now you see,

MEN.

Two thousand francs!

CASCADA.

gracious lady,

Two thousand francs!

what I say!

Your adorers all go chilly

When you call on them to pay.
They love you and adore,
But they love the money more.
And thats the sort of man they raise
(Sonia turns away)
In noble modern days.
JOLIDON.

ST. BRIOCHE and MEN.

Its simply silly!

(to Natalie)
I cannot let him put me off so.
Its two thousand francsthat I will pay.

NATALIE.

Youre in love with her?

(seizes his arm)

JOLIDON.

(surprised)
You told me so yourself

NATALIE.

(draws him away)

You must come away!
(Exeunt.)
(Waltz.)

DANILO.

The last is gone,

And you are free,
And now, madame, perhaps
Youll have the dance with me?
SONIA.

DANILO.

Now I must decline!

The dance is mine,
As you will allow.

SONIA.

Thank you, I do not dance

At least not now!

DANILO.

SONIA.

Hark to the music there at the ball!

Will you not follow its call?
No, I will not.

(He dances round her.)

Youre a very bad man,
But dance like an angel.
DANILO.

I do what I can.

(The curtain falls slowly. Both dance off.)

(End of Act I.)

ACT

TWO

Grounds of Sonia's house near Paris;

As curtain goes up, enter SONIA,
NATALIE and GUESTS from R.U.E.
They go to garden seat R Enter
DANCERS., preceded by throe musicians
who cross down R. Eight Dancers c.
As SONIA sings
dancers sit.
SONIA
O.PUHNG NUMBER
SONIA:

CHORUS:

SONIA:
(SONG - SONIA)

nviLIA"
CHORUS:

Villa, Oh, Vilia -etc.

SONIA:
(Repeat dance and exit R.U.E.
GUESTS stroll off)

(After Opening Number, enter POPOFF, L.U.E.)

(To Sonia, R)

What a charming partyJ

Popoff
bveryone in Marsovian costume.

(To Nat &lie)

Is it not s charming party?

(R.C .. bored)

Natalie

Sonia
{L )

I'm glad you like it.

A national fete.

Popoff
Everyone here, except the Prince.

sonia
The Prince prefers Maximts to Marsovia.
(Goes up and off - Exits l)

My

love--

OPENING CHORUS and SONG (Vilia)

[[SONIA.

I bid you wait here for a minute,

And you will see
Our own Marsovian dance, when they begin it,
Just as it would be, you understand,
In our own native land.

CHORUS.

Ah!
Down in dear Marsovia,
thats the way we go,
In the good old fashion,
dancing to and fro,
Gaily singing and
lightly springing,
Maidens dancing and
cymbals ringing!
Gaily singing and
lightly springing,
Maidens dancing and
cymbals ringing!
Down in dear Marsovia,
So we go!
Hei!]]

*SONIA.

Heiaho!
Heiaho!
Hei!
Hei!
Hei!
Hei!

Now sing our dear Marsovian rhyme,

A ballad made in olden time,
The story all our children know,
About a Vilia long ago.
There once was a Vilia,
A witch of the wood,
A hunter beheld her alone as she stood.
The spell of her beauty upon him was laid.
He looked and he longed for the magical maid!
For a sudden tremor ran
Right through the love-bewildered man,
And he sighed as a hapless lover can:
Vilia, O Vilia, The witch of the wood!
Would I not die for you, dear, if I could!
Vilia, O Vilia, my love and bride!
Softly and sadly he sighed.
Vilia, O Vilia, the witch of the wood!

Would I not die for you, dear, if I could?

Vilia, O Vilia, my love and my bride!
Softly and sadly he sighed.
[[The wood-maiden smiled, and no answer she gave,
But beckoned him into the shade of the cave.
He never had known such a rapturous bliss;
No maiden of mortals so sweetly can kiss!
As before her feet he lay,
She vanished in the wood away,
And he called vainly till his dying day!
Vilia, O Vilia! the witch of the wood,
Would I not die for you, dear, if I could?
Vilia, O Vilia, my love and my bride!
Softly and sadly he sighed.
Vilia, O Vilia! the witch of the wood,
Would I not die for you, dear, if I could?
Vilia, O Vilia, my love and my bride!
Softly and sadly he sighed,]]
Sadly he sighed, Vilia!
[[CHORUS.
Down in dear Marsovia,
thats the way we go,
In the good old fashion,
dancing to and fro,
Gaily singing and
lightly springing,
Maidens dancing and
cymbals ringing!
Gaily singing and
lightly springing,
Maidens dancing and
cymbals ringing!
Down in dear Marsovia,
So we go!
Hei!]]

Heiaho!
Heiaho!
Hei!
Hei!
Hei!
Hei!

ACT

TWO

Grounds of Sonia's house near Paris;

As curtain goes up, enter SONIA,
NATALIE and GUESTS from R.U.E.
They go to garden seat R Enter
DANCERS., preceded by throe musicians
who cross down R. Eight Dancers c.
As SONIA sings
dancers sit.
SONIA
O.PUHNG NUMBER
SONIA:

CHORUS:

SONIA:
(SONG - SONIA)

nviLIA"
CHORUS:

Villa, Oh, Vilia -etc.

SONIA:
(Repeat dance and exit R.U.E.
GUESTS stroll off)

(After Opening Number, enter POPOFF, L.U.E.)

(To Sonia, R)

What a charming partyJ

Popoff
bveryone in Marsovian costume.

(To Nat &lie)

Is it not s charming party?

(R.C .. bored)

Natalie

Sonia
{L )

I'm glad you like it.

A national fete.

Popoff
Everyone here, except the Prince.

sonia
The Prince prefers Maximts to Marsovia.
(Goes up and off - Exits l)

My

love--

2-2

Popoff

(To Natalie)
A chsnnins wo111a.71 - my love, is n0t our hostess a chnrrn.ing woman?

01' course.

Natalie

(Xes past 2)

Popoff
(To L. Bench)
My love, how perfectly we asree on all subj ccts.
ordinari ly wall su2_ted we are to., one another.

How oxtra-

Natalie
(Sits)

Naturally.

Popoff
Almost supernaturally. And it all comes from my being e. judge
of character. I kn.ew what I y;as marrying. I selected you from
many thous8nds who were seeking my hand -- and the consequence
is - perfect bliss for both of us. My love, is not the consequence perfect bliss for both of us?
Natalie
Oh, certainly - but I don t t think this is quite the time for
us to be engrossed in our own happiness.
Popoff
You are right. Let us think of others who are less fortunate.
(Enter JOLIDON, L.2.E.)
For instm ce, look at M. de Jclidon. fi\1hat is the matter with
him? In the midst of this gay gathering he looks disconsolate hs is ln love.
Natalie
(R. bench - thon 3)
How do you know?

Popoff

I notice even more than you think.

He is in love with

He is not.

the Widow.

(Xes to 1)

I go about noticing things

Natalie

Popoff
(R. C. )

Yes, he is
of the Widow at this very moment - I can
s-ee the thing from here; but he must not think of the Widow.
The Widow must marry the Prince. Where is the Prince? Where
is that ra.scally Prince?
(Goes up)
(Xes to 1)
(To Jolidon)

Natalie

You are looking disconsolate.

2-3

Of course I am.
But he has noticed it.
Your husband?

Jolidon
Natalie
Jolidon
Natelie

Yes.

(c)

(Returning to Popoff)

'M. de Jolidon has neuralgia..

Popoff

he tells you, my love. He is in love

the Widow.
I have an idea -- you must draw him away from the Widow. You
must wheedle him, my love. You know the verb to wheedle -- I
Tnats

wheedle, thou whaddle

N's talie

I?

Popoff'

Yea.

Natalie

Oh, very well -- if you insist.

(Xes to him - then 3)

\
\

'

Popoff

M de Jolidon, will you do me the honor

the grounds?

to show

my wife about

Jolidon
I shall -with pleasure.
(EXEUNT Natalie & Jolidon L. U .E.)
Popoff
(To Natalia, as THEY exit)
Donrt forget the wheedle -- dontt forget the wheedle. Thatts
right-- wheedle him. Ah, shes begun already, Oh, what a
wheedler.
(Turns, sees NISH, who has entered l)
Mr. Nishi Mr. NishJ What are you doing here, sir?
...'...:::e
I thought I instructed you not to leave the Prince.
N:tsh
I have a message from the Prince. The Prince cannot come here
because he has a party of his own.
A party?

Popoff
What sort of party?
Nish

well, when. I say party

(Refers to book)
There is Lo-Lo, Do-Do, Clo-Clo--

Popoff
That will

- that will do.

{Crosso3 C)

Have you seen these ladies, Mr.

Ni.sh
at them, Your Excellency.

I hav;;;

Popo.ff
You have no right to cl ance at them. They are too luminous for
your vision. Mr. Nish, en eesle may
v.t the sun, but you
are not en eaz;le -- No - I sh.ou;.d say not. I am sorry for you,
1ir. Nlsh -- I am surprised at you.

Nish

I am -- if I may say so -- surprissd at myself, w::1en I think

of Mrs]. Ni sh.
Popoff
}dr. Nlah, do not
that excellent wo::n.a.n in the s au e breD th
with these frail beeuties.
Not

Nish
in the .same street, Your Excellency.

Popoff
Quite righte And for them. the Prince refuses to come h6re
tonight? I think you said 11 he refuses"?
Nish
(Between l & 5)
J\bsolutely. well, when I say absolutely, here he is

.. . .
""'

"!'l'II .

in smart cavalry
L )

Popoff

My ,dear Prince, I knew I could rely on youl

n :.:

'\_,'!-\'" ': \

DBJlilo
,__, Yes, I chm ged my mind -- and my clothes -- and here I nm at your service.

Popoff
Not at my service - at the
of your country whose uniform
becomes you so well. A striking fi guro, Prince -- on0 to captivete the heart of maid, wife or -{With meaning)
-Danilo
(R bench)
Lets understand one another. Ive put off mother party.
Lo-lo?

Yes.

Popoff
Dlllilo

2-5
Popoff
And Clo-clo?

Yes.
Popoff
And Do-Do?

Nish
And Frou-Frou -- r.nd Mar;;ot -- and Jou-Jou--

Popoff

that will do, M:r. Nish

Danilo
I put them off - but only f'or m hour. -- Now which is
most dangerous?
':>
Popoff
(C)
M. Jolidonl

( Con'fidentially)
Danilo

Jolidonl

{Surprised)

Popoff
Yes - M. de Jolidon -- is madly -in love with the Widow.

-- desperately

Danilo
(3)

Are you sure?

Popoff
Ar.J. I sure, am I sure? My dear Prince, I do not know one single
thing that does not point to the fact that he is in love with
-t.he widow.

Nish

I know one single thing, if' I may sa.y so.

(DANILO round L.)

Popoff

_.'You?
''

Fish
- I should say "married".
Jolidon is in love already with a married lady.
Well, when l
'

'

'

. . ;i;:._,.

e
'

!4r.

M. de

Popoff

..
(Xes to N.ISH. Bus. of hand over NISH'S mouth)
Mr. Nia:q,:_: the scanc:lal is positively oozing through my digits.
-.

...

Nish.r'

srv

;'

. :._

., .

..

.... '

2-6
('Io Niah)

fool.

Everybody knows it is his wife but himself.

(To Nish)

Popoff

And who, pray, is the znarried 1 edy with whom M. Jolidon is

in love?

He

(.E.mbnrrased)
tell me.

Papoff
(Between 4 a.'l.d Ei)
That's n pity. But I shall discover her by diplomatic mea.ns a.."ld ''fnen I discover her, I shall use her influence over M. de
Jol1do::.1- to draw him away from. the Yiidow. And you, Prince,
must holp me to find the lady.

-;.;._,

(Xes C. )

Danilo

Try to discover the lady :roursclf.

Popoff
It will be vn excellent lesson in diplomncy for you
.Perhaps this -(Taking fan from pocket)

GoodJ

may put you on the right track..

love you" written on it.

This fen has the words

11

Danllo
In Jolidon 's writing?
Popoff
Now, find the owner of the fan
(Xes to L Pole}
end we have the lady we are after, end I think - mind you - I
think - it is Mademe Novn Kovich-(Xes 0 - then 1)
(EXit U.C.R. singing "Madame Nova Kovich")

EXactly.

Da."lilo
Look here, lUsh - do you think it is possiblt1 that M. de
Jolidon is in love vd th Madame Nova Kovich?

Nieh
Instead of --

Danilo
No -- as well as --

With Her Excellency?

Exactly.

Nish
Dtnilo

'

2-7

Nish

I believe that in Turkey a gentleman cen -- if I may

be in lo:ve with two or three wives at the same time.

so --

Danilo

{Xes to L Pipe or 3)

Yes, but they sre his own wives.

the wife of M. de Jolidon.

In this case, neither lady is

1Ush
make it easier.

Do you think so?

lUsh

I am sure of it.

Danilo
Then it may .be worth. while to see if this fan belongs to Madame
Nova Kovi:::h. I will ask her directly.

(cro s s as

Nish
R )

I should ask her indir0ctly -- if I may say so -- artful is

the word. If I may say so -- artful
Danilo
Quite right --artful is the word Nish, come here.
(Approaching)
Yes, Princel

Nish

Danilo

Do you happen to understand woman?

Do I understand women?

Niah

(Produces spectacles and handkerchief and blows violently on specs)

Well, if I may say so - there are women and women.
to-I,o and Clo-Clo, and Do-Do--

There is

Danilo
Yea, but I tve done with t;heml I tve done with ell womenJ And
I've done with diplomacyJ
take this fsn. Here comes
Nova Kovich. Find out if 1 t is hers.
l

(Exit R. U. C )
..---

-------------

Now, if this fm1 belongs to this lady, this lady

M. de Jolidon. well, when I say belongs to him (Enter OLGA Lo with two or three
ladies - THEY cross stage)
{To Olga)
Excuse m.el
{Other ladies continue md exit R.U.E.)

to

8-8

What 1$ it?

(Surprised)

you lost anything?

Olga

Nish
Olga

No.

Nish

A fan?

Olga

No.
How about your heart?

My heart?

Nish
Olga

(Offended)

What do you mean?

Nish
word - he is going to marry the Widow.

st.

Olga

Brioche. Ohl
(SHE swoons lnto his arms}

Nish
Youtre crowding me -- help, help, help.

Danilo
All women are the samo to ne.
(Taking her from Nish)
Give me the fan.
(Takes l t and f a.ns Olga)

Nish

May I go?

Danilo

You may gol

What a superb figure.

Nish

(Makes memorsndurn in his book.

X L.)

2-9

Olga
(Regaining consciousness)
Oh, where am I?
Danilo
Nover mind - stay where you are.
(Replaces h0r on his shoulder)
Olga

Why did you tell me that st. Brioche would marry the Widow?

Danilo

I didntt,
No - it wasn't you.

Olga

Oh, what have I said?

Danilo
Brioche will never mnrry the Widowl

st.

. (Read

Olga

How do you know?

I couldn't allow it,

Danilo
Olga

Foi' my s Ek e ?

Danilo

Of cowse - why else? The Widow is nothing to me.

(Head business)

nut don't you worry about

st. Brioche. He shan't marry her.

Olga
(Going)
Oh, thank you, Prince (Exits R.(t.E.)

you.

Den1:lo

I wonder if Jolidon wrote this for the Widow?

f

(Enter

KHADJA R. 1)

Oh, Prince, is

Madame Khadja
that you?

I an delighted

Dnnilo
to s0e you, Madane Khadja.

......

,.-

(To Her)
Have you lost anything?

I?

No I

Madame Khadja

What do you mean?

Danilo
I em discreet - dc,n t l.i be alarmed,

I only wm t to warn you,

2-10

whst is 1t?

Khe.Jja
What has happened?

Danilo

Bu. t he means to marry the Widow'!

It hasn tt happened yet.

!{)ladja
cssccdal

cascadal

(Horrif'i ad)

(As toni shed)

Kh$dja
Oh, thank you - thank you.
(F..xi t R. 2.

:s.)

So itta cascada, is 1t?

Denilo

cascsda
(Entering, followed by ST. BRIOCHE)
I warn youl Hemernber, I warn you. I don't want to take you
unawares. I am going to rn.D.rry the Widow.
Danllo
(To them both)

Gentlemen, excuse me. I have certain information to give

the f'atrWiclor ebout you,
Cascada and St. Brioche

That I would die for her.

Danilo

I shall tell her that there will be a duel tomorrow, between

the Marquis cas cad a and ..----
fh
(To st. Brioche)

<o
EXcuse

me.

.And Khadja.

(To cascade)
casceda

Khadjal

Denilo
Tomorrow he will find out about you and his vlife.
Cascada

The devill

Da.."'lilo
Its warm in Paris ot this time of year.

I will -- I willl

cascade

(Shows strong emotion.)

(X' s 3)

I suggest you leave Paris.

2-11

st. Brioche
You have evidently given Cascada some good news?
I wont leave you out.
you n..'"'ld --

Danilo
duel will take place tomorrow between

(To Cascade)
excuse me -{To st. Brioche)
and Nova Kovichl
:1

st. Brioche

Nova KovichJ

Danilo
Tomorrow Nova Kovich will find out about you and his wife.

st. Brioche

The

(Enter NOVA KOVICH and KHADJA, L. 2. #)

( Of1' a tage)

Nova Kovich

I tell you, I know all about women

, '
['[ (.,
1tJ
r.A 11,..t,.-;..

C Here
I ...<

Danilo

' - " " '.

they are

Case ada

Be discreet.
Of

Danilo

course.

Distrust reml

(g.)

Nova Kovich
teml
Then you wonrt be disappointed.

You are discussi-ng -Women, sir, womenl

Danilo

Nova Kovich
And wives in particular.

Danilo
And I have been discussing a delicate point with these gentlemen.
How ought a husband to behave when he finds his wife is deceiving
him -- has an admirer?

Shoot himJ
Stab himJ

Nova Kovich
Khadja

Nova Kovich
Shoot him - a tab him - shoot him'

-12
stsb hi;.n ... stab r....im. -- stab
St. Brioche

(Business with c.:.rd)

Cas cads.

Doo-li;:::htfull
-

{Business wi tb card)

(A servnn t xes .tram L.l

('l'hey halt him)

R. l.

st. Brioche

{To him)
Kindly give ruy card to Madame Sodoya at once.

(Scrvm t exits R.l. to tak.::: card to Mme. Dodoya)

(.Enter POPOFF', followad by NISH, R.U.E.
POPOFF discovers cascada seated at settee R)
I say atout vw:nen

Nova Kovich

- distrust tern.

I know women.

(Xes to C. )

'rut 1 tut, Nova Kovich -- };ot so loud.

(Seeing cascada)

You do not know women as I

them. There is my own wife for
instatlce. Everybody t;lserlas, but lt is not for :ne to sing my
wife's praises in public. All othor women may be what you say--

NO. 9

CUE BY ALL tto:rr TRE WOMEN"

SF:XTETTE -- n :; 0 M E N n

(EXeunt all but D;\NILO, who ramal. ns on

;7
/Ii-')
. seat by te.ble)
.
i

---

(After sextetto, t:Jnter SONIA L.3)

! .._.,_.,t.J

\ v

AFr/3'/Z.,.

:.-------- ...

sonia
(L. wl th cards in hor hand)
It is strange -chat ray friends should leave me, snd my -ll

t)

Danllo

Enemy remain?

(SHI: looks at him)

.

to.)

why-1uwe,,,M.
-

___ I
I

. --

de

::'-.:;\.

..

.....

,.

..

.na"lilo
.

a-tp -i a --mr,:b ua-1-naiUt:

"

. _J1:4

__
\'.

,: ._. ... ),.. t::....

:< . . .

-.,_ _ _

(. i

.'',
. . .

\,

/,_.1

/t'

....,. ,.. '

MARCH and SEPTET (Women)

DANILO.

Oh, the women!

ALL.

Oh, the women!

DANILO.

ALL.

DANILO.

POPOFF.

ALL.

POPOFF.

ALL.

How to win them

Tell us, pray!
Thats an art Im rather dim in,
For there is no patent way!
Winning women
Winning women
For their lovers
Hows it done?

DANILO and POPOFF.

Thats what nobody discovers

ALL.

DANILO.

ALL.

POPOFF.

Not even an Edison!

With one you have to flirt and flatter
So and so and so and so!
And look unutterably at her

ALL.

So and so and so and so!

ST. BRIOCHE.

Another likes you when you bluster

ALL.

CASCADA.

ALL.

So and so and so and so!

And while you beat her you can trust her
So and so and so and so!

DANILO.

One asks for tenderness unflagging

ALL.

POPOFF.

ALL.

CASCADA.

So and so and so and so!

Anothers always ragging, nagging
So and so and so and so!
Another likes incessant laugher

ALL.

So and so and so and so!

DANILO.

ALL.

And other things they ask for after

So and so and so and so!
You may study her ways as you can,

(spoken)
Oh, the women! Bless the women!
But a womans too much for a man!
(spoken)
Oh, the women! Hang the women!
It is deeper than diving for pearls,
Courting girls, girls, girls, girls, girls!

With her fair flaxen hair, eyes of blue,

(spoken)
Oh, the women! Darling women!
Shes a long way too knowing for you.
(spoken)
Oh, the women! Blow the women!
She is dark, or shes fair,
She may smile or may frown
Never mind, you will get done brown!
Women, women, women, women, women, women, women, women,
(Ah!) women, women, women, women, women, women, ah!
You may study her ways as you can,
(spoken)
Oh, the women! Bless the women!
But a womans too much for a man!
(spoken)
Oh, the women! Hang the women!
It is deeper than diving for pearls,
Courting girls, girls, girls, girls, girls!
With her fair flaxen hair, eyes of blue,
(spoken)
Oh, the women! Darling women!
Shes a long way too knowing for you.
(spoken)
Oh, the women! Blow the women!
She is dark, or shes fair,
She may smile or may frown
Never mind, you will get done brown!

-12
stsb hi;.n ... stab r....im. -- stab
St. Brioche

(Business with c.:.rd)

Cas cads.

Doo-li;:::htfull
-

{Business wi tb card)

(A servnn t xes .tram L.l

('l'hey halt him)

R. l.

st. Brioche

{To him)
Kindly give ruy card to Madame Sodoya at once.

(Scrvm t exits R.l. to tak.::: card to Mme. Dodoya)

(.Enter POPOFF', followad by NISH, R.U.E.
POPOFF discovers cascada seated at settee R)
I say atout vw:nen

Nova Kovich

- distrust tern.

I know women.

(Xes to C. )

'rut 1 tut, Nova Kovich -- };ot so loud.

(Seeing cascada)

You do not know women as I

them. There is my own wife for
instatlce. Everybody t;lserlas, but lt is not for :ne to sing my
wife's praises in public. All othor women may be what you say--

NO. 9

CUE BY ALL tto:rr TRE WOMEN"

SF:XTETTE -- n :; 0 M E N n

(EXeunt all but D;\NILO, who ramal. ns on

;7
/Ii-')
. seat by te.ble)
.
i

---

(After sextetto, t:Jnter SONIA L.3)

! .._.,_.,t.J

\ v

AFr/3'/Z.,.

:.-------- ...

sonia
(L. wl th cards in hor hand)
It is strange -chat ray friends should leave me, snd my -ll

t)

Danllo

Enemy remain?

(SHI: looks at him)

.

to.)

why-1uwe,,,M.
-

___ I
I

. --

de

::'-.:;\.

..

.....

,.

..

.na"lilo
.

a-tp -i a --mr,:b ua-1-naiUt:

"

. _J1:4

__
\'.

,: ._. ... ),.. t::....

:< . . .

-.,_ _ _

(. i

.'',
. . .

\,

/,_.1

/t'

....,. ,.. '

2-13

sonia

// 4D

Danilo
it my bL<siness to get rid of them

Sonia /)-y-

!../.;... __

(R Bench)

'

r t

cL

Indeed?

But

Others?

I'll get rid of them too.

: Reelly?

.._,..
1

_....,f:'--=::-:.-..:
.._

.....
"'

. -.; _ -. --r.:::
, ,-- :, '
,s-:_)_,,:::., ............
-

. There ar;;;1 oth6rs -- )o-:.J !.:::lvcuj

Danilo

............ ''" -- ... "'l

Sonia
<

Why?

_i,;'.

Danilo

Oh, it amuses me.

..... -

Danilo

certainly not.
{Xes to R.)

sonia

Then you vlill be ..able to advise me candidly -whether I

marry the mm1 whom-I feel inclined .. to .marry..

/

,,,
., : 1 -;r.;./
/1 '/-,"
'

"

(Angry)

I ,_.."-1. -'In/ . : t

....

r:)7

r:..tf': ' '

to

/'I I A----1

Danilo

So there is one.

-(Goes to her)

sonia

Yes.

Dsnilo
And you think he is not after your money?

am sure of it.

Then merry him.

You advise me to?

Sonia
Danilo
Sonia
Danilo

(Xes R.)
certainly -- of course. Marry -- where and when you please.
(Fan on table)

...,

\ ; \
/....._
Sonia
You/ need not"-c.all>Q\lt so .
. -we- are no:t- announcing our_
engagement yet. Please be discreet.'--,
-

2-14

Danilo / t-,
Oh, I will be discreet -- I d:Lar.aiy congratulate you.
I (;
dm ce at your wedding -- I will wear holes in

my shoes --great big holes in both shoes.

sonia
(R. bench)
Silly boy - you are jealous l
DWJ.ilo
I? Hal That ts1
o",'
(in 4 back to stage)

Jealous?

sonia

(Aside - t $ in.:::: fan up)

"I love you.n Whom does he mean? I understand -- it is I.
He has written it for me -- becw se he declared he would not
!!!1:.. it. But he mustl Ho shalll I'll make him.
( P'..x ttlng 1 t down)

Have you nothing to say to me?

Danilo

Yes.
------- .. -. -

Isnt it?

sonia

(Ees R.)

Danilo
leaving your ovm country to
Sonia

love .. yes.

Thatts what you think?

i'

'

..

. -/ _____

Da.nilo
;

.i

.J .

. 'I

.. .J

._...

:. . .: . -/
-'" '

;,/

-- Den ilo
my hearty cont;ratulations -- and goodbye.
{Goes up stage to 3)
.

.;- '

- .

./

Dmilo
I loavo .Paris by the oarly train -(J..pproaches her)

the earliest.
Really?

Never.

Sonia
And when are you coraine baek?

nanilo

2-15
Sonia

Then I shsntt see you efter I'm married?

Dtmilo
Sonia

we shall settle in Paris.

(MUSIC ends)
'I

You and your husbjmd

but what I think
.

. You
become

Danilo

I hnven ft a word to say against him --

sonia .

).f you hscf;-o.rcourse.

a ...ftirisiaii.

I am E,uing to

..

- --- ------ - --

Danilo
I thought you were more patriotic.
t {_ t- .!l-} :,:/d.'-/.1-/
I JLj -

That's what hurts me.

Sonia.

This is the last time I shall wear our national dress or

dance a national dm ce.
(Dialogue during dance)

Danilo
ing to marry? ,

?{ho is it you tre

sonia
'
my engagement yet.

I ain not

Danilo

I suppose I shall D::ever know - as I leave Paris tomorrow.

sonia
\

, (C)

you promised to dm ce at my:. wedding.

/

I shsnt

'

be there.

Danilo

sonia
dance with me nov1 -- for the last time -- will you?

h" / L L ... {..

For the

last time?

Da.."lilo

(kUJSIC continues all through. Where it is

marked, is a breru for SOlHA and DANILO).
SCORE P/IGE 115.
Did you enjoy that?
Not much, did you?

sonia

Danilo

2-16
sonia
No, I donrt believe you dmce as well as you did/

""--..t,-

Ut1U.I..&.V

Perhaps you prefer s. Frenchman? --(Sings)

"He tll take you to Maxim's Where fun and frolic beams
With all the girls hetll chatter --"
sonia
Do you dance much at Maxim's?
A great deal.

Danilo

sonia
of partners do you have?

What

Poll te ones.

Danilo

sonia
Perhaps you dance better with them.

Perhaps they suit you better.

Danilo
Perhaps I prefer French women.
sonia

Do you?
(WALTZ)

was that better?

A little.
Thank you.
Thank you.

I said it first.
Donrt mention it.
sorry I did.

Danilo
sonia
Danilo
sonia
Danilo
sonia
Danilo
sonia

Accept your apology.

(Exit. They dance off R.U.E.)

2-17
Popoff (2M)
(Bus. after tb.e waltz. EJter R.u.
followed by NISH)
We must succeed in findi:1g tho lady with whom M.
Jolidon
is 1n love, so that she cr:n draw hlm away from the Widow.
(GoinG L.)
Mr. Nish, come here - I have something to show you.
(Looks up 3)
Do you see
that is?

Why 7 itts M. de Jollidon.

Popoff
1\nd my wife.

Look n t thEcm.

.Mr. Niah - look at her.

!Tish
t.re you sure :!. t is Her Excellency, Your Excellency?
Popoff
P.m I sure? You f&t heed. Do you think I don't know my mvn
wi.fe? Do you thin1{ any other woman could do what she's doing?

N1sh

Perhaps she doesn't mean e.ny harm by 1 t, Your Excellency.

Popoff
Harm -you jackass. She's carrying out my instructions. I
want you to watch her afid see how s womHn em help her husband
in the dlplomatic service. You beve a wife, Mr. lUsh.

Nish
Yes, I have a wife, but she would never behave like that.
when I say behove
Popoff
She n:llght.; be oble to, Mr. Nish, if she were instructed.

her, EXcellency.

watch her?

Wstch her wheedle.

stay here and watch her.

Watch

Nish
Popoff
lUsh

\\'atch her wheedle?

Popoff
Vlatcl.:. her wheedling M. de Jolidon.

what a whcedlerl

(EXit 1)

Uish

:My word, what a wheedler --

I will watch hi:m from up here.

(NISH goes stealthily L.U.E. out of sight as NATALIE
snd JOLIDON enter R.U.E. come down c.)

2-18

Natalie
Do you understand that my husbsnd has actually told me to find
out whom you are in love with?
Jolidon
(R )

he is really amusing,
Whom

in love with?

Natalie

Jolijon
Don't you know?
(T1EY gaze at each other)
:Natalie

You don't really love the V.Jidow, do you?

(To R. ben<?h)
You told trie"to marry her.

Jolidon

Natalie
Yes, fol' my sake. But you
will you?
at me? What ere you looking at?

Why donrt you look

Jolidon

Your fan.
Oh, thank goodnessl

Netalie

Jolidon
I shall always remember tonightl

I will give you a souvenirl

(HE

Ne.talie

Have you a pencil?

gives her one)

Now then.
(Writes on fan at table, L.U.)
Jolidon
What sre you writing?
(Takes it and reads)
"I am e dutiful wife. Now, I have it in writing.
Natalie
Remember it.
(Sits right of table L.)

J'e.taliel

{Passionately)

(Sits L. of table)

Jolidon

No. 11: DUET

NATALIE.

Oh, say no more!

JOLIDON.

Will you not let me?

NATALIE.

JOLIDON.

Its time to marry and forget me!

This very night your offer must be spoken!
It shall be done, although my heart is broken.

NATALIE.

Oh, do not doubt I feel it, too!

Without your love, life will be hollow.
But honor tells me what to do,
And when it calls me, I must follow.
JOLIDON.

NATALIE.

JOLIDON.

NATALIE.

JOLIDON.

NATALIE.

Then may I never hope to meet you?

Ah! Do not torture me, I entreat you!
No more I say
I will obey.
It is my heart, my love, that I fear!
Ah! Let me kiss you!
You should not have asked me!

JOLIDON.

Forgive me, forgive me, dear!

ROMANCE (Love in My Heart)

JOLIDON.

NATALIE.

Love in my heart awaking,

A rosebud in the May,
Into full beauty breaking,
Became a rose today.
I hardly marked it budding
Toward the sun above
Until it opened, flooding
My heart with joy of love.
And now I know my passion,
It cannot but be told!
The rose that love can fashion,
Shall bloom in spite of cold.
My heart with song is ringing
Like birds that greet the sun,
I know as I am singing,
The day of love is won!
Oh, answer to my singing,
And say my love is won!
Oh, Camille!

JOLIDON.

Natalie!
NATALIE.

JOLIDON.

NATALIE.

JOLIDON.

Ah! Leave me, pray!

I know not what I shall do or say!
Goodbye, then, my darling
Give me one last kiss.
No, not here!
See, theres a little arbor there
It can hear a kiss and will not tell!
Our tender secret it may share
When we bid a lovers last farewell!
Though tis dark around,
There will loves light be found.
Come to the little arbor here

There is nothing there to fear, my dear!

NATALIE.

I ought not,
Yet I cannot resist you!
JOLIDON.

NATALIE.

Come to the little arbor here.

No one will hear us?

JOLIDON.

Not a soul will know I kissed you, dear!

NATALIE.

BOTH.

I must not hear!

Though tis dark around,
There will loves light be found.

JOLIDON.

Come to the little arbor here

There is nothing there to fear,
BOTH.

My dear!

2-19

(DUET and ROMANCL: ]atalie and Jolidon)

{Sit either aida of

will not go I will not go -

(Exeunt I'! ATALIE and JOLIDON

in to surmner house)

(5)

(Enter POPOFF L.)

Popoff
Mr. Nish, I saw a lady
or rather, the skirt of e. lady -disr:ppearinc; into that s:..w:..:ner house. V'ib.o wa.s she?

Nish

I -- I don't know who she v;es, Your Excellency

Bttt you saw her -- you

Pocoff
have seen r:..er,

TUsh
Yes, I saw her, b'U. t I con' t knov! who she Vias.
Popoff'

was she olone?

Nish
She ves riL one - vlith a gentleman.

rr.En :;;-;;:;, ei the r

I don't know who the

Popoff

(Xes to seet R sits)

S trm. ge that a lady and gentleman should prefer a summer

house to this delightful open air. Mr. N1sh 1 there ., (page torn)
at the back of the sunnner house. If' there is e key, get it.

Yes, Your Excellency.

{Going)
Horrible.

!:ish

(Aside)

I shall let thC:."lli out before I lock 1

(Exit up, back of
house)

Popoff'
What a boautiful, warm nightl Really they
must be a quoer couple to prefer a stuffy summer house. I
wonder -- I should like to k.JlOW who they are. And when I wonder
(Getting up)
I find out.
(Going to keyhole)
'l1here r s some fluff in the keyhole. Mere fluff in the keyhole.
Really, I nevel" saw so much fl uf'f in so small a keyhole. Ah,
it 1 a "a wasp r a nest.
t ' s wh e. t it 1 s - a wasp t s nest I
cm1't see the lady, --but I can see him. Why, itts Jolidon.
Now, I see what has happened. My wife has left him with the lady-(Cont.)
This is delig,htful.

2-20
the lady he is in love wlth. She has found the lady and left
them together. What a clever woman. What a woman to be trusted.
(Looking again)

Hes kissing her.

My word - how he is kissing her. Ohl Therets

no doubt about this being the lady he is in love with. What a
pity that I cant t see her yet.
/' (Business at keyhole)

t,/' c-.. ).Enter DANILO 2.E..)

v.Y.-)
l-"' ;
./ /
.-..
__ ./
o :..)
Da."lilo
Y
r..xcellency, what are
I

you doing?

Popoff
Hush - hush -- Come here. I have discovered the lady that
Jolidon is in love with.
The devil you have.

Drollo
Why do

you look so pleE.sed.

Popoff
Because in a minute I shall know who she is.
Oh, you donrt know yet?

nanilo
Popoff

No.

Danilo

Th8t accounts for your smiles.

,...J.-v);:l

'

,,

v"'''-'-""''

Let me see --

'

{..)--
t\-_,.,.. Popoff
\(to 3)
''
VJai t -- I don r t often bet, but I tll wager a hundred frm cs
thet the lady is Madame Nova Kovich.
'-1""

--'.'

I bet she isnttl

Ill},., ....,
l/'\
v

Danilo
But let me look - and decide the winner.

A/ -t..7
./,
'-'\
(At keyhole) .

Popoff

Now, I sm beginning to see the lady.

Just a glimpse. Her back

is turned to me - but her face is turned the other way.
(She faces)
(With a sudden start)
What t s that?
(coming down)
My wlfeJ
Oh, it can tt be.
(Looks again)
But it is -- my wife.. My wlfel Oh, terrible -- terrible.
(Chenge e.t back.
comes out with NISH
goes off with NISH, R.2.E. stealthily)

My dear old Excellenc.y, pull yourself together.

-- people are coming.

(Ensemble Entrance)

Dontt give

2-21

He wcs

Popoff
word, how he

her.

kissing herl

Danilo
__ ,
I
say she was more kiss6d sgslnst thm kissing.
\ I:...t.J.J. U.J.. :/

Popoff

No, it
her.

(Movement of opening door)

was
dead beat. Oh, what shall I do? I will denounce
Come outl
outl
(At sum.1ner house)

(Enter SONIA

J::::!.IDON)

on

"F I :N A L E"
Danilo:

Hal

Popoff:

Hal

Danilo & Popoff:

Sonia:

Hal
what is your will?

Well,

{Coming

c.)

Sonic. Md camille

Popoff:

Then I was blind?

Danilo:

Sonia end Cemille.

My heart stends vary still.
The case is very much too clear.

.Popoff:

Then where c en be my wife?

(Enters R.)

em

I saw her here,

Natalie

here, dearl

Popoff:

Well, I'm simply blowed,

nv.talie:

V','hnt's going on?

Danilo:

sonia and

Jolidon:

{R.C. to Dmilo)

Popoff:

I saw a lady in there just before

Yes, through tho keyhole of the do or.

sonia:

Youre a sly

Danilo:

The.t is what he's for.

I'd like to lr..now.

There's nothing wrong- be still.

2-22

Popofr:

I could hardly believe my very ears

When love unending that ftl low swore.

sonia:

The lady - that was II

Da.."lilo:

You, sonia?

Popoff:

I would have sworn it was my wife, you know.

sonia:

My dearest Camille, confess it was so.

E:NSEM.LE

Natalie:
Jolidon:
Dnnllo:
a:
Nish:

Although it saves tne, it fills :me with woe.

A:J., though it scves her, I speak it in woe.
With rage and jealousy my heart is aglow.
I cantt believe it -- oh, no, oh, nol
I managed everything and got up the show.

sonia:

Well, since the Ambassador sees fit

To listen and spy at tha arbor door
Pr&.y tell them all now the truth of it
Repeating what you said in there, just before.

Jolidon:

Must I declare it?

Donilo:

And I have to bear it:

Jolidon:

Your Excellency, as I have to obey

All
I told her, again I will

Popoff:

What will he say?

(Aside)

(L.c.)

Jolidon:

Now, for a whopper.

Love in my hee.lt awtk ing

A rosebud in the May
Into full beauty brea{ ing
Became a rose today.
I hardly marked it budding
Towards the sun above
Until it opened, flooding
My heart with joy of love.
And now I know my passion
It
but be told
The rose that love can fashion
Shall bloom in spite of cold.
(CHORUS enter at back)
(Spoken)

sonia

Now, ladies and gentlemen, you shall know what was arranged in
the arbor.
(Aside)
Itts neck or nnthing. Now I play my trump card.
(To chorus)
Allow me to tell you, if it wont bore you

2-

Chorus

Oh no- - oh no.

sonia
(Looks at Danilo)
A pair engag8d you see before you
Thls gentleman -Jolidon:

I?

Natello:

Oh, heaven.

Danilo:

Not that.

Popoff:

What? Eow?

sonia:

And my most humble self.

Chorus:

Ah 1 what a piece

Natalie:

Untrue.

Jolidon:

crntrue.

Danitlo:

Untrue.

Popoff:

Untrue.

9r

news.

sonia
(Looking at DAN rr..o)
I thought that bit of news would do.
Chorus:

Congratulations.

Danilo:

He takes her for her cursed money.

Popoff:

He's got away with all our moneyl

{To Sonia)
'lhat goes too fsrl I really am surprised.
sonia
(To Jolidon)
Beware, or she is the one compromised.

(To sonia)
You re2lly mean it?'

Popoff

Natalie
(To Jolidon)

Really, do you mean

(Nf..11ALIE tffi: es JOLIDON up

talking)

2Why

't I?

Sonia.

Popoff
I wonrt allow it --nor tho Prince.

You won't?
Denilo:

Oh no.

Vlhy should I rei se

I
Only

so?
you my paternal blessing I think --

Sonie:

'lfhat do you think?

Danilo:

Love when you may

Propose but seldom
Marry not at all.

sonia:

L7 marriage will be one arrm. ged

Quite in the modern style;
My name is Dll th&t will be changed,
Thut's in the modern style.
And as I shan't be on the shelf,
Not for a little while,
I'll gp ahead
please myself
Quite in the modern style.
I am free, so tra-la-lale la la lei
And men mey- come a.."1d men may go,
T;-;.ey will not break my heart - oh no.
La la la la
la la lal

Natalie:La ls la ls la la la la la lal
Principals:

(Except DlJHLO)
She is free, so tra lala la la la
Still shetll be so, tra la la la la la:
And men mt:tr come and men may go,
They will not break her heart, Oh nol
Ohl

Nol

Natelie:

And when you marry you will live

Sonia:

Quite in the modern style.

Natalie:

And freedom you will take and give

Sonia:

'I' hat is the modern style.

N'atel ie:

And if

Sonia:

Then I shall only smile.

Natalie:

Rsturn his lead when youtve to play.

Sonia:

Q.ui te ln. the modern atyle.

your husband t;oes as trij( ?

No. 13: ACT II FINALE (inset)

JOLIDON.

Though marriage in the olden way

Is wholly out of date today,
And as our friend has told us,
Quite undiplomatic,
Yet if the lady marries me,
A modern wedding it will be,
I promise,
I promise
In a style emphatic!
We make a little change of name,
Instead of two, we have the same,
Just like a sister and a brother;
But when the ceremonys done,
Wherever you may meet with one,
You wont expect to find the other!
In fact, youll find it safe to state,
We are a pair entirely up to date!

2Why

't I?

Sonia.

Popoff
I wonrt allow it --nor tho Prince.

You won't?
Denilo:

Oh no.

Vlhy should I rei se

I
Only

so?
you my paternal blessing I think --

Sonie:

'lfhat do you think?

Danilo:

Love when you may

Propose but seldom
Marry not at all.

sonia:

L7 marriage will be one arrm. ged

Quite in the modern style;
My name is Dll th&t will be changed,
Thut's in the modern style.
And as I shan't be on the shelf,
Not for a little while,
I'll gp ahead
please myself
Quite in the modern style.
I am free, so tra-la-lale la la lei
And men mey- come a.."1d men may go,
T;-;.ey will not break my heart - oh no.
La la la la
la la lal

Natalie:La ls la ls la la la la la lal
Principals:

(Except DlJHLO)
She is free, so tra lala la la la
Still shetll be so, tra la la la la la:
And men mt:tr come and men may go,
They will not break her heart, Oh nol
Ohl

Nol

Natelie:

And when you marry you will live

Sonia:

Quite in the modern style.

Natalie:

And freedom you will take and give

Sonia:

'I' hat is the modern style.

N'atel ie:

And if

Sonia:

Then I shall only smile.

Natalie:

Rsturn his lead when youtve to play.

Sonia:

Q.ui te ln. the modern atyle.

your husband t;oes as trij( ?

sonia &
Natalie: l 1hat ts the lat.est -- Tra-la la le. la laJ
Up-to-detest. Tra la la la
Do what you,like, but dontt be slow,
And nobody will
-- Ohj no;
Oh, no, no no, no, no, no, no no, no nc.

La la la - etc.

Chorus:

Thats
latest -- Tra, la la
la la..
Up-to-datest -- Tra, la la la ls la.
Do what you like, but don't be slow,
And nobody 'ltlll mind, oh, noe
Oh, no, nol

Denilo:
(Aside)

I will speak --for it must out

But I cannot StJer:k the whole

Of
anger in my soul.
Let me
my self-control.

(Aloud to Sonia)
To
the wedding, fcl r madame,
Pray, can I tell a little story?
sonia

(Coldly)

Oh do, I'll
As you see,
{She sits R. of table,
I will tell

listen till the end;

I eagerly attend.
L.)
you.

Danilo

(Groups up at back)
There once
two Prince's children,
loved when the world was so young,
But never were happy together
Itrs just as the poet has sung,
The Prince naver told of his passion,
}'or very good reason, no doubt,
J\nd so the l'rinceas was wahappy,
Because he never would
out;
And when the Princess was so cruel
When he \-.ould not ask for her hand,
She promls ed to marry oo other
'Twas more than the Prince could stand;
Most gracious and beautiful ledy
.All women are f'ai thlesa and fickle,
And only a women are you.
But do you suppose I am sorry?
Ha - he. -- I won't mean to cry.
I shall not go dreruhing about you,
'I.b.ats what the Prince said, and not I.
thus said the Prince as he ended,
ThBre -marry- I've finished with you.
With that the Prince cooll'3i departed,
And so will I now -- adieu'
(Goes up

Sonia:

Coomes C)

n.)
Where are you go

than?

Danilo:

Where I won't see you again.

I 11 go off to Maxim s
I've done with loverrs dreams;

Trw girls will

snd greet me
They will not trick m d cheat me;
Lo-Lo - Do-Do, Jou-Jou
Clo-Clo, Margot, Frou-Frou,
I tm going of'f' to Maxim's
And you :nay go to --

{F.xit R.U.E.)

Sonie.:

He loves

mel

:1

I 'rn sure of it nowl

He loves ma, so tra - la la la la lal

Wherover he may try to go
He won t escap o from me, oh N81

Principals She is free, so tra, la la la la laA

&
Still shetll be so, tra la la la laJ Lal

Chorus:

And men may come and men may go,

They will not breS!,: her heart, oh no I
(Dence)

ML).:IU rs restaurant,

SCb:llF.:

Chorus.

Ladies

(Enter
WAITER, NAT;\LIE, S'I'. BRIOCHE,
MADAMI KHADJA, :.JLC_", L.)

Here

Vie

arE-, '1/ai ter.

(To V!f:ITER)

Case ada

!, tsble

for six. Or -(To others}

Shall we have three tsbles for two?

'

/'
'

'

Right

f.

this way.

'

v:aiter

,-

/"

Natalie
(To ST. BRIOCHE)

Do not forget that I sm e dutiful wife.

St. Brioche
i,._,.

ie
I 1ras only explaining thst I am here bscru. se my husbm d would
v.ish it.
(Enter NISB E.U.E. comes down L.C.)

Case ada

(Looks around)
Oh, I say, come now. That is rather good.
I am going to lead the
Where is the Prince?

Prince back to the paths of virtue.

csscada

(To NISH)

Niah

The Prince, if I may say so, is packing up. He leaves Paris

tomorrow. v;ell, when I s sy tomorrow, this morning, by the
six-tvienty 1\ .M.
Ho is not coming here?

Natalie

:Nish
I hsve come to engage a table for him. He is
g-oing to make a night of it. He is going, if I may say so 1
to make things buzz.

A little later.

No. 14: THE GIRLS AT MAXIMS

**ZOZO.

ALL.

ZOZO.

When a fit of blues attacks him,

What should any fellow do?
Come and look for us chez Maxim,
We are here to comfort you.
Tripping, tripping as we pass,
Sipping, sipping in your glass,
Tripping, sipping, simply ripping,
Come with us and take your lass.
We can sing and tell you stories,
Pretty, witty, often true;
We are Maxims greatest glories,
And were here to welcome you.

*ALL.
Were little Paris ladies,
Thats the way a Maxim maid is.
Lo-Lo! Do-Do! Jou-Jou! Frou-Frou! Clo-Clo! Margot!
[[La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la la!]]
ZOZO.

ALL.

[[ZOZO.

Ritantou, ritantirelle.
Eh, voil que je suis belle!
Ritantou, ritantiri!
La plus belle de Paris!
Ritantou, ritantirelle.
Eh, voil que je suis belle!
Ritantou, ritantiri!
La plus belle de Paris!
Dance with us, if you are able,
Singing, springing to the tunes,
Or well dance upon the table,
In and out among the spoons.

ALL.

Singing, springing to the band!

Swinging, clinging to your hand!

Springing, flinging, glasses ringing,
Just as long as we can stand.
ZOZO.

ALL.

Here is music, here is dancing,

Playing, swaying, all night through!
We are Maxims girls entrancing,
And were here to welcome you.
Were little Paris ladies,
Each of us a Maxim maid is.
Lo-Lo! Do-Do! Jou-Jou! Frou-Frou! Clo-Clo! Margot!
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la la!

ZOZO.

ALL.

Ritantou, ritantirelle.
Eh, voil que je suis belle!
Ritantou, ritantiri!
La plus belle de Paris!
Ritantou, ritantirelle.
Eh, voil que je suis belle!
Ritantou, ritantiri!
La plus belle de Paris! ]]

ML).:IU rs restaurant,

SCb:llF.:

Chorus.

Ladies

(Enter
WAITER, NAT;\LIE, S'I'. BRIOCHE,
MADAMI KHADJA, :.JLC_", L.)

Here

Vie

arE-, '1/ai ter.

(To V!f:ITER)

Case ada

!, tsble

for six. Or -(To others}

Shall we have three tsbles for two?

'

/'
'

'

Right

f.

this way.

'

v:aiter

,-

/"

Natalie
(To ST. BRIOCHE)

Do not forget that I sm e dutiful wife.

St. Brioche
i,._,.

ie
I 1ras only explaining thst I am here bscru. se my husbm d would
v.ish it.
(Enter NISB E.U.E. comes down L.C.)

Case ada

(Looks around)
Oh, I say, come now. That is rather good.
I am going to lead the
Where is the Prince?

Prince back to the paths of virtue.

csscada

(To NISH)

Niah

The Prince, if I may say so, is packing up. He leaves Paris

tomorrow. v;ell, when I s sy tomorrow, this morning, by the
six-tvienty 1\ .M.
Ho is not coming here?

Natalie

:Nish
I hsve come to engage a table for him. He is
g-oing to make a night of it. He is going, if I may say so 1
to make things buzz.

A little later.

3-2
Natalie
Then we' 11 wE>:tt for him.

case ada
But our supper needntt- I'm feeling fatnt.

St. Brioche
!Tish
The Prince is a good
Msrsovia is very well, but Maxim's
is the plBce for me.
(To Wt,ITER 1 who is up stage laying
out a table)
Wsi

Waiter

Yes.

Nlsh

Come hereS

(WAITER approaches, comes down)

'l'he Prince wm ts a toble.
v;ai ter
The ladies are expecting him.

Nish
I wish to inform each of' tho ladies, spparately, that he will
arrive presently. I wi 11 begin wl th
(Referring to note book)
(Enter R.o.)
Mademoiselle Lolo
I will tell her.

Waiter

Nish

Tell her a gentlemen wishes to apeak to her - Well, when I

say e gentleman

Waiter
I know.

(Goes up stage)
{NISII meets FI-FI coming down stage - 5)

Uish

Wai tar, I want fast serv.tcs.

Fast service, bahl

How dare you4'

Waiter

Nish
I will report you to the head wa:l ter.

(SO.LO DANCE - :i''I-P'I)

3-3

who is seated at

(FI-FI dances to

a. table down s taga R i.)

GtH! csds

I warned you
You

would be

nothing to shock you.

Natalia
Letrs go home.
(Rises)

quite right.

olea

Ch, let rs walt a li ttlc longer.

We 11 go.

Corle along.

Madame Khadja

(POPOFF's voice heard off 5)

(Ad lib Ensemble off)
Whet's that?

{Enter POPOFF' do'WU C. steps to C.)

My husband.

(At table

n.)

Natalie

Popoff - 5
so this is Maxi:ns? Dear
- dear me. Very interesting.
Wei ter, my hat -(Handing hat, stick clo!:m and
cigar which \1 t IT:STI smokes)
I hope you tll be able to enjoy that cigar, my boy - I could
not - itts the worst thing I ever tried.
(Eyeing HEAD 1i: !\ITER with monocle)
Who may you be?
The head waiter, sir.

ter

Popoff
(Starin,_; at him)
Have you any children?
No, sir.

'fiai tor

Popoff
(Seeing NISH, who rises at table L.)
It strikes me there is something fan ili ar s.bou t the contour of
the back of that neck. I've seen it before- or rather where
it is now.
(NISH turns)
Mr. Nish, what are you doins here? Why are you not at home with
Mrs. Nish and the comic twins?

Nish

The Prince told me

Is the-

Popof'f

Prince here?

Not yet, your

Popoff

But he is
(NISH bows)

Ah, then, I was right'?

that I have come

For it was solely to spetk to him

Why on arth do you suppose that I

should come here except to find the Prince.

(Enter LO-LO)
Lo-Lo

Here I am - what is it?

(To POPOFF)

Popof'f'

What is it?

(Looking at hor)
Well, if you ask me - and you did ask me, didn't you-- I
should say it rs a very -- saucy puss. Ha, hal Saucy puss.
Nt.talie

To whom is my husband talking?

cascada
Lo-Lo, one of thEl Maxim girls.
Popoff

Mr. Nish.

Nish

Your Excellency.

Popoff
Go and tell my cab to wsi t -- and see that 1 t does wait.
Remain by it - on the pavement.
Yes, Yoru Excellency.

Nish
I'll lie in the gutter.

(Going)

superb figure.

(Exit R.U.E.)

Popoff
Now, I want to talk to you privately.
(Wl'liTER on)
Lo-Lo
The waiter told me you did.

3-5

Popoff

Did he? Clever chap, that #ui.ter. Waiter, I wish to remind

you, sir
(seeing wP.I 'lTR.)
Oh, oh --I've done a bit of gardening in my time, but nothing
has ever come up like this
are five francs --Get youreelf e safety razor. Now ti:;.et I look at it again, you had
better make l t Et 1 awn mower.
Lo-Lo
(Other girls up stuge coming down)
What ia it?
,
Popoff
I m telling you - It' .s so long since I've done this sort oi' thing
that I tm. er1
out oi practice.
(Seein girls on one side,
end then on the:: o
tvry dear, do you know Prince Danilo 'l

.Know hiru?

Lo-Lo

-;;;:; 're going to have supper with him.

?opof.f

Wb.B t?

You on (.i I?

All of us.
?oyo.i'f
All of us? Wai tar, a table for all of us - and wine.
jolly party we shall be.
(WriTER arrant:;os tabla)

Lo-Lo

we might begin wl thout tne Prince.

It

What a

wolld serve him right.

?opoff
It would, indeed. Waiter - we artl going to begin without the
Prince. And
knows v.;here we shall end. Ha, ha,
Wine 1or the ladies and egg and lllilk for this one.

(To CASCADA)

natalie

Is he actually going to have

D.isgracl;)ful. rvCo-me._.aiong. H6 hasnft Se6n me. ..
I '11. come back and
.
{Exit
GASCADA)
(CASCADA gives her his arm)

s.u.pper \\LWl he-r?

Popoff'

(POPOFF and GIRLS seated attable)

Ar& WG all set? Well, here rs your health, ladies.

nevar be

outl

And may you

{Crash)
There goes one of your pearls. OhJ - itt s a mouse.
{GIHLS jump up with a scream)
Don t be alarmed - I just wm ted to get a peek at your 11 ttle
tootsie wootsies.

to-to

Hi, PrinceJ
D.snilo -

3-6

Girls
(.Snter PRINCE .DANILO. R. U.E. Girls rise and
rush for him. As DANILO enters, POPOFF sets a
champagne bottle on floor in front of table)
Danilo

My dear old tXcellency, what in the world are you Qo1ng

if/tat?

J../J!.L

Popoff
(Risine; from
Trying to hide e.
bottle with his coat
Wtll, you see the tailor didntt quite arrange

No - no - that -

(Pointing

Oh, t.hat.

Glrls, let

Danilo
the bottle)

Popoff

I donrt know, but it will persist in followimg me

ter, take it away - take it awey.
mo

Danilo
introduce you.
Lo-Lo

Oh, we know him- we began supper with him.

Danilo

Popoff

I carne here to ws.i t for you.

I set there to wait - why do you

suppose I should come here but to wait for you, sir? Why, sir, why?
Dmilo

Oh, fools rush in, you know.

Popoff

I did not rush in - I crept in.

I came in a beastly cs.b 1

cautiously, shyly and ashmled. I sacrificed myself for Marsovia.
I have come to ask you - to entreat you - to implore you -

{Enter NOVA KOVICH R.U.B. and down

(Seeing him)

c.

stepa)

Nova Kovich

Your EXcellency, a dispatch.

From the Ministry.
(To DANILO)
Decipher it if you please.

t,

f\\ .'-

\' \'
T

:-.,

'--'-->"'
/

"If

[!l'r"-) }j

state."

Popoff

nanilo
(Reading)
Sodoye ts millions are not secured, we are a bankrupt

3-7

All

Ahl

Fopo:ff
Precisely. Prir::.ca Dsnilo, your couJJ.try is appealing to you.
You must appeal to the ';';i:low = appea to her patriotism You are th!- last straw - a.!1d your countrymen are clutchint; st you.
( POPO?'i, NOVA l:CVICR nnd NISH make picture,
stretching oUt their hands to DANILO)

'

/
. '"-/
;;..

To the

{After a pause)

Danilo

devil with your milliol}S

To th13 dev-il with :matrimony.

(NOVA KOVICE crjes)

To tho devil with you.

E:.!1 1 hf!,

(The GIRLS lru gh)

hsl

To the devil with DE.n ilo.

Popoff

stop it -stop it.

,:--;1

come with me. - (POPOFF' exits c. to R.

v:t\ITER follows with
ice buc}ret. E.Xeuent some of' the guests)

..
come along, girls.

Danilo

I'll1make a night of itl

(SONIA enters
comes dovr.n R4

c.

of

and watches them,

c.)

(GIRLS off).

sees her snd stops.

EXcuse mo
Excuse me.

He silences the music).

(Embarrassed)
(Goes to SONI.A who has come dov.n C.)

MadameJ

Yea?
Are you alone - here?

Yes.

sonia

(L. c. )

Danilo (R.c.)

sonia

Danilo
Ah - summer house this evening - Maxim's tonight.
sonia
Have you Bnything elso to say to me?
Yes - You shsll not marry

De.nilo
rr. de Jol1.don.

sonia-

3-8

Danilo
...

Is it becUse you love me?

I?

Ha, hn, haJ

D::mtt

....

,....

sonia
D-T. ilo

Sonia

lauch thst silly way.

Itrs the

only way I know.

The laueh is on my side.

Danilo

Sonia.
Danilo

Oh?

sonia
Yes - it was not I who was in the summer house.
I

Danilo

w. you.

Sonia
I had taken the place of another lady.
Another lady?

Danilo

sonia
A married lady. rro get her out of an awkward situation,
I put myself into it. Afr;r.J Ybt..J ,<IJOfr./
Danilo
Another lady? Bless tho other lady.
lady - And I never guessed it.

(MUSIC IN)
Cheers for the other

Sonia
Why do you come here night after night?
I am at home here.

At home?

(Angrily)
Oh, you are a -

Danilo
Sonia

Danilo

Yes.
('l't:.rns away)

sonia

3-9
nsnilo

Yes.
(DUET:

SONIA end Dt\NIT..O - V1al tz :Music)

(Both are
- SONIA looks away thoughtfully
Qlld sits down n t the
L. DP-.NILO struggles
to control himself, sits R.)
Sonia:

And to the music's chime

My heart is beating time
As if to give a sign
rhs. t it would s f:J "Be 11in.:;, be 1;ri.n0. n
Tho' our lips may s
noo word
Yet in th6 heart a voice is heard
nr love you so.!!
(Getting up)
E-v ry touch of fingers
Tells me what I know;
Says for you "rtrs trut. - itrs truc.tr
(E..Xi ts 5 leaving Dt..HILO R. C. )

(Enter POPOFF and others)

Popoff
Ah, Prince, you have seen the Widow? wcllt what did you say
to her? -r;;nat eli d sht> say to JOU? Gooo gracious, man, don't
you sae th8t I Bl't. bustin.::; with excitement? 'Xhats th6 news?
Danilo
Well, Uadame Sodoya is not going to

M. de Jolidon.

Nova Kovich

Brs.vo J

Popoff
Bravo, indeed. Prince Dtmilo, you are a diplomatist - You
have done well.

Uova Kovich

But why dld she compromise horself with him?

Popoi'f
Ah, that r s like yc.:u to pv.t your oar in and stir up the mud.
What doos it matter - if she doesn rt m.erry him?

Danilo
She took the place of another lady in the; summer house.
Another lady?

Popoff
This is intoresting.

A marri6d lady.
Dear me.

Wn<> was she?

Popoff

I LOVE YOU SO
(Waltz.)
DANILO.

Though I say not

What I may not
Let you hear,
Yet the swaying
Dance is saying,
Love me, dear!
Evry touch of fingers
Tells me what I know,
Says for you,
Its true, its true:
You love me so!
SONIA.

And to the musics chime,

My heart is beating time,
As if to give a sign,
That it would say,
Be mine, be mine!
Though our lips may say no word,
Yet in the heart a voice is heard.
You cannot choose but know
I love you so!
[Dance.]

BOTH.

Evry touch of fingers

Tells me what I know,
Says for you,
Its true, its true:
You love me so!

3-9
nsnilo

Yes.
(DUET:

SONIA end Dt\NIT..O - V1al tz :Music)

(Both are
- SONIA looks away thoughtfully
Qlld sits down n t the
L. DP-.NILO struggles
to control himself, sits R.)
Sonia:

And to the music's chime

My heart is beating time
As if to give a sign
rhs. t it would s f:J "Be 11in.:;, be 1;ri.n0. n
Tho' our lips may s
noo word
Yet in th6 heart a voice is heard
nr love you so.!!
(Getting up)
E-v ry touch of fingers
Tells me what I know;
Says for you "rtrs trut. - itrs truc.tr
(E..Xi ts 5 leaving Dt..HILO R. C. )

(Enter POPOFF and others)

Popoff
Ah, Prince, you have seen the Widow? wcllt what did you say
to her? -r;;nat eli d sht> say to JOU? Gooo gracious, man, don't
you sae th8t I Bl't. bustin.::; with excitement? 'Xhats th6 news?
Danilo
Well, Uadame Sodoya is not going to

M. de Jolidon.

Nova Kovich

Brs.vo J

Popoff
Bravo, indeed. Prince Dtmilo, you are a diplomatist - You
have done well.

Uova Kovich

But why dld she compromise horself with him?

Popoi'f
Ah, that r s like yc.:u to pv.t your oar in and stir up the mud.
What doos it matter - if she doesn rt m.erry him?

Danilo
She took the place of another lady in the; summer house.
Another lady?

Popoff
This is intoresting.

A marri6d lady.
Dear me.

Wn<> was she?

Popoff

3-10
Danilo
Idontknow.

Nov.g Kovich
I r:m. sure it was my vd.fe - I rm sure of it.
(Enter NISH)
(Bus. NOVA KOiiiCE weeping to back of chal r)
Popoff
I wonder who the lady was?

Nish

(Who has entered 2)

Ex.cus e me, this fen, was fo u.ud in the summer house.

(Aside)
ldy fan.

Popoff
( Tsk ing 1 t - speW.: ins; to DAUILO)
The f'a:-1 I gave you.
Danilo
I lost it.
Popoff
(Slyly - opening it)
My wife's handwriting.
So 1 t was my wife - my wife

Natalie

No, noJ
Ah, you are here?

Popoff

You ere divorced.

consider yourself divorced. Under section 4 of the Marsovian
Married Man's Protection Act. Go home in a bus. Go home at
once. You 11 receive a postal order for your alimony every
Thursday.
(Enter SONIA C.)
(To SONIA)
.Ah, dear lady, I am free
divorced.

tJ 1.sL{:\
\ \.-

This is indeed opportune.

o.J- -pfC't(J _'

Sonia

' Divorced?
Popoff

Yes.

For that.

your hand.

(Showin.g her the fan)

And. in the name of our beloved country :r ask for

Sonia
Your proposal honors me; but before I accept it, I must tell
you that if' I marl--y again, I lose all my property.

What?

Popoff
(Ki as arm bus.iness )
All your millions?

3-ll
sonia

Yes.

Popoff
Perhaps I was a little hasty.
Natalie (C)

Read what I wrote.

Popoff

(Reading from the fa.."l)

11
I am a dutiful wife." Pol"2_;ive mo, I

know--"

lmow- I didn't

:1

(To L. Bench)
Donilo

(To SONIA)
You lose your money if you marry again?
Sonia

Yes.

D&'lllo

Then

sonia
well?

can r t you guess what I

Danilo
t to

Sonia

No -- Why not say it, if' you went to?

Danilo

(After a
I love you.

pe.use)

Sonia
And I lova you, -- I have always loved you.
(Embrace)

Fopoff
Tut, tut, you mustn't do tnac.
Why not?

Danilo

Popoff

Are you going to take her wi. thou.t a-:.1y money?

0:!' course

nanilo
sonia

(crosses R. )
I lose all my money--when I marry-Oh, no, he lsnt. Not quite
only because I give it to my husband.

ACT III FINALE

SONIA.

You may study her ways as you can.

CHORUS MEN.

(Oh, the women! Blow the women!)

POPOFF.

But a womans too smart for a man.

CHORUS MEN.

(Oh, the women! Blow the women!)

DANILO.

ALL.

It is deeper than diving for pearls

Courting fair girls, girls, girls, girls, girls, girls!
With her fair flaxen hair, eyes of blue,
Shes a long way too knowing for you.
She is dark or shes fair,
She may smile or may frown,
Never mind, you will get done brown.

(Curtain.)

END OF PLAY