It can be given as a fragment, with some kind of ballet as a filler.
ALBERT
Right you are! Something like "Harlequin as Electrician," or
"Forget-me-not." (_He goes out_)
AMADEUS (_remains alone for a while; at first he seems to ponder on
something; then he returns to the writing desk and falls to work on his
papers; a knock is heard at the door leading to the garden_) What is
it?
PETER (_outside_)
It's me, papa. Can I come in?
AMADEUS
Certainly, Peter. Come on.
GOVERNESS (_entering with Peter_)
Good morning.
AMADEUS
Good morning. (_He kisses Peter_) Is it not a little too cold for him
out there?
GOVERNESS
He's very warmly dressed, and besides the sun is shining beautifully.
PETER
Papa, have you seen what mamma brought me?
AMADEUS
What is it?
PETER
A theater--a big theater!
AMADEUS
Is that so? And you have got it already?
PETER
Of course. It's over there in the summer-house. Would you care to look
at it?
AMADEUS (_glances inquiringly at the governess_)
GOVERNESS
Madame brought it to our room quite early, while Peter was still
asleep.
AMADEUS
I see.
PETER
I can play theater already. There is a king, and a peasant, and a
bride, and a devil--one that's all red--almost as red as the king
himself. And in the back there is a mill, and a sky, and a forest, and
a hunter.... Won't you come and look at it, papa?
AMADEUS (_seated on the couch, with the boy standing between his knees;
speaking absentmindedly_) Of course I must come and look at it.
CHAMBERMAID (_entering_)
Sir....
AMADEUS
What is it?
CHAMBERMAID
His Highness asks if you'll see him.
AMADEUS
What highness?
CHAMBERMAID
His Highness, the Prince Lohsenstein.
AMADEUS (_rising_)
What?
GOVERNESS
Come, Peter--we'll go back and play in the summer-house. (_She goes out
with Peter_)
AMADEUS (_with dignity_)
Tell the Prince.... (_Turning away from her_) One moment, please. (_To
himself_) What can that mean...? (_Abruptly_) Ask him to come in.
CHAMBERMAID (_goes out_)
AMADEUS (_walks quickly to and fro, but stops at some distance from
the door when Sigismund enters_)
SIGISMUND (_is slender, blonde, twenty-six, elegantly dressed, but
appears in no respect foppish; he bows to Amadeus_) Good-morning.
AMADEUS (_takes a few steps forward to meet him and nods politely_)
SIGISMUND (_looks around a little shyly, but wholly free from any
ridiculous embarras
|