Two
old women, dressed for a funeral, with handkerchiefs and gilt-edged
hymn-books in their hands, enter softly.
old women, dressed for a funeral, with handkerchiefs and gilt-edged
hymn-books in their hands, enter softly.
Warner - World's Best Literature - v12 - Gre to Hen
[No answer.
] I am Han-
nele Mattern. Is it to me you come? [No answer. ]
[Sister Martha has stood by, with folded hands, devoutly and humbly. Now
she moves slowly out of the room. ]
-
as an
Hannele Has God taken the gift of speech from your tongue?
[No answer. ] Are you a friend to me? Do you come
enemy? [No answer. ] Have you a sword in the folds of your
garment? [No answer. ] B-r-r-r! I am cold. Piercing frost
spreads from your wings; cold breathes around you. [No an-
swer. ] Who are you? [No answer. A sudden horror overcomes
her. She turns with a scream as though some one stood behind
her. ] Mother! little mother!
## p. 7029 (#421) ###########################################
GERHART HAUPTMANN
7029
A Figure in the dress of the Sister of Mercy, but younger and more beau-
tiful, with long white pinions, comes in.
it.
Hannele [shrinking close up to the Figure and seizing her hand]
Mother! little mother! there is some one here.
Sister Where?
*
Hannele-There, there!
Sister-Why are you trembling so?
Hannele-I'm frightened!
Sister-Fear nothing; I am with you.
Hannele - My teeth are chattering with terror.
He makes me shudder!
Sister - Do not be frightened; he is your friend.
Hannele - Who is he, mother?
Sister - Do you not know him?
Hannele - Who is he?
――――
Sister-Death.
―――――――
Hannele Death! [She looks for
[She looks for a while at the black Angel
in awe-stricken silence. ] Must it be, then?
Sister-It is the entrance, Hannele.
Hannele - Must every one pass through the entrance?
―――
Sister-Every one.
Hannele-Will you grasp me hard, Death? He is silent.
He makes no answer, mother, to anything I say.
Sister - The words of God are loud within you.
Hannele I have often longed for you from the depths of my
heart; but now I am afraid.
Sister Make you ready.
Hannele To die?
-
――――――――――
I can't help
――――――――
Sister-Yes.
Hannele [after a pause, timidly] - Must I lie in the coffin in
these rags and tatters?
Sister-God will clothe you.
She produces a small silver bell and rings it. Immediately there ap-
pears, moving noiselessly—as do all the succeeding apparitions—a
little humpbacked Village Tailor, carrying over his arm a bridal
gown, veil, and wreath, and in his hands a pair of glass slippers.
He has a comical, halting gait. He bows in silence to the Angel,
then to the Sister, and last and lowest to Hannele.
The Tailor [with a profusion of bows]- Mistress Johanna
Katharina Mattern [he clears his throat], his Serene Highness
## p. 7030 (#422) ###########################################
7030
GERHART HAUPTMANN
your most gracious Father has condescended to order your bridal
dress of me.
Sister [takes the gown from the Tailor and begins to dress
Hannele]-Come, I will put it on for you.
Hannele [in joyful excitement]-Oh, how it rustles!
Sister-White silk, Hannele.
Hannele [looking down in rapture at the gown] - Won't people
be astonished to see me so beautifully dressed in my coffin?
Tailor-Mistress Johanna Katharina Mattern [clears his
throat], the whole village is talking of nothing but [clears his
throat] what good fortune death is bringing you, Mistress Hanna
[clears his throat]. His Serene Highness [clears his throat] your
most gracious Father [clears his throat] has been to the Overseer.
Sister [placing the wreath on Hannele's head] - Now bend thy
head, thou bride of Heaven.
Hannele [quivering with childish joy]-Do you know, Sister
Martha, I'm looking forward so to death. [All of a sudden she
looks dubiously at the Sister. ] It is you, isn't it?
Sister Yes.
Hannele- You are really Sister Martha? Oh, no! you are my
mother!
Sister-Yes.
Hannele - Are you both?
Sister-The children of heaven are as one in God.
Tailor-If I might be permitted, Princess Hannele! [Kneel
ing before her with the slippers. ] These are the tiniest little slip-
pers in the land. They have all too large feet - Hedwig, and
Agnes, and Lisa, and Martha, and Minna, and Anna, and Kate,
and Greta. [He has put the slippers on her feet. ] They fit, they
fit! The bride is found; Mistress Hannele has the smallest feet.
When you have any further orders Your servant, your serv-
ant! [Goes off, bowing profusely. ]
Hannele - I can scarcely bear to wait, little mother.
Sister-Now you need not take any more medicine.
Hannele-No.
Sister-Now you'll soon be as fresh and sound as a mountain
trout, Hannele! Come now, and lay you down on your death-bed.
[She takes Hannele's hand and leads her gently to the bed, on which Han-
nele lies down. ]
Hannele - At last I shall know what it is to die.
## p. 7031 (#423) ###########################################
GERHART HAUPTMANN
7031
Sister-Yes, you will, Hannele.
Hannele [lying on her back with
holding a flower]-I have a pledge.
Press it close to your breast.
Sister
Hannele [with a renewal of dread, looking shrinkingly towards
the Angel]- Must it be, then?
Sister-It must.
er hands as if they were
[From the far distance are heard the strains of a funeral march. ]
Hannele [listening]- Now they're playing for the burial
Meister Seyfried and the musicians. [The Angel rises. ] Now he
stands up. [The storm without has increased. The Angel moves
slowly and solemnly towards Hannele. ] Now he is coming to
me. O Sister! mother! I can't see you! Where are you? [To
the Angel, imploringly. ] Quick, quick, thou dumb black spirit!
[As though groaning under an insupportable weight. ] It is crush-
ing me-crushing me-like a-like a stone. [The Angel slowly
raises his great sword. ] He's going to-going to-destroy me
utterly. [In an agony of terror. ] Help! help, Sister!
Sister [interposing with dignity between the Angel and Han-
nele, and laying both her hands in an attitude of protection upon
Hannele's heart, speaking loftily, solemnly, and with authority]-
He dare not! I lay my consecrated hands upon thy heart!
――
-
The Black Angel disappears. Silence. The Sister folds her hands and
looks down upon Hannele with a gentle smile: then she becomes ab-
sorbed in thought, and moves her lips in silent prayer. The strains
of the funeral march have in the mean time continued without inter-
ruption. A sound as of many lightly pattering feet is heard. Pres-
ently the figure of the schoolmaster Gottwald appears in the middle
doorway. The funeral march ceases. Gottwald is dressed in black
as though for a funeral, and carries in his hand a bunch of beau-
tiful lilies of the valley. He has reverently taken off his hat, and
while still on the threshold turns to those who follow him, with a
gesture commanding silence. Behind him appear his School-Children
-boys and girls in their best clothes. In obedience to his gesture
they stop their whispering and remain quite silent. They do not vent-
ure to cross the threshold. With solemn mien Gottwald now ap-
proaches the Sister, who is still praying.
Gottwald [in a low voice]-Good-day, Sister Martha!
Sister Mr. Gottwald, God's greeting to you!
Gottwald [looking at Hannele, shakes his head sadly and pity-
ingly] Poor little thing!
## p. 7032 (#424) ###########################################
7032
GERHART HAUPTMANN
Sister-Why are you so sad, Mr. Gottwald?
Gottwald- Because she is dead.
Sister-We will not grieve for that; she has found peace, and
for her sake I am glad.
Gottwald [sighing]-Yes, it is well with her. Now she is
free from all trouble and sorrow.
Sister [sunk in contemplation] - How beautiful she looks as
she lies there.
Gottwald-Yes, beautiful. Now that you are dead, you bloom
forth in all your loveliness!
Sister-God has made her so beautiful because she had faith
in him.
Gottwald-Yes, she had faith and she was good. [He heaves
a deep sigh, opens his hymn-book and looks sadly into it. ]
Sister [also looking into the hymn-book]-We must not mourn.
We must be still and patient.
Gottwald-Ah, my heart is heavy.
Sister Because she is set free?
Gottwald-Because my two flowers are withered.
Sister What flowers?
Gottwald-Two violets here in my book. They are the dead
eyes of my dear Hannele.
Sister-In God's heaven they will bloom again far more
sweetly!
Gottwald-O God! how much longer will our pilgrimage last
through this vale of darkness and of tears? [With a sudden
change, briskly and busily, producing sheets of music. ] What do
you think?
I thought we might begin, here in the house, by
singing the hymn 'Jesus, oh, I trust in thee. '
Sister-Yes, that is a beautiful hymn; and Hannele Mattern's
heart was full of faith.
――――
Gottwald-And then out in the church-yard we will sing
'Set me free. ' [He turns, goes to the school-children, and says:]
Number 62, 'Set me free. ' [He intones softly, beating time:]
"Set me free, oh, set me free,
That I may Jesus see. ”
all
[The children have joined in softly. ] Children, are you
warmly dressed? It will be very cold out in the church-yard.
Come in for a moment. Look at poor little Hannele once more.
[The children crowd in and range themselves solemnly round the
bed. ] Just see how beautiful Death has made the poor little girl!
## p. 7033 (#425) ###########################################
GERHART HAUPTMANN
7933
She ran
Soon she
Here
She was huddled in rags; now she wears silken raiment.
about barefoot; now she has glass slippers on her feet.
will dwell in a golden palace and eat roast meat every day.
she lived on cold potatoes, and often she had not enough of them.
Here you always called her the beggar princess; now she will
soon be a princess in very deed. So if any of you have any-
thing that you want to beg her pardon for, do it now, or she
will tell the dear God all about it, and then it will go ill with
you.
A Little Boy [stepping forward] - Dear Princess Hannele, don't
be angry with me, and don't tell the dear God that I always
called you the beggar princess.
All the Children [in a confused murmur]-We are all so very,
very sorry!
Gottwald-So! Now poor Hannele has already forgiven you.
Now go into the other room and wait for me there.
Sister-Come, I'll take you into the back room, and there I'll
tell you what you must do if you want to become beautiful
angels, as beautiful as Hannele will soon be. [She leads the way;
the children follow her; the door is closed. ]
Gottwald [now alone with Hannele. He lays the flowers at her
feet, with emotion] - Hannele dear, here I've brought you another
bunch of beautiful lilies of the valley. [Kneeling by her bed with
trembling voice. ] Don't quite, quite forget me in your glory!
[He sobs, with his face buried in the folds of her dress. ] It breaks
my heart to part from you.
[Voices are heard; Gottwald rises and covers Hannele with a sheet.
Two
old women, dressed for a funeral, with handkerchiefs and gilt-edged
hymn-books in their hands, enter softly. ]
First Woman [looking around]—I suppose we're the first.
Second Woman-No, the schoolmaster is here already. Good-
day, Mr. Gottwald.
Gottwald-Good-day.
First Woman-Ah, this'll be a sore trouble to you, Mr. Gott-
wald! She was such a good pupil to you; always industrious,
always busy.
Second Woman-Is it true what people are saying? Surely it
can't be true: they say she took her own life.
A Third Woman [who has entered] — That would be a sin
against the Holy Spirit.
## p. 7034 (#426) ###########################################
7034
GERHART HAUPTMANN
Second Woman- A sin against the Holy Ghost.
Third Woman-And the pastor says such a sin can never be
forgiven.
Gottwald-Have you forgotten what the Savior said? “ Suf-
fer the little children to come unto me. "
――――
A Fourth Woman [who has entered]-O good people, good
people, what weather! It's enough to freeze the feet off you! I
only hope the pastor won't be too long about it. The snow is
lying a yard deep in the church-yard.
A Fifth Woman [entering]-The pastor is not going to bury
her, good people! He's going to refuse her consecrated ground.
Pleschke [also appearing]- Have you heard? have you heard?
A grand gentleman has been to see the pastor-has been to see
the pastor-and has told him—yes, told him that Hannla Mat-
tern is a blessed saint.
Hanke [entering hastily] — Do you know what they are bring-
ing? a crystal coffin!
Several Voices-A crystal coffin! - A crystal coffin!
Hanke-O Lord! It must have cost a pretty penny!
Several Voices-A crystal coffin! -A crystal coffin!
Seidel [who has appeared]-We're going to see fine things,
that we are! An angel has passed right through the village, as
tall as a poplar-tree, if you'll believe me. And two others are
sitting by the smithy pond; but they're small, like little children.
The girl was more than a beggar-girl.
Several Voices-The girl was more than a beggar-girl. —
They're bringing a crystal coffin. -
crystal coffin. -An angel has passed through
the village.
Four white-robed Youths carry in a crystal coffin, which they set down near
Hannele's bed. The mourners whisper to each other, full of curi-
osity and astonishment.
Gottwald [raising the sheet a little from Hannele's face] — Look
at the dead child too.
First Woman [peering curiously under the sheet] - Why, her
hair is like gold.
Gottwald [drawing the cloth right away from Hannele, who is
illumined with a pale light]—And she has silken garments and
glass slippers. [All shrink back as though dazzled, with exclama-
tions of the utmost surprise. ]
## p. 7035 (#427) ###########################################
GERHART HAUPTMANN
7035
Several Voices - Ah, how beautiful she is! -Who can it be?
Who can it be? - Little Hannla Mattern? - Hannla Mattern? -
No, I don't believe it!
Pleschke-The girl-the girl-is a-a saint.
[The four youths with tender care lay Hannele in the crystal coffin. ]
Hanke - They say she isn't to be buried at all.
First Woman Her coffin is to be set up in the church.
Second Woman-I believe the girl isn't really dead. She
looks as alive as ever she can be.
Pleschke- Just give me just give me a down feather.
We'll try - we'll try-holding a down feather to her mouth,—
yes, and we'll see - and we'll see if she's still-if she's still
breathing, we will. [They give him a down feather and he
holds it to Hannele's mouth. ] It doesn't stir. The girl is dead!
She hasn't a breath of life in her!
―――――
-
too.
Fourth Woman -
―
--
Third Woman-I'll give her my bunch of rosemary. [She
lays it in the coffin. ]
She can take my bit of lavender with her
―――――
-
Fifth Woman-But where is Mattern?
First Woman - Yes, where is Mattern?
Second Woman - Oh, he! he's sitting over there in the ale-
house.
First Woman Most like he doesn't know a word of what
has happened.
Second Woman-He cares for nothing so long as he has his
dram. He knows nothing about it.
Pleschke Haven't you - haven't you told him then - told
him that there's death-in his house?
—
――
Third Woman-He might know that without any telling.
Fourth Woman- I don't say anything, Heaven forbid! But
every one knows who has killed the girl.
Seidel-You're right there! The whole village, as you might
say, knows that. There's a lump on her as big as my fist.
Fifth Woman No grass grows where that fellow sets his feet.
Seidel-I was there when they changed her wet clothes, and
I saw it as plain as I see you. She has a lump on her as big
as my fist- and that's what has killed her.
First Woman-It's Mattern must answer for her, and no one
else.
## p. 7036 (#428) ###########################################
7036
GERHART HAUPTMANN
All [speaking all at once and vehemently, but in a whisper]-
No one else, no one else.
Second woman. He's a murderer, he is.
All [full of fury, but in a low tone]-A murderer, a mur-
derer!
[The harsh voice of the tipsy Mattern is heard:]
"A conscience from all trou-ble free,
What so-ofter pillow can there be ? »
[He appears in the doorway and shouts:]
are-
Hannele! Hannele! You brat! where are you hiding? [He
staggers in, leaning against the door-jamb. ] I'll count up to five,
and I'll wait not a moment longer. One, two- Three and one
I tell you, my girl, you'd better not make me wild. If I
have to search for you and find you, you hussy, I'll pound you
to a jelly, I will! [Starts as he notices the others who are present,
and who remain as still as death. ] What do you want here? [No
answer. ] How do you come here? Was it the Devil sent you,
eh? Just clear out of this, now! Well, are you going to stop all
night? [He laughs to himself. ] Wait a minute I know what
it is. It's nothing but that. I have a little too much in my
noddle That's what brings 'em. [He sings:]
"A con— science from all trou
་
What so
ouble free,
ofter pillow can there be? "
-
-
—
-
[Starts in fear. ] Are you still there? [In a sudden outburst
of fury, looking around for something to attack them with. ] I'll
take the first thing that comes handy-
A Man has entered, wearing a threadbare brown cloak. He is about
thirty, has long black hair, and a pale face with the features of the
schoolmaster Gottwald. He has a slouch hat in his left hand and
sandals on his feet. He appears weary and travel-stained. He
touches Mattern lightly on the arm, interrupting his speech. Mattern
turns sharply round. The stranger looks him straight in the face,
gravely and quietly, and says humbly:
Stranger-Mattern, God's greeting to you!
Mattern-How have you come here? What do you want?
Stranger [in a tone of humble entreaty]—I have walked till
my feet are bleeding; give me water to wash them. The hot
sun has parched me; give me wine to drink, and to refresh me.
## p. 7037 (#429) ###########################################
GERHART HAUPTMANN
7037
I have not broken bread since I set forth in the morning; I am
hungry.
――――――
Mattern What's that to me?
round here ? Go and work. I have to work too.
What brings you tramping
Stranger-I am a workman.
Mattern-You're a tramp, that's what you are. A workman
need not go about begging.
Stranger-I am a workman without wages.
Mattern-You're a tramp, you are.
Stranger [diffidently, submissively, but at the same time impress-
ively]-I am a physician. It may be that you have need of me.
Mattern - I'm all right; I don't need any doctor.
Stranger [his voice trembling with inward emotion]- Mattern,
bethink you! You need give me no water, and yet I will heal
You may give me no bread to eat, and yet, God helping
me, I will make you whole.
you.
Mattern-You get out of this! Go about your business. I
have sound bones in my body; I need no doctor: do you under-
stand?
Stranger - Mattern, bethink you! I will wash your feet for
you; I will give you wine to drink; you shall eat white bread;
tread me under foot, and yet, God helping me, I will make you
whole and sound.
Mattern-Now, will you go or will you not? If you won't
get out of this, I tell you I'll—
Stranger [in a tone of earnest admonition]- Mattern, do you
know what you have in your house?
Mattern - All that belongs there; all that belongs there; all
that belongs there: you don't belong there. Just get out, now!
Stranger [simply] - Your daughter is ill.
Mattern- Her illness doesn't need any doctor. It's nothing
but laziness, her illness isn't. I can knock that out of her with-
out your help.
Stranger [solemnly]- Mattern, I come as a messenger to you.
Mattern - As a messenger, eh? Who from?
Stranger-I come from the Father, and I go to the Father.
What have you done with his child?
Mattern- How am I to know what's become of her? What
have I to do with his children? He's never troubled about her,
he hasn't.
Stranger [firmly]- You have death in your house.
## p. 7038 (#430) ###########################################
7038
GERHART HAUPTMANN
Mattern [now notices Hannele lying there; goes in speechless
astonishment up to the coffin, and looks into it; then murmurs:]
Where have you got the beautiful clothes? Who has bought you
the crystal coffin?
[The mourners whisper to each other vehemently but softly. The word
"Murderer! " is heard again and again, uttered in a threatening
tone. ]
Mattern [softly, trembling] - I've never ill-used you; I've
clothed you; I've fed you. [Turning insolently upon the Stran-
ger. ] What do you want with me? What have I to do with all
this?
Stranger - Mattern, have you anything to say to me?
[The muttering among the mourners becomes ever more vehement and angry,
and the word "Murderer! " "Murderer! " becomes more frequently
audible. ]
Stranger - Have you nothing to reproach yourself with?
Have you never torn her from her bed by night? Has she
never fallen as though dead under your blows?
Mattern [beside himself with rage]-Strike me dead if she
here, on the spot! Heaven's lightning blast me if I've
has
been to blame!
[A flash of pale-blue lightning, and distant thunder. ]
-
All [speaking together] — There's a thunder-storm coming!
Right in the middle of winter! He's perjured himself! - The
child-murderer has perjured himself!
Stranger [impressively but kindly] — Have you still nothing to
say to me, Mattern?
Mattern [in pitiable terror]-Who loves his child chastens it.
I've done nothing but good to the girl. I've kept her as my
child. I've a right to punish her when she does wrong.
The Women [advancing threateningly towards him] — Murderer!
Murderer! Murderer!
Mattern-She's lied to me and cheated me. She has robbed
me day by day.
nele Mattern. Is it to me you come? [No answer. ]
[Sister Martha has stood by, with folded hands, devoutly and humbly. Now
she moves slowly out of the room. ]
-
as an
Hannele Has God taken the gift of speech from your tongue?
[No answer. ] Are you a friend to me? Do you come
enemy? [No answer. ] Have you a sword in the folds of your
garment? [No answer. ] B-r-r-r! I am cold. Piercing frost
spreads from your wings; cold breathes around you. [No an-
swer. ] Who are you? [No answer. A sudden horror overcomes
her. She turns with a scream as though some one stood behind
her. ] Mother! little mother!
## p. 7029 (#421) ###########################################
GERHART HAUPTMANN
7029
A Figure in the dress of the Sister of Mercy, but younger and more beau-
tiful, with long white pinions, comes in.
it.
Hannele [shrinking close up to the Figure and seizing her hand]
Mother! little mother! there is some one here.
Sister Where?
*
Hannele-There, there!
Sister-Why are you trembling so?
Hannele-I'm frightened!
Sister-Fear nothing; I am with you.
Hannele - My teeth are chattering with terror.
He makes me shudder!
Sister - Do not be frightened; he is your friend.
Hannele - Who is he, mother?
Sister - Do you not know him?
Hannele - Who is he?
――――
Sister-Death.
―――――――
Hannele Death! [She looks for
[She looks for a while at the black Angel
in awe-stricken silence. ] Must it be, then?
Sister-It is the entrance, Hannele.
Hannele - Must every one pass through the entrance?
―――
Sister-Every one.
Hannele-Will you grasp me hard, Death? He is silent.
He makes no answer, mother, to anything I say.
Sister - The words of God are loud within you.
Hannele I have often longed for you from the depths of my
heart; but now I am afraid.
Sister Make you ready.
Hannele To die?
-
――――――――――
I can't help
――――――――
Sister-Yes.
Hannele [after a pause, timidly] - Must I lie in the coffin in
these rags and tatters?
Sister-God will clothe you.
She produces a small silver bell and rings it. Immediately there ap-
pears, moving noiselessly—as do all the succeeding apparitions—a
little humpbacked Village Tailor, carrying over his arm a bridal
gown, veil, and wreath, and in his hands a pair of glass slippers.
He has a comical, halting gait. He bows in silence to the Angel,
then to the Sister, and last and lowest to Hannele.
The Tailor [with a profusion of bows]- Mistress Johanna
Katharina Mattern [he clears his throat], his Serene Highness
## p. 7030 (#422) ###########################################
7030
GERHART HAUPTMANN
your most gracious Father has condescended to order your bridal
dress of me.
Sister [takes the gown from the Tailor and begins to dress
Hannele]-Come, I will put it on for you.
Hannele [in joyful excitement]-Oh, how it rustles!
Sister-White silk, Hannele.
Hannele [looking down in rapture at the gown] - Won't people
be astonished to see me so beautifully dressed in my coffin?
Tailor-Mistress Johanna Katharina Mattern [clears his
throat], the whole village is talking of nothing but [clears his
throat] what good fortune death is bringing you, Mistress Hanna
[clears his throat]. His Serene Highness [clears his throat] your
most gracious Father [clears his throat] has been to the Overseer.
Sister [placing the wreath on Hannele's head] - Now bend thy
head, thou bride of Heaven.
Hannele [quivering with childish joy]-Do you know, Sister
Martha, I'm looking forward so to death. [All of a sudden she
looks dubiously at the Sister. ] It is you, isn't it?
Sister Yes.
Hannele- You are really Sister Martha? Oh, no! you are my
mother!
Sister-Yes.
Hannele - Are you both?
Sister-The children of heaven are as one in God.
Tailor-If I might be permitted, Princess Hannele! [Kneel
ing before her with the slippers. ] These are the tiniest little slip-
pers in the land. They have all too large feet - Hedwig, and
Agnes, and Lisa, and Martha, and Minna, and Anna, and Kate,
and Greta. [He has put the slippers on her feet. ] They fit, they
fit! The bride is found; Mistress Hannele has the smallest feet.
When you have any further orders Your servant, your serv-
ant! [Goes off, bowing profusely. ]
Hannele - I can scarcely bear to wait, little mother.
Sister-Now you need not take any more medicine.
Hannele-No.
Sister-Now you'll soon be as fresh and sound as a mountain
trout, Hannele! Come now, and lay you down on your death-bed.
[She takes Hannele's hand and leads her gently to the bed, on which Han-
nele lies down. ]
Hannele - At last I shall know what it is to die.
## p. 7031 (#423) ###########################################
GERHART HAUPTMANN
7031
Sister-Yes, you will, Hannele.
Hannele [lying on her back with
holding a flower]-I have a pledge.
Press it close to your breast.
Sister
Hannele [with a renewal of dread, looking shrinkingly towards
the Angel]- Must it be, then?
Sister-It must.
er hands as if they were
[From the far distance are heard the strains of a funeral march. ]
Hannele [listening]- Now they're playing for the burial
Meister Seyfried and the musicians. [The Angel rises. ] Now he
stands up. [The storm without has increased. The Angel moves
slowly and solemnly towards Hannele. ] Now he is coming to
me. O Sister! mother! I can't see you! Where are you? [To
the Angel, imploringly. ] Quick, quick, thou dumb black spirit!
[As though groaning under an insupportable weight. ] It is crush-
ing me-crushing me-like a-like a stone. [The Angel slowly
raises his great sword. ] He's going to-going to-destroy me
utterly. [In an agony of terror. ] Help! help, Sister!
Sister [interposing with dignity between the Angel and Han-
nele, and laying both her hands in an attitude of protection upon
Hannele's heart, speaking loftily, solemnly, and with authority]-
He dare not! I lay my consecrated hands upon thy heart!
――
-
The Black Angel disappears. Silence. The Sister folds her hands and
looks down upon Hannele with a gentle smile: then she becomes ab-
sorbed in thought, and moves her lips in silent prayer. The strains
of the funeral march have in the mean time continued without inter-
ruption. A sound as of many lightly pattering feet is heard. Pres-
ently the figure of the schoolmaster Gottwald appears in the middle
doorway. The funeral march ceases. Gottwald is dressed in black
as though for a funeral, and carries in his hand a bunch of beau-
tiful lilies of the valley. He has reverently taken off his hat, and
while still on the threshold turns to those who follow him, with a
gesture commanding silence. Behind him appear his School-Children
-boys and girls in their best clothes. In obedience to his gesture
they stop their whispering and remain quite silent. They do not vent-
ure to cross the threshold. With solemn mien Gottwald now ap-
proaches the Sister, who is still praying.
Gottwald [in a low voice]-Good-day, Sister Martha!
Sister Mr. Gottwald, God's greeting to you!
Gottwald [looking at Hannele, shakes his head sadly and pity-
ingly] Poor little thing!
## p. 7032 (#424) ###########################################
7032
GERHART HAUPTMANN
Sister-Why are you so sad, Mr. Gottwald?
Gottwald- Because she is dead.
Sister-We will not grieve for that; she has found peace, and
for her sake I am glad.
Gottwald [sighing]-Yes, it is well with her. Now she is
free from all trouble and sorrow.
Sister [sunk in contemplation] - How beautiful she looks as
she lies there.
Gottwald-Yes, beautiful. Now that you are dead, you bloom
forth in all your loveliness!
Sister-God has made her so beautiful because she had faith
in him.
Gottwald-Yes, she had faith and she was good. [He heaves
a deep sigh, opens his hymn-book and looks sadly into it. ]
Sister [also looking into the hymn-book]-We must not mourn.
We must be still and patient.
Gottwald-Ah, my heart is heavy.
Sister Because she is set free?
Gottwald-Because my two flowers are withered.
Sister What flowers?
Gottwald-Two violets here in my book. They are the dead
eyes of my dear Hannele.
Sister-In God's heaven they will bloom again far more
sweetly!
Gottwald-O God! how much longer will our pilgrimage last
through this vale of darkness and of tears? [With a sudden
change, briskly and busily, producing sheets of music. ] What do
you think?
I thought we might begin, here in the house, by
singing the hymn 'Jesus, oh, I trust in thee. '
Sister-Yes, that is a beautiful hymn; and Hannele Mattern's
heart was full of faith.
――――
Gottwald-And then out in the church-yard we will sing
'Set me free. ' [He turns, goes to the school-children, and says:]
Number 62, 'Set me free. ' [He intones softly, beating time:]
"Set me free, oh, set me free,
That I may Jesus see. ”
all
[The children have joined in softly. ] Children, are you
warmly dressed? It will be very cold out in the church-yard.
Come in for a moment. Look at poor little Hannele once more.
[The children crowd in and range themselves solemnly round the
bed. ] Just see how beautiful Death has made the poor little girl!
## p. 7033 (#425) ###########################################
GERHART HAUPTMANN
7933
She ran
Soon she
Here
She was huddled in rags; now she wears silken raiment.
about barefoot; now she has glass slippers on her feet.
will dwell in a golden palace and eat roast meat every day.
she lived on cold potatoes, and often she had not enough of them.
Here you always called her the beggar princess; now she will
soon be a princess in very deed. So if any of you have any-
thing that you want to beg her pardon for, do it now, or she
will tell the dear God all about it, and then it will go ill with
you.
A Little Boy [stepping forward] - Dear Princess Hannele, don't
be angry with me, and don't tell the dear God that I always
called you the beggar princess.
All the Children [in a confused murmur]-We are all so very,
very sorry!
Gottwald-So! Now poor Hannele has already forgiven you.
Now go into the other room and wait for me there.
Sister-Come, I'll take you into the back room, and there I'll
tell you what you must do if you want to become beautiful
angels, as beautiful as Hannele will soon be. [She leads the way;
the children follow her; the door is closed. ]
Gottwald [now alone with Hannele. He lays the flowers at her
feet, with emotion] - Hannele dear, here I've brought you another
bunch of beautiful lilies of the valley. [Kneeling by her bed with
trembling voice. ] Don't quite, quite forget me in your glory!
[He sobs, with his face buried in the folds of her dress. ] It breaks
my heart to part from you.
[Voices are heard; Gottwald rises and covers Hannele with a sheet.
Two
old women, dressed for a funeral, with handkerchiefs and gilt-edged
hymn-books in their hands, enter softly. ]
First Woman [looking around]—I suppose we're the first.
Second Woman-No, the schoolmaster is here already. Good-
day, Mr. Gottwald.
Gottwald-Good-day.
First Woman-Ah, this'll be a sore trouble to you, Mr. Gott-
wald! She was such a good pupil to you; always industrious,
always busy.
Second Woman-Is it true what people are saying? Surely it
can't be true: they say she took her own life.
A Third Woman [who has entered] — That would be a sin
against the Holy Spirit.
## p. 7034 (#426) ###########################################
7034
GERHART HAUPTMANN
Second Woman- A sin against the Holy Ghost.
Third Woman-And the pastor says such a sin can never be
forgiven.
Gottwald-Have you forgotten what the Savior said? “ Suf-
fer the little children to come unto me. "
――――
A Fourth Woman [who has entered]-O good people, good
people, what weather! It's enough to freeze the feet off you! I
only hope the pastor won't be too long about it. The snow is
lying a yard deep in the church-yard.
A Fifth Woman [entering]-The pastor is not going to bury
her, good people! He's going to refuse her consecrated ground.
Pleschke [also appearing]- Have you heard? have you heard?
A grand gentleman has been to see the pastor-has been to see
the pastor-and has told him—yes, told him that Hannla Mat-
tern is a blessed saint.
Hanke [entering hastily] — Do you know what they are bring-
ing? a crystal coffin!
Several Voices-A crystal coffin! - A crystal coffin!
Hanke-O Lord! It must have cost a pretty penny!
Several Voices-A crystal coffin! -A crystal coffin!
Seidel [who has appeared]-We're going to see fine things,
that we are! An angel has passed right through the village, as
tall as a poplar-tree, if you'll believe me. And two others are
sitting by the smithy pond; but they're small, like little children.
The girl was more than a beggar-girl.
Several Voices-The girl was more than a beggar-girl. —
They're bringing a crystal coffin. -
crystal coffin. -An angel has passed through
the village.
Four white-robed Youths carry in a crystal coffin, which they set down near
Hannele's bed. The mourners whisper to each other, full of curi-
osity and astonishment.
Gottwald [raising the sheet a little from Hannele's face] — Look
at the dead child too.
First Woman [peering curiously under the sheet] - Why, her
hair is like gold.
Gottwald [drawing the cloth right away from Hannele, who is
illumined with a pale light]—And she has silken garments and
glass slippers. [All shrink back as though dazzled, with exclama-
tions of the utmost surprise. ]
## p. 7035 (#427) ###########################################
GERHART HAUPTMANN
7035
Several Voices - Ah, how beautiful she is! -Who can it be?
Who can it be? - Little Hannla Mattern? - Hannla Mattern? -
No, I don't believe it!
Pleschke-The girl-the girl-is a-a saint.
[The four youths with tender care lay Hannele in the crystal coffin. ]
Hanke - They say she isn't to be buried at all.
First Woman Her coffin is to be set up in the church.
Second Woman-I believe the girl isn't really dead. She
looks as alive as ever she can be.
Pleschke- Just give me just give me a down feather.
We'll try - we'll try-holding a down feather to her mouth,—
yes, and we'll see - and we'll see if she's still-if she's still
breathing, we will. [They give him a down feather and he
holds it to Hannele's mouth. ] It doesn't stir. The girl is dead!
She hasn't a breath of life in her!
―――――
-
too.
Fourth Woman -
―
--
Third Woman-I'll give her my bunch of rosemary. [She
lays it in the coffin. ]
She can take my bit of lavender with her
―――――
-
Fifth Woman-But where is Mattern?
First Woman - Yes, where is Mattern?
Second Woman - Oh, he! he's sitting over there in the ale-
house.
First Woman Most like he doesn't know a word of what
has happened.
Second Woman-He cares for nothing so long as he has his
dram. He knows nothing about it.
Pleschke Haven't you - haven't you told him then - told
him that there's death-in his house?
—
――
Third Woman-He might know that without any telling.
Fourth Woman- I don't say anything, Heaven forbid! But
every one knows who has killed the girl.
Seidel-You're right there! The whole village, as you might
say, knows that. There's a lump on her as big as my fist.
Fifth Woman No grass grows where that fellow sets his feet.
Seidel-I was there when they changed her wet clothes, and
I saw it as plain as I see you. She has a lump on her as big
as my fist- and that's what has killed her.
First Woman-It's Mattern must answer for her, and no one
else.
## p. 7036 (#428) ###########################################
7036
GERHART HAUPTMANN
All [speaking all at once and vehemently, but in a whisper]-
No one else, no one else.
Second woman. He's a murderer, he is.
All [full of fury, but in a low tone]-A murderer, a mur-
derer!
[The harsh voice of the tipsy Mattern is heard:]
"A conscience from all trou-ble free,
What so-ofter pillow can there be ? »
[He appears in the doorway and shouts:]
are-
Hannele! Hannele! You brat! where are you hiding? [He
staggers in, leaning against the door-jamb. ] I'll count up to five,
and I'll wait not a moment longer. One, two- Three and one
I tell you, my girl, you'd better not make me wild. If I
have to search for you and find you, you hussy, I'll pound you
to a jelly, I will! [Starts as he notices the others who are present,
and who remain as still as death. ] What do you want here? [No
answer. ] How do you come here? Was it the Devil sent you,
eh? Just clear out of this, now! Well, are you going to stop all
night? [He laughs to himself. ] Wait a minute I know what
it is. It's nothing but that. I have a little too much in my
noddle That's what brings 'em. [He sings:]
"A con— science from all trou
་
What so
ouble free,
ofter pillow can there be? "
-
-
—
-
[Starts in fear. ] Are you still there? [In a sudden outburst
of fury, looking around for something to attack them with. ] I'll
take the first thing that comes handy-
A Man has entered, wearing a threadbare brown cloak. He is about
thirty, has long black hair, and a pale face with the features of the
schoolmaster Gottwald. He has a slouch hat in his left hand and
sandals on his feet. He appears weary and travel-stained. He
touches Mattern lightly on the arm, interrupting his speech. Mattern
turns sharply round. The stranger looks him straight in the face,
gravely and quietly, and says humbly:
Stranger-Mattern, God's greeting to you!
Mattern-How have you come here? What do you want?
Stranger [in a tone of humble entreaty]—I have walked till
my feet are bleeding; give me water to wash them. The hot
sun has parched me; give me wine to drink, and to refresh me.
## p. 7037 (#429) ###########################################
GERHART HAUPTMANN
7037
I have not broken bread since I set forth in the morning; I am
hungry.
――――――
Mattern What's that to me?
round here ? Go and work. I have to work too.
What brings you tramping
Stranger-I am a workman.
Mattern-You're a tramp, that's what you are. A workman
need not go about begging.
Stranger-I am a workman without wages.
Mattern-You're a tramp, you are.
Stranger [diffidently, submissively, but at the same time impress-
ively]-I am a physician. It may be that you have need of me.
Mattern - I'm all right; I don't need any doctor.
Stranger [his voice trembling with inward emotion]- Mattern,
bethink you! You need give me no water, and yet I will heal
You may give me no bread to eat, and yet, God helping
me, I will make you whole.
you.
Mattern-You get out of this! Go about your business. I
have sound bones in my body; I need no doctor: do you under-
stand?
Stranger - Mattern, bethink you! I will wash your feet for
you; I will give you wine to drink; you shall eat white bread;
tread me under foot, and yet, God helping me, I will make you
whole and sound.
Mattern-Now, will you go or will you not? If you won't
get out of this, I tell you I'll—
Stranger [in a tone of earnest admonition]- Mattern, do you
know what you have in your house?
Mattern - All that belongs there; all that belongs there; all
that belongs there: you don't belong there. Just get out, now!
Stranger [simply] - Your daughter is ill.
Mattern- Her illness doesn't need any doctor. It's nothing
but laziness, her illness isn't. I can knock that out of her with-
out your help.
Stranger [solemnly]- Mattern, I come as a messenger to you.
Mattern - As a messenger, eh? Who from?
Stranger-I come from the Father, and I go to the Father.
What have you done with his child?
Mattern- How am I to know what's become of her? What
have I to do with his children? He's never troubled about her,
he hasn't.
Stranger [firmly]- You have death in your house.
## p. 7038 (#430) ###########################################
7038
GERHART HAUPTMANN
Mattern [now notices Hannele lying there; goes in speechless
astonishment up to the coffin, and looks into it; then murmurs:]
Where have you got the beautiful clothes? Who has bought you
the crystal coffin?
[The mourners whisper to each other vehemently but softly. The word
"Murderer! " is heard again and again, uttered in a threatening
tone. ]
Mattern [softly, trembling] - I've never ill-used you; I've
clothed you; I've fed you. [Turning insolently upon the Stran-
ger. ] What do you want with me? What have I to do with all
this?
Stranger - Mattern, have you anything to say to me?
[The muttering among the mourners becomes ever more vehement and angry,
and the word "Murderer! " "Murderer! " becomes more frequently
audible. ]
Stranger - Have you nothing to reproach yourself with?
Have you never torn her from her bed by night? Has she
never fallen as though dead under your blows?
Mattern [beside himself with rage]-Strike me dead if she
here, on the spot! Heaven's lightning blast me if I've
has
been to blame!
[A flash of pale-blue lightning, and distant thunder. ]
-
All [speaking together] — There's a thunder-storm coming!
Right in the middle of winter! He's perjured himself! - The
child-murderer has perjured himself!
Stranger [impressively but kindly] — Have you still nothing to
say to me, Mattern?
Mattern [in pitiable terror]-Who loves his child chastens it.
I've done nothing but good to the girl. I've kept her as my
child. I've a right to punish her when she does wrong.
The Women [advancing threateningly towards him] — Murderer!
Murderer! Murderer!
Mattern-She's lied to me and cheated me. She has robbed
me day by day.
