They then very
frequently spoke of their stork adventures, and when the Caliph
was very jovial, he amused himself with imitating the Grand
Vizier when he was a stork: he strutted up and down the cham-
ber with stiff legs, clapped, fluttered his arms as though they
were wings, and showed how vainly the latter had turned to
the east, crying all the while, "Mu- Mu—.
frequently spoke of their stork adventures, and when the Caliph
was very jovial, he amused himself with imitating the Grand
Vizier when he was a stork: he strutted up and down the cham-
ber with stiff legs, clapped, fluttered his arms as though they
were wings, and showed how vainly the latter had turned to
the east, crying all the while, "Mu- Mu—.
Warner - World's Best Literature - v12 - Gre to Hen
As the peddler was about to close his box again the
Caliph caught sight of a little drawer, and asked whether that
also contained some wares. The peddler pulled out the drawer,
and exhibited a snuff-box containing a black powder and a piece
of paper with peculiar writing on it, which neither the Caliph
nor Mansor could read. "These things were given to me one
day by a merchant who found them in the streets of Mecca,"
said the peddler. "I know not what they are; but you may
have them for a small sum, for they are of no use to me. "
The Caliph, who was very fond of having old manuscripts in
his library, though unable to read them, bought both paper and
box and dismissed the peddler. He thought however he would
## p. 7017 (#409) ###########################################
WILHELM HAUFF
7017
like to know what the writing meant, and asked the Vizier if he
knew of no one who could decipher it.
«<
"Most gracious lord and master," answered the latter, near
the Great Mosque lives a man called Selim the Learned; he
knows all languages. Send for him: perhaps he can explain
these mysterious signs. "
The learned Selim soon arrived. << Selim," said the Caliph to
him, "Selim, it is said thou art very learned. Just look at this
writing, whether thou canst read it: if thou canst read, thou get-
test a new robe of honor from me; if thou canst not, thou gettest
twelve boxes on the ears and twenty-five lashes on the soles of
the feet, for having been called Selim the Learned without
cause. "
Selim bowed and said, "Thy will be done, O master! ”
For a
long time he looked at the writing; then suddenly he exclaimed,
"That is Latin, O master, or let me be hung! "
"Say what it means," demanded the Caliph, "if it is Latin. ”
Selim began to translate:- "Man who findest this, praise Allah
for his goodness. He who takes a pinch of this powder in this
box and therewith says 'Mutabor,' can change himself into any
animal, and also understand the language of animals. If he after-
wards wish to resume his human form, let him bow thrice to the
East and say the same word. But beware when thou art changed
that thou laughest not, or the magic word departeth from thy
memory forever and thou remainest a beast. "
When Selim the Learned had read this, the Caliph was pleased
beyond measure. He made the learned man swear not to reveal
the secret to any one, presented him with a splendid robe, and
dismissed him. Then turning to his Grand Vizier he said, "This
I call getting a bargain, Mansor! How glad I am at being able
to become an animal! Come thou to me to-morrow morning. We
will then go together into the fields, take a pinch out of the box,
and then listen to what is said in the air and the water, in wood
and field. "
Next morning, scarcely had the Caliph Chasid breakfasted and
dressed himself when the Grand Vizier appeared as ordered, to
accompany him on his walk. The Caliph put the box with the
magic powder in his girdle, and after having ordered his suite to
remain behind, he and the Grand Vizier set out alone on the
journey. They first passed through the large gardens of the
Caliph, but looked in vain for any living thing on which to try
## p. 7018 (#410) ###########################################
7018
WILHELM HAUFF
the experiment. The Vizier at last proposed to pursue their jour-
ney to a pond where he had often seen many animals, especially
storks, whose grave manners and clappings had always excited
his attention.
The Caliph approved of the Vizier's proposal, and went with
him towards the pond. Having arrived there, they saw a stork
soberly pacing up and down, looking for frogs, and chattering
something now and then to itself. At the same moment they
saw far up in the sky another stork hovering in this direction.
"I wager my beard, most gracious master," said the Grand
Vizier, "this
this ong-legged pair are now having a pleasant talk.
How would it be if we turned into storks? "
"Wisely spoken,” replied the Caliph. "But first let us con-
sider once more how we may become men again.
It is easy
enough! If we bow thrice to the east and say 'Mutabor,' I
shall be Caliph and thou Vizier again. But for heaven's sake, no
laughing, or we are lost. "
While the Caliph spoke thus, he saw the other stork hovering
over their heads, and slowly alighting on the ground. Quickly
he snatched the box from his girdle, took a hearty pinch, gave
the box to the Grand Vizier, who did the like, and both ex-
claimed "Mutabor! "
Then their legs shriveled and became thin and red, the beau-
tiful yellow slippers of the Caliph and his Vizier changed into
ugly storks' feet, their arms grew into wings, their necks shot up
from their shoulders and reached a yard in length, their beards
vanished, and soft feathers covered their bodies.
"You have a pretty beak, Grand Vizier," said the Caliph
after a long surprise. "By the beard of the Prophet, I have
never seen such things in my life! " "Thanks humbly," replied
the Vizier bowing; "but if I might dare to say it, I should avow
that your Highness looks almost handsomer as a stork than a
Caliph. But come, if it pleases you, let us listen to our com-
rades yonder and hear if we really speak storkish. ”
Meanwhile the other stork had reached the ground. It
cleaned its feet with its beak, settled its feathers, and walked up
to the first stork. The two new storks hastened to get near
them, and to their surprise heard the following conversation:-
"Good-morning, Madam Longlegs! You are early on the
meadows. " "Thank you, dear Clapperbeak! I have been to
get a little breakfast. Would you like to have a quarter of a
―
## p. 7019 (#411) ###########################################
WILHELM HAUFF
7019
lizard, or a little leg of a frog? "-"Much obliged; but I have
no appetite this morning. Besides, I have come upon quite a
different errand on the meadow.
I am to dance before my
father's guests to-day, and I want to practice a little quietly. "
Thereupon the young stork began to caper about the field in
peculiar movements. The Caliph and Mansor watched her, very
much surprised. But when she stood on one leg in a pictur-
esque attitude, and fluttered her wings to increase the effect,
neither of them could resist any longer; laughter without stop-
ping burst from their beaks, from which they only recovered a
long time afterwards. The Caliph was the first to recover self-
possession. "That was a joke,” he exclaimed, “which cannot be
bought for gold. What a pity the stupid animals should have
been scared by our laughter; else they would also have sung, to
be sure! "
But now it occurred to the Grand Vizier that laughing during
the enchantment was forbidden. He therefore communicated his
fears to the Caliph. "By Mecca and Medina, that would be a
bad joke if I were to remain a stork! Do bethink thee of the
stupid word: I cannot recall it. "
"Three times we must bow to the east and say 'Mu Mu
Mu-› »
______
They turned towards the east, and kept on bowing continually
till their beaks nearly touched the ground. But alas! the magic
word had escaped them; and often as the Caliph bowed, and
however eagerly his Vizier added "Mu-Mu-," yet every recol-
lection of it had gone, and the poor Chasid and his Vizier were
and remained storks.
Sadly wandered the enchanted ones through the fields, not
knowing what they should do in their misery. They could not
discard their stork plumage, nor could they return into the town
and make themselves known; for who would have believed a
stork that he was the Caliph? And even if one had believed it,
would the inhabitants of Bagdad accept a stork for a Caliph ?
Thus they wandered about for several days, living miserably
on the fruits of the field, which however they could not swallow
very well on account of their long beaks. As for lizards and
frogs, their stomachs would not relish such food; besides, they
were afraid of spoiling their appetite with such tidbits. Their
only pleasure in their sad situation was that they could fly, and
thus they flew often to the high roofs of Bagdad to see what was
going on in the town.
## p. 7020 (#412) ###########################################
WILHELM HAUFF
7020
During the first days they remarked great uneasiness and grief
in the streets. But on the fourth day of their enchantment, while
sitting on the roof of the Caliph's palace, they saw down below
in the street a splendid array. The drums and fifes played; a
man dressed in a gold-embroidered scarlet mantle rode a richly
caparisoned horse, surrounded by a gaudy train of servants. Half
Bagdad rushed about him, and everybody shouted, "Hail, Mizra!
the ruler of Bagdad! "
Then the two storks upon the roof of the palace looked at
each other, and the Caliph Chasid said:-"Do you guess now
why I am enchanted, Grand Vizier? This Mizra is the son of
my mortal enemy the mighty magician Kaschnur, who in an evil
hour swore revenge on me. But still I do not despair. Come
with me, thou faithful companion of my misery: we will betake
ourselves to the grave of the Prophet; perhaps at that sacred
shrine the magic may be dispelled. "
They arose from the roof of the palace and flew towards Me-
dina.
They did not succeed very well in their flying, for the two
storks had as yet very little practice. "O master! " sighed the
Grand Vizier after a couple of hours' flight; "with your leave, I
can hold out no longer: you fly too swiftly for me! Besides, it
is dark already, and we should do well to seek shelter for the
night. "
Chasid listened to the request of his servant; and seeing be-
neath them in the valley some ruins which promised a lodging,
they flew towards it. The place where they had settled for the
night seemed formerly to have been a castle. Splendid pillars
rose from among the ruins; several chambers which were still
tolerably preserved testified to the bygone splendor of the build-
ing. Chasid and his companion strolled through the passages in
search of some dry nook, when suddenly the stork Mansor stopped.
"Lord and master," he whispered below his breath, "were it not
foolish for a Grand Vizier, and still more so for a stork, to fear
ghosts? I feel very uneasy, for close by some one sighed and
groaned quite distinctly. "
The Caliph now also stopped, and heard quite plainly a low
sob, which seemed rather to come from a man than an animal.
Full of anxiety, he wanted to go towards the spot whence pro-
ceeded the sound of sorrow; but the Vizier seized him by the
wing with his beak, and begged him entreatingly not to rush
upon new and unknown perils. But all was of no avail. The
## p. 7021 (#413) ###########################################
WILHELM HAUFF
7021
Caliph, who bore a brave heart beneath his stork plumage, tore
himself away with the loss of some feathers, and ran toward a
gloomy passage. Soon he came to a door which was ajar, and
behind which he heard distinct sighs and moans. He pushed
open the door with his beak, but stopped on the threshold in
astonishment. In the ruined chamber, which was only dimly
lighted by a little iron-barred window, he saw a great night-owl
sitting on the ground. Heavy tears rolled out of its large round
eyes, and with a hoarse voice it uttered its moans from its hooked
beak. But when it saw the Caliph and his Vizier, who had also
come up in the mean time, it gave a loud cry of joy. Elegantly
it wiped the tears from its eye with its brown-flecked wings, and
to the great amazement of both it cried in good human Arabic,
"Welcome, ye storks: you are a good omen to me of my deliver-
ance, for through storks I am to be lucky, as it was once fore-
told me. "
When the Caliph had recovered from his astonishment, he
bowed with his long neck, set his thin legs in a graceful posi-
tion, and said: "Night-owl! from thy words I believe that I see a
fellow sufferer. But alas! thy hope of deliverance through us is
in vain. Thou wilt recognize our helplessness in hearing our
tale. "
The night-owl begged him to relate it, and the Caliph com-
menced to relate what we already know.
When the Caliph had related his story to the owl, she thanked
him and said: -
-:
"Now also listen to my tale, and learn how I am
no less
unlucky than thyself. My father is the King of the Indies; I
his unhappy only daughter am called Lusa. That magician Kasch-
nur who has enchanted you has also brought misfortune upon
me. One day he came to my father and asked me in marriage
for his son Mizra. But my father, who is a fiery man, had him
thrown down-stairs. The wretch knew how to approach me again
under another shape, and one day, while I was taking some re-
freshments in my garden, he administered to me, disguised as a
slave, a draught which changed me into this hideous shape. Faint-
ing from fear, he brought me hither and shouted with a terrible.
voice into my ear: 'Here shalt thou remain,—detestable, abhorred
even by beasts, to thy end, or till some one, himself in this
horrid form, voluntarily asks thee to be his wife. And thus I
revenge myself on thee and on thy haughty father. ' Since then
## p. 7022 (#414) ###########################################
7022
WILHELM HAUFF
many months have passed. Lonely and sad I live as a recluse
within these ruins, shunned by the world, a scarecrow even to
beasts; beautiful nature is hidden from me, for I am blind by
daylight, and only when the moon pours her wan light over these
ruins does the obscuring veil drop from my eyes. "
When the owl had finished she again wiped her eyes with her
wings, for the story of her woes had moved her to tears.
The Caliph was plunged into deep thought by the story of the
princess. "If I am not mistaken," said he, "there is between
our misfortunes a secret connection; but where can I find the
key to this riddle? "
The owl answered him:
―
"O master! such is also my belief; for once in my infancy a
wise woman foretold of me that a stork should bring me a great
fortune, and I know one way by which perhaps we may free
ourselves. "
The Caliph was very much surprised, and asked what way she
meant.
"The enchanter who has made us both unhappy," said she,
«< comes once every month to these ruins. Not far from here is
a hall where he holds orgies with numerous companions. Often
have I spied them there. They then relate to one another their
vile deeds. Perhaps he may pronounce the magic word which
you have forgotten. "
"O dearest princess! " exclaimed the Caliph; "say, when comes
he, and where is the hall? "
The owl was silent a moment, and then said, "You must not
take it ill, but only on one condition can I fulfill your wish. "
"Speak out, speak out," cried Chasid. "Command all, every-
thing of me. "
"It is this: that I may also become free, which can only be
if one of you offer me his hand. "
The storks seemed somewhat taken aback at this proposition,
nd the Caliph beckoned to his servant to go out with him a
little.
"Grand Vizier," said the Caliph outside, "this is a sorry bar-
gain, but you might take her. "
"Indeed! " answered the Grand Vizier: "that my wife when I
come home may scratch out my eyes? Besides, I am an old
man; while you are still young and single, and could better give
your hand to a young and fair princess. "
## p. 7023 (#415) ###########################################
WILHELM HAUFF
7023
"That is just it," sighed the Caliph, whilst sadly drooping his
wings. "Who then has told thee that she is young and fair?
That is buying a pig in a poke. "
They counseled one with the other for a long time.
At last,
however, when the Caliph saw that his Vizier would rather re-
main a stork than wed the owl, he resolved to fulfill the condi-
tion himself. The owl was immensely pleased. She confessed to
them that they could not have come at a more favorable time,
for the enchanters were very likely to assemble that night.
She quitted the chamber with the storks, to lead them to the
hall. They went for a long time through a gloomy passage; at
length, through a half-fallen wall, gleamed a bright light towards
them. Having arrived there, the owl advised them to remain
perfectly quiet. They could, through the gap near which they
stood, overlook a great hall. It was supported all round by pil-
lars, and splendidly decked. Many brilliant-colored lamps re-
placed the light of day. In the centre of the hall was a round
table, covered with many and choicest meats. Round this table
was a couch, on which sat eight men. In one of these men the
stork recognized the peddler who had sold them the magic pow-
der. His neighbor asked him to relate his latest deeds. Amongst
others he also related the story of the Caliph and his Vizier.
"What sort of word hast thou given them? " asked another
enchanter.
"A very difficult Latin one; namely, 'Mutabor. › »
When the storks heard this at their hole in the wall, they
were nearly beside themselves with joy. They ran on their long
legs so quickly to the threshold of the ruins that the owl could
hardly follow them. There the Caliph addressed the owl with
emotion: "Deliverer of my life and of the life of my friend, ac-
cept me for thy spouse in eternal gratitude for that which thou
hast done for us. " He then turned to the east. Thrice the
storks bowed their long necks to the sun, which just then was
rising behind the mountains. "Mutabor! " they exclaimed; and
straightway they were changed, and in the great joy of their
new-sent life, master and servant fell into each other's arms
laughing and crying.
But who can describe their astonishment on turning round?
A lovely lady, grandly dressed, stood before them. Smiling, she
gave her hand to the Caliph. "Do you no longer recognize
your night-owl? " she said. It was she. The Caliph was SO
## p. 7024 (#416) ###########################################
7024
WILHELM HAUFF
charmed with her beauty and grace that he exclaimed, "My
greatest fortune was that of having been a stork. "
The three now traveled together towards Bagdad. The Caliph
found in his clothes not only the box with the magic powder,
but also his purse. He therefore bought in the nearest village
what was needful for their journey, and so they soon came to
the gates of Bagdad. But there the arrival of the Caliph caused
much surprise. People had believed him dead, and they there-
fore were highly pleased to have again their beloved ruler.
All the more, however, burned their hatred towards the im-
postor Mizra.
They entered the palace, and took prisoner the
old enchanter and his son. The Caliph sent the old man to the
same chamber in the ruins that the princess had lived in as an
owl, and had him hanged there. But to the son, who knew
nothing of his father's art, the Caliph gave the choice whether
he would die or snuff. And when he chose the latter, the Grand
Vizier handed him the box. A good strong pinch and the magic
word of the Caliph changed him into a stork. The Caliph had
him shut up in an iron cage and placed in his garden.
Long and happy lived the Caliph Chasid with his wife the
princess. His most pleasant hours were always those when the
Grand Vizier visited him during the afternoon.
They then very
frequently spoke of their stork adventures, and when the Caliph
was very jovial, he amused himself with imitating the Grand
Vizier when he was a stork: he strutted up and down the cham-
ber with stiff legs, clapped, fluttered his arms as though they
were wings, and showed how vainly the latter had turned to
the east, crying all the while, "Mu- Mu—. ” This entertain-
ment was at all times a great pleasure to Madam Caliph and
her children; but when the Caliph kept on clapping a little
too long, and nodded, and cried "Mu-Mu," then the Vizier
threatened him, smiling, that he would communicate to Madam
Caliph what had been discussed outside the door of the night-owl
princess.
## p. 7025 (#417) ###########################################
7025
GERHART HAUPTMANN
(1861 ? )
HEN Gerhart Hauptmann's first dramas were represented on
the stage, it was generally assumed that the author had
joined the ranks of those realists who delight in picturing
only the most depraved side of human nature. Although a leader in
that school whose chief tendency is socialism, it is said that Haupt-
mann is really an idealist, who hopes to redeem the social world by
inspiring disgust with existing evils and thus awakening a desire for
general reform. He was greatly disappointed at the class of specta-
tors which his plays attracted. Instead of appealing to sympathetic
audiences, the indifferent or coarser elements of society witnessed the
performances, and it was not unusual that scenes of revolting degra-
dation elicited applause.
With great skill and strength the author unfolds characters that
reflect social degradation and the worst passions. The unavoidable
consequences of heredity and environment, the sufferings of the lower
working-classes, the brutality of their unclean lives, the terrors of
starvation, are described with vivid force worthy of a better subject.
These gruesome scenes are sometimes relieved by a rare bit of poetic
feeling, which brings into bright contrast the beauty of a true and
noble emotion. Before Sunrise' is intensely morbid, and represents
a succession of horrors. The climax is reached hen the one inno-
cent being, who has excited interest and sympathy, is swept away in
the whirlpool of misfortune through no fault of her own. Even virtu-
ous qualities have no chance of survival, and the curse of heredity
falls upon the innocent and wicked alike, everywhere claiming untold
victims.
Notwithstanding his choice of material, Hauptmann's early writings
were replete with strong situations. At last his poetic nature asserted
itself more forcibly, and an occasional gleam of light brightened the
dark realism of his plays. In his more recent works there is no
longer a general and hopeless destruction of character under adverse
conditions. He sometimes permits the higher qualities of human
nature to triumph over evil. In Crampton College' there is a touch
of grandeur, when the child Gertrude, with her generous little heart,
bids defiance to the whole world. With her strong little arms about
her father's neck, she sustains the weak, disgraced man, never failing
in her love and devotion until she succeeds in redeeming him.
XII-440
## p. 7026 (#418) ###########################################
7026
GERHART HAUPTMANN
'The Weavers' is a socialistic play of intense dramatic power. It
has passed over the great stages of the world, and everywhere has
produced a profound impression. The play is founded on scenes that
occurred during the uprising of the weavers in Silesia in 1844. On
one side, Hauptmann shows the opulent employer who oppresses his
starving workmen beyond their powers of endurance; on the other
side are the poor weavers, driven to rage and desperation by the
sufferings of poverty, with neither laws to protect them nor a medi-
ator to speak the conciliatory word. A leading spirit among the
weavers is Bäcker, who declares that it is all the same to him
whether he starves at the loom or out in the ditch, and he bursts
forth indignantly: "The right kind of employer can get along with
three or four hundred workmen in the turning of his hand, and he
leaves a few pickings for his men. But a man such as you has four
bellies like a cow, and teeth like a wolf. " 'The Weavers' has been
criticized as representing only a succession of unconnected scenes.
One German critic observes that if the Angel of Starvation is imagined
hovering over each scene, the play will not be lacking in unity.
In the dream poem 'Hannele,' Hauptmann reveals his full poetic
powers.
The performance of this drama created a great sensation.
In one of the great European cities the actors are said to have been
so profoundly affected that they refused to repeat the representa-
tion. Hannele is the innocent victim of a brutal, drunken stepfather.
Abused unto death, the poor child is carried to the hospital, where
everything is done to alleviate the agony of her last hours. As her
mind wanders, the misery of her short young life is revealed in a
series of tableaux. In a vision the good teacher appears, to lead her
gently by the hand to another life, free from sin and suffering.
Heaven opens before her, and all the joys of a blessed future de-
scend upon the innocent, abused child. It is a poem of heart-rending
pathos, and the esteem in which the work is held as a literary pro-
duction is shown by the fact that the Grillparzer Prize at Vienna was
recently awarded to Hauptmann for this tender and poetic drama.
## p. 7027 (#419) ###########################################
GERHART HAUPTMANN
7027
THE DEATH AND AWAKENING OF HANNELE
From 'Hannele ›
[Little Hannele Mattern, the starved and ill-used stepdaughter of a brutal
workman, has been so cruelly treated by her father that the child has tried to
drown herself. Rescued by the young village schoolmaster, her only friend
among the villagers (a kind of allegorical type of Christ), she is brought to
the squalid almshouse of the place to die. The child lies in a darkened room,
watched by a Sister of Mercy. Terrible visions of her past suffering occur,
and the early part of the drama largely represents what passing in her
tired and confused brain. Presently an angel enters the death chamber and
soothes the child, giving her a "flower from heaven,»- -a flower which none
save herself can see,- and other kind spirits cheer her. After they have gone
the little sufferer is left in happy surprise and expectancy. ]
Everything is as it was before the appearance of the Angels. The Sister
of Mercy is seated beside the bed in which Hannele is lying. She
relights the candle, and Hannele opens her eyes. Her inward vision
seems still to be present to her. Her features still wear an expres-
sion of heavenly rapture. As soon as she recognizes the Sister she
begins to speak with joyful eagerness.
ANNELE Sister! angels! - Sister Martha! angels! Do
H
know who have been here?
Sister-H'm! are you awake again already?
Hannele - Just guess! do! [Unable to contain herself. ] An-
gels! angels! real angels! angels from heaven, Sister Martha!
Angels, you know, with long wings.
Sister-Well then, if you've had such beautiful dreams
Hannele - There now! She says I dreamt it! But look at
what I've got here; just look at it! [She makes a motion, as
though she held a flower in her hand and were showing it to the
Sister. ]
―
Sister-What is it?
Hannele - Just look at it!
Sister ·H'm!
-
――――――
Hannele - Here it is; look at it!
Sister- Aha!
Hannele - Just smell it.
Sister [pretending to smell a flower]-H'm-lovely!
Hannele - Not so close to it! You'll break the stalk.
Sister-Oh, I'm very sorry. What sort of flower is it?
Hannele - Why, don't you know? The key-of-heaven.
Sister-Is it really?
you
## p. 7028 (#420) ###########################################
7028
GERHART HAUPTMANN
Hannele Why, surely you're - Do bring the light-quick,
-
quick!
Sister [holding up the candle] - Ah yes, now I see it.
Hannele-Isn't it lovely?
Sister-But you're talking a great deal too much. We must
keep quiet now, or the doctor will scold us. And here he has
sent you your medicine. We must take it, as he bids us.
Hannele-O Sister, you're far too much troubled about me!
You don't know what has happened. Do you? do you? —do
tell me, if you know. Who gave me this? Well-the little golden
key? Who? say! What is the little golden key meant to open?
Well?
Sister You'll tell me all about it to-morrow morning. Then,
after a good night's rest, you'll be strong and well.
Hannele-But I am well. [She sits up and puts her feet to
the ground. ] You see, Sister, I'm quite, quite well!
Sister Why, Hannele! No, you mustn't do that, you really
mustn't.
――――
ww
Hannele [rising and pushing the Sister away, makes a few
steps forward. ]-You must let me. You must let me. I must
go. [She starts in terror and gazes fixedly at a certain point. ]
O heavenly Savior!
―
A black-robed and black-winged Angel becomes visible. He is great, strong,
and beautiful, and bears a long serpentine sword, the hilt of which
is draped in black gauze. Grave and silent, he sits beside the stove
and gazes at Hannele calmly and immovably. A white dream-like
light fills the room.
Hannele - Who are you? [No answer. ] Are you an angel?
[No answer. ] Is it to me you come? [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!
Caliph caught sight of a little drawer, and asked whether that
also contained some wares. The peddler pulled out the drawer,
and exhibited a snuff-box containing a black powder and a piece
of paper with peculiar writing on it, which neither the Caliph
nor Mansor could read. "These things were given to me one
day by a merchant who found them in the streets of Mecca,"
said the peddler. "I know not what they are; but you may
have them for a small sum, for they are of no use to me. "
The Caliph, who was very fond of having old manuscripts in
his library, though unable to read them, bought both paper and
box and dismissed the peddler. He thought however he would
## p. 7017 (#409) ###########################################
WILHELM HAUFF
7017
like to know what the writing meant, and asked the Vizier if he
knew of no one who could decipher it.
«<
"Most gracious lord and master," answered the latter, near
the Great Mosque lives a man called Selim the Learned; he
knows all languages. Send for him: perhaps he can explain
these mysterious signs. "
The learned Selim soon arrived. << Selim," said the Caliph to
him, "Selim, it is said thou art very learned. Just look at this
writing, whether thou canst read it: if thou canst read, thou get-
test a new robe of honor from me; if thou canst not, thou gettest
twelve boxes on the ears and twenty-five lashes on the soles of
the feet, for having been called Selim the Learned without
cause. "
Selim bowed and said, "Thy will be done, O master! ”
For a
long time he looked at the writing; then suddenly he exclaimed,
"That is Latin, O master, or let me be hung! "
"Say what it means," demanded the Caliph, "if it is Latin. ”
Selim began to translate:- "Man who findest this, praise Allah
for his goodness. He who takes a pinch of this powder in this
box and therewith says 'Mutabor,' can change himself into any
animal, and also understand the language of animals. If he after-
wards wish to resume his human form, let him bow thrice to the
East and say the same word. But beware when thou art changed
that thou laughest not, or the magic word departeth from thy
memory forever and thou remainest a beast. "
When Selim the Learned had read this, the Caliph was pleased
beyond measure. He made the learned man swear not to reveal
the secret to any one, presented him with a splendid robe, and
dismissed him. Then turning to his Grand Vizier he said, "This
I call getting a bargain, Mansor! How glad I am at being able
to become an animal! Come thou to me to-morrow morning. We
will then go together into the fields, take a pinch out of the box,
and then listen to what is said in the air and the water, in wood
and field. "
Next morning, scarcely had the Caliph Chasid breakfasted and
dressed himself when the Grand Vizier appeared as ordered, to
accompany him on his walk. The Caliph put the box with the
magic powder in his girdle, and after having ordered his suite to
remain behind, he and the Grand Vizier set out alone on the
journey. They first passed through the large gardens of the
Caliph, but looked in vain for any living thing on which to try
## p. 7018 (#410) ###########################################
7018
WILHELM HAUFF
the experiment. The Vizier at last proposed to pursue their jour-
ney to a pond where he had often seen many animals, especially
storks, whose grave manners and clappings had always excited
his attention.
The Caliph approved of the Vizier's proposal, and went with
him towards the pond. Having arrived there, they saw a stork
soberly pacing up and down, looking for frogs, and chattering
something now and then to itself. At the same moment they
saw far up in the sky another stork hovering in this direction.
"I wager my beard, most gracious master," said the Grand
Vizier, "this
this ong-legged pair are now having a pleasant talk.
How would it be if we turned into storks? "
"Wisely spoken,” replied the Caliph. "But first let us con-
sider once more how we may become men again.
It is easy
enough! If we bow thrice to the east and say 'Mutabor,' I
shall be Caliph and thou Vizier again. But for heaven's sake, no
laughing, or we are lost. "
While the Caliph spoke thus, he saw the other stork hovering
over their heads, and slowly alighting on the ground. Quickly
he snatched the box from his girdle, took a hearty pinch, gave
the box to the Grand Vizier, who did the like, and both ex-
claimed "Mutabor! "
Then their legs shriveled and became thin and red, the beau-
tiful yellow slippers of the Caliph and his Vizier changed into
ugly storks' feet, their arms grew into wings, their necks shot up
from their shoulders and reached a yard in length, their beards
vanished, and soft feathers covered their bodies.
"You have a pretty beak, Grand Vizier," said the Caliph
after a long surprise. "By the beard of the Prophet, I have
never seen such things in my life! " "Thanks humbly," replied
the Vizier bowing; "but if I might dare to say it, I should avow
that your Highness looks almost handsomer as a stork than a
Caliph. But come, if it pleases you, let us listen to our com-
rades yonder and hear if we really speak storkish. ”
Meanwhile the other stork had reached the ground. It
cleaned its feet with its beak, settled its feathers, and walked up
to the first stork. The two new storks hastened to get near
them, and to their surprise heard the following conversation:-
"Good-morning, Madam Longlegs! You are early on the
meadows. " "Thank you, dear Clapperbeak! I have been to
get a little breakfast. Would you like to have a quarter of a
―
## p. 7019 (#411) ###########################################
WILHELM HAUFF
7019
lizard, or a little leg of a frog? "-"Much obliged; but I have
no appetite this morning. Besides, I have come upon quite a
different errand on the meadow.
I am to dance before my
father's guests to-day, and I want to practice a little quietly. "
Thereupon the young stork began to caper about the field in
peculiar movements. The Caliph and Mansor watched her, very
much surprised. But when she stood on one leg in a pictur-
esque attitude, and fluttered her wings to increase the effect,
neither of them could resist any longer; laughter without stop-
ping burst from their beaks, from which they only recovered a
long time afterwards. The Caliph was the first to recover self-
possession. "That was a joke,” he exclaimed, “which cannot be
bought for gold. What a pity the stupid animals should have
been scared by our laughter; else they would also have sung, to
be sure! "
But now it occurred to the Grand Vizier that laughing during
the enchantment was forbidden. He therefore communicated his
fears to the Caliph. "By Mecca and Medina, that would be a
bad joke if I were to remain a stork! Do bethink thee of the
stupid word: I cannot recall it. "
"Three times we must bow to the east and say 'Mu Mu
Mu-› »
______
They turned towards the east, and kept on bowing continually
till their beaks nearly touched the ground. But alas! the magic
word had escaped them; and often as the Caliph bowed, and
however eagerly his Vizier added "Mu-Mu-," yet every recol-
lection of it had gone, and the poor Chasid and his Vizier were
and remained storks.
Sadly wandered the enchanted ones through the fields, not
knowing what they should do in their misery. They could not
discard their stork plumage, nor could they return into the town
and make themselves known; for who would have believed a
stork that he was the Caliph? And even if one had believed it,
would the inhabitants of Bagdad accept a stork for a Caliph ?
Thus they wandered about for several days, living miserably
on the fruits of the field, which however they could not swallow
very well on account of their long beaks. As for lizards and
frogs, their stomachs would not relish such food; besides, they
were afraid of spoiling their appetite with such tidbits. Their
only pleasure in their sad situation was that they could fly, and
thus they flew often to the high roofs of Bagdad to see what was
going on in the town.
## p. 7020 (#412) ###########################################
WILHELM HAUFF
7020
During the first days they remarked great uneasiness and grief
in the streets. But on the fourth day of their enchantment, while
sitting on the roof of the Caliph's palace, they saw down below
in the street a splendid array. The drums and fifes played; a
man dressed in a gold-embroidered scarlet mantle rode a richly
caparisoned horse, surrounded by a gaudy train of servants. Half
Bagdad rushed about him, and everybody shouted, "Hail, Mizra!
the ruler of Bagdad! "
Then the two storks upon the roof of the palace looked at
each other, and the Caliph Chasid said:-"Do you guess now
why I am enchanted, Grand Vizier? This Mizra is the son of
my mortal enemy the mighty magician Kaschnur, who in an evil
hour swore revenge on me. But still I do not despair. Come
with me, thou faithful companion of my misery: we will betake
ourselves to the grave of the Prophet; perhaps at that sacred
shrine the magic may be dispelled. "
They arose from the roof of the palace and flew towards Me-
dina.
They did not succeed very well in their flying, for the two
storks had as yet very little practice. "O master! " sighed the
Grand Vizier after a couple of hours' flight; "with your leave, I
can hold out no longer: you fly too swiftly for me! Besides, it
is dark already, and we should do well to seek shelter for the
night. "
Chasid listened to the request of his servant; and seeing be-
neath them in the valley some ruins which promised a lodging,
they flew towards it. The place where they had settled for the
night seemed formerly to have been a castle. Splendid pillars
rose from among the ruins; several chambers which were still
tolerably preserved testified to the bygone splendor of the build-
ing. Chasid and his companion strolled through the passages in
search of some dry nook, when suddenly the stork Mansor stopped.
"Lord and master," he whispered below his breath, "were it not
foolish for a Grand Vizier, and still more so for a stork, to fear
ghosts? I feel very uneasy, for close by some one sighed and
groaned quite distinctly. "
The Caliph now also stopped, and heard quite plainly a low
sob, which seemed rather to come from a man than an animal.
Full of anxiety, he wanted to go towards the spot whence pro-
ceeded the sound of sorrow; but the Vizier seized him by the
wing with his beak, and begged him entreatingly not to rush
upon new and unknown perils. But all was of no avail. The
## p. 7021 (#413) ###########################################
WILHELM HAUFF
7021
Caliph, who bore a brave heart beneath his stork plumage, tore
himself away with the loss of some feathers, and ran toward a
gloomy passage. Soon he came to a door which was ajar, and
behind which he heard distinct sighs and moans. He pushed
open the door with his beak, but stopped on the threshold in
astonishment. In the ruined chamber, which was only dimly
lighted by a little iron-barred window, he saw a great night-owl
sitting on the ground. Heavy tears rolled out of its large round
eyes, and with a hoarse voice it uttered its moans from its hooked
beak. But when it saw the Caliph and his Vizier, who had also
come up in the mean time, it gave a loud cry of joy. Elegantly
it wiped the tears from its eye with its brown-flecked wings, and
to the great amazement of both it cried in good human Arabic,
"Welcome, ye storks: you are a good omen to me of my deliver-
ance, for through storks I am to be lucky, as it was once fore-
told me. "
When the Caliph had recovered from his astonishment, he
bowed with his long neck, set his thin legs in a graceful posi-
tion, and said: "Night-owl! from thy words I believe that I see a
fellow sufferer. But alas! thy hope of deliverance through us is
in vain. Thou wilt recognize our helplessness in hearing our
tale. "
The night-owl begged him to relate it, and the Caliph com-
menced to relate what we already know.
When the Caliph had related his story to the owl, she thanked
him and said: -
-:
"Now also listen to my tale, and learn how I am
no less
unlucky than thyself. My father is the King of the Indies; I
his unhappy only daughter am called Lusa. That magician Kasch-
nur who has enchanted you has also brought misfortune upon
me. One day he came to my father and asked me in marriage
for his son Mizra. But my father, who is a fiery man, had him
thrown down-stairs. The wretch knew how to approach me again
under another shape, and one day, while I was taking some re-
freshments in my garden, he administered to me, disguised as a
slave, a draught which changed me into this hideous shape. Faint-
ing from fear, he brought me hither and shouted with a terrible.
voice into my ear: 'Here shalt thou remain,—detestable, abhorred
even by beasts, to thy end, or till some one, himself in this
horrid form, voluntarily asks thee to be his wife. And thus I
revenge myself on thee and on thy haughty father. ' Since then
## p. 7022 (#414) ###########################################
7022
WILHELM HAUFF
many months have passed. Lonely and sad I live as a recluse
within these ruins, shunned by the world, a scarecrow even to
beasts; beautiful nature is hidden from me, for I am blind by
daylight, and only when the moon pours her wan light over these
ruins does the obscuring veil drop from my eyes. "
When the owl had finished she again wiped her eyes with her
wings, for the story of her woes had moved her to tears.
The Caliph was plunged into deep thought by the story of the
princess. "If I am not mistaken," said he, "there is between
our misfortunes a secret connection; but where can I find the
key to this riddle? "
The owl answered him:
―
"O master! such is also my belief; for once in my infancy a
wise woman foretold of me that a stork should bring me a great
fortune, and I know one way by which perhaps we may free
ourselves. "
The Caliph was very much surprised, and asked what way she
meant.
"The enchanter who has made us both unhappy," said she,
«< comes once every month to these ruins. Not far from here is
a hall where he holds orgies with numerous companions. Often
have I spied them there. They then relate to one another their
vile deeds. Perhaps he may pronounce the magic word which
you have forgotten. "
"O dearest princess! " exclaimed the Caliph; "say, when comes
he, and where is the hall? "
The owl was silent a moment, and then said, "You must not
take it ill, but only on one condition can I fulfill your wish. "
"Speak out, speak out," cried Chasid. "Command all, every-
thing of me. "
"It is this: that I may also become free, which can only be
if one of you offer me his hand. "
The storks seemed somewhat taken aback at this proposition,
nd the Caliph beckoned to his servant to go out with him a
little.
"Grand Vizier," said the Caliph outside, "this is a sorry bar-
gain, but you might take her. "
"Indeed! " answered the Grand Vizier: "that my wife when I
come home may scratch out my eyes? Besides, I am an old
man; while you are still young and single, and could better give
your hand to a young and fair princess. "
## p. 7023 (#415) ###########################################
WILHELM HAUFF
7023
"That is just it," sighed the Caliph, whilst sadly drooping his
wings. "Who then has told thee that she is young and fair?
That is buying a pig in a poke. "
They counseled one with the other for a long time.
At last,
however, when the Caliph saw that his Vizier would rather re-
main a stork than wed the owl, he resolved to fulfill the condi-
tion himself. The owl was immensely pleased. She confessed to
them that they could not have come at a more favorable time,
for the enchanters were very likely to assemble that night.
She quitted the chamber with the storks, to lead them to the
hall. They went for a long time through a gloomy passage; at
length, through a half-fallen wall, gleamed a bright light towards
them. Having arrived there, the owl advised them to remain
perfectly quiet. They could, through the gap near which they
stood, overlook a great hall. It was supported all round by pil-
lars, and splendidly decked. Many brilliant-colored lamps re-
placed the light of day. In the centre of the hall was a round
table, covered with many and choicest meats. Round this table
was a couch, on which sat eight men. In one of these men the
stork recognized the peddler who had sold them the magic pow-
der. His neighbor asked him to relate his latest deeds. Amongst
others he also related the story of the Caliph and his Vizier.
"What sort of word hast thou given them? " asked another
enchanter.
"A very difficult Latin one; namely, 'Mutabor. › »
When the storks heard this at their hole in the wall, they
were nearly beside themselves with joy. They ran on their long
legs so quickly to the threshold of the ruins that the owl could
hardly follow them. There the Caliph addressed the owl with
emotion: "Deliverer of my life and of the life of my friend, ac-
cept me for thy spouse in eternal gratitude for that which thou
hast done for us. " He then turned to the east. Thrice the
storks bowed their long necks to the sun, which just then was
rising behind the mountains. "Mutabor! " they exclaimed; and
straightway they were changed, and in the great joy of their
new-sent life, master and servant fell into each other's arms
laughing and crying.
But who can describe their astonishment on turning round?
A lovely lady, grandly dressed, stood before them. Smiling, she
gave her hand to the Caliph. "Do you no longer recognize
your night-owl? " she said. It was she. The Caliph was SO
## p. 7024 (#416) ###########################################
7024
WILHELM HAUFF
charmed with her beauty and grace that he exclaimed, "My
greatest fortune was that of having been a stork. "
The three now traveled together towards Bagdad. The Caliph
found in his clothes not only the box with the magic powder,
but also his purse. He therefore bought in the nearest village
what was needful for their journey, and so they soon came to
the gates of Bagdad. But there the arrival of the Caliph caused
much surprise. People had believed him dead, and they there-
fore were highly pleased to have again their beloved ruler.
All the more, however, burned their hatred towards the im-
postor Mizra.
They entered the palace, and took prisoner the
old enchanter and his son. The Caliph sent the old man to the
same chamber in the ruins that the princess had lived in as an
owl, and had him hanged there. But to the son, who knew
nothing of his father's art, the Caliph gave the choice whether
he would die or snuff. And when he chose the latter, the Grand
Vizier handed him the box. A good strong pinch and the magic
word of the Caliph changed him into a stork. The Caliph had
him shut up in an iron cage and placed in his garden.
Long and happy lived the Caliph Chasid with his wife the
princess. His most pleasant hours were always those when the
Grand Vizier visited him during the afternoon.
They then very
frequently spoke of their stork adventures, and when the Caliph
was very jovial, he amused himself with imitating the Grand
Vizier when he was a stork: he strutted up and down the cham-
ber with stiff legs, clapped, fluttered his arms as though they
were wings, and showed how vainly the latter had turned to
the east, crying all the while, "Mu- Mu—. ” This entertain-
ment was at all times a great pleasure to Madam Caliph and
her children; but when the Caliph kept on clapping a little
too long, and nodded, and cried "Mu-Mu," then the Vizier
threatened him, smiling, that he would communicate to Madam
Caliph what had been discussed outside the door of the night-owl
princess.
## p. 7025 (#417) ###########################################
7025
GERHART HAUPTMANN
(1861 ? )
HEN Gerhart Hauptmann's first dramas were represented on
the stage, it was generally assumed that the author had
joined the ranks of those realists who delight in picturing
only the most depraved side of human nature. Although a leader in
that school whose chief tendency is socialism, it is said that Haupt-
mann is really an idealist, who hopes to redeem the social world by
inspiring disgust with existing evils and thus awakening a desire for
general reform. He was greatly disappointed at the class of specta-
tors which his plays attracted. Instead of appealing to sympathetic
audiences, the indifferent or coarser elements of society witnessed the
performances, and it was not unusual that scenes of revolting degra-
dation elicited applause.
With great skill and strength the author unfolds characters that
reflect social degradation and the worst passions. The unavoidable
consequences of heredity and environment, the sufferings of the lower
working-classes, the brutality of their unclean lives, the terrors of
starvation, are described with vivid force worthy of a better subject.
These gruesome scenes are sometimes relieved by a rare bit of poetic
feeling, which brings into bright contrast the beauty of a true and
noble emotion. Before Sunrise' is intensely morbid, and represents
a succession of horrors. The climax is reached hen the one inno-
cent being, who has excited interest and sympathy, is swept away in
the whirlpool of misfortune through no fault of her own. Even virtu-
ous qualities have no chance of survival, and the curse of heredity
falls upon the innocent and wicked alike, everywhere claiming untold
victims.
Notwithstanding his choice of material, Hauptmann's early writings
were replete with strong situations. At last his poetic nature asserted
itself more forcibly, and an occasional gleam of light brightened the
dark realism of his plays. In his more recent works there is no
longer a general and hopeless destruction of character under adverse
conditions. He sometimes permits the higher qualities of human
nature to triumph over evil. In Crampton College' there is a touch
of grandeur, when the child Gertrude, with her generous little heart,
bids defiance to the whole world. With her strong little arms about
her father's neck, she sustains the weak, disgraced man, never failing
in her love and devotion until she succeeds in redeeming him.
XII-440
## p. 7026 (#418) ###########################################
7026
GERHART HAUPTMANN
'The Weavers' is a socialistic play of intense dramatic power. It
has passed over the great stages of the world, and everywhere has
produced a profound impression. The play is founded on scenes that
occurred during the uprising of the weavers in Silesia in 1844. On
one side, Hauptmann shows the opulent employer who oppresses his
starving workmen beyond their powers of endurance; on the other
side are the poor weavers, driven to rage and desperation by the
sufferings of poverty, with neither laws to protect them nor a medi-
ator to speak the conciliatory word. A leading spirit among the
weavers is Bäcker, who declares that it is all the same to him
whether he starves at the loom or out in the ditch, and he bursts
forth indignantly: "The right kind of employer can get along with
three or four hundred workmen in the turning of his hand, and he
leaves a few pickings for his men. But a man such as you has four
bellies like a cow, and teeth like a wolf. " 'The Weavers' has been
criticized as representing only a succession of unconnected scenes.
One German critic observes that if the Angel of Starvation is imagined
hovering over each scene, the play will not be lacking in unity.
In the dream poem 'Hannele,' Hauptmann reveals his full poetic
powers.
The performance of this drama created a great sensation.
In one of the great European cities the actors are said to have been
so profoundly affected that they refused to repeat the representa-
tion. Hannele is the innocent victim of a brutal, drunken stepfather.
Abused unto death, the poor child is carried to the hospital, where
everything is done to alleviate the agony of her last hours. As her
mind wanders, the misery of her short young life is revealed in a
series of tableaux. In a vision the good teacher appears, to lead her
gently by the hand to another life, free from sin and suffering.
Heaven opens before her, and all the joys of a blessed future de-
scend upon the innocent, abused child. It is a poem of heart-rending
pathos, and the esteem in which the work is held as a literary pro-
duction is shown by the fact that the Grillparzer Prize at Vienna was
recently awarded to Hauptmann for this tender and poetic drama.
## p. 7027 (#419) ###########################################
GERHART HAUPTMANN
7027
THE DEATH AND AWAKENING OF HANNELE
From 'Hannele ›
[Little Hannele Mattern, the starved and ill-used stepdaughter of a brutal
workman, has been so cruelly treated by her father that the child has tried to
drown herself. Rescued by the young village schoolmaster, her only friend
among the villagers (a kind of allegorical type of Christ), she is brought to
the squalid almshouse of the place to die. The child lies in a darkened room,
watched by a Sister of Mercy. Terrible visions of her past suffering occur,
and the early part of the drama largely represents what passing in her
tired and confused brain. Presently an angel enters the death chamber and
soothes the child, giving her a "flower from heaven,»- -a flower which none
save herself can see,- and other kind spirits cheer her. After they have gone
the little sufferer is left in happy surprise and expectancy. ]
Everything is as it was before the appearance of the Angels. The Sister
of Mercy is seated beside the bed in which Hannele is lying. She
relights the candle, and Hannele opens her eyes. Her inward vision
seems still to be present to her. Her features still wear an expres-
sion of heavenly rapture. As soon as she recognizes the Sister she
begins to speak with joyful eagerness.
ANNELE Sister! angels! - Sister Martha! angels! Do
H
know who have been here?
Sister-H'm! are you awake again already?
Hannele - Just guess! do! [Unable to contain herself. ] An-
gels! angels! real angels! angels from heaven, Sister Martha!
Angels, you know, with long wings.
Sister-Well then, if you've had such beautiful dreams
Hannele - There now! She says I dreamt it! But look at
what I've got here; just look at it! [She makes a motion, as
though she held a flower in her hand and were showing it to the
Sister. ]
―
Sister-What is it?
Hannele - Just look at it!
Sister ·H'm!
-
――――――
Hannele - Here it is; look at it!
Sister- Aha!
Hannele - Just smell it.
Sister [pretending to smell a flower]-H'm-lovely!
Hannele - Not so close to it! You'll break the stalk.
Sister-Oh, I'm very sorry. What sort of flower is it?
Hannele - Why, don't you know? The key-of-heaven.
Sister-Is it really?
you
## p. 7028 (#420) ###########################################
7028
GERHART HAUPTMANN
Hannele Why, surely you're - Do bring the light-quick,
-
quick!
Sister [holding up the candle] - Ah yes, now I see it.
Hannele-Isn't it lovely?
Sister-But you're talking a great deal too much. We must
keep quiet now, or the doctor will scold us. And here he has
sent you your medicine. We must take it, as he bids us.
Hannele-O Sister, you're far too much troubled about me!
You don't know what has happened. Do you? do you? —do
tell me, if you know. Who gave me this? Well-the little golden
key? Who? say! What is the little golden key meant to open?
Well?
Sister You'll tell me all about it to-morrow morning. Then,
after a good night's rest, you'll be strong and well.
Hannele-But I am well. [She sits up and puts her feet to
the ground. ] You see, Sister, I'm quite, quite well!
Sister Why, Hannele! No, you mustn't do that, you really
mustn't.
――――
ww
Hannele [rising and pushing the Sister away, makes a few
steps forward. ]-You must let me. You must let me. I must
go. [She starts in terror and gazes fixedly at a certain point. ]
O heavenly Savior!
―
A black-robed and black-winged Angel becomes visible. He is great, strong,
and beautiful, and bears a long serpentine sword, the hilt of which
is draped in black gauze. Grave and silent, he sits beside the stove
and gazes at Hannele calmly and immovably. A white dream-like
light fills the room.
Hannele - Who are you? [No answer. ] Are you an angel?
[No answer. ] Is it to me you come? [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!
