Produced by Dagny and Frank J. Morlock
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BY MADAME DE STAEL
(1811)
Translated and adapted by F. J. Morlock
CHARACTERS:
Mr. De Kriegschenmahl, former Swiss officer
Mrs. De Kriegschenmahl, his wife
Licidas
Rodolphe
Signora Fantastici
Zepherina, her daughter
A Commissioner who stutters
The action takes place in a town in the German parts of Switzerland.
NOTE: MR. de Kriegschenmahl and Rodolphe are played with a Germanaccent. Madame de Kriegschenmahl has an English accent.
MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:My friend, if you could stop smoking that pipe you would please megreatly, in truth, greatly. It spoils the odor of the tea. The smokesoils my white dress. In truth, it's quite disagreeable.
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:What do you want, my wife? Each country has its customs. In Englandyou drink warm water all day. It's tasteless, it's insipid! The pipeis more military; it reminds me of my youth. I've been married to youfor twenty-five years, Madame de Kriegschenmahl. Can't you get used tome?
MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
For twenty five years your customs have revolted me.
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
For twenty-five yeas your prudery has annoyed me.
MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
That's really polite.
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
It's quite complaisant.
MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
When you were in love with me—
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
When you wanted to marry me—
MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
I was greatly trifled with.
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
I was indeed less annoyed.
MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
We are still happy together.
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
Yes, quite happy.
MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
But sometimes, I should like—
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
What?
MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
Something else.
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
What do you mean, Madame de Kriegschenmahl?
MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:Don't be upset, Mr. de Kriegschenmahl; I have a bounty to ask of you.For twenty-five years we've made a party of whist every night. I'dlike to try this French game they say is so gay: Reversi. Do youconsent to it, my dear husband? I wouldn't permit myself to do itwithout your approval.
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL: I give it to you.
MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
Ah, how good you are! We could try it with our two sons.
...