THE BELLS
DRAMA
IN

THEEE

ACTS

BY

LEOPOLD LEWIS

Adapted for performance by Male Characters, and supplied
with full directions for stage management,
diagrams, etc.
BY

C. J. BIRBECK
Professor of Elocution and English Literature

NEW YORK

JOSEPH F. WAGNER

Copyright, 1904, by JOSEPH F. WAGNER, New York

822
L5872 b

THE BELLS.
ARGUMENT.

This play was founded on "The Polish Jew," a dramatic study
of M. M. Erckmann—Chatrian.
Mathias, who forms a central figure through the entire play,
had been, at a period of some fifteen years prior to opening of the
first act, in very distressing circumstances; in fact poverty and
ruin stared him in the face. He owed a sum of money which
he was unable to pay.
One stormy night, the snow falling heavily, there came to the
inn of which he was the keeper, a traveller who bore the appearance and in reality was, a Polish Jew. Whilst his horse and
sleigh were being cared for by the hostler, he warmed himself
by the fire and partook of some refreshments. At the expiration
of about an hour he prepared for his departure. He took some
money from a girdle which he wore about his waist and in doing
so displayed a great quantity of golden coin.
Mathias, though previously a comparatively honest man, was
sorely tempted. He saw an opportunity of retrieving his lost
•fortunes and, heedless of his conscience which smote him terribly,
he determined to kill the Jew and possess himself of his gold.
He concealed himself some distance from the inn and when
the Jew had seen his horse harnessed to the sleigh and had proceeded some way on his journey, Mathias, disguised, rushed from
an ambush, axe in hand and followed closely after the sleigh.
He struck and killed the Jew, wrenched the girdle containing
the money from the body, and in order to conceal the manner of
the murder, he threw the corpse into his own lime kiln where it
was consumed. He was never suspected.
The nervous dread proceeding from the remorse which
Mathias now feels, the frequent hallucinations, the jingling of
-sleigh bells, which he imagines he hears, terrorize him and fill
his family and guests with wonder and dismay.

CHARACTERS OF THE PLAY.
MATHIAS.

The Burgomaster.

CHRISTIAN. A young Officer.
WILHELM. Brother to Mathias.
HANS,
FATHER WALTER, } Farmers

PRESIDENT of the Court.
CLERK of the Court.
A MESMERIST.
A NOTARY.
DOCTOR ZIMMER.

FRANZ. A servant to Mathias.
TONY,

KARL, } Guests.
FRITZ,
POLISH JEW.

Judges, Barristers, Gendarmes, Guests, The Public.

COSTUMES.
MATHIAS. Black coat, high yellow vest, black knee-breeches,
black cloth leggings—large fur coat and fur cap.
2nd dress. Drab coat and knee-breeches—stockings and
buckled shoes. Iron-gray wig—smooth face—heavy eyebrows.
3rd dress. Blouse with hood.
CHRISTIAN. Officer's hussar uniform, boots and spurs. Blond
wig and moustache.
HANS,

WALTER, } Similar to Mathias' dress. Gray wigs.
WILHELM,

FRANZ. Brown velveteen knee-breeches, gray stockings, shoes—
white ballet shirt—red vest—waiter's apron. Black shortcurled wig.
MESMERIST. Clothes entirely black—white turnover collar—long
black hair—black moustache and chin beard—very pale makeup
—eyes made very prominent.
NOTARY. Black coat, vest, breeches, stockings. Buckled shoes.
Ruffled front to shirt. White dress wig. Makeup old.

PRESIDENT, } Black gown--caps--white bag wigs
BARRISTERS,}DITTO.
CLERK,

DR. ZIMMER. Dressed like the Notary. Gray wig.
POLISH JEW. Large cloak—fur cap—dark underclothes. Black
wig and beard.
THE GUESTS. Like Mathias' second dress. Makeup youthful.

PROPERTIES.

ACT

I.

White snow cloth down on stage from the 3rd up to 5th entrance,
inclusive. Table and 3 chairs R. and L. Stove, kettle, etc., R.
Sideboard L. Spinning wheel and stool center. Large clock, hands
to work, up L. Several chairs and an oaken settee. Glasses, cecanters and fancy china on sideboard. Several lighted candles on
table R. Gun and game bag for Hans. Bottle of wine and glass
for Franz, off L. 2 E. Lantern to be lighted for Franz. Wiad
outside. Snow falling all through act. Jug of wine for Fraiiz.
Glass to break in prompt entrance. Jewel box for Mathias, containing a necklace. Tray containing supper, wine, napkins, ec.
Sleigh bells in prompt entrance. Curtain on window.

ACT

II.

Carpet down. Fire in grate up center—tongs. Cabinet up L.
Sofa down R. Table and 3 armchairs L. Chairs abojut the room.
Desk down L. to be locked—key. Pens, ink and paper on table.
Church bells outside. Snuff box for Mathias. Bunch of keys for
Mathias. Large leather bag of (coin) money in desk. Book for
Franz. Portfolio and sealed documents for Notary.

ACT

III.

(In court room.)
Carpet down. Judge's desk center. Table R. and L.—chairs.
Armchair R. center for Mathias. Papers and documents on tables
and desk. Guns for Gendarmes.
(In bedroom). Chintz curtains on alcove L. Table at alcove,
also chair. Bed in alcove, chairs R. Lighted candle on table.
Bottle of water and glass for Franz. Key in door R. Sleigh bells
in prompt entrance. Chime of church bells off stage.
\

ABBREVIATED STAGE DIRECTIONS.
The actor is supposed to be facing the audience.
R.
Right of stage.
L.
Left of stage.
R. J. E.—Right first entrance.
L. I. E.—Left first entrance,
R. .2 E.—Right sec'd entrance. L. 2 E.—Left second entrance,
etc.
etc.
R. U. E.—Right upper entrance. L. U. E.—Left upper entrance.
D. R. R—Door in right flat.
D. L. R—Door in left flat.
Flat, means the scene running across the back of the stage.
R. C.—Right center of stage. L. C.—Left center of stage.
R. Cor.—Right corner.
L. Cor.—Left corner.
C. D.—Center door.
C.—Center of stage.
Up.—Up stage toward the rear.
Down.—Down stage toward the audience.
X.—To cross the stage.
X'S R.—To cross to the right of stage.
X's L.—To cross to the left of stage.
A Drop.—A scene let down from above.
Time of Representation.—One hour and three-quarters.
Place of Action.—Alsace.

Period.—The winter of 1833,

SCENERY.
ACT I.

Village Inn.

Double Set.

ACT

II.

Parlor in the Burgomaster's House.

Street drop in 5 showing snow covered buildings.

ACT

III.

Double Set.
Front Set—Burgomaster's bedchamber.
Back Set—Courtroom interior.

Drop in 5 representing back of Courtroom.

THE BELLS.
ACT I.
Interior of a Village Inn in Alsace. A kitchen drop in 3,
having a large window R. and door L. {in drop). Snowy landscape backing. Sides boxed to 1st entrance R. and L. Door R. 3
E. Door L. 2 E. Stove at R. 2 E.—kettle on stove. Sideboard
zvith china and glasses near L. 1 2. Table down R.—3 chairs at
table. Several other chairs—oak settee. Lamp burning on table
R. Table L. chair. Spinning wheel and stool up center. Large
clock, hands to work up in L. corner. It is Christmas Eve. Snow
falling outside, which must be seen through window and when
door opens. *Music at rise. Lights up, but the border lights back
of 3 to be dim. Wind and sleigh bells to work in prompt entrance.

12

THE BELLS.

WILHELM. (disc, at stove R.) HANS passes window; enters
through door at back; he is covered with snozv; he carries a gun,
and a large game bag is slung across his shoulders.
HANS, (taking off his hat and shaking away the snow) More
snow, Master Wilhelm, more snow! (He places his gun by the
side of the stove.)
WILHELM. Still in the village, Hans?
HANS. Yes, on Christmas eve one may be forgiven some small
indulgence.

WILHELM. YOU know your sack of flour is ready for you at
the mill?
HANS. Oh, yes; but I am not in a hurry. Father Walter will
take charge of it for me in his cart. Now one glass of wine, and
then I'm off. (he sits at table, R., laughing)
WILHELM. Father Walter still here? I thought he had left
long ago.
HANS. No. no. He is still at the Golden Fleece emptying his
bottle. As I came along, I saw his cart standing outside the
grocer's, with the coffee, the cinnamon, and the sugar, all covered
with snow, he, he, he! He is a jolly old fellow. Fond of good wine,
and I don't blame him, you may be sure. We shall leave together.
WILHELM. And you have no fear of being upset?
HANS. What does it matter? As I said before, on Christmas
eve one may be forgiven some small indulgence.
WILHELM. I will lend you a lantern when you go. (calling)
Franz! Franz!
FRANZ,

(off

L.)

Yes,

sir!

WILHELM. Some wine for Hans!
FRANZ.

Yes, sir.

HANS. That's the sort. Considering the festive character of
weather like this, one really must take something.

THE BELLS.

13

WILHELM. Yes, but take care, our white wine is very strong.
HANS. Oh, never fear. But, where is our Burgomaster?
How is it he is not to be seen ? Is he ill ?
WILHELM. NO, my brother, the Burgomaster went to Ribeauville five days ago.
(Enter FRANZ from door L. 2 E., crosses over table R. and places
a decanter of white wine and glasses upon it.)
FRANZ. Here is the wine Master Hans.
(Exit FRANZ door L.)
HANS. Good, good! (he pours out a glass, and drinks with
gusto) I wager, now, that the Burgomaster has gone to buy the
wine for the wedding.
WILHELM. (laughing) Not at all improbable.
HANS. Only, just now, when I was at the Golden Fleece, it
was talked about publicly, that the pretty Annette, the daughter ol
the Burgomaster, and Christian, the Quartermaster of Gendarmes, were going to be married! I could scarcely believe my
ears. Christian is certainly a brave man, and an honest man, and
a handsome man! I do not wish to maintain anything to the
contrary. Our village is rather distinguished in that respect.
(pulls up his shirt collar) But he has nothing but his pay to live
upon, whilst Annette is the richest match in the village.
WILHELM. DO you believe then, Hans, that money ought
always to be the one consideration?
HANS. No, no, certainly not—on the contrary. Only, I
thought that the Burgomaster
WILHELM. Well, you have been mistaken; Mathias did not
even ask, "What have you ?" He said at once, "Let Annette give
her free consent, and I give mine!"
HANS. And did she give her free consent?
WILHELM. Yes; she loves Christian, and as my brother has
no thought but the happiness of his child, he does not look for
wealth.
HANS. Oh, if the Burgomaster consents and you consent, and
Annette consents, why, I suppose I cannot refuse my consent
either. Only, I may make this observation, I think Christian a
very lucky dog, and I wish I was in his place!
(FATHER WALTER passes the window and enters; he is covered
with snozv which he brushes off; he then goes down R. to the back
of table.)

14

THE BELLS.

WALTER. Ha! Ha! There you are, Hans, taking care that
the inner man will not suffer on this stormy Christmas eve. Good
evening, Master Wilhelm! How is the lovely Annette whom they
say Christian is about to carry off?
HANS. What an old fool you are, Walter!
(Enter FRANZ through door L. and places a lighted lantern
on the sideboard L., he exits.)
WALTER. Well, I am afraid there is a pair of us; but what is
the meaning of that lantern?
HANS. Why, to act as a light for the cart.
WILHELM. (goes to sideboard and blows out the light in the
lantern) Now, you can go by moonlight.
WALTER. Yes, yes; certainly we will go by the light of the
moon. Let us empty a glass in honor of the young couple, (they
fill glasses) Here's to the health of Christian and Annette!
(they drink—HANS taking a long time in drinking the contents
of his glass, and then heaving a deep sigh, and Music com*
mences.)
WALTER, (seriously) And now listen; as I entered I saw
Christian returning with two gendarmes, and I am sure that in
a quarter of an hour
WILHELM. (goes up to window) Listen! The wind is rising
(wind off stage quite loud) I hope Mathias is not now on the
road. Ah! it is Christian! (*music forte) (CHRISTIAN passes the
window and enters door; he is covered with snow.)
OMNES. Christian! (music stops)
CHRIS. Good evening all. (He takes off his hat and lays it
on table L.; he brushes the snow from his clothing and siis at
a. of table L.)
WILHELM. Where have you come from, Christian?

THE BELLS.

15

CHRIS. From the Hovald! From the Hovald! What, a snowstorm ! I have seen many in Auvergne or the Pyrenees, but never
anything like this. (WILHELM goes off L. door and returns with
a jug of wine which he places on the stove—Takes a glass from
the sideboard and places it on table L.) I have been five hours
on duty in the snow, on the Hovald.
WILHELM. YOU have been five hours in the snow, Christian!
Your duties must be terribly severe.
CHRIS. HOW can it be helped? At two o'clock we received
information that smugglers had passed the river the previous
night, with tobacco and gunpowder; so we were bound to be off
at once.
WILHELM. {pours hot wine from jug into glass and hands
it to CHRISTIAN) Drink this Christian, it will warm you.
CHRIS. Thank you, Wilhelm {drinks) Ah! that's good.
WALTER. The Quartermaster is not difficult to please. {*Music.)

WILHELM. {to CHRISTIAN) Never mind, Christian, you are
fortunate to have arrived thus early! {wind heard off) Listen
to the wind! I hope that Mathias will have the prudence to
stop for shelter somewhere on the road.
CHRIS. Your winters are very severe here.
WALTER. Oh, not every year, Quartermaster! For fifteen
years we have not had a winter so severe as this.
HANS. NO—I do not remember to have seen so much snow
since what is called "The Polish Jew's Winter." In that year
the Schnieberg was covered in the first days of November, and
the frost lasted till the end of March.
CHRISTIAN. And for that reason it is called 'The Polish
Jew's Winter?"

i6

T H E BELLS.

WALTER. No—It is for another and terrible reason, which
none of us will ever forget. Master Wilhelm remembers it well,
I am sure.
WILHELM. YOU are right, Walter, you are right.
HANS. Had you been here at that time, Quartermaster, you
might have won your cross.
CHRIS.

HOW ?

( H A N S and WALTER smoking—CHRISTIAN

occasionally drink-

ing his wine.)
WALTER. I can tell you all about this affair from the beginning
to the end, since I saw it nearly all myself. Curiously enough, it
was this very day, just fifteen years ago, that I was seated at this
very table. There was Mathias, who sat there, and who had only
bought his mill just six months before; there was old John
Roebec, who sat there—they used to call him "the Little Shoemaker;" and several others, who are now sleeping under the
turf—we shall all go there some day! Happy are those who
have nothing upon their conscience! We were just beginning a
game of cards, when, just as the old clock struck ten, the sound
of horse bells was heard; a sledge stopped before the door, and
almost immediately afterwards a Polish Jew entered. He was a
well-made, vigorous man, between forty and fifty years of age.
I fancy I can see him even now entering at that door with his
green cloak and his fur cap, his large black beard and his great
boots covered with hare skin. He was a seed merchant. He
said as he came in, "Peace be with you!" Everybody turned to
look at him, and thought, "Where has he come from ? What does
he want?" Because you must know that the Polish Jews who
come to dispose of seed do not arrive in this province till the
month of February. Mathias said to him, "What can I do for
you?" But the Jew, without replying, first opened his cloak, and
then unbuckled a girdle which he wore round his waist. This
he threw upon the table, and we all heard the ringing sound of
the gold it contained! Then he said, "The snow is deep: the
road difficult; put my horse in the stable. In one hour I shall
continue my journey." After that he drank his wine without
speaking to any one, and sat like a man depressed, and who is
anxious about his affairs. At eleven o'clock the Night Watchman
came in. Every one went his way, and the Jew was left alene!

THE BELLS.

17

(Chord of Music—loud gust of wind—crash of glass off at L.
—hurry—ALL start to their feet—Music continued)
WILHELM. What has happened? I must go and see—I will
teturn immediately.
{exits door L.)
{The others resume their seats.)
CHRIS. But I do not yet see how I could have gained the
cross in this affair
WALTER. Stop a minute. The next morning they found the
Jew's horse dead under the Bridge of Vechem, and a hundred
yards further on, the green cloak and the fur cap, deeply stained
with blood. As to what became of the Jew himself has never to
this day been discovered. {Music ceases)
HANS. Everything that Walter has stated is strictly true.
The gendarmes came here the next morning, notwithstanding
the snow; and, in fact, it is since that dreadful time that the
brigade has been established here.
CHRIS. But was no inquiry instituted?
HANS. Inquiry! I should think there was. It was the former
Quartermaster, Kelz, who undertook the case. How he travelled
about! What witnesses he badgered! What clues he discovered!
What information and reports were written! and how the coat
and the cap were analysed, and examined by magistrates and
doctors!—but it all came to nothing!
CHRIS. But, surely, suspicion fell on someone.
HANS. Oh, of course, the gendarmes are never at a loss for
suspicions in such cases. But proofs are required. About that
time, you see, there were two brothers living in the village who
had an old bear, with his ears all torn, two big dogs, and a
donkey, that they took about with them to the fairs, and made
the dogs bait the bear. This brought them a great deal of money;
and they lived a rollicking dissipated life. When the Jew disappeared, they happened to be at Vechem; suspicions fastened upon
them, and the report was, that they had caused the Jew to be
eaten by the dogs and the bear, and that they only refrained from
swallowing the cloak and cap, because they had had enough.
They were arrested, and it would have gone hard with the poor
devils, but Mathias interested himself in their case, and they
were discharged, after being in prison fifteen months. That was
the specimen of suspicion of the case.

i8

THE BELLS.

CHRIS. What you have told me greatly astonishes me.
never heard a word of this before.

I

(Re-enters WILHELM door L.; he crosses behind table and them
goes to center.)
WILHELM. Confound that fellow Franz! I was sure he left;
the windows in the kitchen open, and now every pane of glass in
them is broken. I must tell you Christian that Fritz is outside.
He wishes to speak with you.
CHRIS. Fritz the gendarme?
WILHELM. Yes, I asked him to come in, but he would not
It is upon some matter of duty.
CHRIS. Ah! good, I know what it is! (he rises, takes up his
hat and goes to door in drop)
WILHELM. YOU will return, Christian?
CHRIS. In a few minutes, (exits)
WALTER. Ah! there goes a brave young fellow—gentle in
character, I will admit, but not a man to trifle with rogues.
HANS. Yes, Mathias is fortunate in finding so good a sonin-law; but everything has succeeded with Mathias for the last
fifteen years. (Music commences) He was comparatively poor
then, and now he is one of the richest men in the village, and the
Burgomaster. He was born under a lucky star.
WALTER. Well, and he deserves all the success he has achieved.
WILHELM. Hark! (x's up to L. of door)
HANS. It is, perhaps, Christian returning as he promised.
[(*Music becomes stronger.)
(MATHIAS passes the window, then enters at c. door; he wears
a long cloak covered with snow, large cap made of otter's
skin, gaiters and spurs, and carries a large riding whip in
his hand—tableau.)
MATH. It is I—It is I ! (Music ceases)
WILHELM. Mathias! Brother.
WALTER "^

TT
> (starting up) The Burgomaster!
WILHELM. YOU have come at last.

THE BELLS.

19

MATH. Yes, yes! Heaven be praised! What a snow storm.
I was obliged to leave the carriage at Vechem. It will be brought
over to-morrow.
WILHELM. (taking his coat) Let me take this off for you. I
am very glad you did not stop away. We were becoming very
anxious about you.
MATH. SO I thought, Wilhelm; and that is the reason I
determined to reach home to-night, (he looks around and goes
over to table R.; he takes off his hat and gives it to WILHELM)
H a ! ha! Father Walter and Hans you will have nice weather in
which to go home, (to WILHELM) Brother, tell Franz to have
these things dried. (MATHIAS sits L. of table K.)
WILHELM. (goes to door L and calls) Franz! Franz, you lazy
rascal, get your master's supper ready at once, and tell Nickel to
take the horse to the stable. (HANS and WALTER sit at table R.)

20

THE BELLS.

FRANZ, (within) Yes, sir; yes, sir; I will.
WILHELM. We thought perhaps that your cousin Both would
have detained you.
MATH, (unbuttoning his gaiters) Oh, I had finished all my
business yesterday morning, and I wished to come away; but
Both made me stop to see a performance in the town.
WILHELM. A performance! Is Punchinello at Ribeauville?
(WILHELM goes to L. a, down stage.)
MATH. NO, it was not Punchinello. It was a Parisian who
did extraordinary tricks. He sent people to sleep.
WILHELM. Sent people to sleep!
MATH.

Yes.

WILHELM. He gave them something to drink, no doubt.
MATH. N O ; he simply looked at them and made signs, and
they went fast asleep.—It certainly was an astonishing performance. If I had not myself seen it I should never have believed it.
HANS. Ah! the Brigadier Stenger was telling me about it
the other day. He had seen the same thing at Saverne. This
Parisian sends people to sleep, and when they are asleep he
makes them tell him everything that weighs upon their consciences.
MATH. Everything—Wilhelm?
WILHELM. Yes, brother.

MATH. Look in the big pocket of my cloak. (Enter FRANZ
from L. 2 door—he goes to center) Here Franz take these gaiters
and spurs; hang them in the stable with the harness.
FRANZ. Yes, Burgomaster, (exit FRANZ through door in drop)
WILHELM. (coming down stage with box) What is it,
Mathias ?
MATH, (rising) Open the box. (WILHELM opens box—the
others approach and look at it—shows a handsome necklace.)
HANS. HOW very handsome! Is it for Annette ?
MATH. For whom else should it be? Not for Franz, I fancy.
WALTER. H a ! ha! what will Christian say?
MATH. He will say she is the prettiest girl in the Province.
It is my wedding present for Annette. On the day of her marriage I wish her to wear it, and to preserve it forever. In fifteen
or twenty years hence I hope she will remember her father gave
it to her.
WILHELM. I warrant you she will never forget i t

THE BELLS.

21

MATH. All I wish is to see her happy with Christian. And
now for supper and some wine, (to WALTER and HANS) You
will stop and take a glass of wine with me?
WALTER. With pleasure, Burgomaster.
(all sit at table R.)

HANS. For you, Burgomaster, we will try and make a
little effort.
(Enter FRANZ, door L. with tray of supper and wine which he
places on table R. ; MATHIAS helps the others to wine, and
begins to eat with good appetite. FRANZ closes the curtains
on zvindow and exits door L. 2 E.)
MATH. There is one advantage about the cold. It gives you
a good appetite. Here's to your health! (he drinks)
WALTER. )

HANS

\

__

,
e

vours

> Burgomaster!

(they touch glasses
and drink)
MATH. Christian has not been here this evening?
WILHELM. Yes; they came to fetch him, but he will return
presently.
MATH. Ah! Good! good!
W LHELM. He came late to-day, in consequence of some duty
lie had to perform in the Hovald, in the capture of smugglers.
MATH, (eating) Nice weather for such a business. By the
side of the river, I found the snow five feet deep.
WALTER. Yes; we were talking about that. We were telling
the Quartermaster, that since the "Polish Jew's Winter" we had
never seen weather like this.
(MATHIAS zvho zvas raising the glass to his lips—places it on
the table again zvithout drinking.)

THE BELLS.

22

HATH. Ah! you were talking of that!
(distant sound of Bells heard—to himself—"Bells! Bells!"
—his whole aspect changes, and he leaves off eatir j , and
sits listening—the Bells continue louder)
HANS. That winter, you remember, Burgomaster, the whole
valley was covered several feet deep with snow, and it was a long
time before the horse of the Polish Jew could be dug out.
MATH, (with assumed indifference) Very possibly; but that
tale is too old! It is like an old woman's story now, and is
thought about no more, (watching them and starting up) Do
you not hear the sound of Bells upon the road? (the Bells still
go on)
WALTER. } Oistening) Bells? No!
WILHELM. What is the matter, brother? You appear to be
ill. I will go and get you some hot wine.
(exits door h 2 E.)
MATH. Thank you; it is nothing.
WALTER. Come, Hans, let us go and see to the horse. At the
same time, it is very strange that it was never discovered who
did the deed.
MATH. The rogues have escaped, more's the pity. Here's
your health! (Music)
WALTER. }

HANS.

J Thank you!

HANS. It is just upon the stroke of ten! (they drink, and go
out together at door in drop L.)
MATH, (alone—comes forward and listens with terror—
*Music with frequent chords) Bells! Bells! (he runs to the
window and slightly drawing the curtains, looks out) No one on
the road, (comes forward) What is this jingling in my ears?
What is to-night? Ah, it is the very night—the very hour! (clock
strikes ten) I feel a darkness coming over me. (stage darkens)
A sensation of giddiness seizes me. (he staggers to chair) Shall
I call for help? No, no, Mathias. Have courage! The jew is
dead!
(He sinks on chair L. of R. table. The Bells are louder—
stage and house dark. The back drop goes up and the stage
calcium lights are throivn on the scene, set behind. This
is shown to the audience through a gauze drop. The scene
is a snow-covered landscape and bridge drop in 5. Snow

T H E BELLS.

23

zvings—snow cloth down on stage and snow falling. Limekiln burning up left. Bells sound nearer and nearer. A
horse and sleigh—a man in the sleigh, enter L. 4 E. Attached to
the runners of the sleigh are wheels to facilitate easy movement. They cross up to R. 5 E. A man in cap and blouse
carrying an axe follows in the snow—the axe is uplifted.
Bells stop. *Music tremulo continues.)
MATH, (his back to scene) Oh, it is nothing. It is the wine
and cold that have overcome me!
(he rises and turns, goes up stage; starts violently upon seeing
the vision before him; at the same time the JEW in the
sledge suddenly turns his face, which is ashy pale, and fixes
his eyes sternly upon him; MATHIAS utters a prolonged
cry of terror, and falls senseless—hurried Music)
QUICK CURTAIN.
END OF THE FIRST ACT,

24

THE BELLS,

ACT II.
Parlor in the Burgomaster's house. Plain chamber boxed in &
Two windows R. and L. in flat, fireplace and grate between them.
Door R. and L. Carpet down. Sofa right—table and armchairs L. Cabinet up in L. corner. Desk down near L, L E.
Chairs about the rooms. Time, morning. Lights up full. *Music
at rise of curtain. Fire in grate—tongs. Pens, ink and paper on
the table.
Street drop in 5 showing snow covered buildings.

(At the rise of curtain MATHIAS is discovered seated in arm*
chair R. of table L. DOCTOR ZIMMER and WILHELM are

standing up stage in front of fireplace, regarding MATHIAS
intently; they go down center—WILHELM is leaning on the
back of table.)

T H E BELLS.

25

DOCTOR. YOU feel better, Burgomaster?
MATH. Yes, I am quite well.
DOCTOR. NO more pains in the head ?
MATH.

NO.

DOCTOR. NO more strange noises in the ears?
MATH. When I tell you that I am quite well—that I never
was better—that is surely enough.
WILHELM. For a long time he has had bad dreams. He talks
in his sleep, and his thirst at night is constant, and feverish.
MATH. IS there anything extraordinary in being thirsty during the night?
DOCTOR. Certainly not: but you must take more care of yourself. You drink too much white wine, Burgomaster. Your attack
of the night before last arose from this cause. You had taken too
much wine at your cousin's, and then the severe cold having
seized you, the blood had flown to the head.
MATH. I was cold, but that stupid gossip about the Polish
Jew was the cause of all.
DOCTOR. HOW was that?

MATH. Well, you must know, when the Jew disappeared they
brought me the cloak and cap that had belonged to the poor
devil, and the sight of them quite upset me, remembering he had,
the night before, stopped at our house. Since that time I had
thought no more of the matter until the night before last, when
some gossip brought the affair again to my mind. It was as if
I had seen the ghost of the Jew. We all know that there are no
such things, but—(to WILHELM)—Have you sent for the Notary?
WILHELM. Yes; but you must be calm.
MATH. I am calm. But Annette's marriage must take place
at once. When a man in robust health and strength is liable
to such an attack as I have had, nothing should be postponed
till the morrow. What occurred to me the night before last
might again occur to-night. I might not survive the second blow,
and then I should not have seen my dear children happy. And
now leave me. Whether it was the wine, or the cold, or the
gossip about the Polish Jew, it comes to the same thing. It is all
past and over now.
DOCTOR. But, perhaps, Burgomaster, it would be better to
adjourn the signing of the marriage contract for a few days.

26

THE BELLS.

It is an affair of so much interest and importance that the
agitation might
MATH, (angrily) Good heavens, why will not people attend
to their own business! I was ill, you bled me—I am well again
—so much the better. Let the Notary be sent for at once. Let
Father Walter and Hans be summoned as witnesses, and let the
whole affair be finished without further delay.
DOCTOR, (aside) His nerves are still very much shaken.
Perhaps it will be better to let him have his own way. (to
MATHIAS) Well, well, we'll say no more about it. Only don't
forget what I have said—be careful of the white wine.
MATH, (angrily striking the table, turning his back) Good!
Good! Ah!
(The DOCTOR looks with pity towards him, bows, and exits
door, L.—the church bell commences to ring—Music.)
MATH. GO and call Annette. Christian should be here by
this time. Something must have detained him.
(exit WILHELM, do or L.)

(The church bells ring and the villagers in their holiday dresses
pass by the window. MATHIAS taking a pinch of snuff
from his box goes to window and salutes several who pass
on. As he returns down stage to right the music stops,
also the church bells.)
All goes well! Luckily all is over. But what a lesson,
Mathias,—what a lesson! Would any one believe that the mere
talk about the Jew could bring on such a fit? Fortunately the
people about here are such idiots they suspect nothing. (seats
himself in chair by table) But it was that Parisian fellow at
the fair who was the real cause of all. The rascal had really
made me nervous. When he wanted to send me to sleep as well
as the others, I said to myself, "Stop, stop, Mathias—this sending
you to sleep may be an invention of the devil, you might relate
certain incidents in your past life! You must be cleverer than
that, Mathias; you mustn't run your neck into a halter; you
must be cleverer than that—ah! you must be cleverer than that."
(starting up and crossing to R.) You will die an old man yet,
Mathias, and the most respected in the Province—(takes snuff)
only this, since you dream and are apt to talk in your dreams,
for the future you will sleep alone in the room above, the door
locked, and the key safe in your pocket. They say walls have

THE BELLS.

27

ears—let them hear me as much as they please. (Music—takes
bunch of keys out of his pocket) And now to count the dowry of
Annette, to be given to our dear son-in-law, in order that our
dear son-in-law may love us—(he crosses to u, unlocks the
escritoire, takes out a large leather bag, unties it and empties the
contents, consisting of gold pieces and rouleaux, upon the table)
Thirty thousand francs, (he sits at table, front to the audience,
and commences to count the money) Thirty thousand francs—
a fine dowry for Annette. Ah! it is pleasant to hear the sound
of gold! A fine dowry for the husband of Annette. He's a
clever fellow is Christian. He's not a Kelz—half deaf and half
blind; no, no—he's a clever fellow is Christian, and quite capable
of getting on a right track, (a pause) The first time I saw him
I said to myself, "You shall be my son-in-law, and if anything
should be discovered you will defend me." (continues to count,
weighing piece upon his finger—takes up a piece and examines it)
a piece of old gold! (looks at it more closely—starts) Ah! that
came from the girdle; not for them—no, no, not for them, for me.
(places the piece of gold in his waistcoat pocket—he goes to the
escritoire, opens a drazver, takes out another piece of gold and
throws it upon the table in substitution) That girdle did us a
good turn—without it—without it we were ruined. If Catherine
only knew—poor, poor Catherine, (he sobs—his head sinks on his
breast—Music ceases—the Bells heard off, L., he starts) The
Bells! the Bells again! They must come from the mill, (he
rushes over to the door R., calls loudly:) Franz! Franz! Franz
I say!
(Enter FRANZ, door R. ; he has an open book in his hands;
he is dressed in holiday garb—MATHIAS goes c.)

MATH.

IS there any one at the mill?

28

THE BELLS.

FRANZ. No, Burgomaster. They have all gone to church,
and the wheel is stopped.
MATH. Don't you hear the sound of Bells ?
FRANZ. NO, Burgomaster, I hear nothing, (the Bells cease)
MATH, (aside) Strange—strange, (rudely) What were you
doing?
FRANZ. I was reading, Burgomaster.
MATH. Reading—what? Ghost stories, no doubt.
FRANZ. Oh, no, Burgomaster! I was reading such a curious
story, about a band of robbers being discovered after twentythree years had passed, and all through the blade of an old knife
having been found in a blacksmith's shop, hidden under some
rusty iron. They captured the whole of them, consisting of the
mother, two sons, and the grandfather, and they hanged them all
in a row. Look, Burgomaster, there's the picture, (he shows
book, which MATHIAS dashes violently from his hands)
MATH. Enough, enough! It's pity you have nothing better
to do. There, go—go!
(exit FRANZ, door R.)
(seats himself at the table and puts remaining money into the bag)
The fools!—not to destroy all evidence against them. To be
hanged through the blade of an old knife. Not like that—not
like that am / to be caught!
(Music—a sprightly military air—CHRISTIAN passes at back,
stops at center window and taps upon it—MATHIAS looks
round, with a start, is re-assured upon seeing who it is,
and says, "Ah, it is Christian!"—he ties up the bag and
places it in the escritoire—CHRISTIAN enters at door, R.—
MATHIAS meets him half way—they shake hands—Music
ceases—CHRISTIAN is in the full dress of a Quartermaster
of Gendarmes)
CHRIS. Good morning, Burgomaster, I hope you are better.
MATH. Oh, yes, I am well, Christian. I have just been counting Annette's dowry, in good sounding gold. It was a pleasure
to me to do so, as it recalled to me the days gone by, when by
industry and good fortune I had been enabled to gain it; and I
thought that in the future my children would enjoy and profit
by all that I had so acquired.
CHRIS. YOU are right, Burgomaster. Money gained by honest
labor is the only profitable wealth. It is the good seed which in
time is sure to bring a rich harvest.

THE BELLS.

29

MATH. Yes, yes; especially when the good seed is sown in
good ground. The contract must be signed to-day.
CHRIS.

To-day?

MATH. Yes, the sooner the better. I hate postponements.
Once decided, why adjourn the business? It shows a great want
of character.
CHRIS. Well, Burgomaster, nothing to me could be more
agreeable.
MATH. Annette loves you.
CHRIS.

Ah, she does.

MATH. And the dowry is ready—then why should not the
affair be settled at once? I hope, my boy, you will be satisfied.
CHRIS. YOU know, Burgomaster, I do not bring much.
MATH. YOU bring courage and good conduct—I will take
care of the rest; and now let us talk of other matters. You
are late to-day. I suppose you were busy. Annette waited for
you, and was obliged to go without you.
(MATHIAS goes up center and seats himself in chair by the
fire; he takes up the tongs and arranges the fire.)
(CHRISTIAN lays his hat on the table L.; he unbuckles his
sword and lays that also on table, then seats himself on
chair on the opposite side from MATHIAS at fireplace.)

CHRIS. Ah, it was very curious business that detained me.
Would you believe it, Burgomaster, I was reading old depositions
from five o'clock till ten? The hours flew by, but the more I
read, the more I wished to read.
MATH. And what was the subject of the depositions?
CHRIS. They were about the case of the Polish Jew who
was murdered on the Bridge of Vechem fifteen years ago.

30

THE BELLS.

MATH, (dropping the tongs) Ah!
CHRIS. Father Walter told me the story the night before last
It seems to me very remarkable that nothing was ever discovered
MATH. No doubt—no doubt.
CHRIS. The man who committed that murder must have
been a clever fellow.
MATH. Yes, he was not a fool.

CHRIS. A fool! He would have made one of the cleverest
gendarmes in the department.
MATH, (with a smile) Do you really think so?
CHRIS. I am sure of it. There are so many ways of detecting
criminals, and so few escape, that to have committed a crime like
this, and yet to remain undiscovered, showed the possession of
extraordinary address.
MATH. I quite agree with you, Christian; and what you say
shows your good sense. When a man has committed a crime,
and by it gained money, he becomes like a gambler, and tries
his second and his third throw. I should think it requires a
great amount of courage to resist the first success in crime.
CHRIS. YOU are right, but what is most remarkable to me
in the case is this, that no trace of the murdered man was ever
found. Now do you know what my idea is ?
MATH, (rising) No, no! What is your idea? (they come
forward)
CHRIS. Well, I find at that time there were a great many
lime-kilns in the neighborhood of Vechem. Now it is my idea
that the murderer, to destroy all traces of his crime, threw the
body of the Jew into one of these kilns. Old Kelz, my predecessor, evidently never thought of that.
MATH. Very likely—very likely. Do you know that idea never
occurred to me. You are the first who ever suggested it.
CHRIS. And this idea led me to many others. Now suppose—
suppose inquiry had been instituted as to those persons who were
burning lime at that time.
MATH. Take care, Christian—take care. Why, I, myself, had
a lime-kiln burning at the time the crime was committed.
CHRIS, (laughing) Oh, you, Burgomaster? (he goes up stage
end looks out of window)
(MATHIAS remains down stage; enter WILHELM through door I*)

THE BELLS.

3*

MATH. Is the Notary here yet?
WILHELM. Yes, {pointing to door L.) he is in the next room
with Father Walter and Hans, and the others. He is reading the
contract to them now.
MATH. Good, good—(he goes up stage and calls off L.) NOW
to sign the contract. Walter, Hans, come in! Let every man
come in! The most important acts in life should always take
place in the presence of all men. It is an old and honest custom
in Alsace.
(^Lively music until all are in position.)
{Enter through door u, HANS, WALTER, ten PEASANTS and the

NOTARY. The peasantry wear ribbons in their buttonholes and
keep their hats on. They group about the stage. MATHIAS
shakes hands with everybody and conducts the NOTARY to
the left of the table,)

THE BELLS.

32

NOTARY. Gentlemen and witnesses,—You have just heard
read the marriage contract between Christian Berne, Quartermaster of Gendarmes, and Annette Mathias. Has anyone any
observations to make?
SEVERAL VOICES. No, no.

NOTARY. Then we can at once proceed to take the signatures.
(MATHIAS goes to the escritoire and takes out the bag of gold
which he places on the table before the NOTARY) There is the
dowry. It is not in promises made on paper, but in gold. Thirty
thousand francs in good French gold.
ALL. Thirty thousand francs!
CHRISTIAN. It is too much, Burgomaster.
MATH. Not at all, not at all. When Catherine and myself are
gone there will be more. And now, Christian, {Music commences)
I wish you to make me one promise.
CHRIS. What promise?
(MATHIAS stands R. C.—CHRISTIAN L. C.)

MATH. Young men are ambitious. It is natural they should
be. You must promise me that you will remain in this village
while both of us live. You know Annette is our only child; we
love her dearly, and to lose her altogether would break our
hearts. Do you promise ?
CHRIS.

I do promise.

MATH. Your word of honor given before all?
CHRIS. My word of honor given before all. (they shake hands)
(*Music stops.)
MATH, (crossing to L. corner, and taking pinch of snuff—
aside) It was necessary. And now to sign the contract, (he
goes to table; the NOTARY hands him the pen, and points to the
place where he is to sign his name—MATHIAS is about to
write—the Bells heard off—MATHIAS stops, listens with terror
—his face to the audience, and away from the persons upon
the stage—aside) Bells! Courage, Mathias! (after an effort he
signs rapidly—the Bells cease—he throws the pen down) Come,
Christian, sign! (CHRISTIAN approaches the table to sign—as he is
about to do so WALTER taps him on the shoulder—MATHIAS starts
*t the interruption.)
WALTER. It is not every day you sign a contract like that.
(ALL laugh—MATHIAS heaves a sigh and is re-assured—
CHRISTIAN signs—

THE BELLS.

33

MATH. NOW see Annette and Catherine and let them sign.
(CHRISTIAN runs off L. door)
(MATHIAS seats himself in chair R. of table. The characters
and peasants sing a chorus as the curtain descends slowly.)
END OF ACT II.

34

THE BELLS.

ACT III.
A bedroom in the Burgomaster's house. A gauge drop in z,
painted to represent the side of a chamber; this is immediately
backed by another drop. There is a door to lock R. 2 E. and an
alcove L., which contains a bed. The alcove is covered with
plain curtains. There is a table on the up side of the alcove and
a chair at the lower end. Back of the drops in 2 there is another
set representing a courtroom. An interior drop in 5. Sides may
be boxed or the entrances open—A large desk center on a platform. A partition on either side of stage about three feet high to
enclose the public. When this back set is used the stage calcium is
thrown freely upon it, whilst the house lights, the foot and front
border lights are low.—Time, night. *Music at rise—stage lights
up when the characters enter at rise.

(Enter door R.~MATHIAS, FATHER WALTER, HANS, CHRISTIAN,

WILHELM. FRANZ carries a lighted candle, a bottle of
water and a glass, which he places on table by the alcove.
The men appear to feel their wine.)

THE BELLS.

35

HANS, (laughing) Ha! ha! everything has gone off admirably. We only wanted something to wind up with, and I
may say that we are all as capitally wound up as the great clock
at Strasbourg. (FRANZ goes off through door R.)
WALTER. Yes, and what wine we have consumed ? For many
a day we shall remember the signing of Annette's marriage contract. I shall like to witness such a contract every second day.
HANS. There, I object to your argument. Every day, I say!
CHRIS,

(to MATHIAS)

And so you are determined, Mathias,

to sleep here to-night.
MATH. Yes, I am decided. I wish for air. I know what is
necessary for my condition. The heat was the cause of my
accident. This room is cooler, and will prevent its recurrence.
(laughter heard outside)
HANS. Listen, how they are still revelling! Come, Father
Walter, let us rejoin the revels!
WALTER. But Mathias already deserts us, just at the moment
when we were beginning to thoroughly enjoy ourselves.
MATH. What more do you wish me to do? From noon till
midnight is surely enough!
WALTER. Enough, it may be, but not too much; never too
much of such wine.
HANS. There, again, I object to your argument—never
enough, I say.
WILHELM. Mathias is right. You remember that Doctor
Zimmer told him to be careful of the wine he took, or it would
one day play him false. He has already taken too much since
this morning.
MATH. One glass of water before I go to rest is all I require
It will calm me—it will calm me.

36

THE BELLS.

(KARL, FRITZ and TONY, three of the guests

of the

act, enter suddenly, slightly merry, pushing each

previous

other.)

GUESTS. Good night, Burgomaster. Good night.
TONY. I say, Hans! don't you know that the Night Watchman is below?
H A N S . The Night Watchman! What in the name of all that
is polite, does he want?
KARL. He requires us all to leave, and the house to be closed.
It is past hours.
MATH. Give him a bumper of wine, and then good night all!
WALTER. Past hours! For a Burgomaster no regulations
ought to exist.
HANS.

)

OTHERS. \

_
Certainl

y

n o t

MATH, (with fierceness) Regulations made for all must be
obeyed by all.
WALTER, (timidly)
Well, then, shall we go?
MATH. Yes, yes, g o ! Leave me to myself.
WALTER.
(shaking hands with MATHIAS)
Good night,
Mathias. I wish you calm repose, and no unpleasant dreams.
MATH, (fiercely)
I never dream, (mildly)
Good night, all.
Go, friends, go.
(WALTER, H A N S and guests
CHRISTIAN remain.)

exeunt

door R.—WILHELM

and

MATH. Good night, brother, (shakes hands with WILHELM)
I shall be better here. The wine, the riot and those songs have
quite dazed my brain. I shall sleep better here, I shall sleep better.
CHRIS. The room is fresh and cool. Good night.

THE BELLS.

37

M A T H . T h e same to you Christian, the same to you. (they
shake hands) Good night; do not fear for m e ; good night.
( C H R I S T I A N and W I L H E L M , exeunt

door R.)

Music ceases—he goes up cautiously, locks the door, R., and
puts the key in his pocket.)
At last I am alone! Everything goes well. Christian the
gendarme is caught! To-night I shall sleep without a fear
haunting m e ! If any new danger should threaten the father-inl a w of the Quartermaster, it would soon be averted. A h ! W h a t
a power it is to know how to guide your destiny in life. You
must hold good cards in your hands. Good cards! as I have
done, and if you play them well you may defy ill fortune.
Chorus of REVELLERS, outside (without
accompaniment).
Now, since we must part, let's drain a last glass;
Let's drink!
Let us first drink to this gentle young lass;
Let's drink!
From drinking this toast, we'll none of us shrink;
Others shall follow, when we've time to think.
Our burden shall be, let us drink!
The burden to bear is good drink.
(loud laughter heard outside)
M A T H , (taking off his coat) H a , ha, h a ! Those jolly topers
have got all they want. W h a t holes in the snow they will make
before they reach their homes! D r i n k ! Drink! Is it not strange?
T o drink and drown every remorse! Yes, everything goes well!
{he drinks a glass of zvater)
Mathias, you can at least boast
of having well managed your affairs—the contract signed—rich—
prosperous—respected—happy! (takes off zvaistcoat) N o one now
will hear you, if you dream. N o one! N o more folly!—no more
Bells! To-night, I triumph; for conscience is at rest!
(he enters the alcove—the Chorus of Revellers heard again,
in the distance—a hand is extended from alcove and extinguishes the candle—stage dark—curtain at back of gauze
rises, disclosing an extensive set of a Court of Justice,
arched, brilliantly lighted—at back, three JUDGES on the
bench, dressed in black caps and red robes—at R. and L V the
PUBLIC, in Alsatian

costumes—in

front

of the JUDGES, but

beneath them, a table, on which lies the Jew's cloak and cap
—on R., the PUBLIC PROSECUTOR and BARRISTERS—on L., the

38

THE BELLS.
CLERK or REGISTRAR OF THE COURT, and BARRISTERS—a GENDARME at each corner of the Court—MATHIAS is discovered

seated on a stool in c. of Court—he is dressed in the brown
blouse and hood worn by the MAN in the vision in Act /.—
he has his back to the AUDIENCE, face to JUDGES)
THE CLERK OF THE COURT,

(L., standing, reading the Act of

Accusation)
Therefore, the prisoner, Mathias, is accused of
having, on the night of the 24th December, 1818, between midnight and one o'clock, assassinated the Jew Kovesky, upon the
bridge of Vechem, to rob him of his gold.
PRESIDENT. Prisoner, you have heard the Act of Accusation
read; you have already heard the depositions of the witnesses.
What have you to say in answer?
MATH, (violently—throws back hood, and starting up) Witnesses ! People who saw nothing; people who live miles from the
place where the crime was committed; at night, and in the
winter time! You call such people witnesses!
PRES. Answer with calmness; these gestures—this violence
will avail you nothing. You are a man full of cunning.
MATH, (with humility) No, I am a man of simplicity.
PRES. YOU knew well the time to select; you knew well
how to evade all suspicion; you knew well how to destroy all
direct evidence. You are a dangerous man!
MATH, (derisively) Because nothing can be proved against
me I am dangerous! Every honest man then is dangerous
when nothing can be proved against him! A rare encouragement for honesty!
PRES. The public voice accuses you. Answer me this: How
is it that you hear the noise of Bells ?
MATH, (passionately) I do not hear the noise of Bells!
(music—Bells heard off as before—MATHIAS trembles)
PRES. Prisoner, you speak falsely. At this moment you hear
that noise. Tell us why is this ?
MATH. It is nothing. It is simply a jangling in my ears.
PRES. Unless you acknowledge the true cause of this noise
you hear, we shall summon the Mesmerist to explain the matter
to us.
MATH, (with defiance) It is true then that I hear this noise.
(Bells cease)

T H E BELLS.

PRES.

(to the CLERK of the COURT)

39

It is well, write that

down.
MATH. Yes; but I hear it in a dream.
PRES. Write, that he hears it in a dream.
MATH, (furiously) Is it a crime to dream?
THE CROWD, (murmur very softly among themselves, and
move simultaneously, each person performing exactly the same
movement of negation) N—N—N—o!
(MATHIAS rises from his seat and addresses himself to the
public on either side of stage.)
MATH, (with confidence) Listen, friends! Don't fear for me!
All this is but a dream—I am in a dream. If it were not a
dream should I be clothed in these rags? Should I have before
me such judges as these? Judges who, simply acting upon their
own empty ideas, would hang a fellow creature. Ha, ha, ha!
It is a dream—a dream! (he bursts into a long derisive laugh)
(MATHIAS sits and faces audience.)
PRES. Silence, prisoner—silence! (turning to his companion
judges) Gentlemen—this noise of Bells arises in the prisoner's
mind from the remembrance of what is past. The prisoner hears
this noise because there rankles in his heart the memory of that
he would conceal from us. The Jew's horse carried Bells.
MATH. It is false, I have no memories.
PRES. Be silent!

MATH, (with rage) A man cannot be condemned upon such
suppositions. You must have proofs. I do not hear the noise
of Bells.
PRES. YOU see, gentlemen, the prisoner contradicts himself.
He has already made the avowal—now he retracts it.
MATH. N O ! I hear nothing, (the Bells heard)
It is the
blood rushing to my brain—this jangling in my ears, (the Bells
increase in sound)
I ask for Christian. Why is not Christian
here? (he turns from side to side and speaks nervously)
PRES. Prisoner! do you persist in your denial ?
MATH, (with force) Yes. There is nothing proved against
me. It is a gross injustice to keep an honest man in prison.
I suffer in the cause of justice, (the Bells cease)
PRES. YOU persist. Well! Considering that since this affair
took place fifteen years have passed, and that it is impossible
to throw light upon the circumstances by ordinary means—first,

THE BELLS.

40

through the cunning and audacity of the prisoner, and second,
through the deaths of witnesses who could have given evidence
—for these reasons we decree that the Court hear the Mesmerist.
Officer, summon the Mesmerist.
M A T H , (in a terrible voice) I oppose it! I oppose i t ! Dreams
prove nothing.
PRES. Summon the Mesmerist!
(exit GENDARME, R.)
M A T H , (striking the table) It is abominable! It is in defiance
of all justice!
( M A T H I A S is standing back of his chair, L. of table R.)
PRES. If you are innocent, why should you fear the Mesmerist,
because he can read the inmost secrets of your heart? Be
calm, or, believe me, your own indiscretion will prove that you
are guilty.
M A T H . I demand an advocate. I wish to instruct the advocate
Linder of Saverne. In a case like this, I do not care for cost.
I am calm—as calm as any man who has no reproach against
himself. I fear nothing; but dreams are dreams, (loudly)
Why
is Christian not here? My honor is his honor! Let him be sent
for. He is an honest man. ( with exultation)
Christian, I have
made you rich. Come, and defend m e !
( M A T H I A S seats himself again. During all his
movements
one of the calcium lights follow him during this scene.)

Music—the

GENDARME who had gone out, returns

with

the

MESMERIST.

MESMER. (bending to the Court respectfully)
Your honors,
the President and Judges of the Court, it is your decree that

THE BELLS.

41

has brought me before your tribunal; without such direction^
terror alone would have kept me far from here.
(MATHIAS rises and turns tozvard the PRESIDENT.)
MATH. Who can believe in the follies of the Mesmerists?
They deceive the public for the purpose of gaining money! They
merely perform the tricks of conjurors! I have seen this fellow
already at my cousin Both's, at Ribeauville.
PRES. (to the MESMERIST) Can you send this man to sleep?
MESMER. (looking full at MATHIAS, who sinks upon chair,
unable to endure the MESMERIST'S gaze) I can!
MATH, (starting up) I will not be made the subject of this
conjuror's experiments.
PRES.

I command it!

MATH. Christian—where is Christian? He will prove that
I am an honest man.
PRES. Your resistance betrays you.
MATH, (with defiance) I have no fear, (sits)
(The MESMERIST makes several passes—waving
his out*
stretched hands—in front and back of MATHIAS, his eyes
being intently fixed upon him. This is kept up for about ten
seconds. *Music tremulo.)
MATH, (to himself) Mathias, if you sleep you are lost, (his
eyes are fixed as if struck with horror—in a hollow voice) N o —
no—I will not sleep—I—will—(in a hesitating voice) I will—not
—no
(falls asleep—Music ceases)
MESMER. (to the PRESIDENT) He sleeps. What shall I ask
him?
PRES. Ask him, what he did on the night of the 24th of
December, fifteen years ago.
MESMER.

(to

MATHIAS, in a firm voice)

You: are at the

night of the 24th December, 1818?
MATH,

( m a low voice)

Yes.

MESMER. What time is it?
MATH. Half-past eleven.
MESMER. Speak on, I command y o u !
MATH, (still in the same attitude, speaking as if he were
describing a vision presented to his sight) The people are leaving
the inn—Catherine and Little Annette have gone to rest. Our
man Kasper comes in. He tells me the lime-kiln is lighted.
I answer him, it is well; go to bed, I will see to the kiln. He

THE BELLS.

42

leaves me; I am alone with the Jew, who warms himself at the
stove. Outside, everything sleeps. Nothing is heard, except
from time to time the Jew's horse under the shed, when he shakes
his bells.
MESMER. Of what are you thinking?
MATH. I am thinking that I must have money—that if I
have not three thousand francs by the 31st, the inn will be
taken from me. I am thinking that no one is stirring; that
it is night; that there are two feet of snow upon the ground,
and that the Jew will follow the high road quite alone!
MESMER. Have you already decided to attack him ?
MATH, (after a short silence) That man is strong. He has
broad shoulders. I am thinking that he would defend himself
well, should anyone attack him. (he makes a movement)
MESMER. What ails you?
MATH, (in a lozv voice) He looks at me. He has gray eyes.
(as if speaking to himself) I must strike the blow!
MESMER. YOU are decided?

MATH.
MESMER.

Yes—yes; I will strike the blow! I will risk it!
GO on!

MATH, (continuing) I must, however, look round. I go
out; all is dark! It still snows; no one will trace my footsteps
in the snow, (he raises his hand as if feeling for something)
MESMER. What are you doing?
MATH. I am feeling in the sledge—should he carry pistols!
There is nothing—I will strike the blow! (he listens) All is
silent in the village! Little Annette is crying; a goat bleats in
the stable; the Jew is walking in his room!
MESMER. YOU re-enter?

MATH. Yes. The Jew has placed six francs upon the table;
I return him his money; he fixes his eyes steadily upon me!
(MATHIAS takes plenty of time describing the occurrence.)
MESMER. He speaks to you?
MATH. He asks me how far it is to Mutzig? Four leagues.
I wish him well on his journey! He answers—"God bless you!"
He goes out—He is gone! (MATHIAS, with body bent, takes
several steps forward as if following and watching his victim,
he extends his hands) The axe! Where is the axe? Ah, here,
behind the door! How cold it is! (he trembles) The snow falls

THE BELLS.

43

—not a star! Courage, Mathias, you shall possess the girdle—
courage!
MESMER. YOU follow him?
MATH. Yes, yes. I have crossed the fields! (pointing) Here
is the old bridge, and there below, the frozen rivulet! How
the dogs howl at Daniel's farm—how they howl! And old
Finck's forge, how brightly it glows upon the hillock, (low, as
if speaking to himself) Kill a man!—kill a man! You will
not do that, Mathias—you will not do that! Heaven forbids it.
(proceeding to walk with measured steps and bent body) You are
a fool! Listen, you will be rich, your.wife and child will no
longer want for anything! The Jew came; so much the worse—
so much the worse. He ought not to have come! You will
pay all you owe; you will no more be in debt, (loud, in a broken
tone) It must be, Mathias, that you kill him! (he listens)
No one on the road—no one! (with an expression of terror)
What dreadful silence! (he wipes his forehead with his hand)
One o'clock strikes, and the moon shines. Ah! The Jew has.
already passed! Thank God! thank God! (he kneels—a pause—
he listens—the Bells heard without as before) No! The Bells!
The Bells! He comes! (he bends down in a watching attitude,
and remains still—a pause—in a low voice) You will be rich—
you will be rich—you will be rich ! (the noise of the Bells increase
—the CROWD express alarm simultaneously—all at once MATHIAS
springs forward, and zvith a species of savage roar, strikes a
terrible blow with his right hand) Ah! ah! I have you now, Jew!
(he strikes again—the CROWD simultaneously express horror—
MATHIAS leans forward and gases anxiously on the ground—he
extends his hand as if to touch something, but drazvs it back in
horror) He does not move! (he raises himself, utters a deep
sigh of relief and looks round) The horse has fled with the
sledge! (the Bells cease—kneeling down) Quick, quick! The
girdle! I have it. Ha! (he performs the action in saying this of
taking it from the Jew's body and buckling it round his own)
It is full of gold, quite full. Be quick, Mathias, be quick! Carry
him away, (he bends low down and appears to lift the body upon
his back; then he walks across stage, his body bent, his step slow
as a man who carries a heavy load)
MESMER. Where are you going?
MATH, (stopping) To the lime-kiln. I am there, (he appears

THE BELLS.

44

to throw the body upon the kiln) H o w heavy he w a s ! (he
breathes with force, then he again bends down to take up
a pole—in a hoarse voice) Go into the fire, Jew, go into the
fire! {he appears to push the body with the pole using his whole
force, suddenly he utters a cry of horror and staggers away, his
face covered with his hands) Those eyes, oh, those eyes! H o w
he glares at me. (he sinks on to stool, and takes the same attitude
as when first thrown into sleep).
PRES. (with a sign to the MESMERIST) It is well, (to the
CLERK OF THE COURT) YOU have written all ?
CLERK.
PRES.

All!
(to

MESMERIST)

It is well—awake him now,

and

let

him read himself.
MESMER. Awake! I command you!
M A T H , (awakes gradually—he appears bewildered)
Where
am I? (he looks round) A h ! Y e s ; what is going on?
CLERK, (goes over to him and hands him a paper) H e r e is
your deposition—read it.
( M A T H I A S rises and partially faces the JUDGES.)
M A T H , (takes it and, before reading it, aside)
Wretched,
wretched fool! I have told all; I am lost! (with rage, after
reading the paper) It is false! (tears the paper into pieces) You
are a set of rogues! Christian—where is Christian? It is a
crime against justice! They will not let my only witness speak.
Christian! They would kill the father of your wife! Help me—
help me!
PRES. YOU force me to speak of an event of which I had
wished to remain silent. Your son-in-law Christian, upon hearing
of the crimes with which you are charged, by his own hand
sought his death. He is no more.
M A T H . A h ! (he appears stupefied with dismay)
PRES. (after consulting the other JUDGES, rises, speaks in a
solemn tone of voice)
Considering that on the night of the 24th
December, 1818, between midnight and one o'clock, Mathias
committed the crime of assassination upon the person of one
Koveski, and considering that this crime was committed under
circumstances which aggravates its enormity—such as premeditation, and for the purpose of highway robbery; the Court condemns the said Mathias to be hanged by the neck until he is
dead!

THE BELLS.

45

(MATHIAS staggers and falls on his knees—the CROWD make
a movement of terror—the death-bell tolls—lights lowered
gradually—then curtain at back of gauze descends, disclosing the scene as at commencement—lights up—^Lively
music—a peal of joy bells heard ringing)
CROWD, (outside shouting) Christian, Annette, (loud knocking at door, R.)
WILHELM. (without) Mathias! Mathias! brother! get up
at once. It is late in the morning and all our guests are below.
[(knocking on door, R.)
CHRIS, (without) Mathias! Mathias! (silence) How soundly
he sleeps!
WALTER, (zvithout) H o ! Mathias, the wedding has commenced, (more knocking)
THE CROWD, (aside) Burgomaster! Burgomaster! (loud
knocking)
WILHELM. (in an anxious voice) He does not answer. It is
strange. Mathias! (a discussion among many voices is heard
without)
CHRIS. No—It is useless. Leave it to me! (at the same
moment several violent blows are struck upon the door, which
falls into the room from its hinges)
(Enter CHRISTIAN, hurriedly—he runs to the alcove—Music,
hurry.)
CHRIS. Mathias! (looks into alcove and staggers back into
room) Ah!
(Enter from door R., HANS, WALTER, WILHELM, FRANZ, DOCTOR ZIMMER and all the GUESTS, dressed for the wedding.)

46

THE BELLS.

WILHELM. What has happened, Christian, what has happened?
(advancing toward alcove)
CHRIS, (stopping him) Don't come near—don't come near.
WILHELM. (striving to pass) I will see what it is. Let me
pass. I will see my brother.
(MATHIAS appears from the alcove—he is dressed in the
same clothes as when he retired into the alcove at the
commencement of the Scene, but his face is haggard, and
ghastly pale—he comes out, his eyes fixed, his arms extended—as he rushes forward with uncertain steps, the
CROWD fall back with horror, and form groups of consternation, with a general exclamation of terror)

MATH, (in a voice of strangulation) The rope! the rope!
Cut the rope!
(he falls suddenly, and is caught in the arms of HANS and
WALTER, who carry him to the chair in center of stage—
the Bells heard off—Music, the melody played in the
Second Act when promise given—his hands clutch at his
throat as if to remove something that strangles him—he
looks pitifully round as if trying to recognize those about
him, and then his head falls on his breast—
CHRIS, (kneels and places his hand over MATHIAS' heart)
Dead! Dead! (the Bells stop) *Music continues until curtain.
CHRISTIAN and WILHELM kneel and bow their heads. All the
characters remove their hats. General dejection.)
SLOW CURTAIN.
THE END.

This Book has just been adopted as Text-Book for Elocution by
S T . F R A N C I S X A V I E R ' S COLLEGE, N E W Y O R K CITY

Select Recitations, Orations and
Dramatic Scenes
with Actions and Emphasis
A N ELOCUTIONARY MANUAL
Containing 100 Selections from the Leading Poets, Orators and Dramatists, supplied
with copious and minute directions for their C O R R E C T ,
G R A C E F U L and IMPRESSIVE D E L I V E R Y .

By C. J. BIRBECK
Professor of Elocution and English

Literature

P R I C E , bound in cloth, 1.00
This volume, which contains t h e Movements and Gestures suitable to t h e
recitations, the E m p h a t i c Words properly m a r l e d , and directions relative to
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students of 'elocution, and will be welcomed by all who cultivate the art of correct speaking and reading by their pupils.
The full directions for voice and
gesture {a new feature in such a work) will aid both teacher and pupil."
A copy of t h e book is mailed free upon receipt of $1.00.
Correspondence with a view to introduction is respectfully solicited by
* publisher,
J O S E P H F.

WAGNER,

9

BARCLAY

STREET,

NEW

YORK

God-Speed

Well WishinginVerse and Prose

FOR ALL OCCASIONS.
With an Appendix of Prose Compositions,
Salutatory Addresses and Valedictory Orations for School Festivals.
PRICE, Bound in

Cloth,

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TABLE OF CONTENTS.
New Year's Wishes:
To the Parents,
12 NOS.
"
Father,
2
"
Mother,
2
To Grandparents,
2
" the Grandfather, 2
" " Grandmother, 2
" Uncle or Aunt,
2
" Brother or Sister, 4
" Teachers,
5
" Clergymen,
1
" a Friend.
3

Birthday Wishes:
To the Father,
9
" Mother,
10
Grandfather, 5
"
Grandmother, 3
To Uncle or "Aunt,
2
Teachers, 5
" Clergymen, 1

"

Christmas Wishes:
To Parents,

4

Verses for Engagements
and Marriages:
To an Engaged Couple, 3
" Bridegroom,
1

To Bride,
On t h e Wedding Day,
Home Coming of aYoung
Couple,
With Flowers,

Verses for Jubilees:
On Presentation of a Silver
Wreath.
For a Silver Wedding.
" Golden Wedding.
Grandparents' Golden
Wedding.
Anniversary of an Employee
Anniversary of a Clergyman
A Teacher's Anniversary.

Poems for various Celebrations :
Reception of a NewTeacher.
School Children's Welcome
to a Clergyman,
Installation of a Clergyman.
Anniversary of a Society.

Special Inscriptions ;
For a Child.
" Youth.
" Young Girl.
" Father.
" Mother.
For Parents.
For a Husband,
"
Wife.
"
Clergyman.
"
Religious.
"
Teacher.

Elegies for Deaths and
Burials:
At the Grave of a Clergyman
At the Grave of a Teacher.

Prose Compositions:
Expressions of Faith, Gratitude, a n d Good Wishes
suitable for ADDRESSES,
L E T T E R S , MEMORIALS,
RESOLUTIONS,
TESTI

MONIALS, etc., to Teachers,
Clergymen, etc., etc.

Verses of Farewell:
To a Friend.
" Teacher.

Salutatory Addresses:

Epitaphs and Inscriptions
for Tombstones:

Valedictory Orations:

General Inscriptions.

For School Festivals, 5.
For School Festivals, 5.

From the above description, and contents and specimens of GOD-SPEED found on next
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For Schools and Educational Institutions this book is altogether indispensable. The
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JOSEPH

F.

WAGNER,

9

BARCLAY

STREET,

N E W YORK