A Play for Young Audiences. by Madge Miller

P R E V I E W A Play for Young Audiences by Madge Miller Note: A performance license is needed to perform this version of The Emperor s Nightingale. No performance of this version can be performed without it. To obtain a license, and other information, visit: www.classicyouthplays.com Copyright 2013 Classic Youth Plays ISBN 978-1-304-33986-7 No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or yet be to invented, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system. For a New Generation www.classicyouthplays.com

Madge Miller was a prolific children s theatre author having written over 40 plays including Robinson Crusoe, The Pied Piper of Hamelin, and Snow While and Rose Red. For many years she wrote and directed for the professional theatre company Knickerty-Knockerty Players where many of her plays premiered. In 1970 she was awarded the Charlotte B. Chorpenning Award for her body of work as a children s theatre playwright. Her plays continue to be produced across the country as well as abroad. 2

Cast t of Characters (3 F, 5 M) Willow Song, a kitchen maid Deer Strength, a gardener Lotus Pool, court lady Ivory Flute, royal music master Red Thread, court lady Peacock Shield, first noble Proud Tiger, brother of the Emperor Golden Phoenix, Emperor of the Flowery Kingdom Time: In the Most Ancient Days Place: The Palace of the Exalted Emperor 3

ACT ONE A gold front curtain with an enormous black, green, and red dragon painted on it is divided center serves to hide scene changes. Interludes are played before it. Melodious oriental music is heard during before all curtain scenes. WILLOW SONG enters before the curtain, carrying a blue bowl. She is a lovely girl of about twenty, her simple gown lavender, her trousers purple. She wears a sprig of jasmine in her hair. She crosses the stage with easy strides, speaking as she goes. WILLOW SONG. To my master, the mighty and all-powerful Emperor of the Flowery Kingdom, comes this gift of pickled snails in a turquoise bowl from the Sage of the Eastern Sacred Mountain. It is fitting that I, Willow Song, kitchen maid in the Emperor s porcelain palace, should bring it to his August Presence. (She exits just as DEER STRENGTH enters, carrying a bamboo box. He is an upstanding young man in brown trousers, gray tunic with scarlet sash, and flat straw hat, under one arm. He crosses with strong athletic strides, saying as he goes:) DEER STRENGTH. To my master, the regal and all-knowing Emperor of the Flowery Kingdom, comes this gift of rare camellias in a bamboo box from the Sage of the Sacred Mountain of the West. It is fitting that I, Deer Strength, worker in his farflung gardens, should bring it to his August Presence. (He exits as LADY LOTUS POOL enters, carrying a mirror. She is a portly, affected court lady, wearing an exquisite robe of blue and white and an elaborate head-dress and many glittering gems. She crosses in tiny, mincing steps, speaking as she goes.) LOTUS POOL. To our ruler, the splendid, yet now melancholy. Emperor of the Flowery Kingdom, comes this gift, a mirror set in gold with precious stones from the Sage of the Northern Sacred Mountain. It is fitting that I, Lady Lotus Pool, wife to the First Noble, noted for my matchless beauty (with a self-conscious giggle) should bring it to his August Presence. (She exits as LADY RED THREAD enters, carrying a length of silk and a small metal box. She is a haughty and disdainful court lady, her elegant robe red and black, her head-dress even more elaborate than that of LOTUS POOL, her jewels fewer but more artfully used. She crosses in tiny, mincing steps, saying as she goes:) RED THREAD. To our ruler, the stately but now sorrowful Emperor of the Flowery Kingdom, comes this gift of precious silk with five bronze needles from the Sage of the Sacred Mountain of the South. It is fitting that I, Lady Red Thread, wife to the Royal Music Master, noted for my wit and elegance of dress, should bring it to his August Presence. (She exits as COUNT IVORY FLUTE enters, carrying a string of tiny bells. He is the Royal Music Master, a fussy, little man, in yellow trousers, yellow and turquoise robe, and small gold hat with turquoise pompoms dangling from the brim. He crosses with small bobbing steps, speaking as he goes.) IVORY FLUTE. To our ruler, keen of hearing yet now uncaring, Emperor of the Flowery Kingdom, comes this gift of silver bells which sing most sweetly (jingling 4

them) from the Count of the Yellow River. It is fitting that I, Count Ivory Flute, Royal Music Master, should bring it to his August Presence. (He exits as BARON PEACOCK SHIELD enters, carrying a fan. He is an enormously portly gentleman, with a robe of as many colors as a peacock s tail, worn over black trousers. His head-dress is elaborate and anchored with two long hat-pins. It sways from side to side as he waddles across the stage, saying as he goes:) PEACOCK SHIELD. To my Emperor, sharp of eye but now unseeing, comes this gift, a handsome fan of mother-of-pearl and painted silk, a present from the Duke. It is most fitting that I, Baron Peacock Shield, First Noble of the Flowery Kingdom, should bring it to his August Presence. (He exits as PROUD TIGER enters, carrying a book with glittering clasps. He is a lean, hungry-looking man, his robe of striped orange, black and brown over brown trousers, his head-dress of gold and most regal. He slinks across the stage, speaking as he goes.) PROUD TIGER. To my brother, the unwell and yet still powerful Emperor of the Flowery Kingdom comes this gift, a book of cloth-of-gold with jeweled clasps, from the Emperor of the Islands, but recently returned to his own kingdom from a visit here. (Glaring.) It is not fitting that I, Proud Tiger, next in line to Golden Phoenix, should take it to his (scornfully) August Presence, but until I mount the throne as Emperor myself, I must submit. To the Jade Room of Golden Phoenix, Emperor of the Flowery Kingdom! (As he finishes the last word, a gong sounds thunderously, he exits, the soft background music stops, and the dragon curtains part to reveal the Jade Room. There two jade-green pillars marking the exit to the rest of the palace. A tall screen stands in back, green-bordered, with painted Chinese scenes upon it. Before the screen is a large gong suspended above a stand, with hammer upon a gold rope. A gold-painted bench heavily cushioned, in deep jade-green stands upon a slightly raised platform. The platform itself, set angled, is painted gold. A jade-green runner for the Emperor s feet alone extends diagonally from between the jade pillars marking the entrance to the Emperor s bed-chamber. Jade, red, gold, and black cushions are scattered along the edge of the platform. On the bench, reclining full length in an exquisite jade-green and gold robe is GOLDEN PHOENIX, Emperor of the Flowery Kingdom. His sandals are gold, as are his crown and sword of state. He is lying wearily with one hand shading his eyes and a look of melancholy on his face. Although he is a man of less than fifty, his pointed beard and narrow mustaches are quite gray. His courtiers and servants are lined up on the downstage side of the jade carpet in the order in which they crossed the stage. WILLOW SONG and DEER STRENGTH are kneeling, the COURTIERS bowing, the degree of inclination lessens gradually from LOTUS POOL to PROUD TIGER, who is almost erect. As the curtains part, all are proclaiming in unison:) ALL. May His August Majesty, Golden Phoenix, Emperor of the Flowery Kingdom, look with pleasure upon the gifts that this day brings, and may they rouse him from his curious melancholy! (PROUD TIGER steps out of line and crosses to the platform, taking care not to step upon the jade carpet.) 5

PROUD TIGER. (Falsely sweet.) Dear Brother, how is your most regal health this morning? (The EMPEROR turns his head away and makes a hopeless wave with his right hand.) Ah, no better? What a blessing that is, what a pity! But just look upon the gifts that have been sent to cheer your spirits. Will you see them? (The EMPEROR turns further away.) Pickled Snails in a turquoise bowl! (PROUD TIGER prods WILLOW SONG with his foot, and she creeps closer to the platform. A look of distaste has crossed the EMPEROR S face, and with exquisite grace he indicates with waves of his right hand that they shall be taken away to the kitchen.) Of course. Go, maid, take them to the kitchen so that they may grace our table later in the day. PEACOCK SHIELD. (Aside, licking his lips.) And fill my stomach! (WILLOW SONG rises, head still bowed, and hops across the jade carpet, backing out between the pillars.) PROUD TIGER. (As she hops.) Take care, clumsy girl! Would you step upon the sacred carpet meant for no feet but the Emperor s? Be gone! (DEER STRENGTH creeps closer to the platform at PROUD TIGER S signal.) Ah, brother, see! The gardener brings a bamboo box (opening lid) in which are rare camellias ready for the planting. Will you honor them with just a glance? (The EMPEROR indicates with his right hand that they shall be planted. PROUD TIGER prods DEER STRENGTH with his foot.) Well, fellow, know you not the Emperor s will? He bids you plant them in the royal garden. Go! (DEER STRENGTH rises, steps across the carpel, and backs off.) LOTUS POOL. (Who has noticed WILLOW SONG S sprig of jasmine, aside.) And soon they shall adorn my glossy hair! (PROUD TIGER beckons LOTUS POOL to approach the platform, and jumps back to attention.) PROUD TIGER. Surely in the lovely hands of Lady Lotus Pool this mirror set in gold with precious stones will please the Emperor. (The EMPEROR leans back, closes his eyes, and indicates with his right hand, that the mirror shall be laid away in the Treasure Room.) What? To the treasure room it is to go? So be it. (LOTUS POOL steps across the carpet and off with tiny steps.) RED THREAD. (Aside.) I shall go there too, to take it for my own. The better to admire my handsome head-dress. PROUD TIGER. (Falsely sympathetic.) Poor brother. Is the sadness heavy on you yet? (Smiling.) You cannot live long thus, I fear. But here is Lady Red Thread in her splendid robes. A length of purest silk she carries, and five needles made of bronze to fashion you a cape. Would you but look? (The EMPEROR shudders and indicates that the gift be given to the poor who kneel and beg.) It is the Emperor s gracious will that all be given to the poor. See to it. Lady Red Thread. (RED THREAD steps across the carpet, and backs off mincingly.) IVORY FLUTE. (Aside.) To the poor indeed! No, my back it will grace, and soon! (In his agitation he jingles the bells he carries. The EMPEROR lifts his head slightly.) PROUD TIGER. (Disappointed.) The Emperor is pleased? The silver bells have caught his fancy? (Reluctantly.) Step forth, Count Ivory Flute, and make them sing 6

more sweetly than the voice of any mortal! (IVORY FLUTE jingles the bells frantically, his head cocked on one side, a foolish grin on his lips. The EMPEROR cringes. Smiling once again, PROUD TIGER urges IVORY FLUTE to continue and pushes him nearer the bench. The EMPEROR frowns and brings up his hand sharply in a single commanding gesture.) Silence, Knave! (IVORY FLUTE is startled and hurt.) Can you not see this din displeases his most august ears? Be gone! (The EMPEROR gestures.) Wait! (After watching a moment.) Yes, of course. See to it that these bells are tied upon tree branches in the garden so that every wind may make them sing. (IVORY FLUTE hops across the carpet and backs out. PEACOCK SHIELD approaches with little ceremony.) And here is your First Noble, Baron Peacock Shield, a wondrous fan within his hands. (His own eyes glittering avidly.) Just see the fine gold cloth, the mother-of-pearl. What is your wish, dear brother? (The EMPEROR slumps fretfully and makes no gesture other than that of dismissal.) How kind, how gracious is our Emperor! (Taking fan from PEACOCK SHIELD.) He wishes me to keep it as my own. PEACOCK SHIELD. (Jealously.) I saw no sign that meant he wished you to! PROUD TIGER. (Sweetly.) Do I not understand my brother best? (Fiercely.) Be gone! The Emperor s gifts today have not been pleasing to him. Ah, alas, he sinks into a deeper gloom. PEACOCK SHIELD. (Slyly.) But there is one gift yet unseen, that from the Emperor of the Islands. (The EMPEROR rouses; PEACOCK SHIELD, encouraged, continues.) He sent a book, that one you carry in your sash. PROUD TIGER. (Drawing him down, low.) Fool! Would you have him listen and perhaps grow cheerful once again? If he but dies, I shall be Emperor, and further honors then will go to you. PEACOCK SHIELD. I wonder! (The EMPEROR claps his hands, startling them both. Gloomily he indicates that the gong be struck to summon his courtiers, and, that PROUD TIGER read from the book.) PROUD TIGER. Eh? Ah, yes, dear elder brother, read to you I shall. It was already in my mind to do so. Peacock Shield, strike the gong to summon his most favored courtiers. (Opening book and clearing his throat importantly.) Ahem! (PEACOCK SHIELD hops awkwardly across the jade carpet, and strikes the gong a mighty blow.) PEACOCK SHIELD. (Hopefully.) Again? PROUD TIGER. (Who has leaned back from the clangor.) No, not again! Be seated, for the others come. (PEACOCK SHIELD selects a jade-green cushion from the platform, and seats himself upon it with much puffing and groaning. Meanwhile the others have entered, IVORY FLUTE, RED THREAD, and LOTUS POOL.) PEACOCK SHIELD. (Lowering himself to floor.) Ohhh ahhh ugh PROUD TIGER T IGER. Silence! Enter, Count Ivory Flute, Lady Red Thread, Lady Lotus Pool. Take cushions. Seat yourselves. (Holds up book.) The Emperor would have you hear me read from this, a book of cloth-of-gold with jeweled clasps, sent him by his lifelong friend, the Emperor of the Islands, who but recently has visited with us. 7

(During the speech the three courtiers, in a line, take cushions, hop over the carpet to the upstage side, and seat themselves, one behind the other; IVORY FLUTE has a gold cushion, RED THREAD a black cushion, and LOTUS POOL a red cushion. IVORY FLUTE helps each lady to sit before doing so himself.) IVORY FLUTE. (Irritated by the prospect.) Piff! Your hand, dear wife. RED THREAD. (Low, irritated.) Tush! Ivory Flute, my robe will grow quite wrinkled. Take care do not bump my head-dress. (She inspects her head-dress in the gift mirror which, she draws from her sash.) LOTUS POOL. (Low.) Reading from a book! How dull! But I have these. (She draws two camellia blossoms from her sleeve and proceeds to pin one in her hair, the other to her sash, quarreling with RED THREAD over possession of the mirror. IVORY FLUTE draws the gift length of silk from his sash and drapes it over his shoulders, admiring the eject. PEACOCK SHIELD twitches uncomfortably.) PEACOCK SHIELD. (Low to IVORY FLUTE.) How hungry I ve become! IVORY FLUTE. One hour since breakfast? PEACOCK SHIELD. Ah, those pickled snails! Could I but slip out to the kitchen (PROUD TIGER has walked to extreme right, taken a stance, cleared, his throat, and now eyes the whispering courtiers hatefully.) PROUD TIGER. Silence! I shall read. (The COURTIERS settle into sulky silence.) To the Emperor of the Flowery Kingdom from the Emperor of the Islands. Greetings, O dear friend, and eternal gratitude for the courtesies shown me on my recent visit to your lands. It is to be hoped that your health improves and that the strange melancholy which filled, your heart has lifted. (Glaring at Courtiers.) Ahem! PEACOCK SHIELD. Oh! (Attempting to thump his head on the floor.) It is to be hoped! IVORY FLUTE. (Thumping his head.) Let his glorious health improve! RED THREAD. (Thumping her head, but carefully.) Let this melancholy lift! LOTUS POOL. (Thumping her head, but carefully.) Let his august heart be light! PROUD TIGER. Enough! I continue. (Pacing as he reads.) The wonders of your kingdom are scarce to be believed, O Golden Phoenix, most fortunate of men! Your palace built of finest porcelain, protected by its silken hangings is it not the loveliest in all the world? LOTUS POOL. (Thumping her head.) The loveliest! RED THREAD. (Thumping her head.) In all the world! IVORY FLUTE. (Thumping his head.) Of finest porcelain! PEACOCK SHIELD. (Thumping his head.) None other like it! PROUD TIGER. The garden, with its thousand flowers, its graceful willows, silver bridges, jade pagodas what can equal it? PEACOCK SHIELD. (Thumping his head.) Why, nothing, though I never saw it. IVORY FLUTE. (Thumping his head.) No, fresh air bad for the well bred throat. RED THREAD. (Thumping her head.) The sun might fade my silks. 8