Prince Hagen Part 1

Prince Hagen.

by Upton Sinclair.

CHARACTERS (In order of appearance)

Gerald Isman: a poet.

Mimi: a Nibelung.

Alberich: King of the Nibelungs.

Prince Hagen: his grandson.

Mrs. Isman.

Hicks: a butler.

Mrs. Bagley-Willis: mistress of Society.

John Isman: a railroad magnate.

Estelle Isman: his daughter.

Plimpton: the coal baron.

Rutherford: lord of steel.

De Wiggleston Riggs: cotillon leader.

Lord Alderdyce: seeing America.

Calkins: Prince Hagen's secretary.

Nibelungs: members of Society.

ACT I SCENE I. Gerald Isman's tent in Quebec.

SCENE 2. The Hall of State in Nibelheim.

ACT II Library in the Isman home on Fifth Avenue: two years later.

ACT III Conservatory of Prince Hagen's palace on Fifth Avenue. The wind-up of the opening ball: four months later.

ACT IV Living room in the Isman camp in Quebec: three months later.

ACT I

SCENE I

[Shows a primeval forest, with great trees, thickets in background, and moss and ferns underfoot. A set in the foreground. To the left is a tent, about ten feet square, with a fly. The front and sides are rolled up, showing a rubber blanket spread, with bedding upon it; a rough stand, with books and some canned goods, a rifle, a fishing-rod, etc.

Toward centre is a trench with the remains of a fire smoldering in it, and a frying pan and some soiled dishes beside it. There is a log, used as a seat, and near it are several books, a bound volume of music lying open, and a violin case with violin. To the right is a rocky wall, with a cleft suggesting a grotto.]

[At rise: GERALD pottering about his fire, which is burning badly, mainly because he is giving most of his attention to a bound volume of music which he has open. He is a young man of twenty-two, with wavy auburn hair; wears old corduroy trousers and a grey flannel shirt, open at the throat. He stirs the fire, then takes violin and plays the Nibelung theme with gusto.]

GERALD. A plague on that fire! I think I'll make my supper on prunes and crackers to-night!

[Plays again.]

MIMI. [Enters left, disguised as a pack-peddler; a little wizened up man, with long, unkempt grey hair and beard, and a heavy bundle on his back.] Good evening, sir!

GERALD. [Starts.] h.e.l.lo!

MIMI. Good evening!

GERALD. Why... who are you?

MIMI. Can you tell me how I find the road, sir?

GERALD. Where do you want to go?

MIMI. To the railroad.

GERALD. Oh, I see! You got lost?

MIMI. Yes, sir.

GERALD. [Points.] You should have turned to the right down where the roads cross.

MIMI. Oh. That's it!

[Puts down burden and sighs.]

GERALD. Are you expecting to get to the railroad to-night?

MIMI. Yes, sir.

GERALD. Humph! You'll find it hard going. Better rest. [Looks him over, curiously.] What are you--a peddler?

MIMI. I sell things. Nice things, sir. You buy?

[Starts to open pack.]

GERALD. No. I don't want anything.

MIMI. [Gazing about.] You live here all alone?

GERALD. Yes... all alone.

MIMI. [Looking of left.] Who lives in the big house?