General King and I -- Part One

ORTON: Hello, sonny.

LOUIS: How near are we to Louisville, Captain?

ORTON: See that cluster of lights along the river? That’s it. That’s Louisville.

LOUIS: Oh, look! All our boxes

ORTON: And a whopping lot they are.

LOUIS: We packed everything we had in our London house--furniture and everything.

ANNA: Louis! Where are you?

LOUIS: Mother! Mother, look! There’s Louisville! Do you see, Mother? That cluster of lights along the river. You see, Mother? That’s Louisville.

ANNA: I see, Louis. I see them. It’s exciting, isn’t it?

LOUIS: Will the General come down to the dock to meet us?

ANNA: The General himself? I don’t think so. Generals don’t as a rule.

ORTON: I wonder if you know what you’re facing, Ma’am--an Englishwoman here in Kentucky…

LOUIS: Look, Mother! Look at that boat! Do you suppose that’s the General, the man sitting under the red canopy?

ORTON: That’s Colonel Holmes. The General’s right-hand man, you might say.

ANNA: Do you suppose he’s coming out to meet us?

ORTON: No doubt of it. They’ll be waiting till we pass them. Then they’ll come around our stern. Ma’am…if I might offer you a word of warning…

ANNA: What is it, Captain?

ORTON: That man has power, and he can use it for you or against you.

ANNA: (Laughing) Oh.

ORTON: I think you should know.

(He goes off.)

LOUIS: Look, Mother! They’re closer! Mother! The colonel is completely bald!

ANNA: Hush, Louis, that’s not a nice word.

LOUIS: They all look rather horrible, don’t they, Mother? Father would not have liked us to be afraid would he?

ANNA: No, Louis. Father would not have liked us to be afraid.

LOUIS: Mother, does anything every frighten you?

ANNA: Sometimes.

LOUIS: What do you do?

ANNA: I whistle.

LOUIS: Oh, that’s why you whistle!

ANNA: Yes, that’s why I whistle
Whenever I feel afraid
I hold my head erect
And whistle a happy tune,
So no one will suspect
I’m afraid

While shivering in my shoes
I strike a careless pose
And whistle a happy tune,
And no one ever knows
I’m afraid.

The result of this deception
Is very strange to tell,
For when I fool the people I fear
I fool myself as well!

I whistle a happy tune,
And ev’ry single time
The happiness in the tune
Convinces me that I’m
Not afraid.

Make believe you’re brave
And the trick will take you far;
You may be as brave
As you make believe you are.
(Louis whistles this strain, then they both sing)

ANNA and LOUIS:
You may be as brave
As you make believe you are.

LOUIS: I think that’s a very good idea, Mother. A very good idea.

ANNA: It is a good idea, isn’t it?

LOUIS: I don’t think I shall ever be afraid again.

ANNA: Good!
(LOUIS resumes singing the refrain. ANNA joins in. They do not see four black slaves, naked from the waist up, with knives in their belts, come over the rail, down the gangway, and line up, center. They are accompanied by two SOLDIERS. As they are happily singing the last eight measures ANNA turns, LOUIS sees them, too, and clutches his mother’s arm. Then they face the men and whistle--as casually as they can)

ORTON: Clear that away! Ma’am, I wouldn’t whistle. He might think it disrespectful.

ANNA: Oh, was I whistling? Sorry, I didn’t realize.

(The LIEUTENANT comes over the rail and down the steps)

LIEUTENANT: (to ANNA) Good evening. Welcome to Louisville.

(COL. HOLMES comes over the rail slowly and with a terrifying presence.)

LIEUTENANT: Sir, the Colonel wants to know if you are Miss Leonowens, new schoolmistress for the general’s children?

ANNA: Yes.

LIEUTENANT: Have you friends in the city?

ANNA: I know no one in Louisville at all.

LIEUTENANT: Are you married, ma’am?

ANNA: I am a widow.

LIEUTENANT: What sort of man was your husband?

ANNA: My husband was an officer of Her Majesty’s Army in…Tell him his business with me is in my capacity of schoolteacher to the general’s children. He has no right to pry into my personal affairs. (ORTON tries to signal a warning, but she turns to him impatiently) Well, he hasn’t, Captain Orton!

LOUIS: I don’t like that man!

COL. HOLMES: In this country it’s best you like everyone--until you leave.

ANNA: Sir, my apologies.

COL. HOLMES: You can come with me now. Your boxes will be brought to the general’s mansion--later.

ANNA: No. Not the mansion. I am not living in the general‘s house.

COL. HOLMES: Who says?

ANNA: The general says! The general has promised me twenty dollars a month and a house of my own.

COL. HOLMES: The general does not always remember what he promises. If I tell him he broke his promise, It’ll make him angry. I think it’s better I make him angry about more important matters.

ANNA: But all I want is ten minutes audience with him.

COL. HOLMES: The general is very busy now. Independence Day celebrations just beginning. There’ll be fireworks all night.

ANNA: And what do I do in the meantime?

COL. HOLMES: In the meantime you wait--in the mansion.

ANNA: Sir, I will teach in the general’s mansion, but I must have a house of my own--where I can go at the end of the day when my duties are over.

COL. HOLMES: What is it that you want to do in evening that can’t be done at the mansion?

ANNA: How dare you? I’m sorry, but you don’t understand. I came here to work. I must support myself and my young son. And I shall take nothing less than what I have been promised.

COL. HOLMES: You will tell the general this?

ANNA: I will tell the general this.

(The faint suggestion of a smile curls the corner of COL. HOLMES’S mouth)

COL. HOLMES: It will be a very interesting meeting…Come on now? (ANNA does not answer) You come now, or you can stay on the boat. I don’t care! (He turns toward gangway and starts to go)

ORTON: If you wish to stay on my ship and return to New York, Ma’am…

ANNA: No, thank you, Captain Orton. I will go with you. I have made a bargain, and I shall live up to my part of it. But I expect a bargain to be kept on both sides. I shall go.

COL. HOLMES: To the mansion?

ANNA: For the time being. (COL. HOLMES exits)
ANNA: Good-bye, Captain Orton and thank you very much for everything. Louis!

LOUIS: (shaking hands) Good-bye, Captain.

ORTON: Good-bye, sonny.

(As they turn from the captain, ANNA and LOUIS are confronted by the LIEUTENANT and the slaves standing in a stern line, their arms folded, their faces glowering in a most unfriendly manner. ANNA and LOUIS pause, then raise their chins and whistle “a happy tune” as they walk by the men and start to climb the gangway)

INTERMEDIATE SCENE

A Mansion corridor.
Several SOLDIERS hurry through the hallways. The LIEUTENANT enters speaking with the GENERAL’S SECRETARY. SGT. WEST enters with a large bundle of documents and salutes the LIEUTENANT. Without saying a word SGT. WEST hands the documents to the LIEUTENANT. He salutes once more and exits quickly. The LIEUTENANT examines the documents for only the briefest of moments. It is clear that he has just received very alarming news.

SCENE TWO
The GENERAL’S study in the royal palace.
As the curtain rises the GENERAL is seated at a long table, dictating letters to, his SECRETARY. At length he throws the last letter at the SECRETARY, rises and snaps his fingers. The SECRETARY and retires quickly. The GENERAL beckons to someone offstage. COL. HOLMES enters.

COL. HOLMES: Sir…

GEN: Well, well, well?

COL. HOLMES: I have been meaning to speak to you about the schoolteacher. She is waiting to see you.

GEN: She’s in Kentucky? How long?

COL. HOLMES: Two weeks, three weeks. She needed disciplining, sir. She objects to living in the mansion. Talks about a house she said you promised her.

GEN: I don’t recall such a promise. Tell her I’ll see her. I’ll see her in a moment. (The GENERAL sees LUCAS TAYLOR enter, preceded by a female slave) Who? Who? Who?

COL. HOLMES: Sir, this is Mr. Lucas Taylor, representative from the governor of Alabama.

GEN: Ah! You’re here to do research in our new library. (To COL. HOLMES) I have given my permission.

COL. HOLMES: (As THERESA is brought in by four soldiers) He’s brought you a present from the governor.

GEN: Am I to trust the governor of Alabama? Am I to trust this present they send me, or is she a spy?

THERESA: I am not a spy…My name is Theresa.

(The GENERAL looks at her appraisingly. COL. HOLMES signals for her to turn around. She does so. The GENERAL walks around her slowly, darts a brief enigmatic look at COL. HOLMES, and walks off.)

COL. HOLMES: The general is pleased with you. He likes you.

(He dismisses LUCAS and leaves. Before going out, LUCAS exchanges a worried, helpless look with THERESA. THERESA turns and looks forward where the GENERAL made his exit, bitterness and hatred in her eyes)

THERESA: Gen’ral is pleased!
He is pleased with me!
My lord and master
Declares he’s pleased with me--
What does he mean?
What does he know of me,
This lord and master?

When he has looked at me
What has he seen?
Something young,
Soft and slim,
Painted cheek
Tap’ring limb,
Smiling lips
All for him,
Eyes that shine
Just for him--
So he thinks…
Just for him!
Though the man may be
My lord and master,
Though he may study me
As hard as he can,
The smile beneath my smile
He’ll never see.
He’ll never know I love
Another man,
He’ll never know
I love another man!

(The GENERAL enters. THERESA immediately resumes her humble and obedient attitude) The General wants me to leave?

GEN: I will tell you when I want you to leave?

COL. HOLMES: (Entering, ushering in ANNA, who is followed by two soldiers) The schoolteacher. (ANNA curtseys) Madame Leonowens.

GEN: You are the schoolteacher?

ANNA: Yes, sir, I am the schoolteacher. When can I start my work?

GEN: You can start when I tell you to start.

ANNA: There is one matter we have to settle, sir…

GEN: (Interrupting) You are part of a general plan I have for bringing to Kentucky what is good in European culture and science. I’ve already brought a new rotary printing press and a series of type-o-writers from a gentleman in Denmark.

ANNA: Yes, I know, general.

GEN: How do you know?

ANNA: Before I singed our agreement, I found out all I could about your ambitions for Kentucky.

GEN: Ha! This is very scientific. Are you pleased with your rooms in the mansion?

ANNA: They…are quite comfortable, sir. For the time being. But my young son and I have found it rather…confining…not permitting us to leave the grounds.

GEN: Strangers can’t be allowed to roam around the city without a proper introduction. You could look out windows.

ANNA: Yes, sir, we have done that. We have seen Independence Day celebrations, boat races on the Ohio, etcetera, etcetera.

GEN: What is this “etcetera”?

ANNA: According to the dictionary, it means “and the rest.” Your Majesty. All the things you have been doing while we were waiting. The fireworks--

GEN: Best fireworks I ever seen on the Fourth of July.

ANNA: Splendid, sir.

GEN: Ha! (To COL. HOLMES) Have the children prepare for a presentation to the new schoolteacher.

ANNA: How many children do you have, sir?

GEN: I only have eleven, but I started very late.…(MISS LARA has entered.) Ah! Miss Lara. Madame Leonowens, this is Miss Lara my wife. Miss Lara, you will help Madame Leonowens with her schoolteaching. (LARA kneels down and kisses the GENERAL’S hand to ANNA’S surprise and horror. The GENERAL explains) She is grateful to me for my kindness.

ANNA: I see. Sir, in our agreement, you…

GEN: You, Theresa. (THERESA. The GENERAL turns to ANNA, pointing to THERESA) She arrived today. She is a present to me from the governor of Alabama.

ANNA: She is a present?

THERESA: Ma’am, you have books I can read? From the North?

ANNA: Of course I have.

THERESA: I wish to read a book called “The Small House of Uncle Thomas.” It’s by a lady, Harriet Beecher Stowe.

GEN: Ha, a book written by a woman?

ANNA: A very wonderful book, sir. All about slavery…

GEN: Ha! President Lincoln’s against slavery. Me, too. Slavery’s a very bad thing.
(ANNA looks significantly at THERESA. The GENERAL snaps his fingers and THERESA. The GENERAL paces thoughtfully, speaking half to himself, half to ANNA)
I think you will teach my sisters and their children also.

(During the ensuing dialogue, the GENERAL’S family peek in through the entrances and retreat, as if curious to hear and see, but afraid of the GENERAL’S mounting temper)

ANNA: I shall be most happy to teach your wife and your sisters and the rest of your family, even though that was not part of our agreement…Speaking of our agreement reminds me that there is one little matter, about my house…

GEN: Also, I will allow you to help me in my correspondence.

ANNA: Yes, sir. I don’t think you understand about the house. For the time being…

GEN: (Wheeling around suddenly) House? House? What is this about a house?

ANNA: (Startled, then recovering) I want my house! The house you promised me, General.

GEN: You’ll live in the mansion. You’ll teach in the mansion, you’ll live in the mansion. If you don’t live in the mansion, you don’t teach, and you can go--wherever you please. I don’t care. You understand this?

ANNA: I understand but, sir, if these are the only terms on which I…

GEN: Enough! I have no more time to talk. Talk to other women, my women.

(He snaps his fingers at THERESA, who follows him obediently as he exits. As soon as the GENERAL has left, the women rush on from all sides, chattering excitedly. They surround ANNA, taking her gloves and her reticule, fingering her clothes. Two on the floor try to lift up her skirt)

ANNA: For goodness’ sake! What is the matter? What are they trying to do to me?

LARA: They think you wear a big skirt like that because you’re shaped like that.

ANNA: Well, I’m not!

(She lifts her hoop skirt, revealing pantalettes.)

LARA: They wish to know, sir, if you have children?

ANNA: One little boy.

LARA: I have four boys--Charles Jr. is the oldest, he’ll take over for the general one day…(pleading) I would be happy if you would teach the children.

ANNA: I would like to very much. I came all the way here from London to do so, but I really cannot…

LARA: You could be a great help to all here, sir

ANNA: Miss Lara, why do you call me “sir”?

LARA: Because you’re scientific, as the general says. Not lowly, like a woman.

ANNA: Do you all think women are more lowly than men? (All of the women smile broadly and nod their heads, apparently quite happy with the idea of female inferiority. ANNA’s voice is indignant) Well, I don’t.

LARA: Please, sir, do not tell the general. It’ll make him very angry.

ANNA: The general seems to be angry already. That lovely girl. He said she was a present…

LARA: From the governor of Alabama. I think she loves another man. If so, she will never see that other man again.

ANNA: Poor child!

LARA: Oh, no, sir! She is a foolish child, to wish for another man when she can serve a master such as the general.

ANNA: But you can’t help wishing for a man, if he’s the man you want.

LARA: It’s strange for a schoolteacher to talk so--romantic

ANNA: Romantic! I suppose I am. I was very much in love with my husband, Tom.

LARA: Tom?

ANNA: Once a woman has loved like that, she understands all other women who are in love…and she’s on their side, even if she’s…schoolteacher.

(She opens the locket around her neck and shows it to MISS LARA)

LARA: He was handsome.

ANNA: Oh, dear, yes. He was very handsome. (She sings)

When I think of Tom
I think about a night
When the earth smelled of summer
And the sky was streaked with white,
And the soft mist of England
Was sleeping on a hill--
I remember this,
And I always will…

There are new lovers now on the same
Silent hill,
Looking on the same blue sea,
And I know Tom and I are a part of them
All
And they’re all a part of Tom and me.

Hello, young lovers, whoever you are,
I hope your troubles are few.
All my good wishes go with you tonight
I’ve been in love like you.
Be brave, young lovers, and follow your
Star
Be brave and faithful and true,
Cling very close to each other tonight--
I’ve been in love like you.
I know how it feels to have wings on
Your heels,
And to fly down a street in a trance.
You fly down a street on the chance
That you’ll meet,
And you meet --not really by chance.
Don’t cry, young lovers, whatever you
Do,
Don’t cry because I’m alone;
All of my memories are happy tonight,
I’ve had a love of my own,
I’ve had a love of my own, like yours
I’ve had a love of my own.

(The GENERAL enters)

GEN: The children! The children! They’ve come to be presented to the schoolteacher.

ANNA: But, sir, we have not solved my problem…

GEN: Quiet! You will stand here to meet the children. (He indicates a place for her)

ANNA: Very well, sir.

GEN: The King children….

(Now, to the strains of a march, the children enter, one by one, each advancing first to the GENERAL and saluting him, then moving over to ANNA, and greeting her, after which he backs away across the stage, and takes his place with the women and children who have previously entered. Each succeeding child enters at about the time that his predecessor has greeted ANNA and is backing across the stage. The twins enter together, and the GENERAL holds up two fingers to ANNA, so that she is sure to observe that they are twins. There are other variations. One little girl goes straight to her father, her arms outstretched, but he sternly points to her place in formation. She greets the GENERAL in the formal manner and, very much abashed, goes on to ANNA. One little girl, who had been delegated to give ANNA a rose, forgets it the first time and has run back to ANNA, disgraced by her absent mindedness. The most impressive moment is the entrance of, CHARLIE. The music becomes loud and brave at this point. Then, toward the end of the march, the music becomes softer and ends with the smallest children coming on, the last child backing up and saluting with the others on the last beat of the music. Throughout this procession, ANNA has obviously fallen more and more in love with the children. She is deeply touched by their courtesy, their charm, their sweetness. After they have all greeted her and the GENERAL, she slowly moves to the center of the room. She looks back at the GENERAL, who nods understandingly, and then slowly she starts to untie the ribbons of her bonnet off her head and the children with one accord all rush up to her and surround her. She leans over and hugs all those she can reach, and it is obvious that they are going to be fast friends as the curtain closes)

SCENE THREE

In the Palace grounds
A group of SOLDIERS walk by. From the other side the children enter singing “Home Sweet Home”. They walk two by two, in time to the music. The SOLDIERS exit. The GENERAL enters and gestures to CHARLIE to step out of line. The CHARLIE obeys. The other children continue offstage.

CHARLIE: Father, I’ll be late for school.

GEN: You wait! Please recite the proverb you learned yesterday and wrote down twelve times in your copybook.

CHARLIE: “A thought for the day: East or West, home is best.”

GEN: East, West, home best. Her house! Every day for months! Always something about that house! Are my children to be taught nothing more?

CHARLIE: Yesterday we were taught that the world is a round ball which spins on a stick through the middle and revolves around the sun. Everyone knows that God made the earth as the center of the heavens.

GEN: How can it be that everyone knows one thing, if many people believe another thing?

CHARLIE: Then which is true? (Pause)

GEN: The world is a ball with stick through it…I believe.

CHARLIE: You believe? Does that mean you do not know? (His father does not answer) But you must know, because you are a man.

GEN: Good. Some day you too, will be a man and you too will know everything..

CHARLIE: But how do I learn? And when do I know that I know everything?

GEN: When you are man. Now leave me.(CHARLIE exits. The GENERAL soliloquizes) When you are man. But I do not know. I am not sure of anything (He sings)
When I was a boy
The world was a better spot.
What was so was so,
What was not was not.
Now I am a man--
The world has changed a lot:
Some things nearly so,
Others nearly not.

There are times I almost think
I am not sure of what I absolutely know.
Very often find confusion
In conclusion I concluded long ago.
In my head are many facts
That, as a student, I have studied to procure
In my head are many facts
Of which I wish I was more certain I was sure!
It’s a Puzzlement! What to tell a growing son
What, what for instance, shall I say to him of women?
Shall I educate him on traditional lines?
Shall I tell the boy, as far as he is able,
To respect his wife and love his concubines?
Shall I tell him every one is like the other
And the better one of two is really neither?
If I tell him this I think he won’t believe it--
And I nearly think I don’t believe it either

When my father was a man
He was a man who knew exactly what he knew,
And his brain was not a thing
Forever swinging to and fro and fro and to.
And be willfully unmovable and strong?
Or is better to be right?
Or am I right when I believe I may be wrong?

Shall I join with other nations in alliance?
If allies are weak, am I not best alone?
If allies are strong with power to protect me,
Might they not protect me out of all I own?
Is a danger to be trusting one another,
One will seldom want to do what other wishes…
But unless some day somebody trust somebody,
There’ll be nothing left on earth excepting fishes!

There are times I almost think
Nobody sure of what he absolutely know
Everybody find confusion
In conclusion he concluded long ago,
And it puzzle me to learn
That though a man may be in doubt of what he know,
Very quickly will he fight,
He’ll fight to prove that what he does not know is so!

Oh-h-h-h-h-h!
Sometimes I think that people are going mad!
Ah-h-h-h-h-h!
Sometimes I think that people not so bad!
But no matter what I think
I must go on living life.
As leader of my kingdom I must go forth,
Be father to my children,
And husband to each wife--
Etcetera, etcetera, and forth.
(His arms and eyes raised in prayer)
If my Lord in Heaven, Jesus, shows the way,
Every day I try to live another day.
If my Lord in Heaven, Jesus, shows the way,
Every day I do my best--for one more day!
But…it is a puzzlement!
(The lights go out. The voices of the children are heard in the darkness, coming from the schoolroom)

Scene Four

The schoolroom. Up center is a large stand with a map hanging from it. This is a very old, outdated map. The children are lined up singing their school song. MISS LARA and THERESA stand a little apart from the group, as does LOUIS. CHARLIE is in the group with the children and the other women.

ANNA: Spread out children. That’s fine. Now take your places. Miss Lara will you start?
(ANNA hands the pointer to MISS LARA)

LARA: The blue is ocean. Atlantic in the east and the Pacific in the West. The red--Kentucky (Enthusiastic reaction from the children at KENTUCKY‘S size)

ANNA: Thank you, Miss Lara. Will you take my chair? (MISS LARA sits) The map you have been looking at is an old one. Today we have a surprise. Louis--(LOUIS rolls down an 1862 world map in Mercator projection.) A new map--just arrived from England. It is a gift to us from the general.

LOUIS: The white is Kentucky.
(There is a groan of disbelief and disappointment from the children and wives)

CHARLIE: Kentucky is not so small!

LOUIS: Wait! Let me show you England. (Pause) See! It is almost as small as Kentucky.
(Children indicate approval)

ANNA: For many years, before I came here, Kentucky was to me that little white spot. Now I have lived here for more than a year. I have met the people of Kentucky. And I am learning to understand them.

LUCY: You like us?

ANNA: I like you very much. Very much indeed. (The children express their delight. ANNA sings)
It’s a very ancient saying,
But a true and honest thought,
That “if you become a teacher
By your pupils you’ll be taught.”
As a teacher I’ve been learning
(You’ll forgive me if I boast)
And I’ve now become an expert
On the subject I like most:
(She speaks)
Getting to know you…
(She sings)
Getting to know you,
Getting to know all about you,
Getting to like you,
Getting to hope you like me.
Getting to know you--
Putting it my way, but nicely,
You are precisely
My cup of tea!
Getting to know you,
Getting to feel free and easy;
When I am with you,
Getting to know what to say--
Haven’t you noticed?
Suddenly I’m bright and breezy
Because of
All the beautiful and new
Things I’m learning about you,
Day by day.
(The refrain is taken up by the women and children. At the finish they are all seated on the floor giggling. She rises suddenly, remembering her duties) My goodness! This started out to be a lesson! Now, let’s get back to work!

CHARLIE: (Pointing to the map) What is that green up there?

ANNA: That is Norway. Nor-way. Norway is a very cold place. It is sometimes so cold that all the lakes and rivers freeze, and the water becomes so hard that you can walk on it.

ANNA: And not only is it very cold in Norway, but there is a beautiful phenomenon called the Aurora Borealis that can only be seen in the most northern countries like Norway, Iceland and Finland.

THERESA (Fascinated) Aurora?

ANNA: Yes, Theresa. The Aurora Borealis. Class, repeat after me. Au-ror-a Bor-e-al-is.

WOMEN AND CHILDREN: Aurora Borealis.

ANNA: Aurora was the Roman goddess of the dawn and Boreas comes from the Greek name for the North Wind. The Aurora is a series of glowing lights that can be seen in the night sky. They shimmer and sparkle in all different colors. Like a beautiful twisting rainbow in the night sky.

PAUL: I don’t believe you.

JOSHUA: How come we’ve never seen the Roar O Borlis before?

ANNA: Well, Joshua the Aurora Borealis can only be seen in the very northernmost parts of the world.

CHARLIE: You’re playing a trick on us.

ALL CHILDREN: (Shouting) Yeah! That’s not fair! Why are you tricking us?

GEN: (Entering the schoolroom) What? What? What? What’s going on here. Is this how classes are taught in England?

ANNA: General, you’ve caught us in the middle of a heated discussion. I was describing the Aurora borealis and they refused to believe that there was such a thing.

GEN: Aurora?

ANNA: (Making Aurora gesture) Yes, the aurora.

GEN: Oh, yes…in the night sky.

CHARLIE: Sir, please tell us…how does it glow in the night sky?

GEN: It just does. Mrs. Anna is telling the truth…I’ve seen pictures.

ANNA: Thank you, sir. Class we’ll continue with our discussion of exactly how the Aurora works after lunch.

GEN: Who doesn’t believe Mrs. Anna?

ANNA: Well, sir, after all they have never seen it.

GEN: If they’ll only believe what they see, what’s the sense in having a schoolroom? Do not let me here you not believing your teacher…who I have brought here at a great expense. Children must learn and teachers must teach. Don’t waste time instructing children in silly English songs “Home Sweet House”--to remind me of breaking promises that I never made, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera…

ANNA: General…you did promise me a house. “A brick residence adjoining the main house” Those were your words in your letter.

GEN: I don’t remember such words.

ANNA: I remember them.

GEN: I will do the remembering. Who is in charge here? I’ll remind you--so you remember that! (Screaming) I do not know of any promises. I do not know anything but that you are my servant.

ANNA: Oh, no, sir!
(There is a gasp of astonishment from those in the schoolroom)

GEN: What? What? What? I say you are my servant!

ANNA: No, sir, that’s not true. I most certainly am not your servant!

CHARLIE: (To Louis) I would say your mother has bad manners.

LOUIS: You would, would you? Well, I’d say your father has no manners at all!

ANNA: Louis! (She takes his hand and turns to face the GENERAL) If you do not give me the house you promised, I shall return to England.

LUCY: No! No! No!

FRANKLIN: Don’t go to England!

ALBERT: We’ll learn. We’ll believe the schoolteacher.

ELIZABETH: I believe in the Northern Lights.

LARA: Do not let her go away.

GEN: I’ll let her do nothing, except what is my pleasure. It is my pleasure that you stay here. You’ll stay here in the mansion. In the mansion!

ANNA: No, sir!

GEN: I’ll give you servants. I’ll give you a bigger room.

ANNA: That is not the point, sir.

GEN: Why do you wish to leave these children, all of whom love you so extraordinarily?

ANNA: I don’t wish to leave them. I love them, too…quite extraordinarily. But I cannot stay in a place where a promise has no meaning.

GEN: I will hear no more about this promise…

ANNA: A land where there is talk of honor, and a wish for Louisville to take her place among the great modern cities of the world! Where there is talk of great changes, but where everything still remains according to the wishes of one man!

GEN: You will say no more!

ANNA: (On the edge of tears) I will say no more because I have no more to say. (She starts off) Come, Louis.
(He follows her out, as the women and children call after her: “Please don’t go, Mrs. Anna,” etc. But she goes! The GENERAL stamps his foot angrily to silence them all. Then he shouts a dismissal)

GEN: Out! Out! Out! (They scurry out. He paces up and down, then stops before the map. His voice is low and thoughtful) So big a world! Kentucky is very small… England is very small…all people are very small. No man’s big enough to be alone. No man is big enough! A general? A general’s different! He need’s no one…nobody at all! (Pause) I think!

(He leaves the room)
(In a moment THERESA comes in. She looks around cautiously, then sits on floor with a book. LUCAS enters, then stops quickly, surprised to find THERESA alone)
LUCAS: Where is Mrs. Anna?

THERESA: She will not be with us ever again. She has fought with the General

LUCAS: How can we meet if she is not with us? Mrs. Anna was our only friend, and…

THERESA: We can’t be seen talking like this. Anyone can come in. Pretend you’re waiting for her.

LUCAS (Bitterly) If only we could stop pretending! (He sings)
We kiss in a shadow,
We hide from the moon,
Our meetings are few,
And over too soon.
We speak in a whisper,
Afraid to be heard--
When people are near
We speak not a word!
Alone in our secret,
Together we sigh
For one smiling day to be free
To kiss in the sunlight
And say to the sky:
“Behold and believe what you see!
Behold how my lover loves me!”
(He speaks) Theresa, when can we meet? When?

THERESA: It’s not possible. We can’t meet alone ever--not ever.

(MISS LARA enters at the back, sees the two lovers together, and goes off, unseen by them)

LUCAS (As THERESA suddenly breaks away) What is it?

THERESA: Someone was here! (She looks around fearfully) I had a feeling someone was watching us…Please go!
Please! (He leaves. THERESA sings sadly)
To kiss in the sunlight
And say to the sky:
“Behold and believe what you see!
Behold how my lover loves me!”

INTERMEDIATE SCENE
The Mansion corridor.
LOUIS and CHARLIE enter from opposite sides. After passing each other in unfriendly silence, each repents and turns at about the same time. Then with a common impulse, they rush toward each other and shake hands.

CHARLIE: I’m sorry we almost fought just now.

LOUIS: I am too.

CHARLIE: Are you really going away?

LOUIS: Mother plans to leave on the next steamboat.

CHARLIE: I’m not sure my father will let your mother go.

LOUIS: I am not sure whether my mother will allow your father not to allow her to go.

CHARLIE: Why won’t your mother admit she was wrong?

LOUIS: I don’t believe that Mother thinks she was wrong.

CHARLIE: It’s beginning to look like people don’t know when they are right or wrong--even after they’ve grown up.

LOUIS: I have noticed that, too.

CHARLIE: A puzzlement!…When I left my father a little while ago, I heard him talking to himself. He seemed unsure about many things.

LOUIS: I don’t believe grownups are ever certain--they only talk as if they are certain.

CHARLIE: (Singing)
There are times I almost think
They are not sure of what they absolutely know.

LOUIS:
I believe they are confused
About conclusions they concluded long ago

CHARLIE:
If my father and your mother are not sure of what they absolutely know,
Can you tell me why they fight?

LOUIS:
They fight to prove that what they do not know is so!

CHARLIE: (With the mannerisms of his father)
Oh-h-h-h-h-h!
Sometimes I think that people going mad

LOUIS:
Ah-h-h-h-h-h
Sometimes I think that people aren’t so bad

CHARLIE:
But no matter what I think,
I must go on living life
And some day as a leader I must go forth
Be father to my children
And husband to my wife
Etcetera, etcetera, and so forth.
(His eyes and arms uplifted)
If my Lord in Heaven, Jesus, shows the way
Every day I try to live another day,
If my Lord in Heaven, Jesus, shows the way
Every day I do my best--for one more day.
But--

LOUIS:
It’s a puzzlement.
(The two boys walk off together thoughtfully)

SCENE FIVE

ANNA’s bedroom.
ANNA is sitting on the bed. She has started to undress, but apparently has stopped, engrossed in her thoughts. Her brows knit. She glares at an imaginary adversary. Her nostrils dilate with scorn. Then she starts to let him have it:

ANNA:
Your servant! Your servant!
Indeed I’m not your servant
(Although you give me less than servant’s pay)
I’m a free and independent employee…
Employee
Because I’m a woman
You think, like every woman,
I have to be a slave or concubine--
You conceited, self-indulgent libertine--
Libertine.
How I wish I’d called him that! Right to his face!
Libertine! And while we’re on the subject, sire,
There are certain goings on around this place
That I wish to tell you I do not admire:

I do not like adultery
Or even moderate cuckoldry
(I realize
That in your eyes
That clearly makes a prig o’me)
But I am from a civilized land called Wales,
Where men like you are kept in county gaols.

In your pursuit of pleasure, you
Have mistresses who treasure you
(They have no ken
Of other men
Beside whom they can measure you)
A flock of sheep, and you the only ram--
No wonder you’re the wonder of the land!
(At first elated by this sally a frightened, embarrassed look comes into her eyes. She speaks.)I’m rather glad I didn’t say that…Not with the women right there…and the children.
(She sings wistfully)The children, the children,
I’ll not forget the children.
No matter where I go I’ll always see
Those little faces looking up at me…

At first, when I started to teach
They were shy and remained out of reach
But lately I’ve thought
One or two have been caught
By a word I have said
Or a sentence I’ve read,
And I’ve heard an occasional question
That implied, at least, a suggestion
That the work I was trying to do
Was beginning to show with a few…

That oldest boy Charlie
Is very like his father,
He’s stubborn--but inquisitive and smart
(Sudden tears)
I must leave this place before they break my heart,
I must leave this place before they break my heart!
(She stops, picks up the watch that is on her pillow and looks down at it)
Goodness! I had no idea it was so late.
(She resumes undressing)
Shall I tell you what I think of you?
You’re spoiled!
You’re a conscientious worker
But you’re spoiled.
Giving credit where it’s due
There is much I like in you
But it’s also very true
That you’re spoiled!
(She struts up and down, imitating him)
Everybody’s always saluting
To the Gen’ral,
Everybody has to grovel
To the Gen’ral.
By your Lord you are blessed,
By your ladies you’re caressed
But the one who loves you best
Is the Gen’ral!

How would you like it if you were a man
Playing the part of a toad?
Crawling around on your elbows and knees,
Eating the dust in the road!…
Toads! Toads! All of your people are toads!
Yes, Sir General; No, Sir General.
Tell us how low to go please, General
Don’t let us up off our knees my General.
Give us a kick, if it please you General,
Give us a kick if you would please General--
(Taking an imaginary kick)
Oh! That was good, sir, general!…
(LARA enters and knocks at the door)

ANNA: Who is it?

LARA: Mrs. Anna, it’s me, Lara.

ANNA: At this hour of the night! Come in, Lara.

LARA: Mrs. Anna, will you go to the general?

ANNA: Now? Has he sent for me?

LARA: No. But he would be glad to see you. He is a deeply wounded man. No one has ever spoken to him like you did today in the schoolroom.

ANNA: Miss Lara, no one has ever behaved to me as the general did today in the schoolroom.

LARA: And there are more distressing matters. Our people in Washington have found letters to the White House, from people whose greedy eyes are on our beloved commonwealth. They describe the general as a barbarian, and suggest annexing Kentucky into the Union.

ANNA: That is outrageous! He is many things I do not like, but he is not a barbarian.

LARA: Then you will help him?

ANNA: You mean--advise him?

LARA: It can’t sound like advice. A general cannot take advice. And if you go to him, he will not bring up the subject. You must bring it up.

ANNA: I cannot go to him. It’s against all my principles. Certainly not without his having asked for me.

LARA: He wants to be a new-blooded leader with progressive ideas. But it is hard for him, Mrs. Anna. And there is something else--Theresa. I haven’t told him--for his sake. I’ll deal with this my own way. But for these other things, he needs help, Mrs. Anna.

ANNA: He has you.

LARA: I am not equal to his special needs. He could be a great man. But he needs special help. He needs you.

ANNA: Miss Lara, please don’t think I am being stubborn. But I simply cannot go to him. I will not.

LARA: What more can I say to you?
(She sings)
This is a man who thinks with his heart,
His heart is not always wise.
This is a man who stumble and falls,
But this is a man who tries.
This is a man you’ll forgive and forgive,
And help and protect, as long as you live

He will not always say
What you would have him say,
But now and then he’ll say
Something wonderful.
The thoughtless things he’ll do
Will hurt and worry you--
Then all at once he’ll do
Something wonderful.
He has a thousand dreams
That won’t come true.
You know that he believes in them
And that’s enough for you.
You’ll always go along,
Defend him when he’s wrong
And tell him, when he’s strong
He is wonderful
He’ll always need your love--
And so he’ll get your love--
A man who needs your love
Can be wonderful!
(As she finishes she kneels and looks up at ANNA. ANNA takes her hand and helps her rise. Then she crosses to the bed, picks up her jacket and starts to put it on. LARA, taking this as a sign that her mission is successful, smiles gratefully and leaves ANNA to finish dressing)

INTERMEDIATE SCENE

The Mansion corridor
COL. HOLMES enters and meets MISS LARA.

COL. HOLMES: Did you succeed? Will she go to him?

LARA: She will go. She knows he needs her. Tell him.

COL. HOLMES: I will tell him she is anxious to come. I will tell him it is she who needs him.

LARA: That also will be true. (COL. HOLMES exits) This woman knows many things, but this, I think she does not know…(She sings)
She’ll always go along.
Defend him when he’s wrong
And tell him when he’s strong
He is wonderful
He’ll always need her love
And so he’ll get her love
A man who needs your love
Can be wonderful!

SCENE SIX

The GENERAL’S study.
The GENERAL has been reading a large Bible, which lies open on the desk before him. There are some newspapers also on the floor. The GENERAL is walking up and down impatiently. He goes up and out to the terrace, looks off let, sees something, and hurries down to the Bible and resumes reading it. Presently, ANNA enters on the terrace.

ANNA: (Making a curtsey) Sir. (She comes into the room) Sir. (No answer. She looks down over his shoulder) You’re reading the Bible.

GEN: Mrs. Anna, I think Moses must’ve been a fool.

ANNA: Moses!

GEN: Moses! Moses! Moses! I think he was a fool. Right here it’s written by him that the world was created in six days. You know and I know it took many ages to create the world. I think he must have been a fool to have written so. What’s your opinion?

ANNA: General, the Bible was not written by men of science, but by men of faith. It was their explanation of the miracle of creation, which is the same miracle--whether it took six days or many centuries.

GEN: (Rising) Hm. (He is impressed by her explanation but, of course, would not say so) You have come to apologize?

ANNA: I am sorry, sir, but..

GEN: Good! Apologize.

ANNA: General, I…

GEN: I accept!

ANNA: General, nothing that has been said can alter the fact that in my country, anyone who makes a promise must…

GEN: Silence! Tell me what you think of President Lincoln. Will Mr. Lincoln win this war we have found ourselves in at the present?

ANNA: No one knows, sir.

GEN: Does he have enough guns and ammunition for the Northern armies?

ANNA: I wouldn’t know, sir. I’m afraid military matters are not my area of expertise. Surely, you must know, General.

GEN: I think he could use our help. I shall send him supplies. (Handing her a notebook and pencil) Write a letter to Mr. Lincoln.

ANNA: Now?

GEN: Now! When else! Now is always the best time. (He sits on the floor)

ANNA: Very well, sir.

GEN: (Dictating) From General Charles King… Do you not have any respect for me? (ANNA looks up from her notebook having no idea what he means) Why do you sit when I stand. It is not polite for you to sit while the General stands. In this house, no one sits unless I do. From now on in my presence you shall conduct yourself like everyone else.

ANNA: I shall try very hard sir--but I make no promises.

GEN: (He rises and studies her before he speaks) You are very difficult woman. But you will observe care that you are never seated if I am standing. If I stand you stand. Understood?
(Pause)

ANNA: Very well, General.

GEN: Promise?

ANNA: I promise.

GEN: Good. (He sits and gestures for ANNA to do the same. She does so) To the President of the United States of America. It has occurred to us…(He quickly rises out of his chair) It has occurred to us--(He gives ANNA a significant look, and she reluctantly keeps her promise, rising out of her seat) It has occurred to us that if we were to deliver to you certain ammunitions and supplies that you might be able to…You can fill in the details. (He sits and quickly rises, ANNA does the same) Tonight my mind is on another matter--a very important matter.

ANNA: Anything you want to discuss with me?

GEN: Why would I discuss important matters with a woman?

ANNA: Very well, sir. Then I will say good night.

GEN: Good night!
(ANNA goes up toward the terrace, then turns, to give him another chance)

ANNA: General…

GEN: What, what, what?

ANNA: I was wondering--When the train arrived from Washington yesterday…

GEN: Washington! Hmph!

ANNA: Was there any news about the war?

GEN: News! Yes, there is news! They call me a barbarian.

ANNA: Who?

GEN: Certain parties who would use this as excuse to commandeer this commonwealth. Suppose you were President Lincoln and somebody told you General King is a barbarian. Would you believe them?

ANNA: Well, sir…

GEN: You would! You would! You would believe I am a barbarian because there is no one to speak otherwise.

ANNA: But this is a lie!

GEN: It’s more than a lie!

ANNA: What have you decided to do about it?

GEN: (After a pause) What do you think I’ll do!

ANNA: Well, if someone were sending a big lie about me to Washington, I should do my best to send the truth to Washington…Is that what you have decided to do, sir?

GEN: Yes. That is what I’ve decided to do. (To himself) But how? Guess how I’ll do it!

ANNA: Well, my guess would be that when Edward Ramsay arrives here…

GEN: Ramsay? Ramsay?

ANNA: The Secretary of War.

GEN: Ah, yes-on his way from Pittsburgh.

ANNA: We wrote to him last month.

GEN: When he is here, I shall take the opportunity to express my opinion on Yankee thieves who wish to steal Kentucky. I’ll show him who the barbarian is! What’s that face for?

ANNA: Well, General, my guess is that you will not fight with Secretary Ramsay.

GEN: I won’t?

ANNA: No, sir. You will entertain him and his party in an especially grand manner. In this way you will make them all witnesses in your favor. They will return to Washington and report to the President that you are not a barbarian.

GEN: Naturally…naturally! This is what I intended to do.

ANNA: This is the only way to get the better of them. Stand up to them. Put your best foot forward. Dress up in your best clothes. Show them your most intelligent men, your most beautiful women. Edward admires beautiful women.

GEN: Edward? You’re on a first name basis?

ANNA: We are old friends. I knew him, before I was married, in London when he worked for the American Embassy (Suddenly inspired) We shall dress them up in European fashion.

GEN: You mean dress them in… dresses like yours?
(ANNA nods)

ANNA: How many women can I have to sew for me?

GEN: All the women in the family. How many dresses?

ANNA: That depends on how many ladies are chosen by you, sir.

GEN: You shall tell me which of my women are most like Europeans, for dressing up. (He crosses quickly to a table, rings a bell and shouts) Wake up! Wake up, everybody! Women! Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera! You shall educate them in European custom and manners for presentation.

ANNA: I wonder how much time we shall have.

GEN: Secretary Ramsay’s party last reported just outside of Wheeling. How long he takes depend on how many ports he calls into. Let us say we have one week.

ANNA: One week! But, sir, I don’t think…one week!

GEN: The whole world was created in this time--Moses says so!…Are there any details I haven’t thought of so far?

ANNA: You must give them a fine dinner--a European dinner.

GEN: I was going to.

ANNA: And a ball. With music.

GEN: Music (His face lights up) And dancing!

ANNA: That’s right! Dancing!

GEN: Why didn’t you not think of dancing?

ANNA: It was an inspired idea, sir. (Wives enter in nightdress. THERESA is first. LARA also enters, but not in nightdress) We can give them a theatrical performance. Theresa has written a play, a version of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

GEN: Ha! We shall give them a theatrical performance. We’ll show them who is a barbarian! Line up! Line up! Line up! Miss Lara! On Saturday next, at nine o’clock post meridian, we shall give fine dinner--European dinner, for probably thirty people. (LARA salutes) You are to instruct the steward during the week he will make European dishes for tasting. I will taste and the schoolteacher here will taste. (The children begin coming in, with the women. They rub their eyes and yawn. The GENERAL turns to ANNA) You say who is most European lady for dressing like same. (The GENERAL continues his orders to LARA) You are to make tablecloth of finest white silk for very long table. Also instruct the musicians to learn music of Europe for dancing, etcetera. (The TWINS enter) What? What? What? Am I to be annoyed by children at this moment? (A NURSE, having lost her charge, comes running around him, clapping her hands) Who? Who? Who? (All drop to the floor at his angry tones. Then the object of the NURSE’s solicitude, a very tiny boy, crawls between the GENERAL’s legs and crouches in front of him.) Mrs. Anna, we must be more scientific with children! For the next week, the men and women of my house will work without sleeping until all is ready, and for what is not done, each man and woman shall be beaten a hundred strokes. Everyone must know this, Miss Lara. Tell this to everyone! Above all, I must not be worried by anything…
(There is a tremendous report the sound of a cannon. Discipline is immediately abandoned, and there are shrieks and cries of fear. The children huddle together with the women. The GENERAL and ANNA run up to the terrace)

GEN: What can this be?
(Another terrifying report)

ANNA: Look, sir!

GEN: Cannon fire! (The children move forward) Cannon fire at this hour in the morning! No one may order cannon fire but me.

COL. HOLMES: (Rushing in) General--Secretary Ramsay has arrived from Pittsburgh.

COL. HOLMES: They salute, and we answer with the cannon. It is Edward Ramsay and his party.

ANNA: Now?

COL. HOLMES: Now! They must have come direct from Wheeling. No stops.

ANNA: No stops!

GEN: Tell them to go back! We’re not ready!

COL. HOLMES: Not ready, sir?

GEN: You don’t know, you don’t know. I planned best idea I’ve ever had.

ANNA: We can still do it, sir--you can do it.

GEN: Ha! When the party arrives we will put them to bed. Tomorrow morning we’ll send them on a sightseeing trip.

ANNA: We shall start now, this minute. Work! Work! We have only eighteen hours, but I shall do it somehow!

GEN: I will do it. You will help me. No one will sleep tonight or tomorrow. We’ll work even when the sun shines in the middle of the day. We will…Ah! (suddenly inspired) First we shall ask help from our Lord Jesus. Pray to him! Pray! Pray! Pray! (They all sink to their knees, the GENERAL included, and raise their hands in prayerful attitude. ANNA remains standing but bows her head. The GENERAL prays aloud) Oh, Jesus, give us the aid of your strength and your wisdom.

ALL: Oh, Jesus, give us the aid of your strength and your wisdom
(The KING sits back on his heels)

GEN: And help us to prove to the visiting Yankees that we are extraordinary and remarkable people.

ALL: And help us to prove to our visitors that we are extraordinary and remarkable people.

GEN: Help also Mrs. Anna to keep awake for the sewing of dresses, even though she is only a woman and an Episcopalian, and therefore unworthy of your interest.

(ANNA looks up in surprise at the mention of her name, and comes to the GENERAL in protest)

ALL: Help also Mrs. Anna to keep awake for the sewing of dresses, even though she is only a woman and an Episcopalian, and therefore unworthy of your interest.

GEN: And Jesus, I promise you I shall give this unworthy woman a house--a house of her own--a brick residence adjoining the mansion, according to agreement, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

ALL: And Jesus, I promise you I shall give this unworthy woman a house--a house of her own--a brick residence adjoining the mansion, according to agreement, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

(As they repeat his word, the GENERAL watches to make sure that ANNA imitates him. ANNA and the GENERAL regard each other warily. Who is taming whom?)
Curtain

General King and I -- Part Two

ACT II SCENE ONE

The schoolroom.
It has been converted into a dressing room for tonight. The floor and tables are littered with dressmaking materials. The wives are all dressed in their new hoopskirts, mostly finished, but all are uncomfortable in the unaccustomed clothes. Others are receiving last minute touches from two seamstresses. MISS LARA enters.

LARA: Ladies! Ladies! Clear everything away! Quickly now!
(The wives and seamstresses clear away the materials)

SARA: Miss Lara, what is this costume? (Pointing to the dress) Here is South-- (Pointing to bodice) Here is North!

LARA: We have too much work to do! Can’t move fast in swollen skirt.

EMMIE: Miss Lara, why we have to dress like this for these guests?

LARA: Whatever Mrs. Anna wants us to do is wise and good, but this-- (Indicating hoopskirts) it’s a puzzlement.

ANNA: (Entering) Miss Lara, here are the napkins for dinner. Will you put them on the table?

LARA: Thank you.

ANNA: Thank you. (MISS LARA goes out) Now, ladies, turn around and let me see how you look. (The LADIES spread out and turn so that ANNA can see their backs. The GENERAL enters. They immediately prostrate themselves, the hoops flying up behind them. ANNA sees the horrid truth) Oh, my goodness gracious!

GEN: What’s the trouble now?

ANNA: I forgot! They have practically no--undergarments!

GEN: Undergarments! (He claps hands and the WOMEN rise) How important are undergarments?

ANNA: Of great importance.

GEN: Are you wearing undergarments?

ANNA: Of course, General!

GEN: (Indicating hoopskirt) That a woman has no legs is useless to pretend. Why a swollen skirt?

ANNA: The wide skirt is symbolic. It is the circle within which a female is protected.

GEN: This is necessary? Northern men are so aggressive? (Laughing) I did not no.

ANNA: (Going to the seamstresses, who help her remove her smock) I said it was symbolic.

GEN: These undergarments--they’re made in a symbolic, elaborate and ornamental manner?

ANNA: Sometimes.
(Her gown now revealed, the WOMEN gasp their admiration)

GEN: (Looking at her bare shoulders) This is what you are going to wear?

ANNA: Why, yes. Do you like it?

GEN: This is what all the other visiting ladies will look like?

ANNA: Most of them…I believe.

GEN: You’re certain this is customary? (Indicating her bare shoulders) Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera…

ANNA: Yes, I am certain it is customary. What is so extraordinary about bare shoulders? Your own ladies…

GEN: Ah, yes. But it’s different! They do not wear so much covering on other parts of their body, etcetera, etcetera, and therefore…

ANNA: (Irritated, like any woman who, displaying a new dress, meets unexpected criticism) Therefore what?

GEN: It’s different.

ANNA: I am sorry the general does not approve.

GEN: I didn’t say I don’t approve, but I did say…

SECRETARY: (Entering, saluting the General) Our visitors--they have arrived.
(This causes immediate confusion among the WIVES who huddle in a frightened group)

GEN: (Calling ANNA to him, he gives her a piece of paper) Here is a list of subjects you should try to bring up for discussion. On these subjects I’m quite brilliant, and will make a great impression. You’ll begin with Moses.

ANNA: Now remember, General--Courtwright is the editor of a newspaper in Washington and has great influence with…
(She is interrupted by the entrance of EDWARD RAMSAY, who has wandered into the room by mistake)

MELANIE: (Seeing SIR EDWARD and indicating his monocle) What’s that on your eye?
(The WIVES in an uncontrollable stampede throw their hoopskirts over their heads and rush out. From the look on EDWARD’S face, it is clear that they should have been supplied with undergarments. The ladies are quite embarrassed and run out of the room)

ANNA: Ladies! Ladies! Come back! Don’t! Come back! Oh, dear! Edward! Oh, sir, this is dreadful!

GEN: (Furious) Why have you not educated these girls on Yankee eyeglass?

EDWARD: Ah, my monocle. Hello, Anna, my dear.

GEN: (Before they can complete their handshake) Who? Who? Who?

ANNA: General, may I present the Secretary of War, Edward Ramsay?

EDWARD: (Shaking hands) General. (He turns to ANNA) How are you, Anna?

GEN: I regret, sir, my ladies have not given a good impression.

EDWARD: On the contrary, sir, I have never received so good an impression in so short a time. You have most attractive pupils, Anna.
(The GENERAL is clearly annoyed by the intimacy between ANNA and EDWARD)

ANNA: Tomorrow, you must meet my younger pupils--the general’s children. They are making wonderful progress.

EDWARD: I’d be delighted. (To the GENERAL) How many children do you have, sir?

GEN: Eleven now, but I am hoping for more.

EDWARD: No problem at all about an heir to the throne, is there? (This falls flat with the GENERAL, so he turns to ANNA, but it doesn’t amuse her either) I--er--I suppose I should apologize for wandering into this room. The rest of the party were ahead of me and…

ANNA: I’m so glad you decided to visit us--to visit the General I mean, of course…

EDWARD: It was your postscript to the general’s letter that…

GEN: Postscript?

ANNA: The General was most happy when you decided to accept his invitation…weren’t you, sir?

GEN: (Trying to figure it out) I was… happy.

COL. HOLMES: (Entering) General, dinner is about to be served, and I would first like to present your guests to you in the reception room.

GEN: (Clapping his hands happily, and going off) Dinner, dinner, dinner!

ANNA: (To COL. HOLMES) You have met?

COL. HOLMES: Sir. (He goes off. A waltz is being played offstage)

SIR EDWARD: Anna, my dear, you’re looking lovelier than ever.

ANNA: Thank you, Edward.

EDWARD: Found a job to do, eh? People you can help, that’s it isn’t it? Extraordinary how you become attached to people who need you. (Listening) Do you hear that? Do you know we danced to that once? (She nods) London. Still dance?

ANNA: Not very often.

EDWARD: You should. (He puts his arm around her waist and they dance)

ANNA: Edward, I think we’d better…

EDWARD: Are you sure you don’t get homesick?

ANNA: No, Edward. I told you, I have nothing there--no one.
(The KING enters and watches them)

EDWARD: Anna, do you remember that I once asked you to marry me--before Tom came along?

ANNA: Dear Edward.

GEN: (Interrupting, furiously) We’ll save dancing for
after dinner!

EDWARD: Oh, sorry, sir. I’m afraid I started talking over old times.

GEN: It was my impression Mrs. Anna would be helping to seat our guests at the dinner table, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

EDWARD: In that case, we’d better be going in, Anna.(He moves towards her, offering his arm)

GEN: (Coming between them, offering his arm) Yes, better be going in…Anna.
(She takes the GENERAL’S arm, and they start off, EDWARD following)

ANNA: (After a quick look at the paper the GENERAL has given her) The general made an interesting point about Moses the other day when he was reading the Bible. It seems he takes issue with the statement that…
(They are off)

SCENE TWO

The Mansion grounds.
THERESA enters and crosses the stage, looking back furtively. She starts as she sees MISS LARA.

LARA: Theresa, dinner is over. The general and his guests are on their way to the theater pavilion. Shouldn’t you be there to begin your play?

THERESA: I came out here to memorize my lines.

LARA: (Stopping her as she starts to go) I think not. I have seen you and Mr. Taylor together. I haven’t told the general this. For his sake. I do not wish to upset him. But your lover will leave Kentucky tonight.

THERESA: Tonight?

LARA: Now go to the theatre, Theresa.
(THERESA exits. LARA starts off, stops as she sees LUCAS TAYLOR enter, looks at him with stern suspicion, then exits. LUCAS crosses to the other side, and calls off, in a whisper)

LUCAS: Theresa!

THERESA: (Entering) Turn back and look the other way. (LUCAS instantly does so) I am here in the shadow of the wall. I will stay here until she turns the corner… She has told me you’re leaving Kentucky tonight, but I don’t believe her.

LUCAS: It’s true, Theresa. They have ordered me onto the first boat that leaves for Alabama, and it’s tonight.

THERESA: (Running to him) What will we do?

LUCAS: You are coming with me!

THERESA: Me!

LUCAS: You have been a slave long enough! They’ll all be at the theater. Meet me here, after your play. Everything is arranged.

THERESA: I can’t believe it.

LUCAS: I can. It will be just as I have pictured it a million times.(He sings)
I have dreamed that your arms are lovely,
I have dreamed what a joy you’ll be.
I have dreamed every word you’ll whisper
When you’re close
Close to me
How you look in the glow of evening
I have dreamed, and enjoyed the view.
In these dreams I’ve loved you so
That by now I think I know
What it’s like to be loved by you--
I will love being loved by you.

THERESA:
Alone and awake I’ve looked at the stars,
The same smile that smiled on you;
And time and again I’ve thought all things
That you were thinking too.

I have dreamed that your arms are lovely,
I have dreamed what a joy you’ll be.
I have dreamed every word you’ll whisper
When you’re close,
Close to me.
How you look in the glow of evening
I have dreamed, and enjoyed the view.
In these dreams, I’ve loved you so
That by now I think I know

THERESA AND LUCAS:
What it’s like to be loved by you--
I will love being loved by you.

(ANNA enters. THERESA runs to her)

THERESA: Mrs. Anna!

ANNA: Theresa, they are looking for you at the pavilion. I guessed you were both here. I ran out to warn you. I do think you’re being rather reckless.

THERESA: Yes, I will go. (She starts away, then turns back and surprises ANNA with a suddenly serious tone in her voice) I must say goodbye to you now, Mrs. Anna.

(She kisses ANNA’S hand impulsively, and runs off)

ANNA: Gracious! Anyone would think that she never expected to see me again.

(He looks at her steadily, and catching his look, she crosses to him, looking after THERESA)

LUCAS: Mrs. Anna, we are leaving tonight.

ANNA: Leaving? How?

LUCAS: Don’t ask me how. It’s better if you don’t know. We’ll never forget you, Mrs. Anna (He kisses her hand) Never.

ANNA: (As he goes) God bless you both! (Alone, thoughtfully, she sings)
I know how it feels to have wings on your heels
And to fly down a street in a trance.
You fly down a street on the chance that you’ll meet,
And you meet--not really by chance.
Don’t cry, young lovers, whatever you do,
Don’t cry because I’m alone.
All of my memories are happy tonight,
I’ve had a love of my own.
I’ve had a love of my own, like yours,
I’ve had a love of my own.

(She starts off as the curtain closes)

SCENE THREE
The theater pavilion.
BALLET: “The Small House of Uncle Thomas” It is performed in the manner of a fairy tale. The costumes and sets are reflect the fantastical theme.

THERESA: General, and distinguished guests, I will now put before you “The Small House of Uncle Thomas.”
(A tiny cabin is brought on)

CHORUS:
The Small house of Uncle Thomas!
The Small house of Uncle Thomas!
Written by a woman,
Harriet Beecher Stowe!

THERESA: The Small House is in the Kingdom of Kentucky, ruled by most wicked king in all of America---Simon of Legree. General, I give you…Uncle Thomas!

(He enters from cabin)

CHORUS:
Dear old Uncle Thomas.

THERESA:
Little Eva.
(She enters from cabin)

Chorus:
Blessed Little Eva.


THERESA: Little Topsy
(She enters from cabin)

CHORUS:
Very happy people.
(The happy people dance)

THERESA: Happy people. Happy people. General, I put before you--the slave, Eliza.
(Eliza enters from cabin)

CHORUS:
Poor Eliza, poor Eliza,
Poor unfortunate slave.

THERESA:
Eliza’s lord and master
King Simon of Legree.
She hates her lord and master.
(The drums and cymbal creates a frightening crash, and the dancers again pantomime terror)
And fears him.
(Drum and cymbal again)
This King has sold her lover
To a far away province of Oh-hi-o
Her lover’s name is George.

CHORUS:
George

THERESA:
There’s a baby in her arms
Also called George.

CHORUS:
George
(Eliza enacts what TUPTIM describes)

THERESA:
Eliza says she’ll run away and look for her lover George.

CHORUS:
George.

THERESA:
So she bid good-bye to her friends and start on her escape. “The escape.”
(Eliza now dances and mimes “the escape.”)

CHORUS:
Run, Eliza, run Eliza!
Run from Simon.

THERESA:
Poor Eliza running
And runs into a rainstorm.
(The rainstorm is depicted by dancers waving scarves. After the “storm” is over, ELIZA gives her “baby” a shake to dry it off)Then comes a mountain.
(The mountain is formed by three men)

CHORUS:
Climb, Eliza!
(After climbing the “mountain” ELIZA rubs her feet)

THERESA:
Hide, Eliza!

CHORUS:
Hide, Eliza, hide from Simon!
Hide in forest.
(The trees of the forest are dancers holding branches)

THERESA:
Eliza’s very tired. (ELIZA exits wearily) General, I regret to put before you King Simon of Legree.
(SIMON, wearing a terrible, three-headed masque, is borne on by attendants. His slaves prostrate themselves before him.)

CHORUS:
Because one slave has run away
Simon’s beating every slave.
(SIMON dances down an aisle of quivering slaves, slashing at them with his huge sword)

THERESA: Simon’s a clever man. He decides to hunt Eliza, not only with soldiers, but with vicious dogs who sniff and smell, and find all who run away from King.

(Now the chase ensues. Dancers with the dog masques portray bloodhounds who “sniff and smell” and pick up poor ELIZA’S scent. ELIZA runs from one side of the stage to the other always followed by the dogs, and by more of the KING’S men in each episode, and finally by the horrible SIMON himself. And the pursuers keep getting closer to her)

CHORUS:
Run, Eliza, run!
Run, Eliza, run!

Run, Eliza, run, run.
Run from Simon, run, run!

Eliza run,
Eliza run from Simon, run!
Eliza run,
Eliza run from Simon, run!

Eliza run,
Eliza run,
Run, run!

Simon getting closer…
Eliza getting tired…
Run, Eliza,
Run from Simon,
Run, Eliza, run!

THERESA:
Eliza come to river,
Eliza come to river.

(Two dancer run on with a long strip of blue fabric which they wave to indicate a flowing river, ELIZA stands before the “river” in frustrated horror)

CHORUS:
Poor Eliza!

THERESA:
Who can save Eliza?

CHORUS:
Only Jesus,
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Save her, Jesus
Save her, Jesus, save her!…
What will Jesus do?
(Cymbal crash. The curtains part at back revealing JESUS on a high throne)

THERESA:
Jesus makes a miracle!
(An ANGEL with golden wings enters)Jesus sends an angel down.
Angel makes the wind blow cold.
(The ANGEL blows in the “river” through a golden horn. The strip of fabric, indicating the “river,” is made to lie flat on the stage. It no longer ripples. The “river” is frozen!)
Makes the river water hard,
Hard enough to walk upon.

CHORUS:
Jesus makes a miracle!
Praise to Jesus!
(ELIZA looks down at the river, somewhat puzzled. The ANGEL puts away her horn, then joins ELIZA, takes her hand and proceeds to teach her how to slide on a frozen river)

THERESA:
Angel shows her how to walk on frozen water.
(ELIZA and the ANGEL now do a pas de deux in the manner of two skaters. ELIZA picks it up quickly and seems to like it)Now, as a token of his love,
Jesus makes a new miracle.
(As THERESA describes this new miracle, the CHORUS keeps singing)
CHORUS:
Praise to Jesus!
Praise to Jesus!

THERESA:
Send from heaven stars and blossoms, Looks like lace upon the sky.
(Several men enter with long poles like fishing rods, and from the lines dangle large representations of snowflakes)
So Eliza crossed the river,
Hidden by this veil of lace.
(THERESA steps down a few feet)
I forgot to tell you the name of the miracle--snow!
(Suddenly ELIZA looks terrified, and no wonder!)

THERESA AND CHORUS:
All of a sudden she can see
Wicked Simon of Legree,
Sliding ‘cross the river fast,
With his bloodhounds and his slaves!

(Now SIMON and his slaves enter and ELIZA runs away. The ANGEL, too, has disappeared at the wrong moment. Now, while SIMON and his followers start to slide and skate on the “river,” very much as ELIZA had, the “river” begins to activate again. The strip of fabric is made to wave, and the two men carrying it lift it up and start to envelop SIMON and his party in its folds)

THERESA: What happened to the river?

THERESA AND CHORUS:
Jesus has called out the sun,
The sun has made the water soft.
Wicked Simon and his slaves
Fall in the river and are drowned.

(This is true. The ANGEL has come back with a huge sun, which he holds and directs upon the river. The fabric is wrapped around SIMON and his party, and they are dragged off in it, drowned as they can be)

THERESA: On other side of river is pretty city, Canada, where Eliza sees a lovely small house--guess who lives in the house? (A small replica of the first cabin is brought on, but this one has snow on the roof and ice on the windowpanes) Uncle Thomas.
(He enters as before)

CHORUS:
Dear old Uncle Thomas.

THERESA:
Little Eva.
(She enters)

CHORUS:
Blessed Little Eva.

THERESA:
Little Topsy.
(She enters)

CHORUS:
Mischief-maker, Topsy.

THERESA:
Lover George.
(The ANGEL enters, but this time without wings)

CHORUS:
Faithful lover George.

THERESA:
Who is looking like angel to Eliza.
(A chord is struck)
They have all escaped from
The Wicked King and made a happy reunion.
(They do a brief dance)
Topsy’s glad that Simon‘s dead,
Topsy dances for joy.
(She dances a few steps, then strikes a pose)
I tell you what Harriet Beecher Stowe says
That Topsy says:
(Cymbal crash)“I specks I’ sede wickedest critter
In de world!”
(Another cymbal crash. THERESA frowns, an earnest, dramatic not comes into her voice. She steps forward)But I don not believe
Topsy is a wicked critter.
Because I too am glad
For death of King.
Of any King who pursues
Slave who is unhappy and tries to join her lover!
(The dancers look frightened. THERESA’S emotions are running away with her)And, general,
I wish to say to you…
Sir, with respect--
(A chord is struck. THERESA collects herself)
And honored guests…
I will tell you the end of the story…
(The dancers look relieved. She is back in the make-believe tale of “Uncle Thomas”)
It’s a very sad ending.
Jesus has saved Eliza
But with the blessings of Jesus
Also comes sacrifice.
(Cymbal crash. Jesus is again revealed)

CHORUS:
Poor Little Eva,
Poor Little Eva,
Poor unfortunate child.
(EVA comes to center, weeping)

THERESA:
It’s Jesus’s wish
That Eva come to him
And thank him personally
For saving Eliza and the baby.
And so she dies
And goes to the arms of Jesus.
(EVA, bowing her sad adieux to the audience, turns and climbs the steps to Jesus’s high throne)

CHORUS:
Praise to Jesus,
Praise to Jesus!

(The music mounts in loud and uplifting crescendo. The curtain closes on the tragic tableau. The singers and dancers perform bows in front of the curtain)

SCENE FOUR

The GENERAL’S study.
ANNA is seated on a pile of books beside the GENERAL‘s desk. The GENERAL is walking up and down, smoking a long cigar, EDWARD is standing, center, and the COL. HOLMES is in the shadow to his left. It is night, after the banquet.

EDWARD: The evening was a great success, sir. I enjoyed Theresa’s play immensely.

GEN: This play did not succeed with me. It’s immoral for a man to drown when pursuing a slave who deceives him. (Pacing angrily) Immoral! Immoral! Theresa will hear about this.

EDWARD: Your conversation at dinner was very amusing.

GEN: I was forced to laugh myself. I was very funny.

EDWARD: The President and the governor will be very glad to know that we have come to such “felicity of agreement” about Kentucky.

GEN: And I am very happy as well. Very happy.

EDWARD: I think now, with your permission, I should take my leave. (EDWARD shakes his hand, then nods his head to ANNA) Goodbye, Anna, my dear. It was lovely to see you again.

ANNA: Goodbye, Edward. (He goes out, escorted by COL. HOLMES. The GENERAL turns to ANNA) Well, sir…

GEN: It is all over.(He puts his cigar in a bowl, very glad to be rid of it)

ANNA: May I remove my shawl? It is a very hot night. (She does so. This makes the GENERAL vaguely uneasy. He closes his own jacket across his bare chest as if to compensate for ANNA’S lack of modesty) I am pleased about everything.

GEN: (Trying not to be too sentimental about this) I am aware of your interest. I want to say that you have been a great help to me in this endeavor. I would like to give you a gift. (He takes a ring from his desk and holds it out to her across the table, not looking at her) I hope you will accept. (She takes it slowly and gazes at it) Put it on finger! (Still stunned, she does not move or speak) Put it on! Put it on!
(His voice is gruff and commanding. She obeys him, slowly putting the ring on the index finger of her left hand)

ANNA: General, I do not know what to say!

GEN: When one does not know what to say, it’s a time to be quiet! (There is a pause. Both are embarrassed. The GENERAL makes small talk) There was a rainbow over the river this morning after the rain.

ANNA: You regard that as good luck, don’t you?

GEN: Yes. Everything is going well with us.

ANNA: (Warmly) Everything is going well with us.
(A gong sounds off left)

GEN: Who is it, who is it?

COL. HOLMES: (Offstage) It’s me, sir.

GEN: Wait, wait, wait! (He goes to ANNA with a vaguely guilty manner and amazes her by replacing her shawl around her shoulders, then he calls offstage) Come in! Come in!

COL. HOLMES: (Entering and bowing) General…

GEN: Well, well, well?

COL. HOLMES: Sergeant West is here. He has a report for you.

GEN: (As ANNA rises) You will wait here.
(He goes out)

ANNA: Sergeant West?

COL. HOLMES: Your finger shines.

ANNA: Yes. The General. I did not know what to say. Women in my country don’t accept gifts from men. Of course, he’s the general…Actually, it places me in a rather embarrassing position. I was intending to ask him for a rise in salary. And now…

COL. HOLMES: And now it will be difficult to ask.

ANNA: Very. I don’t suppose you would speak to him for me--about my rise in salary, I mean.

COL. HOLMES: I think I’ll do this for you, because this is a strange world in which men and women can be very blind about the things nearest to them.

ANNA: Thank you, Colonel Holmes. I don’t understand what you mean, but…

COL. HOLMES: No, but that does not matter--and I don’t think he will raise your salary, anyway.

GEN: Ha! Good news and bad news have come together. (To COL. HOLMES) I need you to stay up all night until we have further report on Theresa.

COL. HOLMES: I had intended to do so, sir.
(He bows and goes out)

ANNA: (Rising) Perhaps I had better go, too.

GEN: No! No! No! I wish to talk with you.

ANNA: Is there something wrong with Theresa?

GEN: I do not know, nor do I consider this the most important thing I must tell you. It is of greater interest that certain parties in Washington think highly of me. My spies have served coffee after dinner, and listened as they talked and have reported the conversation of our Yankee visitors.

ANNA: You have been spying on our guests?

GEN: How else can you find the truth. It appears I have made quite an impression. It’s clear they don’t think I’m a barbarian.

ANNA: This is what we intended to prove.

GEN: Yes, exactly! (Suddenly switching to the second item) Theresa!

ANNA: What about her?

GEN: She is missing from the grounds. You know something about this?

ANNA: (Frightened) The last time I saw her, she was at the theater pavilion.

GEN: That is the last time anyone saw her. She never spoke to you of running away?

ANNA: I knew she was unhappy.

GEN: Unhappy? What is greater honor for a young girl than to be in the service of such a family?

ANNA: General…If Theresa is caught, shall she be punished?

GEN: Naturally. What would you do if you were me?

ANNA: I believe I would give her a chance to explain. I think I would try not to be too harsh.

GEN: Hmph.

ANNA: General, of what interest to you is one girl like Theresa? She is just another woman, as an ear of corn is just another ear of corn, no different from any other ear of corn.

GEN: Now you understand about women! (He picks up a book from the table) But British poets…

ANNA: You have been reading poetry, Your Majesty?

GEN: Out of curiosity over these strange ideas of love, etcetera, etcetera. I tell you this poetry is nonsense, and a silly complication of a pleasant simplicity. (He sings)
A woman who is a female who is human,
Designed for pleasing man, the human male.
A human male is pleased by many women,
And all the rest you hear is a fairy tale.

ANNA:
Then tell me how this fairy tale began, sir
You cannot call it just a poet’s trick.
Explain to me why many men are faithful
And true to one wife only--

GEN:
They are fools!

ANNA: (Speaking) But you do expect women to be faithful.

GEN: Naturally.

ANNA: Why naturally?

GEN: Because it is natural. It’s like the old rhyme. (He sings)
A girl must be like a blossom
With honey for just one man.
A man must live like a honey bee
And gather all he can.

To fly from blossom to blossom
A honey bee must be free,
But blossom must not ever fly
From bee to bee to bee.

ANNA: You consider this sensible poetry, sir?

GEN: Certainly. But listen to this, from your own poet Alfred Tennyson. (He reads from the book)
“Now folds the lily all her sweetness up,
And slips into the bosom of the lake…
So fold thyself, my dearest, thou, and slip
Into my bosom…
(He looks sternly at ANNA) English girls are so--acrobatic?

ANNA: (Laughing) General, I don’t know if I can ever make it clear to you…We do not look on women as just human females. They are…Well, take yourself. You are not just a human male.

GEN: I am a general, the king of my castle.

ANNA: Exactly. So every man is like a King and every woman like a Queen, when they love one another.

GEN: This is a foolish idea.

ANNA: It is a beautiful idea, sir. We are brought up with it, of course, and a young girl at her first dance…

GEN: Young girls? They dance, too? Like I see tonight? In the arms of men not their husbands?

ANNA: Why, yes.

GEN: I would not permit.

ANNA: It’s very exciting when you’re young, and you’re sitting on a small gilt chair, your eyes lowered, terrified that you’ll be a wallflower. Then you see two black shoes--white waistcoat--a face…It speaks! (She sings)
We’ve just been introduced,
I do not know you well,
But when the music started
Something drew me to your side.
So many men and girls are here in each other’s arms--
It made me think we might be
Similarly occupied.
(The KING sits on his throne table watching ANNA, a new interest coming into his eyes)Shall we dance?
On a bright cloud of music shall we fly?
Shall we dance?
Shall we then say “good night” and mean “goodbye”?
Or, perchance
When the last little star has left the sky,
Shall we still be together
With our arms around each other
And shall you be my new romance?
On the clear understanding
That this kind of thing can happen,
Shall we dance?
Shall we dance? Shall we dance?

(ANNA, carried away by her reminiscent mood, dances around the room until she glides by the GENERAL and realizes that he is looking at her very much as he might look at one of his dancing girls. This brings her to an abrupt stop)

GEN: Why did you stop? You dance well. Go on! Go on! Go on!

ANNA: General, I--I didn’t realize I was--after all, I’m not a dancing girl. In England we don’t--that is, a girl would not dance while a man is looking at her.

GEN: But she will dance with a strange man, holding hands, etcetera, etcetera?

ANNA: Yes. Not always a strange man. Sometimes a very good friend.

GEN: (Pause) Good! We’ll dance together. You can show me. (ANNA looks a little uncertain) You teach! You teach! You teach!
(He holds out his hands and she takes them)

ANNA: It’s quite simple, the polka. You count, “one two three and one two three and one two three and--”

GEN: One two three and.

ANNA: (Singing)
Shall we dance?

GEN:
One two three and.

ANNA:
On a bright cloud of music shall we fly?

GEN:
One two three and.

ANNA:
Shall we dance?

GEN:
One two three and.

ANNA:
Shall we then say “goodnight” and mean “goodbye”?

GEN:
One two three, and. (He sings)
Or perchance,
When the last little star has leave the sky

ANNA:
Shall we still be together,
With our arms around each other,
And shall you by my new romance?
(The GENERAL sings the word “romance” with her)On the clear understanding
That this kind of thing can happen
Shall we dance? Shall we dance? Shall we dance?
(The orchestra continues and ANNA continues her lesson) One two three, and--
(She leads the GENERAL by his hands)

GEN: One two three--one two three--(He stops) What’s wrong? I know! I know! I forgot “And.” This time I’ll remember.

GEN AND ANNA: (Counting together as they resume dancing) One two three and, one two three and, one two three and…

ANNA: That’s splendid, sir!

GEN: Splendid. One two and--(He stops and protests petulantly) You’ve thrown me off count! (They start again) One two three and, one two three and. (They circle. Suddenly he stops) This isn’t right!

ANNA: Yes, it is. You were doing…

GEN: No! No! No! It’s not right. It’s not the way I saw everyone dancing tonight.

ANNA: Yes, it was. It was just like that.

GEN: No!…You weren’t holding hands like this.

ANNA: (Suddenly realizing what he means) Oh…No…as a matter of fact…

GEN: It was like this. No?
(Looking very directly into her eyes he advances on her slowly and puts his hand on her waist)

ANNA: (Scarcely able to speak) Yes.

GEN: Come! One two three and, one two three and…(They dance a full refrain and dance it very well indeed, rhythmically and with spirit, both obviously enjoying it. They stop for a moment, stand off and laugh at each other. Then he wants more. He goes back to her slowly) Good! Come! We try again. This time I’ll do better.

ANNA: Very well, sir.
(They dance again, but only for a few whirls before a gong crashes, and COL. HOLMES burst in)

COL. HOLMES: General…
(He prostrates himself. ANNA and the GENERAL stop and separate quickly)

GEN: (Furious) Why do you come barging in without waiting?

COL. HOLMES: We have found Theresa.

GEN: (A pause. He folds his arms, suddenly stern. His speech is cold and deliberate) Where is she?

COL. HOLMES: Sgt. West is questioning her.

ANNA (Terrified for THERESA) Now you have found her, what will you do with her?

GEN: (Now miles away from her) I will do--what is usually done to a runaway slave.

ANNA: What is that?

GEN: When it happens you will know.

(THERESA dashes on, falls on her knees at ANNA’S feet and clings to her skirt. Two GUARDS run after her, SGT. WEST and the LIEUTENANT take positions at the door)
THERESA: Mrs. Anna! Mrs. Anna! Do not let them beat me! Do not let them!
(The GUARDS silence her roughly and drag her away from ANNA)

COL. HOLMES: She was found on a ferry trying to cross the river into Ohio. See! She wears the disguise of a nurse!

GEN: (Shouting down at THERESA’S prostrate, quivering figure) Who gave you this disguise? Who? Who? Who?

COL. HOLMES: We believe she was running away with the man who brought her here from Alabama.

GEN: (Deep humiliation in his voice) Dishonor. Dishonor. Dishonor.

COL. HOLMES: He was not found on the boat.

GEN: (To THERESA) Where is the man?

THERESA: I do not know.

GEN: You will tell us where we to find him! You will tell us!

THERESA: I do not know.

COL. HOLMES: It is believed you were lovers with this man.

THERESA: I was not lovers with this man.

GEN: Dishonor. We will soon know the truth of this matter.
(He signals the GUARDS. They tear the nurses disguise off her, leaving her back bare. One of them unwinds a stout whip)

THERESA: Mrs. Anna!

ANNA: (Throwing herself on the man with the whip) Stop that! Do you hear me? Stop it!

GEN: (Coldly to ANNA) It’d be better if you understand right now that this matter does not concern you.

ANNA: But it does. It does, dreadfully…because of her and even more because of you.

GEN: You’re wasting my time.

ANNA: She’s an only a child. She was running away because she was unhappy. Can’t you understand that? General, I beg of you--don’t throw away everything you’ve done. This girl hurt your vanity. She didn’t hurt your heart. You haven’t got a heart. You’ve never loved anyone. You never will.

GEN: (Pause. The GENERAL, stung by ANNA’S words, seeks a way to hurt her in return) I’ll show you! (He snatches the whip from the GUARD) Give it to me!

ANNA: I cannot believe you are going to do this dreadful thing.

GEN: You don’t believe, eh? Maybe you will believe when you hear her screaming as you run down the hall! (Pause)

ANNA: I am not going to run down the hall. I am going to stay here and watch you!

GEN: Hold this girl! (Two GUARDS grab THERESA’S arms) I do this myself.

ANNA: You are a barbarian!

GEN: Down! Down! Down! (The GUARDS hold THERESA down) Am I the master, or am I not? Am I to be a cuckold in my own house? Am I supposed to take orders from an English schoolteacher?

ANNA: No, not orders…

GEN: Silence!…(He hands the whip to COL. HOLMES) I am a man and I will rule in my way! (Tearing off his jacket) Not English way, not French way, not Chinese way. My way! (He flings jacket at ANNA and takes back the whip from COL. HOLMES) Barbarian, you say. There is no barbarian worse than a weak leader, and I am a strong leader. You hear? Strong.

(He stands over THERESA, raises the whip, meets ANNA’S eyes, pauses, then suddenly realizing he cannot do this in front of her, he hurls the whip from him, and in deep shame, runs from the room. After a moment of silence, COL. HOLMES snaps his fingers, and the GUARDS yank THERESA to her feet. They are about to drag her off when the LIEUTENANT comes forward and speaks to COL. HOLMES)

LIEUTENANT: The man--the lover has been found. He is dead.

THERESA: Dead…Then I will join him soon…soon.
(The GUARDS drag her off. The LIEUTENANT follows. COL. HOLMES turns and looks at ANNA scornfully)

ANNA: I don’t understand you--you or your General. I’ll never understand him.

COL. HOLMES: You! You have destroyed him. You have destroyed the general…He cannot be anything that he was before. You have taken all this away from him. You have destroyed him. (His voice growing louder) You have destroyed the general.

ANNA: The next boat that comes to the port of Louisville--no matter where it goes, I shall be on it. (She takes the ring from her finger and holds it out to him) Give this back to him!

(COL. HOLMES takes it. This is the final humiliation for the GENERAL to suffer)

COL. HOLMES: (Shouting, with heartbroken rage) I wish you had never come to Kentucky!

ANNA: So do I! (She sobs) Oh, so do I! (She runs off)

INTERMEDIATE SCENE

The Mansion grounds.
Townspeople and children come on, eagerly watching offstage for the approaching procession. CAPTAIN ORTON enters and meets the GENERAL’S SECRETARY.

SECRETARY: Captain Orton! Your ship has docked in time! We are just starting our Independence Day parade.

ORTON: Where is the general? I didn’t see him in the parade.

SECRETARY: (His face clouding) The general is very ill. Very ill.

(The procession now crosses the stage. Cymbal players, banner bearers, girls carrying huge oversized heads, and finally a dragon weaves on with four pairs of human legs propelling it. Girls dressed as strange birds dance around it. Finally CHARLIE enters, accompanied by several other members of his family. When CHARLIE reaches the center of the stage, the LIEUTENANT runs on and bows before him. The CHARLIE halts)

LIEUTENANT: Charles, you have to stop!

CHARLIE: Why?

LIEUTENANT: Your father is worse!

CHARLIE: Worse?

LIEUTENANT: You should hurry home as fast as possible.

CHARLIE: (Turning to those who are near him) Go on with the parade.
(He starts off and then quickens his pace, deeply worried. The procession continues, but with all its gay spirit gone. The lights fade)

SCENE FIVE

A room in ANNA’S house. It has been dismantled except for a few pieces of furniture. There is a crate, up center, a Victorian chair, a coffee table, and another chair. As the curtain rises MISS LARA is seated, looking thoughtful and worried.

CHARLIE: (Entering) Mom! The colonel told me you were here. I think Mrs. Anna and Louis have already left for the boat.

LARA: No, Charles. Some of their boxes are still here. The servant said they would be back soon.

(CHARLIE walks slowly toward his mother and stands before her)

CHARLIE: Mom, what’s wrong with father?

LARA: It is his heart. Also, he does not seem to want to live.

CHARLIE: Mom, I’m scared. I’m scared because I love him and also because if he dies, I’ll be the head of the family, and I don’t know how to be.

LARA: Many men learn this after they become the head of a household.

CHARLIE: I have been thinking a lot about the things Mrs. Anna used to tell us in her classroom…Of slavery, etcetera, etcetera, and I think what she said about religion, and how it is a good and noble concern that each man find for himself what is right and wrong.

LARA: These are good things to remember, my son, and it will be good to remember the one who taught them.

LOUIS: (Entering) Charlie!
(They shake hands.)

ANNA: (Entering after LOUIS) Miss Lara! How nice of you to come to say goodbye! I was down at the ship seeing that all my boxes were on. Captain Orton must sail with the tide.

LARA: Mrs. Anna, I did not come only to say goodbye. I’ve come for someone who must see you. (ANNA, guessing whom she means, turns away) You must go to him, Mrs. Anna…When he heard that you were leaving today, he started to write this letter. (She unrolls a sheet of paper she has been holding) All day he has been writing. It was very difficult for him, madam--very difficult. He has commanded that I bring it to you.
(Anna takes the letter)

CHARLIE: Please read it to all of us. I would like to hear what my father has said.

ANNA: (Reading) “While I am lying here, I think maybe I’ll die. This heart, which you say I haven’t got, is a matter of concern. It occurs to me that there should be nothing wrong that men will die, for all that matters about a man is that he should have tried his best. In looking back, I discover that you think much on those people who require that you live up to the best of yourself. You have spoken the truth to me always, and for this I have often lost my temper with you. But now I do not wish to die without expressing this gratitude, etcetera, etcetera. I think it’s very strange that a woman has been the most important help of all. But, Mrs. Anna, you must remember that you have been a very difficult woman, and much more difficult than the average woman.” (Tears come into ANNA’S voice. She looks up at LARA) I must go to him! (She starts out) Come, Louis!
(They go, followed by LARA and CHARLIE)

INTERMEDIATE SCENE

Mansion corridor.
ANNA enters, followed by MISS LARA, CHARLIE and LOUIS.

LARA: I will see if he is awake. I will tell him you are here.
(She goes out with CHARLIE)

LOUIS: Mother, I thought you and the general were very angry with each other.

ANNA: We were, Louis.

LOUIS: Now he’s dying--does that make you better friends?

ANNA: I suppose so Louis. We can’t hurt each other any more.

LOUIS: I didn’t know he hurt you.

ANNA: When two people are as different as we are, they are almost bound to hurt each other.

LOUIS: He always frightened me.

ANNA: I wish you had known him better, Louis. You could have been great friends. (Smiling down at him) In some ways he was just as young as you.

LOUIS: Was he as good a man as he could have been?

ANNA: Louis, I don’t think any man has ever been as good a man as he could have been…but this one tried. He tried very hard.
(Pause. LOUIS studies her)

LOUIS: You really like him, don’t you, Mother?

ANNA: (Barely controlling her tears) Yes, Louis. I like him very much. Very much indeed. (Looking offstage) We can go in now. (They start off as the lights fade)

SCENE SIX

The GENERAL’S study.
The GENERAL lies on his bed, his head propped up slightly. His eyes are closed. MISS LARA kneels beside him. CHARLIE is crouched on the floor in front of her, and above the bed COL. HOLMES kneels and never takes his eyes from the GENERAL’S face. Shortly after the rise of the curtain LOUIS enters and formally salutes the GENERAL. He is followed by ANNA, who curtseys and seats herself on a pile of books at the foot of the GENERAL’S bed. The GENERAL’S eyes open. Presently he addresses ANNA.

GEN: Many months…Many months I do not see you, Mrs. Anna. And now I die.

ANNA: Oh, no. Sir.

GEN: This is not scientific, Mrs. Anna. I know if I’m dying. You are leaving Kentucky? (ANNA nods) When?

ANNA: Very soon, sir. In fact, I can stay only a few minutes more.

GEN: Are you happy about this? (ANNA can find no answer) The children, etcetera, etcetera, are not glad, and all are very sad for your departure.

ANNA: I shall miss them.

GEN: You shall miss them, but you shall be leaving. I too am leaving. But I am not walking onto a boat with my own feet, of my own free will. I am just…leaving. (His eyes close, but he has seen where ANNA is sitting) I am not afraid of what is happening to me. (He whistles the melody of the “Whistling Song.” ANNA looks at him with quick surprise. He smiles and explains)You teach Charlie. Charlie teaches me… “Make believe you’re brave”-- it’s a good idea, always.

ANNA: You are very brave, sir. Very brave.

GEN: (Taking from his finger the ring he has given her once before) Here is--something that belongs to you. Put it on. (He holds it out to her) Put it on! Put it on! Put it on! (Then, for the first time in his life, he puts a plea in his voice) Please…wear it. (ANNA takes it, unable to speak, and puts it on. After a moment, the children enter. MISS LARA rises hastily to quiet the children. The GENERAL hears them) My children? Tell them to come here. (They hurry in and surround their father) Good evening, children.

CHILDREN (Together) Good evening, father. (Then they rush to ANNA, clustering around her, hugging her, greeting her in overlapping speeches) Oh, Mrs. Anna. Do not go! We are happy to see you. We have missed you so much, Mrs. Anna. Will you stay, Mrs. Anna? Do not go away!

MISS LARA: Stop! Stop this noise! Did you come to see your father or Mrs. Anna?

GEN: (He has watched the children with interest) It is all right, Miss Lara. It‘s fine. (The children settle on the floor around ANNA) I believe someone has written a farewell letter to Mrs. Anna?

LARA: Margaret has composed letter to Mrs. Anna. She cannot write. She only makes up words.
(MARGARET stands up)

GEN: Speak. (MARGARET is uncertain) Say it! Say it! Say it!

MARGARET: (Reciting her “letter”) Dear friend and teacher: goodness gracious, do not go away! We are in great need of you. We are like one blind. Do not let us fall down in darkness. Continue good and sincere concern for us and lead us in right road. Your loving pupil, Margaret King.
(ANNA, rises, unable to speak, rushes to the little girl and hugs her)

CHILDREN: (As ANNA looks uncertainly at the GENERAL) Tell us, Mrs. Anna. What to do when we’re afraid? Teach us.

ANNA: (With a great effort to control her tears, she sings)
Whenever I feel afraid
I hold my head erect
(The children hold their heads up in imitation of her)And whistle a happy tune
So no one will suspect
I’m afraid.
While shivering in my shoes
I strike a careless pose
(Her eyes go to LOUIS, who strikes the “careless pose.” All the children imitate him)
And whistle a happy tune
And no one ever knows
I’m afraid.

GEN: (Speaking over the music) You see? You make believe you’re brave, and you whistle. Whistle! (The children look at him, not comprehending. He addresses ANNA) You show them!

(ANNA whistles. The GENERAL motions to the children. They all try to whistle, but cannot. Finally, something like a whistle comes from the twins. This is too much for ANNA. She kneels and throws her arms around them, weeping freely. The sound of a boat whistle is heard off in the distance)

LOUIS: (Crossing to ANNA and tapping her shoulder) Mother…It’s the boat! It’s time!
(The children look at her anxiously. She rises)

CHILDREN: Do not go, Mrs. Anna. Please do not go.
(Pause. Then, suddenly, ANNA starts to remove her bonnet)

ANNA: Louis, please go down and ask Captain Orton to take all our boxes off the ship. And have everything put back into our house.
(LOUIS runs off eagerly. The children break into shouts of joy)

GEN: Silence! (At the note of anger in his voice, the children, wives, MISS LARA--all fall prostrate) It’s no reason for doing of this demonstration for schoolteacher realizing her duty, for which I pay her exorbitant monthly salary of twenty…five pounds! Furthermore, this is disorganized behavior for the bedroom of dying General! (To CHARLIE, who has remained crouching below the bed) Charles! Up! (The boy rises) Mrs. Anna, you take notes. (He hands her a notebook, and she sits on the pile of books) You take notes from--the next man of the house. (MISS LARA lifts her head as the KING continues to the momentarily tongue-tied CHARLIE) Well, well, well? Is there nothing you would do?

CHARLIE: (In a small, frightened voice) I…would give commands.

GEN: Yes, yes.

CHARLIE: First I would give a command for the coming New Year--fireworks. (The GENERAL nods his approval) Also boat races.

GEN: Boat races? Why would you have boat races with the New Year celebration?

CHARLIE: I like boat races. (His confidence is growing. He speaks a little faster) And, father, I would give a second order.
(He swallows hard in preparation for this one)

GEN: Well, go on! What is second proclamation? Make it! Make it!

CHARLIE: Regarding custom for non-military persons of bowing to salute the General. (Her starts to pace, very like his father) I do not believe this is a good thing. It causes much embarrassment fatigue of body, degrading experience for soul, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera…This is a bad thing. (He crosses his arms defiantly) I believe. (He is losing his nerve a little) You’re angry with me, father?

GEN: Why do you ask question? If you are leader you do not ask questions of a sick, old man--(Glaring at ANNA) Nor of a woman! (Pointing an accusing finger at her) This command against saluting I believe to be your fault!

ANNA: Oh, I hope so, sir. I do hope so.
(Music of “He Can Be Wonderful” starts to be played here--very softly)

CHARLIE: (Snapping his fingers) Up! Rise up! (A few rise, uncertain whether they should obey him)

GEN: Up! Up! Up! (They all rise quickly) Two lines, like soldiers. (They line up) It has been said there shall be no saluting for showing respect. It has been said by one who has…been trained for leadership.
(His head sinks back on the pillow, and his voice on the last word was obviously weak)

CHARLIE: (His voice stronger and more decisive) No saluting, but this does not mean, however, that you do not show respect. (The GENERAL’S eyes close) You will stand with shoulders square back, and chin high…like this. (ANNA turns and notices that the GENERAL’S eyes are closed. COL. HOLMES, knowing that he has died, crawls on his knees to the head of the bed, and crouches there, heartbroken, and not wishing other people to see that he is weeping. CHARLIE continues his instructions) You will bow to me--the gentlemen, in this way, only bending the waist. (As he shows them and continues speaking, ANNA glides to the head of the bed, and feels the GENERAL’S hand. Then she comes around the foot of the bed and sinks to the floor beside him, taking his hand and kissing it) The ladies will make a dip, as in Europe. (He starts to show them a curtsey, but cannot) Mother--

(MISS LARA crosses to the center and drops a low curtsey before the women. As the music swells, all the women and girls carefully imitate her, sinking to the floor as the curtain falls, a final obeisance to the dead GENERAL, a gesture of allegiance to his son)

Curtain