The Soldier’s Tale libretto Music by Igor Stravinsky Text by C. F. Ramuz A new translation by Elizabeth Diamond ©2014
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The Soldier’s Tale
The Reader sits before a small table with a little jug of wine and an old, tattered book. The orchestra sits on the other side of the stage. Introduction reader:
« The Soldier’s March » Down a beaten dusty track Tramps a soldier with his pack. Two weeks’ leave is all he’s got On he tramps, tired and hot. Tramps for miles, tramps for miles and miles On he tramps and tramps and still Always one more endless hill. The music (drums) continues. The SOLDIER enters during the music. The SOLDIER drops his pack near a stream, as the music ends. His back is so tired, his boots are in shreds… The SOLDIER sits by the stream. “Be a soldier!” Helluva way to get ahead! The SOLDIER opens his pack. Not a dime for a drink; never a break. Perfect! My stuff is all over the place. My St. Joseph medal! Gone! Not a trace! (It was silver! His own patron saint on the face!) Ah! Thank God!... He rummages more, … Wet socks, an apple — rats! Just the core. Spent ammo, oh, perfect — his mirror’s cracked too! (A busted-up face will just have to do.) But the snapshot? Where is it? (His girl gave it to him…) He’s found it. Digs further and from deep within He pulls out a bow and a small violin.
soldier:
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(tunes his violin) This old thing didn’t cost me a dime… Just have to tune it all the time…
Libretto
Scene I
The SOLDIER begins to play: « Airs by a Stream » The DEVIL appears – a little old man with a butterfly net. Suddenly he stops and listens. The SOLDIER hasn’t seen him. The DEVIL hides. The DEVIL approaches the SOLDIER from behind. The DEVIL puts a hand on the SOLDIER’s shoulder. The music ends.
devil: soldier: devil: soldier: devil:
soldier: devil:
Give me your fiddle. No! Sell it to me. No! (putting down his butterfly net and taking in his right hand the book tucked under his left arm) Trade you for this book. Can’t read. Who said anything about reading? Sure, it’s a book, but let me tell you, It’s not just a book — it’s a treasure chest too. Just crack it open and what does it hold? Equities! Stocks and bonds! Full — of PURE GOLD!
soldier:
Show me. And don’t think I can be rolled.
devil:
Of course not! Now, if I may be so bold... He gives the book to the SOLDIER, who begins to read, moving his lips and following the lines with his finger.
reader: soldier:
Futures, options, puts and calls… There’s no way — he doesn’t get it. I don’t get it. 3
The Soldier’s Tale
devil: soldier: devil: soldier: reader:
devil: soldier: devil: soldier: devil: soldier: devil: soldier: devil: soldier: devil:
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Keep reading! You will. Listen, Mister, if your book is worth so much, Why trade for my fiddle? It’s not worth a buck. All the more reason! All right. It’s a deal — and a real bargain too. He gives the violin to the DEVIL and resumes reading. Futures, options, puts and calls… Market quotations for August the 3rd? What’s today’s date? Hang on a sec. It’s July 28! What do you know? This book is “ahead of its time!” Get it? This book? “Ahead of its time?” That’s funny!... (brusquely, having tried in vain to play) That’s it. You’re coming home with me. What did you say? This thing doesn’t work! You’ll teach me to play. I’ve got 10 days’ leave! I can’t fool around! I’ll loan you my car. Your feet won’t touch the ground. But my mother! She’s waiting for me at her door. Come on now. You’ve kept her waiting before. And my fiancée — she’ll be waiting as well. Your kisses will soon cast their usual spell. So where do you live? Lodged, shod, fed, and deloused, Then my car flies you home to your own mama’s house. Two or three days, just a little detour, And after that: rich! For how long? For toujours.
Libretto
soldier: devil: soldier: devil: soldier: devil: soldier:
reader:
What’ll I eat? Steak, three times a day. (putting his belongings back in his pack) And what will I drink? Wine from Vouvray. Smoke? What brands will there be? Havana cigars, purchased by me. All right! I am ready! No problem! Let’s go. I’m all yours, my friend; do with me what you please. The SOLDIER goes off with the DEVIL. And Joe found at the old man’s — a palace of ease. The old gent’s words were perfectly true, There were steaks and cigars and plenty more too. He wined Joe and dined Joe just like a king. Joe taught him to make that violin sing, and he taught Joe what that book could bring. Two days of this are worth the detour! Then came Day Three, at a quite early hour. The old man walked in; Joe saw him walk in. He said “Are you ready? But first — you slept well?” And Joe says “I did.” “And my promise — I kept well?” And Joe says “You did.” “So then all is well?” “It is!” “Then let’s go.” They climb into the car; ease into the street. And then, without warning… Joe’s flung back in his seat! What in the world is happening now? “Hang on! Hold on tight!” laughs the old man aloud, “This chariot wants to be up in the clouds!” Joe wanted to jump out, 5
The Soldier’s Tale
But before he could try That crazy car flew up into the sky! It punctured the clouds. It streaked through the air, “How you feeling, there, Joe? Seat belt secure?” The blue sky, the white clouds, all become a great blur… How much time passed? But Time was no more. Then suddenly, once more, all was just as before. Reprise « The Soldier’s March » reader:
Down a beaten, dusty track tramps a soldier with his pack. Two weeks’ leave is all he’s got On he tramps, tired and hot. Tramps for miles, tramps for miles and miles. Home! His journey’s done at last! Home! His journey’s done at last! The SOLDIER appears, spiffed up from his stay chez the DEVIL. The music stops. The SOLDIER performs the following action as the READER recalls it.
reader:
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All right! Home Sweet Home! Hello, Mrs. Dewey! She’s there in her garden; hello, How you been? She’s deaf as a post, but there’s Louie! Hey! Louie! He walks right by with his bucket and ladder, It’s Louie! Old buddy! Hey! Lou! What’s the matter? Not a word from him either? Why won’t he respond? Hey! Louie! Come on, man, it’s me, your pal, Joe! Joe the soldier, your buddy, you old so and so! (A blank look, Louie’s off; Joe moves on as well.) And here’s Joe’s old school with its famous old bell, Joe, Joseph, remember? Come on! You know me! Downtown he’ll find friends, you just wait and see. But there — men, women and children — all flee! Are they scared? What the hell? But you know me so well! JO-SEPH!... But a first door slams shut, right in his face.
Libretto
Then they all slam shut — right in his face. Those thundering slams resound in his ears All those doors! But — at last… His own door is near. He pictures his mother, rings the bell, and she’s there… She sees him. She screams. Slam! Joe falls down the stairs. soldier: reader:
I’ve still got my sweetheart… Married! Two kids! Long silence. Then, dully: You monster! You gangster! You dirty rotten louse! Now I know who you are. I can see through my tears.
soldier: reader:
(shouts) I’m not late by three days; I’m late by three years! (mutters) They think I’m a ghost back to haunt them, the living. A walking dead man whose soul can’t be forgiven. (a beat, then louder) You gangster! You louse! Like a moron I listened! I was starving, dog tired, and you, you LIED. So why did my stupid ears open so wide? Does one listen to strangers? Throw open the door? NO! Slam your ears shut! Say: “No more! I’m not listening to you!” But I, I listened… The SOLDIER fumes as he picks up his pack. I should’ve run away, not stood there all ears, Like a moron I listened — gave him my violin too! Stupid slob that I am! Now what’ll I do? Now what’ll I do? Now what’ll I do? In a fit of despair, the SOLDIER collapses on the ground.
Scene II
« Pastorale » As the music plays, the DEVIL appears, now attired as a small-time hustler. He lurks, unseen, observing the SOLDIER. The music stops. The DEVIL is seen by the SOLDIER. 7
The Soldier’s Tale
soldier: devil: soldier: devil:
Ah! You monster! You gangster! You dirty rotten louse! He pulls out his knife and leaps on the DEVIL. (not moving) Now what will you do? (still brandishing his knife, but retreating) You gangster! You louse! Come, come! Manners, manners! Calm down!... Good… You listening? Now. What. Will. You. Do. ? The SOLDIER bows his head. Silence. You forgot what I told you? The BOOK that I sold you?
soldier: devil:
It’s there with my stuff. Then you’ve more than enough. Are you a soldier or what? Then show these good people… (shouting) TEN-HUT! TEN-SHUN!… That’s more like it. (pointing to the knife) Get that of my sight! Go on — stuff it! The SOLDIER shoves the knife into his boot. That pack out of my way! Go on — stow it! He points upstage. The SOLDIER obeys. That’s more like it. Assume the position. And now: pay ATTENTION! Get rid of that dunce cap; come on! Put on this! He throws him a hat. That isn’t half bad… Get rid of that jacket; I’ll find you a suit. Assume the position. The SOLDIER takes off his jacket.
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Libretto
devil:
Assume the position… TEN-HUT! We’re not done. The book… where’d you put it? The SOLDIER points to his pack. Right. You said that. So. Go. Get it. The SOLDIER goes to his pack. The DEVIL observes him. The SOLDIER rummages around and pulls out several things: mirror, medal. NO! Just the book!... That’s more like it!... Now, come on back here; hop to it. The SOLDIER returns with book in hand. Don’t just carry it any which way. Tuck it under your arm, where it will stay. He tucks the book under the SOLDIER’s arm. A book that’s worth millions, Millions, you hear? Now, pay attention. He takes the violin out of his pocket. What’s yours is mine, what’s mine is yours; A deal’s a deal, in love and war. He leads the SOLDIER off.
reader:
So he pulled out the book, and sat down to read And his reading brought money, more money, and then That money made money and more money made more. He took from that book every tip that he could And with those made more money than any man should. And then did what any smart businessman would: Invested: in things people wanted. (Drum roll) Ladies and gents! Yours for the asking! In black, navy blue, royal blue, true blue, pale blue, sky blue, beige, sand, cement, dark grey, grey grey, light grey, silver grey, smoky grey, taupe, brown, khaki, 9
The Soldier’s Tale
tweeds, brocades, widths up to a yard, festive prints, satins, silks, crepe, organza, a pre-war price extravaganza… (Drum roll) Salesman at first, just a salesman of stuff, ’til investing his profits became quite enough. No need for stuff once dividends pay. People now do whatever I say Because I’ve got the know-how while they merely pray. This is no book… It’s a real treasure chest; Open it up, and at once you’re the best. It’s got what you want; you just need a desire. So hurry up! Grab it, before you expire. Life’s for the living and life doesn’t wait, Don’t wait till tomorrow, it may be too late. … He didn’t lie on that score. In the end, there’s just death. So I’ll have one of these, some of this, all of that; I can pay, so it’s mine. I can pay, so it’s mine. I pay, so it’s mine. All… All? He stops. None. All, and nothing. All for nothing. What’s the matter? What’s the matter? All, and nothing… now he sees… All I want, all the time, no wish ever denied… What good is all that if I’ve nothing inside? False, empty, dead things, hollow, stone cold… Oh, for the old things the true things that cannot be sold!
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Scene III
Reprise « Airs by a Stream »
reader:
We used to sit out on the grass — lovely to smell, lovely to touch, belonging to no one, costing nothing at all.
Libretto
No need to pay. For all, not for “me”; — weekends, Saturday night, people watered their gardens: “How Does Your Garden Grow?” Little girls played Hide and Go Seek, we’d duck behind a wall, and lie, out on the grass… The waitress comes, fills up your glass… What’s in such simple things is all anyone needs. The music ends. They who’ve got nothing, they have it all; And I, who has everything, I have none! Nothing. Nothing! I’m losing my mind. Satan. Satan! You robbed me blind! Now what do I do? Is that in the book? He opens it up and takes a look. Hey! Book! Come on! Answer me. SPEAK! Those folks who are happy — how’d they get what I seek? Hey! Book! Hey you, book! Come on now, explain! How can I have next to nothing again? His phone rings… “Hello?” “Sir, it’s your broker: your current account —” “Later.” The phone rings. “Later, I said.” You, book: wake up! Stop playing dead. NOW WHAT DO I DO? NOW WHAT DO I DO, I SAID!! The SOLDIER appears, well dressed, leafing through the pages of the book. He stares out at nothing. soldier:
Never before has one man been so envied. I’m envied. Me. The one with no life. The dead tree. The DEVIL, disguised as an elderly woman, vendor of trifles, pokes his head out from the left wing without being seen by the SOLDIER. 11
The Soldier’s Tale
soldier:
I’m so far beyond rich “super-rich” now describes me. A super-rich dead man with nothing inside me. The DEVIL pokes his head from behind the right portal. The SOLDIER, who still hasn’t seen him, throws the book to the ground.
devil:
soldier: devil:
(calls out, in a falsetto voice) Good sir, may one enter? He enters. What do you want? Just a word with you, dear… (taking tiny steps forward) Just a courtesy call!… (picking up the book, which he hands to the SOLDIER) Something, good sir, that perhaps you’ve let fall?
soldier: devil:
soldier: devil: soldier: devil:
(taking the book) So? Good sir, dear sir, I’ll explain it all… I’ll just fetch my things — they’re out in the hall… Rare finds, sweet sir, curiosities… Thanks but no thanks. Charity, good sir, one drop of charity… (pulling out his wallet) Here. Sir, pride requires us to spurn Anything we haven’t earned. We do our job, our little job. My things, as I say, are right outside. Shall I go fetch them, bring them inside? He leaves abruptly. He returns with the SOLDIER’s pack, which he dumps on the floor.
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Libretto
devil:
Look, sir, just look!... ( faster and faster) Rings, watches, necklaces? The SOLDIER shakes his head. Lacy things? No? Tut, tut, don’t be blue, Of course, you’re not married, that is quite true… We do our job, our little job… A lucky medallion in silver might do? The SOLDIER shakes his head. (as if astonished) No? Always no?... A mirror? Quite new? Ah! Now I’ve found it! The thing just for you! A sweet little portrait, beautifully framed. The SOLDIER turns toward him. Ah ha! This intrigues you. Come, come, there’s no shame! No? Always no?... My, my… you’re a riddle. He takes out the SOLDIER’s violin and shows it to the audience. Then perhaps you’d prefer this fine little fiddle? The SOLDIER gets up abruptly. The DEVIL walks away from the SOLDIER.
soldier:
How much? The SOLDIER begins to follow him. How much? How much I say! The SOLDIER rushes at him. The DEVIL hides the violin behind his back.
devil:
Friendship always finds a way. (handing him the violin) Give it a try, dear sir, let’s hear you play, We’ll settle on a price après. The SOLDIER seizes the violin. He tries to play, but the violin produces no sound. 13
The Soldier’s Tale
Reprise « Airs by a Stream » The SOLDIER turns around. The DEVIL has disappeared. The SOLDIER hurls the violin offstage. He picks up the book. He tears it to bits. The music ends. The SOLDIER leaves. Scene IV
Reprise « The Soldier’s March »
reader:
Down a beaten dusty track On he tramps without his pack. Where can he be going now? Does the poor man even know? The little stream, he’ll see no more. Where’s he going? Does he know? He doesn’t know but he can see it’s now or never; he must flee. His riches are the Devil’s curse: keep them — life will just get worse. And so he gives them all away. His feet will take him where they may. He’ll live as he did three years back but with no fiddle, and no pack. Down a beaten, dusty track, Never once does he look back. What’s to look at? No one’s there to wave farewell, to say “take care.” And so our Soldier leaves his home, marching on, marching on alone. The music ends. Another country now, a little village inn… “Let’s stay here; I’m bushed,” he thinks. And promptly orders several drinks.
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Libretto
Savoring the local brew, He drinks and wonders what to do? With drowsy gaze he looks around out the window, at the town, through a set of muslin curtains tied with pretty silken ribbons, held by little reddish pins, lovely curtains, sweetly pinned… leaves are stirring in the wind… But now? A noise invades his slumber. A crowd appears, led by a drummer, who bangs his drum in the name of the king whose daughter, it seems, won’t eat a thing. Can’t eat, can’t sleep! Can no longer walk! She’s so sick it seems, she can’t even talk. And so the king’s man, to the beat of his drum declares: “The King’s only daughter shall be wed (the king… of this country right here), to the man who will raise her from her bed!” Right at this moment a young fellow appears: “Have one on me buddy! Here’s to you! Cheers! So what if we don’t even know one another? I’m a vet, too, so, you, you’re my brother. That’s why I call you buddy, my friend. When I saw you walk in, I said: get him talking. I said: cheer him up now Come on, man, no balking! A man wins this contest — his dreams will come true! The king’s daughter, a bride just for you! What do you say… If not you — then who? I’m married. I’ve got me my ball and chain. But you’re free! So come on now, use your brain. Be a doctor, whatever, you’ve nothing to lose. 15
The Soldier’s Tale
reader:
Just salute and say, ‘Medic!’ — an innocent ruse. Then — check her fever. She’ll moan. She’ll be hot... One way or other, it’s well worth the shot.” The READER pounds the table. Why the hell not? Another bang on the table. Why not, after all. See you later, good buddy, and thanks for the tip! He leaps to his feet and flies out the door. Leaps up and leaves! No need to hear more. At the gates of the palace he’s stopped by a guard, who asks where’s he going? Why’s he panting so hard? The SOLDIER runs on.
soldier:
Where’m I going? To see the King! « Royal March » The SOLDIER dashes off to the palace. The music ends.
reader:
Music played as the king received me. So far so good. He said: “You’re a doctor?” I said, “Medic, yes…” “It’s just that so many have tried, and for nought…” “But she hasn’t yet tried the cure that I’ve brought!” “Very well! You shall see my daughter tomorrow…” The READER produces a deck of cards. He shuffles them. Things are looking up! Things are looking up! My buddy was right. After all, why not me? A wife at last to call my own. After living all these years alone! We see a darkened room in the palace. The SOLDIER spreads a deck of cards on the floor, as the READER has done at the table.
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Libretto
soldier:
It’s going to work, right? What do you say, cards, what do you say? Seven of hearts, ten of hearts, Queen of hearts, trumps all the way… He drinks. After all: why not me, Joe? A wife to call my own, my own, And for my ass a throne, a throne…
devil:
The DEVIL appears beside the SOLDIER, the violin pressed against his heart. Beat you to it. Silence. The SOLDIER bows his head and doesn’t move. (circling the SOLDIER) It was silly of you to get so mad… You were rich, admired, a hero. But then you went and lost your head. And, now? You are a zero. Silence. The SOLDIER still doesn’t move. “Seven of hearts, ten of hearts, Queen of hearts, yay!” You crowed like a rooster: “It’s my lucky day! ‘Believe in yourself ’; ‘just do it’, they say…” (tucking the violin under his chin) There’s just one problem: you forgot how to play. He circles the SOLDIER, playing flourishes on the violin.
reader:
soldier:
It’s true, what he says. I can sit here and glower. But what good does that do? He’s got all the power. Me? I’ve got nothing. Nothing but sorrow! He stops abruptly. Then the READER, turning around, suddenly speaks to the SOLDIER. Buck up, man! Get up and deck him, Kick him in the kidneys! (dully) He isn’t a man. I can’t possibly beat him. 17
The Soldier’s Tale
reader:
You can! Yes, you can! Here’s how it is; He only wants you, because you’ve got what’s his! The SOLDIER raises his head and looks at the READER. He goes to the READER and sits at his table. The READER hands him the cards. The money — give it up; presto — you’re saved. Play cards with him. Let him win back what he craves.
soldier: devil: soldier: devil:
(brusquely, to the DEVIL) Want to play? I’ve got money. (stops, astonished) What? I said: Would You Like To Play? My dear friend… He takes a chair. The pleasure would be mine. He sits. The DEVIL and SOLDIER face one another across the table. The READER sits between them.
reader:
soldier: devil: soldier: devil: soldier: 18
(to the SOLDIER) He’ll win. He always wants to win. But when you lose, he’ll be lost too. (taking his money out of his pockets) Gold, bank notes, dollars, on the table. (putting the violin in his lap) Very good. How much? Ten cents a point, yes? Ten bucks a point, not one penny less.
Libretto
devil:
Whatever you want but, don’t be careless!... The SOLDIER shuffles the cards. The DEVIL cuts them. No more fiddle, no more book A few pennies left — give them one last look! They play. The DEVIL wins. You’re flying, my friend, too close to the sun… Your wings are melting. Pretty soon you’ll have none. They play. The DEVIL wins. Starvation’s your fate and you’re out: O.U.T.! They play. The DEVIL wins. Hear that? “Never more, never more!” caw the crows, You’ll end up stark naked, you’ll lose all your clothes. They play. The DEVIL wins.
reader: soldier: devil:
Buck up, man! Fifty dollars! Fifty, I said. (with some difficulty) You… you’re dead! They play. The DEVIL wins.
reader: devil:
(shouting) A hundred bucks! (speaking with great difficulty and holding the violin under his arm) Gently sir… gent…ly… They play. The DEVIL wins. And… the winner is… me. 19
The Soldier’s Tale
reader: soldier:
devil: soldier: devil: reader:
(still speaking to the SOLDIER) Winner take all. Winner take all! He empties his pockets of every last cent and throws it all on the table. (getting up slowly) Ace… Ace of Spades… You? Queen of Hearts! I’ve… won again. You’re… through. He reels. Watch him! Watch him! The SOLDIER pushes back his chair, puts his hands on his knees, and leaning forward, studies the DEVIL, who reels even more. Watch him now. He’s going to fall. Wait, now. Get up. Give him a drink. That’ll fix him. Now tell him: bottoms up!
soldier:
(approaching the DEVIL with a glass) Take it! This will soon set you right. The DEVIL, toppling, tries to push it away. I said drink! Here, take it! Don’t put up a fight! He forces him to drink. Refilling the glass: Bottoms up, old buddy. Refilling the glass: One more for old friends!
devil: reader:
soldier: 20
You dare to call — Watch out, now! He’s going to fall. And the DEVIL falls into the chair, and collapses face first across the table. Free! I’m free! He leans over the DEVIL, reaching for the violin.
Libretto
soldier:
Oh! Oh! Do I dare? A sudden convulsion by the DEVIL.
reader: soldier:
He’s not had enough! (pouring more wine down the DEVIL’s throat) Open wide and say “Ah.” That’s it. More!... More!… More!... He waits a moment. The DEVIL lies still.
reader:
Take back what’s yours. The SOLDIER seizes the violin and right away, standing next to the DEVIL, begins to play. « Little Concert » The DEVIL falls off his chair. The music continues… The lights all come back on.
reader:
(shouting) Sweet Princess, finally, I’m sure that I have found the perfect cure I’ll soon be paying you a call Because right now I have it ALL. I’ll come. I’ll dare. I’ll not be bound. I once was lost, but now I’m found. I’ll come, and swear upon my life, To make you my own dearest wife. From death I’ll lead you back to life. The music ends. Brilliant light. The bedchamber of the PRINCESS. She lies, stretched out under a veil, perfectly still. The SOLDIER enters and begins to play.
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« Three Dances » 1. « Tango » The PRINCESS opens her eyes, turns toward the SOLDIER. The Princess sits up. The PRINCESS rises. She begins to dance. 2. « Waltz » 3. « Ragtime » The music ends. The SOLDIER and the PRINCESS embrace. Terrible screams offstage. The DEVIL enters in full DEVIL drag. He walks on all fours. The DEVIL spins all around the SOLDIER, now begging him to hand over his violin, now trying to tear it from his arms, while the SOLDIER fends him off with his bow. The PRINCESS seeks refuge behind the SOLDIER, and, as he moves about, so does she, the better to remain hidden behind him. The DEVIL, now recoiling, now lunging forward, anticipates the SOLDIER’s moves. The SOLDIER has an idea. He begins to play his violin. « The Devil’s Dance » The DEVIL contorts and is jerked about uncontrollably. He tries to hold his legs still, to no avail. He is thrashed about wildly by some invisible force. He collapses, exhausted. The SOLDIER takes the PRINCESS by the hand; we see that they are no longer afraid. Now, at a sign from the SOLDIER, she takes the DEVIL by his paw and the two lovers drag the DEVIL offstage. They return to the middle of the stage and fall once again into one another’s arms. « Little Chorale » They embrace. The music ends. The DEVIL appears. « Devil’s Couplets » devil:
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You’re doing well right now, it’s true, But Soldier — I’m not done with you.
Libretto
The SOLDIER and the PRINCESS turn toward the DEVIL, then resume embracing. devil:
Whose share of joy he would surpass Let him be warned: it will not last. The SOLDIER and the PRINCESS continue embracing. Don’t let this luck of yours go to your head Or your pretty Missus will fall sick and end up back in bed And you, her prince, her would-be lord, will feel the wrath of my most terrible swift sword. I’ll drag YOU to where I dwell and roast you in the fires of hell. The DEVIL disappears. The SOLDIER and the PRINCESS hold one another tight.
Scene V reader:
« Grand Chorale » It’s never wise to try to add what you had to what you have. You cannot at the same time be What you were and have become. In this life you have to choose; you have no right to “have it all,” And if you try — you’re bound to lose. One joy is all the joy we get; A second wipes the first one out. “I have it all” he thinks. But one day, she, she says to him: “I still know nothing about you, so tell me, tell me a little about yourself.” It’s all so long ago, and far away, “I was a soldier back in the day; before that I lived in a small town, with my mother, across the border.” 23
The Soldier’s Tale
“If we could go, if we could go!” “You know my answer must be no.” “We’ll come right back! A day or so! And who will know but me and you?” She studied him and then she said: “You want to do it, yes, you do… You do, you do, you do, you too!” “You do, I see you clearly, dear.” And then he said, “Come over here.” But she replied, “Is that a yes? If not, I’ll stay right here, I guess.” And here his thoughts began to play: “Maybe my mother will know me now; We could bring her back with us to stay. I’d really have it all that way…” The DEVIL suddenly appears, in a magnificent red costume. He observes the couple. He hides. So, back they went. As they drew near, The schoolbells of the town rang clear. He arrived first at the frontier. She, she stayed a few steps to the rear. Once again the DEVIL appears. He called, and turned back to her… We see the SOLDIER who has turned and is urging the PRINCESS on. He continues to walk and arrives at the border; The DEVIL steps in front of him. He has, once again, the violin, which he plays. « The Devil’s Triumphant March » (during the music) The SOLDIER bows his head. He falls in behind the DEVIL, marching, very slowly, but without protest. A call is heard from off. He stops for an instant. But the DEVIL orders him on. In triumph, the DEVIL leads the SOLDIER off. We hear someone call one last time. 24