Ljubiša Đokić

PEPPERCORN

(Based upon Serbian folk tale)

A stage play in verses, for children,

in four acts, with Prologue

Translation into English: Zoran Paunović

Boško Buha Theatre, Belgrade, Season 1961/1962

CHARACTERS

MOTHER

PEPPERCORN

GOODFELLOW, his friend

SWAGGERER, his friend

CENTENARIAN, an old man from the village

THE QUEEN

GRACE, the Queen’s daughter

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

STARMAN, scientist in the court

BADMAN, a respectable citizen

BLUNTY, his servant

NANNY

PROLOGUE
CHOIR

COURTIERS

The action takes place at the time when dragons existed.

PROLOGUE

PROLOGUE

Once upon a time, many years ago

CHOIR

Once upon a time, many years ago,

There lived a woman, as good as gold
At the village’s rim, in a little hut.

PROLOGUE

And only one wish in her life she had.

CHOIR

She wanted a son, prayed with all her might,

She did not mind, be it black or white.

PROLOGUE AND CHOIR

Or smaller even than a pepper grain.

PROLOGUE

She only wanted to have a son.

PROLOGUE AND CHOIR

And so all the time she was dreaming on.

PROLOGUE

One day, after all, she did get a child:

A black-haired boy, so sweet and mild.
So happy she was, she was so much pleased.

PROLOGUE AND CHOIR

Even her hut was radiant with bliss.

PROLOGUE

Though she did get what she wanted

With one plight she was still haunted:
Her only son Peppercorn was called
Because he was small, though very bold.
His mother was sorry that he was not taller
Then all his coevals he was really smaller.
So in spite of all, she still lived in sorrow.

PROLOGUE AND CHOIR

She ardently wished that her son could grow.

PROLOGUE

As days and years were passing by.

CHOIR

As days and years were passing by.

PROLOGUE

Children like trees were growing high.

CHOIR

Children like trees were growing high.

PROLOGUE

And every boy did become a lad.

CHOIR
Only, oh alas!

PROLOGUE

Only Peppercorn remained a child.

Did he grow up later?

CHOIR

Did he grow up later?

PROLOGUE

Did he make it well?

CHOIR

Did he make it well?

PROLOGUE

Fairy tale will tell.

CHOIR

Fairy tale will tell?

FIRST LADY-IN-WAITING

Did he grow up later?

SECOND LADY-IN-WAITING

Did he make it well?

CHOIR

Fairy tale will tell.

FIRST COURTIER

Fairy tale.

CHOIR

Fairy tale.
SECOND LADY-IN-WAITING

Fairy tale will tell.

CHOIR

Fairy tale will tell.

THIRD COURTIER

Fairy tale will tell.

(Exit all.)

ACT ONE

Scene One

(Enter Swaggerer and Peppercorn, fencing; behind them goes Goodfellow.)

SWAGGERER

(Attacking, while they hold each other by the hair.)

Lower your arms!

PEPPERCORN

(In counterattack; Swaggerer falls down.)

How now, what do you say?

GOODFELLOW

(Raises Peppercorn’s arm, announcing he is the victor.)

You are the victor.

SWAGGERER

No, it is not fair. I tripped myself.

PEPPERCORN
Why don’t you look better?

SWAGGERER

Let us try again. (He takes his sword, and they both assume fighting positions.)

GOODFELLOW

(To Swaggerer)

No, you should give up to him.

Peppercorn is by far the best in fencing.

SWAGGERER

I do not admit.

GOODFELLOW

You should give in.

SWAGGERER

I won’t.

PEPPERCORN

Don’t tell me you want another proof?

SWAGGERER

No. But still I’m better with bow and arrow.

PEPPERCORN

Let’s see who is better, then.

SWAGGERER

I know I will be the one.

PEPPERCORN

I am not so sure.
SWAGGERER

You should trust me.

PEPPERCORN

Just let us see.

GOODFELLOW

(Tries to bend the bow to put the string on it, but does not succeed.)

This bow is so bad.

PEPPERCORN

Let me try instead.

SWAGGERER

(Takes the bow from Goodfellow; to Peppercorn)

Your arms are weak, but look

At these muscles – when they are busy
Each and every task is easy.

(He boastfully shows his muscles; then he tries to string his bow, but does not succeed.)

GOODFELLOW

It cannot be bent.

SWAGGERER

What wood is that?

PEPPERCORN

Do not boast before the deed.

(He takes the bow, sits on it, and tries to bend it.)

GOODFELLOW

Well, you are strong and wise indeed.

SWAGGERER

Anyone can do that, it is not a feat.

GOODFELLOW

I will aim first.

PEPPERCORN

What will be our target?

SWAGGERER

Let us aim at pheasants in flight.

PEPPERCORN

You might hit a cloud, and then

All of a sudden, there will be rain.

(Peppercorn and Goodfellow break into laughter.)

SWAGGERER

(Threatening.)

Are you trying to mock me?

GOODFELLOW

Please, don’t quarrel, it is so unpleasant.

And what’s more, really, where are those pheasants?

SWAGGERER

Where are they – in the woods, of course.

But bear in mind: I don’t like such jokes.

(To Peppercorn.)

You are still a fledgling, peeping from the nest,

You can scare no one, though you do your best.

PEPPERCORN
Maybe it is so. But our friends know well
Who’s afraid of whom, surely they can tell.

SWAGGERER

Don’t tell me you think I’m afraid of you?

From me you will live in fear for good.

GOODFELLOW

Either you will stop with that stupid grudging,

Or else have a fight, and I will be judging.

SWAGGERER

I am but too ready for a fight.

GOODFELLOW

Yes, but on hatred you spend all your might.

SWAGGERER

I will fight with one hand, and you will with both

PEPPERCORN

Well, if you want it, let it be so.

GOODFELLOW

But bear in mind: you are guilty too.

PEPPERCORN

If he wants to fight, that’s what we will do.

(They start to wrestle. Peppercorn deftly throws Swaggerer to the ground.)

SWAGGERER

(Falling down.)

This is not fair.

PEPPERCORN
Hey! Hold on now!

SWAGGERER

That way you can’t catch.

PEPPERCORN

You begin to scratch.

GOODFELLOW

Stop it, here’s your mother coming.

(Peppercorn lets Swaggerer go.)

SWAGGERER

But we still have to discuss this thing.

(Swaggerer and Goodfellow go out; Mother comes in.)

Scene Two

(Mother, Peppercorn)

MOTHER

What happened again? Let me see your hand.

Children should not fight: it is very bad.

(Looking at the scratch.)

They are taller, stronger, and you should know that.

You see how badly that fellow can scratch.

PEPPERCORN

Yes, but he has learnt his lesson now.

MOTHER
You should better tell him not to fight with you.

PEPPERCORN

It is just because he’s spiteful and mean

He threatens, just threatens, again and again.
He can beat me with one hand, he said today
Repeating the same thing he said yesterday.
I showed him that it was not that easy.

MOTHER

But now, my son, listen to me, please.

When somebody threatens you, like he did today
You should just tell him to get off of your way.
And if he would not, if he comes to you
Try to avoid him, that’s what you should do.
You see that quarrels don’t do any good
Stay away from those who are mean and rude.

PEPPERCORN

I thought that fighting was a better way

But you think it’s not, and I will obey.

MOTHER

Do not keep me waiting. Come home on time.

PEPPERCORN

Don’t you worry, I won’t fight with anyone.

(He goes out; Centenarian approaches.)

Scene Three

(Centenarian, Peppercorn)

CENTENARIAN

Hallo, there,
PEPPERCORN

Hallo, granddad.

CENTENARIAN

Come here, my boy. (Takes his bag off his shoulder.)

Here is some fruit. Take this nice apple.

PEPPERCORN

Why give it to me? Your garden is little.

CENTENARIAN

Ssssh. Don’t talk!

PEPPERCORN

(Takes the apple and looks at it.)

All right, granddad, thanks.

CENTENARIAN

Don’t hesitate. Go on, take a bite!

PEPPERCORN

I would rather not, at least not this time.

I feel sorry for it. It is so yellow
As if it was golden.

CENTENARIAN

My apples are not.

But there are such apples.

PEPPERCORN

And where are they?

CENTENARIAN

In stories.
PEPPERCORN

(Imploring.) Granddad!

CENTENARIAN

Speak, my boy, I can hear you well

PEPPERCORN

One of these stories, would you like to tell?

CENTENARIAN

I would gladly, but my memory is poor.

PEPPERCORN

When you don’t remember, make up and go on.

CENTENARIAN

I think I know one, but so sad it is.

PEPPERCORN

How about a funny one, tell me, would you, please?

CENTENARIAN

(Thinking it over.)

But will you cry, that’s what makes me worry?

PEPPERCORN

I won’t, but surely I will be sorry.

CENTENARIAN

If you start crying, you don’t have to hide it.

... There was a kingdom, beautiful and fair
Rich and happy were people who lived there.
They worked hard and were well-learned
And they were happy with what they earned.
Most of all the King: he had everything
But more than his wealth, he loved one thing
It was a fruit-tree: unusual, rare
And he would have given all that he had there
Only to keep his precious tree.

PEPPERCORN

Why?

CENTENARIAN

Be patient and prick up your ears

Why it was so special you will now hear:
Only one time, once in every year
Three golden apples it used to give.
Whenever it bloomed, everyone was glad
But one summer day, it was very sad...

PEPPERCORN

I know: one apple was stolen

CENTENARIAN

(Disappointed.)

You seem to know the story, then?

PEPPERCORN

I do not. Go on, granddad, please.

CENTENARIAN

Yes, it was stolen. The King was mad with anger

Guardsmen were scolded by their commander.
Nobody knew anything. To appease the things a little
They decided to save the second apple.
The armed guardsmen were put around the tree
When, around midnight, a dragon appeared.
Everybody fled wherever they could
So the dragon took the second apple too.
The King was so sad, that he died from grief
And then the Queen inherited him.
The kingdom would fall, so it did seem,
The dragon tormented the poor Queen
Asking golden apples. But there were none
And so the dragon went on and on
Threatening that because of his ire
It will destroy whole kingdom with fire
So they agreed, having no apples golden:
Each morn to the dragon a maid should be given.
That was what the monster expected.

PEPPERCORN

You want to tell me that the Queen accepted?

CENTENARIAN

She had to start sending maids to the dragon.

PEPPERCORN

What happened then? Speak, please, go on!

CENTENARIAN

And so every morning, they went one by one

The Queen didn’t know what was to be done
And when the time came to start sending princesses
Poor Queen was in real distress
For she knew that very next Wednesday
She would have to send her daughter away.

PEPPERCORN

(Impatiently.)

The end, granddad, tell me how the story ends?

CENTENARIAN

There is no end. This misfortune tends

To go on until a hero is found
To kill the dragon.

PEPPERCORN

And then King’s daughter will stay safe and sound?

CENTENARIAN
Yes, if until next Wednesday
The Queen manages to find a brave lad.
But the task’s so awful, even to think of.

PEPPERCORN

Aren’t there those who are brave enough?

CENTENARIAN

Such people are rare, it’s a risk to life.

PEPPERCORN

But what if the dragon is taken by surprise

While sleeping? That might do with it.

CENTENARIAN

That is not possible, for in the lake it sleeps

It is sly and cunning, it knows how to hide.
Give me that cane, it will help my stride.

(Peppercorn gives him the cane.)

PEPPERCORN

Does that dragon really have so great a might?

CENTENARIAN

(Slightly amazed at the thought that Peppercorn is still thinking about the dragon.)

Yes, but perhaps not for a truly brave knight.

(Centenarian goes out; Peppercorn stays by the door for a moment, hesitating; then he
takes the sword that is hung above his bed.)

Scene Four

(Peppercorn, alone)

PEPPERCORN
(To the sword)

To strike again you will have a chance

For a great fight stands ahead of us
Now you should summon all of your might
And your blade should sparkle with a new light.
To my father, I know, you served truly well
In all situations you were of great help
Right until his time was done
Now you should be as faithful to his son.

(He kisses the sword, then puts it back into its sheath and ties the sheath around his
waist: the sword is too big for him, so it drags itself on the ground; then he takes the
quiver with the arrows.)

And with you, bow, and with you, arrows

I think I can face anything that follows.

Scene Five

(Goodfellow, Swaggerer, Peppercorn)

SWAGGERER

(From the window, with his head half-swaddled in bandages.)

Come over here.

PEPPERCORN

Is that a threat?

SWAGGERER

Of course it is.
I must have my revenge for this.

(Points to his head.)

PEPPERCORN

Did I really hit your eye so bad?

SWAGGERER
You did. Just wait and see what lies ahead.

PEPPERCORN

Take my excuse, please.

SWAGGERER

Do not waste words.

I will not listen to any of your pleads.

(Threatening with his fist.)

GOODFELLOW

(Protruding his head from the same window.)

Wherefore that sword? And why do you look so?

SWAGGERER

He likes to pretend that he is some hero.

PEPPERCORN

(Approaching the window; to Goodfellow)

I am going to fight with that dragon now.

GOODFELLOW

What are you saying! (To Swaggerer)

It’s a joke, or what?

SWAGGERER

It is not a joke, but it’s somewhere near.

Maybe he is going to fight with a lizard.

GOODFELLOW

(Runs in.)

Is that the truth? Tell me again.

PEPPERCORN

I will fight the dragon.

GOODFELLOW

I don’t believe that.

SWAGGERER

(Affecting seriousness.)

Why don’t you believe? He is all for fight.

The dragon will surely perish from his might.
Brave lad he is, he fights really well
He can fight the dragon, he can... pull his tail.

PEPPERCORN

You can go on mocking, I am not upset.

GOODFELLOW

How on earth could you ever think of that?

How did you remember that horrendous monster?

PEPPERCORN

‘Cause to many maids it has brought disaster.

(Goodfellow looks at Swaggerer in amazement. Swaggerer waves his hands, in a gesture

that suggests Peppercorn must be mad; Peppercorn notices that and gives his
explanation.)

I heard the story from the old granddad

About the dragon that eats fair maids
And listening to it, I nearly cried
When I heard that each day one of them had died.
And there was none, that dragon to defy
Though so many days have gone by.
People just humbly give away their daughters
But I will defend them, I will face the monster.

SWAGGERER

You are to defend them? Do not make me laugh,

You are small as corn, you are frail, not tough.
As if you forget that simple fact today.
If I only blow (He pouts his lips) you will fly away.
And as for the dragon, it could just sneeze
To send you away to the wind and breeze.
When you grow up, you can try to save someone
But you’ll never grow, and that’s not to be done.

GOODFELLOW

(To Swaggerer, angrily.)

You are adding one insult to another.

PEPPERCORN

(Waves his hand; to Goodfellow)

Never mind. Give my regards to my mother.

And tell her, please, that it’s so distressing
For me to leave without her blessing.

GOODFELLOW

Why don’t you call on her?

PEPPERCORN

I do not dare. I’m going away

Before her tears make me stay.

GOODFELLOW

All right, I will tell her.

PEPPERCORN

Then, fare you well! (Shakes hands with Goodfellow.)

GOODFELLOW

Good luck! That’s all I can tell!

(Peppercorn smiles at him and leaves.)

SWAGGERER
(Shouting after him.)

Go tickle the dragon, and when you finish

Take care to bring it here on a leash.

Scene Six

(Goodfellow, Swaggerer)

SWAGGERER

(Takes the bandage off his eye; he does need it anymore.)

It’s hard to believe my own eyes

That chap must be out of his mind.

GOODFELLOW

(Getting angry.)

Shut up, will you?

SWAGGERER

Don’t tell me it is sound to react

To a story as if it were a fact.
He’ll be back here soon. Just a joke, that’s all.

GOODFELLOW

(Worried.)

But this one may be for real

And he may be going to oppose his foe.

SWAGGERER

(Getting serious, scratching the back of his head.)

I could not suppose such a thing at all.

(Both are looking in the direction where Peppercorn had gone, worried.)

CURTAIN

PROLOGUE

Instantly the voice everywhere spread on

Peppercorn went to fight with the dragon
Old women crossed themselves in wonder
Old men, awestruck, began to ponder.
Mother was offered comfort by everyone,
And what about the old Centenarian?
He was shedding tears like raindrops:
“Poor is the head when one’s wit flops.”
Recounting the story again and again
He was really desperate, but all was in vain.
So the weaker ones all the time were
Crying and trembling, but some people there
Managed to keep their composure
And it was not easy, that is for sure.
To find him quickly, so they decided
And went after him, at least two hundred
Of them, and by the end of that very day
They had been searching without delay.
Peppercorn, however, could not be found
So they concluded he was death bound.
But meanwhile, down the road he went
And crossed the field. When to the woods he came
He stopped, disturbed, and to himself said:
“Mother is crying, thinking I’ll be dead,
I can almost see her. Shall I go back then?”
And he almost did so, but when
He turned, he could not walk on.
“The princess will die”, that was the thought
That startled him and made him go forth.
He looked at the forest and quickened his pace
The animals saw him passing through that place.
So the lion roared: “Tell me what that means!?”
And a little rabbit explained to him:
“It’s Peppercorn, going to oppose the dragon.”
“If he’s such a fool, then let him go on”,
The lion retorted to the little rabbit
And dozed off again. But hearing it
Some animals went down the road
To see him off. The rabbit pulled at Peppercorn’s coattail
While a squirrel wagged its furry tail.
Skylark sang a song, so nice and sweet
The bear offered him some honey to eat.
Graceful roe cast him gentle look
Woodpecker knocked three times in salute.
Peppercorn smiled to all of them
Then he hasted on towards his goal
The rabbit followed him for almost a mile
And in the meantime, in that faraway kingdom
Things were happening almost as in a dream
Or rather a nightmare. The Princess was already
Going to the lake. And so, if Peppercorn is not ready
On time to save her, and nobody else comes
What will then happen to the poor Princess?
And what if the dragon proves itself stronger
Than any sabre, sword or rapier
With our heroes, what will then be?
I do not know, but it scares me.
ACT TWO

(By the side of the lake; a plaintive song is heard, gradually becoming louder.)

QUEEN

(With the Choir repeating.)

All our hearts

Are saddened really
The dragon seeks for
Another victim.

And there is none

To defend us here
From the awful dragon
From that monster queer.

Scene One

(Starman, Grace with the old Nanny, the Knight of Fear, Prince Howard Coward)

QUEEN

Oh, woe the day! Will that monster wild

Really take away my dearest child?
Any good news will there be?
Will anyone help my daughter and me?
Where are those heroes, so strong in their words
When it comes to fight, no one can be heard.
So that now, when dragon wants to snatch my daughter
You are so silent, no words you can utter.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

Here, I could take my sword

But to no avail – monster is so strong.
So that it would be an uneven fight
Unfortunately, I think I am right.

QUEEN

When I see you taken by such great fright

My heart suffers with dreadful plight.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

There is no one to face such danger

Everyone fears from the dragon’s anger.

QUEEN

Well then, if there is no one so brave

If from that fear nobody is saved
If no one is ready to oppose the monster
Then I will stay beside my daughter.

CHOIR

Long live the Queen!

GRACE

No, mother!

QUEEN

I will try to conquer my horrible fear

In order to save my daughter dear
And then, if that last hope vanish,
Together with her I want to perish.

GRACE

Leave me alone.

QUEEN

I know that you are strong, my dear

But for the lack of heroes, I will stay near.

Scene Two
(Badman, the former, Blunty)

BADMAN

(Offstage.)

Heroes still exist, if you did not know.

CHOIR

Ohhh....

(Everyone turns in the direction of the voice: Badman enters braggingly.)

BADMAN

I will fight the dragon, I’m ready to go.

CHOIR

Ohhhh.....

QUEEN

Oh, is that true? Some hope it does bring.

BADMAN

It is true, of course. But I ask one thing:

The Queen should give me her word of honour
That if I come out from the fight as victor
And put an end to this horrible distress
That she will let me marry the Princess.

QUEEN

Let it be so, I give you my word

Throughout the kingdom let it be heard:
I will give my daughter to the one who saves her.

STARMAN

(Points at the hourglass.)

Let us to the town. The sooner, the better.

For the fatal hour is getting near.

QUEEN

(To Grace.)

You are crying. On your face I see a tear.

(Wipes away her tear.)

Never in my life have I felt so bad.

NANNY

The same is with me.

QUEEN

I know, but you should wipe away your tears

For a brave knight will soon come here.

BADMAN

(Bows to her.)

If I do not save her, I swear to you

I’m ready to part with my life too.

QUEEN

You are brave, some hope it does bring

So if you win, you will be the king.

(Badman makes a bow.)

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

You are so decisive, and so courageous.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

But you should take care, the dragon is dangerous.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

It is as tall as two-storied building.

PRICE HOWARD COWARD

And with his fire, he can burn anything.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

So if you need help, call without delay

We shall be ready, fifty miles away.

QUEEN

(To Grace.)

I wish you good luck. I know it is hard

I tell you so, between hope and fear
Goodbye, my daughter dear.

GRACE

Goodbye, mother.

QUEEN

We shall be better from now on... (The Choir repeats)

It does seek a victim, that horrible dragon... (Choir)
But thank God, at last, there is someone
To defend us from that monster... (Choir)
And who is that?
It’s Badman! (All)
Badman! (The men shout). Badman (The women shout.)

Scene Three

(Starman, Badman, Blunty, Grace)

STARMAN

The dragon will come when the sand runs out,

That is the fact you should care about. (Puts the hourglass down.)

BADMAN
I don’t need that.

STARMAN

(Takes the hourglass.)

Very well, I have to leave now. (Bows at Grace; goes out.)

BADMAN

(Shouts after him.)

Anyway, I shall beat it somehow.

(Calling.)

Blunty! Blunty!

(Thinks for a while, then shouts after Starman, who has already gone.)

Starman! Starman! I have to get back.

(Starman returns.)

Leave that here, what the heck.

STARMAN

All right. Take it, then.

(Gives him the hourglass, shows at Blunty.)

And this chap, what is he waiting for?

He’d better watch the duel from afar.

BADMAN

Blunty, my faithful servant

With me will be.

STARMAN

I doubt he can be of any help to thee.

BADMAN
Don’t talk like that. He serves me faithfully.
I won’t allow anyone to treat him unruly.

STARMAN

With him you will have more difficult task.

BADMAN

You need not worry.

STARMAN

I wish you good luck. (Exits.)

Scene Four

(Badman, Grace, Blunty)

BADMAN

(To himself)

I must find a good place for this device.

(Looking around him.)

Here, I think, it will be nice.

(Puts it on an elevated point and watches for a couple of moments as the sand is running
out; to Grace.)

Stop crying. Enough of these tears.

With my sword that dragon I will pierce.
You have heard already: you will be my wife
And you will be happy till the end of life.
Get away! I’d rather be killed by that dragon
Than to live in evil with you from now on.

BADMAN

I will stay here, save you from disaster

And then I will be the king and the master.
(Singing.)

I will break your wings, as to a little bird.

BLUNTY

A bird.

BADMAN

A bird.

BLUNTY

A birdie.

BADMAN

And then you’ll behave like I want you to.

BLUNTY

Like you want.

BADMAN

Like I want.

BADMAN AND BLUNTY

(Together.)

You will behave like I want you to.

BLUNTY

Want you to.

BADMAN

Like I want you to.

BLUNTY

You to.
BADMAN

You will tell me when the sand runs out

But now sit down, for your legs will hurt.

(Blunty sits down and looks at the hourglass intently; Badman goes down – to the lake.)

Come on, ugly lizard, what are you doing?

King’s daughter is here, already waiting
To become your meal. Do not hesitate,
Come here and fight, before it’s too late.
How much is left?

(Blunty, being dumb, shows three fingers.)

You remain silent.

But this time you will meet the end.
When I kill the monster, from then thereon
I will have all power, the crown and the throne.
King Badman will be ruler deft (The wind howls.)
What is that noise? How much is left?

(Blunty shows two fingers and a half.)

The time is near. Weather’s getting worse.

It is a bad omen, almost like a curse.
But I don’t mind, for I know I’m brave
And to prove that, the Princess I’ll save.

(The wind howls louder.)

How much is left? Two fingers only! (His sword trembles.)

I am not afraid, I must behave boldly.

(Agitatedly.)

It is true that I am risking my life.

Anyway, I have to endure the fight.

(The wind howls again.)

What if I get killed? No, that cannot be,

That monster can dismember and devour me.
For it is so fond of the human meat.
To avoid its wrath, I must flee from it
Before my folly proves too expensive
To sharpen my sword, I will have to leave
So that my courage, together with sharp steel
Will do with the monster, surely it will.

Scene Five

(Peppercorn and Grace)

PEPPERCORN

I hear someone sobbing. Say, what makes you weep?

GRACE

(Raises her head in tears.)

Do not ask me. Get away, be quick!

PEPPERCORN

Get away!? But why?

GRACE

You are still a child

It’s perilous here.

PEPPERCORN

Why don’t you go then?

GRACE

I cannot be saved.

PEPPERCORN

(Surprised.)

Who threats you and why?

GRACE

You’d better not ask: for I have to die.

PEPPERCORN

Please, speak to me as to an old friend

I will be here your life to defend.

GRACE

You are brave, but your strength is small

I doubt you can be of any help at all.

PEPPERCORN

Tell me, anyway, what makes you so scared?

Why are you alone, where are your friends?

GRACE

An evil dragon in this lake lives

To all the people great pain it gives.
For five years now, each day
A young pretty maid it takes away.
People stay silent because of that scare
Though no maid came back from there.
My life will also be ended soon
‘Cause the dragon comes, and it is my turn.

PEPPERCORN

That’s the dragon I am looking for.

GRACE

I can’t believe that.

Come, put your head upon my lap.

(Peppercorn smiles, kneels by her and puts his head upon her lap.

GRACE

What is your name?

PEPPERCORN

Peppercorn.
GRACE

What a strange name, strangest of all!

It must be because you are so small.

PEPPERCORN

And what is yours?

GRACE

Grace.

PEPPERCORN

Now, that’s really a well-chosen name

If I were giving it, I’d give you the same.

(The wind howls. Grace is startled.)

Come on, sing.

GRACE

I can’t

PEPPERCORN

Sing, for song brings relief

It eases any pain and grief.

(Grace starts singing hesitatingly; every now and then, she looks at the hourglass.)

GRACE

(Sings.)

The whole world trembles before the dragon

Everyone is so frightened.
Suddenly a young knight comes on.

PEPPERCORN

All of us to defend.
(Thunder and lightning; the wind howls; Grace continues with great effort.)

GRACE

And so his sword he does wield

At monster strong and mean.
Thus to our grief he puts an end
Happiness reigns again.

PEPPERCORN

Happiness reigns again.

(With huge lightning and loud wind’s howling, the dragon appears.)

PEPPERCORN

So you say that hero has beaten the dragon?

Why did you stop? Please, go on!

(He looks at her; sees her frightened face; follows her intent look, sees the dragon, and
hurls himself at it. Grace screams.)

Scene Six

PEPPERCORN

(Retreating.)

I won’t let you....

(The dragon laughs.)

GRACE

Peppercorn, take care!

PEPPERCORN

(Retreating.)

Oh, no, you won’t... (The Dragon wounds him.)

GRACE

Oh, he is done with!

PEPPERCORN

My arm!

GRACE

(Puts her hands on her face.)

The dragon will eat him. (The dragon laughs.)

PEPPERCORN

(Takes his sword into the other hand.)

Beware now! (He attacks; the dragon defends itself.)

How now? Soon you will be dead...

Take this blow too! (He attacks; stops for a moment.)

GRACE

Cut off its head!

PEPPERCORN

Very well, its head’s falling down...

One, two, three ... left... right... now!

(Pierces it.)

GRACE

We are saved!

PEPPERCORN

We are saved!

GRACE

Peppercorn!
PEPPERCORN

Grace!

Scene Seven

(Peppercorn, Grace)

GRACE

(Hesitatingly approaches the dragon. When she sees it is dead, she runs to Peppercorn
and embraces him.)

We are safe now! A moment ago

We were deprived of almost all hope.
From my mother I took the last farewell
But now, all at once, everything is well.

(She sees Peppercorn wrapping the wounded arm.)

Take care! Is it dangerous?

PEPPERCORN

It is not, though blood was shed.

Now it is all right, the monster is dead.

GRACE

Go to my mother, ask anything from her

She will be ready to give any treasure.

PEPPERCORN

She cannot give me what I really need.

GRACE

And what is it? I am curious indeed.

PEPPERCORN

We’ll discuss my wishes some time later

Let’s enjoy our freedom, now it is much better.
GRACE

Your brave deed must have a reward

Do you want an arrow coated with gold?
Or perhaps some clothes from tiger’s skin?
Whatever you want, my mother will give.

PEPPERCORN

I have a wish, since long ago:

I want to grow up. That is what I want.

GRACE

Ask for something else. Yes, I do know

That with greater strength, you could achieve more.
But take something now, what do you want, say,
Something to remind you of this happy day.

PEPPERCORN

Yes, I will take something.

GRACE

(Merrily.)

And what is that?

PEPPERCORN

Just a horn, that’s all. (He approaches the dragon.)

GRACE

Take something else, that reward’s too small.

PEPPERCORN

Thank you, but no.

GRACE

Take something, so you can remember the fight.

PEPPERCORN

It is dead now, so it cannot bite.

(Cuts off the dragon’s tongue and pierces it upon an arrow.)

This souvenir I will keep for long.

GRACE

Do you know where its power was coming from?

PEPPERCORN

From its heart, I think

But now I will see.

(Approaches the dragon to cut open its belly.)

GRACE

Stop! Don’t touch it!

PEPPERCORN

You are still afraid?

GRACE

Your great courage I do admire

Don’t you think it might come alive?

PEPERCORN

Don’t you worry.

(He cuts open the dragon’s belly and takes out its heart.)

GRACE

(Surprised.)

Could anyone guess, no matter how smart

That the dragon had so big a heart?

PEPPERCORN
(Holding the heart.)

For all those crimes, here is the culprit

Now you should pass a sentence to it.

(Offering the heart to Grace; she draws herself back.)

What now? Something scares you?

GRACE

You pass the sentence. Please, do.

PEPPERCORN

All right, this punishment will be harsh.

Listen to this: for thy many crimes
For your misdeeds that are well remembered
And for all your other countless sins
You deserve a sentence most severe.
Expect no mercy, but bear in mind
You never had mercy for anyone.
Everyone trembled at mere thought of you
And for that this arrow will now pierce you through.
(To Grace) Now you decide whether it was right.

GRACE

Its crimes are great, pierce with all your might.

PEPPERCORN

This is where my youth was captured!

I wonder how this happiness was earned!

(Loud swishing sound.)

GRACE

What’s going on?

PEPPERCORN
Freedom can be seen on the horizon.
No one will be slave from now on.

GRACE

These sounds, that light. That music, so good.

I wonder how that can be understood.
And this boy is turning into a young man -
It is so strange, such an excitement!

PEPPERCORN

Everything’s so nice, and it is no wonder

I found my youth, my joy comes from there.

GRACE

Your youth?! How come you did not get it before?

PEPPERCORN

I’m boundlessly happy, ask me no more,

(Preparing to leave.)

GRACE

Boundlessly, well... maybe bold and beautiful

All I know is that my heart is full
Of something that I cannot explain.

PEPPERCORN

It will pass soon.

GRACE

Never will I be the same again.

PEPPERCORN

Before I leave, I have to say it:

You are the reason that I am so happy.

(He sets off.)

GRACE

Where are you going

PEPPERCORN

Back to the village where I was born.

GRACE

You have been so brave, a real paragon

I wish you would first visit my home.

PEPPERCORN

Thanks, I’m in a hurry. I just have to go.

GRACE

May luck be with you.

PEPPERCORN

(Walks on, then stops.)

Grace!

GRACE

(With hope.)

Peppercorn!

PEPPERCORN

I cannot bear to part with you

Come with me to where my country lies,
And we’ll stay together till the end of times.

(Grace goes to him; they embrace each other.)

Your warm embrace makes me even stronger

That is true happiness. I don’t want another.

GRACE
Peppercorn!
But first of all I must tell my mother.

PEPPERCORN

To ask for your hand, I will also go there.

GRACE

And where’s the ring?

PEPPERCORN

The ring will be given to my bride.

I shall make haste and fetch it from the town.

GRACE

I shall go with you.

PEPPERCORN

No. If we are together, we shall make it last

But if I’m alone, I’ll be very fast
You should go home. Let your mother know
First of all, that the dragon is no more
And that you are happy and... everything else.
You should not worry: quickly I’ll be back.

(He sets off quickly, then he goes back.)

I almost forgot: where shall we meet?

GRACE

In front of the court.

PEPPERCORN

The court?!

GRACE

Yes, I will come out.

PEPPERCORN
Why should you be there, say?

GRACE

What makes you so puzzled?

The emperor’s daughter in court should stay.

PEPPERCORN

You... emperor’s daughter!! My joy was in vain!

GRACE

How now? Does that mean that you love me less?

PEPPERCORN

Of course not. But I do have fear

That your mother wouldn’t give you
To someone so poor.

GRACE

Don’t worry about that, for my mother swore

That she will give you to my saviour.

PEPPERCORN

(Beaming with bliss.)

Is that the truth?

GRACE

There is no other.

PEPPERCORN

What about the daughter?

GRACE

A daughter must obey her mother.

(Peppercorn embraces her.)

PEPPERCORN

My heart is again filled with happiness

GRACE

You know where the court is?

PEPPERCORN

(Beaming with joy.)

I will find the place.

(He runs off; Grace makes a couple of steps after him, smiles and waves after him. All of
a sudden Badman appears; she is startled.)

Scene Eight

(Grace, Badman, Blunty.)

GRACE

It’s the dragon!

BADMAN

(Appears with Blunty, cautiously, but when he sees the killed dragon, he becomes bold.)

Ha, mean lizard, you are done with

But I shall be cautious, maybe you still live.

(He makes sure the dragon is dead; pushes it with his leg.)

Why are you so stiff, move on ahead

But you never will, for you look so dead.

GRACE

You know, you are not much of a hero

If you prove your courage on a dead dragon.

BADMAN
If you think that maybe I am not so bold
I have to remind you: she died from my sword.

GRACE

(Breaks into laugh.)

I saw what I saw with my own eyes.

BADMAN

But I have a witness that can testify.

(Points at Blunty.)

GRACE

You are so defensive.

BADMAN

What I am telling is nothing but the truth.

That to your mother I can lightly prove.

(Tears off the dragon’s head.)

First of all, this head I will take to her

Then with my life and honour I swear
So that she’ll believe, and only that counts.

GRACE

But I will tell her that it is a lie.

BADMAN

(Grasping his sword threateningly.)

So you will tell her?

GRACE

Of course I will.
And besides, there’s another thing.
BADMAN

I can handle obstacles of any sort.

GRACE

A real hero is coming to this court.

BADMAN

He’d better not, he’d better be dead

For I shall easily part him with his head.

GRACE

(Shocked.)

Are you aware of what you have just said?

BADMAN

(Laughing.)

You are afraid? If that scares you

Then there must be love between you two.

GRACE

Would you be able to commit a crime?

BADMAN

Why not?

GRACE

Peppercorn!

BADMAN

(Takes her by the hands.)

Bear this in mind:

You must tell your mother what I want you to
Or else your beloved his head will lose.
GRACE

(Breaks away from him, runs.)

Peppercorn! ... Peppercorn!

BADMAN

(Catches her.)

Don’t shout so loud, for he is not here

There is no one to hear you.
Accept this happiness that is being offered
And take me as your loyal husband.

CURTAIN
ACT THREE

Scene One

(Court hall; Queen, Prince Howard Coward, and Nanny)

NANNY

You are worried. You would like to see your child

But maybe that could break your heart.
Just cheer yourself, for all may be well
Whether we had luck, the ending will tell.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

Badman is strong, he can do a lot

And he is truly hefty with his sword.
He’ll defeat the monster, there in its cave.

NANNY

Your daughter will surely be saved.

Therefore, instead of succumbing to worries
Go to your room, and find some peace.

QUEEN

(Singing.)

She is my treasure, twiddle dee, and twiddle dum

(Nanny and Howard Coward) Twiddle dee, twiddle dum.

My sun, my joy and happiness, twiddle dee, twiddle dum.

(Nanny and Howard Coward) Twiddle dee, twiddle dum.

A flower that reminds me, twiddle dee, twiddle dum

(Nanny and Howard Coward) Twiddle dee, twiddle dum.

Of my dear king, twiddle de, twiddle dum.

So if she never comes again
If she doesn’t come to ease this pain
If black news come instead of her
Then my life will also be over.

NANNY

Your sad words fill me with deep sorrow

But what’s dark today may be bright tomorrow.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

Princess will come back, my heart tells me

So try to appease your suffering.

NANNY

You’ve always been prone

To take things too much to heart...

QUEEN

They are coming! There they are!

ALL

Twiddle dee, twiddle dum.

NANNY

I’d never have thought Badman could make it.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

But here they are, alive and kicking.

MEN

They are coming, twiddle dee!

WOMEN

Here they are, twiddle dum!

ALL

Twiddle dee and twiddle dum!

Scene Two

(Badman, Grace, the former, Nanny)

QUEEN

(Embraces Grace.)

My dear child, you are still overcome by awe

Otherwise your hands wouldn’t tremble so.
Your face is pale, your heart’s pace quickens
A sparkle of fear in your eyes glistens.
From now on, all things will be fine
Forever is gone our dreadful plight.

GRACE

I’m so tired, mother. I would like to sleep.

QUEEN

The day was so awful, but its end was best

Go to your room, have a proper rest.

(Kisses her; Grace goes away with Nanny; Badman takes the dragon’s head from his bag
and throws it down.)

QUEEN

Oh...oh...

ALL

Oh... oh...!!!

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

Long live Badman, our future king!

ALL

Long live Badman! Long live Badman!

BADMAN

Blunty!

QUEEN

O-o-o!

ALL

O-o-o!

QUEEN

That is the dragon that seemed to be our fate.

BADMAN

Yes, that’s that dragon

QUEEN

It is horrendous.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

Badman is great.

QUEEN

Please, tell us everything about the event.

BADMAN

Take this golden cup, my beautiful knight

And refresh yourself with some wine.

ALL
O-o-o!

(Badman drinks it up.)

QUEEN

Take another.

(She pours the wine.)

BADMAN

(Drinks it up.)

It pleases me so.

QUEEN

Dancing will please you even more.

Let joy resound through this court.

(Laughter.)

I hope you will stick to your word.

QUEEN

My word of honour I value above all

I’d like to have a hero as my son in law.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

Long live Queen’s son in law!

(Applause.)

ALL

Long live Queen’s son in law!

COURTIER

And now, a song for the victor.

Do you agree, your majesty? (Singing.)
Badman is really someone to admire.
ALL

Admire!

COURTIER

I’d never have thought they’d come back alive.

MEN

Alive.

COURTIER

There are more heroes, if you did not know

One of them is ready to oppose the dragon.

ALL

Dragon.

WOMEN

Dragon, dragon.

MEN

His resoluteness surely should be praised.

WOMEN

Praised, praised, praised.

MEN

Praised.

ALL

His courage above all should be raised.

MEN

His courage above all should be raised.

ALL
Should be raised. Should be raised!

COURTIER

And now, a minuet, hickory-dickory.

ALL

Dock!

COURTIER

Hickory, dickory, dock!

(They start dancing.)

FIRST LADY

A fiery heart burns within your bosom.

FIRST COURTIER

We have never seen such hero in our kingdom.

SECOND LADY

Your picture on every wall will be.

SECOND COURTIER

Pray you, take note of me.

THIRD LADY

You are magnificent!

BADMAN

You too!

THIRD LADY

Oh, come on!

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

We’ll be playing cards. Join us today.

NANNY

There is something we would like to say.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

Come to us tomorrow, to a barbecue.

COURTIER

And now, if you please, there come part three.

ALL

Knick-knack!

(Applause.)

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

And now, let us hear!

BADMAN

I think it is better to postpone that story.

QUEEN

Talk now.

LADIES

Yes, talk!

BADMAN

All right, then, I have to agree. This is how it was:

Me, Grace and Blunty were sitting and waiting
When all of a sudden we saw a lightning.

ALL

A lightning!
BADMAN

It was so bright, almost made me blind

Whether from the lake or from the sand,
I was not sure. But then came the dragon.

LADIES

The dragon!

BADMAN

Had you been there, you’d have been...

ALL

Put on!

BADMAN

For better understanding, though

I will perform the scene for you.
Will you come here, please?

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

Me?

BADMAN

Yes, you’ll be the dragon.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

It will be my pleasure!

(Steps out of the group and assumes the attitude of a dragon.)

BADMAN

Such horrific monster no one ever saw:

Seven heads it had.

(Howard Coward returns to the group.)

ALL

Seven?!!!

BADMAN

Precisely so,
One of these heads hot fire was throwing
While from the other a cold wind was blowing
The third was exuding poisonous smoke
While the fourth was wiggling its tongue.

CHOIR

From the fifth...

BADMAN

From the fifth also a wind did blow.

CHOIR

And the two remaining?

BADMAN

It kept them in stock.

And now, what follows?

CHOIR

And now, what follows?

BADMAN

We were standing there, all dumbfounded

And the dragon to our Grace...

CHOIR

... Charged.

BADMAN

It was then that I decided to fight

I shouted at Blunty our Princess to hide
And then I drew my sword at once
Dragon ran at me. I jumped askance
Then the brawl commenced.

CHOIR

So forceful and tense.

BADMAN

All of its attacks I did oppose

It threw its poison, but I closed my...

ALL

...Nose.

BADMAN

It beat with the wind, so sharp and brittle

It threw its fire, burned me a little.
In return with sword I prickled it on
But then it took a mightier weapon.
It climbed up on a huge stone
Smoothened the wind, smothered the fire
And looked at me; its eyes shone
So that all at once, my arm got...

CHOIR

...Stoned.

BADMAN

I wanted to move it, but was unable

It was coming closer. At least one leg
I wanted to move, but all was in vain
And just when I thought I would be slain
There through the grass, a snake quickly passed.

ALL

A snake?!!

BADMAN
A snake.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

On top of all things.

BADMAN

In fact it saved me. The dragon, it seems

Fears of snakes, for when that sound it heard
It got startled. And then my sword
Did its work – mere luck helped me.
I cut off its heads: one, two, and three...

(Enters Peppercorn.)

Scene Three

(Peppercorn, Blunty, the former)

PEPPERCORN

I hail your majesty. (Bowing.)

COURTIER

(Apologizing.)

He came in by force.

CHOIR

(First men, then women.)

By force! By power!

QUEEN

Who are you looking for?

PEPPERCORN

Your dear daughter.

QUEEN

But why?

PEPPERCORN

To make her my wife.

ALL

Oh-hoh!

BADMAN

What an impertinence.
Go away, or else my sword will arise. (Draws his sword.)

PEPPERCORN

But what if my sword takes you by surprise? (Draws his sword.)

QUEEN

Hold on, Badman. You ask for my daughter?

PEPPERCORN

Yes.

QUEEN

But what makes you think you can claim her?

PEPPERCORN

My greatest argument is my love.

QUEEN

That is not enough.

PEPPERCORN

By my power the dragon was defeated.

How about that? Does that suffice?
QUEEN

In fact, not, if you have no proof.

BADMAN

No proof, your majesty, he can acquire

For he is obviously a great liar.

PEPPERCORN

(Takes out the dragon’s horn.)

Here is its horn. Can that be a proof?

BADMAN

Do you really think we are such fools?

It’s not dragon’s horn. He wants to cheat us.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

He stole it from an ox.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

Or else from a cow.

QUEEN

Whether he speaks truth, we shall see at once.

Where’s the dragon’s head? Bring it along.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

Blunty!

CHOIR

(Blunty brings the head.)

Quickly, quickly, come along!

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

How strange! The horn is missing!

ALL

The horn is missing!

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

(Puts the horn in its place.)

It does fit here.

QUEEN

What do you say, Badman?

BADMAN

(Confused.)

It is a bit queer.
Let me just remember it all...

(Mumbles, waves his hands, “remembers”)

Yes, now I know how he got that horn.

(Slaps his forehead.)

How could I be so neglectful, really?

When, after that brawl, I finally killed it
To wash my sword, I went to the lake
And Grace went with me to wash her face
Since it was smudged with tears,
And Blunty also went there with us.
It was then that he came sneaking’ forth
And took the horn. You want with my effort
And with my courage to become a knight.
Well, that cannot be. (Draws his sword.)

QUEEN

(Points toward the room where Grace is sleeping.)

Sssssh! Be quiet.

ALL
Sssssh!

QUEEN

What do you say? Please, speak your mind.

PEPPERCORN

I say that he tells nothing but lies.

BADMAN

(Threatening.)

Will you shut up now!

PEPPERCORN

They are mere lies, don’t be so naive.

BADMAN

(To the Queen.)

Why do you let him be so offensive?

QUEEN

I want the truth. Put anger aside.

PEPPERCORN

I swear that the truth is on my side.

BADMAN

You want the truth? Very well, then

To provide the proof, I bring you this man.

(Dragging Blunty.)

He was the witness, everyone should know

So from his lips the truth will flow.

CHOIR
Will flow? (3 times women, 3 times men)

BADMAN

(To Blunty, in broad gestures.)

Tell our majesty all about

How with that dragon there I fought
So that it was killed by my sword
And that guy is just an impostor
No one saw him there, he must have flown off
And also... but no, this will be enough.

BADMAN

The dragon!

CHOIR

The dragon!

BADMAN

The sword!

CHOIR

A stab here, a stab there, and that was it!

(A pantomimic scene in which Blunty, repeating all Badman’s gestures almost in detail,
describes what he was told to describe.)

BADMAN

The truth is now absolutely clear.

QUEEN

Yes, I think that the truth is near

Though Blunty is a bit confused.

BADMAN

To be more precise: he is a fool.

That’s why with his words you are so cautious.
Is Starman a fool?

QUEEN

By no means at all!

BADMAN

Then you should call him hither

He was the last who stood with me thither
When everyone else so cowardly fled.

QUEEN

Make Starman come at his highest speed.

BADMAN

How I am offended, he will surely see.

QUEEN

If he confirms what you just did say

Then I will believe without delay.

Scene Four

(Starman, the former)

STARMAN

(Comes in, bows to the Queen; sees Badman.)

You are alive! The dragon, then, did

Pay for every misdeed. (They shake hands. To the Queen)
While all the others ran away in fear
He was the only one who remained near
The monster! Praised be you, who stood up to your tasks
So that the court now in happiness basks.
Such a hero you should always have at hand
I can see him still: on that day’s end
The dragon was about to come out
And he stood firm, ready to pierce it.
That kind of courage I really admire:
When one stands alone, with his hand or spire.

QUEEN

(Pointing at Peppercorn.)

Was this chap there? And do you know him?

STARMAN

(Staring at Peppercorn.)

Such a one my eyes have never seen.

BADMAN

(Triumphantly, ironically)

Does her majesty need more proofs?

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

(Pointing at Peppercorn.)

Now his lies are so obvious.

QUEEN

Yes, now everything is clear.

BADMAN

How now, mean cur, do you hear?

PEPPERCORN

I’ve been listening, now you should listen to me.

BADMAN

You plan to cheat us, but that cannot be.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

(To the Queen)

We don’t want new lies, so please spare our ears.

QUEEN

(To the sentry)

Take him from here.

PEPPERCORN

Your majesty, it’s you I implore:

Will you please bring along your daughter?

QUEEN

While she’s asleep, I will not allow

Anyone to go there and disturb her.

PEPPERCORN

Grace will testify in my favour.

ALL

Grace.

QUEEN

(Surprised.)

You know the name of her honour?

PEPPERCORN

She told me herself.

Let us all hear what she has to say.

STARMAN

(To the Queen, who is absorbed in thought.)

Yes, we should call her, go to her room.

BADMAN
But...

STARMAN

Sssshh... be quiet. She will support you.

PEPPERCORN

I have trust in her.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

(To Peppercorn)

You will see that I’m telling you the truth.

STARMAN

But what if she does not support you?

PEPPERCORN

She will not, for by the truth she is lead.

STARMAN

But what if you’re wrong?

PEPPERCORN

I will be ready to part with my head.

ALL

The Princess!

Scene Five

(Grace, the former)

GRACE

(Joyfully.)
Peppercorn!

(She stops short, seeing that beside him stands Blunty, ready to draw his sword; beside
her stands Badman, with stern and threatening look; no one notices these threats,
because they are all concentrated upon what Grace will say: they interpret her
withdrawal after the outburst of joy as a sign that she has mistaken Peppercorn for
someone else and that she is now becoming aware of her mistake.)

QUEEN

This dispute seems to be out of our control

Since this boy’s trying to persuade us all
That he was the victor, The problem being
In that Badman for himself says the same thing.
Please, tell us now: how did it happen
Who was the hero: Peppercorn or Badman?

(A pause. Everyone is intently waiting. Grace hesitates, but when she realizes that if she
discovers the truth Badman will have his revenge, she comes to a decision.)

GRACE

Blurred with tears, my eyes could not see

So Badman’s words may be true indeed.

PEPPERCORN

(Shocked.)

Grace!

CHOIR

Oooooh!

QUEEN

(To Grace)

Go back to your room, stay there awhile. (Caresses her.)

Until to your face you summon a smile.
(Kisses her. Grace goes out.)

Scene Six
BADMAN

What do you say now?

QUEEN

Give me your hand.

(Puts ring upon his finger. Points at Peppercorn.)

But what about this man?

BADMAN

Shall we have him beaten?

STARMAN

Today we are happy. So let us forgive him

For he will himself repent for his sin.

QUEEN

Forgive him?

BADMAN

Forgive him? Tell me, why should we?

He does not deserve it, so great is his guilt.
But all right, let mercy prevail over hatred
Let us have him kiss the sheath of my sword
And then hastily may he leave this court
So that I never see him anymore.

QUEEN

(To Peppercorn)

Come on, do that!

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

Kiss his sheath.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

Go on, pout your lips.

(Peppercorn, aggrieved, does not move.)

He won’t.

BADMAN

(Angrily draws his sword.)

Impertinent coward, I shall make you bleed.

QUEEN

(Runs toward him.)

Stick to your honour: do not do that

For he does not move.

BADMAN

(Calms down a little; puts down his sword.)

How I can not: the offense is great.

QUEEN

(To Peppercorn)

You know, your offense becomes greater and greater

Run away from here: the sooner, the better.

BADMAN

No, if he wants for mercy to plead

The only way is on his knees to kneel.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

(To Peppercorn.)

Obey him, for this is a serious threat.

(Peppercorn gets angry.)

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

You see, he won’t.

BADMAN

I will take no more of that.

(Touches Peppercorn with his sword.)

I’ll spare my sword, for he is too filthy. (To the Queen.)

For his foul slander, he is much too guilty.
In chain for his sins, let us put this chap.

STARMAN

Well, I think... all right, let it be.

QUEEN

Go on, speak: what’s up?

STARMAN

The tradition says that among the knights

Such quarrels are solved in dueling fights.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

What a great idea!

QUEEN

How so? You mean there will be fight?

STARMAN

Such duels teach us to tell wrong from right.

That chap is guilty. We all know well
What slanders and lies he was trying to tell.
In spite of that, Badman should not threat
With manacles. Revenge he may have
But in honest fight, or he should forgive.

BADMAN
I do prefer the second virtue:
Forgive where forgiveness is due.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

But all those offenses?

BADMAN

Just take him from hence.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

He will say you forgave him, my lord

Because you were afraid of his sword.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

And the dragon-slayer should not be afraid.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

Look at him, he can barely stand.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

Revenge brings pleasure with itself.

QUEEN

No, it is better if blood is not shed.

To spare your life, he is very willing
All you have to do is kneel and beg him.

PEPPERCORN

(Calmly, quietly.)

Let him beg me.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

(To Badman)

If you bear this, you are a fool.

BADMAN

All right, let there be a duel (Draws his sword.)

PEPPERCORN

(In a sudden outburst of anger.)

Let it be, then.

WOMEN

Alas, alas!

MEN

A duel.

(Peppercorn draws his sword; everybody moves to one side: the duel starts; at one point,
when he understands that he will be overpowered, Badman gives a sign to Blunty, who
attacks Peppercorn.)

PEPPERCORN

(Rejects the blow, fighting against both of them.)

STARMAN

(Trying to stop him.)

Stop it!

(Blunty pushes him aside, continues the fight.)

CHOIR

Oh!

PEPPERCORN

You want to go on?

Then I have to wound you with my sword.

(Wounds him in his arm.)

CHOIR
Ouch!

(The fight goes on; Badman’s fear is more and more obvious. Peppercorn succeeds in
throwing Badman’s sword out of his hand; Badman is terrified.)

CHOIR

Ouch, ouch!

BADMAN

I will admit everything.

PEPPERCORN

(With his sword on Badman’s breast.)

Now, that’s what I want to hear from him.

BADMAN

Spare me my life, that’s all I am asking.

PEPPERCORN

All right. (Puts his sword back to its sheath.)

(With his hand on his sword.)

What makes you dumb? Go on, say it.

BADMAN

(Defeated.)

Before it came out, I had run away.

(General surprise.)

CHOIR

Oh... hoh!

QUEEN
You ran away. That changes the whole thing.

(To Peppercorn.)

Please, forgive me.

PEPPERCORN

You are a queen, there’s nothing to forgive.

QUEEN

It is nice that you are not easily offended

From now on we shall be ruling together.
I give you my daughter – be her loyal husband.

PEPPERCORN

Your majesty offers me too much.

I have to refuse.

QUEEN

(Surprised.)

Is that a joke or what?

PEPPERCORN

I can’t be more serious. Thank you for all.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

Hold on! Say something to the old knight.

PEPPERCORN

No. Thank you. Everything’s all right.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

Hold on!

Scene Seven
QUEEN

You have told me so many lies

That it by no means can be justified.

BADMAN

I did not lie.

QUEEN

No use in talking, just as I have said

What was confirmed, cannot be denied.

BADMAN

Listen, and then reason with reason fetter

In the fencing duel, I was so much better
But Peppercorn was so cunning and mean
That he twice tugged me by the sleeve
And that is forbidden by rules of the fight.
But I was tired, ran out of might.
In brawl with the dragon all my power went
That’s why it happened, quite by accident
That he deprived me of my sword. Indeed
I was powerless. He should take the guilt
For all the lies he forced me to tell.

QUEEN

But it can’t appease my anger and make me feel well.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

I know that the Queen’s judgement will be rightsome

For with someone’s sword pierced at my bosom.
I would also lie to save myself.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

Yes, it is important.

FIRST COURTIER

He was forced to do that.

SECOND COURTIER

Add the witnesses’ reports.

BADMAN

Yes, everyone confirmed that I killed the dragon

That with my own hands I cut its head off.
I swear with my luck and honour
Or should I swear with something more?

QUEEN

You don’t have to swear. When I come to think

I see that it was you who did it.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

Well, now...

CHOIR

Long live Badman, our future king. Long live Badman!

CHOIR

(First men, then women.)

The Princess! The Princess!

GRACE

Don’t trust him, mother, he lies every word

For he wants the crown, and to rule the world.
Peppercorn saved me... that young lad
It is by his hand that dragon was slayed.
But I was forced to say what I said
Because Badman threatened him with death.

CHOIR

O-o-oh!

QUEEN
What you just said the whole thing explains
Take him away and put him in chains.

CHOIR

In chains!

BADMAN

(Struggling with the guardsman.)

But I...

QUEEN

Not a word.

BADMAN

I beg you, have mercy on me

I am as honest as a man can be.

(They exit.)

Scene Eight

(The former, without Badman.)

GRACE

Where’s Peppercorn? Speak, I pray.

QUEEN

(To the Knight and Prince.)

He’ll be back soon. Please, make him stay.

MEN

Make him stay.

GRACE
No, he will want to go back
Therefore, I will have to leave.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

Do not take trouble, though you grieve

For we do not know where he is.

PRINCE HOWARD COWARD

We are not on his trail.

THE KNIGHT OF FEAR

You waste your strength in vain.

GRACE

I made my decision. Make haste!

QUEEN

I shall go too.
Prepare the carriage. There’s no time to waste.

CHOIR

There’s no time to waste!

There’s no time to waste!
There’s no time to waste!

CURTAIN

PROLOGUE

The Emperor’s grooms made great fuss

Took the best carriages and the best horses.
The carriage was drawn by six white stallions
Everyone came in. Coachman pulled the reins
The horses then sped swiftly indeed
Their manes fluttering in the wind
The bells were ringing, the whips cracking
The Princess thought that she was hearing
A story in that noise. We are getting closer
We shall find him there! We shall find him there!
As they were disappearing in the distance
The wind was blowing dust in their stance.

But what about our hero, the young Peppercorn?

He is so sulky, on his brow a frown
As if his he had been very worried
As if his heart had been embittered.
Still being unable from wonder to recover
Following the paths through woods that meander
He was again met by his old friends
And all of them wanted with him to shake hands;
Quite naturally, for he’s such a hero,
Courageous and mighty. First spoke the lion
And as he was delivering his speech
Mentioning glory, feats, heroic deeds
He got confused and started stuttering
A moment later he began coughing
The swallow came to help. Her voice she raised
And in full throat uttered her praise:
“Long live Peppercorn!”; with cheers she was answered.
Down with Badman!”; all were angered.
From that loud shouting the pines were trembling
Peppercorn with smile his answer was sending.
He waved his hand and then he went on
The rabbit, jumping, went to see him off.
People from the village went back to their lives
Losing all hope in everyday strives
Remembering Peppercorn only now and then
And then returning to their thoughts again
Only his mother, hoping he might
Come, spent each day and night
Thinking of her son. Often at dawn
She would be seen standing at the window
Staring at the distance far and away
Leaning her head on the windowpane.
And with every step, every sound she heard
She would startle, thinking he was coming near
But it never was her son’s step
And so it went day after day.
One morning, as always, pale and tired
She was standing there with weary eyes.
And there also, right by her side
Goodfellow and Swaggerer, silent and frowned.
ACT FOUR

(In front of Peppercorn’s Cabin; Mother, Goodfellow and Swaggerer)

Scene One

(Mother, Goodfellow, Swaggerer)

GOODFELLOW

He can’t be found.

SWAGGERER

We searched all the way to the next village.

MOTHER

(Wiping her tears.)

I want to ask you something, my children:

Has anyone seen him when he set off?

(They nod in confirmation; she begins to hope.)

And did he say where he was heading for?

GOODFELLOW

(Embarrassed.)

He said...

MOTHER

(Intently.)

What?

SWAGGERER
(Helping Goodfellow.)

He said, when he started from here

That he headed for the woods, to cut some timber.

MOTHER

Then he surely must still be there!

(Goes deeper into the stage.)

GOODFELLOW

(Whispering.)

I will tell the truth.

SWAGGERER

It will break her heart, don’t you understand?

MOTHER

(Mostly to herself.)

He must have lost his path somewhere.

SWAGGERER

Many a man has, in that forest there.

MOTHER

I shall go to find him, for it was my fault

He is in the forest, looking for his home.

Scene Two

(Goodfellow, Swaggerer.)

GOODFELLOW

What have we done?

SWAGGERER

I doubt we could do anything better

For the truth would surely kill her.

GOODFELLOW

But why should she wander through the wood?

SWAGGERER

That’s how it is... but who will defeat whom?

GOODFELLOW

You mean between Peppercorn and monster?

SWAGGERER

Yes.

GOODFELLOW

There is no doubt:
For Peppercorn ‘twill be death and disaster.

SWAGGERER

Not necessarily.

GOODFELLOW

Do you mean that really?

SWAGGERER

Perhaps he could also...

(Makes a gesture with his hand as if he were fencing; then he stops short, and starts
thinking.)

GOODFELLOW

But how? How could he do so?

SWAGGERER
If he summons all his powers at once
He might beat the monster – well, perchance.

GOODFELLOW

Yes, but it will eat him in a hip.

SWAGGERER

Unless he performs some devious trick.

GOODFELLOW

But what can he do? If you know it, say.

SWAGGERER

Then look!

(Drawing his sword and assuming a fighting stance.)

Come on!

GOODFELLOW

I won’t!

SWAGGERER

(Friendly.)

Let us try. Pretend you are the dragon.

(Goodfellow thinks for a moment, then agrees; he bows down and the “fight” begins;
Goodfellow blows all the time, as if he were the dragon, blowing fire; he pushes
Swaggerer back.)

SWAGGERER

Let me see your horns.

GOODFELLOW

Here, see my horns.

ALL

If you don’t want to.

GOODGELLOW

Then I will kill you.

Beware, for your head is in danger.

SWAGGERER

He goes to the rock that stands near

... jumps up

(He jumps over Goodfellow and “pierces” him before he manages to turn his head.)

... and the dragon is pierced,

(Goodfellow pretends he is dead.)

Scene Three

(Peppercorn, the former)

PEPPERCORN

(Surprised, with a smile.)

What are you doing? What is that game there?

(They are so absorbed in their game that they do not take note of him – even if they did,
they would not recognize him; he approaches Goodfellow, who is still lying and thinking.)

And what are you: a lion or a tiger?

GOODFELLOW

Don’t interrupt us.

Hey, wait a little, stop now!
What if the dragon rejects the blow?

(He protects himself with his “claw”.)

SWAGGERER
It’s no big deal. One blow and it is finished...

(Moves Goodfellow’s hand aside.)

My chance of success is not diminished.

(He quickly “pierces” Goodfellow, who is trying to break himself free.)

There’s no escape from this sword.

(Peppercorn smiles, understanding the whole thing. Goodfellow raises himself; the game
is over.)

PEPPERCORN

Who is it that wants to beat the dragon?

SWAGGERER

You do not know him, it’s a friend of ours.

PEPPERCORN

He must be strong, then.

SWAGGERER

Perhaps not that much, but he is courageous.

PEPPERCORN

Oh!

SWAGGERER

You do not know, you can’t be aware

How awful he is, when he’s full of anger.

PEPPERCORN

Oh!

SWAGGERER

Look here, these bruises came from him.

PEPPERCORN

Will you tell me, please, what is his name?

SWAGGERER

His name is Peppercorn.

PEPPERCORN

(Feigning amazement.)

Really?

SWAGGERER

Why are you surprised?

You knew him before?

PEPPERCORN

I know him, of course.

GOODFELLOW

(Getting interested.)

You may be bringing some news about him?

PEPPERCORN

You bet that I do.

SWAGGERER

(Losing his patience.)

That fellow’s wit is surely dim.

Come on, speak!

GOODFELLOW

(To Peppercorn)

Your thinking is slow.

PEPPERCORN

And where’s his mother?

SWAGGERER

(Reluctantly.)

She will be back soon.

PEPPERCORN

I will wait for her, so that she can hear.

GOODFELLOW AND SWAGGERER

We’ll tell everyone, far and near.

Speak!

GOODFELLOW

Was there a fight, say?

PEPPERCORN

There was one.

GOODFELLOW AND SWAGGERER

And then?

PEPPERCORN

I met him yesterday

And when I told him where I intended to go
He said: “Give my regards to Goodfellow”.

(He turns towards Swaggerer.)

GOODFELLOW

It is me.

PEPPERCORN
Are you?

GOODFELLOW

(Persuading him.)

I am.

PEPPERCORN

All right, if you are.

He said: “Give him my regard
And tell him my head stands firm on my shoulders
As well as that I have done with that monster.”
And you are.. Swaggerer?

SWAGGERER

Yes, Swaggerer Junior.

PEPPERCORN

It seems that with him you are at odds?

SWAGGERER

Well... I am not.

(Peppercorn looks at Goodfellow.)

GOODFELLOW

No, he is not, that is really true.

PEPPERCORN

(To Swaggerer.)

But he is ready to set his bill with you.

SWAGGERER

(Sincerely.)

While he was here, you know

We used to fight for nothing at all.
I regretted that when he was gone.

PEPPERCORN

But why? What for?

SWAGGERER

That I wouldn’t know.

Maybe because he was so brave and daring
My hand I will offer, if he should accept it.

PEPPERCORN

How could he not to? Would anyone do so?

GOODFELLOW

We still have not heard: where is he?

SWAGGERER

Is he near or is he far from here?

PEPPERCORN

He may be entering the village right now

(They look at each other.)

And maybe this way he will go.

(They run towards where Peppercorn has pointed to.)

Or maybe he comes from round that bend.

(They run to the opposite side.)

Or maybe right in front of you he stands.

(Goodfellow and Swaggerer turn towards him; he smiles, they recognize him; for a
couple of moments they are flabbergasted.)

GOODFELLOW AND SWAGGERER

Ppp...pppp...Peppercorn!
SWAGGERER AND GOODFELLOW

Who could believe that?

GOODFELLOW

How did you grow up?

SWAGGERER

And how so much?

PEPPERCORN

I will tell you all. You are excited?

SWAGGERER

V-v-v-very much so...

So that I can’t talk.

GOODFELLOW

I also feel as if I were stifled.

PEPPERCORN

Ssssh. Don’t let anyone see you so befuddled.

GOODFELLOW

I.. I... I’m better already.

SWAGGERER

(Noticing Centenarian coming.)

Watch out, here comes granddad!

GOODFELLOW

J-j-j-just tell him slowly.

SWAGGERER
The whole thing is s-s-o utterly s-s-strange.
S-s-so that he might swoon in amazement.

Scene Four

(Centenarian, the former)

CENTENARIAN

He still has not come?

Still no news from him?
Why do these kids behave like that?

PEPPERCORN

Who are you looking for, granddad?

CENTENARIAN

I’d rather you would not ask me that question

For within myself I bear great torture.

PEPPERCORN

What might be your trouble?

CENTENARIAN

(With a sigh.)

You can’t think of it, it’s so huge and hard

There was a boy I loved very much
Peppercorn, Peppercorn, that’s how he was called.
And then, suddenly, two days ago,
Having heard the story of the dragon
He decided to fight him and then he was gone. (Reproaching himself.)
Oh, my foolish head, it was all my fault.

PEPPERCORN

Well, you know, I’ve met him.

CENTENARIAN
(With disbelief.)

It’s a joke, or what?

PEPPERCORN

It is not a joke.

CENTENARIAN

And did he say anything?

PEPPERCORN

He did not, for he was in a great hurry.

CENTENARIAN

Do you know when he is coming back?

PEPPERCORN

Yes, I do know.

GOODFELLOW

(To Centenarian)

We also know that.

SWAGGERER

(To Peppercorn.)

That information we shall provide.

At this very moment he is very near.

(Centenarian, amazed, looks at Peppercorn, who confirms that.)

GOODFELLOW

And perhaps he will come upon us here.

(Centenarian makes a movement as if he will start to run, then he stops short.)

CENTENARIAN
Oh, lightning and thunders, heavens and stars
The royal carriage is coming towards us!

GOODFELLOW

The Queen!

SWAGGERER

The Princess!

GOODFELLOW

They have crossed the river, they are approaching!

CENTENARIAN

Never in my life have I seen such a thing.

PEPPERCORN

It is true, granddad dear.

CENTENARIAN

What is it today?
What’s going on here?

Scene Five

(Grace, Queen, Knight of Fear, the former)

GRACE

Peppercorn!

(She approaches him joyfully: Centenarian is dumbfounded, while Goodfellow and

Swaggerer also look at the scene in amazement; Peppercorn sadly bows his head.)

Please, let all quarrels be ended.

PEPPERCORN
I see it turned out as I’d apprehended.
Time for me now to other things to turn
I know he’s a courtier, so I don’t blame you.

GRACE

But you should know this...

PEPPERCORN

I understand, your reasons are quite clear.

GRACE

Try to explain, mother, please help me.

QUEEN

It is not her fault.

PEPPERCORN

(Calmly and quietly.)

I never said so.

QUEEN

You should be grateful she said what she said

Had he told the truth, you would have been dead.

PEPPERCORN

That surprises me!

QUEEN

You mean it sounds strange?

PEPPERCORN

I just can’t believe.

QUEEN

But it is true. Now listen how it came to happen:

Blunty was beside you, beside her was Badman;
With hands on their swords, so fiery-eyed.
Had she told the truth, you would have died.

PEPPERCORN

How so? You say you were threatened?

GRACE AND CHOIR

Yes!

PEPPERCORN

And that by your lie my life was saved?

PEPPERCORN

(Overcome with joy.)

Now everything is as it used to be

With the same fervor I still love thee. (Embraces her.)

GRACE

Peppercorn!

PEPPERCORN

Grace!

QUEEN

And now – the ring. Please, be quick.

PEPPERCORN

Don’t you worry, I already have it.

(Shows the ring and puts it on Grace’s finger.)

Scene Six

(Mother, the former)

GOODFELLOW

Your mother is coming.

QUEEN

It’s Peppercorn’s mother.

I know what to do.

ALL

And what is that?

QUEEN

Move over a little, I want to surprise her.

MEN

Hide and seek!

WOMEN

Hide and seek! Be quick!

(Peppercorn and Grace hide themselves behind Knight and Prince; Mother approaches.)

QUEEN

Excuse me, please, perhaps you might know

Where dwells the mother of brave Peppercorn?

MOTHER

Oh, tell me, please, tell me, by heaven

Do you bring some message that he sent?

QUEEN

I do.

MOTHER

What message? Where is he? Is he in good health?

QUEEN

Yes, and here’s what he wanted me to tell:

That he will make his mother happy
By getting married.

ALL

Whaaat?

QUEEN

The very next Sunday.

And he wants his mother to be there too.

MOTHER

But he’s so small and frail, his health is so...

QUEEN

No, it was so long ago.

He is different now.

CHOIR

A real hero.

(The Queen gestures towards Knight and Prince, telling them to move aside.)

MOTHER

(Runs to embrace Peppercorn.)

Peppercorn!

PEPPERCORN

Our misery is past now: forget your tears

And accept the present that life gives.

SWAGGERER

This should be celebrated somehow

So let us start celebrating now.
QUEEN

And we’ll continue at the court.

ALL

And we’ll continue at the court.

(They all sit in the carriage and leave. Or they leave in some other way.)

EPILOGUE

And so, as the festivities have started

Our story is nearing the end.
Now it’s upon us to make our judgement.
For we have seen many different men.
And not just men, but also that monster
Worse than any evil, worse than a nightmare.
Has everyone got what they deserved?
I am sure it can’t be easily concluded.
Someone may think I was too biased
It may be so. But there’s one thing I ask:
I hope that no one will get angry at me
Next time I’ll be better – this time, let it be.

CURTAIN