The Geisha
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CURTAINACT IIAt rise of curtain enter Procession of Japanese Ladies being the train engaged by Imari for the attendance of his bride. They walk round in procession followed by Men, and finally take places as though waiting for Bride. Opening ChorusDay born of love, Of gladness and delight Your moments soon invite to mystic marriage rite! Thron’d high above O Tento Sama shines. And laughing, he divines a lover’s sweet designs! O-hayo! O-hayo! Moon by night and sun by day Tender beam and blazing ray! O-hayo! O-hayo! Watch and ward o’er lovers keep! Day to drink of pleasures deep Night for rest and gentle sleep Night for rest and gentle sleep. Day born of love, Of gladness and delight Your moments soon invite to mystic marriage rite! Politely dress’d In all our best The wedding we await, And hope they won’t be late, Or else forget the date. What would be done if either one Neglected to appear? If somebody demurr’d Or anything ocurr’d With all to interfere? Before our eyes the prospect lies Of rich and festive fare, With cups of sake rare To toast the happy pair. No wonder then that maids and men Unite in Hymen’s praise, And sing their joyous lays With blushes all ablaze. 4 Geisha exeunt. Enter Nami, principal attendant to the bride. Enter Imari from Palace. The Chorus all kow-tow. Imari. (To Nami) Now tell me, how fares it with my sweet bride? Does she ask for me? Nami. No, Most Noble. She does not seem conscious of the honour in store for her. Imari. Doesn’t she seem to appreciate my condescension? Nami. No, Marquis. In fact, she says she dislikes you very much. Imari. That’s not unusual when a girl marries for exalted social position. Nami. But she says she won’t marry you. Imari. She’s coy. She’ll outgrow that when she comes to know me at my true worth. Nami. Most Noble’s charms will no doubt win her over. Imari. They have never failed before, and I’ve had a lot of experience. Nami. Here she comes. Enter Molly from Pavilion, gloriously dressed in Japanese clothes and attended by 2 Ladies. She is petulant and tries to escape them. Nami goes towards her. Molly. (Seeing Imari, runs to Nami) Tell me how I can get out of this place. Nami. There is your anxious bridegroom. Molly. Bridegroom! I’m not going to marry. Imari. Oh, yes you are; look at me, and tell me if you can refuse me. Molly. I should think I could. I’m not going to marry. Imari. You are going to marry! All girls marry, it is the natural finish to a spinster’s education. Molly. Is it? Then marry the bridesmaids, I don’t love you. Imari. I didn’t say love. I said marriage, that’s quite a different thing in Japan. Now, my dear, I’m going to be your husband, and to make you the most important lady in these parts, and what can any girl want more? Molly. I don’t want more – I want less. I don’t want you! (Chorus titter) Imari. That’s her maidenly modesty, I rather like her! (Aside) Pretending she doesn’t care for me. (To Molly) I understand – you don’t want to appear too affectionate before a crowd. Molly. That’s it, Marquis. I hate it! Imari. (To Bridesmaids) Just like me. Ladies, turn your heads the other way. Chorus turn round with a bird-like jump. Molly. (To Nami) Oh no, Nami, don’t turn your head! Imari. (To Nami) Turn your head the other way. Molly. She is not going to turn her head the other way. Imari. She’ll have no head to turn in a moment! (Nami turns her head. Approaching Molly affectionately) Now, my dearest, I’ve heard so much about your English custom, the salute – the kiss. Will you give me an English kiss? Molly. Oh yes, I’ll give you one! (Bus. slap on face) Imari. Is that an English kiss? Molly. Yes – have another? Imari. No, thank you, I don’t think much of it. Are you quite sure you’re not mistaken? Molly. Quite sure. Imari. Oh, what a happy land is England! Well, it’s not the way it was described to me. Come now, I’m going to make you as happy as a lark. Molly. Yes, I know – as happy as a lark in a pudding. I want to be a lark that can fly away. Imari. But you’ll never want to leave me when we are married, Molly. No! I want to leave you before! Imari. No, my dear, we will be married… presently and hubby will love her so! Molly. Don’t you come near me, you Easter egg! Imari. She’s calling me pet names already! Now, my poppett… (Moves towards Molly. Bus. Molly raises her hand to slap Imari’s face, then goes up stage.) Don’t kiss me again! (Turns to go) I’m not sure that I’ve made such a good bargain after all. (Kisses hand to her) We shall meet once more, sweet blossom, and after that nothing shall ever part us until I get tired of you. (Half exit, and then return to Bridesmaids) Ladies, you can turn round again. (Chorus jump back) You haven’t missed much! (Exit into Palace) Molly. I’m not going to marry that old fossil if I know it! (To Nami) Tell me, what can he do? Nami. Whatever he pleases. His will is law here. Molly. Is it? Then a pretty muddle I’ve got into! Exit Nami into Pavillion. |