Plays by August Strindberg (Volume 1); First Series the Dream Play, the Link, the Dance of Death, Part I, the Dance of Death  (English, Paperback, August Strindberg)

Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: THE DANCE OF DEATH PART I The scene is laid inside of a round fort built of granite. In the background, a gateway, closed by huge, swinging double doors; in these, small square window panes, through which may be seen a sea shore with batteries and the sea beyond. On either side of the gateway, a window with flower pots and bird cages. To the right of the gateway, an upright piano; further down the stage, a sewing-table and two easy-chairs. On the left, half-way down the stage, a writing-table with a telegraph instrument on it; further down, a what-not full of framed photographs. Beside it, a couch that can be used to sleep on. Against the wall, a buffet. A lamp suspended from the ceiling. On the wall near the piano hang two large laurel wreaths with ribbons. Between them, the picture of a woman in stage dress. Beside the door, a hat-stand on which hang accoutrements, sabres, and so forth. Near it, a chiffonier. To the left of the gateway hangs a mercurial barometer. It is a mild Fall evening. The doors stand open, and a sentry is seen pacing back and forth on the shore battery. He wears a helmet with a forward pointed brush for a crest. Now and then his drawn sabre catches the red glare of the setting sun. The sea lies dark and quiet. The Captain sits in the easy-chair to the left of the sewing-table, fumbling an extinguished cigar. He has on a much-worn undress uniform and riding-boots with spurs. Looks tired and bored. Alice sits in the easy-chair on the right, doing nothing at all. Looks tired and expectant. Captain. Won't you play something for me? Alice. [Indifferently, but not snappishly] What am I to play? Captain. Whatever suits you. Alice. You don't like my repertory. Captain. Nor you mine. Alice. [Evasively] Do you want...