adapted from The Emperor's Test
by Augusta Stevenson
CHARACTERS
THE EMPEROR
THE GENERAL
THE CAPTAIN
THE AIDE
THE MAYOR'S WIFE AND HER SON
THE MERCHANT'S WIFE AND HER SON
THE WOODCUTTER'S WIFE AND HER SON, PIERRE
ACT I, SCENE I: Inside THE EMPEROR'S tent.
AIDE: (Speaking to those outside the tent) You will please enter.
[Enter the MAYOR'S WIFE and SON; the MERCHANT'S WIFE and SON.]
GENERAL: His Majesty wishes you to leave your sons here in camp until evening.
MAYOR'S WIFE: General, could you not tell us the Emperor's plans?
GENERAL: The Emperor wishes a guide who can lead him safely through the forest. The lad chosen will be made an aide.
MAYOR'S WIFE: I thought only princes were chosen for the Emperor's aides.
GENERAL: They have always been princes. This is a great opportunity for the lads of this village. A test will be given every boy who comes.
[Enter the WOODCUTTER'S WIFE and SON.]
WOODCUTTER'S WIFE: I heard the Emperor wanted a guide.
MAYOR'S WIFE: The Emperor only wants the boys of the best families.
WOODCUTTER'S WIFE: (Sighing) Pierre is a smart boy. If the Emperor could only see him—
MERCHANT'S WIFE: (Interrupting) The Emperor wants a boy with proud manners such as our boys have.
EMPEROR: (Entering) Fiddlesticks!
THE LADIES: (Bowing) Your Highness!
WOODCUTTER'S WIFE: I am sorry, your Majesty. I didn't know how it was. Come, Pierre.
[She turns to go.]
EMPEROR: Remain. Pierre shall have the test with the others. (Turning to the boys) My lads, go through the forest southward, till you come to the river. You may then return. My lads, you must not speak the one to the other until I have again seen you. I must have your word on that. Do you promise?
BOYS: Sire, we promise.
[The Captain leads the boys from the tent.]
EMPEROR: (To the ladies) I thank you for bringing your sons. It is good to see the pride you have in them. But remember, it is not just the family name that matters, but the character and strength of the individual. Let us see what each boy is truly made of.
[The ladies bow and exit the tent.]
ACT I, SCENE II: The forest southward, near the river.
[The EMPEROR, GENERAL, and AIDE stand waiting as the boys return.]
AIDE: Here they come, Your Majesty.
[The boys arrive, tired and dirty from their journey.]
EMPEROR: Welcome back, my lads. Now, tell me, did you stay silent as I instructed?
BOYS: Yes, Your Majesty.
EMPEROR: Good. Now, tell me, did any of you see anything unusual or encounter any dangers on your journey?
[The boys shake their heads.]
EMPEROR: Very well. Now, I must choose a guide to lead me through this forest. Each of you has shown bravery and resilience today. But only one of you can be chosen.
[The EMPEROR looks at each boy, considering his decision carefully.]
EMPEROR: Pierre, step forward.
[Pierre steps forward, nervous but determined.]
EMPEROR: Pierre, you have shown great skill and determination today. You have proven yourself worthy of being my guide. Will you accept this honor?
PIERRE: Yes, Your Majesty. I am honored to serve you.
EMPEROR: Excellent. You shall accompany me on my journey through the forest. And remember, it is not just your family name that defines you, but your actions and character. Well done, Pierre. You are a credit to your family and your village.
[The EMPEROR, AIDE, GENERAL, and PIERRE leave the forest, continuing on their journey together.]
END OF ACT I.