Sanctuary

THE MASQUE

Dawn .

The woods are silent, save for bird pipings .

In the background, verdure of young pines and ancient boles of oaks form the dim-pillared entrance to a forest shrine .

Artfully placed on tree trunk and bough are nest boxes of bark .

On one side stands a low weathercock food-house; on the other, a tall martin-house pole .

In the shade of a great oak glimmers the shallow pool of a bird bath .

Peeping at this from behind the oak, appears, vanishes and appears again the horned head of QUERCUS, a faun .

Stealing forth , QUERCUS approaches the pool, bearing in one hand an enormous pitcher plant .

Peering upward among the boughs, he raises his voice in quaint falsetto, and sings .

QUERCUS

Contains 48 words in 13 sentences using 307 chars .

From his pitcher plant QUERCUS pours into the bird bath. Skipping then to a little swinging bird-house, he sprinkles its shelf with seed from a pouch. Here he pauses dreamily; furtively takes out and fingers a pipe; blows a few notes, pauses, starts, puts it quickly away, stoops his ear to the ground, springs away to the oak, and snatches an ivied staff which stands against the trunk. The staff is designed like a martin-house pole in miniature. Placing himself on guard where a foot-path enters the glade, he calls:

Contains 8 words in 4 sentences using 50 chars .

A VOICE Outside

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 11 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 30 chars .

THE VOICE

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 41 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 29 words in 5 sentences using 159 chars .

II QUERCUS. ALWYN. [A YOUNG MAN enters, pausing in the path THE MAN

Contains 58 words in 6 sentences using 323 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 27 words in 6 sentences using 132 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 19 words in 3 sentences using 124 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 19 words in 3 sentences using 110 chars .

Flourishing his staff

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 68 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 45 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 49 words in 6 sentences using 291 chars .

ALWYN Pointing at QUERCUS' staff

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 52 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 60 chars .

Pointing toward a tall martin-house pole

Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 168 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 6 words in 3 sentences using 27 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 28 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 48 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 86 words in 4 sentences using 444 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 53 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 78 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 28 words in 5 sentences using 124 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 40 words in 3 sentences using 268 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 28 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 81 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 87 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 90 words in 5 sentences using 471 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 35 words in 3 sentences using 226 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 55 chars .

With lowered voice, he looks around warily

Contains 69 words in 3 sentences using 381 chars .

Taking out his pipe, he plays again a few languorous strains, but breaks off abruptly

Contains 9 words in 4 sentences using 49 chars .

III SHY. QUERCUS. ALWYN. SHY Enters, carrying a nest-box

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 40 chars .

He greets ALWYN.]

Contains 23 words in 4 sentences using 130 chars .

ALWYN Smiling

Contains 32 words in 4 sentences using 172 chars .

SHY

Contains 45 words in 4 sentences using 254 chars .

ALWYN Patting QUERCUS' shoulder

Contains 38 words in 3 sentences using 213 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 48 chars .

QUERCUS Holding it behind him

Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 45 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 48 words in 3 sentences using 276 chars .

In pantomime, he demands and receives the pipe from QUERCUS. SHY then addresses QUERCUS.] SHY

Contains 19 words in 3 sentences using 96 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 3 words in 3 sentences using 41 chars .

SHY

Contains 28 words in 5 sentences using 155 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars .

SHY

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 42 words in 3 sentences using 224 chars .

SHY

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 47 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 54 chars .

He nods shrewdly

Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 159 chars .

Grinning

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars .

SHY

Contains 34 words in 3 sentences using 189 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 157 chars .

SHY

Contains 6 words in 3 sentences using 40 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 70 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 11 words in 3 sentences using 61 chars .

SHY

Contains 12 words in 5 sentences using 75 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars .

SHY

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 96 chars .

SHY

Contains 31 words in 6 sentences using 172 chars .

QUERCUS Skipping to the maple tree

Contains 34 words in 5 sentences using 185 chars .

Climbing among the branches, he disappears, whistling bird-notes

IV ALWYN. SHY. ALWYN

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 43 chars .

SHY

Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 33 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 106 chars .

SHY

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 70 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 76 words in 4 sentences using 427 chars .

SHY

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 71 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 43 words in 3 sentences using 243 chars .

SHY

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 59 chars .

ALWYN Eagerly

Contains 50 words in 3 sentences using 290 chars .

SHY

Contains 29 words in 2 sentences using 165 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 23 chars .

SHY

Contains 125 words in 5 sentences using 746 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 33 chars .

SHY

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 106 chars .

SHY

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 85 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 71 chars .

SHY

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 64 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 35 words in 4 sentences using 198 chars .

They sit upon a log and listen

V TACITA. ALWYN. SHY. ALWYN Dreamily, the fluting of birds sounds in the forest. Dimly from the background TACITA appears. With steps of reverie, she approaches, and pauses before them . looks up and, touching SHY'S arm, speaks low

Contains 4 words in 3 sentences using 20 chars .

SHY

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 21 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 62 words in 3 sentences using 359 chars .

To mysterious music , TACITA treads a dance of invocation, appealing in pantomime to the unseen spirit of wings, which flits and sings and broods in the boughs above her . ALWYN and SHY watch her, rapt and expectant .

Suddenly a sharp gun-shot sounds, shivering the music, which ceases. Through the boughs, a bird falls fluttering to the earth

VI ORNIS. ALWYN. SHY. With a gesture of startled wildness , TACITA breaks abruptly from her rhythmic motions, and flees into the wood, while simultaneously from the other side there enters, swift but staggering , ORNIS — a maiden, garbed symbolically as a bird. On one of her wing-like sleeves blood shows. With shrill, melodious cry, she flutters forward . ORNIS

Contains 7 words in 4 sentences using 31 chars .

Swaying, she falls to the ground . ALWYN and SHY spring toward her ALWYN

Contains 4 words in 3 sentences using 23 chars .

SHY At ORNIS' side

Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 28 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 44 chars .

SHY

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars .

Seeking to lift her

Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 49 chars .

ORNIS Droops, moaning

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 10 chars .

SHY

Contains 3 words in 3 sentences using 33 chars .

ALWYN Hastening off

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars .

SHY Soothingly strokes ORNIS' arm and shoulder

Contains 9 words in 4 sentences using 46 chars .

ORNIS Moans dazedly

Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 17 chars .

QUERCUS Reëntering with ALWYN.]

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 33 chars .

SHY Pointing

Contains 2 words in 3 sentences using 55 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 16 chars .

QUERCUS Dipping his plant pitcher, hastens with it to SHY.]

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 26 chars .

SHY

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 41 chars .

QUERCUS Sprinkling water upon ORNIS, sings gaily ].

Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 211 chars .

[ORNIS revives SHY Assisting her

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 14 chars .

ALWYN Bending over her, calls low

Contains 2 words in 3 sentences using 33 chars .

ORNIS

Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 61 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 35 chars .

ORNIS Looking from one to the other

Contains 6 words in 3 sentences using 29 chars .

SHY

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 55 chars .

ORNIS

Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 48 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 14 words in 4 sentences using 76 chars .

ORNIS Rising in glad wonder

Contains 4 words in 3 sentences using 62 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 174 chars .

ORNIS

Contains 135 words in 9 sentences using 760 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 75 chars .

ORNIS With wonder

Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 115 chars .

Curiously

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 8 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars .

ORNIS Turning eagerly from one to the other

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 36 chars .

SHY Smiling

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 55 chars .

ORNIS

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 10 chars .

QUERCUS Skipping with a bow

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 33 chars .

ORNIS Laughing joyously

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 63 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 25 chars .

ORNIS

Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 133 chars .

To SHY.]

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 55 chars .

To QUERCUS.]

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 73 chars .

[TACITA appears remotely

Contains 32 words in 6 sentences using 162 chars .

A crashing resounds in the thicket . TACITA disappears

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars .

SHY

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 32 chars .

ORNIS

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars .

ORNIS

Contains 22 words in 5 sentences using 127 chars .

ALWYN Calling off scene

Contains 6 words in 3 sentences using 53 chars .

QUERCUS With excited gestures

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 11 chars .

ORNIS Suddenly recoiling with a cry

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 25 chars .

She flies to their protection . QUERCUS also scampers back fearfully, and hides

VII STARK. ORNIS. ALWYN. SHY. Enter STARK, in garb of a hunter. He wears a tawny leopard's skin, and his head is gorgeously plumed. Behind him, two panting dogs are held in leash by attendants . STARK rushes toward ORNIS, passes her oblivious, and seizes up the fallen bird STARK

Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 30 chars .

The ATTENDANTS withdraw with the hounds ORNIS As STARK grasps the bird, clutches her own side in pain

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 10 chars .

STARK

Contains 22 words in 5 sentences using 125 chars .

He thrusts the bird into his game pouch. Turning to leave, he sees ALWYN and SHY, and greets them gaily

Contains 4 words in 3 sentences using 31 chars .

SHY Quietly

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 63 chars .

STARK With a laugh

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 48 chars .

SHY

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 27 chars .

STARK

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars .

SHY

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 46 chars .

STARK

Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 124 chars .

Touching his pouch, he winks

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 29 chars .

SHY

Contains 49 words in 5 sentences using 283 chars .

He points at ORNIS.] STARK Looking

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 20 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 77 chars .

STARK

Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 125 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 9 words in 4 sentences using 76 chars .

ORNIS Drawing back in dread

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 10 chars .

STARK

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 27 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 55 chars .

STARK

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars .

QUERCUS Peeping toward SHY from the bushes

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars .

SHY To STARK.]

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 98 chars .

STARK

Contains 24 words in 5 sentences using 145 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 29 words in 3 sentences using 181 chars .

STARK

Contains 48 words in 7 sentences using 307 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 77 words in 5 sentences using 473 chars .

STARK Who has listened with half-amused curiosity

Contains 8 words in 3 sentences using 43 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 45 chars .

SHY

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 43 chars .

[QUERCUS goes out STARK

Contains 19 words in 5 sentences using 97 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars .

STARK

Contains 39 words in 6 sentences using 193 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 47 chars .

STARK

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 27 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 126 chars .

STARK

Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 45 chars .

He sits on the log beside ALWYN. ORNIS still stands apart, under SHY'S protection . QUERCUS enters, beckoning backward into the wood

VIII TACITA. ALWYN. ORNIS. STARK. (SHY. QUERCUS.) ALWYN

Contains 54 words in 6 sentences using 305 chars .

Soft music sounds, various and elusive in its rhythmic themes . TACITA approaches STARK, and weaves about him a dance of revelation, lulling, charming, luring him by the appeal of numberless wing-swayings and bird-dartings, for which the music suggests the song-notes. During her dance , STARK rises, bewildered, and is gradually lured and led by her toward ORNIS, before whom — at the consummation of the dance — he stands, staring STARK Rising, speaks to the music

Contains 45 words in 8 sentences using 271 chars .

[TACITA disappears . STARK beholds ORNIS.]

IX STARK. ORNIS. (ALWYN. QUERCUS. SHY.) STARK

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 15 chars .

ORNIS Appealing with half-fearful affection

Contains 2 words in 3 sentences using 21 chars .

STARK With sudden cry and gesture

Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 72 chars .

From his shoulder he looses the net, and flings it over ORNIS, seizing the meshes

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 74 chars .

ORNIS Struggling

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 33 chars .

SHY Extricating her

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 48 chars .

ALWYN Seizing STARK.]

Contains 16 words in 4 sentences using 95 chars .

ORNIS

Contains 27 words in 5 sentences using 140 chars .

STARK Dropping his net

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 24 chars .

ORNIS

Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 108 chars .

STARK Fascinated

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 26 chars .

ORNIS

Contains 144 words in 7 sentences using 828 chars .

STARK With altered tone of yearning

Contains 42 words in 3 sentences using 225 chars .

ORNIS

Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 179 chars .

STARK Glancing at his gun

Contains 19 words in 3 sentences using 111 chars .

Flinging it from him

Contains 34 words in 4 sentences using 172 chars .

ORNIS

Contains 111 words in 5 sentences using 643 chars .

ALWYN Drawing near

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 47 chars .

He takes STARK'S right hand SHY Taking his left

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars .

STARK Pressing their hands

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 9 chars .

SHY Whispering to the faun

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 23 chars .

QUERCUS

Contains 14 words in 4 sentences using 90 chars .

He leaps away ORNIS As STARK tears off his headdress of plumes

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 15 chars .

STARK

Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 73 chars .

He hangs the headdress on a tree

Contains 64 words in 4 sentences using 347 chars .

Turning to ALWYN and SHY.]

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 47 chars .

ALWYN

Contains 55 words in 3 sentences using 299 chars .

STARK

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars .

SHY

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 58 chars .

Enter QUERCUS and TACITA.]

X TACITA. QUERCUS. STARK. ORNIS. SHY. ALWYN. STARK To ORNIS.]

Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 73 chars .

ORNIS

Contains 43 words in 5 sentences using 244 chars .

QUERCUS Bounding forward

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 48 chars .

ALWYN Taking from his pouch QUERCUS' pipe

Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 63 chars .

[ALWYN puts the pipe to his lips, while QUERCUS sings to it, calling to the birds. At the end , QUERCUS begs in pantomime for the pipe which ALWYN, smiling, restores to him QUERCUS

Contains 75 words in 6 sentences using 449 chars .

While QUERCUS calls, from all sides Birds of many species and colors — like ORNIS human in form — gather, and peer from the edges of the scene. To these TACITA now beckons, and by her gesture summons to her dance, while QUERCUS plays joyously on his pipe ORNIS

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 59 chars .

[TACITA first dances alone, then with QUERCUS; then, inviting and leading them all in pied procession, she marshals all away into her woodland shrine