Libretto excerpt - The System of Soothing

The System of Soothing An opera in three scenes Rev. 092314 Libretto by Frank Pesci, after a short story, and poetry, by Edgar Allen Poe Location – In, and around St. Dymphna’s – a private asylum for the mentally insane CAST of CHARACTERS The Traveller – Tenor; a young doctor The Old Doctor – Bass-Baritone; an old doctor; leads the Traveller to St. Dymphna’s Dr. Colin Maillard – Baritone; Head of St. Dymphna’s, creator of the “System of Soothing” Jennie – Soprano; Maillard’s daughter Chorus of Guests - patients at St. Dymphna’s, including soloists and their personae: a teapot (Tenor) a donkey (Tenor) Madame Joyeuse – a rooster (Mezzo) Madame LaPlace – a bottle of champagne (Soprano) Petit Galliard – a frog (Mezzo) Cordova – a head of cheese (Tenor) Buffon le Grand – a two-headed orater (Baritone) A Bird (Soprano) A Grandfather Clock (Baritone) The Keepers – non-singing roles, Doctors and nurses who have been confined against their will SYNOPSIS Scene One – An old doctor reflects upon his career working with, and living among, the mentally ill. He is searching for the memory of a pivotal moment when he was overcome by his work, resulting in a mental breakdown in which his daughter was collateral damage. If he were to recognize the point of his breakdown, he could confront the evil he became and salvage his daughter's sanity and trust.

He makes the acquaintance of an eager and naive young doctor who is in search of a revolutionary new method of treating the mentally ill. He leads this young Traveller to St. Dymphna's, a private insane asylum, and introduces him to Dr. Colin Maillard, inventor of the System of Soothing - the treatment the Traveller seeks. In this system, patients are secretly watched, and allowed to roam thinking that they are in their right minds. The old doctor leaves the Traveller with Maillard, first uttering a warning, "…believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see."

Scene Two - Inside St. Dymphna's, the traveller is beguiled by a young girl, who is singing a Bellini aria. He is drawn to her, but fears she might be one of Maillard's patients. Upon Maillard’s presence, the girl abruptly leaves. Maillard informs the Traveller that the girl is not

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a patient, but his daughter, Jennie. He warns the Traveller of being thoughtless and assuming while in his institution.

As he shows the Traveller around St. Dymphna's, Maillard details the System of Soothing through its primary technique - Reductio ad Absurdam. If a patient thinks that they are an animal, or an inanimate object, they are treated as such. The Traveller is shocked when Maillard reveals that he has abandoned the System of Soothing, citing its dangers and inadequacies. Maillard admonishes him, repeating the old Doctor's warning: believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see. Maillard invites the Traveller to stay for dinner, then exits. Alone, the Traveller reflects upon his childhood and the emergence of demons with which he still struggles.

Scene Three - Lavishly dressed guests flood the dining room where a magnificent feast is prepared; their joy is expressed in terms of the grandness of all human love. They regale the Traveller with stories of inmates at St. Dymphna's. One thought he was a frog, another a rooster, another a bottle of champagne. While describing these patients, the guests act out their behavior with such accuracy that the uneasy Traveller asks Maillard if they are indeed his patients. Maillard, aghast, proclaims that they are his colleagues - the best doctors and nurses in the world. At the Traveller’s suggestion, a withdrawn Jennie tells of a sad girl whose trust and hope was shattered by the ragings of a mad father. Suddenly, a chorus of agonized screams is heard in the distance. Everyone is terrified. Maillard shrugs it off, saying that the inmates make noise now and again.

Calm is restored and the guests break off into their own conversations. The Traveller takes the opportunity to ask Maillard about his new system. Maillard describes it as a combination of the methods of Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether. He recounts an uprising by one of the inmates, which led to the imprisonment and ill treatment of their doctors. Order was eventually restored and the new system is "simple, neat, and no trouble at all."

Just then, the screams begin again, only they are getting closer and more wild. There is no escaping them. The doors burst open and the inmates flood into the room. The guests now completely embody the behavior of the inmates they described. The Traveller and Maillard close in on Jennie to protect her but stop short when they see the Old Doctor enter through the door.

Time stops as all recognize each other. The Traveller is a young Maillard; Maillard in turn is what the Old Doctor will become; Jennie is their daughter. Now the Traveller understands why he was drawn to her, while Maillard rages at her and the Old Doctor tries to draw her to him. She is unaware of them, and sings the song her mother sang to Maillard - the Bellini aria - before his breakdown ripped their family apart.

Epilogue - The old doctor is at his desk, gazing at a picture of his wife. A young girl enters, her face unseen and runs to him. He is overcome with emotion as he embraces the girl and holds her to him.

Abruptly, the lights shift. The Old Doctor disappears, and Jennie comes into view. She is standing among the Guests, who are cowering in fear. Slowly, the Keepers approach from all sides. In a great rush, they descend upon Jennie and the Guests as the lights black out.

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SCENE ONE The OLD DOCTOR is writing in a journal, reflecting on a turning point in his life.

OLD DOCTOR By a route obscure and lonely, Haunted by ill angels only, I have reached these lands but newly From a wild clime that lieth, sublime, Out of SPACE- out of TIME. There the traveller meets aghast Sheeted Memories of the PastShrouded forms that start and sigh As they pass the wanderer byFor the heart whose woes are legion 'Tis a peaceful, soothing regionFor the spirit that walks in shadow But the traveller, travelling through it, May not- dare not openly view it!

Never its mysteries are exposed To the weak human eye unclosed; So wills its King, who hath forbid The uplifting of the fringed lid; And thus the sad Soul that here passes Beholds it but through darkened glasses.

- Poe, from Dreamland Lights up reveal the OLD DOCTOR to be in a tavern. Also in the tavern is the TRAVELLER, who is a stranger in this town and has attracted attention - which he welcomes. A crowd has gathered around him as he waxes about his studies of the mentally insane.

TRAVELLER I have observed the worst, raving kind of madness Completely obscured from the slightest reality.

A sad loneliness deepened by the awareness That what they once were is totally lost, And are left with a faded perception of what is real – Blindly stabbing into the darkness.

Through study, I learned: Nil admirari; no wonder, no amazement Do not be astonished by anything you see!

But I have heard of a newer system,

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A strange innovation – Without confinement, the patients are secretly watched And allowed to roam, dressed as persons in their right mind.

Those listening break off into private conversations. TRAVELLER becomes lost in his thoughts.

Sci-ence! True daugh-ter of Time, thou art!

Who alt-‘rest all things with thy pee-ring eyes. and prey upon the poet’s heart, with thy dull realities?

How should he love thee? Or how deem thee wise, Who would not leave him in his wand-‘ring Hast thou not dragged Di-a-na from her Car? the nymph from the wood? the Nai-ad from her flood, And from me The summer dream beneath the tamarind tree?

- Poe, from Sonnet to Science The OLD DOCTOR approaches him OLD DOCTOR I know of a house, a private asylum That matches the one of which you speak.

There aren’t many like it left.

The inmates are sheltered away Deep in the wood, far from the road Left alone with their treatment, And the treatment of their keepers.

Colin Maillard is the doctor you seek It is his system you have heard of: A “System of Soothing” The patients are secretly watched And allowed to roam Dressed as persons in their right minds.

TRAVELLER excited at the prospect A place of it’s kind – a private institution the opportunity is too good to be lost.

We should see it, for an hour or so, we should seize the chance and look through the place.

OLD DOCTOR backing off I’m only passing through.

But please, do not to let me stand in the way of your curiosity, You’ll find the asylum soon enough, if you look in the right places;

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good-bye…

He moves to leave TRAVELLER Wait – how does one get in to a madhouse?

Access, permission – what is needed to enter?

OLD DOCTOR This is true. Unless you have personal knowledge of Dr. Maillard, or some credential or a letter of introduction, you will not be allowed to enter. these private mad-houses are not like the public hospitals.

I had, some years since, made the acquaintance of Maillard; I know where the house is.

I will assist you as far as the door.

But I am close to the subject of lunacy, And with this knowledge, I will not go in.

TRAVELLER overjoyed Perfect! Many thanks! What luck!

TRAVELLER AND OLD DOCTOR Nil admirari; no wonder, no amazement Do not be astonished at anything you see!

They rise to leave together OLD DOCTOR Remember the way, so to find your way back: We turn from the main road, and enter an overgrown path…

TRAVELLER following his direction; addressing himself Turn from the main road and enter an overgrown path.

Which, in half an hour, nearly lost itself in a dense forest…

OLD DOCTOR …through a dense forest that clothes the base of a mountain…

TRAVELLER Through this dank and gloomy wood we went some two miles, OLD DOCTOR Two miles on, the house will come into view.

TRAVELLER It was a fantastic chateau, although ruined by age and neglect.

The sight of it filled me with absolute dread, and I almost turned back.

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But, ashamed of my weakness, I resolved to proceed.

As they approach the gate, it opens slightly, and with a piercing creak. MAILLARD peers through with a menacing look, which quickly softens, and he bounds through the gate, embracing the TRAVELLER’s OLD DOCTOR enthusiastically.

OLD DOCTOR Dr. Maillard…?

MAILLARD You’re back, my dear friend!

What a sight your face is!

The OLD DOCTOR is rigid with fear and repulsion, but nonetheless reacts politely to MAILLARD OLD DOCTOR Dr. Maillard – so good to see you well.

I’m afraid I can’t stay.

But may I present my friend and travelling companion.

A Doctor of medicine who desires to inspect your establishment And witness your fine work and its results.

MAILLARD eyes the TRAVELLER MAILLARD I will show him all attention.

To the OLD DOCTOR Must you go?

Your friends and assistants would do well to see you again.

OLD DOCTOR Please give my regards.

But I must leave.

MAILLARD You are my greatest success!

Just a naive boy when he first arrived…

OLD DOCTOR forcefully That was a long time ago! to the TRAVELLER, who is oblivious I must leave.

Stay only an hour and remain close to Maillard.

Gripping his arm Remember what you told me Nil admirari; no wonder, no amazement

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Do not be astonished at anything!

In this place above all Believe nothing you hear, and only half of what you see.

The OLD DOCTOR exits. The TRAVELLER turns to MAILLARD, who ushers him through the gate and into St. Dymphna’s.

SCENE TWO Lights up slowly on the parlor of St. Dymphna’s. The TRAVELLER admires JENNIE as she sings Bellini’s “Ah! Non credea” from ‘La Somnabula.’

TRAVELLER to himself How enchanting her song is!

As if for my ears alone.

As I watch the girl, I recall Maillard’s system.

I cannot be sure that she is sane, though se appears to be.

I know that his patients are secretly watched, and allowed to roam, To JENNIE Dear Miss, that song is enchanting – what do the words mean?

JENNIE Oh, thou wast that to me, love For which my soul did pine; A green isle in the sea, love, A fountain and a shrine.

All wreathed with fruits and flowers, And all the flowers were mine.

Ah! Dream too bright to last!

All my days are trances And all my nightly dreams Are where thy grey eye glances And where thy footstep gleams.

- Poe, To one in Paradise

But still, I am full with the joy of the memory of love And hope that I will be always united in that memory.

MAILLARD appears out of sight of the TRAVELLER. He and JENNIE make eye contact; she is obviously intimidated by him.

TRAVELLER to JENNIE Is this a love you have lost?

JENNIE Oh sir, it’s only a song

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JENNIE leaves the room; TRAVELLER turns his gaze to MAILLARD, who has been watching the scene with interest.

TRAVELLER trying to be subtle Doctor Maillard, is she…

MAILLARD No, oh no – my niece, and a most accomplished woman.

TRAVELLER stammering Pardon, pardon. Your…your system… I thought…

MAILLARD Say no more!

Unhappiness has a risen from thoughtlessness of visitors.

In my former system, my patients were permitted the privilege of roaming to and fro at will, they were often aroused to a dangerous frenzy by injudicious persons who called to inspect the house.

TRAVELLER interrupting Your former system?

The system of soothing is no longer in practice?

MAILLARD We have renounced it.

TRAVELLER Astonishing!

MAILLARD The dangers were appalling.

The advantages over-rated in this house it has had a fair trial.

We did all that rational humanity could suggest.

I presume you know the system’s details?

TRAVELLER No… MAILLARD Reductio ad absurdum The patients were domesticated.

We hindered no fancies that entered their brains.

We indulged and encouraged them.

The word, “lunacy” was never employed and many of our permanent cures thus came to be.

Reductio ad absurdum

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If the patient thinks they are a rooster, or a donkey or a frog, Then you feed them corn, or hay, or flies And you allow them to crow in the morning, Bray in the midday, or croak at night.

Reductio ad absurdum TRAVELLER Why did they believe they were here?

MAILLARD For some ordinary physical disorder.

But we set each patient to guard the actions of all the others.

To repose confidence in a madman, is to gain him body and soul.

In this way we dispensed with most of our keepers.

TRAVELLER No punishments?

MAILLARD None.

TRAVELLER Confinement?

MAILLARD Very rarely.

Now and then, a crisis, a sudden turn of fury, or fear requires a secret cell, lest the rest be infected.

The raging maniac is not our business.

He is usually removed to the public hospitals.

TRAVELLER This change is for the better?

MAILLARD Decidedly.

I enforced a rigid system of exclusion.

TRAVELLER I am surprised.

I heard that…

MAILLARD interrupting You are young, my friend.

You will learn not to trust gossip.

Believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see.

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beat You cannot see my patients right now.

A sensitive mind can be shocked!

And I don’t want to spoil your appetite. He exits TRAVELLER taking in his surroundings and realizing that he has been left alone for a moment.

From childhood's hour I have not been As others were; I have not seen As others saw; I could not bring My passions from a common spring.

From the same source I have not taken My sorrow; I could not awaken My heart to joy at the same tone; And all I loved, I loved alone.

Then- in my childhood, in the dawn Of a most stormy life- was drawn From every depth of good and ill The mystery which binds me still: From the torrent, (or the fountain, From the red cliff of) that came from over the mountain, From the sun (that round me rolled) In its autumn tint of gold, From the lightning in the sky (As it passed me flying by, From) the thunder and the storm, And the cloud that took the form (When the rest of Heaven was blue) Of a demon in my view.

SCENE THREE The dining room of St. Dymphna’s where the GUESTS are assembling. They appear to be people of rank although extravagantly rich, partaking somewhat too much of the ostentatious finery of their station. They are wearing what no Parisian would consider good taste, many are bedecked with a profusion of jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, and ear-rings; very little of their clothing is well made or, at least, very little actually fits the wearers. An onstage band consisting of fiddles, fifes, trombones and a drum raucously accompanies the scene.

CHORUS O, human love! thou spirit given On Earth, of all we hope in Heaven!

Which fall'st into the soul like rain But leav'st the heart a wilderness!

(Idea!) which bindest life around With music of so strange a sound, And beauty of so wild a birth

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Farewell! for I have won the Earth.

What tho' the moon- the white moon Shed all the splendour of her noon, Her smile is chilly, and her beam, In that time of dreariness, will seem (So like you gather in your breath) A portrait taken after death.

And boyhood is a summer sun Whose waning is the dreariest oneFor all we live to know is known, And all we seek to keep hath flownLet life, then, as the day-flower, fall With the noon-day beauty- which is all.

- Poe, from Tamerlane MAILLARD joins the guests at the head of the table while the TRAVELLER addresses the audience.

TRAVELLER This party is odd, making me think I am dining with lunatics.

But as I settled in, their eccentricities dispelled my apprehensions.

Nil admirari; no wonder, no amazement Do not be astonished at anything you see!

CHORUS to the TRAVELLER Good sir! Our Guest! Sit down and join the party!

Fill your plate and your glass!

Let us tell you all about the lunatics under our roof.

Their quirks and their proclivities.

The TRAVELLER joins the table; the guests are laughing riotously.

TEAPOT We had a fellow here who fancied himself a tea-pot; and, by the way, it is not rare for this little tune to enter the brain of the lunatic.

And, by the way, there is scarcely an asylum, which cannot supply a human tea-pot.

Our gentleman was a Britannia-ware tea-pot, and was careful to polish himself every morning with buckskin and whiting.

He rubs his belly as they all laugh.

GRANDFATHER CLOCK In our foyer, perfectly still, stood a man thought he was a towering clock.

He called the hours that had passed, all day and night: The happiest day- the happiest hour Mine eyes shall see- have ever seen, The brightest glance of pride and power,

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I feel- have been…

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- Poe, The happiest day- the happiest hour

A BIRD Ah! Ah! Ah! Don’t forget the woman who thought she was A little bird She sang so much - all day and night They had to put her in the yard!

In every valley heard, Floating from tree to tree, The music of the radiant bird, Whose echoes never flee!

Ah! how for thy sweet voice I pine: For uttered in her tones benign this rude name of mine Doth seem a melody!

- Poe, To Isadore

CHORUS More wine!

Make yourself at home!

MONSEUR DE KOCK …and then we had, we had here, we had, not long ago, a man who thought he was a donkey!

More laughter…

He was a troublesome patient; and we had much ado to keep him within bounds.

He ate nothing but thistles. Thistles! …which was fine, for that’s all he was fed. stands and kicks his feet behind him All day long, he kicked out his heels like this!

Excited gasps! An OLD WOMAN steadies him with her hand.

MADAME LAPLACE with an air of snooty dignity Please keep your feet to yourself!

He was a great fool, beyond a doubt.

But not compared with that one we know…

All the guests say “Ahhh…” …who took herself for a bottle of champagne!

And always went off with a POP! And a fizzzzz…..

The guests applaud.

PETIT GALLAIRD And then there was Petit Gallaird, who mistook herself for a frog!

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to the TRAVELLER You should have seen it, sir.

It would have done your heart good to see the natural airs that she put on.

Her croak was the finest note in the world!

Acting out what she sings And when she put her arms like this, opened her mouth and rolled her eyes just so…

Like a frog…

Ooo-up!

TRAVELLER You astonish me!

MAILLARD Nil admirari Do not be astonished by anything you see.

Our friend is a wit; you must not understand her to the letter.

CORDOVA And then among other oddities, we had a patient, once upon a time, who maintained himself to be a Cordova cheese, and went about, with a knife in his hand, soliciting his friends to try a small slice from the middle of his leg.

BOUFFON LE GRAND And then there was a silly man His nom de plume; Bouffon Le Grand.

He fancied of himself to be possessed of two heads.

One was his own, the other one was of the speaker Cicero He needed one to translate all the crazy things that Cicero would say in Latin.

And you know the works of Cicero were quite extensive, So there were a lot of words to say as Cicero: …sint semper omnia homini humana meditata… nil admirari, cum acciderit, nihil, ante quam evenerit, non evenire posse arbitrari.

As himself, translating …A man should consider all that may befall him in this life…and that man should not be surprised when anything happens; there is nothing but what may come to pass.

BOULLARD puts a hand upon his shoulder, and whispers a few words in his ear; upon which he ceases talking with great suddenness, and sinks back within his chair.

BOULLARD And then there was Boullard, the spinning top!

You would have roared to see him spin!

Winding himself up…

He would turn round upon one heel by the hour in this manner so!

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BOUFFON returns the favor, halting BOULLARD’s spinning with a hand and a whisper.

MADAME JOYEUSE But then Monsieur Boullard was mad! Silly! Absurd!

Madame Joyeuse was more sensible.

Upon mature deliberation, she found, that by some accident, she had been turned into a rooster!

But, as such, behaved with propriety.

She flapped her wings with prodigious effect!

And as for her crow – it was delicious!

She begins crowing to the delight of everyone, except MAILLARD MAILLARD keeping his composure Madame Joyeuse! Behave yourself or be excused!

TRAVELLER to JENNIE And you, Miss?

Do you have a story to tell?

All eyes focus on her. There is an uncomfortable silence.

JENNIE There was one young girl Not here on her own, But subject to a raging father Who took her with him down a path her mother had trod There’s a change in her as she continues. MAILLARD becomes rigid, prepared to quiet her.

Father, I firmly do believeI know- for Death, who comes for me From regions of the blest afar, Where there is nothing to deceive, Hath left his iron gate ajar, And rays of truth you cannot see Are flashing through!

- Poe, from Tamerlane All is interrupted by the sound of tortured screaming from offstage in three bursts – each one louder than the last. All are terrified.

MAILLARD to the TRAVELLER We are used to such things.

A mere bagatelle.

The lunatics get up a howl in concert.

Sometimes happens that the concerto is followed by an effort to escape.

But, we care very little - matters have changed, as you can see…

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GUESTS interrupting with excitement Matters have changed, as you can see!

MAILLARD suddenly in a rage Hold your tongues! All of you!

LAPLACE sticks out her tongue and pinches it. The other GUESTS break off into their own conversations.

TRAVELLER to MAILLARD These people are harmless?

MAILLARD What do you mean?

TRAVELLER They are not dangerously affected?

MAILLARD They are my friends and assistants – as sane as myself.

TRAVELLER …to be sure.

MAILLARD The best nurses in the world!

TRAVELLER To be sure…

They behave a little odd?

MAILLARD They have their eccentricities…

But we do as we please in these parts.

Enjoy life, as you know…

TRAVELLER To be sure…

MAILLARD …and the wine…

TRAVELLER To be sure!

The TRAVELLER takes in his surroundings.

He addresses MAILLARD This new system is one of your own devising?

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MAILLARD Not altogether.

Some portions of portions are of Doctor Tarr, and some by Professor Feather, with whom you have an intimate acquaintance…

TRAVELLER No… MAILLARD No? You have not heard of Doctor Tarr and Professor Feather?

TRAVELLER I am forced to acknowledge my ignorance!

MAILLARD Say no more, my young friend.

They toast and drink. The GUESTS follow suit. The whole scene, growing gradually worse and worse, becomes at length a sort of Pandemonium.

TRAVELLER You mentioned, before dinner, the dangers of the old system…

MAILLARD Yes. There is no accounting for the caprices of mad men.

In my opinion, it is not safe to let them run unattended.

They may be soothed for a time, but they are cunning.

When one appears sane, it’s time for a straight jacket.

For example, not long ago, a devilish scheme was brewing.

One morning the keepers found them selves in cells, as if they were lunatics!

TRAVELLER Absurd!

MAILLARD Fact!

It all came to pass by means of a stupid fellow — a lunatic — who had taken it into his head that he had invented a better system.

He wished to give his invention a trial, I suppose.

He persuaded the rest of the patients to join him in a conspiracy for the overthrow of the reigning powers.

TRAVELLER And he succeeded?

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MAILLARD Indeed.

The keepers and kept were soon made to exchange places, And were shut up in cells and treated, I am sorry to say, in a very cavalier manner.

TRAVELLER But I presume …this scene could not have lasted.

The country people nearby — visitors and family — would have given the alarm.

MAILLARD Ah! The head rebel was too cunning for that.

He admitted no visitors at all — with one exception: one day, there was a very stupid-looking young gentleman of whom he had no reason to be afraid.

He let him in to see the place to have a little fun.

Then he let him out, and sent him about his business.

TRAVELLER And how long, then, did the madmen reign?

MAILLARD Oh, a very long time, indeed — a month certainly — how much longer I can’t precisely say.

In the meantime, the lunatics had a carnival — that you may swear.

They donned their own shabby clothes and jewels.

The cellars of the château were well stocked with wine They lived well, I can tell you.

TRAVELLER And the treatment?

MAILLARD It was a very capital system indeed — simple, neat, no trouble at all…

MAILLARD is cut off by another series of yells. This time, however, there is a crescendo as the voices get closer. The tension in the room begins to rise.

TRAVELLER The lunatics have escaped!

MAILLARD I fear it is so…

The voices are just outside, and they are banging on the doors, trying to get in. The panic in the room accelerates. JENNIE slowly rises from her chair and begins to sing her Bellini aria.

The calmness of her song is shattered when all of the guests simultaneously begin to exhibit the behaviors they

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previously described. All hell breaks loose in the stage band – they break into a screaming rendition of “Yankee Doodle” as fast as possible. The TRAVELLER is glued to his seat, honestly trying to figure out what to do next.

There is a tremendous crash. The KEEPERS - looking like wild animals (tarred and feathered) – break down the door and come flooding into the room. There is no escaping them. After a moment of recognition from all parties, the KEEPERS fall on the GUESTS and take their revenge - beating them and binding their hands. TRAVELLER and MAILLARD close in around JENNIE in an attempt to protect her.

Time stops. The OLD DOCTOR enters through the door behind the last of the KEEPERS. TRAVELLER and MAILLARD look at him, first in wide-eyed amazement, then in recognition.

Quartet Take this kiss upon the brow!

And, in parting from you now, Thus much let me avowYou are not wrong, who deem That my days have been a dream; Yet if hope has flown away In a night, or in a day, In a vision, or in none, Is it therefore the less gone?

All that we see or seem Is but a dream within a dream.

I stand amid the roar Of a surf-tormented shore, And I hold within my hand Grains of the golden sandHow few! yet how they creep Through my fingers to the deep, While I weep- while I weep!

O God! can I not grasp Them with a tighter clasp?

O God! can I not save One from the pitiless wave?

Is all that we see or seem But a dream within a dream?

- Poe, A Dream within a Dream segue

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The OLD DOCTOR is at his desk, gazing at a picture of his family. A young girl enters, her face unseen and runs to him. He is overcome with emotion as he embraces the girl and holds her to him.

Abruptly, the lights shift. OLD DOCTOR disappears, and JENNIE comes into view. She is standing among the GUESTS, who are cowering in fear behind her. Slowly, the KEEPERS – still in tar and feathers – approach from all sides. In a great rush, they descend upon JENNIE and the GUESTS. Black out

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