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.]
ACT II, SCENE I: Inside THE EMPEROR'S tent, a few hours later. The CAPTAIN enters with the boys.
EMPEROR: Bring up the first boy.
[The Captain brings up the MERCHANT'S SON.]
EMPEROR: What did you see in the forest?
MERCHANT'S SON: Trees, sire.
EMPEROR: You saw nothing but trees?
MERCHANT'S SON: Just trees.
EMPEROR: You may go.
MERCHANT'S WIFE: Oh, your Majesty, if you could only see him dance!
EMPEROR: Do I want a dancing guide? Captain, bring up the next one.
[The Captain brings the MAYOR'S SON.]
EMPEROR: What did you see in the forest?
MAYOR'S SON: I saw trees and bushes, sire.
EMPEROR: Nothing more?
MAYOR'S SON: No, sire.
EMPEROR: You may go.
MAYOR'S WIFE: Oh, your Majesty, if you could only see him ride!
EMPEROR: Captain, the last boy.
[The Captain brings in PIERRE].
EMPEROR: What did you see in the forest?
PIERRE: I saw that a man had passed southward just before us, sire.
EMPEROR: How did you know that?
PIERRE: I saw his footprints.
EMPEROR: Did you trace this man by his footprints?
PIERRE: Yes, sire, to the river. There were traces of them in the grass and in the mud.
EMPEROR: Good! You followed him only to the river.
PIERRE: Those were the orders, sire.
EMPEROR: The test is over. (To Pierre's mother) Madam, your son shall be my guide. I am proud to have a boy of such keen sight and quick thought in my kingdom. And it is much to be the mother of such a lad. With greatest respect I salute you!
[He bows to the happy woman with great courtesy.]
6
How does the author develop the theme that people often have hidden qualities?
A.
through the conversation between all the boys' mothers
B.
through the interaction between the Emperor and Pierre
C.
through the General's commitment to the Emperor's plans
D.
through the boys' demonstration of their princely traits