The Emperor and the Nightingale
Characters
SERVANT 1
SERVANT 2
CHAMBERLAIN
CRAFTSMAN
NIGHTINGALE
EMPEROR
SCENE 1
1 [A hallway in the Emperor’s palace. Servant 1 and Servant 2 are talking as
they walk past the Emperor’s bedroom, where the Emperor is sitting.]
2 SERVANT 1: The Emperor has the most beautiful palace in all the world,
does he not? What an honor it is to work in such a beautiful place!
3 SERVANT 2: Yes, indeed. His palace was designed by the finest architects
and built by master builders. Everything in it is magnificent.
4 SERVANT 1: And do not forget the gardens! I am convinced that nowhere
else on Earth are there such glorious riots of color and fragrance.
5 SERVANT 2: You are right. Truly, the Emperor has everything.
6 SERVANT 1: Well, not everything.
7 SERVANT 2: What does he not possess?
8 SERVANT 1: He does not know about the nightingale in the forest. She sings
so sweetly that she brings tears to your eyes and joy to your heart.
9 EMPEROR: [Calling from his bedroom.] Come into my bedroom immediately,
servants. What is this nightingale you speak of? [The servants enter the Emperor’s
bedroom.]
10 SERVANT 1: She is a bird in your majesty’s forest. Her song is very
beautiful.
11 EMPEROR: I would like to hear her sing. You must bring this nightingale to
me. Now, go.
GO ON
SCENE 2
12 [The Emperor’s throne room. The Emperor, dressed in lavish robes, sits on
his throne. The Chamberlain, holding the Nightingale, approaches the throne and bows.]
13 CHAMBERLAIN: Your majesty, it is my great honor to present you with . . .
the nightingale!
14 EMPEROR: [Leaning forward eagerly.] Let me see! [Drawing back.] Bah!
Never have I seen such a drab little bird. How can such a plain-looking bird sing so
beautifully? There must be some mistake.
15 [The Nightingale begins to sing. After listening for a moment, the Emperor
wipes his eyes.]
16 EMPEROR: [To the Nightingale.] I beg your pardon, little bird. Never have I
heard such a beautiful song. I would love to enjoy your melody every day.
17 NIGHTINGALE: Thank you, your majesty. I’m happy my singing brings you
pleasure. I will stay for as long as you desire me to. [Continues singing for the
Emperor.]
SCENE 3
18 [The Emperor’s throne room. The Emperor sits on his throne listening to the
Nightingale, who is on a perch nearby. Servant 2 announces the arrival of a Craftsman,
who enters the throne room.]
19 SERVANT 2: Your majesty, one of your subjects, a craftsman, has come
bearing a gift for you.
20 EMPEROR: Send him in.
21 [The Craftsman enters.]
22 EMPEROR: What do you have for me?
23 CRAFTSMAN: Your majesty, I bring you a jeweled mechanical nightingale. It
is extremely beautiful and is designed to sing melodies as lovely as those of the real
bird. I have heard how fond you are of the nightingale’s song. [The Craftsman winds the
mechanical nightingale, and it sings.]
24 EMPEROR: Indeed this mechanical bird sings just as wonderfully and is far
more attractive than that unsightly bird I have. I thank you for this gift.
25 [The Servants attend the Emperor as he listens again and again to the song of the
mechanical nightingale. The Emperor falls asleep listening to the mechanical nightingale’s song,
and the Nightingale flies out an open window.]
GO ON
SCENE 4
26 [The Emperor’s bedroom. The Emperor lies in bed. The mechanical
nightingale is on a table at the foot of his bed. The Chamberlain stands near the table.]
27 EMPEROR: [In a rasping voice.] It is no use. The doctors cannot cure my sickness. [He
gestures toward the mechanical nightingale.] I would like to hear the nightingale sing again.
28 CHAMBERLAIN: But, your majesty, you know what the court jewelers said.
After the mechanical nightingale broke last year, they warned you not to overuse it. They
advised you to listen to it sparingly. Your majesty, I implore you . . .
29 EMPEROR: Save your pleas. Do you think I care about that now? I must
have music. It eases my pain.
30 [The Chamberlain winds up the mechanical nightingale. It plays a few
distorted notes and then falls silent.]
31 CHAMBERLAIN: I am so sorry, your majesty . . .
32 EMPEROR: No. This is nothing more than I deserve. I had a true treasure,
the real nightingale, but since I cared only for outward beauty, I lost her. Now she is gone,
and I will never see her again.
33 [The Nightingale appears at the window and bursts into song.]
34 EMPEROR: My friend! Have you really come back? [Smiles.] I feel stronger
already. Listening to you sing gives me the vigor of a thousand healthy men! You shall
have your place with me again. I will smash this mechanical nightingale to pieces!
35 NIGHTINGALE: No, dear Emperor, the mechanical nightingale did its best.
Keep it with you, because I do not want to live in the palace. But I will come to your
window every day and sing for you.
36 EMPEROR: Little friend, please forgive me, for I realize the error of my ways.
37 [The Nightingale begins singing again as the curtains close.]
