Синяя птица / The blue Bird. Уровень 1

My Ghosts flew away, my Sicknesses are ill.

The Cat. I know, Mother Night, I know, the times are hard and we are almost alone in our struggle against Man. But I hear them. I see only one way: as they are children, we must frighten them. And they will not open the great door at the back, behind which they can find the Birds of the Moon. The secrets of the other caverns will distract their attention and terrify them.

Night (listening). What do I hear? Are there many of them?

The Cat. It is nothing; it is our friends, Bread and Sugar; Water is not very well and Fire could not come, because he is that Light’s relative.

Tyltyl, Mytyl, Bread, Sugar and the Dog arrive.

The Cat (to Tyltyl). This way, little master, this way. Night is delighted to see you. You must forgive her, she is sick a little.

Tyltyl. Good-day, Mrs. Night.

Night. Good-day? Nonsense. You must say, Good-night, or, at least, Good-evening.

Tyltyl. I beg your pardon, ma’am.

Night. This is Sleep.

Tyltyl. Why is he so fat?

Night. That is because he sleeps well.

Tyltyl. And the other boy? Why does he veil his face? Is he ill? What is his name?

Night. That is Sleep’s sister. It is better not to mention her name.

Tyltyl. Why?

Night. Because her name is not pleasant to hear. But let us talk of something else. The Cat tells me that you are looking for the Blue Bird.

Tyltyl. Yes, ma’am. Will you tell me where it is?

Night. I don’t know, dear. All I can say is that it is not here.

Tyltyl. Yes, yes. Light told me that the Bird was here. And Light knows what she is saying. Will you hand me your keys?

Night. But you must understand, dear, that I cannot give my keys to a stranger. I keep all Nature’s secrets and I can’t deliver them to anybody, especially to a child.

Tyltyl. You have no right to say “no” to Man.

Night. Who told you?

Tyltyl. Light.

Night. Light again! Always Light! How dare she interfere, how dare she?

The Dog. I can take the keys from her by force[22 - by force – силой], my little god!

Tyltyl. Hold your tongue, keep quiet and try to behave. (To Night) Come, madam, give me your keys, please.

Night. Have you the sign, at least? Where is it?

Tyltyl. (touching his hat). Behold the Diamond!

Night.