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ACT I: SCENE I
(SCENE.--A large hall in Gran's factory. The walls are bare. On the
left, about half-way forward, is a small platform. A meeting of the
shareholders of a railway company is in progress. Facing the
platform are seated the gentry; the common herd, mainly farmers and
work-people, are sitting and standing about wherever they can find
room. On the right, large windows are standing open; through these
another crowd can be seen, listening from outside. GRAN is standing
in front of the platform, speaking to the meeting.)
GRAN. And, as it was found impossible for the main 1ine of the
railway to touch our town, we determined, rather than allow all our
exertions to be wasted, to construct a branch line on our own
account. I had the honour to be elected chairman of the board of
directors of this undertaking. No directors ever had more
unrestricted powers than were given to us--possibly because there
were no two opinions as to the route the line should take the
natural formation of the ground indicated it unmistakably. It was
only when we approached the question of the purchase of our
rolling-stock that any dissension arose--not among the directors,
but among the shareholders. As the majority of the latter are
farmers and work-people, we had decided on buying only one class of
railway carriage of a type slightly more comfortable than the
ordinary third-class carriage. That is the extent of our misdeeds!
To-day's meeting will probably show what the general sense on the
matter is. Our powers being unlimited, we were under no obligation
to consult any one in the matter; but, notwithstanding that, we
decided to call a meeting of the shareholders and submit the
question to them. And, on the directors' behalf, I must thank the
shareholders for having attended in such numbers; young and
old, men and women, I dare say quite a third of the total number
of shareholders are present. The meeting will now proceed to
elect a chairman. (Sits down.)
THE MAYOR (after a pause). I beg to move that Mr. Koll, our chief
magistrate, whom it is a great pleasure to see honouring this
meeting with his presence, have the further kindness to take the
chair.
GRAN. The motion before the meeting is that the Chief Magistrate
shall take the chair. Shall I assume it to be carried? (Silence
follows.)
THE MAYOR. Yes. (Laughter.)
GRAN. The meeting should preferably elect some one who may be
considered to be unaffected by considerations of party.
ALSTAD (half rising, with his glasses in his hand). Then we shall
have to send for some one that does not live in these parts! There
is no one of that sort left here! (Sits down, amidst laughter.)
THE PRIEST. All authority springs from on high. Obedience to those
set in authority over us is obedience to the Almighty. But it is
against this very obedience that people are rebelling nowadays.
GRAN. It is precisely some one to be in authority over us that we
want to elect. At present we have no one.
THE PRIEST. No, that's just it. Every meeting nowadays seems to
claim authority on its own account. Let rather show our respect
to actual authority--such respect as we would show to our fathers.
(Sits down.)
GRAN. Then, as far as I can grasp the situation, the Chief
Magistrate has been proposed and seconded?
THE PRIEST. Yes.
GRAN. Does any one wish to propose any one else? (Silence.)
ALSTAD . May I request the Chief Magistrate to take the chair?
KOLL (getting up). I don't know that it is any great compliment to
be elected in this way; but I will take the chair, for the sole
reason of enabling the meeting to proceed to business. (Takes his
place on the platform, and raps on the table with a mallet.) I
declare the meeting open.
GRAN (getting up). Mr. Chairman!
KOLL. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
GRAN. The motion proposed by the directors is this: "That only
one class of railway carriage shall be purchased, slightly more
comfortable than the ordinary third-class carriage." (Gives the
motion in writing to the chairman, and sits down.)
KOLL. The following is the motion submitted to meeting. (Reads it
out.) Who wishes to speak on the motion? (Silence.) Come, some one
must speak on it--or I shall have to put it to the vote forthwith.
(Silence, followed by laughter here and there.)
THE PRIEST. Mr. Chairman!
KOLL. The Priest will address the meeting.
THE PRIEST. I see, in this assembly, a number of young men, even
a number of maidens; and I feel bound to ask whether young men, and
even maidens, are to be allowed to take part in these proceedings?
KOLL. Any shareholder that is of age has the right to.
THE PRIEST. But St. Paul expressly tells us that women are not to
speak in public places.
KOLL. Well, they can hold their tongues, then. (Laughter.)
THE PRIEST. But even the fact of voting at a railway meeting does
not seem to me to be in accordance with the humility and modesty
that both Nature and the Scriptures indicate as characteristic of
woman. I believe it to be the first step on a wrong road. The
apostle says--
KOLL. We must leave them to decide the matter for themselves. Does
any one wish to--?
THE PRIEST (interrupting him). Mr. Chairman, if you will not
permit me to quote the apostle, allow me at all events to say that
the spectacle of a young man voting against his father, or a
woman voting against her husband--
KOLL. Will you tell me who could prohibit it? Does any one wish
to speak--?
THE PRIEST (interrupting). The Scriptures prohibit it, Mr.
Chairman!--the Scriptures, which we are all bound to obey, even--
GRAN (getting up and interrupting him). Mr. Chairman!
KOLL. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
GRAN. I only want to ask whether--
THE PRIEST. But _I_ was addressing the meeting!
KOLL. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
THE PRIEST. I protest against that ruling!
ALSTAD (half rising). Our worthy Priest must obey authority. (Sits
down amidst laughter.)
THE PRIEST. Not when it does an injustice! I appeal to the meeting!
KOLL. Very good!--Will those in favour of the Priest addressing the
meeting kindly stand up? (No one gets up; and those who were
previously standing bob down. Laughter.) Carried unanimously, that
the Priest do not address the meeting. (The PRIEST sits down.) Mr.
Gran will address the meeting.
GRAN (getting up). I withdraw from my right! (Renewed laughter.)
THE MAYOR (getting up). Mr. Chairman!
KOLL. The Mayor will address the meeting.
THE MAYOR. I am one of many to whom this proposal of the directors
seems extraordinary, to say the least of it. Do they propose that
the ladies of my family--I will leave myself out of the question,
for as a public man I have to rub shoulders with all sorts of
people--do they propose, I say, that ladies who have been
delicately brought up shall travel with any Tom, Dick and Harry?--
perhaps with convicts being conveyed to gaol, or with journeymen
labourers? Is his honour the Chief Magistrate, who is a Commander
of a noble Order of Knighthood, to travel side by side with a
drunken navvy? Supposing the King were to pay a visit to this
beautiful district, which has acquired such a reputation since so
many of the best people from town have taken villas here; is his
Majesty to make the journey in one of these third-class carriages,
with the chance of travelling in company with tradesman stinking of
stale cheese?--with folk who, moreover--well, perhaps in common
decency I ought not to go on, as ladies are present. (Laughter.)
"Economy," I hear some one suggest. That word is in great favour
nowadays. But I should like to know what economy there is getting
your clothes soiled? (Laughter.) Does a first-class carriage wear
out sooner than a third class? It costs more to build, no doubt,
but that is soon made up by the higher fares charged. I can
discover no reasonable ground for this proposal, look at it how you
will from the commercial point of view. One has to look at the
_political_ aspect of the matter, to understand it; and I am
reluctant to drag in politics. I will only say, in conclusion, that
it must be those who have framed this proposal that expect to
derive some profit from it; the railway certainly would derive
none. (Sits down.)
KOLL. That last remark was a little like an accusation--
THE MAYOR (getting up). I only alluded to what is in every one's
mind. (Sits down.)
KOLL. A speaker is not in order in making accusations, even though
they be assumed to be in every one's mind.--I see that Mr. Alstad
wishes to speak.
ALSTAD . Human nature is frail. That seems to me a sufficient
explanation of how such a proposal came to be laid before us. But
honestly--for we all ought to be honest!--it seems to me that any
material advantage it might bring would be more than counterbalanced
by loss of esteem. (Uproar.) There has been quite a different
spirit in the place of late years--what with the factories, and the
stranger workmen, and the summer visitors. We never used to have so
much unrest or to hear so much of this talk about "equality." And
now, if we are to give the impression that there is only one social
class here--and that a third class--I know that I shall be by no
means alone in feeling offended. We certainly don't want to sit on
our work-people's laps; and, equally, we don't want to have them
sitting on ours. (Sits down.)
GRAN. Our friend the Mayor is very fond of talking of his loyalty;
but I must say I am surprised at his dragging the King even into
this matter. As for the matter of the railway carriage in which one
of so high degree would travel here--well, if our carriages are not
good enough, surely his Majesty's private saloon can be used on our
line as well as on the main line. And as for any of us ordinary
mortals who are afraid of mixing with the common herd, surely they
can sit together in carriages by themselves. The carriages would be
separate; they would only be of the same kind. I think there would
be little fear of their being exposed to intrusion on the part of
our country-folk. _They_ are much more apt to be more timidly shy
than is even desirable. On all small lines--even on many of the
bigger ones--it is the less luxurious carriages, the second and
third class, that for the cost of the more luxurious ones; it is
the third class that pays for the first. But that some passengers
should travel comfortably at the expense of those who travel less
comfortably, is what we wish to avoid. (Applause.) An old resident
of the yeoman class has reproached us with wishing to alter our
customs. Well, if one of our old customs is the aristocratic one
which makes the gulf that separates masters and men wider than it
already is, all I can say is that the sooner it is abolished the
better; for it is not a good custom; it is even a dangerous one.
(Murmurs.) And as for the political aspect of the question--
KOLL. Don't you think we should leave politics out of the question?
GRAN (bows, with a laugh). That is just what I was going to say,
Mr. Chairman; that we ought to leave politics out out of the
question. (Sits down, amidst laughter applause. The audience, first
the younger men and then the older farmers, begin arguing the
matter with one another, more and more loudly.)
KOLL. I must beg the meeting to keep quiet, as long as this
business is under discussion. The Mayor wishes to speak.
THE MAYOR. I admit that I am loyal--
KOLL. Those people outside must be quiet!
ALSTAD (going to the window). You must keep quiet!
THE MAYOR. I admit I am loyal! I count it a point of honour, as a
native of the place, to show his Majesty that our first thought
when we planned this railway was, at that important moment, that
his Majesty might possibly be pleased to manifest a desire to pay
us a visit. "Let him use his own private saloon," we are told! No,
Mr. Chairman, that is not the way to speak when we are speaking
of his Majesty! And what about his Majesty's suite? Are they to
travel third class? What I say is that we are casting a slight on
his Majesty if we cast a slight on his railway carriage--I should
say, on his suite. And I go farther than that. I say that his
Majesty's functionaries are his Majesty's representatives, and that
it is casting an additional slight upon his Majesty not to show a
proper respect for them. I know that this jars upon the ears of
many present; they do not consider that a man who holds a public
office should be shown any more respect than any one else. The
majority rules, and the majority only thinks of its own interests
and those of its servile supporters. But even in this community of
ours there is a minority that bears the burden of its affairs and
represents its honour; and we will never consent to be dragged down
into the mire of this "equality" into which you want to plunge each
and every one of us! (Uproar.)
KOLL. The honourable speaker appears to me to be trenching upon
politics--
THE MAYOR. Possibly I am, Mr. Chairman; but what honest man can
shirk the truth? Only compare the present state of things in this
community with what was the case when everything here was as it
should be; when the King and his officials were respected; when
public affairs were in the hands of those who knew how to direct
them; when we used to have singing competitions, shooting
competitions, and other festal meetings of that kind. And--yes--
well--compare, I say, the conditions in those days with our
conditions to-day--that is to say, with all this talk of "the
people;" as, for instance--
KOLL. It is railway carriages that we are discussing.
THE MAYOR. Quite so! But what is it that is at the bottom of this
proposal, Mr. Chairman? Does it not spring from that passion for
destruction, for a universal levelling which aims at abolishing the
monarchy, at destroying authority--
THE PRIEST. And the Church too, my friend!
THE MAYOR. --and the Church, it is quite true! Yes, it is because
they desire the Church and--
KOLL. It is railway carriages that we are discussing.
THE MAYOR. Exactly. But an old public official like myself, who
once was held in respect, when he sees the pillars of society
tottering and feels the keenest pang of sorrow at--
KOLL. For the last time, it is railway carriages that we are
discussing!
THE MAYOR (overcome by his feelings). I have no more say. (Sits
down.)
KOLL. Mr. Alstad wishes to speak.
ALSTAD (getting up). The question before the meeting is itself a
small matter; but it is the consequences of it that I fear. We may
expect any proposal of the same kidney now. Never let it be said
that our community was eager to range itself under this banner of
"equality!" It bears too old and honoured a name for that! But
there is one thing I want to say. We have always, before this, felt
it an honour and a privilege to have the richest man in these parts
living amongst us. But when we see him one of the most eager in
support of a "popular" proposal of this sort, then it appears, to
me at all events, to be absolutely unaccountable how--oh, well, I
won't run the risk making what our chairman calls "accusations"; I
will sit down and hold my tongue. I have the right to do that at
all events. (Sits down.)
KOLL. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
FLINK. Three cheers for Mr. Gran! (Almost the whole meeting cheers
lustily. KOLL shouts at them and hammers on the table with his
mallet in vain.)
KOLL (when peace is restored). I must ask the meeting to show some
respect for its chairman. If not, I will leave the chair.--Mr. Gran
will address the meeting.
GRAN. The plan that we are proposing is no new one. It has been in
practice for a long time. In America--
THE PRIEST, Alstad, and others. Yes, in America!
THE MAYOR (getting up). Mr. Chairman, are we to have politics,
after all?
KOLL. I cannot see that to mention America is to talk politics.
THE MAYOR. Then what is politics, if America isn't?
KOLL. To talk politics is--for instance--to use the arguments your
worship did. Mr. Gran will proceed.
GRAN. I see that the Priest wishes to speak. I shall be happy to
give way.
KOLL. The Priest will address the meeting.
THE PRIEST. I see here, in this assembly, a number of those whom I
am accustomed to address in more solemn surroundings. My dear
parishioners, it was for your sake that I came here. You have heard
for yourselves--the whole question is a political one; and, dear
fellow Christians, let me entreat you to shun politics! Did not our
Lord Himself say: "My kingdom is not of this world"? This freedom,
this equality, of which they talk is not the soul's freedom, not
that equality which--
KOLL. I would suggest to the reverend speaker that he should
postpone his remarks until the next time he gets into the pulpit.
(Slight laughter.)
THE PRIEST. One should be instant in season and out of season;
therefore--
KOLL. I forbid you to continue.
THE PRIEST. It is written: "Thou shalt obey God rather than man"!
My dear parishioners, let us all leave this meeting! Who will
follow his priest? (Takes a few steps towards the door, but no one
follows him. Laughter. He sighs deeply, and sits down again.)
KOLL. If no one else wishes to speak--
Vinaeger. Mr. Chairman!
KOLL. Mr. Vinaeger wishes to speak.
Vinaeger. These proceedings remind me of China, and of the Chinese
mandarins who will not allow any one of lesser degree to come near
them--although at moments I have felt as if I were still in Europe
in the presence of a still greater power, greater even than the
Grand Turk--I mean this democratic envy which grudges others what
it has not got itself. To reconcile both parties I should like to
make the following suggestion. Build the carriages, as is often
done, in two stories. Then those who wish to ensure their privacy
can do so by sitting upstairs; and the others will be satisfied
too, because they will all be in the same carriage after all.
(Loud laughter.)
KOLL. If no one else wishes to speak (looks at GRAN, who shakes his
head) I shall proceed to put the question to the vote. The motion
submitted by the directors, which is now before the meeting, is as
follows--
THE MAYOR. Excuse me, but what of my motion wit h regard to a
saloon for his Majesty?
KOLL. I did not understand your worship to mean your suggestion
as a formal motion.
THE MAYOR. I did, though.
KOLL. Then I will put it to the vote after the director, motion has
been voted upon.
THE MAYOR. A motion that concerns the King should take precedence
of all others.
KOLL. Even the King is subject to the rules of logic. The
directors' motion is: "That only one class of railway carriage
shall be purchased, of a type slightly more comfortable than the
ordinary third-class carriage." Will those in favour of the motion
kindly go to the left--on this side of the room; those against the
motion, to the right. (Nearly all go to the left. Cheers are heard
outside, and are gradually taken up by those inside. KOLL hammers
with his mallet.) Order, please! (The cheering ceases, but an
animated conversation goes on.) The directors' motion is carried!
THE MAYOR (shouting). I am sure every one did not understand the
method of voting!
KOLL (hammering with his mallet). Order, order. (Quiet is gradually
restored.) What did your worship say?
THE MAYOR. That some people must have misunderstood the way of
voting; because I see my daughter Natalie, who is a shareholder
too, on the other side of the room. Of course she has made a
mistake.
NATALIE . Oh no, father, I haven't. (Loud laughter, and applause.)
THE PRIEST. Ah, my poor deluded parishioners, I shall pray for you!
THE MAYOR. Order!--The Mayor's motion--
ALSTAD . I would suggest that the Mayor should withdraw it. We know
what its fate would be in such a meeting as this.
KOLL. As long as I occupy the chair, I shall not permit any
derogatory expressions to be applied to the meeting. Does the Mayor
still insist on his motion being put? (Whispers to him: "Say no!")
THE MAYOR. No.
KOLL. Then, as no one else wishes to speak, I declare the meeting
at an end. (Every one begins to move about and discuss affairs
vigorously.)
ALSTAD (to his son VILHELM). So you have the face to vote with
these--these Americans, against your old father, have you?
VILHELM . Well, father, I honestly think--
ALSTAD . Just you wait till I get you home!
VILHELM . Oh, that's it, is it? Then I shan't go home--so there! I
shall stay here and get drunk, I shall.
ALSTAD . Oh, come, come!
VILHELM . Yes, I shall! I shall stay here and get drunk!
ALSTAD . But, Vilhelm, listen to me! (Takes him by the arm. Meantime
a STRANGER has taken KOLL and GRAN by the arm, to their manifest
surprise, and brought the forward away from the crowd. He stands
for a moment, looking them in the face, till suddenly KOLL gives a
start and cries out: "The King!")
THE KING. Hush!
GRAN. It really is--!
THE KING (to GRAN). You are at home here; take up into a room--and
give us some champagne. My throat is as dry as a lime-kiln!
Curtain
Content of ACT I: SCENE I [Bjornstjerne Bjornson's play/drama: The King]
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