Erwin E. Harder

Name: Merman & Mermaid — Libretto
Author: Erwin E. Harder

Biographical details

Erwin E. Harder published works such as Merman & Mermaid — Act II, Merman & Mermaid — Libretto and Merman & Mermaid — Argument. These writings evoke Owondlo, King Reignall and Sea Nymphs.

Quotes by Erwin E. Harder

Erwin E. Harder, Merman & Mermaid — Act I

“ Seek ye a weapon,
Be brave, be brave.
OWONDLO.
Those fish that are so bold,
With yet no weapon for defense,
Make my thoughts aflame,
While my blood runs cold.
But on I will search,
A weapon for defense.
(Owondlo spies five Sea Nymphs enjoying themselves ; he hides and watches them)
OWONDLO.
What now behold,
This merry feast.
They laugh, they sing,
They joke in secret,
Ten thousand ways untold.
Ha ! ha ! They smack their lips
And dine on sea currants,
From Nature's hidden garden.
(1st Sea Nymph walks proudly about)
OWONDLO.
How fair she is? ”

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Source: Wikisource

Erwin E. Harder, Merman & Mermaid — Argument

“ She wishes that the sea, by magic, may bring her a lover in her own image. Owondlo eagerly listens, and talks to himself, but at times he becomes frightened at a strange noise (seemingly of an earthquake or eruption) . But one Nymph tells an inquisitive companion that it is only a monster fish, that measures in length two miles or more, gritting his teeth and scolding. This frightens Owondlo, who wishes now that he could have a spear or sword. At times Owondlo is almost tempted to go within, as the Nymphs almost charm him. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Erwin E. Harder, Merman & Mermaid — Act I

“ OWONDLO.
Quite stunning indeed.
2ND SEA NYMPH.
Listen! Hush!
Be not so loud.
The sea life here
Can hear our sounds
For many miles around.
}}
OWONDLO.
I'm almost tempted
To go within.
3RD SEA NYMPH.
No one has ever ventured within.
4TH SEA NYMPH.
And who could come within?
5TH SEA NYMPH.
Unless by magic.
FIVE SEA NYMPHS.
The sea, the sea,
That in magic sways,
Has thousands of tales untold.
Where plant life invites one
To reap its fruit,
And, then quickly betrays.
OWONDLO.
I'll be careful now what kind. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Erwin E. Harder, Merman & Mermaid — Act II

“ Open the dungeon;
Let the spirits come hither,
I proclaim them sacred and free.
(The Almighty Creator "God" looks down from above as all sing praises of love. He warns Owondlo and Fleehion to begone.) ”

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Source: Wikisource

Erwin E. Harder, Merman & Mermaid — Act I

“ They entered the staterooms,
In search of diamonds and gold.
If I could win those Nymphs
To be my wives,
I would try and coax them
To flee with me,
To the upper world,
To keep them for
My enchanted brides. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Erwin E. Harder, Merman & Mermaid — Act II

“ Other sea plants and sea flowers vibrate, weeping and causing a great commotion of the waters. The sea flowers' heads are drooped. Curious fish swim about their boat and gnaw the sea plant rope apart. Then their boat drifts in a sea current and hurries away.)
(Owondlo and Fleehion passed through a submarine river through a mountain into "The Vapor World." They anchor their boat. Here they are enraptured with enchantment, of beautiful colors, etc. They meet King Reignall, the Supreme Ruler of "The Vapor World.")
(Spirits) ”

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Source: Wikisource

Erwin E. Harder, Merman & Mermaid — Libretto

“ The Hurricane — Music — Open sea.
(Ship sinks)
"The Depths of Mystery."
(Ocean's bottom, curious denizens)
(A Fish goes into convulsions and coughs out a transformed human being, named by King Neptune, Owondlo.) ”

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Source: Wikisource

Erwin E. Harder, Merman & Mermaid — Act I

“ If you really expect
To win a lover,
Just leave one sparkling ring
On the Magic Table Rock,
In Nature's Garden;
Perchance good luck will bring.
5TH SEA NYMPH.
Just leave a dazzling pebble.
4TH SEA NYMPH.
(Leaves and goes to the Magic Table Rock and places there a diamond ring. A loud rumbling noise is heard again. Owondlo hurries to a nearby stateroom.)
ALL SEA NYMPHS.
Great magic, that monster fish perhaps? ”

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Source: Wikisource

Erwin E. Harder, Merman & Mermaid — Act II

“ Perhaps the spirits
Had gathered around
Planning their secrets.
(Owondlo and Fleehion are amazed ; they see their parents [spirits] through an opening in the vapor walls. All stare at each other as if dumfounded.) ”

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Source: Wikisource

Erwin E. Harder, Merman & Mermaid — Act II

“ Owondlo severs the plant below, and rescues Fleehion in the nick of time, and carries her to their sea shell boat, which is tied to a sea plant, called sea plant rope, Fleehion revives fainting spell. ”

Erwin E. Harder

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