Winthrop Ames

“ Berthold. But, your Majesty, that road leads into the deep wood.
The Queen. You will take that road. When you have come to the very heart of the forest—then [and she hisses the words] you will kill the Princess.
Berthold. [Springing back.] Never, your Majesty, never!
The Queen. It is my command. She has disobeyed me. She must be punished.
Berthold. Kill Snow White? My late King's daughter, the loveliest maid in the Seven Kingdoms? I would slay myself first! There is no man in your dominions base enough to do such a deed. ”

“ We all adore the Queen! [But they shake their heads, and make little faces to show Astolaine that they don't mean it.]
Astolaine. [Whispering.] I shall hate the Queen!
Maids of Honour. [Also whispering.] We all do!
Astolaine. But I'm to be Maid of Honour to the Princess Snow White, so I'll take my orders from her.
Rosalys. Oh, Snow White never gives orders.
Astolaine. I shall like her. When shall I see her?
Christabel. Sometimes, every day; and then again not for ever so long. It just depends on the Queen's temper.
Sir Dandiprat Bombas, the Court Chamberlain,
appears on the terrace. ”

“ Why should she? Suppose at boarding-school she gets mumps or freckles, or whatever those children's diseases are, and dies of it.
The Queen. Oh, I see! You'll make a spell and give her the disease.
The Witch. No, no, no! Won't do any more bad magic, I tell you. You must contrive to have her lost on the way to boarding-school, and then just tell some tarradiddle to explain why she never comes back—and there you are ! Everything permanently settled, and a little peace for me I hope.
The Queen. I might! I could send Berthold,
"Mirror, Mirror in my hand, Who's the fairest in the land?" ”

“ Rosalys. And Snow White is really almost like a kitchen-maid, and sleeps in a little closet under the stairs where we keep the umbrellas and overshoes.
Astolaine. [Springing up.] I think it's outrageous! Why does Princess Snow White stand it? I wouldn't?
Maids of Honour. [Apprehensively.] Oh, ssh!
Astolaine. Why "ssh"? I never heard anything so "sshy" as this Palace.
Rosalys. [Whispering.] But what can she do? The Queen...
Astolaine. I don't want to hear any more about that hateful Queen.
Rosalys. But you must. It isn't safe that you shouldn't. We'll have to tell her. [To Christabel.] ”

“ Oh, it's Rosalys!
Rosalys. I was so afraid it wouldn't be me. Come over here where we can talk quietly. [She runs to the throne and climbs into the big seat. The others cuddle close beside her.] Now, nobody must interrupt, except by 'spress permission. Button mouths! First, Queen Brangomar isn't Snow White's real mother.
Astolaine. Oh, I know that! Christabel. But my father says that her real father and mother were the best King and Queen . . .
Rosalys. [Glaring at Christabel.] What about interrupting?
Christabel. I forgot. 'Scuse me! [And she "buttons" her mouth again.] ”

“ Snow White was born . . . This Oueen isn't her real mother. It's like a fairy-tale!
Astolaine. [Stopping her ears] I can't possibly understand if you all talk at once. [But each little Maid, thinking that the others will stop, again begins to tell Snow White's story, so that the confusion is worse than before. Astolaine has to hold her ears a second time.] That's worse! There's only one fair way to decide. I'll "count out," and the one that's out shall tell.
Rosalys. Hm! I suppose that's fair, —only I should tell it so much the best.
Christabel. [To Astolaine.] Well then, you count. ”

“ Berthold. Alas! Too well!
The Queen. Oh, what a tone of voice. Remember the motto: "A task cheerfully done is well done." And, oh, I almost forgot. You must bring me Snow White's heart, before midnight, as a proof. Here comes the Prince. Do try to look more pleasant.
[Prince Florimond returns, ushered in by Sir Dandiprat, and followed by all the Courtiers. The Prince. I hope your Majesty has recovered. The Queen. Quite, thank you. I beg everybody's pardon. Something I had for lunch no doubt. [To Sir Dandiprat.] Where is the Princess Snow White? ”

“ Astolaine.
She's lovely, she's lovely, our Princess Snow White.
[They stand waiting for her. There is a moment's pause, and then Rosalys calls: Rosalys. Aren't you coming, Princess? Snow White. [From behind the throne.] Just a moment, till I shake out my hair. There!
[She steps into sight. The Maids sink down in involuntary curtsies at the sight of her. Christabel. She is lovelier than apple blossoms.
Astolaine. Lovelier than anybody I ever saw.
Rosalys. [In a hushed voice.] More beautiful than the Queen.
Christabel. [Whispering.] The Queen must never see her like this. ”

“ At four-thirty Prince Florimond will arrive, and be shown at once to the throne-room by—ahem!—myself. The Maids of Honour will dance their gavotte to amuse his Highness until the Queen is announced, when they will immediately retire. By order of me, Sir Dandiprat Bombas, Court Chamberlain.
"Signed, Yours very truly, Sir Dandiprat Bombas." "P.S. Her Majesty the Queen regrets that, owing to her duties in the kitchen, Princess Snow White will be unable to attend." You understand young ladies? Rosalys. Perfectly, Sir Dandiprat. ”

“ At the back wide steps lead to a terrace of white marble. Beyond shines the blue sea. On one side stands the great throne, inlaid with coloured mosaics. Opposite is an entrance leading to the other rooms of the palace.
When the Play begins, seven of the Maids of Honour to Princess Snow White are playing a game with coloured balls. They are little girls about twelve years old, and their names are Rosalys, Amelotte, Ermengarde, Guinivere, Christabel, Ursula and Linnette. As they play they sing ”

“ The Queen. I was speaking! Snow White is most malicious and ill-tempered; and so stupid and common that she prefers to associate with the kitchen-maids. Indeed, I believe she's in the kitchen at this very moment. She wouldn't do for you at all. Are not these the facts, Sir Dandiprat? ”

“ Oh, she doesn't want a veil first; help me with this skirt. I can't unhook me! These pearls just wont untangle! Please come and unpin this. No, me first! I won't go to either if you don't decide! She's ready for the skirt now. ”

“ The Queen. It's other game I propose this time. Berthold. You have been a faithful Chief Huntsman. Suppose I promote you to be Lord High Admiral? As we have no navy the duties will be light.
Berthold. Oh, your Majesty, how can I thank you? The Queen. It depends upon your carrying out a task with absolute obedience.
Berthold. Give me a chance to show my gratitude.
The Queen. Come nearer. The Princess Snow White is to set out for boarding-school this afternoon. You will conduct her. At the western gates, you will take the old road that turns to the left . ”