Л.Х. Шаяхметова

В копилку творческого педагога

Казань - 2012

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Poems

LeisureWhat is this life, if full of care, We have no time to stand and stare? No time to stand beneath the boughs And stare as long as sheep or cows, No time to see, when woods we pass, Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass. No time to see in broad daylight Streams full of stars, like skies at night. No time to turn at beauty's glance, And watch her feet, how they can dance. No time to wait till her mouth can Enrich that smile her eyes began, A poor life this is, if full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.

W.H.Davies

Ants in the LunchroomAppearing this morning exactly at nineThey entered our lunchroom and mustered a line.They seemed to be dancing, or whistling a tune,Then ran out the door with a fork and a spoon.They quickly came back for a knife and a plateNot bothered at all by the size or the weight.They grabbed all the glasses and cups they could find.They bagged every bowl, leaving nothing behind.They worked through the morning, till mid-afternoon,And carried off every last saucer and spoon.They searched every shelf and they emptied each drawer,Then pilfered the platters and dashed out the door.They put on a truly impressive displayUntil they were finished and wandered away.Although we were puzzled, we had to concludeThose ants were no dummies; they left all the food.

Kenn Nesbitt

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Calendar of ClothesJanuary is a time for coats, for caps and fir-lined boots.February likes hats with flaps and zipped up coloured ski suits. March can do with anoraks and jeans and wooly tops.April needs a change of clothes for sun and wind and raindrops.May brings cotton tee-shirts with jumpers still on hand.By June the skirts are skimpy, shorts short for playing on sand.July comes along in bathing trunks, and caps with dark green shades.August gets the sunsuits out with balls and buckets and spades.September, and it's back to school, uniform, shirt and stripy tie.October brings scarves out again as leaves whirl up in the sky.November means turned-up collars against wind and fog and storm.December shakes out party frocks. Christmas fun keeps everyone warm. Moira Andrew

***I meant to do my work today -But a brown bird sang in the apple tree,And a butterfly flitted across the field,And the wind went sighing over the landTossing the grasses to and fro,And a rainbow helped out its shining hand -So what could I do out: laugh and go?

Richard Le Yalleinne

SilverSlowly, silently, now the moonWalks the night in her silver shoon;This way, and that, she peers, and seesSilver fruit upon silver trees,One by one the casements catchHer beams beneath the silvery thatch;Couched in his kennel, like a log,With paws of silver sleeps the dog;From their shadowy cote the white breasts peepOf doves in a silver - feathered sleep;

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A harvest mouse goes scampering byWith silver claims and silver eyeAnd moveless fish in the water gleam,By silver reeds in a silver stream.

Walter de la More

There's a Monster in My Mirror There's a monster in my mirror, With two beady yellow eyes. Since I first awoke this morning, It's been there to my surprise. It's as wrinkled as a rhino. It's hairy as a hound. And from deep within its beauty Comes a groaning, moaning sound. Its long teeth are sharp and pointed, Its fat tongue is shaded blue. And its mouth is drooling liquid That resembles airplane glue. There's a monster in my mirror, With green horns upon its head. Tell that monster in my mirror That I'm going back to bed!

Douglas Florian

When I Was One-and-Twenty When I was one-and-twenty I heard a wise man say, "Give crowns, and pounds, and guineas But not your heart away; Give pearls away and rubies But keep your fancy free." But I was one-and-twenty No use to talk to me.When I was one-and-twenty I heard him say again, "The heart out the bosom Was never given in vain; 'It's paid with sighs a plenty

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And sold for endless rue." And I was two-and-twenty, And oh, 'it's true, 'it's true.

A.E. Housman

HandAway from you, I hold hands with the air, Your imagined untouchable hand. Not there, Your fingers braid with mine as I walk. Far away in my heart, you start to talk.I squeeze the air, kicking the auburn leaves, Everything suddenly gold. I half believe Your hand is holding mine, the way It would if you were here. What do you say? In my heart? I bend my head to listen, then feel Your hand reaches out and strokes my hair, as real As the wind caressing the fretful trees above. Now I can hear you clearly, speaking of love. Carol Ann Duffy

The Snowman He shines like a candle and melts slowly. He is white and black and gets smaller all the time. He is as white as feathers and white horses and snow He glows in the dark like a glow-worm He stands on a flat place and makes a shadow in the light.He crumples in a circle like a circus tent. He turns to ice and slush like a camel's hump. He runs away like milk and melts like moonlight in the sunshine. In the morning he is gone like the moon. Gillian Clarke

ShoesMy father has a pair of shoesSo beautiful to see!I want to wear my father's shoes,They are too big for me.My baby's brother has a pair,As cunning as can be!

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My feet won't go into that pair,They are too small for me.There's only one thing I can doTill I get small or grown.If I want to have a fitting shoe,I'll have to wear my own.

Tom Robinson

MiceI think mice are rather nice. Their tails are long, their faces small, They haven't got any chins at all. Their ears are pink, their teeth are white. They run about the house at night. They nibble things they shouldn't touch And no one seems to like them much. But I think mice are very nice.

Rose Tyleman

The Brook Song Little brook! Little brook! You have such a happy look, Such a very merry manner, As you swerve and curve and crook. And you ripple, one and one. Reach each other's hands and run Like laughing children in the sun!For winter's rains and ruins are over, And all the season of snows and sins: The days dividing lover and lover, The light that loses, the night that wins: And time remembered is grief forgotten, And frosts are slain and flowers begotten, And in green underwood and cover Blossom by blossom the spring begins. Л.С. Swinburne

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***I would I were a careless child, Still dwelling in my Highland cave, Or roaming through the dusky wild, Or bounding o'er the dark blue wave. The cumbrous pomp of Saxon pride Accords not with the tree-born soul, Which loves the mountain's craggy side, And seeks the rocks where billows roll. Fortune! take back these cultures lands, Take back this name of splendid sound! I hate the touch of servile hands, I hate the slaves that cringe around. Place me among the rocks Hove, Which sound to Ocean's wildest roar; I ask but this - again to rove Through scenes my youth hath known before. George Gordon Byron

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Songs

Yesterday (The Beatles)

Yesterday,All my troubles seemed so far awayNow it looks as though they're here to stayOh, I believe in yesterday.

Suddenly,I'm not half the man I used to beThere's a shadow hanging over meOh, yesterday came suddenly.

Why she had to go I don't know,She wouldn't sayI said something wrong,Now I long for yesterday.

Yesterday,Love was such an easy game to playNow I need a place to hide awayOh, I believe in yesterday.

Why she had to go I don't know,She wouldn't sayI said something wrong,Now I long for yesterday.

Yesterday,Love was such an easy game to playNow I need a place to hide awayOh, I believe in yesterday.

Yellow submarine (The Beatles)10

In the town where I was bornLived a man who sailed to seaAnd he told us of his lifeIn the land of submarinesSo we sailed up to the sunTill we found the sea of greenAnd we lived beneath the wavesIn our yellow submarineWe all live in our yellow submarine,Yellow submarine, yellow submarineWe all live in our yellow submarine,Yellow submarine, yellow submarineAnd our friends are all on boardMany more of them live next doorAnd the band begins to playWe all live in our yellow submarine,Yellow submarine, yellow submarineWe all live in our yellow submarine,Yellow submarine, yellow submarineAs we live a life of easeEveryone of us has all we needSky of blue and sea of greenIn our yellow submarine.We all live in our yellow submarine,Yellow submarine, yellow submarineWe all live in our yellow submarine,Yellow submarine, yellow submarineWe all live in our yellow submarine,Yellow submarine, yellow submarineWe all live in our yellow submarine,Yellow submarine, yellow submarine.

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Let it be (The Beatles)

When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,speaking words of wisdom, let it be.And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree,there will be an answer, let it be.For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see,there will be an answer. let it be

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.there will be an answer, let it be.Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me,shine until tomorrow, let it be.I wake up to the sound of music, mother Mary comes to me,speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.there will be an answer, let it be.Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.there will be an answer, let it be.Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

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All You Need Is Love (The Beatles)

Love, love, love (3x)There's nothing you can do that can't be doneNothing you can sing that can't be sungNothing you can say but you can learn how to play the gameIt's easyNothing you can make that can't be madeNo one you can save that can't be savedNothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in timeIt's easyAll you need is love, love 3хLove is all you need(2x)Nothing you can know that isn't knownNothing you can see that isn't shownNowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to beIt's easyAll you need is love (All together, now!)All you need is love (Everybody!)All you need is love, loveLove is all you need

My Heart Will go on (Celin Dion) Love Theme From Titanic

Every night in my dreamsI see you, I feel youThat is how I know you go on.Far across the distanceAnd spaces between usYou have come to show you go on.

Near, Far, wherever you areI believe that the heart does go onOnce more, you opened the doorAnd you're here in my heart,And my heart will go on and on.

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Love can touch us one timeAnd last for a lifetimeAnd never let go till we're gone.Love was when I loved you,One true time I hold onIn my life we'll always go on.

Near, far, wherever you areI believe that the heart does go onOnce more, you opened the doorAnd you're here in my heart,And my heart will go on and on.You're here, there's nothing I fearAnd I know that my heart will go on.We'll stay, forever this wayYou are safe in my heartAnd my heart will go on and on.

Happy New Year (АBBA)

No more champagneAnd the fireworks are throughHere we are, me and youFeeling lost and feeling blueIt's the end of the partyAnd the morning seems so greySo unlike yesterdayNow's the time for us to say

Happy new yearHappy new yearMay we all have a vision now and thenOf a world where every neighbour is a friendHappy new yearHappy new yearMay we all have our hopes, our will to tryIf we don't we might as well lay down and dieYou and I

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Sometimes I seeHow the brave new world arrivesAnd I see how it thrivesIn the ashes of our livesOh yes, man is a foolAnd he thinks he'll be okayDragging on, feet of clayNever knowing he's astrayKeeps on going anyway

Happy new yearHappy new yearMay we all have a vision now and thenOf a world where every neighbour is a friendHappy new yearHappy new yearMay we all have our hopes, our will to tryIf we don't we might as well lay down and dieYou and I

Seems to me nowThat the dreams we had beforeAre all dead, nothing moreThan confetti on the floorIt's the end of a decadeIn another ten years timeWho can say what we'll findWhat lies waiting down the lineIn the end of eighty-nine

Happy new yearHappy new yearMay we all have a vision now and thenOf a world where every neighbour is a friendHappy new yearHappy new yearMay we all have our hopes, our will to tryIf we don't we might as well lay down and dieYou and I.

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Wind of change (Scorpions)

I follow the MoskvaDown to Gorky ParkListening to the wind of change.An August summer nightSoldiers passing byListening to the wind of changeThe world is closing inDid you ever thinkThat we could be so close, like brothersThe future's in the airI can feel it everywhereBlowing with the wind of change

CHORUS 1: Take me to the magic of the momentOn a glory nightWhere the children of tomorrow dream In the wind of changeWalking down the streetDistant memoriesAre buried in the past forever

I follow the MoskvaDown to Gorky ParkListening to the wind of changeCHORUS 2:Take me to the magic of the momentOn a glory nightWhere the children of tomorrow share their dreamsWith you and me

CHORUS 1The wind of changeBlows straight into the face of timeLike a stormwind that will ring the freedom bellFor piece of mindLet your balalaika singWhat my guitar wants to sing

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CHORUS 2CHORUS 1

We are the champions (Queen)

I paid my dues time after timeI've done my sentenceBut commited no crimeAnd bad mistakes I've made a fewI've had my shadows and kicksIn my face but I've come through

CHORUS: We are the champions my friendAnd we'll keep on fighting till the endWe are the championswe are the championsNo time for losersYes we are the champions of the world

I've taken my bowsAnd my curtain-callsYou brought me fame and fortuneAnd everything that goes with itI thank you allBut it's been no bed of rosesNo pleasure cruelsI consider it a challenge before LordYou might raise but I never lose

CHORUS

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Plays

The Elephant's Child(after Kipling)

Author (стоит у левого края сцены), Elephant's Child (Eleph.), his brothers and sisters, Ostrich, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Crocodile, Snake, Bird, Fly, Pupil.

(На сцене Слоненок и другие звери; пока читает Автор, Слоненок ко всем пристает с вопросами. На сцене 3 рюкзака, бананы и другие фрукты; ведро (лучше кадка).

Author. Once upon a time the Elephant had no trunk. He had only a blackish, flat nose, as big as a boot. But there was one Elephant's Child, who was full of curiosity. He filled all Africa with his curiosity. One fine morning the Elephant's Child asked a new question.

Eleph. (к Страусу). What does the Crocodile have for dinner?Ostrich. Hush! (Шлепает Слоненка.)Eleph. (к Жирафу). What does the Crocodile have for dinner?Giraffe. Hush! (Шлепает Слоненка.)Eleph. (к Бегемоту). What does the Crocodile have for dinner?Hippopotamus. Hush! (Шлепает Слоненка.)(Появляется Птичка.)Eleph. (к Птичке). My father has spanked me, and my mother has

spanked me; all my aunts and uncles have spanked me for my curiosity; and still I want to know what the Crocodile has for dinner!

Bird. Go to the banks of the great grey-green Limpopo River and find out. (Убегает.)

(Слоненок собирается в дорогу, кладет в рюкзак яблоки, бананы... Звери наблюдают, в это время Автор говорит.)

Author. The Elephant's Child took a hundred pounds of bananas, and a hundred pounds of sugar-cane, and seventeen melons, and said to all his dear family...

Eleph. Goodbye. I am going to the great grey-green Limpopo River to find out what the Crocodile has for dinner.

(Все шлепают его, приговаривая «Hush!» и уходят.)Eleph. (очень вежливо). Stop! Please, stop it!(Слоненок ходит по сцене, напевая и поедая бананы,

расшвыривает кожуру. В это время Автор говорит.)Author. Now you must know and understand that till that very week

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and day, and hour, and minute, this Elephant's Child never saw a Crocodile and did not know what he was like. The first thing that he found од the bank was a Black and White Rock-Snake.

( Выходит Змей.)Eleph. (очень вежливо). Excuse me, but have you seen such a thing as a

Crocodile here?Snake. Have I seen a Crocodile? What will you ask me next?Eleph. (очень вежливо). Excuse me, but could you tell me what he has

for dinner?(Змей шлепает Слоненка.)

Eleph. (в зал). How strange, everybody spanks me for my curiosity. (Змею.) Goodbye. (Уходит.)

Snake. See you soon. (Уходит.)(Появляется Крокодил, ложится на сцене; выходит Слоненок,

напевая и глядя по сторонам, наступает на Крокодила, пятится назад. Крокодил приподнимается, подмигивает Слоненку.)

Eleph. Excuse me, but haven't you seen a Crocodile here?Crocodile (снова подмигивает). Come here, Little One. Why do you ask

such things?Eleph. Excuse me, but I don't want to be spanked again.Crocodile. Come, come here, Little One, I'm the Crocodile. (Вытирает

слезу.)Eleph. Oh, you are a person that I'm looking for. Please tell me what

you have for dinner.Crocodile. Come nearer, Little One, and I'll whisper.

(Слоненок приближается, наклоняется, и Крокодил хватает его за хобот.)

Crocodile. I think today I'll begin with an Elephant Child.Eleph. Let go! You are hurting me! (Тянет изо всех сил.)

(Появляется Змей.)Snake. My young friend, if you do not pull now as hard as you can, I think

that the Crocodile will pull you into the river before you can say a word.( Крокодил продолжает тянуть, Слоненок упирается.)

Eleph. (через нос). This is too much for me!Snake. Little traveller, let's pull together, because if we don't pull hard

enough, the Crocodile will have you for dinner. (Помогает Слоненку.)Author (пока они тянут). And the Elephant's Child pulled, and pulled,

and pulled, and his nose stretched and stretched; and the Crocodile pulled, and pulled, and pulled, and at each pull the Elephant's Child's nose grew

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longer and longer. (Громко.) At last the Crocodile let go of the Elephant's Child's nose! (Крокодил отпускает хобот и уползает.)

Eleph. (к Змею). Thank you. Oh, my nose hurts me badly! (Опускает хобот в ведро с водой.)

Snake. Why are you doing that?Eleph. Excuse me, but my nose is too long now, and perhaps it will

shrink in the water.Snake. Then you must wait a long time.

(Слоненок сидит над ведром, ждет.)Author. The Elephant's Child sat there for three days, and though his

nose was in the water it did not grow any shorter. Now it looked like a trunk, the same as all Elephants have today. (Слоненок вынимает хобот, рассматривает его, выбегает Муха.)

Fly. Zzz!.. (Щипет Слоненка в плечо, а тот ее шлепает хоботом; Муха падает со слабым «Zzz...».)

Snake. You see how useful your trunk is. You could not do that before with your little flat nose, which was no bigger than a boot. Now tell me, do you want to be spanked again?

Eleph. Excuse me, I don't want it at all.Snake. But do you want to spank somebody?Eleph. Oh, yes, of course, I do!Snake. Very well, now it is quite easy.Eleph. Thank you, I'll go home to my dear family and try. Goodbye.

(Берет свой рюкзачок и уходит.)Snake. Goodbye, Little Kid. (Уходит. Муха убегает тоже.)(Появляются звери и Птичка.)Brother. Oh, what have you done to your nose?Eleph. 1 got a new nose from the Crocodile on the banks of the great

grey-green Limpopo River.Sister. It looks very ugly.Eleph. It does. But it's very useful. (Шлепает их и всех других

зверей, кроме Птички. Слоненок безобразничает: выдергивает крылья из хвоста Страуса; набирает воды из ведра и наливает в ухо Бегемотихе, пока та прилегла; схватил за ногу Жирафа; те все убегают.)

Sister (с восторгом). How nice!Brother. Let's go to the banks of the great grey-green Limpopo River

to get such noses from the Crocodile, too! (Поспешно укладывают рюкзаки, уходят.)

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Author. And since that day all the Elephants have trunks exactly as the trunk of the Elephant's Child. (Уходит, поклонившись.)

( Выходит Чтец.)Pupil. I keep six honest serving-men;

(They taught me all I knew), Their names are What and Why and WhenAnd How and Where and Who.I send them over land and sea,I send them east and west; But after they have worked for me,I give them all a rest.I let them rest from nine till five,For I am busy then, As well as breakfast, lunch and tea,For they are hungry men.But different folk have different views:I know a person small — She keeps ten million serving-men,Who get no rest at all.She sends 'em abroad on her own affairs.From the second she opens her eyes — One million Hows, two million WheresAnd seven million Whys!

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Mrs. Packletide's Tiger

Mrs. Packletide, Miss Louisa Mebbin, Sheriff, two boys, Saahim (a boy), Tiger, Goat, Loona Bimberton, Gentleman.

Act 1(Слева стол, декорированный в виде раскидистого дерева, около

него стул и скамеечка в виде лестницы; еще дерево в центре сцены, у стены. В походной одежде начала XX века выходят Mrs. Packletide и ее компаньонка Miss Louisa Mebbin, они с заплечными мешками, на них висят бинокль, фотоаппарат, в руках посохи, а у Mrs. Packletide ружье. Остановились отдышаться; Mrs. Packletide любуется пейзажем.)

Louisa (в зал). This is Mrs. Packletide, a very rich and well-known person. I'm her paid companion. We've arrived to India. (Иронично.) Mrs. Packletide intends to shoot a tiger, not because she wants to make India a safer place, nor does have a sudden wish to kill. No!

Mrs. Packl. (поворачивается в зал, решительно). No! I have a special motive to go in for a big game-hunting. I have a lady friend, Loona Bimberton, who is pretty and elegant.

Louisa (в зал). Naturally she hates her.Mrs. Packl. Yes, of course, I hate her! (С жаром и возмущением.)

Especially after a young pilot carried Loona in an aeroplane and a lot of reporters surrounded Loona, took interviews, made photos for London's papers.

(Продолжают идти.)Louisa (в зал). Certainly, Mrs. Packletide couldn't bear these

pictures in newspapers and Loona's popularity, because travelling by aeroplane is a rare thing in nowadays.

(Выходит Шериф.)Sheriff. We are glad to greet you and to see you in our small village,

Mrs. Packletide. (Поклон. Затем более сдержанный поклон.) Miss Mebbin.

(Дамы отвечают легким наклоном головы. Выходят два крестьянских мальчика.)

Boys. (почтительно к обеим дамам) Welcome, Madam. (С любопытством смотрят на дам.)

Sheriff. It's a great opportunity that there is a very good fid tiger which hunts near these places. (Провожая к дереву с платформой.)

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Everything is ready for your shooting. (Помогает забраться.) It is quite a secure hiding-place. Good luck, Madam.

(Дамы устраиваются. Шериф отходит к мальчикам.)Louisa. How much did you offer them for the opportunity of shooting

a tiger?Mrs. Packl. (вскидывая ружье). I offered them a thousand rupees.Sheriff (в зал, со смешком). I must say that the tiger they are going

to shoot is very old. Sometimes it disturbs us visiting our village and eating small domestic animals. I think it is too weak for real hunting. We are glad to rid of it and to earn. (Радостно потирает руки. К мальчикам.) Have you prepared goats? Tied them properly?

Boys. Yes, sir.Sheriff (в зал). The boys had to leave small goats on the tiger's way.

(K мальчикам.) Watch the tiger wouldn't go to another village!Boys. All right, sir! (Уходят, садятся на правый край сцены

наблюдать.)(Входит Сахим, ведет козленка.)

Saahim (к Шерифу). This is the last one, sir.Sheriff. Tie it over there. (Указывает на дерево в центре.)

(Сахим привязывает козленка и вместе с шерифом устраивается на правом краю сцены. Козленок громко, жалобно и пронзительно блеет.)

Louisa. It is bleating so loudly that even a half-deaf tiger can hear it.Mrs. Packl. Tsh! The tiger is approaching! (Нацеливает ружье.)

(Выходит старый, хромой, полуслепой Тигр, двигается медленно в сторону козленка.)

Louisa. I suppose, we are in some danger?Mrs. Packl. (не опуская ружье, обращается к компаньонке).

Nonsense. It's a toothless tiger. He couldn't spring up here even he wanted to. (В зал.) I think she isn't really afraid of the wild beast. She is afraid to do more than she is paid for.

Louisa. For the toothless tiger you might get it cheaper.(Тигр тем временем дополз до середины сцены и прилег

отдохнуть недалеко от козленка. Козленок заблеял.)Louisa. Why has it lain on the ground?Mrs. Packl. It's going to have a short rest before beginning the attack.(Тигр пошевелился.)Louisa. Now shoot quickly! If he doesn't touch the goat, you will not

have to pay for it.

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(Раздался выстрел. Тигр подпрыгнул, перевернулся и застыл. Козленок упал тоже, заблеяв.)

Mrs. Packl. It is obviously dead.(Подбегает Шериф и мальчики, шумят, хлопают в ладоши,

прыгают от радости.)Boys. It is dead! It is killed! You've hit it!Louisa (радостно). That is a triumph!Mrs. Packl. (возбужденно). That's a triumph! I imagine the party I'll

make in my house, photos in papers and the tiger skin in my drawing-room and Loona Bimberton among the guests.

(Идут к добыче.)Saahim. What's wrong with the goat? (Козленок тихонько заблеял;

Луиза идет к козленку, наклоняется.)Louisa. Look, the goat is dying from a bullet-wound! (Наклоняется к

тигру.) But no wound on the tiger.(Mrs. Packletide растерянно и вопросительно смотрит на

тигра, на Шерифа, тот наклоняется над тигром, переворачивает его.)

Sheriff. It is clear. The wrong animal has been hit. (Распрямляется и обращается к Mrs. Packletide.) The poor tiger has died of heart-failure caused by the sudden shot. But still the tiger belongs to you, Madam.

(Процессия: впереди гордая Mrs. Packletide, за ней Шериф и мальчики уводят тигра, они все идут налево, а Сахим уводит козленка. Луиза задерживается, поднимает с пола свой и Mrs. Packletide рюкзаки, посохи.)

Louisa (в зал). Of course, I know, Mrs. Packletide is annoyed, but she is being waited by a lot of reporters in the hotel, she'll face cameras and soon her pictures will reach the European newspapers. (Уходит тоже.)

Act 2(Лондонское кафе. Входят Луиза и Mrs. Packletide.)

Louisa (в зал). I am glad to be in London again, though I've earned a great deal.

(Садятся за столик.)Mrs. Packl. I made a ball calling many guests and sent a tiger-claw

broach as a birthday present to Loona Bimberton. But (с раздражением) Loona Bimberton didn't come, she wrote a short note to say she wasn't quite well. So, she hasn't seen the tiger-skin in my drawing-room yet.

(Луиза слушает рассеянно, думая о чем-то своем.)

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Louisa. What will your friends say if they find out what really happened?

Mrs. Packl. What do you mean?Louisa (со смешком). How you shot and frightened the tiger to death.Mrs. Packl. No one will believe it.Louisa. Loona Bimberton will.Mrs. Packl. I hope you are not going to give me аwау?Louisa. I’ve seen a nice little cottage near Dorking. I like it very much;

(Спокойно.) It is not expensive. Only I don't happen to have money.(Уходят.)

Act 3Стулья и столы убираются. Выносятся деревья, скамейка, кусты,

на стене прикрепляется рисунок или на полку ставится макет хорошенького коттеджа. Прогуливается группа из трех человек с Mrs. Packletide в центре. У дам в руках зонтики.)

Loona. It is a wonderful how Louisa managed to get that pretty cottage. (Указывает зонтиком на коттедж.)

Gentleman (обращаясь к Mrs. Packletide). Why do you not go in for big game-hunting any more, Mrs. Packletide?

Mrs. Packl. The expenses are so heavy.(Кланяются, выходят Шериф, мальчики, тигр, козленок,

тоже кланяются.)

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Twelve monthsCharacters

Mother Daughter StepdaughterQueenLadyTeacherChancellorChief of Queen's GuardsMr. Public ProsecutorAmbassador of the Western countryAmbassador of the Eastern countryОffiсеrGardenerSoldierCourtiersWolfHareFirst Squirrel Second SquirrelRavenFirst HeraldSecond HeraldTwelve Months Snow flakes, Wind, Hares, Squirrels, Bear, Birds, Horses, Ladies.

SCENE I

Зимняя поляна в лесу. На ней сидит ворон. Выбегает волк.Wolf. Ou-u-u! There is nobody in the forest. Where are the hares?

Where are the squirrels? I shall eat everybody!Raven. Cr...Cr...Cr! Lie! You cannot eat everybody.Wolf. I am hungry!Raven. Go away! I see a Soldier. He is coming here.Волк убегает. На поляне появляются заяц и две белки.Hare. It is cold today! It is terribly cold! Squirrels! Squirrels! Let's

play catch!

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SCENE II

На поляну с противоположных сторон сцены выходят солдат и падчерица.

Soldier. Hello, girl! What are you doing here?Stepdaughter. My Stepmother ordered me to bring firewood. And

what are you doing here?Soldier. I look for a nice fir-tree for our Queen. Tomorrow there will

be many guests in our palace. Our Queen is a girl. She likes New Year's parties, the New Year's fir-tree, she plays with dolls and toys. Our Queen is an orphan, she hasn't got parents.

Stepdaughter. I am an orphan, too.Soldier. What a pity! Poor girl! Let me help you with your firewood.Stepdaughter. Thank you for your kind words! Oh! I know where a

wonderful fir-tree is. I can show it. Soldier. OK! Come on!Уходят.

SCENE III

На поляну выходят Декабрь и Январь.December. Well, brother! Take over household duties. Look! There is

a lot of snow in the forest, ground has a blanket of snow, ice covered lakes and rivers.

January. Thank you, brother. Your work is good! But what are birds and animals doing now?

December. Some animals are sleeping now. Birds are in the hot countries. Hares and squirrels, wolves and foxes have got warm winter coats. Halloo! The forest little rogues! Come here! Let's dance!

Выбегают звери и танцуют. Занавес.

SCENE IV

Комната в королевском дворце. В комнате доска, парта, учительский стол. За партой королева, перед ней учитель.

Queen. I don't like writing. My hands are dirty! Teacher. You are right, Your Majesty. It is very unpleasant work.

However, may I ask you to write down four lines only?Queen. All right! Dictate!

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Teacher. The grass is green. The sun is bright. The swallow is singing And flying to us.

Queen. I shall write "the grass is green" only. "The gra-a-ass is..." (Пишет.)

Входит министр.Chancellor. Good morning, Your Majesty! May I ask you to put

Your signature? To four edicts only.Queen. Write! Well! But then I shall not write "green"! Give me your

papers! (Подписывает.)Chancellor. Thank you very much, Your Majesty! And now, may I

ask you to write...Queen. Write, again!Chancellor. Your resolution only.Queen. And what shall I write?Chancellor. Either "execute" or "forgiveness".Queen (читает). E-xe-cu-te, for-gi-ve-ness. I shall write "execute"

— it is shorter.Министр берет бумаги и уходит.

Teacher (вздыхает). It is shorter! Queen. What's the matter? Teacher. Oh! Your Majesty! What have you written! Queen. Did I make any mistakes? Maybe it should be "ixicut"?Teacher. No, you were right, but made a bad mistake.Queen. What mistake?Teacher. You executed a person and you didn't think about him!Queen. But I can't write and think at the same time!Teacher. It isn't necessary. First you should think and then you should

write.Queen. If I do that, I shall think and think and think and then I'll go

mad. Well! Have you got any other questions?Teacher. May I ask you to count? Please, multiply seven by eight.Queen. I don't remember how to do it. It's not interesting to me. And

what about you?Teacher. Oh! Of course! It is very interesting to me, Your Majesty!Queen. It is strange! Well! Good-bye! The lesson is over. Today is

New Year's Eve. I am very busy.Teacher . Just as you like, Your Majesty.Queen. It is very good to be a queen. All people agree with me, even

my teacher. Well! I like when everybody agrees with me.

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Teacher. Your Majesty, I shall always agree with you, if you want.Queen. Swear? Well! Let's count!Teacher. And now multiply six by six, will you?Queen. Eleven.Teacher. All right, Your Majesty! Multiply eight by eight, please.Queen. Three.Teacher. OK, Your Majesty.Queen. I am tired. Tell me something.Teacher. What?Queen. I don't know. Something about New Year.Teacher. Your obedient servant. There are twelve months in the year.Queen. Really?Teacher. It is true! Their names are January, February, March, April,

May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.Queen. You have got a brilliant memory!Teacher. Thank you, Your Majesty. Months come one by one. February

never comes before January, and September never comes before August.Queen. But I want April before January!Teacher. It is impossible!Queen. You again!Teacher. Oh! I do agree with you. But science and nature have

objections!Queen. Nonsense! I'll promulgate a new law and set my seal to it.Teacher. It is useless. Besides, each month is good. We can skate and

sledge in December, January and February. There is the first dripping of melted snow in March. And we can see the first flowers — snowdrops — in April.

Queen. OK. I want April now. I like snowdrops very much. I have never seen them.

Teacher. April will come soon. You have to wait only three months or 90 days.

Queen. 90 days! But I can't wait! Tomorrow we shall have a New Year's party. I want to have snowdrops for this party!

Teacher. Your Majesty! You can't break the law of Nature!Queen. I'll promulgate a new law of Nature! Teacher! Sit down at my

desk and write! I'll dictate to you! "The grass is green. The sun is bright. There are a lot of flowers in our forest. Bring a basket of snowdrops to our palace for the New Year's party! A full basket of gold is awaiting you!" Chancellor!

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Входит министр.Set my seal and proclaim my order!Chancellor. But Your Majesty! Queen. This is my order!Занавес.

SCENE IV

На сцену перед занавесом выходят глашатаи.First Herald. The grass is green.Second Herald. The sun is bright.First Herald. And there are a lot of flowers in our forest.Second Herald. He who will bring a basket full of snowdrops...First Herald. Will get a basket full of gold!Second Herald. Bring a basket of snowdrops to the Queen's palace

for the New Year's party!First Herald. A basket full of gold is awaiting you!Уходят.

SCENE V

Деревенский дом. Мачеха накрывает стол для ужина. Ее дочь сидит у камина и перебирает корзинки.Daughter. Mummy! How much gold can we put into this basket?Mother. A lot!Daughter. Can we buy a fur coat?Mother. A fur coat! Both a fur coat and many skirts and tights and

many other expensive things.Daughter. And what do you think about this basket?Mother. This basket is bigger than that one. We'll have enough

money to buy a stone house, a horse, a sheep and a pig.Daughter. And what about this basket, Mummy?Mother. This is the biggest one. You will eat on gold, sleep on gold

and wear gold.Daughter. OK. I'll take this basket. What a pity! Our Queen decided

to make fun of us.Mother. She is a young girl, so she invents all sorts of odds and ends.Daughter. Suppose somebody will go to the forest, find snowdrops and

fill a big basket with gold. Suppose snowdrops are growing under the snow

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now. Let me go to the forest. I want to find them!Mother. No, I don't allow you to go to the forest. It is very cold now.

Look out of the window! It is snowstorming!Daughter. I want to go and I'll go!Mother. You will freeze to death!Daughter. Well, then go to the forest yourself.Mother. What?! You don't love me!Daughter. I do love you, but I love gold more than you. (Плачет.) If

you don't want to go to the forest, let my sister go there!Mother. OK. We'll give her the biggest basket we have.Входит падчерица.Is it snowstorming?Stepdaughter. Yes, it is. It is terribly cold. I am frozen!Mother. It is winter. It is always cold in winter.Stepdaughter. But today is the last day in the year. It is a holiday,

isn't it?Mother. I don't think you are frozen if you remember about it. Have

you had a good rest? You must go to the forest again.Stepdaughter. Where?! Why?!Mоther. Go to the forest and pick some snowdrops.Stepdaughter. Are you joking?Daughter. No, I am not. This is an order! You'll bring snowdrops and

we'll get the biggest basket of gold. Take a basket and go away and don't come back until it's full! Even if you get lost, no one will shed tears for you.

Занавес.

SCENE VI

Заснеженный лес. В глубине сцены — поляна; на поляне горит костер. Падчерица подходит к лесу, кутаясь в рваный платок.

Stepdaughter. Well! It is an edge of the forest. It is so dark here. I cannot see my hands before my face. (Оглядывается) Oh! I see a light flickering some way off amid the trees! (Выбегает на поляну.)

Около костра стоят двенадцать месяцев.December. Who are you? What brought you here? Stepdaughter. I have to pick a full basket of snowdrops.

Все переглядываются и смеются.January. Snowdrops in January? Is it a joke, girl?

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Stepdaughter. My stepmother sent me here for snowdrops and forbade me to return without them.

February. What are you going to do?Stepdaughter. I shall stay in the forest and wait till the month of

April comes. I would rather freeze here than return without them. (Садится и плачет.)

Месяцы шепчутся.April. Brother January! Let me take your place for a single hour.January. Gladly would I grant you an hour, brother, but April cannot

come before the months of February and March.February. Let him take my place, I don't mind. We all know the girl.

We meet her at the ice-hole with her pails or in the forest with her bundle of firewood.

July. And we, summer months, know her, too. She is a good girl.September. Autumn months like her for her kind heart.March. We must help her.January. So be it! (Стучит три раза посохом.)Frost, О Frost, cold master of the ice, Pray melt thy frozen heart; Untie thy stiff bonds in a trice And let the snowdrifts part. Sturdy fir and lofty pine, Shake free your crystal lace; Frozen snows, at once recline, January yields his place. Now, it is your turn, brother February. (Передает посох Февралю.)February.Wind, tempest, storm and gale, Blow with all your might. Blizzard, furies, sleet and hail, Rage into the night. Plough your furrows through the snow, Sweep across the lake. Drive the ground wind high and low, Twisting like a snake. Now it is up to you, brother March. (Передает посох Марту.)March.Babble gaily, melting brook, Ripple, glistening pool;

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Ants awake and leave your nook, Gone's the winter cruel. Now it is up to you, brother April. (Передает посох.) April.Birds, return and sing your song,Disperse the forest gloom.Bears and squirrels, come along,Tender snowdrops, bloom.Girl, you have only one hour. Take your basket and pick snowdrops.Слышны песни птиц. Танец цветов. Набрав подснежников,

Падчерица подходит к месяцам.Stepdaughter. Thank you very much! April. We've decided to give you our ring. If you want to see us,

you'll have to throw our ring and say:Roll, roll the ringTo the steps of spring,To the summer porch,To the autumn cottage,With winter shine.

To the New Year's fire! Stepdaughter. Thank you! Good-bye! All months. Good-bye, girl.

Девочка уходит. Посох переходит из рук в руки.May.

Spring is coming, I can feel it,How fine is the morning air!Birds are singing, buds are peeping,

Life and joy are everywhere. June.

The summer sun shines hot and high.Baby birds now learn to fly.Green, green leaves and tasty fruit,All the things are good!

July.Come, to the woodsOn a sunny day,Come to the woodsOn a day so gay.Look at the grass,

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At the busy bees,Look at the birds

In the green, green trees. August.

When trees are green and forests are green.And grass is green and long,It's good to walk in the forest

And listen to birds' song. September.

"Come little leaves,"Says the wind one day."Come over the meadowsWith me to play.Put on your dressesOf red and gold.For summer is gone

And the days are cold." October.

Put on your jacket and jeans for fall,Now it's cold to play football!Leaves turn orange, red and brown,

And they all are falling down. November.

Suddenly the sky turned grey,The day,

Which had been bitter and chillGrew soft and still, Quietly

From some invisible blossoming tree Millions of petals cool and white

Drifted and blew, Lifted and flew, Fell with the falling night.

December. OK. Winter is here.Занавес.

SCENE VII

Зал королевского дворца. Посреди зала — пышно разукрашенная елка. В зале много знатных гостей. Они ожидают выхода королевы.

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Звучит музыка. На сцену выходит королева. Придворные (среди них министр, учитель, прокурор, начальник королевской стражи) и гости наперебой пытаются поздравить ее с Новым годом.

All together. Happy New Year, Your Majesty! Happy New Year! New happiness to you!

Queen. My happiness is new every day, however, it isn't New Year today.

All together (удивляются). Why?Chancellor. But, Your Majesty, it is New Year today!Queen. You are wrong! Teacher, how many days are there in a

month?Teacher. 31.Queen. Well! Today is the 32nd of December.Lady. It is a nice New Year's joke, Your Majesty!

Все смеются.Chief of Queen's Guards. How witty! This joke is sharper than my

sabre. What do you think, Mr. Public Prosecutor?Mr. Public Prosecutor. That's splendid!Queen. But I am not joking.

Все перестают смеяться.It will be the 33d of December tomorrow, then the 34th of December

and so on.Teacher. It is impossible!Queen. You again?!Teacher. Yes, Your Majesty! Again and again! You can execute me

but the 32nd of December is nonsense! There are only 31 days in December! Science has proved it and Science is more important to me than my head.

Queen. Well, well, my dear teacher. I pardon you. Sometimes queens like to hear the truth. However, December will be over when I get a basket of flowers.

Teacher. Just as you like, Your Majesty, but you will not get them.Queen. Let's wait!Chancellor. Your Majesty, let me introduce the Ambassador of the

Western country and the Ambassador of the Eastern country to you.Послы входят и кланяются.

Ambassador of the Western country. Your Majesty, my king charged me to wish you a Happy New Year.

Ambassador of the Eastern country. Your Majesty, my king

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ordered me to wish you...Queen. What?Ambassador of the Eastern country. We wish you luck and health.Queen. Well! Where are the flowers? It is strange! Do all people

know my order?Chancellor. Your wish, my Queen, was fulfilled. These flowers are for

you.Lady. Wonderful!Ambassador of the Western country. They are splendid!Ambassador of the Eastern country. Beautiful!Queen. Are there snowdrops in this basket?Chancellor (вытаскивает два цветка). I think one of these flowers

is a snowdrop.Queen. Which one?Chancellor. It is a flower that you like more.Queen. What nonsense! Teacher! What can you say?Teacher. I know only Latin names of these flowers. Their names are

paeonia albiflora and hydrangea opuloides.Queen. Opuloides? Gardener! Tell me, what is this flower's name? Is

it a snowdrop?Gardener. No, it isn't. It is a hydrangea. It is from the Queen's

greenhouse. Snowdrops grow in the forest.Queen. Well! Bring them to me!Gardener. There are no snowdrops in the forest now. It is winter

now. Snowdrops will appear in April.Queen. I don't want to listen to you. If I don't get snowdrops,

somebody will be beheaded!Officer. Two women brought snowdrops for you, Your Majesty!Queen. Call them! Be quick!Входят мать и дочь.Are these flowers snowdrops?Mother. Yes, of course, Your Majesty. They are from the forest. We

found them under the snow.Queen (вытаскивает подснежники). They are real flowers! I don't

want other flowers. (Садовнику.) Go away!Gardener. Thank you, Your Majesty.Queen. Well! New Year has come! You may congratulate me!All together. Happy New Year, Your Majesty!Queen. Let's dance!

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Все танцуют.Mother. Your Majesty, Happy New Year!Queen. Yes.Mother. Yes, our basket is empty.Queen. Oh! Chancellor! Fill the basket with gold! So, tell us where you

picked the flowers?Mother (дочери). You tell.Daughter. No, you tell.Mother. When we heard about your order, we took brooms and spades

and went to the forest. It was dark and very cold in the forest. My daughter is frozen, and me too.

Queen. Go on!Mоther. We walked and walked and came to that place. There were many

high trees around a small lake. White ducks swam in the lake. And there were a lot of snowdrops on the banks of that lake.

Queen. Snowdrops?Mоther. Both snowdrops and many other beautiful flowers.Lady. I think it is wonderful! Birds, flowers!Queen. Are ducks birds?Teacher. Yes, of course.Chief of Queen's Guards. And what about mushrooms?Daughter. Yes, there're a lot of mushrooms there.Mr. Public Prosecutor. And what about berries?Daughter. Yes, of course. There are wild strawberries, bilberries, great

bilberries, blackberries, raspberries.Queen (хлопает в ладоши). Splendid! Go to the forest and bring me

some wild strawberries!Mother. Your Majesty, we are cold!Queen. Chancellor! Give them fur coats!

Придворные подают шубы матери и дочери.Go to the forest and come back with berries quickly! I want berries!Mother. Well! We'll try to do it quickly.Queen. Stop! Give me my fur coat. I want to go with them. We'll go to

the forest together.Lady. It is a good idea!Ambassadors of the Western and Eastern countries. OK. We are

ready!Mother and daughter (падают на колени). We didn't pick these

flowers. Our stepdaughter did it.

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Queen. Where is your stepdaughter?Mother. She is at home.Queen. Liars! We are going to the forest and you go home, take your

stepdaughter and then you join us! (Офицеру.) Let four soldiers keep watch over them.

Занавес.

SCENE VIII

Лесная поляна. На поляне ворон. Выбегают две белки.First Squirrel. Hello, squirrel!Second Squirrel. Hello, squirrel!First Squirrel. Happy New Year!Second Squirrel. Happy New Year!First Squirrel. It is a present for you — a pine-cone.Second Squirrel. And a fir-cone— for you!First Squirrel. A pine-cone!Second Squirrel. A fir-cone!First Squirrel. A pine-cone!Second Squirrel. A fir-cone!Raven. Cr... Cr... Cr! Hello, squirrels!First Squirrel. Hello, old Raven! Happy New Year!Second Squirrel. Happy New Year! How areRaven. As before.First Squirrel. Old Raven, how many times

did you celebrate the New Year?Raven. 150.Second Squirrel. Oh!First Squirrel. They say, you know everything! Is it true?Raven. Yes, it is.Second Squirrel. Please, tell us something.Raven. Cr... Cr... Cr!First Squirrel. We don't understand your language!Raven. You must study a foreign language!На поляну выскакивает заяц.First Squirrel. Hello, Hare!Second Squirrel. Happy New Year! Are you frozen?Hare. Am I frozen!? No, I am hot! Squirrels, have you seen our Wolf?First Squirrel. Why are you looking for Wolf?

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Hare. I am not looking for him, I am afraid of him!Second Squirrel. Run away, Hare! It is Wolf.Выбегает волк.Wolf. Squirrels, have you seen Hare? First Squirrel. Yes, of course. Our Hare is looking for you.Second Squirrel. Hare asked where you are. Wolf. Well! Where is Hare? I'll catch him! First Squirrel. There! (Показывает вправо.)Second Squirrel. There! (Показывает влево.) Raven. Look! Soldiers are coming here! All together. Let's run away.Занавес.

SCENE IX

Лесная поляна. На сцену выкатывается начальник королевской стражи. Выходит учитель.Teacher. Have you fallen down?Chief of Queen's Guards. No, I have only lain down. I am tired.

{Кряхтя, встает, потирает колени.) I can't remember when I tobogganed last. (Оглядывается.) Do you think it is a lake?

Teacher. Yes, I think so.Chief of Queen's Guards. Look! It is quite round!Появляется стража с лопатами, придворные, королева, послы,

офицер.Queen. Teacher! You told me there are many wild animals in the

forest. But I saw no one. Where are they? Please, show them to me!Teacher. I think they are sleeping now.Queen. Why? It isn't dark now.Teacher. Some of them usually go to sleep in autumn and wake up in

spring.Queen. There is a lot of snow in the forest. I think it never thaws. And

the trees are very strange! They are black and have no leaves. But I like it.Lady. Oh! Your Majesty! I like it too.Queen. I am freezing. Give me a fur coat!Lady. And me, too.Queen. Where are those two women, Mother and Daughter? They

promised to show us the snowdrops. Where are they?!Появляются мать, падчерица и дочь.

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Officer. They are here! Queen. At long last!Mother. Your Majesty, this is my stepdaughter. Queen. Come here, dear. I see you are a nice girl. But you are frozen!

Give her a fur coat!Офицер накидывает на падчерицу шубу.

Stepdaughter. Thank you, Your Majesty.Queen. I can give you a basket of gold, a lot of dresses, nice shoes,

skirts. What do you want?Stepdaughter. Thank you, Your Majesty. I don't want anything from

you. But let them (указывает на мачеху и ее дочь) give me my ring back.

Mother. Don't listen to her, your Majesty!Daughter. She doesn't know what she says.Stepdaughter. I do! I had a ring and you took it and don't want to give

it back.Mother. Oh! Your Majesty, believe us, we haven't got the ring.Queen. Give it to me quickly!Officer. Be quick! Queen is in a fit of anger!Daughter. Just a moment. (Достает из кармана кольцо и отдает

королеве.)Stepdaughter. It's my ring!Queen. A beautiful ring! Where did you get it? Who gave it to you?Stepdaughter. I shall not tell you.Queen. Oh! You are obstinate! Well! Show us where the snowdrops

are and I'll give you your ring.Stepdaughter. I cannot do it!Queen. Tell me!Stepdaughter. Never!Queen. So... Take off her, the fur coat!Офицер снимает с падчерицы шубу. Королева в гневе ходит по

поляне, оборачивается и видит, как солдат одевает на падчерицу шубу.

How dare you!Teacher. Your Majesty! Q u e e n . Yes?Teacher. You shouldn't do this! Queen. You forgot who the Queen is! You forgot that a word

"execute" is shorter than "forgiveness"!

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Teacher. Your Majesty!Queen. No! (Поворачивается к падчерице.) I am asking you for the

last time: where are the snowdrops? Will you show them to me?Stepdaughter. No, I shall not! Queen. Say "Good-bye" to your ring! (Бросает кольцо.)Stepdaughter. No!

Roll, roll the ring To the steps of spring, To the summer porch, To the autumn cottage,With winter shine To the New Year's fire!

Queen. What is she saying?Ветер, метель, танец снежинок. В вихре танца снежинки уносят

Падчерицу. Ветер кружит королеву, придворных,послов.Help me!Lady. Catch me!Mother. Daughter! Where are you?Daughter. I don't know!Teacher. Let's go home!Ambassador of the Western country. Where are our horses?Ambassador of the Eastern country. Coachman! Coachman!Ветер сбивает всех с ног. Слышны мартовские бубенчики и

апрельская свирель. Метель утихает. Тепло и солнечно. Пение птиц.Queen. It is spring now!Teacher. Nonsense!Queen. Look! The shoots are opening now!Ambassador of the Western country. Oh! It is true.Queen. The snowdrops! Stop! Where is the girl? Woman, where is

your stepdaughter?Mother. She is absent. She ran away.Mr. Public Prosecutor. Look for her!Queen. It isn't necessary. I have found the snowdrops! (Бросается

собирать цветы.)Ambassador of the Western country. Look! Your Majesty! There

are a lot of berries!Lady. It is wonderful!Ambassador of the Eastern country. Oh! It is terribly hot now!Queen. It is summer!

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Teacher. It cannot be summer!Chancellor. But it is true. It is July!Ambassador of the Eastern country. It is as hot as in a desert.Lady. I am hot! Give me some water, please.Teacher. It is raining!Chancellor. It isn't raining, it is pouring!Soldier. Would you like a glass of water?Lady. I don't want water! I have got wet to the skin! Please, give me

an umbrella.Soldier. But we have not got it.Chancellor. It is September now.Teacher. Nonsense!Queen. Let's go to the palace! Look! It is snowing now!Teacher. It is possible! It is January now.Queen. I am frozen! I want to be at home!Soldier. Listen! Somebody is coming here!Появляется Январь.January. What are you doing here? Queen. We are looking for the snowdrops. January. There are no snowdrops in winter. Teacher. It is true.Queen. I know it. I want to go home, but I don't know how to do it.

Please, help us! Г11 reward you.January. I need nothing. I can reward you! What New Year's

presents do you want?Queen. I want to be at home.Teacher. I want all months to come one by one.Soldier. I want to warm myself near the fire.Daughter. My mother and I want fur coats.January. Take them! (Набрасывает на дочь и мать шубы,)Mother. What fool! What do you need a dog coat for? Мать и дочь начинают драться и с криком убегают. January. Here are our horses. Звон колокольчиков. Музыка. Танец лошадок. Sit down, please. Let's go to our fire! Все уезжают под музыку.

SCENE XЛесная поляна. Горит костер. Около костра все месяцы и

падчерица.

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December. Burn! Burn with a clean flame so as not to fade it!Все поют новогоднюю песню. Приезжают сани, в которых

сидит королева.Queen. May we warm ourselves, please? We are frozen.December. Yes, you may. Come here, sing our song with us and then

you may go home. Our song is a fairy-song. If you sing it, your hearts will be kind and your souls will be kind.

All together. ОК. (Поют песню "Jingle Bells".) Танец снежинок.Dashing through the snow,in a one-horse open sleigh, O'er the fields we go,laughing all the way. Bells on bobtail ring,making spirits bright, What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight!Chorus.Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.Oh! What fun it is to ridein a one-horse open sleigh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh! What fun it is to ridein a one-horse open sleigh!A day or two ago, I thoughtI'd take a ride, And soon Miss Fannie Brightwas sitting by my side. The horse was lean and lank, misfortune was his lot.He got into a snowdrift bank —

and we? We go upset! Chorus.

Queen. Thank you for your hospitality! But East or West home is best.

All months. Good-bye! Remember our lesson!Звучит музыка.

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Pinocchio

Pinocchio, Geppetto, Antonio, Author (стоит в левом углу сцены), Boy, Man, Woman, Harlequin, Punchinello, Showman, Fox, Cat, Bird.

(У задней стенки сцены должен быть занавес. На сцене: стол, табурет, нарисован очаг, на вешалке висит куртка, лежанка справа.)

Author. All fairy-tales begin with the words, "Once upon a time there was..."

Voice. A king!Author. No, children, not a king! Once upon a time there was a piece

of wood.(Входит Antonio с поленом и инструментом.)

Antonio (в зал). Oh, look, this is a good piece of wood. I can make a new leg for my table.

(Стучит. Pinocchio за занавеской.)Pinocchio. Don't hit me so hard! (Antonio оглядывается. Снова

стучит.)Pinocchio. I say you! Stop hitting me! (Antonio удивленно озирается.

Стук в дверь.)Antonio. Come in! (Входит Geppetto.)Geppetto. Good day, master Antonio. What are you doing with this

piece of wood?Antonio. A new leg for my table.Geppetto. You know, I want to make a wooden puppet. Do you have

another piece of wood?Antonio. I'm so happy to help you! Take this piece of wood, quickly! It is

a very good piece of wood.Geppetto. Thank you very much. You are a very good friend. Goodbye.

(Уходит.)Antonio. Goodbye, goodbye... Uugh!.. (Уходит.)(Geppetto входит, садится у занавеса, работает, напевая.) Author. First he made the puppet's head. Suddenly the nose began to

grow. (Из-за занавеса высовывается голова.) Не cut it off. (Голова прячется.) But it grew again. (Снова высовывается.)

Geppetto. This puppet wants a long nose.Author. Then he made the arms. (Одна рука показывается.) And the

leg. (Высовывается нога.) And then...Geppetto. That is all! (Выходит Pinocchio.) You are ready!

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(Любуется.) What name shall I give you?.. Pinocchio! A very good name. (Pinocchio шалит, высовывает язык.)

Geppetto. Stop it! (Pinocchio бегает, показывая язык и строя «носики».) Stop it, I say! (Geppetto хочет его поймать, но Pinocchio убегает.) Stop him! (Бежит вослед.) Stop him! (Убегает.)

Author. But Pinocchio runs too fast, and poor old Geppetto can t reach him. (Появляется Pinocchio.) Pinocchio walked about the town all day. The night came. It began to rain. Pinocchio is very cold.

(На сцену выезжает декорация фронтона дома с дверью. За ней Man и Woman.)

Pinocchio (стучится). Excuse me, is it my house? Man (выходит). Get out! We don't know you! (Исчезает за

стеной.) Pinocchio (снова стучится). Please, give me a piece of bread. Woman (выходит). Go home, wooden boy. (Исчезает.) (Снова Pinocchio бродит по сцене, дрожа от холода. Покидает

сцену. Фронтон дома уезжает. Pinocchio выходит.)Pinocchio. At last, I'm at home! (Берет со стола «луковицу»,

съедает и ложится спать, пока Автор говорит.)Author. At last he found his house. Geppetto was out. Pinocchio was

very tired and hungry, he ate an onion and fell asleep.(Входит Geppetto, поправляет одеяло Pinocchio, садится рядом

в задумчивости. Pinocchio просыпается.)Pinocchio. Papa, I'm very sorry, forgive me please, I'll be a good boy. Geppetto. Tomorrow you'll go to school. Pinocchio. But I have no school-book.Geppetto. And I have no money. (Задумывается на минуту.) Wait a

little, I’ll be back in a minute. (Хватает куртку, выбегает, возвращается с азбукой.) This is your school-book, it is very nice, with pictures.

Pinocchio (смотрит книгу, затем обращается к Geppetto). But where is your coat, Papa? It's cold today.

Geppetto. I've sold it, it's warm for me.Pinocchio. Thank you very much! (Обнимает Geppetto.) You are so

kind. Tomorrow I'll go to school and will learn how to read, to write and to count.

Geppetto. You are a good boy! (Уходят. Лежанка увозится.)Author. The next day Pinocchio goes to school.

(Выносят плакат «GREAT PUPPET THEATRE». Играет музыка,

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выходят Harlequin и Punchinello. Они танцуют и смеются. Выходит Pinocchio.)

Pinocchio (останавливается и думает; музыка замолкает). Tomorrow I’ll go to school and now I'll go to see a show... But how to get money for a ticket? (Мальчик проходит по сцене.)

Pinocchio. Boy, do you want to buy this beautiful hood?Boy. Look for a fool!Pinocchio. Boy, do you want to buy this pretty jacket?Boy. Look for a fool! (Делает пару шагов, чтобы уйти, но

Pinocchio окликает.)Pinocchio. Do you want to buy this good school-book with many

pictures?Boy. Give. (Покупает.)Pinocchio. Thank you very much.(Мальчик уходит, Pinocchio оборачивается к танцующим

Harlequin и Punchinello.)Harlequin (толкает в бок Punchinello). Is that Pinocchio?Punchinello. Yes, it's Pinocchio! It's our brother Pinocchio! (Звучит

музыка, вместе с Pinocchio пляшут. Входит Showman, музыка прекращается; куклы пугаются, замолкают.)

Showman. What's the noise?Pinocchio. Please, sir, I'm sorry.Showman. Stop talking! Take this puppet (показывает на

Pinocchio) and throw it; into the fire, I want to have a good dinner. (Садится за стол.)

Pinocchio (умоляя). Papa, oh, Papa, come and save your Pinocchio! I don't want to burn, I don't want to burn in the fire. (Плачет.)

Showman. Where are your Papa and Mama?Pinocchio (вытирает слезы). Papa is at home. But I have no Mama.Showman. Poor little thing, poor little thing. Take Harlequin and

throw him into the fire. (Показывает на очаг.)Pinocchio (плачет). Oh, dear sir, don't burn poor Harlequin! Oh,

dear sir, don't burn poor Harlequin! Throw me on the fire.Showman (сердито). Stop crying! What do you want?Pinocchio. Oh, dear sir, don't burn poor Harlequin!Showman (удивлен). You are a good boy. What is your father’s

name?Pinocchio. Geppetto.Showman. Has he much money?

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Pinocchio. Oh no, he is very poor.Showman. Poor old man, give him these five gold pieces.Pinocchio. Oh! Thank you very much. (Убегает вправо)(Все уходят. Слева появляются: Fox (хромает, с палкой); Cat с

завязанным глазом. Идут под ручку)Fox. Good day, Pinocchio! What are these in your hands?Pinocchio. Look! These are five gold pieces.Cat. What do you want to do with all that money?Pinocchio. First, I'll buy a new coat for my Papa, then I’ll buy a

school-book.Cat. What for?Pinocchio. I want to go to school.Fox. Look at me! I lost my leg because I learnt at school.Cat. Look at me! I lost my eye because I learnt at school.Bird. Pinocchio, don't listen to them, they are bad friends!Cat. Kshhh!.. (Пытается схватить Птичку, но она убегает)Fox. Dear Pinocchio, do you want to have a lot of money?Pinocchio. Oh, yes, but how?Fox. Don't go home. Come with us.Pinocchio. No, I'll go home. Papa wants to see me.Fox. If you want to have a hundred gold pieces, come with us.Pinocchio. Where?Fox. To a field. (Берут Pinocchio под руки, идут по сцене. Лиса

говорит и показывает.) Make a little hole, put there gold pieces, then make a little hill, pour some water. At night you must go to bed. In the morning you’ll see a beautiful tree with many gold pieces on it.

Pinocchio. Oh, how nice! Let's go. (Идут.)Author. Poor Pinocchio! He forgot his Papa, the new coat and the

school-book. Bye, bye, Pinocchio. You are expected by new adventures.Fox, Cat, Pinocchio (оборачиваются к зрителям). Bye,bye!

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A Dog(after M. Twain)

Mark Twain, General Miles, Old Man, Dog.(Сцена разделена на две части. Правая, бoльшая часть — холл

гостиницы, прикреплена вывеска «Mortonville Hotel». В холле диван (или кресла) и журнальный столик; стол с администратором и надпись «RECEPTION DESK» — это слева. Левая часть сцены — комната, которую занимает General Miles. В гостиницу могут входить и выходить постояльцы. Передний край сцены — это улица. По улице идет Марк Твен, молодой интеллигентный человек, но одет бедно, ежится от холода, смотрит себе под ноги, бормоча.)

Twain. Only three dollars to buy some food. I'm so hungry. (В зал.) I'm very poor. I'm hungry and I'm cold. I need some money for bread. Only three dollars. Where to get three dollars? I'm so tired. (Поднимает голову и видит вывеску гостиницы.) I'll go into the hotel to get warmer and to rest a little.

(Входит в холл, садится на диван, грустный, усталый. К нему подходит Собачка, он с ней начинает играть. Входит Генерал, направляется к «RECEPTION DESK».)

Twain (в зал). Oh, it is General Miles. I've recognized him, I saw his portrait in the newspapers.

General (оборачиваясь и некоторое время наблюдая игру Собачки с Марком Твеном). What a beautiful dog. Is it your dog? (Пауза.) Do you want to sell it?

Twain. Well, I... I think...General. That's good. How much do you want for it? Twain. Three dollars.General. Three dollars? But that is very little. I can give you fifty dollars

for it.Twain. No, no, I want only three dollars.

General. Well, it's your dog. If you want three dollars for it, I'll be glad to buy your dog. Here is the money. (Кладет решительно деньги на журнальный столик, уходит с Собакой в свою комнату. Там дает ей поесть, играет с ней. Марк Твен берет деньги, садится удобнее, отдыхает, довольный. Входит пожилой человек, что-то ищет, выглядит расстроенным.)

Twain. Are you looking for a dog, sir?

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Old man. Oh, yes, have you seen it?Twain. Your dog was here a few minutes ago and it went away with a

man. (Пауза.) If you want, I'll try to find it for you.Old man. It'll be so kind of you to help me.Twain. I'll be glad to help you, but it'll take some of my time, and...Old man. I'm ready to pay for your time. How much do you want for it?Twain (пауза). Three dollars. Old man. Three dollars? But it is a very good dog. I'll pay you ten

dollars if you find it for me.Twain. No, sir, I want three dollars and not a dollar more.Old man. Well, thank you, young man, thank you very much.(Марк Твен поднимается, идет к комнате генерала, стучится.

Старик садится, ждет.)General. Come in!Twain. Sorry to disturb you, General, but I've come to take the dog back.General (удивленно). But it isn't your dog now, I've bought it. I've paid

you three dollars for it.Twain. I'll give you back your three dollars, but I must take the dog back.General (возмущенно). But you have sold it to me. It's my dog now.Twain. I couldn't have sold it to you, sir, because it wasn't my dog.General. Do you want to tell me that you took three dollars for a dog

that wasn't yours?Twain. I took the money but I never told you that it was my dog.General. But you have sold it to me for three dollars.Twain. How could I have sold it to you if it wasn't my dog? You asked

me how much I wanted for the dog and I said that I wanted three dollars. But I never told you it was my dog.

General (сердится и кричит). Give me back three dollars and take the dog!

Twain. Here is the money. Goodbye, General. (Идет с собакой в холл гостиницы.)

Old man (встает навстречу). I'm so thankful to you! (Протягивает деньги.) You are so kind, young man. I'm very glad. (Уходит, гладя свою собачку.)

Twain (в зал). I am happy too, because I have earned the money, haven't I? (Кланяется и веселый уходит со сцены.)

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The Secret Treaty( after Arthur Conan Doyle )

Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, Persy Phelps, Annie Harrison (невеста Persy), Joseph Harrison (брат Annie), Lord Holdhurst, Commissionaire, Boy (посыльный).

(На сцене две комнаты. Левая — комната Холмса. На стене нарисован камин, рядом с ним два кресла. У правой стены стол, там кофейник, три чашки, авторучка, колокольчик, бумаги, у стола один стул. На правой стене висит колокольчик. На самом левом краю сцены стоит еще один стол и стул. Правая комната принадлежит Перси. Слева диван и стул, стоит стол, рядом еще два стула. На столе графин, стакан, лекарства, книга, настольная лампа или свеча. На полу коврик, под ковриком конверт. Правая стена в этой комнате сделана наискосок, так что зрителю видно окно, на правой стене висит колокольчик. Передний край сцены служит улицей. В правой комнате на диване лежит Перси и что-то диктует Анне, сидящей рядом. Слева в креслах сидят Холмс и Ватсон, попивают кофе, отдыхают. Выходит мальчик-посыльный, звонит в дверь Холмса, Ватсон поднимается, идет к дверям.)

Boy. A letter for Dr. Watson (Ватсон берет письмо, дает монету посыльному.)

Boy. Thank you, sir. (Убегает.)(Ватсон возвращается в кресло, читая письмо. Затем

обращается к Холмсу.)Watson. This letter is from my old schoolmate Persy Phelps, he is a

successful young man and works at his uncle's in the Foreign Office. His uncle, Lord Holdhurst is a well-known statesman. I am very surprised to get the letter, for we have not seen each other for several years. But have a look at it, please.

(Холмс молча читает, а в это время Перси приподнимается с дивана и озвучивает письмо.)

Persy. My dear Watson, I'm sure that you remember Persy Phelps. You have perhaps heard that my uncle helped me to get a good post at the Foreign Office where nine weeks ago a terrible thing happened. After that my life changed very much. The police says that nothing more can he done. Sorry, I feel so ill that I have to dictate my letter. Please, come to see me and bring your friend Sherlock Holmes for I want to know his opinion. (Падает в изнеможении.)

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Holmes. Mm... a strange letter. But the woman who has written the letter has a strong character.

Watson. D'you think it's a woman's writing?Holmes. I'm sure of it. We can go and see your friend at once.(Уходят со сцены направо. В комнату Перси входит Джозеф,

тихо беседуют. В это время комната Холмса превращается в комнату офиса: кофейник и чашки уносятся на левый стол у края сцены, стол справа и стул передвигаются влево, справа от стола ставятся два кресла. Выходят Холмс и Ватсон, звонят. Навстречу им выходит Джозеф.)

Joseph. I'm so glad you've come! Poor Persy says that you are his last hope.

Holmes. You aren't the member of the family, are you?Joseph (удивляется, потом смеется). You are right, but I hope to

become one. I'm Joseph Harrison. My sister Annie is going to marry Persy Phelps. So I came to Persy's on a visit some days ago and stayed here. Welcome, Mr. Holmes, Dr. Watson. Here is the room. (Приглашает жестом войти в комнату.)

Annie (вставая). Good day, gentlemen. (Холмс и Ватсон отвечают поклонами. Обращается к Перси.) Shall I go out, Persy?

Persy. No, no, Annie, you must stay. (Жестом просит ее сесть. Приподнявшись.) I'm so glad to see you, Watson! This, I think, is your famous friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes. You are welcome, Mr. Holmes. Sit down, gentlemen.

(Здороваются: Холмс поклоном головы, Ватсон подает руку Перси, садятся. Джозеф выходит.)

Persy. Few weeks ago I was a happy man, Mr. Holmes, but on the 23d of May, when the working day was over...

(Перси переходит в другую комнату, садится за стол. Холмс подходит к стенной перегородке. За ним стоит Ватсон. Швейцар садится за левый стол. К Перси идет лорд Холдхерст с левой стороны сцены.)

Lord H. (громко). Persy!..Persy (к Холмсу). This is my uncle, Lord Holdhurst, the Minister of

the Foreign Office.Lord H. Persy, this is a very important document (кладет на стол),

the secret treaty between two countries that must be copied at once. Be careful! After copying lock it up in the safe.

Persy. All right. I'll do everything. (Лорд Холдхерст уходит.)

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Holmes. Did anybody hear your talk? Persy. No, we were alone in the room. Holmes. Well, go on retelling.Persy. I hurried to copy it out for I wanted to return home together

with Joseph, who was in the city, too, we settled to go home on 21 train. But I felt tired and rang a bell to call the Commissionaire who guards the office. (Звонит в колокольчик, который стоит на столе. Входит швейцар.)

Сотт. You called me? Persy. Make me coffee, please. Comm. Very well, sir.(Швейцар уходит к своему столу, ставит кофейник на плитку,

ждет и засыпает. В это время Перси пишет.)Persy (Холмсу). I hurried because I was afraid that I couldn't finish

in time. (Клюет носом, встает посмотреть, где же кофе.) Persy. Where is the coffee?Comm. (встряхиваясь ото сна). Mr. Phelps, sorry, I fell asleep, here is

your coffee.(В это время Ватсон, стоящий за спиной Холмса, незаметно

дергает колокольчик.)Persy. The document! I left it on the table! (Бежит к столу,

хватается за сердце, везде ищет. Холмсу.) It was nowhere. (Выглядывает, ищет повсюду.) I saw nobody in the corridor.

Holmes. Well, what did you do then?Persy. It was impossible to hide in the room, we ran to a backdoor, it

was shut but unlocked.Holmes. That's very important. (Швейцар и Перси бегут на правый

край сцены, выбегают на улицу, оглядываются.)Persy (к Холмсу). There was nobody in the street.Comm (к Перси). I'll examine the other side of the street.

(Возвращается) Nobody.(Перси и швейцар осматривают следы, везде ищут. Наконец,

Перси вздыхает, разводит руками.)Persy. Nowhere.(Возвращается в постель. Швейцар садится за свой стол. Холмс

и Ватсон садятся около Перси.)Persy (держась за сердце). I can't understand why the thief rang the

bell.Holmes. Yes, it's strange, did you find any other traces?

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Persy. No.Holmes. What did you do then?Persy. I telephoned to Scotland Yard, they came at once, but couldn't

find anything either. I began to feel so ill that couldn't walk by myself. The Commissionaire brought me home.

Annie. We put him onto bed in this bedroom and poor Joseph had to move into another room. I stayed here and looked after Persy and the doctor stayed here at nights.

Persy. You are my last hope, Mr. Holmes, if you don't help me, everything is lost for me. (Устало откидывается на подушки. Анна дает лекарство.)

Holmes. I'll do everything to help you. The last two questions. Did your relations know the way to your room in the office?

Persy. Oh, yes, they all knew.Holmes. Do you know anything of the commissionaire?Persy. Only that he is an old soldier and he has worked in the office

for many years.Holmes. Well, I hope to come here tomorrow. Goodbye.(Прощаются. Ватсон пожимает руку Перси.)Watson. Be healthy, Persy.(Уходят. Прохаживаются по краю сцены. В это время лорд

Холдхерст садится за стол в офисе, работает.)Watson. What do you think of Miss Annie Harrison?Holmes (задумчиво). She seems a good girl. (Пауза.) Why has Joseph

been staying for so long? (Пауза.) Annie doesn't want to leave Persy while he is so ill...

Watson. What do you know of Lord Holdhurst?Holmes (решительно). We'll go and see him today.(Подходят к швейцару. В это время Перси спит, а Анна читает

книгу.)Holmes (протягивая визитку). Is Lord Holdhurst here?Comm. Just a moment, gentlemen. (Входит в комнату) Sir, there are

two gentlemen. Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson.Lord H. Ask to come. (Те входят.) Good evening, gentlemen. Glad

to see you. Sit down, please.Holmes. Good evening, Lord Holdhurst. I want to ask you one-two

questions.LordH. I'll be happy to answer, if I can.Holmes. Did you speak with Phelps about the treaty in this room?

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LordH. Yes.Holmes. Did anybody know about it?LordH. Nobody.Holmes. It means that the thief came into the room by chance. Then,

nine weeks ago the document disappeared but nothing has been heard of this treaty. So, the thief hasn't brought it to any Foreign Office. Perhaps, the thief is waiting for a better price.

Lord H. If he waits a little longer, he'll get no money for it at all. In a few months the treaty will no longer be a secret.

Holmes. Oh, that's very important. Thank you for your information, Lord Holdhurst, goodbye.

Lord H. Goodbye, gentlemen.(Холмс и Ватсон, поклонившись Лорду, выходят из комнаты и

идут по краю сцены.)Holmes. Tomorrow morning we'll visit Persy Phelps again. (Уходят

со сцены. В это время комната офиса приобретает прежний вид комнаты Холмса и три чашки кофе с кофейником на столе. Лорд и швейцар покидают сцену. Выходят Холмс и Ватсон, звонят у дверей Перси, Анна открывает, приглашает войти, сама присаживается у окна.)

Annie. Good morning, gentlemen.Holmes, Watson. Good morning, Miss Harrison. Good morning, Mr.

Phelps. Persy. Glad to see you, Mr. Holmes, hello, Watson. Welcome and sit

down. Watson (подходит к Перси, присаживается, щупает пульс

Перси). I see you are much better today, Persy.Persy. Do you have any news, Mr. Holmes?Holmes. I can't tell you anything certainly yet, but I have some ideas. Persy (перебивает). But we have more news here. I think my life is

in danger. Somebody tried to get into my room through (показывает на окно) the window last night. For the first time I slept without any doctor. I heard a noise and saw, I'm sure, it was a knife. I shouted, jumped and ran up to the window but felt faint and rang.

Holmes. This is really interesting.Annie. Joseph and I ran into the room, called servants. They watched

the house round, examined the grass. No traces, the weather was dry. (Пауза.) (Холмс ходит по комнате.)

Holmes. Do you keep much money in the house?

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Persy. No. (Пауза.)Holmes. Miss Harrison, promise me that you'll stay in this bedroom all

day. It's very important.Annie. I'll do so if you want it.Holmes. When you go to bed lock the door and take the key with you.

And not a word to anybody.(Джозеф подходит к окну с улицы.)

Joseph. Annie, why are you sitting here, come out and walk, the weather is so wonderful. (Увидев Холмса и Ватсона.) Oh, good day, gentlemen.

Annie. No, thank you, Joseph. I'm not very well and want to have a rest.Holmes (громко). Mr. Phelps, can you go to London with us?Persy (удивленно). If it's necessary, I'll go with you.Holmes. Yes, you can help us very much. Dr. Watson will look after you.(Поднимаются, Перси одевается, выходят из комнаты;

сталкиваются с Джозефом, раскланиваются; Джозеф входит в комнату, а Холмс, Ватсон и Перси идут по краю сцены.)

Annie (Джозефу). They've gone to London. Mr. Holmes says it is necessary.

Joseph. Very well. I'll go for a walk.(Уходит направо. Анна садится читать.)Holmes (неожиданно). I'm sorry, but I can't go to London with you.Persy (недоуменно). But...Watson (перебивает). Holmes is always sure what needs to be done.(Холмс уходит направо. Ватсон и Перси входят в комнату

Холмса, зажигают свет; в правой комнате Анна тоже зажигает свет.)

Watson. We have arrived. Now you can rest.(Сидя в креслах, засыпают; на сцене гасится свет. Анна

закрывает книгу, оставляя ее на столе, гасит настольную лампу и выходит, запирая двери. Крадется Джозеф с фонариком, длинным ножом открывает окно, перелезает и шарит на полу, достает конверт.)

Holmes (впрыгнув в окно). Oh, here you are! Got in!(Небольшая потасовка; Холмс отбирает конверт; Джозеф

убегает; Холмс зажигает настольную лампу.)Holmes. These are the documents. (Гасит свет и через окно

покидает сцену )(Зажигается свет. Ватсон просыпается первым, идет за кофе.

Просыпается Перси.)

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Watson. Good morning. Have you slept well? Let's have breakfast.Persy. I'm not very well and I can't eat. I feel too nervous.Watson. Dear Persy, you must eat a little.Persy. Thank you, but I can't. (Входит Холмс.)Holmes. Good morning! Why are you not eating, Mr. Phelps?Persy. Thank you, Mr. Holmes, I can't.Holmes. Then read this book.(Перси открывает, видит бумаги.)Persy. You've saved me! This is the document! (Радостно

принимается прыгать по комнате.) You've saved me! How have you managed it?

Holmes. First let's have breakfast, then I'll tell you. (Выпивает кофе.) Now, listen. When it got dark I hid myself in the garden not far from the window. When Annie left the room I suddenly saw Joseph creeping softly with a small lantern in his hands and then opening the window with a big knife. I watched him taking a packet from under the carpet. We had a short fight, but in the end he had to give me the paper. Then I let him run away. Nobody wants to make the matter public. Don't you think so?

Persy. You are the greatest detective in the world, Mr. Holmes! Thank you very much!

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Screaming Woman(after Ray Bradbury)

Dippy Smith (Margaret's schoolmate), Mr. Kelly, Mrs. Kelly, Policeman, Mr. Nesbitt, Mrs. Griswold, Mrs. Pikes, some people.

(Сцена разделена на три части. Правая — самая маленькая, но видно окно — это комната Margaret; справа за сценой две лопаты. Центральная часть — кухня-столовая, у входа на крючке висит табличка «8, Barney Road», под ней колокольчик. В кухне два стола: разделочный слева и обеденный в центре с тремя стульями. Справа кресло, у стены «холодильник», там банка пива, салатница... в комнате есть телефон, игральные карты в столе. На столе обеденные приборы. Висят большие часы, их бой можно записать на магнитофон. Левая часть сцены — это заброшенный сад (можно использовать фотообои с пейзажем) с кучей мусора в центре. Этот «мусор» можно накрыть материей. Под этой кучей магнитофон с записанным на нем голосом. Лежит лист фанеры. На кухне Mother готовит. Справа выходит Margaret и говорит в зал.)

Margaret. My name's Margaret Leary and I'm ten. I haven't any brothers or sisters, but I've got a nice father and mother except that they don't pay much attention to me. And anyway, we never thought we'd have anything to do with a murdered woman. When you are living in a road like ours, you don't think awful things are going to happen, like shooting or burying people under the ground, practically in your back garden.

Mother (в зал). And when it does happen you don't believe it. You just go on buttering your toast or baking a cake.

Mother (к Margaret). (Margaret входит на кухню.) Margaret, you go to the shop and buy some ice-cream. It's Saturday, Dad's come home for lunch, so we'll have a treat.

Margaret. All right, Mum! (Бежит вприпрыжку со сцены налево с пакетом.) (Возвращается, идет задумчиво, останавливается у кучи мусора.)

Margaret (в зал). It's a bombed site behind the house with a big heap of stuff, rocks, broken glass. (Смотрит на небо.) The middle of July, it is too hot. (Слышен голос из-под кучи; Margaret наклоняется, прислушивается. Снова голос.)

Margaret (влетает в кухню). Mum!Mother (что-то готовит). Don't just stand there with the ice-cream

melting.

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Margaret. But, Mu...Mother (перебивает, не глядя на дочь). Put it in the fridge. Margaret. Listen, Mum, there is a Screaming Woman... Mother. And wash your hands. Margaret. She was screaming and screaming... Mother (задумчиво о своем). Let's see now, salt and pepper. Margaret. Listen to me. We've got to dig her out. She's buried under

tons of dirt and if we don't dig her out, she'll choke and die.Mother (к Margaret). I'm certain she can wait until after lunch.Margaret. Mum, don't you believe me?Mother. Of course, dear. Now wash your hands and put this plate on

the table.(Margaret начинает машинально быстро накрывать на стол.)

Margaret. I don't even know who she is or how she got there. But we've got to help her before it's too late.

Mother. Good heavens, look at this ice-cream. What did you do, just stand in the sun and let it melt?

(Margaret относит пакет в холодильник.) Margaret. Well, the bombed site... (К дверям подходит Father,

звонит.) Mother. Go on, now, scoot.Margaret (бежит открывать). Dad, there's a Screaming Woman in

the bombed site.Father (иронично). I never knew a woman who didn't.Margaret. I'm serious. Father. You look very grave.Margaret. We've got to get picks and shovels and excavate, like for an

Egyptian mummy.(Садятся за стол.)Father. I don't feel like an archaeologist, Margaret. It's too hot. Now,

some nice cool October day, I’ll take you up on that. Margaret (кричит). But we can't wait long!(Father спокойно накладывает еду на тарелку, Margaret не ест.)Margaret. Dad?Father. Mm?Margaret (убежденно). You've just got to come out after lunch and help

me. (Пауза.) Dad, Dad, I'll give you all the money in my piggy bank!Father. Well, so, it's a business proposition, is it? It must be important

for you to offer your perfectly good money. How much money will you pay

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by the hour?Margaret. I've got ten shillings. It took me a year to save, and it's all yours.Father (дотрагивается до руки Margaret). I'm moved. I'm really moved.

You want me to play with you and you are willing to pay for my time. Honestly, Margaret, you make your old Dad feel a real meanie.1 don't give you enough time. Tell you what, after lunch I'll come out and listen to your screaming woman, free of charge.

Margaret. Will you, oh, will you really?Father. Yes. But you must promise me one thing.Margaret. What?Father. If I come out, you must eat all of your lunch first.Margaret. I promise. (Очень быстро ест.)Mother. Not so fast.(Margaret замедляет, затем снова ест быстро.)Father (строго). You heard your mother.Margaret. The Screaming Woman. We must hurry.Father (короткая пауза). I intend sitting quietly and giving my attention

first to my steak, then to my ice-cream, and of course to a long drink of iced beer, if you don't mind. I may be a good hour at it. And another thing, young lady, if you mention her name, this screaming whatsit, once more at this table during lunch, I went go out with you to hear her recital.

Margaret. Yes, sir.Father. Is that understood?Margaret. Yes, sir.(Margaret с отчаянием смотрит на родителей, а те очень

медленно едят, медленно накладывают, Мать медленно идет к холодильнику и обратно.)

Margaret (в зал). Lunch has been lasting for a million years long. Everybody is moving in slow motion, like those films you see sometimes. Even the flies (смотрит наверх) in the room are slow. Hurry! Oh, please, rush, get up, run around, come on out, run! (Пауза.) But no. They are slowly eating their lunch, and out there is the Screaming Woman, all alone, while the world is eating its lunch and the sun is hot and the bombed site is empty.

Father (встает из-за стола). There we are.Margaret. Now will you come out to see the Screaming Woman? Father. First a little more iced beer. (Садится в кресло с банкой

пива.) Mother (к Father). Speaking of screaming women, Charlie Nesbitt

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and his wife were fighting again last night.Father. That's nothing new, they're always fighting. Mother. If you ask me, Charlie's no good, or her, either. Father. Oh, I don't know. I think she is quite nice. Mother. You are prejudiced. After all, you nearly married her. Father (раздраженно). You are going to bring that up again? After

all, I was only engaged to her for six weeks.Mother. You showed some sense when you broke it off. Father. Oh, you know Helen. Always stage-struck. I hadn't any time

for that sort of thing. That's what broke it up. She was sweet, though. Sweet and kind.

Mother. What did it get her? A terrible brute of a husband like Charlie.

Margaret (умоляя). Dad.Father (к Mother). I'll grant you that. Charlie has got a terrible

temper. Remember (мечтательно) when Helen had the lead in our school play? Pretty as a picture. She wrote some songs for it herself. (Вспоминает с гордостью.) That was the time she wrote that song for me.

Mother. На! (Смешок.)Father. Don't laugh. It was a good song. It was between Helen and

me. (Пытается насвистывать мелодию, но Margaret перебивает.) Margaret. Dad.Mother (к Father). You'd better take your daughter out to the

bombed site before she collapses. You can sing me that wonderful song later.

Father. O.K., come on. (Выходят, подходят к куче мусора.)Father (посмеиваясь). Now, where is this Screaming Woman? Margaret (отчаянно). We've forgot the spades. Father. We'll get them later, after we hear the soloist. Margaret. Listen.Father (прислушивается). I don't hear anything.Margaret. Shh... Wait... (Встает на четвереньки, кричит вниз.)

Hello there, Screaming Woman! (Пауза.)Father (иронично). Only the sun in the sky, the wind in the trees.

(Пауза.) Margaret, I suggest you go and lie down and put a damp cloth on your forehead.

Margaret. But she was here! I heard her, screaming and screaming and screaming. See, here's where the ground's been dug up. (Кричит

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вниз.) Hey, you down there!Father. Margaret, this is the place where Mr. Kelly dug a big hole

yesterday, to bury his rubbish in.Margaret. But during the night someone else used Mr. Kelly's

burying place to bury a woman. And covered it all over again.Father (устало и раздраженно). Well, I'm going back indoors.Margaret (возмущенно). You won't help me dig?Father. Better not stay out here too long. It's hot.(Father идет в дом, садится в кресло и берет газету.)Margaret. Darn! (Сердито топает ногой.)(Снова слышится слабый голос. Margaret, почти плача, бежит в

дом.)Margaret. Dad, she is screaming again!Father. Yes, yes, of course she is. Come on. (Ведет ее в правую

комнату.) Just you take it easy.Margaret (плача). Oh, Dad, we can't let her lie. She's all buried.

Think how awful it is to be screaming and no one paying any attention.Father. I forbid you to leave this house. (Запирает дверь и уходит со

сцены; Mother уходит тоже; Margaret вылезает через окно, бежит за двумя лопатами, копает.)

Margaret (глядя на солнце). Now it is hotter than ever.(Снова слышен голос.)

Margaret (копает). It is hard work to lift rocks and glass. I am afraid not to finish in time. (Выпрямляется.) What can I do? Run and tell other people? But they'll be like Mum and Dad, pay no attention. (Продолжает копать.) So, I just keep digging.

(Слева выходит Dippy, руки в карманах, во рту жвачка.)Dippy. Hello, Margaret.Margaret. Hello, Dippy. (He перестает копать. В зал.) It's Dippy

Smith, he goes to my school.Dippy. What are you doing?Margaret. Digging.Dippy. What for?Margaret. I've got a Screaming Lady in the ground and I'm digging

for her.Dippy. I don't hear any screaming.Margaret. You sit down and wait a while and you'll hear her

scream. Or better still, help me dig.Dippy. I don't dig unless I hear a scream.

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Margaret (пауза). Listen. (Слышен слабый голос) Did you hear it?Dippy (делает круглые глаза). Golly. Do it again.Margaret. Do what again?Dippy. The scream.Margaret (озадаченно). We've got to wait.Dippy (настойчиво). Do it again. Go on. (Шарит в карманах,

достает камешек.) Here, I'll give you this marble if you do it again.(Снова голос.)

Dippy (восхищенно). Jiminy cricket! Teach me to do it! (Танцует танец дикаря вокруг кучи.)

Margaret (устало). If you help dig, I'll tell you about it, later.Dippy. Fine, give me a spade.

(Копают; время от времени слышен голос.)Dippy. Gee whiz! You'd think she was right under foot. You're

wonderful, Maggie. (Пауза.) What's her name?Margaret. Who?Dippy. The Screaming Woman. You must have a name for her.Margaret. Oh, yes. (Короткая пауза.) Her name's Charlotte

Tootle and she's a rich old woman, ninety-six years old, and she was buried by a man named Spike, who counterfeited five-pound notes.

Dippy (с восторгом). Gosh!Margaret. And there is hidden treasure buried with her and I...

(Пауза.) I'm... (тяжело дыша) a grave robber come to dig her out and get it.

Dippy (округлив глаза, шепотом). Can I be a grave robber, look? Let’s pretend it's the Princess Ommanatra, an Egyptian queen, covered with diamonds!

(Копают. Dippy останавливается.)Dippy. Hey, I've just had an idea!

(Ищет лист фанеры, пишет мелом "SLUMBERWELL CEMETERY", ставит рядом.)

Dippy. See? We can bury some birds and beetles here, in matchboxes. I'll go and find some butterflies. (Бросает лопату.)

Margaret. No, Dippy! Dippy. It's more fun that way. I'll get a dead cat, too, perhaps.

(Хочет уйти.)Margaret (требовательно). Dippy, use your spade. Please!Dippy. Oh, I'm tired. I think I'll go home and have a rest.Margaret. You can't do that.

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Dippy. Who says so?Margaret. Dippy, there is something I want to tell you. Dippy. What? (Копнул.)Margaret (в ухо). There is really a woman buried here. Dippy. Why, of course there is. You told me, Maggie. Margaret. You don't believe me either.Dippy. Tell me how you throw your voice and I'll keep on digging. Margaret. But I can't tell you, because I'm not doing it. Look,

Dippy, I'll stand over here (отходит) and you listen there. (Голос снова.)

Dippy. No! But there really is a woman! Margaret. That's what I tried to say.Dippy. Let's dig!(Некоторое время молча копают.)Dippy. I wonder who she is.Margaret. I don't know.Dippy. I wonder if it is Mrs. Nelson or Mrs. Turner or Mrs. Bradley.

I wonder if she's pretty. (Перестает копать.) Wonder what colour her hair is. Wonder if she's thirty or ninety or sixty...

Margaret (перебивает). Dig!Dippy (копает). Wonder if she'll reward us for digging her up.Margaret. Expect so.Dippy. A shilling, do you think?Margaret. More than that. Perhaps ten.Dippy (огорченно). Wouldn't it be awful if it was only a radio and

us working so hard?Margaret. A radio's nice, it'd be all ours.(He замечают появления старого Mr. Kelly с палкой.)Mr. Kelly. Now, you kids, what d'you think you're doing?Margaret (в зал). It is Mr. Kelly, the man who owns this bombed

site.Margaret, Dippy (к Mr. Kelly). Oh, hello, Mr. Kelly.

Mr. Kelly. Tell you what I want you to do? I want you to take those spades and take that soil and put it all back in that hole you've been digging. That's what I want you to do.

Margaret (чуть не плача, взволнованно). But Mr. Kelly, there is a Screaming Woman and...

Mr. Kelly (перебивает). I'm not interested. I can't hear a thing. Margaret (плача). Listen! (Слышится слабый голос.)

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Mr. Kelly (потряс головой). Can't hear anything. Go on now, fill it up and get home with you before I give you something to remember. (Грозит палкой.)

(Дети неохотно кидают мусор обратно в кучу, Mr. Kelly внимательно наблюдает за ними, опершись обеими руками на палку; слышится голос, Mr. Kelly делает вид, что ничего не слышно, дети недоуменно переглядываются; закончили работу.)

Mr. Kelly. Go on home now. And if I catch you here again! (Грозит палкой; уходит налево.)

Margaret (идя направо по краю сцены, Dippy за ней). Не is the one.

Dippy. What?Margaret. He murdered Mrs. Kelly. He buried her here, after he

strangled her, in a box, but she came to. Why he stood right here and she screamed and he wouldn't pay any attention.

Dippy. Yes, that's right. He stood right here and lied to us. Margaret. There is only one thing to do. Call the police and have

them come and arrest Mr. Kelly.(Убегают, Выходят Mr. и Mrs. Kelly с табличкой "10, Barney

Road", снимают дом № 8 и вешают свою; заходят в кухню. Тихонько, крадучись, на край сцены выходят дети, спрятавшись, подсматривают. Выходит полицейский, звонит. Mr. Kelly подходит к дверям.)

Policeman. Mr. Kelly? Mr. Kelly. Yes, sir, what can I do for you? Policeman. Is Mrs. Kelly at home? Mr. Kelly. Yes, sir. Policeman. May I see her, sir? Mr. Kelly. Of course. Hey, Anna! Mrs. Kelly (подходит к дверям). Yes, sir?Policeman. I beg you pardon. We had a report that you were

buried out in the bombed site, Mrs. Kelly. It sounded like a child making the call, but we had to be certain. Sorry to have troubled you.

Mr. Kelly (сердито кричит в сторону детей). It's those blasted kids! If I ever catch them, I'll rip them limb from limb! (Грозит палкой, смотрит по сторонам, уходит в дом.)

Dippy. Scoot!(Дети быстро скрываются; уходит полицейский; Mr. и Mrs. Kelly

уходят тоже. Появляются дети, идут по краю сцены.) Margaret. What'll we do now?

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Dippy. I've got to go home. Gosh, we are really in trouble. We'll get a hiding for this.

Margaret (тревожно). But what about the Screaming Woman?Dippy. Forget about her. We don't dare go near that place again.

Old man Kelly'll be waiting around with his stick. And... (Пауза.) I just happened to remember, Maggie, isn't old man Kelly sort of deaf, hard-of-hearing?

Margaret. Oh, my gosh! (Короткая пауза.) No wonder he didn't hear the screams.

Dippy. So long. We've certainly got in trouble over your darned old ventriloquist voice. I'll be seeing you. (Машет Margaret рукой, уходит.)

Margaret (в зал). I've been left alone in the world, no one to help, no one to believe. Father is probably looking for me if he's found my bed empty. (Решительно.) There is only one last thing to do.

(Решительными шагами уходит со сцены. Выходит Mrs. Griswold, выносит табличку с № 12, снимает прежнюю, вешает свою, заходит в кухню. Выходит Margaret, звонит.)

Margaret. Excuse me, Mrs. Griswold, but is anyone missing from your house?

Mrs. Griswold. We all are at home, Maggie. It's too late for walking, go home, father may be looking for you.

(Margaret уходит. Mrs. Griswold снимает табличку № 12, уходит. Выходит Mrs. Pikes, вешает № 14, заходит в дом. Появляется Margaret, звонит.)

Margaret. Hello, Mrs. Pikes, you are looking fine today. Glad to see you at home.

Mrs. Pikes. Thank you, Maggie, give my best regards to your parents.

(Margaret уходит. Mrs. Pikes снимает табличку № 14 и уходит. Входит Mr. Nesbitt, вешает табличку № 24. Появляется Margaret.)

Margaret (в зал). The hours have been rolling along. It is getting late. Is there enough air in the box with that woman under the earth, if I don't hurry. I'm tired of coming around all the houses, but the last one. (Звонит. Никто не открывает. Стучит.) Hey! Hello! (Снова звонит, ждет, опять нетерпеливо звонит.)

Mr. Nesbitt (открывает дверь). Oh, it's you, Margaret.Margaret. Yes. Good afternoon.Mr. Nesbitt. What can I do for you?

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Margaret. Well... (Короткая пауза.) I'd like to see your wife, Mrs. Nesbitt.

Mr. Nesbitt. Oh?Margaret. May I?Mr. Nesbitt. Well, she's gone out to the shops.Margaret. I'll wait. (Скользнула мимо него в дом.)Mr. Nesbitt. Hey!Margaret (сев на стул). Goodness, it's a hot day. (Стараясь не

волноваться.)Mr. Nesbitt. Listen... (Надвигаясь.) I don't think you'd better wait.Margaret. But Mr. Nesbitt, why not?Mr. Nesbitt. Well, my wife won't be back.Margaret. Oh?Mr. Nesbitt. Not today, that is. She's gone to the shops, as I said,

but - but she is going on from there to visit her mother. That's right. She is going to see her mother in Bristol. She'll be back in two or three days, perhaps a week.

Margaret. That's a shame. Mr. Nesbitt. Why? (Берет сигарету.) Margaret. I wanted to tell her something.Mr. Nesbitt. What?Margaret. I just wanted to tell her there's a woman buried in the

bombed site, screaming under tons and tons of dirt (Mr. Nesbitt роняет сигарету.)

Margaret. You've dropped your cigarette, Mr. Nesbitt. (Туфлей показывает.)

Mr. Nesbitt (растерянно). Have I? Oh, yes, so I have. (Бормочет.) Well I'll tell Helen your story when she comes back home. Shell be glad to hear it.

Margaret. Thanks. It's a real woman. Mr. Nesbitt. How do you know it is? Margaret. I heard her.Mr. Nesbitt. How - how do you know it isn't - well - a mandrake

root?Margaret. What's that?Mr. Nesbitt. You know. A mandrake. It's a kind of plant. They

scream! I know. 1 read about them once. How do you know it isn't a mandrake?

Margaret. I never thought of that.

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Mr. Nesbitt. You'd better start thinking. (Пытается зажечь другую сигарету, старается быть как ни в чем не бывало.) Margaret, did you - er - did you say anything about this to anyone?

Margaret. Yes, I told lots of people.Mr. Nesbitt (обжигает руку, швыряет сигарету). Anybody

doing anything about it?Margaret. No, they won't believe me.Mr. Nesbitt (улыбнулся). Of course not. (Облегченно вздохнув.)

Naturally. You are only a kid. Why should they listen to you?Margaret. I'm going back now to dig her out with a spade.Mr. Nesbitt. Wait. Margaret. I must go now. Mr. Nesbitt. Stay with me a bit. Margaret. Thanks, but no.Mr. Nesbitt (берет Margaret за руку). Know how to play cards?

Rummy?Margaret. Yes.Mr. Nesbitt (достает из стола карты, сдает). We'll have a game.Margaret. I've got to go and dig.Mr. Nesbitt. Plenty of time for that. Anyway, perhaps my wife'll

come home. That's it. You wait for her. Wait for a while.Margaret. You think she will?Mr. Nesbitt. Of course. Er — about that voice — is it very strong?Margaret. It gets weaker all the time.Mr. Nesbitt (вздохнул, улыбнулся). You and your childish games.

Here now, let's play that game of rummy — it's more fun than screaming women.

Margaret. I must go. It's late.Mr. Nesbitt. Stay a bit — you've nothing else to do. (Показывает

на карты, они начинают игру.)Margaret (в зал). I know he is trying to keep me in his house until

the Screaming Woman has died, he is trying to keep me from helping her.Mr. Nesbitt. My wife'll be home in ten minutes. That's right, in ten.

You wait. You sit where you are.(Играют. Часы громко бьют.)Margaret. I've got to go.Mr. Nesbitt. Another game. Wait another hour. My wife won't be

long. Just wait.(Играют.)

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Margaret (в зал). The sun is going down the sky. It's late. I'm afraid the screaming is getting fainter and fainter. (Часы бьют.) An hour has passed.

Mr. Nesbitt (смотрит на часы). Well, I think, you can go now. Goodbye, Margaret, so long. (Провожает ее до дверей, сердито уходит в глубь комнаты.)

(Margaret уходит со сцены; уходит и Mr. Nesbitt, снимая табличку с № 24. Появляются Father и Mother, вешают табличку с № 8, заходят в дом. Выходит Margaret, идет по краю сцены в сторону свалки.)

Margaret (в зал). I know what his plan is. In the middle of the night he'll dig her up, still alive, and take her somewhere else and bury. He thinks that by now the air must all be gone. What can I do? Tell Father and Mother? But they haven't believed me. Call the police? But Charlie Nesbitt will say his wife is away. Nobody will believe me! (Прислушивается.) The screaming has stopped. It is all over. I am too late. (Наклоняется ухом к земле.)

Voice (поет слабым голосом). I loved уоu, fair. I loved you well.Margaret (с ужасом). All of these hours down under the ground

in that box must have made her crazy. All she needs is some air and food and she'd be all right.

(Решительно поднимается, идет, открывает двери.)Margaret. Father. Father (кричит). So there you are! Margaret. Father.Father (грозно). You are going to get a good hiding. Margaret. She's not screaming any more.Father. Don't talk about her! Margaret. She is singing now. Father. You are not telling the truth!Margaret. Dad, she's out there and she'll he dead soon, if you don't

listen to me. She's out there, singing, and this is what she's singing. (Поет.) I loved you, fair, I loved you well...

Father (испуганно трогает ее за плечо). What did you say? Margaret. I loved you, fair, I loved you well... Father (взволнованно). Where did you hear that song? Margaret. Out in the bombed site, just now.Father. But that's Helen's song, the one she wrote, years ago for

me! You can't know it. Nobody knew it, except Helen and me. I never

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sang it to anyone, not to you or anyone. Margaret. That's right.Father. Oh, my God! (Выбегает, хватает лопату, Mother

выходит тоже, к ним присоединяются другие люди.)Margaret (звонит). Hello, Dippy. Everything's fine. Everything's

all right. The Screaming Woman isn't screaming any more. Dippy. Great.Margaret. I'll meet you on the bombed site with a spade in two

minutes. Dippy. Last one there's a monkey! So long! Margaret. So long, Dippy! (Убегает.)

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Situations-riddles

***The meeting was at 9 o'clock at the bus-stop in Shakespeare Street.

It was now 8.30 and Palmer was still in his hotel room. He knew his orders perfectly, but he was reading them again. His chief’s note said "Meeting: 9 p.m. Place: bus-stop in Shakespeare Street. Take documents inside the newspaper. Your contact will identify himself with the question: "May I see your newspaper?" You will answer: "Take it. I don't need it any more." Then leave, return to your hotel room and telephone me."

Everything was clear: 9 o'clock, Shakespeare Street, documents, newspaper, and telephone. So he left. Shakespeare Street was empty. The church clock was striking nine when he heard footsteps behind him. A woman came up to the bus-stop and stood next to him waiting. After a moment or two she noticed Palmer's newspaper and asked, "May I see your newspaper?" - "Take it. I don't need it any more," Palmer answered. In a moment the woman took bus 13 and left.

Something was wrong, but what?

***I once decided to take all my five umbrellas to an umbrella maker.

I thought I would call for them on my way home in the evening. It was still raining when I went to have lunch in a nearby restaurant. While I was waiting for my lunch a young woman came in and sat down at my table. Having finished my lunch I got up and absent-mindedly took her umbrella and left. She called out to me and said that I had taken her umbrella. I returned it to her with many apologies. In the evening I called for my umbrellas and got on a bus home. The young woman was in the same bus. She smiled and said…. What did the woman say?

***Like any other country Britain has its manners and customs as well

as reputation.Foreigners often say that in English trains people never speak to

each other. But this of course is not true.Not long ago I was travelling to London. In my compartment there

were many passengers and they talked to each other almost all the time. They told each other where they lived, where they were going and, of

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course, talked about the weather. As soon as the train started a little girl sitting by the window, called out: “We’re off”. I found out that she was going to her aunt’s in Cheswick. It’s somewhere near the Thames but I don’t know exactly where.” Shall we be passing anywhere near it?” “Cheswick? That’s easy to find. You can get to it on the Tube. I’ll show you where to go when we arrive”, I told her. “Goodness, how fast the train is going!” said an old lady.” Do they go so fast in snowy weather and at night?” Her neighbour smiled, took out a book and began to read. Here was a typical Englishman: during the whole journey he didn’t say a single word. But as we arrived in London, he got up and turning to the Lady he said with a strong accent:” Excuse me. I do not understand English. I am from Poland.”

What nationality was the man taken for a typical Englishman?

***One day the police found a gold ring, a picture and a coat in the car.

They found out that those things belonged to a filmstar, a doctor and a businessman. The ring didn't belong to a doctor. The coat didn't belong to a businessman. The picture belonged to a woman. The filmstar didn't wear coats. Who did the picture belong to?

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Содержание

Poems……………………………………………………….…….3Songs……………………………………………………….……..9Plays

The Elephant's Child…………………..……….…….…....…17Mrs. Packletide's Tiger .………………………………...….21Twelve months…………………………………………..….25Pinocchio…………………………………………………....43A dog (after M. Twain)……………...……..…………………..47The Secret Treaty (after Arthur Conan Doyle ) ……………….49Screaming woman (after Ray Bradbury) …………………….56

Situations-riddles………………………………………………..69

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Использованная литература:

1. Дзюина Е.В. Игровые уроки и внеклассные мероприятия на английском языке: 10-11 классы / Е.В. Дзюина. – М.: ВАКО, 2007. – 176 с. – (Мастерская учителя).

2. Киплинг Р. Just so stories // Адаптация Г.Е. Левитиной, М.А. Шерешевской. – М.: Просвещение, 1982.

3. Митрофанова И.С. Английский язык: весь курс: учебное пособие / И.С. Митрофанова. – М.: ЭКСМО, 2007. – 464 с.

4. Щапова И.А. Детские спектакли на английском языке / Под ред. Е.Л. Заниной / И.А. Щапова. – М.: Рольф, 1999. – 96 с.

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