Plays by August Strindberg - 1912 Author:August Strindberg Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: THE DANCE OF DEATH PART I The scene is laid inside of a round fort built of granite. In the background, a gateway, closed by huge, swinging double do... more »ors; in these, small square window panes, through which may be seen a sea shore with batteries and the sea beyond. On either side of the gateway, a window with flower pots and bird cages. To the right of the gateway, an upright piano; further down the stage, a sewing-table and two easy-chairs. On the left, half-way down the stage, a writing-table with a telegraph instrument on it; further down, a what-not full of framed photographs. Beside it, a couch that can be used to sleep on. Against the wall, a buffet. A lamp suspended from the ceiling. On the wall near the piano hang two large laurel wreaths with ribbons. Between them, the picture of a woman in stage dress. Beside the door, a hat-stand on which hang accoutrements, sabres, and so forth. Near it, a chiffonier. To the left of the gateway hangs a mercurial barometer. It is a mild Fall evening. The doors stand open, and a sentry is seen pacing back and forth on the shore battery. He wears a helmet with a forward pointed brush for a crest. Now and then his drawn sabre catches the red glare of the setting sun. The sea lies dark and quiet. The Captain sits in the easy-chair to the left of the sewing-table, fumbling an extinguished cigar. He has on a much-worn undress uniform and riding-boots with spurs. Looks tired and bored. Alice sits in the easy-chair on the right, doing nothing at all. Looks tired and expectant. Captain. Won't you play something for me? Alice. [Indifferently, but not snappishly] What am I to play? Captain. Whatever suits you. Alice. You don't like my repertory. Captain. Nor you mine. Alice. [Evasively] Do you want...« less