The Wayfarer: A Psychodrama in One Act

The Wayfarer A Psychodrama in One Act Valerii Briusov The Characters JULIA the daughter of a forester WAYFARER: a non-speaking character A room in the forester's house. A wet, stormy night. The windows are closed and shuttered. The howling of the wind and the beating of the rain can be heard. The room is dimly lighted by a kerosene lamp. The stove is burning. Knocking at the gate. A dog barking. JULIA: (At the window, trying to peer througha gap in the shutter): Who's there? I cannot let you in: I am alone. Go to the miller's, along the path, to the left, Across the brook . .. But, look, you've got to stop That knocking now. You'll simply hurt your hands! The door is strong, you'll never break it in. There's not a chance I'll open up. And we've got A vicious dog. Be on your way in peace. The miller's place is less than two miles off. They'll let you in .. (Aside) But he can really bang! (She moves away from the window. The knocking continues. The dog barks.) JULIA (She comes bank to the window, but still does not open the shutters): Listen! What's wrong with you? You hear me talking: I am a young girl, and alone in the house, I do not know you. Then judge for yourself Whether I can let you in. What would The neighbors have to say about me if You spent the night with me! Out of the question! And, when he left, my father ordered me Not to let any one in. And what's so bad About your walking two miles under the pines? 92 Well, rain is rain! You really won't get soaked. (Silence. Knocking at the gate. The dog barks.) JULIA (To herself): He just stands there and knocks. . . He looks so tired, And perhaps he's even sick. Since wedging himself Against the door-frame, he hasn't moved away, And, like a robot, beats the board with his hand. Just look, the poor boy's drenched right through. He's dressed In city clothes-he's young and pale-or so It seems to me, in the dark. He mustn't be From here, he doesn't know his way through the woods .. Well, should I let him in? (Aloud.) Listen! Tell me, Where are you from? Where are you going? Just what Do you want here? Do answer me! How can I let you in the house, not knowing you! Why take in water like a fish through your mouth? If you're planning to keep silent, thenAdieu , you've seen the last of me! Stay there. Keep knocking till sunrise! Nothing on earth Will make me open. (She moves away from the window.) He's an important person! Some prince or other! Doesn't want to talk, And so gets wet. (Silence. Knocking at the gate.) Good heavens! He won't give Me any peace all night long. Or he'll die On my doorstep-that would be the last straw! A city boy in fancy clothes, got lost While walking, spied the house-and now won't leave. Afraid of wolves in the forest. The cursed nuisance! What can you do with him? (She goes to the window once again.) Look here-what's wrong with you Passer-by prince! Be so kind as to show That you don't have a weapon with you. Open Your overcoat! Now raise your hands, that's right .. Well, fine! I'm sorry for you. I'm opening up. (She runs out. Sound of a bolt being slid back. A dog barking.EnterJulia and the Wayfarer, thoroughly drenched.) JULIA: The dog is on the chain, don't be afraid. Well, didn't you get soaked! Right through! Take off Your coat and boots. There's a lap robe on the benchTake it, use it. Slippers are under the bench93 Yes, put them on. That's good. Now just sit down, And warm yourself, I'll throw some wood in the stove. WAYFARER (He takes off his overcoatand boots, puts on the slippersand...