FIRES OF
ST. JOHN

A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS
FROM THE GERMAN OF

HERMANN SUDERMANN

Author of "Magda," "The Joy
of Living," "Sodom's End," Etc.

AS PRESENTED FOR THE FIRST TIME
ON THE AMERICAN STAGE IN
BOSTON ON JANUARY
TWENTY-FIRST
NINETEEN
HUNDRED
&
4

Translated and Adapted
by CHARLES SWICKARD

BOSTON, JOHN W. LUCE
and COMPANY, 1904

COPYRIGHT NOTICE and WARNING

This play is fully protected by the copyright law, all requirements of which have been fully complied with. In its present form it is dedicated to the reading public only, and no performance may be given without the permission of the publishers, owners of the acting rights.

¶ Copyright, 1903, by Charles Swickard.

¶ Copyright, 1904, by John W. Luce and Company.

¶ All rights reserved.

PUBLISHERS' NOTE

¶ This translation and adaptation of "Johannisfeuer" was made by special permission from Herr Sudermann, and is the only authorized English version.

¶ By arrangement with the publishers, Miss Nance O'Neil, who first produced this play in English, as here given, will continue to use Mr. Swickard's adaptation exclusively.

FIRES OF ST. JOHN
WAS FIRST PRESENTED IN ENGLISH,
IN BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ON
JANUARY TWENTY-FIRST, 1904,
WITH THE FOLLOWING CAST

CAST OF CHARACTERS

THE FIRES OF ST. JOHN

ACT ONE

Breakfast-room at the Brauer residence. The back wall is formed by three glass doors, separated by marble pillars. Behind this, the veranda is visible, and balustrade, hung with fine rug, and stairs, leading into the garden. The glass doors have practical, solid wooden shutters, with bars, fastening inside. Doors R. and L. Large table C. with breakfast laid. Front, to the left, sofa, table and easy-chair. To the right, sewing-machine, and basket filled with table-linen. Old-fashioned photos and engravings on walls. Otherwise, well-to-do family home.

Time of day: Morning.

[Gertrude busy at breakfast-table.]

Brauer.

[Enters with Paul, from R.] Confound it! Everything seems to go wrong this morning!

[Throws his cap on chair, angrily.]

Gertrude.

[Happily.] Good-morning, papa!

Brauer.

Morning, my child. Such carelessness! You ought to be ashamed of yourself. If this thing had happened earlier in the season, out on the meadows--but at this time of the year--!!! Oh! Confound it all, anyway!!!!! It is inexcusable!!!

Gertrude.

What is the matter, papa?

Brauer.

The black cow has been overfed. But of course, when Marie is not about to look after everything, things go to rack and ruin. Well, man, what excuse are you going to make?

Paul.

None, Mr. Brauer.

Brauer.

Now that's the most sensible thing you have said this morning. Here, take a cigar and get to work; but mind! send for the veterinary surgeon at once. Have you had breakfast?

Paul.

Yes, sir!

Brauer.

Then what the devil are you waiting for?

Paul.

I--I--I wanted to excuse myself, and----

Brauer.

[Impatiently.] It's all right! it's all right!

Paul.

[Remains--hesitatingly.] G--Good-morning!!

Brauer.

Well?

Paul.

I--I have something else to tell you----

Brauer.

Then out with it.

Paul.

[With a glance at Gertrude.] But----

Brauer.

H'm! Gertrude, darling, will you please see if it is still threatening rain?

Gertrude.

Yes, papa!    [Goes out on the veranda.]

Brauer.

Well?

Paul.

[Confidentially.] The