Journey Through the Impossible (10 page)

Ox: But her ... Eva.

Volsius: Stand still, everyone!

(From the violin he produces sounds of a strange intensity. The natives
stop, listen, and seem fascinated. Volsius continues to play. The leader
has released his grip on Eva. He slowly approaches Volsius, listening
intently. He listens more closely. He brings his head up to the instrument. His companions also creep close; as if chained to the bow. Volsius
goes offstage again, followed by the natives, while the sound of the violin
is still heard in the distance)

George (runs to Eva and takes her in his arms): Ah! Eva! My dear Eva!

Eva: Let's get away from this cursed place. Take me away. Take me
away, please.

Valdemar: Ah yes. Let's get away from here!

Tartelet: Ah! That Master Lidenbrok. I would never have played like
that.

Valdemar: My friend, my dear friend, listen to me. Let's get out of
here.

George: Yes, yes, they're right. Let's go back the way we came. Eva,
I want to take you far away from here. I don't want to expose you
to any more such dangers. Let's go.

Ox: Go? When at any moment the obstacle that lies between us and
our goal may disappear?

George: What did you say?

Eva: Don't listen to that man, George. Don't listen to him.

(A rumbling is heard.)

Ox: Wait a minute. Listen, look. The ground is opening up at last.
Look! Look, George Hatteras. This is the first step up on your
road to fame and glory. It's the first step through the impossible!

The center of the earth. Everywhere there are flames,25 showers of sparks,
incandescent lava flowing in all directions. Torrents of liquid metal, molten
silver and gold. Ox, George, Eva, Tartelet, and Valdemar stand watching
the spectacle.

Ox: Well, now do you believe in the power I've given you? And do
you promise to follow me from now on?

George: Everywhere, doctor, wherever you want to take me.

Eva (aside): I've lost him!

George (He has run through the theater; looking distractedly at everything): Yes, yes. This is really the incandescent center of the earth.
There's fire everywhere, everywhere. I feel enveloped by it, but
not consumed. I take deep breaths of it. And what a new life has
come over me! What an irresistible strength! Fire is the soul of
nature, the universal life. It makes my blood a thousand times
hotter. It boils in my head and flows through my veins like torrents of lava.

Ox (sarcastically): Good, good!

George: It electrifies my soul. It reveals to my wondering eyes mysteries unknown to man.

Ox (to Eva, pointing to George): Listen to him. Look at him.

George: No, you are no longer empty and fictional beings, you marvellous inhabitants of fire. Come, phoenix, will-o'-the-wisp, salamanders, show yourselves. I'll shout throughout the world the news
that you really exist, for I will have seen you. I see you. I see you!

he phoenixes, will-o'-the-wisps, and salamanders appear:)

(BALLET 26)

(Toward the end of the ballet, Ox brings George back to center stage)

Ox: Son of Hatteras! You have surpassed Professor Lidenbrok. Come
now and outshine the glory of Captain Nemo!

(They disappear in the midst of the final dance)

END OF ACT I

Cover sheet of a quadrille that was not in the play but was written because the play was such a
success. The music of the play itself (the ballet) was lost, and this quadrille is the only surviving
music connected with the play.