Cast of Characters

Jean Jaques Dessalines, Emporer of Haiti Baritone
Defilee, once beloved of Dessalines Dramatic Soprano
Michel, servant of Dessalines Tenor
Licite, a young peasant woman Lyric Soprano
Mougali, the Voodoo Priestess Contralto
Le Bossal, Dessalines aide Tenor
Claire Heureuse, queen of Haiti
Gerin, a general of the Haitian army Tenor
Papaloi, The Voodoo Priest Bass
Pere Corneille Brelle, a monk.

Peasants old and young, soldiers, Voodoo Worshippers, Market Vendors, Native
dancers and drummers, Members of the Royal Court, etc.

Haiti, 1804.

## ACT I

3.

### Scene I

A level space on the top of the mountain known as "The Bishop's Bonnet", Le Bonnet d'Evêque. It is night. A crowd of people are in the midst of hilarious celebration of a primitive African dance. On the left three native drummers stand as they beat the big drums, made from hollow tree trunks with cow hides stretched over them. Three other drummers are seated on low stools beating with their hands the small drums, made of smaller trees and goat skins. One short, black man shakes in perfect rhythm a gourd filled with pebbles; another beats with the same rhythm upon two iron bars.

Torches flare in the darkness. The reflection of a bonfire off stage gives a lurid glare to the shadows of the trees and of the crowd. Le Bossal, a gigantic, full-blooded black, clad in ragged trousers and torn shirt, is the leader of the dance.

All the dancers wear nondescript clothes and are barefooted. Le Bossal is paired with a buxom peasant girl. Many couples follow them weaving in a circle. For a time the men hover before their partners with arms extended, held high over their heads, palms out, fingers wide apart. Then each man takes a wide handkerchief and holds it stretched out above his head, simulating grotesque birds.

The female dancers answer with corresponding muscular contortions. The couples glide near each other, barely, but never quite touching. Then they slip back and rush toward each other again, as if drawn by some magnetic and irresistible force.

## ACT II

### The Coronation

A part of the public square in Cap Haitien. It is afternoon. In the centerstage back, beneath mango, palm and flamboyant trees, decorated with the new Haitian flag, blue and red, two thrones have been built. A colorful throng is milling about waiting for the ceremonies to begin. Peasants, in motley garb, mingle with the "élite" class, who wear the fashions of 1804. Vendors of food and fruit pass among the throng, crying their wares. Défilée is disguised as an old woman, but is not at first recognized by any one.

The choir in the invisible cathedral can be heard chanting the "Te Deum", then the sudden blare of trumpets and great excitement.

## ACT III

### Scene I

The scene opens in the ceremonial hall of a Voodoo priestess. It is two o'clock in the morning. The stage represents the interior of a large bamboo, thatched-roof hut. An oil lamp hanging from the ceiling gives a lurid glare. A door on the left is barred and locked. The Voodoo symbol is the form of the letter "S", curving like a snake, adorns the walls. A table covered with

["# Prelude", "5.", "## ACT I", "### Scene I", "A Congo dance and sacrificial festival atop the mountains back of Cap Haitian at midnight.", "On Stage: Mougali (Voodoo Priestess), Defilee', Le Bossal, Peasants and Dancers.", "(Sounds of hilarity from stage)", "Curtain.", "Dancers in action amid cheers, hand clapping and general merrymaking.", "(Dancing and singing) - Ah - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

["6.", "OUANGA", "Le Bossal\nSop. & Ten.\nCho.\nAlto & Bass\n\n- - - - - - - - - -\n- - - - - - - - - -\n- - - - - - - - - -\n- - - - - - - - - -\n\n(Gradually the)\n(dance becomes)\n(frenzied.)", "Le Bossal\nSop. & Ten.\n\n-Ybo - - - le-a- le-o!\nYbo-le-a-le-o! ____", "Le Bossal\nCho.\n\n- - - - Ybo-le-a-le-o! (Tutti)\nle-a-le-o! - - - - - - Ybo-le-a-le-o!", "Le Bossal\nCho.\n\nS. - & - T. - - - - - - Ybo-le-a-le-o!\n- - - Ybo-le-a-le-o! - - - - - - - - Ah - le!", "Le Bossal\nChorus\n\n- - - - - - - - - - Yahee!\nAh-le-Ah! - - - - - - - Yahee! yee!", "Le Bossal\n\n(Dance ceases suddenly. Le Bossal)\n(joins Mougali and prepares for )\n(the sacrificial ceremony.)\n\n(The ceremonial\ndance is begun)", "Mougali\n\n(Recit)\nO Legba! serpent guardian, Hear us - We bring thee gifts, We bow before thee. Glorious one, All powerful! Thy stroke is like the lightning. Thy strength is like the hills! Accept the gifts thy children bring. Show thy power, O hissing serpent. Drive the tyrant from our shores! (Recitando) At him we cast the magic word. The lightning word the word of cursing.", "Chorus\n\n(shouting) Ouanga! Ouanga! Ouanga! Ouanga! Ouanga!", "A voice from\nthe crowd.\n\nO, Legba! conquering one, Thou, eternal.", "Chorus\n\n(chanting in unison)\nSerpent of wisdom, Hear us! We bring thee gifts, we bow before the glorious one all powerful! Thou dost command the thunder, thy strength is like the hills, Accept the gifts thy children bring. Show thy power O hissing serpent, drive the tyrant from our shores! Drive the tyrant from our shores! Ouanga! Ouanga! Ouanga!", "(The incantations begin)", "Sop.\nChorus\nAlto\n\nEh, Eh Bomba heu, Bomba can gai, Ba fa te'", "Sop.\nAlto\n\n- - - - - - - - - - - can gai\nBa fa te' -- Ba fa te' can gai can", "Sop.\nChor.\nAlto.\n\n- - - - - - - - - - - -

["7.", "OUANGA", "Sop.\nAlto\n\n**Cho.**\nTen.\nBass\n\nEh, eh Bombaheu, Bombaheu, cangai Bafate'\n\" \" ________ \" \" \"\n\" \" Bombaheu \" \" \"\n--- \" \" ________ \" \" ________\n\nSop.\nAlto\n\n**Cho.**\nTen.\nBass\n\nBafate' - Bafate' - Bafate' - - - - - - - - -\n\" \" \" \" \" \"\n\" \" \" \" \" \"\n\" \" \" \" \" \"\ncangai, cangai\ncangai, cangai\ncangai, cangai\

["OUANGA", "8. - 9.", "breast has fronted the fire. I have defied the fates!\nCall'd down the ire of men; yet have I won! I have won!\nI shall not fail till my race is done, till my triumphant\ncourse is run.", "(Dessalines strides off into the jungle\nfollowed by his soldiers.)", "(Mougali turns back towards the altar and walks with great\nsolemnity up the steps as she chants).", "Mougali", "O Legba! mighty one! O Legba! Thou eternal, ancient python,\nHear us!", "(Chorus faces the altar).", "Sop.\nAlto\nTen.\nBass", "Eh, Eh, Bombaheu, Bombaheu, cangai bafate' - - - - - -\n\" \" \" \" \" \" \"\n\" \" \" \" \" \" \"\n- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -", "Sop.", "Alto", "Ten.", "Bass", "- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -\ncangai, - Eh\nbafate', bafate', - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -\ncangai - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -\ncangai, bafate', bafate' - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

OUANGA

11.

ACT I

Scene II

A clearing in a banana grove near Cap Haitian, October 1804. A wattled peasant's hut with overhanging thatch roof and half open door stands on the right. A flamboyant tree in full bloom of its crimson flowers, contrasting with the deep green leaves of the banana bushes, towers behind the hut. In front of the hut, rear, a donkey is tied to a stake. A diagonal section of the stage represents a section of a forest path, dense foliage flanking the edge of the path opposite the clearing.

It is growing dusk. Groups of peasants pass, some on foot, others astride donkeys. Goats file by driven by boys. The animals have triangular pieces of wood fastened around their necks. Suddenly a faint rumbling is heard in the distance - the beating of an African drum. Another answers it, seemingly much closer. Several natives asleep under the trees. Upon the first stroke of the answering drum, Licite' appears at the door of the hut and talks to Defilee' inside, (invisible to the audience.) Licite' is a peasant girl, barefooted, wearing a loose dress reaching to her knees and a red turban tied in West Indian native fashion.

Curtain.

Peasants cross from stage right and off left mountain path.

(A drum in the mountains.)

Licite' Hark, I hear a drum! Listen Defilee', do you hear?
Tonight I must dance in the forest!

(Licite' dances and sings.)

Licite' Ah - - - - - Ah - - - - -

Defilee' (from inside the hut spoken) "In the forest! Are you not afraid?"

Licite' O, No! Ha! (laugh). I was born in them. Twas there, I first met him.

Defilee' And first loved him I vow!

Licite' Rush! Some one is coming! (Spoken)
(looking off)

(Michel enters)

(Licite' looks up in surprise)

Michel Bon soir!

Licite' Bon soir, Michel. What brings you here?
(Impatiently)

And what do you want?

Michel I came to see you.
(Michel is embarrassed. He looks about to
make sure they are alone.)

OUANGA

12.

Michel
Listen. Ah, I would tell you of my love tho yours is given
to another. But now I come with joyous news! Listen to my
secret. Dessalines will be "King"! No more Voodoo, no more
superstition. No more "Cuanga"! With Dessalines King, I
shall be a noble, and you, Licite', - with me your title shall-

Defilee'
(suddenly appears at door of hut enraged at what she has
heard)
Liar! Boaster! Deceiver! Could a man hold strife with
Voodoo! Could a King stop the Cuanga!

Michel
(with spirit)

We must obey the king's command! we dare not disobey
our king's decree! She must not dance to-night, nor ever!

Licite'
(spoken) What are you saying? No dance to-night! (She
starts to go) (Le Bossal enters left stage).
I must tell Le Bossal.

Le Bossal
Michel speaks the truth - Dessalines forbids the Voodoo.
But I, - I dare disobey the king!
Mougali calls; - follow me! (Le BOSSAL & LICITE' EXIT)

Defilee'
(Defilee' outside the door of the hut.)
Dessalines! Dessalines! All day have I caressed you in my
thoughts, and gently as a cooing dove. Ah see what gift for
you I always bring! the priceless gift, the jewell'd gift
of love. Let others not beguile my soldier brave! They
seek the fickle glory of your fame.
Tis I despised, your poor unheeded slave, who loves you,
Dessalines, behind the name. Cast not from you Jean Jacques
such gift away. Call not the fury of a heart's despair?
Heed me who speaks, your once dear Defilee'. She claims
your love, your queen! the gods declare!
(Defilee' paces back and forth, greatly agitated.)

Defilee'
Dessalines! Dessalines! All day have I caressed you in
my thoughts. And now when night and darkness come my heart
is torn by terrors wild, distraught! Oh Dessalines!
(Recit.) I see as in a dream his destiny!
(Dessalines appears behind Defilee'.)

Defilee'
This mad ambition seals his fate! An angry Voodoo drum
beats out in hate! O Dessalines! Too late!

Dessalines
Too late? Why?

Defilee'
Ah! (in fright) (Defilee' sees Dessalines and appears to
swoon.)

Dessalines
(Dessalines rushes forward and catches Defilee' in his arms;
he tries to revive her.)
Sing to me again O Defilee' the songs our people crooned in
Africa where palm trees sway beneath a drum-shaped moon.
Fain all my life would I forget. My soul is rent in twain!
Sing to me! sing to me the songs our people crooned in
Africa! where palm trees sway beneath the moon. Sing to me

OUANGA

13.

again, O Defileé! Sing to me again, O Defileé the songs
our people crooned in Africa! Oh, sing to me, Sing! Sing!

Defileé

(Dessalines embraces Defileé.)

Haiti! Oh Haiti! daughter thou of Africa, and hope of our
ancient race, home of the murmering palm, fold thou thine
arms around my love, my warrior bold! Guard him I pray!

(As Defileé finishes her aria she seems to have forgotten all else but her love of Dessalines. But suddenly she draws back from him.)

Defileé

Why would you hear again the songs?

(Defileé gazes searchingly at Dessalines; he is absorbed
in conflicting thoughts.)

Defileé

Why do you wish to silence the Voodoo? Is it thro am-
bition? or that you love Claire Heureuse?

Dessalines

O, Defileé! O love of my life! What could separate our
hearts on earth - - But - I'll stop the drums - I'll end
the "Ouanga", the "Ouanga" that would drive us apart -
perhaps - For as a snake works its way beneath the ground,
the "Ouanga" would try to coil itself about us and crush
our hearts. O God! save us both from dangers!

(Dessalines takes Defileé's hand - for a moment)

(Spoken in an awed whisper.)

Dessalines

Last night I saw as in a dream Toussaint L'Overture, who
said:

"Beyond the shade of spirit forces mighty, I come
again with thoughts beautiful of Haiti. O, mystic isle
of Obiman of priest and seer, pearl of the Caribbean. O
symbol tear for bloody strife and pain. The ceaseless
cry ascending over mountain top and sky. Hear me, O
brothers, forget not the sacred laws! Beware! beware!
Dessalines, Jean Jacques the

Dessalines

First, king of Haiti, beware! beware!

(Dessalines takes Defileé's hand.)

But have no fear! I am Dessalines! On to the light!
on to the cross! Come be my queen. We shall rule Haiti
in truth by the force of love!

Defileé

Ah! the strength of love - - - - -

Dessalines

O, Defileé!

Defileé

(Greatly moved)

Dessa

--- tomorrow --- I shall be king!

Once more listen! (Pleading) Will you be my queen?

(Defilee ponders)

Dessalines

For the last time, will you?

(Defileé still hesitates)

15.

OUANGA

Act II.

A part of the public square of Cap Haitian.

(The next afternoon.)

(SEE DRAWING FOR SCENE DESCRIPTION)

(CROWD ASSEMBLED FOR CORONATION, DANCERS, VENDORS, )
(PEASANTS AND ELITE.

(Curtain) (VENDORS MOVE IN AND OUT AMONG CROWD)

4 woman Cal-a-bash! Calabash! Big and little Calabash!
vendors Sweet cakes and gingerbread! sweet cakes and ginger
bread. Café and sugar! café and sugar!

4 women Come and buy Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!
men vendors Calabash! Calabash! Sweet cakes and ginger bread!

Women Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! (Mougali enters slowly)
(from left stage.)

Sop. & Tenor Calabash! Calabash! Calabash! Calabash!
Come and buy.

A man (spoken) See the old Priestess of the Voodoo!

Mougali (coming forward) Bonjour children!

Chorus Bonjour, Mougali!

Mougali What news of the coronation?
Excited whispering among
the peasants.

Le Bossal News indeed! In yonder chapel, with his new queen,
Dessalines is crowned -
(The Mamaloi joins Bossal, Defileé and others in )
.groups with the Papaloi at side, Defileé is dejected.)

Le Bossal King! - - - - We come to pay them homage.

Choir & organ Father of light, we sing thy praise. Fill our hearts
with the great love.

Chorus All hail Dessalines! All hail great Dessalines!
(off stage) All Hail! Hail!

Chorus Sop. & Alto - - - - Dessalines!
(on stage) Tenor & Bass - - - - Hail! Dessalines!

Trumpets
off stage

OUANGA

16.

Cho. off stage

Cho. on stage
trumpets off "

Great Dessalines! beside him now hail Claire his queen!
long live Haiti with

Cho. off stage

Cho. on stage
trumpets off "

The conqueror -- All hail! all hail! all
our new king! -- our king

Cho. off stage

Cho. on stage

Hail! (sop. div. in 3) (all) Hail! Hail!
Hail to Dessalines! -- -Hail! Hurrah!

A Man

(Soldiers enter and prepare seats. They are
followed by the king and queen and their
court, including the white Priest, Father
Brelle)

(spoken) See, they are
coming.

Cho. on stage

Hail! Hail!

Chorus

Hail! all Hail! all Hail to our king and our queen!
Hail! all Hail! Hail! all Hail! -- --(Dessalines surveys
the crowd.)

Dessalines

Brothers! my happy destiny decrees that I shall
guard our ideal!

Cho.

-------------------------------- Haiti free!

Dessalines

Happiness is now within our grasp, peace must prevail with
liberty!

Chorus: Hurrah!

(Dancers form and dance the "Meringue")

Ballet

(Crowd)

Women
Men

(Sings)

Ho! Ho! Ho!. Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho!

Women
Men

Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho!

Festival Dance (Second group)

Congo Dance (Third group)

OUANGA

17.

The first group pushes forward and dances the "Meringue"

(Mougali advances thro the crowd towards Dessalines.
Dancers near him stop in confusion)

(Mougali is stopped and the "meringue" continues)

(Mougali pushes thro again stopping some of the dancers)

The "Festival Dancers" take up the dancing.

(Mougali pushes thro and confronts Dessalines.)
(Dessalines rises, enraged.)

Dessalines
---------------------------------- Stop!
Who dares disturb the festival of the king!

Mougali
It is I - - - - - - Mougali. Death to all who
desert the faith! Death to him who turns against his
loved one, against her who sings to him so sweetly in
the palm grove. How well you must remember her who
loves you. Behold one victim! Beware!

Dessalines
(In rage, to soldiers)
Seize the witch! (the soldiers hesitate) Away with her!
She dares to threaten your king! Death to her! Death to her!
(Dessalines is greatly moved and looks)
(kindly at Defileé, The queen is dis- )
(pleased.

Defileé
Oh! have mercy, have mercy, have mercy.
on Mougali - - - - - - - Oh!
(Dessal. appears about to relent when )
(the queen in a jealous rage seizes )
(his arm & motions for the soldiers to )
(take Mougali away....They quickly obey )
(her & carry the struggling Moug. off )
.stage right. The crowd draws back in awe)
(with bowed head)

Defileé
Think of all I've been to thee in days gone by - have
mercy, (with a sob) Have mercy!
(Dessal. shows his impatience with her )
(pleading. This angers Defileé. )

Defileé
(Walks sorrowfully away from)
(Dessal. & faces the crowd. ) Who am I?
I am the aftermath that follows for him who sows the
whirlwind!

Defileé
I am the scourge! the pestilence, the plague! You
Chorus
- - - - - - - Hail! - - Hail! -

18.

OUANGA

Defilee' sing ---- of him, of Dessalines - - -
Chorus Hail Dessalines!

Defilee' Time was I loved him. But
Chorus Hail! Hail!

Defilee' now, now, I go to chant his funeral dirge!
Chorus Hail!

Chorus Ha, ha! ha, ha! A man; his funeral dirge!

Another man She is crazy! (Shouting) on with the dance!

(There is stirring about in an unhurried preparation for)

(the dancing of the "Menuet" by persons of the Court )

(Impromptu dance steps by stectators in the crowd)

Menuet.

A shot * is heard outside.

Instantly the crowd off stage
breaks into a loud cry of
lamentation in various natural
voice ranges.

(Crowd off stage)
Ah! Ah!

xx

(a sudden silence falls when)

(a bell begins to toll xx )

(The tolling continues until)

(Dessalines' entry "Hear me")

(enters hastily, kneels at Dessalines')

(feet in a voice heard by all )

Guard (spoken) Your Majesty, Mougali is dead!

Le Bossal (springs toward Dessal. & cries aloud) Murderer!! Traitor
to your people!!

Dessalines (excitedly, tries to calm the crowd) Hear me, your bodies
I have freed, ye are no longer slaves. I have killed once
more, to free your souls! Trust me once again!

Le Bossal Legba gives & Legba takes Fear the one who
Papaloi Legba gives & Legba takes

Le Bossal molds and makes!

Pere Brelle

(The Christian Priest who has come forward)

(makes here * the sign of the cross in )

(sight of all. All others on stage )

( suddenly. Some bow their heads)

(but most appear sullen or hostile )

["OUANGA", "19.", "<table><tr><td></td><td>Sop.</td><td>Fear the one who kills</td><td>who kills &amp; takes.</td></tr><tr><td rowspan=\"2\">Chorus on stage</td><td>Alto</td><td>Fear the one</td><td>who kills and takes</td></tr><tr><td>Tenor</td><td>Fear the one who kills</td><td>who kills &amp; takes</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Bass</td><td>Fear the one</td><td>who kills and takes</td></tr></table>", "<table><tr><td>Father</td><td>(This part, preferably sung may be spoken)<br/>Father of light, heal and forgive!<br/>(Sop. with some altos on the)<br/>(melody )</td></tr><tr><td>Chorus off stage</td><td>- - -<br/>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

["20.", "OUANGA", "Act III.", "Scene I.", "In the hut of the Voodoo Worshippers.\nThe Papaloi faces the altar. (SEE DRAWING FOR DESCRIPTION)\n(OF STAGE SETTING )", "Papaloi\nEh! Eh! Bomba heu, Bombaheu, Cangai, Bafaté, Bafaté,\nBafaté, Cangai, Dokila, Dokila, Cangali, Cangali.", "Mourners\nSop. & Alto\nTen. & Bass\nEh! Eh! Bombaheu, Bombaheu, Cangai, Bafaté,", "Mourners\nBafaté, Bafaté, Cangai! Dokila, Dokila, Cangali,", "Sop. & Alto\nTen. & Bass\nCangali - - - - - - - - - - - - -

21.

OUANGA

(knocking at the door) (Dancers stop and listen)

(Awed voice of mourner) "Who knocks?"

Papaloi
(calling) Who comes?
(Papaloi goes to the door, unbars it, flings it open)

A Man
(in an awed whisper) Ah! tis he
(spoken) The Emperor! The Criminal! keep him out!
The Devil!

Papaloi
(in surprise) Dessalines!
(Dessalines enters)

Dessalines
My heart is bowed with sadness. I would atone
for this great wrong!

Paploi
Too late O Dessalines!

Dessalines
O Priest! I too am linked with Africa. With Africa
that claims our minds and fills our blood. I too am
moulded by that relentless past, I cannot wholly crush
the call, I cannot still the awe. Nature decrees that law.

Papaloi
Too late!

Dessalines
No! Tis you whose blind misleading lingers on from age
barbaric a world that's gone! Mine is the new time, yours
the old! Yours is the night! My day the future shall unfold!

Papaloi
(he looks at Dessalines & points to Mougali's )
(intoning) (ceremonial robe draped near the altar & prom- )
(inently in view )

Behold the robe of Mougali, our dead Priestess, because of you we mourn for her. Slain by you is the seeress of her people. Mougali, the keeper of the mysteries of Legba, the dreadful one!

Mourners
(in unison)
Eh! Eh! Bombaheu, Bombaheu! Eh!

Sop. I & Ten. I
The Ouanga! Follow to kill and de

(Dessalines goes to )

(the door & flings )

(it open - calling )

Dessalines
You too, dare threaten the king! You devils! Michel!
Mourners
stroy! Eh! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The

(Michel, Gerin & soldiers rush in. Dess.)

(draws sword & starts towards the altar - )

(sword upraised )

Dessalines
Gerin!
Mourners
Ouanga! Eh! (The papaloi & mourners in line form the)
(body of a hugh snake )

23.

OUANGA

Act III.

Scene II.

The "Red Bridge". (SEE DRAWING FOR SCENE)

(When the curtain rises Le Bossal is seen with 4 or 5 )
(other men in native costume like himself )

(Curtain)

A Soldier (Tenor) Do you think Gérin will meet us here?

Le Bossal I see him now! The army deserts Dessalines!
(Gérin enters) (To Gérin) Have you sent the fake messages?

Gérin Yes, to both of them.

Le Bossal He thinks his old love calls.

Gérin Their hearts lead him to his doom!

Le Bossal (speaking) Some one is near! Hide beneath the bridge!
(They disappear under the bridge as Defilée appears walking over it.)

(Defilée comes slowly down on the stage. She is in a
pensive mood.)

Defilée

Will he come? Here on this sacred spot. I am waiting
for him as of old - but does he still love me - Ah! does
he still love me? or is it now but vain glory or Queen Claire
Heureuse? Ah! Dessalines! Dessalines! Alas! Alas! I
wonder will he come, will he? will he? (Gérin comes from un-)
(der the bridge )

Defilée

(Defilée sees Gérin) You!

Gérin Yes, it is I, not Dessalines! For you are waiting for him
I know. I have followed you to your old meeting place.

Defilée

(in anger) Why have you done this? Do you mean to harm him?

Gérin Listen! Defilée! Why be deceived? He does not love you.

Defilée You say he does not love me?

Gérin (spoken) No! he simply comes to win you again to his
cause! (with deliberation) You must surrender him to us!

Defilée

Gérin

No! No!

Deliver the murderer of Mougali!

Defilée

No! No!

Gérin

(slowly and impressively)

He deceives you!

OUANGA

24.

Defilée

(spoken sadly) Perhaps!
(looks at the sun) When the sun sinks low with its last
fading rays and its crimson light is dying - Be here with
your men, if what you say is true! (sadly) So it must be,
though sorrow comes! But go! go! let it be over soon!
(holding her breast) I feel he is coming!

Gérin

(Gérin still on stage arrests his steps.) (looks towards )
Yes! here he is, now. (Rushes under) (the bridge )
(the bridge )

Defilée

(looks anxiously in the distance for Dessalines.)

Dessalines

(appears on the bridge and comes down to Defilée) Defilée!
(they embrace) This place recalls! memories!
The fragrance of these flowers - the soul of this spot.

Defilée

Ah! you still love me!

Dessalines

All brings the past back to me! - - - - - -

Defilée

Thanks to Thee mighty "Ouanga"!
-excited) "Ouanga"?

Defilée

Yes! Come back to our ancient ways and to our love!

Dessalines

Yes give me your love and I shall have power.

Defilée

Listen! I hear the church bells ring in distant Port-au-
Prince. Ah! Dessalines, it seems those bells such tears
and sorrow bring that I am fearful. But now I know you
love me and (looks anxiously about) I must warn you!

Be on your guard! (Dess. looks about not intimidated)

Defilée

(spoken) Gérin has just left me, He is planning your death!
-excited) But, let me go to them!

The soldiers - listen to me - now!

(Defilée hastily kisses Dess. and exits right stage)

Dessalines

(paces nervously back and forth) (with a sigh)

(looks up at the mountains) Haiti! Haiti!

Isle so beloved! Time was - time is -

Time will be (Gérin, Le Bossal & soldiers appear on the )
(bridge & creep stealthily towards Dessalines.)

Alas, the future no man knows. As for myself I stand
alone. Yet in my heart forebodings wake. (Sees them)

Gérin! Le Bossal!

Gérin

(to soldiers) Do your duty! (The soldiers rush on Dess.)
(who tries to defend himself)

(The soldiers floor Dessalines)

& surrounding him, stab him )

(Defilée rushes on from left)

(with their bayonets )

Defilée

(Defilée is seized by Gérin)
(Struggles to be released.)

Dessalines!

Oh Legba! (raises her hand over Gérin. He immediately)
(releases her. She rushes to Dessalines.)

(the soldiers draw back exposing the dying Dessalines)

(Defilée falls sobbing beside Dess.)

["OUANGA", "25.", "(They rush off)", "Gérin (to soldiers) Come, (spoken) Let us spread the news!", "Dessalines (looks up and recognizes Defilée) My course is run.\nforgive me! Sing, Sing to me again, O Defilée!", "Defilée (in despair) O Dessalines! O Legba! my warrior is dying.\n(Dess. falls back, dead) My warrior! My warrior, - is dead!\n(almost spoken) (looks up at mountains) Oh Drums beat me a\ntattoo. Go tell the Voodoo his dauntless soul is fled!\n(Falls across body of Dess.)", "(Populace enter baring torches and chanting)", "Cho. Tenors Legba gives & Legba takes. Fear the one who\nBasses Legba gives & Legba takes.", "Sop. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -