The First Man

by Eugene O'neill

  DICK-Sure thing-only hurry, darn you![He goes out.]

  LILY-[Stops at the door in rear and catching MARTHA's eye, looks meaningly at the others.]Phew! I need fresh air![She makes an encouraging motion as if pummeling someone to MARTHA, indicating her assembled family as the victim-then goes out laughing. A motor is heard starting-running off.]

  ESTHER-[With a huge sigh of relief.]Thank goodness, she's gone. What a vixen! What would you do if you had a sister like that, Martha?

  MARTHA-I'd love her-and try to understand her.

  SHEFFIELD-[Meaningly.]She's a bad ally to rely on-this side of the fence one day, and that the next.

  MARTHA-Is that why you advised her to become a lawyer, Mr. Sheffield?

  SHEFFIELD-[Stung, but maintaining an unruffled front.]Now, now, that remark must be catalogued as catty.

  MARTHA-[Defiantly.]It seems to be in the Bridgetown atmosphere. I never was-not the least bit-in the open air.

  JAYSON-[Conciliatingly.]Oh, Bridgetown isn't so bad, Martha, once you get used to us.

  JOHN-It's one of the most prosperous and wealthy towns in the U.S.-and that means in the world, nowadays.

  EMILY-[With her sugary smile.]That isn't what Martha means, you silly. I know what she's thinking about us, and I'm not sure that I don't agree with her-partly. She feels that we're so awfully strict-about certain things. It must be so different in the Far West-I suppose-so much freer.

  MARTHA-[Acidly.]Then you believe broad-mindedness and clean thinking are a question of locality? I can't agree with you. I know nothing of the present Far West, not having lived there for ten years, but Curt and I have lived in the Far East and I'm sure he'd agree with me in saying that Chinese ancestor worship is far more dignified than ours. After all, you know, theirs is religion, not snobbery.[There is a loud honking of an auto horn before the house. MARTHA starts, seems to come to a quick decision, and announces with studied carelessness.] That must be Mr. Bigelow. I suppose Lily told you I had an engagement to go motoring with him. So sorry I must leave. But I'm like Lily. I need fresh air.[She walks to the study door as she is talking.] I'll call Curt.[She raps loudly on the door and calls.] Curt! Come out! It's important.[She turns and goes to the door, smiling fixedly.] He'll be out when he's through swearing.[She goes out, rear.]

  JOHN-[Exploding.]Well, of all the damned cheek!

  ESTHER-She shows her breeding, I must say.

  EMILY-[With horror.]Oh, how rude-and insulting.

  MRS. DAVIDSON-[Rising rigidly to her feet.]I will never set foot in this house again! JAYSON-[Jumping up to restrain her- worriedly.]Now, Aunt Elizabeth, do keep your head! We must have no scandal of any sort. Remember there are servants about. Do sit down.[The old lady refuses in stubborn silence.]

  SHEFFIELD-[Judiciously.]One must make allowances for one in her condition, Aunt.

  JAYSON-[Snatching at this.]Exactly. Remember her condition. Aunt[testily] and do sit down.[The old lady plumps herself down again angrily.]

  EMILY-[In her lisp of hidden meanings.]Yes, the family mustn't forget-her condition.[The door from the study is opened and CURT appears. His face shows his annoyance at being interrupted, his eyes are preoccupied. They all turn and greet him embarrassedly. He nods silently and comes slowly down front.]

  CURTIS-[Looking around.]Where's Martha? What's the important thing she called me out for?

  ESTHER-[Forcing gaiety.]To play host, you big bear, you! Don't you think we came to see you, too? Sit down here and be good.[He sits on sofa.]

  EMILY-[Softly.]Martha had to leave us to go motoring with Mr. Bigelow.

  ESTHER-[Hastily.]And the three children.

  CURTIS-[Frowning grumpily.]Hm! Big and his eternal kids.[He sighs. They exchange meaning glances. CURT seems to feel ashamed of his grumpiness and tries to fling it off-with a cheerful smile.] But what the deuce! I must be getting selfish to grudge Martha her bit of fresh air. You don't know what it means to outdoor animals like us to be pent up.[He springs to his feet and paces back and forth nervously.] We're used to living with the sky for a roof-[Then interestedly.]Did Martha tell you I'd definitely decided to go on the five year Asian expedition?

  ESTHER-Curt! You're not!

  EMILY-And leave Martha here-all alone-for five years?

  JAYSON-Yes, you can't take Martha with you this time, you know.

  CURTIS-[With a laugh.]No? What makes you so sure of that?[As they look mystified, he continues confidentially.] I'll let you in on the secret-only you must all promise not to breathe a word to Martha-until to-morrow. To-morrow is her birthday, you know, and this is a surprise I've saved for her.[They all nod.] I've been intriguing my damnedest for the past month to get permission for Martha to go with me. It was difficult because women are supposed to be barred.[Happily.] But I've succeeded. The letter came this morning. How tickled to death she'll be when she hears! I know she's given up hope.[Thoughtfully.] I suppose it's that has been making her act so out-of-sorts lately.

  JAYSON-[Worriedly.]Hmm! But would you persist in going-alone- if you knew it was impossible for her-?

  CURTIS-[Frowning.]I can't imagine it without her. You people can't have any idea what a help-a chum-she's been. You can't believe that a woman could be-so much that-in a life of that kind-how I've grown to depend on her. The thousand details-she attends to them all. She remembers everything. Why, I'd be lost. I wouldn't know how to start.[With a laugh.] I know this sounds like a confession of weakness but it's true just the same.[Frowning again.] However, naturally my work must always be the first consideration. Yes, absolutely![Then with glad relief.] But what's the use of rambling on this way? We can both go, thank heaven!

  MRS. DAVIDSON-[Sternly.]No. SHE cannot go. And it is YOUR duty-

  CURTIS-[Interrupting her with a trace of impatience.]Oh, come! That's all nonsense, Aunt. You don't understand the kind of woman Martha is.

  MRS. DAVIDSON-[Harshly.]The women I understand prefer rearing their children to selfish gallivanting over the world.

  CURTIS-[Impatiently.]But we have no children now, Aunt.

  MRS. DAVIDSON-I know that, more's the pity. But later-

  CURTIS-[Emphatically.]No, I tell you! It's impossible!

  MRS. DAVIDSON-[Grimly.]I have said my last word. Go your own road and work your own ruin.

  CURTIS-[Brusquely.]I think I'll change my togs and go for a walk. Excuse me for a second. I'll be right down again.[He goes out, rear.]

  EMILY-[With her false air of innocence.]Curt acts so funny, doesn't he? Did you notice how emphatic he was about its being impossible? And he said Martha seemed to him to be acting queer lately-with him, I suppose he meant.

  ESTHER-He certainly appeared put out when he heard she'd gone motoring with Big.

  JAYSON-[Moodily.]This dislike of the very mention of children. It isn't like Curt, not a bit.

  JOHN-There's something rotten in Denmark somewhere. This family will yet live to regret having accepted a stranger-

  SHEFFIELD-[Mollifyingly-with a judicial air.]Come now! This is all only suspicion. There is no evidence; you have no case; and the defendant is innocent until you have proved her guilty, remember.[Getting to his feet.] Well, let's break up. Esther, you and I ought to be getting home.[They all rise.]

  JAYSON-[Testily.]Well, if I were sure it would all blow over without any open scandal, I'd offer up a prayer of thanks.[The Curtain Falls]

  ACT II

  SCENE-CURTIS JAYSON'S study. On the left, forward, a gun rack in which are displayed several varieties of rifles and shotguns. Farther back, three windows looking out on the garden. In the rear wall, an open fireplace with two leather arm-chairs in front of it. To right of fireplace, a door leading into the living-room. In the far right corner, another chair. In the right wall, three windows looking out on the lawn and garden. On this side, front, a typewriting table with machine and chair. Opposite the windows on the right, a bulky leather couch, facing front. In front of the windows on the left, a long table with stacks of paper piled here and there on it, referen
ce books, etc. On the left of table, a swivel chair. Gray oak bookcases are built into the cream rough plaster walls which are otherwise almost hidden from view by a collection of all sorts of hunter's trophies, animal heads of all kinds. The floor is covered with animal skins-tiger, polar bear, leopard, lion, etc. Skins are also thrown over the backs of the chairs. The sections of the bookcase not occupied by scientific volumes have been turned into a specimen case for all sorts of zoological, geological, anthropological oddities.

  It is mid-morning, sunny and bright, of the following day.

  CURTISand BIGELOW are discovered. CURTIS is half-sitting on the corner of the table, left, smoking a pipe. BIGELOW is lying sprawled on the couch. Through the open windows on the right come the shouts of children playing. MARTHA's voice joins in with theirs.

  BIGELOW-Listen to that rumpus, will you! The kids are having the time of their lives.[He goes to the window and looks out- delightedly.] Your wife is playing hide and seek with them. Come and look.

  CURTIS-[With a trace of annoyance.]Oh, I can see well enough from here.

  BIGELOW-[With a laugh.]She seems to get as much fun out of it as they do.[As a shriek comes from outside-excitedly.] Ah, Eddy discovered her behind the tree. Isn't he tickled now![He turns back from the window and lights a cigarette-enthusiastically.] Jove, what a hand she is with children!

  CURTIS-[As if the subject bored him.]Oh, Martha gets along well with anyone.

  BIGELOW-[Sits on the couch again-with a sceptical smile.]You think so? With everyone?

  CURTIS-[Surprised.]Yes-with everyone we've ever come in contact with-even aboriginal natives.

  BIGELOW-With the aboriginal natives of Bridgetown? With the well- known Jayson family, for example?

  CURTIS-[Getting to his feet-frowning.]Why, everything's all right between Martha and them, isn't it? What do you mean, Big? I certainly imagined-but I'll confess this damn book has had me so preoccupied-

  BIGELOW-Too darn preoccupied, if you'll pardon my saying so. It's not fair to leave her to fight it alone.

  CURTIS-[Impatiently.]Fight what? Martha has a sense of humor. I'm sure their petty prejudices merely amuse her.

  BIGELOW-[Sententiously.]A mosquito is a ridiculous, amusing creature, seen under a microscope; but when a swarm has been stinging you all night-

  CURTIS-[A broad grin coming over his face.]You speak from experience, eh?

  BIGELOW-[Smiling.]You bet I do. Touch me anywhere and you'll find a bite. This, my native town, did me the honor of devoting its entire leisure attention for years to stinging me to death.

  CURTIS-Well, if I am to believe one-tenth of the family letters I used to receive on the subject of my old friend, Bigelow, they sure had just cause.

  BIGELOW-Oh, I'll play fair. I'll admit they did-then. But it's exasperating to know they never give you credit for changing-I almost said, reforming, One ought to be above the gossip of a town like this-but say what you like, it does get under your skin.

  CURTIS-[With an indulgent smile.]So you'd like to be known as a reformed character, eh?

  BIGELOW-[Rather ruefully.]Et tu! Your tone is sceptical. But I swear to you, Curt, I'm an absolutely new man since my wife's death, since I've grown to love the children. Before that I hardly knew them. They were hers, not mine, it seemed.[His face lighting up.] Now we're the best of pals, and I've commenced to appreciate life from a different angle. I've found a career at last-the children-the finest career a man could have, I believe.

  CURTIS-[Indifferently.]Yes, I suppose so-if you're made that way.

  BIGELOW-Meaning you're not?

  CURTIS-Not any more.[Frowning.] I tried that once.

  BIGELOW-[After a pause-with a smile.]But we're wandering from the subject of Martha versus the mosquitoes.

  CURTIS-[With a short laugh.]Oh, to the deuce with that! Trust Martha to take care of herself. Besides, I'll have her out of this stagnant hole before so very long-six months, to be exact.

  BIGELOW-Where do you think of settling her then?

  CURTIS-No settling about it. I'm going to take her with me.

  BIGELOW-[Surprised.]On the Asian expedition?

  CURTIS-Yes. I haven't told her yet but I'm going to to-day. It's her birthday-and I've been saving the news to surprise her with.

  BIGELOW-Her birthday? I wish the children and I had known-but it's not too late yet.

  CURTIS-[With a grin.]Thirty-nine candles, if you're thinking of baking a cake!

  BIGELOW-[Meaningly.]That's not old-but it's not young either, Curt.

  CURTIS-[Disgustedly.]You talk like an old woman, Big. What have years to do with it? Martha is young in spirit and always will be.[There is a knock at the door and MARTHA's voice calling: "May I come in, people?"] Sure thing![BIGELOW jumps to open the door andMARTHA enters. She is flushed, excited, full of the joy of life, panting from her exertions.]

  MARTHA-[Laughing.]I've had to run away and leave them with the governess. They're too active for me.[She throws herself on the couch.] Phew! I'm all tired out. I must be getting old.

  CURTIS-[With a grin.]Big was just this minute remarking that, Martha.[BIGELOW looks embarrassed.]

  MARTHA-[Laughing at him.]Well, I declare! Of all the horrid things to hear-

  BIGELOW-[Still embarrassed but forcing a joking tone.]He- prevaricates, Mrs. Jayson.

  MARTHA-There now, Curt! I'm sure it was you who said it. It sounds just like one of your horrid facts.

  BIGELOW-And how can I offer my felicitations now? But I do, despite your husband's calumny. May your shadow never grow less!

  MARTHA-Thank you.[She shakes his proffered hand heartily.]

  BIGELOW-And now I'll collect my flock and go home.

  CURTIS-So long, Big. Be sure you don't mislay one of your heirs!

  BIGELOW-No fear-but they might mislay me.[He goes. CURT sits down on couch. MARTHA goes to the window right, and looks out- after a pause, waving her hand.]

  MARTHA-There they go. What darlings they are![CURTIS grunts perfunctorily. MARTHA comes back and sits beside CURT on the couch-with a sigh.] Whoever did say it was right, Curt, I am getting old.

  CURTIS-[Taking one of her hands and patting it.]Nonsense!

  MARTHA-[Shaking her head and smiling with a touch of sadness.]No. I feel it.

  CURTIS-[Puts his arms around her protectingly.]Nonsense! You're not the sort that ever grows old.

  MARTHA-[Nestling up to him.]I'm afraid we're all that sort, dear. Even you.[She touches the white hair about his temples playfully.] Circumstantial evidence. I'll have to dye it when you're asleep some time-and then nobody'll know.

  CURTIS-[Looking at her.]You haven't any silver threads.[Jokingly.] Am I to suspect-?

  MARTHA-No, I don't. Honest, cross my heart, I wouldn't even conceal that from you, if I did. But gray hairs prove nothing. I am actually older than you, don't forget.

  CURTIS-One whole year! That's frightful, isn't it?

  MARTHA-I'm a woman, remember; so that one means at least six. Ugh! Let's not talk about it. Do you know, it really fills me with a queer panic sometimes?

  CURTIS-[Squeezing her.]Silly girl!

  MARTHA-[Snuggling close to him.]Will you always love me-even when I'm old and ugly and feeble and you're still young and strong and handsome?

  CURTIS-[Kisses her-tenderly.]Martha! What a foolish question, sweetheart. If we ever have to grow old, we'll do it together just as we've always done everything.

  MARTHA-[With a happy sigh.]That's my dream of happiness, Curt.[Enthusiastically.] Oh, it has been a wonderful, strange life we've lived together, Curt, hasn't it? You're sure you've never regretted-never had the weest doubt that it might have been better with-someone else?

  CURTIS-[Kisses her again-tenderly reproachful.]Martha!

  MARTHA-And I have helped-really helped you, haven't I?

  CURTIS-[Much moved.]You've been the best wife a man could ever wish for, Martha. You've been-you are wonderful. I owe everything to you-your sympathy and encouragement. Don't you know I realize that?[She ki
sses him gratefully.]

  MARTHA-[Musing happily.]Yes, it's been a wonderful, glorious life. I'd live it over again if I could, every single second of it-even the terrible suffering-the children.

  CURTIS-[Wincing.]Don't. I wouldn't want that over again.[Then changing the subject abruptly.] But why have you been putting all our life into the past tense? It seems to me the most interesting part is still ahead of us.

  MARTHA-[Softly.]I mean-together-Curt.

  CURTIS-So do I!

  MARTHA-But you're going away-and I can't go with you this time.