SCENE 5: Adaptation from “The Frog Prince” by David Mamet

That same spring day, moments after the PRINCE leaves the PEASANT with her bouquet of blue flowers. He is visibly content yet a twinge downcast by the MILKMAID’s absence.

Prince. I wonder if Grace is still lurking in these trees. (Pause) Oh do I still love the woman. The Fair Patricia may be gone but I am no longer the damsel in distress she revealed herself to be. She is wicked, simply put. (Quietly to self) Darn that fiance. If they ever elope, I shall  (Turns slightly to the left) Huh, another patch of blue flowers. They seem to be abundant around here. Let me collect a few to give to Grace. Then a couple more for Billy.

[Footsteps approach from behind.]

Milkmaid. I overheard you give that old lady a bouquet of flowers. The one I can see in just the corner of my eye. She seems quite kind. How thoughtful of you, sir.

Prince. (Pause) Oh Lord! I didn’t see you there. Uh, here’s a gift for your departure.

[He hands over the flowers to Milkmaid, not realizing he is no longer a frog.]

Milkmaid. (She stands confused, but flattered all the same) How thoughtful of you! These petals are a lovely hue. (Winces from sudden recognition) Is that my shawl you have on?

[She gasps out loud.]

Prince. (Blushes) Well, it is a long story. Grace, I can explain-

Milkmaid. My mind must be in a frenzy right now! (She paces back and forth) You sound just like him, but you look just like the lost Prince himself: what happened, and who are you?

[Pause]

Prince. To address your previous question, it gives me great dignity and pride to sport this souvenir. It is an entity of the woman who transfigured me from amphibian to homo sapien.

[Pause]

Milkmaid. I am at a loss for words.

Prince. As one should be. (Pause) You better head along to your lover now, shall you?

Milkmaid. Actually, I will stick around to hear out this narrative of yours, frog-now-turned-human-Prince. I am also intrigued now that I know this little secret of yours. (Pause) Yet I still cannot fathom how I had hurt you, my dear. In cold-blood.

Prince. Darling, all that matters is this moment we exchange here, while you are still in close proximity to me in my true form. The peasant, in her glorious anger, transformed me from Prince to frog when I refused to offer her my blue flowers. I assume by her sorcery that she is a witch of some sort. (Pause) Your kiss rescued me, Grace.

[Pause]

Milkmaid. Like the blue flower (she twirls the stem between her fingers), our Love will blossom splendidly even before lust begins, if it ever will, my friend. It has found its Way.

Prince. (Slowly pulls out journal) I have a poem stashed away in this little fella. Do you mind me reading it out loud?

Milkmaid. (Smiles) Not at all. (Pause) Have I heard this before?

Prince. (Clears throat) Yes and no. 

“A Blue Flower’s Best For Spring,

When Ground is raw...

Red is the Color of Lust, of Saline life...

of Arrogance and Sloth; but Blue

Is the Grace a man longs for, 

Dreams of in his sleep...

Until he folds backward into his melancholy,

When Summer comes near.”

[He closes the book shut.]

Milkmaid. That was profound, my Prince. (Pause) I am assuming you have no desire to wed The Fair Patricia anymore, aren’t I correct?

[Pause]

Prince. You indeed are, my princ- (he catches himself) -ipal comrade. You surely have it all laid out in front of you.

Milkmaid. (Pause) Am I a Princess in your eyes? (Pause) Am I worthy to become one?

[The PRINCE scratches the nape of his neck, unsure how to respond.]

Prince. You have always been a Queen in my eyes. Nothing short of perfection. You have utterly enamored me with your presence.

[Pause]

Milkmaid. You know, my fiance wouldn’t enjoy this conversation. Not in the slightest.

[Pause]

Prince. Perhaps he doesn’t have to. 

[The PRINCE gazes into her eyes and they lock lips.]

Milkmaid. (Pause) I never knew how much I would now seek the Love of the (Frog) Prince, his Highness. At least now I understand.

Prince. (Pause) I love you, Grace. With all the Blue Flowers I can find to deepen my sorrow for our unfortunate fates, I love you.

Milkmaid. (She begins shedding a tear) I love you too, sweet Prince. (Pause) I am afraid this must be when we part ways. I must look after my partner before he is in any further danger.

[Pause]

Prince. Farewell, Princess Grace. May you lead the happiest of lives.

[They embrace each other before MILKMAID makes an exit.]

Prince. (Under his breath) She is the Blue Flower.

[The PEASANT enters right beside the PRINCE, stumbling on a couple of twigs before regaining her footing. He sighs.]

Peasant. So, Charles, did you enjoy your conversation with the young lady?

Prince. Yes, I sure did. I must get going to Billy’s grave, however. (Looks down at the rather wilted bouquet in his hands) His sacrifice is more than deserving of these flowers.

[Pause]

Peasant. You have impressed me, an elderly woman living out her last years in agony. (Pause) For your tremendous efforts, I now crown you the Frog Prince.

[The PRINCE bows and proceeds to forsake the Wood, leaving the PEASANT unattended.]