Narcissus and Echo

Scene 1

Narrator: Echo, a fairly talkative nymph, is performing the ritual of distracting Hera while Zeus, her husband, is having an extramarital affair with a mountain nymph. Something goes wrong this time, however. [Echo and Hera are talking] Echo: And thats why nymphs like hiking. Hera: What a humorous story! I just have to tell Zeus this. [Hera runs off-screen] [Hera comes back, with an ominous look on her face] Hera: Why youtrickster. Echo, you were distracting me while my husband waswith a mountain nymph. Hera: You will never speak again, save for mimicking anothers words. [Hera casts spell on Echo] [Echo moves her mouth, but no words come out] Hera: Now Ill deal with my husband.

Scene 2

Narrator: Narcissus, an overly proud youth, is taking a walk through a lush forest while Echo contemplates her fate. [Narcissus is walking in the woods] [Spoken out loud, but to himself]

Narcissus: Oh, if only everyone were as wonderful as myself [Echo is sitting and contemplating] [Narcissus passes by, and doesnt notice her] [Soliloquy] Echo: Did my eyes just deceive me? I just saw my true love flash before my eyes. I must follow him. [Echo follows] [This continues for a few seconds] [Narcissus suddenly stops] Narcissus: Whos there? Echo: Whos there? [Echo runs to a bush, and Narcissus turns around] Narcissus: Whos there? Echo: Whos there? [Echo finally takes action, and runs directly into his arms] [Narcissus pushes her off] Narcissus: Why are you following me? [Echo appears disheartened] Narcissus: Get away, I want to be by myself. [Echo walks away, looking forlorn.]

Scene 3

Narrator: Ameinias, a young man, is stalking Narcissus, as he often does, and attempts to display his devotion.

[Narcissus is being followed by Ameinias] Ameinias: Narcissus, youre such an amazing person. Narcissus: Why do you bother me so often? Ameinias: You would only know why if you understood my loyalty to you. I implore you, give me a chance, and I wont disappoint. Narcissus: Alright, I know just the thing. [Narcissus runs off-stage and comes back with a large sword] Narcissus: Here, prove your loyalty with my fathers sword. [Ameinias looks at it for a couple of seconds, before plunging it into his own heart] Ameinias: Oh, what have I done?! Please, gods, curse this vain man to a life of sorrow. [Ameinias collapses] Narcissus: Now I can be without that fool.

Scene 4

Narrator: Artemis, the goddess of hunting, answers Ameinias final request. [Artemis is strolling in the forest before abruptly stopping] Artemis: What is this? Narcissus has been cursed? Finally the world can be rid of him. [Artemis casts a spell] Artemis: You will be granted a love that can never be fulfilled. You will never embrace this person. No, this love will be one for yourself.

Scene 5

Narrator: Narcissus is walking near a lake, while Echo, hidden behind foliage, admires him. [Narcissus is walking, while Echo is watching from behind a tree. [Narcissus kneels down to drink from a lake] Narcissus: Who is this person in the water? Narcissus: No, it cant be. This is a reflection of me. [Narcissus frantically tries touching the reflection] Narcissus: This isnt fair! I want to have true love! [Narcissus slowly unsheathes his hunting knife] Narcissus: If I cant love him, nobody can. [Echo runs towards him] Narcissus: Farewell. [Echo mouths No!] [Narcissus stabs himself through the heart before she can stop him] [Echo cradles his dead body in her hands, and is in tears] Echo: Farewell [Applause]