ACT I SCENE 1 THE COTTAGE IN THE WOODS
It is night. The little cottage which stands on the right of the stage is hidden among the dark trees. A light in the window, however, cuts a solitary orange square in the soft blue night. From the deep shadows comes the throbbing song of the crickets.
Prelude. A little boy in night clothes appears at the win dow and presses his face against the pane in a vain en deavor to look out into the night. The throbbing of the crickets grows louder. It is taken up by the wood and the voice of a man is heard singing afar off. The boy yawns and slowly leaves the window. The stage is empty. The song draws nearer and the somber figure of a man enters, carrying a heavy sack, from the corners of which pour tiny grains of sandas he slowly passes on his way, singing.
Music: Sandman's Song. As he passes the cottage the light in the win dow fades out. The moonlight grows brighter and the cottage is now clearly outlined. The Sandman and his dreamy song are lost in the distance.
