THE CROSS ABOVE THE CRESCENT A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS . 2 males J2 females BY A SISTER OF SAINT FRANCIS MT. ST. CLARE ACADEMY Price $1.00 CLINTON, IOWA Tbe Cross Above the Crescent A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS . 2 males J 2 females BY A SISTER OF SAINT FRANCIS MT. ST. CLARE ACADEMY CUNTON, IOWA <> .«^ CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES. Ulrica, Duchess of Brabant — Dark rich dress. Rosamund, Daughter of Duchess, — Light girlish dress Adrian, Son of Duchess, — Prince's costume, somewhat plain at first. More elaborate for queen's reception. Elizabeth, Niece to Duchess, — Girlish costume, similar to Rosamund's. Waltrude, Sister-in-law of Ulrica, — ^Velvet gown. Angelique, Daughter of Waltrude, — Gow^n of light material gaily trimmed. Margery, Domestic, — Costume of Eastern middle class. Albina, Companion to Waltrude, — Plain dress, most any color Queen Atlanta, — Richly dressed in the garb of an Eastern queen. Zepha, Selma, & Rhea, Court Ladies, — Oriental costumes, female. Nesala, Messenger, — Oriental costume, male. Omar, Guard, — Oriental costume, male. MA\ 27 19IS OLD 52 6f3 THE CROSS ABOVE THE CRESCENT. Act 1. Scene 1. — A grove. Enter Rosemund; looks around. — No one here yet, not even Adrian, and he laid a wager that he would be here before me. Oh, well, I must net chide my brother for being a little tardy; he is 21 today (Stops for a moment and looks off into the distance.) What a holy calm pervades that hallowed spot, where our woodland chapel nestles in yonder vineclad nook. What words can picture the restful feeling (that comes to the tired soul while kneeling there at set of sun to lay the burden of a weary day at the feet of our Lady, fully confident (that no petition offered at that holy shrine remains unanswered. (Sings, "Lovely Dell f rom ^Golden Hair," Page 25. As this song ends, girls enter singing "We come, we come.") Rosamund — Hark; they come. (Ulrica and Adrian last). Come my mother, let me seat you here, or will you take part in our sports? Ulrica — No my daughter, my days for those youthful pastimes are long gone by; now I can look back at them through the vistas of years, while watching the light-hearted maidens of today traveling o'er the sam^e shining pathway which their mothers have trod before them. Go on dear girls, and gather the flowers of youth while it is yet blossom time, and let nought rob you of one hour of your happy girlhood. Rosamund — Adrian, you will join us, will you not? Adrian — No, my sister I too will look on. I am 21, and must be dignified now you know. Rosa — Elizabeth, what are you going to do? Elizabeth — I too, will look on, Rosamund. I think I will enjoy it more. Rosa — Why Adrian, you look as solemn as a grave yard on a rainy day, and as wise as the sexton of Westminster. Do you already feel the effects of old age since you are 21 or does the title of Duke rest too heavily on you? Adrian — No I have not assumed that title yet, and when I do, it may weigh heavily on my weak shoulders. Rosa — come, be light hearted and happy today, the Duchy of Brabant is not such a load to carry. Why, I could shoulder that burden myself without any difficulty. (Group of girls enter.) Come girls, let us try to revive the drooping spirits of my pensive brother. Now we will all sing. Come mother, Elizabeth and Adrian, you will help us I know to swell the chorus of our harvest song. (All sing. Then U. E. and A. seat themselves. Tableau movaunt and attitudes. — Dance or song.) Adrian — (Rising) My friends, I thank you most heartily for the honor you do me today. There is only one thing to cast a gloom over the happiness you have given me, that is the thought of parting from you 'ere another sun has completed its course. Rosa — Going to leave us, Adrian. This is dreadful. Adrian — Not so dreadful, my sister, to join the ranks of those brave soldiers who are fighting under the banner of the Cross and striving to wrest from the godless infidel the places that have been made sacred by the life and death of our Redeemer. Ulrica — My son, why do you leave us? Your sister and I need you. Adrian — Mother, when you placed my father's sword in my hand you bid me use it as he did, for the honor of God and 'the church; I promised our Lady to do this. Would you have me break that solemn promise ? Ulrica — No, my son, I would not. Go, and in God's name accomplish your purpose. Come, take your father's sword from its resting place on our Lady's altar and go forth and use it in defense of the Cross of Christ. (Back curtain rises on oratory of our Lady. Girl poses for statue. Any number of angels. Tableau movaunt girls take attitudes on either side form cross. Our Lady hands Adrian the sword. Music.) Scene 2. A handsomely furnished room in the castle of Brabant. Ulrica and Elizabth seated at a table examining papers. Ulrica — Well, Elizabeth, Adrian has slipped into manhood almost before we are aware of it. These are the papers, together with his father's will. Elizabeth — Oh, this is Adrian's (Reads) Yes, I see, it confirms his title of Duke of Brabant. Ulrica — Yes, there is the seal of our house which confirms his title beyond a doubt. Elizabeth — Adrian is not aware of his promotion yet, is he? Ulrica — Yes, he knew it would be his when he reached his 21st year. True, I could withhold the title of Duke from him during my life time as mentioned here in his father's will, see, (shows paper) but I shall not do that. I want him to enjoy 'the honor of filling his father's place while he is young that he may appreciate it the more as he grows older. Elizabeth — Yes, it is best to let him have this pleasure too before he leaves us. Ulrica — (rising) Before he leaves us! My God, my son! I can- not give him up, he must not go, we need him m^ore than ever. I have a vague apprehesion of some great evil that is to come upon us, yet know not what it is. It is best though that he should go. Elizabeth — My dear aunt, do not allow yourself to become so agitated by giving way to vague apprehensions of coming evils, lest your fears may turn Adrian from his purpose. His is a holy calling, since it is for God's honor and the glory of the Church that he under- takes this perilous journey. Ulrica — I am aware of all this, Elizabeth, yet I cannot bear the heart-ache that this parting causes me. And you vdll leave me, itoo, Elizabeth, then I will have no one left but Rosamund to cheer my lonely hours, and she is such a child, unable yet to battle against the storms of life. Elizabeth — But I will stay with you aunt, till Rosamund is old enough to be a companion for you, or rather I should say, that I shall stay with you till Adrian returns, even though it be some years. Ulrica— And then I suppose you will go and bury yourself in the convent away from all those who love you so dearly. Elizabeth— O, yes aunt, nothing else will satisfy that desire for which my soul languishes daily. Ulrica — But how can you leave your mother? Elizabeth— I love my mother better than my life. But has not God Himself said "He that loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me"? These are the words that fired Adrian's soul to follow his calling and why should I not hearken to them too 4 Ulrica — Then I shall not interfere with God's work in your soul. It is well that you stay with me, though while Adrian is gone, for I need your sweet companionship in his absence, and besides this, you will be a protection to me against the Lady Waltrude. Elizabeth — But why do you fear her? She cannot harm you. Her aspirations run high, I know; let them run. She will storm a little from time to time; she is fully capable of this. Ulrica — I am inclined to think that there is a big s'borm brewing now, she waxes wrathy, because she cannot hold the title of Duchess; an honor that never belonged to her by right. This failing, what think you she has been contriving? Elizabeth — I am sure I do not know. Ulrica — A marriage between Adrian and her daughter Angelique. Elizabeth — You do not mean it aunt? Ulrica — Yes, I do. .... Elizabeth — So she wants Adrian for her son-in-law, does she? Ulrica — So it seems. Elizabeth — Me thinks she is too late with this proposition, for Adrian has made another choice. (Enter Waltrude, Others rise.) Ulrica — Good morning, Waltrude. Waltrude — Good morning, Ulrica. Elizabeth — Good morning, madam, be seated if you please. Waltrude — Thank you. (She takes a seat). I was about to itake a ride in the park when I happened to remember my maid saying that you were somewhat indisposed, for some days past Urica, so have called to inquire about your health Ulrica — You are very kind indeed, Lady Waltrude, to show so deep an interest in me. Yes, I was quite ill for a few days last week, but am better now, I thank you. Waltrude You had quite a celebration for Adrian's birthday I understand. You were around for that, of course. Ulrica — Yes, Adrian's birthday was celebrated more elaborately than heretofore, since he is 21, is his own masfter now and may do as he pleases. Waltrude— Has the estate been settled? Ulrica — Yes, the estate is all settled. Waltrude — And what is my portion, may I ask? Ulrica — You have no share in it. Waltrude — And why not pray? Ulrica — Because this estate belonge to me, left me by my late husband. Sir Arthur Cowley, Duke of Brabant, to pass to our children at my death or if I wish to transfer it to them before. But in any event, Adrain takes his father's title at 21. He is that now, so I concluded that it was best to transfer the etsate to him, along with the title, so he is now first Duke of Brabant. Waltrude — And are you still the Duchess? Ulrica — I may still keep the title, but I care not to hold it longer. Waltrude — And what of me ? You seem to forget that I hold a claim to the estate and the title too. Ulrica — You! how came you by it, I pray you? Waltrude— Am I not the vnfe, or rather the widow of Sir Henry Cowley, Duke of Brabant? Ulrica— Yes, you were the wife of Sir Henry Cowley, I do not dispute your right to the title, but — Waltrude— But what? Am I not the Duchess of Brabant since my late husband was Duke ? Ulrica — Not at all Madam, your husband was nat Duke of Brabant, and you have no claim to the duchy. Waltrude — Who shall deprive me of it? Ulrica— I shall, and the law of the land besides. Waltrude — I care nought for your word. Show me the papers o and if 'the law says I have no claim on these estates, then as the wife of the Duke of Brabant, I shall assert my rights and have what is mine in spite of you and your petty lawyers. , Ulrica Waltrude, how can you make such an assertion, knowing that your husband was not Duke of Brabant. In fact he bore no title at all except the title of spendthrift. Waltrude — Ulrica Cowley, how dare you insult the memory oi my dead lord? Give me those papers and I shall prove vth at what you say is false. (Tries to snatch papers.) ^ ^ x Ulrica — You shall not see them, (slips them behind her back) they do not concern you. Here Elizabeth, take those and lock them in (the safe. You shall never lay hands on them. (Exit Elizabeth with papers.) Waltrude — There is some trick in this Ulrica, since you fear to let me see the statement, but I shall see it, and you shall hear from me ait a later period. Ulrica — I hope your anger will have subsided, Waltrude, before that period arrives. But there is something more I wish to say to you this morning; something that may help to ease your mind a little. Waltrude — Say it then if you please. Ulrica — I wish to say that the yearly income settled on you by my late lord is to continue as heretofore, and your apartments in the castle are yours as long as you wish to reside here. Waltrude — Another insult: giving people to understand that I am living on your charity, when this income belongs to me by right. Now let me have my say if you please. Ulrica — Say it, I am ready to listen. Waltrude — Well, I hardly know whther to thank you for your offer or not, to allow me to remain in the castle. But when your son becomes master here, I shall have many more privileges than your charity allows me; and when my daughter becomes duchess, Brabant shall be ruled as we will. Ulrica — Oh, she is going to marry a Duke, is she? Waltrude — Yes, she is going to marry your son, and as he assumes the title of Duke of Brabant my daughter will very naturally become duchess. Ulrica — You rave woman! my son will never be united to your daughter. Waltrude — I am of sound mind Madam. This union was negotia- ted by Adrian's father long before his death, and it was arranged that the marriage should take place when Adrian became of age. Strange that he or his father did not acquaint you with the matter. Ulrica — No, it is not strange, for such an alliance was never negotiated by either Adrian or his father, it was all a trick twixt you and your daughter, but never shall it be carried into effect, for I shall circumvent your designs at any cost. Waltrude — And so shall I circumvent yours. No matter how^ you try, you shall not escape the vengeance of Waltrude Cowley. (Exit) Elizabeth — Why aunt, what is the matter with the woman? I do not wonder you feared to rouse her anger. What think you does she mean to do? Ulrica — Elizabeth, I had an intimation of this, and am not sur- prised that the storm cloud has burst, for this reason I did not oppose Adrian's hasty departure. I fear not for myself, but oh! my children, I fear for them; not so much for Adrian as for Rosamund, for some- how both Waltrude and Angelique always showed antipathy for her because her brother loved her. Elizabeth — It must be jealously that causes this, surely there can be no other motive for it. Ulrica — There is no stronger incentive to hatred than jealously, Elizabeth. Now I must speak to my children, after which we must 6 begin preparations for Adrian's journey. Will you call them Elizabeth, please? (Exit Elizabeth.) (Enter Adrian and Rosamund.) Ulrica — Good morning, my children, you both seem in a merry mood; I am glad to see it. , ,, , . Adrian — Good morning mother dear, why should we not be m a merry mood, since I am 21 today. Rosamund looks sad because she is not 21, tho' when girls climb into the 21's they begin to quake a little lest the old maid's shadow fall on (them before final arrange- ments have been made for their future. Ulrica — Adrian, you like to tease your sister, but with all (that, I am sure you love her. Adrian — yes mother, indeed I do, and how much I shall miss you and her and Elizabeth when I am in a foreign land. Rosamund — I cannot bear to hear you speak of it, my brother, for we shall miss you, oh so much; but when you return carrying the victor's palm we shall forget all the pain that your absence has caused us. Adrian — And what if I should win the martyr's palm instead of the victor's, think you tha't you should feel so proud? Rosamund — In either case my heart is sad, and I wish not to see you go. Adrian — 0, my sweet sister, you must not grow sad when I am about to undeiftake something for God's honor. Something else besides my going must have happened to make you sorrowful this morning. What was it? Rosamund — Nothing, Adrian, except that on my way to (the grove I saw those strange people who have pitched their tents yonder, and my heart grew very sad aft thought of your going to a foreign country to encounter the sworn enemies of Christianity. Then on my return, I met the Lady Waltrude, our aunt, and as I approached her with a smile and a pleasant greeting on my lips, she cast on me such a look of hate, that for a moment I felt as if my heart had ceased to beat. Ulrica — I am not surprised at this, my daughter, lor ithe Lady Waltrude is in a desperate humor this morn.' Adrian — Is it well to be suspicious of our aunt, Rosamund? Rosamund — I know not, my brother, yet there is a fear over me that some great calamity is about to fall on some one of us. Even as I knelt to pray to our Lady, in the woodland chapel yonder, a voice whispered continually in my ear, "Woe to the House of Brabant." Adrian — This is all a delusion, Rosamund. Girls are given to day dreams of future ills that exist only in their imagination. Come, my sister, for the little time that's left us to enjoy each other's company, I want to see a happy smile on your face and mother's too. Rosamund — Then, my brother, I shall try for your sake to be cheerful. Ulrica — This is well, Rosamund. And now let us talk over the matter for which I called you hither. First, Tho' not by any means the most important, I want to remind you of the fact that you were born to wealth and of a noble family; and tho' it may be your duty to uphold the honor . of your noble ancestors I beg you let not wealth nor position withdraw your hearts from the love of God. Be true to Him and to yourselves and all will end well. Now a word on temporal affairs. Adrian, you shall henceforth bear the title of your honored father, viz: First Duke of Brabant. Adrian — Mother, you do not mean that I am to replace my father and assume his title do you? Ulrica — Yes, Adrian, that place has been waiting for you since it was made vacant by his death. Adrian — Mother, I cannot take the responsibility it is too much, besides you know I have another project in view to which you have given your consent. 7 Ulrica — Yes, and I almost regret that I did give my consent, for I fear serious trouble in your absence. Rosamund, you go seek Elizabeth, and both of you return here. (Exit Rosamund.) Adrian — What is the nature of the trouble you anticipate, mother ? Ulrica — The Lady Waltrude is very angry over the arrangement of our affairs, asserting that she or her daughter should hold the title of duchess. Adrian — O, are they both going to marry dukes ? I wish I could stay for the weddino-. Ulrica — No, not that but the Lady Waltrude claims that there is a promise of marriage between you and her daughter Angelique. Have you made any such proposition? Adrian — A promise of marriage between me and Angelique! The promise must be all on her side then, for I never thought of such a thing. Does the Lady Waltrude really think so? If she does I shall go and undeceive her at once. Ulrica — I think not, for she and I had a stormy scene this morning. Adrian — Oh, then it is settled. Now I must go and prepare for my journey. Ulrica — We must help you Adrian. (Exit both.) End of Act 1. Act II Scene 1. Another, or the same room in the castle. Enter Angelique, looks round in a bewildered way. Angelique — Well, my heart may guard its secret now by its own strength if it is able. Adrian never loved me that is certain, else he would not leave so abruptly. He was always courteous, yet he ever preferred the company of his sister and his cousin Elizabeth to mine. Now he goes to some high fortune and will forget me entirely. Forget me! Ha! Ha! And I shall just as readily forget him. It is strange tho' that he did not come to say farewell. I wonder if he has really taken his departure. Margery can likely tell me; she knows all the gossip of the town, and this surely has not escaped her. I will summon her. (Taps bell, enter Margery almost out of breath.) Where did you come from, you seem much excited. Margery — I came from out yonder Miss, from the grove. Angelique — Did you see the young Duke as you came up the avenue ? Margery — O, yes Miss, I saw him and he looked grand. I heard he was going away to fight the turkeys, so I watched 'to see him go and he looks too grand for anything. Angelique— To fight the turkeys! You mean to fight the Turks, don't you? Margery— O, yes, them people that are trying to kill all the Christians. Angelique— (aside) Oh! dear, he is surely gone, and came not to say farewell to me. Who was with him ? Margery — His dog and his valet, that's all. Angelique — (sighing) O my! I wish — Margery— Yes, Miss Angelique, yes I know what you wish, and I wish it too. Angelique— How do you know what I wish, impertinent minion? Margery— I was thinking— may be— may be— you were wishing that you were his dog or his valet so you could go along with him Angelique— How dare you insult me, you saucy varlet! Be s-'one mstantly! (Stamps her foot.) Margery— O, dear, I am getting so many names. Why, pretty 8 soon I won't know who I am or what my real name is. I m callea Margery, Miss Margery, Miss Margery Quito, and Sometimes Im called misquito. I don't like that tho', cause I aint a bitmg animal. Well I get titles without running after them. Angelique— Begone! I say begone! and come not in my presence again. Margery — (starting) Budge! says the fiend, to you heels and run, says ttti Margery (Excitedly.) Oh! Albina, where shalll hide? Where shall I hide? I don't want her to find me here. Albina— Step out here in the anteroom. (Exit Mar. Enter Wal.) Waltrude — To whom were you talking, Albina, to Angelique? Albina — No madame, to a damsel who happened in. Waltrude— Ah, yes, I had forgotten that Angelique is no longer with me. . Albina — I hear she is the leader in Parisian society and the nobles are all envious of Count de Chambre for having secured so rich and beautiful a wife. Waltrude — Aye, she is rich in the gold for which I bartered my soul, and not only my own soul, but the soul of an innocent one whom I placed on the brink of perdition. And all for my ungrateful daughter Angelique. She may -think she is happy in the whirlwind of Parisian society. But later she will see her folly and weep tears of bitter remorse as I do now. Albina, I made an idol of my daughter, grati- fied her every whim, made every sacrifice for her. God, honor, all things were forgotten for her sake and how has she repaid me! Left me wi'th nought but the worm of remorse gnawing at my heart. And you, my faithful friend, are the only one to remain with me in my sorrow. Albina — And so I shall remain vdth you to the end, my dear mistress. I had a good part with you in your happier days, when you shared the splendor of the ducal palace of Brabant. And should I not now share your sorrows and misfortune? Waltrude — My good faithful Albina, I would ask a blessing for you, but dare not raise my eyes to heaven, for I turned my back upon my God, and I know he would not listen to me. Albina — Madame, God is so good, only turn to Him again and He will pardon all. Waltrude — Oh, no, no, my crime is too great to be forgiven. I sacrificed an innocent victim for the gold that placed my own child on the road to destruction. Three souls I am responsible for to God. Think you then that I could presume to obtain His forgiveness? No, there is not -atonement for the crime I have committed. Bu^fc I mean to end this miserable life of mine ere long, for I cannot struggle longer with (this demon of remorse. Albina — You must leave to God the right to take the life He has given. Now come and sit here by me and I will tell you something thait will interest you. Waltrude — Tell it then, and be quick. Albina — But you must first be calm, then you can listen. Waltrude — Go on, I am ready to hear you. Albina — Some time ago, you expressed a desire 'to hear something of the Lady Ulrica, your sister-in-law. Waltrude — So I did, have you news of her? Albina — Yes Waltrude — (Starting up) You have? How did you get it? Albina — I learned just a little while ago that she is here in Vienna. Waltrude— Here in Vienna? Great Heavens! Has she traced me out only to kill me! But I shall save her the trouble, I have enough for this (Puts bottle to lips.) 13 Albina — No, you must not do that. (Reaches for bottle.) Waltrude — Tell me what you know of the Lady Ulrica, then. Albina — She and the Lady Elizabeth have been traveling all through the continent, likely in search of her daughter, but I know not if they have found any trace of her. Waltrude — Did you speak with her? Albina — No madam, nor did I see her myself. Waltrude — How then did you learn that she is in Vienna? Albina — A damsel who saw her and talked with Lady Elizabeth told me. Waltrude — Albina, take me to her and let her kill me if she will. Albina — Madame, the Doctor will not allow you to go abroad but perhaps I can get a m.essage to her if you will pardon the misdemeanor of a culprit who was once in your service. Waltrude — Yes, I am ready to pardon the trangressions of those who were in my service. But who may this culprit be ? Albina — It is Margery Quito. You remember her, do you not ? Waltrude — yes, the truant, where is she? Albina — She is here in the^ante-room. Shall I call her. Waltrude— Yes. Albina — (calls) Here she is, madame, here is our runaway. Now Margery tell the mistress you did wrong and ask her to pardon you and say you will do better. Margery — (Bowing) Mistress, I did wrong, please pardon me and I will do better next time. I won't run away so far, cause I got too tired.^ Waltrude — Very well, Margery, I grant your pardon and hand you over to Albina; you mus