™J 1 LOUVAIN: A TRAGEDY PS 3535 01713 ROBERTS L7 1917 Copy 1 Class / c>- s'' ci O'O Gopyiiglit}^^. /^ COPYRIGHT DEPOSm LOUVAIN A TRAGEDY LOUVAIN: A TRAGEDY IN THREE ACTS BY CHARLES V. H. ROBERTS AUTHOR OF "THE CALL OF SORROW," "THE SUBLIME SACRIFICE," ETC In thine adversity there is Not one will call thee triendl. When mortal heart Beats outward for the healing touch — the little Things for its easing never come. Sorrow Is an Exile, which hath no portion in the time And tale and scorching brain of selfishness. From The Call of Sorrow THE TORCH PRESS NEW YORK AND CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA LONDON: 12-13, HENRIETTA STREET COVENT GARDEN, W. C. 1917 COPYRIGHT 1917 CHARLES V. H. ROBERTS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED NOVEMBER ),j /H m -3 1317 THE WILLIAM HARVEY MINER COMPANY. INC. SAINT LOUIS ■- LONDON ©CLA477G09 1. To My Mother Foreword An historical drama founded upon facts largely existing at the present day. DRAMATIS PERSONAE The King of the Belgians The Queen of the Belgians The German Minister to Belgium The Cardinal, Archbishop of Malines Countess Therese de Murier A Member of the Brussels Aristocracy Marie Louise Her only Daughter Monsieur Gaston Lafere. . .A Nobleman of Louvain Madame Lafere His Wife Eugenie. .Their Daughter and Cousin^of Marie Louise Captain Jean St. Vallien..^ young Belgian Officer Count Pierre de Bombel An old Friend of the de Murier s Baron Anton Orerhaus Connected with the German Secret Service in Brussels Guests, Uhlans, Orderlies, Royal Guards, Sena- tors, Counsellors, Soldiers, Aides, Lackeys, Servants, etc., etc. ACT I ACT I Time — End of July, 1914. Place — Brussels, Belgium. Evening. Scene : In the handsome apartment suite of the Countess de Mur'ter on the Boulevard de Waterloo. The near end of an evening's entertainment. Servants hand about refreshments. Groups of guests — some are standings others sitting on chairs and lounges. A great many vases filled with flowers. Furnishings and hangings belong to the style of the Renaissance. At the rise of the curtain Marie Louise is seen at the piano. The Count de Bombel and the young officer, St. Vallien, and Baron Ober- haus are standing near her obviously engrossed in her playing. Bombel {striking one of the basso keys of the piano). Bravo! I'll take the base or despite my years Be pantomiming on my toes. Loud pedal! 12 Louvain One! Two! In age there's always genius. [sighing] Though we are senseless fools at best. Marie Louise (smiling). Don't Be silly! St. V. Play, please, an aria of Puccini's His notes are golden harp-strings in themselves. BOMBEL. Sad songs — soft recorders! Ah, bah! May Cupid stop my breath — I hate that kind Of music — something rhythmic, comic, less Sublime! Marie Louise. We are not all soulless! Bombel. Tut, tut! You're jesting. [Marie Louise plays Rudolf's Roman- za from La Boheme] Dream appearing mournful melody! Louvain 13 Oberhaus. At least to me it seems so. Pardon — 'Mid these sweetmeats, beauties, and per- fumes. [To htmselfl More like tavern counsels staged by im- beciles. Dream, laugh, go lightly — but what's coming? [Aloud] Ach! Mademoiselle, your touch is royal. [To himself again] Peace makes one grim, and horny about the knees. These walls shall be blazoned with the shapes of power; Yon vases wait, but for the torch of fire. St. V. Music calms the agitation of one's soul; Alike on laughing as in breaking hearts. BOMBEL {walking over towards the COUNT- ESS ). My dear Therese, poor Frangois would be proud Of her. 14 Louvain Countess. Pierre, I'm nervous. BOMBEL. Why, Madame? Countess. I fear the crime at Serajevo. Bombel. Does A martyr always start a new religion? Countess. Yes — yes — a critical hour is on the world! Bombel. Nonsense! Nonsense! Shall I bray as a mule Because a Hapsburg plays the ass? Countess. We are standing in a crypt of history. Bombel. Blest be the Fates that gave me sense! No wars, Therese, will come within our days ; Louvain 15 Cash is trump and crops pay the winner. [Addressing the Baron] Isn't it so, my dear Baron? ObERHAUS (thoughtfully). Life is a strange menagerie; Nothing but feasting in its present cages. Therefore, my friends, less chance of war, methinks, Than Beelzebub would pray or cross himself. BOMBEL. Right! I agree. > Oberhaus. That's philosophy. Wilhelm, George, and Nicholas, next month, Will be playing billiards in Marienbad. Countess (half contemptuously). Do you think so? Oberhaus. I am sure of it. Countess. [Oberhaus takes his leave, also the other guests^^ 1 6 Louvain Countess {turning off a few of the electric lights). Pierre, I've lived past sixty-seven years; I do not trust that man — like all the Boche He means no good in Brussels. BOMBEL. Ridiculous! They are swine — but v^hat have we to fear? Pshaw! War is farthest from all minds. Countess {rising nervously) Events are bound and huge dominions hang Teeming for some chaos that's to be. BOMBEL {rubbing his hands). Whims — sky-shimmer dreams! On form and feature Arbitration's writ; Large armies soon will be an ancient folly. You're terrorized by every pratting pa- per. Shells cannot rumble if banks store the powder. Madame, you forget — Louvain 17 [Enter EuGENIE] Eugenie {interrupting BOMBEL while the Countess heeds the occasion to retire). How many war Scares have you conjured up? Why vex the Saints By argument? BOMBEL. War is impossible. Marie Louise (seriously). Born in sunlight and in noble air, My mother never speaks unreasonably. St. V. A huge concern is formed across the Rhine. Eugenie. Yes, I think the Baron's double-faced and sly. And that he fawns upon our hospitality. Marie Louise. There are evil rumours — BOMBEL. Those chirps are in the twitter of the press; i8 lOuvatn Editors mating with affairs of state; Vice has at least the shame to hide itself. O, sighs and cries and litanies, How our press does feel that virtue's in its debt When it doth brand the vicious into light; Parchment writ for that especial grace And flung as a bone to curs for education ; Prattlings aureoled into a smear of ink, Under carnage, lechery, theft, and gold. A sou for it! Who needs must read what the devil prints, Half-smothered in a pulp of mud and dirt? Chimney-sweepers' love and scandals blacker. And strange to say — pray read you no more — Divorce and courtesans are sanctified. Clad in the raiment of a thousand stars. To swell the Treasury of the Sacred Press. A sou for it! St. V. Keep calm, Bombel, keep calm! Louvain 19 BOMBEL. O'er three score years o' living, sir, A man hath a right to his expression. St. V. He who reasons, compromises. Marie Louise. Such similes. Eugenie. Come, let us talk about my party. Mother Expects us surely Thursday. In our gar- den You will see — BOMBEL. Moon flowers? Eugenie (laughing). Yes, Bombel — you may pluck them for us every Evening. Bombel (inquisitively). Wines? Eugenie. Wines, and the very best, The best — 20 Loiivain BOMBEL. Ha! Ha! Well! Love wines — Men have their senses sometimes; love women — Never are we sane! Eugenie {to St. Vallien). You, Jean, of course, will come? St. V. Thanks — unless some unexpected orders intervene. Eugenie. Louvain never looked more beautiful, As from our villa's hillside, yester morn. The Belgian vale lay wrapped in day- dawn's rose, Frail clouds were dimmed of stars, and hung fleece-white As vineyards glisted of gems, and sweet airs stirred The deep-grown fields. Rocks and spires — BOMBEL. Lotus-lanterns and candle-lights — a lov- er's nest! Louvain 21 No nibbling rats at gala-feasts — Eugenie. Your pardon! I should tune my speech. Dull wits and my gray hairs would spoil it all. Insist? Well — I'll be there, if but an effigy That stands and stares — good-night! good-night! [Ex//] Eugenie {ni^ith an air of satisfaction) . I return to Louvain in the morning. Bon nuit, Jean! Marie — aurevoir! [Exit through door on the leftl^ St. v. Mademoiselle, may I remain a moment longer? Then I would follow^ Oberhaus — because I know he holds a secret meeting. Marie Louise {sitting on a lounge). How do you feel — this war cloud, Jean — I'm puzzled And fear a thousand things that have no name? 22 Louvain St. V. (seating himself beside her). I care not — think less of deeper glooms tonight; There are times for laughing, play, and times for war. Marie Louise. You are almost rude! St. V. (tenderly), Marie, beloved! Marie Louise (with feigned surprise). Oh! never have you spoken thus before! St. V. For days IVe sat and thought and could not speak. In words of mortal sweetness unexpress- ed. [Taking her hand in his^ I love you — not to say it, would make Nature Less divine — though something surely would Reveal it. Your arms are wreathed about my neck Louvain 23 In every deed, 'mid whispered tales and silvered Links in dreams. IPVith one hand on MARIE LoUISE'S cheek he compels her to lift up her face'] You are the sea-mist and The fire of stars. I love you — love you — with Those words must you have further pleading? Your eyes, your lips, your hands, your hair, are like The coiled sweetness of a summer's night That throbs and shades in Heaven 'til it falls. Marie Louise. 'Tis easy to enjoy but hard to love. Is it true you love me? St. V. {with intensity). Doubt all else but that. What do you fear? Marie Louise. I do not know — I love you! 24 Lo uvain Yet tremble with strange charms, strange thoughts, strange hopes. St. V. {kissing her passionately) . 'Tis the pale reflection of our happiness. Severing the clouds of future heritages. [Drawing a ring from his ivaist-coat pocket^ You will be my wife? Marie Louise {looking curiously at the ring). And that you dared assume? St. V. 'Tis proof of love — such confidence! Marie Louise {teasingly). Self-confidence! St. V. {placing the betrothal ring on her fin- ger) . With this ring, dear love, our souls are circled In one flame — that band of faith which knots Us unto death — fixed there Amid the heavens as predestined. I'd cast a kingdom on the seas tonight Louvain 25 And live in you — in fires and pangs of joy. Marie Louise. I'm touched by that I never touched be- fore; I feel unfathomed deeps I did not know. St. V. A star doth guide us from the far off skies. Marie Louise. My life, my all — in these dear hands, I place. St. V. Such moments go like laughing sands of gold — Marie Louise (dreamily). From some dim farther shore, we tread and knew. St. V. Mind feeds on mind — the essence of past lives In skies of silver webs and soft sweet scents. The moonlit nights of Babylon dynasty. 26 Lo uvain Marie Louise. Whispered gently as now I — "Love! Love!" St. V. Perhaps you were a queen ; I do not know. Marie Louise. My lips had blessed you e'er I knew you here. St. V. In sweet compression — silent counter- sign. Marie Louise. And if then, exiled in the isles of Death, Life came gladly back into my veins. [^Passionately^ Kiss me again — again and yet again! O Love, my love, my love, my first and best And dearest — with such predestined cer- tainty Dost thou o'erwhelm the human soul. St. V. There is no greater use of things than loving them; Louvain 27 In flowers of gladness or in seeds of grief, All else wanes ofif and comes to nothing- ness. Through all the sophistries of crafty mind, Mould our shallow pleading as we may, By laws that are themselves the breach of law, The lowliest thing is sanctified by Love, Marie Louise {tenderly). And sheddeth incense over Destiny. St. V. Oft the touchstone of true love is sorrow; Marie Louise. The sands of Life seem firm and strong And spell their sweetness over land and sea. St. V. By apprehensions closer are we clasped. Marie Louise (passionately). Look deep, ah deep, look deep into my eyes! I have no words: what of that? Breathes a greater love than silent love. 28 Lo uvain To feel thought waiting full of happy things? St. V. Surely you tread where the angels tread, And hear the echoes in God's sacred aisle. Marie Louise {passionately). Forget — forget — all — all — Jean, I love you ! CURTAIN ACT II Scene i ACT II A week later. Place — Brussels, Belgium Evening. Scene i : A simple ante-room adjoining the Assembly Hall, or Chamber of Deputies, in the Palais de La Na- tion. The din of voices is heard from the Hall where the members of the Assembly and Deputies are feverishly awaiting the arrival of the King and Queen. Enter the royal couple, the King in his service uni- form, the Queen in evening dress, passing on their way to preside over the Assembly. The King. You know all? The Queen. I guess, not knowing. Tell me. The King. Honour has fallen from its heights and Time Turned atheist. 32 Louvain The Queen. Meanwhile, what will we do? Not understanding everything, I fear. The King. 'Tis all a cheat the world is civilized, A dead star that in gloom grows less and less. The Queen: Do I not know it! I myself! The King. It is as if my own sense mocked me. Our Neutrality is sacred to the world. In all scanning of prophetic heavens, No star showed us this — this treachery. It will blister history's page to write it down. The Queen. William thinks himself a God and dreams strange dreams, Unto a ladder whose topmost rung is Heaven. The King. Such progeny! Can a pack of Hohen- zollerns sway the earth, Louvain 33 Have power to kindle it and calm at will? [Shaking his head] A wave in modern times of such ambition Would break into the foam of foolish- ness. It is our soul — it is our name that we are free. The Queen. The ultimatum is outrageous, And its grim phrasers part of secret shame, Whose arguments and pleas denmand their due. We hold the nation's future in our hands; 'Mid cold deceit and low ambition's slime, There lies defense that turns all war to virtue. The King {smiling at her proudly). I thought you did not understand, my dear. The Queen. No, no, I see it all as if accomplished, And breathe in courage as I lean on you. 34 Lo uvain Who has not suffered by this perfidy? If we resist not evil, evil wins. Ere long the Prussian monarchy will be The source of infinite calamity, Not alone unto itself — but to the world! Come — come, my lord, they are awaiting us. CURTAIN ACT II Scene 2 ACT II A few moments later. Scene 2 : In the "Hall of the Chamber^ of the Palais de La Nation. In the foreground slightly to the left are tiers where members of the Belgian Assembly, the Drafting Committee from the Foreign Office, and many deputies are seated. Some are talking earnest- ly, others writing, while a few men walk about in si^- lence, touched by the solemnity of the occasion. In the background near the center of the stage rises the throne. There are vessels of porcelain and gold and other candelabra. On the walls hang rich frames surmounted by coronets. Between the various por- traits are panoplies of armour and tapestries depict- ing episodes of the different centuries. A large door is prominent on the right. [The President of the Assembly arises and bids the rest to follow^ The President. His Majesty, the King! Her Majesty, the Queen! [Enter the KiNG and QUEEN accom- 38 Lo uvam panied by royal guards. They are greeted with thundering applause and wild enthusiasm. The royal pair asceend the throne, holding their heads high with looks of firm deter- mination in their faces. A profound silence falls over the spec- tators'] The King {rising and addressing the Assem- bly). In the name of the Nation, I greet you here as brethren, and in all things now or yet to come, to be guided by your wisdom. We are Belgians, proud of our free institutions and moral con- quests. One single vision fills our minds — Belgium's threatened inde- pendence, which Heaven bids us cher- ish; steady courage — union among us all. We hope the events which threat- en us will not happen. But if the hope be vain — our valiant youth has risen; not one in this Nation will fail in his duty. Julius Caesar said: ^The Bel- gians are the bravest people of all Louvain 39 Gaul." That is a goodly thing to think upon! The muffled tread of many hundred years follows the path of our fathers, washed red with the noblest blood of history. Ours is the privilege of sacrifice! Can we ask of Life a greater boon than that? In Flanders, in Wallonia, in our cities, towns, and country sides, one thought alone impels our hearts — our patri- otism! This the heaviest blows of Hell cannot defile. We are armed ready for the greatest sacrifices. If we fight, w^e fight to keep our country^free, or else to war forevermore to help an empire bind the world as we are bound. Bel- gians arise — be worthy of yourselves, be confident in the justice of your cause. [^JVild and tumultuous applause^ {Enter a ROYAL GuARD] The Guard. The German Minister, your Majesty. [yf solemn hush falls over the Assembly^ 40 Louvain The King {in a clear voice). He is expected — bid him enter. [Exit Guard] [Enter GERMAN MINISTER, bowing before the Assembly and saluting the KING and Queen] The King. Each moment works to some new crisis; what now, Sir? German Minister. Your Majesty — your answer — 'tis the hour. For unmolested passage we will pay A big indemnity. We are the stronger And uphold the better cause. But, sire, It is with mortal grief we so demand. The King {smiling). I know that well, but cannot credit it. The Queen. Is it a mad man's vision that you ask? Do you think our minds and hearts are turned to dust, That we let our souls stand naked to the world. Louvain 41 Pierced by such poisoned promises? \^Applause'] German Minister {looking curiously to- wards the King). I do not understand all this, your Maj- esty. Voices from the Assembly. We do — we do — to arms! To arms! The Queen. Your great ideals, your radiant living treaties! Are they to turn to scars jn deadened stripes, And mock the draughts of Fate? I'm half ashamed! [Applause] German Minister. Dull and drear and ^^scraps of paper" now! The French would place you in far great- er jeopardy. [Hisses] [To the Queen again with some emo- tion'] Do you not plead against this war. Counsel surrender, in our necessity? 42 Louvain The Queen. William is surely mad. The King. A gracious scheme, That would entice with crafty, crooked words. German Minister {indignantly) . Not at all! What is your answer? Necessity — that only holds the day. Voices in the Assembly. Rifles! Rifles! To the frontier! To the frontier! The King (angrily). Dare you thus address a Belgian King And so presume on our high dignity? The Queen. To make us traitors for your strategy? The King (rising and addressing the MINIS- TER in tones of mingled dignity and defi- ance). Hear my answer, and let it echo from The walls of Potsdam to the farthest vales Of Eastern Prussia. What you see in this Louvain 43 Assembly is one party firmly linked With the people — sustained by them to maintain The sacred heritage of their fathers. The area of this little state is small — But should that bear its souls into an alien world, There to grasp around 'mid grinning bones. Death shall be our master, not dishonour. [^Tumultuous applause'] No one in this Chamber is offended? A foreigner's foot on Belgium's precious soil. We resist it! We fight it! Man for man, gun For gun! Fort by fort! Town by town! Aye, Street by street, o'er sites and plains un- born. A nation answers you — not a king! Is there anyone here offended? No! [Pointing his finger angrily at the Minister] What has been offended — What! What! 44 Louvain Honour is offended, Justice is Offended, Truth is offended — the World is offended. The blood of such offended shall not be shed Save to congeal in the clots and stench of Prussian Perfidy. 'Tis a crime too big for Satan's eye, Whose devilish vision would recoil within Itself, blinded by the very terror of it. An empire built on blood and iron will fall. Wrong is its own destroyer. Its end Is in itself and by itself. That is A balance in the scales of Time which I Would suggest your state weigh well. We have faith in our destiny — power in our honour. A nation defending itself is respected by all; That nation will not perish. The Queen. Say it again — say it again! God lends Some moments out of Heaven — this is one! [Wild applause'] Louvatn 45 German Minister. Your answer doth provoke the rage of war, A wilder madness than I ever dreamed. The King. It is for my army to decide on that. Voices from the Assembly. It will — it will — to the frontier — to Liege! German Minister {to the Queen). Must I convey this? The Queen. So please you, Sir! [Exit German Minister followed by Guard] The King. Spread my answer on the record. We Adjourn. Complete mobilization is or- dered. I go to the front immediately. CURTAIN ACT II Scene 3 ACT II Near dawn the next morning. Place — Brussels, Belgium. Scene 3 : The Queen s private boudoir in the Royal Palace, The room is dark save for the subdued light re- flecting fro?7i a table-lamp, and shaded brackets on either side of a mantel piece. A window is in the background. The furnishings are in old Flem- ish style. As the curtain rises the King is seen in full military uniform pacing back and forth. The Queen sits on a lounge attired in negligee. The King. Yesterday and to-day, God is the same, Yet His world seems damned more ut- terly. The Queen. What will be must be, that is inevitable; But He will send angels down, I'm sure of it. The King {pausing near the mantel). Alas, the load of life that lives for kings, 50 Louvain Under whose torments inwardly we groan! Is there no peace within this high estate, Whose acts are but the choice of circum- stance? O, world, where is thy honour? What shall I say — In saying, turn back the arithmetic of Fate? Damned errors, power — praise! Judg- ment swerves Aside and counterfeits its own decree; Akin is conscience then in insurrection. And breaketh the ranks of reason's ordi- nance. Dignity of kings with puppet words, Gaudy veils and trappings of command Turned reversely into shrouded worms — No! No! Had I not eyes to see dis- honour. Which on their retina did not let me err? By heaven, 'tis a deed as black as Hell! Little Belgium — perhaps it were a pity — The stars and moon do veil their beams in sorrow; Louvain 51 [To the Queen] But — but — what else, what else could I decree? There's ease in chains, when anguish in a crown. Many the fools, that sit on thrones in slavish parts Playing a dicer's game — diplomacy Loaded on the throws from mightier arms, That bullies Justice from the table. So! Treaties! How quickly pales the ink there writ, When greedy Conquest holds the blotter. Such as I am a king — no lesser man! Strange, is it not? Never a smooth sword, but there's mur- der in it Infected by its gleaming heritage. Conclusions by results are falsified. And prowl around us with a reeking blade. Necessity — indemnity — invasion ! I'll not mix with such usurers of the mind, 52 Louvain Who would keep cash going while honour starves in rags. Is this a baby-fist — rattles? No! There are true men not yet among the stars Condemning treason to a robber's grave! We must not fall! 'Tis war, then — war! Not for France nor England — but for Belgium's word. The Queen [rushing up and passionately throwing her arms about her husband). Hold me, kiss me, hide me in your love! Keep and defend as ours this holy cause, Which God assigns to us by highest right. The King [looking out of the window). It is a gloomy day that breaketh, dear, Yet it showeth signs of being a brilliant day. CURTAIN ACT III Scene i ACT III Time — August, 1914. Evening. PLACE — Louvain, Belgium. Scene i : At the villa of Monsieur Gaston Lajere, picturesque- ly situated on a hill above the city. The foreground presents part of a spacious and handsomely decorated living-room, while through open casement windows and large French doors is seen a garden full of oleanders, roses, and an abundance of white blossoms. A fountain slightly to the right plashes gently, and through the spray is glimpsed an arbor covered with vines. Monsieur and Madame Lafere, Eugenie, and Marie Louise are seated at table in the garden evi- dently just finishing dinner. Lafere {rising from the table and pacing in and out of the room) . Why, Belgium — a nation — seven mil- lion souls, Dazzling and proud since the days of Julius Casear! ril trust our king to hold the dastards back 56 Louvain By bloody checking of these wanton wrongs, Until the French arrive to then complete a rout! [Pounding his fist on the table~\ That is my guess and I'll vouch the mat- ter true! Mme. L. (bitterly). Be kind to me! Another day like this My hair becomes whiter than the snow! [Passing through the living-room to a door on the left^ These hordes — these hordes against us ten to one, I cannot — cannot share such confidence! [Exit] Marie Louise (seriously). How little we know of our country's peril, Grace in all her steps — but, oh, so small! I feel a fear not easy to divine. Eugenie (tenderly pressing her cousins hand) . Sweetest one! 'Tis Jean, you think of with Louvain 57 The king — your love must brave the hour's pain; I wish I were a man! Equal and like And yet why — less in war? Our flesh should fight With flesh, and soul with soul, to stand or fall; [Pushing herself and chair back from the table~\ Instead these graceful acts and thousand decencies! Marie Louise (with a slight smile). Our party had a sudden endin-g! Eugenie. Aye, And even Bombel has become all serious. Lafere [lighting a cigar). The rascal said he would return at nine. At any rate he's now convinced of war; But turns his wit to make its pangs the less. Marie Louise {murmuring to herself and strolling over to the fountain) , I am and ever shall be — but a woman, 58 Louvain Onward to journey with far changeless Time, That ever sits upon the throne of Mem- ory. The ages pass and we go down to death In lamentations on unheeding air. This eve may lay some plight upon the world. \^Plucking a rose and pressing it to her lips] O rose, you moonbeams and you silvered spray, Bended, swaying soft in cooling night. How little you do know of human woe; Unwitting sentinels 'neath sorrow's shades. There while to whisper, sob, and drip with tears. [Passionately^ Him I love is all my own! Oh, Love! You make us rich and yet you make us poor. Wherein the bitter sweet of your dilem- ma! Louvain 59 You take your sorrows from the touch of Time, But bear your joys into Eternity! Eugenie (c<3///w^ Marie Louise). Marie! Marie Louise {returning to the table). Yes, Eugenie! [The door bell rings, followed by im- patient knocking. LAFERE and MARIE Louise enter the room, while EU- GENIE hurriedly opens the door. En- ter BOMBEL wildly. He throws his hat and coat covered wifh dust on a nearby chair'] Eugenie. What news? {Enter MmE. LafERE] Mme. L. Quickly, tell us! Marie Louise. Speak! BOMBEL. Terrible — terrible! Liege, Liege has fallen! 6o Louvain LafERE (trying to be calm). Bah, rumors! It is impregnable! Mme. L. My God! Marie Louise. Jean, my beloved! BOMBEL {pacing up and down). Rumors! I wish it were! Such artillery the world has never Known. Our forts were powdered down like so much Sugar. Now troops come swifter than the wire. Lafere. What — what do you mean? BOMBEL. I say. Glowering in hordes adown the roads The Huns are already at our gates; Two mounted Uhlans gave chase behind my car. And may be now upon us any moment. \^The roaring of distant artillery is heard across the valley'] Louvain 6i Lafere. Come — make an end of this excitement! [^Sudden clattering of horses' hoofs up the roadway^ Eugenie. What's that? Bombel. Uhlans! Mme. Lafere {clasping the girls). Children! Children! [Violent pounding on the door~\ Lafere {trying to calm them). Between us here — the law of reason rules. [Walking towards the door'l Stand back! I'll let them in. Soldiers Are but men — and can be gentlemen withal. [He opens the door. Enter two Uh- lans while an officer is seen outside talking rapidly with a dozen or more men still unmounted^ 62 Louvatn 1ST Uhlan [roughly). Who lives here? Lafere. I — Gaston Lafere! 2ND Uhlan [evidently reco gnizing BoMBEL) , Old speeder, 'Twas a chase we had, but here we are! Give us a drink, host — God save the Kaiser! Eugenie [flushing and attempting to break away from her mother). Men without the manners of their brutes! 2ND Uhlan [with rough sarcasm). Long live Peace! Ha! Ha! Ha! Beauties — drinks and kisses here! \_Enter an oflicer who is immediately recognized as BaroN ObeRHAUS] ObERHAUS [rebuking the Uhlan). Silence! Fear not, my friends, but from your faces We do not receive it seems the warmest welcome. I ask your pardon, but certain things — Louvain 63 BOMBEL {interrupting him) . You! Oberhaus! Are you now drafted into Treason's ranks to consort in this hell's abyss? Oberhaus. Dear fellow — God's altar is in Prussia's heart, Your king played false with generosity. Eugenie {angrily). I knew he was a traitor — said It from the first. Oberhaus {grinning). I am a Prussian — lady. Eugenie. Yes — the dark in soul see but the shadow Of themselves. Oberhaus {to Lafere). We shall have to make our quarters here Tonight. BOMBEL {growling to himself). Noodle-skull — soap bubble brains! 64 Louvatn [Aloud sarcasttcallyl Life is a strange menagerie, eh? Beelzebub has prayed and crossed him- self. OberHAUS (becoming angry) . Old man — no mockery or witticisms Here. We come — it's God's concern, not yours! [Addressing his men'] Search the house! LAFERE. Dare you, sir? BOMBEL [with another growl) . Spindle shanks in uniform! ObERHAUS {to his Uhlans), Enchain that man — this war is business! Eugenie {angrily). In business one can be a gentleman. ObeRHAUS {ignoring her). Take him to Louvain. Bread and water soon Methinks will reduce that pouch of wit. [The room is now filled with soldiers Louvain 65 who are ruthlessly searching and throwing everything into disorder, LafERE and BOMBEL glower in help- less anger f while the women, espe- cially Marie Louise, stand, as it were, transfixed. OberhAUS makes no attempt to check the outrage^ Mme. Lafere {with desperate but dignified appeal) . Sir — have you so flung your faculties to beasts That you do thus deface a home that in The past extended open hospitality? ObERHAUS {coldly). Blame your puppet king, Madame, not me! [^The Uhlans having already given their leader several drinks, he approaches with a slight stagger toward MARIE Louise] Sweet lady, my eyes are filled with star- dust; I hear the melody from La Boheme. [^Imitating MARIE LOUISE at the piano'] 66 Lo uvatn Pianissimo! Both hands! Sweet equity! Warm as dipped in summer's high keyed air! Rudolf! Mimi! Fortissimo! Pause and count the heart-beats of the scene. BOMBEL {trying to free himself). Oil-torigued brute! Hands off that girl! \_Sudden commotion in the garden. ST. VallIEN staggers through the door, in his shirt sleeves. He is deadly pale and the blood runs from a wound in his left shoulder^ Marie Louise {rushing madly up to her lover) . Jean, Jean — you here? Oh, true dream! Your eyes — your lips — alive — I hear your heart! Men, have pity — this is the man I love! I felt in exile but I am home — now. St. V. {as Marie Louise presses her arms tightly about his neck). Beloved . . . Marie! Louvain 67 OBERHAUS {walking roughly up to where they are standing). Dare a Belgian soldier enter here, How in Hell did you get through our lines? St. V. [recognizing him). You freeze me, Baron — but that's my secret, sir; Now you become a man and leave this house! Oberhaus. Bull puppy this, and wounded too! [To Marie Louise] My compliments — your lover's surely game ! [Calling two Uhlans^ But now to business — take him out and shoot him. St. V. (sarcastically). That's true valour, sir! And I salute. Marie Louise (kneeling). Oh, Saviour! Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thou, Who suffered, knowest pity well, 68 Louvain Why — why — why hast Thou forsaken us? \_Rising and addressing ObeRHAUS] What act — what sin — that's fair in war, Can give excuse for such — such deeds as these? OBERHAUS. Battles with Beauty must take a different course; War's for better use than argument. Marie Louise. They shall go down and make the black- est and Most infamous stain upon the page of human History! Oberhaus. Bah! Bah! Bah! 'Tis woman gilds the earth with senti- ment; First I'm Prussian, next I'm not your king. BoMBEL (Hissingly). Carbuncle eyes! Louvain 69 ObeRHAUS {to his men). Muzzle that buffoon! [The Baron is now seen to slyly draw a revolver and fire a shot to deliber- ately wound one of his own men. The soldier staggers and falls to the floor] [Roaringly] Treason! Murder! Hounds — assassins here! Men! I command that order rule; this — This comes of being merciful! [The wounded German soldier is as- sisted into a chair] Marie Louise {glaring at Oberhaus). Does it not shame you to be called a man? [The Uhlans seize LaFERE, whom, with BOMBEL, they drag into the garden. Madame Lafere and Eugenie rush desperately after them. EUGENIE is seen frantically beating one of the men with her fists as they pass through the French doors] 70 Louvain Oberhaus {to Marie Louise). You'll clasp a ghost where throbbed a liv- ing love! \^The Baron now struts back and forth, chuckling to hi?iise/f, then nods to Uhlans to release St. Vallien] [Looking toward St. VALLIEN] Now, to balance your account, my fellow! [To Marie Louise~\ Don't eat me up! Ha! So proud! Stand forth — and see your sweetheart's anger blaze! [He approaches Marie Louise. At this moment EUGENIE rushes back in- to the room, her hair all dishevelled^^ Eugenie {wildly). They've killed — murdered — father and Bombel! Oh, send me strength, my veins — not tears, but strength! Destiny, destiny, take in thy hand some dust. Compounded of some secret grains 'to make me. Louvain 71 E'en for a little while — a man. [To Oberhaus] You writing coward — [An Uhlan seizes her and drags her back into the garden^ Oberhaus {with cold indifference, glaring at St. VallieN, and at the same time address- ing Marie Louise with a rising, brutal pas- sion in his voice) . Pouting lips and flashing eyes, 'Tis you that gives a soul to every star. St. V. {gnashing his teeth with anger and tak- ing a step towards the Prussian) . Be careful what you say, you Hun! Oberhaus. Hold him! [The Uhlans again lay hold of St. V.] Marie Louise {looking pitifully towards her lover) , How can we pray these wrongs away? Oh! God, if there be justice — answer me! Oberhaus (i^yzVA diabolical passion). We know, my sweet, more love across the Rhine 72 Louvain Than all the sages and divines who study Moon and Scripture. Look not down! Come — come — lift up your eyes — be not afraid! Ah! panting breasts — the crimson of your mouth! Talk of odors, talk of wines, 'tis all A cloud, 'tis all a dream, but love — love! O, do not wound me with that dagger look, For I'm a sage, in thirst come near to drink. However rude, hence courteous accents flow — My lady, do mine eyes her beauty see — Conjecture safely on her charms con- cealed. {Addressing St. V.] You think that I am slower to admire. Though a moth around a candle will be slain. {Again, to Marie Louise] You'll see your loved one's soul in Para- dise, Louvain 73 Already now his face shines through the clouds. [Caressing her armsl Your swaying, melting body in its tints, ach! The language of the night by Beauty flashed O'er satin skin to ruby in your veins. [Another malicious glance towards ST. v.] While roses gather smiles and waves draw breath, My shy and tender heart creeps up in fear — Then soft as rain mists in the lilies' bed — You know 'tis there the flames con- sume the fire. Give me a kiss — that nectar starts it all. [He seizes the girl and brutally presses his lips to hers] St. V. Dog! I'll live a moment to — [With almost superhuman strength the young Belgian tears himself from the 74 Louvain Uhlans, springs upon ObERHAUS and throws him violently to the floor. The Uhlans as planned, however, rush forward — one stabs St. VallieN while the other deliberately shoots him through the heart. MARIE Louise with a cry falls fainting across her lover s bodyl \_From the garden the Prussian soldiers are heard singing ^^Deutchland uber alles/^~\ CURTAIN ACT III Scene 2 ACT III Ten days later. PLACE — Louvain, Belgium. Night. Scene 2 : At the crossroads outside of the City on Mount Ce- sar. In the foreground are the ruins of the Lafere villa, smouldering, charred, and desolate. Away in the distance the sky is illuminated^ with the flames destroying the city. The skeletons of her once famous edifices loom in sinister relief and melancholy me?nory against the sky. Booming of cannon, shrieks of the wounded, and cries of the dying are heard, — followed by inter- missions of ghostly stillness that are interrupted only by the bitter sobs of a woman. In the faint-growing phantasmal light, Marie Louise is seen in the road bended low and kneeling before a wayside shrine. She is attired in black, riv- eted there by sorrow, but sanctified in her faith. Cardinal, Archbishop of Malines, recognized by his stately bearing and his apparel, approaches to where Marie Louise is kneeling. He pauses before the shrine. 78 Louvain The Cardinal. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen! [Crossing himself as he stoops and gently touches MARIE LOUISE on the shoulder~\ My child! Marie Louise {looking up into his face with an expression of mingled surprise and sor- row, changing to one of wonder and rever- ence) . \' Father! Father! My strength — My prayers — I knew — I knew would y soon be answered! The Cardinal {as Marie Louise moves and I kneels at his feet) . Bless you, my child, and be comforted in Him, His gentler judgment and His dearer I mercy. The world is full of tears, but they are blessed Drops that water Faith and Hope. Louvain 79 Marie Louise. Alas! O, can it be, my father, can it be? The Cardinal. There is reason for each life and every death, For shadows are the lights and lights the shadows. Marie Louise. I have believed and prayed and loved, and yet My soul is crucified in agony; Torn from me the touch of all my earth- ly dreams. The Cardinal. Earthly dreams, dear girl, must needs be short. In this prelude to eternity — Marie Louise. Ah, me! The Cardinal. There is nothing we may call our own but time; He is not gone, but merely sent before. 8o Louvain Marie Louise. I — I was so happy — Eminence! We two, were to each other all in all. The Cardinal. Such joys though oft self-made are God's decrees, Given and to be taken as He wills. The life that has not known — accepted sorrow Is untaught. Without its lesson there Would be no love. Pain superbly met Is half divine. The touch, the words, that soothe Another's woe, are but the tears of deeper Tenderness that drop from one's own eyes. This we know — having sorrowed and suffered in A dark abyss, nothing outside of eternal Life can last. This is our Calvary! Marie Louise. What a joy it is to hear a voice like yours, One's sufferings therein are deified. Such words passed, give me lighter heart and fall Louvain 8i In saintly silence on my soul. Still — still, I am so human after all. O, where Is justice, vengeance? What are ambi- tion, effort. Life and prayer — this balance keeping 'tween wrong And right, that fades and falters where the lightnings are? Rage, despair — is it come to the end of all. That stars are burnt to debris in the sky, And spectres turned in wheels of fire by A flaming Empire grim with blood and war, Our Earth down-trodden by these mur- derers? The Cardinal. Think not of vengeance, child, God is all just; There is no — no new sorrow. We are called upon To bear nothing that has not been borne before; That is a mystery, which is solely God's. 82 Louvain Marie Louise. Since Jean has died — his death is ever mine, In loving nearness and in grieving tears. [Booming of artillery and cries heard from the city^ Oh! these nights terrible at Hell's com- mand! The clash of steel, the shouts, the groans — hear! War's furrows — fingers everywhere; The fixed gaze of death and dying, As opening blossoms of a bloody madness. Life — life — life — War's fool! Virtue powdered into howitzers. O, God — The Cardinal. Hush — hush! God is nearer you Than is my speech — would you forget Him? Marie Louise. Nay — Oh! For me tell Him and I pray you to! That my heart doth look so outward after grief, Louvain 83 Seeming to pull me from the dust I came from. The Cardinal. No one measures life save He who deals it. Marie Louise. War is a scourge — The Cardinal. Yet a minister, as God With divinest Potency seems cruellest when Most kind. Take courage! These are but the suburbs of His ways. In this dusky labyrinth of life, Drinking our cups of woe and happiness, We go from darkness into light — from change To immortality — from death by death, To life undying. Marie Louise. Long experience Is disciplined to grief, The Cardinal. As we do hope And be the less distressed, 84 Louvain Marie Louise. Where desolations Darken all the vale. Your Eminence, I feel changed as by some miracle, Though still great sorrow weighs upon my soul ; This long, long way from pain to pain alone! The Cardinal. There is no such road by which you must return. There is a sun which setteth not forever, And of whose gladness there is no end. [With one hand on Marie LouiSE'S shoulder, the CARDINAL raises the other and makes the sign of the Cross'] So quickly — shall this chalice pass away. [Marie Louise rises and stands beside the Cardinal. They gaze intently upon the burning city. A luminous Cross gradually outlines itself against the sky, shines for a moment, and slowly fades away from view.] CURTAIN The Sublime Sacrifice By Charles V. H. Roberts 1 2mo, boards, uncut, paper label - - $1.25 Humanity will never cease to remember the fate of Edith Cavell; before God and man this blot will stand vividly as one of the hor- rors — one of the sacrifices — of war, the like of which is incomprehensible to modern civili- zation. It is a chapter to be written in blood and the dramatic possibilities are tremendous. Mr. Roberts has grasped an opportunity to produce a work which is really extrordinary in dramatic effect, and his technique has been pronounced highly artistic by competent critics who were allowed to see the manu- script. It compares favorably with the ear- lier productions of Stephen Phillips, John Masefield, and Wilfred Gibson. The Torch Press The Pittsburgh Dispatch says: "The episode of Edith Cavell is the theme of 'The Sublime Sacrifice,' a drama in three acts and a pro- logue by Charles V. H. Roberts. Mr. Roberts handles this great war tragedy in masterly fashion, adhering to the main facts of the story for the most part, though, as far as the American public knows, the author draws on his imagination for the character of Sir John Steele, whom he uses as the fiance of Miss Cavell, and for the dramatic scenes he pictures between the two in the Ger- man general's tent, and in the death cell. However, Mr. Roberts has written a drama that is coTrect in technique and artistic in finish." The Torch Press, Publishers