tl ■ '!» » >^ 3 ■ >^ J> :)3 3> > > >- > > 3J» )^ » ^' 1> ^ si t) ^ ^ 0> l) » :^ ^) > ft) » y> o > l) ^ :». > > If) ' ► >:> 5> > K> ► » *>^ 3 P> ^ ):> :>> ) ^ ► 3>i )) :> ?^ ^ >^ » > > 1)^ >» «> > > 1^ > » j>» > > ^ > » :s> > ^ s > )> 5^ > > sr^ > » .» >> ^s^ > » 5>.> > > \ T fc 3 » ^> > ^ a r > /> ^^^ -^ ■>j ]!> :: ■) 3^^3 ^-^i^\"^ , >~v :g>> > ^ ;> » -li LIBRARY OF CONGRESS >3 ■)'"> >.'^' :>> >>^ Cliait.-'-- Copyright Ko UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 3 :)3 \> ^o:> ^> . 3 ^ ^ . > > > >> > -- ^ > > >> ^> > > > » > ^ > > f> > ~ ^ ■) }■>:> ► > ; ;; > > >) > > :) . » >) X» ) >3 ) O^ ) > > >:> > > > ' ^:> > > >> :> > > > :> > > > > >> ^-»> :>>>:> > > » >:»> > > ' -> > > »• > - -- •) » > - ^^'^■^ ► > > > l» > )^ ■ > ~» ) 3 > >> > ^^ ^ ^ > D >) ^ :> Di i> >> ^ .'^ ^ ^^ » ^ ^> > ''■ >> • J ». ) >> ■>■>>-> ) ■. > ) y > >) >3 3 >. ) ^ .:>3 > > > > 5> ^ :> ^^ ) >:> > > > )3 5 > ) :i THE WEDDING FEAST, A TRAGIC DRAMA IN THREE ACTS, WITH A PROLOGUE, HALLOWE'EN, BY William Augustine Leamy. The Scene is laid in Clifton, a town of Kent. The period is that of Wat Tyler's Rebellion. Copyright, 1S96, bv VV. A. Leahy. BOSTON. THE WEDDING FEAST, A TRAGIC DRAMA IN THREE ACTS, WITH A PROLOGUE, HALLOWE'EN. BY William: Auoustine Leahy. The Scene is laid in Clifton, a town of Kent. The period is that of Wat Tyler's Rebellion. Copyright, 1896, by W. A. Leahy. BOSTON. PSZ235 PROLOG!- TJE. H ALLOW^E'EN. CHARACTERS : Jock o' Dean, a young yeoman. Madam Dean, his mother. Kitty Dean, his sister. Winnie Darling, his cousin. " Edgar L' Estrange." Villagers. Scene : Deati Cottage. Doors at R 3 E, L 2 e, and L in flat. A round window with wooden cover at R in flat. Hearih-fire at r with crane. Tables heaped with nuts and apples. Benches. A tub of water. Apples hung from ceiling. Flitches of bacon and hams. Evergreen festoons. Candles li^t. Madam Dean discovered helping wood on fire. Enter Kitty, l 2 e, with a lapful of nuts. Kitty. There you are. Plenty for all. The filberts are good this year. {Nibbles ofie. Enter Jock o' Dean, r 3 e, muffied up, high boots, shovel in hand) Jock. I must shovel a way in for the neighbors, mother. The snow's drifted over the path three feet deep, and still coming down like an old ewe's fleece in the shearing trough. VVhat are half the benches set over there for, Kitty .^ Kitty. This side is for the lads and the other for the lasses. Jock. Ha ! ha ! Do you think you can keep them apart.'' Not on Hallowe'en. Why ; this is sweethearts' own night. — Come ; come; fill the tub brimful. Don't be stingy — at least with vv^ater. How could Ned duck his red shock under that film.'' A minnow-pool ! Brim it up, lassie ! Kitty. Ned Baker's hair is not red, Jock o' Dean. It's as brown as your own, and you know it. {Jock kisses her) Madam. Fetch the cider, Kitty ; we've little time. Kitty Where's Winnie.'' Madam. Upstairs. Kitty. Tell her to watch my nuts, especially when Merry Andrew's 'round. Madam. She watch.'' The shy wean, she couldn't frighten a squirrel. Jock. But she's the flower of us all, mother. Mother, you have seen Winnie and me grow up together. Mother. Aye ; under this roof. Jock. We have lived like brother and sister. Maybe you'ld like — maybe you'ld like — Madam. I'm not saying no, — If I understand you, son. Kitty. {Singing) She's o'eryoung to marry yet. Jock. Sixteen. Madam. And but three years between you. Jock. I cannot hold back longer. The love leaps to my lips when I see her. I must ask her to-night. Kitty. And what will she say, think you.'' Jock I have her good will, I believe. Kitty. Don't be too sure. Jock. The ribbon she gave me. Kitty. Winnie's learning women's ways. Jock. And the blushes I stii in her cheeks. Kitty. I siiw redder ones yestermorn when Edgar, the troubadour, greeted us. Jock. Who.? Madatn. A roving nobody that's passed through the village lately. Qiiit your teasing, Kitty, Kitty Oh ! only brotliers may tease, I see. Madam. I have long looked for it, Jock. May God speed you to her heart. {Exit R 3 e) Kitty. And me to the cider-shelf. {Exit l 2 e) Jock. And me to the snow-drift. {Enter Winnie R 3 k) Winnie. Jock ! Jock. {At r> y) Winnie! A new gown .? How dainty ! Winnie. Nay ; my old best one, but trimmed a bit here. Jock. For the party to-night.? Winnie. For — the party to-night. Jock. Oh! you should be robed in silks, Winnie. {She starts) The bit of red becomes you like his new gorget the robin in spring. But the wrappings? You are not going out.? It's cutting cold. Oh! to the milk-shed; yes. Good-bye, then. Winnie ( Apart) He thinks I called him back to look at my gown. Jock. We shall have something to say to each other to-night, Winnie. {Exit D f) Winnie. Oh! I can't tell them. What if Jock should— (vS/^z^/z de/ls) Hark! Bells! He's coming. {Re-enter Madam k t, k) Madam. { With dishes, singing sojtly) And wasn't that a dainty dish to set before a king. Watch the wheat-cakes for me, Winnie dear, and turn them when they're brown. What! anew trimming on your gown. This is what has kept you upstairs so much of late. So pretty ! {Kisses her) Tut! the cakes are burning. {Goes to hearth. Enter Edgar L' Estrange at d f) Edgar. Winifred. Winnie. My Lord. {Re-enter Kitty with cidc-jars 1. 2 e) Kitty. Welcome, Edgar L' Estrange. Madam, { Turning) So this is Edgar L' Estrange. Edgar. I am known, I perceive. Kitty. Yes; indeed. Take a handful of nuts and as many apples as you can bite your teeth into. {Swings one toward him) Madam Ay ; stay by our fireside, minstrel, and sing us a song to gladden the guests. Kitty. Or recite a love-tale. It's Hallowe'en. Edgar. A love-tale.? Listen, ladies. {Drazving Winnie to him) For this cheek I liave forsworn a vow. Kit. Forsworn a vow For Winnie's cheek? Ed. I was a boy, just riping. Love made his rounds about me and all felt The sweet sting of his arrows. I alone, Who measured maidens by my mother's memory. Passed early youth heart-whole. But man must love. Of love my soul begot a beauteous vision, And her I long pursued. To her I paid The first-fruits of my knighthood. In her name My sword smote wonders. In my tent at night, Or on the rapid march, or in my bark On the moon-misted sea, I dreamt of her. Against the soft seducings of my heart Toward some veiled beauty of the Eastern marts, Or olive, bronze-eyed girl of Italy, I set her golden loveliness. Kit. Was she An angel, stranger? Ed. Nay ; a vision, such As minstrels dream. But once there came a thought : What if some day I saw mv love on earth, So fair, so sweet, so pure? Then should I woo her? Ah me ! the lost souls do not woo the angels. Do lovers love tlie maidens whom they woo? Methinks a man should set love's mark so high That she who should be worthy of his love Were far too holy that he should possess her. Nay ; I should worship her afar, nor stain Her soul with touch of mine. That thought I framed Into a vow, a young knight-errant's rash, Heaven-scaling vow. But when I saw you, love, And your untroubled eye shone deep and clear Into my soul, — we loved each other. So I was forsworn. Win. It is no sin, my lord. Mad. and Kit. My lord ! {Noise of Jock shovelling-) Ed. So ends his last love-tale Edgar, the troubadour. To-night I throw of}' the sportive mask. ( Throws back cloak) Know me now as baron Conrad Norman. Mad. and Kit. The lord of the valley ! Ed. By God's grace, — having lately, as you may have heard, come into my uncle's title. Under the guise of a roving minstrel I have wooed and won your niece, Madam Dean. In my own name, I am here to claim her tor my bride. Mad. Bride ! Kit. The love-tale was true, then? Ed. ( To Winnie) Can it be envy that clouds them so? Win. Nay, my lord ; they meant me for — another. Mad. ( Curtsying) We wish you joy, baron Norman. Kit. ( Curtsying) And your ladyship. Will you not remain till the neighbors come ? IVtn. {Quickly) Oh! no, my lord. ICii. {Aside to Madani) She has never told him of Jock. Ed. It would please me to share in your hospitality. But my own awaits Winifred. The revels are already begun at the castle, (^Assists Winnie) Mad. And of course ours are humble to them. Kit. As homespun to velvet, my lord. Ed. Forgive me. I had thought to give you a glad surprise, — forgetting what a treasure I rob you of. Kit. That which goes freely is not robbed. Mad. And vou proclaim your purposes honorable, my lord. Ed. Before all the world. Honorable and larger than you dream. Every cottager in this valley will bless the day when a village girl became baron Norman's bride. Kit. Shall we, my lord.-" Mad. 1 trust we may. Win. Farewell, Mother Dean ! Farewell, Kitty ! ( They curtsy coldly. She weeps) Ed. Come, Winifred ! Come! Come! {Exeunt Viv) Mad. She that I took in an orphan without kith or kin, and reared like one of my own. {Sleigh-bells. Jock 'whistles ) Kit. This will kill Jock. {Enter Jock., snoivy., at l 2 e) Jock. Whew ! There ! I've shovelled all around. Who was that came ? Mad. None, as yet. Jock. 'None yet.'' Then the witches are abroad. Didn't I hear sleighbells.'' You're plaguing me. It's Ned Baker ; of course, he's the first. Eh, Kitty.'' Where's he hiding, the rascal.^ Kit. It wasn't Ned. Jock. Who was it, then.'' Where's Winnie? What are you both looking so dark {ox} { Calls a/ R 3 e) Winnie ! Mad. She's gone, Jock. Jock. Gone.'' Oh! of course, to the milk-shed. She'll have tingling cheeks, the lassie, when she comes back. It's cutting cold for Hallowe'en. A log on for Winnie ! Kit. She's gone away. Mad. Not to come back. Kit. To live with the new baron. Mad. He wooed her secretly as Edgar, the troubadour. Kit. 'Twas his sleigh-bells you heard. Mad. They are on their way now to the castle. Jock. The castle ! Mad. No, no, not that, not so bad as that. Kit. She went Ireely. Mad. To be his bride. Jock. Bride ! — Are you jesting at me.^ — Mother ! Mad. I would it were some jest, that a word could end. In all soberness, she has gone to the castle to be baron Norman's bride. Jock. Bride! In that nest of harlotry ! — Snow here .^ {Loudly^ Winnie! — My God, they have stolen her from me! Oh, slaves that we are ! {Enter neighbors 2 l E, Marion., Ned Baker .^ Merry Andrew .^ etc., romping) Jock. ( 7t? D f) Slaves ! Kit. Stop him ! Mad. Jock, you are mad. {Exit Jock d f) Jock. ( Outside) Slaves ! Kit. The wind howls like a wolf. Mad. He will follow them and perish in the snow. {Merry Andrew steals a handful of nuts) [curtain.] THE WEDDING FEAST. Time : seven months later. SCENES. ACT I. Scene I. Dean Cottage. '^ II. The Witches' Den. " III. Court-yard of the Castle. ACT II. Clifton Green: The Wedding Feast. ACT III. Scene I. Willow Road. " II. Friar Nod's Cell. ■' III. The Witches' Den. " IV. The Bridal Chamber. DRAMATIS PER SON yS. Jock o^ Dean, an Outlaw. Merry Andrew, a Village Idler. Baron Conrad Norman. Sir Frank Romainbs. Friar Nod. Ned Baker, Kitty Dean's Betrothed. Hubert, \ _ f Guards. Bernardo, > Charles, the Parish Beadle. Tom Harvey, a Serf. Allan Forster, Lieutenant of Wat Tj'ler. Marvin Keep, Sheriff, and Warden of the Castle. Lady Winifred Norman, Bride of the Baron. Kitty Dean. Madam Dean. Marion. Raimond, a Page. Blind Robin. Knights, Ladies, Outlaws, Serfs, Villager.s. 7 ACT I . SCENE I. Dean Cottage. Table and cupboard at l rear. Madam Dean discovered at R rear, pillowed in an arm-chair. Enter Kittv, r 3 f.. Kitty. {Apart) Poor mother ! {Aloztd) There's the ribbon, mother. See, his name in blue thread, the very stitch I taught her when we used to knit together in Mercv Fletcher's doorway. Madam Dean. Is Robin come.'' Kitty. Not yet. {Goes io n F and glances out l) Here's Friar Nod, trudging down the hill. Poor old man, his feet can hardly carry him the long journeys he must make. {Lowing of a cow from l. Kittv takes milk-pail frotn table and co?nes down l) Moo ! Moo ! Milk me ! Milk me ! Stop your lowing, Hetty Dean, you saucy old cow ! {Exit l '3 e) Madam Dean. {Eyeing ribboti) Will you know the gift, Win- nie Darling.'* Will you remember the birthday a year ago when you flattered my poor boy's heart with this trinket from your own pretty fingers.'' Seven long months since Hallowe'en, when she went up to live in the castle ! {Marvin Keefs head at window) That week Jock v^ent off into the forest, an outlaw. Then all the slanderous tongues began to wag, and all the godly censors to judge my boy for the crime that was no crime. {Re-enter Kitty I. 3 E, with pail, milk spilled over her aprojt. Removes apron) Kitty. Well, Hetty's in a temper, too, this morning. That's twice she's kicked it over, — and as for her tail ! {Enter Keep D F.) Madam Dean. Never headsman's axe dealt juster blow than the fist that felled Marvin Keep ! Kitty. The wolf! Keep. ( Cotning forward) A certain name is on your lips, mesdames. Madam Dean." {Startled) You darken my door again.'' Keep. Tour door.'' {Draws out a process) What have you there.? Some token from Kitty's spark, Ned Baker.'' {Snatch- es at ribbon) Kitty. And if it were, you dare not so much as finger the edge of it ! You're brave enough to come with your process and drive two women from their roof — Madam Dean. Peace, Kitty. Is all to be taken, sherifl? Keep.'' Keep. {Flourishing writ) All, says the process. Kitty. And for what.? Keep. Because a felon's goods are forfeit to the crown, sweetheart. Kitty. Felon yourself! Madam Dean. You provoked him to the blow. Keep. {Reading) " To the sheriff^ of Cliftoushire, greetings from Richard, his majesty. You are hereby commanded, on 8 the i6th day of June, in the year of our Lord, 1381," — to- morrow, Mad;im Dean, — " to seize all lands .and goods " — Madam Dean. To-morrow.'* Keep. Did I not give you warning enough? Have I not made you a friendly ofier.? To-morrow at sunrise my constables will be here, — unless, — need I speak plainly, Kitty? Madam Dean. You think plainly. {Enter jock with a brace of fowl, and Ned^ d f) Keep. You don't answer. I can stay the process. I can fit your sweet body with many a fair gown, ay, ( Whispering') and lift the ban of outlawry from him that robs in the forest. Kitty. And your price for these favors? {Keep tries to kiss her. She slaps his face) Keep. Hussy! You're too proud for your station. {Seizes her. Kitty shrieks. Jock lays fowl on table and flings Keep aside, laughing in fnockery of his disconifiture) Madam Dean AND Kitty. Jock! {Madarn Dean hides the ribbon) Jock. Pretty play, grave officer ! {Fiercely) Draw! Keep. I am an old man and stifl', Jock o' Dean. Jock. Four-score winters had whitened Jonas Whittaker's hairs. Who sliot him dead in the park? Keep. He was snaring a pheasant, — breaking the laws I serve. Jock. Revenge ! Lust ! Avarice ! These are the laws you serve. Bv heaven ! I think they are monarchs of England. Ned. {at d f) Hist! {Starts to shut the door., but seeing the newcomer is friar Nod., sahites him. Jock advances on Keep) Kitty. Peace, Jock, in the house. Madam Dean. Li the name of prudence — Friar Nod. Li the name of God! {Silence. Ned crosses to Kitty at R rear. Business between them.) Friar Nod. What brings you two here? Keep. {Flourishing xvrit) The laws of England ! Fr. No private purpose? Keep. Dare you hinder the king's officer? Fr. I dare hinder the king, were his errand foul as yours. Keep. {Edging toward d f) Cowled foreign beggars! Med^ dlers in honest Englishmen's work ! Jock. Go ! Keep. We'll pitch you out of our island. Ned. {At r rear) How the beaten cock crows! Kitty. He'll strike friar Nod. , Keep. Lisolent beadmongers ! Jock. {Suddenly) Wince! {Exit Keep., hastily., d f, and passes windoxv) Blusterer ! {Laughs) Fr. It is such as he that on their death-beds of sin cry loudest for the insolent beadmonger ! Mad. God grant he may not cry in vain ! Jock. The old homestead ! And the Norman's hatred pursues me so far? He would add even this poor plunder to his spoils. {Embracing them) Mother! Kitty! Mad. My boy ! How changed ! Jock. 111? No wonder! Poor mother! Would they drive you forth on the roadside to starve? Mad. To die. Fr. What game is afoot, Jock, that you visit poor Clifton? Mad. {Aside) That he should return on just this day ! Kitty. {Aside) Their wedding day, too. Fr. To plunder the market, maybe? Jock. {Recklessly) Tell me, father, on your conscience, is Robin Hood damned? Fr. Damned? How should I say? Who can measure the limits of God's mercy ? Jock. Then there's some hope for Jock o' Dean. {Crosses to table and picks up fowl) A quarter-staft' in his riglit hand and an alms-gift in his left, which will weigh the heavier in God's scales, I wonder? Have no fear to lose the cottage, . mother. {Fiercely) Those are my acres, — mine and yours, — By heaven, they shall not be taken from us! Out of your sparking corner, Ned ! ( Goes up l. Ned crosses r to i.) Kit. Whither away so early ? Jock. To the mending of wrongs. Mad. Not after the sheriffs? Kit. The garden path. {Points to l 2 k) Jock. Twice Keep's shadow has crossed me. The third time — Fr. Well ? Jock. {At l 3 e) Before to-morrow's sun dawns a tyrant will be dragged from the throne of England, and the will of the people be sovereign as of old ! Kitty. {At c, aside to Ned) So soon. Mad. What does he mean? Fr. Bubbles all ! Bubbles all ! Ned. Nay, the clergy are with us. Jock. {Kissing Kitty at i^ 2 e) Then let lesser tyrants look to their safety. {Ned tries to kiss Kitty) Fr. Tut, tut! Jock. Good-bye ! {Exit l 2 e ivith Ned) Fr. Wayward, tempestuous soul ! Kitty. Don't cry, mother ! It seeins to me that's Hetty lowing again. {Ned reappears a/ l 2 e and kisses her) No, it wasn't Hetty. Fr. How soon would they evict you. Madam Dean ? Mad. To-morrow. Fr. ( Whispering) Trust in God. You shall be provided for. I have in my eye a cottage every whit as tidy as this. Mad. I am not one that love to lean on my neighbors, father. Fr. Tut, tut ! You shall live there, the church's tenant, and pay rent to none but the Lord. Mad. Can I forget the old, sweet days, when I stood at yonder door, watching my boy as he came through the paths, his labor done, — Kit. Whistling like a thrush. Fr. Well may you grieve, Madame Dean. A good son Jock was to you then. lo Kit. And who made him what he is? Mad. To-day she that drove him to his ruin is wedded to her lord^ and we on the roadside starving. {She takes out the ribbon) Fr. Drove him to his ruin? There was no troth between Winnie DarHng and your Jock. Kit. As good as a trotlr, and an honest girl would keep it and not drive a lad that loved her to shame, — her own blood-cousin, too. ( Takes the ribbon and shows it to friar) Mad. Peace, Kitty, we have done grieving tor a low-born hussy's fickleness. {Enter Merry Afzdreiv d f) M. A. {Apart) He's gone ! Fr. Fickle is a hard word, Madam Dean. Mad, Was she worthier than my son? What lad of the village had broader fields than his, all earned by his own honest toil? M. A. {Beside the table ^ apart) But he left his juaii} Kit. There's not a lord in England a better man than my Jock, on foot and with equal arms. Fr. Yes, all that— Kit. All that, and spurned by a baby doll, in love with her own pretty face and the gowns and jewels his Baronship can give her to set it ofl. {Friar stares) Mad. Be respectful, Kitty, to the holy friar. Fr. And would she be the first lass so bewitched at sixteen? {Returns ribbon) Nay, nay ; they loved each other from the hour they met when first young baron Conrad came to take his uncle's name and castle. ( 1 o Madam) Jock was all that, Madam Dean, — frolicsome, generous, open-handed ever. If he had a fault, it was pride. Mad. {Softly) If he has a fault, it is love. Fr. You yourself are a gentlewoman. Your son is but half a peasant, — and your half-peasant is a mortal Lucifer. {Merry Andrew meets hi?n quickly) M. A. Would your reverence do me a kindness? Fr. Bless me ! Mad. Merry Andrew? Kit. In the garb of a fool? M. A. Yes, — That is, of a jester. (To Madam, maliciously) A paper the sheriff' bade me leave. ( To Briar) A suit of motley, that Reynard, the jester of the late baron Norman, gave me as a token of his friendship, when he left. Your reverence knows I have some talent as a jester. Mad. The process ! {Kitty tears it to shreds) Fr. Yes, they call you Merry Andrew. Kit. Merry Andrew ? Villain Andrew ! / never saw a true smile on his phiz. M. A. Reynard, the old baron's jester, often took notice of me before he left the new baron's service and went over to the Duke of Chichester. Kir. God help the Duke of Chichester ! M. A. The new baron has no jester. It stands likely he will want one — to caper for his guests, — so ! {He Illustrates) Fr. Ha! ha! it M. A. To tease his lady's waiting-maids — so ! {IllusiraUs.) Fr. Ha! ha! ha! M. A. And to poke fun at fat abbot Giles ! Fr. What! M. A. I mean to-to-poke fun at good abbot Giles's d-d-detractois ! Kit. How long since you've stuttered, I'ld like to know? M. A. It's a warm berth, that of jester, and your reverence knows I am not rich. Heaven's holy will be done ! ( Crosses himself) Many a purse and costly gewgaw, and dagger all studded with stones, Reynard has showed me, tliat he got from lords and ladies when he pleased them. He was served by pages, came and went as he liked, and none dared say boo to him in all the castle for fear of the old black baron. Fr. And so you think you could order about the pages of the castle, — youths of gentle birth .^ Kit* And he the son of a swineherd. M. A. The new baron thinks highly of your reverence. Fr. Tut, tut ! He barely knows me. M. A. Oh, your reverence ! 'Tis common rejDort. Fr. Tut, tut ! M. A. And should your reverence recommend my name to him strongly, — and then should my lady Winifred whisper it in his ear, — and I'll give them a foretaste of my drolleries on the green this afternoon, — why, if all prospers, I may fill Reynard's place at the castle so. Fr. ( Sternly) You know why Reynard was dismissed, I suppose. M. A. Was he dismissed, your reverence ? Fr. For some scurvy trick on the reverend abbot. M. A. Oh! Kit. {Mocking) Oh! Fr. Would you use your privileges there to make light of holy men and holy things .-* M. A. Me, your reverence.'' Me.'' Oh, if you knew how faith- fully I keep the feasts of the church. Fr. Indeed, I never remarked it. M. A. On Saint Andrew's day I recite long rituals And abstain from vic-tu-als. And every morn when I rise, for a starter, I cross myself twice and then patter a Pater. Kit. {Aside) You thieving hypocrite, ribald rogue ! M. A. And 'tis no sin to be ambitious, your reverence. Mad. Calls he that ambition ! Fr. Well, well, you have a merry face now that I look at you closely. I'll speak to the Baron for you. M. A. A hundred thousand thanks, and your blessing, good father. {Kneels) Fr. Bless you. Kit. {Aside) You rogue ! Fr. You'ld make a good fool, I verily believe, ha ! ha ! M. A. Ha ! ha ! ha ! Your reverence is keen at a jest. Fr. Away with you now. I'll speak to him. 12 Kit. Don't cry, mother. " They 5>^fl;// not be taken," said Jock, and he has never broken his word to us yet. Mad. Ay, Jock keeps his word. Kit. Never fear. He knows a way, then. {^Apart) But I wish I knew what the game is. {Roundelay by girls at a distance^ A gay betrothal, merry bridal. Laughing bride and ladies. Up came Tom, the rover idle, " Tell me who the maid is?" Tell me who the maid is. Tell me who the maid is, Up came Tom, the rover idle, " Tell me who the maid is } " Fr. ' Tis the cottage m the west meadows that I purchased with last year's tithes. M. A. {At L rear^ If I get scent of Jock o' Dean, I am the Baron's jester ! Fr. Hey .? Yes, yes, the Baron's jester. Away with you ! I'll speak to him. ( Villagers in holiday garb pass d f, r /^ Raimond^ l) Why, he's mocking the Baron. ( Charles interferes. Business for Merry Andrezu) Bar. Who is the minstrel that made such untuneful music? Win. That was Merry Andrew. Fr. a famous jester of the village, my lord. Sir Fr. Why does he edge near us constantly as if he were addressing his fooleries to the Baron .^ Fr. It is his strange ambition, Sir Knight, to succeed the jester of my lord's late uncle, one Reynard by name. It was he taught Andrew many of his tricks, — especially this pestilent habit of rhyming ; and from him he borrowed that suit of motley he wears. Sir Fr. It has seen good service, by the patches. M. A. (At l) The friar has kept his promise. They are talking about me. Good ! Good ! Keep it up, Andrew, keep it up ! (Business. Villagers guff aiv) Bar. (Watching him) So.? (Merry Andrew out at i. z 'k) You had a fancy, love, to dance again Your girlhood dances .f" Win. Would it become me, think you.? Fr. Gracious deeds Become even queens, my lady. Bar. Go, my love, We'll watch you from the thrones. ( Winifred throws back cloak., revealing village costume. Raitnond and Baron assist her to desceitd. Girls shyly kiss her hand ) Sir Fr. ( Tawning) • A pest on love ! Conrad, your eyes see nothing but your wife. Bar. What is it, Frank.? Sir Fr. As we're not happy bridegrooms. We're like to die of gaping in the sun At these tame dances. There's a roomy field Beyond the bushes where the sweets are spread. Across the road ; and by your leave we'll wrestle, And test the .village archers there a bit. Bar. With all mv heart. I should have thought of it. (Sir Frank co77ies down to Hubert and Berfzardo, ivho have been well supplied from the hogshead by Raimond. Charles occasionally j'oitzs theni) Mar. (At c) And were you truly married, Winifred.' Win. As truly as abbot Giles could marry us. Mar. And in the chapel with the candles lighted, All golden, and the solemn organ playing.? Win. Yes, Marion. Mar. Ah, might I be married so ! 26 Sir Fr. {Loudly) A stout yew-bow to him that sends a shaft Beyond my squire, Bernardo. Bar. And this purse To him that bests stout Hubert with the staff. Youths. Now here'U be sport. Mar. Come, Harold, have a try. Knights. Let's see the games. Hub. Lean striplings, every one. Bar. Tug for the fame of Clifton now, my liegemen. {Exeunt L u E Sir Franks Hubert^ knights and youths. Raimond Jlirts ivitli Marion. Bei-nardo and Charles remain at table., drinking., — Charles more and more pompous., Bernardo more and fnore jovial. Winifred and girls make ready to dance. Re-enter merry Andrciv L 3 E aiid comes dozvn to C front) M. A. {Apart) I'll practice on the page. Raim. {Apart) Oh, you will? M. A. Hello, here's Hop-o'-my-Thumb, the king of the midgets, making love to Marion. Bern, {fealotis) To Marion .? Oh, no ! M. A. I'wo feet high and a century old in his doublet and hose. Mar. Twelve years and a half you mean. M. A. Just lialf as old as his partner, then. Mar. The Idea ! M. A. And she's just half as old as the beadle. Bern. Ha! ha! ha! fifty, camerado ! Chas. Psh ! M. A. Ard Charles is just half as old as the friar. Bern. {Rapping glass) Good! Jolly! Jolly! Chas. More ale ! M. A. And so on up to Mathusalem. ( To Raimond) Can you tell a duck from a goose.? Raim. Yes, — you're not a duck. Bern. Good for the midget. Win. What shall tlie first dance be, the ring-dance.? Come. Choose partners. Lay our bonnets on the grass. ( Winifred and girls dance a country dance) Bar. How quaint and modest are these village dances ! Bern. Did you see how jolly Andrew trounced the midget.? Ha ! ha! ha! Chas. More ale ! Bar. Is it my eye is rosy-steeped in love. Or are mv folk so happy as they seem. This festal day .? What mean these rude alarms. Uprisings, marches, and wild shrieks of war. That startle the sweet peace of England's homes.? Fr. Remember, this is holiday, my lord. To-morrow will be working-day again, And many other morrows. Bar. They taste less, Poor toilers, of the honey of life than we. I pray you, dance again. ^7 Win. The wide ring, now. Everybody join. Come, Marion, Alice, Kate. (yAll except Baron^ JPriar^ Robin and Bridesmaids Join hands. Bernardo and Raii?iond have a tiff over Alarion) M. A. Rope the friar in, too. ( Catches him inside circle) You shan't get out till you dance. Friar Nod. Mar. With Winifred. Raim. With my lady. Fr. Children! Children! {Winifred joins him i?z middle. All dance about., till at last friar taps his feet and joins ! Win. Heaven bless our good friar ! Ai.L. Amen ! Fr. ( Out of breath) That was my — first attempt — Bar. a most successful beginning. My lady must have you for a partner again. Raim. A chair to rest you, fatiier. {After all is over Briar has a long ft of laughing. Exit L 3 E Merry Andrew. Enter L u E Ned Baker and Tom Harvey., coining down to 'Lfrofzt) Ned. The fun is high, Tom. Tom. How many fighting men did you make it.^ Ned. Less than a dozen. {Friar sobers up at seeing Ned., beckons to him.., and whispers brief y) Fr.. I suppose, Winnie, now that you're going to live in the castle, you'll be a grand court lady like the others. Mar. {Aside to girls) She is grown a lady ; but not a bit scorn- ful, like the two with their fans and flounces. Fr. Fve heard of dames that play all manner of instruments as skilfully as a minstrel, and sing in soft foreign tongues, the • Tuscan and the Proven9al. Win. Why, I know no tongue but our own stubborn Saxon, and no songs but the sweet ballads of the country-folk. Fr. There's my little loyal girl ! My simple lark of the meadows ! Win. Indeed, I am of the meadows. Often I envy the great dames their fine manners, never ill-at-ease or uncertain. Raim. Peacocks, my lady! Who cares for them.f* The lark's a sweeter singer, — and as for the rest, oh, that's all feathers, — just feathers and strut. Village girls forme! {To Marion) Mar. We've a secret for you, Winified. Win. Oh, tell me! {Marion whispers) Over in the meadow.? Let's go ! ( Winifred and girls start up stage. 7 he brides- maids descend haughtily from thrones) Raim. Your peacocks, my lady ! — I mean, — I mean, — your brides- maids, my lady! {Exeunt Winif-ed. girls and bridesmaids RUE, Winifred throwing kisses to Baroti. Friar with Baron., Baijnond xvith Charles and Bernardo. Cheers from L u E a7td cries of ''•Harold") Fr. That's a village cheer. Harold has won the knight's bow. Bar. We have able archers, I hear, in Clifton. {Efiter l 3 e Merry Andrexu and several urchins., ?nasked to represent a goose, fox., dragon., bear, etc. They drag a cart with cur- tained booth) M.A. {Aside) You start it, Oliver, you're the biggest. Then let the rest join in. {Aloud) My lord — holy friar — fellow-townsmen. 28 Fr. What now? {^Raimond puis finger in dragon's mouthy gets bitten and punishes dragon^ M. A. In honor of the happy event which we celebrate to-day, I have devised a most edifying mystery-play for my lord's delectation. CiiAS. Isn't this [hie] improper, Bernardo? Bern. Go it, bully Andrew ! Fr. These mysteries, as now enacted by laymen, often smack of impiety. ■M. A. Impiety ! Oh, your reverence ! It is full of grave matter, taken from the scripture, and entitled " Eve, Adam, and the Devil." ViLi.AGERS. Give it to us. Merry Andrew. Bern. I like the Devil. ( Curtain of booth drawn aside. Par- ody ad libitum ofz an aticient mystery. Giiffa^tvs. Curtain of booth closed) Bern. Ha ! ha ! I always did like the Devil. Chas. {Reeling r to c) This is [hie] highly improper, before the baron. {Business betiveen Charles a?id JSIerry Aiidrew) Urchins. {At c rear) Did you ever see pompous Charles Bullying tipsy carles? Hands in the pillory, feet in the stocks. Head thrust through for the rabble's mocks. "Oh, this is the physic and this is the dose For such carles ! " Snarls Charles. ( Curtains of booth drawn asunder, showing efiigy of Charles in stocks and pillory) Chas. Monstrous impudence ! Fr. Tut! tut! Who are these? Raim. Merry Andrew's admirers. {Charles staggers out after urchins rue. Raimond orders villagers to drag booth out L 3 E. Bernardo asleep) Bar. What did you say the jester's name is? Fr. Andrew, my lord. Merry Andrew we call him. M. A. {At I., cu?tningly tvatchful) He is talking about me again, — asking my name, I wager. Bar. Merry Andrew. H'm ! He makes the rustics laugh. It is peppered for those of strong relish. M. A. And marking me out for the wittiest wag. Fr. Shall I bid him desist, my lord? Bar. Oh, no ! M. A. Good ! Good ! Keep it up, Andrew, Keep it up ! {Bus- iness) Bar. Let the clown have his day. But if I should maintain a jester (and that I will leave to Winifred) It shall be some keen Frenchman or Italian dwarf, full of delicate thrusts at our foibles, — some moralist who preaches by ridicule, — Raim. Like the hunchback we saw at Padua, my lord? Bar. Yes. Hardly such a discordant buffoon as this. M. A. Keep it up, Andrew. {Cheers from L u E and cries of " Hubert") 29 Raim. The other side, now. Fr. We were beaten in something. Bar. Hubert has no match living at a yeoman's sports. M. A. {A^ l) Aha, Ned Baker ; just my man. Bar. If Winifred were here, she could give out the prizes. Fr. They are over in the meadow. I'll summon her, my lord. {Rxit rue) Bar. (To Raiinond^ Hear them. {^Roundelay from rue) Sweet Winnie Darling she was christened. To her cottage shady Came a lord with a ring that glistened ; Now she is my lady. Now she is my lady ; Now she is my lady. Sweet Winnie Darling she was christened. Now she is my lady. (^Meanwhile Merry Andrew approaches Ned at 'L front) M. A. How fares Jock, Ned.? Ned. What's that, you meddling, — M. A. Soft ! I'lTi only one tough arm the moix to crack heads with. Wher'e's the meeting-place.'' Ned. You — by heaven, I mistrust you ! M. A. I swear on the cross, I'm honest, Ned. Ned. If you tattle, it won't be the first time — M. A. I had it from Peter the game was afoot. Ned. But it will be the last. M. A. He bade me come to you. Where do we meet.-* Ned. {Reluctantly) The Witches' Den. M. A. What hour.? Ned. Curfew. M. A. How many.? Ned. Fifty score all told. M. A. What's the game.? Ned. To burn the castle. Tom. Hist! Ned. You mind what I said. Bar. (To Raimond) The knights are returning. (Re-enter L u E Sir Frank Romaines, Hubert and youths, one with a new bow. They come down c. Jock o' Dean's bugle-call heard outside. Ned and Tom start) Sir Fr. A village vouth won the bow. Where was Bernardo.? Raim. Here! (Shakes him) Weighted down with some dozens of bumpers of Ale. He has half that hogshead inside of him. Bern. (Waking) I do like the Devil! Go it, bully Andrew! (Enter c rear Jock o' Dean) vSiR Fr. But as for quarter-staft' sport, I thought you English were masters of that. If there's none can prove his title to it better than the three who went down so quickly on yonder field, the purse of gold goes to Hubert. Jock. (Coming forward) She is not here. Bar. Come, lads, Harold has won the bow. Who'll be champion of the village against Hubert once more. (Long hesitation) 36 Bar. And lady Winifred shall award him the prize. None? Jock. Yes. One! (Commotion) Ned. (At l front) Rash! Rash! M. A. (At L front) It's Jock o' Dean ! I am the Baron's jester ! Bar. Are you a liegeman of ours.'' Jock. Clifton was my home. Sir Fr. Strip, then, and let us see the bout. Ned. Careful, Jock ! Jock. None of them know me. (They battle with quarter-staffs. Jock wins. A cheer) Sir Fr. (At r) It's the boor's own weapon, and he took you tired. Hub. No, Sir Frank, I was fairly beaten. Bar. Manfully spoken, my manful Hubert! (Holding purse) How shall we name the winner.'* Jock. ' Let that pass. Sir. Fr. You have done what no man ever did before. Bar. We should be better known. Enter my service, And make the third, with Hubert and Bernardo, Of my picked body guard. Jock. (Still breathing hard) You honor me. Bar. And you, my honest liegemen of the village, We should be better known. Good friar Nod Has told me of sundry youths among you, driven By hunger's cruel pinch to lawless courses. To such the warm right hand of clemency I would extend. It is my Christian faith That when the final reckoning is taken, Upon the velvet shoulders of the rich Shall poor men's crimes be laid. Therefore, I swear Upon my honor as our Lady's knight, Within a league of Norman castle, none Shall fast while I have wherewithal to feed them. (Commotion) Further, in witness of my happy union, And that the Wedding Feast on Clifton green May be a joyful memory among you, Twelve of my serfs, — the most deserving twelve, — Whom Friar Nod shall name, — shall be set feee. And date their freedom by the blessed hour When Winnie Darling became Lady Norman. (Commotion. Jock rigid at c) A FEW. Cheers for Lady Winnie ! Tom. (l front) By the cross, The Baron's honest, Ned. Ned. (Watching Jock) It's all a mask. (Meanwhile Merry Andrew sUnks up stage at L, crosses L to R and comes down r behind villagers, outlaws and throne, to Sir Frank at R front) Bar. Far be it from me to push beyond the bounds Of courtesy my wishes, stalwart champion. Your bearing and your accent are so gallant, Your features fair — 31 Jock (Breaking out) By deeds a man is tried. Fair features are as empty as glib words. Bar. True. You are knightly minded. Jock. Conrad Norman, You spoke of youths driven to desperate courses. There was one such in Clifton. Bar. Tell me of him. Jock. This for his nature. If it had grave faults (And who, not more than mortal, lacks his share) They were not of the heart. He sutiered wrong. A Baron — of your rank — stole that away Which was the sun and centre of his life. Yes, more, his life itself essayed to steal. And doomed the blameless women of his blood, Mother and sister, pure as ever prayed For son and brother's weal. To wander houseless on the barren moors. Then was his spirit clouded. Impulses Malign shot through it, like the lightning-streaks That for one sudden moment all the heavens Ilhmie, — and then the world is darker for them. Rob. (At l from) What is Jock saying, Raimond? Raim. Jock who? Ned. (To Robin) Sh ! Bar. I pity him. Where dwells he now.' ' Jock. He fights For Walter Tyler. Sir Fr. That disloyal boor Who barks and clamors at the gates of London .'* Jock. The smith who in the glory of free manhood Dares hold himself the equal of a king ! Bar. Who was this youth, so wronged .f" Jock. All know him here. They know who stocked their larders in the winter, Who heaped the poor man's fagot-pile by night, Who held the wolt from Widow Samson's door, — They know, and bless him. — the accuised. with price Upon his head, they bless him. ! Yes. my lord. This branded felon, whom an unjust judge (His ermine spattered o'er with spots of blood) Has made it law to harry like a wolf, Might stiiid within your midst this very hour And yet be not betiayed ! Sir Fr. How not bttiaved ? M. A. (r front) SirKnioht! Jock. Who dare betray him.'' (Merry Andrew edges away confused) Unless some do^ That has no fear of good men's execration. The jeers of children in the public wa} s. And women's pointed fingers ! M. A. (Apart) " What care I So I be the Baron's jester? 32 Bar. Such a youth So loved, might be won back to stiaightei' courses. His name? Jock. Is Jock o'Dean. M. A. (I'o Sir Frank, again) Sir Knight! Sir Fr. (Intent on Jock) Begone! Bar. I never heard his name. Jock. You never heard m — Bar. And yet you move me in the wretch's favor As if it were your own cause that you pleaded. Jock. (Apart) He never heard my name? Hub. 'Twas some such churl Slew Marvin Keep, my lord. Bar. Not unprovoked That blow, I well believe. Fell Keep, the last Of my black uncle's crew. (L;iughter of girls from R u e) Raim. Here comes my lady, With Marion and the lasses clustered round her. All like a wreath of roses in the sunset. (Pale red light. Enter rue VVinfred and girls, — a basket of trinkets in Win- ified's hands. She passes L of Jock) Jock. (Apart) My God, how can you smile so, Winnie Darling? Bah. Your bright eyes show the h.ippiness within. WiK. [On throne] Such a surprise as Marion puts upon me. Look, this— and this — and this, — the lasses' gilts, To shovt^ I am not forgot in Clifton yet. Bar. You come in season to bestow the prize Upon the champion stavesman of the games. Win. [ Taking purse] Gladly. Which is the champion stavesman? Jock, i ! [Holds out hand. She recognizes him] Win. [Agitated, but with dignity and kindness] Gladly I share the surplus of mv joy Upon this happiest of all da} s to me W^ith one I know so worthy, one of old So near to me in bhiod, so kind in deed, I loved him as a brother. Jock. Thanks, my lady! [.Suddenly he tosses purse to L, Merry Andrew greedily capturing it, and blows his bugle-call loudly. Enter outlaws R 3 E and climb thrones behind Baron and Winifred] Sir Fr. What means this rigmarole? How the fellow stares At lady VVinified! Bar. [Apart] I nndeistand. [Jock raises bugle to lips for the third cad. Aloud] And gladly I, to cap our Feast's rejoicings. Acting by special favor for the crown, Here, in the King's name, pardon and absolve From every mulct and stain of his offences. That son of Clifton, pleaded for so nobly. The outlaw, Jock o'Dean ! [Jock hesitates in long bewilder- ment, bugle very slowly loweied from lips] Fr. [Outside and entering rue] My lord! Grave news! Wat Tyler's taken and slain ! 33 All. Wat Tyler slain ! [Jock rushes to c front. Ned to Jock- Outlaws withdraw to c rear] Fr. [Ate] A rider just flew by. At Smithfield Tyler braved the king. Bold Walworth, The mayor of London, pierced him with his sword, Then were the rabble leaderless, when lo ! The boy-king cried "/ am the people's leader!" And led them to the fields of Islington. Bar. Cheers for old England and the brave boy-king ! [Cheers. Chimes he;ird] Fr. The angelus is ringing. [All, except Jock cross themselves] Bar. Let us thank Heaven. [Kneels. AH follow, except Jock, — outlaws, Ned and Tom, last. Hubert exibits Baron's banner with motto. Winifred bursts into teais and Baron puts his arm around her. An impulse of jealous rage seizes Jock, who draws dagger and advances a step toward throne. The first note of the hymn checks him] All chant. Ave NLaria, gratia plena, dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulierihus, et henedictus fructus ventris tui. Jesu. — Amen. Jock. [Dropping dagger] God forgive me! [Kneels, complet- ing angelus tableau] CURTAIN. ACT III SCENE L Willow Road. Flnt at second grooves. Trees at first grooves r and L. Kitty Dean discovered, looking to L. Kit. You're somewhat troubled for a nine hours' bride. What can hive happened that she turned so pale.'' The townsfolk gossip in low and awe-struck tones As if they'd seen the Virgin. [Enter Marion and girls at L, Robin and Raimond, followed by Ned Baker, at r] Mar. Did you note How Winnie colored Alice.? Mark my words, We haven't seen the end of it. KIt. [Screened by ti'ees at l] Wiiat has happened.'' RAim. 1 wonder what I'ld do if I were blind. Mar. You'ld be less the merry madcap tliat you are. Ned. Marion, Marion, you mustn't be enticing the castle pages with your pretty smiles. Mar. La, Ned Baker! Raim. Enticing me? Oh, no, I'm not old enough for that yet. But when I am — Mar. When you are.'' Raim. When I am, — why, I'll do the enticing with my own pretty smiles. [Exeunt pages at l] 34 Ned. [Chucking her familivirlv] Marion! Marion! [Kitty catches him] Now. don't be jealous, Kitty. It was only fun. [Exeunt Marion and giils at n] Kit. [Moving to and fro] No, — T — won't. [Exit at l. Enter Sir Frank and Hubert, followed by Merry Andrew at r. Exit Ned after Kitty at l] Sir. Fr. [Laughing] Both tipsy? They shall walk home for punishment. You say Blind Robin's s.ife with Raimond.'' •Hub. Theie they go. M. A. A word with you, sir knight. Sir Fr. Well, fellow ! M. A Sir. A word with you, alone. Sir Fr. Speak out, sirrah ! M. A. Treason, my lord ! Sir Fr. The devil ! M. A. 'Tis a case Of life or death. Sir Fr. Hubert, walk on a spell. [Exit Hubert l] I think I marked your face. The cap .and bells Become you. M. A. Aye, the elder baron Norman Had promised he would choose me for his fool. If Reynard, his old jester, left his service. But when he died — Sir Fh. He lost his tooth for teasing. Well, to the matter! M. A. 'Tis from love o' the right And hatred of dark councils that I speak. The rebels here, with Jock o' Dean, the outlaw. Ten hundred strong, attack the castle to-night. Sir Fr. The devil ! M. A. After that march on to London To join the rebels there. Sir Fr. Not after that. There'll be no after that. To-night, you say.'' How learned you of it.^ Gods, if they had caught us ! What time and where do they meet.'' What proof have you. What proof.'' M. A. I knew him b}' his flaxen curls, His voice, his matchless skill, his jjroud speech, — Sir Fr. Whose.^ M. A. The stavesman at the feast vv^as Jock o' Dean. Sir Fr. [Startled] Himself, then, was the hero of his tale. And you — you knew him and were silent ! M. A. Sir, You know not what a fiend he is to ci'oss. Sir Fr. With all our blades to guard you, your tongue froze. Bah ! Sheer fanfaronade ! They'll never come. [Re-enter Kitty behind trees at l] 35 M. A. This Dean bears private hatred to the Baron. He has sworn to make a bonfire of his castle. Sir Fr. No, they'll not trouble us. All \ ou churls are cowards. You'll fight at odds ot nine to one or so. By heaven, I hope they come ! What hour.'' M. A. At curfew They meet. Sir Fr. Look well no soul shall know of this. To horse ! M. A. Mvlord! Sir Fr. [OHering purse] Pla ! I forgot your pay. M. A. 'Twas not for gold, sir, that I s.poke. Sir Fr. The devil ! 'Tis a new brand of yokel nowadays, Too proud to take his pay. M. A- [Eagerly] My lord has seen I have some knack to fling a pleasant jest. I oiten met Reynard in wit-combats. His wit was brackish ; mine is tart. In rhymes He owned I was his match. And my lord knows How rhyming gives a tang to jester's jibes. Then I am quick ; can turn a handspring, juggle. Test me, my lord. Invite some day to ilinner The soberest company that you can gather. — A sole inn, hen-pecked judge, that never smiled Since he was wigged, — squires, bishops, doctors, dons, I wager I'll capsize their gravity. Before the banquet's through, I'll have them all Shrieking with laughter, like a tickled boy. Sir Fr. And so vou itch to be the castle jester.'' M. A. [Eagerly] Av ! What think you of my chance.^ Sir Fr. [Deliberately] ^ I think If you were — somewhat washed, — and duly whipped, — You'ld make a caj^ital scullion. [Throwing down purse] The deuce of it That one must use such traitors ! [Exit l] M. A. [Hoarse with rage] These my thanks.'' I would to God that I had let it burn. You sneering hound ! Kit. Tou hound ! — The friar's cell ! [Exit behind trees at r] Ned. [Outside] Kitty! [Enter Ned from behind trees at l] Tom. [At r ist e] Kitty! [Merry Andrew puts foot on purse. Meanwhile Bernardo's voice is heard from r singing] Old Grandmother Bat Had a heretic cat That would nibble the bacon on Friday. You might serve her a dish Of the daintiest fish, But she'ld just pull her whiskers more tidy, Singing" Fol-da-rol-ope ■ A fig for the Pope—" 36 [Merry Andrew picks up purse. As he does so Tom meets Ned at c, plucks liis arm and points to Merry Andrew] Ned. Kitty ! [Exit Ned and Tom beliind trees at R and l] Bern. [Entering at r] Hey, Jolly Andrew, what you picking up there.'' M. A. Bramble-berries. Bern. Guess you don't find many this time o'year. Tolly. [Enter at L Charles holding dragon by the ear. Dragon's head opened back, revealing a ragged urchin] Chas. Eh, will you call names.'' M. A. [Resum.ing jester's manner] Dang it, Punch, let the lad be. Bern. Yes, dang it, let him be. Chas. What [hie] language do I hear.'' M. A. Well, damn it, then, if you're so particular about your grammar. Bern. Yes, damn it then, if you're so p'ticul'r 'bout your [hie] grandma. Chas. Bernardo, [hie] I'm astonished. Hearing such unusual language from you i am forced to the conclusion that you are [hie] tipsy. _ Bern. Only a little jolly, Charles. It's jolly to say damn. Damn, damn, damn, damn, Mildam, Amsterdam, beldam, damn-damn. Chas. Bernardo — the use of profane language is highly improper, — and not on moral grounds alone — M. A. It's a bad habit. Bt-rnardo. Bern. A damned bad habit. Jolly. Chas. But on intellectual grounds, also, — intellectual grounds. The man who uses profane language simply cannot articulate the emotions that are surging in his bosom. So he rips out an oath that lias no more intelligibility [Urchin blubbers] no more unintellisjibility, I say, than the roar of a [hie] nangry lion. [Fox, goose, donkey, etc., appear behind trees at R. Merry Andrew coaches them. Urchin escapes] Did you ever see pompous Charles Bullying tipsy carles.'' Hands in the pillory, feet in the stocks. Head thrust through for the rabble's mocks, "Oh, this is the physic and this is the dose For such carles," Snarles Charles ! Chas. [Hie] Damnation ! [Exeunt Charles and urchins behind trees at r] Bern. Ha! Ha! Ha! Wasn't the devil bully .^ I say, led's play chuck-farthing. M. A. [Imitating] Can't articulate emozhuns zurging in his bosom. Bern. Ha! Ha! Ha! Jolly, Andrew, Jolly. Everybody's jolly. I'm jolly. You're jolly. Beadle's jolly. Old Grandmother Bat Had a heretic cat, etc. [Exit l] 37 M. A. [Changing] Scullion! — It sAall hum. To the Witch's Den! To the Witch's Den. [Exit behind trees at l] SCENE 11. Friar Nod's Cell. Flat at third grooves. Table at c, with pitcher, can- dle and loaf. Door at R in flat. Friar discovered at table, writing. Fr. There are the twelve serfs all written out as freemen. Some will be gladdened and some will be grieved. And lady Wini- fred [God bless her] has vowed a candelabra for the village chapel. [Rises and removes cowl] Qiiietly, quietly we do the Lord's work. Isn't this better than your scowling rebel- lions, Wat Tyler, your futile revolutions of the people.'* Bub- bles all ! Bubbles all ! [A knock] Come in ! [Enter Kitty Dean] Kit. Oh, friar Nod, save him ! Fr. Kitty.? Kit. Jock is betrayed by Merry Andrew. Fr. By whom.? Calm yourself, my good girl. Slowly, slowly. Kit. All day long I kept away from the village, comforting mother at home. But at nightfall something dragged me out. I lurked on the road where their cavalcade was to pass, riding back from the Green to the castle. The lord and she rode at the head. (She looked pale and I did'nt envy her her side- saddle,) then knights, and last of all a knight and a guard, with Merry Andrew, — that leering, crouching, spying — Fr. Well, well ! Kit. There is some plot to burn the castle to-night. Fr. To -Kitty! Kit. Merry Andrew betrayed him to the knight. Fr. To — burn the castle ! Kit, Oh, friar Nod, save him ! Fr. This was the game that brought him to Clifton ! My cowl ! I must trudge to the castle. Kit. Why thither.? Fr. To warn the Baron. Kit. The Baron z's warned. Fr. And to plead for Jock. Kit, [Prou.lly] Plead for him. No, Fr. Not that.? [A knock] Who's there.? Voice. Ned Baker. Kit. Ned Baker.? [Pouting] I won't see him. I hate Ned Baker. Fr. Tut! tut! [Knock] Come in! [Enter Ned. Kitty at L rear] Fr. You came.? Ned. For the message, as you bade me, sir. Fr. [Sternly] And well for you, you poacher, you law-breaker, you midnight marauder ! And well for you all ! 38 Ned [At r, sheepishly, fumbling with cap] Your reverence had A message to Madam Dean. Fr. Ay, a message, — but not to Madam Dean. [Sits at table] Ned. It's near curfew time, your reverence. Fr. Well.? Ned. If you delay me long, I'll be late. Fr. For the meeting, eh.'* Ned. [Apart] Oh, my tattling tongue ! Fr. [Writing] I have something here that will spoil your meet- ings. Ah, Ned Baker, I alwavs took you to be a good respectable boy. Ned. [Apart] I'm in for a rasping now. Fr. You and Kitty Dean meet often nowadays, I hear, — she going to her milking and ^ ou to your mowing, of a morning. Ned. Oh — aye, we fall in sometimes. Fr. And fall out, eh.'' So the gossips are talking. Ned. Oh, they w/// gabble, your reverence. Fr. 'Twas more than gabble, more than gabble, I fear. [Writes] "Ned's jilted the spitfire at last," the}' say. " She's lost one lad by her temper. Will she ever get another .f*" [Dumb- show of indignation by Kitty] So they say. Ned. Oh, Kitty and me have our spats, and then we make up again as cosy as our betters. [Kitty pleased] Fr. 1 know her, the vixen, from so high up. She'll astonish you, Ned, with her tantrum.s, if ever she gets you. [Kitty indignant] Ned. I like a girl that shows spirit, your reverence. [Kitty pleased] Fr. Oh. you do.? Ned. None of your dull, smirking silly Sally Sweeteyes for me. Fr. Slie'll talk you deaf in a fortnight. Ned. [Laughing] Oh, I never mind it; in one ear and out the other. [Kitty displeased] Fr. Come now, surely you don't think she's pretty.? [Kitty interested] N£d. Pretty ? Fr. As gills go. Of course, I'm no judge, an old [ha ! ha !] old bachelor like me; but I sl:ould take (er) Marion to be a comelier lass than Kitty Dean. (Kitty ktenly interested) Ned. What! That simpering, saucer-eyed, •• Hug-me-tight Orlando," compared with Kitty! (Kitty delighted) Oh, no, Kitty's downiight. but she's natural. Fr. (Clnickling, then suddenly serious) Give that to Jock. Ned and Kitty. Jock ! Fr. Say 1 know whereof I write. You'ld do a little turn to save Jock's head, I suppose.? Ned. rid give my own. (Kitty rushes forward and hugs him) Kit. Oh, you dear, faithful Ned ! Ned. Kitty — you didn't treat me like that on the road, when Marion — Kit. (Stopping his mouth) Hush ! Never mind ! Nkd. Why, wliat aie those clouds I see in }Our eyes.? Kit. Look closer. Don't you S'^e a — rainbow, too.? (Business of their kissing and Friar's catching them) 39 Fr. Tut! tut! Kit. Oh, father, we can never repay you. Fr. Pray for me, children. Remember me night and morning when you present your petitions to God. (A bell rings) Ned. Curfew ! I'm late for the meeting. Kit. Run, Ned, run ! (Both to D f) Fr. (At l) I dandled him as a babe. I shrived him as a lad. Heaven forgive me if I am abetting him in evil now ! (Exit Ned) Kit. (At d f) Are you sure you have the letter sate.? He is too far. Dear friar Nod ! (Kisses him rapturously) Fr. (In consternation) That's a mortal sin. SCENE III. The Witches' Den. Dark. Rebels with pikes, one with torch. Rebels. Who's there.? (Enter c d f Tom Harvey. Torch flashed upon him) ^ Tom. Tom Harvey. Are the boys all here.? Rebs. Not Iialf yet, and the Dalesmen haven't come. Who's there.? (Enter c d f Merry Andrew. Surprise) It's Merry Andrew. M. A. Is all ready.? (Enter c d f Jock o' Dean) Jock. Tom, to the castle and call Forster off. Bid him to meet us at the cross-roads. Thence We march straightway to London. (Silence. Enter c D f Ned Baker) Ned. Am I late.? A message from the friar. Tom. For who .? Nrd. For Jock. Tom. What's in the friar's message.? (Jock reads it by torch, looking at Merry Andrew) Jock. " You are betrayed " — All. Betrayed ! M. A. (Apart) Betrayed ! Jock. " by Merry — Merry Andrew ! " All. Betrayed by Merry Andrew ! M. A. It's a lie. If fifty friars wrote it. Here's my pike To prove it. I'm for burning the castle — to-night ! Jock. (Quickly) No more o' that ! M. A. I hate their whole proud crew ! Ned. Now, by Saint George, that had the ring of truth. M. A. (Jesting) As true as fidtller Cob's G string, my hearties. Tom. (Fiercely) What were you saying to the knight, Romaines, On Willow Road, that time.? M. A. What time.? Nothing. Just bandying a jest. (Purse falls from his bosom) Ned. a purse ! Silver. Tom. 'Twas that we saw him stooping to pick up. M. A. You lie. It's the Baron's purse Jock threw away. Nkd. You lie yourself, the Baron's purse was gold. M. A. Only a largei'S for a trick I played. Tom. You'll play no more such tricks. M. A. Let me tell all, Help ! Tom. Help's far away. M. A. I have castle secrets. Jock. He doubles in his treason like a fox. M. A. I will confess. Tom. Confess then, quick. Ned. To God. Hold ! Give him time to make his peace with heaven. Tom. One minute. Nkd. On your knees. M. A. Oh, hear me. Ned. Qiiick ! Tom. (Lauofhing grimly) Aloud ! or there's no virtue in it. M. A. (Abjectly to Jock) Jock ! Hear me ! We were school-fellows ! Hold them back ! Mercy ! Tom. For traitors ? All. None. Ned. He sold you cheap, — A handful of Romaines's silver — M. A. Nay — (Jock spurns him and the rebels force him to his knees) Tom. Ten seconds. Ned. Has*^e! M. A. (Kneeling, torch flashed on his face by Ned) Oh, God, I am a sinner. Tom. Twenty ! M. A. Oh. God forgive me. It was I Who stole the gilded chalice from Thine altar. All. Ua\ ha! M. A. I dared not sell it to the Jews. 'Tis hid beneath my hearth. Ned. Go on ! All. Go on ! M. A. I ruined Harker's Moll ! All. (Fiercely) Ha ! M. A. It was I Tattled to Marvin Keep, the castle warden, Of young Tom Harvey's poaching. Tom. On your head My Tom's blood? Down to hell! (Merry Andrew maker a break to R and escapes) Ned. Gone ! Tom. (Outside) Curse you, viper ! Ned. He'll never show his head again in Clifton. Jock. Now wiio'U be herald to call Forster off .'' (Hesitation) And then the march to London I 41 Tom. Rebs. Tom. Rebs. Jock. Tom. Jock. Tom. Nkd. Tom. Ned. Tom. Ned. Jock. Tom. Jock. Ned. Jock. Ned. (Re-entering) Tyler's slain. Tlie cause is lost. What's for it but to yield.? My heart was never in it. Nor mine ! Nor mine ! Away from here ! (Moving) Away ! What, flinching, comrades.? No, on to London and avenge Wat Tyler. Strike! Are we dolts to walk into the trap That's set for us.? Away ! I'll fight my fight, But I'll not leap into a lion's jaws. Would you cry quarter to the loeman's drums. Heard miles away? *Twas not like this our sires, Like rabbits, scurried to their holes at Hastings Before the Norman, William. Men of Kent, The rumor's false. Or if 'tis true, who'll say A hundred leaders did not leap afoot To take Wat Tyler's place? To London then, To London duty calls you. (Hesitation) By your wrongs, By all the years of insult, shame, pollution. That lie behind you and will lie before, In God's name, in the name of common honor, Each man that swore up')n the holy cross To follow Wat through weal or woe, stand forth And plant his pike by mine. (Ned comes forward) One? And you pass For men? For English men? Why, now I think There are no men in England, and the lords Rule rightly o'er such cattle. We'ld be daft To stay and hear this madman. (Tauntingly) Twelve made free, And one, perhaps, Tom Harvey. (To Ned) Shiver your pike Against a wall of rock, fool, if you will. Another day, mates. And another captain ! No, Jock forever ! Bid them go. Jock Hothead ! We go unbid ! Enough, Ned. Say no more. (Exeunt Rebels at r) Oh, tliat a hundred souls like Walter Tyler Were found among the yeomanry of England. No wanton gatherer of the tax again Dare wrong a blacksmith's daughter ! (To c D f) Whither now? The castle ! Whv the castle? 42 Jock. Ned. Jock. Ned. Jock. Ned. Jock, Ned. Jo.K, Ned. Jock Ned. Jock, (Tenderly) Winifred. (Ned puzzled) Ere she awakens to the din of war With Forster knocking at her chamber door And fifty score of cut-throats at his heels. Let Forster drink the malt of his own brewing. How base were I, who romped with her in gowns, Who was her fondest playmate, I, who plucked A May- day garland year by year to crown her. How base were I to sufler ruffians mar My pretty cousin's bridal ! Are you mad.'' I never was so sane. Why yesterday, This morn, i'faith, her very name — You lie ! I ne'er blasphemed it with a whisper. — His, Perhaps. — I wronged him ; he is noble, Ned. These clods aspire to freedom.^ Why they lack The souls of freemen. Home to the cottage. There Bid them await me till the midnight gong. Beguile the meantime with gootl news ; Keep's death, The Baron's pardon and the cancelled writ. See that I find them smiling when I come. All's well. One kiss for Kitty, two for mother, Then back to the free wild woods, where men are men. And woman .'' Tiiere's no woman. Is this jc-st.^ (Fiercely) Jest! Risk your life for her} ' Twas never planned One drop of her sweet heart's blond should be drawn. My God, I see them now ! lliey force the gate. Heap brushwood, ply tiie torch. It fiames ! It flames! (Tenderly) Risk of my life, — and you a lover, Ned. Had I a million lives, I'ld give them all To fend one snowflake from her bosom ! — Go ! (Exit Ned vvidi torch) SCENE IV. Bridal Chamber. Dark. Winifred and Baron on seat R of c. Moon- light through stained-glass oriel window at L in flat. Doors at L and at R in flat. Bar. Win. Bar. Your heart beats fast within your bosom, sweet. Let me unbind the clasp that holds your curls. You tremble. Yes, my Lord. I know not why. Lie warm and blushing on my breast, sweet head. I love to watch the red spot come and go Upon your cheek and guess the vague delights And mingled fears that burn it. Sighing, sweet.'' 43 Win. ' Tis something heavy weighing on my soul ! Bar. Love is a lenient father confessor. Speak ! Was there some one earlier, Winifred, Your maiden fancy favored ? Win. There were youths Whose eyes would follow me along the road When I went forth to vespers or the mass, Now glad, now sad, — Bar. So lovers' glances vary From hour to hour with the shifts of hope. Win Yet I repulsed them all. But there was one As far above the rest as you o'er him, My cousin and my playmate ; his bold suit I never dared deny, — but half from doubt And half from fear to pain him (tie was proud) ■ I let him think I loved him, — rather say Forebore to tell him that I loved him not. Was it a fault, my lord .'' Bar. If it is a sin To be too kind, then 'twas a fault. Sweet girl. Sweet bride, the very avowal is a proof That you are true ; the very scruple sprang From love. Win. Ah, love is all my conscience. Bar. , He, This youth, where dwells he now.'' Win. Some say he haunts The forest and waylays foot- travellers, Yet, with a kind of rude and lawless justice. Takes from the rich to give unto the poor, Like Robin Hood ; and others that he fights For Walter Tyler. Bar. Shall I name him, love.? Win. You? Bar. Jock o' Dean, the stavesman. Win. (Startled) Then you knew him.'' Bar. Men are not wont to be so eloquent In pleading others' sorrows. Win. And you spnred him.'' Bar. Had I not injured him (unwittingly) Enough, to win away the perfect flower He loved.'' Win. Oh, mirror of pure chivalry. My. knight! Bar. And then I felt a nobleness, A struggling honor in that darkened soul, .As through some murky cloud we see the light Of heaven. — Your cheek is pale. Win. I cannot help To pity one who loves me so in vain. And clouds at thought of him steal o'er my joy. (The moonlight is dimmed) 44 Bar. This is an hour to lay aside reserve, Darling, you love me for myself. Win. Oh, Conrad ! Bar. Then all the pity of all the woes that shriek To heaven for solace shall not cast a shadow Upon the bright field of our bliss to-night. (Kisses her) Win. Be not importunate. See, what a pall Is darkening the moon ! Bar. Yet all is calm. To-night, love, you are mine, — mine, Winifred, As lovers say, but let me say, 1 yours. Win. What sound is that, Conrad.? Bar. I heard no sound. (Muffled voices heard) Win. Down in the court-yard. Look, pray look, my lord. Voices. (Faintly) The Baron! Winnie Darling! (They pass to window) Win. I heard my name, my lord, I'm sure of it. Bar. 'Twas but a fancy, or the passing breeze. Win. Pehaps 'twas fancy. Yes, I think 'twas fancy. Bar. Or the owls that sing a requiem of woe Down in the vale at midnight. Win. Yes, twas fancy. I'm almost sure of it. Bar. How calm the nisiht ! How the whole world brims over with sweet peace ! And look, the moon steals out. 'Twas but a cloud. Come, Winifred. (Flashes of fire and gradually increased illumination through the window) Win. It is no moon, but flames That leap and flare. (Uproar approaching from l. Shrieks of women. Voices as before. Clashing of arms) Bar. . What brawl is this.? (Enter l Raimond, his sword out) Raimond ! What means this uproar? Do my high-born guests Return my wedding hospitality With some rude jest like those wherewith low churls Under the windows of new-married couples Vex and disturb their bridal slumber.? Raim. Sir. Win. He bleeds ! Raim. A scratch. I slipped upon a pool. The rebels are upon us! (Enter l Sir Frank, Hubert and Bernardo, holding rebels at bay. Winifred shrieks. They bolt the door) Bar. Winifred! Sir Fr. Qiiick, to the inner chamber with my lady. (Uproar from D f) Raim. Too late. (Dashes to d F and bolts it) Win. (Clinging to Baron at c) Oh, take me to my cottage home. I am not suited to so high a station. Bar. My dove ! My lark ! Why, this is sudden, Frank 1 Sir Fr. Nay, we were warned in lime. 45 Bar. And yet surprised? Sir Fr. Their leader is no churl, or one, at least, Well-schooled in ambuscade, — my sentinels O'erpowered, the gates unlocked, the hall-ways swarmed With ravagers, ere I, who napped so light I thought the o'erloud rustle of a leaf Would rouse me, rubbed the slumber from my eyes. Then what a riot of carnage ! Striplings waked From nuptial dreams to that long dream of death ; Hoar elders reeling on the pike's blunt thrust ; Soft maidens in their night-smocks spared for shame ; And all the while one cursed tongue that belled " The Bridal Chamber ! To the Bridal Chamber ! " Bar. My sword ! Win. The flames ! Oh, Mary, how they sing ! Hub-. The hubbub gains. Look to my lad}' all. (Hubert and Bernardo against door at L. A crash) Bar. Who knocks so rudely at my chamber door? Sir Fr. Hold fast, stout English oak, or we are lost. FoRST. (Outside) One Allan Forster — Sir Fr. My old subaltern. FoRST. Spokesman for Tyler and the men of Kent. Bar. What seek you here? FoRST. You and your bride for ransom. Then all the treasures that your coffers hold. Yield, and I pledge you safety. Win. Trust them not. Oh, Conrad, trust them not. FoRST. Speed me an answer Before the flames engulf you. Bar. I am not used To be commanded in these walls. FoRST. Then guard More closely a certain breach, the keyhole, namely. (Laughter outside) Bar. My castle is no straw-heap, but firm rock Hewn from the solid ledge on which it stands, And will stand while the name of Norman bides, For all your rush-lights' singeing. Rebs. (Angrily) Pike them ! Bar. Go, Set fire to bald Ben Snowdon with a candle. It is as guilty of your woes as I, Who never wronged a foe, — and counted aye The men of Kent my friends. (A pause) Forst. Your last word? Bar. This : my lady and myself are not for ransom. Sir Fr. And he that lays a finger on her, first Must burst a ring of steel. Forst. (Fiercel) ) So be it. Ram The door. (Hubert and Bernardo with spears, Sir Frank and Raimond with swords, face door i.. Crash. Winnie shrieks. Enter Forster with rebels) 46 FoRST. Cut down the others. Bind the couple. Bar. Unclasp me, love. Win. Conrad, you are unarmed, Defenceless. Sir. Fr. (Engaging Forster) You bore my ensign once. FoRST. In Flanders. Sir Fr. Then bear it now — a Templar's falchion thrust Hilt-deep into a filthy heathen's heart. (Low murmurs out- side : — " VVat Tyler's slain." Rebels press the defenders back) Win. Oh, Mary, send us, in thy grace, a savior ! (Jock o' Dean rushes in at l) Jock. Away ! The cause is lost. FoRST. (Pressing Sir Frank) The field is won. Jock. Wat Tyler's slain ! FoRST. I budge for no man's fall With victory at my sword's point. Rebs. T)^ler slain .'' Jock. Back! Speed! The rest are scudding. FoRST. Stand your ground. Jock. (Attacking them) Cut-throats! FoRST. Ho, traitor! (Stabs Jock. Sir Frank disarms Forster) Sir Fr. Measure your length, dog ! FoRST. Qijarter.'' Sir Fr. What, only quarter.? Ay, the half, and whole — Of my blade's length in your vitals. (Kills Forster. Rebels flee.) Head and trunk Part company. We have them. Bar the door. (Jock falls at c front.) Bar. The stavesman ! Sir Fr. Which.? Soho, sir Jock o' Dean, My hero bold. Jock. (Feebly) No hero, but a man ! Bern, (l rear) Hubert is dead, my lord ! Sir Fr. What, dead.? Poor lad ! Bern. He was my brother-in-arms, — as true a soldier As ever held a blade. Sir Fr. Poor lad ! Poor lad ! This scorpion in his writhing's stung himself. Bar. No scorpion, Frank. He turned the tide for us. Sir Fr. Ay, by his craven cry. Bar. By knightly valor. Sir Fr. The outlaw, Forster's second.? Why, the spy Singled him out as your most deadly foe. Bar. I only know his bosom barred the way Three cut-throats would have hewn to Winifred. It may be sweet repentance touched his heart ; Even so the lor'dliest of the saints in heaven Are won from error's ranks. Sir Fr. (Scornfully) What diadem, then, Must wait this robber's soul I 47 Win. (With spirit) The crown of those Who die for love of others ! Raim. (At window) Saved! We are saved ! The tires go down, and helter-skelter crowds Are hurrying from our portals down the steep. (Cries renewed from rear and receding now, "Wat Tyler's slain." Illumination ends. Only moonlight) Jock. (Raving) He does not love as I, — I, who have "known you Moi^e years than he has months. Win. Take me away ! (Baron guides her to couch r of c) Jock. (Raving) Have you forgotten, Winifred, so soon .? ' Twas on a summer's eve, — so long ago, — Nay, scarce a year, — and yet it seems so long. The old folks smiled to see us walk together. That night my lips were trembling forth such words, • So wild, so fast, — and you, you spoke with thoughts. For yours were writ so truthful in your eyes. How could I help divine your meaning so.'' Have 3^ou forgotten ? Win. Oh, my heart is breaking! Bar. Else were it wrought of stone. Jock. (Raving) And did you think That only lords knew chivalry.? Bar. (Starting to c) A leech ! Bandage his wound ! All pomp of mine be dust, Before yon maityr's blood of sacrifice Shall stain this bridal chamber! (Sir Frank tears off his scarf and gives to Baron) Jock. (Raving) Kitty, you Take hands with Ned, and 1, with Winnie. So. 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