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QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 A DRAMATIC ADAPTATION OF 
 SIR WALTER SCOTT'S NOVEL 
 
 IN THREE ACTS AND 
 THREE SCENES 
 
 BY 
 
 CHARLES ANDREW MERZ 
 
 AND 
 
 FRANK WRIGHT TUTTLE 
 
 NEW HAVEN 
 
 YALE UNIVERSITY DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION 
 
 MDCCCCXIV 
 
•5'*! a,* 
 
 ■^v% 
 
 <N 
 
 \ 
 
 Copyright, 1914 
 
 BY 
 
 Charles Andrew Merz 
 
 AND 
 
 Frank Wright Tuttle 
 
 Printed for the 
 
 Yale University Dramatic Association 
 
 under the direction 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Yale University Press 
 
 Printed from type. 750 copies. June, 1914 
 
 Dramatic and all other rights reserved 
 
 Produced June 13, 1914, by the 
 
 Yale University Dramatic Association 
 
 ON the Yale Campus 
 
 Printed in the United States 
 
 .IIJN-5I3I4 
 
 ©CI.D 3 7516 
 
THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY 
 DEDICATED TO 
 
 JACK RANDALL CRAWFORD 
 
 WITHOUT WHOSE AID AND ENCOURAGEMENT THE 
 PLAY WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN WRITTEN 
 
FOREWORD 
 
 Quentin Durivard is not intended to be a strict 
 dramatization of Sir Walter Scott's novel, but 
 rather a play based on the dramatic situations in his 
 story. New incidents and characters have been 
 introduced and some of the old ones omitted, with 
 the intention of producing a unified and dramatic 
 whole. The play was written for the Campus 
 Performance of the Yale Dramatic Association, 
 which necessitated a return to the direct methods 
 of the Greek drama. 
 
 C. A. M. 
 
 F. W. T. 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
OUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Act 1. The gardens of the castle of Plessis-les- 
 Tours. 
 
 Act II. An inn on the road to Liege. A week later. 
 
 Act III. The courtyard of the Castle of the Duke 
 of Burgundy, at Peronne. Several days 
 later. 
 
CAST OF CHARACTERS 
 
 Louis XI, King of France. 
 
 The Duke of Burgtuidy, known as Charles the Bold. 
 Williatn de la March, the Wild Boar of Ardennes. 
 The Count of Crevecceur, Burgundy's ambassador. 
 Lord Crawford, Captain of the King's Scottish 
 
 guard. 
 Dunois, a French nobleman. 
 Olivier, the King's barber. 
 
 Tristran I'Hermite, Provost-Marshal of the King. 
 Ludovic Lesly, nicknamed Le Balafre, an archer of 
 
 the King's Scottish guard. 
 
 Quentin Durward, his nephew. 
 
 Trois-Eschelles { . ,^. , , 
 
 the Kmg s hangmen. 
 
 Petit- Andre 
 
 A Fool. 
 
 An Innkeeper. 
 
 A Monk. 
 
 A Man-at-arms. 
 
 Zaniet Maugrabin, a spy. 
 
 The Countess Isabelle of Croye, ward of the Duke 
 of Burgundy, 
 
 The Lady Hameline, her aunt. 
 
 The Innkeeper's Wife. 
 
 French and Burgundian knights, soldiers of De la 
 Marck, noblemen, attendants, and ladies-in- 
 waiting. 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 ACT ONE 
 
 Scene. The gardens of the castle of Plessis-les- 
 Tours. A crowd of French nobles in hunting 
 costume comes inj singing. They are followed by 
 attendants, leading the hounds. King Louis XI, 
 clad in an old blue hunting dress, with a rosary 
 of ebony around his neck, and a hat bordered with 
 little figures of the saints, is in their midst. At 
 the King's side is Crawford, dressed in the rich 
 habit of his office. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Ah, m}^ Lord Crawford, St. Hubert has blessed our 
 hunt to-day. Never has our chase been attended 
 by better fortune. 
 
 Crawford 
 
 Sire, it was not good fortune, but your majesty's 
 cunning with the spear that brought down the 
 boar. 
 
 King Louis 
 [Pleased.] 
 So? You think your King is still fitted to lead the 
 hunt? 
 
 [7] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 \^Re collecting himself.^ 
 But methinks your speech smacks more of the 
 courtier than of the Captain of my Scottish 
 archers. 
 
 Crawford 
 
 Nay, sire, your majesty is as truly King of the hunt 
 as he is King of France — and that no man dares 
 dispute. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Ha! Perhaps our cousin, Charles of Burgundy, 
 might disagree with you. 
 
 Crawford 
 
 Even Charles the Bold would not be so presumptu- 
 ous. Nay, rumor has it that he has sent an envoy 
 to Plessis-les-Tours to assure your majesty of 
 his friendship. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 We have heard of this envoy, but mayhap his mis- 
 sion is unfriendly. 
 
 Crawford 
 
 What, sire! I pray you pardon me, but has Bur- 
 gundy a new grievance against France? That 
 hot-headed nobleman is never so content as when 
 he is quarreling with your majesty. 
 
 [8] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Peace, Crawford. Remember he is our cousin and 
 we must love him. We do not await the coming 
 of this envoy with pleasure, since, in this quarrel, 
 our dear Charles thinks that justice is on his side. 
 But we may find a means to pacify him. 
 [Olivier comes in, escorting the Lady Isabelle of 
 Croye and her aunt, the Lady Hameline.] 
 
 Ha! it seems our barber has turned gallant. Since 
 when have you become a courter of fair damsels, 
 Olivier? 
 
 Olivier 
 [Bowinff.] 
 So please you, my liege, there was no other to escort 
 these ladies on their morning walk, since your 
 majesty had gone on the hunt. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 But, methinks you have chosen an ill-advised hour 
 and place to lead them. Have you forgotten our 
 wishes, Olivier? 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 We came here, sire, because we will no longer 
 
 endure being hidden away in secret. 
 
 [To Lady Hameline.] 
 Nay, aunt, do not pluck my sleeve ! Since we came 
 
 here, we have been used little better than mere 
 
 prisoners. 
 
 [9] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 [The King starts to protest.^ 
 After a thousand invitations to throw ourselves 
 under your protection, you have given us but a 
 corner of this dingy palace, out of which we are 
 permitted to creep only at night. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 This would not be necessary were France and Bur- 
 gundy on friendly terms. Your aunt, I trust, has 
 less cause to misjudge us. 
 
 Lady Hameline 
 
 Your majesty has been most gracious. I sought but 
 safety and I have found solitude and secrecy 
 besides. 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 Peace, aunt, and let me speak the truth. I looked 
 for a splendid reception, tournaments, pageants, 
 and festivals. Instead, all has been seclusion and 
 obscurity. Our sole companions have been a 
 gypsy vagabond, by whose agency we corre- 
 sponded with our friends in Flanders — a gypsy, 
 and a barber! The Duke of Burgundy did not 
 treat me thus. He offered me a husband, albeit 
 a bad one. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 You prefer, then, an evil husband to the seclusion 
 we offer ? 
 
 [10] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Lady Hameline 
 One would, at least, wish to have the choice, sire. 
 It is, Heaven knows, on account of my niece that 
 I speak. For myself, I was quite content at the 
 court of your cousin, Charles of Burgundy. 
 
 King Louis 
 My dear lady, reasons of state forbid us from 
 allowing you the freedom you desire. I pray that 
 you will consider this. 
 IT here is shouting, off stage] 
 But hold ! What means this interruption ? 
 
 \_Tristran, Trois-Eschelles and Petit-Andre come 
 
 in, bringing with them Quentin and Zamet, 
 
 bound. They are followed by members of the 
 
 Provost-Marshal's guard. ^, 
 
 So, our lusty Provost-Marshal has come to court 
 
 and, by Saint Hubert, he has brought us guests. 
 
 Tristran 
 May it please your majesty, this infidel dog is 
 Zamet Maugrabin, the gypsy who betrayed the 
 presence of these ladies to the Duke of Burgundy. 
 
 King Louis 
 Ha! And why have you not hanged him as we 
 ordered ? 
 
 Tristran 
 We had him strung up, sire. Did we not, my brave 
 lads? 
 
 [11] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Petit-Andre 
 
 Aye, the dance was about to commence. The musi- 
 cians were all in tune. 
 
 Trois-Eschelles 
 
 {^Shaking his head sadly.] 
 Beati qui in domino moriuntur. 
 
 King Louis 
 Well, and why did you not finish the task? 
 
 Tristran 
 
 This meddling stripling sprang up from nowhere 
 and cut him down. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 What mattered that to you? Shall this youth defy 
 the King's justice? Why did you not hang them 
 on the same branch and let them dance together? 
 
 Tristran 
 
 May it please your majesty, I thought hanging too 
 good for them. Methinks they are more deserv- 
 ing of the rack and chains. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Well bethought! But who is this young meddler? 
 Was he with the vagabonds? 
 [12] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Petit-Andre 
 
 Aye, sire, that he was, and may it please your 
 majesty, he was the one who cut down the rascal 
 whom your majesty's justice most deservedly 
 hung up. 
 
 Trois-Eschelles 
 
 I will swear by God and St. Martin to have seen 
 him with their gang when they pillaged our town. 
 
 Quentin 
 The villain lies ! I never saw this fellow till to-day. 
 
 Crawford 
 
 Mayhap the youth speaks truly, sire, for yonder 
 heathen is black, and this lad is fair. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Aye, and perhaps you will say yonder one has a green 
 coat and this one a gray jerkin. Bah ! These 
 infidels can change their complexions as easily as 
 their jerkins. Gypsy or no gypsy, he has cut 
 down a traitor condemned by us to die. Bid our 
 Executioner step forward. 
 
 Tristran 
 He is at hand, sire. 
 
 [The Executioner, clad in a red robe and mask, 
 steps forward, carrying branding irons and 
 other instruments of torture.] 
 [13] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 King Louis 
 Hah, we shall have fine sport with this fellow! 
 
 'Twill be a merry game! Come hither, Fool; 
 
 here is work suited to j'our hand. 
 
 [The Fool, a cripple, steps forward from the 
 crowd, grinning horribly.^ 
 What reward do you recommend for a meddling 
 
 coxcomb who has interfered with the King's 
 
 justice? 
 
 Fool 
 The man who likes not hanging should be taught 
 
 its pleasures. Put him in one of your cages, sire, 
 
 where one can neither sit upright nor lie at full 
 
 length. He will soon learn that hanging is the 
 
 more pleasant sport. 
 
 King Louis 
 Certes, he deserves no less a punishment, but we 
 would enjoy our game here and now. Think on 
 some other device. 
 
 Fool 
 What say you to the branding irons? 
 
 [Pointing to Zamet.^ 
 He is a traitor. Let us give him a Lily of France 
 
 upon his chest, to remind him of his broken faith. 
 
 [Pointing to Ouentin.] 
 He has meddled with the execution of a spy — cut 
 
 off his right hand and he will think twice before 
 
 he uses the other so freely. 
 [14] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Well said, Fool. Our torture chambers have sharp- 
 ened your wit. Your experience has made you an 
 apt teacher. 
 [To the Executioner.] 
 
 Step forward and begin your work. 
 
 [To Petit-Andre and Trois-Eschelles.] 
 
 The youth first. As a most Christian king, we must 
 see him shrived of his sins first. 
 [^Petit- Andre and Trois-Eschelles step forward 
 dragging Quentin between them.] 
 
 Quentin 
 In God's name have mercy, sire! 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Hah ! The youth is not so ready as you. Fool, to 
 make atonement for his sins. Speak, shall we let 
 him go unpunished? 
 
 Fool 
 
 No, sire, no. It would not be just. Compassion 
 must not hinder our duty to cleanse the youth of 
 his sins. 
 
 l^The Executioner brings forward a huge caldron 
 of boiling hot water. He makes Quentin hold 
 out his hand over it. Quentin averts his face 
 in horror; the Executioner lifts his huge sword 
 to strike.] 
 
 [15] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 [^Stepping forward with a scream.^ 
 Stop ! 
 
 [Turfiing to the King.] 
 You cannot intend to carry out so fiendish a scheme ! 
 
 It is unjust. It is un-Christian, I will not permit 
 
 it! 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Stand back. You need not watch this sport if you 
 cannot stomach it. 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 Let him at least have a merciful death. 
 
 [King Louis gives no sign that he hears her.] 
 
 Should I publish abroad so horrible a crime, the 
 report of it would bring Charles of Burgundy 
 upon you ! There must be chivalrous knights 
 here who will not brook this injustice. Will no 
 one support my plea? 
 
 [The knights stir uneasily, afraid to offend the 
 King.] 
 
 Olivier 
 
 [Whispering to the King.] 
 The maid speaks wisely, sire. You had best listen 
 to her pleadings. There will be time later to 
 attend to the youth. 
 
 [16] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 King Louis 
 
 l^After a moment's thought, and with a great shoiu 
 of magnanimity.^ 
 Your speech does more credit to your heart than 
 to your head, my lady. I see you do not know our 
 Fool and his pleasant humor. 
 
 Isabelle 
 What! You meant the youth no harm? 
 
 King Louis 
 
 We merely tested his valor. He shall suffer but a 
 few days' confinement in our prisons. 
 [To Crawford.^ 
 
 Bring forward your Scottish guard, Lord Crawford. 
 
 Crawford 
 
 As your majesty commands. 
 \^He bows and goes ow/.] 
 
 Fool 
 
 By our Lady, a goodly chance lost to improve upon 
 
 the beauty of the youth. 
 
 [Pointing to his oivn twisted limbs.] 
 Your majesty was not always so merciful. 
 
 Olivier 
 
 Hush, Fool. The stripling will yet receive his 
 reward. 
 
 [17] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 [^Crawford comes in, leading a few members of 
 the Scottish Guard, among whom is Ludovic 
 Lesly, known as Le Balafre.^ 
 
 Crawford 
 
 Seize upon this youth and convey him to prison. 
 [Balafre and another Scot step to Quentin's side; 
 the Executioner, Petit-Andre and Trois- 
 Eschelles fall back. The King confers with 
 his nobles.^ 
 
 Balafre 
 
 Body o' me ! Young Durward, my nephew ! How 
 come you here and in this plight? 
 
 Quentin 
 
 Ludovic Lesly! Good kinsman, stand by me, for 
 the love of Scotland and St. Andrew! I am 
 innocent. 
 
 Balafre 
 YTo Crawfo?-d.] 
 What has this youth done that he should be im- 
 prisoned? He is a Scot, — my own nephew. 
 
 Crawford 
 
 Silence, Balafre, it is by order of the King. Though 
 he is a Scot, he has meddled with the King's 
 justice. 
 
 [The King now turns and notices Balafre talking 
 to Quentin.^ 
 
 [18] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 King Louis 
 What means this delay! Did not my Lord Craw- 
 
 ford hear our commands? 
 
 Crawford 
 
 It seems, my liege, this fellow is a countryman of 
 ours — a nephew of your trusted Balafre. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 How now, Ludovic Lesly? How comes it that a 
 kinsman of yours should prove a traitor to us? 
 
 Balafre 
 
 Surely there must be something amiss, for I can 
 vouch for the youth's honesty with my life. 
 [Turninff to Quentin.] 
 
 What brought you to France, Quentin ? How came 
 you to displease the King? Speak out, man. 
 
 Quentin 
 
 Is it so strange, sire, that a young Scotsman should 
 seek his fortune in the service of Louis of France? 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Not strange, no. But methinks you have made a 
 strange beginning. Is it your habit in Scotland 
 to go about meddling in the affairs of your sover- 
 eign? 
 
 [19] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Quentin 
 
 I saw a poor wretch kicking at the end of a rope, 
 and I went to cut him down, out of sheer pity. I 
 had no idea of offending the King's justice. For 
 aught I knew, thieves might have hanged him 
 for his purse. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Ha! You will have enough to do in this country 
 if you go a-gleaning after the hangman. How- 
 ever, our good Balafre and this most gracious 
 lady have plead your cause exceeding well. What 
 say you to adventures more befitting your bold 
 spirit? Our Scottish guard will give you an 
 opportunity, or 
 
 [Pointing to the Executioner.] 
 there is still this adventure. 
 
 Quentin 
 
 So please you, sire, I came to Tours to serve your 
 majesty. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Release him. My Lord Crawford, I hold you 
 responsible for his future conduct. 
 [The guards step back.] 
 
 Quentin 
 
 [Starting to kneel.] 
 I trust that my actions may prove my gratitude, sire. 
 [20] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 King Louis 
 Kneel not to me, young Scot. It is to yonder lady 
 that you owe your freedom. 
 l^Quentin goes to Isabelle and kneels.^ 
 
 Quentin 
 Gentle lady, it needed not a king's command to 
 teach me the debt I owe you. What prompted 
 a lady of your high state to intercede in my 
 behalf I do not know, but I am none the less 
 grateful. 
 
 Isabelle 
 Rise, sir Archer, your thanks far exceed my due. I 
 would be loath to have my hound undergo such 
 tortures. You may call it the sympathy of one 
 fellow-prisoner for another, if you like. 
 [^Isabelle gives the King a scornful glance and 
 goes out, accompanied by the Lady Hameline.] 
 
 King Louis 
 Ha, Olivier. Methinks there was cold comfort for 
 "Scotland" in what my lady said. 
 
 Tristran 
 {^Stepping forward with Zamet.] 
 My liege, what shall now be done with this gypsy? 
 
 King Louis 
 We had forgotten him. Take him out and hang 
 him on the nearest tree. And quickly, too, lest 
 [21] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 some other meddling Scotchman should happen 
 
 along, on his way to visit us. 
 
 \^Exeunt Tristran and the other members of the 
 Provost-Marshal's guard, including Petit- 
 Andre, Trois-EschelleSj and the Executioner, 
 taking Zamet ivith them.^ 
 Hmn! So, my young Scot, Ludovic Lesly is j^our 
 
 uncle? And have you his love for a long march 
 
 and a hard fight? 
 
 Quentin 
 I have seen something of both in my country, sire. 
 Scotland is torn with civil strife. There is not a 
 burning hearth nor a standing stone in all Glen 
 Artney. My enemies drove me to France. 
 
 King Louis 
 Since you sought adventure, why did you come to 
 us, instead of to William de la Marck? 
 
 Quentin 
 What! Serve the Wild Boar of Ardennes? A 
 pillager? A murderer? 
 
 King Louis 
 Harsh names to call one of my faithful vassals. He 
 is an adventurer, like yourself. 
 [Fanfare of trumpets, off stage; Dunois comes 
 in.} 
 Ah, my trusty Dunois, what means this blare of 
 trumpets ? 
 
 [22] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Dunois 
 
 The Count of Crevecoeur, Burgundy's ambassador, 
 has arrived, and demands immediate audience. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Demands an audience, Dunois? Tell this Bur- 
 gundian envoy we cannot see him to-day. 
 
 Dunois 
 To-morrow, sire? 
 
 King Louis 
 
 To-morrow is the festival of St. Martin. Please 
 
 Heaven, the saints' day shall be disturbed by no 
 
 earthly thoughts. 
 
 {^Dunois starts to protest.^ 
 Nay, Dunois, we shall grant him an audience, never 
 
 fear. But it shall be at our pleasure. 
 
 Dunois 
 All this I said, but yet, sire, — 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Pasques-dieu, man, what is it that thus sticks in 
 your throat? This Burgundian's terms must 
 have been hard of digestion. 
 
 Dunois 
 
 Had not your Grace's commands, and his safe con- 
 duct as envoy restrained me, he should have 
 [23] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 digested them himself. By our Lady of Orleans, 
 I had more mind to make him eat his words than 
 to bring them to your majesty. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Body o' me, Dunois. It is strange that j'our im- 
 patience cannot brook the like spirit in Bur- 
 gundy's envoy. We fear his blustering messages 
 no more than the towers of this castle mind the 
 whistling of the wind. 
 
 Dunois 
 
 Know then, sire, the Count of Crevecceur says that 
 if you refuse him the audience which his master 
 demands, he will remain outside the gates and 
 accost your majesty at whatever hour you please 
 to issue from your castle. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 He is a fool. Let him cool his hot head there 
 awhile. These impatient coxcombs think that all 
 men are miserable save when in saddle and stirrup. 
 
 Dunois 
 
 My liege, if you do not grant this audience, the 
 envoy's instructions are to nail his gauntlet to 
 your castle gate in token of his master's defiance. 
 This, sire, means war with Burgundy ! 
 [24] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Aye, is it even so? Will our ancient vassal prove 
 so masterful — our dear cousin treat us thus 
 unkindly? Nay, then, Dunois, we must unfold 
 the Or-iflamme and cry Dennis Montjoye! It 
 shall be war, if he so wishes! 
 
 Dunois 
 
 Marry and amen, and in a most happy hour! 
 
 \^The crowd, unable to resist the same impulse, 
 shouts. The King looks proudly around.] 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Aye, you may well shout. Our cause is just, if 
 Burgundy dares raise his hand against his King. 
 [Another shout.] 
 Still, we are loath to shed Christian blood. 
 
 [He crosses himself devoutly. The crowd mutters 
 discontentedly.] 
 Admit the envoy of Burgundy. Let us hear what 
 he has to say. 
 
 [He motions to two men-at-arms who go out. 
 The muttering of the crowd grows louder. The 
 King seats himself in the rear of the stage, on a 
 rustic bench. Dunois, Crawford and the rest 
 of the crowd take up their stand on either side 
 of him. Quentin is in the front row, near the 
 King. ] 
 
 [25] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 What say }^ou, Dunois? Shall we overlook the 
 insolence of Burgundy for the sake of our king- 
 dom's peace ? 
 
 Dunois 
 
 Affairs of state, sire, are beyond my sphere. I am a 
 soldier and obey my King. 
 
 PGng Louis 
 
 Hmn ! A soldier ! 'Tis a better trade than mine. 
 \^Another fanfare of trumpets, off stage. The 
 Count of Crevecceur enters. He appears all 
 armed, except his head, in a gorgeous suit of 
 artnor, inlaid and embossed with gold. A page 
 behind him bears his helmet. Toison d'Or, his 
 herald, precedes him, bearing letters of credence 
 which he offers, on his knee, to the King. The 
 ambassador hi7nself pauses in the rniddle of the 
 stage, as if to give all present time to admire his 
 lofty look and undaunted composure.] 
 
 King Louis 
 
 [After a cursory glance at the letters.] 
 Approach, seignor Count of Crevecceur. We need 
 not our cousin's letters to introduce to us a 
 warrior so well known. Still, I am loath to guess 
 the reason for this show of armor. 
 
 Fool 
 
 Let me guess for thee, sire. 
 [26] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 King Louis 
 Peace, Fool! 
 
 Crevecoeur 
 
 Sire, the Count of Crevecoeur laments the misfortune 
 that places him before you in so unfavorable a 
 light, but he must do his duty to his master. 
 Though it is only the voice of Philip, Count of 
 Crevecoeur, that speaks, the v^^ords he utters are 
 those of his most gracious lord and sovereign, 
 the Duke of Burgundy. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 And what has Crevecoeur to say in the words of 
 Burgundy ? 
 
 Fool 
 
 The boldest words of Charles the Bold 
 His boldest envoy will unfold. 
 Pray Heaven the words are bold, and not bald. 
 
 Crevecoeur 
 
 The Duke of Burgundy demands that the King of 
 France send back to his dominions, without delay, 
 Isabelle, Countess of Croye, and her aunt, the 
 Lady Hameline. 
 
 King Louis 
 On what ground, may we ask? 
 [27] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 CreveccEur 
 
 On the ground that these vassals of the Duke of 
 Burgundy are secretly detained here by the King 
 of France. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Can it be your purpose to hold us bound for the 
 flight of every vassal whom your master's passion 
 may have driven from his dominions? Does it 
 follow that if these ladies are in France, their 
 place of retirement is known to us? 
 
 Crevecoeur 
 
 Sire, I was provided with a witness, one who beheld 
 with his own eyes these fugitive ladies in this very 
 castle ! 
 
 Fool 
 
 Eyes that grow upon a tree, 
 Can never tell what they did see. 
 'Tis like the old parable of the mote and the beam. 
 
 King Louis 
 [To the Fool.] 
 Silence ! 
 
 [To Crevecceur.] 
 Produce this witness! Place the man before my face 
 who dares maintain these palpable falsehoods! 
 [28] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 CreveccEur 
 
 You speak in triumph, sire, for his long absence is 
 proof enough that he has fallen into your hands. 
 The dead cannot answer, my liege. 
 
 Fool 
 
 [Pointinff to Crevecceu/s armor.] 
 
 All that glistens is not gold, 
 
 A golden welcome soon grows cold. 
 
 The fox and the stork once exchanged hospitalities, 
 you know. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Now, by our Lady, so false are these accusations that 
 I laugh rather than am angry at them. Our 
 provost guard daily hangs thieves and vagabonds. 
 Tell our cousin if he loves such companions to 
 keep them in his own domains. 
 
 Crevecoeur 
 
 My master needs no such subjects, sir King. The 
 Duke of Burgundy does not inquire his fate of 
 witches and wandering gypsies. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Sir Count, since your purpose is but to insult us, we 
 will ourselves treat with Burgundy, for certes 
 you have exceeded jour commission. 
 [29] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Crevecoeur 
 
 On the contrary, I have not yet fulfilled it. 
 Hearken, Louis of France, and you, Toison d'Or, 
 make proclamation after me. I, Philip, Creve- 
 coeur de Cordes, in the name of Charles, by the 
 grace of God, Duke of Burgundy and Earl of 
 Flanders, do hereby declare that since you have 
 refused to remedy his grievances, he renounces all 
 allegiance to your crown, and defies you as a 
 prince and as a man ! There lies my gage ! 
 [He throws his gauntlet to the floor and goes out. 
 Toison d'Or bloivs his trumpet, and cries: 
 "Long life to Burgundy and Duke Charles!" 
 The page and Toison d'Or go out. Tumult. 
 The crowd, angered and excited by Creve- 
 coeur s audacity, starts to folloiu him. Quentin, 
 Crawford and Dunois spring to lift the gage.] 
 
 Crawford 
 
 After him ! 
 
 Strike him down ! 
 
 D 
 
 unois 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Silence ! Lay not a hand on the man — not a finger 
 on the gage! 
 
 [The three ?nen step back; the crowd stops its 
 move?7ient. Silence follows.] 
 [30] 
 
QUENTTN DURWARD 
 
 I mean you, Dunois, and 3^ou, young Durward. 
 You, my Lord Crawford, are too old for such 
 conflicts. Olivier, our barber, shall lift the 
 gauntlet ! 
 
 Olivier 
 
 I, sire? Surely the Count of Crevccceur will not 
 deign to speak to so humble a messenger as 
 Olivier. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Mayhap our barber is afraid. 
 
 Olivier 
 
 Ah, sire, you wrong me. But the anger of Creve- 
 coeur — 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Enough, sirrah ! No belted knight, but a man of 
 peace, shall return the madman's gage. Olivier, 
 we would have peace, but not at the price of 
 honor. 
 
 Olivier 
 Sire. 
 
 [Olivier picks the gauntlet up gingerly and slinks 
 off after Crevecoeur. The crowd mutters dis- 
 contentedly.^ 
 
 King Louis 
 
 How now, my masters, does the messenger we have 
 chosen displease you? 
 
 [31] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Dunois 
 
 You do your French nobles injustice, sire. Every 
 man of us would carry defiance to Burgundy on 
 the point of his sword. 
 
 Crawford 
 
 And, sire, you wrong the Scottish gentlemen who 
 serve j'ou. My own arm is yet strong enough, if 
 I had your majesty's permission to use it. 
 
 Quentin 
 
 And I, too, sire, would serve you, else I were no 
 true Scot. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 We doubt not your valor, but we fear your rashness. 
 We must avail ourselves of every precious hour 
 of peace. Fear not. We have learned how best 
 to deal with these Burgundians. And now leave 
 us. We would see Olivier alone. 
 \^The crowd of nobles goes out, talking excitedly. 
 The King beckons Quentin and Balafre as they 
 pass.^ 
 
 Balafre and young Durward, do you remain at hand, 
 where I can summon you. 
 
 Quentin and Balafre 
 Aye, sire. 
 
 [^They bow and go out.^ 
 l^Olivier returns.] 
 
 [32] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 King Louis 
 How now, Olivier, have you tamed the spirit of 
 Burgundy's envoy? 
 
 Olivier 
 Sire, my task has been difficult, but I have called yon 
 proud Count to reckoning for his presumption 
 toward your majesty. 
 
 King Louis 
 And how did seignor Count receive our barber's 
 chastisement ? 
 
 Olivier 
 You mock me, sire. Crevecoeur had his foot in the 
 stirrup, ready to return to his master, but I per- 
 suaded him to delay his departure for twenty-four 
 hours, and in the mean time to take back his gage. 
 
 King Louis 
 [Muttering.] 
 Twenty-four hours. 'Tis of the shortest. 
 
 Olivier 
 There would be no need for such haste if your 
 majesty had listened to my advice. 
 
 King Louis 
 Your advice, indeed. It was you who counselled us 
 to protect the Lady Isabelle. I did not dream 
 the price was war with Burgundy 
 [33] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Olivier 
 My liege, you know my reasons. The estate of the 
 Countess of Croye lies on the frontier of Bur- 
 gundy. If the Countess were wed to some one 
 allied with your majesty, we could sorely chafe 
 your rash cousin's temper. 
 
 King Louis 
 'Tis a tempting bait, and if we could have concealed 
 her presence here we might have arranged a 
 marriage for this rich heiress profitable to us. 
 
 Olivier 
 
 What if a marriage could be accomplished between 
 Isabelle and young Adolphus, the Duke of 
 Gueldres ? 
 
 King Louis 
 
 What! Sacrifice her, so lovely a creature, to that 
 furious wretch? No, Olivier, no. That would 
 be too unutterably cruel, even for you and me. 
 Besides, he is too far distant to serve us. No, I 
 will none of Adolphus. Think on some one else. 
 
 Olivier 
 I can think of no one who is a better enemy of 
 Burgundy. 
 
 King Louis 
 But I should prefer a better friend of France. 
 
 \^After a moment' s pause.] 
 What say you to William de la Marck? 
 [34] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Olivier 
 
 DelaMarck? The Wild Boar of Ardennes ! That 
 pillager, excommunicated by the Pope for a 
 thousand crimes! 
 
 King Louis 
 
 We will have him released from the sentence, 
 
 Olivier. 
 
 [Crossinff himself.] 
 The Holy Church is merciful. 
 
 Olivier 
 
 'Tis true that he is of noble birth, but he has the 
 heart of a Flemish butcher. The Lady Isabella 
 w^ill never consent to marry him. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Methinks his mode of wooing will give her little 
 choice in the matter. 
 
 Olivier 
 
 How does your Majesty intend to arrange their 
 meeting? You know well, sire, that De la Marck 
 dares not stir from his own domains. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 If the Ladies of Croye chance to pass through his 
 domains on their way to seek sanctuary with the 
 Bishop of Liege, mayhap they will never reach 
 their destination. 
 
 [35] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Olivier 
 Ah! 
 
 King Louis 
 Who can say what will happen if news of their 
 movements should chance to reach the ears of 
 De la Marck? What think you of this scheme, 
 Olivier ? 
 
 Olivier 
 It will serve, sire, if the ladies wish to seek sanctu- 
 ary with the Bishop of Liege. 
 
 King Louis 
 It will be easy enough to persuade them. We have 
 but to hint the alternative of surrendering them 
 to Burgundy. They will need an escort on their 
 way. I think I have the very man — the young 
 Scot, Quentin Durward. 
 
 Olivier 
 Quentin Durward? The youth who cut down the 
 gypsy? Dare you trust him? 
 
 King Louis 
 He will have neither reason nor opportunity to play 
 us false. His instructions will be to escort the 
 Ladies of Croye to the castle of the Bishop of 
 Liege. Of the interference of William de la 
 Marck he shall know as little as the ladies them- 
 selves. None shall know that secret but the guide, 
 and he, Olivier, will be our Fool. 
 [36] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Olivier 
 The Fool? 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Aye, our Fool shall lead them into the hands of 
 De la Marck. 
 
 Olivier 
 
 But this rash youth may defend the ladies with his 
 life. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 So much the better. 'Twill make the capture seem 
 the more plausible. These adventurous young 
 spirits welcome death in a noble cause. Enough! 
 Olivier, make known our wishes to the Ladies 
 Isabelle and Hameline, that they may prepare 
 themselves for the journey. 
 
 Olivier 
 But what of Burgundy's envoy ? 
 
 King Louis 
 
 You must placate him as best you can, and who is 
 better suited for the task ? We shall forestall the 
 Count of Crevecoeur by going ourselves to Bur- 
 gundy. 
 
 Olivier 
 
 What? Has your majesty decided to go to Duke 
 Charles in person? 
 
 [37] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 King Louis 
 Aye, Olivier. Even the Lion cowers before the true 
 Prince. Go, bid the Ladies of Croye prepare 
 themselves for the journey and attend us here 
 immediately, 
 
 Olivier 
 Sire. 
 
 \_Bows and goes out.^ 
 
 King Louis 
 \^Calling.^ 
 Lesly and Quentin Durward ! 
 [Balafre and Quentin come in.] 
 
 Balafre 
 You called me, sire ? 
 
 King Louis 
 Aye, Balafre, go bid Dunois and my Lord Crawford 
 choose an hundred knights and Scottish gentlemen. 
 We shall journey forth within the hour. Bid 
 them make ready in haste. 
 
 Balafre 
 
 Sire. 
 
 [Balafre goes out.] 
 
 King Louis 
 Well, my young dare-all, does the routine of your 
 guard duties seem irksome? Does the falcon still 
 crave the blue sky ? 
 
 [38] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Quentin 
 You are jesting, sire. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 By no means, good lad. Your eager speech has 
 warmed our heart. We have determined that it 
 would be cruelty to confine so bold a spirit as 
 yours. 
 
 Quentin 
 I fear, my liege, it has been too bold. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Nay, lad, it pleases us. You shall have a chance to 
 prove your mettle, a chance that will bring you 
 no little risk, and mayhap a fight or two. 
 
 Quentin 
 I pray you, sire, name it. I will essay it gladly. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Listen, then. The lady who plead in your behalf, 
 and her aunt, the Lady Hameline, desire seclusion 
 and rest. They would journey to the castle of 
 the good Bishop of Liege. They have need of 
 someone as a guard, for the way is beset with out- 
 laws and pillagers. When I heard your bold 
 speech, "Here," thought I, "is the very fellow to 
 serve us." What say you? 
 [39] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Quentin 
 I say, sire, you are kind beyond measure. 
 
 King Louis 
 The commission pleases you, then? 
 
 Quentin 
 Aye, my lord, most heartily. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Good. Your guide knows the way. He is our Fool. 
 Follow his directions implicitly. For your own 
 comfort and assistance you may select a man-at- 
 arms. 
 [Olivier enters with the Ladies of Croye.] 
 
 Ah, here are the ladies now. 
 [Turniriff to them.] 
 
 Olivier has doubtless revealed our reasons for send- 
 ing for you. The threatening attitude of Bur- 
 gundy makes it unsafe for you to remain here 
 longer. You will find peace and sanctuary with 
 the Bishop of Liege. 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 I can assure you, sire, that we are no less eager to 
 depart than you are to be rid of us. The castle 
 of the Bishop of Liege, and even the journey 
 thither, will be a welcome relief after the weary 
 weeks we have spent in confinement here. 
 [40] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Lady Hameline 
 
 Peace, Isabelle. We should be grateful to the King 
 for his protection. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 [To the Lady Hameline.] 
 Chide her not! She is very young and has not 
 
 learned the value of patience. 
 
 [To Isabelle.] 
 As proof of our high regard for you we will reward 
 
 you for your intercession in behalf of this young 
 
 Scot 
 
 [Turning to Quentin.] 
 
 by making him your escort. As for the guide 
 
 [The Fool enters, limping.] 
 
 we have picked a man who knows every foot of 
 
 the way. 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 [With a shrug.] 
 As your majesty wishes. We are so eager to start 
 that the rank of our bodyguard concerns us but 
 little. 
 
 [The sound of soldiers approaching is heard, off 
 stage.] 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Ha! Here come my knights! 
 
 [The knights march in, headed by Dunois.] 
 [41] 
 
QUEr^TIN DURWARD 
 
 Dunois 
 Hold ! 
 
 {^Turning to the King.^ 
 Sire, we are ready. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 One moment, Dunois. 
 [To Quentin.] 
 
 Quentin Durward, may good fortune attend your 
 first commission. Pray Heaven, the outcome of 
 your perils may be the success we most desire. 
 
 Fool 
 
 King Louis wishes us success, 
 His meaning is for me to guess. 
 Sometimes success for the goose isn't sauce for the 
 gander. 
 
 Quentin 
 
 [Kneeling to King Louis and kissing his hand.] 
 I pray I may prove worthy of the task with which 
 you have entrusted me. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 I echo your prayer. 
 [To the ladies.] 
 Ladies, I bid you farewell. 
 
 [Quentin, the Ladies of Croye, and the Fool 
 
 depart.] 
 [Olivier approaches the King.] 
 [42] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Olivier. 
 
 [In the King's ear.] 
 Sire, I have sent the messenger to De la Marck! 
 
 King Louis 
 Good! 
 
 [To Dunois and the Knights.] 
 And now^ to Burgundy! 
 
 (Curtain.) 
 
 \_The curtain rises and the knights march off, 
 singing. King Louis is at their head.] 
 
 (Final Curtain.) 
 
 [43] 
 
ACT TWO 
 
 Scene. The road to Liege. At the right of 
 the stage is an old inn, with a bench beneath the 
 tree in front of it. 
 
 At the rise of the curtain, the Innkeeper is found 
 asleep on the bench, snoring loudly. He is stout 
 and has a fat red face. He wears a huge white 
 apron around his wide girth. In his right hand 
 he has a huge platter, in his left a towel. On 
 the bench beside him is a pile of dishes. At 
 one side is a tub of water on a stool. From time 
 to time he brushes away flies that disturb his 
 slumber, first with the towel and then with the 
 platter. Finally the situation becomes unbearable. 
 He throws the platter down, smashing it into 
 pieces, and slaps sharply at his face. The attempt 
 is successful. Slowly withdrawing his hand from 
 his face, he raises his slain tormentor aloft with a 
 smile of satisfaction. Suddenly his eye falls upon 
 the broken platter. He leaps to his feet with a 
 cry of dismay. 
 
 Innkeeper 
 
 St. Francis protect me! What have I done? Oh, 
 what will Gertrude say! What will wife Ger- 
 trude say! I shall pay a sorry price for that 
 broken dish. 
 
 [45] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Wife 
 
 [From within the house.] 
 Peter ! 
 
 Innkeeper 
 
 [He gives a gasp of despair, and hastily gathers 
 the pieces of broken plate and puts them in the 
 pocket of his apron. He picks up his towel and 
 commences to wash the dishes feverishly.] 
 Coming, coming! 
 
 Wife 
 Peter ! 
 
 [The Innkeeper continues wiping the dishes.] 
 Peter ! You have been these two hours washing the 
 dishes. Bring them to me. The noonday meal 
 is ready for serving. Hurry, dotard ! 
 [The Innkeeper gathers up the dishes, trips, but 
 recovers himself, and then pauses and looks 
 down the road.] 
 
 Innkeeper 
 
 By the strings of my apron ! There is someone upon 
 the road. 'Tis the first for many a day. 
 [He goes and looks down the road.] 
 
 Wife 
 Peter! 
 
 Innkeeper 
 But there is someone on the road ! 
 [46] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Wife 
 
 Come hither, you lazy idler ! Bring me those dishes, 
 I say! 
 
 Innkeeper 
 Anon. I tell you there is someone on the road ! 
 
 Wife 
 
 And I tell you bring me those dishes! 
 
 \^He shruffs his shoulders and starts towards the 
 door. Then he turns around and goes back to 
 the road and looks doivn. The Wife comes to 
 the door and surveys him in disgust. She 
 tiptoes quietly up behind him.] 
 
 [Crushinffly.] 
 Peter ! ! ! 
 
 [He jumps and drops the dishes with a crash.] 
 You clown ! You fool ! More than clumsy ape ! A 
 
 pox upon you and your road ! First De la 
 
 Marck's soldiers drink our wine, and laugh when 
 
 I ask them to pay for it, and then you break our 
 
 dishes, our very means of life ! 
 
 [She breaks out crying.] 
 
 [The Innkeeper begins to sniffle and reaches in 
 the pocket of his apron for his kerchief, but 
 brings out the broken pieces of platter. He 
 surreptitiously drops them behind him.] 
 
 [At this moment, a Monk in a muddy cassock 
 enters. He is breathless from much running, 
 and gasps out his words. He rushes up to the 
 [47] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Innkeeper and his Wife, who promptly forget 
 their own sorrows in their interest in his story.'\ 
 
 Monk 
 
 In God's name, good Innkeeper, grant me refuge. 
 Hide me! Hide me! 
 
 Wife 
 What's amiss, good Father? 
 
 Monk 
 
 Save me! Save me from the wrath of the "Wild 
 Boar of Ardennes." 
 
 Innkeeper 
 
 The Wild Boar of Ardennes ! May the three saints 
 of Cologne preserve us ! 
 
 Wife 
 
 Cease your whimpering! Tell us, good Monk, has 
 this wild nobleman dared to attack your holy 
 monastery ? 
 
 Monk 
 
 Aye, he fears neither man nor God. This ruffian 
 has plundered our monastery, beaten our monks, 
 and — 
 
 \^Crossing himself J] 
 
 Mother of God defend us — murdered the Abbot 
 in cold blood ! 
 
 [48] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 [^The Innkeeper and his Wife cry out in horror. 
 The Monk covers his face with his hands, as if 
 to blot out the remembrance of the murder. 
 The Innkeeper and his Wife assist him to the 
 bench, where he sits, half fainting.^ 
 Oh, I can see them still: 
 
 [Pointing.^ 
 There stood the good Abbot, calm and undismayed. 
 
 [Pointinff.] 
 And here sat De la Marck, in the Abbot's chair, 
 grinding his teeth till the foam flew from his lips. 
 His butcher stepped forward and lifted high his 
 bloody cleaver. At a signal from De la Marck 
 he struck, and the murdered Abbot sank without 
 a groan at the foot of his own chair. 
 
 Innkeeper 
 God 'a' mercy ! Where went the villain then ? 
 
 Monk 
 
 He drove the monks into the woods. He is near at 
 hand and may fall upon us at any moment. 
 [The Innkeeper gets behind his Wife.] 
 
 Innkeeper 
 
 What ! In God's name, then, let us into the house 
 and hide! 
 
 [He takes hold of his Wife and pulls her towards 
 the inn.] 
 Come, Gertrude ! 
 
 [49] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 [Cries and shouting off stage.] 
 Quick, here comes De la Marck now! Into the 
 house, good Monk! 
 
 Monk 
 
 Hide if you will ; as for me, it better becomes my 
 office to remain here and, if need be, meet the 
 same fate as my master. 
 
 [The Innkeeper and his Wife run up on the steps 
 of the inn. The Monk folds his arms. Ouentin, 
 Isabelle, Lady Hameline and the Man-at-arms 
 hurry in, exhausted. Quentin has a bandage 
 around his head. The Innkeeper and his Wife 
 come down, when they discover it is not De la 
 Marck.] 
 
 Quentin 
 
 Our horses are spent! We can go no further. We 
 must trust to our swords to save us from the Wild 
 Boar now. 
 
 Isabelle 
 May heaven grant us an escape from this danger ! 
 
 Quentin 
 
 [Going up to the Innkeeper.] 
 Good sir Innkeeper, we are hard beset by De la 
 Marck and his men. Give us shelter here of your 
 own good will — or we must take it by force. 
 [50] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Innkeeper 
 Aye, but, sir Knight, would you have the Wild Boar 
 of Ardennes burn my house over our heads? No 
 one can resist his onslaught. 
 
 Quentin 
 There's little time to argue the matter — we must 
 do what we can. Quick! A hiding place for 
 these ladies — I will guard your door. 
 
 Innkeeper 
 But, sir Knight, are there only two fighting men 
 among you? Are there no more? 
 
 Quentin 
 Only a crippled Fool, whose twisted legs were 
 unable to keep up with us. 
 
 Isabella 
 What can two of you do against so many? Let us 
 conceal ourselves here and trust that help will 
 come. If you fight — death may be your reward. 
 
 Quentin 
 A soldier can find no death more welcome than the 
 death his duty ofFers him. 
 
 Lady Hameline 
 Mayhap these good people can furnish us with the 
 dress of country folk until De la Marck and his 
 men have passed by. 
 
 [51] 
 
s 
 
 QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Quentin 
 
 What! A Scotsman masquerade as a rustic? Nay, 
 by our Lady, I will fight ! — and as I am. 
 [Shouts off stage.] 
 Quick! Into the house with you! De la Marck 
 and his men are upon us. 
 
 [The whole party hastily enters the house. Quen- 
 tin goes in last, after looking up the road, and 
 bars the door behind him. The Fool enters.] 
 
 Fool 
 
 [In fiendish glee.] 
 The game is caught in the trap I set for it ! Come, 
 
 my merry cutthroats ! There is the quarry. The 
 
 game has gone to earth; if you would serve King 
 
 Louis, dig it out! 
 
 [With shouts of "Sanglier," De la Marck's men 
 rush in. They take up a heavy log and batter 
 down the door of the Inn. Quentin stands at 
 the threshold and is beaten back by the first 
 rush. The Fool remains outside the inn, and 
 jumps up and down, laughing horribly. Sud- 
 denly two of De la Marck's men come out, 
 dragging the ladies. Quentin and the Man-at- 
 arms fight three others down the steps. The 
 Man-at-arms and one of De la Marck's men 
 fall. Quentin engages the other two outside 
 and has the advantage, when, with a horrible 
 roar, De la Marck enters. Over his shoulder 
 [52] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 hangs a wild boar skin, with its head drawn up 
 over the crest of his helmet.^ 
 
 De la Marck 
 
 [/« blood-curdling tones.'l 
 How now, you porkers of Liege, you wallowers in 
 the mud of the Seine! Do you dare match your- 
 selves with the Wild Boar of Ardennes! Up, 
 you boar's brood ! Let these Flemish hogs see 
 your tusks! 
 
 \^By this time one of De la March's men has 
 carried off Lady Hameline into the woods. 
 Isabelle is still resisting spiritedly. The Wild 
 Boar and his two henchmen soon overpower 
 Quentin and disarm him. They bind and gag 
 him. De la Marck brutally knocks Quentin to 
 the ground.^ 
 
 De la Marck 
 
 Lie there, you swine ! 
 
 \^He strides over to Isabelle, who has been sub- 
 dued at last. During the scene that follows, 
 Quentin is powerless to avenge the insults 
 which De la Marck heaps upon Isabelle.^ 
 Aha! Here's a fine prize for our efforts! 
 [He leers insolently into Isabelle' s face.] 
 So this is the fair one ! 
 
 [Isabelle receives his insults with tightly com- 
 pressed lips and haughty demeanor.] 
 [53] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 The wench is pretty enough, with her black locks. 
 That wizened jackdaw, Louis, has fulfilled his 
 promise for once. The Fool spoke truly of your 
 beauty, my bride. King Louis is a better judge of 
 wenches than I gave him credit for. 
 
 Fool 
 
 [Pointing first to Quentin and then to De la 
 Marck.] 
 When the archer's a-weary, the noble must woo — 
 So, off with the old love, and on with the new ! 
 
 [To Isabelle.] 
 Come, be not so distant. This is your chosen 
 
 husband. 
 
 De la Marck 
 
 [Putting out his hand.] 
 Aye, give me your hand ! 
 
 [She puts her hands behind her back in disgust.] 
 What ! Is mine too bloody, then ? By St. John of 
 
 Liege, 'tis so in a good cause. Come, I say, your 
 
 hand. 
 
 Isabelle 
 [Striking him.] 
 If you dare so much as touch me, King Louis of 
 France will avenge the insult ! 
 
 De la Marck 
 
 King Louis of France! — Ha, ha! — That's a fine jest. 
 What say you, Fool? 
 
 [54] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Fool 
 
 'Tis very like the King will avenge this insult by 
 dancing at your wedding. 
 
 De la Marck 
 
 Aye, 't is very like, Fool. But come, let us have 
 
 done with jesting — our time is short, 
 
 [Sarcastically.] 
 Have the goodness to ride with me, my gentle 
 
 countess. 
 
 [He seizes her. She struggles, to the delight of 
 the Fool. Suddenly a trumpet sounds. De la 
 Marck springs back with a smothered oath.] 
 Sacre nom de dieu! 
 
 [Crevecoeur and his Burgundian knights rush 
 upon the scene. With cries of "St. George of 
 Burgundy'^ and "Crevecceur to the rescue" 
 they drive De la Marck and his men into the 
 woods and pursue them. At the first cry, the 
 Fool screams and falls flat on his face. Two 
 Burgundians re?nain behind to release Quentin 
 and Isabelle.] 
 
 Quentin 
 
 A sword, sir Knight! Give me a sword! The 
 
 villains have taken mine. 
 
 [One of the knights gives him a sword.] 
 Ah ! Now, insolent, false-hearted traitor ! 
 
 [He starts in pursuit of De la Marck.] 
 [55] 
 
QUENfiN DURWARD 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 You forget your commission. 
 
 VShyly.-] ' 
 King Louis charged you to remain at my side. 
 
 [Quentin pauses and turns.] 
 My aunt is already a prisoner. Do not risk your 
 
 life to no avail, and leave me friendless. I pray 
 
 you, stay. 
 
 l^The two Burgundians are upstage, carrying the 
 two wounded men into the Inn.] 
 
 Quentin 
 
 Nothing could be more to my liking, and yet, — w^hat 
 would I not give to meet William de la Marck 
 again — and this time in single combat! 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 I understand that vrish — but you cannot fulfill it 
 and serve King Louis. He bade you guard my 
 
 Quentin 
 
 You are right. I w^ill stay. In sooth, nothing but 
 the desire to avenge that ruffian's insults could 
 tempt me from your side. 
 
 Isabelle 
 Say no more, I pray you. I am very grateful. 
 [56] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Quentin 
 It is enough that you understand. 
 
 [He suddenly realizes that she must be ex- 
 hausted.] 
 You are tired. Rest a moment, here. 
 
 [He leads her to the bench, where she sits down. 
 He stands beside her. The Innkeeper looks 
 out of the window. When he sees the coast is 
 clear, he comes out with a huge carving knife.] 
 
 Innkeeper 
 Have they gone? Are none of the false cowards 
 left? I always held the courage of the Boar's 
 brood to be of small account, save when they come 
 in large numbers. For mj^self, I still retain my 
 undaunted courage, regardless of the odds against 
 me. 
 
 [One of the Burgundians drops his sword with 
 a clang. The Innkeeper falls down the steps 
 and then runs hastily up again, just in time to 
 bump into his Wife, who is coming down.] 
 
 Wife 
 [Sharply.] 
 Peter! 
 
 [He dodges past her and runs into the house.] 
 
 First Burgundian 
 How now, madam innkeeper's wife, can you not 
 reward our services with food and drink? 
 [57] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Wife 
 Ah, 'tis a bad year, but mayhap the larder is not 
 entirely empty. 
 
 [She goes into the inn, accompanied by the first 
 Burgundian. The second Burgundian notices 
 the Fool on the ground and rouses him with a 
 kick.'] 
 
 Second Burgundian 
 Come, Fool, and make merry for us at our feast. 
 [The second Burgundian and the Fool go into 
 the house. Quentin and Isabelle have watched 
 this scene with amusement.] 
 
 Quentin 
 [After a moment's pause.] 
 You are silent. 
 
 Isabelle 
 I have not forgotten with what little grace I once 
 received the thanks you proferred me. Your 
 deeds to-day have shamed my silly pride. 
 
 Quentin 
 Your pride? Say rather your just reproval of my 
 presumption, — a reproof which I have not heeded. 
 For I have dared that for which kings would 
 barter their very thrones! I have ridden beside 
 you, watched you smile and listened to your 
 laughter. Nay, I have even dared to talk with 
 you of life and happiness. 
 [58] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 Do not humble yourself, good sir. You were not 
 over-bold. You have been a pleasant companion 
 and a valiant protector. No knight ever served 
 lady better. 
 
 Quentin 
 
 Would to Heaven I were a knight — then might I 
 tell you all that fills my heart and cries for 
 utterance. 
 
 Isabelle 
 [Demurely.] 
 Perchance King Louis will reward your zeal in this 
 commission by conferring knighthood upon you. 
 
 Quentin 
 
 There is but little chance of that, I fear, since your 
 safety is due to the Burgundian knights rather 
 than to me. 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 What could one man do against four ? 
 
 [A happy thought strikes her.] 
 Give me your sword. 
 
 [He draws his weapon and hands it to her in 
 wonder. She taps him upon the shoulder.] 
 Rise, sir Quentin Durward. I dub you my Knight. 
 
 [He obeys her, only half comprehending.] 
 You have your wish — what is it you would say ? 
 [59] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Quentin 
 
 \^S lowly realizing that he is free to speak. ^ 
 What is it I would say? I would tell you — Oh, 
 the words won't come! 
 
 Isabella 
 You may say what you please, without fear. 
 
 Quentin 
 
 Then listen. I have told you of my boldness — and 
 how I dared rejoice in your very nearness. You 
 have forgiven me — but that was not all. As I 
 have ridden beside you, my heart has whispered 
 but one desire. That wish has sprung to my lips a 
 thousand times, and each time I have choked it 
 back — for I knew I had no right to utter it. 
 Now you have given me that right, but still I 
 cannot speak, for there is nothing — nothing — 
 nothing — 
 [He faints.^ 
 
 Isabella 
 
 Holy Virgin ! He is wounded ! 
 
 \^She binds his wound with her kerchief.] 
 There, there, that should be better. Is it not ? 
 
 [He is silent.] 
 Speak, good knight ! 
 
 [Softly.] 
 Speak, dear Quentin. 
 
 [60] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 [Chafes his temples.] 
 He is good to look upon. 
 
 [She readjusts the bandage.] 
 So. 
 
 Quentin 
 
 [Dreamily.] 
 Are you a spirit? 
 
 [He takes her hand in his.] 
 If I be asleep and this a dream, may I never awake. 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 [With the naive wonder of a child.] 
 Am I so lovely then ? 
 
 Quentin 
 
 I have ever sought for perfect loveliness — sought 
 and found it not. You are the perfection of all 
 the love and beauty in this world, and in the 
 world to be. 
 [She rises and helps Quentin to his feet. He 
 
 stands abashed before her, afraid of his own 
 
 boldness.] 
 
 Isabelle 
 I am quite happy. 
 
 Quentin 
 
 And I — I have learned what men and gods have 
 meant by love. 
 
 [61] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 [He takes her in his arms. Suddenly, there is a 
 sound of clanking armor off stage. Crevecoeur 
 and his ?nen come in, — Crevecoeur wiping his 
 bloody sword. The two Burgundians come out 
 of the inn, leading the Fool between them, and 
 join their comrades.^ 
 
 Crevecoeur 
 
 By our lady of Peronne, that arch-fiend, De la 
 Marck, has escaped us and is safe in his castle, 
 with the Lady Hameline his prisoner. 
 
 Isabelle 
 [Crying out.] 
 Oh! Can nothing be done to save her? 
 
 Crevecoeur 
 Nothing at present, I fear. He is beyond our reach. 
 
 Isabelle 
 Alas, my unhappy aunt ! What w^ill be her fate ? 
 
 Crevecoeur 
 
 Heaven alone can predict w^hat treatment she vv^ill 
 receive at the hands of that villain. As for you, 
 my pretty cousin, you have found a rough welcome 
 to our woods. I have well served Charles of 
 Burgundy to-day, in rescuing you from De la 
 Marck. 
 
 [62] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Isabelle 
 Charles of Burgundy? 
 
 Crevecoeur 
 
 Aye. My lord of Burgundy likes to keep such pretty 
 vassals near him. We must make haste toward his 
 court, ere De la Marck return with the rest of 
 his brutal soldiers. 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 But I am on my way to the Bishop of Liege, under 
 the protection of this young archer. 
 
 Crevecoeur 
 
 Methinks he is too young to be trusted with such a 
 charge. 
 
 Isabelle 
 He has saved my life and honor. 
 
 Crevecoeur 
 Doubtless to make you his own captive. 
 
 Quentin 
 
 I command you to let this lady depart in peace for 
 Liege. I bear the King's commission to deliver 
 her safely into the hands of the Bishop. 
 [63] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Crevecoeur 
 
 And / bear the commission of the Duke of Bur- 
 gundy to return his vassal to his dominions. 
 [To his soldiers.] 
 
 Seize this presumptuous youth ! 
 
 [They seize him before he has time to draw his 
 sword.] 
 
 Quentin 
 You shall answer for this to the King of France ! 
 
 Crevecoeur 
 
 I will first answer to the Duke of Burgundy. Come, 
 Isabelle, we go to Burgundy. 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 [64] 
 
ACT THREE 
 
 Scene. The courtyard of the castle of Charles of 
 Burgundy at Peronne. King Louis XI sits in an 
 elevated chair at one side, and Charles of Bur- 
 gundy is seated in the same fashion on the other 
 side. Louis' knights are on his side of the court- 
 yard, and the Burgundian nobles on the other 
 side. Crawford, Balafre, Olivier and Dunois are 
 near the King. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Ah, cousin, if the ties of relationship and gratitude 
 are not sufficient to bind us together, we have 
 those of spiritual relationship. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 Ah, Louis, Louis, would to God you were as faith- 
 ful a monarch as you are a pleasing companion! 
 I often think on the jovial times we used to spend 
 together. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 You may bring them back when you will. I shall 
 grant as fair terms as you ought to ask, and I 
 shall swear to keep them upon the holy relic which 
 I bear about my person — a fragment of the true 
 cross. 
 
 \^He takes a small gold reliquary from a chain 
 around his neck and kisses it devoutly.^ 
 [65] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Never was false oath sworn on this sacred relic but 
 it was avenged within the year. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 Yet it is the same on which you swore friendship to 
 me when you last left Burgundy, and shortly after 
 sent your vassal to murder me. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 My gracious cousin, now you are unearthing ancient 
 grievances. I promise you that you were deceived 
 in that matter. Moreover, it was not upon this 
 relic which I then swore, but upon another frag- 
 ment of the true cross, weakened in virtue, doubt- 
 less, by sojourning with the Infidels. Ah, God 
 shield us from perjury on such a warrant as this! 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 Well, cousin, I do believe you had a lesson to keep 
 faith another time. And now for once, without 
 finesse or doubling, will you promise to return 
 to Burgundy the Ladies of Croye ? 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Fair cousin Charles, you drive my courtesy to 
 
 extremity. The Countess Isabelle and her aunt 
 
 are not within my kingdom. Yield up this matter 
 
 and let us rather speak of the towns on the Sonne. 
 
 [66] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 My council will talk to your majesty of these. You 
 have tampered with my vassals and have thought 
 to bestow the hand of my ward upon William 
 de la Marck ! 
 
 King Louis 
 
 My dear cousin, must I again deny these foolish 
 charges? I tell you I know naught of these 
 errant ladies, nor of their actions. May God 
 bear witness of the truth I speak ! 
 [He crosses himself, and kisses the reliquary.] 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 [Rising and pointing an accusing finger at the 
 King.] 
 Perjure not your soul again, Louis of Valois! Here 
 are two witnesses who have seen my ward 
 [He points to two villagers, who step forward.] 
 in company with a young archer of your Scottish 
 guard. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 [After a moment's pause.] 
 
 Ha! This is a merry conceit! 
 [Sarcastically.] 
 
 A Scottish guardsman, forsooth. 'Tis very like! 
 
 But hold ! You may be right. Perchance it was 
 
 that young Scot who bears our death mark as a 
 
 traitor. Discharged from his company, he has 
 
 [67] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 doubtless sought revenge and made off with these 
 ladies on his own account. Should we apprehend 
 him now, he will not so easily escape our justice. 
 But 'tis very like we shall never set eyes upon him 
 again, eh, Olivier? 
 
 Olivier 
 
 [Bowinffj with a malicious smile.] 
 Aye, sire, 'tis very like. 
 
 Balafre 
 But, sire — 
 
 Lord Crawford 
 
 [Seizing Balafre by the arm, and putting his hand 
 over his mouth.] 
 Silence, Balafre! You forget your office. 
 [Balafre steps back reluctantly.] 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 By all the Saints! You are as hard to trap as one 
 of our Burgundian foxes. 
 
 [Enter two Burgundian nobles, who bow low to 
 Burgundy, and curtly to the King.] 
 How now, sir Knights, what means this interrup- 
 tion? 
 
 First Knight 
 
 By your leave, my gracious lord, the Count of Creve- 
 coeur has returned. 
 
 [Louis stirs uneasily and whispers to Olivier.] 
 [68] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 Hah! At last returned from Tours! It is high 
 time, indeed, when the object of his visit has pre- 
 ceded him. I trust he brings us news that bears 
 upon this point. 
 
 Second Knight 
 
 The Count of Crevecoeur will presently bring your 
 grace a report of his actions, which we have heard 
 but imperfectly. 
 
 Burgundy 
 Body o'me! Where is the Count? 
 
 Second Knight 
 
 He but pauses to remove his armor, before waiting 
 upon your highness. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 His armor ! Saint Bleu ! What care I for his dress! 
 
 I think you have conspired with him to drive me 
 
 mad. Bid him come to us directly ! 
 
 [The two knights bow, and exeunt.^ 
 
 [To the King.] 
 He comes by way of Liege and we at least have no 
 
 secrets in that quarter which we would fear to 
 
 have proclaimed before the assembled world. 
 
 [Enter Crevecoeur.] 
 What news from Tours and Liege, Crevecoeur? 
 [69] 
 
QUE^JTIN DURWARD 
 
 Crevecoeur 
 
 My liege, as for Tours, I see the King of France 
 is here before me, and he has doubtless told you 
 more than I can tell. I would have been here 
 sooner had I not encountered, on the way, your 
 ward, the Lady Isabelle of Croye. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 Hah! You hear that, cousin Louis? At last we 
 shall get to the bottom of this business. Proceed, 
 sir Count. 
 
 CreveccEur 
 
 The Lady Hameline has been captured by De la 
 Marck's men. I rescued Lady Isabelle from the 
 Wild Boar, himself, into whose presence she had 
 been led by a young Scot, who informed me that 
 he was acting under King Louis' orders. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 At last, sir King ! At last ! 
 
 [He stamps his foot in fury.] 
 Bar the castle gate! Let no man stir from his place 
 upon pain of instant death ! Knights of Bur- 
 gundy, draw your swords ! 
 
 [The Burgundians draw their swords. Louis' 
 
 men start to follow suit, but Louis motions 
 
 them back. Burgundy advances upon Louis, 
 
 his hand on the hilt of his sword. Louis 
 
 [70] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 remains seated, without showing any fear, or 
 assuming a defensive posture.] 
 
 King Louis 
 This news, dear cousin, has staggered your reason. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 No, but it has awakened a just resentment which has 
 too long been stifled! Tyrant over your subjects! 
 Treacherous ally! Perjured king! You are in 
 my power and I thank God for it ! 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Sir Duke, you have forgotten that you are a vassal 
 of France. 
 
 Dunois 
 
 [Stepping between the tzvo ?nonarchs.] 
 My lord of Burgundy, this is your Hall. You are 
 the King's vassal. Do not spill the blood of your 
 sovereign on the throne you have erected for him. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 Out of my path, Dunois, and let my vengeance pass ! 
 The wrath of kings is to be feared like that of 
 Heaven ! 
 
 Dunois 
 
 Only when, like that of Heaven, it is just. I beg of 
 you, my lord, restrain the violence of your temper. 
 [71] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 King Louis 
 
 He is right. Hear it, my last word; I speak as a 
 
 king to his vassal, and expect obedience. Stand 
 
 back! I command you! 
 
 [Burgundy drops back reluctantly, with a sullen 
 face.} 
 
 [Confidently. } 
 Why did not the noble Crevecoeur bring support 
 
 for his accusations? Why did he not bring with 
 
 him the Lady Isabelle and the young Scot of whom 
 
 he speaks ? 
 
 Crevecceur 
 I did bring them with me. They are at hand. 
 
 [Louis starts perceptibly.} 
 
 Burgundy 
 Have them brought here at once ! We will hear 
 their story. We will hear what they have to say. 
 [He mounts to his chair as two men-at-arms lead 
 in Quentin, Isabelle, her ladies-in-waiting and 
 the Fool. The Fool prostrates himself before 
 King Louis, luho taps him on the shoulder and 
 bids him rise. The Fool stands at King Louis' 
 side.} 
 [To Isabelle.} 
 So, fair Countess, what think you of the strife jou 
 have kindled between two great princes that 
 were like to have come to war for your pretty 
 face? 
 
 [72] 
 
OUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 [Kneeling before Burgundy.] 
 I crave your pardon, my noble guardian, for the 
 trouble you have suffered on my account. The 
 fault is indeed mine. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 Arise, Countess Isabelle. We mean better for you 
 than you deserve. We intend neither to deprive 
 you of your estates nor to abase your honor. On 
 the contrary, we will add largely to both. 
 Though you fled our kingdom, the man we have 
 chosen for you to marry is not displeased with you, 
 even now. 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 [Still on her knees.] 
 Alas, my lord, it is this well-meant kindness that I 
 fear even more than your grace's displeasure, since 
 it compels me — 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 St. George of Burgundy ! Is our will to be thwarted 
 at every turn? Up, I say, minion, and stand aside. 
 [Pointinff to Ouentin.] 
 
 This young man claims our instant attention. Step 
 forward, bold youth. Mark well the questions I 
 have now to ask you. If you falter or double in 
 your answers, I will have you hanged alive in an 
 iron chain from the steeple of the market-house. 
 [73] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 What made you bold enough to carry off this 
 lady, my ward? 
 
 Quentin 
 
 Your grace, I did not carry her off. Whoever says 
 this lies. 
 
 [Burffundy looks triumphantly at Louis who does 
 his best to maintain a bold frontJ\ 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 Now answer me this, and once more remember your 
 life depends on your veracity. By what author- 
 ity did you appoint yourself guard over this lady? 
 
 Quentin 
 
 By the authority of him I serve, King Louis of 
 France. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 Aha! You are a faithful messenger and I venture 
 to say that in obeying the King's instructions you 
 have disappointed his fondest expectations. 
 
 Quentin 
 
 I understand you not, my lord. I did but execute 
 the instructions of my King. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 But hark. Archer, what instructions did the King 
 give you? 
 
 [74] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Quentin 
 All I know is that my master, King Louis, sent me 
 to protect these ladies and to escort them to the 
 castle of the good Bishop of Liege. 
 [Lotiis regains his self-composure and smiles 
 triumphantly.] 
 
 Burgundy 
 Ha! But was there not some secret understanding 
 between you to betray your trust to William de 
 la Marck? 
 
 Quentin 
 I repeat, I heard nothing of such a nature. I 
 understood the instructions of the King to be 
 honorable, and I executed them honorably. 
 
 Isabelle 
 His words are truth, Duke Charles, and though it 
 is true enough that De la Marck and his friends 
 did attack us, this young archer fought most 
 valiantly in our behalf, at the risk of his own life. 
 To keep him longer captive would be unjust. He 
 is guiltless of all blame. 
 
 Burgundy 
 [After a momenfs hesitation.] 
 Well — let him go free then. 
 
 [Quentin bows slightly.] 
 As for you, my lady, I fear we cannot waive our 
 right to arrange your betrothal as we had planned. 
 [75] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 So be it, my liege, I could not hope for a better fate. 
 My only concern is the freedom of this brave 
 knight. 
 
 Quentin 
 
 [Stepping forward.] 
 My lord, I do not care for my freedom at such a 
 price. Let her go free, and do with me as you 
 will. 
 
 Quentin! 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Ha ! Another problem for our noble cousin to solve. 
 I suppose, dear Charles, you will next accuse me 
 of instigating this intrigue. 
 
 Charles 
 
 This is indeed a weighty question for kings to con- 
 sider. What say you, Louis, were it not well 
 before this vagrant Helen of Troy, or of Croye, 
 made more kings dance — were it not well to carve 
 out a fitting match for her, here? 
 
 King Louis 
 
 The lady is your ward. Do with her as you please. 
 As for her suitor, he is mine, and I will tend to 
 him. 
 
 [76] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 [Turning to Olivier.] 
 We shall take care of this young fellow, eh, Olivier ? 
 \^A knight enters.] 
 
 Knight 
 My Lord, a herald from William de la Marck. 
 
 Burgundy 
 Admit him at once. 
 
 {^The knight bows and goes out.] 
 By our Lady, has the Wild Boar of Ardennes no 
 shame, that he dares to come within our strong- 
 hold ? 
 
 [T/re Innkeeper enters as De la March's herald, 
 dressed in gaudy splendor. A boar's head is 
 emblazoned on his tabard. Fear and a gro- 
 tesque awkwardness mark his movements.] 
 Who are you, in the devil's name? 
 
 Innkeeper 
 
 I am Rouge Sanglier, the herald of William de la 
 
 Marck, by the grace of God, Prince of Liege. 
 
 Burgundy 
 Ha! And what would William de la Marck of 
 the Duke of Burgundy ? 
 
 Innkeeper 
 My master requests — that is — demands an audience 
 with your Grace, that he may secure justice for 
 certain injuries your knights have done him. 
 [77] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 The insolence of this wild man is surprising. 
 
 [After a moment's hesitation.] 
 And yet — perhaps it were better to admit him. 
 
 What say you, my royal cousin ? 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Do not yield to this wild reveler's demands. No 
 Christian ruler will have aught to do with such 
 a murderous ruffian. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 Still, his anger is not to be trifled with. 
 [He deliberates.] 
 
 But mayhap you are right. 
 [To the Innkeeper.] 
 
 Go! Tell De la Marck that we are engaged in 
 other matters that require our immediate atten- 
 tion. 
 
 Innkeeper 
 
 Very well, good master, I shall fulfill your order. 
 I trust you will find our meagre fare to your 
 liking. 
 [He realizes what he has said with horror, and 
 
 starts to go. The crowd watches him in 
 
 amusement.] 
 
 [783 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 One moment, sir Herald. Methinks your wide girth 
 is better suited to the apron than to the tabard! 
 Let him be scourged till his bones are laid bare! 
 
 Toison d'Or 
 
 ^Stepping forward.] 
 Nay, but if it please your grace, he is a herald, and 
 so, by the sacred rights of chivalry, his person is 
 inviolate. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 You are an owl to think that the tabard makes the 
 herald. Step forward and question him. 
 
 Toison d'Or 
 [SoleT?inly.] 
 Brother, in what college did you study our illus- 
 trious science? 
 
 Innkeeper 
 
 My lord, I was bred at the Heraldic College of 
 Ratisbon and received my diploma there. 
 
 Toison d'Or 
 
 [Bowing.] 
 You could not have derived it from a source more 
 worthy. And if I presume to confer with you on 
 the mysteries of our sublime science, it is not in 
 the hope of giving, but of receiving knowledge. 
 [79] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Burgundy 
 \^Impatiently.^ 
 Go to! Leave off ceremony and ask him some 
 questions that may try his skill. 
 
 Toison d'Or 
 It were an injustice to ask a disciple of the worthy 
 College of Ratisbon questions on the common 
 terms of blazonry. But I might ask Rouge Sang- 
 lier to say if he is instructed emblematically, and, 
 as it were, parabolically, in the secret terms of the 
 science. 
 
 Innkeeper 
 I understand one sort of blazonry as well as another, 
 but it may be that we have not the same terms in 
 Germany that you have here in Flanders. 
 
 Toison d'Or 
 Alas, that you say so, for the terms of our noble 
 craft are the same the world over. 
 
 Burgundy 
 Show him a coat and let him blazon it. If he fails, 
 I promise him that his back will be sable and 
 azure. 
 
 Toison d'Or 
 [Producing a parchment.^ 
 Here is a scroll of mine own devising. I pray my 
 brother to decipher it in telling language. 
 [80] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Fool 
 
 [Who has taken great pleasure in the discussion 
 comes up and looks over the terrified Inn- 
 keeper's shoulder at the scroll.] 
 I will help you, my good fellow. 
 
 [Turning to the croivd.] 
 This, my lords and masters, represents the cat look- 
 ing out at the dairy window, 
 
 l^The crowd laughs. Toison d'Or indignantly 
 seizes the scroll.] 
 
 Toison d'Or 
 
 Nay, it is "Sable, a musion passant, or, oppressed 
 with a trellis gules, cloue of the second. 
 
 Fool 
 
 By my bauble, if the cat represents Burgundy, she 
 is on the right side of the grating nowadays. 
 '[The crowd laughs again.] 
 
 King Louis 
 
 [Laughing with the rest.] 
 Well said, Fool. I owe you a piece of gold for 
 turning what looked like sad earnest into a merry 
 game. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 Silence, Fool! And you, Toison d'Or, who are too 
 learned to be intelligent, stand back. 
 [81] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 [To Innkeeper.^ 
 Hark you, villain ! Speak for j^ourself — in a word, 
 are you herald or not ? 
 
 Innkeeper 
 [Bursting into tears.^ 
 Only for this occasion. 
 
 Burgundy 
 How like the manners of the master are those of the 
 servant! Yet by our faith, so pleasing has been 
 this diversion, that surely your request should be 
 granted. Go ! Tell your master that we will see 
 him at once. 
 [The Innkeeper goes out in great confusion.^ 
 
 King Louis 
 Methinks your action has been rash, fair cousin. 
 
 [To Olivier.] 
 Olivier, do you think this interview will prove 
 
 dangerous for us? 
 
 Olivier 
 
 [In the King's ear.] 
 We can only trust that this blundering madman will 
 offset his words by his slow wit. Our cause hangs 
 on this chance. 
 
 [De la Marck strides into the courtyard, clad in 
 red armor, a huge sword strapped across his 
 back. He bows neither to Burgundy nor to 
 Louis, but strides up to the latter.] 
 [82] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 De la Marck 
 
 So, you are here, Louis the Little ! Well met, star- 
 gazer! A fine scheme was your accursed plot! 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Have you done? You forget that you address your 
 King. What means this speech? 
 
 De la Marck 
 
 You may well ask, King of Foxes. Never again 
 shall Louis trick the Wild Boar of Ardennes! 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Your words are as insolent as they are unjust! 
 William de la Marck, your temper is too short. 
 At another time we would reprove you, but here 
 ours is not the commanding voice. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 [Who has been astounded by De la March's 
 audacity, and is recalled to himself by this 
 speech.^ 
 True ! It is my right to reply to this insolent fellow, 
 and I accept it gladly. 
 [To De la Marck.] 
 Address yourself to me, rash fool, but — by the cross 
 of St. George — control your brawling tongue or 
 it will fare ill with you ! 
 [83] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 De la Marck 
 
 Who are you, in the fiend's name, that dares bid me 
 stay my speech? By God and St. John, what 
 right have you to command me — me, William of 
 Ardennes ? 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 What right J you hound of Hell ? This is my castle ! 
 These are my knights! Would you cast your 
 insults in the very teeth of Charles the Bold ? If 
 you have aught to say, speak as becomes your 
 position, and get you gone ! 
 
 De la Marck 
 
 I have but little to say, but mark that little w^ell. 
 I demand that lady 
 [Pointinff to Isabelle.^ 
 as my lawful property! 
 [Quentin springs in front of Isabelle, with his 
 
 hand on his sivord.] 
 But for this meddling fool — 
 
 [He steps toward Quentin and draws his own 
 
 huge sword half from the scabbard. Quentin 
 
 imitates his action J] 
 she would have been mine long since. Give her 
 to me, now, or, by the three dead kings of 
 Cologne, you will rue the day you first set eyes 
 upon her. I demand her in the name of Ardennes, 
 and William de la Marck. 
 [84] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 As well demand her in the name of Hell and the 
 Devil. She is my ward, and I will direct her 
 destiny. 
 
 De la Marck 
 What ! You refuse me ? 
 
 Burgundy 
 Mort Dieu! I do! 
 
 De la Marck 
 
 So ! Is that your game ? Then here I play my part. 
 
 I hold your kinswoman, the Lady Hameline. 
 
 Persist in your refusal, and my sword shall end 
 
 her life to-day! 
 
 [He folds his arms and looks trimnphantly at 
 Burgundy. Burgundy is stunned for the 
 moment. King Louisj who has ivatched this 
 scene with bated breath, chuckles.^ 
 
 Burgundy 
 Even you would not dare such an outrage 1 
 
 De la Marck 
 
 I would not dare? 
 
 [He throivs back his head and laughs brutally.^ 
 
 [85] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 King Louis 
 
 My dear Charles, there seem to be two rivals for the 
 hand of the Countess Isabelle, this young gallant, 
 and William de la Marck. Why not let them 
 settle their claims by combat? 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 Such odds would not be fair. What chance has this 
 lad against the Wild Boar of Ardennes, whose 
 mighty frame has seen a thousand fights? 
 
 Quentin 
 
 ^Falling to his knees.] 
 On my knees I beg you give me but a chance to 
 avenge the insults heaped upon the Lady Isabelle 
 by this arrant boaster. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 What says the other rival ? Is William de la Marck 
 willing to stake his fortune in such a conflict ? 
 
 De la Marck 
 
 Now by all the demons in Hell, I will teach this 
 rash stripling a second lesson. He will not need 
 a third. 
 
 Burgundy 
 I still protest. The combat is not a fair one. 
 [86] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 De la Marck 
 
 Fair or not, this is your only chance to save the Lady 
 Hameline. You must choose at once. What say 
 you? 
 
 Burgundy 
 I like not this bargain, but since it must be — I do 
 
 agree. 
 
 De la Marck 
 
 Good ! The Lady Hameline will be returned. And 
 do you on your part solemnly swear to award the 
 hand of the Lady Isabelle to the victor in this 
 combat ? 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 By the tears of our Virgin Mother, I do solemnly 
 swear. 
 
 De la Marck 
 
 Enough ! My weapon is ready. 
 [He starts to draw his sword.^ 
 
 King Louis 
 
 The weapons must be evenly matched. Let me 
 supply them. I have an excellent pair of swords. 
 [87] 
 
QUENfiN DURWARD 
 
 De la Marck 
 What matters the weapon in such a fight ? 
 
 Quentin 
 [Boiving to Louis.] 
 I am grateful, sire. 
 
 \_As they clear the courtyard for the combat, De 
 la Marck closes his visor. Balafre and Lord 
 Crawford helmet Quentin. King Louis and 
 Olivier come to the front of the stage. Under 
 cover of the confusion, they speak in asides.] 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Bring us two swords, Olivier, and so arrange it that 
 one of them will break at the first good blow. 
 Give this one to Quentin Durward. Thus our 
 long-desired plan for marrying De la Marck to 
 the Countess Isabelle is certain to be realized. 
 Go, and be quick ! 
 
 Olivier 
 [Bowing.] 
 Sire! 
 
 [He goes out. King Louis turns to the contest- 
 ants, chuckling to himself.] 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 [Coming to Quentin s side.] 
 Quentin, you will not thus run into the face of 
 certain death ? 
 
 [88] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Quentin 
 
 Certain death? Nay, it is my chance to win Heaven 
 itself! Indeed, to die were far easier than to see 
 you wedded to this monster. 
 [Isabelle leaves him and kneels to Burffundy.] 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 And you, my kind guardian, will you permit this 
 combat to proceed — why, 'tis little short of 
 murder ! Sooner will I marry this — 
 [She shudders.] 
 this other. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 [Shaking his head sadly.] 
 It is impossible. Our pledge has been given. 
 
 [Isabelle, half fainting, is supported by her ladies- 
 in-waiting. Olivier returns with the two 
 swords. As he passes King Louis, the King 
 raises his eyebrows questioningly. Olivier nods 
 and presents the swords, first to De la Marck, 
 with the good sword nearest him and the other 
 held back. De la Marck takes the good 
 sword.] 
 
 King Louis and Olivier 
 
 [ With satisfaction.] 
 Ah ! 
 
 [Olivier gives the broken sword to Quentin.] 
 [89] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 Back and give them room ! 
 [To the combatants.] 
 
 En garde! 
 
 [They fight. After a few blows are exchanged, 
 Quentin's sword snaps off near the hilt. The 
 crowd draws its breath as one man. Quentin 
 defends himself against De la March's furious 
 onslaught as best he can. Suddenly De la 
 Marck strikes what remains of Quentin's 
 weapon to the ground. The crowd shouts. 
 With a wild roar of triumph, the Boar lifts high 
 his weapon with both hands and aims a terrific 
 blow at Quentin. Quentin leaps aside and 
 De la Marck falls to one knee from the impetus 
 of his stroke. Quentin seizes the szvord on 
 De la Marck's back and whips it from its scab- 
 bard. The Boar rises and confronts his adver- 
 sary in amazement. A great shout goes up. 
 They resume the combat. Quentin gradually 
 beats down De la Marck's defence, and ends 
 the fight with a thrust. De la Marck falls to 
 one knee and rolls over on his back, belloiving 
 with his last breath. Throughout the fight 
 King Louis has watched the failure of his 
 scheme with amazement. As Quentin stands 
 breathless over his defeated foe, Isabelle rushes 
 up to him.] 
 
 [90] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Isabelle 
 
 Quentin, are you hurt? 
 
 [He shakes his head.] 
 You have fought this day as man never fought 
 
 before. 
 
 Quentin 
 Ah, dear lady, now could I gladly die. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 You have w^on her in as fair a fight as I have ever 
 witnessed. What say you, cousin? 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Aye, the j^outh has proved his mettle. He has justi- 
 fied the trust we placed in him. He has won a 
 just reward. 
 [He beams upon the lovers.] 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 At last the Lady Isabelle is well bestowed and the 
 Wild Boar of Ardennes will roar no longer. 
 With him dies the cause of our petty quarrel. 
 
 King Louis 
 
 Aye, peace reigns again in France and Burgundy. 
 
 [With a meaning glance toward the lovers.] 
 In sooth, peace is ever3nvhere about us. 
 [91] 
 
QUENTIN DURWARD 
 
 Isabelle 
 I have a thousand things to tell you. 
 
 Quentin 
 I have but one — I love you. 
 
 Burgundy 
 
 {^Snatching a cup from an attendant.^ 
 A toast, sir King! A toast to the new^ Count of 
 Croye and his bride ! 
 {^The nobles raise their cups with a shout. Song.'l 
 
 CURTAIN 
 
 [92] 
 

 
 
 
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