TENT AND THRONE ! PS 635 ^. iQ X"^ .Z9 . ^ W76173 A Eomantic Play, Copy 1 LV FIVE ACTS, JOHN G. WILSON. NOTE. — This work is printed solclv for the author'' s private use. Under the decisions of the courts which establish that such printing does not constitute publication, all rights are strictly reserved; and any infringement upon the title, dialogue, situations, scenic effects, or se(]uence of incidents will be prosecuted to the extent of the law. Entered according to Act of C;on<;ress. in the year 18T9, by John G. Wilt-on, in ^ the office of the Li!)rarian of C'onirrees, at Washlni^ton. G. G. McCosh, Printei; Monmouth, III. / 1 TENT AND THRONE ! A Romantic Play, hV FIVE ACTS, / -■■ \ JOHN G. WILSON. A'OTE. — This 7vork is printed solely for the autJior^s private use. Under the decisions of the courts which establish that such printing does not constitute publication, all rights are strictly reserved ; and any infringement upon the title ^ dialogue^ situations^ scenic effects or sequence of incidents leill he prosecuted to the extent of the law. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 18T9. by John Q. Wilson, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. G. G. McCosh, Trinter, Monmouth, III. ri Sn, (7^ < o"*- «v ^MP92-007473 CHARACTERS. RICHARD C(EUR-DE-LION. THE PRINCE JOHN. LEOPOLD OF AUSTRIA. SIR BALDWIN DE BETHUNE. SIR WALTER DE /.' ESTAING. BLOND EL. EDWARD. ROGER. FIRST A USTRIAN OFFICER. SECOND A USTRIAN OFFICER. WA TCHMAN. BERENGARIA. GRETCHEN LANDLADY. U/uSShWGERS, SOLDIERS, LADIES IN WAITING, ETC., ETC. m TENT ANDTHRONE. ACT I. MESSINA. SCENE. — K, Walls of 3Iessma^ with gate in centre, extending diagonally from first groove half way up stage — where sea commences and stretches to flat ^ ivhich represents horizon. Tent projects from l. 2 e., practicable ivith royal flag flown from a. Q,., in front of sea^ landing composed of four broad steps. An English flag is conspicuously planted on wall to R . , of gates . TIME.— Daybreak. Discovered — Edward and Roger keeping watch by the tent . Edw. It is a marvellous good law, friend Roger, that all things in this world have an ending — else keeping watch o' nights would be worse than going to the Saracen's perdition. RoG. {Grutfiy) Hm ! Hm ! Edw. {Mimicking him) Hm! Hm I Thy mother must have been a talkative woman, comrade. RoG. {Chuckling) My mother was the best churner in Kent. Edw. Nay, that explains it all — her children being brought up with the cows, learned to chew and ruminate, but not to loosen their tono-ues. {Roger laughs). Laugh away, comrade — laughter is better than speech, though it be at the expense of thy own mother. RoG. I laugh not at my mother. Edw. I will wager she hath often laughed at thee. RoG. Hm ! Edw. And with good cause too !— ROG. Pish ! pish ! — Edw. For a more unsociable, gruesome, duller-witted fellow — (Roger takes a bottle from his pocket and proceeds to uncork it) but an honest fel- low is often hid under a rough skin. RoG. {Drinking) Eh? Edw. a good heart goes with a blunt tongue, {shivering) Comrade, it is as cold as if we were in Scotland. (Roger smacks his lips and corks the bottle) As I am thy friend I will share thy bottle. ROG. Friend? Hm ! Hm ! TENT AND THRaNE. 4 Edw. Yes— friend ! — none but a friend would ask to share thy bottle. Friendship must have something to live on, comrade — because I am thy friend I will drink thy liquor. ROG. If it would close thy mouth awhile — Edw. I will keep silent a full ten minutes. (Takes bottle and drinks- pats it) Ihere is more joy and more grief, in a bottle of good liquor, than in a King's palace — for if you drink but enough, you can think yourself an emperor, and if you guzzle too much you get kicked like a dog for your pains. Ah me ! I wish these wars were well over, and I with some snug little wife keeping a tavern at Cheapside — but attention ! — comrade ! — (Puts bottle in his pocket) I hear footsteps — ROG. My bottle !— Edw. Nay, it might get so sober a man into trouble to be found on watch with a bottle. Efiter Sir Baldwi:n ue Bethune and Sir Walter de l'Estaixg, l. RoG. (In loiv voice — to Edward) Come now I (ETtwAni-) takes a sly 'Iri/tk) Sir Bald. (Pointing to the flag on the n-alls) It grows to morning and the flag still floats; Messina sleeps as quiet beneath its folds As though the lions, with their lifted paws. Were her own watch-dogs. (Through the following conversation Edward frequenfh/ drinks — shoiring bottle each time to Roger . ) Sir Wal. If the duke should bear This insult — Sir Bald. He will not — sooner the sea Would smooth her folds before the northern blast Than Leopold brook this . Sir Wal. It is then true That Leopold loves Berengaria ? Sir Bald. It is — and he would gladly find a cause To break with Richard — Richard laughs at him Mocks him, outshines him in all deeds of arms, Is King where he is duke and — (Edward, having emptied the bottle sticks it into Roger's pocket. Sir Baldwin sees H.) Hallo there ! what does this mean ? ROG. 'Tis empty. Sir Bald. Hast thou not heard the King's edict against robbing and pillaging? We shall have to hang a few of you rascals to cure you of the habit. ROG. (Pointing !■() Edward) He drank the half of it. Edw. Now is that good fellowship ? But I trust there's no question of hanging about a poor small bottle of liquor. Sir Bald. Give me the bottle. (^Puts the bottle to his mouth and turns it up) It is as empty as Richard's purse — greedy knaves ! — to drink all on so cold a morning. Edw. King Richard will soon give us a chance to fill it again, I trust; broken heads and full bottles are always to be found in his service. Sir Wal. [Shading his eyes and looking out to sea, l) My lord, I fancy I can see a sail Blowing toward Messina. TENT AND THRONE. 5 Sir Bald. Well, thy eyes Are younger by some forty years than mine- But, {looking out) by the cross, I see it too — now ends Our long suspense — for once the princess here Hichard will start for Palestine — But hark ! {Trumpets bloic from the town) The trumpets of the Austrian — Perchance He comes to look upon the flag himself. Unter l. , (jentlemen of the English camp . Good morrow, gentlemen; the King still sleeps — {Pointing to sea L.) But see the ship that hails this way, and brings An end to our long waiting. Edw. {To Roger) Dost thou hear Old surliness I Roc4. A fig for all the princesses I . Edw. Be not unreasonable, man — princesses mean weddings, and wedding feasts — and I love a good feast above all things. Trumpets h/orr from the town — enter from gates, R , seneral ArsTRiAN Gentlemen. First Ai';*. Baldwin de Bethune — Sir Bald. Greeting to you, sir. First Aus. I pray thee lead me to the King. Sir Bald. The King Still sleeps. First Aus. My master's cause is urgent, sir, And cannot stand on ceremony — pray Let the King know that Leopold of Austria Sends me on pressing business Sir Bald. Nay, sir— nay— I'll not stir Richard for a score of dukes — lie is no sluggard — when the sun is up He too will rise, till then, sirs, lack-a-day, I fear that you must wait his Royal pleasure. First Aus. " Like man like dog" — your P^nglish proverb holds, Sir Baldwin. Sir Bald. And my English lance holds loo ; If you should care to test it sir, I am Most humbly at your service. StrWal. Nay, Sir Baldwin, The gentleman acts as ambassador. Sir Bald. True, true^ — well sir, your business — we can bear Your message to the King, if you'll not wait. First Aus. Briefly then — Leopold of Austria sends To Richai'd and demands that Richard's flag Be taken from Messina's walls — because Leopold makes his camp within the town, Richard without it — each is sovereign ) Of his own camp — to place the English flag On Austrian walls insults the duke — therefore He does demand of you its swift removal. Sir Bald. Nay, sir — King Richard placed it there himself— With no thought of the duke though- -but because The townspeople, who dwell in the Aitstrian camps, Grew turbulent — refused to sell us meat. To furnish us with water, hay and straw — TENT AND THRONE. 6 Assailed "the peaceful agents whom we sent — Hustled them out of the gates — till Kichard flew Into a furious rage, and charged the crowd, Driving them back like sheep — then on the walls He set his flag — with no thought of the duke, For certainly the duke could have no hand In such ungracious conduct to his friend. First Aus. Of all your townsfolk quarrels I know naught, I have my master's orders — will you take The flag away ? Sir Bald. It is the King' s attair . First Aus. (To the other Austriam— pointing to the flag) Then tear it down — [To Sir Baldwin) You force me to this — The opening of the tent is suddenly thrown aside — Richard appears nd- • vanc.es a step or tiro and leans on his two-handed sword. KiCHARD. Halt ! Who says tear down my flag ? {All keep silence) Lay but a hand On yonder banner, and I promise you That blood shall run to color me another — What ? Leopold tear down my flag ? — forsooth ! Tliese Austrians grow great, {Advances c F. ) First Aus. Sire, I have come — Rich. I heard you, sir — I heard you — get you back ; Sii}^ to the duke that Richard sets his flag Where the whim seizes him! First Aus. Sire — Rich. No more sir — go I — Exeunt Austrians by gates to r. Richard walks to r. f. Edward and Roger remain by the tent. English Gentlemen l. f. Sir Baldwin and Sir Walter c. l<>ok joyously out to sea l. It grows to broad daylight. Rich. I trust my lords that you enjoy your mirth ; Laugh you at Leopold or me ? Sir Bald. Nay , sire, We laugh to see yon ship that cleaves the waves Toward Messina. (Richard runs to c. — looks out to sea — shading his eyes) • Rich. Now the saints be praised ! Sweet Berengaria cometh with the dawn ; An omen full of promise . Sir Wal. " Truly, sire, Your princess must be passing fair to merit Such long delay — your love is most devoted. Rich. Fair? — She is rosier than the kindling morn, As lithe and lissome sis the fleet-foot roe — And for her face — a broad white brow, that wears A crown of lustrous hair — a mouth so curved, That dimples play on either side, and lurk In the round chin — a nose not long nor short, Nor yet too thin, but of a royal grace — And eyes that lure you with their long sweet gaze Beneath tine lashes. Sir Bald. Truly, sire, no wonder That Leopold harbors a grudge against you. tp:nt and thronk. t Rich. She comes I She comes I Faint music A skip sails in from l., and moors c., behind the landiny. Bebengaria appears on deck with ladies in waiting. Richard runs up lite steps of the landimj and escorts Berengaria doicn them — kneels and kisses her hand. The ladies folloic — sailors are .'ieen on the ship. Rich. Ah, cousin — welcome I welcome ! (rises) I and my army wait for thee, my love. Ber. Dear sire, the winds were strong against us. Rich. Ves— I know ; but wind nor wave could part us long. Baldwin, call Blondel here, while I may sit And feast my eyes upon my lady's ftice. Exit Sir Baldwin l. Servaiits throic a scarlet tapestri/ over the scats of the landiny. Berengaria sits on the third step — Richard on the second R., enter Sir Baldwin and Blondel tcitli late. Rich. Dear love — the sweetest minstrel of the world, Blondel de Nesle — sing to us Blondel — ah ! — Blon. (Stnys, accompanied by late) When the west wind blows, And the red, red rose Loseth her petals one by one — And the wan stream flows Where no flower grows, Far from the moonlight and the sun. Then I kiss my love. And her silken glove Fix in my helm and ride away — And the brooding dove Cooetli soft above, Thrilling with grief the distance gi'ay. But the skies will change. And the level range Buries not always sun and moon — In my lady's grange I shall ne'er be strange — Watching she waits from night to noon. Ku'IIArd makes a siytial of dismissal. Exeunt all but Richard and Berengaria, l. Richard hums last line of the sony. Rich. Sweet cousin, I have waited here for thee, Patient and true as Blondel" s lady-love. Ber Sire — Rich. Nay, forget love, that 1 am a King. Ber. My Richard ! I have dreamed of thee so long It seems not strange to be with thee — and yet — Rich. And yet? Ber. And yet — I cannot think it true. Rich. Nay, love, 'tis very true — here is Messina, Yonder the English army — there the fleet — And in the town duke Leopold — Ber. {Starting) He here?— TENT AND THRONE. Rich. Why, how you start, love, at his very name. Tell me, my Berensraria, is it true That Leopold paid suit to thee ? Bek. Indeed He made most violent love . Rich. Ah ha .' the duke Hath cause indeed to hate me — were I he I'd mope as sullen as an owl by day, And croak all night like some disgruntled toad. To lose thee ? — why 'twere better far to lose A score of battles. (Rises) Cousin, tell me now, Wilt thou with glad heart be |^oldier's bride ? March in the morning at the beat of drum ? Toil on through wastes and sands and burning plains, Till sunset bid the weary host to camp ? — And then instead of downy bed, thou'lt lie Beneath some windy tent — no perfumed lamps To make a dim, sweet light for drowsy eyes; But flaring watch-fires reddening the fields, Or smouldering embers of some ruined town — And all night long the cries of sentinels To trouble sleep — and overhead the stars ! Ber. Ah Ptichard ! I can brave it all for thee — Have I not sailed far from my father's home To meet thee in this distant, stranger isle? Rich. (WaUcs up and down excited/?/) And when thou sittest in thy sheltered tent. Helpless and weak — and round thee rolls the roar Of battle— while the gray wing' d arrows whizz, And swords and lances clash with clamorous shock — And I far from thee — doing, daring all ! Drunken with tight — forgetting all but war — For when the battle rages I am lost To all but battle — Canst thou meekly sit Nor shed too many tears, nor swoon with fright, But bravely wait the combat's end and sing A song of triumph when thy lord returns Victorious? — for so must Richard's bride. Ber. Yes — sire ! and when by luckless chance defeat — Rich. Defeat?— whene'er that sombre day shall dawn 'Twill be my last — I cannot brook defeat; But cheer thee, love — there's no defeat for us. We wage war in a holy cause — the pope Hath bless' d us, and the Holy Sepulchre Shall be our own, and Christendom made glad — But am I not a most ungracious wooer ? Love should not heed of wars or politics. But, cousin dear, our Kingship brings it's cares, I cannot make ihy life the pretty poem 1 would if I were some gay troubadour Like Blor.del. [Trumpets blow from the totrn.) Ber. Hark ! the trumpets from the town. TENT AND THRONE. 9 Rich. Leopold comes to tear down Richard's flag — He'll find the task a rough one — {calls) Gentlemen ! Enter L., Sir Baldwin, Sir Walter, Edward, Roger, Blondel and English Gentlemen of the camp. Rich. What say you, gentlemen, shall the flag fly ? Or shall we yield to Austria's demand? All. Hurrah for the flag ! Enter from gates r., Leopold followed hif Austrian Gentlemen. Leopold approaches Richard. Leo. Your grace of England ! Rich. Good morrow, my lord duke. (Leopold sees Berengaria,) Leo. Berengai-ia ! — Rich. My lord — my future queen. Leo. So I have heard, sire. Ber. Welcome, Leopold. (Gives him her hand — he kisses it.) Leo. Sire, I am loath to break so sweet a scene With my rude errand — but I crave your pardon. The business will not wait. (Richard a«r/ Leopold, c. f.) Rich. My lord, I listen. Leo. This town, sire, is my camp, I bivouac Within its walls, waiting for you to start For Palestine — Rich. You'll not wait long for me, Leo. You, sire, have set your flag upon my walls, A gross and wanton insult to a fr-iend — Rich. Insult? Leo. a moment, sire — I must demand Its prompt removal — else — (hesitates) Rich. Well, my lord duke ? Leo. Or else I'll tear it down. Rich. You hear it, sirs ! This flag that I have set here — not in sign Of any quarrel with my lord of Austria — But as a warning to the townsfolk, fond Of fighting with the peaceful agents sent To buy provisions — this fair flag of England My lord of Austria will tear down — forsooth I give him leave to do it if he can. Leo. Then you'll not take it down ? Rich. No ! Leo. (To the Austrians) To the walls! Tear down the flag I (Richard runs to wad and stands below flag with draivn sword. The Austrians do not dare attack him. The Englishmen run toioards him.) Rich, (^'o ("A^ Englishmen) Stand back, my lords — stand back — Richard can guard His lions. (Leopold draws sword and faces Richard) Leo. Cowards 1 — We shall fight alone. (Berengaria approaches Richard) Bek. Ah, sire! you put in peril the Holy Cause, If such dissension rend the chiefs, what good Can come of your great enterprise ? TENT AND THRONE. 10 Sm Bald. {To Richard) I' faith There is much reason in the hidy's words And after all the Austrian has some right . EiCH. Right ? Siu Bald. {Stoutly) 'Tis his camp. Rich. And truly 'tis my flag. Ber. Sire, in the name of peace— of the Holy Cause — Be generous to the duke.. Rich. {After a momenfs reflection) She's right — she's right— I'm but a headstrong, helpless fool — {To Leopold) My lord Although I am not willing that your men Tear down my flag, yet I will yield to you; No hand but Richard's lowers Richard's flag — lie takes down the flag giveH it to Sir Baldwin) My lord of Austria your town is clear. Let there be peace between us. (Leopold bows) Now, my lords. My bride is here — the long delay is o'er; Saladin gathers armies in the East Hoping to crush us by mere force of numbers; But we — relying on our sacred Cause, Shall triumph and the sepulchre be saved. The wind is fair — let us our journey take And sail for Cyprus. {To Berengaria) There we will be wed. Leo. My army, sire, is ready, France's too. Rich. Then beat the call — break camp and sail for Cyprus. Drums — trumpets — Richard ascends the landing with Berengaria, they turn and face audience. Rich. The eyes of the world are turned toward the East Where the pale crescent fronts the golden cross; The holy shrine of Christendom is held By infidels — be ours the sacred task To rend it from their hands — Glory and faith Call to the combat — so, my lords, for Cyprus! Drums — trumpets — above which rises the air of^'O Richard! monRoi! " CURTAIN. ACT 11. THE SIEGE OF ACRE. SCENE — An eminence within sight of Acre. Practicable rocks rising up stage, the highest point being reached at G. M groove with abrupt descent be- yond, invisible to aadience. Stage interspersed with palms and eastern plants . TIME — Late morning. Enter -L., with rising of n/rtain. Sm Baldwin and Sm Walter. Sir Bald. To-day the last assault is to be made; And Richard lies as helpless in his tent As any girl Sir Wal. The enemy is strong. Sir Bald. Too strong I fear. Sir Wal. The queen is sick with watching. Enter Blondel l. Sir Bat d. Ha Blondel ! any news ? Blon. No change, my lords — The fever burns him yet. Sir Wal. Some rumors ran Of snows that Saladin had sent him — snows Brought from yon mountains, which ascend so high That winter dwells perpetual on their peaks — Do you know about it, Blondel ? Blon. It is true; The King without them must have surely died. Sir Bald. There is some good then in the Saracen. Blon. A royal soul — for once King Richard dead, We all know how these hosts would melt away. And Saladin be left unquestioved lord Of Asia. Sir Wal. Faiths ;'.nd creeds may differ, sirs, But good hearts ai-e the same the wide world over. I love the Saracen for this. Juit>-r It. 2 K., EowARu and Roger. Hallo : Our old friends of the bottle. Edw. An' it please you, my lords, will there be fighting to-day? Sir Bald. Small doubt of that. Edw. And Avill King Richard be with us again ? Sir Bald. Small chance of that. TENT AND THRONE. 12 Edw. Then I tell you — not for myself or my comrade — for we are both true men, and will fight to the last scratch— eh— Roger? — RoG. Hm : Hm ! Edw. He is slow of speech, my lords, but hard of fist — as I learned quite lately regarding a certain bottle of liquor you — Sir Bald. {Interrupting) Well ! well ! But what of King Richard ". Edw. Just this — The Austrians are mixing among our men with tales that Richard is dead — and his great two-handed sword broken — and they do say that his ghost walked the fields all last night. Sir BalDi This smacks of the duke. Edw. And unless King Richard leads the charge to-day, there will be many of jur men turn tail and run. RoG. The gossip tells the truth. He thinks he saw the ghost him- self. Edw. I ? Ah I beggarly comrade I I will never fly because of a ghost that can neither eat nor drink. But truly, I saw a shape much like the King. Sir Bald. Where wert thou? Edw. Roger and I cracked a bottle last night, and when our blood was well warmed we slept— Wakin.o- at the stroke of midnight, I saw the ghost steal by. Sir Wal. All the spirits you saw, comrade, were blood cousins of the villainous spirits you consumed. Sir Bald. Blondel — lead these two fellows to the King. Let them look at him for a moment, even if he throws his sword at them — and then, sirrahs, you can tell in the camp that you have seen King Richard. 1 warrant he will receive you warmly enough. Exnnit I.., Blondkl, EDW^\Rl) and Roger. Sir Bald. So Leopold is working our defeat . Sir Wal He's mad in love with Berengaria — A wicked love drives honor from men's hearts. And makes them ready tools for villainy. Sir Bald. I care not why or wherefore — if the duke Play false with Richard lying sick to death Let him beware — Sir WAii. He fights most valo.rously To all appearances . Hnti-r Lkopot-u r. 2 e. LgQ. (Jood morning, gentlemen — How is our cousin Richard? Sir Bald. Sick-a-bed. Burning with fever Leo Then there is no change? Sir Bald. But for the faithful watching of the queen Ere this he would have died. LgQ I grieve for him . Sir Bald. And I for this day's fighting sadly grieve. Leo. Then, sirs, I must again assume command- Sir Baldwin you will lead the first assault Against the breach we opened yesterday— To you. Sir Walter, I entrust the task TENT AND THRONE. lo Of forcing entrance by the Prophet's Gale — Perilous work — but full of honor, sirs. I have already disposed the Austrian forces. SiK Bald. If, my lord duke, we fail again to-day, Were it not best to draw away awhile, Till Richaid be the better of his fever ? Sir Wal. For if the King should die, and the poor queen— (Stops emharassed.) Leo. What of the queen, sir? 8lR Wal. Left without protector — Leo. Not quite defenceless, sirs, while Leopold Carries a sword — in any case the queen Shall be well cared for. Sound the charge, my lords. Sir Bald. {To Sir Wal) Ah ! if the King could only show himself Exexiit Sir Baldwin and Sir Walter, r 2 e. Leo. (c. f.) I count on this day's work to clear my path Of Pvichard — for if fever does not kill him Saladin soon will seize him in his tent And 1 will fly witli Berengaria. (Paces up and do/c/i untamly) love I — love ! — love! — thou art a very poison Turning me traitor. i\lliny thoughts are foul With treachery to Richard — and desire For Berengaria. Morn and noon and night 1 think of her — I dream of her — I grow Faint with long waiting — Ah ! She is so fair — {AfasT.s- a riwynent — then hitteiiy) To win her I have sold my Christian faith And trafficked with the Saracen--my word Is pledged to thwart the purpose of our wars, And Richard's sickness plays into my hands. Ah God I this love that lifts men to such heights Of faith and honor — when the tides are turned (^an drag tliem to the deepest deep abyss ( )f infamy I Fnt'T EmvAKD and RonKR. Vt'i'ti initeh rxcitrd. Edw. (Shoi/f.s) Long live King HichardI "ROG. ( Shot/t.s) Long live the KingI Leo. (Aside) These nre Knglishmen. {'Jo Edward (/////.v asleep, hi-r hi-ad on the litter. RrcHARD strokes her hair . My dearest love I Thou art so worn with watching by my side — I o-rieve to see thy pale and hollow cheeks, And poor dim eyes. Leo. The queen hath nursed thee, sire ? Rich. She was my wife — she has become my mother By virtue of the second life she gives me — But for her loving, patient, tender, care, Ere this I should have passed the narrow gates To track the wan wastes of the realm beyond. Poor little one, how thin she is — how thin. .1 jioiai'ui of silence. Blondel cries suddenly from the rock. TEXT AXD TimoKE. ir. Blon. They storm the walls ! Rich. {Pihing iinpftuoiiKh/) Who leads ? {His )iH>rriitntf n-rdcs T>v.iiv.sga- ria) JJlon. Baldwin de Bethime Batters the breach — De 1' Estaing's at the gates— The Austrians support them (Richarp / si(/n(ih—1h(' four soldiers, trho Inirr , ri)i,iii,erar>J) Rich. {I'oin/s r.) ^ Quick ! Carry me to yonder i-ock. Ber. {Cliuf/huj to him) No! No! Rich. Leopold, gather all the forces left And reinforce De 1' Estaing— he must liold Or Baldwin's breach is useless— quick, now— /,/,rr.< rarriinxj Kicll- ARi> on Jitter R. 2 e. Berengaria rises. Rp^i^ Nay. Blondel— go I I will not trust him with a soul but you — You Know his sickness— watch him carefully— (P«-''/"«y Imu l» i? . ) Go ' I will stay here— if the day goes ill Bring back the King— Go 1— I will wait him here /•;r;7 Blondel r. 2 e. Berengaria stands looking out u. Z e. Leo! Now shall this spectre thwart my dearest hopes? The sight of him will make the mad fools fight As if tbe fiend were in them— shall I go ?— Oy ^vait nm\—{(i/>P>'f'^'^^"^'-^ Berengaria) Ah I sweet cousin ? Berengaria starts— regards him haaghtilg. Beu. You, sir— here?— Did not you hear the King s command? Leo. The King Knows not how strong the tide is turned against us-- l must remain to shield retreat— and note To serve as iinarprntector. TENT AND THRONE. 17 Ber. {Coming c. f.) You do wrong, The King is chief— you owe him loyal obedience — I pray you, sir, to go — to cross him now Perhaps would cost his life Leo. {Coming hif her nidc) And if it should? — Ber. My lord ?— Leo. {Passionatchi) I am not made of ice or steel, My heart can ache, my soul grow sick with pain The year just passed has been for me an age Of torture — in the camp or on the field, Richard has flung me insult — scorn — contempt — The glory of this enterprise is his — The labor and obscurity are mine — And if I have endured with silent lips, And if I have refrained from swift retort — And left my good sword idle in my sheath. My gauntlet dangling cowardly at my belt — "Tis but for one thing — one sad, sweet, sharp cause / Jove, j/ou — love — Ber. {Interrupting) Enough sir ! — you forget That I am Richard's wife ! Leo. Forget — Ah God ! Could I forget — could I but dream again. And dream you were the laughing, lissome girl Who ran with me along the sunny slopes And vineyards of Navarre — happy days ! Then we wei-e young and both our souls pure white — You were as virgin as the skies of dawn And I would watch you hour after hour. And wait on you to hear your maiden lips Building a pretty fortune for us both — Ber. My lord, you frighten me — I will not hear Another word — go sir, and join the fight — The Holy Cavise may wean you from your sia . Leo. {Cnc/ies her by the wrist) All this was changed by Richard — Richard came — And Leopold was but a sorry duke Before the splendor of the King to be. He laughed — I sulked — he played a careless part. Ran with the hounds and tilted at the jousts. While I hung near you, greedy for a look — He left you lightly and the years passed by — You cared no more for me — but when he sent, As one does for a servant, swift you ran And found him at Messina. Ber. Are you mad? Why all this talk of things so long gone by ? Leo. Because — I love gou — Ber. {Tearing herself from him) Coward! you insult King Richard's wife when Richard is away — Leo. Ah?— TKXT AND THRONE. 1^ Ber. It is true I folloAved him afar — And I would follow him clear to the end Of the broad world — I never loved but him, My lover and my husband — (.4 great clamor i.s lieard.) Hark ! Leo. [Ihnn up (lie rock — looks) They fly ! Comes doivn stage to Berengaria. Come, Berengaria, come with me — they fly ! Ber. They fly ! now all saints watch over him I Leo. There is no time for prayer- -we must away. Or Saladin's troops will soon be on us. Ber. No ! I must wait here — Richard is close at hand , Leo. "Tis sheerest folly — Richard's lords will take Good care of him — come, cousin — we must fly, The time is slipping fast. Arrises of the roat heard. Ber. Then fly, my lord, But I shairstay — I am a queen — a wife — 1 will not stir without my Richard — Leo. {Catching lier hf/ the loaist. Ah! You must ! Our time's too precious to be lost In words. He d rails her toirards l. Ber. Help ! Help ! Leo. Be silent, pretty fool — - The Saracens are near. Ber. Help I Richard '. Help ! Enter soldiers carrging Richard on litter — Catching sight of Leopold, Rich- ard y^/?«/'.!?//-ow litter and rims to l.; hurling Leoi'OLD to c. F., he places his arm round Berengaria — Enter R. 2 e., Sir Baldwin and Sir Walter, iritli .seneral officers. Theg run towards Leopold. Rich. What — Leopold I — Stand back, my lords, stand bacK — I have stood between the Austrian and my flag, And do not fear to guard my wife from him. Ber. But, sire, the rout begins — we must away ! — lliCH. Why are you here, my lords, why are you here '! You should be in the thickest of the fight. Sir Bald. We guard your person — without you all were lost. Rich. And you, my lord of Austria, you have left This army to be conquered — you have played The coward ? Le;o. (As if rousing himself f/om a stupor) Coward ? Rich. Yes the coward ! this Shall 'vouch the Avord. (Plucks a silk glove from hi.s belt and jlings it in Leopold's /r/rr\) TEXT AND THRONE. ii:^ Now haste you while you can, And help keep back this rout — or by the mass ! I will disknight you — there is time enough To settle our private quarrel. Leo. Time enough Exit Leopold r. 2 e. Sir Bald. But, sire, permit us to remove you hence, The fever will return Rich. Remove me now? — Through, the following scene a terrible struggle of tJw will with physiceil U'eakness is oljserrerl. De I'Estaing bring my armor. ' Kcit De l'Estaixo l. Now's the time For all to do their best. IIe-enter De lEstaing l., with full suit of armor — lielmet—and twa-handeil sword. Sir Baldwin andSi'R Walter arm Richard. Rich. Ah ! trusty steel ! Yovir merry click is music in my ears . Stands full-armed — vizor up. /* The sun is scarcely past the mid-day hour, There's time to fight another battle yet ! Sir Walter, stay with theqr.een — and Blondel too I He left her once before — this day it seems That all must disobey me. The rout grows louder — Richard runs up the rock — shouts Saints and fiends I Turn back ! turn back ! and front the walls again — Richard is coming — Richard I — - Great shouts arise of "Long live the King .''" Rich. Ah, Baldwin — see ! — they turn — the day is ours, The battle shouts again delight my eai-s — To Berenc.aria. Wait but a little, love, and we'll be back ! Turns, stands with profile to audience- he shouts Richard and the Cross ! Uiohaud Jumps — Sir Balvwis runs off n. 2 e. — Sir Walter r/«rf Blondel support Berenoaria — who weeps. Note— Action at the end must be exceedingly rapid— Richard's jump and the fall of the curtain must be ahnost simultaneous. ACT III, IN THE TOILS ! SCENE. — The public room of an inn at Vienna. Small door in flat, L. Larf/e dorihle-door r . 2 e. Fireplace L. Table c. f. Ceiling, fur- niture and all appurtenance.^ of a strictly medieval character. 'nUK—Evenin;i. Discovered. — Landlady seated l.. knittiny — Gretcuex, Inistliny about. — Leopold, Edward, Roger, First and Second Austrian Officers and six or seven roysterers seated at table, drinkiny. Leopold dispoxc\- his cloak and hat so as to disyuisp himself. Shouts and rlinkiny of ylaxscs as curtain rises. All. a song I A song I Oui- of till' company rises and sinys: ?Iei-e's a health to thee, wine ! ruddy wine ! Friend alike of the sage and the fool — Sweeter far than the grape on the vine, Is the wine from the cellar so cool. Drain a glass to the red juice itself! Was there ever a draught half as tine '.' Drown your greed of renown or of pelf, In a tanRard of wine I ruddy wine ! Life is short ! friends are false ! love decays I And of cloudy nights stars cannot shine — But there's joy after all of the frays, In a bumper of wine ! ruddy wine I Shouts of applause. Gretchen _/?7/« the ylasscs anen-. Edw. a good song I A good song I Wine forever ! Leo. Well said, comrade? Wine forever I and plenty of it — fill again, till again— (77u7/ .////). Edw. [Shows signs of drunkenness which increasees throuylt the scene) Wine is a good friend, for it lends itself to all men's humors. Here's Roger — the moi-e he drinks the more silent he grows; and that's to his liking. • RoG. A fool's tongue wags aiway, from the root up. Edw. If thou wert not my best friend I'd make thee answer for that • tool,' Roger — I have not gone a crusading to be bearded like a boy. IjEO. So you came from the Crusades ? TENTT AND THROXE. 21 Edw. Aye !— From Acre and x\scalon— cursed towns where all the girls go veiled and never a pretty one lets you peep under. / To Gretchex) Thou starest in amazement, little one, and well thou mayest — but if thou wert a Saracen girl I could not look at thy big black eyes, {dnurH her toirardhim ap'rtionafelii) nor thy plump, rosy cheeks— nor sit thee on my lap— so — {pulh her on /li.s }ai"e) nor kiss thee — so — {ki^^Ke^ her— xhe gire>^ him a sharp slap and jumps up). Gret. Ah the saucy knave 1 lie is bolder than his betters- -with a woman. If all Crusaders are like thee, I do not wonder that the Holy Cause fares no better. {Goes fo the fire and hei/ins eookini/.) Leo. The Christians meet disaster then ? Edw. One cannot say that either — There is a truce between King Richard and the Siiltan Saladin. {Takes up the icine-jug—finds it eniptij) More wine ! More wine I {GiiKTCiiEyi runs and fif/s it) Dost thou not see how the dryess oozes out of my skin? {Drinks) ITa ! Ha! That was a capital song — let's sing it again — {In a cracked voier) " Here's a health to thee, wine I ruddy wine !"' Landlady. Nay, man, it is on the stroke of curfeAv— when the law compels us to shut our shops — so no more noise to-night, for this is an honest place, though my husband be dead in his grave of a felon . Leo {To Ei:)Wari)) And whom dost thou travel with? Edw. Sir Walter De I'PiStaing and the — (Roger dcliberatrli/ throu-s ihr ran tents of his (//ass in Edward's mouth — he splutters angrib/) The devil take thee, Roger, for a churl — Thou'rt drunk, Roger— thou'rt drunk I Ro(;.Come away ! Edw T have not finished with this worthy comrade — Moreover I liave a thirst like the desert — T will leave Vienna wineless, so that this friend still pay. Leo. Drink away, friends {All drink) And who accompanies the noble De I'Estaing ? Roo. Faith I the merchant Hugo, of Damascus. Edw. Ha ! Ha I An excellent merchant, he — one who deals in wares of precious value. I have seen that same merchant — sword in hand — (Roger //o^'.s behind him — pul-i both hands orer hi.y )n'>afh and xo drags hint barku-ard till he sprawls on the floor.) Help ! Help I Leo. Thy pleasantries are rough enough, fellow. Roo. They serve my rurn. Leo. Suit seems. It may serve my turn to have thee soundly whipped. EdW. [Rises to his feet in a mtudUn condition) What's that, you churl? — have Roger whipped ? No, no ! I stand by Roger — and who art thou ? Leo. I serve the Duke of Austria. Edw. And I the — {Straps abruptig — laughs racantlg) "Here's a health to thee, wine !"' — The tolling of the curfew bell /.v h\\ATiJ) singing "Here's a health to thee, nine."' IaEOVolV) approaches Gretchen and takes the coin from her. She recognizes Jiim in a frightrned way . Goes o7i with her cooking at lire. Leo. It is of Richard's stamp. {To Landlady) Who are these people at your inn ? Landlady. Sir Walter Del' Estaing, of England, and the merchant Hugo, of Damascus. Leo. What manner of man is this Hugo ? Landlady A very noble man indeed — with great blue eyes and yel- low beard forked in the centre, like the pictures of Saint John — a very kind man too — but swift to anger, heaven knows — an ill-cooked supper will send him into a iit of rage Leo. I oes he serve Sir Walter ? Landlady. Not he — he serves nobody — he walks up acd down his room all the morning — sleeps all the afternoon — sups when curfew rings and then enjoys the night air of the streets — and that, your grace, is all I know of him. Leo. [Aside) Yes — I will wager it is Richard. Ah ! if I have him — if I \\xy\^\nm— [Turns sharply and addresses \,x^T)i.\\n) Say nothing of me to your guests. [Aside) I will assure myself — and then — beware, Richard, beware ! We are not now at Acre, TENT AND THRONE. 23 Exit Leopold d. r. Landlady. Oh dear? whom have I been harboring, that the Duke himself should come to my poor honse ? Landlady rcsurnes her knitting. Gretchen arranges mppcr on the table. Gret. There's a haunch of venison — and currant jelly — and Sicily wine — and cheese from France. A supper tit for a King. Ah ! that good Hugo I If trovible should come to him how sorry I should be — I think 1 can hear him now — with that mellow voice of his — She hums the air of the none/ sung in first act. Enter d. f. l., Richard, as the merchant Hugo, {wearing full heard) — and Sir Walter. They stand loatching Gretchen, ivlio busies about the table — humming. Rich. The pretty child — how sweet the old tune sounds, You know it, Walter — often in the night, When I have burned with fever, nothing else Would sooth me but the singing of that song — It sends my thoughts to Berengaria — Poor wife ! She sleeps beneath the Syrian sky. Nor dreams her Richard is so closely pressed. I'd give u world to clasp her in my arms. Sir Wal. 'Tis well, sire, that the queen sailed not with us, She ill had borne the hardships of this voyage, The shipwreck and the secret march- - Rich. 'Tis well Indeed. {Theg come forward, Gretchen curtseys) But where are our two soldiers gone ? Sir VVal. {To Landlady) Good mother, wliere are ray two servants gone? Landlady. There was a roystering company here to-night, Your men grew too familiar with the bottle And now have gone to bed — Sir Wat-. " The scoundrels ! Rich. Nay, Poor devils, they have had their till of fasting — Besides — we shall not need them. Richard and Sir Walter .svV at the table . Well, my girl, Here's a good supper. [They conunence eating) (tRET. Fit sir, for a King. Sir Wal. It is indeed— but master Hugo here Can eat as much as any King — and I Am no mean trencherman. Rich. {Laughingly) Fit for a King ! And hast thou ever seen a King, my girl ? Gret. No sir, but I have seen Duke Leopold. Rich. He's very good material for a King — Faith! I have seen some Kings not half as fine. TENT AND THRONE. ^4 (iRET. But if you come, sirs, from the Holy Land, Surely you must have seen King Richard— Rich. ^'®^ • Gret. ! tell me how he looks— for all the troopers Returning from the Crusades say such tales Of Richard, I would give my little finger To see him . ^ ^ i Rich. {Laughing) What a waste of pretty flesh- Why Richard's but a very sorry fellow— With some brute strength, 'tis true— but bah ! he s not A whit the better favored than myself. This gentleman knows more of him than I. {AmU) The solemn truth, for what man knows himself? Sir Wal. Good Master Hugo jests— indeed the King Is of a handsome face and shapely form— Although his eyes perhaps do not quite match. His nose too, is a trifle out of joint- One shoulder just a shade above the other— And yellow hair a rather dirty shade . Gret Oh la ! I don't call that a handsome man. Rich. 'Tis well the King can't hear i\^^ frimdlg praise. Sir Wal. Ah truly ! he is very vain. Rich. {Laughng) ^.!'^''- w'vp Sir Wal. Nay, Master Hugo, treason it might be To speak so honestly before the King- Few are the friendships that can bear the truth. Rich I'll pay thee for this yet. {Fmhe. plate, away-lean^ back) Ah ! now I feel Another man. Come danger, want, or care, There is much comfort in a well-cooked dinner. 't^'^i^:^^e r.no.es .liskes) I'll not believe your ''1^'^^i, my girl-it is the veriest slander. Gret. What! have you changed opinion .^^ _^^^^^^ There's a vast gulf between opinions given Before and after dining.^ Now I think Richard's a handsome King. . ^. ., Gret. (Foaring out wme) There's Sicily wine, I got it for you from the Duke's own butler . Rich Leopold's wine ! {Laugh,— theg drink) RICH. -Leopc K^^^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^ p^.^^^y g^^^_ Stretch out the finger that thou wouldst have given To look at KicMvd-{Futs a ring on herfurger) There's a ring for thee— Wear it-and if King Richard ever comes To Vienna-take it too him-fbr he knows The merchant Hugo, and for love of him- Fxceedino- love of him- will entertain thee . GRET A ring for me-and such a pretty pearl- Now if you were some laughing soldier-laa I'd give you such a kiss — TENT AND THRONE. 25 Rich. {Gaily) Nay give it me. Heaven forfend that I should lose such guerdon. (Gretchen coquettiMy kisses him.) Faith ! Walter ! there is sometimes compensation For loss of rank. Gretchen (occupies hprself uhoxit the room, looking every now and then at the ring. Slii Wal. 'Tis well w^e start to-morrow — A merchant who throws Cyprus pearls away Might well arouse suspicion. Rich By the saints ! I never thought of that . Sir Wal. You were not made For traveling incognito sire, that's plain. But yesterday you gave so royal a present To some poor baron who chanced to treat us well That all the neighborhood was in a ferment — You know we had to run to hide ourselves. And now you're throwing pearls about as if .Jewels were thick as dust. Rich. Well, grumbling sir, No man can break the habits of his life Without some practice Sir Wal. Would that we were safe in England. Rich. Ah ! I cannot think it true That .John's a traitor— yet he's very crafty. Well we shall soon be there and know the worst — Or best- -Come, let us stretch our legs awhile, I feel as stiff — Sir VVal. But those two churls are drunk . Rich. Well what of that? We two can at a pinch Defend ourselves. Besides, who would attack A noble Knight of England and a poor Damascus mei'chant, taking the night air? They will but think it is a foreign custom. Come, Walter, I insist ! Sir Wal. Then I obey. Thry walk towards D. ii., wJien a loud knocking is heard on the outside. Tiiey stop. Landlady. {Goings, r.) Hey-day! Here's a hurly-burly. What's the matter there? What's the matter? Do you know the time o' night? First Aus Off. {From outside) Open in the name of the Duke ! [Knocking renewed) Landlady. Open the door? Well! well! we're honest folk and there's nothing to be afraid of. Yes! yes! keep quiet, keep quiet — have a minute's patience. TENT AND THRONE. 26 She opens door. Enter First and Second Austrian Officers (md half-a- dozen followers. Now what do you want? Gret. (Mockingly) In the name of the duke ! FiEST Aus. We want wine— and lodging for the night. Richard and Sir Walter stand l. f. Landlady. That you'll not get here. It's against the law to harbor strangers after curfew. First Aus. Bah ! Here are the Duke's orders. [Hands her a paper) We are troopers of his own company just come from the Holy Land — and there is no place else for us to-night. Landlady. Well! well I We must obey the Duke. Give them some wine, Gretchen. The Aiistrians sit at table — Gretchen Imngs them wine. Rich. [To Sir Walter) By special order of the duke — dost hear 'i Sir Wal. Is it possible that he hath found us out Rich. We'll stay and see the end of this adventure. 8iR Wal. 1' faith 'tis safer here than out-o-doors, If Leopold hath scent of us. First Aus. {To Richard and Sir Walter) Ho there ! Comi-ades ! — come join us! Gret. "Comrades' ' — Well-a-day ! This gentleman's an English Knight — and this A merchant of Damascus. Second Aus. Knight or merchant They both come from the Crusades . Rich. Ha ! Second Aus. And so We're brethren of the Cross. Come, comrades, drink. Sir Wal. To what ? First Aus. Confusion to the Saracens. Sir Wal Good ! I'll drink that with pleasure. First Aus. {To Richard) So must thou Old grey-frock. Rich. Yes — two bumpers to thy one. Richard and Sir Walter sit at table — All drink the toast. Exit Gretch- en L. Second Aus. A jovial old trader, by the Mass ! What dost thou deal in ? Rich. Good Damascus blades. Fist Aus. Drink ! drink ! another toast ! Long live the Duke ! Sir Wal. What Duke? Second Aus. What Duke? There's ooly one Duke here, That's Leopold of Austria. TENT Ais^D THRONE. 27 First Aus. To the Duke : Come fill thy cup, thou dealer in old metals ! Rinse out thy shaggy throat with mellow sack . A rare old shopman, eh ? Second Aus. A drunken jack I'll warrant. What's thy name, old scrap-iron ? Rich. Now by St. George I — 8iR Wal. {InternqAing hitn) My friend, good gentlemen, Is called the armorer Hugo. First Aus. Is the man Ashamed of his name — that you must tell it for him ? Enttr Geetchen l. (jrRET. (To AUSTRIANS) Your rooms are ready, sirs. Second Aus. Well, we are not. We've found good comrades and we'll stick by them. But gentlemen, we've not yet drunk the Duke. First Aus. We'll do it standing — come, sirs, to your feet — Here's to Duke Leopold ! [All rise) Rich. Here's to the Duke ! And may he never have a better friend Drink to his health than L {All sit) First Aus. That's right — that's right! Old brass-bones took it standing. Second Aus. By the Mass ! I did not catch his phrase. [To Richard) Repeat it, sir ! Rich. Go to the devil ! First Aus Hey-day ! What's all this? An officer insulted by a merchant ? Come sir, I'll teach you manners. He jumps to his feet and draws his sword. Richard /oces him. Sir Wal- ter interposes between them. Sir Wal. If you be True gentlemen you will not offer fight To an unarmed man. In any case you first Must deal with me. First Aus. Have at thee, then ! They draw and cross sivords. Gretohen jowsAes between them. GreT. No fighting here ! These gentlemen are guests — Peaceable men, who pay their reckoning — I'll call the watch. First Aus. Come, come — a charming girl. And what a pretty ring — who gave it thee ? Gret. a better man than thou — First Aus. Perhaps — perhaps — Why 'tis a Cyprus pearl — I'll wager now That Master Hugo gave it thee. TENT AND THRONE. 28 (tKET. And if He did ? First Aits. Why thou shah give me a small kiss For tinding out the secret. (Si'/zcs her) Gret. That I'll not ! Come, let me go ! First Aus." I'll have that kiss, my dear, In spite of thee or fate or master Hugo — The sly old dog—{7'hn/ str(t(/glc) (tRET. Help! Help! He's hurting me ! Richard calchps First Austrian hi/ the Ihroat and Jtinijslihii ti> the ground. Rich. Now by St. George you cur ! Ive long enough Endured these insults — get you hence I say — First Austrian ■■^trugglen to his feet — all the others rise icitli.. drairn s/rords. Second Aus. We're fi-om the Duke. Rich. A curse upon your Duke ! Sir Wal. Sire ! All. Treason I Treason ! First Aus. Guard the passage ways ! Now Master Hugo, we'll account with thee. Doors R. o/)e?i . Troopers seen oNtside. Sir Wal. Put up your sword, sire; there's a troop outside, Resistance would be useless — Gentlemen I pray you think a little in cold blood — 'Tis true this man has struck an officer, But I will answer for him — I will fight His cause. First Aus. No, no ! We'll take him to the Duke. (To Riohard) Give me your sword. Rich. These are pretenses sir, Send for the Duke. Sir Wal. No, no ; Good gentlemen Will you accept a thousand marks of ransom ? And we'll set out at once. First Aus. Mj orders are To take him to the duke. Rich. Enough — enough — 'Tis not my custom, sir, to give my sword To any but the chiefest in command — Send for the Duke, for I will not stir hence. Second Aus. Fine talk from a Damascus merchant — eh ? First Aus. Fine talk indeed — give me your sword — Rich. Stand back I Back on your peril. Theg recoil — Enter Leopold r. First Aus. Ah, your grace ! TENT AND THRONE. 29 Leo. What's this? First Aus {Pointing to Richard) This .is the Merchant Hugo. h^O.^^{Aside) It is he ! Rich. Duke Leopold your fortunes touch their top — You might have sent in a more gentle way Than these rough brawlers use. Leo. Are you indeed The Merchant Hugo ? I must question you. Rich. Enough of this — You know me and I know You. [Throics open his frock, disclosing coat of litiked mail) With this frock 1 bury an old friend. All. Richard ! Gret. What! Richard? Rich. Richard of England, girl. You've had your wish . (Hands sword to Leopold) Your grace, I yield my sword. Leo. Now do the winds of fortune fill my sails . Richard c, Leopold r., Gretchen L.,in attitude of heicilderment . ACT IV. LA TOUR TENEBREUSE ! SCENE. — The Castle of Triefels set in second grooves l,, ending at c. in a round tower, lohich rises to fall height of stage, with grated windows at each story — windows set obliquely, facing R. proscenium. Left of toioer a massive icall, tcith heavy carved doors approached by a short flight of steps. Wall extends into second grooves L., till lost to sight. A narrow terrace runs around the toiver at about half its height, extending along the wall. All practicable. Rough, gloomy architecture, r. — Open country from '?. to third grooves, where ground sinks representing the left bank of the Rhine — Landscape on flat represents rigid bank of the Rhine., lonely and desolate. Low murmur of tlie river heard tJtrough act. TU,IE.— Sunset to night. Discovered — Edward and Roger, seated on ground, c. f. . polishing a breastplate. Edw. a year and three months since they caught King Richard, like a fox in a poacher's trap. A* year and three months — well— well ! — Dost thou hear, old bear ? ROG. One cannot well be with thee and not hear. Edw. Always surly as a bull-dog. Thou art a born misanthrope, Roger. War cannot loosen thy tongue, nor wine make thee garrulous — woman herself is powerless to. break thy stony silence. Thou art tit but for one thing. RoG. Hm ? Edw. To be talked to. Thou excitest greater eloquence than thou couldst ever express. Dost thou know the hour of the King's return ? RoG. No. Edw. I pity the Duke if Richard ever gets free. I would not change skins with him then. {A moment of silence) Dost thou ever think of Gretchen, the little maid of the inn? RoG. Yes. Edw. Thou dost? Wonders will never cease? — So do I, Roger, often and often — she is the only girl I have ever met to whose apron-string 1 would willingly tie myself — and how she wept for the King. TENT AND THRONE. 31 Enter Gretchen r. in page's dress, loitJi. high hoots. Gret. Good-day, sirs. Edw. Good-day, my lad, (Gretchen starts) Gret. Saints of Heaven ! You aVe surely King Richard's men. Edw. Ay, lad! But how dost thou know that? Thou art not of these parts. Gret. {Laughing)Come, come now — don't you remember me? Edw. Not I. ROG. Gretchen — (Edward jumps to his feet, throwing the breastplate awag — Roger rises more slowlg) Edw. What, Gretchen ? It is — it is — moment of happiness worth a world of grief — [Runs toicard her with outstretched arms — Gretchen siritcJics her ivhip in his face — he recoils) Gret. Keep back, sauciness — I am now Rudolph, the page of a good friend of yours. Edw. Of ours ? Gret. I mean of your master. But what's this castle ? Edw. The Castle Triefels. Gret. And is the King confined here ? Edw. Yes indeed — and Sir Walter de I'Estaing with him. And we two — though they let us roam about the grounds, which is more than the King or Sir Walter can do. GueT. And which is the King's room? Edw. Nay, they have never let us know. Gret. Wilt thou seethe King to-day? Edw. They have taken him off somewhere — but he will be brought back soon . Gret. And wilt thou see him ? Edw. Perhaps yes, perhaps no — accoi'ding to Duke Leopold's whim. Sometimes he permits his attendants to be with him — sometimes not. Gret. If thou dost, give him this ring, (hands him ring) and tell him help is near — let him keep well on the watch, for friends are near. O if 1 can help to free him she will — {Slops ahraptlg) Edw. But whom dost thou serve in thy boy's dress? Gret. Can I depend on thee ! Edw. On me ? Well now I RoG. I answer for him. Gret. Then I serve the minstre! Blondel, and a powei-ful friend of bis. Edv\'. I do not know that I liKe that. Gret. And what business is that of thine ? Edw. It touches me in a serious place — the heart — But wilt thou not kiss me in memory of old days? A brotherly kiss, at least. Gret. No indeed ! I know you for an impudent knave — so don't < erne near me. [He approaches Iter) What — you will ? — then take that — She cuts him tcith her whip and exits, running r. Edw. {Rubbing his check) the vixen ! But this is a curious affair — what dost thou think of it, Roe;er? TENT AND THRONE. 32 RoG. The girl is honest. Edw. She handles a very honest whip, (Looks l.) Ah! the King is coming — and, look Roger — there is Sir Baldwin de Bethune, our old commander. Unter L., Richard escorted by a troop of Austrian soldiers — his hands chained — Sir Baldwin de Bethune and Sir Walter de l'Estaing, folloio — The soldiers range themselves by the door ofthccastle — Richard Sir Baldwin and Sir Walter o. f., Edward a7id Roger r. Rich. Nay, nay, Sir Baldwin, let bygones be bygones — He held me as a prisoner of war, The ransom's paid, and there's an end of it. Sir Bald. An end of it ? Rich. Yes, sir, on Richard's faith. I am so glad to get my freedom back '■- That I may well foi-give this rancorous duke. 8iK Bald. But I, sire, cannot quite so soon forgive. Sir Wal. Nor I. Rich. Pshaw ! pshaw ! I can but think I'm free. Within these walls I've lived a long long year. As lono- as all the balance of my life ; How I have yearned for freedom . I have watched The great hawks whirling downward from the rocks To snatch the little finches — I have seen. When Winter spread his snows beneath the moon, v^ Lean wolves slip down the hills toward the sheep — All from my narrow window have I seen — And gladly would have given crown and throne For the wild liberty of hawk or wolf. And now that I am free, I promise you Some of the old-time roughness shall be gone. Imprisonment's a rare good school for Kings. But what news of the queen. Sir Baldwin ? Sir Bald. Ah ! Dear sire, to cloud your gladness so — Rich. What's that? Is she not well ? Sir Bald. She started, sire, for England Some seven months ago — and it is feared That Saladin o'ertook her. Rich. It is feared ? Do you not know ? Sir Bald. There is no news of her. Rich. No news of her ? But Saladin? — Ah no ! The Sultan is an honorable man. There must be some mistake — Sir Bald. He makes pretepce Of knowing nothing of her. TENT AND THRONE. 33 Rich. By the saints ! If he has done her harm he soon shall learn That Richard's free ! Sir Bald. Ah, sire — still more bad news — To speak blunt truth your brother John is thought To be a traitor — Rich. John— my brother? — Sir Bald. Yes— I fear if we delay that you will find No throne to sit on, and a welcome worse Than Leopold's. Entpv Leopold l. Richard streichea out his chained hands. Rich. Strike off your chains, my lord, I must leave here to-morrow. Leo. What — so soon ? Rich. I' faith, my stay has been somewhat prolonged — I have bad news from England. Leo. Ah ! Rich. The Queen— My throne — are both in danger — I must start At once . , Leo. Leave us alone, sirs — we have yet Some further business. The soldiers divide into tioo ranks — Sir Baldwin aiid Sir Walter enter the castle folloived by Edward and Roger — The soldiers then march in, closing doors behind them. — It groios dark. Leo. So, sire, you are free ! Rich. At last! Leo. The ransom's paid. Rich. In full. Leo. And I Commanded by the council to release you. Rich. Indeed you state it plainly. Leo. Do you know The wrongs that you have done me? Rich. Do you know The foul wrong you have done me ? Leo. Not one tithe , Of the deep injuries that I have suffered From you — for I shall feel them all my life. Rich. I do not understand you. Leo. There you lie ! Rich. By heaven! 'tis well for you my hands are bound. Leo. Be that as it may, you lie — you know full well I loved my cousin Berengaria. Rich. Enough of this, enough ! Leo. I love her still, I love her — so madly that my lips Grow white to speak her name. TEXT AND THRONE. 34 , Rich. Enough, my lord, Since you have ^n.9 around the tower where he disappears. Beu. Now Blondel, he has passed. heaven I Let this sweet minstrel's voice reach Richard's ears. Berexgaria knef'ls c. f. Blondel .v/a«f/,? under the tower and sings. Blon. When the west wind blows, And the red, red rose Loseth her petals one by one — And the wan stream flows Where no flower grows. Far from the moonlight and the sun lie stops — thei/ listen. Ber. No, all is quiet. pity. Heaven ! pity ! Blon- (Sings) Then I kiss my love. And her silken glove Fix in my helm and ride away— - And the brooding dove, Cooeth soft above — Thrilling with grief the distance gray. Theg listen — all is silent Ber. All quiet ! river cease thy brawling noise — Die down, wind ! that I may hear my love — For surely he will answer. Richard's voice is heard, verg faint, as if far away. TEXT AND THRONE. ;]9 RioH. {Si»(/.s) But the skies will change, And the level range Buries not always sun and moon-- In my lady's grange I shall ne'er be strange — Watching she waits from night to noon. Ber. (As in an ecstac// n'peatti) " Watching she waits from night to noon." 'Tis he — 'tis he — quick, Blondel — not a word Of me . Blo^. [Calk) Who's there? Rich. {From ahooe, voir." faint) I, Ricliard ! Tliou must be My Blondel. Blon. Yes, sire, it is I. Rich Old friend! t kiiew thy voice — what art thou doing here ? Blon. We come here to release thee. Rich. But, dear friend, Though they have taken off my'tehains, I am Unarmed behind thick iron. Blon. We have arms That thou art wont to use. Rich. What arms? Blon. Thy good Two-handed sword. Berenc^ria fakr.1 fir i-himh'd siirnrd from nndcr lirr frock and givi'H it to Blondel. Rich. Nay give me that and I Will hew through stone and iron as through sponge. Blon. Then up I come, sire — tie thy handkerchief Outside thy window, that I may plainly see. 'Richard tif'.s hund/cerchief outside hir/hest window. The ray of the moon falls directly on it. Blondel ties thr two-handed sword to his neck and hey ins climhin;/. Rich. Careful now, Blondel, careful ! all my life Hangs on thy feet — see that they stick on well. Ber. Guard him, saints ! Hist ! here's the watchman. Blondel has reached the terrace — he crouches in the shadow of the tower. Enter Watchman L., on thetei^race^ vnth torch. Watchman. The devil take the duke, I say. Rich. Amen ! Watchman. A father of a family to spend His nights in trotting round a mouldy wall That even the bats fight shy of. By the Mass ! I yawn until I swallow all the fog The river breeds. TENT AND THRONE. 4(j Watchman .^o^.v round the tower and disappears. Ber. He's passed. BlON. {Climhs rapidly — arrives at windon-) And here I am. Blondel passes the sword through the bars of the window to Richard. Rich. My sword ! All, Blondel, thou hast brought me life ! Now get thee down for it will soon rain iron. Blondel rapidly descends. Richard hews the bars with his sword, sinyiny the last verse ofsony. Throws down a bar that strikes the y round with a heav]i thud. There's one bar^-catch it for a weapon, Blondel. And there's another. {Throws another dow/i.) Give it to thy friend, The grey-frock that I see below. Ber. {Catching Blondel's arm) No! No! Not one word, Blondel — if we get him safe To England he shall know me — not till then — He shall not be impeded with his wife ; Why he would stop to fight for me, perchance, And let himself be taken again — No — no ! Rich. Now I am coming, Blondel. Richard begins descent. Blon. Back, sire, back ! The watchman's here again. Rich. I am not used To turning back. Richard reaches terrace. Enter Watchman l . , on terrace — he iralks along to where Richard stands^ and meets him face to face. Hallo ! my friend ! Watchman. {Amazed) Hallo ? Good Lord ! King Richard ! He is paralyzed with terror. Richard laughingly points sword at his keart three tim'is, making cabalistic signs. Resumes his descent. Rich. Stay just where thou art. I throw swords upward with s^ marvellous skill. Watchman stands transfixed toith terror. Richard finishes descent and jumps to the ground. Ah Blondel ! free at last ! {Points to Beeengaria) And who is this ? Blon. A palmer, sire, who's done as much as I And more, to save you. TENT AND THRONE. 41 Rich. Palmer, when thou wilt, Ask aught of me thou wishest — it is thine. Blon. Now, sire, to the boat ! Enter Gretohen o., up bank — .^he runs to meet t-heiii. GreT. Ah sire ! you surely know me '{ Rich. My little maid of the inn ! \N XTcnuK^ rmhes qtfL., shoutin.f/ help! help! Ah ha ! too late — this time the Duke is foiled ! All descend the bank. Leopold rushes out of the castle follou-ed by soldiers roith torches. Richard calls from below. Farewell, my lord — Farewell ! A pleasant night I Leopold runs to bank. Quick music — air of "0 Richard! mon Roi!'^ CURTAIN. Note.— Action must be very rapid at close. ACT V. HOME FROM THE WARS ! .--.^ / SCENE. — A room of state in the Tower of London, c, Tull arched win- dow opening on to practicable balcony, r., Dais with throne on it. L., Large arched doorway with double doors. Walls hung ivith tapestry. TlWE,.~Mnrning. Discovered. — Leopold, dressed as if just from a Journey. He has a gloomy., reckless air. Leo. No news of him — no news ! his foggy isle Is quiet enough. Rnfer a Srrvant l Servant. {Announces) His Highness the Prince John ! Enter John, l. Exit Servant l, Leo. Your grace ! John. Ah, cousin ! you are doubly welcome . I thought to hear from you, but this indeed Is very kind, Leo. (Abruptly) The devil is loose again ! John. What do you say ? Leo. The devil is loose again ! I say — Beware ! John. (Amazed) I do not understand. Leo. Then in plain words — your brother Richard's free! John. (Li a bewildered manner) Free ?— Richard ?— Leo. Yes ! John. (Passionately) Ah ! you have played me false, My money's wasted — Leo. Not so fast, your grace, I have not played you false — John. (Angrily) But h^ is free! He suddenly comes to himself, and assumes a pleasant manner There, cousin, pardon me — my wits are wild — I do forget — the ransom is accepted — Yes — yes the King — TEXT AXD THiiUNE. 43 Leo. (Brutalh/) No smooth-tongued l^'ing now, There is no time for diplomatic grease — Let us talk plainly. John. {Moor/ih/) Well 1 Leo. I did mj' part Not for the money that you sent me, thougli. But for my own revenge. John. I thought as much. Leo. The evening that the ransom was accepted I shut him up again in Triefels — then 1 sent away de Bethune and de I'Estaing And the two men he kept with him — My Ood ! 1 should have killed him then — I was a fool I John. You would not kill him? Leo. (Fi'-rrrh/) As gladly as you would. ( . I iiiDiiicnt of .silciivr . ) 1 had arranged to take him the next day To an old keep of mine where he could rot^ For years and no one know it. That same night The minstrel Blondel — may the devil seize him— Sang under Richard's Avindow — Kichai'd heard, And answered. Then, bj^ climbing like a eat, Blondel got up to where he was, and brought His great two-handed sword to him — you know The devil's strength — he hewed the window out — i need not tell the rest. John. Was Blondel alone? Leo. a palmer from the Holy Land was with him. John. Then Kichard may be even now in England . Leo. Perhaps. But I set out at utmost speed And scoured the country round with no success; Then I came here post-haste — I think I must Have distanced him. John. I have no news of him. Leo. Well ! Are you still resolved to seize the crown ? John. But how ? Leo. By killing Richard. John. (Shuddering.) No, no, no ! Leo. You could condemn him to a living death. But cannot strike the one decisive blow — Pshaw ! Coward ! — John. Had another month gone by He would have come in vain; for all grew ripe To oust him from the throne, and seat me there. The barons are aweary of a king Who spends and fights and spends the whole year long. Leo. You have a better chance than ever now. For no one knows of his escape — set watch Upon the coast, and when his ship makes port TEXT AND THRONE. 44 Let nil on boai-d of her be killcl — give out That they are Danish pirates — anything — No one can question you; and I will swear That Richard still lies in my castle. John. {AiwkUng Leopold's sdaiJi/ qdzc) Well, I'll think about it. Leo. There's no time to think I .John iraJkn up and dov-ti iwrvouxJi/ chixpini/ hta Imnds. Give me command of fifty trusty men, I'll answer for the rest. John. He may have landed — Leo. Then there's no harm done — hut jfoar throuf is lost. John. And how can I rely on you ? Leo. ' On me? — Do you suppose I fight for love of you ? Or that I care one farthing for your thi'one ? Lose it or keep it — 'tis all one to me. I seek revenge ! The man who stole my bride — Who flung his cursed glove at me at Acre — Who before all the woi'ld dishonored me — Who slipped from out my claws — this man — this fiend — Shall never gain his throne if I can help it . I shall be fully satisfied with Jiim; You can take all the booty. John. {After a mojuent) Well — so be it ! You shall set out this evening — fifty men, That you can trust to death, shall go with you. h'nfer Skrvant l. Servant. {Announces) Sir Baldwin de Bethune and Sir Walter de I'Estaing crave audience of the Prince .John. John. Bring them here. Exit Servant l. Leo. They here already ? Then we must be quick. John goes r., holds up tapestrg. John. Get you behind the arras, Leopold. Leo. It is resolved ? John. Assuredly resolved ! Leopold hides himself behind tapestrg R. Unter Sir Baldwin, Sir Walter, Edward and Roger. Edward anc? Roger retire to loindoiv. John r , Sir Baldwin and Sir Walter o. f. John. Welcome from Austria, my lords SiK Bald. Your grace, We bring sad news . TENT AND THRONE. 45 John. Sad news, sir? That is strange. Do they refuse the ransom ? Sir Bald. Nay, your grace, The ransom was accepted in full council. But Leopold of Austria is a traitor — He'll not release the King. John. Impossible I Sir Wal. Nothing's impossible with liim, your grace, He is a shame to Knighthood. John. Then the King Is still in prison ? Sir Bald. Yes — without a friend. John. Poor Richard — how I pity him. Sir Bald. But pity Will not set Richard free — and, look you, prince, I am a rough, plain man — the story runs That you would like to sit on Richard's throne; Now be not lukewarm or you give it credit. Remember you are brothers of one blood — Remember you are called Plantaganet — And raise an army that shall show the duke How men of Norman race avenge their wrongs. John. Baldwin you do me wrong — I need no spur To prick me on to set my brother free. I will convoke the barons. Sir Bald. Saints and fiends ! There is no time to lose. Convoke the barons ? Nay, send your bellmen crying through the streets "Richard is held by treachery ! " Let the fires Flame from the clitFs. The people will arise To free their Richard. A far-ofl' murmur as of man.}/ people^ heard . Hark ! those distant shouts Are as a litile rill to the great sea Beside the roars of rage that will resound When England knows the King's captivity. Sir Wal. Most true, your grace, for everywhere we passed Men, women, children, thronged about us — wild For news of Richard. John. Sirs, it shall be done — An army shall be ready in a week; We'll teach the Austrians a lesson. Sir Bald. Ah ! There spake Plantaganet, Noiae outside grows a little louder. John. What is that noise ? It does not stop. TENT AND THRONE. 46 Enter a Messenger l. He is hredthlesH. Messenger. (Pantin(/)Y ouv grace — your erace — John. VVell — well— Messenger. There's some rebellion in the town — the streets Grow thick with men. Enter another Messen'GER l. Second Mess. Your grace- -the chancellor Sends for you — there is trouble, John. Well — what is it ? Second Mess. We know not — but the town is full of men. John. Go — I will follow you — Exeunt the tiro Messengers l. And — gentlemen — Await me in the tower. Exit John l Noise continues. 8iR Bald. By the Mass ! I fired his sluggish blood. Who would imagine Richard and he are brothers ? Sir Wal. 1 am not So sure of his sincerity, Sir Bald. He must Keep faith — for we have news to fire the land. But how this noise continues. Edw. {Eromby irindoir) Hark! — Blondel is heard singing beloiv the uiridow the last verse of song in Act I. Sir Baldwin runs to windoio a7id steps nut on balcony. Sir Bald, Blondel ! Blondel. {From beloiv) Sir Baldwin ! Are you there alone ? Sir Bald. Yes — with de I'Estaing. Blondel, I've a note for you . My page will bring it — I have other work — Adieu ! Enter Gretchen, by balcony, in page' s dress as in Act IV. GreT. Sir Baldwin ! Edw, Gretchen ! by the Cross ! Gretchen salutes Edward and Roger coquettishly . Sir Bald. {Reads note) " I have escaped from Leopold by the help of my good Blondel — I have arrived safely in England — I am about to enter London publicly — Hold the tower open at any cost. There are strange rumors of treason . — Richard . ' ' The King is here I TEXT AND THRONE. 47 Sir Wal. Long live the King .' Edw. Hiizz.i: Sir Bald. {To Edward and Roger) My men, stay here — if any one attempts To shut the doors — sound the alarm I Coi 'ome, Walter I Exeunt Sir Baldwin wao?*? to stand facing him. Sir Baldwin, Sir Walter and others guarding him. Berengaria stands P.— R. of throne. John l. of throne. Rich. ^ Leopold, By this last act you forfeit all your rights Of rank and Knighthood. What is your defense? TENT AND THRONE. 50 Leo. I have none. Rich. Weigh your words — this is a matter Of life or death. Leo. You cannot frighten me. If I have lost the game I pay the forfeit; So do your worst. Rich. My lords this man is found In our own realm, with treasonable intent Against our sovereign life. Leo. That is the truth. I came to kill you — but for that lean palmer I should have done so. I make no defense. You stole my bride, you stole my honor — then I had you fast and you escaped — there was But one thing left to do — I tried to do it. Rich. {Rises) Then by the authority of prince and earl I now degrade you from your state of Knight, Your life is forfeited, your blood attainted. 'All. In the name of the King I Rich. Further — by virtue of my royal power That gives me jurisdiction over you. As you are found in my domain, intent On treason — I do sentence you to ileath — May God have mercy on your soul. Leo " So be it ! I ask no mercy. Rich. You would ask in vain. Ber. (Kneels before Richard) ►Sire, you have promised me — Rich. Aught you may ask . Palmer, 1 owe you now a double debt, To freedom you add life. Ber. Then, sire, I ask The gift of this man's life. Rich. No, no 1 not that I Ber. Your promise, sire ! Rich. My lords must it be kept ? John. I do not think that it can cover treason, Ber. Sire, 'tis your plighted word — I ask asrain For this man's life. Leo. Who art thou, palmer? Ber, One Who feels no love for you, but pities you. Rich. The King must keep his word. The man is free. All fall back from Leopold. Berengaria remains kneeling as if in prayer. My lords we must at once sail for the East, My queen is there— Saladin holds her— Ah ! War ! War ! We must to war ! ( To Berengaria) TENT AND THRONE. i)i But